gdb/
[deliverable/binutils-gdb.git] / gdb / doc / gdb.texinfo
1 \input texinfo @c -*-texinfo-*-
2 @c Copyright (C) 1988-2013 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
3 @c
4 @c %**start of header
5 @c makeinfo ignores cmds prev to setfilename, so its arg cannot make use
6 @c of @set vars. However, you can override filename with makeinfo -o.
7 @setfilename gdb.info
8 @c
9 @c man begin INCLUDE
10 @include gdb-cfg.texi
11 @c man end
12 @c
13 @settitle Debugging with @value{GDBN}
14 @setchapternewpage odd
15 @c %**end of header
16
17 @iftex
18 @c @smallbook
19 @c @cropmarks
20 @end iftex
21
22 @finalout
23 @c To avoid file-name clashes between index.html and Index.html, when
24 @c the manual is produced on a Posix host and then moved to a
25 @c case-insensitive filesystem (e.g., MS-Windows), we separate the
26 @c indices into two: Concept Index and all the rest.
27 @syncodeindex ky fn
28 @syncodeindex tp fn
29
30 @c readline appendices use @vindex, @findex and @ftable,
31 @c annotate.texi and gdbmi use @findex.
32 @syncodeindex vr fn
33
34 @c !!set GDB manual's edition---not the same as GDB version!
35 @c This is updated by GNU Press.
36 @set EDITION Tenth
37
38 @c !!set GDB edit command default editor
39 @set EDITOR /bin/ex
40
41 @c THIS MANUAL REQUIRES TEXINFO 4.0 OR LATER.
42
43 @c This is a dir.info fragment to support semi-automated addition of
44 @c manuals to an info tree.
45 @dircategory Software development
46 @direntry
47 * Gdb: (gdb). The GNU debugger.
48 @end direntry
49
50 @copying
51 @c man begin COPYRIGHT
52 Copyright @copyright{} 1988-2013 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
53
54 Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document
55 under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.3 or
56 any later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with the
57 Invariant Sections being ``Free Software'' and ``Free Software Needs
58 Free Documentation'', with the Front-Cover Texts being ``A GNU Manual,''
59 and with the Back-Cover Texts as in (a) below.
60
61 (a) The FSF's Back-Cover Text is: ``You are free to copy and modify
62 this GNU Manual. Buying copies from GNU Press supports the FSF in
63 developing GNU and promoting software freedom.''
64 @c man end
65 @end copying
66
67 @ifnottex
68 This file documents the @sc{gnu} debugger @value{GDBN}.
69
70 This is the @value{EDITION} Edition, of @cite{Debugging with
71 @value{GDBN}: the @sc{gnu} Source-Level Debugger} for @value{GDBN}
72 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
73 @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
74 @end ifset
75 Version @value{GDBVN}.
76
77 @insertcopying
78 @end ifnottex
79
80 @titlepage
81 @title Debugging with @value{GDBN}
82 @subtitle The @sc{gnu} Source-Level Debugger
83 @sp 1
84 @subtitle @value{EDITION} Edition, for @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN}
85 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
86 @sp 1
87 @subtitle @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
88 @end ifset
89 @author Richard Stallman, Roland Pesch, Stan Shebs, et al.
90 @page
91 @tex
92 {\parskip=0pt
93 \hfill (Send bugs and comments on @value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.)\par
94 \hfill {\it Debugging with @value{GDBN}}\par
95 \hfill \TeX{}info \texinfoversion\par
96 }
97 @end tex
98
99 @vskip 0pt plus 1filll
100 Published by the Free Software Foundation @*
101 51 Franklin Street, Fifth Floor,
102 Boston, MA 02110-1301, USA@*
103 ISBN 978-0-9831592-3-0 @*
104
105 @insertcopying
106 @end titlepage
107 @page
108
109 @ifnottex
110 @node Top, Summary, (dir), (dir)
111
112 @top Debugging with @value{GDBN}
113
114 This file describes @value{GDBN}, the @sc{gnu} symbolic debugger.
115
116 This is the @value{EDITION} Edition, for @value{GDBN}
117 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
118 @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
119 @end ifset
120 Version @value{GDBVN}.
121
122 Copyright (C) 1988-2013 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
123
124 This edition of the GDB manual is dedicated to the memory of Fred
125 Fish. Fred was a long-standing contributor to GDB and to Free
126 software in general. We will miss him.
127
128 @menu
129 * Summary:: Summary of @value{GDBN}
130 * Sample Session:: A sample @value{GDBN} session
131
132 * Invocation:: Getting in and out of @value{GDBN}
133 * Commands:: @value{GDBN} commands
134 * Running:: Running programs under @value{GDBN}
135 * Stopping:: Stopping and continuing
136 * Reverse Execution:: Running programs backward
137 * Process Record and Replay:: Recording inferior's execution and replaying it
138 * Stack:: Examining the stack
139 * Source:: Examining source files
140 * Data:: Examining data
141 * Optimized Code:: Debugging optimized code
142 * Macros:: Preprocessor Macros
143 * Tracepoints:: Debugging remote targets non-intrusively
144 * Overlays:: Debugging programs that use overlays
145
146 * Languages:: Using @value{GDBN} with different languages
147
148 * Symbols:: Examining the symbol table
149 * Altering:: Altering execution
150 * GDB Files:: @value{GDBN} files
151 * Targets:: Specifying a debugging target
152 * Remote Debugging:: Debugging remote programs
153 * Configurations:: Configuration-specific information
154 * Controlling GDB:: Controlling @value{GDBN}
155 * Extending GDB:: Extending @value{GDBN}
156 * Interpreters:: Command Interpreters
157 * TUI:: @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
158 * Emacs:: Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
159 * GDB/MI:: @value{GDBN}'s Machine Interface.
160 * Annotations:: @value{GDBN}'s annotation interface.
161 * JIT Interface:: Using the JIT debugging interface.
162 * In-Process Agent:: In-Process Agent
163
164 * GDB Bugs:: Reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
165
166 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
167 * Command Line Editing: (rluserman). Command Line Editing
168 * Using History Interactively: (history). Using History Interactively
169 @end ifset
170 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
171 * Command Line Editing:: Command Line Editing
172 * Using History Interactively:: Using History Interactively
173 @end ifclear
174 * In Memoriam:: In Memoriam
175 * Formatting Documentation:: How to format and print @value{GDBN} documentation
176 * Installing GDB:: Installing GDB
177 * Maintenance Commands:: Maintenance Commands
178 * Remote Protocol:: GDB Remote Serial Protocol
179 * Agent Expressions:: The GDB Agent Expression Mechanism
180 * Target Descriptions:: How targets can describe themselves to
181 @value{GDBN}
182 * Operating System Information:: Getting additional information from
183 the operating system
184 * Trace File Format:: GDB trace file format
185 * Index Section Format:: .gdb_index section format
186 * Man Pages:: Manual pages
187 * Copying:: GNU General Public License says
188 how you can copy and share GDB
189 * GNU Free Documentation License:: The license for this documentation
190 * Concept Index:: Index of @value{GDBN} concepts
191 * Command and Variable Index:: Index of @value{GDBN} commands, variables,
192 functions, and Python data types
193 @end menu
194
195 @end ifnottex
196
197 @contents
198
199 @node Summary
200 @unnumbered Summary of @value{GDBN}
201
202 The purpose of a debugger such as @value{GDBN} is to allow you to see what is
203 going on ``inside'' another program while it executes---or what another
204 program was doing at the moment it crashed.
205
206 @value{GDBN} can do four main kinds of things (plus other things in support of
207 these) to help you catch bugs in the act:
208
209 @itemize @bullet
210 @item
211 Start your program, specifying anything that might affect its behavior.
212
213 @item
214 Make your program stop on specified conditions.
215
216 @item
217 Examine what has happened, when your program has stopped.
218
219 @item
220 Change things in your program, so you can experiment with correcting the
221 effects of one bug and go on to learn about another.
222 @end itemize
223
224 You can use @value{GDBN} to debug programs written in C and C@t{++}.
225 For more information, see @ref{Supported Languages,,Supported Languages}.
226 For more information, see @ref{C,,C and C++}.
227
228 Support for D is partial. For information on D, see
229 @ref{D,,D}.
230
231 @cindex Modula-2
232 Support for Modula-2 is partial. For information on Modula-2, see
233 @ref{Modula-2,,Modula-2}.
234
235 Support for OpenCL C is partial. For information on OpenCL C, see
236 @ref{OpenCL C,,OpenCL C}.
237
238 @cindex Pascal
239 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
240 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
241 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
242 syntax.
243
244 @cindex Fortran
245 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, although
246 it may be necessary to refer to some variables with a trailing
247 underscore.
248
249 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Objective-C,
250 using either the Apple/NeXT or the GNU Objective-C runtime.
251
252 @menu
253 * Free Software:: Freely redistributable software
254 * Free Documentation:: Free Software Needs Free Documentation
255 * Contributors:: Contributors to GDB
256 @end menu
257
258 @node Free Software
259 @unnumberedsec Free Software
260
261 @value{GDBN} is @dfn{free software}, protected by the @sc{gnu}
262 General Public License
263 (GPL). The GPL gives you the freedom to copy or adapt a licensed
264 program---but every person getting a copy also gets with it the
265 freedom to modify that copy (which means that they must get access to
266 the source code), and the freedom to distribute further copies.
267 Typical software companies use copyrights to limit your freedoms; the
268 Free Software Foundation uses the GPL to preserve these freedoms.
269
270 Fundamentally, the General Public License is a license which says that
271 you have these freedoms and that you cannot take these freedoms away
272 from anyone else.
273
274 @node Free Documentation
275 @unnumberedsec Free Software Needs Free Documentation
276
277 The biggest deficiency in the free software community today is not in
278 the software---it is the lack of good free documentation that we can
279 include with the free software. Many of our most important
280 programs do not come with free reference manuals and free introductory
281 texts. Documentation is an essential part of any software package;
282 when an important free software package does not come with a free
283 manual and a free tutorial, that is a major gap. We have many such
284 gaps today.
285
286 Consider Perl, for instance. The tutorial manuals that people
287 normally use are non-free. How did this come about? Because the
288 authors of those manuals published them with restrictive terms---no
289 copying, no modification, source files not available---which exclude
290 them from the free software world.
291
292 That wasn't the first time this sort of thing happened, and it was far
293 from the last. Many times we have heard a GNU user eagerly describe a
294 manual that he is writing, his intended contribution to the community,
295 only to learn that he had ruined everything by signing a publication
296 contract to make it non-free.
297
298 Free documentation, like free software, is a matter of freedom, not
299 price. The problem with the non-free manual is not that publishers
300 charge a price for printed copies---that in itself is fine. (The Free
301 Software Foundation sells printed copies of manuals, too.) The
302 problem is the restrictions on the use of the manual. Free manuals
303 are available in source code form, and give you permission to copy and
304 modify. Non-free manuals do not allow this.
305
306 The criteria of freedom for a free manual are roughly the same as for
307 free software. Redistribution (including the normal kinds of
308 commercial redistribution) must be permitted, so that the manual can
309 accompany every copy of the program, both on-line and on paper.
310
311 Permission for modification of the technical content is crucial too.
312 When people modify the software, adding or changing features, if they
313 are conscientious they will change the manual too---so they can
314 provide accurate and clear documentation for the modified program. A
315 manual that leaves you no choice but to write a new manual to document
316 a changed version of the program is not really available to our
317 community.
318
319 Some kinds of limits on the way modification is handled are
320 acceptable. For example, requirements to preserve the original
321 author's copyright notice, the distribution terms, or the list of
322 authors, are ok. It is also no problem to require modified versions
323 to include notice that they were modified. Even entire sections that
324 may not be deleted or changed are acceptable, as long as they deal
325 with nontechnical topics (like this one). These kinds of restrictions
326 are acceptable because they don't obstruct the community's normal use
327 of the manual.
328
329 However, it must be possible to modify all the @emph{technical}
330 content of the manual, and then distribute the result in all the usual
331 media, through all the usual channels. Otherwise, the restrictions
332 obstruct the use of the manual, it is not free, and we need another
333 manual to replace it.
334
335 Please spread the word about this issue. Our community continues to
336 lose manuals to proprietary publishing. If we spread the word that
337 free software needs free reference manuals and free tutorials, perhaps
338 the next person who wants to contribute by writing documentation will
339 realize, before it is too late, that only free manuals contribute to
340 the free software community.
341
342 If you are writing documentation, please insist on publishing it under
343 the GNU Free Documentation License or another free documentation
344 license. Remember that this decision requires your approval---you
345 don't have to let the publisher decide. Some commercial publishers
346 will use a free license if you insist, but they will not propose the
347 option; it is up to you to raise the issue and say firmly that this is
348 what you want. If the publisher you are dealing with refuses, please
349 try other publishers. If you're not sure whether a proposed license
350 is free, write to @email{licensing@@gnu.org}.
351
352 You can encourage commercial publishers to sell more free, copylefted
353 manuals and tutorials by buying them, and particularly by buying
354 copies from the publishers that paid for their writing or for major
355 improvements. Meanwhile, try to avoid buying non-free documentation
356 at all. Check the distribution terms of a manual before you buy it,
357 and insist that whoever seeks your business must respect your freedom.
358 Check the history of the book, and try to reward the publishers that
359 have paid or pay the authors to work on it.
360
361 The Free Software Foundation maintains a list of free documentation
362 published by other publishers, at
363 @url{http://www.fsf.org/doc/other-free-books.html}.
364
365 @node Contributors
366 @unnumberedsec Contributors to @value{GDBN}
367
368 Richard Stallman was the original author of @value{GDBN}, and of many
369 other @sc{gnu} programs. Many others have contributed to its
370 development. This section attempts to credit major contributors. One
371 of the virtues of free software is that everyone is free to contribute
372 to it; with regret, we cannot actually acknowledge everyone here. The
373 file @file{ChangeLog} in the @value{GDBN} distribution approximates a
374 blow-by-blow account.
375
376 Changes much prior to version 2.0 are lost in the mists of time.
377
378 @quotation
379 @emph{Plea:} Additions to this section are particularly welcome. If you
380 or your friends (or enemies, to be evenhanded) have been unfairly
381 omitted from this list, we would like to add your names!
382 @end quotation
383
384 So that they may not regard their many labors as thankless, we
385 particularly thank those who shepherded @value{GDBN} through major
386 releases:
387 Andrew Cagney (releases 6.3, 6.2, 6.1, 6.0, 5.3, 5.2, 5.1 and 5.0);
388 Jim Blandy (release 4.18);
389 Jason Molenda (release 4.17);
390 Stan Shebs (release 4.14);
391 Fred Fish (releases 4.16, 4.15, 4.13, 4.12, 4.11, 4.10, and 4.9);
392 Stu Grossman and John Gilmore (releases 4.8, 4.7, 4.6, 4.5, and 4.4);
393 John Gilmore (releases 4.3, 4.2, 4.1, 4.0, and 3.9);
394 Jim Kingdon (releases 3.5, 3.4, and 3.3);
395 and Randy Smith (releases 3.2, 3.1, and 3.0).
396
397 Richard Stallman, assisted at various times by Peter TerMaat, Chris
398 Hanson, and Richard Mlynarik, handled releases through 2.8.
399
400 Michael Tiemann is the author of most of the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} support
401 in @value{GDBN}, with significant additional contributions from Per
402 Bothner and Daniel Berlin. James Clark wrote the @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
403 demangler. Early work on C@t{++} was by Peter TerMaat (who also did
404 much general update work leading to release 3.0).
405
406 @value{GDBN} uses the BFD subroutine library to examine multiple
407 object-file formats; BFD was a joint project of David V.
408 Henkel-Wallace, Rich Pixley, Steve Chamberlain, and John Gilmore.
409
410 David Johnson wrote the original COFF support; Pace Willison did
411 the original support for encapsulated COFF.
412
413 Brent Benson of Harris Computer Systems contributed DWARF 2 support.
414
415 Adam de Boor and Bradley Davis contributed the ISI Optimum V support.
416 Per Bothner, Noboyuki Hikichi, and Alessandro Forin contributed MIPS
417 support.
418 Jean-Daniel Fekete contributed Sun 386i support.
419 Chris Hanson improved the HP9000 support.
420 Noboyuki Hikichi and Tomoyuki Hasei contributed Sony/News OS 3 support.
421 David Johnson contributed Encore Umax support.
422 Jyrki Kuoppala contributed Altos 3068 support.
423 Jeff Law contributed HP PA and SOM support.
424 Keith Packard contributed NS32K support.
425 Doug Rabson contributed Acorn Risc Machine support.
426 Bob Rusk contributed Harris Nighthawk CX-UX support.
427 Chris Smith contributed Convex support (and Fortran debugging).
428 Jonathan Stone contributed Pyramid support.
429 Michael Tiemann contributed SPARC support.
430 Tim Tucker contributed support for the Gould NP1 and Gould Powernode.
431 Pace Willison contributed Intel 386 support.
432 Jay Vosburgh contributed Symmetry support.
433 Marko Mlinar contributed OpenRISC 1000 support.
434
435 Andreas Schwab contributed M68K @sc{gnu}/Linux support.
436
437 Rich Schaefer and Peter Schauer helped with support of SunOS shared
438 libraries.
439
440 Jay Fenlason and Roland McGrath ensured that @value{GDBN} and GAS agree
441 about several machine instruction sets.
442
443 Patrick Duval, Ted Goldstein, Vikram Koka and Glenn Engel helped develop
444 remote debugging. Intel Corporation, Wind River Systems, AMD, and ARM
445 contributed remote debugging modules for the i960, VxWorks, A29K UDI,
446 and RDI targets, respectively.
447
448 Brian Fox is the author of the readline libraries providing
449 command-line editing and command history.
450
451 Andrew Beers of SUNY Buffalo wrote the language-switching code, the
452 Modula-2 support, and contributed the Languages chapter of this manual.
453
454 Fred Fish wrote most of the support for Unix System Vr4.
455 He also enhanced the command-completion support to cover C@t{++} overloaded
456 symbols.
457
458 Hitachi America (now Renesas America), Ltd. sponsored the support for
459 H8/300, H8/500, and Super-H processors.
460
461 NEC sponsored the support for the v850, Vr4xxx, and Vr5xxx processors.
462
463 Mitsubishi (now Renesas) sponsored the support for D10V, D30V, and M32R/D
464 processors.
465
466 Toshiba sponsored the support for the TX39 Mips processor.
467
468 Matsushita sponsored the support for the MN10200 and MN10300 processors.
469
470 Fujitsu sponsored the support for SPARClite and FR30 processors.
471
472 Kung Hsu, Jeff Law, and Rick Sladkey added support for hardware
473 watchpoints.
474
475 Michael Snyder added support for tracepoints.
476
477 Stu Grossman wrote gdbserver.
478
479 Jim Kingdon, Peter Schauer, Ian Taylor, and Stu Grossman made
480 nearly innumerable bug fixes and cleanups throughout @value{GDBN}.
481
482 The following people at the Hewlett-Packard Company contributed
483 support for the PA-RISC 2.0 architecture, HP-UX 10.20, 10.30, and 11.0
484 (narrow mode), HP's implementation of kernel threads, HP's aC@t{++}
485 compiler, and the Text User Interface (nee Terminal User Interface):
486 Ben Krepp, Richard Title, John Bishop, Susan Macchia, Kathy Mann,
487 Satish Pai, India Paul, Steve Rehrauer, and Elena Zannoni. Kim Haase
488 provided HP-specific information in this manual.
489
490 DJ Delorie ported @value{GDBN} to MS-DOS, for the DJGPP project.
491 Robert Hoehne made significant contributions to the DJGPP port.
492
493 Cygnus Solutions has sponsored @value{GDBN} maintenance and much of its
494 development since 1991. Cygnus engineers who have worked on @value{GDBN}
495 fulltime include Mark Alexander, Jim Blandy, Per Bothner, Kevin
496 Buettner, Edith Epstein, Chris Faylor, Fred Fish, Martin Hunt, Jim
497 Ingham, John Gilmore, Stu Grossman, Kung Hsu, Jim Kingdon, John Metzler,
498 Fernando Nasser, Geoffrey Noer, Dawn Perchik, Rich Pixley, Zdenek
499 Radouch, Keith Seitz, Stan Shebs, David Taylor, and Elena Zannoni. In
500 addition, Dave Brolley, Ian Carmichael, Steve Chamberlain, Nick Clifton,
501 JT Conklin, Stan Cox, DJ Delorie, Ulrich Drepper, Frank Eigler, Doug
502 Evans, Sean Fagan, David Henkel-Wallace, Richard Henderson, Jeff
503 Holcomb, Jeff Law, Jim Lemke, Tom Lord, Bob Manson, Michael Meissner,
504 Jason Merrill, Catherine Moore, Drew Moseley, Ken Raeburn, Gavin
505 Romig-Koch, Rob Savoye, Jamie Smith, Mike Stump, Ian Taylor, Angela
506 Thomas, Michael Tiemann, Tom Tromey, Ron Unrau, Jim Wilson, and David
507 Zuhn have made contributions both large and small.
508
509 Andrew Cagney, Fernando Nasser, and Elena Zannoni, while working for
510 Cygnus Solutions, implemented the original @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
511
512 Jim Blandy added support for preprocessor macros, while working for Red
513 Hat.
514
515 Andrew Cagney designed @value{GDBN}'s architecture vector. Many
516 people including Andrew Cagney, Stephane Carrez, Randolph Chung, Nick
517 Duffek, Richard Henderson, Mark Kettenis, Grace Sainsbury, Kei
518 Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Andreas Schwab, Jason
519 Thorpe, Corinna Vinschen, Ulrich Weigand, and Elena Zannoni, helped
520 with the migration of old architectures to this new framework.
521
522 Andrew Cagney completely re-designed and re-implemented @value{GDBN}'s
523 unwinder framework, this consisting of a fresh new design featuring
524 frame IDs, independent frame sniffers, and the sentinel frame. Mark
525 Kettenis implemented the @sc{dwarf 2} unwinder, Jeff Johnston the
526 libunwind unwinder, and Andrew Cagney the dummy, sentinel, tramp, and
527 trad unwinders. The architecture-specific changes, each involving a
528 complete rewrite of the architecture's frame code, were carried out by
529 Jim Blandy, Joel Brobecker, Kevin Buettner, Andrew Cagney, Stephane
530 Carrez, Randolph Chung, Orjan Friberg, Richard Henderson, Daniel
531 Jacobowitz, Jeff Johnston, Mark Kettenis, Theodore A. Roth, Kei
532 Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Corinna Vinschen, and Ulrich
533 Weigand.
534
535 Christian Zankel, Ross Morley, Bob Wilson, and Maxim Grigoriev from
536 Tensilica, Inc.@: contributed support for Xtensa processors. Others
537 who have worked on the Xtensa port of @value{GDBN} in the past include
538 Steve Tjiang, John Newlin, and Scott Foehner.
539
540 Michael Eager and staff of Xilinx, Inc., contributed support for the
541 Xilinx MicroBlaze architecture.
542
543 @node Sample Session
544 @chapter A Sample @value{GDBN} Session
545
546 You can use this manual at your leisure to read all about @value{GDBN}.
547 However, a handful of commands are enough to get started using the
548 debugger. This chapter illustrates those commands.
549
550 @iftex
551 In this sample session, we emphasize user input like this: @b{input},
552 to make it easier to pick out from the surrounding output.
553 @end iftex
554
555 @c FIXME: this example may not be appropriate for some configs, where
556 @c FIXME...primary interest is in remote use.
557
558 One of the preliminary versions of @sc{gnu} @code{m4} (a generic macro
559 processor) exhibits the following bug: sometimes, when we change its
560 quote strings from the default, the commands used to capture one macro
561 definition within another stop working. In the following short @code{m4}
562 session, we define a macro @code{foo} which expands to @code{0000}; we
563 then use the @code{m4} built-in @code{defn} to define @code{bar} as the
564 same thing. However, when we change the open quote string to
565 @code{<QUOTE>} and the close quote string to @code{<UNQUOTE>}, the same
566 procedure fails to define a new synonym @code{baz}:
567
568 @smallexample
569 $ @b{cd gnu/m4}
570 $ @b{./m4}
571 @b{define(foo,0000)}
572
573 @b{foo}
574 0000
575 @b{define(bar,defn(`foo'))}
576
577 @b{bar}
578 0000
579 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
580
581 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
582 @b{baz}
583 @b{Ctrl-d}
584 m4: End of input: 0: fatal error: EOF in string
585 @end smallexample
586
587 @noindent
588 Let us use @value{GDBN} to try to see what is going on.
589
590 @smallexample
591 $ @b{@value{GDBP} m4}
592 @c FIXME: this falsifies the exact text played out, to permit smallbook
593 @c FIXME... format to come out better.
594 @value{GDBN} is free software and you are welcome to distribute copies
595 of it under certain conditions; type "show copying" to see
596 the conditions.
597 There is absolutely no warranty for @value{GDBN}; type "show warranty"
598 for details.
599
600 @value{GDBN} @value{GDBVN}, Copyright 1999 Free Software Foundation, Inc...
601 (@value{GDBP})
602 @end smallexample
603
604 @noindent
605 @value{GDBN} reads only enough symbol data to know where to find the
606 rest when needed; as a result, the first prompt comes up very quickly.
607 We now tell @value{GDBN} to use a narrower display width than usual, so
608 that examples fit in this manual.
609
610 @smallexample
611 (@value{GDBP}) @b{set width 70}
612 @end smallexample
613
614 @noindent
615 We need to see how the @code{m4} built-in @code{changequote} works.
616 Having looked at the source, we know the relevant subroutine is
617 @code{m4_changequote}, so we set a breakpoint there with the @value{GDBN}
618 @code{break} command.
619
620 @smallexample
621 (@value{GDBP}) @b{break m4_changequote}
622 Breakpoint 1 at 0x62f4: file builtin.c, line 879.
623 @end smallexample
624
625 @noindent
626 Using the @code{run} command, we start @code{m4} running under @value{GDBN}
627 control; as long as control does not reach the @code{m4_changequote}
628 subroutine, the program runs as usual:
629
630 @smallexample
631 (@value{GDBP}) @b{run}
632 Starting program: /work/Editorial/gdb/gnu/m4/m4
633 @b{define(foo,0000)}
634
635 @b{foo}
636 0000
637 @end smallexample
638
639 @noindent
640 To trigger the breakpoint, we call @code{changequote}. @value{GDBN}
641 suspends execution of @code{m4}, displaying information about the
642 context where it stops.
643
644 @smallexample
645 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
646
647 Breakpoint 1, m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
648 at builtin.c:879
649 879 if (bad_argc(TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[0]),argc,1,3))
650 @end smallexample
651
652 @noindent
653 Now we use the command @code{n} (@code{next}) to advance execution to
654 the next line of the current function.
655
656 @smallexample
657 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
658 882 set_quotes((argc >= 2) ? TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[1])\
659 : nil,
660 @end smallexample
661
662 @noindent
663 @code{set_quotes} looks like a promising subroutine. We can go into it
664 by using the command @code{s} (@code{step}) instead of @code{next}.
665 @code{step} goes to the next line to be executed in @emph{any}
666 subroutine, so it steps into @code{set_quotes}.
667
668 @smallexample
669 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
670 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
671 at input.c:530
672 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
673 @end smallexample
674
675 @noindent
676 The display that shows the subroutine where @code{m4} is now
677 suspended (and its arguments) is called a stack frame display. It
678 shows a summary of the stack. We can use the @code{backtrace}
679 command (which can also be spelled @code{bt}), to see where we are
680 in the stack as a whole: the @code{backtrace} command displays a
681 stack frame for each active subroutine.
682
683 @smallexample
684 (@value{GDBP}) @b{bt}
685 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
686 at input.c:530
687 #1 0x6344 in m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
688 at builtin.c:882
689 #2 0x8174 in expand_macro (sym=0x33320) at macro.c:242
690 #3 0x7a88 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=209696, td=0xf7fffa30)
691 at macro.c:71
692 #4 0x79dc in expand_input () at macro.c:40
693 #5 0x2930 in main (argc=0, argv=0xf7fffb20) at m4.c:195
694 @end smallexample
695
696 @noindent
697 We step through a few more lines to see what happens. The first two
698 times, we can use @samp{s}; the next two times we use @code{n} to avoid
699 falling into the @code{xstrdup} subroutine.
700
701 @smallexample
702 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
703 0x3b5c 532 if (rquote != def_rquote)
704 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
705 0x3b80 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? \
706 def_lquote : xstrdup(lq);
707 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
708 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
709 : xstrdup(rq);
710 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
711 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
712 @end smallexample
713
714 @noindent
715 The last line displayed looks a little odd; we can examine the variables
716 @code{lquote} and @code{rquote} to see if they are in fact the new left
717 and right quotes we specified. We use the command @code{p}
718 (@code{print}) to see their values.
719
720 @smallexample
721 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p lquote}
722 $1 = 0x35d40 "<QUOTE>"
723 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p rquote}
724 $2 = 0x35d50 "<UNQUOTE>"
725 @end smallexample
726
727 @noindent
728 @code{lquote} and @code{rquote} are indeed the new left and right quotes.
729 To look at some context, we can display ten lines of source
730 surrounding the current line with the @code{l} (@code{list}) command.
731
732 @smallexample
733 (@value{GDBP}) @b{l}
734 533 xfree(rquote);
735 534
736 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? def_lquote\
737 : xstrdup (lq);
738 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
739 : xstrdup (rq);
740 537
741 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
742 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
743 540 @}
744 541
745 542 void
746 @end smallexample
747
748 @noindent
749 Let us step past the two lines that set @code{len_lquote} and
750 @code{len_rquote}, and then examine the values of those variables.
751
752 @smallexample
753 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
754 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
755 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
756 540 @}
757 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote}
758 $3 = 9
759 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote}
760 $4 = 7
761 @end smallexample
762
763 @noindent
764 That certainly looks wrong, assuming @code{len_lquote} and
765 @code{len_rquote} are meant to be the lengths of @code{lquote} and
766 @code{rquote} respectively. We can set them to better values using
767 the @code{p} command, since it can print the value of
768 any expression---and that expression can include subroutine calls and
769 assignments.
770
771 @smallexample
772 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote=strlen(lquote)}
773 $5 = 7
774 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote=strlen(rquote)}
775 $6 = 9
776 @end smallexample
777
778 @noindent
779 Is that enough to fix the problem of using the new quotes with the
780 @code{m4} built-in @code{defn}? We can allow @code{m4} to continue
781 executing with the @code{c} (@code{continue}) command, and then try the
782 example that caused trouble initially:
783
784 @smallexample
785 (@value{GDBP}) @b{c}
786 Continuing.
787
788 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
789
790 baz
791 0000
792 @end smallexample
793
794 @noindent
795 Success! The new quotes now work just as well as the default ones. The
796 problem seems to have been just the two typos defining the wrong
797 lengths. We allow @code{m4} exit by giving it an EOF as input:
798
799 @smallexample
800 @b{Ctrl-d}
801 Program exited normally.
802 @end smallexample
803
804 @noindent
805 The message @samp{Program exited normally.} is from @value{GDBN}; it
806 indicates @code{m4} has finished executing. We can end our @value{GDBN}
807 session with the @value{GDBN} @code{quit} command.
808
809 @smallexample
810 (@value{GDBP}) @b{quit}
811 @end smallexample
812
813 @node Invocation
814 @chapter Getting In and Out of @value{GDBN}
815
816 This chapter discusses how to start @value{GDBN}, and how to get out of it.
817 The essentials are:
818 @itemize @bullet
819 @item
820 type @samp{@value{GDBP}} to start @value{GDBN}.
821 @item
822 type @kbd{quit} or @kbd{Ctrl-d} to exit.
823 @end itemize
824
825 @menu
826 * Invoking GDB:: How to start @value{GDBN}
827 * Quitting GDB:: How to quit @value{GDBN}
828 * Shell Commands:: How to use shell commands inside @value{GDBN}
829 * Logging Output:: How to log @value{GDBN}'s output to a file
830 @end menu
831
832 @node Invoking GDB
833 @section Invoking @value{GDBN}
834
835 Invoke @value{GDBN} by running the program @code{@value{GDBP}}. Once started,
836 @value{GDBN} reads commands from the terminal until you tell it to exit.
837
838 You can also run @code{@value{GDBP}} with a variety of arguments and options,
839 to specify more of your debugging environment at the outset.
840
841 The command-line options described here are designed
842 to cover a variety of situations; in some environments, some of these
843 options may effectively be unavailable.
844
845 The most usual way to start @value{GDBN} is with one argument,
846 specifying an executable program:
847
848 @smallexample
849 @value{GDBP} @var{program}
850 @end smallexample
851
852 @noindent
853 You can also start with both an executable program and a core file
854 specified:
855
856 @smallexample
857 @value{GDBP} @var{program} @var{core}
858 @end smallexample
859
860 You can, instead, specify a process ID as a second argument, if you want
861 to debug a running process:
862
863 @smallexample
864 @value{GDBP} @var{program} 1234
865 @end smallexample
866
867 @noindent
868 would attach @value{GDBN} to process @code{1234} (unless you also have a file
869 named @file{1234}; @value{GDBN} does check for a core file first).
870
871 Taking advantage of the second command-line argument requires a fairly
872 complete operating system; when you use @value{GDBN} as a remote
873 debugger attached to a bare board, there may not be any notion of
874 ``process'', and there is often no way to get a core dump. @value{GDBN}
875 will warn you if it is unable to attach or to read core dumps.
876
877 You can optionally have @code{@value{GDBP}} pass any arguments after the
878 executable file to the inferior using @code{--args}. This option stops
879 option processing.
880 @smallexample
881 @value{GDBP} --args gcc -O2 -c foo.c
882 @end smallexample
883 This will cause @code{@value{GDBP}} to debug @code{gcc}, and to set
884 @code{gcc}'s command-line arguments (@pxref{Arguments}) to @samp{-O2 -c foo.c}.
885
886 You can run @code{@value{GDBP}} without printing the front material, which describes
887 @value{GDBN}'s non-warranty, by specifying @code{-silent}:
888
889 @smallexample
890 @value{GDBP} -silent
891 @end smallexample
892
893 @noindent
894 You can further control how @value{GDBN} starts up by using command-line
895 options. @value{GDBN} itself can remind you of the options available.
896
897 @noindent
898 Type
899
900 @smallexample
901 @value{GDBP} -help
902 @end smallexample
903
904 @noindent
905 to display all available options and briefly describe their use
906 (@samp{@value{GDBP} -h} is a shorter equivalent).
907
908 All options and command line arguments you give are processed
909 in sequential order. The order makes a difference when the
910 @samp{-x} option is used.
911
912
913 @menu
914 * File Options:: Choosing files
915 * Mode Options:: Choosing modes
916 * Startup:: What @value{GDBN} does during startup
917 @end menu
918
919 @node File Options
920 @subsection Choosing Files
921
922 When @value{GDBN} starts, it reads any arguments other than options as
923 specifying an executable file and core file (or process ID). This is
924 the same as if the arguments were specified by the @samp{-se} and
925 @samp{-c} (or @samp{-p}) options respectively. (@value{GDBN} reads the
926 first argument that does not have an associated option flag as
927 equivalent to the @samp{-se} option followed by that argument; and the
928 second argument that does not have an associated option flag, if any, as
929 equivalent to the @samp{-c}/@samp{-p} option followed by that argument.)
930 If the second argument begins with a decimal digit, @value{GDBN} will
931 first attempt to attach to it as a process, and if that fails, attempt
932 to open it as a corefile. If you have a corefile whose name begins with
933 a digit, you can prevent @value{GDBN} from treating it as a pid by
934 prefixing it with @file{./}, e.g.@: @file{./12345}.
935
936 If @value{GDBN} has not been configured to included core file support,
937 such as for most embedded targets, then it will complain about a second
938 argument and ignore it.
939
940 Many options have both long and short forms; both are shown in the
941 following list. @value{GDBN} also recognizes the long forms if you truncate
942 them, so long as enough of the option is present to be unambiguous.
943 (If you prefer, you can flag option arguments with @samp{--} rather
944 than @samp{-}, though we illustrate the more usual convention.)
945
946 @c NOTE: the @cindex entries here use double dashes ON PURPOSE. This
947 @c way, both those who look for -foo and --foo in the index, will find
948 @c it.
949
950 @table @code
951 @item -symbols @var{file}
952 @itemx -s @var{file}
953 @cindex @code{--symbols}
954 @cindex @code{-s}
955 Read symbol table from file @var{file}.
956
957 @item -exec @var{file}
958 @itemx -e @var{file}
959 @cindex @code{--exec}
960 @cindex @code{-e}
961 Use file @var{file} as the executable file to execute when appropriate,
962 and for examining pure data in conjunction with a core dump.
963
964 @item -se @var{file}
965 @cindex @code{--se}
966 Read symbol table from file @var{file} and use it as the executable
967 file.
968
969 @item -core @var{file}
970 @itemx -c @var{file}
971 @cindex @code{--core}
972 @cindex @code{-c}
973 Use file @var{file} as a core dump to examine.
974
975 @item -pid @var{number}
976 @itemx -p @var{number}
977 @cindex @code{--pid}
978 @cindex @code{-p}
979 Connect to process ID @var{number}, as with the @code{attach} command.
980
981 @item -command @var{file}
982 @itemx -x @var{file}
983 @cindex @code{--command}
984 @cindex @code{-x}
985 Execute commands from file @var{file}. The contents of this file is
986 evaluated exactly as the @code{source} command would.
987 @xref{Command Files,, Command files}.
988
989 @item -eval-command @var{command}
990 @itemx -ex @var{command}
991 @cindex @code{--eval-command}
992 @cindex @code{-ex}
993 Execute a single @value{GDBN} command.
994
995 This option may be used multiple times to call multiple commands. It may
996 also be interleaved with @samp{-command} as required.
997
998 @smallexample
999 @value{GDBP} -ex 'target sim' -ex 'load' \
1000 -x setbreakpoints -ex 'run' a.out
1001 @end smallexample
1002
1003 @item -init-command @var{file}
1004 @itemx -ix @var{file}
1005 @cindex @code{--init-command}
1006 @cindex @code{-ix}
1007 Execute commands from file @var{file} before loading the inferior (but
1008 after loading gdbinit files).
1009 @xref{Startup}.
1010
1011 @item -init-eval-command @var{command}
1012 @itemx -iex @var{command}
1013 @cindex @code{--init-eval-command}
1014 @cindex @code{-iex}
1015 Execute a single @value{GDBN} command before loading the inferior (but
1016 after loading gdbinit files).
1017 @xref{Startup}.
1018
1019 @item -directory @var{directory}
1020 @itemx -d @var{directory}
1021 @cindex @code{--directory}
1022 @cindex @code{-d}
1023 Add @var{directory} to the path to search for source and script files.
1024
1025 @item -r
1026 @itemx -readnow
1027 @cindex @code{--readnow}
1028 @cindex @code{-r}
1029 Read each symbol file's entire symbol table immediately, rather than
1030 the default, which is to read it incrementally as it is needed.
1031 This makes startup slower, but makes future operations faster.
1032
1033 @end table
1034
1035 @node Mode Options
1036 @subsection Choosing Modes
1037
1038 You can run @value{GDBN} in various alternative modes---for example, in
1039 batch mode or quiet mode.
1040
1041 @table @code
1042 @anchor{-nx}
1043 @item -nx
1044 @itemx -n
1045 @cindex @code{--nx}
1046 @cindex @code{-n}
1047 Do not execute commands found in any initialization file.
1048 There are three init files, loaded in the following order:
1049
1050 @table @code
1051 @item @file{system.gdbinit}
1052 This is the system-wide init file.
1053 Its location is specified with the @code{--with-system-gdbinit}
1054 configure option (@pxref{System-wide configuration}).
1055 It is loaded first when @value{GDBN} starts, before command line options
1056 have been processed.
1057 @item @file{~/.gdbinit}
1058 This is the init file in your home directory.
1059 It is loaded next, after @file{system.gdbinit}, and before
1060 command options have been processed.
1061 @item @file{./.gdbinit}
1062 This is the init file in the current directory.
1063 It is loaded last, after command line options other than @code{-x} and
1064 @code{-ex} have been processed. Command line options @code{-x} and
1065 @code{-ex} are processed last, after @file{./.gdbinit} has been loaded.
1066 @end table
1067
1068 For further documentation on startup processing, @xref{Startup}.
1069 For documentation on how to write command files,
1070 @xref{Command Files,,Command Files}.
1071
1072 @anchor{-nh}
1073 @item -nh
1074 @cindex @code{--nh}
1075 Do not execute commands found in @file{~/.gdbinit}, the init file
1076 in your home directory.
1077 @xref{Startup}.
1078
1079 @item -quiet
1080 @itemx -silent
1081 @itemx -q
1082 @cindex @code{--quiet}
1083 @cindex @code{--silent}
1084 @cindex @code{-q}
1085 ``Quiet''. Do not print the introductory and copyright messages. These
1086 messages are also suppressed in batch mode.
1087
1088 @item -batch
1089 @cindex @code{--batch}
1090 Run in batch mode. Exit with status @code{0} after processing all the
1091 command files specified with @samp{-x} (and all commands from
1092 initialization files, if not inhibited with @samp{-n}). Exit with
1093 nonzero status if an error occurs in executing the @value{GDBN} commands
1094 in the command files. Batch mode also disables pagination, sets unlimited
1095 terminal width and height @pxref{Screen Size}, and acts as if @kbd{set confirm
1096 off} were in effect (@pxref{Messages/Warnings}).
1097
1098 Batch mode may be useful for running @value{GDBN} as a filter, for
1099 example to download and run a program on another computer; in order to
1100 make this more useful, the message
1101
1102 @smallexample
1103 Program exited normally.
1104 @end smallexample
1105
1106 @noindent
1107 (which is ordinarily issued whenever a program running under
1108 @value{GDBN} control terminates) is not issued when running in batch
1109 mode.
1110
1111 @item -batch-silent
1112 @cindex @code{--batch-silent}
1113 Run in batch mode exactly like @samp{-batch}, but totally silently. All
1114 @value{GDBN} output to @code{stdout} is prevented (@code{stderr} is
1115 unaffected). This is much quieter than @samp{-silent} and would be useless
1116 for an interactive session.
1117
1118 This is particularly useful when using targets that give @samp{Loading section}
1119 messages, for example.
1120
1121 Note that targets that give their output via @value{GDBN}, as opposed to
1122 writing directly to @code{stdout}, will also be made silent.
1123
1124 @item -return-child-result
1125 @cindex @code{--return-child-result}
1126 The return code from @value{GDBN} will be the return code from the child
1127 process (the process being debugged), with the following exceptions:
1128
1129 @itemize @bullet
1130 @item
1131 @value{GDBN} exits abnormally. E.g., due to an incorrect argument or an
1132 internal error. In this case the exit code is the same as it would have been
1133 without @samp{-return-child-result}.
1134 @item
1135 The user quits with an explicit value. E.g., @samp{quit 1}.
1136 @item
1137 The child process never runs, or is not allowed to terminate, in which case
1138 the exit code will be -1.
1139 @end itemize
1140
1141 This option is useful in conjunction with @samp{-batch} or @samp{-batch-silent},
1142 when @value{GDBN} is being used as a remote program loader or simulator
1143 interface.
1144
1145 @item -nowindows
1146 @itemx -nw
1147 @cindex @code{--nowindows}
1148 @cindex @code{-nw}
1149 ``No windows''. If @value{GDBN} comes with a graphical user interface
1150 (GUI) built in, then this option tells @value{GDBN} to only use the command-line
1151 interface. If no GUI is available, this option has no effect.
1152
1153 @item -windows
1154 @itemx -w
1155 @cindex @code{--windows}
1156 @cindex @code{-w}
1157 If @value{GDBN} includes a GUI, then this option requires it to be
1158 used if possible.
1159
1160 @item -cd @var{directory}
1161 @cindex @code{--cd}
1162 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its working directory,
1163 instead of the current directory.
1164
1165 @item -data-directory @var{directory}
1166 @cindex @code{--data-directory}
1167 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its data directory.
1168 The data directory is where @value{GDBN} searches for its
1169 auxiliary files. @xref{Data Files}.
1170
1171 @item -fullname
1172 @itemx -f
1173 @cindex @code{--fullname}
1174 @cindex @code{-f}
1175 @sc{gnu} Emacs sets this option when it runs @value{GDBN} as a
1176 subprocess. It tells @value{GDBN} to output the full file name and line
1177 number in a standard, recognizable fashion each time a stack frame is
1178 displayed (which includes each time your program stops). This
1179 recognizable format looks like two @samp{\032} characters, followed by
1180 the file name, line number and character position separated by colons,
1181 and a newline. The Emacs-to-@value{GDBN} interface program uses the two
1182 @samp{\032} characters as a signal to display the source code for the
1183 frame.
1184
1185 @item -annotate @var{level}
1186 @cindex @code{--annotate}
1187 This option sets the @dfn{annotation level} inside @value{GDBN}. Its
1188 effect is identical to using @samp{set annotate @var{level}}
1189 (@pxref{Annotations}). The annotation @var{level} controls how much
1190 information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt, values of
1191 expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0 is the
1192 normal, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a subprocess of
1193 @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable for programs
1194 that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 has been deprecated.
1195
1196 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
1197 (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
1198
1199 @item --args
1200 @cindex @code{--args}
1201 Change interpretation of command line so that arguments following the
1202 executable file are passed as command line arguments to the inferior.
1203 This option stops option processing.
1204
1205 @item -baud @var{bps}
1206 @itemx -b @var{bps}
1207 @cindex @code{--baud}
1208 @cindex @code{-b}
1209 Set the line speed (baud rate or bits per second) of any serial
1210 interface used by @value{GDBN} for remote debugging.
1211
1212 @item -l @var{timeout}
1213 @cindex @code{-l}
1214 Set the timeout (in seconds) of any communication used by @value{GDBN}
1215 for remote debugging.
1216
1217 @item -tty @var{device}
1218 @itemx -t @var{device}
1219 @cindex @code{--tty}
1220 @cindex @code{-t}
1221 Run using @var{device} for your program's standard input and output.
1222 @c FIXME: kingdon thinks there is more to -tty. Investigate.
1223
1224 @c resolve the situation of these eventually
1225 @item -tui
1226 @cindex @code{--tui}
1227 Activate the @dfn{Text User Interface} when starting. The Text User
1228 Interface manages several text windows on the terminal, showing
1229 source, assembly, registers and @value{GDBN} command outputs
1230 (@pxref{TUI, ,@value{GDBN} Text User Interface}). Do not use this
1231 option if you run @value{GDBN} from Emacs (@pxref{Emacs, ,
1232 Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}).
1233
1234 @c @item -xdb
1235 @c @cindex @code{--xdb}
1236 @c Run in XDB compatibility mode, allowing the use of certain XDB commands.
1237 @c For information, see the file @file{xdb_trans.html}, which is usually
1238 @c installed in the directory @code{/opt/langtools/wdb/doc} on HP-UX
1239 @c systems.
1240
1241 @item -interpreter @var{interp}
1242 @cindex @code{--interpreter}
1243 Use the interpreter @var{interp} for interface with the controlling
1244 program or device. This option is meant to be set by programs which
1245 communicate with @value{GDBN} using it as a back end.
1246 @xref{Interpreters, , Command Interpreters}.
1247
1248 @samp{--interpreter=mi} (or @samp{--interpreter=mi2}) causes
1249 @value{GDBN} to use the @dfn{@sc{gdb/mi} interface} (@pxref{GDB/MI, ,
1250 The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}) included since @value{GDBN} version 6.0. The
1251 previous @sc{gdb/mi} interface, included in @value{GDBN} version 5.3 and
1252 selected with @samp{--interpreter=mi1}, is deprecated. Earlier
1253 @sc{gdb/mi} interfaces are no longer supported.
1254
1255 @item -write
1256 @cindex @code{--write}
1257 Open the executable and core files for both reading and writing. This
1258 is equivalent to the @samp{set write on} command inside @value{GDBN}
1259 (@pxref{Patching}).
1260
1261 @item -statistics
1262 @cindex @code{--statistics}
1263 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print statistics about time and
1264 memory usage after it completes each command and returns to the prompt.
1265
1266 @item -version
1267 @cindex @code{--version}
1268 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print its version number and
1269 no-warranty blurb, and exit.
1270
1271 @item -configuration
1272 @cindex @code{--configuration}
1273 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print details about its build-time
1274 configuration parameters, and then exit. These details can be
1275 important when reporting @value{GDBN} bugs (@pxref{GDB Bugs}).
1276
1277 @end table
1278
1279 @node Startup
1280 @subsection What @value{GDBN} Does During Startup
1281 @cindex @value{GDBN} startup
1282
1283 Here's the description of what @value{GDBN} does during session startup:
1284
1285 @enumerate
1286 @item
1287 Sets up the command interpreter as specified by the command line
1288 (@pxref{Mode Options, interpreter}).
1289
1290 @item
1291 @cindex init file
1292 Reads the system-wide @dfn{init file} (if @option{--with-system-gdbinit} was
1293 used when building @value{GDBN}; @pxref{System-wide configuration,
1294 ,System-wide configuration and settings}) and executes all the commands in
1295 that file.
1296
1297 @anchor{Home Directory Init File}
1298 @item
1299 Reads the init file (if any) in your home directory@footnote{On
1300 DOS/Windows systems, the home directory is the one pointed to by the
1301 @code{HOME} environment variable.} and executes all the commands in
1302 that file.
1303
1304 @anchor{Option -init-eval-command}
1305 @item
1306 Executes commands and command files specified by the @samp{-iex} and
1307 @samp{-ix} options in their specified order. Usually you should use the
1308 @samp{-ex} and @samp{-x} options instead, but this way you can apply
1309 settings before @value{GDBN} init files get executed and before inferior
1310 gets loaded.
1311
1312 @item
1313 Processes command line options and operands.
1314
1315 @anchor{Init File in the Current Directory during Startup}
1316 @item
1317 Reads and executes the commands from init file (if any) in the current
1318 working directory as long as @samp{set auto-load local-gdbinit} is set to
1319 @samp{on} (@pxref{Init File in the Current Directory}).
1320 This is only done if the current directory is
1321 different from your home directory. Thus, you can have more than one
1322 init file, one generic in your home directory, and another, specific
1323 to the program you are debugging, in the directory where you invoke
1324 @value{GDBN}.
1325
1326 @item
1327 If the command line specified a program to debug, or a process to
1328 attach to, or a core file, @value{GDBN} loads any auto-loaded
1329 scripts provided for the program or for its loaded shared libraries.
1330 @xref{Auto-loading}.
1331
1332 If you wish to disable the auto-loading during startup,
1333 you must do something like the following:
1334
1335 @smallexample
1336 $ gdb -iex "set auto-load python-scripts off" myprogram
1337 @end smallexample
1338
1339 Option @samp{-ex} does not work because the auto-loading is then turned
1340 off too late.
1341
1342 @item
1343 Executes commands and command files specified by the @samp{-ex} and
1344 @samp{-x} options in their specified order. @xref{Command Files}, for
1345 more details about @value{GDBN} command files.
1346
1347 @item
1348 Reads the command history recorded in the @dfn{history file}.
1349 @xref{Command History}, for more details about the command history and the
1350 files where @value{GDBN} records it.
1351 @end enumerate
1352
1353 Init files use the same syntax as @dfn{command files} (@pxref{Command
1354 Files}) and are processed by @value{GDBN} in the same way. The init
1355 file in your home directory can set options (such as @samp{set
1356 complaints}) that affect subsequent processing of command line options
1357 and operands. Init files are not executed if you use the @samp{-nx}
1358 option (@pxref{Mode Options, ,Choosing Modes}).
1359
1360 To display the list of init files loaded by gdb at startup, you
1361 can use @kbd{gdb --help}.
1362
1363 @cindex init file name
1364 @cindex @file{.gdbinit}
1365 @cindex @file{gdb.ini}
1366 The @value{GDBN} init files are normally called @file{.gdbinit}.
1367 The DJGPP port of @value{GDBN} uses the name @file{gdb.ini}, due to
1368 the limitations of file names imposed by DOS filesystems. The Windows
1369 port of @value{GDBN} uses the standard name, but if it finds a
1370 @file{gdb.ini} file in your home directory, it warns you about that
1371 and suggests to rename the file to the standard name.
1372
1373
1374 @node Quitting GDB
1375 @section Quitting @value{GDBN}
1376 @cindex exiting @value{GDBN}
1377 @cindex leaving @value{GDBN}
1378
1379 @table @code
1380 @kindex quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1381 @kindex q @r{(@code{quit})}
1382 @item quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1383 @itemx q
1384 To exit @value{GDBN}, use the @code{quit} command (abbreviated
1385 @code{q}), or type an end-of-file character (usually @kbd{Ctrl-d}). If you
1386 do not supply @var{expression}, @value{GDBN} will terminate normally;
1387 otherwise it will terminate using the result of @var{expression} as the
1388 error code.
1389 @end table
1390
1391 @cindex interrupt
1392 An interrupt (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}) does not exit from @value{GDBN}, but rather
1393 terminates the action of any @value{GDBN} command that is in progress and
1394 returns to @value{GDBN} command level. It is safe to type the interrupt
1395 character at any time because @value{GDBN} does not allow it to take effect
1396 until a time when it is safe.
1397
1398 If you have been using @value{GDBN} to control an attached process or
1399 device, you can release it with the @code{detach} command
1400 (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running Process}).
1401
1402 @node Shell Commands
1403 @section Shell Commands
1404
1405 If you need to execute occasional shell commands during your
1406 debugging session, there is no need to leave or suspend @value{GDBN}; you can
1407 just use the @code{shell} command.
1408
1409 @table @code
1410 @kindex shell
1411 @kindex !
1412 @cindex shell escape
1413 @item shell @var{command-string}
1414 @itemx !@var{command-string}
1415 Invoke a standard shell to execute @var{command-string}.
1416 Note that no space is needed between @code{!} and @var{command-string}.
1417 If it exists, the environment variable @code{SHELL} determines which
1418 shell to run. Otherwise @value{GDBN} uses the default shell
1419 (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix systems, @file{COMMAND.COM} on MS-DOS, etc.).
1420 @end table
1421
1422 The utility @code{make} is often needed in development environments.
1423 You do not have to use the @code{shell} command for this purpose in
1424 @value{GDBN}:
1425
1426 @table @code
1427 @kindex make
1428 @cindex calling make
1429 @item make @var{make-args}
1430 Execute the @code{make} program with the specified
1431 arguments. This is equivalent to @samp{shell make @var{make-args}}.
1432 @end table
1433
1434 @node Logging Output
1435 @section Logging Output
1436 @cindex logging @value{GDBN} output
1437 @cindex save @value{GDBN} output to a file
1438
1439 You may want to save the output of @value{GDBN} commands to a file.
1440 There are several commands to control @value{GDBN}'s logging.
1441
1442 @table @code
1443 @kindex set logging
1444 @item set logging on
1445 Enable logging.
1446 @item set logging off
1447 Disable logging.
1448 @cindex logging file name
1449 @item set logging file @var{file}
1450 Change the name of the current logfile. The default logfile is @file{gdb.txt}.
1451 @item set logging overwrite [on|off]
1452 By default, @value{GDBN} will append to the logfile. Set @code{overwrite} if
1453 you want @code{set logging on} to overwrite the logfile instead.
1454 @item set logging redirect [on|off]
1455 By default, @value{GDBN} output will go to both the terminal and the logfile.
1456 Set @code{redirect} if you want output to go only to the log file.
1457 @kindex show logging
1458 @item show logging
1459 Show the current values of the logging settings.
1460 @end table
1461
1462 @node Commands
1463 @chapter @value{GDBN} Commands
1464
1465 You can abbreviate a @value{GDBN} command to the first few letters of the command
1466 name, if that abbreviation is unambiguous; and you can repeat certain
1467 @value{GDBN} commands by typing just @key{RET}. You can also use the @key{TAB}
1468 key to get @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest of a word in a command (or to
1469 show you the alternatives available, if there is more than one possibility).
1470
1471 @menu
1472 * Command Syntax:: How to give commands to @value{GDBN}
1473 * Completion:: Command completion
1474 * Help:: How to ask @value{GDBN} for help
1475 @end menu
1476
1477 @node Command Syntax
1478 @section Command Syntax
1479
1480 A @value{GDBN} command is a single line of input. There is no limit on
1481 how long it can be. It starts with a command name, which is followed by
1482 arguments whose meaning depends on the command name. For example, the
1483 command @code{step} accepts an argument which is the number of times to
1484 step, as in @samp{step 5}. You can also use the @code{step} command
1485 with no arguments. Some commands do not allow any arguments.
1486
1487 @cindex abbreviation
1488 @value{GDBN} command names may always be truncated if that abbreviation is
1489 unambiguous. Other possible command abbreviations are listed in the
1490 documentation for individual commands. In some cases, even ambiguous
1491 abbreviations are allowed; for example, @code{s} is specially defined as
1492 equivalent to @code{step} even though there are other commands whose
1493 names start with @code{s}. You can test abbreviations by using them as
1494 arguments to the @code{help} command.
1495
1496 @cindex repeating commands
1497 @kindex RET @r{(repeat last command)}
1498 A blank line as input to @value{GDBN} (typing just @key{RET}) means to
1499 repeat the previous command. Certain commands (for example, @code{run})
1500 will not repeat this way; these are commands whose unintentional
1501 repetition might cause trouble and which you are unlikely to want to
1502 repeat. User-defined commands can disable this feature; see
1503 @ref{Define, dont-repeat}.
1504
1505 The @code{list} and @code{x} commands, when you repeat them with
1506 @key{RET}, construct new arguments rather than repeating
1507 exactly as typed. This permits easy scanning of source or memory.
1508
1509 @value{GDBN} can also use @key{RET} in another way: to partition lengthy
1510 output, in a way similar to the common utility @code{more}
1511 (@pxref{Screen Size,,Screen Size}). Since it is easy to press one
1512 @key{RET} too many in this situation, @value{GDBN} disables command
1513 repetition after any command that generates this sort of display.
1514
1515 @kindex # @r{(a comment)}
1516 @cindex comment
1517 Any text from a @kbd{#} to the end of the line is a comment; it does
1518 nothing. This is useful mainly in command files (@pxref{Command
1519 Files,,Command Files}).
1520
1521 @cindex repeating command sequences
1522 @kindex Ctrl-o @r{(operate-and-get-next)}
1523 The @kbd{Ctrl-o} binding is useful for repeating a complex sequence of
1524 commands. This command accepts the current line, like @key{RET}, and
1525 then fetches the next line relative to the current line from the history
1526 for editing.
1527
1528 @node Completion
1529 @section Command Completion
1530
1531 @cindex completion
1532 @cindex word completion
1533 @value{GDBN} can fill in the rest of a word in a command for you, if there is
1534 only one possibility; it can also show you what the valid possibilities
1535 are for the next word in a command, at any time. This works for @value{GDBN}
1536 commands, @value{GDBN} subcommands, and the names of symbols in your program.
1537
1538 Press the @key{TAB} key whenever you want @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest
1539 of a word. If there is only one possibility, @value{GDBN} fills in the
1540 word, and waits for you to finish the command (or press @key{RET} to
1541 enter it). For example, if you type
1542
1543 @c FIXME "@key" does not distinguish its argument sufficiently to permit
1544 @c complete accuracy in these examples; space introduced for clarity.
1545 @c If texinfo enhancements make it unnecessary, it would be nice to
1546 @c replace " @key" by "@key" in the following...
1547 @smallexample
1548 (@value{GDBP}) info bre @key{TAB}
1549 @end smallexample
1550
1551 @noindent
1552 @value{GDBN} fills in the rest of the word @samp{breakpoints}, since that is
1553 the only @code{info} subcommand beginning with @samp{bre}:
1554
1555 @smallexample
1556 (@value{GDBP}) info breakpoints
1557 @end smallexample
1558
1559 @noindent
1560 You can either press @key{RET} at this point, to run the @code{info
1561 breakpoints} command, or backspace and enter something else, if
1562 @samp{breakpoints} does not look like the command you expected. (If you
1563 were sure you wanted @code{info breakpoints} in the first place, you
1564 might as well just type @key{RET} immediately after @samp{info bre},
1565 to exploit command abbreviations rather than command completion).
1566
1567 If there is more than one possibility for the next word when you press
1568 @key{TAB}, @value{GDBN} sounds a bell. You can either supply more
1569 characters and try again, or just press @key{TAB} a second time;
1570 @value{GDBN} displays all the possible completions for that word. For
1571 example, you might want to set a breakpoint on a subroutine whose name
1572 begins with @samp{make_}, but when you type @kbd{b make_@key{TAB}} @value{GDBN}
1573 just sounds the bell. Typing @key{TAB} again displays all the
1574 function names in your program that begin with those characters, for
1575 example:
1576
1577 @smallexample
1578 (@value{GDBP}) b make_ @key{TAB}
1579 @exdent @value{GDBN} sounds bell; press @key{TAB} again, to see:
1580 make_a_section_from_file make_environ
1581 make_abs_section make_function_type
1582 make_blockvector make_pointer_type
1583 make_cleanup make_reference_type
1584 make_command make_symbol_completion_list
1585 (@value{GDBP}) b make_
1586 @end smallexample
1587
1588 @noindent
1589 After displaying the available possibilities, @value{GDBN} copies your
1590 partial input (@samp{b make_} in the example) so you can finish the
1591 command.
1592
1593 If you just want to see the list of alternatives in the first place, you
1594 can press @kbd{M-?} rather than pressing @key{TAB} twice. @kbd{M-?}
1595 means @kbd{@key{META} ?}. You can type this either by holding down a
1596 key designated as the @key{META} shift on your keyboard (if there is
1597 one) while typing @kbd{?}, or as @key{ESC} followed by @kbd{?}.
1598
1599 @cindex quotes in commands
1600 @cindex completion of quoted strings
1601 Sometimes the string you need, while logically a ``word'', may contain
1602 parentheses or other characters that @value{GDBN} normally excludes from
1603 its notion of a word. To permit word completion to work in this
1604 situation, you may enclose words in @code{'} (single quote marks) in
1605 @value{GDBN} commands.
1606
1607 The most likely situation where you might need this is in typing the
1608 name of a C@t{++} function. This is because C@t{++} allows function
1609 overloading (multiple definitions of the same function, distinguished
1610 by argument type). For example, when you want to set a breakpoint you
1611 may need to distinguish whether you mean the version of @code{name}
1612 that takes an @code{int} parameter, @code{name(int)}, or the version
1613 that takes a @code{float} parameter, @code{name(float)}. To use the
1614 word-completion facilities in this situation, type a single quote
1615 @code{'} at the beginning of the function name. This alerts
1616 @value{GDBN} that it may need to consider more information than usual
1617 when you press @key{TAB} or @kbd{M-?} to request word completion:
1618
1619 @smallexample
1620 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble( @kbd{M-?}
1621 bubble(double,double) bubble(int,int)
1622 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
1623 @end smallexample
1624
1625 In some cases, @value{GDBN} can tell that completing a name requires using
1626 quotes. When this happens, @value{GDBN} inserts the quote for you (while
1627 completing as much as it can) if you do not type the quote in the first
1628 place:
1629
1630 @smallexample
1631 (@value{GDBP}) b bub @key{TAB}
1632 @exdent @value{GDBN} alters your input line to the following, and rings a bell:
1633 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
1634 @end smallexample
1635
1636 @noindent
1637 In general, @value{GDBN} can tell that a quote is needed (and inserts it) if
1638 you have not yet started typing the argument list when you ask for
1639 completion on an overloaded symbol.
1640
1641 For more information about overloaded functions, see @ref{C Plus Plus
1642 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}. You can use the command @code{set
1643 overload-resolution off} to disable overload resolution;
1644 see @ref{Debugging C Plus Plus, ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
1645
1646 @cindex completion of structure field names
1647 @cindex structure field name completion
1648 @cindex completion of union field names
1649 @cindex union field name completion
1650 When completing in an expression which looks up a field in a
1651 structure, @value{GDBN} also tries@footnote{The completer can be
1652 confused by certain kinds of invalid expressions. Also, it only
1653 examines the static type of the expression, not the dynamic type.} to
1654 limit completions to the field names available in the type of the
1655 left-hand-side:
1656
1657 @smallexample
1658 (@value{GDBP}) p gdb_stdout.@kbd{M-?}
1659 magic to_fputs to_rewind
1660 to_data to_isatty to_write
1661 to_delete to_put to_write_async_safe
1662 to_flush to_read
1663 @end smallexample
1664
1665 @noindent
1666 This is because the @code{gdb_stdout} is a variable of the type
1667 @code{struct ui_file} that is defined in @value{GDBN} sources as
1668 follows:
1669
1670 @smallexample
1671 struct ui_file
1672 @{
1673 int *magic;
1674 ui_file_flush_ftype *to_flush;
1675 ui_file_write_ftype *to_write;
1676 ui_file_write_async_safe_ftype *to_write_async_safe;
1677 ui_file_fputs_ftype *to_fputs;
1678 ui_file_read_ftype *to_read;
1679 ui_file_delete_ftype *to_delete;
1680 ui_file_isatty_ftype *to_isatty;
1681 ui_file_rewind_ftype *to_rewind;
1682 ui_file_put_ftype *to_put;
1683 void *to_data;
1684 @}
1685 @end smallexample
1686
1687
1688 @node Help
1689 @section Getting Help
1690 @cindex online documentation
1691 @kindex help
1692
1693 You can always ask @value{GDBN} itself for information on its commands,
1694 using the command @code{help}.
1695
1696 @table @code
1697 @kindex h @r{(@code{help})}
1698 @item help
1699 @itemx h
1700 You can use @code{help} (abbreviated @code{h}) with no arguments to
1701 display a short list of named classes of commands:
1702
1703 @smallexample
1704 (@value{GDBP}) help
1705 List of classes of commands:
1706
1707 aliases -- Aliases of other commands
1708 breakpoints -- Making program stop at certain points
1709 data -- Examining data
1710 files -- Specifying and examining files
1711 internals -- Maintenance commands
1712 obscure -- Obscure features
1713 running -- Running the program
1714 stack -- Examining the stack
1715 status -- Status inquiries
1716 support -- Support facilities
1717 tracepoints -- Tracing of program execution without
1718 stopping the program
1719 user-defined -- User-defined commands
1720
1721 Type "help" followed by a class name for a list of
1722 commands in that class.
1723 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1724 documentation.
1725 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1726 (@value{GDBP})
1727 @end smallexample
1728 @c the above line break eliminates huge line overfull...
1729
1730 @item help @var{class}
1731 Using one of the general help classes as an argument, you can get a
1732 list of the individual commands in that class. For example, here is the
1733 help display for the class @code{status}:
1734
1735 @smallexample
1736 (@value{GDBP}) help status
1737 Status inquiries.
1738
1739 List of commands:
1740
1741 @c Line break in "show" line falsifies real output, but needed
1742 @c to fit in smallbook page size.
1743 info -- Generic command for showing things
1744 about the program being debugged
1745 show -- Generic command for showing things
1746 about the debugger
1747
1748 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1749 documentation.
1750 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1751 (@value{GDBP})
1752 @end smallexample
1753
1754 @item help @var{command}
1755 With a command name as @code{help} argument, @value{GDBN} displays a
1756 short paragraph on how to use that command.
1757
1758 @kindex apropos
1759 @item apropos @var{args}
1760 The @code{apropos} command searches through all of the @value{GDBN}
1761 commands, and their documentation, for the regular expression specified in
1762 @var{args}. It prints out all matches found. For example:
1763
1764 @smallexample
1765 apropos alias
1766 @end smallexample
1767
1768 @noindent
1769 results in:
1770
1771 @smallexample
1772 @c @group
1773 alias -- Define a new command that is an alias of an existing command
1774 aliases -- Aliases of other commands
1775 d -- Delete some breakpoints or auto-display expressions
1776 del -- Delete some breakpoints or auto-display expressions
1777 delete -- Delete some breakpoints or auto-display expressions
1778 @c @end group
1779 @end smallexample
1780
1781 @kindex complete
1782 @item complete @var{args}
1783 The @code{complete @var{args}} command lists all the possible completions
1784 for the beginning of a command. Use @var{args} to specify the beginning of the
1785 command you want completed. For example:
1786
1787 @smallexample
1788 complete i
1789 @end smallexample
1790
1791 @noindent results in:
1792
1793 @smallexample
1794 @group
1795 if
1796 ignore
1797 info
1798 inspect
1799 @end group
1800 @end smallexample
1801
1802 @noindent This is intended for use by @sc{gnu} Emacs.
1803 @end table
1804
1805 In addition to @code{help}, you can use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{info}
1806 and @code{show} to inquire about the state of your program, or the state
1807 of @value{GDBN} itself. Each command supports many topics of inquiry; this
1808 manual introduces each of them in the appropriate context. The listings
1809 under @code{info} and under @code{show} in the Command, Variable, and
1810 Function Index point to all the sub-commands. @xref{Command and Variable
1811 Index}.
1812
1813 @c @group
1814 @table @code
1815 @kindex info
1816 @kindex i @r{(@code{info})}
1817 @item info
1818 This command (abbreviated @code{i}) is for describing the state of your
1819 program. For example, you can show the arguments passed to a function
1820 with @code{info args}, list the registers currently in use with @code{info
1821 registers}, or list the breakpoints you have set with @code{info breakpoints}.
1822 You can get a complete list of the @code{info} sub-commands with
1823 @w{@code{help info}}.
1824
1825 @kindex set
1826 @item set
1827 You can assign the result of an expression to an environment variable with
1828 @code{set}. For example, you can set the @value{GDBN} prompt to a $-sign with
1829 @code{set prompt $}.
1830
1831 @kindex show
1832 @item show
1833 In contrast to @code{info}, @code{show} is for describing the state of
1834 @value{GDBN} itself.
1835 You can change most of the things you can @code{show}, by using the
1836 related command @code{set}; for example, you can control what number
1837 system is used for displays with @code{set radix}, or simply inquire
1838 which is currently in use with @code{show radix}.
1839
1840 @kindex info set
1841 To display all the settable parameters and their current
1842 values, you can use @code{show} with no arguments; you may also use
1843 @code{info set}. Both commands produce the same display.
1844 @c FIXME: "info set" violates the rule that "info" is for state of
1845 @c FIXME...program. Ck w/ GNU: "info set" to be called something else,
1846 @c FIXME...or change desc of rule---eg "state of prog and debugging session"?
1847 @end table
1848 @c @end group
1849
1850 Here are several miscellaneous @code{show} subcommands, all of which are
1851 exceptional in lacking corresponding @code{set} commands:
1852
1853 @table @code
1854 @kindex show version
1855 @cindex @value{GDBN} version number
1856 @item show version
1857 Show what version of @value{GDBN} is running. You should include this
1858 information in @value{GDBN} bug-reports. If multiple versions of
1859 @value{GDBN} are in use at your site, you may need to determine which
1860 version of @value{GDBN} you are running; as @value{GDBN} evolves, new
1861 commands are introduced, and old ones may wither away. Also, many
1862 system vendors ship variant versions of @value{GDBN}, and there are
1863 variant versions of @value{GDBN} in @sc{gnu}/Linux distributions as well.
1864 The version number is the same as the one announced when you start
1865 @value{GDBN}.
1866
1867 @kindex show copying
1868 @kindex info copying
1869 @cindex display @value{GDBN} copyright
1870 @item show copying
1871 @itemx info copying
1872 Display information about permission for copying @value{GDBN}.
1873
1874 @kindex show warranty
1875 @kindex info warranty
1876 @item show warranty
1877 @itemx info warranty
1878 Display the @sc{gnu} ``NO WARRANTY'' statement, or a warranty,
1879 if your version of @value{GDBN} comes with one.
1880
1881 @kindex show configuration
1882 @item show configuration
1883 Display detailed information about the way @value{GDBN} was configured
1884 when it was built. This displays the optional arguments passed to the
1885 @file{configure} script and also configuration parameters detected
1886 automatically by @command{configure}. When reporting a @value{GDBN}
1887 bug (@pxref{GDB Bugs}), it is important to include this information in
1888 your report.
1889
1890 @end table
1891
1892 @node Running
1893 @chapter Running Programs Under @value{GDBN}
1894
1895 When you run a program under @value{GDBN}, you must first generate
1896 debugging information when you compile it.
1897
1898 You may start @value{GDBN} with its arguments, if any, in an environment
1899 of your choice. If you are doing native debugging, you may redirect
1900 your program's input and output, debug an already running process, or
1901 kill a child process.
1902
1903 @menu
1904 * Compilation:: Compiling for debugging
1905 * Starting:: Starting your program
1906 * Arguments:: Your program's arguments
1907 * Environment:: Your program's environment
1908
1909 * Working Directory:: Your program's working directory
1910 * Input/Output:: Your program's input and output
1911 * Attach:: Debugging an already-running process
1912 * Kill Process:: Killing the child process
1913
1914 * Inferiors and Programs:: Debugging multiple inferiors and programs
1915 * Threads:: Debugging programs with multiple threads
1916 * Forks:: Debugging forks
1917 * Checkpoint/Restart:: Setting a @emph{bookmark} to return to later
1918 @end menu
1919
1920 @node Compilation
1921 @section Compiling for Debugging
1922
1923 In order to debug a program effectively, you need to generate
1924 debugging information when you compile it. This debugging information
1925 is stored in the object file; it describes the data type of each
1926 variable or function and the correspondence between source line numbers
1927 and addresses in the executable code.
1928
1929 To request debugging information, specify the @samp{-g} option when you run
1930 the compiler.
1931
1932 Programs that are to be shipped to your customers are compiled with
1933 optimizations, using the @samp{-O} compiler option. However, some
1934 compilers are unable to handle the @samp{-g} and @samp{-O} options
1935 together. Using those compilers, you cannot generate optimized
1936 executables containing debugging information.
1937
1938 @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C/C@t{++} compiler, supports @samp{-g} with or
1939 without @samp{-O}, making it possible to debug optimized code. We
1940 recommend that you @emph{always} use @samp{-g} whenever you compile a
1941 program. You may think your program is correct, but there is no sense
1942 in pushing your luck. For more information, see @ref{Optimized Code}.
1943
1944 Older versions of the @sc{gnu} C compiler permitted a variant option
1945 @w{@samp{-gg}} for debugging information. @value{GDBN} no longer supports this
1946 format; if your @sc{gnu} C compiler has this option, do not use it.
1947
1948 @value{GDBN} knows about preprocessor macros and can show you their
1949 expansion (@pxref{Macros}). Most compilers do not include information
1950 about preprocessor macros in the debugging information if you specify
1951 the @option{-g} flag alone. Version 3.1 and later of @value{NGCC},
1952 the @sc{gnu} C compiler, provides macro information if you are using
1953 the DWARF debugging format, and specify the option @option{-g3}.
1954
1955 @xref{Debugging Options,,Options for Debugging Your Program or GCC,
1956 gcc.info, Using the @sc{gnu} Compiler Collection (GCC)}, for more
1957 information on @value{NGCC} options affecting debug information.
1958
1959 You will have the best debugging experience if you use the latest
1960 version of the DWARF debugging format that your compiler supports.
1961 DWARF is currently the most expressive and best supported debugging
1962 format in @value{GDBN}.
1963
1964 @need 2000
1965 @node Starting
1966 @section Starting your Program
1967 @cindex starting
1968 @cindex running
1969
1970 @table @code
1971 @kindex run
1972 @kindex r @r{(@code{run})}
1973 @item run
1974 @itemx r
1975 Use the @code{run} command to start your program under @value{GDBN}.
1976 You must first specify the program name (except on VxWorks) with an
1977 argument to @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Invocation, ,Getting In and Out of
1978 @value{GDBN}}), or by using the @code{file} or @code{exec-file} command
1979 (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
1980
1981 @end table
1982
1983 If you are running your program in an execution environment that
1984 supports processes, @code{run} creates an inferior process and makes
1985 that process run your program. In some environments without processes,
1986 @code{run} jumps to the start of your program. Other targets,
1987 like @samp{remote}, are always running. If you get an error
1988 message like this one:
1989
1990 @smallexample
1991 The "remote" target does not support "run".
1992 Try "help target" or "continue".
1993 @end smallexample
1994
1995 @noindent
1996 then use @code{continue} to run your program. You may need @code{load}
1997 first (@pxref{load}).
1998
1999 The execution of a program is affected by certain information it
2000 receives from its superior. @value{GDBN} provides ways to specify this
2001 information, which you must do @emph{before} starting your program. (You
2002 can change it after starting your program, but such changes only affect
2003 your program the next time you start it.) This information may be
2004 divided into four categories:
2005
2006 @table @asis
2007 @item The @emph{arguments.}
2008 Specify the arguments to give your program as the arguments of the
2009 @code{run} command. If a shell is available on your target, the shell
2010 is used to pass the arguments, so that you may use normal conventions
2011 (such as wildcard expansion or variable substitution) in describing
2012 the arguments.
2013 In Unix systems, you can control which shell is used with the
2014 @code{SHELL} environment variable.
2015 @xref{Arguments, ,Your Program's Arguments}.
2016
2017 @item The @emph{environment.}
2018 Your program normally inherits its environment from @value{GDBN}, but you can
2019 use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{set environment} and @code{unset
2020 environment} to change parts of the environment that affect
2021 your program. @xref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}.
2022
2023 @item The @emph{working directory.}
2024 Your program inherits its working directory from @value{GDBN}. You can set
2025 the @value{GDBN} working directory with the @code{cd} command in @value{GDBN}.
2026 @xref{Working Directory, ,Your Program's Working Directory}.
2027
2028 @item The @emph{standard input and output.}
2029 Your program normally uses the same device for standard input and
2030 standard output as @value{GDBN} is using. You can redirect input and output
2031 in the @code{run} command line, or you can use the @code{tty} command to
2032 set a different device for your program.
2033 @xref{Input/Output, ,Your Program's Input and Output}.
2034
2035 @cindex pipes
2036 @emph{Warning:} While input and output redirection work, you cannot use
2037 pipes to pass the output of the program you are debugging to another
2038 program; if you attempt this, @value{GDBN} is likely to wind up debugging the
2039 wrong program.
2040 @end table
2041
2042 When you issue the @code{run} command, your program begins to execute
2043 immediately. @xref{Stopping, ,Stopping and Continuing}, for discussion
2044 of how to arrange for your program to stop. Once your program has
2045 stopped, you may call functions in your program, using the @code{print}
2046 or @code{call} commands. @xref{Data, ,Examining Data}.
2047
2048 If the modification time of your symbol file has changed since the last
2049 time @value{GDBN} read its symbols, @value{GDBN} discards its symbol
2050 table, and reads it again. When it does this, @value{GDBN} tries to retain
2051 your current breakpoints.
2052
2053 @table @code
2054 @kindex start
2055 @item start
2056 @cindex run to main procedure
2057 The name of the main procedure can vary from language to language.
2058 With C or C@t{++}, the main procedure name is always @code{main}, but
2059 other languages such as Ada do not require a specific name for their
2060 main procedure. The debugger provides a convenient way to start the
2061 execution of the program and to stop at the beginning of the main
2062 procedure, depending on the language used.
2063
2064 The @samp{start} command does the equivalent of setting a temporary
2065 breakpoint at the beginning of the main procedure and then invoking
2066 the @samp{run} command.
2067
2068 @cindex elaboration phase
2069 Some programs contain an @dfn{elaboration} phase where some startup code is
2070 executed before the main procedure is called. This depends on the
2071 languages used to write your program. In C@t{++}, for instance,
2072 constructors for static and global objects are executed before
2073 @code{main} is called. It is therefore possible that the debugger stops
2074 before reaching the main procedure. However, the temporary breakpoint
2075 will remain to halt execution.
2076
2077 Specify the arguments to give to your program as arguments to the
2078 @samp{start} command. These arguments will be given verbatim to the
2079 underlying @samp{run} command. Note that the same arguments will be
2080 reused if no argument is provided during subsequent calls to
2081 @samp{start} or @samp{run}.
2082
2083 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration. In
2084 these cases, using the @code{start} command would stop the execution of
2085 your program too late, as the program would have already completed the
2086 elaboration phase. Under these circumstances, insert breakpoints in your
2087 elaboration code before running your program.
2088
2089 @kindex set exec-wrapper
2090 @item set exec-wrapper @var{wrapper}
2091 @itemx show exec-wrapper
2092 @itemx unset exec-wrapper
2093 When @samp{exec-wrapper} is set, the specified wrapper is used to
2094 launch programs for debugging. @value{GDBN} starts your program
2095 with a shell command of the form @kbd{exec @var{wrapper}
2096 @var{program}}. Quoting is added to @var{program} and its
2097 arguments, but not to @var{wrapper}, so you should add quotes if
2098 appropriate for your shell. The wrapper runs until it executes
2099 your program, and then @value{GDBN} takes control.
2100
2101 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
2102 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
2103 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
2104 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
2105
2106 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
2107 the debugged program, without setting the variable in your shell's
2108 environment:
2109
2110 @smallexample
2111 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper env 'LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so'
2112 (@value{GDBP}) run
2113 @end smallexample
2114
2115 This command is available when debugging locally on most targets, excluding
2116 @sc{djgpp}, Cygwin, MS Windows, and QNX Neutrino.
2117
2118 @kindex set disable-randomization
2119 @item set disable-randomization
2120 @itemx set disable-randomization on
2121 This option (enabled by default in @value{GDBN}) will turn off the native
2122 randomization of the virtual address space of the started program. This option
2123 is useful for multiple debugging sessions to make the execution better
2124 reproducible and memory addresses reusable across debugging sessions.
2125
2126 This feature is implemented only on certain targets, including @sc{gnu}/Linux.
2127 On @sc{gnu}/Linux you can get the same behavior using
2128
2129 @smallexample
2130 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper setarch `uname -m` -R
2131 @end smallexample
2132
2133 @item set disable-randomization off
2134 Leave the behavior of the started executable unchanged. Some bugs rear their
2135 ugly heads only when the program is loaded at certain addresses. If your bug
2136 disappears when you run the program under @value{GDBN}, that might be because
2137 @value{GDBN} by default disables the address randomization on platforms, such
2138 as @sc{gnu}/Linux, which do that for stand-alone programs. Use @kbd{set
2139 disable-randomization off} to try to reproduce such elusive bugs.
2140
2141 On targets where it is available, virtual address space randomization
2142 protects the programs against certain kinds of security attacks. In these
2143 cases the attacker needs to know the exact location of a concrete executable
2144 code. Randomizing its location makes it impossible to inject jumps misusing
2145 a code at its expected addresses.
2146
2147 Prelinking shared libraries provides a startup performance advantage but it
2148 makes addresses in these libraries predictable for privileged processes by
2149 having just unprivileged access at the target system. Reading the shared
2150 library binary gives enough information for assembling the malicious code
2151 misusing it. Still even a prelinked shared library can get loaded at a new
2152 random address just requiring the regular relocation process during the
2153 startup. Shared libraries not already prelinked are always loaded at
2154 a randomly chosen address.
2155
2156 Position independent executables (PIE) contain position independent code
2157 similar to the shared libraries and therefore such executables get loaded at
2158 a randomly chosen address upon startup. PIE executables always load even
2159 already prelinked shared libraries at a random address. You can build such
2160 executable using @command{gcc -fPIE -pie}.
2161
2162 Heap (malloc storage), stack and custom mmap areas are always placed randomly
2163 (as long as the randomization is enabled).
2164
2165 @item show disable-randomization
2166 Show the current setting of the explicit disable of the native randomization of
2167 the virtual address space of the started program.
2168
2169 @end table
2170
2171 @node Arguments
2172 @section Your Program's Arguments
2173
2174 @cindex arguments (to your program)
2175 The arguments to your program can be specified by the arguments of the
2176 @code{run} command.
2177 They are passed to a shell, which expands wildcard characters and
2178 performs redirection of I/O, and thence to your program. Your
2179 @code{SHELL} environment variable (if it exists) specifies what shell
2180 @value{GDBN} uses. If you do not define @code{SHELL}, @value{GDBN} uses
2181 the default shell (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix).
2182
2183 On non-Unix systems, the program is usually invoked directly by
2184 @value{GDBN}, which emulates I/O redirection via the appropriate system
2185 calls, and the wildcard characters are expanded by the startup code of
2186 the program, not by the shell.
2187
2188 @code{run} with no arguments uses the same arguments used by the previous
2189 @code{run}, or those set by the @code{set args} command.
2190
2191 @table @code
2192 @kindex set args
2193 @item set args
2194 Specify the arguments to be used the next time your program is run. If
2195 @code{set args} has no arguments, @code{run} executes your program
2196 with no arguments. Once you have run your program with arguments,
2197 using @code{set args} before the next @code{run} is the only way to run
2198 it again without arguments.
2199
2200 @kindex show args
2201 @item show args
2202 Show the arguments to give your program when it is started.
2203 @end table
2204
2205 @node Environment
2206 @section Your Program's Environment
2207
2208 @cindex environment (of your program)
2209 The @dfn{environment} consists of a set of environment variables and
2210 their values. Environment variables conventionally record such things as
2211 your user name, your home directory, your terminal type, and your search
2212 path for programs to run. Usually you set up environment variables with
2213 the shell and they are inherited by all the other programs you run. When
2214 debugging, it can be useful to try running your program with a modified
2215 environment without having to start @value{GDBN} over again.
2216
2217 @table @code
2218 @kindex path
2219 @item path @var{directory}
2220 Add @var{directory} to the front of the @code{PATH} environment variable
2221 (the search path for executables) that will be passed to your program.
2222 The value of @code{PATH} used by @value{GDBN} does not change.
2223 You may specify several directory names, separated by whitespace or by a
2224 system-dependent separator character (@samp{:} on Unix, @samp{;} on
2225 MS-DOS and MS-Windows). If @var{directory} is already in the path, it
2226 is moved to the front, so it is searched sooner.
2227
2228 You can use the string @samp{$cwd} to refer to whatever is the current
2229 working directory at the time @value{GDBN} searches the path. If you
2230 use @samp{.} instead, it refers to the directory where you executed the
2231 @code{path} command. @value{GDBN} replaces @samp{.} in the
2232 @var{directory} argument (with the current path) before adding
2233 @var{directory} to the search path.
2234 @c 'path' is explicitly nonrepeatable, but RMS points out it is silly to
2235 @c document that, since repeating it would be a no-op.
2236
2237 @kindex show paths
2238 @item show paths
2239 Display the list of search paths for executables (the @code{PATH}
2240 environment variable).
2241
2242 @kindex show environment
2243 @item show environment @r{[}@var{varname}@r{]}
2244 Print the value of environment variable @var{varname} to be given to
2245 your program when it starts. If you do not supply @var{varname},
2246 print the names and values of all environment variables to be given to
2247 your program. You can abbreviate @code{environment} as @code{env}.
2248
2249 @kindex set environment
2250 @item set environment @var{varname} @r{[}=@var{value}@r{]}
2251 Set environment variable @var{varname} to @var{value}. The value
2252 changes for your program only, not for @value{GDBN} itself. @var{value} may
2253 be any string; the values of environment variables are just strings, and
2254 any interpretation is supplied by your program itself. The @var{value}
2255 parameter is optional; if it is eliminated, the variable is set to a
2256 null value.
2257 @c "any string" here does not include leading, trailing
2258 @c blanks. Gnu asks: does anyone care?
2259
2260 For example, this command:
2261
2262 @smallexample
2263 set env USER = foo
2264 @end smallexample
2265
2266 @noindent
2267 tells the debugged program, when subsequently run, that its user is named
2268 @samp{foo}. (The spaces around @samp{=} are used for clarity here; they
2269 are not actually required.)
2270
2271 @kindex unset environment
2272 @item unset environment @var{varname}
2273 Remove variable @var{varname} from the environment to be passed to your
2274 program. This is different from @samp{set env @var{varname} =};
2275 @code{unset environment} removes the variable from the environment,
2276 rather than assigning it an empty value.
2277 @end table
2278
2279 @emph{Warning:} On Unix systems, @value{GDBN} runs your program using
2280 the shell indicated
2281 by your @code{SHELL} environment variable if it exists (or
2282 @code{/bin/sh} if not). If your @code{SHELL} variable names a shell
2283 that runs an initialization file---such as @file{.cshrc} for C-shell, or
2284 @file{.bashrc} for BASH---any variables you set in that file affect
2285 your program. You may wish to move setting of environment variables to
2286 files that are only run when you sign on, such as @file{.login} or
2287 @file{.profile}.
2288
2289 @node Working Directory
2290 @section Your Program's Working Directory
2291
2292 @cindex working directory (of your program)
2293 Each time you start your program with @code{run}, it inherits its
2294 working directory from the current working directory of @value{GDBN}.
2295 The @value{GDBN} working directory is initially whatever it inherited
2296 from its parent process (typically the shell), but you can specify a new
2297 working directory in @value{GDBN} with the @code{cd} command.
2298
2299 The @value{GDBN} working directory also serves as a default for the commands
2300 that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2301 Specify Files}.
2302
2303 @table @code
2304 @kindex cd
2305 @cindex change working directory
2306 @item cd @r{[}@var{directory}@r{]}
2307 Set the @value{GDBN} working directory to @var{directory}. If not
2308 given, @var{directory} uses @file{'~'}.
2309
2310 @kindex pwd
2311 @item pwd
2312 Print the @value{GDBN} working directory.
2313 @end table
2314
2315 It is generally impossible to find the current working directory of
2316 the process being debugged (since a program can change its directory
2317 during its run). If you work on a system where @value{GDBN} is
2318 configured with the @file{/proc} support, you can use the @code{info
2319 proc} command (@pxref{SVR4 Process Information}) to find out the
2320 current working directory of the debuggee.
2321
2322 @node Input/Output
2323 @section Your Program's Input and Output
2324
2325 @cindex redirection
2326 @cindex i/o
2327 @cindex terminal
2328 By default, the program you run under @value{GDBN} does input and output to
2329 the same terminal that @value{GDBN} uses. @value{GDBN} switches the terminal
2330 to its own terminal modes to interact with you, but it records the terminal
2331 modes your program was using and switches back to them when you continue
2332 running your program.
2333
2334 @table @code
2335 @kindex info terminal
2336 @item info terminal
2337 Displays information recorded by @value{GDBN} about the terminal modes your
2338 program is using.
2339 @end table
2340
2341 You can redirect your program's input and/or output using shell
2342 redirection with the @code{run} command. For example,
2343
2344 @smallexample
2345 run > outfile
2346 @end smallexample
2347
2348 @noindent
2349 starts your program, diverting its output to the file @file{outfile}.
2350
2351 @kindex tty
2352 @cindex controlling terminal
2353 Another way to specify where your program should do input and output is
2354 with the @code{tty} command. This command accepts a file name as
2355 argument, and causes this file to be the default for future @code{run}
2356 commands. It also resets the controlling terminal for the child
2357 process, for future @code{run} commands. For example,
2358
2359 @smallexample
2360 tty /dev/ttyb
2361 @end smallexample
2362
2363 @noindent
2364 directs that processes started with subsequent @code{run} commands
2365 default to do input and output on the terminal @file{/dev/ttyb} and have
2366 that as their controlling terminal.
2367
2368 An explicit redirection in @code{run} overrides the @code{tty} command's
2369 effect on the input/output device, but not its effect on the controlling
2370 terminal.
2371
2372 When you use the @code{tty} command or redirect input in the @code{run}
2373 command, only the input @emph{for your program} is affected. The input
2374 for @value{GDBN} still comes from your terminal. @code{tty} is an alias
2375 for @code{set inferior-tty}.
2376
2377 @cindex inferior tty
2378 @cindex set inferior controlling terminal
2379 You can use the @code{show inferior-tty} command to tell @value{GDBN} to
2380 display the name of the terminal that will be used for future runs of your
2381 program.
2382
2383 @table @code
2384 @item set inferior-tty /dev/ttyb
2385 @kindex set inferior-tty
2386 Set the tty for the program being debugged to /dev/ttyb.
2387
2388 @item show inferior-tty
2389 @kindex show inferior-tty
2390 Show the current tty for the program being debugged.
2391 @end table
2392
2393 @node Attach
2394 @section Debugging an Already-running Process
2395 @kindex attach
2396 @cindex attach
2397
2398 @table @code
2399 @item attach @var{process-id}
2400 This command attaches to a running process---one that was started
2401 outside @value{GDBN}. (@code{info files} shows your active
2402 targets.) The command takes as argument a process ID. The usual way to
2403 find out the @var{process-id} of a Unix process is with the @code{ps} utility,
2404 or with the @samp{jobs -l} shell command.
2405
2406 @code{attach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} a second time after
2407 executing the command.
2408 @end table
2409
2410 To use @code{attach}, your program must be running in an environment
2411 which supports processes; for example, @code{attach} does not work for
2412 programs on bare-board targets that lack an operating system. You must
2413 also have permission to send the process a signal.
2414
2415 When you use @code{attach}, the debugger finds the program running in
2416 the process first by looking in the current working directory, then (if
2417 the program is not found) by using the source file search path
2418 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}). You can also use
2419 the @code{file} command to load the program. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2420 Specify Files}.
2421
2422 The first thing @value{GDBN} does after arranging to debug the specified
2423 process is to stop it. You can examine and modify an attached process
2424 with all the @value{GDBN} commands that are ordinarily available when
2425 you start processes with @code{run}. You can insert breakpoints; you
2426 can step and continue; you can modify storage. If you would rather the
2427 process continue running, you may use the @code{continue} command after
2428 attaching @value{GDBN} to the process.
2429
2430 @table @code
2431 @kindex detach
2432 @item detach
2433 When you have finished debugging the attached process, you can use the
2434 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control. Detaching
2435 the process continues its execution. After the @code{detach} command,
2436 that process and @value{GDBN} become completely independent once more, and you
2437 are ready to @code{attach} another process or start one with @code{run}.
2438 @code{detach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
2439 executing the command.
2440 @end table
2441
2442 If you exit @value{GDBN} while you have an attached process, you detach
2443 that process. If you use the @code{run} command, you kill that process.
2444 By default, @value{GDBN} asks for confirmation if you try to do either of these
2445 things; you can control whether or not you need to confirm by using the
2446 @code{set confirm} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
2447 Messages}).
2448
2449 @node Kill Process
2450 @section Killing the Child Process
2451
2452 @table @code
2453 @kindex kill
2454 @item kill
2455 Kill the child process in which your program is running under @value{GDBN}.
2456 @end table
2457
2458 This command is useful if you wish to debug a core dump instead of a
2459 running process. @value{GDBN} ignores any core dump file while your program
2460 is running.
2461
2462 On some operating systems, a program cannot be executed outside @value{GDBN}
2463 while you have breakpoints set on it inside @value{GDBN}. You can use the
2464 @code{kill} command in this situation to permit running your program
2465 outside the debugger.
2466
2467 The @code{kill} command is also useful if you wish to recompile and
2468 relink your program, since on many systems it is impossible to modify an
2469 executable file while it is running in a process. In this case, when you
2470 next type @code{run}, @value{GDBN} notices that the file has changed, and
2471 reads the symbol table again (while trying to preserve your current
2472 breakpoint settings).
2473
2474 @node Inferiors and Programs
2475 @section Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs
2476
2477 @value{GDBN} lets you run and debug multiple programs in a single
2478 session. In addition, @value{GDBN} on some systems may let you run
2479 several programs simultaneously (otherwise you have to exit from one
2480 before starting another). In the most general case, you can have
2481 multiple threads of execution in each of multiple processes, launched
2482 from multiple executables.
2483
2484 @cindex inferior
2485 @value{GDBN} represents the state of each program execution with an
2486 object called an @dfn{inferior}. An inferior typically corresponds to
2487 a process, but is more general and applies also to targets that do not
2488 have processes. Inferiors may be created before a process runs, and
2489 may be retained after a process exits. Inferiors have unique
2490 identifiers that are different from process ids. Usually each
2491 inferior will also have its own distinct address space, although some
2492 embedded targets may have several inferiors running in different parts
2493 of a single address space. Each inferior may in turn have multiple
2494 threads running in it.
2495
2496 To find out what inferiors exist at any moment, use @w{@code{info
2497 inferiors}}:
2498
2499 @table @code
2500 @kindex info inferiors
2501 @item info inferiors
2502 Print a list of all inferiors currently being managed by @value{GDBN}.
2503
2504 @value{GDBN} displays for each inferior (in this order):
2505
2506 @enumerate
2507 @item
2508 the inferior number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2509
2510 @item
2511 the target system's inferior identifier
2512
2513 @item
2514 the name of the executable the inferior is running.
2515
2516 @end enumerate
2517
2518 @noindent
2519 An asterisk @samp{*} preceding the @value{GDBN} inferior number
2520 indicates the current inferior.
2521
2522 For example,
2523 @end table
2524 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
2525
2526 @smallexample
2527 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2528 Num Description Executable
2529 2 process 2307 hello
2530 * 1 process 3401 goodbye
2531 @end smallexample
2532
2533 To switch focus between inferiors, use the @code{inferior} command:
2534
2535 @table @code
2536 @kindex inferior @var{infno}
2537 @item inferior @var{infno}
2538 Make inferior number @var{infno} the current inferior. The argument
2539 @var{infno} is the inferior number assigned by @value{GDBN}, as shown
2540 in the first field of the @samp{info inferiors} display.
2541 @end table
2542
2543
2544 You can get multiple executables into a debugging session via the
2545 @code{add-inferior} and @w{@code{clone-inferior}} commands. On some
2546 systems @value{GDBN} can add inferiors to the debug session
2547 automatically by following calls to @code{fork} and @code{exec}. To
2548 remove inferiors from the debugging session use the
2549 @w{@code{remove-inferiors}} command.
2550
2551 @table @code
2552 @kindex add-inferior
2553 @item add-inferior [ -copies @var{n} ] [ -exec @var{executable} ]
2554 Adds @var{n} inferiors to be run using @var{executable} as the
2555 executable. @var{n} defaults to 1. If no executable is specified,
2556 the inferiors begins empty, with no program. You can still assign or
2557 change the program assigned to the inferior at any time by using the
2558 @code{file} command with the executable name as its argument.
2559
2560 @kindex clone-inferior
2561 @item clone-inferior [ -copies @var{n} ] [ @var{infno} ]
2562 Adds @var{n} inferiors ready to execute the same program as inferior
2563 @var{infno}. @var{n} defaults to 1. @var{infno} defaults to the
2564 number of the current inferior. This is a convenient command when you
2565 want to run another instance of the inferior you are debugging.
2566
2567 @smallexample
2568 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2569 Num Description Executable
2570 * 1 process 29964 helloworld
2571 (@value{GDBP}) clone-inferior
2572 Added inferior 2.
2573 1 inferiors added.
2574 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2575 Num Description Executable
2576 2 <null> helloworld
2577 * 1 process 29964 helloworld
2578 @end smallexample
2579
2580 You can now simply switch focus to inferior 2 and run it.
2581
2582 @kindex remove-inferiors
2583 @item remove-inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2584 Removes the inferior or inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}. It is not
2585 possible to remove an inferior that is running with this command. For
2586 those, use the @code{kill} or @code{detach} command first.
2587
2588 @end table
2589
2590 To quit debugging one of the running inferiors that is not the current
2591 inferior, you can either detach from it by using the @w{@code{detach
2592 inferior}} command (allowing it to run independently), or kill it
2593 using the @w{@code{kill inferiors}} command:
2594
2595 @table @code
2596 @kindex detach inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2597 @item detach inferior @var{infno}@dots{}
2598 Detach from the inferior or inferiors identified by @value{GDBN}
2599 inferior number(s) @var{infno}@dots{}. Note that the inferior's entry
2600 still stays on the list of inferiors shown by @code{info inferiors},
2601 but its Description will show @samp{<null>}.
2602
2603 @kindex kill inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2604 @item kill inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2605 Kill the inferior or inferiors identified by @value{GDBN} inferior
2606 number(s) @var{infno}@dots{}. Note that the inferior's entry still
2607 stays on the list of inferiors shown by @code{info inferiors}, but its
2608 Description will show @samp{<null>}.
2609 @end table
2610
2611 After the successful completion of a command such as @code{detach},
2612 @code{detach inferiors}, @code{kill} or @code{kill inferiors}, or after
2613 a normal process exit, the inferior is still valid and listed with
2614 @code{info inferiors}, ready to be restarted.
2615
2616
2617 To be notified when inferiors are started or exit under @value{GDBN}'s
2618 control use @w{@code{set print inferior-events}}:
2619
2620 @table @code
2621 @kindex set print inferior-events
2622 @cindex print messages on inferior start and exit
2623 @item set print inferior-events
2624 @itemx set print inferior-events on
2625 @itemx set print inferior-events off
2626 The @code{set print inferior-events} command allows you to enable or
2627 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new
2628 inferiors have started or that inferiors have exited or have been
2629 detached. By default, these messages will not be printed.
2630
2631 @kindex show print inferior-events
2632 @item show print inferior-events
2633 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that
2634 inferiors have started, exited or have been detached.
2635 @end table
2636
2637 Many commands will work the same with multiple programs as with a
2638 single program: e.g., @code{print myglobal} will simply display the
2639 value of @code{myglobal} in the current inferior.
2640
2641
2642 Occasionaly, when debugging @value{GDBN} itself, it may be useful to
2643 get more info about the relationship of inferiors, programs, address
2644 spaces in a debug session. You can do that with the @w{@code{maint
2645 info program-spaces}} command.
2646
2647 @table @code
2648 @kindex maint info program-spaces
2649 @item maint info program-spaces
2650 Print a list of all program spaces currently being managed by
2651 @value{GDBN}.
2652
2653 @value{GDBN} displays for each program space (in this order):
2654
2655 @enumerate
2656 @item
2657 the program space number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2658
2659 @item
2660 the name of the executable loaded into the program space, with e.g.,
2661 the @code{file} command.
2662
2663 @end enumerate
2664
2665 @noindent
2666 An asterisk @samp{*} preceding the @value{GDBN} program space number
2667 indicates the current program space.
2668
2669 In addition, below each program space line, @value{GDBN} prints extra
2670 information that isn't suitable to display in tabular form. For
2671 example, the list of inferiors bound to the program space.
2672
2673 @smallexample
2674 (@value{GDBP}) maint info program-spaces
2675 Id Executable
2676 2 goodbye
2677 Bound inferiors: ID 1 (process 21561)
2678 * 1 hello
2679 @end smallexample
2680
2681 Here we can see that no inferior is running the program @code{hello},
2682 while @code{process 21561} is running the program @code{goodbye}. On
2683 some targets, it is possible that multiple inferiors are bound to the
2684 same program space. The most common example is that of debugging both
2685 the parent and child processes of a @code{vfork} call. For example,
2686
2687 @smallexample
2688 (@value{GDBP}) maint info program-spaces
2689 Id Executable
2690 * 1 vfork-test
2691 Bound inferiors: ID 2 (process 18050), ID 1 (process 18045)
2692 @end smallexample
2693
2694 Here, both inferior 2 and inferior 1 are running in the same program
2695 space as a result of inferior 1 having executed a @code{vfork} call.
2696 @end table
2697
2698 @node Threads
2699 @section Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads
2700
2701 @cindex threads of execution
2702 @cindex multiple threads
2703 @cindex switching threads
2704 In some operating systems, such as HP-UX and Solaris, a single program
2705 may have more than one @dfn{thread} of execution. The precise semantics
2706 of threads differ from one operating system to another, but in general
2707 the threads of a single program are akin to multiple processes---except
2708 that they share one address space (that is, they can all examine and
2709 modify the same variables). On the other hand, each thread has its own
2710 registers and execution stack, and perhaps private memory.
2711
2712 @value{GDBN} provides these facilities for debugging multi-thread
2713 programs:
2714
2715 @itemize @bullet
2716 @item automatic notification of new threads
2717 @item @samp{thread @var{threadno}}, a command to switch among threads
2718 @item @samp{info threads}, a command to inquire about existing threads
2719 @item @samp{thread apply [@var{threadno}] [@var{all}] @var{args}},
2720 a command to apply a command to a list of threads
2721 @item thread-specific breakpoints
2722 @item @samp{set print thread-events}, which controls printing of
2723 messages on thread start and exit.
2724 @item @samp{set libthread-db-search-path @var{path}}, which lets
2725 the user specify which @code{libthread_db} to use if the default choice
2726 isn't compatible with the program.
2727 @end itemize
2728
2729 @quotation
2730 @emph{Warning:} These facilities are not yet available on every
2731 @value{GDBN} configuration where the operating system supports threads.
2732 If your @value{GDBN} does not support threads, these commands have no
2733 effect. For example, a system without thread support shows no output
2734 from @samp{info threads}, and always rejects the @code{thread} command,
2735 like this:
2736
2737 @smallexample
2738 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
2739 (@value{GDBP}) thread 1
2740 Thread ID 1 not known. Use the "info threads" command to
2741 see the IDs of currently known threads.
2742 @end smallexample
2743 @c FIXME to implementors: how hard would it be to say "sorry, this GDB
2744 @c doesn't support threads"?
2745 @end quotation
2746
2747 @cindex focus of debugging
2748 @cindex current thread
2749 The @value{GDBN} thread debugging facility allows you to observe all
2750 threads while your program runs---but whenever @value{GDBN} takes
2751 control, one thread in particular is always the focus of debugging.
2752 This thread is called the @dfn{current thread}. Debugging commands show
2753 program information from the perspective of the current thread.
2754
2755 @cindex @code{New} @var{systag} message
2756 @cindex thread identifier (system)
2757 @c FIXME-implementors!! It would be more helpful if the [New...] message
2758 @c included GDB's numeric thread handle, so you could just go to that
2759 @c thread without first checking `info threads'.
2760 Whenever @value{GDBN} detects a new thread in your program, it displays
2761 the target system's identification for the thread with a message in the
2762 form @samp{[New @var{systag}]}. @var{systag} is a thread identifier
2763 whose form varies depending on the particular system. For example, on
2764 @sc{gnu}/Linux, you might see
2765
2766 @smallexample
2767 [New Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 25582)]
2768 @end smallexample
2769
2770 @noindent
2771 when @value{GDBN} notices a new thread. In contrast, on an SGI system,
2772 the @var{systag} is simply something like @samp{process 368}, with no
2773 further qualifier.
2774
2775 @c FIXME!! (1) Does the [New...] message appear even for the very first
2776 @c thread of a program, or does it only appear for the
2777 @c second---i.e.@: when it becomes obvious we have a multithread
2778 @c program?
2779 @c (2) *Is* there necessarily a first thread always? Or do some
2780 @c multithread systems permit starting a program with multiple
2781 @c threads ab initio?
2782
2783 @cindex thread number
2784 @cindex thread identifier (GDB)
2785 For debugging purposes, @value{GDBN} associates its own thread
2786 number---always a single integer---with each thread in your program.
2787
2788 @table @code
2789 @kindex info threads
2790 @item info threads @r{[}@var{id}@dots{}@r{]}
2791 Display a summary of all threads currently in your program. Optional
2792 argument @var{id}@dots{} is one or more thread ids separated by spaces, and
2793 means to print information only about the specified thread or threads.
2794 @value{GDBN} displays for each thread (in this order):
2795
2796 @enumerate
2797 @item
2798 the thread number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2799
2800 @item
2801 the target system's thread identifier (@var{systag})
2802
2803 @item
2804 the thread's name, if one is known. A thread can either be named by
2805 the user (see @code{thread name}, below), or, in some cases, by the
2806 program itself.
2807
2808 @item
2809 the current stack frame summary for that thread
2810 @end enumerate
2811
2812 @noindent
2813 An asterisk @samp{*} to the left of the @value{GDBN} thread number
2814 indicates the current thread.
2815
2816 For example,
2817 @end table
2818 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
2819
2820 @smallexample
2821 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
2822 Id Target Id Frame
2823 3 process 35 thread 27 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2824 2 process 35 thread 23 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2825 * 1 process 35 thread 13 main (argc=1, argv=0x7ffffff8)
2826 at threadtest.c:68
2827 @end smallexample
2828
2829 On Solaris, you can display more information about user threads with a
2830 Solaris-specific command:
2831
2832 @table @code
2833 @item maint info sol-threads
2834 @kindex maint info sol-threads
2835 @cindex thread info (Solaris)
2836 Display info on Solaris user threads.
2837 @end table
2838
2839 @table @code
2840 @kindex thread @var{threadno}
2841 @item thread @var{threadno}
2842 Make thread number @var{threadno} the current thread. The command
2843 argument @var{threadno} is the internal @value{GDBN} thread number, as
2844 shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads} display.
2845 @value{GDBN} responds by displaying the system identifier of the thread
2846 you selected, and its current stack frame summary:
2847
2848 @smallexample
2849 (@value{GDBP}) thread 2
2850 [Switching to thread 2 (Thread 0xb7fdab70 (LWP 12747))]
2851 #0 some_function (ignore=0x0) at example.c:8
2852 8 printf ("hello\n");
2853 @end smallexample
2854
2855 @noindent
2856 As with the @samp{[New @dots{}]} message, the form of the text after
2857 @samp{Switching to} depends on your system's conventions for identifying
2858 threads.
2859
2860 @vindex $_thread@r{, convenience variable}
2861 The debugger convenience variable @samp{$_thread} contains the number
2862 of the current thread. You may find this useful in writing breakpoint
2863 conditional expressions, command scripts, and so forth. See
2864 @xref{Convenience Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for general
2865 information on convenience variables.
2866
2867 @kindex thread apply
2868 @cindex apply command to several threads
2869 @item thread apply [@var{threadno} | all] @var{command}
2870 The @code{thread apply} command allows you to apply the named
2871 @var{command} to one or more threads. Specify the numbers of the
2872 threads that you want affected with the command argument
2873 @var{threadno}. It can be a single thread number, one of the numbers
2874 shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads} display; or it
2875 could be a range of thread numbers, as in @code{2-4}. To apply a
2876 command to all threads, type @kbd{thread apply all @var{command}}.
2877
2878 @kindex thread name
2879 @cindex name a thread
2880 @item thread name [@var{name}]
2881 This command assigns a name to the current thread. If no argument is
2882 given, any existing user-specified name is removed. The thread name
2883 appears in the @samp{info threads} display.
2884
2885 On some systems, such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, @value{GDBN} is able to
2886 determine the name of the thread as given by the OS. On these
2887 systems, a name specified with @samp{thread name} will override the
2888 system-give name, and removing the user-specified name will cause
2889 @value{GDBN} to once again display the system-specified name.
2890
2891 @kindex thread find
2892 @cindex search for a thread
2893 @item thread find [@var{regexp}]
2894 Search for and display thread ids whose name or @var{systag}
2895 matches the supplied regular expression.
2896
2897 As well as being the complement to the @samp{thread name} command,
2898 this command also allows you to identify a thread by its target
2899 @var{systag}. For instance, on @sc{gnu}/Linux, the target @var{systag}
2900 is the LWP id.
2901
2902 @smallexample
2903 (@value{GDBN}) thread find 26688
2904 Thread 4 has target id 'Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 26688)'
2905 (@value{GDBN}) info thread 4
2906 Id Target Id Frame
2907 4 Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 26688) 0x00000031ca6cd372 in select ()
2908 @end smallexample
2909
2910 @kindex set print thread-events
2911 @cindex print messages on thread start and exit
2912 @item set print thread-events
2913 @itemx set print thread-events on
2914 @itemx set print thread-events off
2915 The @code{set print thread-events} command allows you to enable or
2916 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new threads have
2917 started or that threads have exited. By default, these messages will
2918 be printed if detection of these events is supported by the target.
2919 Note that these messages cannot be disabled on all targets.
2920
2921 @kindex show print thread-events
2922 @item show print thread-events
2923 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that threads
2924 have started and exited.
2925 @end table
2926
2927 @xref{Thread Stops,,Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs}, for
2928 more information about how @value{GDBN} behaves when you stop and start
2929 programs with multiple threads.
2930
2931 @xref{Set Watchpoints,,Setting Watchpoints}, for information about
2932 watchpoints in programs with multiple threads.
2933
2934 @anchor{set libthread-db-search-path}
2935 @table @code
2936 @kindex set libthread-db-search-path
2937 @cindex search path for @code{libthread_db}
2938 @item set libthread-db-search-path @r{[}@var{path}@r{]}
2939 If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
2940 directories @value{GDBN} will use to search for @code{libthread_db}.
2941 If you omit @var{path}, @samp{libthread-db-search-path} will be reset to
2942 its default value (@code{$sdir:$pdir} on @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris systems).
2943 Internally, the default value comes from the @code{LIBTHREAD_DB_SEARCH_PATH}
2944 macro.
2945
2946 On @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris systems, @value{GDBN} uses a ``helper''
2947 @code{libthread_db} library to obtain information about threads in the
2948 inferior process. @value{GDBN} will use @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
2949 to find @code{libthread_db}. @value{GDBN} also consults first if inferior
2950 specific thread debugging library loading is enabled
2951 by @samp{set auto-load libthread-db} (@pxref{libthread_db.so.1 file}).
2952
2953 A special entry @samp{$sdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
2954 refers to the default system directories that are
2955 normally searched for loading shared libraries. The @samp{$sdir} entry
2956 is the only kind not needing to be enabled by @samp{set auto-load libthread-db}
2957 (@pxref{libthread_db.so.1 file}).
2958
2959 A special entry @samp{$pdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
2960 refers to the directory from which @code{libpthread}
2961 was loaded in the inferior process.
2962
2963 For any @code{libthread_db} library @value{GDBN} finds in above directories,
2964 @value{GDBN} attempts to initialize it with the current inferior process.
2965 If this initialization fails (which could happen because of a version
2966 mismatch between @code{libthread_db} and @code{libpthread}), @value{GDBN}
2967 will unload @code{libthread_db}, and continue with the next directory.
2968 If none of @code{libthread_db} libraries initialize successfully,
2969 @value{GDBN} will issue a warning and thread debugging will be disabled.
2970
2971 Setting @code{libthread-db-search-path} is currently implemented
2972 only on some platforms.
2973
2974 @kindex show libthread-db-search-path
2975 @item show libthread-db-search-path
2976 Display current libthread_db search path.
2977
2978 @kindex set debug libthread-db
2979 @kindex show debug libthread-db
2980 @cindex debugging @code{libthread_db}
2981 @item set debug libthread-db
2982 @itemx show debug libthread-db
2983 Turns on or off display of @code{libthread_db}-related events.
2984 Use @code{1} to enable, @code{0} to disable.
2985 @end table
2986
2987 @node Forks
2988 @section Debugging Forks
2989
2990 @cindex fork, debugging programs which call
2991 @cindex multiple processes
2992 @cindex processes, multiple
2993 On most systems, @value{GDBN} has no special support for debugging
2994 programs which create additional processes using the @code{fork}
2995 function. When a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug the
2996 parent process and the child process will run unimpeded. If you have
2997 set a breakpoint in any code which the child then executes, the child
2998 will get a @code{SIGTRAP} signal which (unless it catches the signal)
2999 will cause it to terminate.
3000
3001 However, if you want to debug the child process there is a workaround
3002 which isn't too painful. Put a call to @code{sleep} in the code which
3003 the child process executes after the fork. It may be useful to sleep
3004 only if a certain environment variable is set, or a certain file exists,
3005 so that the delay need not occur when you don't want to run @value{GDBN}
3006 on the child. While the child is sleeping, use the @code{ps} program to
3007 get its process ID. Then tell @value{GDBN} (a new invocation of
3008 @value{GDBN} if you are also debugging the parent process) to attach to
3009 the child process (@pxref{Attach}). From that point on you can debug
3010 the child process just like any other process which you attached to.
3011
3012 On some systems, @value{GDBN} provides support for debugging programs that
3013 create additional processes using the @code{fork} or @code{vfork} functions.
3014 Currently, the only platforms with this feature are HP-UX (11.x and later
3015 only?) and @sc{gnu}/Linux (kernel version 2.5.60 and later).
3016
3017 By default, when a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug
3018 the parent process and the child process will run unimpeded.
3019
3020 If you want to follow the child process instead of the parent process,
3021 use the command @w{@code{set follow-fork-mode}}.
3022
3023 @table @code
3024 @kindex set follow-fork-mode
3025 @item set follow-fork-mode @var{mode}
3026 Set the debugger response to a program call of @code{fork} or
3027 @code{vfork}. A call to @code{fork} or @code{vfork} creates a new
3028 process. The @var{mode} argument can be:
3029
3030 @table @code
3031 @item parent
3032 The original process is debugged after a fork. The child process runs
3033 unimpeded. This is the default.
3034
3035 @item child
3036 The new process is debugged after a fork. The parent process runs
3037 unimpeded.
3038
3039 @end table
3040
3041 @kindex show follow-fork-mode
3042 @item show follow-fork-mode
3043 Display the current debugger response to a @code{fork} or @code{vfork} call.
3044 @end table
3045
3046 @cindex debugging multiple processes
3047 On Linux, if you want to debug both the parent and child processes, use the
3048 command @w{@code{set detach-on-fork}}.
3049
3050 @table @code
3051 @kindex set detach-on-fork
3052 @item set detach-on-fork @var{mode}
3053 Tells gdb whether to detach one of the processes after a fork, or
3054 retain debugger control over them both.
3055
3056 @table @code
3057 @item on
3058 The child process (or parent process, depending on the value of
3059 @code{follow-fork-mode}) will be detached and allowed to run
3060 independently. This is the default.
3061
3062 @item off
3063 Both processes will be held under the control of @value{GDBN}.
3064 One process (child or parent, depending on the value of
3065 @code{follow-fork-mode}) is debugged as usual, while the other
3066 is held suspended.
3067
3068 @end table
3069
3070 @kindex show detach-on-fork
3071 @item show detach-on-fork
3072 Show whether detach-on-fork mode is on/off.
3073 @end table
3074
3075 If you choose to set @samp{detach-on-fork} mode off, then @value{GDBN}
3076 will retain control of all forked processes (including nested forks).
3077 You can list the forked processes under the control of @value{GDBN} by
3078 using the @w{@code{info inferiors}} command, and switch from one fork
3079 to another by using the @code{inferior} command (@pxref{Inferiors and
3080 Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs}).
3081
3082 To quit debugging one of the forked processes, you can either detach
3083 from it by using the @w{@code{detach inferiors}} command (allowing it
3084 to run independently), or kill it using the @w{@code{kill inferiors}}
3085 command. @xref{Inferiors and Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors
3086 and Programs}.
3087
3088 If you ask to debug a child process and a @code{vfork} is followed by an
3089 @code{exec}, @value{GDBN} executes the new target up to the first
3090 breakpoint in the new target. If you have a breakpoint set on
3091 @code{main} in your original program, the breakpoint will also be set on
3092 the child process's @code{main}.
3093
3094 On some systems, when a child process is spawned by @code{vfork}, you
3095 cannot debug the child or parent until an @code{exec} call completes.
3096
3097 If you issue a @code{run} command to @value{GDBN} after an @code{exec}
3098 call executes, the new target restarts. To restart the parent
3099 process, use the @code{file} command with the parent executable name
3100 as its argument. By default, after an @code{exec} call executes,
3101 @value{GDBN} discards the symbols of the previous executable image.
3102 You can change this behaviour with the @w{@code{set follow-exec-mode}}
3103 command.
3104
3105 @table @code
3106 @kindex set follow-exec-mode
3107 @item set follow-exec-mode @var{mode}
3108
3109 Set debugger response to a program call of @code{exec}. An
3110 @code{exec} call replaces the program image of a process.
3111
3112 @code{follow-exec-mode} can be:
3113
3114 @table @code
3115 @item new
3116 @value{GDBN} creates a new inferior and rebinds the process to this
3117 new inferior. The program the process was running before the
3118 @code{exec} call can be restarted afterwards by restarting the
3119 original inferior.
3120
3121 For example:
3122
3123 @smallexample
3124 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3125 (gdb) info inferior
3126 Id Description Executable
3127 * 1 <null> prog1
3128 (@value{GDBP}) run
3129 process 12020 is executing new program: prog2
3130 Program exited normally.
3131 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3132 Id Description Executable
3133 * 2 <null> prog2
3134 1 <null> prog1
3135 @end smallexample
3136
3137 @item same
3138 @value{GDBN} keeps the process bound to the same inferior. The new
3139 executable image replaces the previous executable loaded in the
3140 inferior. Restarting the inferior after the @code{exec} call, with
3141 e.g., the @code{run} command, restarts the executable the process was
3142 running after the @code{exec} call. This is the default mode.
3143
3144 For example:
3145
3146 @smallexample
3147 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3148 Id Description Executable
3149 * 1 <null> prog1
3150 (@value{GDBP}) run
3151 process 12020 is executing new program: prog2
3152 Program exited normally.
3153 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3154 Id Description Executable
3155 * 1 <null> prog2
3156 @end smallexample
3157
3158 @end table
3159 @end table
3160
3161 You can use the @code{catch} command to make @value{GDBN} stop whenever
3162 a @code{fork}, @code{vfork}, or @code{exec} call is made. @xref{Set
3163 Catchpoints, ,Setting Catchpoints}.
3164
3165 @node Checkpoint/Restart
3166 @section Setting a @emph{Bookmark} to Return to Later
3167
3168 @cindex checkpoint
3169 @cindex restart
3170 @cindex bookmark
3171 @cindex snapshot of a process
3172 @cindex rewind program state
3173
3174 On certain operating systems@footnote{Currently, only
3175 @sc{gnu}/Linux.}, @value{GDBN} is able to save a @dfn{snapshot} of a
3176 program's state, called a @dfn{checkpoint}, and come back to it
3177 later.
3178
3179 Returning to a checkpoint effectively undoes everything that has
3180 happened in the program since the @code{checkpoint} was saved. This
3181 includes changes in memory, registers, and even (within some limits)
3182 system state. Effectively, it is like going back in time to the
3183 moment when the checkpoint was saved.
3184
3185 Thus, if you're stepping thru a program and you think you're
3186 getting close to the point where things go wrong, you can save
3187 a checkpoint. Then, if you accidentally go too far and miss
3188 the critical statement, instead of having to restart your program
3189 from the beginning, you can just go back to the checkpoint and
3190 start again from there.
3191
3192 This can be especially useful if it takes a lot of time or
3193 steps to reach the point where you think the bug occurs.
3194
3195 To use the @code{checkpoint}/@code{restart} method of debugging:
3196
3197 @table @code
3198 @kindex checkpoint
3199 @item checkpoint
3200 Save a snapshot of the debugged program's current execution state.
3201 The @code{checkpoint} command takes no arguments, but each checkpoint
3202 is assigned a small integer id, similar to a breakpoint id.
3203
3204 @kindex info checkpoints
3205 @item info checkpoints
3206 List the checkpoints that have been saved in the current debugging
3207 session. For each checkpoint, the following information will be
3208 listed:
3209
3210 @table @code
3211 @item Checkpoint ID
3212 @item Process ID
3213 @item Code Address
3214 @item Source line, or label
3215 @end table
3216
3217 @kindex restart @var{checkpoint-id}
3218 @item restart @var{checkpoint-id}
3219 Restore the program state that was saved as checkpoint number
3220 @var{checkpoint-id}. All program variables, registers, stack frames
3221 etc.@: will be returned to the values that they had when the checkpoint
3222 was saved. In essence, gdb will ``wind back the clock'' to the point
3223 in time when the checkpoint was saved.
3224
3225 Note that breakpoints, @value{GDBN} variables, command history etc.
3226 are not affected by restoring a checkpoint. In general, a checkpoint
3227 only restores things that reside in the program being debugged, not in
3228 the debugger.
3229
3230 @kindex delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
3231 @item delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
3232 Delete the previously-saved checkpoint identified by @var{checkpoint-id}.
3233
3234 @end table
3235
3236 Returning to a previously saved checkpoint will restore the user state
3237 of the program being debugged, plus a significant subset of the system
3238 (OS) state, including file pointers. It won't ``un-write'' data from
3239 a file, but it will rewind the file pointer to the previous location,
3240 so that the previously written data can be overwritten. For files
3241 opened in read mode, the pointer will also be restored so that the
3242 previously read data can be read again.
3243
3244 Of course, characters that have been sent to a printer (or other
3245 external device) cannot be ``snatched back'', and characters received
3246 from eg.@: a serial device can be removed from internal program buffers,
3247 but they cannot be ``pushed back'' into the serial pipeline, ready to
3248 be received again. Similarly, the actual contents of files that have
3249 been changed cannot be restored (at this time).
3250
3251 However, within those constraints, you actually can ``rewind'' your
3252 program to a previously saved point in time, and begin debugging it
3253 again --- and you can change the course of events so as to debug a
3254 different execution path this time.
3255
3256 @cindex checkpoints and process id
3257 Finally, there is one bit of internal program state that will be
3258 different when you return to a checkpoint --- the program's process
3259 id. Each checkpoint will have a unique process id (or @var{pid}),
3260 and each will be different from the program's original @var{pid}.
3261 If your program has saved a local copy of its process id, this could
3262 potentially pose a problem.
3263
3264 @subsection A Non-obvious Benefit of Using Checkpoints
3265
3266 On some systems such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, address space randomization
3267 is performed on new processes for security reasons. This makes it
3268 difficult or impossible to set a breakpoint, or watchpoint, on an
3269 absolute address if you have to restart the program, since the
3270 absolute location of a symbol will change from one execution to the
3271 next.
3272
3273 A checkpoint, however, is an @emph{identical} copy of a process.
3274 Therefore if you create a checkpoint at (eg.@:) the start of main,
3275 and simply return to that checkpoint instead of restarting the
3276 process, you can avoid the effects of address randomization and
3277 your symbols will all stay in the same place.
3278
3279 @node Stopping
3280 @chapter Stopping and Continuing
3281
3282 The principal purposes of using a debugger are so that you can stop your
3283 program before it terminates; or so that, if your program runs into
3284 trouble, you can investigate and find out why.
3285
3286 Inside @value{GDBN}, your program may stop for any of several reasons,
3287 such as a signal, a breakpoint, or reaching a new line after a
3288 @value{GDBN} command such as @code{step}. You may then examine and
3289 change variables, set new breakpoints or remove old ones, and then
3290 continue execution. Usually, the messages shown by @value{GDBN} provide
3291 ample explanation of the status of your program---but you can also
3292 explicitly request this information at any time.
3293
3294 @table @code
3295 @kindex info program
3296 @item info program
3297 Display information about the status of your program: whether it is
3298 running or not, what process it is, and why it stopped.
3299 @end table
3300
3301 @menu
3302 * Breakpoints:: Breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints
3303 * Continuing and Stepping:: Resuming execution
3304 * Skipping Over Functions and Files::
3305 Skipping over functions and files
3306 * Signals:: Signals
3307 * Thread Stops:: Stopping and starting multi-thread programs
3308 @end menu
3309
3310 @node Breakpoints
3311 @section Breakpoints, Watchpoints, and Catchpoints
3312
3313 @cindex breakpoints
3314 A @dfn{breakpoint} makes your program stop whenever a certain point in
3315 the program is reached. For each breakpoint, you can add conditions to
3316 control in finer detail whether your program stops. You can set
3317 breakpoints with the @code{break} command and its variants (@pxref{Set
3318 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}), to specify the place where your program
3319 should stop by line number, function name or exact address in the
3320 program.
3321
3322 On some systems, you can set breakpoints in shared libraries before
3323 the executable is run. There is a minor limitation on HP-UX systems:
3324 you must wait until the executable is run in order to set breakpoints
3325 in shared library routines that are not called directly by the program
3326 (for example, routines that are arguments in a @code{pthread_create}
3327 call).
3328
3329 @cindex watchpoints
3330 @cindex data breakpoints
3331 @cindex memory tracing
3332 @cindex breakpoint on memory address
3333 @cindex breakpoint on variable modification
3334 A @dfn{watchpoint} is a special breakpoint that stops your program
3335 when the value of an expression changes. The expression may be a value
3336 of a variable, or it could involve values of one or more variables
3337 combined by operators, such as @samp{a + b}. This is sometimes called
3338 @dfn{data breakpoints}. You must use a different command to set
3339 watchpoints (@pxref{Set Watchpoints, ,Setting Watchpoints}), but aside
3340 from that, you can manage a watchpoint like any other breakpoint: you
3341 enable, disable, and delete both breakpoints and watchpoints using the
3342 same commands.
3343
3344 You can arrange to have values from your program displayed automatically
3345 whenever @value{GDBN} stops at a breakpoint. @xref{Auto Display,,
3346 Automatic Display}.
3347
3348 @cindex catchpoints
3349 @cindex breakpoint on events
3350 A @dfn{catchpoint} is another special breakpoint that stops your program
3351 when a certain kind of event occurs, such as the throwing of a C@t{++}
3352 exception or the loading of a library. As with watchpoints, you use a
3353 different command to set a catchpoint (@pxref{Set Catchpoints, ,Setting
3354 Catchpoints}), but aside from that, you can manage a catchpoint like any
3355 other breakpoint. (To stop when your program receives a signal, use the
3356 @code{handle} command; see @ref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
3357
3358 @cindex breakpoint numbers
3359 @cindex numbers for breakpoints
3360 @value{GDBN} assigns a number to each breakpoint, watchpoint, or
3361 catchpoint when you create it; these numbers are successive integers
3362 starting with one. In many of the commands for controlling various
3363 features of breakpoints you use the breakpoint number to say which
3364 breakpoint you want to change. Each breakpoint may be @dfn{enabled} or
3365 @dfn{disabled}; if disabled, it has no effect on your program until you
3366 enable it again.
3367
3368 @cindex breakpoint ranges
3369 @cindex ranges of breakpoints
3370 Some @value{GDBN} commands accept a range of breakpoints on which to
3371 operate. A breakpoint range is either a single breakpoint number, like
3372 @samp{5}, or two such numbers, in increasing order, separated by a
3373 hyphen, like @samp{5-7}. When a breakpoint range is given to a command,
3374 all breakpoints in that range are operated on.
3375
3376 @menu
3377 * Set Breaks:: Setting breakpoints
3378 * Set Watchpoints:: Setting watchpoints
3379 * Set Catchpoints:: Setting catchpoints
3380 * Delete Breaks:: Deleting breakpoints
3381 * Disabling:: Disabling breakpoints
3382 * Conditions:: Break conditions
3383 * Break Commands:: Breakpoint command lists
3384 * Dynamic Printf:: Dynamic printf
3385 * Save Breakpoints:: How to save breakpoints in a file
3386 * Static Probe Points:: Listing static probe points
3387 * Error in Breakpoints:: ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
3388 * Breakpoint-related Warnings:: ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
3389 @end menu
3390
3391 @node Set Breaks
3392 @subsection Setting Breakpoints
3393
3394 @c FIXME LMB what does GDB do if no code on line of breakpt?
3395 @c consider in particular declaration with/without initialization.
3396 @c
3397 @c FIXME 2 is there stuff on this already? break at fun start, already init?
3398
3399 @kindex break
3400 @kindex b @r{(@code{break})}
3401 @vindex $bpnum@r{, convenience variable}
3402 @cindex latest breakpoint
3403 Breakpoints are set with the @code{break} command (abbreviated
3404 @code{b}). The debugger convenience variable @samp{$bpnum} records the
3405 number of the breakpoint you've set most recently; see @ref{Convenience
3406 Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for a discussion of what you can do with
3407 convenience variables.
3408
3409 @table @code
3410 @item break @var{location}
3411 Set a breakpoint at the given @var{location}, which can specify a
3412 function name, a line number, or an address of an instruction.
3413 (@xref{Specify Location}, for a list of all the possible ways to
3414 specify a @var{location}.) The breakpoint will stop your program just
3415 before it executes any of the code in the specified @var{location}.
3416
3417 When using source languages that permit overloading of symbols, such as
3418 C@t{++}, a function name may refer to more than one possible place to break.
3419 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}, for a discussion of
3420 that situation.
3421
3422 It is also possible to insert a breakpoint that will stop the program
3423 only if a specific thread (@pxref{Thread-Specific Breakpoints})
3424 or a specific task (@pxref{Ada Tasks}) hits that breakpoint.
3425
3426 @item break
3427 When called without any arguments, @code{break} sets a breakpoint at
3428 the next instruction to be executed in the selected stack frame
3429 (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the Stack}). In any selected frame but the
3430 innermost, this makes your program stop as soon as control
3431 returns to that frame. This is similar to the effect of a
3432 @code{finish} command in the frame inside the selected frame---except
3433 that @code{finish} does not leave an active breakpoint. If you use
3434 @code{break} without an argument in the innermost frame, @value{GDBN} stops
3435 the next time it reaches the current location; this may be useful
3436 inside loops.
3437
3438 @value{GDBN} normally ignores breakpoints when it resumes execution, until at
3439 least one instruction has been executed. If it did not do this, you
3440 would be unable to proceed past a breakpoint without first disabling the
3441 breakpoint. This rule applies whether or not the breakpoint already
3442 existed when your program stopped.
3443
3444 @item break @dots{} if @var{cond}
3445 Set a breakpoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
3446 @var{cond} each time the breakpoint is reached, and stop only if the
3447 value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
3448 @samp{@dots{}} stands for one of the possible arguments described
3449 above (or no argument) specifying where to break. @xref{Conditions,
3450 ,Break Conditions}, for more information on breakpoint conditions.
3451
3452 @kindex tbreak
3453 @item tbreak @var{args}
3454 Set a breakpoint enabled only for one stop. @var{args} are the
3455 same as for the @code{break} command, and the breakpoint is set in the same
3456 way, but the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the first time your
3457 program stops there. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3458
3459 @kindex hbreak
3460 @cindex hardware breakpoints
3461 @item hbreak @var{args}
3462 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint. @var{args} are the same as for the
3463 @code{break} command and the breakpoint is set in the same way, but the
3464 breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware may not
3465 have this support. The main purpose of this is EPROM/ROM code
3466 debugging, so you can set a breakpoint at an instruction without
3467 changing the instruction. This can be used with the new trap-generation
3468 provided by SPARClite DSU and most x86-based targets. These targets
3469 will generate traps when a program accesses some data or instruction
3470 address that is assigned to the debug registers. However the hardware
3471 breakpoint registers can take a limited number of breakpoints. For
3472 example, on the DSU, only two data breakpoints can be set at a time, and
3473 @value{GDBN} will reject this command if more than two are used. Delete
3474 or disable unused hardware breakpoints before setting new ones
3475 (@pxref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}).
3476 @xref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3477 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
3478 breakpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
3479 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
3480
3481 @kindex thbreak
3482 @item thbreak @var{args}
3483 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint enabled only for one stop. @var{args}
3484 are the same as for the @code{hbreak} command and the breakpoint is set in
3485 the same way. However, like the @code{tbreak} command,
3486 the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the
3487 first time your program stops there. Also, like the @code{hbreak}
3488 command, the breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware
3489 may not have this support. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3490 See also @ref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3491
3492 @kindex rbreak
3493 @cindex regular expression
3494 @cindex breakpoints at functions matching a regexp
3495 @cindex set breakpoints in many functions
3496 @item rbreak @var{regex}
3497 Set breakpoints on all functions matching the regular expression
3498 @var{regex}. This command sets an unconditional breakpoint on all
3499 matches, printing a list of all breakpoints it set. Once these
3500 breakpoints are set, they are treated just like the breakpoints set with
3501 the @code{break} command. You can delete them, disable them, or make
3502 them conditional the same way as any other breakpoint.
3503
3504 The syntax of the regular expression is the standard one used with tools
3505 like @file{grep}. Note that this is different from the syntax used by
3506 shells, so for instance @code{foo*} matches all functions that include
3507 an @code{fo} followed by zero or more @code{o}s. There is an implicit
3508 @code{.*} leading and trailing the regular expression you supply, so to
3509 match only functions that begin with @code{foo}, use @code{^foo}.
3510
3511 @cindex non-member C@t{++} functions, set breakpoint in
3512 When debugging C@t{++} programs, @code{rbreak} is useful for setting
3513 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
3514 classes.
3515
3516 @cindex set breakpoints on all functions
3517 The @code{rbreak} command can be used to set breakpoints in
3518 @strong{all} the functions in a program, like this:
3519
3520 @smallexample
3521 (@value{GDBP}) rbreak .
3522 @end smallexample
3523
3524 @item rbreak @var{file}:@var{regex}
3525 If @code{rbreak} is called with a filename qualification, it limits
3526 the search for functions matching the given regular expression to the
3527 specified @var{file}. This can be used, for example, to set breakpoints on
3528 every function in a given file:
3529
3530 @smallexample
3531 (@value{GDBP}) rbreak file.c:.
3532 @end smallexample
3533
3534 The colon separating the filename qualifier from the regex may
3535 optionally be surrounded by spaces.
3536
3537 @kindex info breakpoints
3538 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info breakpoints}
3539 @item info breakpoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
3540 @itemx info break @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
3541 Print a table of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints set and
3542 not deleted. Optional argument @var{n} means print information only
3543 about the specified breakpoint(s) (or watchpoint(s) or catchpoint(s)).
3544 For each breakpoint, following columns are printed:
3545
3546 @table @emph
3547 @item Breakpoint Numbers
3548 @item Type
3549 Breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint.
3550 @item Disposition
3551 Whether the breakpoint is marked to be disabled or deleted when hit.
3552 @item Enabled or Disabled
3553 Enabled breakpoints are marked with @samp{y}. @samp{n} marks breakpoints
3554 that are not enabled.
3555 @item Address
3556 Where the breakpoint is in your program, as a memory address. For a
3557 pending breakpoint whose address is not yet known, this field will
3558 contain @samp{<PENDING>}. Such breakpoint won't fire until a shared
3559 library that has the symbol or line referred by breakpoint is loaded.
3560 See below for details. A breakpoint with several locations will
3561 have @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in this field---see below for details.
3562 @item What
3563 Where the breakpoint is in the source for your program, as a file and
3564 line number. For a pending breakpoint, the original string passed to
3565 the breakpoint command will be listed as it cannot be resolved until
3566 the appropriate shared library is loaded in the future.
3567 @end table
3568
3569 @noindent
3570 If a breakpoint is conditional, there are two evaluation modes: ``host'' and
3571 ``target''. If mode is ``host'', breakpoint condition evaluation is done by
3572 @value{GDBN} on the host's side. If it is ``target'', then the condition
3573 is evaluated by the target. The @code{info break} command shows
3574 the condition on the line following the affected breakpoint, together with
3575 its condition evaluation mode in between parentheses.
3576
3577 Breakpoint commands, if any, are listed after that. A pending breakpoint is
3578 allowed to have a condition specified for it. The condition is not parsed for
3579 validity until a shared library is loaded that allows the pending
3580 breakpoint to resolve to a valid location.
3581
3582 @noindent
3583 @code{info break} with a breakpoint
3584 number @var{n} as argument lists only that breakpoint. The
3585 convenience variable @code{$_} and the default examining-address for
3586 the @code{x} command are set to the address of the last breakpoint
3587 listed (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}).
3588
3589 @noindent
3590 @code{info break} displays a count of the number of times the breakpoint
3591 has been hit. This is especially useful in conjunction with the
3592 @code{ignore} command. You can ignore a large number of breakpoint
3593 hits, look at the breakpoint info to see how many times the breakpoint
3594 was hit, and then run again, ignoring one less than that number. This
3595 will get you quickly to the last hit of that breakpoint.
3596
3597 @noindent
3598 For a breakpoints with an enable count (xref) greater than 1,
3599 @code{info break} also displays that count.
3600
3601 @end table
3602
3603 @value{GDBN} allows you to set any number of breakpoints at the same place in
3604 your program. There is nothing silly or meaningless about this. When
3605 the breakpoints are conditional, this is even useful
3606 (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
3607
3608 @cindex multiple locations, breakpoints
3609 @cindex breakpoints, multiple locations
3610 It is possible that a breakpoint corresponds to several locations
3611 in your program. Examples of this situation are:
3612
3613 @itemize @bullet
3614 @item
3615 Multiple functions in the program may have the same name.
3616
3617 @item
3618 For a C@t{++} constructor, the @value{NGCC} compiler generates several
3619 instances of the function body, used in different cases.
3620
3621 @item
3622 For a C@t{++} template function, a given line in the function can
3623 correspond to any number of instantiations.
3624
3625 @item
3626 For an inlined function, a given source line can correspond to
3627 several places where that function is inlined.
3628 @end itemize
3629
3630 In all those cases, @value{GDBN} will insert a breakpoint at all
3631 the relevant locations.
3632
3633 A breakpoint with multiple locations is displayed in the breakpoint
3634 table using several rows---one header row, followed by one row for
3635 each breakpoint location. The header row has @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in the
3636 address column. The rows for individual locations contain the actual
3637 addresses for locations, and show the functions to which those
3638 locations belong. The number column for a location is of the form
3639 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number}.
3640
3641 For example:
3642
3643 @smallexample
3644 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
3645 1 breakpoint keep y <MULTIPLE>
3646 stop only if i==1
3647 breakpoint already hit 1 time
3648 1.1 y 0x080486a2 in void foo<int>() at t.cc:8
3649 1.2 y 0x080486ca in void foo<double>() at t.cc:8
3650 @end smallexample
3651
3652 Each location can be individually enabled or disabled by passing
3653 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number} as argument to the
3654 @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands. Note that you cannot
3655 delete the individual locations from the list, you can only delete the
3656 entire list of locations that belong to their parent breakpoint (with
3657 the @kbd{delete @var{num}} command, where @var{num} is the number of
3658 the parent breakpoint, 1 in the above example). Disabling or enabling
3659 the parent breakpoint (@pxref{Disabling}) affects all of the locations
3660 that belong to that breakpoint.
3661
3662 @cindex pending breakpoints
3663 It's quite common to have a breakpoint inside a shared library.
3664 Shared libraries can be loaded and unloaded explicitly,
3665 and possibly repeatedly, as the program is executed. To support
3666 this use case, @value{GDBN} updates breakpoint locations whenever
3667 any shared library is loaded or unloaded. Typically, you would
3668 set a breakpoint in a shared library at the beginning of your
3669 debugging session, when the library is not loaded, and when the
3670 symbols from the library are not available. When you try to set
3671 breakpoint, @value{GDBN} will ask you if you want to set
3672 a so called @dfn{pending breakpoint}---breakpoint whose address
3673 is not yet resolved.
3674
3675 After the program is run, whenever a new shared library is loaded,
3676 @value{GDBN} reevaluates all the breakpoints. When a newly loaded
3677 shared library contains the symbol or line referred to by some
3678 pending breakpoint, that breakpoint is resolved and becomes an
3679 ordinary breakpoint. When a library is unloaded, all breakpoints
3680 that refer to its symbols or source lines become pending again.
3681
3682 This logic works for breakpoints with multiple locations, too. For
3683 example, if you have a breakpoint in a C@t{++} template function, and
3684 a newly loaded shared library has an instantiation of that template,
3685 a new location is added to the list of locations for the breakpoint.
3686
3687 Except for having unresolved address, pending breakpoints do not
3688 differ from regular breakpoints. You can set conditions or commands,
3689 enable and disable them and perform other breakpoint operations.
3690
3691 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling what
3692 happens when the @samp{break} command cannot resolve breakpoint
3693 address specification to an address:
3694
3695 @kindex set breakpoint pending
3696 @kindex show breakpoint pending
3697 @table @code
3698 @item set breakpoint pending auto
3699 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} cannot find the breakpoint
3700 location, it queries you whether a pending breakpoint should be created.
3701
3702 @item set breakpoint pending on
3703 This indicates that an unrecognized breakpoint location should automatically
3704 result in a pending breakpoint being created.
3705
3706 @item set breakpoint pending off
3707 This indicates that pending breakpoints are not to be created. Any
3708 unrecognized breakpoint location results in an error. This setting does
3709 not affect any pending breakpoints previously created.
3710
3711 @item show breakpoint pending
3712 Show the current behavior setting for creating pending breakpoints.
3713 @end table
3714
3715 The settings above only affect the @code{break} command and its
3716 variants. Once breakpoint is set, it will be automatically updated
3717 as shared libraries are loaded and unloaded.
3718
3719 @cindex automatic hardware breakpoints
3720 For some targets, @value{GDBN} can automatically decide if hardware or
3721 software breakpoints should be used, depending on whether the
3722 breakpoint address is read-only or read-write. This applies to
3723 breakpoints set with the @code{break} command as well as to internal
3724 breakpoints set by commands like @code{next} and @code{finish}. For
3725 breakpoints set with @code{hbreak}, @value{GDBN} will always use hardware
3726 breakpoints.
3727
3728 You can control this automatic behaviour with the following commands::
3729
3730 @kindex set breakpoint auto-hw
3731 @kindex show breakpoint auto-hw
3732 @table @code
3733 @item set breakpoint auto-hw on
3734 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} sets a breakpoint, it
3735 will try to use the target memory map to decide if software or hardware
3736 breakpoint must be used.
3737
3738 @item set breakpoint auto-hw off
3739 This indicates @value{GDBN} should not automatically select breakpoint
3740 type. If the target provides a memory map, @value{GDBN} will warn when
3741 trying to set software breakpoint at a read-only address.
3742 @end table
3743
3744 @value{GDBN} normally implements breakpoints by replacing the program code
3745 at the breakpoint address with a special instruction, which, when
3746 executed, given control to the debugger. By default, the program
3747 code is so modified only when the program is resumed. As soon as
3748 the program stops, @value{GDBN} restores the original instructions. This
3749 behaviour guards against leaving breakpoints inserted in the
3750 target should gdb abrubptly disconnect. However, with slow remote
3751 targets, inserting and removing breakpoint can reduce the performance.
3752 This behavior can be controlled with the following commands::
3753
3754 @kindex set breakpoint always-inserted
3755 @kindex show breakpoint always-inserted
3756 @table @code
3757 @item set breakpoint always-inserted off
3758 All breakpoints, including newly added by the user, are inserted in
3759 the target only when the target is resumed. All breakpoints are
3760 removed from the target when it stops.
3761
3762 @item set breakpoint always-inserted on
3763 Causes all breakpoints to be inserted in the target at all times. If
3764 the user adds a new breakpoint, or changes an existing breakpoint, the
3765 breakpoints in the target are updated immediately. A breakpoint is
3766 removed from the target only when breakpoint itself is removed.
3767
3768 @cindex non-stop mode, and @code{breakpoint always-inserted}
3769 @item set breakpoint always-inserted auto
3770 This is the default mode. If @value{GDBN} is controlling the inferior
3771 in non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}), gdb behaves as if
3772 @code{breakpoint always-inserted} mode is on. If @value{GDBN} is
3773 controlling the inferior in all-stop mode, @value{GDBN} behaves as if
3774 @code{breakpoint always-inserted} mode is off.
3775 @end table
3776
3777 @value{GDBN} handles conditional breakpoints by evaluating these conditions
3778 when a breakpoint breaks. If the condition is true, then the process being
3779 debugged stops, otherwise the process is resumed.
3780
3781 If the target supports evaluating conditions on its end, @value{GDBN} may
3782 download the breakpoint, together with its conditions, to it.
3783
3784 This feature can be controlled via the following commands:
3785
3786 @kindex set breakpoint condition-evaluation
3787 @kindex show breakpoint condition-evaluation
3788 @table @code
3789 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation host
3790 This option commands @value{GDBN} to evaluate the breakpoint
3791 conditions on the host's side. Unconditional breakpoints are sent to
3792 the target which in turn receives the triggers and reports them back to GDB
3793 for condition evaluation. This is the standard evaluation mode.
3794
3795 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation target
3796 This option commands @value{GDBN} to download breakpoint conditions
3797 to the target at the moment of their insertion. The target
3798 is responsible for evaluating the conditional expression and reporting
3799 breakpoint stop events back to @value{GDBN} whenever the condition
3800 is true. Due to limitations of target-side evaluation, some conditions
3801 cannot be evaluated there, e.g., conditions that depend on local data
3802 that is only known to the host. Examples include
3803 conditional expressions involving convenience variables, complex types
3804 that cannot be handled by the agent expression parser and expressions
3805 that are too long to be sent over to the target, specially when the
3806 target is a remote system. In these cases, the conditions will be
3807 evaluated by @value{GDBN}.
3808
3809 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation auto
3810 This is the default mode. If the target supports evaluating breakpoint
3811 conditions on its end, @value{GDBN} will download breakpoint conditions to
3812 the target (limitations mentioned previously apply). If the target does
3813 not support breakpoint condition evaluation, then @value{GDBN} will fallback
3814 to evaluating all these conditions on the host's side.
3815 @end table
3816
3817
3818 @cindex negative breakpoint numbers
3819 @cindex internal @value{GDBN} breakpoints
3820 @value{GDBN} itself sometimes sets breakpoints in your program for
3821 special purposes, such as proper handling of @code{longjmp} (in C
3822 programs). These internal breakpoints are assigned negative numbers,
3823 starting with @code{-1}; @samp{info breakpoints} does not display them.
3824 You can see these breakpoints with the @value{GDBN} maintenance command
3825 @samp{maint info breakpoints} (@pxref{maint info breakpoints}).
3826
3827
3828 @node Set Watchpoints
3829 @subsection Setting Watchpoints
3830
3831 @cindex setting watchpoints
3832 You can use a watchpoint to stop execution whenever the value of an
3833 expression changes, without having to predict a particular place where
3834 this may happen. (This is sometimes called a @dfn{data breakpoint}.)
3835 The expression may be as simple as the value of a single variable, or
3836 as complex as many variables combined by operators. Examples include:
3837
3838 @itemize @bullet
3839 @item
3840 A reference to the value of a single variable.
3841
3842 @item
3843 An address cast to an appropriate data type. For example,
3844 @samp{*(int *)0x12345678} will watch a 4-byte region at the specified
3845 address (assuming an @code{int} occupies 4 bytes).
3846
3847 @item
3848 An arbitrarily complex expression, such as @samp{a*b + c/d}. The
3849 expression can use any operators valid in the program's native
3850 language (@pxref{Languages}).
3851 @end itemize
3852
3853 You can set a watchpoint on an expression even if the expression can
3854 not be evaluated yet. For instance, you can set a watchpoint on
3855 @samp{*global_ptr} before @samp{global_ptr} is initialized.
3856 @value{GDBN} will stop when your program sets @samp{global_ptr} and
3857 the expression produces a valid value. If the expression becomes
3858 valid in some other way than changing a variable (e.g.@: if the memory
3859 pointed to by @samp{*global_ptr} becomes readable as the result of a
3860 @code{malloc} call), @value{GDBN} may not stop until the next time
3861 the expression changes.
3862
3863 @cindex software watchpoints
3864 @cindex hardware watchpoints
3865 Depending on your system, watchpoints may be implemented in software or
3866 hardware. @value{GDBN} does software watchpointing by single-stepping your
3867 program and testing the variable's value each time, which is hundreds of
3868 times slower than normal execution. (But this may still be worth it, to
3869 catch errors where you have no clue what part of your program is the
3870 culprit.)
3871
3872 On some systems, such as HP-UX, PowerPC, @sc{gnu}/Linux and most other
3873 x86-based targets, @value{GDBN} includes support for hardware
3874 watchpoints, which do not slow down the running of your program.
3875
3876 @table @code
3877 @kindex watch
3878 @item watch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
3879 Set a watchpoint for an expression. @value{GDBN} will break when the
3880 expression @var{expr} is written into by the program and its value
3881 changes. The simplest (and the most popular) use of this command is
3882 to watch the value of a single variable:
3883
3884 @smallexample
3885 (@value{GDBP}) watch foo
3886 @end smallexample
3887
3888 If the command includes a @code{@r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}}
3889 argument, @value{GDBN} breaks only when the thread identified by
3890 @var{threadnum} changes the value of @var{expr}. If any other threads
3891 change the value of @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} will not break. Note
3892 that watchpoints restricted to a single thread in this way only work
3893 with Hardware Watchpoints.
3894
3895 Ordinarily a watchpoint respects the scope of variables in @var{expr}
3896 (see below). The @code{-location} argument tells @value{GDBN} to
3897 instead watch the memory referred to by @var{expr}. In this case,
3898 @value{GDBN} will evaluate @var{expr}, take the address of the result,
3899 and watch the memory at that address. The type of the result is used
3900 to determine the size of the watched memory. If the expression's
3901 result does not have an address, then @value{GDBN} will print an
3902 error.
3903
3904 The @code{@r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}} argument allows creation
3905 of masked watchpoints, if the current architecture supports this
3906 feature (e.g., PowerPC Embedded architecture, see @ref{PowerPC
3907 Embedded}.) A @dfn{masked watchpoint} specifies a mask in addition
3908 to an address to watch. The mask specifies that some bits of an address
3909 (the bits which are reset in the mask) should be ignored when matching
3910 the address accessed by the inferior against the watchpoint address.
3911 Thus, a masked watchpoint watches many addresses simultaneously---those
3912 addresses whose unmasked bits are identical to the unmasked bits in the
3913 watchpoint address. The @code{mask} argument implies @code{-location}.
3914 Examples:
3915
3916 @smallexample
3917 (@value{GDBP}) watch foo mask 0xffff00ff
3918 (@value{GDBP}) watch *0xdeadbeef mask 0xffffff00
3919 @end smallexample
3920
3921 @kindex rwatch
3922 @item rwatch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
3923 Set a watchpoint that will break when the value of @var{expr} is read
3924 by the program.
3925
3926 @kindex awatch
3927 @item awatch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
3928 Set a watchpoint that will break when @var{expr} is either read from
3929 or written into by the program.
3930
3931 @kindex info watchpoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
3932 @item info watchpoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
3933 This command prints a list of watchpoints, using the same format as
3934 @code{info break} (@pxref{Set Breaks}).
3935 @end table
3936
3937 If you watch for a change in a numerically entered address you need to
3938 dereference it, as the address itself is just a constant number which will
3939 never change. @value{GDBN} refuses to create a watchpoint that watches
3940 a never-changing value:
3941
3942 @smallexample
3943 (@value{GDBP}) watch 0x600850
3944 Cannot watch constant value 0x600850.
3945 (@value{GDBP}) watch *(int *) 0x600850
3946 Watchpoint 1: *(int *) 6293584
3947 @end smallexample
3948
3949 @value{GDBN} sets a @dfn{hardware watchpoint} if possible. Hardware
3950 watchpoints execute very quickly, and the debugger reports a change in
3951 value at the exact instruction where the change occurs. If @value{GDBN}
3952 cannot set a hardware watchpoint, it sets a software watchpoint, which
3953 executes more slowly and reports the change in value at the next
3954 @emph{statement}, not the instruction, after the change occurs.
3955
3956 @cindex use only software watchpoints
3957 You can force @value{GDBN} to use only software watchpoints with the
3958 @kbd{set can-use-hw-watchpoints 0} command. With this variable set to
3959 zero, @value{GDBN} will never try to use hardware watchpoints, even if
3960 the underlying system supports them. (Note that hardware-assisted
3961 watchpoints that were set @emph{before} setting
3962 @code{can-use-hw-watchpoints} to zero will still use the hardware
3963 mechanism of watching expression values.)
3964
3965 @table @code
3966 @item set can-use-hw-watchpoints
3967 @kindex set can-use-hw-watchpoints
3968 Set whether or not to use hardware watchpoints.
3969
3970 @item show can-use-hw-watchpoints
3971 @kindex show can-use-hw-watchpoints
3972 Show the current mode of using hardware watchpoints.
3973 @end table
3974
3975 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
3976 watchpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
3977 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
3978
3979 When you issue the @code{watch} command, @value{GDBN} reports
3980
3981 @smallexample
3982 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: @var{expr}
3983 @end smallexample
3984
3985 @noindent
3986 if it was able to set a hardware watchpoint.
3987
3988 Currently, the @code{awatch} and @code{rwatch} commands can only set
3989 hardware watchpoints, because accesses to data that don't change the
3990 value of the watched expression cannot be detected without examining
3991 every instruction as it is being executed, and @value{GDBN} does not do
3992 that currently. If @value{GDBN} finds that it is unable to set a
3993 hardware breakpoint with the @code{awatch} or @code{rwatch} command, it
3994 will print a message like this:
3995
3996 @smallexample
3997 Expression cannot be implemented with read/access watchpoint.
3998 @end smallexample
3999
4000 Sometimes, @value{GDBN} cannot set a hardware watchpoint because the
4001 data type of the watched expression is wider than what a hardware
4002 watchpoint on the target machine can handle. For example, some systems
4003 can only watch regions that are up to 4 bytes wide; on such systems you
4004 cannot set hardware watchpoints for an expression that yields a
4005 double-precision floating-point number (which is typically 8 bytes
4006 wide). As a work-around, it might be possible to break the large region
4007 into a series of smaller ones and watch them with separate watchpoints.
4008
4009 If you set too many hardware watchpoints, @value{GDBN} might be unable
4010 to insert all of them when you resume the execution of your program.
4011 Since the precise number of active watchpoints is unknown until such
4012 time as the program is about to be resumed, @value{GDBN} might not be
4013 able to warn you about this when you set the watchpoints, and the
4014 warning will be printed only when the program is resumed:
4015
4016 @smallexample
4017 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: Could not insert watchpoint
4018 @end smallexample
4019
4020 @noindent
4021 If this happens, delete or disable some of the watchpoints.
4022
4023 Watching complex expressions that reference many variables can also
4024 exhaust the resources available for hardware-assisted watchpoints.
4025 That's because @value{GDBN} needs to watch every variable in the
4026 expression with separately allocated resources.
4027
4028 If you call a function interactively using @code{print} or @code{call},
4029 any watchpoints you have set will be inactive until @value{GDBN} reaches another
4030 kind of breakpoint or the call completes.
4031
4032 @value{GDBN} automatically deletes watchpoints that watch local
4033 (automatic) variables, or expressions that involve such variables, when
4034 they go out of scope, that is, when the execution leaves the block in
4035 which these variables were defined. In particular, when the program
4036 being debugged terminates, @emph{all} local variables go out of scope,
4037 and so only watchpoints that watch global variables remain set. If you
4038 rerun the program, you will need to set all such watchpoints again. One
4039 way of doing that would be to set a code breakpoint at the entry to the
4040 @code{main} function and when it breaks, set all the watchpoints.
4041
4042 @cindex watchpoints and threads
4043 @cindex threads and watchpoints
4044 In multi-threaded programs, watchpoints will detect changes to the
4045 watched expression from every thread.
4046
4047 @quotation
4048 @emph{Warning:} In multi-threaded programs, software watchpoints
4049 have only limited usefulness. If @value{GDBN} creates a software
4050 watchpoint, it can only watch the value of an expression @emph{in a
4051 single thread}. If you are confident that the expression can only
4052 change due to the current thread's activity (and if you are also
4053 confident that no other thread can become current), then you can use
4054 software watchpoints as usual. However, @value{GDBN} may not notice
4055 when a non-current thread's activity changes the expression. (Hardware
4056 watchpoints, in contrast, watch an expression in all threads.)
4057 @end quotation
4058
4059 @xref{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}.
4060
4061 @node Set Catchpoints
4062 @subsection Setting Catchpoints
4063 @cindex catchpoints, setting
4064 @cindex exception handlers
4065 @cindex event handling
4066
4067 You can use @dfn{catchpoints} to cause the debugger to stop for certain
4068 kinds of program events, such as C@t{++} exceptions or the loading of a
4069 shared library. Use the @code{catch} command to set a catchpoint.
4070
4071 @table @code
4072 @kindex catch
4073 @item catch @var{event}
4074 Stop when @var{event} occurs. @var{event} can be any of the following:
4075
4076 @table @code
4077 @item throw @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
4078 @itemx rethrow @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
4079 @itemx catch @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
4080 @cindex stop on C@t{++} exceptions
4081 The throwing, re-throwing, or catching of a C@t{++} exception.
4082
4083 If @var{regexp} is given, then only exceptions whose type matches the
4084 regular expression will be caught.
4085
4086 @vindex $_exception@r{, convenience variable}
4087 The convenience variable @code{$_exception} is available at an
4088 exception-related catchpoint, on some systems. This holds the
4089 exception being thrown.
4090
4091 There are currently some limitations to C@t{++} exception handling in
4092 @value{GDBN}:
4093
4094 @itemize @bullet
4095 @item
4096 The support for these commands is system-dependent. Currently, only
4097 systems using the @samp{gnu-v3} C@t{++} ABI (@pxref{ABI}) are
4098 supported.
4099
4100 @item
4101 The regular expression feature and the @code{$_exception} convenience
4102 variable rely on the presence of some SDT probes in @code{libstdc++}.
4103 If these probes are not present, then these features cannot be used.
4104 These probes were first available in the GCC 4.8 release, but whether
4105 or not they are available in your GCC also depends on how it was
4106 built.
4107
4108 @item
4109 The @code{$_exception} convenience variable is only valid at the
4110 instruction at which an exception-related catchpoint is set.
4111
4112 @item
4113 When an exception-related catchpoint is hit, @value{GDBN} stops at a
4114 location in the system library which implements runtime exception
4115 support for C@t{++}, usually @code{libstdc++}. You can use @code{up}
4116 (@pxref{Selection}) to get to your code.
4117
4118 @item
4119 If you call a function interactively, @value{GDBN} normally returns
4120 control to you when the function has finished executing. If the call
4121 raises an exception, however, the call may bypass the mechanism that
4122 returns control to you and cause your program either to abort or to
4123 simply continue running until it hits a breakpoint, catches a signal
4124 that @value{GDBN} is listening for, or exits. This is the case even if
4125 you set a catchpoint for the exception; catchpoints on exceptions are
4126 disabled within interactive calls. @xref{Calling}, for information on
4127 controlling this with @code{set unwind-on-terminating-exception}.
4128
4129 @item
4130 You cannot raise an exception interactively.
4131
4132 @item
4133 You cannot install an exception handler interactively.
4134 @end itemize
4135
4136 @item exception
4137 @cindex Ada exception catching
4138 @cindex catch Ada exceptions
4139 An Ada exception being raised. If an exception name is specified
4140 at the end of the command (eg @code{catch exception Program_Error}),
4141 the debugger will stop only when this specific exception is raised.
4142 Otherwise, the debugger stops execution when any Ada exception is raised.
4143
4144 When inserting an exception catchpoint on a user-defined exception whose
4145 name is identical to one of the exceptions defined by the language, the
4146 fully qualified name must be used as the exception name. Otherwise,
4147 @value{GDBN} will assume that it should stop on the pre-defined exception
4148 rather than the user-defined one. For instance, assuming an exception
4149 called @code{Constraint_Error} is defined in package @code{Pck}, then
4150 the command to use to catch such exceptions is @kbd{catch exception
4151 Pck.Constraint_Error}.
4152
4153 @item exception unhandled
4154 An exception that was raised but is not handled by the program.
4155
4156 @item assert
4157 A failed Ada assertion.
4158
4159 @item exec
4160 @cindex break on fork/exec
4161 A call to @code{exec}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
4162 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
4163
4164 @item syscall
4165 @itemx syscall @r{[}@var{name} @r{|} @var{number}@r{]} @dots{}
4166 @cindex break on a system call.
4167 A call to or return from a system call, a.k.a.@: @dfn{syscall}. A
4168 syscall is a mechanism for application programs to request a service
4169 from the operating system (OS) or one of the OS system services.
4170 @value{GDBN} can catch some or all of the syscalls issued by the
4171 debuggee, and show the related information for each syscall. If no
4172 argument is specified, calls to and returns from all system calls
4173 will be caught.
4174
4175 @var{name} can be any system call name that is valid for the
4176 underlying OS. Just what syscalls are valid depends on the OS. On
4177 GNU and Unix systems, you can find the full list of valid syscall
4178 names on @file{/usr/include/asm/unistd.h}.
4179
4180 @c For MS-Windows, the syscall names and the corresponding numbers
4181 @c can be found, e.g., on this URL:
4182 @c http://www.metasploit.com/users/opcode/syscalls.html
4183 @c but we don't support Windows syscalls yet.
4184
4185 Normally, @value{GDBN} knows in advance which syscalls are valid for
4186 each OS, so you can use the @value{GDBN} command-line completion
4187 facilities (@pxref{Completion,, command completion}) to list the
4188 available choices.
4189
4190 You may also specify the system call numerically. A syscall's
4191 number is the value passed to the OS's syscall dispatcher to
4192 identify the requested service. When you specify the syscall by its
4193 name, @value{GDBN} uses its database of syscalls to convert the name
4194 into the corresponding numeric code, but using the number directly
4195 may be useful if @value{GDBN}'s database does not have the complete
4196 list of syscalls on your system (e.g., because @value{GDBN} lags
4197 behind the OS upgrades).
4198
4199 The example below illustrates how this command works if you don't provide
4200 arguments to it:
4201
4202 @smallexample
4203 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall
4204 Catchpoint 1 (syscall)
4205 (@value{GDBP}) r
4206 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4207
4208 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'close'), \
4209 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4210 (@value{GDBP}) c
4211 Continuing.
4212
4213 Catchpoint 1 (returned from syscall 'close'), \
4214 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4215 (@value{GDBP})
4216 @end smallexample
4217
4218 Here is an example of catching a system call by name:
4219
4220 @smallexample
4221 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall chroot
4222 Catchpoint 1 (syscall 'chroot' [61])
4223 (@value{GDBP}) r
4224 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4225
4226 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'chroot'), \
4227 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4228 (@value{GDBP}) c
4229 Continuing.
4230
4231 Catchpoint 1 (returned from syscall 'chroot'), \
4232 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4233 (@value{GDBP})
4234 @end smallexample
4235
4236 An example of specifying a system call numerically. In the case
4237 below, the syscall number has a corresponding entry in the XML
4238 file, so @value{GDBN} finds its name and prints it:
4239
4240 @smallexample
4241 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 252
4242 Catchpoint 1 (syscall(s) 'exit_group')
4243 (@value{GDBP}) r
4244 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4245
4246 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'exit_group'), \
4247 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4248 (@value{GDBP}) c
4249 Continuing.
4250
4251 Program exited normally.
4252 (@value{GDBP})
4253 @end smallexample
4254
4255 However, there can be situations when there is no corresponding name
4256 in XML file for that syscall number. In this case, @value{GDBN} prints
4257 a warning message saying that it was not able to find the syscall name,
4258 but the catchpoint will be set anyway. See the example below:
4259
4260 @smallexample
4261 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 764
4262 warning: The number '764' does not represent a known syscall.
4263 Catchpoint 2 (syscall 764)
4264 (@value{GDBP})
4265 @end smallexample
4266
4267 If you configure @value{GDBN} using the @samp{--without-expat} option,
4268 it will not be able to display syscall names. Also, if your
4269 architecture does not have an XML file describing its system calls,
4270 you will not be able to see the syscall names. It is important to
4271 notice that these two features are used for accessing the syscall
4272 name database. In either case, you will see a warning like this:
4273
4274 @smallexample
4275 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall
4276 warning: Could not open "syscalls/i386-linux.xml"
4277 warning: Could not load the syscall XML file 'syscalls/i386-linux.xml'.
4278 GDB will not be able to display syscall names.
4279 Catchpoint 1 (syscall)
4280 (@value{GDBP})
4281 @end smallexample
4282
4283 Of course, the file name will change depending on your architecture and system.
4284
4285 Still using the example above, you can also try to catch a syscall by its
4286 number. In this case, you would see something like:
4287
4288 @smallexample
4289 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 252
4290 Catchpoint 1 (syscall(s) 252)
4291 @end smallexample
4292
4293 Again, in this case @value{GDBN} would not be able to display syscall's names.
4294
4295 @item fork
4296 A call to @code{fork}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
4297 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
4298
4299 @item vfork
4300 A call to @code{vfork}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
4301 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
4302
4303 @item load @r{[}regexp@r{]}
4304 @itemx unload @r{[}regexp@r{]}
4305 The loading or unloading of a shared library. If @var{regexp} is
4306 given, then the catchpoint will stop only if the regular expression
4307 matches one of the affected libraries.
4308
4309 @item signal @r{[}@var{signal}@dots{} @r{|} @samp{all}@r{]}
4310 The delivery of a signal.
4311
4312 With no arguments, this catchpoint will catch any signal that is not
4313 used internally by @value{GDBN}, specifically, all signals except
4314 @samp{SIGTRAP} and @samp{SIGINT}.
4315
4316 With the argument @samp{all}, all signals, including those used by
4317 @value{GDBN}, will be caught. This argument cannot be used with other
4318 signal names.
4319
4320 Otherwise, the arguments are a list of signal names as given to
4321 @code{handle} (@pxref{Signals}). Only signals specified in this list
4322 will be caught.
4323
4324 One reason that @code{catch signal} can be more useful than
4325 @code{handle} is that you can attach commands and conditions to the
4326 catchpoint.
4327
4328 When a signal is caught by a catchpoint, the signal's @code{stop} and
4329 @code{print} settings, as specified by @code{handle}, are ignored.
4330 However, whether the signal is still delivered to the inferior depends
4331 on the @code{pass} setting; this can be changed in the catchpoint's
4332 commands.
4333
4334 @end table
4335
4336 @item tcatch @var{event}
4337 Set a catchpoint that is enabled only for one stop. The catchpoint is
4338 automatically deleted after the first time the event is caught.
4339
4340 @end table
4341
4342 Use the @code{info break} command to list the current catchpoints.
4343
4344
4345 @node Delete Breaks
4346 @subsection Deleting Breakpoints
4347
4348 @cindex clearing breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
4349 @cindex deleting breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
4350 It is often necessary to eliminate a breakpoint, watchpoint, or
4351 catchpoint once it has done its job and you no longer want your program
4352 to stop there. This is called @dfn{deleting} the breakpoint. A
4353 breakpoint that has been deleted no longer exists; it is forgotten.
4354
4355 With the @code{clear} command you can delete breakpoints according to
4356 where they are in your program. With the @code{delete} command you can
4357 delete individual breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints by specifying
4358 their breakpoint numbers.
4359
4360 It is not necessary to delete a breakpoint to proceed past it. @value{GDBN}
4361 automatically ignores breakpoints on the first instruction to be executed
4362 when you continue execution without changing the execution address.
4363
4364 @table @code
4365 @kindex clear
4366 @item clear
4367 Delete any breakpoints at the next instruction to be executed in the
4368 selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). When
4369 the innermost frame is selected, this is a good way to delete a
4370 breakpoint where your program just stopped.
4371
4372 @item clear @var{location}
4373 Delete any breakpoints set at the specified @var{location}.
4374 @xref{Specify Location}, for the various forms of @var{location}; the
4375 most useful ones are listed below:
4376
4377 @table @code
4378 @item clear @var{function}
4379 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{function}
4380 Delete any breakpoints set at entry to the named @var{function}.
4381
4382 @item clear @var{linenum}
4383 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
4384 Delete any breakpoints set at or within the code of the specified
4385 @var{linenum} of the specified @var{filename}.
4386 @end table
4387
4388 @cindex delete breakpoints
4389 @kindex delete
4390 @kindex d @r{(@code{delete})}
4391 @item delete @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4392 Delete the breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints of the breakpoint
4393 ranges specified as arguments. If no argument is specified, delete all
4394 breakpoints (@value{GDBN} asks confirmation, unless you have @code{set
4395 confirm off}). You can abbreviate this command as @code{d}.
4396 @end table
4397
4398 @node Disabling
4399 @subsection Disabling Breakpoints
4400
4401 @cindex enable/disable a breakpoint
4402 Rather than deleting a breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint, you might
4403 prefer to @dfn{disable} it. This makes the breakpoint inoperative as if
4404 it had been deleted, but remembers the information on the breakpoint so
4405 that you can @dfn{enable} it again later.
4406
4407 You disable and enable breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints with
4408 the @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands, optionally specifying
4409 one or more breakpoint numbers as arguments. Use @code{info break} to
4410 print a list of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints if you
4411 do not know which numbers to use.
4412
4413 Disabling and enabling a breakpoint that has multiple locations
4414 affects all of its locations.
4415
4416 A breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint can have any of several
4417 different states of enablement:
4418
4419 @itemize @bullet
4420 @item
4421 Enabled. The breakpoint stops your program. A breakpoint set
4422 with the @code{break} command starts out in this state.
4423 @item
4424 Disabled. The breakpoint has no effect on your program.
4425 @item
4426 Enabled once. The breakpoint stops your program, but then becomes
4427 disabled.
4428 @item
4429 Enabled for a count. The breakpoint stops your program for the next
4430 N times, then becomes disabled.
4431 @item
4432 Enabled for deletion. The breakpoint stops your program, but
4433 immediately after it does so it is deleted permanently. A breakpoint
4434 set with the @code{tbreak} command starts out in this state.
4435 @end itemize
4436
4437 You can use the following commands to enable or disable breakpoints,
4438 watchpoints, and catchpoints:
4439
4440 @table @code
4441 @kindex disable
4442 @kindex dis @r{(@code{disable})}
4443 @item disable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4444 Disable the specified breakpoints---or all breakpoints, if none are
4445 listed. A disabled breakpoint has no effect but is not forgotten. All
4446 options such as ignore-counts, conditions and commands are remembered in
4447 case the breakpoint is enabled again later. You may abbreviate
4448 @code{disable} as @code{dis}.
4449
4450 @kindex enable
4451 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4452 Enable the specified breakpoints (or all defined breakpoints). They
4453 become effective once again in stopping your program.
4454
4455 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} once @var{range}@dots{}
4456 Enable the specified breakpoints temporarily. @value{GDBN} disables any
4457 of these breakpoints immediately after stopping your program.
4458
4459 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} count @var{count} @var{range}@dots{}
4460 Enable the specified breakpoints temporarily. @value{GDBN} records
4461 @var{count} with each of the specified breakpoints, and decrements a
4462 breakpoint's count when it is hit. When any count reaches 0,
4463 @value{GDBN} disables that breakpoint. If a breakpoint has an ignore
4464 count (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}), that will be
4465 decremented to 0 before @var{count} is affected.
4466
4467 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} delete @var{range}@dots{}
4468 Enable the specified breakpoints to work once, then die. @value{GDBN}
4469 deletes any of these breakpoints as soon as your program stops there.
4470 Breakpoints set by the @code{tbreak} command start out in this state.
4471 @end table
4472
4473 @c FIXME: I think the following ``Except for [...] @code{tbreak}'' is
4474 @c confusing: tbreak is also initially enabled.
4475 Except for a breakpoint set with @code{tbreak} (@pxref{Set Breaks,
4476 ,Setting Breakpoints}), breakpoints that you set are initially enabled;
4477 subsequently, they become disabled or enabled only when you use one of
4478 the commands above. (The command @code{until} can set and delete a
4479 breakpoint of its own, but it does not change the state of your other
4480 breakpoints; see @ref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and
4481 Stepping}.)
4482
4483 @node Conditions
4484 @subsection Break Conditions
4485 @cindex conditional breakpoints
4486 @cindex breakpoint conditions
4487
4488 @c FIXME what is scope of break condition expr? Context where wanted?
4489 @c in particular for a watchpoint?
4490 The simplest sort of breakpoint breaks every time your program reaches a
4491 specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for a
4492 breakpoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
4493 programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A breakpoint with
4494 a condition evaluates the expression each time your program reaches it,
4495 and your program stops only if the condition is @emph{true}.
4496
4497 This is the converse of using assertions for program validation; in that
4498 situation, you want to stop when the assertion is violated---that is,
4499 when the condition is false. In C, if you want to test an assertion expressed
4500 by the condition @var{assert}, you should set the condition
4501 @samp{! @var{assert}} on the appropriate breakpoint.
4502
4503 Conditions are also accepted for watchpoints; you may not need them,
4504 since a watchpoint is inspecting the value of an expression anyhow---but
4505 it might be simpler, say, to just set a watchpoint on a variable name,
4506 and specify a condition that tests whether the new value is an interesting
4507 one.
4508
4509 Break conditions can have side effects, and may even call functions in
4510 your program. This can be useful, for example, to activate functions
4511 that log program progress, or to use your own print functions to
4512 format special data structures. The effects are completely predictable
4513 unless there is another enabled breakpoint at the same address. (In
4514 that case, @value{GDBN} might see the other breakpoint first and stop your
4515 program without checking the condition of this one.) Note that
4516 breakpoint commands are usually more convenient and flexible than break
4517 conditions for the
4518 purpose of performing side effects when a breakpoint is reached
4519 (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}).
4520
4521 Breakpoint conditions can also be evaluated on the target's side if
4522 the target supports it. Instead of evaluating the conditions locally,
4523 @value{GDBN} encodes the expression into an agent expression
4524 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}) suitable for execution on the target,
4525 independently of @value{GDBN}. Global variables become raw memory
4526 locations, locals become stack accesses, and so forth.
4527
4528 In this case, @value{GDBN} will only be notified of a breakpoint trigger
4529 when its condition evaluates to true. This mechanism may provide faster
4530 response times depending on the performance characteristics of the target
4531 since it does not need to keep @value{GDBN} informed about
4532 every breakpoint trigger, even those with false conditions.
4533
4534 Break conditions can be specified when a breakpoint is set, by using
4535 @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{break} command. @xref{Set
4536 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}. They can also be changed at any time
4537 with the @code{condition} command.
4538
4539 You can also use the @code{if} keyword with the @code{watch} command.
4540 The @code{catch} command does not recognize the @code{if} keyword;
4541 @code{condition} is the only way to impose a further condition on a
4542 catchpoint.
4543
4544 @table @code
4545 @kindex condition
4546 @item condition @var{bnum} @var{expression}
4547 Specify @var{expression} as the break condition for breakpoint,
4548 watchpoint, or catchpoint number @var{bnum}. After you set a condition,
4549 breakpoint @var{bnum} stops your program only if the value of
4550 @var{expression} is true (nonzero, in C). When you use
4551 @code{condition}, @value{GDBN} checks @var{expression} immediately for
4552 syntactic correctness, and to determine whether symbols in it have
4553 referents in the context of your breakpoint. If @var{expression} uses
4554 symbols not referenced in the context of the breakpoint, @value{GDBN}
4555 prints an error message:
4556
4557 @smallexample
4558 No symbol "foo" in current context.
4559 @end smallexample
4560
4561 @noindent
4562 @value{GDBN} does
4563 not actually evaluate @var{expression} at the time the @code{condition}
4564 command (or a command that sets a breakpoint with a condition, like
4565 @code{break if @dots{}}) is given, however. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
4566
4567 @item condition @var{bnum}
4568 Remove the condition from breakpoint number @var{bnum}. It becomes
4569 an ordinary unconditional breakpoint.
4570 @end table
4571
4572 @cindex ignore count (of breakpoint)
4573 A special case of a breakpoint condition is to stop only when the
4574 breakpoint has been reached a certain number of times. This is so
4575 useful that there is a special way to do it, using the @dfn{ignore
4576 count} of the breakpoint. Every breakpoint has an ignore count, which
4577 is an integer. Most of the time, the ignore count is zero, and
4578 therefore has no effect. But if your program reaches a breakpoint whose
4579 ignore count is positive, then instead of stopping, it just decrements
4580 the ignore count by one and continues. As a result, if the ignore count
4581 value is @var{n}, the breakpoint does not stop the next @var{n} times
4582 your program reaches it.
4583
4584 @table @code
4585 @kindex ignore
4586 @item ignore @var{bnum} @var{count}
4587 Set the ignore count of breakpoint number @var{bnum} to @var{count}.
4588 The next @var{count} times the breakpoint is reached, your program's
4589 execution does not stop; other than to decrement the ignore count, @value{GDBN}
4590 takes no action.
4591
4592 To make the breakpoint stop the next time it is reached, specify
4593 a count of zero.
4594
4595 When you use @code{continue} to resume execution of your program from a
4596 breakpoint, you can specify an ignore count directly as an argument to
4597 @code{continue}, rather than using @code{ignore}. @xref{Continuing and
4598 Stepping,,Continuing and Stepping}.
4599
4600 If a breakpoint has a positive ignore count and a condition, the
4601 condition is not checked. Once the ignore count reaches zero,
4602 @value{GDBN} resumes checking the condition.
4603
4604 You could achieve the effect of the ignore count with a condition such
4605 as @w{@samp{$foo-- <= 0}} using a debugger convenience variable that
4606 is decremented each time. @xref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
4607 Variables}.
4608 @end table
4609
4610 Ignore counts apply to breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints.
4611
4612
4613 @node Break Commands
4614 @subsection Breakpoint Command Lists
4615
4616 @cindex breakpoint commands
4617 You can give any breakpoint (or watchpoint or catchpoint) a series of
4618 commands to execute when your program stops due to that breakpoint. For
4619 example, you might want to print the values of certain expressions, or
4620 enable other breakpoints.
4621
4622 @table @code
4623 @kindex commands
4624 @kindex end@r{ (breakpoint commands)}
4625 @item commands @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4626 @itemx @dots{} @var{command-list} @dots{}
4627 @itemx end
4628 Specify a list of commands for the given breakpoints. The commands
4629 themselves appear on the following lines. Type a line containing just
4630 @code{end} to terminate the commands.
4631
4632 To remove all commands from a breakpoint, type @code{commands} and
4633 follow it immediately with @code{end}; that is, give no commands.
4634
4635 With no argument, @code{commands} refers to the last breakpoint,
4636 watchpoint, or catchpoint set (not to the breakpoint most recently
4637 encountered). If the most recent breakpoints were set with a single
4638 command, then the @code{commands} will apply to all the breakpoints
4639 set by that command. This applies to breakpoints set by
4640 @code{rbreak}, and also applies when a single @code{break} command
4641 creates multiple breakpoints (@pxref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous
4642 Expressions}).
4643 @end table
4644
4645 Pressing @key{RET} as a means of repeating the last @value{GDBN} command is
4646 disabled within a @var{command-list}.
4647
4648 You can use breakpoint commands to start your program up again. Simply
4649 use the @code{continue} command, or @code{step}, or any other command
4650 that resumes execution.
4651
4652 Any other commands in the command list, after a command that resumes
4653 execution, are ignored. This is because any time you resume execution
4654 (even with a simple @code{next} or @code{step}), you may encounter
4655 another breakpoint---which could have its own command list, leading to
4656 ambiguities about which list to execute.
4657
4658 @kindex silent
4659 If the first command you specify in a command list is @code{silent}, the
4660 usual message about stopping at a breakpoint is not printed. This may
4661 be desirable for breakpoints that are to print a specific message and
4662 then continue. If none of the remaining commands print anything, you
4663 see no sign that the breakpoint was reached. @code{silent} is
4664 meaningful only at the beginning of a breakpoint command list.
4665
4666 The commands @code{echo}, @code{output}, and @code{printf} allow you to
4667 print precisely controlled output, and are often useful in silent
4668 breakpoints. @xref{Output, ,Commands for Controlled Output}.
4669
4670 For example, here is how you could use breakpoint commands to print the
4671 value of @code{x} at entry to @code{foo} whenever @code{x} is positive.
4672
4673 @smallexample
4674 break foo if x>0
4675 commands
4676 silent
4677 printf "x is %d\n",x
4678 cont
4679 end
4680 @end smallexample
4681
4682 One application for breakpoint commands is to compensate for one bug so
4683 you can test for another. Put a breakpoint just after the erroneous line
4684 of code, give it a condition to detect the case in which something
4685 erroneous has been done, and give it commands to assign correct values
4686 to any variables that need them. End with the @code{continue} command
4687 so that your program does not stop, and start with the @code{silent}
4688 command so that no output is produced. Here is an example:
4689
4690 @smallexample
4691 break 403
4692 commands
4693 silent
4694 set x = y + 4
4695 cont
4696 end
4697 @end smallexample
4698
4699 @node Dynamic Printf
4700 @subsection Dynamic Printf
4701
4702 @cindex dynamic printf
4703 @cindex dprintf
4704 The dynamic printf command @code{dprintf} combines a breakpoint with
4705 formatted printing of your program's data to give you the effect of
4706 inserting @code{printf} calls into your program on-the-fly, without
4707 having to recompile it.
4708
4709 In its most basic form, the output goes to the GDB console. However,
4710 you can set the variable @code{dprintf-style} for alternate handling.
4711 For instance, you can ask to format the output by calling your
4712 program's @code{printf} function. This has the advantage that the
4713 characters go to the program's output device, so they can recorded in
4714 redirects to files and so forth.
4715
4716 If you are doing remote debugging with a stub or agent, you can also
4717 ask to have the printf handled by the remote agent. In addition to
4718 ensuring that the output goes to the remote program's device along
4719 with any other output the program might produce, you can also ask that
4720 the dprintf remain active even after disconnecting from the remote
4721 target. Using the stub/agent is also more efficient, as it can do
4722 everything without needing to communicate with @value{GDBN}.
4723
4724 @table @code
4725 @kindex dprintf
4726 @item dprintf @var{location},@var{template},@var{expression}[,@var{expression}@dots{}]
4727 Whenever execution reaches @var{location}, print the values of one or
4728 more @var{expressions} under the control of the string @var{template}.
4729 To print several values, separate them with commas.
4730
4731 @item set dprintf-style @var{style}
4732 Set the dprintf output to be handled in one of several different
4733 styles enumerated below. A change of style affects all existing
4734 dynamic printfs immediately. (If you need individual control over the
4735 print commands, simply define normal breakpoints with
4736 explicitly-supplied command lists.)
4737
4738 @item gdb
4739 @kindex dprintf-style gdb
4740 Handle the output using the @value{GDBN} @code{printf} command.
4741
4742 @item call
4743 @kindex dprintf-style call
4744 Handle the output by calling a function in your program (normally
4745 @code{printf}).
4746
4747 @item agent
4748 @kindex dprintf-style agent
4749 Have the remote debugging agent (such as @code{gdbserver}) handle
4750 the output itself. This style is only available for agents that
4751 support running commands on the target.
4752
4753 @item set dprintf-function @var{function}
4754 Set the function to call if the dprintf style is @code{call}. By
4755 default its value is @code{printf}. You may set it to any expression.
4756 that @value{GDBN} can evaluate to a function, as per the @code{call}
4757 command.
4758
4759 @item set dprintf-channel @var{channel}
4760 Set a ``channel'' for dprintf. If set to a non-empty value,
4761 @value{GDBN} will evaluate it as an expression and pass the result as
4762 a first argument to the @code{dprintf-function}, in the manner of
4763 @code{fprintf} and similar functions. Otherwise, the dprintf format
4764 string will be the first argument, in the manner of @code{printf}.
4765
4766 As an example, if you wanted @code{dprintf} output to go to a logfile
4767 that is a standard I/O stream assigned to the variable @code{mylog},
4768 you could do the following:
4769
4770 @example
4771 (gdb) set dprintf-style call
4772 (gdb) set dprintf-function fprintf
4773 (gdb) set dprintf-channel mylog
4774 (gdb) dprintf 25,"at line 25, glob=%d\n",glob
4775 Dprintf 1 at 0x123456: file main.c, line 25.
4776 (gdb) info break
4777 1 dprintf keep y 0x00123456 in main at main.c:25
4778 call (void) fprintf (mylog,"at line 25, glob=%d\n",glob)
4779 continue
4780 (gdb)
4781 @end example
4782
4783 Note that the @code{info break} displays the dynamic printf commands
4784 as normal breakpoint commands; you can thus easily see the effect of
4785 the variable settings.
4786
4787 @item set disconnected-dprintf on
4788 @itemx set disconnected-dprintf off
4789 @kindex set disconnected-dprintf
4790 Choose whether @code{dprintf} commands should continue to run if
4791 @value{GDBN} has disconnected from the target. This only applies
4792 if the @code{dprintf-style} is @code{agent}.
4793
4794 @item show disconnected-dprintf off
4795 @kindex show disconnected-dprintf
4796 Show the current choice for disconnected @code{dprintf}.
4797
4798 @end table
4799
4800 @value{GDBN} does not check the validity of function and channel,
4801 relying on you to supply values that are meaningful for the contexts
4802 in which they are being used. For instance, the function and channel
4803 may be the values of local variables, but if that is the case, then
4804 all enabled dynamic prints must be at locations within the scope of
4805 those locals. If evaluation fails, @value{GDBN} will report an error.
4806
4807 @node Save Breakpoints
4808 @subsection How to save breakpoints to a file
4809
4810 To save breakpoint definitions to a file use the @w{@code{save
4811 breakpoints}} command.
4812
4813 @table @code
4814 @kindex save breakpoints
4815 @cindex save breakpoints to a file for future sessions
4816 @item save breakpoints [@var{filename}]
4817 This command saves all current breakpoint definitions together with
4818 their commands and ignore counts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
4819 suitable for use in a later debugging session. This includes all
4820 types of breakpoints (breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints,
4821 tracepoints). To read the saved breakpoint definitions, use the
4822 @code{source} command (@pxref{Command Files}). Note that watchpoints
4823 with expressions involving local variables may fail to be recreated
4824 because it may not be possible to access the context where the
4825 watchpoint is valid anymore. Because the saved breakpoint definitions
4826 are simply a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands that recreate the
4827 breakpoints, you can edit the file in your favorite editing program,
4828 and remove the breakpoint definitions you're not interested in, or
4829 that can no longer be recreated.
4830 @end table
4831
4832 @node Static Probe Points
4833 @subsection Static Probe Points
4834
4835 @cindex static probe point, SystemTap
4836 @value{GDBN} supports @dfn{SDT} probes in the code. @acronym{SDT} stands
4837 for Statically Defined Tracing, and the probes are designed to have a tiny
4838 runtime code and data footprint, and no dynamic relocations. They are
4839 usable from assembly, C and C@t{++} languages. See
4840 @uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/wiki/UserSpaceProbeImplementation}
4841 for a good reference on how the @acronym{SDT} probes are implemented.
4842
4843 Currently, @code{SystemTap} (@uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/})
4844 @acronym{SDT} probes are supported on ELF-compatible systems. See
4845 @uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/wiki/AddingUserSpaceProbingToApps}
4846 for more information on how to add @code{SystemTap} @acronym{SDT} probes
4847 in your applications.
4848
4849 @cindex semaphores on static probe points
4850 Some probes have an associated semaphore variable; for instance, this
4851 happens automatically if you defined your probe using a DTrace-style
4852 @file{.d} file. If your probe has a semaphore, @value{GDBN} will
4853 automatically enable it when you specify a breakpoint using the
4854 @samp{-probe-stap} notation. But, if you put a breakpoint at a probe's
4855 location by some other method (e.g., @code{break file:line}), then
4856 @value{GDBN} will not automatically set the semaphore.
4857
4858 You can examine the available static static probes using @code{info
4859 probes}, with optional arguments:
4860
4861 @table @code
4862 @kindex info probes
4863 @item info probes stap @r{[}@var{provider} @r{[}@var{name} @r{[}@var{objfile}@r{]}@r{]}@r{]}
4864 If given, @var{provider} is a regular expression used to match against provider
4865 names when selecting which probes to list. If omitted, probes by all
4866 probes from all providers are listed.
4867
4868 If given, @var{name} is a regular expression to match against probe names
4869 when selecting which probes to list. If omitted, probe names are not
4870 considered when deciding whether to display them.
4871
4872 If given, @var{objfile} is a regular expression used to select which
4873 object files (executable or shared libraries) to examine. If not
4874 given, all object files are considered.
4875
4876 @item info probes all
4877 List the available static probes, from all types.
4878 @end table
4879
4880 @vindex $_probe_arg@r{, convenience variable}
4881 A probe may specify up to twelve arguments. These are available at the
4882 point at which the probe is defined---that is, when the current PC is
4883 at the probe's location. The arguments are available using the
4884 convenience variables (@pxref{Convenience Vars})
4885 @code{$_probe_arg0}@dots{}@code{$_probe_arg11}. Each probe argument is
4886 an integer of the appropriate size; types are not preserved. The
4887 convenience variable @code{$_probe_argc} holds the number of arguments
4888 at the current probe point.
4889
4890 These variables are always available, but attempts to access them at
4891 any location other than a probe point will cause @value{GDBN} to give
4892 an error message.
4893
4894
4895 @c @ifclear BARETARGET
4896 @node Error in Breakpoints
4897 @subsection ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
4898
4899 If you request too many active hardware-assisted breakpoints and
4900 watchpoints, you will see this error message:
4901
4902 @c FIXME: the precise wording of this message may change; the relevant
4903 @c source change is not committed yet (Sep 3, 1999).
4904 @smallexample
4905 Stopped; cannot insert breakpoints.
4906 You may have requested too many hardware breakpoints and watchpoints.
4907 @end smallexample
4908
4909 @noindent
4910 This message is printed when you attempt to resume the program, since
4911 only then @value{GDBN} knows exactly how many hardware breakpoints and
4912 watchpoints it needs to insert.
4913
4914 When this message is printed, you need to disable or remove some of the
4915 hardware-assisted breakpoints and watchpoints, and then continue.
4916
4917 @node Breakpoint-related Warnings
4918 @subsection ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
4919 @cindex breakpoint address adjusted
4920
4921 Some processor architectures place constraints on the addresses at
4922 which breakpoints may be placed. For architectures thus constrained,
4923 @value{GDBN} will attempt to adjust the breakpoint's address to comply
4924 with the constraints dictated by the architecture.
4925
4926 One example of such an architecture is the Fujitsu FR-V. The FR-V is
4927 a VLIW architecture in which a number of RISC-like instructions may be
4928 bundled together for parallel execution. The FR-V architecture
4929 constrains the location of a breakpoint instruction within such a
4930 bundle to the instruction with the lowest address. @value{GDBN}
4931 honors this constraint by adjusting a breakpoint's address to the
4932 first in the bundle.
4933
4934 It is not uncommon for optimized code to have bundles which contain
4935 instructions from different source statements, thus it may happen that
4936 a breakpoint's address will be adjusted from one source statement to
4937 another. Since this adjustment may significantly alter @value{GDBN}'s
4938 breakpoint related behavior from what the user expects, a warning is
4939 printed when the breakpoint is first set and also when the breakpoint
4940 is hit.
4941
4942 A warning like the one below is printed when setting a breakpoint
4943 that's been subject to address adjustment:
4944
4945 @smallexample
4946 warning: Breakpoint address adjusted from 0x00010414 to 0x00010410.
4947 @end smallexample
4948
4949 Such warnings are printed both for user settable and @value{GDBN}'s
4950 internal breakpoints. If you see one of these warnings, you should
4951 verify that a breakpoint set at the adjusted address will have the
4952 desired affect. If not, the breakpoint in question may be removed and
4953 other breakpoints may be set which will have the desired behavior.
4954 E.g., it may be sufficient to place the breakpoint at a later
4955 instruction. A conditional breakpoint may also be useful in some
4956 cases to prevent the breakpoint from triggering too often.
4957
4958 @value{GDBN} will also issue a warning when stopping at one of these
4959 adjusted breakpoints:
4960
4961 @smallexample
4962 warning: Breakpoint 1 address previously adjusted from 0x00010414
4963 to 0x00010410.
4964 @end smallexample
4965
4966 When this warning is encountered, it may be too late to take remedial
4967 action except in cases where the breakpoint is hit earlier or more
4968 frequently than expected.
4969
4970 @node Continuing and Stepping
4971 @section Continuing and Stepping
4972
4973 @cindex stepping
4974 @cindex continuing
4975 @cindex resuming execution
4976 @dfn{Continuing} means resuming program execution until your program
4977 completes normally. In contrast, @dfn{stepping} means executing just
4978 one more ``step'' of your program, where ``step'' may mean either one
4979 line of source code, or one machine instruction (depending on what
4980 particular command you use). Either when continuing or when stepping,
4981 your program may stop even sooner, due to a breakpoint or a signal. (If
4982 it stops due to a signal, you may want to use @code{handle}, or use
4983 @samp{signal 0} to resume execution. @xref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
4984
4985 @table @code
4986 @kindex continue
4987 @kindex c @r{(@code{continue})}
4988 @kindex fg @r{(resume foreground execution)}
4989 @item continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4990 @itemx c @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4991 @itemx fg @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4992 Resume program execution, at the address where your program last stopped;
4993 any breakpoints set at that address are bypassed. The optional argument
4994 @var{ignore-count} allows you to specify a further number of times to
4995 ignore a breakpoint at this location; its effect is like that of
4996 @code{ignore} (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
4997
4998 The argument @var{ignore-count} is meaningful only when your program
4999 stopped due to a breakpoint. At other times, the argument to
5000 @code{continue} is ignored.
5001
5002 The synonyms @code{c} and @code{fg} (for @dfn{foreground}, as the
5003 debugged program is deemed to be the foreground program) are provided
5004 purely for convenience, and have exactly the same behavior as
5005 @code{continue}.
5006 @end table
5007
5008 To resume execution at a different place, you can use @code{return}
5009 (@pxref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}) to go back to the
5010 calling function; or @code{jump} (@pxref{Jumping, ,Continuing at a
5011 Different Address}) to go to an arbitrary location in your program.
5012
5013 A typical technique for using stepping is to set a breakpoint
5014 (@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints; Watchpoints; and Catchpoints}) at the
5015 beginning of the function or the section of your program where a problem
5016 is believed to lie, run your program until it stops at that breakpoint,
5017 and then step through the suspect area, examining the variables that are
5018 interesting, until you see the problem happen.
5019
5020 @table @code
5021 @kindex step
5022 @kindex s @r{(@code{step})}
5023 @item step
5024 Continue running your program until control reaches a different source
5025 line, then stop it and return control to @value{GDBN}. This command is
5026 abbreviated @code{s}.
5027
5028 @quotation
5029 @c "without debugging information" is imprecise; actually "without line
5030 @c numbers in the debugging information". (gcc -g1 has debugging info but
5031 @c not line numbers). But it seems complex to try to make that
5032 @c distinction here.
5033 @emph{Warning:} If you use the @code{step} command while control is
5034 within a function that was compiled without debugging information,
5035 execution proceeds until control reaches a function that does have
5036 debugging information. Likewise, it will not step into a function which
5037 is compiled without debugging information. To step through functions
5038 without debugging information, use the @code{stepi} command, described
5039 below.
5040 @end quotation
5041
5042 The @code{step} command only stops at the first instruction of a source
5043 line. This prevents the multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
5044 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc. @code{step} continues
5045 to stop if a function that has debugging information is called within
5046 the line. In other words, @code{step} @emph{steps inside} any functions
5047 called within the line.
5048
5049 Also, the @code{step} command only enters a function if there is line
5050 number information for the function. Otherwise it acts like the
5051 @code{next} command. This avoids problems when using @code{cc -gl}
5052 on @acronym{MIPS} machines. Previously, @code{step} entered subroutines if there
5053 was any debugging information about the routine.
5054
5055 @item step @var{count}
5056 Continue running as in @code{step}, but do so @var{count} times. If a
5057 breakpoint is reached, or a signal not related to stepping occurs before
5058 @var{count} steps, stepping stops right away.
5059
5060 @kindex next
5061 @kindex n @r{(@code{next})}
5062 @item next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5063 Continue to the next source line in the current (innermost) stack frame.
5064 This is similar to @code{step}, but function calls that appear within
5065 the line of code are executed without stopping. Execution stops when
5066 control reaches a different line of code at the original stack level
5067 that was executing when you gave the @code{next} command. This command
5068 is abbreviated @code{n}.
5069
5070 An argument @var{count} is a repeat count, as for @code{step}.
5071
5072
5073 @c FIX ME!! Do we delete this, or is there a way it fits in with
5074 @c the following paragraph? --- Vctoria
5075 @c
5076 @c @code{next} within a function that lacks debugging information acts like
5077 @c @code{step}, but any function calls appearing within the code of the
5078 @c function are executed without stopping.
5079
5080 The @code{next} command only stops at the first instruction of a
5081 source line. This prevents multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
5082 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc.
5083
5084 @kindex set step-mode
5085 @item set step-mode
5086 @cindex functions without line info, and stepping
5087 @cindex stepping into functions with no line info
5088 @itemx set step-mode on
5089 The @code{set step-mode on} command causes the @code{step} command to
5090 stop at the first instruction of a function which contains no debug line
5091 information rather than stepping over it.
5092
5093 This is useful in cases where you may be interested in inspecting the
5094 machine instructions of a function which has no symbolic info and do not
5095 want @value{GDBN} to automatically skip over this function.
5096
5097 @item set step-mode off
5098 Causes the @code{step} command to step over any functions which contains no
5099 debug information. This is the default.
5100
5101 @item show step-mode
5102 Show whether @value{GDBN} will stop in or step over functions without
5103 source line debug information.
5104
5105 @kindex finish
5106 @kindex fin @r{(@code{finish})}
5107 @item finish
5108 Continue running until just after function in the selected stack frame
5109 returns. Print the returned value (if any). This command can be
5110 abbreviated as @code{fin}.
5111
5112 Contrast this with the @code{return} command (@pxref{Returning,
5113 ,Returning from a Function}).
5114
5115 @kindex until
5116 @kindex u @r{(@code{until})}
5117 @cindex run until specified location
5118 @item until
5119 @itemx u
5120 Continue running until a source line past the current line, in the
5121 current stack frame, is reached. This command is used to avoid single
5122 stepping through a loop more than once. It is like the @code{next}
5123 command, except that when @code{until} encounters a jump, it
5124 automatically continues execution until the program counter is greater
5125 than the address of the jump.
5126
5127 This means that when you reach the end of a loop after single stepping
5128 though it, @code{until} makes your program continue execution until it
5129 exits the loop. In contrast, a @code{next} command at the end of a loop
5130 simply steps back to the beginning of the loop, which forces you to step
5131 through the next iteration.
5132
5133 @code{until} always stops your program if it attempts to exit the current
5134 stack frame.
5135
5136 @code{until} may produce somewhat counterintuitive results if the order
5137 of machine code does not match the order of the source lines. For
5138 example, in the following excerpt from a debugging session, the @code{f}
5139 (@code{frame}) command shows that execution is stopped at line
5140 @code{206}; yet when we use @code{until}, we get to line @code{195}:
5141
5142 @smallexample
5143 (@value{GDBP}) f
5144 #0 main (argc=4, argv=0xf7fffae8) at m4.c:206
5145 206 expand_input();
5146 (@value{GDBP}) until
5147 195 for ( ; argc > 0; NEXTARG) @{
5148 @end smallexample
5149
5150 This happened because, for execution efficiency, the compiler had
5151 generated code for the loop closure test at the end, rather than the
5152 start, of the loop---even though the test in a C @code{for}-loop is
5153 written before the body of the loop. The @code{until} command appeared
5154 to step back to the beginning of the loop when it advanced to this
5155 expression; however, it has not really gone to an earlier
5156 statement---not in terms of the actual machine code.
5157
5158 @code{until} with no argument works by means of single
5159 instruction stepping, and hence is slower than @code{until} with an
5160 argument.
5161
5162 @item until @var{location}
5163 @itemx u @var{location}
5164 Continue running your program until either the specified location is
5165 reached, or the current stack frame returns. @var{location} is any of
5166 the forms described in @ref{Specify Location}.
5167 This form of the command uses temporary breakpoints, and
5168 hence is quicker than @code{until} without an argument. The specified
5169 location is actually reached only if it is in the current frame. This
5170 implies that @code{until} can be used to skip over recursive function
5171 invocations. For instance in the code below, if the current location is
5172 line @code{96}, issuing @code{until 99} will execute the program up to
5173 line @code{99} in the same invocation of factorial, i.e., after the inner
5174 invocations have returned.
5175
5176 @smallexample
5177 94 int factorial (int value)
5178 95 @{
5179 96 if (value > 1) @{
5180 97 value *= factorial (value - 1);
5181 98 @}
5182 99 return (value);
5183 100 @}
5184 @end smallexample
5185
5186
5187 @kindex advance @var{location}
5188 @item advance @var{location}
5189 Continue running the program up to the given @var{location}. An argument is
5190 required, which should be of one of the forms described in
5191 @ref{Specify Location}.
5192 Execution will also stop upon exit from the current stack
5193 frame. This command is similar to @code{until}, but @code{advance} will
5194 not skip over recursive function calls, and the target location doesn't
5195 have to be in the same frame as the current one.
5196
5197
5198 @kindex stepi
5199 @kindex si @r{(@code{stepi})}
5200 @item stepi
5201 @itemx stepi @var{arg}
5202 @itemx si
5203 Execute one machine instruction, then stop and return to the debugger.
5204
5205 It is often useful to do @samp{display/i $pc} when stepping by machine
5206 instructions. This makes @value{GDBN} automatically display the next
5207 instruction to be executed, each time your program stops. @xref{Auto
5208 Display,, Automatic Display}.
5209
5210 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{step}.
5211
5212 @need 750
5213 @kindex nexti
5214 @kindex ni @r{(@code{nexti})}
5215 @item nexti
5216 @itemx nexti @var{arg}
5217 @itemx ni
5218 Execute one machine instruction, but if it is a function call,
5219 proceed until the function returns.
5220
5221 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{next}.
5222
5223 @end table
5224
5225 @anchor{range stepping}
5226 @cindex range stepping
5227 @cindex target-assisted range stepping
5228 By default, and if available, @value{GDBN} makes use of
5229 target-assisted @dfn{range stepping}. In other words, whenever you
5230 use a stepping command (e.g., @code{step}, @code{next}), @value{GDBN}
5231 tells the target to step the corresponding range of instruction
5232 addresses instead of issuing multiple single-steps. This speeds up
5233 line stepping, particularly for remote targets. Ideally, there should
5234 be no reason you would want to turn range stepping off. However, it's
5235 possible that a bug in the debug info, a bug in the remote stub (for
5236 remote targets), or even a bug in @value{GDBN} could make line
5237 stepping behave incorrectly when target-assisted range stepping is
5238 enabled. You can use the following command to turn off range stepping
5239 if necessary:
5240
5241 @table @code
5242 @kindex set range-stepping
5243 @kindex show range-stepping
5244 @item set range-stepping
5245 @itemx show range-stepping
5246 Control whether range stepping is enabled.
5247
5248 If @code{on}, and the target supports it, @value{GDBN} tells the
5249 target to step a range of addresses itself, instead of issuing
5250 multiple single-steps. If @code{off}, @value{GDBN} always issues
5251 single-steps, even if range stepping is supported by the target. The
5252 default is @code{on}.
5253
5254 @end table
5255
5256 @node Skipping Over Functions and Files
5257 @section Skipping Over Functions and Files
5258 @cindex skipping over functions and files
5259
5260 The program you are debugging may contain some functions which are
5261 uninteresting to debug. The @code{skip} comand lets you tell @value{GDBN} to
5262 skip a function or all functions in a file when stepping.
5263
5264 For example, consider the following C function:
5265
5266 @smallexample
5267 101 int func()
5268 102 @{
5269 103 foo(boring());
5270 104 bar(boring());
5271 105 @}
5272 @end smallexample
5273
5274 @noindent
5275 Suppose you wish to step into the functions @code{foo} and @code{bar}, but you
5276 are not interested in stepping through @code{boring}. If you run @code{step}
5277 at line 103, you'll enter @code{boring()}, but if you run @code{next}, you'll
5278 step over both @code{foo} and @code{boring}!
5279
5280 One solution is to @code{step} into @code{boring} and use the @code{finish}
5281 command to immediately exit it. But this can become tedious if @code{boring}
5282 is called from many places.
5283
5284 A more flexible solution is to execute @kbd{skip boring}. This instructs
5285 @value{GDBN} never to step into @code{boring}. Now when you execute
5286 @code{step} at line 103, you'll step over @code{boring} and directly into
5287 @code{foo}.
5288
5289 You can also instruct @value{GDBN} to skip all functions in a file, with, for
5290 example, @code{skip file boring.c}.
5291
5292 @table @code
5293 @kindex skip function
5294 @item skip @r{[}@var{linespec}@r{]}
5295 @itemx skip function @r{[}@var{linespec}@r{]}
5296 After running this command, the function named by @var{linespec} or the
5297 function containing the line named by @var{linespec} will be skipped over when
5298 stepping. @xref{Specify Location}.
5299
5300 If you do not specify @var{linespec}, the function you're currently debugging
5301 will be skipped.
5302
5303 (If you have a function called @code{file} that you want to skip, use
5304 @kbd{skip function file}.)
5305
5306 @kindex skip file
5307 @item skip file @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
5308 After running this command, any function whose source lives in @var{filename}
5309 will be skipped over when stepping.
5310
5311 If you do not specify @var{filename}, functions whose source lives in the file
5312 you're currently debugging will be skipped.
5313 @end table
5314
5315 Skips can be listed, deleted, disabled, and enabled, much like breakpoints.
5316 These are the commands for managing your list of skips:
5317
5318 @table @code
5319 @kindex info skip
5320 @item info skip @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5321 Print details about the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified,
5322 print a table with details about all functions and files marked for skipping.
5323 @code{info skip} prints the following information about each skip:
5324
5325 @table @emph
5326 @item Identifier
5327 A number identifying this skip.
5328 @item Type
5329 The type of this skip, either @samp{function} or @samp{file}.
5330 @item Enabled or Disabled
5331 Enabled skips are marked with @samp{y}. Disabled skips are marked with @samp{n}.
5332 @item Address
5333 For function skips, this column indicates the address in memory of the function
5334 being skipped. If you've set a function skip on a function which has not yet
5335 been loaded, this field will contain @samp{<PENDING>}. Once a shared library
5336 which has the function is loaded, @code{info skip} will show the function's
5337 address here.
5338 @item What
5339 For file skips, this field contains the filename being skipped. For functions
5340 skips, this field contains the function name and its line number in the file
5341 where it is defined.
5342 @end table
5343
5344 @kindex skip delete
5345 @item skip delete @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5346 Delete the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, delete all
5347 skips.
5348
5349 @kindex skip enable
5350 @item skip enable @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5351 Enable the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, enable all
5352 skips.
5353
5354 @kindex skip disable
5355 @item skip disable @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5356 Disable the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, disable all
5357 skips.
5358
5359 @end table
5360
5361 @node Signals
5362 @section Signals
5363 @cindex signals
5364
5365 A signal is an asynchronous event that can happen in a program. The
5366 operating system defines the possible kinds of signals, and gives each
5367 kind a name and a number. For example, in Unix @code{SIGINT} is the
5368 signal a program gets when you type an interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c});
5369 @code{SIGSEGV} is the signal a program gets from referencing a place in
5370 memory far away from all the areas in use; @code{SIGALRM} occurs when
5371 the alarm clock timer goes off (which happens only if your program has
5372 requested an alarm).
5373
5374 @cindex fatal signals
5375 Some signals, including @code{SIGALRM}, are a normal part of the
5376 functioning of your program. Others, such as @code{SIGSEGV}, indicate
5377 errors; these signals are @dfn{fatal} (they kill your program immediately) if the
5378 program has not specified in advance some other way to handle the signal.
5379 @code{SIGINT} does not indicate an error in your program, but it is normally
5380 fatal so it can carry out the purpose of the interrupt: to kill the program.
5381
5382 @value{GDBN} has the ability to detect any occurrence of a signal in your
5383 program. You can tell @value{GDBN} in advance what to do for each kind of
5384 signal.
5385
5386 @cindex handling signals
5387 Normally, @value{GDBN} is set up to let the non-erroneous signals like
5388 @code{SIGALRM} be silently passed to your program
5389 (so as not to interfere with their role in the program's functioning)
5390 but to stop your program immediately whenever an error signal happens.
5391 You can change these settings with the @code{handle} command.
5392
5393 @table @code
5394 @kindex info signals
5395 @kindex info handle
5396 @item info signals
5397 @itemx info handle
5398 Print a table of all the kinds of signals and how @value{GDBN} has been told to
5399 handle each one. You can use this to see the signal numbers of all
5400 the defined types of signals.
5401
5402 @item info signals @var{sig}
5403 Similar, but print information only about the specified signal number.
5404
5405 @code{info handle} is an alias for @code{info signals}.
5406
5407 @item catch signal @r{[}@var{signal}@dots{} @r{|} @samp{all}@r{]}
5408 Set a catchpoint for the indicated signals. @xref{Set Catchpoints},
5409 for details about this command.
5410
5411 @kindex handle
5412 @item handle @var{signal} @r{[}@var{keywords}@dots{}@r{]}
5413 Change the way @value{GDBN} handles signal @var{signal}. @var{signal}
5414 can be the number of a signal or its name (with or without the
5415 @samp{SIG} at the beginning); a list of signal numbers of the form
5416 @samp{@var{low}-@var{high}}; or the word @samp{all}, meaning all the
5417 known signals. Optional arguments @var{keywords}, described below,
5418 say what change to make.
5419 @end table
5420
5421 @c @group
5422 The keywords allowed by the @code{handle} command can be abbreviated.
5423 Their full names are:
5424
5425 @table @code
5426 @item nostop
5427 @value{GDBN} should not stop your program when this signal happens. It may
5428 still print a message telling you that the signal has come in.
5429
5430 @item stop
5431 @value{GDBN} should stop your program when this signal happens. This implies
5432 the @code{print} keyword as well.
5433
5434 @item print
5435 @value{GDBN} should print a message when this signal happens.
5436
5437 @item noprint
5438 @value{GDBN} should not mention the occurrence of the signal at all. This
5439 implies the @code{nostop} keyword as well.
5440
5441 @item pass
5442 @itemx noignore
5443 @value{GDBN} should allow your program to see this signal; your program
5444 can handle the signal, or else it may terminate if the signal is fatal
5445 and not handled. @code{pass} and @code{noignore} are synonyms.
5446
5447 @item nopass
5448 @itemx ignore
5449 @value{GDBN} should not allow your program to see this signal.
5450 @code{nopass} and @code{ignore} are synonyms.
5451 @end table
5452 @c @end group
5453
5454 When a signal stops your program, the signal is not visible to the
5455 program until you
5456 continue. Your program sees the signal then, if @code{pass} is in
5457 effect for the signal in question @emph{at that time}. In other words,
5458 after @value{GDBN} reports a signal, you can use the @code{handle}
5459 command with @code{pass} or @code{nopass} to control whether your
5460 program sees that signal when you continue.
5461
5462 The default is set to @code{nostop}, @code{noprint}, @code{pass} for
5463 non-erroneous signals such as @code{SIGALRM}, @code{SIGWINCH} and
5464 @code{SIGCHLD}, and to @code{stop}, @code{print}, @code{pass} for the
5465 erroneous signals.
5466
5467 You can also use the @code{signal} command to prevent your program from
5468 seeing a signal, or cause it to see a signal it normally would not see,
5469 or to give it any signal at any time. For example, if your program stopped
5470 due to some sort of memory reference error, you might store correct
5471 values into the erroneous variables and continue, hoping to see more
5472 execution; but your program would probably terminate immediately as
5473 a result of the fatal signal once it saw the signal. To prevent this,
5474 you can continue with @samp{signal 0}. @xref{Signaling, ,Giving your
5475 Program a Signal}.
5476
5477 @cindex extra signal information
5478 @anchor{extra signal information}
5479
5480 On some targets, @value{GDBN} can inspect extra signal information
5481 associated with the intercepted signal, before it is actually
5482 delivered to the program being debugged. This information is exported
5483 by the convenience variable @code{$_siginfo}, and consists of data
5484 that is passed by the kernel to the signal handler at the time of the
5485 receipt of a signal. The data type of the information itself is
5486 target dependent. You can see the data type using the @code{ptype
5487 $_siginfo} command. On Unix systems, it typically corresponds to the
5488 standard @code{siginfo_t} type, as defined in the @file{signal.h}
5489 system header.
5490
5491 Here's an example, on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, printing the stray
5492 referenced address that raised a segmentation fault.
5493
5494 @smallexample
5495 @group
5496 (@value{GDBP}) continue
5497 Program received signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault.
5498 0x0000000000400766 in main ()
5499 69 *(int *)p = 0;
5500 (@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo
5501 type = struct @{
5502 int si_signo;
5503 int si_errno;
5504 int si_code;
5505 union @{
5506 int _pad[28];
5507 struct @{...@} _kill;
5508 struct @{...@} _timer;
5509 struct @{...@} _rt;
5510 struct @{...@} _sigchld;
5511 struct @{...@} _sigfault;
5512 struct @{...@} _sigpoll;
5513 @} _sifields;
5514 @}
5515 (@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault
5516 type = struct @{
5517 void *si_addr;
5518 @}
5519 (@value{GDBP}) p $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault.si_addr
5520 $1 = (void *) 0x7ffff7ff7000
5521 @end group
5522 @end smallexample
5523
5524 Depending on target support, @code{$_siginfo} may also be writable.
5525
5526 @node Thread Stops
5527 @section Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs
5528
5529 @cindex stopped threads
5530 @cindex threads, stopped
5531
5532 @cindex continuing threads
5533 @cindex threads, continuing
5534
5535 @value{GDBN} supports debugging programs with multiple threads
5536 (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads}). There
5537 are two modes of controlling execution of your program within the
5538 debugger. In the default mode, referred to as @dfn{all-stop mode},
5539 when any thread in your program stops (for example, at a breakpoint
5540 or while being stepped), all other threads in the program are also stopped by
5541 @value{GDBN}. On some targets, @value{GDBN} also supports
5542 @dfn{non-stop mode}, in which other threads can continue to run freely while
5543 you examine the stopped thread in the debugger.
5544
5545 @menu
5546 * All-Stop Mode:: All threads stop when GDB takes control
5547 * Non-Stop Mode:: Other threads continue to execute
5548 * Background Execution:: Running your program asynchronously
5549 * Thread-Specific Breakpoints:: Controlling breakpoints
5550 * Interrupted System Calls:: GDB may interfere with system calls
5551 * Observer Mode:: GDB does not alter program behavior
5552 @end menu
5553
5554 @node All-Stop Mode
5555 @subsection All-Stop Mode
5556
5557 @cindex all-stop mode
5558
5559 In all-stop mode, whenever your program stops under @value{GDBN} for any reason,
5560 @emph{all} threads of execution stop, not just the current thread. This
5561 allows you to examine the overall state of the program, including
5562 switching between threads, without worrying that things may change
5563 underfoot.
5564
5565 Conversely, whenever you restart the program, @emph{all} threads start
5566 executing. @emph{This is true even when single-stepping} with commands
5567 like @code{step} or @code{next}.
5568
5569 In particular, @value{GDBN} cannot single-step all threads in lockstep.
5570 Since thread scheduling is up to your debugging target's operating
5571 system (not controlled by @value{GDBN}), other threads may
5572 execute more than one statement while the current thread completes a
5573 single step. Moreover, in general other threads stop in the middle of a
5574 statement, rather than at a clean statement boundary, when the program
5575 stops.
5576
5577 You might even find your program stopped in another thread after
5578 continuing or even single-stepping. This happens whenever some other
5579 thread runs into a breakpoint, a signal, or an exception before the
5580 first thread completes whatever you requested.
5581
5582 @cindex automatic thread selection
5583 @cindex switching threads automatically
5584 @cindex threads, automatic switching
5585 Whenever @value{GDBN} stops your program, due to a breakpoint or a
5586 signal, it automatically selects the thread where that breakpoint or
5587 signal happened. @value{GDBN} alerts you to the context switch with a
5588 message such as @samp{[Switching to Thread @var{n}]} to identify the
5589 thread.
5590
5591 On some OSes, you can modify @value{GDBN}'s default behavior by
5592 locking the OS scheduler to allow only a single thread to run.
5593
5594 @table @code
5595 @item set scheduler-locking @var{mode}
5596 @cindex scheduler locking mode
5597 @cindex lock scheduler
5598 Set the scheduler locking mode. If it is @code{off}, then there is no
5599 locking and any thread may run at any time. If @code{on}, then only the
5600 current thread may run when the inferior is resumed. The @code{step}
5601 mode optimizes for single-stepping; it prevents other threads
5602 from preempting the current thread while you are stepping, so that
5603 the focus of debugging does not change unexpectedly.
5604 Other threads only rarely (or never) get a chance to run
5605 when you step. They are more likely to run when you @samp{next} over a
5606 function call, and they are completely free to run when you use commands
5607 like @samp{continue}, @samp{until}, or @samp{finish}. However, unless another
5608 thread hits a breakpoint during its timeslice, @value{GDBN} does not change
5609 the current thread away from the thread that you are debugging.
5610
5611 @item show scheduler-locking
5612 Display the current scheduler locking mode.
5613 @end table
5614
5615 @cindex resume threads of multiple processes simultaneously
5616 By default, when you issue one of the execution commands such as
5617 @code{continue}, @code{next} or @code{step}, @value{GDBN} allows only
5618 threads of the current inferior to run. For example, if @value{GDBN}
5619 is attached to two inferiors, each with two threads, the
5620 @code{continue} command resumes only the two threads of the current
5621 inferior. This is useful, for example, when you debug a program that
5622 forks and you want to hold the parent stopped (so that, for instance,
5623 it doesn't run to exit), while you debug the child. In other
5624 situations, you may not be interested in inspecting the current state
5625 of any of the processes @value{GDBN} is attached to, and you may want
5626 to resume them all until some breakpoint is hit. In the latter case,
5627 you can instruct @value{GDBN} to allow all threads of all the
5628 inferiors to run with the @w{@code{set schedule-multiple}} command.
5629
5630 @table @code
5631 @kindex set schedule-multiple
5632 @item set schedule-multiple
5633 Set the mode for allowing threads of multiple processes to be resumed
5634 when an execution command is issued. When @code{on}, all threads of
5635 all processes are allowed to run. When @code{off}, only the threads
5636 of the current process are resumed. The default is @code{off}. The
5637 @code{scheduler-locking} mode takes precedence when set to @code{on},
5638 or while you are stepping and set to @code{step}.
5639
5640 @item show schedule-multiple
5641 Display the current mode for resuming the execution of threads of
5642 multiple processes.
5643 @end table
5644
5645 @node Non-Stop Mode
5646 @subsection Non-Stop Mode
5647
5648 @cindex non-stop mode
5649
5650 @c This section is really only a place-holder, and needs to be expanded
5651 @c with more details.
5652
5653 For some multi-threaded targets, @value{GDBN} supports an optional
5654 mode of operation in which you can examine stopped program threads in
5655 the debugger while other threads continue to execute freely. This
5656 minimizes intrusion when debugging live systems, such as programs
5657 where some threads have real-time constraints or must continue to
5658 respond to external events. This is referred to as @dfn{non-stop} mode.
5659
5660 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops to report a debugging event,
5661 @emph{only} that thread is stopped; @value{GDBN} does not stop other
5662 threads as well, in contrast to the all-stop mode behavior. Additionally,
5663 execution commands such as @code{continue} and @code{step} apply by default
5664 only to the current thread in non-stop mode, rather than all threads as
5665 in all-stop mode. This allows you to control threads explicitly in
5666 ways that are not possible in all-stop mode --- for example, stepping
5667 one thread while allowing others to run freely, stepping
5668 one thread while holding all others stopped, or stepping several threads
5669 independently and simultaneously.
5670
5671 To enter non-stop mode, use this sequence of commands before you run
5672 or attach to your program:
5673
5674 @smallexample
5675 # Enable the async interface.
5676 set target-async 1
5677
5678 # If using the CLI, pagination breaks non-stop.
5679 set pagination off
5680
5681 # Finally, turn it on!
5682 set non-stop on
5683 @end smallexample
5684
5685 You can use these commands to manipulate the non-stop mode setting:
5686
5687 @table @code
5688 @kindex set non-stop
5689 @item set non-stop on
5690 Enable selection of non-stop mode.
5691 @item set non-stop off
5692 Disable selection of non-stop mode.
5693 @kindex show non-stop
5694 @item show non-stop
5695 Show the current non-stop enablement setting.
5696 @end table
5697
5698 Note these commands only reflect whether non-stop mode is enabled,
5699 not whether the currently-executing program is being run in non-stop mode.
5700 In particular, the @code{set non-stop} preference is only consulted when
5701 @value{GDBN} starts or connects to the target program, and it is generally
5702 not possible to switch modes once debugging has started. Furthermore,
5703 since not all targets support non-stop mode, even when you have enabled
5704 non-stop mode, @value{GDBN} may still fall back to all-stop operation by
5705 default.
5706
5707 In non-stop mode, all execution commands apply only to the current thread
5708 by default. That is, @code{continue} only continues one thread.
5709 To continue all threads, issue @code{continue -a} or @code{c -a}.
5710
5711 You can use @value{GDBN}'s background execution commands
5712 (@pxref{Background Execution}) to run some threads in the background
5713 while you continue to examine or step others from @value{GDBN}.
5714 The MI execution commands (@pxref{GDB/MI Program Execution}) are
5715 always executed asynchronously in non-stop mode.
5716
5717 Suspending execution is done with the @code{interrupt} command when
5718 running in the background, or @kbd{Ctrl-c} during foreground execution.
5719 In all-stop mode, this stops the whole process;
5720 but in non-stop mode the interrupt applies only to the current thread.
5721 To stop the whole program, use @code{interrupt -a}.
5722
5723 Other execution commands do not currently support the @code{-a} option.
5724
5725 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops, @value{GDBN} doesn't automatically make
5726 that thread current, as it does in all-stop mode. This is because the
5727 thread stop notifications are asynchronous with respect to @value{GDBN}'s
5728 command interpreter, and it would be confusing if @value{GDBN} unexpectedly
5729 changed to a different thread just as you entered a command to operate on the
5730 previously current thread.
5731
5732 @node Background Execution
5733 @subsection Background Execution
5734
5735 @cindex foreground execution
5736 @cindex background execution
5737 @cindex asynchronous execution
5738 @cindex execution, foreground, background and asynchronous
5739
5740 @value{GDBN}'s execution commands have two variants: the normal
5741 foreground (synchronous) behavior, and a background
5742 (asynchronous) behavior. In foreground execution, @value{GDBN} waits for
5743 the program to report that some thread has stopped before prompting for
5744 another command. In background execution, @value{GDBN} immediately gives
5745 a command prompt so that you can issue other commands while your program runs.
5746
5747 You need to explicitly enable asynchronous mode before you can use
5748 background execution commands. You can use these commands to
5749 manipulate the asynchronous mode setting:
5750
5751 @table @code
5752 @kindex set target-async
5753 @item set target-async on
5754 Enable asynchronous mode.
5755 @item set target-async off
5756 Disable asynchronous mode.
5757 @kindex show target-async
5758 @item show target-async
5759 Show the current target-async setting.
5760 @end table
5761
5762 If the target doesn't support async mode, @value{GDBN} issues an error
5763 message if you attempt to use the background execution commands.
5764
5765 To specify background execution, add a @code{&} to the command. For example,
5766 the background form of the @code{continue} command is @code{continue&}, or
5767 just @code{c&}. The execution commands that accept background execution
5768 are:
5769
5770 @table @code
5771 @kindex run&
5772 @item run
5773 @xref{Starting, , Starting your Program}.
5774
5775 @item attach
5776 @kindex attach&
5777 @xref{Attach, , Debugging an Already-running Process}.
5778
5779 @item step
5780 @kindex step&
5781 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, step}.
5782
5783 @item stepi
5784 @kindex stepi&
5785 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, stepi}.
5786
5787 @item next
5788 @kindex next&
5789 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, next}.
5790
5791 @item nexti
5792 @kindex nexti&
5793 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, nexti}.
5794
5795 @item continue
5796 @kindex continue&
5797 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, continue}.
5798
5799 @item finish
5800 @kindex finish&
5801 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, finish}.
5802
5803 @item until
5804 @kindex until&
5805 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, until}.
5806
5807 @end table
5808
5809 Background execution is especially useful in conjunction with non-stop
5810 mode for debugging programs with multiple threads; see @ref{Non-Stop Mode}.
5811 However, you can also use these commands in the normal all-stop mode with
5812 the restriction that you cannot issue another execution command until the
5813 previous one finishes. Examples of commands that are valid in all-stop
5814 mode while the program is running include @code{help} and @code{info break}.
5815
5816 You can interrupt your program while it is running in the background by
5817 using the @code{interrupt} command.
5818
5819 @table @code
5820 @kindex interrupt
5821 @item interrupt
5822 @itemx interrupt -a
5823
5824 Suspend execution of the running program. In all-stop mode,
5825 @code{interrupt} stops the whole process, but in non-stop mode, it stops
5826 only the current thread. To stop the whole program in non-stop mode,
5827 use @code{interrupt -a}.
5828 @end table
5829
5830 @node Thread-Specific Breakpoints
5831 @subsection Thread-Specific Breakpoints
5832
5833 When your program has multiple threads (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging
5834 Programs with Multiple Threads}), you can choose whether to set
5835 breakpoints on all threads, or on a particular thread.
5836
5837 @table @code
5838 @cindex breakpoints and threads
5839 @cindex thread breakpoints
5840 @kindex break @dots{} thread @var{threadno}
5841 @item break @var{linespec} thread @var{threadno}
5842 @itemx break @var{linespec} thread @var{threadno} if @dots{}
5843 @var{linespec} specifies source lines; there are several ways of
5844 writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always to
5845 specify some source line.
5846
5847 Use the qualifier @samp{thread @var{threadno}} with a breakpoint command
5848 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
5849 particular thread reaches this breakpoint. @var{threadno} is one of the
5850 numeric thread identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown in the first
5851 column of the @samp{info threads} display.
5852
5853 If you do not specify @samp{thread @var{threadno}} when you set a
5854 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} threads of your
5855 program.
5856
5857 You can use the @code{thread} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
5858 well; in this case, place @samp{thread @var{threadno}} before or
5859 after the breakpoint condition, like this:
5860
5861 @smallexample
5862 (@value{GDBP}) break frik.c:13 thread 28 if bartab > lim
5863 @end smallexample
5864
5865 @end table
5866
5867 @node Interrupted System Calls
5868 @subsection Interrupted System Calls
5869
5870 @cindex thread breakpoints and system calls
5871 @cindex system calls and thread breakpoints
5872 @cindex premature return from system calls
5873 There is an unfortunate side effect when using @value{GDBN} to debug
5874 multi-threaded programs. If one thread stops for a
5875 breakpoint, or for some other reason, and another thread is blocked in a
5876 system call, then the system call may return prematurely. This is a
5877 consequence of the interaction between multiple threads and the signals
5878 that @value{GDBN} uses to implement breakpoints and other events that
5879 stop execution.
5880
5881 To handle this problem, your program should check the return value of
5882 each system call and react appropriately. This is good programming
5883 style anyways.
5884
5885 For example, do not write code like this:
5886
5887 @smallexample
5888 sleep (10);
5889 @end smallexample
5890
5891 The call to @code{sleep} will return early if a different thread stops
5892 at a breakpoint or for some other reason.
5893
5894 Instead, write this:
5895
5896 @smallexample
5897 int unslept = 10;
5898 while (unslept > 0)
5899 unslept = sleep (unslept);
5900 @end smallexample
5901
5902 A system call is allowed to return early, so the system is still
5903 conforming to its specification. But @value{GDBN} does cause your
5904 multi-threaded program to behave differently than it would without
5905 @value{GDBN}.
5906
5907 Also, @value{GDBN} uses internal breakpoints in the thread library to
5908 monitor certain events such as thread creation and thread destruction.
5909 When such an event happens, a system call in another thread may return
5910 prematurely, even though your program does not appear to stop.
5911
5912 @node Observer Mode
5913 @subsection Observer Mode
5914
5915 If you want to build on non-stop mode and observe program behavior
5916 without any chance of disruption by @value{GDBN}, you can set
5917 variables to disable all of the debugger's attempts to modify state,
5918 whether by writing memory, inserting breakpoints, etc. These operate
5919 at a low level, intercepting operations from all commands.
5920
5921 When all of these are set to @code{off}, then @value{GDBN} is said to
5922 be @dfn{observer mode}. As a convenience, the variable
5923 @code{observer} can be set to disable these, plus enable non-stop
5924 mode.
5925
5926 Note that @value{GDBN} will not prevent you from making nonsensical
5927 combinations of these settings. For instance, if you have enabled
5928 @code{may-insert-breakpoints} but disabled @code{may-write-memory},
5929 then breakpoints that work by writing trap instructions into the code
5930 stream will still not be able to be placed.
5931
5932 @table @code
5933
5934 @kindex observer
5935 @item set observer on
5936 @itemx set observer off
5937 When set to @code{on}, this disables all the permission variables
5938 below (except for @code{insert-fast-tracepoints}), plus enables
5939 non-stop debugging. Setting this to @code{off} switches back to
5940 normal debugging, though remaining in non-stop mode.
5941
5942 @item show observer
5943 Show whether observer mode is on or off.
5944
5945 @kindex may-write-registers
5946 @item set may-write-registers on
5947 @itemx set may-write-registers off
5948 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to alter the values of
5949 registers, such as with assignment expressions in @code{print}, or the
5950 @code{jump} command. It defaults to @code{on}.
5951
5952 @item show may-write-registers
5953 Show the current permission to write registers.
5954
5955 @kindex may-write-memory
5956 @item set may-write-memory on
5957 @itemx set may-write-memory off
5958 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to alter the contents
5959 of memory, such as with assignment expressions in @code{print}. It
5960 defaults to @code{on}.
5961
5962 @item show may-write-memory
5963 Show the current permission to write memory.
5964
5965 @kindex may-insert-breakpoints
5966 @item set may-insert-breakpoints on
5967 @itemx set may-insert-breakpoints off
5968 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert breakpoints.
5969 This affects all breakpoints, including internal breakpoints defined
5970 by @value{GDBN}. It defaults to @code{on}.
5971
5972 @item show may-insert-breakpoints
5973 Show the current permission to insert breakpoints.
5974
5975 @kindex may-insert-tracepoints
5976 @item set may-insert-tracepoints on
5977 @itemx set may-insert-tracepoints off
5978 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert (regular)
5979 tracepoints at the beginning of a tracing experiment. It affects only
5980 non-fast tracepoints, fast tracepoints being under the control of
5981 @code{may-insert-fast-tracepoints}. It defaults to @code{on}.
5982
5983 @item show may-insert-tracepoints
5984 Show the current permission to insert tracepoints.
5985
5986 @kindex may-insert-fast-tracepoints
5987 @item set may-insert-fast-tracepoints on
5988 @itemx set may-insert-fast-tracepoints off
5989 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert fast
5990 tracepoints at the beginning of a tracing experiment. It affects only
5991 fast tracepoints, regular (non-fast) tracepoints being under the
5992 control of @code{may-insert-tracepoints}. It defaults to @code{on}.
5993
5994 @item show may-insert-fast-tracepoints
5995 Show the current permission to insert fast tracepoints.
5996
5997 @kindex may-interrupt
5998 @item set may-interrupt on
5999 @itemx set may-interrupt off
6000 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to interrupt or stop
6001 program execution. When this variable is @code{off}, the
6002 @code{interrupt} command will have no effect, nor will
6003 @kbd{Ctrl-c}. It defaults to @code{on}.
6004
6005 @item show may-interrupt
6006 Show the current permission to interrupt or stop the program.
6007
6008 @end table
6009
6010 @node Reverse Execution
6011 @chapter Running programs backward
6012 @cindex reverse execution
6013 @cindex running programs backward
6014
6015 When you are debugging a program, it is not unusual to realize that
6016 you have gone too far, and some event of interest has already happened.
6017 If the target environment supports it, @value{GDBN} can allow you to
6018 ``rewind'' the program by running it backward.
6019
6020 A target environment that supports reverse execution should be able
6021 to ``undo'' the changes in machine state that have taken place as the
6022 program was executing normally. Variables, registers etc.@: should
6023 revert to their previous values. Obviously this requires a great
6024 deal of sophistication on the part of the target environment; not
6025 all target environments can support reverse execution.
6026
6027 When a program is executed in reverse, the instructions that
6028 have most recently been executed are ``un-executed'', in reverse
6029 order. The program counter runs backward, following the previous
6030 thread of execution in reverse. As each instruction is ``un-executed'',
6031 the values of memory and/or registers that were changed by that
6032 instruction are reverted to their previous states. After executing
6033 a piece of source code in reverse, all side effects of that code
6034 should be ``undone'', and all variables should be returned to their
6035 prior values@footnote{
6036 Note that some side effects are easier to undo than others. For instance,
6037 memory and registers are relatively easy, but device I/O is hard. Some
6038 targets may be able undo things like device I/O, and some may not.
6039
6040 The contract between @value{GDBN} and the reverse executing target
6041 requires only that the target do something reasonable when
6042 @value{GDBN} tells it to execute backwards, and then report the
6043 results back to @value{GDBN}. Whatever the target reports back to
6044 @value{GDBN}, @value{GDBN} will report back to the user. @value{GDBN}
6045 assumes that the memory and registers that the target reports are in a
6046 consistant state, but @value{GDBN} accepts whatever it is given.
6047 }.
6048
6049 If you are debugging in a target environment that supports
6050 reverse execution, @value{GDBN} provides the following commands.
6051
6052 @table @code
6053 @kindex reverse-continue
6054 @kindex rc @r{(@code{reverse-continue})}
6055 @item reverse-continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
6056 @itemx rc @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
6057 Beginning at the point where your program last stopped, start executing
6058 in reverse. Reverse execution will stop for breakpoints and synchronous
6059 exceptions (signals), just like normal execution. Behavior of
6060 asynchronous signals depends on the target environment.
6061
6062 @kindex reverse-step
6063 @kindex rs @r{(@code{step})}
6064 @item reverse-step @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6065 Run the program backward until control reaches the start of a
6066 different source line; then stop it, and return control to @value{GDBN}.
6067
6068 Like the @code{step} command, @code{reverse-step} will only stop
6069 at the beginning of a source line. It ``un-executes'' the previously
6070 executed source line. If the previous source line included calls to
6071 debuggable functions, @code{reverse-step} will step (backward) into
6072 the called function, stopping at the beginning of the @emph{last}
6073 statement in the called function (typically a return statement).
6074
6075 Also, as with the @code{step} command, if non-debuggable functions are
6076 called, @code{reverse-step} will run thru them backward without stopping.
6077
6078 @kindex reverse-stepi
6079 @kindex rsi @r{(@code{reverse-stepi})}
6080 @item reverse-stepi @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6081 Reverse-execute one machine instruction. Note that the instruction
6082 to be reverse-executed is @emph{not} the one pointed to by the program
6083 counter, but the instruction executed prior to that one. For instance,
6084 if the last instruction was a jump, @code{reverse-stepi} will take you
6085 back from the destination of the jump to the jump instruction itself.
6086
6087 @kindex reverse-next
6088 @kindex rn @r{(@code{reverse-next})}
6089 @item reverse-next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6090 Run backward to the beginning of the previous line executed in
6091 the current (innermost) stack frame. If the line contains function
6092 calls, they will be ``un-executed'' without stopping. Starting from
6093 the first line of a function, @code{reverse-next} will take you back
6094 to the caller of that function, @emph{before} the function was called,
6095 just as the normal @code{next} command would take you from the last
6096 line of a function back to its return to its caller
6097 @footnote{Unless the code is too heavily optimized.}.
6098
6099 @kindex reverse-nexti
6100 @kindex rni @r{(@code{reverse-nexti})}
6101 @item reverse-nexti @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6102 Like @code{nexti}, @code{reverse-nexti} executes a single instruction
6103 in reverse, except that called functions are ``un-executed'' atomically.
6104 That is, if the previously executed instruction was a return from
6105 another function, @code{reverse-nexti} will continue to execute
6106 in reverse until the call to that function (from the current stack
6107 frame) is reached.
6108
6109 @kindex reverse-finish
6110 @item reverse-finish
6111 Just as the @code{finish} command takes you to the point where the
6112 current function returns, @code{reverse-finish} takes you to the point
6113 where it was called. Instead of ending up at the end of the current
6114 function invocation, you end up at the beginning.
6115
6116 @kindex set exec-direction
6117 @item set exec-direction
6118 Set the direction of target execution.
6119 @item set exec-direction reverse
6120 @cindex execute forward or backward in time
6121 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in reverse, until the
6122 exec-direction mode is changed to ``forward''. Affected commands include
6123 @code{step, stepi, next, nexti, continue, and finish}. The @code{return}
6124 command cannot be used in reverse mode.
6125 @item set exec-direction forward
6126 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in the normal fashion.
6127 This is the default.
6128 @end table
6129
6130
6131 @node Process Record and Replay
6132 @chapter Recording Inferior's Execution and Replaying It
6133 @cindex process record and replay
6134 @cindex recording inferior's execution and replaying it
6135
6136 On some platforms, @value{GDBN} provides a special @dfn{process record
6137 and replay} target that can record a log of the process execution, and
6138 replay it later with both forward and reverse execution commands.
6139
6140 @cindex replay mode
6141 When this target is in use, if the execution log includes the record
6142 for the next instruction, @value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{replay
6143 mode}. In the replay mode, the inferior does not really execute code
6144 instructions. Instead, all the events that normally happen during
6145 code execution are taken from the execution log. While code is not
6146 really executed in replay mode, the values of registers (including the
6147 program counter register) and the memory of the inferior are still
6148 changed as they normally would. Their contents are taken from the
6149 execution log.
6150
6151 @cindex record mode
6152 If the record for the next instruction is not in the execution log,
6153 @value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{record mode}. In this mode, the
6154 inferior executes normally, and @value{GDBN} records the execution log
6155 for future replay.
6156
6157 The process record and replay target supports reverse execution
6158 (@pxref{Reverse Execution}), even if the platform on which the
6159 inferior runs does not. However, the reverse execution is limited in
6160 this case by the range of the instructions recorded in the execution
6161 log. In other words, reverse execution on platforms that don't
6162 support it directly can only be done in the replay mode.
6163
6164 When debugging in the reverse direction, @value{GDBN} will work in
6165 replay mode as long as the execution log includes the record for the
6166 previous instruction; otherwise, it will work in record mode, if the
6167 platform supports reverse execution, or stop if not.
6168
6169 For architecture environments that support process record and replay,
6170 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands:
6171
6172 @table @code
6173 @kindex target record
6174 @kindex target record-full
6175 @kindex target record-btrace
6176 @kindex record
6177 @kindex record full
6178 @kindex record btrace
6179 @kindex rec
6180 @kindex rec full
6181 @kindex rec btrace
6182 @item record @var{method}
6183 This command starts the process record and replay target. The
6184 recording method can be specified as parameter. Without a parameter
6185 the command uses the @code{full} recording method. The following
6186 recording methods are available:
6187
6188 @table @code
6189 @item full
6190 Full record/replay recording using @value{GDBN}'s software record and
6191 replay implementation. This method allows replaying and reverse
6192 execution.
6193
6194 @item btrace
6195 Hardware-supported instruction recording. This method does not allow
6196 replaying and reverse execution.
6197
6198 This recording method may not be available on all processors.
6199 @end table
6200
6201 The process record and replay target can only debug a process that is
6202 already running. Therefore, you need first to start the process with
6203 the @kbd{run} or @kbd{start} commands, and then start the recording
6204 with the @kbd{record @var{method}} command.
6205
6206 Both @code{record @var{method}} and @code{rec @var{method}} are
6207 aliases of @code{target record-@var{method}}.
6208
6209 @cindex displaced stepping, and process record and replay
6210 Displaced stepping (@pxref{Maintenance Commands,, displaced stepping})
6211 will be automatically disabled when process record and replay target
6212 is started. That's because the process record and replay target
6213 doesn't support displaced stepping.
6214
6215 @cindex non-stop mode, and process record and replay
6216 @cindex asynchronous execution, and process record and replay
6217 If the inferior is in the non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) or in
6218 the asynchronous execution mode (@pxref{Background Execution}), not
6219 all recording methods are available. The @code{full} recording method
6220 does not support these two modes.
6221
6222 @kindex record stop
6223 @kindex rec s
6224 @item record stop
6225 Stop the process record and replay target. When process record and
6226 replay target stops, the entire execution log will be deleted and the
6227 inferior will either be terminated, or will remain in its final state.
6228
6229 When you stop the process record and replay target in record mode (at
6230 the end of the execution log), the inferior will be stopped at the
6231 next instruction that would have been recorded. In other words, if
6232 you record for a while and then stop recording, the inferior process
6233 will be left in the same state as if the recording never happened.
6234
6235 On the other hand, if the process record and replay target is stopped
6236 while in replay mode (that is, not at the end of the execution log,
6237 but at some earlier point), the inferior process will become ``live''
6238 at that earlier state, and it will then be possible to continue the
6239 usual ``live'' debugging of the process from that state.
6240
6241 When the inferior process exits, or @value{GDBN} detaches from it,
6242 process record and replay target will automatically stop itself.
6243
6244 @kindex record goto
6245 @item record goto
6246 Go to a specific location in the execution log. There are several
6247 ways to specify the location to go to:
6248
6249 @table @code
6250 @item record goto begin
6251 @itemx record goto start
6252 Go to the beginning of the execution log.
6253
6254 @item record goto end
6255 Go to the end of the execution log.
6256
6257 @item record goto @var{n}
6258 Go to instruction number @var{n} in the execution log.
6259 @end table
6260
6261 @kindex record save
6262 @item record save @var{filename}
6263 Save the execution log to a file @file{@var{filename}}.
6264 Default filename is @file{gdb_record.@var{process_id}}, where
6265 @var{process_id} is the process ID of the inferior.
6266
6267 This command may not be available for all recording methods.
6268
6269 @kindex record restore
6270 @item record restore @var{filename}
6271 Restore the execution log from a file @file{@var{filename}}.
6272 File must have been created with @code{record save}.
6273
6274 @kindex set record full
6275 @item set record full insn-number-max @var{limit}
6276 @itemx set record full insn-number-max unlimited
6277 Set the limit of instructions to be recorded for the @code{full}
6278 recording method. Default value is 200000.
6279
6280 If @var{limit} is a positive number, then @value{GDBN} will start
6281 deleting instructions from the log once the number of the record
6282 instructions becomes greater than @var{limit}. For every new recorded
6283 instruction, @value{GDBN} will delete the earliest recorded
6284 instruction to keep the number of recorded instructions at the limit.
6285 (Since deleting recorded instructions loses information, @value{GDBN}
6286 lets you control what happens when the limit is reached, by means of
6287 the @code{stop-at-limit} option, described below.)
6288
6289 If @var{limit} is @code{unlimited} or zero, @value{GDBN} will never
6290 delete recorded instructions from the execution log. The number of
6291 recorded instructions is limited only by the available memory.
6292
6293 @kindex show record full
6294 @item show record full insn-number-max
6295 Show the limit of instructions to be recorded with the @code{full}
6296 recording method.
6297
6298 @item set record full stop-at-limit
6299 Control the behavior of the @code{full} recording method when the
6300 number of recorded instructions reaches the limit. If ON (the
6301 default), @value{GDBN} will stop when the limit is reached for the
6302 first time and ask you whether you want to stop the inferior or
6303 continue running it and recording the execution log. If you decide
6304 to continue recording, each new recorded instruction will cause the
6305 oldest one to be deleted.
6306
6307 If this option is OFF, @value{GDBN} will automatically delete the
6308 oldest record to make room for each new one, without asking.
6309
6310 @item show record full stop-at-limit
6311 Show the current setting of @code{stop-at-limit}.
6312
6313 @item set record full memory-query
6314 Control the behavior when @value{GDBN} is unable to record memory
6315 changes caused by an instruction for the @code{full} recording method.
6316 If ON, @value{GDBN} will query whether to stop the inferior in that
6317 case.
6318
6319 If this option is OFF (the default), @value{GDBN} will automatically
6320 ignore the effect of such instructions on memory. Later, when
6321 @value{GDBN} replays this execution log, it will mark the log of this
6322 instruction as not accessible, and it will not affect the replay
6323 results.
6324
6325 @item show record full memory-query
6326 Show the current setting of @code{memory-query}.
6327
6328 @kindex info record
6329 @item info record
6330 Show various statistics about the recording depending on the recording
6331 method:
6332
6333 @table @code
6334 @item full
6335 For the @code{full} recording method, it shows the state of process
6336 record and its in-memory execution log buffer, including:
6337
6338 @itemize @bullet
6339 @item
6340 Whether in record mode or replay mode.
6341 @item
6342 Lowest recorded instruction number (counting from when the current execution log started recording instructions).
6343 @item
6344 Highest recorded instruction number.
6345 @item
6346 Current instruction about to be replayed (if in replay mode).
6347 @item
6348 Number of instructions contained in the execution log.
6349 @item
6350 Maximum number of instructions that may be contained in the execution log.
6351 @end itemize
6352
6353 @item btrace
6354 For the @code{btrace} recording method, it shows the number of
6355 instructions that have been recorded and the number of blocks of
6356 sequential control-flow that is formed by the recorded instructions.
6357 @end table
6358
6359 @kindex record delete
6360 @kindex rec del
6361 @item record delete
6362 When record target runs in replay mode (``in the past''), delete the
6363 subsequent execution log and begin to record a new execution log starting
6364 from the current address. This means you will abandon the previously
6365 recorded ``future'' and begin recording a new ``future''.
6366
6367 @kindex record instruction-history
6368 @kindex rec instruction-history
6369 @item record instruction-history
6370 Disassembles instructions from the recorded execution log. By
6371 default, ten instructions are disassembled. This can be changed using
6372 the @code{set record instruction-history-size} command. Instructions
6373 are printed in execution order. There are several ways to specify
6374 what part of the execution log to disassemble:
6375
6376 @table @code
6377 @item record instruction-history @var{insn}
6378 Disassembles ten instructions starting from instruction number
6379 @var{insn}.
6380
6381 @item record instruction-history @var{insn}, +/-@var{n}
6382 Disassembles @var{n} instructions around instruction number
6383 @var{insn}. If @var{n} is preceded with @code{+}, disassembles
6384 @var{n} instructions after instruction number @var{insn}. If
6385 @var{n} is preceded with @code{-}, disassembles @var{n}
6386 instructions before instruction number @var{insn}.
6387
6388 @item record instruction-history
6389 Disassembles ten more instructions after the last disassembly.
6390
6391 @item record instruction-history -
6392 Disassembles ten more instructions before the last disassembly.
6393
6394 @item record instruction-history @var{begin} @var{end}
6395 Disassembles instructions beginning with instruction number
6396 @var{begin} until instruction number @var{end}. The instruction
6397 number @var{end} is not included.
6398 @end table
6399
6400 This command may not be available for all recording methods.
6401
6402 @kindex set record
6403 @item set record instruction-history-size @var{size}
6404 @itemx set record instruction-history-size unlimited
6405 Define how many instructions to disassemble in the @code{record
6406 instruction-history} command. The default value is 10.
6407 A @var{size} of @code{unlimited} means unlimited instructions.
6408
6409 @kindex show record
6410 @item show record instruction-history-size
6411 Show how many instructions to disassemble in the @code{record
6412 instruction-history} command.
6413
6414 @kindex record function-call-history
6415 @kindex rec function-call-history
6416 @item record function-call-history
6417 Prints the execution history at function granularity. It prints one
6418 line for each sequence of instructions that belong to the same
6419 function giving the name of that function, the source lines
6420 for this instruction sequence (if the @code{/l} modifier is
6421 specified), and the instructions numbers that form the sequence (if
6422 the @code{/i} modifier is specified).
6423
6424 @smallexample
6425 (@value{GDBP}) @b{list 1, 10}
6426 1 void foo (void)
6427 2 @{
6428 3 @}
6429 4
6430 5 void bar (void)
6431 6 @{
6432 7 ...
6433 8 foo ();
6434 9 ...
6435 10 @}
6436 (@value{GDBP}) @b{record function-call-history /l}
6437 1 foo.c:6-8 bar
6438 2 foo.c:2-3 foo
6439 3 foo.c:9-10 bar
6440 @end smallexample
6441
6442 By default, ten lines are printed. This can be changed using the
6443 @code{set record function-call-history-size} command. Functions are
6444 printed in execution order. There are several ways to specify what
6445 to print:
6446
6447 @table @code
6448 @item record function-call-history @var{func}
6449 Prints ten functions starting from function number @var{func}.
6450
6451 @item record function-call-history @var{func}, +/-@var{n}
6452 Prints @var{n} functions around function number @var{func}. If
6453 @var{n} is preceded with @code{+}, prints @var{n} functions after
6454 function number @var{func}. If @var{n} is preceded with @code{-},
6455 prints @var{n} functions before function number @var{func}.
6456
6457 @item record function-call-history
6458 Prints ten more functions after the last ten-line print.
6459
6460 @item record function-call-history -
6461 Prints ten more functions before the last ten-line print.
6462
6463 @item record function-call-history @var{begin} @var{end}
6464 Prints functions beginning with function number @var{begin} until
6465 function number @var{end}. The function number @var{end} is not
6466 included.
6467 @end table
6468
6469 This command may not be available for all recording methods.
6470
6471 @item set record function-call-history-size @var{size}
6472 @itemx set record function-call-history-size unlimited
6473 Define how many lines to print in the
6474 @code{record function-call-history} command. The default value is 10.
6475 A size of @code{unlimited} means unlimited lines.
6476
6477 @item show record function-call-history-size
6478 Show how many lines to print in the
6479 @code{record function-call-history} command.
6480 @end table
6481
6482
6483 @node Stack
6484 @chapter Examining the Stack
6485
6486 When your program has stopped, the first thing you need to know is where it
6487 stopped and how it got there.
6488
6489 @cindex call stack
6490 Each time your program performs a function call, information about the call
6491 is generated.
6492 That information includes the location of the call in your program,
6493 the arguments of the call,
6494 and the local variables of the function being called.
6495 The information is saved in a block of data called a @dfn{stack frame}.
6496 The stack frames are allocated in a region of memory called the @dfn{call
6497 stack}.
6498
6499 When your program stops, the @value{GDBN} commands for examining the
6500 stack allow you to see all of this information.
6501
6502 @cindex selected frame
6503 One of the stack frames is @dfn{selected} by @value{GDBN} and many
6504 @value{GDBN} commands refer implicitly to the selected frame. In
6505 particular, whenever you ask @value{GDBN} for the value of a variable in
6506 your program, the value is found in the selected frame. There are
6507 special @value{GDBN} commands to select whichever frame you are
6508 interested in. @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
6509
6510 When your program stops, @value{GDBN} automatically selects the
6511 currently executing frame and describes it briefly, similar to the
6512 @code{frame} command (@pxref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}).
6513
6514 @menu
6515 * Frames:: Stack frames
6516 * Backtrace:: Backtraces
6517 * Frame Filter Management:: Managing frame filters
6518 * Selection:: Selecting a frame
6519 * Frame Info:: Information on a frame
6520
6521 @end menu
6522
6523 @node Frames
6524 @section Stack Frames
6525
6526 @cindex frame, definition
6527 @cindex stack frame
6528 The call stack is divided up into contiguous pieces called @dfn{stack
6529 frames}, or @dfn{frames} for short; each frame is the data associated
6530 with one call to one function. The frame contains the arguments given
6531 to the function, the function's local variables, and the address at
6532 which the function is executing.
6533
6534 @cindex initial frame
6535 @cindex outermost frame
6536 @cindex innermost frame
6537 When your program is started, the stack has only one frame, that of the
6538 function @code{main}. This is called the @dfn{initial} frame or the
6539 @dfn{outermost} frame. Each time a function is called, a new frame is
6540 made. Each time a function returns, the frame for that function invocation
6541 is eliminated. If a function is recursive, there can be many frames for
6542 the same function. The frame for the function in which execution is
6543 actually occurring is called the @dfn{innermost} frame. This is the most
6544 recently created of all the stack frames that still exist.
6545
6546 @cindex frame pointer
6547 Inside your program, stack frames are identified by their addresses. A
6548 stack frame consists of many bytes, each of which has its own address; each
6549 kind of computer has a convention for choosing one byte whose
6550 address serves as the address of the frame. Usually this address is kept
6551 in a register called the @dfn{frame pointer register}
6552 (@pxref{Registers, $fp}) while execution is going on in that frame.
6553
6554 @cindex frame number
6555 @value{GDBN} assigns numbers to all existing stack frames, starting with
6556 zero for the innermost frame, one for the frame that called it,
6557 and so on upward. These numbers do not really exist in your program;
6558 they are assigned by @value{GDBN} to give you a way of designating stack
6559 frames in @value{GDBN} commands.
6560
6561 @c The -fomit-frame-pointer below perennially causes hbox overflow
6562 @c underflow problems.
6563 @cindex frameless execution
6564 Some compilers provide a way to compile functions so that they operate
6565 without stack frames. (For example, the @value{NGCC} option
6566 @smallexample
6567 @samp{-fomit-frame-pointer}
6568 @end smallexample
6569 generates functions without a frame.)
6570 This is occasionally done with heavily used library functions to save
6571 the frame setup time. @value{GDBN} has limited facilities for dealing
6572 with these function invocations. If the innermost function invocation
6573 has no stack frame, @value{GDBN} nevertheless regards it as though
6574 it had a separate frame, which is numbered zero as usual, allowing
6575 correct tracing of the function call chain. However, @value{GDBN} has
6576 no provision for frameless functions elsewhere in the stack.
6577
6578 @table @code
6579 @kindex frame@r{, command}
6580 @cindex current stack frame
6581 @item frame @var{args}
6582 The @code{frame} command allows you to move from one stack frame to another,
6583 and to print the stack frame you select. @var{args} may be either the
6584 address of the frame or the stack frame number. Without an argument,
6585 @code{frame} prints the current stack frame.
6586
6587 @kindex select-frame
6588 @cindex selecting frame silently
6589 @item select-frame
6590 The @code{select-frame} command allows you to move from one stack frame
6591 to another without printing the frame. This is the silent version of
6592 @code{frame}.
6593 @end table
6594
6595 @node Backtrace
6596 @section Backtraces
6597
6598 @cindex traceback
6599 @cindex call stack traces
6600 A backtrace is a summary of how your program got where it is. It shows one
6601 line per frame, for many frames, starting with the currently executing
6602 frame (frame zero), followed by its caller (frame one), and on up the
6603 stack.
6604
6605 @anchor{backtrace-command}
6606 @table @code
6607 @kindex backtrace
6608 @kindex bt @r{(@code{backtrace})}
6609 @item backtrace
6610 @itemx bt
6611 Print a backtrace of the entire stack: one line per frame for all
6612 frames in the stack.
6613
6614 You can stop the backtrace at any time by typing the system interrupt
6615 character, normally @kbd{Ctrl-c}.
6616
6617 @item backtrace @var{n}
6618 @itemx bt @var{n}
6619 Similar, but print only the innermost @var{n} frames.
6620
6621 @item backtrace -@var{n}
6622 @itemx bt -@var{n}
6623 Similar, but print only the outermost @var{n} frames.
6624
6625 @item backtrace full
6626 @itemx bt full
6627 @itemx bt full @var{n}
6628 @itemx bt full -@var{n}
6629 Print the values of the local variables also. @var{n} specifies the
6630 number of frames to print, as described above.
6631
6632 @item backtrace no-filters
6633 @itemx bt no-filters
6634 @itemx bt no-filters @var{n}
6635 @itemx bt no-filters -@var{n}
6636 @itemx bt no-filters full
6637 @itemx bt no-filters full @var{n}
6638 @itemx bt no-filters full -@var{n}
6639 Do not run Python frame filters on this backtrace. @xref{Frame
6640 Filter API}, for more information. Additionally use @ref{disable
6641 frame-filter all} to turn off all frame filters. This is only
6642 relevant when @value{GDBN} has been configured with @code{Python}
6643 support.
6644 @end table
6645
6646 @kindex where
6647 @kindex info stack
6648 The names @code{where} and @code{info stack} (abbreviated @code{info s})
6649 are additional aliases for @code{backtrace}.
6650
6651 @cindex multiple threads, backtrace
6652 In a multi-threaded program, @value{GDBN} by default shows the
6653 backtrace only for the current thread. To display the backtrace for
6654 several or all of the threads, use the command @code{thread apply}
6655 (@pxref{Threads, thread apply}). For example, if you type @kbd{thread
6656 apply all backtrace}, @value{GDBN} will display the backtrace for all
6657 the threads; this is handy when you debug a core dump of a
6658 multi-threaded program.
6659
6660 Each line in the backtrace shows the frame number and the function name.
6661 The program counter value is also shown---unless you use @code{set
6662 print address off}. The backtrace also shows the source file name and
6663 line number, as well as the arguments to the function. The program
6664 counter value is omitted if it is at the beginning of the code for that
6665 line number.
6666
6667 Here is an example of a backtrace. It was made with the command
6668 @samp{bt 3}, so it shows the innermost three frames.
6669
6670 @smallexample
6671 @group
6672 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
6673 at builtin.c:993
6674 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=0x2b600, data=...) at macro.c:242
6675 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=177664, td=0xf7fffb08)
6676 at macro.c:71
6677 (More stack frames follow...)
6678 @end group
6679 @end smallexample
6680
6681 @noindent
6682 The display for frame zero does not begin with a program counter
6683 value, indicating that your program has stopped at the beginning of the
6684 code for line @code{993} of @code{builtin.c}.
6685
6686 @noindent
6687 The value of parameter @code{data} in frame 1 has been replaced by
6688 @code{@dots{}}. By default, @value{GDBN} prints the value of a parameter
6689 only if it is a scalar (integer, pointer, enumeration, etc). See command
6690 @kbd{set print frame-arguments} in @ref{Print Settings} for more details
6691 on how to configure the way function parameter values are printed.
6692
6693 @cindex optimized out, in backtrace
6694 @cindex function call arguments, optimized out
6695 If your program was compiled with optimizations, some compilers will
6696 optimize away arguments passed to functions if those arguments are
6697 never used after the call. Such optimizations generate code that
6698 passes arguments through registers, but doesn't store those arguments
6699 in the stack frame. @value{GDBN} has no way of displaying such
6700 arguments in stack frames other than the innermost one. Here's what
6701 such a backtrace might look like:
6702
6703 @smallexample
6704 @group
6705 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
6706 at builtin.c:993
6707 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=<optimized out>) at macro.c:242
6708 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=<optimized out>, td=0xf7fffb08)
6709 at macro.c:71
6710 (More stack frames follow...)
6711 @end group
6712 @end smallexample
6713
6714 @noindent
6715 The values of arguments that were not saved in their stack frames are
6716 shown as @samp{<optimized out>}.
6717
6718 If you need to display the values of such optimized-out arguments,
6719 either deduce that from other variables whose values depend on the one
6720 you are interested in, or recompile without optimizations.
6721
6722 @cindex backtrace beyond @code{main} function
6723 @cindex program entry point
6724 @cindex startup code, and backtrace
6725 Most programs have a standard user entry point---a place where system
6726 libraries and startup code transition into user code. For C this is
6727 @code{main}@footnote{
6728 Note that embedded programs (the so-called ``free-standing''
6729 environment) are not required to have a @code{main} function as the
6730 entry point. They could even have multiple entry points.}.
6731 When @value{GDBN} finds the entry function in a backtrace
6732 it will terminate the backtrace, to avoid tracing into highly
6733 system-specific (and generally uninteresting) code.
6734
6735 If you need to examine the startup code, or limit the number of levels
6736 in a backtrace, you can change this behavior:
6737
6738 @table @code
6739 @item set backtrace past-main
6740 @itemx set backtrace past-main on
6741 @kindex set backtrace
6742 Backtraces will continue past the user entry point.
6743
6744 @item set backtrace past-main off
6745 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the user entry point. This is the
6746 default.
6747
6748 @item show backtrace past-main
6749 @kindex show backtrace
6750 Display the current user entry point backtrace policy.
6751
6752 @item set backtrace past-entry
6753 @itemx set backtrace past-entry on
6754 Backtraces will continue past the internal entry point of an application.
6755 This entry point is encoded by the linker when the application is built,
6756 and is likely before the user entry point @code{main} (or equivalent) is called.
6757
6758 @item set backtrace past-entry off
6759 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the internal entry point of an
6760 application. This is the default.
6761
6762 @item show backtrace past-entry
6763 Display the current internal entry point backtrace policy.
6764
6765 @item set backtrace limit @var{n}
6766 @itemx set backtrace limit 0
6767 @itemx set backtrace limit unlimited
6768 @cindex backtrace limit
6769 Limit the backtrace to @var{n} levels. A value of @code{unlimited}
6770 or zero means unlimited levels.
6771
6772 @item show backtrace limit
6773 Display the current limit on backtrace levels.
6774 @end table
6775
6776 You can control how file names are displayed.
6777
6778 @table @code
6779 @item set filename-display
6780 @itemx set filename-display relative
6781 @cindex filename-display
6782 Display file names relative to the compilation directory. This is the default.
6783
6784 @item set filename-display basename
6785 Display only basename of a filename.
6786
6787 @item set filename-display absolute
6788 Display an absolute filename.
6789
6790 @item show filename-display
6791 Show the current way to display filenames.
6792 @end table
6793
6794 @node Frame Filter Management
6795 @section Management of Frame Filters.
6796 @cindex managing frame filters
6797
6798 Frame filters are Python based utilities to manage and decorate the
6799 output of frames. @xref{Frame Filter API}, for further information.
6800
6801 Managing frame filters is performed by several commands available
6802 within @value{GDBN}, detailed here.
6803
6804 @table @code
6805 @kindex info frame-filter
6806 @item info frame-filter
6807 Print a list of installed frame filters from all dictionaries, showing
6808 their name, priority and enabled status.
6809
6810 @kindex disable frame-filter
6811 @anchor{disable frame-filter all}
6812 @item disable frame-filter @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name}
6813 Disable a frame filter in the dictionary matching
6814 @var{filter-dictionary}, or @code{all}, and @var{filter-name}.
6815 @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{all}, @code{global},
6816 @code{progspace} or the name of the object file where the frame filter
6817 dictionary resides. When @code{all} is specified, all frame filters
6818 across all dictionaries are disabled. @var{filter-name} is the name
6819 of the frame filter and is used when @code{all} is not the option for
6820 @var{filter-dictionary}. A disabled frame-filter is not deleted, it
6821 may be enabled again later.
6822
6823 @kindex enable frame-filter
6824 @item enable frame-filter @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name}
6825 Enable a frame filter in the dictionary matching
6826 @var{filter-dictionary}, or @code{all}, and @var{filter-name}.
6827 @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{all}, @code{global},
6828 @code{progspace} or the name of the object file where the frame filter
6829 dictionary resides. When @code{all} is specified, all frame filters across
6830 all dictionaries are enabled. @var{filter-name} is the name of the frame
6831 filter and is used when @code{all} is not the option for
6832 @var{filter-dictionary}.
6833
6834 Example:
6835
6836 @smallexample
6837 (gdb) info frame-filter
6838
6839 global frame-filters:
6840 Priority Enabled Name
6841 1000 No PrimaryFunctionFilter
6842 100 Yes Reverse
6843
6844 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
6845 Priority Enabled Name
6846 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
6847
6848 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
6849 Priority Enabled Name
6850 999 Yes BuildProgra Filter
6851
6852 (gdb) disable frame-filter /build/test BuildProgramFilter
6853 (gdb) info frame-filter
6854
6855 global frame-filters:
6856 Priority Enabled Name
6857 1000 No PrimaryFunctionFilter
6858 100 Yes Reverse
6859
6860 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
6861 Priority Enabled Name
6862 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
6863
6864 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
6865 Priority Enabled Name
6866 999 No BuildProgramFilter
6867
6868 (gdb) enable frame-filter global PrimaryFunctionFilter
6869 (gdb) info frame-filter
6870
6871 global frame-filters:
6872 Priority Enabled Name
6873 1000 Yes PrimaryFunctionFilter
6874 100 Yes Reverse
6875
6876 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
6877 Priority Enabled Name
6878 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
6879
6880 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
6881 Priority Enabled Name
6882 999 No BuildProgramFilter
6883 @end smallexample
6884
6885 @kindex set frame-filter priority
6886 @item set frame-filter priority @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name} @var{priority}
6887 Set the @var{priority} of a frame filter in the dictionary matching
6888 @var{filter-dictionary}, and the frame filter name matching
6889 @var{filter-name}. @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{global},
6890 @code{progspace} or the name of the object file where the frame filter
6891 dictionary resides. @var{priority} is an integer.
6892
6893 @kindex show frame-filter priority
6894 @item show frame-filter priority @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name}
6895 Show the @var{priority} of a frame filter in the dictionary matching
6896 @var{filter-dictionary}, and the frame filter name matching
6897 @var{filter-name}. @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{global},
6898 @code{progspace} or the name of the object file where the frame filter
6899 dictionary resides.
6900
6901 Example:
6902
6903 @smallexample
6904 (gdb) info frame-filter
6905
6906 global frame-filters:
6907 Priority Enabled Name
6908 1000 Yes PrimaryFunctionFilter
6909 100 Yes Reverse
6910
6911 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
6912 Priority Enabled Name
6913 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
6914
6915 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
6916 Priority Enabled Name
6917 999 No BuildProgramFilter
6918
6919 (gdb) set frame-filter priority global Reverse 50
6920 (gdb) info frame-filter
6921
6922 global frame-filters:
6923 Priority Enabled Name
6924 1000 Yes PrimaryFunctionFilter
6925 50 Yes Reverse
6926
6927 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
6928 Priority Enabled Name
6929 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
6930
6931 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
6932 Priority Enabled Name
6933 999 No BuildProgramFilter
6934 @end smallexample
6935 @end table
6936
6937 @node Selection
6938 @section Selecting a Frame
6939
6940 Most commands for examining the stack and other data in your program work on
6941 whichever stack frame is selected at the moment. Here are the commands for
6942 selecting a stack frame; all of them finish by printing a brief description
6943 of the stack frame just selected.
6944
6945 @table @code
6946 @kindex frame@r{, selecting}
6947 @kindex f @r{(@code{frame})}
6948 @item frame @var{n}
6949 @itemx f @var{n}
6950 Select frame number @var{n}. Recall that frame zero is the innermost
6951 (currently executing) frame, frame one is the frame that called the
6952 innermost one, and so on. The highest-numbered frame is the one for
6953 @code{main}.
6954
6955 @item frame @var{addr}
6956 @itemx f @var{addr}
6957 Select the frame at address @var{addr}. This is useful mainly if the
6958 chaining of stack frames has been damaged by a bug, making it
6959 impossible for @value{GDBN} to assign numbers properly to all frames. In
6960 addition, this can be useful when your program has multiple stacks and
6961 switches between them.
6962
6963 On the SPARC architecture, @code{frame} needs two addresses to
6964 select an arbitrary frame: a frame pointer and a stack pointer.
6965
6966 On the @acronym{MIPS} and Alpha architecture, it needs two addresses: a stack
6967 pointer and a program counter.
6968
6969 On the 29k architecture, it needs three addresses: a register stack
6970 pointer, a program counter, and a memory stack pointer.
6971
6972 @kindex up
6973 @item up @var{n}
6974 Move @var{n} frames up the stack. For positive numbers @var{n}, this
6975 advances toward the outermost frame, to higher frame numbers, to frames
6976 that have existed longer. @var{n} defaults to one.
6977
6978 @kindex down
6979 @kindex do @r{(@code{down})}
6980 @item down @var{n}
6981 Move @var{n} frames down the stack. For positive numbers @var{n}, this
6982 advances toward the innermost frame, to lower frame numbers, to frames
6983 that were created more recently. @var{n} defaults to one. You may
6984 abbreviate @code{down} as @code{do}.
6985 @end table
6986
6987 All of these commands end by printing two lines of output describing the
6988 frame. The first line shows the frame number, the function name, the
6989 arguments, and the source file and line number of execution in that
6990 frame. The second line shows the text of that source line.
6991
6992 @need 1000
6993 For example:
6994
6995 @smallexample
6996 @group
6997 (@value{GDBP}) up
6998 #1 0x22f0 in main (argc=1, argv=0xf7fffbf4, env=0xf7fffbfc)
6999 at env.c:10
7000 10 read_input_file (argv[i]);
7001 @end group
7002 @end smallexample
7003
7004 After such a printout, the @code{list} command with no arguments
7005 prints ten lines centered on the point of execution in the frame.
7006 You can also edit the program at the point of execution with your favorite
7007 editing program by typing @code{edit}.
7008 @xref{List, ,Printing Source Lines},
7009 for details.
7010
7011 @table @code
7012 @kindex down-silently
7013 @kindex up-silently
7014 @item up-silently @var{n}
7015 @itemx down-silently @var{n}
7016 These two commands are variants of @code{up} and @code{down},
7017 respectively; they differ in that they do their work silently, without
7018 causing display of the new frame. They are intended primarily for use
7019 in @value{GDBN} command scripts, where the output might be unnecessary and
7020 distracting.
7021 @end table
7022
7023 @node Frame Info
7024 @section Information About a Frame
7025
7026 There are several other commands to print information about the selected
7027 stack frame.
7028
7029 @table @code
7030 @item frame
7031 @itemx f
7032 When used without any argument, this command does not change which
7033 frame is selected, but prints a brief description of the currently
7034 selected stack frame. It can be abbreviated @code{f}. With an
7035 argument, this command is used to select a stack frame.
7036 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
7037
7038 @kindex info frame
7039 @kindex info f @r{(@code{info frame})}
7040 @item info frame
7041 @itemx info f
7042 This command prints a verbose description of the selected stack frame,
7043 including:
7044
7045 @itemize @bullet
7046 @item
7047 the address of the frame
7048 @item
7049 the address of the next frame down (called by this frame)
7050 @item
7051 the address of the next frame up (caller of this frame)
7052 @item
7053 the language in which the source code corresponding to this frame is written
7054 @item
7055 the address of the frame's arguments
7056 @item
7057 the address of the frame's local variables
7058 @item
7059 the program counter saved in it (the address of execution in the caller frame)
7060 @item
7061 which registers were saved in the frame
7062 @end itemize
7063
7064 @noindent The verbose description is useful when
7065 something has gone wrong that has made the stack format fail to fit
7066 the usual conventions.
7067
7068 @item info frame @var{addr}
7069 @itemx info f @var{addr}
7070 Print a verbose description of the frame at address @var{addr}, without
7071 selecting that frame. The selected frame remains unchanged by this
7072 command. This requires the same kind of address (more than one for some
7073 architectures) that you specify in the @code{frame} command.
7074 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
7075
7076 @kindex info args
7077 @item info args
7078 Print the arguments of the selected frame, each on a separate line.
7079
7080 @item info locals
7081 @kindex info locals
7082 Print the local variables of the selected frame, each on a separate
7083 line. These are all variables (declared either static or automatic)
7084 accessible at the point of execution of the selected frame.
7085
7086 @end table
7087
7088
7089 @node Source
7090 @chapter Examining Source Files
7091
7092 @value{GDBN} can print parts of your program's source, since the debugging
7093 information recorded in the program tells @value{GDBN} what source files were
7094 used to build it. When your program stops, @value{GDBN} spontaneously prints
7095 the line where it stopped. Likewise, when you select a stack frame
7096 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}), @value{GDBN} prints the line where
7097 execution in that frame has stopped. You can print other portions of
7098 source files by explicit command.
7099
7100 If you use @value{GDBN} through its @sc{gnu} Emacs interface, you may
7101 prefer to use Emacs facilities to view source; see @ref{Emacs, ,Using
7102 @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}.
7103
7104 @menu
7105 * List:: Printing source lines
7106 * Specify Location:: How to specify code locations
7107 * Edit:: Editing source files
7108 * Search:: Searching source files
7109 * Source Path:: Specifying source directories
7110 * Machine Code:: Source and machine code
7111 @end menu
7112
7113 @node List
7114 @section Printing Source Lines
7115
7116 @kindex list
7117 @kindex l @r{(@code{list})}
7118 To print lines from a source file, use the @code{list} command
7119 (abbreviated @code{l}). By default, ten lines are printed.
7120 There are several ways to specify what part of the file you want to
7121 print; see @ref{Specify Location}, for the full list.
7122
7123 Here are the forms of the @code{list} command most commonly used:
7124
7125 @table @code
7126 @item list @var{linenum}
7127 Print lines centered around line number @var{linenum} in the
7128 current source file.
7129
7130 @item list @var{function}
7131 Print lines centered around the beginning of function
7132 @var{function}.
7133
7134 @item list
7135 Print more lines. If the last lines printed were printed with a
7136 @code{list} command, this prints lines following the last lines
7137 printed; however, if the last line printed was a solitary line printed
7138 as part of displaying a stack frame (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the
7139 Stack}), this prints lines centered around that line.
7140
7141 @item list -
7142 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
7143 @end table
7144
7145 @cindex @code{list}, how many lines to display
7146 By default, @value{GDBN} prints ten source lines with any of these forms of
7147 the @code{list} command. You can change this using @code{set listsize}:
7148
7149 @table @code
7150 @kindex set listsize
7151 @item set listsize @var{count}
7152 @itemx set listsize unlimited
7153 Make the @code{list} command display @var{count} source lines (unless
7154 the @code{list} argument explicitly specifies some other number).
7155 Setting @var{count} to @code{unlimited} or 0 means there's no limit.
7156
7157 @kindex show listsize
7158 @item show listsize
7159 Display the number of lines that @code{list} prints.
7160 @end table
7161
7162 Repeating a @code{list} command with @key{RET} discards the argument,
7163 so it is equivalent to typing just @code{list}. This is more useful
7164 than listing the same lines again. An exception is made for an
7165 argument of @samp{-}; that argument is preserved in repetition so that
7166 each repetition moves up in the source file.
7167
7168 In general, the @code{list} command expects you to supply zero, one or two
7169 @dfn{linespecs}. Linespecs specify source lines; there are several ways
7170 of writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always
7171 to specify some source line.
7172
7173 Here is a complete description of the possible arguments for @code{list}:
7174
7175 @table @code
7176 @item list @var{linespec}
7177 Print lines centered around the line specified by @var{linespec}.
7178
7179 @item list @var{first},@var{last}
7180 Print lines from @var{first} to @var{last}. Both arguments are
7181 linespecs. When a @code{list} command has two linespecs, and the
7182 source file of the second linespec is omitted, this refers to
7183 the same source file as the first linespec.
7184
7185 @item list ,@var{last}
7186 Print lines ending with @var{last}.
7187
7188 @item list @var{first},
7189 Print lines starting with @var{first}.
7190
7191 @item list +
7192 Print lines just after the lines last printed.
7193
7194 @item list -
7195 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
7196
7197 @item list
7198 As described in the preceding table.
7199 @end table
7200
7201 @node Specify Location
7202 @section Specifying a Location
7203 @cindex specifying location
7204 @cindex linespec
7205
7206 Several @value{GDBN} commands accept arguments that specify a location
7207 of your program's code. Since @value{GDBN} is a source-level
7208 debugger, a location usually specifies some line in the source code;
7209 for that reason, locations are also known as @dfn{linespecs}.
7210
7211 Here are all the different ways of specifying a code location that
7212 @value{GDBN} understands:
7213
7214 @table @code
7215 @item @var{linenum}
7216 Specifies the line number @var{linenum} of the current source file.
7217
7218 @item -@var{offset}
7219 @itemx +@var{offset}
7220 Specifies the line @var{offset} lines before or after the @dfn{current
7221 line}. For the @code{list} command, the current line is the last one
7222 printed; for the breakpoint commands, this is the line at which
7223 execution stopped in the currently selected @dfn{stack frame}
7224 (@pxref{Frames, ,Frames}, for a description of stack frames.) When
7225 used as the second of the two linespecs in a @code{list} command,
7226 this specifies the line @var{offset} lines up or down from the first
7227 linespec.
7228
7229 @item @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
7230 Specifies the line @var{linenum} in the source file @var{filename}.
7231 If @var{filename} is a relative file name, then it will match any
7232 source file name with the same trailing components. For example, if
7233 @var{filename} is @samp{gcc/expr.c}, then it will match source file
7234 name of @file{/build/trunk/gcc/expr.c}, but not
7235 @file{/build/trunk/libcpp/expr.c} or @file{/build/trunk/gcc/x-expr.c}.
7236
7237 @item @var{function}
7238 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}.
7239 For example, in C, this is the line with the open brace.
7240
7241 @item @var{function}:@var{label}
7242 Specifies the line where @var{label} appears in @var{function}.
7243
7244 @item @var{filename}:@var{function}
7245 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}
7246 in the file @var{filename}. You only need the file name with a
7247 function name to avoid ambiguity when there are identically named
7248 functions in different source files.
7249
7250 @item @var{label}
7251 Specifies the line at which the label named @var{label} appears.
7252 @value{GDBN} searches for the label in the function corresponding to
7253 the currently selected stack frame. If there is no current selected
7254 stack frame (for instance, if the inferior is not running), then
7255 @value{GDBN} will not search for a label.
7256
7257 @item *@var{address}
7258 Specifies the program address @var{address}. For line-oriented
7259 commands, such as @code{list} and @code{edit}, this specifies a source
7260 line that contains @var{address}. For @code{break} and other
7261 breakpoint oriented commands, this can be used to set breakpoints in
7262 parts of your program which do not have debugging information or
7263 source files.
7264
7265 Here @var{address} may be any expression valid in the current working
7266 language (@pxref{Languages, working language}) that specifies a code
7267 address. In addition, as a convenience, @value{GDBN} extends the
7268 semantics of expressions used in locations to cover the situations
7269 that frequently happen during debugging. Here are the various forms
7270 of @var{address}:
7271
7272 @table @code
7273 @item @var{expression}
7274 Any expression valid in the current working language.
7275
7276 @item @var{funcaddr}
7277 An address of a function or procedure derived from its name. In C,
7278 C@t{++}, Java, Objective-C, Fortran, minimal, and assembly, this is
7279 simply the function's name @var{function} (and actually a special case
7280 of a valid expression). In Pascal and Modula-2, this is
7281 @code{&@var{function}}. In Ada, this is @code{@var{function}'Address}
7282 (although the Pascal form also works).
7283
7284 This form specifies the address of the function's first instruction,
7285 before the stack frame and arguments have been set up.
7286
7287 @item '@var{filename}'::@var{funcaddr}
7288 Like @var{funcaddr} above, but also specifies the name of the source
7289 file explicitly. This is useful if the name of the function does not
7290 specify the function unambiguously, e.g., if there are several
7291 functions with identical names in different source files.
7292 @end table
7293
7294 @cindex breakpoint at static probe point
7295 @item -pstap|-probe-stap @r{[}@var{objfile}:@r{[}@var{provider}:@r{]}@r{]}@var{name}
7296 The @sc{gnu}/Linux tool @code{SystemTap} provides a way for
7297 applications to embed static probes. @xref{Static Probe Points}, for more
7298 information on finding and using static probes. This form of linespec
7299 specifies the location of such a static probe.
7300
7301 If @var{objfile} is given, only probes coming from that shared library
7302 or executable matching @var{objfile} as a regular expression are considered.
7303 If @var{provider} is given, then only probes from that provider are considered.
7304 If several probes match the spec, @value{GDBN} will insert a breakpoint at
7305 each one of those probes.
7306
7307 @end table
7308
7309
7310 @node Edit
7311 @section Editing Source Files
7312 @cindex editing source files
7313
7314 @kindex edit
7315 @kindex e @r{(@code{edit})}
7316 To edit the lines in a source file, use the @code{edit} command.
7317 The editing program of your choice
7318 is invoked with the current line set to
7319 the active line in the program.
7320 Alternatively, there are several ways to specify what part of the file you
7321 want to print if you want to see other parts of the program:
7322
7323 @table @code
7324 @item edit @var{location}
7325 Edit the source file specified by @code{location}. Editing starts at
7326 that @var{location}, e.g., at the specified source line of the
7327 specified file. @xref{Specify Location}, for all the possible forms
7328 of the @var{location} argument; here are the forms of the @code{edit}
7329 command most commonly used:
7330
7331 @table @code
7332 @item edit @var{number}
7333 Edit the current source file with @var{number} as the active line number.
7334
7335 @item edit @var{function}
7336 Edit the file containing @var{function} at the beginning of its definition.
7337 @end table
7338
7339 @end table
7340
7341 @subsection Choosing your Editor
7342 You can customize @value{GDBN} to use any editor you want
7343 @footnote{
7344 The only restriction is that your editor (say @code{ex}), recognizes the
7345 following command-line syntax:
7346 @smallexample
7347 ex +@var{number} file
7348 @end smallexample
7349 The optional numeric value +@var{number} specifies the number of the line in
7350 the file where to start editing.}.
7351 By default, it is @file{@value{EDITOR}}, but you can change this
7352 by setting the environment variable @code{EDITOR} before using
7353 @value{GDBN}. For example, to configure @value{GDBN} to use the
7354 @code{vi} editor, you could use these commands with the @code{sh} shell:
7355 @smallexample
7356 EDITOR=/usr/bin/vi
7357 export EDITOR
7358 gdb @dots{}
7359 @end smallexample
7360 or in the @code{csh} shell,
7361 @smallexample
7362 setenv EDITOR /usr/bin/vi
7363 gdb @dots{}
7364 @end smallexample
7365
7366 @node Search
7367 @section Searching Source Files
7368 @cindex searching source files
7369
7370 There are two commands for searching through the current source file for a
7371 regular expression.
7372
7373 @table @code
7374 @kindex search
7375 @kindex forward-search
7376 @kindex fo @r{(@code{forward-search})}
7377 @item forward-search @var{regexp}
7378 @itemx search @var{regexp}
7379 The command @samp{forward-search @var{regexp}} checks each line,
7380 starting with the one following the last line listed, for a match for
7381 @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can use the
7382 synonym @samp{search @var{regexp}} or abbreviate the command name as
7383 @code{fo}.
7384
7385 @kindex reverse-search
7386 @item reverse-search @var{regexp}
7387 The command @samp{reverse-search @var{regexp}} checks each line, starting
7388 with the one before the last line listed and going backward, for a match
7389 for @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can abbreviate
7390 this command as @code{rev}.
7391 @end table
7392
7393 @node Source Path
7394 @section Specifying Source Directories
7395
7396 @cindex source path
7397 @cindex directories for source files
7398 Executable programs sometimes do not record the directories of the source
7399 files from which they were compiled, just the names. Even when they do,
7400 the directories could be moved between the compilation and your debugging
7401 session. @value{GDBN} has a list of directories to search for source files;
7402 this is called the @dfn{source path}. Each time @value{GDBN} wants a source file,
7403 it tries all the directories in the list, in the order they are present
7404 in the list, until it finds a file with the desired name.
7405
7406 For example, suppose an executable references the file
7407 @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}, and our source path is
7408 @file{/mnt/cross}. The file is first looked up literally; if this
7409 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} is tried; if this
7410 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/foo.c} is opened; if this fails, an error
7411 message is printed. @value{GDBN} does not look up the parts of the
7412 source file name, such as @file{/mnt/cross/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}.
7413 Likewise, the subdirectories of the source path are not searched: if
7414 the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the binary refers to
7415 @file{foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would not find it under
7416 @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib}.
7417
7418 Plain file names, relative file names with leading directories, file
7419 names containing dots, etc.@: are all treated as described above; for
7420 instance, if the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the source file
7421 is recorded as @file{../lib/foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would first try
7422 @file{../lib/foo.c}, then @file{/mnt/cross/../lib/foo.c}, and after
7423 that---@file{/mnt/cross/foo.c}.
7424
7425 Note that the executable search path is @emph{not} used to locate the
7426 source files.
7427
7428 Whenever you reset or rearrange the source path, @value{GDBN} clears out
7429 any information it has cached about where source files are found and where
7430 each line is in the file.
7431
7432 @kindex directory
7433 @kindex dir
7434 When you start @value{GDBN}, its source path includes only @samp{cdir}
7435 and @samp{cwd}, in that order.
7436 To add other directories, use the @code{directory} command.
7437
7438 The search path is used to find both program source files and @value{GDBN}
7439 script files (read using the @samp{-command} option and @samp{source} command).
7440
7441 In addition to the source path, @value{GDBN} provides a set of commands
7442 that manage a list of source path substitution rules. A @dfn{substitution
7443 rule} specifies how to rewrite source directories stored in the program's
7444 debug information in case the sources were moved to a different
7445 directory between compilation and debugging. A rule is made of
7446 two strings, the first specifying what needs to be rewritten in
7447 the path, and the second specifying how it should be rewritten.
7448 In @ref{set substitute-path}, we name these two parts @var{from} and
7449 @var{to} respectively. @value{GDBN} does a simple string replacement
7450 of @var{from} with @var{to} at the start of the directory part of the
7451 source file name, and uses that result instead of the original file
7452 name to look up the sources.
7453
7454 Using the previous example, suppose the @file{foo-1.0} tree has been
7455 moved from @file{/usr/src} to @file{/mnt/cross}, then you can tell
7456 @value{GDBN} to replace @file{/usr/src} in all source path names with
7457 @file{/mnt/cross}. The first lookup will then be
7458 @file{/mnt/cross/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} in place of the original location
7459 of @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}. To define a source path
7460 substitution rule, use the @code{set substitute-path} command
7461 (@pxref{set substitute-path}).
7462
7463 To avoid unexpected substitution results, a rule is applied only if the
7464 @var{from} part of the directory name ends at a directory separator.
7465 For instance, a rule substituting @file{/usr/source} into
7466 @file{/mnt/cross} will be applied to @file{/usr/source/foo-1.0} but
7467 not to @file{/usr/sourceware/foo-2.0}. And because the substitution
7468 is applied only at the beginning of the directory name, this rule will
7469 not be applied to @file{/root/usr/source/baz.c} either.
7470
7471 In many cases, you can achieve the same result using the @code{directory}
7472 command. However, @code{set substitute-path} can be more efficient in
7473 the case where the sources are organized in a complex tree with multiple
7474 subdirectories. With the @code{directory} command, you need to add each
7475 subdirectory of your project. If you moved the entire tree while
7476 preserving its internal organization, then @code{set substitute-path}
7477 allows you to direct the debugger to all the sources with one single
7478 command.
7479
7480 @code{set substitute-path} is also more than just a shortcut command.
7481 The source path is only used if the file at the original location no
7482 longer exists. On the other hand, @code{set substitute-path} modifies
7483 the debugger behavior to look at the rewritten location instead. So, if
7484 for any reason a source file that is not relevant to your executable is
7485 located at the original location, a substitution rule is the only
7486 method available to point @value{GDBN} at the new location.
7487
7488 @cindex @samp{--with-relocated-sources}
7489 @cindex default source path substitution
7490 You can configure a default source path substitution rule by
7491 configuring @value{GDBN} with the
7492 @samp{--with-relocated-sources=@var{dir}} option. The @var{dir}
7493 should be the name of a directory under @value{GDBN}'s configured
7494 prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or @samp{--exec-prefix}), and
7495 directory names in debug information under @var{dir} will be adjusted
7496 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
7497 location. This is useful if @value{GDBN}, libraries or executables
7498 with debug information and corresponding source code are being moved
7499 together.
7500
7501 @table @code
7502 @item directory @var{dirname} @dots{}
7503 @item dir @var{dirname} @dots{}
7504 Add directory @var{dirname} to the front of the source path. Several
7505 directory names may be given to this command, separated by @samp{:}
7506 (@samp{;} on MS-DOS and MS-Windows, where @samp{:} usually appears as
7507 part of absolute file names) or
7508 whitespace. You may specify a directory that is already in the source
7509 path; this moves it forward, so @value{GDBN} searches it sooner.
7510
7511 @kindex cdir
7512 @kindex cwd
7513 @vindex $cdir@r{, convenience variable}
7514 @vindex $cwd@r{, convenience variable}
7515 @cindex compilation directory
7516 @cindex current directory
7517 @cindex working directory
7518 @cindex directory, current
7519 @cindex directory, compilation
7520 You can use the string @samp{$cdir} to refer to the compilation
7521 directory (if one is recorded), and @samp{$cwd} to refer to the current
7522 working directory. @samp{$cwd} is not the same as @samp{.}---the former
7523 tracks the current working directory as it changes during your @value{GDBN}
7524 session, while the latter is immediately expanded to the current
7525 directory at the time you add an entry to the source path.
7526
7527 @item directory
7528 Reset the source path to its default value (@samp{$cdir:$cwd} on Unix systems). This requires confirmation.
7529
7530 @c RET-repeat for @code{directory} is explicitly disabled, but since
7531 @c repeating it would be a no-op we do not say that. (thanks to RMS)
7532
7533 @item set directories @var{path-list}
7534 @kindex set directories
7535 Set the source path to @var{path-list}.
7536 @samp{$cdir:$cwd} are added if missing.
7537
7538 @item show directories
7539 @kindex show directories
7540 Print the source path: show which directories it contains.
7541
7542 @anchor{set substitute-path}
7543 @item set substitute-path @var{from} @var{to}
7544 @kindex set substitute-path
7545 Define a source path substitution rule, and add it at the end of the
7546 current list of existing substitution rules. If a rule with the same
7547 @var{from} was already defined, then the old rule is also deleted.
7548
7549 For example, if the file @file{/foo/bar/baz.c} was moved to
7550 @file{/mnt/cross/baz.c}, then the command
7551
7552 @smallexample
7553 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/cross
7554 @end smallexample
7555
7556 @noindent
7557 will tell @value{GDBN} to replace @samp{/usr/src} with
7558 @samp{/mnt/cross}, which will allow @value{GDBN} to find the file
7559 @file{baz.c} even though it was moved.
7560
7561 In the case when more than one substitution rule have been defined,
7562 the rules are evaluated one by one in the order where they have been
7563 defined. The first one matching, if any, is selected to perform
7564 the substitution.
7565
7566 For instance, if we had entered the following commands:
7567
7568 @smallexample
7569 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src/include /mnt/include
7570 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/src
7571 @end smallexample
7572
7573 @noindent
7574 @value{GDBN} would then rewrite @file{/usr/src/include/defs.h} into
7575 @file{/mnt/include/defs.h} by using the first rule. However, it would
7576 use the second rule to rewrite @file{/usr/src/lib/foo.c} into
7577 @file{/mnt/src/lib/foo.c}.
7578
7579
7580 @item unset substitute-path [path]
7581 @kindex unset substitute-path
7582 If a path is specified, search the current list of substitution rules
7583 for a rule that would rewrite that path. Delete that rule if found.
7584 A warning is emitted by the debugger if no rule could be found.
7585
7586 If no path is specified, then all substitution rules are deleted.
7587
7588 @item show substitute-path [path]
7589 @kindex show substitute-path
7590 If a path is specified, then print the source path substitution rule
7591 which would rewrite that path, if any.
7592
7593 If no path is specified, then print all existing source path substitution
7594 rules.
7595
7596 @end table
7597
7598 If your source path is cluttered with directories that are no longer of
7599 interest, @value{GDBN} may sometimes cause confusion by finding the wrong
7600 versions of source. You can correct the situation as follows:
7601
7602 @enumerate
7603 @item
7604 Use @code{directory} with no argument to reset the source path to its default value.
7605
7606 @item
7607 Use @code{directory} with suitable arguments to reinstall the
7608 directories you want in the source path. You can add all the
7609 directories in one command.
7610 @end enumerate
7611
7612 @node Machine Code
7613 @section Source and Machine Code
7614 @cindex source line and its code address
7615
7616 You can use the command @code{info line} to map source lines to program
7617 addresses (and vice versa), and the command @code{disassemble} to display
7618 a range of addresses as machine instructions. You can use the command
7619 @code{set disassemble-next-line} to set whether to disassemble next
7620 source line when execution stops. When run under @sc{gnu} Emacs
7621 mode, the @code{info line} command causes the arrow to point to the
7622 line specified. Also, @code{info line} prints addresses in symbolic form as
7623 well as hex.
7624
7625 @table @code
7626 @kindex info line
7627 @item info line @var{linespec}
7628 Print the starting and ending addresses of the compiled code for
7629 source line @var{linespec}. You can specify source lines in any of
7630 the ways documented in @ref{Specify Location}.
7631 @end table
7632
7633 For example, we can use @code{info line} to discover the location of
7634 the object code for the first line of function
7635 @code{m4_changequote}:
7636
7637 @c FIXME: I think this example should also show the addresses in
7638 @c symbolic form, as they usually would be displayed.
7639 @smallexample
7640 (@value{GDBP}) info line m4_changequote
7641 Line 895 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x634c and ends at 0x6350.
7642 @end smallexample
7643
7644 @noindent
7645 @cindex code address and its source line
7646 We can also inquire (using @code{*@var{addr}} as the form for
7647 @var{linespec}) what source line covers a particular address:
7648 @smallexample
7649 (@value{GDBP}) info line *0x63ff
7650 Line 926 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x63e4 and ends at 0x6404.
7651 @end smallexample
7652
7653 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info line}
7654 @cindex @code{x} command, default address
7655 @kindex x@r{(examine), and} info line
7656 After @code{info line}, the default address for the @code{x} command
7657 is changed to the starting address of the line, so that @samp{x/i} is
7658 sufficient to begin examining the machine code (@pxref{Memory,
7659 ,Examining Memory}). Also, this address is saved as the value of the
7660 convenience variable @code{$_} (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
7661 Variables}).
7662
7663 @table @code
7664 @kindex disassemble
7665 @cindex assembly instructions
7666 @cindex instructions, assembly
7667 @cindex machine instructions
7668 @cindex listing machine instructions
7669 @item disassemble
7670 @itemx disassemble /m
7671 @itemx disassemble /r
7672 This specialized command dumps a range of memory as machine
7673 instructions. It can also print mixed source+disassembly by specifying
7674 the @code{/m} modifier and print the raw instructions in hex as well as
7675 in symbolic form by specifying the @code{/r}.
7676 The default memory range is the function surrounding the
7677 program counter of the selected frame. A single argument to this
7678 command is a program counter value; @value{GDBN} dumps the function
7679 surrounding this value. When two arguments are given, they should
7680 be separated by a comma, possibly surrounded by whitespace. The
7681 arguments specify a range of addresses to dump, in one of two forms:
7682
7683 @table @code
7684 @item @var{start},@var{end}
7685 the addresses from @var{start} (inclusive) to @var{end} (exclusive)
7686 @item @var{start},+@var{length}
7687 the addresses from @var{start} (inclusive) to
7688 @code{@var{start}+@var{length}} (exclusive).
7689 @end table
7690
7691 @noindent
7692 When 2 arguments are specified, the name of the function is also
7693 printed (since there could be several functions in the given range).
7694
7695 The argument(s) can be any expression yielding a numeric value, such as
7696 @samp{0x32c4}, @samp{&main+10} or @samp{$pc - 8}.
7697
7698 If the range of memory being disassembled contains current program counter,
7699 the instruction at that location is shown with a @code{=>} marker.
7700 @end table
7701
7702 The following example shows the disassembly of a range of addresses of
7703 HP PA-RISC 2.0 code:
7704
7705 @smallexample
7706 (@value{GDBP}) disas 0x32c4, 0x32e4
7707 Dump of assembler code from 0x32c4 to 0x32e4:
7708 0x32c4 <main+204>: addil 0,dp
7709 0x32c8 <main+208>: ldw 0x22c(sr0,r1),r26
7710 0x32cc <main+212>: ldil 0x3000,r31
7711 0x32d0 <main+216>: ble 0x3f8(sr4,r31)
7712 0x32d4 <main+220>: ldo 0(r31),rp
7713 0x32d8 <main+224>: addil -0x800,dp
7714 0x32dc <main+228>: ldo 0x588(r1),r26
7715 0x32e0 <main+232>: ldil 0x3000,r31
7716 End of assembler dump.
7717 @end smallexample
7718
7719 Here is an example showing mixed source+assembly for Intel x86, when the
7720 program is stopped just after function prologue:
7721
7722 @smallexample
7723 (@value{GDBP}) disas /m main
7724 Dump of assembler code for function main:
7725 5 @{
7726 0x08048330 <+0>: push %ebp
7727 0x08048331 <+1>: mov %esp,%ebp
7728 0x08048333 <+3>: sub $0x8,%esp
7729 0x08048336 <+6>: and $0xfffffff0,%esp
7730 0x08048339 <+9>: sub $0x10,%esp
7731
7732 6 printf ("Hello.\n");
7733 => 0x0804833c <+12>: movl $0x8048440,(%esp)
7734 0x08048343 <+19>: call 0x8048284 <puts@@plt>
7735
7736 7 return 0;
7737 8 @}
7738 0x08048348 <+24>: mov $0x0,%eax
7739 0x0804834d <+29>: leave
7740 0x0804834e <+30>: ret
7741
7742 End of assembler dump.
7743 @end smallexample
7744
7745 Here is another example showing raw instructions in hex for AMD x86-64,
7746
7747 @smallexample
7748 (gdb) disas /r 0x400281,+10
7749 Dump of assembler code from 0x400281 to 0x40028b:
7750 0x0000000000400281: 38 36 cmp %dh,(%rsi)
7751 0x0000000000400283: 2d 36 34 2e 73 sub $0x732e3436,%eax
7752 0x0000000000400288: 6f outsl %ds:(%rsi),(%dx)
7753 0x0000000000400289: 2e 32 00 xor %cs:(%rax),%al
7754 End of assembler dump.
7755 @end smallexample
7756
7757 Addresses cannot be specified as a linespec (@pxref{Specify Location}).
7758 So, for example, if you want to disassemble function @code{bar}
7759 in file @file{foo.c}, you must type @samp{disassemble 'foo.c'::bar}
7760 and not @samp{disassemble foo.c:bar}.
7761
7762 Some architectures have more than one commonly-used set of instruction
7763 mnemonics or other syntax.
7764
7765 For programs that were dynamically linked and use shared libraries,
7766 instructions that call functions or branch to locations in the shared
7767 libraries might show a seemingly bogus location---it's actually a
7768 location of the relocation table. On some architectures, @value{GDBN}
7769 might be able to resolve these to actual function names.
7770
7771 @table @code
7772 @kindex set disassembly-flavor
7773 @cindex Intel disassembly flavor
7774 @cindex AT&T disassembly flavor
7775 @item set disassembly-flavor @var{instruction-set}
7776 Select the instruction set to use when disassembling the
7777 program via the @code{disassemble} or @code{x/i} commands.
7778
7779 Currently this command is only defined for the Intel x86 family. You
7780 can set @var{instruction-set} to either @code{intel} or @code{att}.
7781 The default is @code{att}, the AT&T flavor used by default by Unix
7782 assemblers for x86-based targets.
7783
7784 @kindex show disassembly-flavor
7785 @item show disassembly-flavor
7786 Show the current setting of the disassembly flavor.
7787 @end table
7788
7789 @table @code
7790 @kindex set disassemble-next-line
7791 @kindex show disassemble-next-line
7792 @item set disassemble-next-line
7793 @itemx show disassemble-next-line
7794 Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will disassemble the next source
7795 line or instruction when execution stops. If ON, @value{GDBN} will
7796 display disassembly of the next source line when execution of the
7797 program being debugged stops. This is @emph{in addition} to
7798 displaying the source line itself, which @value{GDBN} always does if
7799 possible. If the next source line cannot be displayed for some reason
7800 (e.g., if @value{GDBN} cannot find the source file, or there's no line
7801 info in the debug info), @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of the
7802 next @emph{instruction} instead of showing the next source line. If
7803 AUTO, @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of next instruction only
7804 if the source line cannot be displayed. This setting causes
7805 @value{GDBN} to display some feedback when you step through a function
7806 with no line info or whose source file is unavailable. The default is
7807 OFF, which means never display the disassembly of the next line or
7808 instruction.
7809 @end table
7810
7811
7812 @node Data
7813 @chapter Examining Data
7814
7815 @cindex printing data
7816 @cindex examining data
7817 @kindex print
7818 @kindex inspect
7819 The usual way to examine data in your program is with the @code{print}
7820 command (abbreviated @code{p}), or its synonym @code{inspect}. It
7821 evaluates and prints the value of an expression of the language your
7822 program is written in (@pxref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with
7823 Different Languages}). It may also print the expression using a
7824 Python-based pretty-printer (@pxref{Pretty Printing}).
7825
7826 @table @code
7827 @item print @var{expr}
7828 @itemx print /@var{f} @var{expr}
7829 @var{expr} is an expression (in the source language). By default the
7830 value of @var{expr} is printed in a format appropriate to its data type;
7831 you can choose a different format by specifying @samp{/@var{f}}, where
7832 @var{f} is a letter specifying the format; see @ref{Output Formats,,Output
7833 Formats}.
7834
7835 @item print
7836 @itemx print /@var{f}
7837 @cindex reprint the last value
7838 If you omit @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} displays the last value again (from the
7839 @dfn{value history}; @pxref{Value History, ,Value History}). This allows you to
7840 conveniently inspect the same value in an alternative format.
7841 @end table
7842
7843 A more low-level way of examining data is with the @code{x} command.
7844 It examines data in memory at a specified address and prints it in a
7845 specified format. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
7846
7847 If you are interested in information about types, or about how the
7848 fields of a struct or a class are declared, use the @code{ptype @var{exp}}
7849 command rather than @code{print}. @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol
7850 Table}.
7851
7852 @cindex exploring hierarchical data structures
7853 @kindex explore
7854 Another way of examining values of expressions and type information is
7855 through the Python extension command @code{explore} (available only if
7856 the @value{GDBN} build is configured with @code{--with-python}). It
7857 offers an interactive way to start at the highest level (or, the most
7858 abstract level) of the data type of an expression (or, the data type
7859 itself) and explore all the way down to leaf scalar values/fields
7860 embedded in the higher level data types.
7861
7862 @table @code
7863 @item explore @var{arg}
7864 @var{arg} is either an expression (in the source language), or a type
7865 visible in the current context of the program being debugged.
7866 @end table
7867
7868 The working of the @code{explore} command can be illustrated with an
7869 example. If a data type @code{struct ComplexStruct} is defined in your
7870 C program as
7871
7872 @smallexample
7873 struct SimpleStruct
7874 @{
7875 int i;
7876 double d;
7877 @};
7878
7879 struct ComplexStruct
7880 @{
7881 struct SimpleStruct *ss_p;
7882 int arr[10];
7883 @};
7884 @end smallexample
7885
7886 @noindent
7887 followed by variable declarations as
7888
7889 @smallexample
7890 struct SimpleStruct ss = @{ 10, 1.11 @};
7891 struct ComplexStruct cs = @{ &ss, @{ 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 @} @};
7892 @end smallexample
7893
7894 @noindent
7895 then, the value of the variable @code{cs} can be explored using the
7896 @code{explore} command as follows.
7897
7898 @smallexample
7899 (gdb) explore cs
7900 The value of `cs' is a struct/class of type `struct ComplexStruct' with
7901 the following fields:
7902
7903 ss_p = <Enter 0 to explore this field of type `struct SimpleStruct *'>
7904 arr = <Enter 1 to explore this field of type `int [10]'>
7905
7906 Enter the field number of choice:
7907 @end smallexample
7908
7909 @noindent
7910 Since the fields of @code{cs} are not scalar values, you are being
7911 prompted to chose the field you want to explore. Let's say you choose
7912 the field @code{ss_p} by entering @code{0}. Then, since this field is a
7913 pointer, you will be asked if it is pointing to a single value. From
7914 the declaration of @code{cs} above, it is indeed pointing to a single
7915 value, hence you enter @code{y}. If you enter @code{n}, then you will
7916 be asked if it were pointing to an array of values, in which case this
7917 field will be explored as if it were an array.
7918
7919 @smallexample
7920 `cs.ss_p' is a pointer to a value of type `struct SimpleStruct'
7921 Continue exploring it as a pointer to a single value [y/n]: y
7922 The value of `*(cs.ss_p)' is a struct/class of type `struct
7923 SimpleStruct' with the following fields:
7924
7925 i = 10 .. (Value of type `int')
7926 d = 1.1100000000000001 .. (Value of type `double')
7927
7928 Press enter to return to parent value:
7929 @end smallexample
7930
7931 @noindent
7932 If the field @code{arr} of @code{cs} was chosen for exploration by
7933 entering @code{1} earlier, then since it is as array, you will be
7934 prompted to enter the index of the element in the array that you want
7935 to explore.
7936
7937 @smallexample
7938 `cs.arr' is an array of `int'.
7939 Enter the index of the element you want to explore in `cs.arr': 5
7940
7941 `(cs.arr)[5]' is a scalar value of type `int'.
7942
7943 (cs.arr)[5] = 4
7944
7945 Press enter to return to parent value:
7946 @end smallexample
7947
7948 In general, at any stage of exploration, you can go deeper towards the
7949 leaf values by responding to the prompts appropriately, or hit the
7950 return key to return to the enclosing data structure (the @i{higher}
7951 level data structure).
7952
7953 Similar to exploring values, you can use the @code{explore} command to
7954 explore types. Instead of specifying a value (which is typically a
7955 variable name or an expression valid in the current context of the
7956 program being debugged), you specify a type name. If you consider the
7957 same example as above, your can explore the type
7958 @code{struct ComplexStruct} by passing the argument
7959 @code{struct ComplexStruct} to the @code{explore} command.
7960
7961 @smallexample
7962 (gdb) explore struct ComplexStruct
7963 @end smallexample
7964
7965 @noindent
7966 By responding to the prompts appropriately in the subsequent interactive
7967 session, you can explore the type @code{struct ComplexStruct} in a
7968 manner similar to how the value @code{cs} was explored in the above
7969 example.
7970
7971 The @code{explore} command also has two sub-commands,
7972 @code{explore value} and @code{explore type}. The former sub-command is
7973 a way to explicitly specify that value exploration of the argument is
7974 being invoked, while the latter is a way to explicitly specify that type
7975 exploration of the argument is being invoked.
7976
7977 @table @code
7978 @item explore value @var{expr}
7979 @cindex explore value
7980 This sub-command of @code{explore} explores the value of the
7981 expression @var{expr} (if @var{expr} is an expression valid in the
7982 current context of the program being debugged). The behavior of this
7983 command is identical to that of the behavior of the @code{explore}
7984 command being passed the argument @var{expr}.
7985
7986 @item explore type @var{arg}
7987 @cindex explore type
7988 This sub-command of @code{explore} explores the type of @var{arg} (if
7989 @var{arg} is a type visible in the current context of program being
7990 debugged), or the type of the value/expression @var{arg} (if @var{arg}
7991 is an expression valid in the current context of the program being
7992 debugged). If @var{arg} is a type, then the behavior of this command is
7993 identical to that of the @code{explore} command being passed the
7994 argument @var{arg}. If @var{arg} is an expression, then the behavior of
7995 this command will be identical to that of the @code{explore} command
7996 being passed the type of @var{arg} as the argument.
7997 @end table
7998
7999 @menu
8000 * Expressions:: Expressions
8001 * Ambiguous Expressions:: Ambiguous Expressions
8002 * Variables:: Program variables
8003 * Arrays:: Artificial arrays
8004 * Output Formats:: Output formats
8005 * Memory:: Examining memory
8006 * Auto Display:: Automatic display
8007 * Print Settings:: Print settings
8008 * Pretty Printing:: Python pretty printing
8009 * Value History:: Value history
8010 * Convenience Vars:: Convenience variables
8011 * Convenience Funs:: Convenience functions
8012 * Registers:: Registers
8013 * Floating Point Hardware:: Floating point hardware
8014 * Vector Unit:: Vector Unit
8015 * OS Information:: Auxiliary data provided by operating system
8016 * Memory Region Attributes:: Memory region attributes
8017 * Dump/Restore Files:: Copy between memory and a file
8018 * Core File Generation:: Cause a program dump its core
8019 * Character Sets:: Debugging programs that use a different
8020 character set than GDB does
8021 * Caching Remote Data:: Data caching for remote targets
8022 * Searching Memory:: Searching memory for a sequence of bytes
8023 @end menu
8024
8025 @node Expressions
8026 @section Expressions
8027
8028 @cindex expressions
8029 @code{print} and many other @value{GDBN} commands accept an expression and
8030 compute its value. Any kind of constant, variable or operator defined
8031 by the programming language you are using is valid in an expression in
8032 @value{GDBN}. This includes conditional expressions, function calls,
8033 casts, and string constants. It also includes preprocessor macros, if
8034 you compiled your program to include this information; see
8035 @ref{Compilation}.
8036
8037 @cindex arrays in expressions
8038 @value{GDBN} supports array constants in expressions input by
8039 the user. The syntax is @{@var{element}, @var{element}@dots{}@}. For example,
8040 you can use the command @code{print @{1, 2, 3@}} to create an array
8041 of three integers. If you pass an array to a function or assign it
8042 to a program variable, @value{GDBN} copies the array to memory that
8043 is @code{malloc}ed in the target program.
8044
8045 Because C is so widespread, most of the expressions shown in examples in
8046 this manual are in C. @xref{Languages, , Using @value{GDBN} with Different
8047 Languages}, for information on how to use expressions in other
8048 languages.
8049
8050 In this section, we discuss operators that you can use in @value{GDBN}
8051 expressions regardless of your programming language.
8052
8053 @cindex casts, in expressions
8054 Casts are supported in all languages, not just in C, because it is so
8055 useful to cast a number into a pointer in order to examine a structure
8056 at that address in memory.
8057 @c FIXME: casts supported---Mod2 true?
8058
8059 @value{GDBN} supports these operators, in addition to those common
8060 to programming languages:
8061
8062 @table @code
8063 @item @@
8064 @samp{@@} is a binary operator for treating parts of memory as arrays.
8065 @xref{Arrays, ,Artificial Arrays}, for more information.
8066
8067 @item ::
8068 @samp{::} allows you to specify a variable in terms of the file or
8069 function where it is defined. @xref{Variables, ,Program Variables}.
8070
8071 @cindex @{@var{type}@}
8072 @cindex type casting memory
8073 @cindex memory, viewing as typed object
8074 @cindex casts, to view memory
8075 @item @{@var{type}@} @var{addr}
8076 Refers to an object of type @var{type} stored at address @var{addr} in
8077 memory. @var{addr} may be any expression whose value is an integer or
8078 pointer (but parentheses are required around binary operators, just as in
8079 a cast). This construct is allowed regardless of what kind of data is
8080 normally supposed to reside at @var{addr}.
8081 @end table
8082
8083 @node Ambiguous Expressions
8084 @section Ambiguous Expressions
8085 @cindex ambiguous expressions
8086
8087 Expressions can sometimes contain some ambiguous elements. For instance,
8088 some programming languages (notably Ada, C@t{++} and Objective-C) permit
8089 a single function name to be defined several times, for application in
8090 different contexts. This is called @dfn{overloading}. Another example
8091 involving Ada is generics. A @dfn{generic package} is similar to C@t{++}
8092 templates and is typically instantiated several times, resulting in
8093 the same function name being defined in different contexts.
8094
8095 In some cases and depending on the language, it is possible to adjust
8096 the expression to remove the ambiguity. For instance in C@t{++}, you
8097 can specify the signature of the function you want to break on, as in
8098 @kbd{break @var{function}(@var{types})}. In Ada, using the fully
8099 qualified name of your function often makes the expression unambiguous
8100 as well.
8101
8102 When an ambiguity that needs to be resolved is detected, the debugger
8103 has the capability to display a menu of numbered choices for each
8104 possibility, and then waits for the selection with the prompt @samp{>}.
8105 The first option is always @samp{[0] cancel}, and typing @kbd{0 @key{RET}}
8106 aborts the current command. If the command in which the expression was
8107 used allows more than one choice to be selected, the next option in the
8108 menu is @samp{[1] all}, and typing @kbd{1 @key{RET}} selects all possible
8109 choices.
8110
8111 For example, the following session excerpt shows an attempt to set a
8112 breakpoint at the overloaded symbol @code{String::after}.
8113 We choose three particular definitions of that function name:
8114
8115 @c FIXME! This is likely to change to show arg type lists, at least
8116 @smallexample
8117 @group
8118 (@value{GDBP}) b String::after
8119 [0] cancel
8120 [1] all
8121 [2] file:String.cc; line number:867
8122 [3] file:String.cc; line number:860
8123 [4] file:String.cc; line number:875
8124 [5] file:String.cc; line number:853
8125 [6] file:String.cc; line number:846
8126 [7] file:String.cc; line number:735
8127 > 2 4 6
8128 Breakpoint 1 at 0xb26c: file String.cc, line 867.
8129 Breakpoint 2 at 0xb344: file String.cc, line 875.
8130 Breakpoint 3 at 0xafcc: file String.cc, line 846.
8131 Multiple breakpoints were set.
8132 Use the "delete" command to delete unwanted
8133 breakpoints.
8134 (@value{GDBP})
8135 @end group
8136 @end smallexample
8137
8138 @table @code
8139 @kindex set multiple-symbols
8140 @item set multiple-symbols @var{mode}
8141 @cindex multiple-symbols menu
8142
8143 This option allows you to adjust the debugger behavior when an expression
8144 is ambiguous.
8145
8146 By default, @var{mode} is set to @code{all}. If the command with which
8147 the expression is used allows more than one choice, then @value{GDBN}
8148 automatically selects all possible choices. For instance, inserting
8149 a breakpoint on a function using an ambiguous name results in a breakpoint
8150 inserted on each possible match. However, if a unique choice must be made,
8151 then @value{GDBN} uses the menu to help you disambiguate the expression.
8152 For instance, printing the address of an overloaded function will result
8153 in the use of the menu.
8154
8155 When @var{mode} is set to @code{ask}, the debugger always uses the menu
8156 when an ambiguity is detected.
8157
8158 Finally, when @var{mode} is set to @code{cancel}, the debugger reports
8159 an error due to the ambiguity and the command is aborted.
8160
8161 @kindex show multiple-symbols
8162 @item show multiple-symbols
8163 Show the current value of the @code{multiple-symbols} setting.
8164 @end table
8165
8166 @node Variables
8167 @section Program Variables
8168
8169 The most common kind of expression to use is the name of a variable
8170 in your program.
8171
8172 Variables in expressions are understood in the selected stack frame
8173 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}); they must be either:
8174
8175 @itemize @bullet
8176 @item
8177 global (or file-static)
8178 @end itemize
8179
8180 @noindent or
8181
8182 @itemize @bullet
8183 @item
8184 visible according to the scope rules of the
8185 programming language from the point of execution in that frame
8186 @end itemize
8187
8188 @noindent This means that in the function
8189
8190 @smallexample
8191 foo (a)
8192 int a;
8193 @{
8194 bar (a);
8195 @{
8196 int b = test ();
8197 bar (b);
8198 @}
8199 @}
8200 @end smallexample
8201
8202 @noindent
8203 you can examine and use the variable @code{a} whenever your program is
8204 executing within the function @code{foo}, but you can only use or
8205 examine the variable @code{b} while your program is executing inside
8206 the block where @code{b} is declared.
8207
8208 @cindex variable name conflict
8209 There is an exception: you can refer to a variable or function whose
8210 scope is a single source file even if the current execution point is not
8211 in this file. But it is possible to have more than one such variable or
8212 function with the same name (in different source files). If that
8213 happens, referring to that name has unpredictable effects. If you wish,
8214 you can specify a static variable in a particular function or file by
8215 using the colon-colon (@code{::}) notation:
8216
8217 @cindex colon-colon, context for variables/functions
8218 @ifnotinfo
8219 @c info cannot cope with a :: index entry, but why deprive hard copy readers?
8220 @cindex @code{::}, context for variables/functions
8221 @end ifnotinfo
8222 @smallexample
8223 @var{file}::@var{variable}
8224 @var{function}::@var{variable}
8225 @end smallexample
8226
8227 @noindent
8228 Here @var{file} or @var{function} is the name of the context for the
8229 static @var{variable}. In the case of file names, you can use quotes to
8230 make sure @value{GDBN} parses the file name as a single word---for example,
8231 to print a global value of @code{x} defined in @file{f2.c}:
8232
8233 @smallexample
8234 (@value{GDBP}) p 'f2.c'::x
8235 @end smallexample
8236
8237 The @code{::} notation is normally used for referring to
8238 static variables, since you typically disambiguate uses of local variables
8239 in functions by selecting the appropriate frame and using the
8240 simple name of the variable. However, you may also use this notation
8241 to refer to local variables in frames enclosing the selected frame:
8242
8243 @smallexample
8244 void
8245 foo (int a)
8246 @{
8247 if (a < 10)
8248 bar (a);
8249 else
8250 process (a); /* Stop here */
8251 @}
8252
8253 int
8254 bar (int a)
8255 @{
8256 foo (a + 5);
8257 @}
8258 @end smallexample
8259
8260 @noindent
8261 For example, if there is a breakpoint at the commented line,
8262 here is what you might see
8263 when the program stops after executing the call @code{bar(0)}:
8264
8265 @smallexample
8266 (@value{GDBP}) p a
8267 $1 = 10
8268 (@value{GDBP}) p bar::a
8269 $2 = 5
8270 (@value{GDBP}) up 2
8271 #2 0x080483d0 in foo (a=5) at foobar.c:12
8272 (@value{GDBP}) p a
8273 $3 = 5
8274 (@value{GDBP}) p bar::a
8275 $4 = 0
8276 @end smallexample
8277
8278 @cindex C@t{++} scope resolution
8279 These uses of @samp{::} are very rarely in conflict with the very similar
8280 use of the same notation in C@t{++}. @value{GDBN} also supports use of the C@t{++}
8281 scope resolution operator in @value{GDBN} expressions.
8282 @c FIXME: Um, so what happens in one of those rare cases where it's in
8283 @c conflict?? --mew
8284
8285 @cindex wrong values
8286 @cindex variable values, wrong
8287 @cindex function entry/exit, wrong values of variables
8288 @cindex optimized code, wrong values of variables
8289 @quotation
8290 @emph{Warning:} Occasionally, a local variable may appear to have the
8291 wrong value at certain points in a function---just after entry to a new
8292 scope, and just before exit.
8293 @end quotation
8294 You may see this problem when you are stepping by machine instructions.
8295 This is because, on most machines, it takes more than one instruction to
8296 set up a stack frame (including local variable definitions); if you are
8297 stepping by machine instructions, variables may appear to have the wrong
8298 values until the stack frame is completely built. On exit, it usually
8299 also takes more than one machine instruction to destroy a stack frame;
8300 after you begin stepping through that group of instructions, local
8301 variable definitions may be gone.
8302
8303 This may also happen when the compiler does significant optimizations.
8304 To be sure of always seeing accurate values, turn off all optimization
8305 when compiling.
8306
8307 @cindex ``No symbol "foo" in current context''
8308 Another possible effect of compiler optimizations is to optimize
8309 unused variables out of existence, or assign variables to registers (as
8310 opposed to memory addresses). Depending on the support for such cases
8311 offered by the debug info format used by the compiler, @value{GDBN}
8312 might not be able to display values for such local variables. If that
8313 happens, @value{GDBN} will print a message like this:
8314
8315 @smallexample
8316 No symbol "foo" in current context.
8317 @end smallexample
8318
8319 To solve such problems, either recompile without optimizations, or use a
8320 different debug info format, if the compiler supports several such
8321 formats. @xref{Compilation}, for more information on choosing compiler
8322 options. @xref{C, ,C and C@t{++}}, for more information about debug
8323 info formats that are best suited to C@t{++} programs.
8324
8325 If you ask to print an object whose contents are unknown to
8326 @value{GDBN}, e.g., because its data type is not completely specified
8327 by the debug information, @value{GDBN} will say @samp{<incomplete
8328 type>}. @xref{Symbols, incomplete type}, for more about this.
8329
8330 If you append @kbd{@@entry} string to a function parameter name you get its
8331 value at the time the function got called. If the value is not available an
8332 error message is printed. Entry values are available only with some compilers.
8333 Entry values are normally also printed at the function parameter list according
8334 to @ref{set print entry-values}.
8335
8336 @smallexample
8337 Breakpoint 1, d (i=30) at gdb.base/entry-value.c:29
8338 29 i++;
8339 (gdb) next
8340 30 e (i);
8341 (gdb) print i
8342 $1 = 31
8343 (gdb) print i@@entry
8344 $2 = 30
8345 @end smallexample
8346
8347 Strings are identified as arrays of @code{char} values without specified
8348 signedness. Arrays of either @code{signed char} or @code{unsigned char} get
8349 printed as arrays of 1 byte sized integers. @code{-fsigned-char} or
8350 @code{-funsigned-char} @value{NGCC} options have no effect as @value{GDBN}
8351 defines literal string type @code{"char"} as @code{char} without a sign.
8352 For program code
8353
8354 @smallexample
8355 char var0[] = "A";
8356 signed char var1[] = "A";
8357 @end smallexample
8358
8359 You get during debugging
8360 @smallexample
8361 (gdb) print var0
8362 $1 = "A"
8363 (gdb) print var1
8364 $2 = @{65 'A', 0 '\0'@}
8365 @end smallexample
8366
8367 @node Arrays
8368 @section Artificial Arrays
8369
8370 @cindex artificial array
8371 @cindex arrays
8372 @kindex @@@r{, referencing memory as an array}
8373 It is often useful to print out several successive objects of the
8374 same type in memory; a section of an array, or an array of
8375 dynamically determined size for which only a pointer exists in the
8376 program.
8377
8378 You can do this by referring to a contiguous span of memory as an
8379 @dfn{artificial array}, using the binary operator @samp{@@}. The left
8380 operand of @samp{@@} should be the first element of the desired array
8381 and be an individual object. The right operand should be the desired length
8382 of the array. The result is an array value whose elements are all of
8383 the type of the left argument. The first element is actually the left
8384 argument; the second element comes from bytes of memory immediately
8385 following those that hold the first element, and so on. Here is an
8386 example. If a program says
8387
8388 @smallexample
8389 int *array = (int *) malloc (len * sizeof (int));
8390 @end smallexample
8391
8392 @noindent
8393 you can print the contents of @code{array} with
8394
8395 @smallexample
8396 p *array@@len
8397 @end smallexample
8398
8399 The left operand of @samp{@@} must reside in memory. Array values made
8400 with @samp{@@} in this way behave just like other arrays in terms of
8401 subscripting, and are coerced to pointers when used in expressions.
8402 Artificial arrays most often appear in expressions via the value history
8403 (@pxref{Value History, ,Value History}), after printing one out.
8404
8405 Another way to create an artificial array is to use a cast.
8406 This re-interprets a value as if it were an array.
8407 The value need not be in memory:
8408 @smallexample
8409 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[2])0x12345678
8410 $1 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
8411 @end smallexample
8412
8413 As a convenience, if you leave the array length out (as in
8414 @samp{(@var{type}[])@var{value}}) @value{GDBN} calculates the size to fill
8415 the value (as @samp{sizeof(@var{value})/sizeof(@var{type})}:
8416 @smallexample
8417 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[])0x12345678
8418 $2 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
8419 @end smallexample
8420
8421 Sometimes the artificial array mechanism is not quite enough; in
8422 moderately complex data structures, the elements of interest may not
8423 actually be adjacent---for example, if you are interested in the values
8424 of pointers in an array. One useful work-around in this situation is
8425 to use a convenience variable (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
8426 Variables}) as a counter in an expression that prints the first
8427 interesting value, and then repeat that expression via @key{RET}. For
8428 instance, suppose you have an array @code{dtab} of pointers to
8429 structures, and you are interested in the values of a field @code{fv}
8430 in each structure. Here is an example of what you might type:
8431
8432 @smallexample
8433 set $i = 0
8434 p dtab[$i++]->fv
8435 @key{RET}
8436 @key{RET}
8437 @dots{}
8438 @end smallexample
8439
8440 @node Output Formats
8441 @section Output Formats
8442
8443 @cindex formatted output
8444 @cindex output formats
8445 By default, @value{GDBN} prints a value according to its data type. Sometimes
8446 this is not what you want. For example, you might want to print a number
8447 in hex, or a pointer in decimal. Or you might want to view data in memory
8448 at a certain address as a character string or as an instruction. To do
8449 these things, specify an @dfn{output format} when you print a value.
8450
8451 The simplest use of output formats is to say how to print a value
8452 already computed. This is done by starting the arguments of the
8453 @code{print} command with a slash and a format letter. The format
8454 letters supported are:
8455
8456 @table @code
8457 @item x
8458 Regard the bits of the value as an integer, and print the integer in
8459 hexadecimal.
8460
8461 @item d
8462 Print as integer in signed decimal.
8463
8464 @item u
8465 Print as integer in unsigned decimal.
8466
8467 @item o
8468 Print as integer in octal.
8469
8470 @item t
8471 Print as integer in binary. The letter @samp{t} stands for ``two''.
8472 @footnote{@samp{b} cannot be used because these format letters are also
8473 used with the @code{x} command, where @samp{b} stands for ``byte'';
8474 see @ref{Memory,,Examining Memory}.}
8475
8476 @item a
8477 @cindex unknown address, locating
8478 @cindex locate address
8479 Print as an address, both absolute in hexadecimal and as an offset from
8480 the nearest preceding symbol. You can use this format used to discover
8481 where (in what function) an unknown address is located:
8482
8483 @smallexample
8484 (@value{GDBP}) p/a 0x54320
8485 $3 = 0x54320 <_initialize_vx+396>
8486 @end smallexample
8487
8488 @noindent
8489 The command @code{info symbol 0x54320} yields similar results.
8490 @xref{Symbols, info symbol}.
8491
8492 @item c
8493 Regard as an integer and print it as a character constant. This
8494 prints both the numerical value and its character representation. The
8495 character representation is replaced with the octal escape @samp{\nnn}
8496 for characters outside the 7-bit @sc{ascii} range.
8497
8498 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays @code{char},
8499 @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} data as character
8500 constants. Single-byte members of vectors are displayed as integer
8501 data.
8502
8503 @item f
8504 Regard the bits of the value as a floating point number and print
8505 using typical floating point syntax.
8506
8507 @item s
8508 @cindex printing strings
8509 @cindex printing byte arrays
8510 Regard as a string, if possible. With this format, pointers to single-byte
8511 data are displayed as null-terminated strings and arrays of single-byte data
8512 are displayed as fixed-length strings. Other values are displayed in their
8513 natural types.
8514
8515 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays pointers to and arrays of
8516 @code{char}, @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} as
8517 strings. Single-byte members of a vector are displayed as an integer
8518 array.
8519
8520 @item r
8521 @cindex raw printing
8522 Print using the @samp{raw} formatting. By default, @value{GDBN} will
8523 use a Python-based pretty-printer, if one is available (@pxref{Pretty
8524 Printing}). This typically results in a higher-level display of the
8525 value's contents. The @samp{r} format bypasses any Python
8526 pretty-printer which might exist.
8527 @end table
8528
8529 For example, to print the program counter in hex (@pxref{Registers}), type
8530
8531 @smallexample
8532 p/x $pc
8533 @end smallexample
8534
8535 @noindent
8536 Note that no space is required before the slash; this is because command
8537 names in @value{GDBN} cannot contain a slash.
8538
8539 To reprint the last value in the value history with a different format,
8540 you can use the @code{print} command with just a format and no
8541 expression. For example, @samp{p/x} reprints the last value in hex.
8542
8543 @node Memory
8544 @section Examining Memory
8545
8546 You can use the command @code{x} (for ``examine'') to examine memory in
8547 any of several formats, independently of your program's data types.
8548
8549 @cindex examining memory
8550 @table @code
8551 @kindex x @r{(examine memory)}
8552 @item x/@var{nfu} @var{addr}
8553 @itemx x @var{addr}
8554 @itemx x
8555 Use the @code{x} command to examine memory.
8556 @end table
8557
8558 @var{n}, @var{f}, and @var{u} are all optional parameters that specify how
8559 much memory to display and how to format it; @var{addr} is an
8560 expression giving the address where you want to start displaying memory.
8561 If you use defaults for @var{nfu}, you need not type the slash @samp{/}.
8562 Several commands set convenient defaults for @var{addr}.
8563
8564 @table @r
8565 @item @var{n}, the repeat count
8566 The repeat count is a decimal integer; the default is 1. It specifies
8567 how much memory (counting by units @var{u}) to display.
8568 @c This really is **decimal**; unaffected by 'set radix' as of GDB
8569 @c 4.1.2.
8570
8571 @item @var{f}, the display format
8572 The display format is one of the formats used by @code{print}
8573 (@samp{x}, @samp{d}, @samp{u}, @samp{o}, @samp{t}, @samp{a}, @samp{c},
8574 @samp{f}, @samp{s}), and in addition @samp{i} (for machine instructions).
8575 The default is @samp{x} (hexadecimal) initially. The default changes
8576 each time you use either @code{x} or @code{print}.
8577
8578 @item @var{u}, the unit size
8579 The unit size is any of
8580
8581 @table @code
8582 @item b
8583 Bytes.
8584 @item h
8585 Halfwords (two bytes).
8586 @item w
8587 Words (four bytes). This is the initial default.
8588 @item g
8589 Giant words (eight bytes).
8590 @end table
8591
8592 Each time you specify a unit size with @code{x}, that size becomes the
8593 default unit the next time you use @code{x}. For the @samp{i} format,
8594 the unit size is ignored and is normally not written. For the @samp{s} format,
8595 the unit size defaults to @samp{b}, unless it is explicitly given.
8596 Use @kbd{x /hs} to display 16-bit char strings and @kbd{x /ws} to display
8597 32-bit strings. The next use of @kbd{x /s} will again display 8-bit strings.
8598 Note that the results depend on the programming language of the
8599 current compilation unit. If the language is C, the @samp{s}
8600 modifier will use the UTF-16 encoding while @samp{w} will use
8601 UTF-32. The encoding is set by the programming language and cannot
8602 be altered.
8603
8604 @item @var{addr}, starting display address
8605 @var{addr} is the address where you want @value{GDBN} to begin displaying
8606 memory. The expression need not have a pointer value (though it may);
8607 it is always interpreted as an integer address of a byte of memory.
8608 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information on expressions. The default for
8609 @var{addr} is usually just after the last address examined---but several
8610 other commands also set the default address: @code{info breakpoints} (to
8611 the address of the last breakpoint listed), @code{info line} (to the
8612 starting address of a line), and @code{print} (if you use it to display
8613 a value from memory).
8614 @end table
8615
8616 For example, @samp{x/3uh 0x54320} is a request to display three halfwords
8617 (@code{h}) of memory, formatted as unsigned decimal integers (@samp{u}),
8618 starting at address @code{0x54320}. @samp{x/4xw $sp} prints the four
8619 words (@samp{w}) of memory above the stack pointer (here, @samp{$sp};
8620 @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}) in hexadecimal (@samp{x}).
8621
8622 Since the letters indicating unit sizes are all distinct from the
8623 letters specifying output formats, you do not have to remember whether
8624 unit size or format comes first; either order works. The output
8625 specifications @samp{4xw} and @samp{4wx} mean exactly the same thing.
8626 (However, the count @var{n} must come first; @samp{wx4} does not work.)
8627
8628 Even though the unit size @var{u} is ignored for the formats @samp{s}
8629 and @samp{i}, you might still want to use a count @var{n}; for example,
8630 @samp{3i} specifies that you want to see three machine instructions,
8631 including any operands. For convenience, especially when used with
8632 the @code{display} command, the @samp{i} format also prints branch delay
8633 slot instructions, if any, beyond the count specified, which immediately
8634 follow the last instruction that is within the count. The command
8635 @code{disassemble} gives an alternative way of inspecting machine
8636 instructions; see @ref{Machine Code,,Source and Machine Code}.
8637
8638 All the defaults for the arguments to @code{x} are designed to make it
8639 easy to continue scanning memory with minimal specifications each time
8640 you use @code{x}. For example, after you have inspected three machine
8641 instructions with @samp{x/3i @var{addr}}, you can inspect the next seven
8642 with just @samp{x/7}. If you use @key{RET} to repeat the @code{x} command,
8643 the repeat count @var{n} is used again; the other arguments default as
8644 for successive uses of @code{x}.
8645
8646 When examining machine instructions, the instruction at current program
8647 counter is shown with a @code{=>} marker. For example:
8648
8649 @smallexample
8650 (@value{GDBP}) x/5i $pc-6
8651 0x804837f <main+11>: mov %esp,%ebp
8652 0x8048381 <main+13>: push %ecx
8653 0x8048382 <main+14>: sub $0x4,%esp
8654 => 0x8048385 <main+17>: movl $0x8048460,(%esp)
8655 0x804838c <main+24>: call 0x80482d4 <puts@@plt>
8656 @end smallexample
8657
8658 @cindex @code{$_}, @code{$__}, and value history
8659 The addresses and contents printed by the @code{x} command are not saved
8660 in the value history because there is often too much of them and they
8661 would get in the way. Instead, @value{GDBN} makes these values available for
8662 subsequent use in expressions as values of the convenience variables
8663 @code{$_} and @code{$__}. After an @code{x} command, the last address
8664 examined is available for use in expressions in the convenience variable
8665 @code{$_}. The contents of that address, as examined, are available in
8666 the convenience variable @code{$__}.
8667
8668 If the @code{x} command has a repeat count, the address and contents saved
8669 are from the last memory unit printed; this is not the same as the last
8670 address printed if several units were printed on the last line of output.
8671
8672 @cindex remote memory comparison
8673 @cindex verify remote memory image
8674 When you are debugging a program running on a remote target machine
8675 (@pxref{Remote Debugging}), you may wish to verify the program's image in the
8676 remote machine's memory against the executable file you downloaded to
8677 the target. The @code{compare-sections} command is provided for such
8678 situations.
8679
8680 @table @code
8681 @kindex compare-sections
8682 @item compare-sections @r{[}@var{section-name}@r{]}
8683 Compare the data of a loadable section @var{section-name} in the
8684 executable file of the program being debugged with the same section in
8685 the remote machine's memory, and report any mismatches. With no
8686 arguments, compares all loadable sections. This command's
8687 availability depends on the target's support for the @code{"qCRC"}
8688 remote request.
8689 @end table
8690
8691 @node Auto Display
8692 @section Automatic Display
8693 @cindex automatic display
8694 @cindex display of expressions
8695
8696 If you find that you want to print the value of an expression frequently
8697 (to see how it changes), you might want to add it to the @dfn{automatic
8698 display list} so that @value{GDBN} prints its value each time your program stops.
8699 Each expression added to the list is given a number to identify it;
8700 to remove an expression from the list, you specify that number.
8701 The automatic display looks like this:
8702
8703 @smallexample
8704 2: foo = 38
8705 3: bar[5] = (struct hack *) 0x3804
8706 @end smallexample
8707
8708 @noindent
8709 This display shows item numbers, expressions and their current values. As with
8710 displays you request manually using @code{x} or @code{print}, you can
8711 specify the output format you prefer; in fact, @code{display} decides
8712 whether to use @code{print} or @code{x} depending your format
8713 specification---it uses @code{x} if you specify either the @samp{i}
8714 or @samp{s} format, or a unit size; otherwise it uses @code{print}.
8715
8716 @table @code
8717 @kindex display
8718 @item display @var{expr}
8719 Add the expression @var{expr} to the list of expressions to display
8720 each time your program stops. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
8721
8722 @code{display} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
8723
8724 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{expr}
8725 For @var{fmt} specifying only a display format and not a size or
8726 count, add the expression @var{expr} to the auto-display list but
8727 arrange to display it each time in the specified format @var{fmt}.
8728 @xref{Output Formats,,Output Formats}.
8729
8730 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{addr}
8731 For @var{fmt} @samp{i} or @samp{s}, or including a unit-size or a
8732 number of units, add the expression @var{addr} as a memory address to
8733 be examined each time your program stops. Examining means in effect
8734 doing @samp{x/@var{fmt} @var{addr}}. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
8735 @end table
8736
8737 For example, @samp{display/i $pc} can be helpful, to see the machine
8738 instruction about to be executed each time execution stops (@samp{$pc}
8739 is a common name for the program counter; @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
8740
8741 @table @code
8742 @kindex delete display
8743 @kindex undisplay
8744 @item undisplay @var{dnums}@dots{}
8745 @itemx delete display @var{dnums}@dots{}
8746 Remove items from the list of expressions to display. Specify the
8747 numbers of the displays that you want affected with the command
8748 argument @var{dnums}. It can be a single display number, one of the
8749 numbers shown in the first field of the @samp{info display} display;
8750 or it could be a range of display numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
8751
8752 @code{undisplay} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
8753 (Otherwise you would just get the error @samp{No display number @dots{}}.)
8754
8755 @kindex disable display
8756 @item disable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
8757 Disable the display of item numbers @var{dnums}. A disabled display
8758 item is not printed automatically, but is not forgotten. It may be
8759 enabled again later. Specify the numbers of the displays that you
8760 want affected with the command argument @var{dnums}. It can be a
8761 single display number, one of the numbers shown in the first field of
8762 the @samp{info display} display; or it could be a range of display
8763 numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
8764
8765 @kindex enable display
8766 @item enable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
8767 Enable display of item numbers @var{dnums}. It becomes effective once
8768 again in auto display of its expression, until you specify otherwise.
8769 Specify the numbers of the displays that you want affected with the
8770 command argument @var{dnums}. It can be a single display number, one
8771 of the numbers shown in the first field of the @samp{info display}
8772 display; or it could be a range of display numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
8773
8774 @item display
8775 Display the current values of the expressions on the list, just as is
8776 done when your program stops.
8777
8778 @kindex info display
8779 @item info display
8780 Print the list of expressions previously set up to display
8781 automatically, each one with its item number, but without showing the
8782 values. This includes disabled expressions, which are marked as such.
8783 It also includes expressions which would not be displayed right now
8784 because they refer to automatic variables not currently available.
8785 @end table
8786
8787 @cindex display disabled out of scope
8788 If a display expression refers to local variables, then it does not make
8789 sense outside the lexical context for which it was set up. Such an
8790 expression is disabled when execution enters a context where one of its
8791 variables is not defined. For example, if you give the command
8792 @code{display last_char} while inside a function with an argument
8793 @code{last_char}, @value{GDBN} displays this argument while your program
8794 continues to stop inside that function. When it stops elsewhere---where
8795 there is no variable @code{last_char}---the display is disabled
8796 automatically. The next time your program stops where @code{last_char}
8797 is meaningful, you can enable the display expression once again.
8798
8799 @node Print Settings
8800 @section Print Settings
8801
8802 @cindex format options
8803 @cindex print settings
8804 @value{GDBN} provides the following ways to control how arrays, structures,
8805 and symbols are printed.
8806
8807 @noindent
8808 These settings are useful for debugging programs in any language:
8809
8810 @table @code
8811 @kindex set print
8812 @item set print address
8813 @itemx set print address on
8814 @cindex print/don't print memory addresses
8815 @value{GDBN} prints memory addresses showing the location of stack
8816 traces, structure values, pointer values, breakpoints, and so forth,
8817 even when it also displays the contents of those addresses. The default
8818 is @code{on}. For example, this is what a stack frame display looks like with
8819 @code{set print address on}:
8820
8821 @smallexample
8822 @group
8823 (@value{GDBP}) f
8824 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<<", rq=0x34c88 ">>")
8825 at input.c:530
8826 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
8827 @end group
8828 @end smallexample
8829
8830 @item set print address off
8831 Do not print addresses when displaying their contents. For example,
8832 this is the same stack frame displayed with @code{set print address off}:
8833
8834 @smallexample
8835 @group
8836 (@value{GDBP}) set print addr off
8837 (@value{GDBP}) f
8838 #0 set_quotes (lq="<<", rq=">>") at input.c:530
8839 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
8840 @end group
8841 @end smallexample
8842
8843 You can use @samp{set print address off} to eliminate all machine
8844 dependent displays from the @value{GDBN} interface. For example, with
8845 @code{print address off}, you should get the same text for backtraces on
8846 all machines---whether or not they involve pointer arguments.
8847
8848 @kindex show print
8849 @item show print address
8850 Show whether or not addresses are to be printed.
8851 @end table
8852
8853 When @value{GDBN} prints a symbolic address, it normally prints the
8854 closest earlier symbol plus an offset. If that symbol does not uniquely
8855 identify the address (for example, it is a name whose scope is a single
8856 source file), you may need to clarify. One way to do this is with
8857 @code{info line}, for example @samp{info line *0x4537}. Alternately,
8858 you can set @value{GDBN} to print the source file and line number when
8859 it prints a symbolic address:
8860
8861 @table @code
8862 @item set print symbol-filename on
8863 @cindex source file and line of a symbol
8864 @cindex symbol, source file and line
8865 Tell @value{GDBN} to print the source file name and line number of a
8866 symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
8867
8868 @item set print symbol-filename off
8869 Do not print source file name and line number of a symbol. This is the
8870 default.
8871
8872 @item show print symbol-filename
8873 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} will print the source file name and
8874 line number of a symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
8875 @end table
8876
8877 Another situation where it is helpful to show symbol filenames and line
8878 numbers is when disassembling code; @value{GDBN} shows you the line
8879 number and source file that corresponds to each instruction.
8880
8881 Also, you may wish to see the symbolic form only if the address being
8882 printed is reasonably close to the closest earlier symbol:
8883
8884 @table @code
8885 @item set print max-symbolic-offset @var{max-offset}
8886 @itemx set print max-symbolic-offset unlimited
8887 @cindex maximum value for offset of closest symbol
8888 Tell @value{GDBN} to only display the symbolic form of an address if the
8889 offset between the closest earlier symbol and the address is less than
8890 @var{max-offset}. The default is @code{unlimited}, which tells @value{GDBN}
8891 to always print the symbolic form of an address if any symbol precedes
8892 it. Zero is equivalent to @code{unlimited}.
8893
8894 @item show print max-symbolic-offset
8895 Ask how large the maximum offset is that @value{GDBN} prints in a
8896 symbolic address.
8897 @end table
8898
8899 @cindex wild pointer, interpreting
8900 @cindex pointer, finding referent
8901 If you have a pointer and you are not sure where it points, try
8902 @samp{set print symbol-filename on}. Then you can determine the name
8903 and source file location of the variable where it points, using
8904 @samp{p/a @var{pointer}}. This interprets the address in symbolic form.
8905 For example, here @value{GDBN} shows that a variable @code{ptt} points
8906 at another variable @code{t}, defined in @file{hi2.c}:
8907
8908 @smallexample
8909 (@value{GDBP}) set print symbol-filename on
8910 (@value{GDBP}) p/a ptt
8911 $4 = 0xe008 <t in hi2.c>
8912 @end smallexample
8913
8914 @quotation
8915 @emph{Warning:} For pointers that point to a local variable, @samp{p/a}
8916 does not show the symbol name and filename of the referent, even with
8917 the appropriate @code{set print} options turned on.
8918 @end quotation
8919
8920 You can also enable @samp{/a}-like formatting all the time using
8921 @samp{set print symbol on}:
8922
8923 @table @code
8924 @item set print symbol on
8925 Tell @value{GDBN} to print the symbol corresponding to an address, if
8926 one exists.
8927
8928 @item set print symbol off
8929 Tell @value{GDBN} not to print the symbol corresponding to an
8930 address. In this mode, @value{GDBN} will still print the symbol
8931 corresponding to pointers to functions. This is the default.
8932
8933 @item show print symbol
8934 Show whether @value{GDBN} will display the symbol corresponding to an
8935 address.
8936 @end table
8937
8938 Other settings control how different kinds of objects are printed:
8939
8940 @table @code
8941 @item set print array
8942 @itemx set print array on
8943 @cindex pretty print arrays
8944 Pretty print arrays. This format is more convenient to read,
8945 but uses more space. The default is off.
8946
8947 @item set print array off
8948 Return to compressed format for arrays.
8949
8950 @item show print array
8951 Show whether compressed or pretty format is selected for displaying
8952 arrays.
8953
8954 @cindex print array indexes
8955 @item set print array-indexes
8956 @itemx set print array-indexes on
8957 Print the index of each element when displaying arrays. May be more
8958 convenient to locate a given element in the array or quickly find the
8959 index of a given element in that printed array. The default is off.
8960
8961 @item set print array-indexes off
8962 Stop printing element indexes when displaying arrays.
8963
8964 @item show print array-indexes
8965 Show whether the index of each element is printed when displaying
8966 arrays.
8967
8968 @item set print elements @var{number-of-elements}
8969 @itemx set print elements unlimited
8970 @cindex number of array elements to print
8971 @cindex limit on number of printed array elements
8972 Set a limit on how many elements of an array @value{GDBN} will print.
8973 If @value{GDBN} is printing a large array, it stops printing after it has
8974 printed the number of elements set by the @code{set print elements} command.
8975 This limit also applies to the display of strings.
8976 When @value{GDBN} starts, this limit is set to 200.
8977 Setting @var{number-of-elements} to @code{unlimited} or zero means
8978 that the number of elements to print is unlimited.
8979
8980 @item show print elements
8981 Display the number of elements of a large array that @value{GDBN} will print.
8982 If the number is 0, then the printing is unlimited.
8983
8984 @item set print frame-arguments @var{value}
8985 @kindex set print frame-arguments
8986 @cindex printing frame argument values
8987 @cindex print all frame argument values
8988 @cindex print frame argument values for scalars only
8989 @cindex do not print frame argument values
8990 This command allows to control how the values of arguments are printed
8991 when the debugger prints a frame (@pxref{Frames}). The possible
8992 values are:
8993
8994 @table @code
8995 @item all
8996 The values of all arguments are printed.
8997
8998 @item scalars
8999 Print the value of an argument only if it is a scalar. The value of more
9000 complex arguments such as arrays, structures, unions, etc, is replaced
9001 by @code{@dots{}}. This is the default. Here is an example where
9002 only scalar arguments are shown:
9003
9004 @smallexample
9005 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=3, s=@dots{}, ss=0xbf8d508c, u=@dots{}, e=green)
9006 at frame-args.c:23
9007 @end smallexample
9008
9009 @item none
9010 None of the argument values are printed. Instead, the value of each argument
9011 is replaced by @code{@dots{}}. In this case, the example above now becomes:
9012
9013 @smallexample
9014 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=@dots{}, s=@dots{}, ss=@dots{}, u=@dots{}, e=@dots{})
9015 at frame-args.c:23
9016 @end smallexample
9017 @end table
9018
9019 By default, only scalar arguments are printed. This command can be used
9020 to configure the debugger to print the value of all arguments, regardless
9021 of their type. However, it is often advantageous to not print the value
9022 of more complex parameters. For instance, it reduces the amount of
9023 information printed in each frame, making the backtrace more readable.
9024 Also, it improves performance when displaying Ada frames, because
9025 the computation of large arguments can sometimes be CPU-intensive,
9026 especially in large applications. Setting @code{print frame-arguments}
9027 to @code{scalars} (the default) or @code{none} avoids this computation,
9028 thus speeding up the display of each Ada frame.
9029
9030 @item show print frame-arguments
9031 Show how the value of arguments should be displayed when printing a frame.
9032
9033 @anchor{set print entry-values}
9034 @item set print entry-values @var{value}
9035 @kindex set print entry-values
9036 Set printing of frame argument values at function entry. In some cases
9037 @value{GDBN} can determine the value of function argument which was passed by
9038 the function caller, even if the value was modified inside the called function
9039 and therefore is different. With optimized code, the current value could be
9040 unavailable, but the entry value may still be known.
9041
9042 The default value is @code{default} (see below for its description). Older
9043 @value{GDBN} behaved as with the setting @code{no}. Compilers not supporting
9044 this feature will behave in the @code{default} setting the same way as with the
9045 @code{no} setting.
9046
9047 This functionality is currently supported only by DWARF 2 debugging format and
9048 the compiler has to produce @samp{DW_TAG_GNU_call_site} tags. With
9049 @value{NGCC}, you need to specify @option{-O -g} during compilation, to get
9050 this information.
9051
9052 The @var{value} parameter can be one of the following:
9053
9054 @table @code
9055 @item no
9056 Print only actual parameter values, never print values from function entry
9057 point.
9058 @smallexample
9059 #0 equal (val=5)
9060 #0 different (val=6)
9061 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>)
9062 #0 born (val=10)
9063 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
9064 @end smallexample
9065
9066 @item only
9067 Print only parameter values from function entry point. The actual parameter
9068 values are never printed.
9069 @smallexample
9070 #0 equal (val@@entry=5)
9071 #0 different (val@@entry=5)
9072 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
9073 #0 born (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
9074 #0 invalid (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
9075 @end smallexample
9076
9077 @item preferred
9078 Print only parameter values from function entry point. If value from function
9079 entry point is not known while the actual value is known, print the actual
9080 value for such parameter.
9081 @smallexample
9082 #0 equal (val@@entry=5)
9083 #0 different (val@@entry=5)
9084 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
9085 #0 born (val=10)
9086 #0 invalid (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
9087 @end smallexample
9088
9089 @item if-needed
9090 Print actual parameter values. If actual parameter value is not known while
9091 value from function entry point is known, print the entry point value for such
9092 parameter.
9093 @smallexample
9094 #0 equal (val=5)
9095 #0 different (val=6)
9096 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
9097 #0 born (val=10)
9098 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
9099 @end smallexample
9100
9101 @item both
9102 Always print both the actual parameter value and its value from function entry
9103 point, even if values of one or both are not available due to compiler
9104 optimizations.
9105 @smallexample
9106 #0 equal (val=5, val@@entry=5)
9107 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
9108 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=5)
9109 #0 born (val=10, val@@entry=<optimized out>)
9110 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=<optimized out>)
9111 @end smallexample
9112
9113 @item compact
9114 Print the actual parameter value if it is known and also its value from
9115 function entry point if it is known. If neither is known, print for the actual
9116 value @code{<optimized out>}. If not in MI mode (@pxref{GDB/MI}) and if both
9117 values are known and identical, print the shortened
9118 @code{param=param@@entry=VALUE} notation.
9119 @smallexample
9120 #0 equal (val=val@@entry=5)
9121 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
9122 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
9123 #0 born (val=10)
9124 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
9125 @end smallexample
9126
9127 @item default
9128 Always print the actual parameter value. Print also its value from function
9129 entry point, but only if it is known. If not in MI mode (@pxref{GDB/MI}) and
9130 if both values are known and identical, print the shortened
9131 @code{param=param@@entry=VALUE} notation.
9132 @smallexample
9133 #0 equal (val=val@@entry=5)
9134 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
9135 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=5)
9136 #0 born (val=10)
9137 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
9138 @end smallexample
9139 @end table
9140
9141 For analysis messages on possible failures of frame argument values at function
9142 entry resolution see @ref{set debug entry-values}.
9143
9144 @item show print entry-values
9145 Show the method being used for printing of frame argument values at function
9146 entry.
9147
9148 @item set print repeats @var{number-of-repeats}
9149 @itemx set print repeats unlimited
9150 @cindex repeated array elements
9151 Set the threshold for suppressing display of repeated array
9152 elements. When the number of consecutive identical elements of an
9153 array exceeds the threshold, @value{GDBN} prints the string
9154 @code{"<repeats @var{n} times>"}, where @var{n} is the number of
9155 identical repetitions, instead of displaying the identical elements
9156 themselves. Setting the threshold to @code{unlimited} or zero will
9157 cause all elements to be individually printed. The default threshold
9158 is 10.
9159
9160 @item show print repeats
9161 Display the current threshold for printing repeated identical
9162 elements.
9163
9164 @item set print null-stop
9165 @cindex @sc{null} elements in arrays
9166 Cause @value{GDBN} to stop printing the characters of an array when the first
9167 @sc{null} is encountered. This is useful when large arrays actually
9168 contain only short strings.
9169 The default is off.
9170
9171 @item show print null-stop
9172 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops printing an array on the first
9173 @sc{null} character.
9174
9175 @item set print pretty on
9176 @cindex print structures in indented form
9177 @cindex indentation in structure display
9178 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in an indented format with one member
9179 per line, like this:
9180
9181 @smallexample
9182 @group
9183 $1 = @{
9184 next = 0x0,
9185 flags = @{
9186 sweet = 1,
9187 sour = 1
9188 @},
9189 meat = 0x54 "Pork"
9190 @}
9191 @end group
9192 @end smallexample
9193
9194 @item set print pretty off
9195 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in a compact format, like this:
9196
9197 @smallexample
9198 @group
9199 $1 = @{next = 0x0, flags = @{sweet = 1, sour = 1@}, \
9200 meat = 0x54 "Pork"@}
9201 @end group
9202 @end smallexample
9203
9204 @noindent
9205 This is the default format.
9206
9207 @item show print pretty
9208 Show which format @value{GDBN} is using to print structures.
9209
9210 @item set print sevenbit-strings on
9211 @cindex eight-bit characters in strings
9212 @cindex octal escapes in strings
9213 Print using only seven-bit characters; if this option is set,
9214 @value{GDBN} displays any eight-bit characters (in strings or
9215 character values) using the notation @code{\}@var{nnn}. This setting is
9216 best if you are working in English (@sc{ascii}) and you use the
9217 high-order bit of characters as a marker or ``meta'' bit.
9218
9219 @item set print sevenbit-strings off
9220 Print full eight-bit characters. This allows the use of more
9221 international character sets, and is the default.
9222
9223 @item show print sevenbit-strings
9224 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} is printing only seven-bit characters.
9225
9226 @item set print union on
9227 @cindex unions in structures, printing
9228 Tell @value{GDBN} to print unions which are contained in structures
9229 and other unions. This is the default setting.
9230
9231 @item set print union off
9232 Tell @value{GDBN} not to print unions which are contained in
9233 structures and other unions. @value{GDBN} will print @code{"@{...@}"}
9234 instead.
9235
9236 @item show print union
9237 Ask @value{GDBN} whether or not it will print unions which are contained in
9238 structures and other unions.
9239
9240 For example, given the declarations
9241
9242 @smallexample
9243 typedef enum @{Tree, Bug@} Species;
9244 typedef enum @{Big_tree, Acorn, Seedling@} Tree_forms;
9245 typedef enum @{Caterpillar, Cocoon, Butterfly@}
9246 Bug_forms;
9247
9248 struct thing @{
9249 Species it;
9250 union @{
9251 Tree_forms tree;
9252 Bug_forms bug;
9253 @} form;
9254 @};
9255
9256 struct thing foo = @{Tree, @{Acorn@}@};
9257 @end smallexample
9258
9259 @noindent
9260 with @code{set print union on} in effect @samp{p foo} would print
9261
9262 @smallexample
9263 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{tree = Acorn, bug = Cocoon@}@}
9264 @end smallexample
9265
9266 @noindent
9267 and with @code{set print union off} in effect it would print
9268
9269 @smallexample
9270 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{...@}@}
9271 @end smallexample
9272
9273 @noindent
9274 @code{set print union} affects programs written in C-like languages
9275 and in Pascal.
9276 @end table
9277
9278 @need 1000
9279 @noindent
9280 These settings are of interest when debugging C@t{++} programs:
9281
9282 @table @code
9283 @cindex demangling C@t{++} names
9284 @item set print demangle
9285 @itemx set print demangle on
9286 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than in the encoded
9287 (``mangled'') form passed to the assembler and linker for type-safe
9288 linkage. The default is on.
9289
9290 @item show print demangle
9291 Show whether C@t{++} names are printed in mangled or demangled form.
9292
9293 @item set print asm-demangle
9294 @itemx set print asm-demangle on
9295 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than their mangled form, even
9296 in assembler code printouts such as instruction disassemblies.
9297 The default is off.
9298
9299 @item show print asm-demangle
9300 Show whether C@t{++} names in assembly listings are printed in mangled
9301 or demangled form.
9302
9303 @cindex C@t{++} symbol decoding style
9304 @cindex symbol decoding style, C@t{++}
9305 @kindex set demangle-style
9306 @item set demangle-style @var{style}
9307 Choose among several encoding schemes used by different compilers to
9308 represent C@t{++} names. The choices for @var{style} are currently:
9309
9310 @table @code
9311 @item auto
9312 Allow @value{GDBN} to choose a decoding style by inspecting your program.
9313 This is the default.
9314
9315 @item gnu
9316 Decode based on the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler (@code{g++}) encoding algorithm.
9317
9318 @item hp
9319 Decode based on the HP ANSI C@t{++} (@code{aCC}) encoding algorithm.
9320
9321 @item lucid
9322 Decode based on the Lucid C@t{++} compiler (@code{lcc}) encoding algorithm.
9323
9324 @item arm
9325 Decode using the algorithm in the @cite{C@t{++} Annotated Reference Manual}.
9326 @strong{Warning:} this setting alone is not sufficient to allow
9327 debugging @code{cfront}-generated executables. @value{GDBN} would
9328 require further enhancement to permit that.
9329
9330 @end table
9331 If you omit @var{style}, you will see a list of possible formats.
9332
9333 @item show demangle-style
9334 Display the encoding style currently in use for decoding C@t{++} symbols.
9335
9336 @item set print object
9337 @itemx set print object on
9338 @cindex derived type of an object, printing
9339 @cindex display derived types
9340 When displaying a pointer to an object, identify the @emph{actual}
9341 (derived) type of the object rather than the @emph{declared} type, using
9342 the virtual function table. Note that the virtual function table is
9343 required---this feature can only work for objects that have run-time
9344 type identification; a single virtual method in the object's declared
9345 type is sufficient. Note that this setting is also taken into account when
9346 working with variable objects via MI (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
9347
9348 @item set print object off
9349 Display only the declared type of objects, without reference to the
9350 virtual function table. This is the default setting.
9351
9352 @item show print object
9353 Show whether actual, or declared, object types are displayed.
9354
9355 @item set print static-members
9356 @itemx set print static-members on
9357 @cindex static members of C@t{++} objects
9358 Print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object. The default is on.
9359
9360 @item set print static-members off
9361 Do not print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object.
9362
9363 @item show print static-members
9364 Show whether C@t{++} static members are printed or not.
9365
9366 @item set print pascal_static-members
9367 @itemx set print pascal_static-members on
9368 @cindex static members of Pascal objects
9369 @cindex Pascal objects, static members display
9370 Print static members when displaying a Pascal object. The default is on.
9371
9372 @item set print pascal_static-members off
9373 Do not print static members when displaying a Pascal object.
9374
9375 @item show print pascal_static-members
9376 Show whether Pascal static members are printed or not.
9377
9378 @c These don't work with HP ANSI C++ yet.
9379 @item set print vtbl
9380 @itemx set print vtbl on
9381 @cindex pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables
9382 @cindex virtual functions (C@t{++}) display
9383 @cindex VTBL display
9384 Pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables. The default is off.
9385 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
9386 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
9387
9388 @item set print vtbl off
9389 Do not pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables.
9390
9391 @item show print vtbl
9392 Show whether C@t{++} virtual function tables are pretty printed, or not.
9393 @end table
9394
9395 @node Pretty Printing
9396 @section Pretty Printing
9397
9398 @value{GDBN} provides a mechanism to allow pretty-printing of values using
9399 Python code. It greatly simplifies the display of complex objects. This
9400 mechanism works for both MI and the CLI.
9401
9402 @menu
9403 * Pretty-Printer Introduction:: Introduction to pretty-printers
9404 * Pretty-Printer Example:: An example pretty-printer
9405 * Pretty-Printer Commands:: Pretty-printer commands
9406 @end menu
9407
9408 @node Pretty-Printer Introduction
9409 @subsection Pretty-Printer Introduction
9410
9411 When @value{GDBN} prints a value, it first sees if there is a pretty-printer
9412 registered for the value. If there is then @value{GDBN} invokes the
9413 pretty-printer to print the value. Otherwise the value is printed normally.
9414
9415 Pretty-printers are normally named. This makes them easy to manage.
9416 The @samp{info pretty-printer} command will list all the installed
9417 pretty-printers with their names.
9418 If a pretty-printer can handle multiple data types, then its
9419 @dfn{subprinters} are the printers for the individual data types.
9420 Each such subprinter has its own name.
9421 The format of the name is @var{printer-name};@var{subprinter-name}.
9422
9423 Pretty-printers are installed by @dfn{registering} them with @value{GDBN}.
9424 Typically they are automatically loaded and registered when the corresponding
9425 debug information is loaded, thus making them available without having to
9426 do anything special.
9427
9428 There are three places where a pretty-printer can be registered.
9429
9430 @itemize @bullet
9431 @item
9432 Pretty-printers registered globally are available when debugging
9433 all inferiors.
9434
9435 @item
9436 Pretty-printers registered with a program space are available only
9437 when debugging that program.
9438 @xref{Progspaces In Python}, for more details on program spaces in Python.
9439
9440 @item
9441 Pretty-printers registered with an objfile are loaded and unloaded
9442 with the corresponding objfile (e.g., shared library).
9443 @xref{Objfiles In Python}, for more details on objfiles in Python.
9444 @end itemize
9445
9446 @xref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}, for further information on how
9447 pretty-printers are selected,
9448
9449 @xref{Writing a Pretty-Printer}, for implementing pretty printers
9450 for new types.
9451
9452 @node Pretty-Printer Example
9453 @subsection Pretty-Printer Example
9454
9455 Here is how a C@t{++} @code{std::string} looks without a pretty-printer:
9456
9457 @smallexample
9458 (@value{GDBP}) print s
9459 $1 = @{
9460 static npos = 4294967295,
9461 _M_dataplus = @{
9462 <std::allocator<char>> = @{
9463 <__gnu_cxx::new_allocator<char>> = @{
9464 <No data fields>@}, <No data fields>
9465 @},
9466 members of std::basic_string<char, std::char_traits<char>,
9467 std::allocator<char> >::_Alloc_hider:
9468 _M_p = 0x804a014 "abcd"
9469 @}
9470 @}
9471 @end smallexample
9472
9473 With a pretty-printer for @code{std::string} only the contents are printed:
9474
9475 @smallexample
9476 (@value{GDBP}) print s
9477 $2 = "abcd"
9478 @end smallexample
9479
9480 @node Pretty-Printer Commands
9481 @subsection Pretty-Printer Commands
9482 @cindex pretty-printer commands
9483
9484 @table @code
9485 @kindex info pretty-printer
9486 @item info pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
9487 Print the list of installed pretty-printers.
9488 This includes disabled pretty-printers, which are marked as such.
9489
9490 @var{object-regexp} is a regular expression matching the objects
9491 whose pretty-printers to list.
9492 Objects can be @code{global}, the program space's file
9493 (@pxref{Progspaces In Python}),
9494 and the object files within that program space (@pxref{Objfiles In Python}).
9495 @xref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}, for details on how @value{GDBN}
9496 looks up a printer from these three objects.
9497
9498 @var{name-regexp} is a regular expression matching the name of the printers
9499 to list.
9500
9501 @kindex disable pretty-printer
9502 @item disable pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
9503 Disable pretty-printers matching @var{object-regexp} and @var{name-regexp}.
9504 A disabled pretty-printer is not forgotten, it may be enabled again later.
9505
9506 @kindex enable pretty-printer
9507 @item enable pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
9508 Enable pretty-printers matching @var{object-regexp} and @var{name-regexp}.
9509 @end table
9510
9511 Example:
9512
9513 Suppose we have three pretty-printers installed: one from library1.so
9514 named @code{foo} that prints objects of type @code{foo}, and
9515 another from library2.so named @code{bar} that prints two types of objects,
9516 @code{bar1} and @code{bar2}.
9517
9518 @smallexample
9519 (gdb) info pretty-printer
9520 library1.so:
9521 foo
9522 library2.so:
9523 bar
9524 bar1
9525 bar2
9526 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
9527 library2.so:
9528 bar
9529 bar1
9530 bar2
9531 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library1
9532 1 printer disabled
9533 2 of 3 printers enabled
9534 (gdb) info pretty-printer
9535 library1.so:
9536 foo [disabled]
9537 library2.so:
9538 bar
9539 bar1
9540 bar2
9541 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library2 bar:bar1
9542 1 printer disabled
9543 1 of 3 printers enabled
9544 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
9545 library1.so:
9546 foo [disabled]
9547 library2.so:
9548 bar
9549 bar1 [disabled]
9550 bar2
9551 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library2 bar
9552 1 printer disabled
9553 0 of 3 printers enabled
9554 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
9555 library1.so:
9556 foo [disabled]
9557 library2.so:
9558 bar [disabled]
9559 bar1 [disabled]
9560 bar2
9561 @end smallexample
9562
9563 Note that for @code{bar} the entire printer can be disabled,
9564 as can each individual subprinter.
9565
9566 @node Value History
9567 @section Value History
9568
9569 @cindex value history
9570 @cindex history of values printed by @value{GDBN}
9571 Values printed by the @code{print} command are saved in the @value{GDBN}
9572 @dfn{value history}. This allows you to refer to them in other expressions.
9573 Values are kept until the symbol table is re-read or discarded
9574 (for example with the @code{file} or @code{symbol-file} commands).
9575 When the symbol table changes, the value history is discarded,
9576 since the values may contain pointers back to the types defined in the
9577 symbol table.
9578
9579 @cindex @code{$}
9580 @cindex @code{$$}
9581 @cindex history number
9582 The values printed are given @dfn{history numbers} by which you can
9583 refer to them. These are successive integers starting with one.
9584 @code{print} shows you the history number assigned to a value by
9585 printing @samp{$@var{num} = } before the value; here @var{num} is the
9586 history number.
9587
9588 To refer to any previous value, use @samp{$} followed by the value's
9589 history number. The way @code{print} labels its output is designed to
9590 remind you of this. Just @code{$} refers to the most recent value in
9591 the history, and @code{$$} refers to the value before that.
9592 @code{$$@var{n}} refers to the @var{n}th value from the end; @code{$$2}
9593 is the value just prior to @code{$$}, @code{$$1} is equivalent to
9594 @code{$$}, and @code{$$0} is equivalent to @code{$}.
9595
9596 For example, suppose you have just printed a pointer to a structure and
9597 want to see the contents of the structure. It suffices to type
9598
9599 @smallexample
9600 p *$
9601 @end smallexample
9602
9603 If you have a chain of structures where the component @code{next} points
9604 to the next one, you can print the contents of the next one with this:
9605
9606 @smallexample
9607 p *$.next
9608 @end smallexample
9609
9610 @noindent
9611 You can print successive links in the chain by repeating this
9612 command---which you can do by just typing @key{RET}.
9613
9614 Note that the history records values, not expressions. If the value of
9615 @code{x} is 4 and you type these commands:
9616
9617 @smallexample
9618 print x
9619 set x=5
9620 @end smallexample
9621
9622 @noindent
9623 then the value recorded in the value history by the @code{print} command
9624 remains 4 even though the value of @code{x} has changed.
9625
9626 @table @code
9627 @kindex show values
9628 @item show values
9629 Print the last ten values in the value history, with their item numbers.
9630 This is like @samp{p@ $$9} repeated ten times, except that @code{show
9631 values} does not change the history.
9632
9633 @item show values @var{n}
9634 Print ten history values centered on history item number @var{n}.
9635
9636 @item show values +
9637 Print ten history values just after the values last printed. If no more
9638 values are available, @code{show values +} produces no display.
9639 @end table
9640
9641 Pressing @key{RET} to repeat @code{show values @var{n}} has exactly the
9642 same effect as @samp{show values +}.
9643
9644 @node Convenience Vars
9645 @section Convenience Variables
9646
9647 @cindex convenience variables
9648 @cindex user-defined variables
9649 @value{GDBN} provides @dfn{convenience variables} that you can use within
9650 @value{GDBN} to hold on to a value and refer to it later. These variables
9651 exist entirely within @value{GDBN}; they are not part of your program, and
9652 setting a convenience variable has no direct effect on further execution
9653 of your program. That is why you can use them freely.
9654
9655 Convenience variables are prefixed with @samp{$}. Any name preceded by
9656 @samp{$} can be used for a convenience variable, unless it is one of
9657 the predefined machine-specific register names (@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
9658 (Value history references, in contrast, are @emph{numbers} preceded
9659 by @samp{$}. @xref{Value History, ,Value History}.)
9660
9661 You can save a value in a convenience variable with an assignment
9662 expression, just as you would set a variable in your program.
9663 For example:
9664
9665 @smallexample
9666 set $foo = *object_ptr
9667 @end smallexample
9668
9669 @noindent
9670 would save in @code{$foo} the value contained in the object pointed to by
9671 @code{object_ptr}.
9672
9673 Using a convenience variable for the first time creates it, but its
9674 value is @code{void} until you assign a new value. You can alter the
9675 value with another assignment at any time.
9676
9677 Convenience variables have no fixed types. You can assign a convenience
9678 variable any type of value, including structures and arrays, even if
9679 that variable already has a value of a different type. The convenience
9680 variable, when used as an expression, has the type of its current value.
9681
9682 @table @code
9683 @kindex show convenience
9684 @cindex show all user variables and functions
9685 @item show convenience
9686 Print a list of convenience variables used so far, and their values,
9687 as well as a list of the convenience functions.
9688 Abbreviated @code{show conv}.
9689
9690 @kindex init-if-undefined
9691 @cindex convenience variables, initializing
9692 @item init-if-undefined $@var{variable} = @var{expression}
9693 Set a convenience variable if it has not already been set. This is useful
9694 for user-defined commands that keep some state. It is similar, in concept,
9695 to using local static variables with initializers in C (except that
9696 convenience variables are global). It can also be used to allow users to
9697 override default values used in a command script.
9698
9699 If the variable is already defined then the expression is not evaluated so
9700 any side-effects do not occur.
9701 @end table
9702
9703 One of the ways to use a convenience variable is as a counter to be
9704 incremented or a pointer to be advanced. For example, to print
9705 a field from successive elements of an array of structures:
9706
9707 @smallexample
9708 set $i = 0
9709 print bar[$i++]->contents
9710 @end smallexample
9711
9712 @noindent
9713 Repeat that command by typing @key{RET}.
9714
9715 Some convenience variables are created automatically by @value{GDBN} and given
9716 values likely to be useful.
9717
9718 @table @code
9719 @vindex $_@r{, convenience variable}
9720 @item $_
9721 The variable @code{$_} is automatically set by the @code{x} command to
9722 the last address examined (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}). Other
9723 commands which provide a default address for @code{x} to examine also
9724 set @code{$_} to that address; these commands include @code{info line}
9725 and @code{info breakpoint}. The type of @code{$_} is @code{void *}
9726 except when set by the @code{x} command, in which case it is a pointer
9727 to the type of @code{$__}.
9728
9729 @vindex $__@r{, convenience variable}
9730 @item $__
9731 The variable @code{$__} is automatically set by the @code{x} command
9732 to the value found in the last address examined. Its type is chosen
9733 to match the format in which the data was printed.
9734
9735 @item $_exitcode
9736 @vindex $_exitcode@r{, convenience variable}
9737 The variable @code{$_exitcode} is automatically set to the exit code when
9738 the program being debugged terminates.
9739
9740 @item $_exception
9741 The variable @code{$_exception} is set to the exception object being
9742 thrown at an exception-related catchpoint. @xref{Set Catchpoints}.
9743
9744 @item $_probe_argc
9745 @itemx $_probe_arg0@dots{}$_probe_arg11
9746 Arguments to a static probe. @xref{Static Probe Points}.
9747
9748 @item $_sdata
9749 @vindex $_sdata@r{, inspect, convenience variable}
9750 The variable @code{$_sdata} contains extra collected static tracepoint
9751 data. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}. Note that
9752 @code{$_sdata} could be empty, if not inspecting a trace buffer, or
9753 if extra static tracepoint data has not been collected.
9754
9755 @item $_siginfo
9756 @vindex $_siginfo@r{, convenience variable}
9757 The variable @code{$_siginfo} contains extra signal information
9758 (@pxref{extra signal information}). Note that @code{$_siginfo}
9759 could be empty, if the application has not yet received any signals.
9760 For example, it will be empty before you execute the @code{run} command.
9761
9762 @item $_tlb
9763 @vindex $_tlb@r{, convenience variable}
9764 The variable @code{$_tlb} is automatically set when debugging
9765 applications running on MS-Windows in native mode or connected to
9766 gdbserver that supports the @code{qGetTIBAddr} request.
9767 @xref{General Query Packets}.
9768 This variable contains the address of the thread information block.
9769
9770 @end table
9771
9772 On HP-UX systems, if you refer to a function or variable name that
9773 begins with a dollar sign, @value{GDBN} searches for a user or system
9774 name first, before it searches for a convenience variable.
9775
9776 @node Convenience Funs
9777 @section Convenience Functions
9778
9779 @cindex convenience functions
9780 @value{GDBN} also supplies some @dfn{convenience functions}. These
9781 have a syntax similar to convenience variables. A convenience
9782 function can be used in an expression just like an ordinary function;
9783 however, a convenience function is implemented internally to
9784 @value{GDBN}.
9785
9786 These functions require @value{GDBN} to be configured with
9787 @code{Python} support.
9788
9789 @table @code
9790
9791 @item $_memeq(@var{buf1}, @var{buf2}, @var{length})
9792 @findex $_memeq@r{, convenience function}
9793 Returns one if the @var{length} bytes at the addresses given by
9794 @var{buf1} and @var{buf2} are equal.
9795 Otherwise it returns zero.
9796
9797 @item $_regex(@var{str}, @var{regex})
9798 @findex $_regex@r{, convenience function}
9799 Returns one if the string @var{str} matches the regular expression
9800 @var{regex}. Otherwise it returns zero.
9801 The syntax of the regular expression is that specified by @code{Python}'s
9802 regular expression support.
9803
9804 @item $_streq(@var{str1}, @var{str2})
9805 @findex $_streq@r{, convenience function}
9806 Returns one if the strings @var{str1} and @var{str2} are equal.
9807 Otherwise it returns zero.
9808
9809 @item $_strlen(@var{str})
9810 @findex $_strlen@r{, convenience function}
9811 Returns the length of string @var{str}.
9812
9813 @end table
9814
9815 @value{GDBN} provides the ability to list and get help on
9816 convenience functions.
9817
9818 @table @code
9819 @item help function
9820 @kindex help function
9821 @cindex show all convenience functions
9822 Print a list of all convenience functions.
9823 @end table
9824
9825 @node Registers
9826 @section Registers
9827
9828 @cindex registers
9829 You can refer to machine register contents, in expressions, as variables
9830 with names starting with @samp{$}. The names of registers are different
9831 for each machine; use @code{info registers} to see the names used on
9832 your machine.
9833
9834 @table @code
9835 @kindex info registers
9836 @item info registers
9837 Print the names and values of all registers except floating-point
9838 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
9839
9840 @kindex info all-registers
9841 @cindex floating point registers
9842 @item info all-registers
9843 Print the names and values of all registers, including floating-point
9844 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
9845
9846 @item info registers @var{regname} @dots{}
9847 Print the @dfn{relativized} value of each specified register @var{regname}.
9848 As discussed in detail below, register values are normally relative to
9849 the selected stack frame. @var{regname} may be any register name valid on
9850 the machine you are using, with or without the initial @samp{$}.
9851 @end table
9852
9853 @cindex stack pointer register
9854 @cindex program counter register
9855 @cindex process status register
9856 @cindex frame pointer register
9857 @cindex standard registers
9858 @value{GDBN} has four ``standard'' register names that are available (in
9859 expressions) on most machines---whenever they do not conflict with an
9860 architecture's canonical mnemonics for registers. The register names
9861 @code{$pc} and @code{$sp} are used for the program counter register and
9862 the stack pointer. @code{$fp} is used for a register that contains a
9863 pointer to the current stack frame, and @code{$ps} is used for a
9864 register that contains the processor status. For example,
9865 you could print the program counter in hex with
9866
9867 @smallexample
9868 p/x $pc
9869 @end smallexample
9870
9871 @noindent
9872 or print the instruction to be executed next with
9873
9874 @smallexample
9875 x/i $pc
9876 @end smallexample
9877
9878 @noindent
9879 or add four to the stack pointer@footnote{This is a way of removing
9880 one word from the stack, on machines where stacks grow downward in
9881 memory (most machines, nowadays). This assumes that the innermost
9882 stack frame is selected; setting @code{$sp} is not allowed when other
9883 stack frames are selected. To pop entire frames off the stack,
9884 regardless of machine architecture, use @code{return};
9885 see @ref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}.} with
9886
9887 @smallexample
9888 set $sp += 4
9889 @end smallexample
9890
9891 Whenever possible, these four standard register names are available on
9892 your machine even though the machine has different canonical mnemonics,
9893 so long as there is no conflict. The @code{info registers} command
9894 shows the canonical names. For example, on the SPARC, @code{info
9895 registers} displays the processor status register as @code{$psr} but you
9896 can also refer to it as @code{$ps}; and on x86-based machines @code{$ps}
9897 is an alias for the @sc{eflags} register.
9898
9899 @value{GDBN} always considers the contents of an ordinary register as an
9900 integer when the register is examined in this way. Some machines have
9901 special registers which can hold nothing but floating point; these
9902 registers are considered to have floating point values. There is no way
9903 to refer to the contents of an ordinary register as floating point value
9904 (although you can @emph{print} it as a floating point value with
9905 @samp{print/f $@var{regname}}).
9906
9907 Some registers have distinct ``raw'' and ``virtual'' data formats. This
9908 means that the data format in which the register contents are saved by
9909 the operating system is not the same one that your program normally
9910 sees. For example, the registers of the 68881 floating point
9911 coprocessor are always saved in ``extended'' (raw) format, but all C
9912 programs expect to work with ``double'' (virtual) format. In such
9913 cases, @value{GDBN} normally works with the virtual format only (the format
9914 that makes sense for your program), but the @code{info registers} command
9915 prints the data in both formats.
9916
9917 @cindex SSE registers (x86)
9918 @cindex MMX registers (x86)
9919 Some machines have special registers whose contents can be interpreted
9920 in several different ways. For example, modern x86-based machines
9921 have SSE and MMX registers that can hold several values packed
9922 together in several different formats. @value{GDBN} refers to such
9923 registers in @code{struct} notation:
9924
9925 @smallexample
9926 (@value{GDBP}) print $xmm1
9927 $1 = @{
9928 v4_float = @{0, 3.43859137e-038, 1.54142831e-044, 1.821688e-044@},
9929 v2_double = @{9.92129282474342e-303, 2.7585945287983262e-313@},
9930 v16_int8 = "\000\000\000\000\3706;\001\v\000\000\000\r\000\000",
9931 v8_int16 = @{0, 0, 14072, 315, 11, 0, 13, 0@},
9932 v4_int32 = @{0, 20657912, 11, 13@},
9933 v2_int64 = @{88725056443645952, 55834574859@},
9934 uint128 = 0x0000000d0000000b013b36f800000000
9935 @}
9936 @end smallexample
9937
9938 @noindent
9939 To set values of such registers, you need to tell @value{GDBN} which
9940 view of the register you wish to change, as if you were assigning
9941 value to a @code{struct} member:
9942
9943 @smallexample
9944 (@value{GDBP}) set $xmm1.uint128 = 0x000000000000000000000000FFFFFFFF
9945 @end smallexample
9946
9947 Normally, register values are relative to the selected stack frame
9948 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). This means that you get the
9949 value that the register would contain if all stack frames farther in
9950 were exited and their saved registers restored. In order to see the
9951 true contents of hardware registers, you must select the innermost
9952 frame (with @samp{frame 0}).
9953
9954 However, @value{GDBN} must deduce where registers are saved, from the machine
9955 code generated by your compiler. If some registers are not saved, or if
9956 @value{GDBN} is unable to locate the saved registers, the selected stack
9957 frame makes no difference.
9958
9959 @node Floating Point Hardware
9960 @section Floating Point Hardware
9961 @cindex floating point
9962
9963 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give
9964 you more information about the status of the floating point hardware.
9965
9966 @table @code
9967 @kindex info float
9968 @item info float
9969 Display hardware-dependent information about the floating
9970 point unit. The exact contents and layout vary depending on the
9971 floating point chip. Currently, @samp{info float} is supported on
9972 the ARM and x86 machines.
9973 @end table
9974
9975 @node Vector Unit
9976 @section Vector Unit
9977 @cindex vector unit
9978
9979 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give you
9980 more information about the status of the vector unit.
9981
9982 @table @code
9983 @kindex info vector
9984 @item info vector
9985 Display information about the vector unit. The exact contents and
9986 layout vary depending on the hardware.
9987 @end table
9988
9989 @node OS Information
9990 @section Operating System Auxiliary Information
9991 @cindex OS information
9992
9993 @value{GDBN} provides interfaces to useful OS facilities that can help
9994 you debug your program.
9995
9996 @cindex auxiliary vector
9997 @cindex vector, auxiliary
9998 Some operating systems supply an @dfn{auxiliary vector} to programs at
9999 startup. This is akin to the arguments and environment that you
10000 specify for a program, but contains a system-dependent variety of
10001 binary values that tell system libraries important details about the
10002 hardware, operating system, and process. Each value's purpose is
10003 identified by an integer tag; the meanings are well-known but system-specific.
10004 Depending on the configuration and operating system facilities,
10005 @value{GDBN} may be able to show you this information. For remote
10006 targets, this functionality may further depend on the remote stub's
10007 support of the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet, see
10008 @ref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}.
10009
10010 @table @code
10011 @kindex info auxv
10012 @item info auxv
10013 Display the auxiliary vector of the inferior, which can be either a
10014 live process or a core dump file. @value{GDBN} prints each tag value
10015 numerically, and also shows names and text descriptions for recognized
10016 tags. Some values in the vector are numbers, some bit masks, and some
10017 pointers to strings or other data. @value{GDBN} displays each value in the
10018 most appropriate form for a recognized tag, and in hexadecimal for
10019 an unrecognized tag.
10020 @end table
10021
10022 On some targets, @value{GDBN} can access operating system-specific
10023 information and show it to you. The types of information available
10024 will differ depending on the type of operating system running on the
10025 target. The mechanism used to fetch the data is described in
10026 @ref{Operating System Information}. For remote targets, this
10027 functionality depends on the remote stub's support of the
10028 @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet, see @ref{qXfer osdata read}.
10029
10030 @table @code
10031 @kindex info os
10032 @item info os @var{infotype}
10033
10034 Display OS information of the requested type.
10035
10036 On @sc{gnu}/Linux, the following values of @var{infotype} are valid:
10037
10038 @anchor{linux info os infotypes}
10039 @table @code
10040 @kindex info os processes
10041 @item processes
10042 Display the list of processes on the target. For each process,
10043 @value{GDBN} prints the process identifier, the name of the user, the
10044 command corresponding to the process, and the list of processor cores
10045 that the process is currently running on. (To understand what these
10046 properties mean, for this and the following info types, please consult
10047 the general @sc{gnu}/Linux documentation.)
10048
10049 @kindex info os procgroups
10050 @item procgroups
10051 Display the list of process groups on the target. For each process,
10052 @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process group that it belongs
10053 to, the command corresponding to the process group leader, the process
10054 identifier, and the command line of the process. The list is sorted
10055 first by the process group identifier, then by the process identifier,
10056 so that processes belonging to the same process group are grouped together
10057 and the process group leader is listed first.
10058
10059 @kindex info os threads
10060 @item threads
10061 Display the list of threads running on the target. For each thread,
10062 @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process that the thread
10063 belongs to, the command of the process, the thread identifier, and the
10064 processor core that it is currently running on. The main thread of a
10065 process is not listed.
10066
10067 @kindex info os files
10068 @item files
10069 Display the list of open file descriptors on the target. For each
10070 file descriptor, @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process
10071 owning the descriptor, the command of the owning process, the value
10072 of the descriptor, and the target of the descriptor.
10073
10074 @kindex info os sockets
10075 @item sockets
10076 Display the list of Internet-domain sockets on the target. For each
10077 socket, @value{GDBN} prints the address and port of the local and
10078 remote endpoints, the current state of the connection, the creator of
10079 the socket, the IP address family of the socket, and the type of the
10080 connection.
10081
10082 @kindex info os shm
10083 @item shm
10084 Display the list of all System V shared-memory regions on the target.
10085 For each shared-memory region, @value{GDBN} prints the region key,
10086 the shared-memory identifier, the access permissions, the size of the
10087 region, the process that created the region, the process that last
10088 attached to or detached from the region, the current number of live
10089 attaches to the region, and the times at which the region was last
10090 attached to, detach from, and changed.
10091
10092 @kindex info os semaphores
10093 @item semaphores
10094 Display the list of all System V semaphore sets on the target. For each
10095 semaphore set, @value{GDBN} prints the semaphore set key, the semaphore
10096 set identifier, the access permissions, the number of semaphores in the
10097 set, the user and group of the owner and creator of the semaphore set,
10098 and the times at which the semaphore set was operated upon and changed.
10099
10100 @kindex info os msg
10101 @item msg
10102 Display the list of all System V message queues on the target. For each
10103 message queue, @value{GDBN} prints the message queue key, the message
10104 queue identifier, the access permissions, the current number of bytes
10105 on the queue, the current number of messages on the queue, the processes
10106 that last sent and received a message on the queue, the user and group
10107 of the owner and creator of the message queue, the times at which a
10108 message was last sent and received on the queue, and the time at which
10109 the message queue was last changed.
10110
10111 @kindex info os modules
10112 @item modules
10113 Display the list of all loaded kernel modules on the target. For each
10114 module, @value{GDBN} prints the module name, the size of the module in
10115 bytes, the number of times the module is used, the dependencies of the
10116 module, the status of the module, and the address of the loaded module
10117 in memory.
10118 @end table
10119
10120 @item info os
10121 If @var{infotype} is omitted, then list the possible values for
10122 @var{infotype} and the kind of OS information available for each
10123 @var{infotype}. If the target does not return a list of possible
10124 types, this command will report an error.
10125 @end table
10126
10127 @node Memory Region Attributes
10128 @section Memory Region Attributes
10129 @cindex memory region attributes
10130
10131 @dfn{Memory region attributes} allow you to describe special handling
10132 required by regions of your target's memory. @value{GDBN} uses
10133 attributes to determine whether to allow certain types of memory
10134 accesses; whether to use specific width accesses; and whether to cache
10135 target memory. By default the description of memory regions is
10136 fetched from the target (if the current target supports this), but the
10137 user can override the fetched regions.
10138
10139 Defined memory regions can be individually enabled and disabled. When a
10140 memory region is disabled, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when
10141 accessing memory in that region. Similarly, if no memory regions have
10142 been defined, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when accessing
10143 all memory.
10144
10145 When a memory region is defined, it is given a number to identify it;
10146 to enable, disable, or remove a memory region, you specify that number.
10147
10148 @table @code
10149 @kindex mem
10150 @item mem @var{lower} @var{upper} @var{attributes}@dots{}
10151 Define a memory region bounded by @var{lower} and @var{upper} with
10152 attributes @var{attributes}@dots{}, and add it to the list of regions
10153 monitored by @value{GDBN}. Note that @var{upper} == 0 is a special
10154 case: it is treated as the target's maximum memory address.
10155 (0xffff on 16 bit targets, 0xffffffff on 32 bit targets, etc.)
10156
10157 @item mem auto
10158 Discard any user changes to the memory regions and use target-supplied
10159 regions, if available, or no regions if the target does not support.
10160
10161 @kindex delete mem
10162 @item delete mem @var{nums}@dots{}
10163 Remove memory regions @var{nums}@dots{} from the list of regions
10164 monitored by @value{GDBN}.
10165
10166 @kindex disable mem
10167 @item disable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
10168 Disable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
10169 A disabled memory region is not forgotten.
10170 It may be enabled again later.
10171
10172 @kindex enable mem
10173 @item enable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
10174 Enable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
10175
10176 @kindex info mem
10177 @item info mem
10178 Print a table of all defined memory regions, with the following columns
10179 for each region:
10180
10181 @table @emph
10182 @item Memory Region Number
10183 @item Enabled or Disabled.
10184 Enabled memory regions are marked with @samp{y}.
10185 Disabled memory regions are marked with @samp{n}.
10186
10187 @item Lo Address
10188 The address defining the inclusive lower bound of the memory region.
10189
10190 @item Hi Address
10191 The address defining the exclusive upper bound of the memory region.
10192
10193 @item Attributes
10194 The list of attributes set for this memory region.
10195 @end table
10196 @end table
10197
10198
10199 @subsection Attributes
10200
10201 @subsubsection Memory Access Mode
10202 The access mode attributes set whether @value{GDBN} may make read or
10203 write accesses to a memory region.
10204
10205 While these attributes prevent @value{GDBN} from performing invalid
10206 memory accesses, they do nothing to prevent the target system, I/O DMA,
10207 etc.@: from accessing memory.
10208
10209 @table @code
10210 @item ro
10211 Memory is read only.
10212 @item wo
10213 Memory is write only.
10214 @item rw
10215 Memory is read/write. This is the default.
10216 @end table
10217
10218 @subsubsection Memory Access Size
10219 The access size attribute tells @value{GDBN} to use specific sized
10220 accesses in the memory region. Often memory mapped device registers
10221 require specific sized accesses. If no access size attribute is
10222 specified, @value{GDBN} may use accesses of any size.
10223
10224 @table @code
10225 @item 8
10226 Use 8 bit memory accesses.
10227 @item 16
10228 Use 16 bit memory accesses.
10229 @item 32
10230 Use 32 bit memory accesses.
10231 @item 64
10232 Use 64 bit memory accesses.
10233 @end table
10234
10235 @c @subsubsection Hardware/Software Breakpoints
10236 @c The hardware/software breakpoint attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
10237 @c will use hardware or software breakpoints for the internal breakpoints
10238 @c used by the step, next, finish, until, etc. commands.
10239 @c
10240 @c @table @code
10241 @c @item hwbreak
10242 @c Always use hardware breakpoints
10243 @c @item swbreak (default)
10244 @c @end table
10245
10246 @subsubsection Data Cache
10247 The data cache attributes set whether @value{GDBN} will cache target
10248 memory. While this generally improves performance by reducing debug
10249 protocol overhead, it can lead to incorrect results because @value{GDBN}
10250 does not know about volatile variables or memory mapped device
10251 registers.
10252
10253 @table @code
10254 @item cache
10255 Enable @value{GDBN} to cache target memory.
10256 @item nocache
10257 Disable @value{GDBN} from caching target memory. This is the default.
10258 @end table
10259
10260 @subsection Memory Access Checking
10261 @value{GDBN} can be instructed to refuse accesses to memory that is
10262 not explicitly described. This can be useful if accessing such
10263 regions has undesired effects for a specific target, or to provide
10264 better error checking. The following commands control this behaviour.
10265
10266 @table @code
10267 @kindex set mem inaccessible-by-default
10268 @item set mem inaccessible-by-default [on|off]
10269 If @code{on} is specified, make @value{GDBN} treat memory not
10270 explicitly described by the memory ranges as non-existent and refuse accesses
10271 to such memory. The checks are only performed if there's at least one
10272 memory range defined. If @code{off} is specified, make @value{GDBN}
10273 treat the memory not explicitly described by the memory ranges as RAM.
10274 The default value is @code{on}.
10275 @kindex show mem inaccessible-by-default
10276 @item show mem inaccessible-by-default
10277 Show the current handling of accesses to unknown memory.
10278 @end table
10279
10280
10281 @c @subsubsection Memory Write Verification
10282 @c The memory write verification attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
10283 @c will re-reads data after each write to verify the write was successful.
10284 @c
10285 @c @table @code
10286 @c @item verify
10287 @c @item noverify (default)
10288 @c @end table
10289
10290 @node Dump/Restore Files
10291 @section Copy Between Memory and a File
10292 @cindex dump/restore files
10293 @cindex append data to a file
10294 @cindex dump data to a file
10295 @cindex restore data from a file
10296
10297 You can use the commands @code{dump}, @code{append}, and
10298 @code{restore} to copy data between target memory and a file. The
10299 @code{dump} and @code{append} commands write data to a file, and the
10300 @code{restore} command reads data from a file back into the inferior's
10301 memory. Files may be in binary, Motorola S-record, Intel hex, or
10302 Tektronix Hex format; however, @value{GDBN} can only append to binary
10303 files.
10304
10305 @table @code
10306
10307 @kindex dump
10308 @item dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
10309 @itemx dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
10310 Dump the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
10311 or the value of @var{expr}, to @var{filename} in the given format.
10312
10313 The @var{format} parameter may be any one of:
10314 @table @code
10315 @item binary
10316 Raw binary form.
10317 @item ihex
10318 Intel hex format.
10319 @item srec
10320 Motorola S-record format.
10321 @item tekhex
10322 Tektronix Hex format.
10323 @end table
10324
10325 @value{GDBN} uses the same definitions of these formats as the
10326 @sc{gnu} binary utilities, like @samp{objdump} and @samp{objcopy}. If
10327 @var{format} is omitted, @value{GDBN} dumps the data in raw binary
10328 form.
10329
10330 @kindex append
10331 @item append @r{[}binary@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
10332 @itemx append @r{[}binary@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
10333 Append the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
10334 or the value of @var{expr}, to the file @var{filename}, in raw binary form.
10335 (@value{GDBN} can only append data to files in raw binary form.)
10336
10337 @kindex restore
10338 @item restore @var{filename} @r{[}binary@r{]} @var{bias} @var{start} @var{end}
10339 Restore the contents of file @var{filename} into memory. The
10340 @code{restore} command can automatically recognize any known @sc{bfd}
10341 file format, except for raw binary. To restore a raw binary file you
10342 must specify the optional keyword @code{binary} after the filename.
10343
10344 If @var{bias} is non-zero, its value will be added to the addresses
10345 contained in the file. Binary files always start at address zero, so
10346 they will be restored at address @var{bias}. Other bfd files have
10347 a built-in location; they will be restored at offset @var{bias}
10348 from that location.
10349
10350 If @var{start} and/or @var{end} are non-zero, then only data between
10351 file offset @var{start} and file offset @var{end} will be restored.
10352 These offsets are relative to the addresses in the file, before
10353 the @var{bias} argument is applied.
10354
10355 @end table
10356
10357 @node Core File Generation
10358 @section How to Produce a Core File from Your Program
10359 @cindex dump core from inferior
10360
10361 A @dfn{core file} or @dfn{core dump} is a file that records the memory
10362 image of a running process and its process status (register values
10363 etc.). Its primary use is post-mortem debugging of a program that
10364 crashed while it ran outside a debugger. A program that crashes
10365 automatically produces a core file, unless this feature is disabled by
10366 the user. @xref{Files}, for information on invoking @value{GDBN} in
10367 the post-mortem debugging mode.
10368
10369 Occasionally, you may wish to produce a core file of the program you
10370 are debugging in order to preserve a snapshot of its state.
10371 @value{GDBN} has a special command for that.
10372
10373 @table @code
10374 @kindex gcore
10375 @kindex generate-core-file
10376 @item generate-core-file [@var{file}]
10377 @itemx gcore [@var{file}]
10378 Produce a core dump of the inferior process. The optional argument
10379 @var{file} specifies the file name where to put the core dump. If not
10380 specified, the file name defaults to @file{core.@var{pid}}, where
10381 @var{pid} is the inferior process ID.
10382
10383 Note that this command is implemented only for some systems (as of
10384 this writing, @sc{gnu}/Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, and S390).
10385 @end table
10386
10387 @node Character Sets
10388 @section Character Sets
10389 @cindex character sets
10390 @cindex charset
10391 @cindex translating between character sets
10392 @cindex host character set
10393 @cindex target character set
10394
10395 If the program you are debugging uses a different character set to
10396 represent characters and strings than the one @value{GDBN} uses itself,
10397 @value{GDBN} can automatically translate between the character sets for
10398 you. The character set @value{GDBN} uses we call the @dfn{host
10399 character set}; the one the inferior program uses we call the
10400 @dfn{target character set}.
10401
10402 For example, if you are running @value{GDBN} on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, which
10403 uses the ISO Latin 1 character set, but you are using @value{GDBN}'s
10404 remote protocol (@pxref{Remote Debugging}) to debug a program
10405 running on an IBM mainframe, which uses the @sc{ebcdic} character set,
10406 then the host character set is Latin-1, and the target character set is
10407 @sc{ebcdic}. If you give @value{GDBN} the command @code{set
10408 target-charset EBCDIC-US}, then @value{GDBN} translates between
10409 @sc{ebcdic} and Latin 1 as you print character or string values, or use
10410 character and string literals in expressions.
10411
10412 @value{GDBN} has no way to automatically recognize which character set
10413 the inferior program uses; you must tell it, using the @code{set
10414 target-charset} command, described below.
10415
10416 Here are the commands for controlling @value{GDBN}'s character set
10417 support:
10418
10419 @table @code
10420 @item set target-charset @var{charset}
10421 @kindex set target-charset
10422 Set the current target character set to @var{charset}. To display the
10423 list of supported target character sets, type
10424 @kbd{@w{set target-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
10425
10426 @item set host-charset @var{charset}
10427 @kindex set host-charset
10428 Set the current host character set to @var{charset}.
10429
10430 By default, @value{GDBN} uses a host character set appropriate to the
10431 system it is running on; you can override that default using the
10432 @code{set host-charset} command. On some systems, @value{GDBN} cannot
10433 automatically determine the appropriate host character set. In this
10434 case, @value{GDBN} uses @samp{UTF-8}.
10435
10436 @value{GDBN} can only use certain character sets as its host character
10437 set. If you type @kbd{@w{set host-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
10438 @value{GDBN} will list the host character sets it supports.
10439
10440 @item set charset @var{charset}
10441 @kindex set charset
10442 Set the current host and target character sets to @var{charset}. As
10443 above, if you type @kbd{@w{set charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
10444 @value{GDBN} will list the names of the character sets that can be used
10445 for both host and target.
10446
10447 @item show charset
10448 @kindex show charset
10449 Show the names of the current host and target character sets.
10450
10451 @item show host-charset
10452 @kindex show host-charset
10453 Show the name of the current host character set.
10454
10455 @item show target-charset
10456 @kindex show target-charset
10457 Show the name of the current target character set.
10458
10459 @item set target-wide-charset @var{charset}
10460 @kindex set target-wide-charset
10461 Set the current target's wide character set to @var{charset}. This is
10462 the character set used by the target's @code{wchar_t} type. To
10463 display the list of supported wide character sets, type
10464 @kbd{@w{set target-wide-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
10465
10466 @item show target-wide-charset
10467 @kindex show target-wide-charset
10468 Show the name of the current target's wide character set.
10469 @end table
10470
10471 Here is an example of @value{GDBN}'s character set support in action.
10472 Assume that the following source code has been placed in the file
10473 @file{charset-test.c}:
10474
10475 @smallexample
10476 #include <stdio.h>
10477
10478 char ascii_hello[]
10479 = @{72, 101, 108, 108, 111, 44, 32, 119,
10480 111, 114, 108, 100, 33, 10, 0@};
10481 char ibm1047_hello[]
10482 = @{200, 133, 147, 147, 150, 107, 64, 166,
10483 150, 153, 147, 132, 90, 37, 0@};
10484
10485 main ()
10486 @{
10487 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
10488 @}
10489 @end smallexample
10490
10491 In this program, @code{ascii_hello} and @code{ibm1047_hello} are arrays
10492 containing the string @samp{Hello, world!} followed by a newline,
10493 encoded in the @sc{ascii} and @sc{ibm1047} character sets.
10494
10495 We compile the program, and invoke the debugger on it:
10496
10497 @smallexample
10498 $ gcc -g charset-test.c -o charset-test
10499 $ gdb -nw charset-test
10500 GNU gdb 2001-12-19-cvs
10501 Copyright 2001 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
10502 @dots{}
10503 (@value{GDBP})
10504 @end smallexample
10505
10506 We can use the @code{show charset} command to see what character sets
10507 @value{GDBN} is currently using to interpret and display characters and
10508 strings:
10509
10510 @smallexample
10511 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
10512 The current host and target character set is `ISO-8859-1'.
10513 (@value{GDBP})
10514 @end smallexample
10515
10516 For the sake of printing this manual, let's use @sc{ascii} as our
10517 initial character set:
10518 @smallexample
10519 (@value{GDBP}) set charset ASCII
10520 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
10521 The current host and target character set is `ASCII'.
10522 (@value{GDBP})
10523 @end smallexample
10524
10525 Let's assume that @sc{ascii} is indeed the correct character set for our
10526 host system --- in other words, let's assume that if @value{GDBN} prints
10527 characters using the @sc{ascii} character set, our terminal will display
10528 them properly. Since our current target character set is also
10529 @sc{ascii}, the contents of @code{ascii_hello} print legibly:
10530
10531 @smallexample
10532 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
10533 $1 = 0x401698 "Hello, world!\n"
10534 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
10535 $2 = 72 'H'
10536 (@value{GDBP})
10537 @end smallexample
10538
10539 @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and string
10540 literals you use in expressions:
10541
10542 @smallexample
10543 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
10544 $3 = 43 '+'
10545 (@value{GDBP})
10546 @end smallexample
10547
10548 The @sc{ascii} character set uses the number 43 to encode the @samp{+}
10549 character.
10550
10551 @value{GDBN} relies on the user to tell it which character set the
10552 target program uses. If we print @code{ibm1047_hello} while our target
10553 character set is still @sc{ascii}, we get jibberish:
10554
10555 @smallexample
10556 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
10557 $4 = 0x4016a8 "\310\205\223\223\226k@@\246\226\231\223\204Z%"
10558 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
10559 $5 = 200 '\310'
10560 (@value{GDBP})
10561 @end smallexample
10562
10563 If we invoke the @code{set target-charset} followed by @key{TAB}@key{TAB},
10564 @value{GDBN} tells us the character sets it supports:
10565
10566 @smallexample
10567 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
10568 ASCII EBCDIC-US IBM1047 ISO-8859-1
10569 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
10570 @end smallexample
10571
10572 We can select @sc{ibm1047} as our target character set, and examine the
10573 program's strings again. Now the @sc{ascii} string is wrong, but
10574 @value{GDBN} translates the contents of @code{ibm1047_hello} from the
10575 target character set, @sc{ibm1047}, to the host character set,
10576 @sc{ascii}, and they display correctly:
10577
10578 @smallexample
10579 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset IBM1047
10580 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
10581 The current host character set is `ASCII'.
10582 The current target character set is `IBM1047'.
10583 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
10584 $6 = 0x401698 "\110\145%%?\054\040\167?\162%\144\041\012"
10585 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
10586 $7 = 72 '\110'
10587 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
10588 $8 = 0x4016a8 "Hello, world!\n"
10589 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
10590 $9 = 200 'H'
10591 (@value{GDBP})
10592 @end smallexample
10593
10594 As above, @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and
10595 string literals you use in expressions:
10596
10597 @smallexample
10598 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
10599 $10 = 78 '+'
10600 (@value{GDBP})
10601 @end smallexample
10602
10603 The @sc{ibm1047} character set uses the number 78 to encode the @samp{+}
10604 character.
10605
10606 @node Caching Remote Data
10607 @section Caching Data of Remote Targets
10608 @cindex caching data of remote targets
10609
10610 @value{GDBN} caches data exchanged between the debugger and a
10611 remote target (@pxref{Remote Debugging}). Such caching generally improves
10612 performance, because it reduces the overhead of the remote protocol by
10613 bundling memory reads and writes into large chunks. Unfortunately, simply
10614 caching everything would lead to incorrect results, since @value{GDBN}
10615 does not necessarily know anything about volatile values, memory-mapped I/O
10616 addresses, etc. Furthermore, in non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode})
10617 memory can be changed @emph{while} a gdb command is executing.
10618 Therefore, by default, @value{GDBN} only caches data
10619 known to be on the stack@footnote{In non-stop mode, it is moderately
10620 rare for a running thread to modify the stack of a stopped thread
10621 in a way that would interfere with a backtrace, and caching of
10622 stack reads provides a significant speed up of remote backtraces.}.
10623 Other regions of memory can be explicitly marked as
10624 cacheable; see @pxref{Memory Region Attributes}.
10625
10626 @table @code
10627 @kindex set remotecache
10628 @item set remotecache on
10629 @itemx set remotecache off
10630 This option no longer does anything; it exists for compatibility
10631 with old scripts.
10632
10633 @kindex show remotecache
10634 @item show remotecache
10635 Show the current state of the obsolete remotecache flag.
10636
10637 @kindex set stack-cache
10638 @item set stack-cache on
10639 @itemx set stack-cache off
10640 Enable or disable caching of stack accesses. When @code{ON}, use
10641 caching. By default, this option is @code{ON}.
10642
10643 @kindex show stack-cache
10644 @item show stack-cache
10645 Show the current state of data caching for memory accesses.
10646
10647 @kindex info dcache
10648 @item info dcache @r{[}line@r{]}
10649 Print the information about the data cache performance. The
10650 information displayed includes the dcache width and depth, and for
10651 each cache line, its number, address, and how many times it was
10652 referenced. This command is useful for debugging the data cache
10653 operation.
10654
10655 If a line number is specified, the contents of that line will be
10656 printed in hex.
10657
10658 @item set dcache size @var{size}
10659 @cindex dcache size
10660 @kindex set dcache size
10661 Set maximum number of entries in dcache (dcache depth above).
10662
10663 @item set dcache line-size @var{line-size}
10664 @cindex dcache line-size
10665 @kindex set dcache line-size
10666 Set number of bytes each dcache entry caches (dcache width above).
10667 Must be a power of 2.
10668
10669 @item show dcache size
10670 @kindex show dcache size
10671 Show maximum number of dcache entries. See also @ref{Caching Remote Data, info dcache}.
10672
10673 @item show dcache line-size
10674 @kindex show dcache line-size
10675 Show default size of dcache lines. See also @ref{Caching Remote Data, info dcache}.
10676
10677 @end table
10678
10679 @node Searching Memory
10680 @section Search Memory
10681 @cindex searching memory
10682
10683 Memory can be searched for a particular sequence of bytes with the
10684 @code{find} command.
10685
10686 @table @code
10687 @kindex find
10688 @item find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, +@var{len}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
10689 @itemx find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, @var{end_addr}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
10690 Search memory for the sequence of bytes specified by @var{val1}, @var{val2},
10691 etc. The search begins at address @var{start_addr} and continues for either
10692 @var{len} bytes or through to @var{end_addr} inclusive.
10693 @end table
10694
10695 @var{s} and @var{n} are optional parameters.
10696 They may be specified in either order, apart or together.
10697
10698 @table @r
10699 @item @var{s}, search query size
10700 The size of each search query value.
10701
10702 @table @code
10703 @item b
10704 bytes
10705 @item h
10706 halfwords (two bytes)
10707 @item w
10708 words (four bytes)
10709 @item g
10710 giant words (eight bytes)
10711 @end table
10712
10713 All values are interpreted in the current language.
10714 This means, for example, that if the current source language is C/C@t{++}
10715 then searching for the string ``hello'' includes the trailing '\0'.
10716
10717 If the value size is not specified, it is taken from the
10718 value's type in the current language.
10719 This is useful when one wants to specify the search
10720 pattern as a mixture of types.
10721 Note that this means, for example, that in the case of C-like languages
10722 a search for an untyped 0x42 will search for @samp{(int) 0x42}
10723 which is typically four bytes.
10724
10725 @item @var{n}, maximum number of finds
10726 The maximum number of matches to print. The default is to print all finds.
10727 @end table
10728
10729 You can use strings as search values. Quote them with double-quotes
10730 (@code{"}).
10731 The string value is copied into the search pattern byte by byte,
10732 regardless of the endianness of the target and the size specification.
10733
10734 The address of each match found is printed as well as a count of the
10735 number of matches found.
10736
10737 The address of the last value found is stored in convenience variable
10738 @samp{$_}.
10739 A count of the number of matches is stored in @samp{$numfound}.
10740
10741 For example, if stopped at the @code{printf} in this function:
10742
10743 @smallexample
10744 void
10745 hello ()
10746 @{
10747 static char hello[] = "hello-hello";
10748 static struct @{ char c; short s; int i; @}
10749 __attribute__ ((packed)) mixed
10750 = @{ 'c', 0x1234, 0x87654321 @};
10751 printf ("%s\n", hello);
10752 @}
10753 @end smallexample
10754
10755 @noindent
10756 you get during debugging:
10757
10758 @smallexample
10759 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), "hello"
10760 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
10761 1 pattern found
10762 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 'e', 'l', 'l', 'o'
10763 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
10764 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
10765 2 patterns found
10766 (gdb) find /b1 &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 0x65, 'l'
10767 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
10768 1 pattern found
10769 (gdb) find &mixed, +sizeof(mixed), (char) 'c', (short) 0x1234, (int) 0x87654321
10770 0x8049560 <mixed.1625>
10771 1 pattern found
10772 (gdb) print $numfound
10773 $1 = 1
10774 (gdb) print $_
10775 $2 = (void *) 0x8049560
10776 @end smallexample
10777
10778 @node Optimized Code
10779 @chapter Debugging Optimized Code
10780 @cindex optimized code, debugging
10781 @cindex debugging optimized code
10782
10783 Almost all compilers support optimization. With optimization
10784 disabled, the compiler generates assembly code that corresponds
10785 directly to your source code, in a simplistic way. As the compiler
10786 applies more powerful optimizations, the generated assembly code
10787 diverges from your original source code. With help from debugging
10788 information generated by the compiler, @value{GDBN} can map from
10789 the running program back to constructs from your original source.
10790
10791 @value{GDBN} is more accurate with optimization disabled. If you
10792 can recompile without optimization, it is easier to follow the
10793 progress of your program during debugging. But, there are many cases
10794 where you may need to debug an optimized version.
10795
10796 When you debug a program compiled with @samp{-g -O}, remember that the
10797 optimizer has rearranged your code; the debugger shows you what is
10798 really there. Do not be too surprised when the execution path does not
10799 exactly match your source file! An extreme example: if you define a
10800 variable, but never use it, @value{GDBN} never sees that
10801 variable---because the compiler optimizes it out of existence.
10802
10803 Some things do not work as well with @samp{-g -O} as with just
10804 @samp{-g}, particularly on machines with instruction scheduling. If in
10805 doubt, recompile with @samp{-g} alone, and if this fixes the problem,
10806 please report it to us as a bug (including a test case!).
10807 @xref{Variables}, for more information about debugging optimized code.
10808
10809 @menu
10810 * Inline Functions:: How @value{GDBN} presents inlining
10811 * Tail Call Frames:: @value{GDBN} analysis of jumps to functions
10812 @end menu
10813
10814 @node Inline Functions
10815 @section Inline Functions
10816 @cindex inline functions, debugging
10817
10818 @dfn{Inlining} is an optimization that inserts a copy of the function
10819 body directly at each call site, instead of jumping to a shared
10820 routine. @value{GDBN} displays inlined functions just like
10821 non-inlined functions. They appear in backtraces. You can view their
10822 arguments and local variables, step into them with @code{step}, skip
10823 them with @code{next}, and escape from them with @code{finish}.
10824 You can check whether a function was inlined by using the
10825 @code{info frame} command.
10826
10827 For @value{GDBN} to support inlined functions, the compiler must
10828 record information about inlining in the debug information ---
10829 @value{NGCC} using the @sc{dwarf 2} format does this, and several
10830 other compilers do also. @value{GDBN} only supports inlined functions
10831 when using @sc{dwarf 2}. Versions of @value{NGCC} before 4.1
10832 do not emit two required attributes (@samp{DW_AT_call_file} and
10833 @samp{DW_AT_call_line}); @value{GDBN} does not display inlined
10834 function calls with earlier versions of @value{NGCC}. It instead
10835 displays the arguments and local variables of inlined functions as
10836 local variables in the caller.
10837
10838 The body of an inlined function is directly included at its call site;
10839 unlike a non-inlined function, there are no instructions devoted to
10840 the call. @value{GDBN} still pretends that the call site and the
10841 start of the inlined function are different instructions. Stepping to
10842 the call site shows the call site, and then stepping again shows
10843 the first line of the inlined function, even though no additional
10844 instructions are executed.
10845
10846 This makes source-level debugging much clearer; you can see both the
10847 context of the call and then the effect of the call. Only stepping by
10848 a single instruction using @code{stepi} or @code{nexti} does not do
10849 this; single instruction steps always show the inlined body.
10850
10851 There are some ways that @value{GDBN} does not pretend that inlined
10852 function calls are the same as normal calls:
10853
10854 @itemize @bullet
10855 @item
10856 Setting breakpoints at the call site of an inlined function may not
10857 work, because the call site does not contain any code. @value{GDBN}
10858 may incorrectly move the breakpoint to the next line of the enclosing
10859 function, after the call. This limitation will be removed in a future
10860 version of @value{GDBN}; until then, set a breakpoint on an earlier line
10861 or inside the inlined function instead.
10862
10863 @item
10864 @value{GDBN} cannot locate the return value of inlined calls after
10865 using the @code{finish} command. This is a limitation of compiler-generated
10866 debugging information; after @code{finish}, you can step to the next line
10867 and print a variable where your program stored the return value.
10868
10869 @end itemize
10870
10871 @node Tail Call Frames
10872 @section Tail Call Frames
10873 @cindex tail call frames, debugging
10874
10875 Function @code{B} can call function @code{C} in its very last statement. In
10876 unoptimized compilation the call of @code{C} is immediately followed by return
10877 instruction at the end of @code{B} code. Optimizing compiler may replace the
10878 call and return in function @code{B} into one jump to function @code{C}
10879 instead. Such use of a jump instruction is called @dfn{tail call}.
10880
10881 During execution of function @code{C}, there will be no indication in the
10882 function call stack frames that it was tail-called from @code{B}. If function
10883 @code{A} regularly calls function @code{B} which tail-calls function @code{C},
10884 then @value{GDBN} will see @code{A} as the caller of @code{C}. However, in
10885 some cases @value{GDBN} can determine that @code{C} was tail-called from
10886 @code{B}, and it will then create fictitious call frame for that, with the
10887 return address set up as if @code{B} called @code{C} normally.
10888
10889 This functionality is currently supported only by DWARF 2 debugging format and
10890 the compiler has to produce @samp{DW_TAG_GNU_call_site} tags. With
10891 @value{NGCC}, you need to specify @option{-O -g} during compilation, to get
10892 this information.
10893
10894 @kbd{info frame} command (@pxref{Frame Info}) will indicate the tail call frame
10895 kind by text @code{tail call frame} such as in this sample @value{GDBN} output:
10896
10897 @smallexample
10898 (gdb) x/i $pc - 2
10899 0x40066b <b(int, double)+11>: jmp 0x400640 <c(int, double)>
10900 (gdb) info frame
10901 Stack level 1, frame at 0x7fffffffda30:
10902 rip = 0x40066d in b (amd64-entry-value.cc:59); saved rip 0x4004c5
10903 tail call frame, caller of frame at 0x7fffffffda30
10904 source language c++.
10905 Arglist at unknown address.
10906 Locals at unknown address, Previous frame's sp is 0x7fffffffda30
10907 @end smallexample
10908
10909 The detection of all the possible code path executions can find them ambiguous.
10910 There is no execution history stored (possible @ref{Reverse Execution} is never
10911 used for this purpose) and the last known caller could have reached the known
10912 callee by multiple different jump sequences. In such case @value{GDBN} still
10913 tries to show at least all the unambiguous top tail callers and all the
10914 unambiguous bottom tail calees, if any.
10915
10916 @table @code
10917 @anchor{set debug entry-values}
10918 @item set debug entry-values
10919 @kindex set debug entry-values
10920 When set to on, enables printing of analysis messages for both frame argument
10921 values at function entry and tail calls. It will show all the possible valid
10922 tail calls code paths it has considered. It will also print the intersection
10923 of them with the final unambiguous (possibly partial or even empty) code path
10924 result.
10925
10926 @item show debug entry-values
10927 @kindex show debug entry-values
10928 Show the current state of analysis messages printing for both frame argument
10929 values at function entry and tail calls.
10930 @end table
10931
10932 The analysis messages for tail calls can for example show why the virtual tail
10933 call frame for function @code{c} has not been recognized (due to the indirect
10934 reference by variable @code{x}):
10935
10936 @smallexample
10937 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void);
10938 void (*x) (void) = c;
10939 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ x++; @}
10940 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void) @{ a (); @}
10941 int main (void) @{ x (); return 0; @}
10942
10943 Breakpoint 1, DW_OP_GNU_entry_value resolving cannot find
10944 DW_TAG_GNU_call_site 0x40039a in main
10945 a () at t.c:3
10946 3 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ x++; @}
10947 (gdb) bt
10948 #0 a () at t.c:3
10949 #1 0x000000000040039a in main () at t.c:5
10950 @end smallexample
10951
10952 Another possibility is an ambiguous virtual tail call frames resolution:
10953
10954 @smallexample
10955 int i;
10956 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) f (void) @{ i++; @}
10957 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) e (void) @{ f (); @}
10958 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) d (void) @{ f (); @}
10959 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void) @{ d (); @}
10960 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) b (void)
10961 @{ if (i) c (); else e (); @}
10962 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ b (); @}
10963 int main (void) @{ a (); return 0; @}
10964
10965 tailcall: initial: 0x4004d2(a) 0x4004ce(b) 0x4004b2(c) 0x4004a2(d)
10966 tailcall: compare: 0x4004d2(a) 0x4004cc(b) 0x400492(e)
10967 tailcall: reduced: 0x4004d2(a) |
10968 (gdb) bt
10969 #0 f () at t.c:2
10970 #1 0x00000000004004d2 in a () at t.c:8
10971 #2 0x0000000000400395 in main () at t.c:9
10972 @end smallexample
10973
10974 @set CALLSEQ1A @code{main@value{ARROW}a@value{ARROW}b@value{ARROW}c@value{ARROW}d@value{ARROW}f}
10975 @set CALLSEQ2A @code{main@value{ARROW}a@value{ARROW}b@value{ARROW}e@value{ARROW}f}
10976
10977 @c Convert CALLSEQ#A to CALLSEQ#B depending on HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK.
10978 @ifset HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK
10979 @set ARROW @click{}
10980 @set CALLSEQ1B @clicksequence{@value{CALLSEQ1A}}
10981 @set CALLSEQ2B @clicksequence{@value{CALLSEQ2A}}
10982 @end ifset
10983 @ifclear HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK
10984 @set ARROW ->
10985 @set CALLSEQ1B @value{CALLSEQ1A}
10986 @set CALLSEQ2B @value{CALLSEQ2A}
10987 @end ifclear
10988
10989 Frames #0 and #2 are real, #1 is a virtual tail call frame.
10990 The code can have possible execution paths @value{CALLSEQ1B} or
10991 @value{CALLSEQ2B}, @value{GDBN} cannot find which one from the inferior state.
10992
10993 @code{initial:} state shows some random possible calling sequence @value{GDBN}
10994 has found. It then finds another possible calling sequcen - that one is
10995 prefixed by @code{compare:}. The non-ambiguous intersection of these two is
10996 printed as the @code{reduced:} calling sequence. That one could have many
10997 futher @code{compare:} and @code{reduced:} statements as long as there remain
10998 any non-ambiguous sequence entries.
10999
11000 For the frame of function @code{b} in both cases there are different possible
11001 @code{$pc} values (@code{0x4004cc} or @code{0x4004ce}), therefore this frame is
11002 also ambigous. The only non-ambiguous frame is the one for function @code{a},
11003 therefore this one is displayed to the user while the ambiguous frames are
11004 omitted.
11005
11006 There can be also reasons why printing of frame argument values at function
11007 entry may fail:
11008
11009 @smallexample
11010 int v;
11011 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (int i) @{ v++; @}
11012 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (int i);
11013 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) b (int i) @{ a (i); @}
11014 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (int i)
11015 @{ if (i) b (i - 1); else c (0); @}
11016 int main (void) @{ a (5); return 0; @}
11017
11018 (gdb) bt
11019 #0 c (i=i@@entry=0) at t.c:2
11020 #1 0x0000000000400428 in a (DW_OP_GNU_entry_value resolving has found
11021 function "a" at 0x400420 can call itself via tail calls
11022 i=<optimized out>) at t.c:6
11023 #2 0x000000000040036e in main () at t.c:7
11024 @end smallexample
11025
11026 @value{GDBN} cannot find out from the inferior state if and how many times did
11027 function @code{a} call itself (via function @code{b}) as these calls would be
11028 tail calls. Such tail calls would modify thue @code{i} variable, therefore
11029 @value{GDBN} cannot be sure the value it knows would be right - @value{GDBN}
11030 prints @code{<optimized out>} instead.
11031
11032 @node Macros
11033 @chapter C Preprocessor Macros
11034
11035 Some languages, such as C and C@t{++}, provide a way to define and invoke
11036 ``preprocessor macros'' which expand into strings of tokens.
11037 @value{GDBN} can evaluate expressions containing macro invocations, show
11038 the result of macro expansion, and show a macro's definition, including
11039 where it was defined.
11040
11041 You may need to compile your program specially to provide @value{GDBN}
11042 with information about preprocessor macros. Most compilers do not
11043 include macros in their debugging information, even when you compile
11044 with the @option{-g} flag. @xref{Compilation}.
11045
11046 A program may define a macro at one point, remove that definition later,
11047 and then provide a different definition after that. Thus, at different
11048 points in the program, a macro may have different definitions, or have
11049 no definition at all. If there is a current stack frame, @value{GDBN}
11050 uses the macros in scope at that frame's source code line. Otherwise,
11051 @value{GDBN} uses the macros in scope at the current listing location;
11052 see @ref{List}.
11053
11054 Whenever @value{GDBN} evaluates an expression, it always expands any
11055 macro invocations present in the expression. @value{GDBN} also provides
11056 the following commands for working with macros explicitly.
11057
11058 @table @code
11059
11060 @kindex macro expand
11061 @cindex macro expansion, showing the results of preprocessor
11062 @cindex preprocessor macro expansion, showing the results of
11063 @cindex expanding preprocessor macros
11064 @item macro expand @var{expression}
11065 @itemx macro exp @var{expression}
11066 Show the results of expanding all preprocessor macro invocations in
11067 @var{expression}. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does
11068 not parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression;
11069 it can be any string of tokens.
11070
11071 @kindex macro exp1
11072 @item macro expand-once @var{expression}
11073 @itemx macro exp1 @var{expression}
11074 @cindex expand macro once
11075 @i{(This command is not yet implemented.)} Show the results of
11076 expanding those preprocessor macro invocations that appear explicitly in
11077 @var{expression}. Macro invocations appearing in that expansion are
11078 left unchanged. This command allows you to see the effect of a
11079 particular macro more clearly, without being confused by further
11080 expansions. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does not
11081 parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression; it
11082 can be any string of tokens.
11083
11084 @kindex info macro
11085 @cindex macro definition, showing
11086 @cindex definition of a macro, showing
11087 @cindex macros, from debug info
11088 @item info macro [-a|-all] [--] @var{macro}
11089 Show the current definition or all definitions of the named @var{macro},
11090 and describe the source location or compiler command-line where that
11091 definition was established. The optional double dash is to signify the end of
11092 argument processing and the beginning of @var{macro} for non C-like macros where
11093 the macro may begin with a hyphen.
11094
11095 @kindex info macros
11096 @item info macros @var{linespec}
11097 Show all macro definitions that are in effect at the location specified
11098 by @var{linespec}, and describe the source location or compiler
11099 command-line where those definitions were established.
11100
11101 @kindex macro define
11102 @cindex user-defined macros
11103 @cindex defining macros interactively
11104 @cindex macros, user-defined
11105 @item macro define @var{macro} @var{replacement-list}
11106 @itemx macro define @var{macro}(@var{arglist}) @var{replacement-list}
11107 Introduce a definition for a preprocessor macro named @var{macro},
11108 invocations of which are replaced by the tokens given in
11109 @var{replacement-list}. The first form of this command defines an
11110 ``object-like'' macro, which takes no arguments; the second form
11111 defines a ``function-like'' macro, which takes the arguments given in
11112 @var{arglist}.
11113
11114 A definition introduced by this command is in scope in every
11115 expression evaluated in @value{GDBN}, until it is removed with the
11116 @code{macro undef} command, described below. The definition overrides
11117 all definitions for @var{macro} present in the program being debugged,
11118 as well as any previous user-supplied definition.
11119
11120 @kindex macro undef
11121 @item macro undef @var{macro}
11122 Remove any user-supplied definition for the macro named @var{macro}.
11123 This command only affects definitions provided with the @code{macro
11124 define} command, described above; it cannot remove definitions present
11125 in the program being debugged.
11126
11127 @kindex macro list
11128 @item macro list
11129 List all the macros defined using the @code{macro define} command.
11130 @end table
11131
11132 @cindex macros, example of debugging with
11133 Here is a transcript showing the above commands in action. First, we
11134 show our source files:
11135
11136 @smallexample
11137 $ cat sample.c
11138 #include <stdio.h>
11139 #include "sample.h"
11140
11141 #define M 42
11142 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
11143
11144 main ()
11145 @{
11146 #define N 28
11147 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
11148 #undef N
11149 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
11150 #define N 1729
11151 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
11152 @}
11153 $ cat sample.h
11154 #define Q <
11155 $
11156 @end smallexample
11157
11158 Now, we compile the program using the @sc{gnu} C compiler,
11159 @value{NGCC}. We pass the @option{-gdwarf-2}@footnote{This is the
11160 minimum. Recent versions of @value{NGCC} support @option{-gdwarf-3}
11161 and @option{-gdwarf-4}; we recommend always choosing the most recent
11162 version of DWARF.} @emph{and} @option{-g3} flags to ensure the compiler
11163 includes information about preprocessor macros in the debugging
11164 information.
11165
11166 @smallexample
11167 $ gcc -gdwarf-2 -g3 sample.c -o sample
11168 $
11169 @end smallexample
11170
11171 Now, we start @value{GDBN} on our sample program:
11172
11173 @smallexample
11174 $ gdb -nw sample
11175 GNU gdb 2002-05-06-cvs
11176 Copyright 2002 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
11177 GDB is free software, @dots{}
11178 (@value{GDBP})
11179 @end smallexample
11180
11181 We can expand macros and examine their definitions, even when the
11182 program is not running. @value{GDBN} uses the current listing position
11183 to decide which macro definitions are in scope:
11184
11185 @smallexample
11186 (@value{GDBP}) list main
11187 3
11188 4 #define M 42
11189 5 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
11190 6
11191 7 main ()
11192 8 @{
11193 9 #define N 28
11194 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
11195 11 #undef N
11196 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
11197 (@value{GDBP}) info macro ADD
11198 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:5
11199 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
11200 (@value{GDBP}) info macro Q
11201 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.h:1
11202 included at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:2
11203 #define Q <
11204 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand ADD(1)
11205 expands to: (42 + 1)
11206 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand-once ADD(1)
11207 expands to: once (M + 1)
11208 (@value{GDBP})
11209 @end smallexample
11210
11211 In the example above, note that @code{macro expand-once} expands only
11212 the macro invocation explicit in the original text --- the invocation of
11213 @code{ADD} --- but does not expand the invocation of the macro @code{M},
11214 which was introduced by @code{ADD}.
11215
11216 Once the program is running, @value{GDBN} uses the macro definitions in
11217 force at the source line of the current stack frame:
11218
11219 @smallexample
11220 (@value{GDBP}) break main
11221 Breakpoint 1 at 0x8048370: file sample.c, line 10.
11222 (@value{GDBP}) run
11223 Starting program: /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample
11224
11225 Breakpoint 1, main () at sample.c:10
11226 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
11227 (@value{GDBP})
11228 @end smallexample
11229
11230 At line 10, the definition of the macro @code{N} at line 9 is in force:
11231
11232 @smallexample
11233 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
11234 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:9
11235 #define N 28
11236 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
11237 expands to: 28 < 42
11238 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
11239 $1 = 1
11240 (@value{GDBP})
11241 @end smallexample
11242
11243 As we step over directives that remove @code{N}'s definition, and then
11244 give it a new definition, @value{GDBN} finds the definition (or lack
11245 thereof) in force at each point:
11246
11247 @smallexample
11248 (@value{GDBP}) next
11249 Hello, world!
11250 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
11251 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
11252 The symbol `N' has no definition as a C/C++ preprocessor macro
11253 at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:12
11254 (@value{GDBP}) next
11255 We're so creative.
11256 14 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
11257 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
11258 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:13
11259 #define N 1729
11260 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
11261 expands to: 1729 < 42
11262 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
11263 $2 = 0
11264 (@value{GDBP})
11265 @end smallexample
11266
11267 In addition to source files, macros can be defined on the compilation command
11268 line using the @option{-D@var{name}=@var{value}} syntax. For macros defined in
11269 such a way, @value{GDBN} displays the location of their definition as line zero
11270 of the source file submitted to the compiler.
11271
11272 @smallexample
11273 (@value{GDBP}) info macro __STDC__
11274 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:0
11275 -D__STDC__=1
11276 (@value{GDBP})
11277 @end smallexample
11278
11279
11280 @node Tracepoints
11281 @chapter Tracepoints
11282 @c This chapter is based on the documentation written by Michael
11283 @c Snyder, David Taylor, Jim Blandy, and Elena Zannoni.
11284
11285 @cindex tracepoints
11286 In some applications, it is not feasible for the debugger to interrupt
11287 the program's execution long enough for the developer to learn
11288 anything helpful about its behavior. If the program's correctness
11289 depends on its real-time behavior, delays introduced by a debugger
11290 might cause the program to change its behavior drastically, or perhaps
11291 fail, even when the code itself is correct. It is useful to be able
11292 to observe the program's behavior without interrupting it.
11293
11294 Using @value{GDBN}'s @code{trace} and @code{collect} commands, you can
11295 specify locations in the program, called @dfn{tracepoints}, and
11296 arbitrary expressions to evaluate when those tracepoints are reached.
11297 Later, using the @code{tfind} command, you can examine the values
11298 those expressions had when the program hit the tracepoints. The
11299 expressions may also denote objects in memory---structures or arrays,
11300 for example---whose values @value{GDBN} should record; while visiting
11301 a particular tracepoint, you may inspect those objects as if they were
11302 in memory at that moment. However, because @value{GDBN} records these
11303 values without interacting with you, it can do so quickly and
11304 unobtrusively, hopefully not disturbing the program's behavior.
11305
11306 The tracepoint facility is currently available only for remote
11307 targets. @xref{Targets}. In addition, your remote target must know
11308 how to collect trace data. This functionality is implemented in the
11309 remote stub; however, none of the stubs distributed with @value{GDBN}
11310 support tracepoints as of this writing. The format of the remote
11311 packets used to implement tracepoints are described in @ref{Tracepoint
11312 Packets}.
11313
11314 It is also possible to get trace data from a file, in a manner reminiscent
11315 of corefiles; you specify the filename, and use @code{tfind} to search
11316 through the file. @xref{Trace Files}, for more details.
11317
11318 This chapter describes the tracepoint commands and features.
11319
11320 @menu
11321 * Set Tracepoints::
11322 * Analyze Collected Data::
11323 * Tracepoint Variables::
11324 * Trace Files::
11325 @end menu
11326
11327 @node Set Tracepoints
11328 @section Commands to Set Tracepoints
11329
11330 Before running such a @dfn{trace experiment}, an arbitrary number of
11331 tracepoints can be set. A tracepoint is actually a special type of
11332 breakpoint (@pxref{Set Breaks}), so you can manipulate it using
11333 standard breakpoint commands. For instance, as with breakpoints,
11334 tracepoint numbers are successive integers starting from one, and many
11335 of the commands associated with tracepoints take the tracepoint number
11336 as their argument, to identify which tracepoint to work on.
11337
11338 For each tracepoint, you can specify, in advance, some arbitrary set
11339 of data that you want the target to collect in the trace buffer when
11340 it hits that tracepoint. The collected data can include registers,
11341 local variables, or global data. Later, you can use @value{GDBN}
11342 commands to examine the values these data had at the time the
11343 tracepoint was hit.
11344
11345 Tracepoints do not support every breakpoint feature. Ignore counts on
11346 tracepoints have no effect, and tracepoints cannot run @value{GDBN}
11347 commands when they are hit. Tracepoints may not be thread-specific
11348 either.
11349
11350 @cindex fast tracepoints
11351 Some targets may support @dfn{fast tracepoints}, which are inserted in
11352 a different way (such as with a jump instead of a trap), that is
11353 faster but possibly restricted in where they may be installed.
11354
11355 @cindex static tracepoints
11356 @cindex markers, static tracepoints
11357 @cindex probing markers, static tracepoints
11358 Regular and fast tracepoints are dynamic tracing facilities, meaning
11359 that they can be used to insert tracepoints at (almost) any location
11360 in the target. Some targets may also support controlling @dfn{static
11361 tracepoints} from @value{GDBN}. With static tracing, a set of
11362 instrumentation points, also known as @dfn{markers}, are embedded in
11363 the target program, and can be activated or deactivated by name or
11364 address. These are usually placed at locations which facilitate
11365 investigating what the target is actually doing. @value{GDBN}'s
11366 support for static tracing includes being able to list instrumentation
11367 points, and attach them with @value{GDBN} defined high level
11368 tracepoints that expose the whole range of convenience of
11369 @value{GDBN}'s tracepoints support. Namely, support for collecting
11370 registers values and values of global or local (to the instrumentation
11371 point) variables; tracepoint conditions and trace state variables.
11372 The act of installing a @value{GDBN} static tracepoint on an
11373 instrumentation point, or marker, is referred to as @dfn{probing} a
11374 static tracepoint marker.
11375
11376 @code{gdbserver} supports tracepoints on some target systems.
11377 @xref{Server,,Tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}}.
11378
11379 This section describes commands to set tracepoints and associated
11380 conditions and actions.
11381
11382 @menu
11383 * Create and Delete Tracepoints::
11384 * Enable and Disable Tracepoints::
11385 * Tracepoint Passcounts::
11386 * Tracepoint Conditions::
11387 * Trace State Variables::
11388 * Tracepoint Actions::
11389 * Listing Tracepoints::
11390 * Listing Static Tracepoint Markers::
11391 * Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments::
11392 * Tracepoint Restrictions::
11393 @end menu
11394
11395 @node Create and Delete Tracepoints
11396 @subsection Create and Delete Tracepoints
11397
11398 @table @code
11399 @cindex set tracepoint
11400 @kindex trace
11401 @item trace @var{location}
11402 The @code{trace} command is very similar to the @code{break} command.
11403 Its argument @var{location} can be a source line, a function name, or
11404 an address in the target program. @xref{Specify Location}. The
11405 @code{trace} command defines a tracepoint, which is a point in the
11406 target program where the debugger will briefly stop, collect some
11407 data, and then allow the program to continue. Setting a tracepoint or
11408 changing its actions takes effect immediately if the remote stub
11409 supports the @samp{InstallInTrace} feature (@pxref{install tracepoint
11410 in tracing}).
11411 If remote stub doesn't support the @samp{InstallInTrace} feature, all
11412 these changes don't take effect until the next @code{tstart}
11413 command, and once a trace experiment is running, further changes will
11414 not have any effect until the next trace experiment starts. In addition,
11415 @value{GDBN} supports @dfn{pending tracepoints}---tracepoints whose
11416 address is not yet resolved. (This is similar to pending breakpoints.)
11417 Pending tracepoints are not downloaded to the target and not installed
11418 until they are resolved. The resolution of pending tracepoints requires
11419 @value{GDBN} support---when debugging with the remote target, and
11420 @value{GDBN} disconnects from the remote stub (@pxref{disconnected
11421 tracing}), pending tracepoints can not be resolved (and downloaded to
11422 the remote stub) while @value{GDBN} is disconnected.
11423
11424 Here are some examples of using the @code{trace} command:
11425
11426 @smallexample
11427 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo.c:121} // a source file and line number
11428
11429 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace +2} // 2 lines forward
11430
11431 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace my_function} // first source line of function
11432
11433 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *my_function} // EXACT start address of function
11434
11435 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *0x2117c4} // an address
11436 @end smallexample
11437
11438 @noindent
11439 You can abbreviate @code{trace} as @code{tr}.
11440
11441 @item trace @var{location} if @var{cond}
11442 Set a tracepoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
11443 @var{cond} each time the tracepoint is reached, and collect data only
11444 if the value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
11445 @xref{Tracepoint Conditions, ,Tracepoint Conditions}, for more
11446 information on tracepoint conditions.
11447
11448 @item ftrace @var{location} [ if @var{cond} ]
11449 @cindex set fast tracepoint
11450 @cindex fast tracepoints, setting
11451 @kindex ftrace
11452 The @code{ftrace} command sets a fast tracepoint. For targets that
11453 support them, fast tracepoints will use a more efficient but possibly
11454 less general technique to trigger data collection, such as a jump
11455 instruction instead of a trap, or some sort of hardware support. It
11456 may not be possible to create a fast tracepoint at the desired
11457 location, in which case the command will exit with an explanatory
11458 message.
11459
11460 @value{GDBN} handles arguments to @code{ftrace} exactly as for
11461 @code{trace}.
11462
11463 On 32-bit x86-architecture systems, fast tracepoints normally need to
11464 be placed at an instruction that is 5 bytes or longer, but can be
11465 placed at 4-byte instructions if the low 64K of memory of the target
11466 program is available to install trampolines. Some Unix-type systems,
11467 such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, exclude low addresses from the program's
11468 address space; but for instance with the Linux kernel it is possible
11469 to let @value{GDBN} use this area by doing a @command{sysctl} command
11470 to set the @code{mmap_min_addr} kernel parameter, as in
11471
11472 @example
11473 sudo sysctl -w vm.mmap_min_addr=32768
11474 @end example
11475
11476 @noindent
11477 which sets the low address to 32K, which leaves plenty of room for
11478 trampolines. The minimum address should be set to a page boundary.
11479
11480 @item strace @var{location} [ if @var{cond} ]
11481 @cindex set static tracepoint
11482 @cindex static tracepoints, setting
11483 @cindex probe static tracepoint marker
11484 @kindex strace
11485 The @code{strace} command sets a static tracepoint. For targets that
11486 support it, setting a static tracepoint probes a static
11487 instrumentation point, or marker, found at @var{location}. It may not
11488 be possible to set a static tracepoint at the desired location, in
11489 which case the command will exit with an explanatory message.
11490
11491 @value{GDBN} handles arguments to @code{strace} exactly as for
11492 @code{trace}, with the addition that the user can also specify
11493 @code{-m @var{marker}} as @var{location}. This probes the marker
11494 identified by the @var{marker} string identifier. This identifier
11495 depends on the static tracepoint backend library your program is
11496 using. You can find all the marker identifiers in the @samp{ID} field
11497 of the @code{info static-tracepoint-markers} command output.
11498 @xref{Listing Static Tracepoint Markers,,Listing Static Tracepoint
11499 Markers}. For example, in the following small program using the UST
11500 tracing engine:
11501
11502 @smallexample
11503 main ()
11504 @{
11505 trace_mark(ust, bar33, "str %s", "FOOBAZ");
11506 @}
11507 @end smallexample
11508
11509 @noindent
11510 the marker id is composed of joining the first two arguments to the
11511 @code{trace_mark} call with a slash, which translates to:
11512
11513 @smallexample
11514 (@value{GDBP}) info static-tracepoint-markers
11515 Cnt Enb ID Address What
11516 1 n ust/bar33 0x0000000000400ddc in main at stexample.c:22
11517 Data: "str %s"
11518 [etc...]
11519 @end smallexample
11520
11521 @noindent
11522 so you may probe the marker above with:
11523
11524 @smallexample
11525 (@value{GDBP}) strace -m ust/bar33
11526 @end smallexample
11527
11528 Static tracepoints accept an extra collect action --- @code{collect
11529 $_sdata}. This collects arbitrary user data passed in the probe point
11530 call to the tracing library. In the UST example above, you'll see
11531 that the third argument to @code{trace_mark} is a printf-like format
11532 string. The user data is then the result of running that formating
11533 string against the following arguments. Note that @code{info
11534 static-tracepoint-markers} command output lists that format string in
11535 the @samp{Data:} field.
11536
11537 You can inspect this data when analyzing the trace buffer, by printing
11538 the $_sdata variable like any other variable available to
11539 @value{GDBN}. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}.
11540
11541 @vindex $tpnum
11542 @cindex last tracepoint number
11543 @cindex recent tracepoint number
11544 @cindex tracepoint number
11545 The convenience variable @code{$tpnum} records the tracepoint number
11546 of the most recently set tracepoint.
11547
11548 @kindex delete tracepoint
11549 @cindex tracepoint deletion
11550 @item delete tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
11551 Permanently delete one or more tracepoints. With no argument, the
11552 default is to delete all tracepoints. Note that the regular
11553 @code{delete} command can remove tracepoints also.
11554
11555 Examples:
11556
11557 @smallexample
11558 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace 1 2 3} // remove three tracepoints
11559
11560 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace} // remove all tracepoints
11561 @end smallexample
11562
11563 @noindent
11564 You can abbreviate this command as @code{del tr}.
11565 @end table
11566
11567 @node Enable and Disable Tracepoints
11568 @subsection Enable and Disable Tracepoints
11569
11570 These commands are deprecated; they are equivalent to plain @code{disable} and @code{enable}.
11571
11572 @table @code
11573 @kindex disable tracepoint
11574 @item disable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
11575 Disable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints if no argument
11576 @var{num} is given. A disabled tracepoint will have no effect during
11577 a trace experiment, but it is not forgotten. You can re-enable
11578 a disabled tracepoint using the @code{enable tracepoint} command.
11579 If the command is issued during a trace experiment and the debug target
11580 has support for disabling tracepoints during a trace experiment, then the
11581 change will be effective immediately. Otherwise, it will be applied to the
11582 next trace experiment.
11583
11584 @kindex enable tracepoint
11585 @item enable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
11586 Enable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints. If this command is
11587 issued during a trace experiment and the debug target supports enabling
11588 tracepoints during a trace experiment, then the enabled tracepoints will
11589 become effective immediately. Otherwise, they will become effective the
11590 next time a trace experiment is run.
11591 @end table
11592
11593 @node Tracepoint Passcounts
11594 @subsection Tracepoint Passcounts
11595
11596 @table @code
11597 @kindex passcount
11598 @cindex tracepoint pass count
11599 @item passcount @r{[}@var{n} @r{[}@var{num}@r{]]}
11600 Set the @dfn{passcount} of a tracepoint. The passcount is a way to
11601 automatically stop a trace experiment. If a tracepoint's passcount is
11602 @var{n}, then the trace experiment will be automatically stopped on
11603 the @var{n}'th time that tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number
11604 @var{num} is not specified, the @code{passcount} command sets the
11605 passcount of the most recently defined tracepoint. If no passcount is
11606 given, the trace experiment will run until stopped explicitly by the
11607 user.
11608
11609 Examples:
11610
11611 @smallexample
11612 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 5 2} // Stop on the 5th execution of
11613 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// tracepoint 2}
11614
11615 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 12} // Stop on the 12th execution of the
11616 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// most recently defined tracepoint.}
11617 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
11618 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 3}
11619 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace bar}
11620 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 2}
11621 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace baz}
11622 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 1} // Stop tracing when foo has been
11623 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// executed 3 times OR when bar has}
11624 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// been executed 2 times}
11625 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// OR when baz has been executed 1 time.}
11626 @end smallexample
11627 @end table
11628
11629 @node Tracepoint Conditions
11630 @subsection Tracepoint Conditions
11631 @cindex conditional tracepoints
11632 @cindex tracepoint conditions
11633
11634 The simplest sort of tracepoint collects data every time your program
11635 reaches a specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for
11636 a tracepoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
11637 programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A
11638 tracepoint with a condition evaluates the expression each time your
11639 program reaches it, and data collection happens only if the condition
11640 is true.
11641
11642 Tracepoint conditions can be specified when a tracepoint is set, by
11643 using @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{trace} command.
11644 @xref{Create and Delete Tracepoints, ,Setting Tracepoints}. They can
11645 also be set or changed at any time with the @code{condition} command,
11646 just as with breakpoints.
11647
11648 Unlike breakpoint conditions, @value{GDBN} does not actually evaluate
11649 the conditional expression itself. Instead, @value{GDBN} encodes the
11650 expression into an agent expression (@pxref{Agent Expressions})
11651 suitable for execution on the target, independently of @value{GDBN}.
11652 Global variables become raw memory locations, locals become stack
11653 accesses, and so forth.
11654
11655 For instance, suppose you have a function that is usually called
11656 frequently, but should not be called after an error has occurred. You
11657 could use the following tracepoint command to collect data about calls
11658 of that function that happen while the error code is propagating
11659 through the program; an unconditional tracepoint could end up
11660 collecting thousands of useless trace frames that you would have to
11661 search through.
11662
11663 @smallexample
11664 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{trace normal_operation if errcode > 0}
11665 @end smallexample
11666
11667 @node Trace State Variables
11668 @subsection Trace State Variables
11669 @cindex trace state variables
11670
11671 A @dfn{trace state variable} is a special type of variable that is
11672 created and managed by target-side code. The syntax is the same as
11673 that for GDB's convenience variables (a string prefixed with ``$''),
11674 but they are stored on the target. They must be created explicitly,
11675 using a @code{tvariable} command. They are always 64-bit signed
11676 integers.
11677
11678 Trace state variables are remembered by @value{GDBN}, and downloaded
11679 to the target along with tracepoint information when the trace
11680 experiment starts. There are no intrinsic limits on the number of
11681 trace state variables, beyond memory limitations of the target.
11682
11683 @cindex convenience variables, and trace state variables
11684 Although trace state variables are managed by the target, you can use
11685 them in print commands and expressions as if they were convenience
11686 variables; @value{GDBN} will get the current value from the target
11687 while the trace experiment is running. Trace state variables share
11688 the same namespace as other ``$'' variables, which means that you
11689 cannot have trace state variables with names like @code{$23} or
11690 @code{$pc}, nor can you have a trace state variable and a convenience
11691 variable with the same name.
11692
11693 @table @code
11694
11695 @item tvariable $@var{name} [ = @var{expression} ]
11696 @kindex tvariable
11697 The @code{tvariable} command creates a new trace state variable named
11698 @code{$@var{name}}, and optionally gives it an initial value of
11699 @var{expression}. @var{expression} is evaluated when this command is
11700 entered; the result will be converted to an integer if possible,
11701 otherwise @value{GDBN} will report an error. A subsequent
11702 @code{tvariable} command specifying the same name does not create a
11703 variable, but instead assigns the supplied initial value to the
11704 existing variable of that name, overwriting any previous initial
11705 value. The default initial value is 0.
11706
11707 @item info tvariables
11708 @kindex info tvariables
11709 List all the trace state variables along with their initial values.
11710 Their current values may also be displayed, if the trace experiment is
11711 currently running.
11712
11713 @item delete tvariable @r{[} $@var{name} @dots{} @r{]}
11714 @kindex delete tvariable
11715 Delete the given trace state variables, or all of them if no arguments
11716 are specified.
11717
11718 @end table
11719
11720 @node Tracepoint Actions
11721 @subsection Tracepoint Action Lists
11722
11723 @table @code
11724 @kindex actions
11725 @cindex tracepoint actions
11726 @item actions @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
11727 This command will prompt for a list of actions to be taken when the
11728 tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number @var{num} is not
11729 specified, this command sets the actions for the one that was most
11730 recently defined (so that you can define a tracepoint and then say
11731 @code{actions} without bothering about its number). You specify the
11732 actions themselves on the following lines, one action at a time, and
11733 terminate the actions list with a line containing just @code{end}. So
11734 far, the only defined actions are @code{collect}, @code{teval}, and
11735 @code{while-stepping}.
11736
11737 @code{actions} is actually equivalent to @code{commands} (@pxref{Break
11738 Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}), except that only the defined
11739 actions are allowed; any other @value{GDBN} command is rejected.
11740
11741 @cindex remove actions from a tracepoint
11742 To remove all actions from a tracepoint, type @samp{actions @var{num}}
11743 and follow it immediately with @samp{end}.
11744
11745 @smallexample
11746 (@value{GDBP}) @b{collect @var{data}} // collect some data
11747
11748 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while-stepping 5} // single-step 5 times, collect data
11749
11750 (@value{GDBP}) @b{end} // signals the end of actions.
11751 @end smallexample
11752
11753 In the following example, the action list begins with @code{collect}
11754 commands indicating the things to be collected when the tracepoint is
11755 hit. Then, in order to single-step and collect additional data
11756 following the tracepoint, a @code{while-stepping} command is used,
11757 followed by the list of things to be collected after each step in a
11758 sequence of single steps. The @code{while-stepping} command is
11759 terminated by its own separate @code{end} command. Lastly, the action
11760 list is terminated by an @code{end} command.
11761
11762 @smallexample
11763 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
11764 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
11765 Enter actions for tracepoint 1, one per line:
11766 > collect bar,baz
11767 > collect $regs
11768 > while-stepping 12
11769 > collect $pc, arr[i]
11770 > end
11771 end
11772 @end smallexample
11773
11774 @kindex collect @r{(tracepoints)}
11775 @item collect@r{[}/@var{mods}@r{]} @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
11776 Collect values of the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit.
11777 This command accepts a comma-separated list of any valid expressions.
11778 In addition to global, static, or local variables, the following
11779 special arguments are supported:
11780
11781 @table @code
11782 @item $regs
11783 Collect all registers.
11784
11785 @item $args
11786 Collect all function arguments.
11787
11788 @item $locals
11789 Collect all local variables.
11790
11791 @item $_ret
11792 Collect the return address. This is helpful if you want to see more
11793 of a backtrace.
11794
11795 @item $_probe_argc
11796 Collects the number of arguments from the static probe at which the
11797 tracepoint is located.
11798 @xref{Static Probe Points}.
11799
11800 @item $_probe_arg@var{n}
11801 @var{n} is an integer between 0 and 11. Collects the @var{n}th argument
11802 from the static probe at which the tracepoint is located.
11803 @xref{Static Probe Points}.
11804
11805 @item $_sdata
11806 @vindex $_sdata@r{, collect}
11807 Collect static tracepoint marker specific data. Only available for
11808 static tracepoints. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action
11809 Lists}. On the UST static tracepoints library backend, an
11810 instrumentation point resembles a @code{printf} function call. The
11811 tracing library is able to collect user specified data formatted to a
11812 character string using the format provided by the programmer that
11813 instrumented the program. Other backends have similar mechanisms.
11814 Here's an example of a UST marker call:
11815
11816 @smallexample
11817 const char master_name[] = "$your_name";
11818 trace_mark(channel1, marker1, "hello %s", master_name)
11819 @end smallexample
11820
11821 In this case, collecting @code{$_sdata} collects the string
11822 @samp{hello $yourname}. When analyzing the trace buffer, you can
11823 inspect @samp{$_sdata} like any other variable available to
11824 @value{GDBN}.
11825 @end table
11826
11827 You can give several consecutive @code{collect} commands, each one
11828 with a single argument, or one @code{collect} command with several
11829 arguments separated by commas; the effect is the same.
11830
11831 The optional @var{mods} changes the usual handling of the arguments.
11832 @code{s} requests that pointers to chars be handled as strings, in
11833 particular collecting the contents of the memory being pointed at, up
11834 to the first zero. The upper bound is by default the value of the
11835 @code{print elements} variable; if @code{s} is followed by a decimal
11836 number, that is the upper bound instead. So for instance
11837 @samp{collect/s25 mystr} collects as many as 25 characters at
11838 @samp{mystr}.
11839
11840 The command @code{info scope} (@pxref{Symbols, info scope}) is
11841 particularly useful for figuring out what data to collect.
11842
11843 @kindex teval @r{(tracepoints)}
11844 @item teval @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
11845 Evaluate the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit. This
11846 command accepts a comma-separated list of expressions. The results
11847 are discarded, so this is mainly useful for assigning values to trace
11848 state variables (@pxref{Trace State Variables}) without adding those
11849 values to the trace buffer, as would be the case if the @code{collect}
11850 action were used.
11851
11852 @kindex while-stepping @r{(tracepoints)}
11853 @item while-stepping @var{n}
11854 Perform @var{n} single-step instruction traces after the tracepoint,
11855 collecting new data after each step. The @code{while-stepping}
11856 command is followed by the list of what to collect while stepping
11857 (followed by its own @code{end} command):
11858
11859 @smallexample
11860 > while-stepping 12
11861 > collect $regs, myglobal
11862 > end
11863 >
11864 @end smallexample
11865
11866 @noindent
11867 Note that @code{$pc} is not automatically collected by
11868 @code{while-stepping}; you need to explicitly collect that register if
11869 you need it. You may abbreviate @code{while-stepping} as @code{ws} or
11870 @code{stepping}.
11871
11872 @item set default-collect @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
11873 @kindex set default-collect
11874 @cindex default collection action
11875 This variable is a list of expressions to collect at each tracepoint
11876 hit. It is effectively an additional @code{collect} action prepended
11877 to every tracepoint action list. The expressions are parsed
11878 individually for each tracepoint, so for instance a variable named
11879 @code{xyz} may be interpreted as a global for one tracepoint, and a
11880 local for another, as appropriate to the tracepoint's location.
11881
11882 @item show default-collect
11883 @kindex show default-collect
11884 Show the list of expressions that are collected by default at each
11885 tracepoint hit.
11886
11887 @end table
11888
11889 @node Listing Tracepoints
11890 @subsection Listing Tracepoints
11891
11892 @table @code
11893 @kindex info tracepoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
11894 @kindex info tp @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
11895 @cindex information about tracepoints
11896 @item info tracepoints @r{[}@var{num}@dots{}@r{]}
11897 Display information about the tracepoint @var{num}. If you don't
11898 specify a tracepoint number, displays information about all the
11899 tracepoints defined so far. The format is similar to that used for
11900 @code{info breakpoints}; in fact, @code{info tracepoints} is the same
11901 command, simply restricting itself to tracepoints.
11902
11903 A tracepoint's listing may include additional information specific to
11904 tracing:
11905
11906 @itemize @bullet
11907 @item
11908 its passcount as given by the @code{passcount @var{n}} command
11909
11910 @item
11911 the state about installed on target of each location
11912 @end itemize
11913
11914 @smallexample
11915 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info trace}
11916 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
11917 1 tracepoint keep y 0x0804ab57 in foo() at main.cxx:7
11918 while-stepping 20
11919 collect globfoo, $regs
11920 end
11921 collect globfoo2
11922 end
11923 pass count 1200
11924 2 tracepoint keep y <MULTIPLE>
11925 collect $eip
11926 2.1 y 0x0804859c in func4 at change-loc.h:35
11927 installed on target
11928 2.2 y 0xb7ffc480 in func4 at change-loc.h:35
11929 installed on target
11930 2.3 y <PENDING> set_tracepoint
11931 3 tracepoint keep y 0x080485b1 in foo at change-loc.c:29
11932 not installed on target
11933 (@value{GDBP})
11934 @end smallexample
11935
11936 @noindent
11937 This command can be abbreviated @code{info tp}.
11938 @end table
11939
11940 @node Listing Static Tracepoint Markers
11941 @subsection Listing Static Tracepoint Markers
11942
11943 @table @code
11944 @kindex info static-tracepoint-markers
11945 @cindex information about static tracepoint markers
11946 @item info static-tracepoint-markers
11947 Display information about all static tracepoint markers defined in the
11948 program.
11949
11950 For each marker, the following columns are printed:
11951
11952 @table @emph
11953 @item Count
11954 An incrementing counter, output to help readability. This is not a
11955 stable identifier.
11956 @item ID
11957 The marker ID, as reported by the target.
11958 @item Enabled or Disabled
11959 Probed markers are tagged with @samp{y}. @samp{n} identifies marks
11960 that are not enabled.
11961 @item Address
11962 Where the marker is in your program, as a memory address.
11963 @item What
11964 Where the marker is in the source for your program, as a file and line
11965 number. If the debug information included in the program does not
11966 allow @value{GDBN} to locate the source of the marker, this column
11967 will be left blank.
11968 @end table
11969
11970 @noindent
11971 In addition, the following information may be printed for each marker:
11972
11973 @table @emph
11974 @item Data
11975 User data passed to the tracing library by the marker call. In the
11976 UST backend, this is the format string passed as argument to the
11977 marker call.
11978 @item Static tracepoints probing the marker
11979 The list of static tracepoints attached to the marker.
11980 @end table
11981
11982 @smallexample
11983 (@value{GDBP}) info static-tracepoint-markers
11984 Cnt ID Enb Address What
11985 1 ust/bar2 y 0x0000000000400e1a in main at stexample.c:25
11986 Data: number1 %d number2 %d
11987 Probed by static tracepoints: #2
11988 2 ust/bar33 n 0x0000000000400c87 in main at stexample.c:24
11989 Data: str %s
11990 (@value{GDBP})
11991 @end smallexample
11992 @end table
11993
11994 @node Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
11995 @subsection Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
11996
11997 @table @code
11998 @kindex tstart [ @var{notes} ]
11999 @cindex start a new trace experiment
12000 @cindex collected data discarded
12001 @item tstart
12002 This command starts the trace experiment, and begins collecting data.
12003 It has the side effect of discarding all the data collected in the
12004 trace buffer during the previous trace experiment. If any arguments
12005 are supplied, they are taken as a note and stored with the trace
12006 experiment's state. The notes may be arbitrary text, and are
12007 especially useful with disconnected tracing in a multi-user context;
12008 the notes can explain what the trace is doing, supply user contact
12009 information, and so forth.
12010
12011 @kindex tstop [ @var{notes} ]
12012 @cindex stop a running trace experiment
12013 @item tstop
12014 This command stops the trace experiment. If any arguments are
12015 supplied, they are recorded with the experiment as a note. This is
12016 useful if you are stopping a trace started by someone else, for
12017 instance if the trace is interfering with the system's behavior and
12018 needs to be stopped quickly.
12019
12020 @strong{Note}: a trace experiment and data collection may stop
12021 automatically if any tracepoint's passcount is reached
12022 (@pxref{Tracepoint Passcounts}), or if the trace buffer becomes full.
12023
12024 @kindex tstatus
12025 @cindex status of trace data collection
12026 @cindex trace experiment, status of
12027 @item tstatus
12028 This command displays the status of the current trace data
12029 collection.
12030 @end table
12031
12032 Here is an example of the commands we described so far:
12033
12034 @smallexample
12035 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace gdb_c_test}
12036 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
12037 Enter actions for tracepoint #1, one per line.
12038 > collect $regs,$locals,$args
12039 > while-stepping 11
12040 > collect $regs
12041 > end
12042 > end
12043 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
12044 [time passes @dots{}]
12045 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstop}
12046 @end smallexample
12047
12048 @anchor{disconnected tracing}
12049 @cindex disconnected tracing
12050 You can choose to continue running the trace experiment even if
12051 @value{GDBN} disconnects from the target, voluntarily or
12052 involuntarily. For commands such as @code{detach}, the debugger will
12053 ask what you want to do with the trace. But for unexpected
12054 terminations (@value{GDBN} crash, network outage), it would be
12055 unfortunate to lose hard-won trace data, so the variable
12056 @code{disconnected-tracing} lets you decide whether the trace should
12057 continue running without @value{GDBN}.
12058
12059 @table @code
12060 @item set disconnected-tracing on
12061 @itemx set disconnected-tracing off
12062 @kindex set disconnected-tracing
12063 Choose whether a tracing run should continue to run if @value{GDBN}
12064 has disconnected from the target. Note that @code{detach} or
12065 @code{quit} will ask you directly what to do about a running trace no
12066 matter what this variable's setting, so the variable is mainly useful
12067 for handling unexpected situations, such as loss of the network.
12068
12069 @item show disconnected-tracing
12070 @kindex show disconnected-tracing
12071 Show the current choice for disconnected tracing.
12072
12073 @end table
12074
12075 When you reconnect to the target, the trace experiment may or may not
12076 still be running; it might have filled the trace buffer in the
12077 meantime, or stopped for one of the other reasons. If it is running,
12078 it will continue after reconnection.
12079
12080 Upon reconnection, the target will upload information about the
12081 tracepoints in effect. @value{GDBN} will then compare that
12082 information to the set of tracepoints currently defined, and attempt
12083 to match them up, allowing for the possibility that the numbers may
12084 have changed due to creation and deletion in the meantime. If one of
12085 the target's tracepoints does not match any in @value{GDBN}, the
12086 debugger will create a new tracepoint, so that you have a number with
12087 which to specify that tracepoint. This matching-up process is
12088 necessarily heuristic, and it may result in useless tracepoints being
12089 created; you may simply delete them if they are of no use.
12090
12091 @cindex circular trace buffer
12092 If your target agent supports a @dfn{circular trace buffer}, then you
12093 can run a trace experiment indefinitely without filling the trace
12094 buffer; when space runs out, the agent deletes already-collected trace
12095 frames, oldest first, until there is enough room to continue
12096 collecting. This is especially useful if your tracepoints are being
12097 hit too often, and your trace gets terminated prematurely because the
12098 buffer is full. To ask for a circular trace buffer, simply set
12099 @samp{circular-trace-buffer} to on. You can set this at any time,
12100 including during tracing; if the agent can do it, it will change
12101 buffer handling on the fly, otherwise it will not take effect until
12102 the next run.
12103
12104 @table @code
12105 @item set circular-trace-buffer on
12106 @itemx set circular-trace-buffer off
12107 @kindex set circular-trace-buffer
12108 Choose whether a tracing run should use a linear or circular buffer
12109 for trace data. A linear buffer will not lose any trace data, but may
12110 fill up prematurely, while a circular buffer will discard old trace
12111 data, but it will have always room for the latest tracepoint hits.
12112
12113 @item show circular-trace-buffer
12114 @kindex show circular-trace-buffer
12115 Show the current choice for the trace buffer. Note that this may not
12116 match the agent's current buffer handling, nor is it guaranteed to
12117 match the setting that might have been in effect during a past run,
12118 for instance if you are looking at frames from a trace file.
12119
12120 @end table
12121
12122 @table @code
12123 @item set trace-buffer-size @var{n}
12124 @itemx set trace-buffer-size unlimited
12125 @kindex set trace-buffer-size
12126 Request that the target use a trace buffer of @var{n} bytes. Not all
12127 targets will honor the request; they may have a compiled-in size for
12128 the trace buffer, or some other limitation. Set to a value of
12129 @code{unlimited} or @code{-1} to let the target use whatever size it
12130 likes. This is also the default.
12131
12132 @item show trace-buffer-size
12133 @kindex show trace-buffer-size
12134 Show the current requested size for the trace buffer. Note that this
12135 will only match the actual size if the target supports size-setting,
12136 and was able to handle the requested size. For instance, if the
12137 target can only change buffer size between runs, this variable will
12138 not reflect the change until the next run starts. Use @code{tstatus}
12139 to get a report of the actual buffer size.
12140 @end table
12141
12142 @table @code
12143 @item set trace-user @var{text}
12144 @kindex set trace-user
12145
12146 @item show trace-user
12147 @kindex show trace-user
12148
12149 @item set trace-notes @var{text}
12150 @kindex set trace-notes
12151 Set the trace run's notes.
12152
12153 @item show trace-notes
12154 @kindex show trace-notes
12155 Show the trace run's notes.
12156
12157 @item set trace-stop-notes @var{text}
12158 @kindex set trace-stop-notes
12159 Set the trace run's stop notes. The handling of the note is as for
12160 @code{tstop} arguments; the set command is convenient way to fix a
12161 stop note that is mistaken or incomplete.
12162
12163 @item show trace-stop-notes
12164 @kindex show trace-stop-notes
12165 Show the trace run's stop notes.
12166
12167 @end table
12168
12169 @node Tracepoint Restrictions
12170 @subsection Tracepoint Restrictions
12171
12172 @cindex tracepoint restrictions
12173 There are a number of restrictions on the use of tracepoints. As
12174 described above, tracepoint data gathering occurs on the target
12175 without interaction from @value{GDBN}. Thus the full capabilities of
12176 the debugger are not available during data gathering, and then at data
12177 examination time, you will be limited by only having what was
12178 collected. The following items describe some common problems, but it
12179 is not exhaustive, and you may run into additional difficulties not
12180 mentioned here.
12181
12182 @itemize @bullet
12183
12184 @item
12185 Tracepoint expressions are intended to gather objects (lvalues). Thus
12186 the full flexibility of GDB's expression evaluator is not available.
12187 You cannot call functions, cast objects to aggregate types, access
12188 convenience variables or modify values (except by assignment to trace
12189 state variables). Some language features may implicitly call
12190 functions (for instance Objective-C fields with accessors), and therefore
12191 cannot be collected either.
12192
12193 @item
12194 Collection of local variables, either individually or in bulk with
12195 @code{$locals} or @code{$args}, during @code{while-stepping} may
12196 behave erratically. The stepping action may enter a new scope (for
12197 instance by stepping into a function), or the location of the variable
12198 may change (for instance it is loaded into a register). The
12199 tracepoint data recorded uses the location information for the
12200 variables that is correct for the tracepoint location. When the
12201 tracepoint is created, it is not possible, in general, to determine
12202 where the steps of a @code{while-stepping} sequence will advance the
12203 program---particularly if a conditional branch is stepped.
12204
12205 @item
12206 Collection of an incompletely-initialized or partially-destroyed object
12207 may result in something that @value{GDBN} cannot display, or displays
12208 in a misleading way.
12209
12210 @item
12211 When @value{GDBN} displays a pointer to character it automatically
12212 dereferences the pointer to also display characters of the string
12213 being pointed to. However, collecting the pointer during tracing does
12214 not automatically collect the string. You need to explicitly
12215 dereference the pointer and provide size information if you want to
12216 collect not only the pointer, but the memory pointed to. For example,
12217 @code{*ptr@@50} can be used to collect the 50 element array pointed to
12218 by @code{ptr}.
12219
12220 @item
12221 It is not possible to collect a complete stack backtrace at a
12222 tracepoint. Instead, you may collect the registers and a few hundred
12223 bytes from the stack pointer with something like @code{*(unsigned char *)$esp@@300}
12224 (adjust to use the name of the actual stack pointer register on your
12225 target architecture, and the amount of stack you wish to capture).
12226 Then the @code{backtrace} command will show a partial backtrace when
12227 using a trace frame. The number of stack frames that can be examined
12228 depends on the sizes of the frames in the collected stack. Note that
12229 if you ask for a block so large that it goes past the bottom of the
12230 stack, the target agent may report an error trying to read from an
12231 invalid address.
12232
12233 @item
12234 If you do not collect registers at a tracepoint, @value{GDBN} can
12235 infer that the value of @code{$pc} must be the same as the address of
12236 the tracepoint and use that when you are looking at a trace frame
12237 for that tracepoint. However, this cannot work if the tracepoint has
12238 multiple locations (for instance if it was set in a function that was
12239 inlined), or if it has a @code{while-stepping} loop. In those cases
12240 @value{GDBN} will warn you that it can't infer @code{$pc}, and default
12241 it to zero.
12242
12243 @end itemize
12244
12245 @node Analyze Collected Data
12246 @section Using the Collected Data
12247
12248 After the tracepoint experiment ends, you use @value{GDBN} commands
12249 for examining the trace data. The basic idea is that each tracepoint
12250 collects a trace @dfn{snapshot} every time it is hit and another
12251 snapshot every time it single-steps. All these snapshots are
12252 consecutively numbered from zero and go into a buffer, and you can
12253 examine them later. The way you examine them is to @dfn{focus} on a
12254 specific trace snapshot. When the remote stub is focused on a trace
12255 snapshot, it will respond to all @value{GDBN} requests for memory and
12256 registers by reading from the buffer which belongs to that snapshot,
12257 rather than from @emph{real} memory or registers of the program being
12258 debugged. This means that @strong{all} @value{GDBN} commands
12259 (@code{print}, @code{info registers}, @code{backtrace}, etc.) will
12260 behave as if we were currently debugging the program state as it was
12261 when the tracepoint occurred. Any requests for data that are not in
12262 the buffer will fail.
12263
12264 @menu
12265 * tfind:: How to select a trace snapshot
12266 * tdump:: How to display all data for a snapshot
12267 * save tracepoints:: How to save tracepoints for a future run
12268 @end menu
12269
12270 @node tfind
12271 @subsection @code{tfind @var{n}}
12272
12273 @kindex tfind
12274 @cindex select trace snapshot
12275 @cindex find trace snapshot
12276 The basic command for selecting a trace snapshot from the buffer is
12277 @code{tfind @var{n}}, which finds trace snapshot number @var{n},
12278 counting from zero. If no argument @var{n} is given, the next
12279 snapshot is selected.
12280
12281 Here are the various forms of using the @code{tfind} command.
12282
12283 @table @code
12284 @item tfind start
12285 Find the first snapshot in the buffer. This is a synonym for
12286 @code{tfind 0} (since 0 is the number of the first snapshot).
12287
12288 @item tfind none
12289 Stop debugging trace snapshots, resume @emph{live} debugging.
12290
12291 @item tfind end
12292 Same as @samp{tfind none}.
12293
12294 @item tfind
12295 No argument means find the next trace snapshot.
12296
12297 @item tfind -
12298 Find the previous trace snapshot before the current one. This permits
12299 retracing earlier steps.
12300
12301 @item tfind tracepoint @var{num}
12302 Find the next snapshot associated with tracepoint @var{num}. Search
12303 proceeds forward from the last examined trace snapshot. If no
12304 argument @var{num} is given, it means find the next snapshot collected
12305 for the same tracepoint as the current snapshot.
12306
12307 @item tfind pc @var{addr}
12308 Find the next snapshot associated with the value @var{addr} of the
12309 program counter. Search proceeds forward from the last examined trace
12310 snapshot. If no argument @var{addr} is given, it means find the next
12311 snapshot with the same value of PC as the current snapshot.
12312
12313 @item tfind outside @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
12314 Find the next snapshot whose PC is outside the given range of
12315 addresses (exclusive).
12316
12317 @item tfind range @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
12318 Find the next snapshot whose PC is between @var{addr1} and
12319 @var{addr2} (inclusive).
12320
12321 @item tfind line @r{[}@var{file}:@r{]}@var{n}
12322 Find the next snapshot associated with the source line @var{n}. If
12323 the optional argument @var{file} is given, refer to line @var{n} in
12324 that source file. Search proceeds forward from the last examined
12325 trace snapshot. If no argument @var{n} is given, it means find the
12326 next line other than the one currently being examined; thus saying
12327 @code{tfind line} repeatedly can appear to have the same effect as
12328 stepping from line to line in a @emph{live} debugging session.
12329 @end table
12330
12331 The default arguments for the @code{tfind} commands are specifically
12332 designed to make it easy to scan through the trace buffer. For
12333 instance, @code{tfind} with no argument selects the next trace
12334 snapshot, and @code{tfind -} with no argument selects the previous
12335 trace snapshot. So, by giving one @code{tfind} command, and then
12336 simply hitting @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine all the trace
12337 snapshots in order. Or, by saying @code{tfind -} and then hitting
12338 @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine the snapshots in reverse order.
12339 The @code{tfind line} command with no argument selects the snapshot
12340 for the next source line executed. The @code{tfind pc} command with
12341 no argument selects the next snapshot with the same program counter
12342 (PC) as the current frame. The @code{tfind tracepoint} command with
12343 no argument selects the next trace snapshot collected by the same
12344 tracepoint as the current one.
12345
12346 In addition to letting you scan through the trace buffer manually,
12347 these commands make it easy to construct @value{GDBN} scripts that
12348 scan through the trace buffer and print out whatever collected data
12349 you are interested in. Thus, if we want to examine the PC, FP, and SP
12350 registers from each trace frame in the buffer, we can say this:
12351
12352 @smallexample
12353 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
12354 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
12355 > printf "Frame %d, PC = %08X, SP = %08X, FP = %08X\n", \
12356 $trace_frame, $pc, $sp, $fp
12357 > tfind
12358 > end
12359
12360 Frame 0, PC = 0020DC64, SP = 0030BF3C, FP = 0030BF44
12361 Frame 1, PC = 0020DC6C, SP = 0030BF38, FP = 0030BF44
12362 Frame 2, PC = 0020DC70, SP = 0030BF34, FP = 0030BF44
12363 Frame 3, PC = 0020DC74, SP = 0030BF30, FP = 0030BF44
12364 Frame 4, PC = 0020DC78, SP = 0030BF2C, FP = 0030BF44
12365 Frame 5, PC = 0020DC7C, SP = 0030BF28, FP = 0030BF44
12366 Frame 6, PC = 0020DC80, SP = 0030BF24, FP = 0030BF44
12367 Frame 7, PC = 0020DC84, SP = 0030BF20, FP = 0030BF44
12368 Frame 8, PC = 0020DC88, SP = 0030BF1C, FP = 0030BF44
12369 Frame 9, PC = 0020DC8E, SP = 0030BF18, FP = 0030BF44
12370 Frame 10, PC = 00203F6C, SP = 0030BE3C, FP = 0030BF14
12371 @end smallexample
12372
12373 Or, if we want to examine the variable @code{X} at each source line in
12374 the buffer:
12375
12376 @smallexample
12377 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
12378 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
12379 > printf "Frame %d, X == %d\n", $trace_frame, X
12380 > tfind line
12381 > end
12382
12383 Frame 0, X = 1
12384 Frame 7, X = 2
12385 Frame 13, X = 255
12386 @end smallexample
12387
12388 @node tdump
12389 @subsection @code{tdump}
12390 @kindex tdump
12391 @cindex dump all data collected at tracepoint
12392 @cindex tracepoint data, display
12393
12394 This command takes no arguments. It prints all the data collected at
12395 the current trace snapshot.
12396
12397 @smallexample
12398 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace 444}
12399 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
12400 Enter actions for tracepoint #2, one per line:
12401 > collect $regs, $locals, $args, gdb_long_test
12402 > end
12403
12404 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
12405
12406 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind line 444}
12407 #0 gdb_test (p1=0x11, p2=0x22, p3=0x33, p4=0x44, p5=0x55, p6=0x66)
12408 at gdb_test.c:444
12409 444 printp( "%s: arguments = 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X\n", )
12410
12411 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tdump}
12412 Data collected at tracepoint 2, trace frame 1:
12413 d0 0xc4aa0085 -995491707
12414 d1 0x18 24
12415 d2 0x80 128
12416 d3 0x33 51
12417 d4 0x71aea3d 119204413
12418 d5 0x22 34
12419 d6 0xe0 224
12420 d7 0x380035 3670069
12421 a0 0x19e24a 1696330
12422 a1 0x3000668 50333288
12423 a2 0x100 256
12424 a3 0x322000 3284992
12425 a4 0x3000698 50333336
12426 a5 0x1ad3cc 1758156
12427 fp 0x30bf3c 0x30bf3c
12428 sp 0x30bf34 0x30bf34
12429 ps 0x0 0
12430 pc 0x20b2c8 0x20b2c8
12431 fpcontrol 0x0 0
12432 fpstatus 0x0 0
12433 fpiaddr 0x0 0
12434 p = 0x20e5b4 "gdb-test"
12435 p1 = (void *) 0x11
12436 p2 = (void *) 0x22
12437 p3 = (void *) 0x33
12438 p4 = (void *) 0x44
12439 p5 = (void *) 0x55
12440 p6 = (void *) 0x66
12441 gdb_long_test = 17 '\021'
12442
12443 (@value{GDBP})
12444 @end smallexample
12445
12446 @code{tdump} works by scanning the tracepoint's current collection
12447 actions and printing the value of each expression listed. So
12448 @code{tdump} can fail, if after a run, you change the tracepoint's
12449 actions to mention variables that were not collected during the run.
12450
12451 Also, for tracepoints with @code{while-stepping} loops, @code{tdump}
12452 uses the collected value of @code{$pc} to distinguish between trace
12453 frames that were collected at the tracepoint hit, and frames that were
12454 collected while stepping. This allows it to correctly choose whether
12455 to display the basic list of collections, or the collections from the
12456 body of the while-stepping loop. However, if @code{$pc} was not collected,
12457 then @code{tdump} will always attempt to dump using the basic collection
12458 list, and may fail if a while-stepping frame does not include all the
12459 same data that is collected at the tracepoint hit.
12460 @c This is getting pretty arcane, example would be good.
12461
12462 @node save tracepoints
12463 @subsection @code{save tracepoints @var{filename}}
12464 @kindex save tracepoints
12465 @kindex save-tracepoints
12466 @cindex save tracepoints for future sessions
12467
12468 This command saves all current tracepoint definitions together with
12469 their actions and passcounts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
12470 suitable for use in a later debugging session. To read the saved
12471 tracepoint definitions, use the @code{source} command (@pxref{Command
12472 Files}). The @w{@code{save-tracepoints}} command is a deprecated
12473 alias for @w{@code{save tracepoints}}
12474
12475 @node Tracepoint Variables
12476 @section Convenience Variables for Tracepoints
12477 @cindex tracepoint variables
12478 @cindex convenience variables for tracepoints
12479
12480 @table @code
12481 @vindex $trace_frame
12482 @item (int) $trace_frame
12483 The current trace snapshot (a.k.a.@: @dfn{frame}) number, or -1 if no
12484 snapshot is selected.
12485
12486 @vindex $tracepoint
12487 @item (int) $tracepoint
12488 The tracepoint for the current trace snapshot.
12489
12490 @vindex $trace_line
12491 @item (int) $trace_line
12492 The line number for the current trace snapshot.
12493
12494 @vindex $trace_file
12495 @item (char []) $trace_file
12496 The source file for the current trace snapshot.
12497
12498 @vindex $trace_func
12499 @item (char []) $trace_func
12500 The name of the function containing @code{$tracepoint}.
12501 @end table
12502
12503 Note: @code{$trace_file} is not suitable for use in @code{printf},
12504 use @code{output} instead.
12505
12506 Here's a simple example of using these convenience variables for
12507 stepping through all the trace snapshots and printing some of their
12508 data. Note that these are not the same as trace state variables,
12509 which are managed by the target.
12510
12511 @smallexample
12512 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
12513
12514 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while $trace_frame != -1}
12515 > output $trace_file
12516 > printf ", line %d (tracepoint #%d)\n", $trace_line, $tracepoint
12517 > tfind
12518 > end
12519 @end smallexample
12520
12521 @node Trace Files
12522 @section Using Trace Files
12523 @cindex trace files
12524
12525 In some situations, the target running a trace experiment may no
12526 longer be available; perhaps it crashed, or the hardware was needed
12527 for a different activity. To handle these cases, you can arrange to
12528 dump the trace data into a file, and later use that file as a source
12529 of trace data, via the @code{target tfile} command.
12530
12531 @table @code
12532
12533 @kindex tsave
12534 @item tsave [ -r ] @var{filename}
12535 @itemx tsave [-ctf] @var{dirname}
12536 Save the trace data to @var{filename}. By default, this command
12537 assumes that @var{filename} refers to the host filesystem, so if
12538 necessary @value{GDBN} will copy raw trace data up from the target and
12539 then save it. If the target supports it, you can also supply the
12540 optional argument @code{-r} (``remote'') to direct the target to save
12541 the data directly into @var{filename} in its own filesystem, which may be
12542 more efficient if the trace buffer is very large. (Note, however, that
12543 @code{target tfile} can only read from files accessible to the host.)
12544 By default, this command will save trace frame in tfile format.
12545 You can supply the optional argument @code{-ctf} to save date in CTF
12546 format. The @dfn{Common Trace Format} (CTF) is proposed as a trace format
12547 that can be shared by multiple debugging and tracing tools. Please go to
12548 @indicateurl{http://www.efficios.com/ctf} to get more information.
12549
12550 @kindex target tfile
12551 @kindex tfile
12552 @kindex target ctf
12553 @kindex ctf
12554 @item target tfile @var{filename}
12555 @itemx target ctf @var{dirname}
12556 Use the file named @var{filename} or directory named @var{dirname} as
12557 a source of trace data. Commands that examine data work as they do with
12558 a live target, but it is not possible to run any new trace experiments.
12559 @code{tstatus} will report the state of the trace run at the moment
12560 the data was saved, as well as the current trace frame you are examining.
12561 @var{filename} or @var{dirname} must be on a filesystem accessible to
12562 the host.
12563
12564 @smallexample
12565 (@value{GDBP}) target ctf ctf.ctf
12566 (@value{GDBP}) tfind
12567 Found trace frame 0, tracepoint 2
12568 39 ++a; /* set tracepoint 1 here */
12569 (@value{GDBP}) tdump
12570 Data collected at tracepoint 2, trace frame 0:
12571 i = 0
12572 a = 0
12573 b = 1 '\001'
12574 c = @{"123", "456", "789", "123", "456", "789"@}
12575 d = @{@{@{a = 1, b = 2@}, @{a = 3, b = 4@}@}, @{@{a = 5, b = 6@}, @{a = 7, b = 8@}@}@}
12576 (@value{GDBP}) p b
12577 $1 = 1
12578 @end smallexample
12579
12580 @end table
12581
12582 @node Overlays
12583 @chapter Debugging Programs That Use Overlays
12584 @cindex overlays
12585
12586 If your program is too large to fit completely in your target system's
12587 memory, you can sometimes use @dfn{overlays} to work around this
12588 problem. @value{GDBN} provides some support for debugging programs that
12589 use overlays.
12590
12591 @menu
12592 * How Overlays Work:: A general explanation of overlays.
12593 * Overlay Commands:: Managing overlays in @value{GDBN}.
12594 * Automatic Overlay Debugging:: @value{GDBN} can find out which overlays are
12595 mapped by asking the inferior.
12596 * Overlay Sample Program:: A sample program using overlays.
12597 @end menu
12598
12599 @node How Overlays Work
12600 @section How Overlays Work
12601 @cindex mapped overlays
12602 @cindex unmapped overlays
12603 @cindex load address, overlay's
12604 @cindex mapped address
12605 @cindex overlay area
12606
12607 Suppose you have a computer whose instruction address space is only 64
12608 kilobytes long, but which has much more memory which can be accessed by
12609 other means: special instructions, segment registers, or memory
12610 management hardware, for example. Suppose further that you want to
12611 adapt a program which is larger than 64 kilobytes to run on this system.
12612
12613 One solution is to identify modules of your program which are relatively
12614 independent, and need not call each other directly; call these modules
12615 @dfn{overlays}. Separate the overlays from the main program, and place
12616 their machine code in the larger memory. Place your main program in
12617 instruction memory, but leave at least enough space there to hold the
12618 largest overlay as well.
12619
12620 Now, to call a function located in an overlay, you must first copy that
12621 overlay's machine code from the large memory into the space set aside
12622 for it in the instruction memory, and then jump to its entry point
12623 there.
12624
12625 @c NB: In the below the mapped area's size is greater or equal to the
12626 @c size of all overlays. This is intentional to remind the developer
12627 @c that overlays don't necessarily need to be the same size.
12628
12629 @smallexample
12630 @group
12631 Data Instruction Larger
12632 Address Space Address Space Address Space
12633 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+
12634 | | | | | |
12635 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+<-- overlay 1
12636 | program | | main | .----| overlay 1 | load address
12637 | variables | | program | | +-----------+
12638 | and heap | | | | | |
12639 +-----------+ | | | +-----------+<-- overlay 2
12640 | | +-----------+ | | | load address
12641 +-----------+ | | | .-| overlay 2 |
12642 | | | | | |
12643 mapped --->+-----------+ | | +-----------+
12644 address | | | | | |
12645 | overlay | <-' | | |
12646 | area | <---' +-----------+<-- overlay 3
12647 | | <---. | | load address
12648 +-----------+ `--| overlay 3 |
12649 | | | |
12650 +-----------+ | |
12651 +-----------+
12652 | |
12653 +-----------+
12654
12655 @anchor{A code overlay}A code overlay
12656 @end group
12657 @end smallexample
12658
12659 The diagram (@pxref{A code overlay}) shows a system with separate data
12660 and instruction address spaces. To map an overlay, the program copies
12661 its code from the larger address space to the instruction address space.
12662 Since the overlays shown here all use the same mapped address, only one
12663 may be mapped at a time. For a system with a single address space for
12664 data and instructions, the diagram would be similar, except that the
12665 program variables and heap would share an address space with the main
12666 program and the overlay area.
12667
12668 An overlay loaded into instruction memory and ready for use is called a
12669 @dfn{mapped} overlay; its @dfn{mapped address} is its address in the
12670 instruction memory. An overlay not present (or only partially present)
12671 in instruction memory is called @dfn{unmapped}; its @dfn{load address}
12672 is its address in the larger memory. The mapped address is also called
12673 the @dfn{virtual memory address}, or @dfn{VMA}; the load address is also
12674 called the @dfn{load memory address}, or @dfn{LMA}.
12675
12676 Unfortunately, overlays are not a completely transparent way to adapt a
12677 program to limited instruction memory. They introduce a new set of
12678 global constraints you must keep in mind as you design your program:
12679
12680 @itemize @bullet
12681
12682 @item
12683 Before calling or returning to a function in an overlay, your program
12684 must make sure that overlay is actually mapped. Otherwise, the call or
12685 return will transfer control to the right address, but in the wrong
12686 overlay, and your program will probably crash.
12687
12688 @item
12689 If the process of mapping an overlay is expensive on your system, you
12690 will need to choose your overlays carefully to minimize their effect on
12691 your program's performance.
12692
12693 @item
12694 The executable file you load onto your system must contain each
12695 overlay's instructions, appearing at the overlay's load address, not its
12696 mapped address. However, each overlay's instructions must be relocated
12697 and its symbols defined as if the overlay were at its mapped address.
12698 You can use GNU linker scripts to specify different load and relocation
12699 addresses for pieces of your program; see @ref{Overlay Description,,,
12700 ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}.
12701
12702 @item
12703 The procedure for loading executable files onto your system must be able
12704 to load their contents into the larger address space as well as the
12705 instruction and data spaces.
12706
12707 @end itemize
12708
12709 The overlay system described above is rather simple, and could be
12710 improved in many ways:
12711
12712 @itemize @bullet
12713
12714 @item
12715 If your system has suitable bank switch registers or memory management
12716 hardware, you could use those facilities to make an overlay's load area
12717 contents simply appear at their mapped address in instruction space.
12718 This would probably be faster than copying the overlay to its mapped
12719 area in the usual way.
12720
12721 @item
12722 If your overlays are small enough, you could set aside more than one
12723 overlay area, and have more than one overlay mapped at a time.
12724
12725 @item
12726 You can use overlays to manage data, as well as instructions. In
12727 general, data overlays are even less transparent to your design than
12728 code overlays: whereas code overlays only require care when you call or
12729 return to functions, data overlays require care every time you access
12730 the data. Also, if you change the contents of a data overlay, you
12731 must copy its contents back out to its load address before you can copy a
12732 different data overlay into the same mapped area.
12733
12734 @end itemize
12735
12736
12737 @node Overlay Commands
12738 @section Overlay Commands
12739
12740 To use @value{GDBN}'s overlay support, each overlay in your program must
12741 correspond to a separate section of the executable file. The section's
12742 virtual memory address and load memory address must be the overlay's
12743 mapped and load addresses. Identifying overlays with sections allows
12744 @value{GDBN} to determine the appropriate address of a function or
12745 variable, depending on whether the overlay is mapped or not.
12746
12747 @value{GDBN}'s overlay commands all start with the word @code{overlay};
12748 you can abbreviate this as @code{ov} or @code{ovly}. The commands are:
12749
12750 @table @code
12751 @item overlay off
12752 @kindex overlay
12753 Disable @value{GDBN}'s overlay support. When overlay support is
12754 disabled, @value{GDBN} assumes that all functions and variables are
12755 always present at their mapped addresses. By default, @value{GDBN}'s
12756 overlay support is disabled.
12757
12758 @item overlay manual
12759 @cindex manual overlay debugging
12760 Enable @dfn{manual} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
12761 relies on you to tell it which overlays are mapped, and which are not,
12762 using the @code{overlay map-overlay} and @code{overlay unmap-overlay}
12763 commands described below.
12764
12765 @item overlay map-overlay @var{overlay}
12766 @itemx overlay map @var{overlay}
12767 @cindex map an overlay
12768 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is now mapped; @var{overlay} must
12769 be the name of the object file section containing the overlay. When an
12770 overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the overlay's
12771 functions and variables at their mapped addresses. @value{GDBN} assumes
12772 that any other overlays whose mapped ranges overlap that of
12773 @var{overlay} are now unmapped.
12774
12775 @item overlay unmap-overlay @var{overlay}
12776 @itemx overlay unmap @var{overlay}
12777 @cindex unmap an overlay
12778 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is no longer mapped; @var{overlay}
12779 must be the name of the object file section containing the overlay.
12780 When an overlay is unmapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the
12781 overlay's functions and variables at their load addresses.
12782
12783 @item overlay auto
12784 Enable @dfn{automatic} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
12785 consults a data structure the overlay manager maintains in the inferior
12786 to see which overlays are mapped. For details, see @ref{Automatic
12787 Overlay Debugging}.
12788
12789 @item overlay load-target
12790 @itemx overlay load
12791 @cindex reloading the overlay table
12792 Re-read the overlay table from the inferior. Normally, @value{GDBN}
12793 re-reads the table @value{GDBN} automatically each time the inferior
12794 stops, so this command should only be necessary if you have changed the
12795 overlay mapping yourself using @value{GDBN}. This command is only
12796 useful when using automatic overlay debugging.
12797
12798 @item overlay list-overlays
12799 @itemx overlay list
12800 @cindex listing mapped overlays
12801 Display a list of the overlays currently mapped, along with their mapped
12802 addresses, load addresses, and sizes.
12803
12804 @end table
12805
12806 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a code address, it includes the name
12807 of the function the address falls in:
12808
12809 @smallexample
12810 (@value{GDBP}) print main
12811 $3 = @{int ()@} 0x11a0 <main>
12812 @end smallexample
12813 @noindent
12814 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} recognizes code in
12815 unmapped overlays, and prints the names of unmapped functions with
12816 asterisks around them. For example, if @code{foo} is a function in an
12817 unmapped overlay, @value{GDBN} prints it this way:
12818
12819 @smallexample
12820 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
12821 No sections are mapped.
12822 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
12823 $5 = @{int (int)@} 0x100000 <*foo*>
12824 @end smallexample
12825 @noindent
12826 When @code{foo}'s overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} prints the function's
12827 name normally:
12828
12829 @smallexample
12830 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
12831 Section .ov.foo.text, loaded at 0x100000 - 0x100034,
12832 mapped at 0x1016 - 0x104a
12833 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
12834 $6 = @{int (int)@} 0x1016 <foo>
12835 @end smallexample
12836
12837 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} can find the correct
12838 address for functions and variables in an overlay, whether or not the
12839 overlay is mapped. This allows most @value{GDBN} commands, like
12840 @code{break} and @code{disassemble}, to work normally, even on unmapped
12841 code. However, @value{GDBN}'s breakpoint support has some limitations:
12842
12843 @itemize @bullet
12844 @item
12845 @cindex breakpoints in overlays
12846 @cindex overlays, setting breakpoints in
12847 You can set breakpoints in functions in unmapped overlays, as long as
12848 @value{GDBN} can write to the overlay at its load address.
12849 @item
12850 @value{GDBN} can not set hardware or simulator-based breakpoints in
12851 unmapped overlays. However, if you set a breakpoint at the end of your
12852 overlay manager (and tell @value{GDBN} which overlays are now mapped, if
12853 you are using manual overlay management), @value{GDBN} will re-set its
12854 breakpoints properly.
12855 @end itemize
12856
12857
12858 @node Automatic Overlay Debugging
12859 @section Automatic Overlay Debugging
12860 @cindex automatic overlay debugging
12861
12862 @value{GDBN} can automatically track which overlays are mapped and which
12863 are not, given some simple co-operation from the overlay manager in the
12864 inferior. If you enable automatic overlay debugging with the
12865 @code{overlay auto} command (@pxref{Overlay Commands}), @value{GDBN}
12866 looks in the inferior's memory for certain variables describing the
12867 current state of the overlays.
12868
12869 Here are the variables your overlay manager must define to support
12870 @value{GDBN}'s automatic overlay debugging:
12871
12872 @table @asis
12873
12874 @item @code{_ovly_table}:
12875 This variable must be an array of the following structures:
12876
12877 @smallexample
12878 struct
12879 @{
12880 /* The overlay's mapped address. */
12881 unsigned long vma;
12882
12883 /* The size of the overlay, in bytes. */
12884 unsigned long size;
12885
12886 /* The overlay's load address. */
12887 unsigned long lma;
12888
12889 /* Non-zero if the overlay is currently mapped;
12890 zero otherwise. */
12891 unsigned long mapped;
12892 @}
12893 @end smallexample
12894
12895 @item @code{_novlys}:
12896 This variable must be a four-byte signed integer, holding the total
12897 number of elements in @code{_ovly_table}.
12898
12899 @end table
12900
12901 To decide whether a particular overlay is mapped or not, @value{GDBN}
12902 looks for an entry in @w{@code{_ovly_table}} whose @code{vma} and
12903 @code{lma} members equal the VMA and LMA of the overlay's section in the
12904 executable file. When @value{GDBN} finds a matching entry, it consults
12905 the entry's @code{mapped} member to determine whether the overlay is
12906 currently mapped.
12907
12908 In addition, your overlay manager may define a function called
12909 @code{_ovly_debug_event}. If this function is defined, @value{GDBN}
12910 will silently set a breakpoint there. If the overlay manager then
12911 calls this function whenever it has changed the overlay table, this
12912 will enable @value{GDBN} to accurately keep track of which overlays
12913 are in program memory, and update any breakpoints that may be set
12914 in overlays. This will allow breakpoints to work even if the
12915 overlays are kept in ROM or other non-writable memory while they
12916 are not being executed.
12917
12918 @node Overlay Sample Program
12919 @section Overlay Sample Program
12920 @cindex overlay example program
12921
12922 When linking a program which uses overlays, you must place the overlays
12923 at their load addresses, while relocating them to run at their mapped
12924 addresses. To do this, you must write a linker script (@pxref{Overlay
12925 Description,,, ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}). Unfortunately,
12926 since linker scripts are specific to a particular host system, target
12927 architecture, and target memory layout, this manual cannot provide
12928 portable sample code demonstrating @value{GDBN}'s overlay support.
12929
12930 However, the @value{GDBN} source distribution does contain an overlaid
12931 program, with linker scripts for a few systems, as part of its test
12932 suite. The program consists of the following files from
12933 @file{gdb/testsuite/gdb.base}:
12934
12935 @table @file
12936 @item overlays.c
12937 The main program file.
12938 @item ovlymgr.c
12939 A simple overlay manager, used by @file{overlays.c}.
12940 @item foo.c
12941 @itemx bar.c
12942 @itemx baz.c
12943 @itemx grbx.c
12944 Overlay modules, loaded and used by @file{overlays.c}.
12945 @item d10v.ld
12946 @itemx m32r.ld
12947 Linker scripts for linking the test program on the @code{d10v-elf}
12948 and @code{m32r-elf} targets.
12949 @end table
12950
12951 You can build the test program using the @code{d10v-elf} GCC
12952 cross-compiler like this:
12953
12954 @smallexample
12955 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c overlays.c
12956 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c ovlymgr.c
12957 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c foo.c
12958 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c bar.c
12959 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c baz.c
12960 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c grbx.c
12961 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g overlays.o ovlymgr.o foo.o bar.o \
12962 baz.o grbx.o -Wl,-Td10v.ld -o overlays
12963 @end smallexample
12964
12965 The build process is identical for any other architecture, except that
12966 you must substitute the appropriate compiler and linker script for the
12967 target system for @code{d10v-elf-gcc} and @code{d10v.ld}.
12968
12969
12970 @node Languages
12971 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages
12972 @cindex languages
12973
12974 Although programming languages generally have common aspects, they are
12975 rarely expressed in the same manner. For instance, in ANSI C,
12976 dereferencing a pointer @code{p} is accomplished by @code{*p}, but in
12977 Modula-2, it is accomplished by @code{p^}. Values can also be
12978 represented (and displayed) differently. Hex numbers in C appear as
12979 @samp{0x1ae}, while in Modula-2 they appear as @samp{1AEH}.
12980
12981 @cindex working language
12982 Language-specific information is built into @value{GDBN} for some languages,
12983 allowing you to express operations like the above in your program's
12984 native language, and allowing @value{GDBN} to output values in a manner
12985 consistent with the syntax of your program's native language. The
12986 language you use to build expressions is called the @dfn{working
12987 language}.
12988
12989 @menu
12990 * Setting:: Switching between source languages
12991 * Show:: Displaying the language
12992 * Checks:: Type and range checks
12993 * Supported Languages:: Supported languages
12994 * Unsupported Languages:: Unsupported languages
12995 @end menu
12996
12997 @node Setting
12998 @section Switching Between Source Languages
12999
13000 There are two ways to control the working language---either have @value{GDBN}
13001 set it automatically, or select it manually yourself. You can use the
13002 @code{set language} command for either purpose. On startup, @value{GDBN}
13003 defaults to setting the language automatically. The working language is
13004 used to determine how expressions you type are interpreted, how values
13005 are printed, etc.
13006
13007 In addition to the working language, every source file that
13008 @value{GDBN} knows about has its own working language. For some object
13009 file formats, the compiler might indicate which language a particular
13010 source file is in. However, most of the time @value{GDBN} infers the
13011 language from the name of the file. The language of a source file
13012 controls whether C@t{++} names are demangled---this way @code{backtrace} can
13013 show each frame appropriately for its own language. There is no way to
13014 set the language of a source file from within @value{GDBN}, but you can
13015 set the language associated with a filename extension. @xref{Show, ,
13016 Displaying the Language}.
13017
13018 This is most commonly a problem when you use a program, such
13019 as @code{cfront} or @code{f2c}, that generates C but is written in
13020 another language. In that case, make the
13021 program use @code{#line} directives in its C output; that way
13022 @value{GDBN} will know the correct language of the source code of the original
13023 program, and will display that source code, not the generated C code.
13024
13025 @menu
13026 * Filenames:: Filename extensions and languages.
13027 * Manually:: Setting the working language manually
13028 * Automatically:: Having @value{GDBN} infer the source language
13029 @end menu
13030
13031 @node Filenames
13032 @subsection List of Filename Extensions and Languages
13033
13034 If a source file name ends in one of the following extensions, then
13035 @value{GDBN} infers that its language is the one indicated.
13036
13037 @table @file
13038 @item .ada
13039 @itemx .ads
13040 @itemx .adb
13041 @itemx .a
13042 Ada source file.
13043
13044 @item .c
13045 C source file
13046
13047 @item .C
13048 @itemx .cc
13049 @itemx .cp
13050 @itemx .cpp
13051 @itemx .cxx
13052 @itemx .c++
13053 C@t{++} source file
13054
13055 @item .d
13056 D source file
13057
13058 @item .m
13059 Objective-C source file
13060
13061 @item .f
13062 @itemx .F
13063 Fortran source file
13064
13065 @item .mod
13066 Modula-2 source file
13067
13068 @item .s
13069 @itemx .S
13070 Assembler source file. This actually behaves almost like C, but
13071 @value{GDBN} does not skip over function prologues when stepping.
13072 @end table
13073
13074 In addition, you may set the language associated with a filename
13075 extension. @xref{Show, , Displaying the Language}.
13076
13077 @node Manually
13078 @subsection Setting the Working Language
13079
13080 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically,
13081 expressions are interpreted the same way in your debugging session and
13082 your program.
13083
13084 @kindex set language
13085 If you wish, you may set the language manually. To do this, issue the
13086 command @samp{set language @var{lang}}, where @var{lang} is the name of
13087 a language, such as
13088 @code{c} or @code{modula-2}.
13089 For a list of the supported languages, type @samp{set language}.
13090
13091 Setting the language manually prevents @value{GDBN} from updating the working
13092 language automatically. This can lead to confusion if you try
13093 to debug a program when the working language is not the same as the
13094 source language, when an expression is acceptable to both
13095 languages---but means different things. For instance, if the current
13096 source file were written in C, and @value{GDBN} was parsing Modula-2, a
13097 command such as:
13098
13099 @smallexample
13100 print a = b + c
13101 @end smallexample
13102
13103 @noindent
13104 might not have the effect you intended. In C, this means to add
13105 @code{b} and @code{c} and place the result in @code{a}. The result
13106 printed would be the value of @code{a}. In Modula-2, this means to compare
13107 @code{a} to the result of @code{b+c}, yielding a @code{BOOLEAN} value.
13108
13109 @node Automatically
13110 @subsection Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language
13111
13112 To have @value{GDBN} set the working language automatically, use
13113 @samp{set language local} or @samp{set language auto}. @value{GDBN}
13114 then infers the working language. That is, when your program stops in a
13115 frame (usually by encountering a breakpoint), @value{GDBN} sets the
13116 working language to the language recorded for the function in that
13117 frame. If the language for a frame is unknown (that is, if the function
13118 or block corresponding to the frame was defined in a source file that
13119 does not have a recognized extension), the current working language is
13120 not changed, and @value{GDBN} issues a warning.
13121
13122 This may not seem necessary for most programs, which are written
13123 entirely in one source language. However, program modules and libraries
13124 written in one source language can be used by a main program written in
13125 a different source language. Using @samp{set language auto} in this
13126 case frees you from having to set the working language manually.
13127
13128 @node Show
13129 @section Displaying the Language
13130
13131 The following commands help you find out which language is the
13132 working language, and also what language source files were written in.
13133
13134 @table @code
13135 @item show language
13136 @kindex show language
13137 Display the current working language. This is the
13138 language you can use with commands such as @code{print} to
13139 build and compute expressions that may involve variables in your program.
13140
13141 @item info frame
13142 @kindex info frame@r{, show the source language}
13143 Display the source language for this frame. This language becomes the
13144 working language if you use an identifier from this frame.
13145 @xref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}, to identify the other
13146 information listed here.
13147
13148 @item info source
13149 @kindex info source@r{, show the source language}
13150 Display the source language of this source file.
13151 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}, to identify the other
13152 information listed here.
13153 @end table
13154
13155 In unusual circumstances, you may have source files with extensions
13156 not in the standard list. You can then set the extension associated
13157 with a language explicitly:
13158
13159 @table @code
13160 @item set extension-language @var{ext} @var{language}
13161 @kindex set extension-language
13162 Tell @value{GDBN} that source files with extension @var{ext} are to be
13163 assumed as written in the source language @var{language}.
13164
13165 @item info extensions
13166 @kindex info extensions
13167 List all the filename extensions and the associated languages.
13168 @end table
13169
13170 @node Checks
13171 @section Type and Range Checking
13172
13173 Some languages are designed to guard you against making seemingly common
13174 errors through a series of compile- and run-time checks. These include
13175 checking the type of arguments to functions and operators and making
13176 sure mathematical overflows are caught at run time. Checks such as
13177 these help to ensure a program's correctness once it has been compiled
13178 by eliminating type mismatches and providing active checks for range
13179 errors when your program is running.
13180
13181 By default @value{GDBN} checks for these errors according to the
13182 rules of the current source language. Although @value{GDBN} does not check
13183 the statements in your program, it can check expressions entered directly
13184 into @value{GDBN} for evaluation via the @code{print} command, for example.
13185
13186 @menu
13187 * Type Checking:: An overview of type checking
13188 * Range Checking:: An overview of range checking
13189 @end menu
13190
13191 @cindex type checking
13192 @cindex checks, type
13193 @node Type Checking
13194 @subsection An Overview of Type Checking
13195
13196 Some languages, such as C and C@t{++}, are strongly typed, meaning that the
13197 arguments to operators and functions have to be of the correct type,
13198 otherwise an error occurs. These checks prevent type mismatch
13199 errors from ever causing any run-time problems. For example,
13200
13201 @smallexample
13202 int klass::my_method(char *b) @{ return b ? 1 : 2; @}
13203
13204 (@value{GDBP}) print obj.my_method (0)
13205 $1 = 2
13206 @exdent but
13207 (@value{GDBP}) print obj.my_method (0x1234)
13208 Cannot resolve method klass::my_method to any overloaded instance
13209 @end smallexample
13210
13211 The second example fails because in C@t{++} the integer constant
13212 @samp{0x1234} is not type-compatible with the pointer parameter type.
13213
13214 For the expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell
13215 @value{GDBN} to not enforce strict type checking or
13216 to treat any mismatches as errors and abandon the expression;
13217 When type checking is disabled, @value{GDBN} successfully evaluates
13218 expressions like the second example above.
13219
13220 Even if type checking is off, there may be other reasons
13221 related to type that prevent @value{GDBN} from evaluating an expression.
13222 For instance, @value{GDBN} does not know how to add an @code{int} and
13223 a @code{struct foo}. These particular type errors have nothing to do
13224 with the language in use and usually arise from expressions which make
13225 little sense to evaluate anyway.
13226
13227 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling type checking:
13228
13229 @kindex set check type
13230 @kindex show check type
13231 @table @code
13232 @item set check type on
13233 @itemx set check type off
13234 Set strict type checking on or off. If any type mismatches occur in
13235 evaluating an expression while type checking is on, @value{GDBN} prints a
13236 message and aborts evaluation of the expression.
13237
13238 @item show check type
13239 Show the current setting of type checking and whether @value{GDBN}
13240 is enforcing strict type checking rules.
13241 @end table
13242
13243 @cindex range checking
13244 @cindex checks, range
13245 @node Range Checking
13246 @subsection An Overview of Range Checking
13247
13248 In some languages (such as Modula-2), it is an error to exceed the
13249 bounds of a type; this is enforced with run-time checks. Such range
13250 checking is meant to ensure program correctness by making sure
13251 computations do not overflow, or indices on an array element access do
13252 not exceed the bounds of the array.
13253
13254 For expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell
13255 @value{GDBN} to treat range errors in one of three ways: ignore them,
13256 always treat them as errors and abandon the expression, or issue
13257 warnings but evaluate the expression anyway.
13258
13259 A range error can result from numerical overflow, from exceeding an
13260 array index bound, or when you type a constant that is not a member
13261 of any type. Some languages, however, do not treat overflows as an
13262 error. In many implementations of C, mathematical overflow causes the
13263 result to ``wrap around'' to lower values---for example, if @var{m} is
13264 the largest integer value, and @var{s} is the smallest, then
13265
13266 @smallexample
13267 @var{m} + 1 @result{} @var{s}
13268 @end smallexample
13269
13270 This, too, is specific to individual languages, and in some cases
13271 specific to individual compilers or machines. @xref{Supported Languages, ,
13272 Supported Languages}, for further details on specific languages.
13273
13274 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling the range checker:
13275
13276 @kindex set check range
13277 @kindex show check range
13278 @table @code
13279 @item set check range auto
13280 Set range checking on or off based on the current working language.
13281 @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default settings for
13282 each language.
13283
13284 @item set check range on
13285 @itemx set check range off
13286 Set range checking on or off, overriding the default setting for the
13287 current working language. A warning is issued if the setting does not
13288 match the language default. If a range error occurs and range checking is on,
13289 then a message is printed and evaluation of the expression is aborted.
13290
13291 @item set check range warn
13292 Output messages when the @value{GDBN} range checker detects a range error,
13293 but attempt to evaluate the expression anyway. Evaluating the
13294 expression may still be impossible for other reasons, such as accessing
13295 memory that the process does not own (a typical example from many Unix
13296 systems).
13297
13298 @item show range
13299 Show the current setting of the range checker, and whether or not it is
13300 being set automatically by @value{GDBN}.
13301 @end table
13302
13303 @node Supported Languages
13304 @section Supported Languages
13305
13306 @value{GDBN} supports C, C@t{++}, D, Go, Objective-C, Fortran, Java,
13307 OpenCL C, Pascal, assembly, Modula-2, and Ada.
13308 @c This is false ...
13309 Some @value{GDBN} features may be used in expressions regardless of the
13310 language you use: the @value{GDBN} @code{@@} and @code{::} operators,
13311 and the @samp{@{type@}addr} construct (@pxref{Expressions,
13312 ,Expressions}) can be used with the constructs of any supported
13313 language.
13314
13315 The following sections detail to what degree each source language is
13316 supported by @value{GDBN}. These sections are not meant to be language
13317 tutorials or references, but serve only as a reference guide to what the
13318 @value{GDBN} expression parser accepts, and what input and output
13319 formats should look like for different languages. There are many good
13320 books written on each of these languages; please look to these for a
13321 language reference or tutorial.
13322
13323 @menu
13324 * C:: C and C@t{++}
13325 * D:: D
13326 * Go:: Go
13327 * Objective-C:: Objective-C
13328 * OpenCL C:: OpenCL C
13329 * Fortran:: Fortran
13330 * Pascal:: Pascal
13331 * Modula-2:: Modula-2
13332 * Ada:: Ada
13333 @end menu
13334
13335 @node C
13336 @subsection C and C@t{++}
13337
13338 @cindex C and C@t{++}
13339 @cindex expressions in C or C@t{++}
13340
13341 Since C and C@t{++} are so closely related, many features of @value{GDBN} apply
13342 to both languages. Whenever this is the case, we discuss those languages
13343 together.
13344
13345 @cindex C@t{++}
13346 @cindex @code{g++}, @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler
13347 @cindex @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
13348 The C@t{++} debugging facilities are jointly implemented by the C@t{++}
13349 compiler and @value{GDBN}. Therefore, to debug your C@t{++} code
13350 effectively, you must compile your C@t{++} programs with a supported
13351 C@t{++} compiler, such as @sc{gnu} @code{g++}, or the HP ANSI C@t{++}
13352 compiler (@code{aCC}).
13353
13354 @menu
13355 * C Operators:: C and C@t{++} operators
13356 * C Constants:: C and C@t{++} constants
13357 * C Plus Plus Expressions:: C@t{++} expressions
13358 * C Defaults:: Default settings for C and C@t{++}
13359 * C Checks:: C and C@t{++} type and range checks
13360 * Debugging C:: @value{GDBN} and C
13361 * Debugging C Plus Plus:: @value{GDBN} features for C@t{++}
13362 * Decimal Floating Point:: Numbers in Decimal Floating Point format
13363 @end menu
13364
13365 @node C Operators
13366 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Operators
13367
13368 @cindex C and C@t{++} operators
13369
13370 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
13371 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
13372 often defined on groups of types.
13373
13374 For the purposes of C and C@t{++}, the following definitions hold:
13375
13376 @itemize @bullet
13377
13378 @item
13379 @emph{Integral types} include @code{int} with any of its storage-class
13380 specifiers; @code{char}; @code{enum}; and, for C@t{++}, @code{bool}.
13381
13382 @item
13383 @emph{Floating-point types} include @code{float}, @code{double}, and
13384 @code{long double} (if supported by the target platform).
13385
13386 @item
13387 @emph{Pointer types} include all types defined as @code{(@var{type} *)}.
13388
13389 @item
13390 @emph{Scalar types} include all of the above.
13391
13392 @end itemize
13393
13394 @noindent
13395 The following operators are supported. They are listed here
13396 in order of increasing precedence:
13397
13398 @table @code
13399 @item ,
13400 The comma or sequencing operator. Expressions in a comma-separated list
13401 are evaluated from left to right, with the result of the entire
13402 expression being the last expression evaluated.
13403
13404 @item =
13405 Assignment. The value of an assignment expression is the value
13406 assigned. Defined on scalar types.
13407
13408 @item @var{op}=
13409 Used in an expression of the form @w{@code{@var{a} @var{op}= @var{b}}},
13410 and translated to @w{@code{@var{a} = @var{a op b}}}.
13411 @w{@code{@var{op}=}} and @code{=} have the same precedence.
13412 @var{op} is any one of the operators @code{|}, @code{^}, @code{&},
13413 @code{<<}, @code{>>}, @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{%}.
13414
13415 @item ?:
13416 The ternary operator. @code{@var{a} ? @var{b} : @var{c}} can be thought
13417 of as: if @var{a} then @var{b} else @var{c}. @var{a} should be of an
13418 integral type.
13419
13420 @item ||
13421 Logical @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
13422
13423 @item &&
13424 Logical @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
13425
13426 @item |
13427 Bitwise @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
13428
13429 @item ^
13430 Bitwise exclusive-@sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
13431
13432 @item &
13433 Bitwise @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
13434
13435 @item ==@r{, }!=
13436 Equality and inequality. Defined on scalar types. The value of these
13437 expressions is 0 for false and non-zero for true.
13438
13439 @item <@r{, }>@r{, }<=@r{, }>=
13440 Less than, greater than, less than or equal, greater than or equal.
13441 Defined on scalar types. The value of these expressions is 0 for false
13442 and non-zero for true.
13443
13444 @item <<@r{, }>>
13445 left shift, and right shift. Defined on integral types.
13446
13447 @item @@
13448 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
13449
13450 @item +@r{, }-
13451 Addition and subtraction. Defined on integral types, floating-point types and
13452 pointer types.
13453
13454 @item *@r{, }/@r{, }%
13455 Multiplication, division, and modulus. Multiplication and division are
13456 defined on integral and floating-point types. Modulus is defined on
13457 integral types.
13458
13459 @item ++@r{, }--
13460 Increment and decrement. When appearing before a variable, the
13461 operation is performed before the variable is used in an expression;
13462 when appearing after it, the variable's value is used before the
13463 operation takes place.
13464
13465 @item *
13466 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types. Same precedence as
13467 @code{++}.
13468
13469 @item &
13470 Address operator. Defined on variables. Same precedence as @code{++}.
13471
13472 For debugging C@t{++}, @value{GDBN} implements a use of @samp{&} beyond what is
13473 allowed in the C@t{++} language itself: you can use @samp{&(&@var{ref})}
13474 to examine the address
13475 where a C@t{++} reference variable (declared with @samp{&@var{ref}}) is
13476 stored.
13477
13478 @item -
13479 Negative. Defined on integral and floating-point types. Same
13480 precedence as @code{++}.
13481
13482 @item !
13483 Logical negation. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
13484 @code{++}.
13485
13486 @item ~
13487 Bitwise complement operator. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
13488 @code{++}.
13489
13490
13491 @item .@r{, }->
13492 Structure member, and pointer-to-structure member. For convenience,
13493 @value{GDBN} regards the two as equivalent, choosing whether to dereference a
13494 pointer based on the stored type information.
13495 Defined on @code{struct} and @code{union} data.
13496
13497 @item .*@r{, }->*
13498 Dereferences of pointers to members.
13499
13500 @item []
13501 Array indexing. @code{@var{a}[@var{i}]} is defined as
13502 @code{*(@var{a}+@var{i})}. Same precedence as @code{->}.
13503
13504 @item ()
13505 Function parameter list. Same precedence as @code{->}.
13506
13507 @item ::
13508 C@t{++} scope resolution operator. Defined on @code{struct}, @code{union},
13509 and @code{class} types.
13510
13511 @item ::
13512 Doubled colons also represent the @value{GDBN} scope operator
13513 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). Same precedence as @code{::},
13514 above.
13515 @end table
13516
13517 If an operator is redefined in the user code, @value{GDBN} usually
13518 attempts to invoke the redefined version instead of using the operator's
13519 predefined meaning.
13520
13521 @node C Constants
13522 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Constants
13523
13524 @cindex C and C@t{++} constants
13525
13526 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of C and C@t{++} in the
13527 following ways:
13528
13529 @itemize @bullet
13530 @item
13531 Integer constants are a sequence of digits. Octal constants are
13532 specified by a leading @samp{0} (i.e.@: zero), and hexadecimal constants
13533 by a leading @samp{0x} or @samp{0X}. Constants may also end with a letter
13534 @samp{l}, specifying that the constant should be treated as a
13535 @code{long} value.
13536
13537 @item
13538 Floating point constants are a sequence of digits, followed by a decimal
13539 point, followed by a sequence of digits, and optionally followed by an
13540 exponent. An exponent is of the form:
13541 @samp{@w{e@r{[[}+@r{]|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}}, where @var{nnn} is another
13542 sequence of digits. The @samp{+} is optional for positive exponents.
13543 A floating-point constant may also end with a letter @samp{f} or
13544 @samp{F}, specifying that the constant should be treated as being of
13545 the @code{float} (as opposed to the default @code{double}) type; or with
13546 a letter @samp{l} or @samp{L}, which specifies a @code{long double}
13547 constant.
13548
13549 @item
13550 Enumerated constants consist of enumerated identifiers, or their
13551 integral equivalents.
13552
13553 @item
13554 Character constants are a single character surrounded by single quotes
13555 (@code{'}), or a number---the ordinal value of the corresponding character
13556 (usually its @sc{ascii} value). Within quotes, the single character may
13557 be represented by a letter or by @dfn{escape sequences}, which are of
13558 the form @samp{\@var{nnn}}, where @var{nnn} is the octal representation
13559 of the character's ordinal value; or of the form @samp{\@var{x}}, where
13560 @samp{@var{x}} is a predefined special character---for example,
13561 @samp{\n} for newline.
13562
13563 Wide character constants can be written by prefixing a character
13564 constant with @samp{L}, as in C. For example, @samp{L'x'} is the wide
13565 form of @samp{x}. The target wide character set is used when
13566 computing the value of this constant (@pxref{Character Sets}).
13567
13568 @item
13569 String constants are a sequence of character constants surrounded by
13570 double quotes (@code{"}). Any valid character constant (as described
13571 above) may appear. Double quotes within the string must be preceded by
13572 a backslash, so for instance @samp{"a\"b'c"} is a string of five
13573 characters.
13574
13575 Wide string constants can be written by prefixing a string constant
13576 with @samp{L}, as in C. The target wide character set is used when
13577 computing the value of this constant (@pxref{Character Sets}).
13578
13579 @item
13580 Pointer constants are an integral value. You can also write pointers
13581 to constants using the C operator @samp{&}.
13582
13583 @item
13584 Array constants are comma-separated lists surrounded by braces @samp{@{}
13585 and @samp{@}}; for example, @samp{@{1,2,3@}} is a three-element array of
13586 integers, @samp{@{@{1,2@}, @{3,4@}, @{5,6@}@}} is a three-by-two array,
13587 and @samp{@{&"hi", &"there", &"fred"@}} is a three-element array of pointers.
13588 @end itemize
13589
13590 @node C Plus Plus Expressions
13591 @subsubsection C@t{++} Expressions
13592
13593 @cindex expressions in C@t{++}
13594 @value{GDBN} expression handling can interpret most C@t{++} expressions.
13595
13596 @cindex debugging C@t{++} programs
13597 @cindex C@t{++} compilers
13598 @cindex debug formats and C@t{++}
13599 @cindex @value{NGCC} and C@t{++}
13600 @quotation
13601 @emph{Warning:} @value{GDBN} can only debug C@t{++} code if you use
13602 the proper compiler and the proper debug format. Currently,
13603 @value{GDBN} works best when debugging C@t{++} code that is compiled
13604 with the most recent version of @value{NGCC} possible. The DWARF
13605 debugging format is preferred; @value{NGCC} defaults to this on most
13606 popular platforms. Other compilers and/or debug formats are likely to
13607 work badly or not at all when using @value{GDBN} to debug C@t{++}
13608 code. @xref{Compilation}.
13609 @end quotation
13610
13611 @enumerate
13612
13613 @cindex member functions
13614 @item
13615 Member function calls are allowed; you can use expressions like
13616
13617 @smallexample
13618 count = aml->GetOriginal(x, y)
13619 @end smallexample
13620
13621 @vindex this@r{, inside C@t{++} member functions}
13622 @cindex namespace in C@t{++}
13623 @item
13624 While a member function is active (in the selected stack frame), your
13625 expressions have the same namespace available as the member function;
13626 that is, @value{GDBN} allows implicit references to the class instance
13627 pointer @code{this} following the same rules as C@t{++}. @code{using}
13628 declarations in the current scope are also respected by @value{GDBN}.
13629
13630 @cindex call overloaded functions
13631 @cindex overloaded functions, calling
13632 @cindex type conversions in C@t{++}
13633 @item
13634 You can call overloaded functions; @value{GDBN} resolves the function
13635 call to the right definition, with some restrictions. @value{GDBN} does not
13636 perform overload resolution involving user-defined type conversions,
13637 calls to constructors, or instantiations of templates that do not exist
13638 in the program. It also cannot handle ellipsis argument lists or
13639 default arguments.
13640
13641 It does perform integral conversions and promotions, floating-point
13642 promotions, arithmetic conversions, pointer conversions, conversions of
13643 class objects to base classes, and standard conversions such as those of
13644 functions or arrays to pointers; it requires an exact match on the
13645 number of function arguments.
13646
13647 Overload resolution is always performed, unless you have specified
13648 @code{set overload-resolution off}. @xref{Debugging C Plus Plus,
13649 ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
13650
13651 You must specify @code{set overload-resolution off} in order to use an
13652 explicit function signature to call an overloaded function, as in
13653 @smallexample
13654 p 'foo(char,int)'('x', 13)
13655 @end smallexample
13656
13657 The @value{GDBN} command-completion facility can simplify this;
13658 see @ref{Completion, ,Command Completion}.
13659
13660 @cindex reference declarations
13661 @item
13662 @value{GDBN} understands variables declared as C@t{++} references; you can use
13663 them in expressions just as you do in C@t{++} source---they are automatically
13664 dereferenced.
13665
13666 In the parameter list shown when @value{GDBN} displays a frame, the values of
13667 reference variables are not displayed (unlike other variables); this
13668 avoids clutter, since references are often used for large structures.
13669 The @emph{address} of a reference variable is always shown, unless
13670 you have specified @samp{set print address off}.
13671
13672 @item
13673 @value{GDBN} supports the C@t{++} name resolution operator @code{::}---your
13674 expressions can use it just as expressions in your program do. Since
13675 one scope may be defined in another, you can use @code{::} repeatedly if
13676 necessary, for example in an expression like
13677 @samp{@var{scope1}::@var{scope2}::@var{name}}. @value{GDBN} also allows
13678 resolving name scope by reference to source files, in both C and C@t{++}
13679 debugging (@pxref{Variables, ,Program Variables}).
13680
13681 @item
13682 @value{GDBN} performs argument-dependent lookup, following the C@t{++}
13683 specification.
13684 @end enumerate
13685
13686 @node C Defaults
13687 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Defaults
13688
13689 @cindex C and C@t{++} defaults
13690
13691 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set range checking automatically, it
13692 defaults to @code{off} whenever the working language changes to
13693 C or C@t{++}. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
13694 selects the working language.
13695
13696 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, it
13697 recognizes source files whose names end with @file{.c}, @file{.C}, or
13698 @file{.cc}, etc, and when @value{GDBN} enters code compiled from one of
13699 these files, it sets the working language to C or C@t{++}.
13700 @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language},
13701 for further details.
13702
13703 @node C Checks
13704 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Type and Range Checks
13705
13706 @cindex C and C@t{++} checks
13707
13708 By default, when @value{GDBN} parses C or C@t{++} expressions, strict type
13709 checking is used. However, if you turn type checking off, @value{GDBN}
13710 will allow certain non-standard conversions, such as promoting integer
13711 constants to pointers.
13712
13713 Range checking, if turned on, is done on mathematical operations. Array
13714 indices are not checked, since they are often used to index a pointer
13715 that is not itself an array.
13716
13717 @node Debugging C
13718 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and C
13719
13720 The @code{set print union} and @code{show print union} commands apply to
13721 the @code{union} type. When set to @samp{on}, any @code{union} that is
13722 inside a @code{struct} or @code{class} is also printed. Otherwise, it
13723 appears as @samp{@{...@}}.
13724
13725 The @code{@@} operator aids in the debugging of dynamic arrays, formed
13726 with pointers and a memory allocation function. @xref{Expressions,
13727 ,Expressions}.
13728
13729 @node Debugging C Plus Plus
13730 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}
13731
13732 @cindex commands for C@t{++}
13733
13734 Some @value{GDBN} commands are particularly useful with C@t{++}, and some are
13735 designed specifically for use with C@t{++}. Here is a summary:
13736
13737 @table @code
13738 @cindex break in overloaded functions
13739 @item @r{breakpoint menus}
13740 When you want a breakpoint in a function whose name is overloaded,
13741 @value{GDBN} has the capability to display a menu of possible breakpoint
13742 locations to help you specify which function definition you want.
13743 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}.
13744
13745 @cindex overloading in C@t{++}
13746 @item rbreak @var{regex}
13747 Setting breakpoints using regular expressions is helpful for setting
13748 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
13749 classes.
13750 @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
13751
13752 @cindex C@t{++} exception handling
13753 @item catch throw
13754 @itemx catch rethrow
13755 @itemx catch catch
13756 Debug C@t{++} exception handling using these commands. @xref{Set
13757 Catchpoints, , Setting Catchpoints}.
13758
13759 @cindex inheritance
13760 @item ptype @var{typename}
13761 Print inheritance relationships as well as other information for type
13762 @var{typename}.
13763 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}.
13764
13765 @item info vtbl @var{expression}.
13766 The @code{info vtbl} command can be used to display the virtual
13767 method tables of the object computed by @var{expression}. This shows
13768 one entry per virtual table; there may be multiple virtual tables when
13769 multiple inheritance is in use.
13770
13771 @cindex C@t{++} symbol display
13772 @item set print demangle
13773 @itemx show print demangle
13774 @itemx set print asm-demangle
13775 @itemx show print asm-demangle
13776 Control whether C@t{++} symbols display in their source form, both when
13777 displaying code as C@t{++} source and when displaying disassemblies.
13778 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
13779
13780 @item set print object
13781 @itemx show print object
13782 Choose whether to print derived (actual) or declared types of objects.
13783 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
13784
13785 @item set print vtbl
13786 @itemx show print vtbl
13787 Control the format for printing virtual function tables.
13788 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
13789 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
13790 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
13791
13792 @kindex set overload-resolution
13793 @cindex overloaded functions, overload resolution
13794 @item set overload-resolution on
13795 Enable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. The default
13796 is on. For overloaded functions, @value{GDBN} evaluates the arguments
13797 and searches for a function whose signature matches the argument types,
13798 using the standard C@t{++} conversion rules (see @ref{C Plus Plus
13799 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}, for details).
13800 If it cannot find a match, it emits a message.
13801
13802 @item set overload-resolution off
13803 Disable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. For
13804 overloaded functions that are not class member functions, @value{GDBN}
13805 chooses the first function of the specified name that it finds in the
13806 symbol table, whether or not its arguments are of the correct type. For
13807 overloaded functions that are class member functions, @value{GDBN}
13808 searches for a function whose signature @emph{exactly} matches the
13809 argument types.
13810
13811 @kindex show overload-resolution
13812 @item show overload-resolution
13813 Show the current setting of overload resolution.
13814
13815 @item @r{Overloaded symbol names}
13816 You can specify a particular definition of an overloaded symbol, using
13817 the same notation that is used to declare such symbols in C@t{++}: type
13818 @code{@var{symbol}(@var{types})} rather than just @var{symbol}. You can
13819 also use the @value{GDBN} command-line word completion facilities to list the
13820 available choices, or to finish the type list for you.
13821 @xref{Completion,, Command Completion}, for details on how to do this.
13822 @end table
13823
13824 @node Decimal Floating Point
13825 @subsubsection Decimal Floating Point format
13826 @cindex decimal floating point format
13827
13828 @value{GDBN} can examine, set and perform computations with numbers in
13829 decimal floating point format, which in the C language correspond to the
13830 @code{_Decimal32}, @code{_Decimal64} and @code{_Decimal128} types as
13831 specified by the extension to support decimal floating-point arithmetic.
13832
13833 There are two encodings in use, depending on the architecture: BID (Binary
13834 Integer Decimal) for x86 and x86-64, and DPD (Densely Packed Decimal) for
13835 PowerPC. @value{GDBN} will use the appropriate encoding for the configured
13836 target.
13837
13838 Because of a limitation in @file{libdecnumber}, the library used by @value{GDBN}
13839 to manipulate decimal floating point numbers, it is not possible to convert
13840 (using a cast, for example) integers wider than 32-bit to decimal float.
13841
13842 In addition, in order to imitate @value{GDBN}'s behaviour with binary floating
13843 point computations, error checking in decimal float operations ignores
13844 underflow, overflow and divide by zero exceptions.
13845
13846 In the PowerPC architecture, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers
13847 to inspect @code{_Decimal128} values stored in floating point registers.
13848 See @ref{PowerPC,,PowerPC} for more details.
13849
13850 @node D
13851 @subsection D
13852
13853 @cindex D
13854 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in D and compiled with
13855 GDC, LDC or DMD compilers. Currently @value{GDBN} supports only one D
13856 specific feature --- dynamic arrays.
13857
13858 @node Go
13859 @subsection Go
13860
13861 @cindex Go (programming language)
13862 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Go and compiled with
13863 @file{gccgo} or @file{6g} compilers.
13864
13865 Here is a summary of the Go-specific features and restrictions:
13866
13867 @table @code
13868 @cindex current Go package
13869 @item The current Go package
13870 The name of the current package does not need to be specified when
13871 specifying global variables and functions.
13872
13873 For example, given the program:
13874
13875 @example
13876 package main
13877 var myglob = "Shall we?"
13878 func main () @{
13879 // ...
13880 @}
13881 @end example
13882
13883 When stopped inside @code{main} either of these work:
13884
13885 @example
13886 (gdb) p myglob
13887 (gdb) p main.myglob
13888 @end example
13889
13890 @cindex builtin Go types
13891 @item Builtin Go types
13892 The @code{string} type is recognized by @value{GDBN} and is printed
13893 as a string.
13894
13895 @cindex builtin Go functions
13896 @item Builtin Go functions
13897 The @value{GDBN} expression parser recognizes the @code{unsafe.Sizeof}
13898 function and handles it internally.
13899
13900 @cindex restrictions on Go expressions
13901 @item Restrictions on Go expressions
13902 All Go operators are supported except @code{&^}.
13903 The Go @code{_} ``blank identifier'' is not supported.
13904 Automatic dereferencing of pointers is not supported.
13905 @end table
13906
13907 @node Objective-C
13908 @subsection Objective-C
13909
13910 @cindex Objective-C
13911 This section provides information about some commands and command
13912 options that are useful for debugging Objective-C code. See also
13913 @ref{Symbols, info classes}, and @ref{Symbols, info selectors}, for a
13914 few more commands specific to Objective-C support.
13915
13916 @menu
13917 * Method Names in Commands::
13918 * The Print Command with Objective-C::
13919 @end menu
13920
13921 @node Method Names in Commands
13922 @subsubsection Method Names in Commands
13923
13924 The following commands have been extended to accept Objective-C method
13925 names as line specifications:
13926
13927 @kindex clear@r{, and Objective-C}
13928 @kindex break@r{, and Objective-C}
13929 @kindex info line@r{, and Objective-C}
13930 @kindex jump@r{, and Objective-C}
13931 @kindex list@r{, and Objective-C}
13932 @itemize
13933 @item @code{clear}
13934 @item @code{break}
13935 @item @code{info line}
13936 @item @code{jump}
13937 @item @code{list}
13938 @end itemize
13939
13940 A fully qualified Objective-C method name is specified as
13941
13942 @smallexample
13943 -[@var{Class} @var{methodName}]
13944 @end smallexample
13945
13946 where the minus sign is used to indicate an instance method and a
13947 plus sign (not shown) is used to indicate a class method. The class
13948 name @var{Class} and method name @var{methodName} are enclosed in
13949 brackets, similar to the way messages are specified in Objective-C
13950 source code. For example, to set a breakpoint at the @code{create}
13951 instance method of class @code{Fruit} in the program currently being
13952 debugged, enter:
13953
13954 @smallexample
13955 break -[Fruit create]
13956 @end smallexample
13957
13958 To list ten program lines around the @code{initialize} class method,
13959 enter:
13960
13961 @smallexample
13962 list +[NSText initialize]
13963 @end smallexample
13964
13965 In the current version of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus sign is
13966 required. In future versions of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus
13967 sign will be optional, but you can use it to narrow the search. It
13968 is also possible to specify just a method name:
13969
13970 @smallexample
13971 break create
13972 @end smallexample
13973
13974 You must specify the complete method name, including any colons. If
13975 your program's source files contain more than one @code{create} method,
13976 you'll be presented with a numbered list of classes that implement that
13977 method. Indicate your choice by number, or type @samp{0} to exit if
13978 none apply.
13979
13980 As another example, to clear a breakpoint established at the
13981 @code{makeKeyAndOrderFront:} method of the @code{NSWindow} class, enter:
13982
13983 @smallexample
13984 clear -[NSWindow makeKeyAndOrderFront:]
13985 @end smallexample
13986
13987 @node The Print Command with Objective-C
13988 @subsubsection The Print Command With Objective-C
13989 @cindex Objective-C, print objects
13990 @kindex print-object
13991 @kindex po @r{(@code{print-object})}
13992
13993 The print command has also been extended to accept methods. For example:
13994
13995 @smallexample
13996 print -[@var{object} hash]
13997 @end smallexample
13998
13999 @cindex print an Objective-C object description
14000 @cindex @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, and printing Objective-C objects
14001 @noindent
14002 will tell @value{GDBN} to send the @code{hash} message to @var{object}
14003 and print the result. Also, an additional command has been added,
14004 @code{print-object} or @code{po} for short, which is meant to print
14005 the description of an object. However, this command may only work
14006 with certain Objective-C libraries that have a particular hook
14007 function, @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, defined.
14008
14009 @node OpenCL C
14010 @subsection OpenCL C
14011
14012 @cindex OpenCL C
14013 This section provides information about @value{GDBN}s OpenCL C support.
14014
14015 @menu
14016 * OpenCL C Datatypes::
14017 * OpenCL C Expressions::
14018 * OpenCL C Operators::
14019 @end menu
14020
14021 @node OpenCL C Datatypes
14022 @subsubsection OpenCL C Datatypes
14023
14024 @cindex OpenCL C Datatypes
14025 @value{GDBN} supports the builtin scalar and vector datatypes specified
14026 by OpenCL 1.1. In addition the half- and double-precision floating point
14027 data types of the @code{cl_khr_fp16} and @code{cl_khr_fp64} OpenCL
14028 extensions are also known to @value{GDBN}.
14029
14030 @node OpenCL C Expressions
14031 @subsubsection OpenCL C Expressions
14032
14033 @cindex OpenCL C Expressions
14034 @value{GDBN} supports accesses to vector components including the access as
14035 lvalue where possible. Since OpenCL C is based on C99 most C expressions
14036 supported by @value{GDBN} can be used as well.
14037
14038 @node OpenCL C Operators
14039 @subsubsection OpenCL C Operators
14040
14041 @cindex OpenCL C Operators
14042 @value{GDBN} supports the operators specified by OpenCL 1.1 for scalar and
14043 vector data types.
14044
14045 @node Fortran
14046 @subsection Fortran
14047 @cindex Fortran-specific support in @value{GDBN}
14048
14049 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, but it
14050 currently supports only the features of Fortran 77 language.
14051
14052 @cindex trailing underscore, in Fortran symbols
14053 Some Fortran compilers (@sc{gnu} Fortran 77 and Fortran 95 compilers
14054 among them) append an underscore to the names of variables and
14055 functions. When you debug programs compiled by those compilers, you
14056 will need to refer to variables and functions with a trailing
14057 underscore.
14058
14059 @menu
14060 * Fortran Operators:: Fortran operators and expressions
14061 * Fortran Defaults:: Default settings for Fortran
14062 * Special Fortran Commands:: Special @value{GDBN} commands for Fortran
14063 @end menu
14064
14065 @node Fortran Operators
14066 @subsubsection Fortran Operators and Expressions
14067
14068 @cindex Fortran operators and expressions
14069
14070 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
14071 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on characters or other non-
14072 arithmetic types. Operators are often defined on groups of types.
14073
14074 @table @code
14075 @item **
14076 The exponentiation operator. It raises the first operand to the power
14077 of the second one.
14078
14079 @item :
14080 The range operator. Normally used in the form of array(low:high) to
14081 represent a section of array.
14082
14083 @item %
14084 The access component operator. Normally used to access elements in derived
14085 types. Also suitable for unions. As unions aren't part of regular Fortran,
14086 this can only happen when accessing a register that uses a gdbarch-defined
14087 union type.
14088 @end table
14089
14090 @node Fortran Defaults
14091 @subsubsection Fortran Defaults
14092
14093 @cindex Fortran Defaults
14094
14095 Fortran symbols are usually case-insensitive, so @value{GDBN} by
14096 default uses case-insensitive matches for Fortran symbols. You can
14097 change that with the @samp{set case-insensitive} command, see
14098 @ref{Symbols}, for the details.
14099
14100 @node Special Fortran Commands
14101 @subsubsection Special Fortran Commands
14102
14103 @cindex Special Fortran commands
14104
14105 @value{GDBN} has some commands to support Fortran-specific features,
14106 such as displaying common blocks.
14107
14108 @table @code
14109 @cindex @code{COMMON} blocks, Fortran
14110 @kindex info common
14111 @item info common @r{[}@var{common-name}@r{]}
14112 This command prints the values contained in the Fortran @code{COMMON}
14113 block whose name is @var{common-name}. With no argument, the names of
14114 all @code{COMMON} blocks visible at the current program location are
14115 printed.
14116 @end table
14117
14118 @node Pascal
14119 @subsection Pascal
14120
14121 @cindex Pascal support in @value{GDBN}, limitations
14122 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
14123 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
14124 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
14125 syntax.
14126
14127 The Pascal-specific command @code{set print pascal_static-members}
14128 controls whether static members of Pascal objects are displayed.
14129 @xref{Print Settings, pascal_static-members}.
14130
14131 @node Modula-2
14132 @subsection Modula-2
14133
14134 @cindex Modula-2, @value{GDBN} support
14135
14136 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} to support Modula-2 only support
14137 output from the @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler (which is currently being
14138 developed). Other Modula-2 compilers are not currently supported, and
14139 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
14140 to give an error as @value{GDBN} reads in the executable's symbol
14141 table.
14142
14143 @cindex expressions in Modula-2
14144 @menu
14145 * M2 Operators:: Built-in operators
14146 * Built-In Func/Proc:: Built-in functions and procedures
14147 * M2 Constants:: Modula-2 constants
14148 * M2 Types:: Modula-2 types
14149 * M2 Defaults:: Default settings for Modula-2
14150 * Deviations:: Deviations from standard Modula-2
14151 * M2 Checks:: Modula-2 type and range checks
14152 * M2 Scope:: The scope operators @code{::} and @code{.}
14153 * GDB/M2:: @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
14154 @end menu
14155
14156 @node M2 Operators
14157 @subsubsection Operators
14158 @cindex Modula-2 operators
14159
14160 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
14161 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
14162 often defined on groups of types. For the purposes of Modula-2, the
14163 following definitions hold:
14164
14165 @itemize @bullet
14166
14167 @item
14168 @emph{Integral types} consist of @code{INTEGER}, @code{CARDINAL}, and
14169 their subranges.
14170
14171 @item
14172 @emph{Character types} consist of @code{CHAR} and its subranges.
14173
14174 @item
14175 @emph{Floating-point types} consist of @code{REAL}.
14176
14177 @item
14178 @emph{Pointer types} consist of anything declared as @code{POINTER TO
14179 @var{type}}.
14180
14181 @item
14182 @emph{Scalar types} consist of all of the above.
14183
14184 @item
14185 @emph{Set types} consist of @code{SET} and @code{BITSET} types.
14186
14187 @item
14188 @emph{Boolean types} consist of @code{BOOLEAN}.
14189 @end itemize
14190
14191 @noindent
14192 The following operators are supported, and appear in order of
14193 increasing precedence:
14194
14195 @table @code
14196 @item ,
14197 Function argument or array index separator.
14198
14199 @item :=
14200 Assignment. The value of @var{var} @code{:=} @var{value} is
14201 @var{value}.
14202
14203 @item <@r{, }>
14204 Less than, greater than on integral, floating-point, or enumerated
14205 types.
14206
14207 @item <=@r{, }>=
14208 Less than or equal to, greater than or equal to
14209 on integral, floating-point and enumerated types, or set inclusion on
14210 set types. Same precedence as @code{<}.
14211
14212 @item =@r{, }<>@r{, }#
14213 Equality and two ways of expressing inequality, valid on scalar types.
14214 Same precedence as @code{<}. In @value{GDBN} scripts, only @code{<>} is
14215 available for inequality, since @code{#} conflicts with the script
14216 comment character.
14217
14218 @item IN
14219 Set membership. Defined on set types and the types of their members.
14220 Same precedence as @code{<}.
14221
14222 @item OR
14223 Boolean disjunction. Defined on boolean types.
14224
14225 @item AND@r{, }&
14226 Boolean conjunction. Defined on boolean types.
14227
14228 @item @@
14229 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
14230
14231 @item +@r{, }-
14232 Addition and subtraction on integral and floating-point types, or union
14233 and difference on set types.
14234
14235 @item *
14236 Multiplication on integral and floating-point types, or set intersection
14237 on set types.
14238
14239 @item /
14240 Division on floating-point types, or symmetric set difference on set
14241 types. Same precedence as @code{*}.
14242
14243 @item DIV@r{, }MOD
14244 Integer division and remainder. Defined on integral types. Same
14245 precedence as @code{*}.
14246
14247 @item -
14248 Negative. Defined on @code{INTEGER} and @code{REAL} data.
14249
14250 @item ^
14251 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types.
14252
14253 @item NOT
14254 Boolean negation. Defined on boolean types. Same precedence as
14255 @code{^}.
14256
14257 @item .
14258 @code{RECORD} field selector. Defined on @code{RECORD} data. Same
14259 precedence as @code{^}.
14260
14261 @item []
14262 Array indexing. Defined on @code{ARRAY} data. Same precedence as @code{^}.
14263
14264 @item ()
14265 Procedure argument list. Defined on @code{PROCEDURE} objects. Same precedence
14266 as @code{^}.
14267
14268 @item ::@r{, }.
14269 @value{GDBN} and Modula-2 scope operators.
14270 @end table
14271
14272 @quotation
14273 @emph{Warning:} Set expressions and their operations are not yet supported, so @value{GDBN}
14274 treats the use of the operator @code{IN}, or the use of operators
14275 @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{=}, , @code{<>}, @code{#},
14276 @code{<=}, and @code{>=} on sets as an error.
14277 @end quotation
14278
14279
14280 @node Built-In Func/Proc
14281 @subsubsection Built-in Functions and Procedures
14282 @cindex Modula-2 built-ins
14283
14284 Modula-2 also makes available several built-in procedures and functions.
14285 In describing these, the following metavariables are used:
14286
14287 @table @var
14288
14289 @item a
14290 represents an @code{ARRAY} variable.
14291
14292 @item c
14293 represents a @code{CHAR} constant or variable.
14294
14295 @item i
14296 represents a variable or constant of integral type.
14297
14298 @item m
14299 represents an identifier that belongs to a set. Generally used in the
14300 same function with the metavariable @var{s}. The type of @var{s} should
14301 be @code{SET OF @var{mtype}} (where @var{mtype} is the type of @var{m}).
14302
14303 @item n
14304 represents a variable or constant of integral or floating-point type.
14305
14306 @item r
14307 represents a variable or constant of floating-point type.
14308
14309 @item t
14310 represents a type.
14311
14312 @item v
14313 represents a variable.
14314
14315 @item x
14316 represents a variable or constant of one of many types. See the
14317 explanation of the function for details.
14318 @end table
14319
14320 All Modula-2 built-in procedures also return a result, described below.
14321
14322 @table @code
14323 @item ABS(@var{n})
14324 Returns the absolute value of @var{n}.
14325
14326 @item CAP(@var{c})
14327 If @var{c} is a lower case letter, it returns its upper case
14328 equivalent, otherwise it returns its argument.
14329
14330 @item CHR(@var{i})
14331 Returns the character whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
14332
14333 @item DEC(@var{v})
14334 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
14335
14336 @item DEC(@var{v},@var{i})
14337 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
14338 new value.
14339
14340 @item EXCL(@var{m},@var{s})
14341 Removes the element @var{m} from the set @var{s}. Returns the new
14342 set.
14343
14344 @item FLOAT(@var{i})
14345 Returns the floating point equivalent of the integer @var{i}.
14346
14347 @item HIGH(@var{a})
14348 Returns the index of the last member of @var{a}.
14349
14350 @item INC(@var{v})
14351 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
14352
14353 @item INC(@var{v},@var{i})
14354 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
14355 new value.
14356
14357 @item INCL(@var{m},@var{s})
14358 Adds the element @var{m} to the set @var{s} if it is not already
14359 there. Returns the new set.
14360
14361 @item MAX(@var{t})
14362 Returns the maximum value of the type @var{t}.
14363
14364 @item MIN(@var{t})
14365 Returns the minimum value of the type @var{t}.
14366
14367 @item ODD(@var{i})
14368 Returns boolean TRUE if @var{i} is an odd number.
14369
14370 @item ORD(@var{x})
14371 Returns the ordinal value of its argument. For example, the ordinal
14372 value of a character is its @sc{ascii} value (on machines supporting the
14373 @sc{ascii} character set). @var{x} must be of an ordered type, which include
14374 integral, character and enumerated types.
14375
14376 @item SIZE(@var{x})
14377 Returns the size of its argument. @var{x} can be a variable or a type.
14378
14379 @item TRUNC(@var{r})
14380 Returns the integral part of @var{r}.
14381
14382 @item TSIZE(@var{x})
14383 Returns the size of its argument. @var{x} can be a variable or a type.
14384
14385 @item VAL(@var{t},@var{i})
14386 Returns the member of the type @var{t} whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
14387 @end table
14388
14389 @quotation
14390 @emph{Warning:} Sets and their operations are not yet supported, so
14391 @value{GDBN} treats the use of procedures @code{INCL} and @code{EXCL} as
14392 an error.
14393 @end quotation
14394
14395 @cindex Modula-2 constants
14396 @node M2 Constants
14397 @subsubsection Constants
14398
14399 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of Modula-2 in the following
14400 ways:
14401
14402 @itemize @bullet
14403
14404 @item
14405 Integer constants are simply a sequence of digits. When used in an
14406 expression, a constant is interpreted to be type-compatible with the
14407 rest of the expression. Hexadecimal integers are specified by a
14408 trailing @samp{H}, and octal integers by a trailing @samp{B}.
14409
14410 @item
14411 Floating point constants appear as a sequence of digits, followed by a
14412 decimal point and another sequence of digits. An optional exponent can
14413 then be specified, in the form @samp{E@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}, where
14414 @samp{@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}} is the desired exponent. All of the
14415 digits of the floating point constant must be valid decimal (base 10)
14416 digits.
14417
14418 @item
14419 Character constants consist of a single character enclosed by a pair of
14420 like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}). They may
14421 also be expressed by their ordinal value (their @sc{ascii} value, usually)
14422 followed by a @samp{C}.
14423
14424 @item
14425 String constants consist of a sequence of characters enclosed by a
14426 pair of like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}).
14427 Escape sequences in the style of C are also allowed. @xref{C
14428 Constants, ,C and C@t{++} Constants}, for a brief explanation of escape
14429 sequences.
14430
14431 @item
14432 Enumerated constants consist of an enumerated identifier.
14433
14434 @item
14435 Boolean constants consist of the identifiers @code{TRUE} and
14436 @code{FALSE}.
14437
14438 @item
14439 Pointer constants consist of integral values only.
14440
14441 @item
14442 Set constants are not yet supported.
14443 @end itemize
14444
14445 @node M2 Types
14446 @subsubsection Modula-2 Types
14447 @cindex Modula-2 types
14448
14449 Currently @value{GDBN} can print the following data types in Modula-2
14450 syntax: array types, record types, set types, pointer types, procedure
14451 types, enumerated types, subrange types and base types. You can also
14452 print the contents of variables declared using these type.
14453 This section gives a number of simple source code examples together with
14454 sample @value{GDBN} sessions.
14455
14456 The first example contains the following section of code:
14457
14458 @smallexample
14459 VAR
14460 s: SET OF CHAR ;
14461 r: [20..40] ;
14462 @end smallexample
14463
14464 @noindent
14465 and you can request @value{GDBN} to interrogate the type and value of
14466 @code{r} and @code{s}.
14467
14468 @smallexample
14469 (@value{GDBP}) print s
14470 @{'A'..'C', 'Z'@}
14471 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
14472 SET OF CHAR
14473 (@value{GDBP}) print r
14474 21
14475 (@value{GDBP}) ptype r
14476 [20..40]
14477 @end smallexample
14478
14479 @noindent
14480 Likewise if your source code declares @code{s} as:
14481
14482 @smallexample
14483 VAR
14484 s: SET ['A'..'Z'] ;
14485 @end smallexample
14486
14487 @noindent
14488 then you may query the type of @code{s} by:
14489
14490 @smallexample
14491 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
14492 type = SET ['A'..'Z']
14493 @end smallexample
14494
14495 @noindent
14496 Note that at present you cannot interactively manipulate set
14497 expressions using the debugger.
14498
14499 The following example shows how you might declare an array in Modula-2
14500 and how you can interact with @value{GDBN} to print its type and contents:
14501
14502 @smallexample
14503 VAR
14504 s: ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR ;
14505 @end smallexample
14506
14507 @smallexample
14508 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
14509 ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR
14510 @end smallexample
14511
14512 Note that the array handling is not yet complete and although the type
14513 is printed correctly, expression handling still assumes that all
14514 arrays have a lower bound of zero and not @code{-10} as in the example
14515 above.
14516
14517 Here are some more type related Modula-2 examples:
14518
14519 @smallexample
14520 TYPE
14521 colour = (blue, red, yellow, green) ;
14522 t = [blue..yellow] ;
14523 VAR
14524 s: t ;
14525 BEGIN
14526 s := blue ;
14527 @end smallexample
14528
14529 @noindent
14530 The @value{GDBN} interaction shows how you can query the data type
14531 and value of a variable.
14532
14533 @smallexample
14534 (@value{GDBP}) print s
14535 $1 = blue
14536 (@value{GDBP}) ptype t
14537 type = [blue..yellow]
14538 @end smallexample
14539
14540 @noindent
14541 In this example a Modula-2 array is declared and its contents
14542 displayed. Observe that the contents are written in the same way as
14543 their @code{C} counterparts.
14544
14545 @smallexample
14546 VAR
14547 s: ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
14548 BEGIN
14549 s[1] := 1 ;
14550 @end smallexample
14551
14552 @smallexample
14553 (@value{GDBP}) print s
14554 $1 = @{1, 0, 0, 0, 0@}
14555 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
14556 type = ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
14557 @end smallexample
14558
14559 The Modula-2 language interface to @value{GDBN} also understands
14560 pointer types as shown in this example:
14561
14562 @smallexample
14563 VAR
14564 s: POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
14565 BEGIN
14566 NEW(s) ;
14567 s^[1] := 1 ;
14568 @end smallexample
14569
14570 @noindent
14571 and you can request that @value{GDBN} describes the type of @code{s}.
14572
14573 @smallexample
14574 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
14575 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
14576 @end smallexample
14577
14578 @value{GDBN} handles compound types as we can see in this example.
14579 Here we combine array types, record types, pointer types and subrange
14580 types:
14581
14582 @smallexample
14583 TYPE
14584 foo = RECORD
14585 f1: CARDINAL ;
14586 f2: CHAR ;
14587 f3: myarray ;
14588 END ;
14589
14590 myarray = ARRAY myrange OF CARDINAL ;
14591 myrange = [-2..2] ;
14592 VAR
14593 s: POINTER TO ARRAY myrange OF foo ;
14594 @end smallexample
14595
14596 @noindent
14597 and you can ask @value{GDBN} to describe the type of @code{s} as shown
14598 below.
14599
14600 @smallexample
14601 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
14602 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [-2..2] OF foo = RECORD
14603 f1 : CARDINAL;
14604 f2 : CHAR;
14605 f3 : ARRAY [-2..2] OF CARDINAL;
14606 END
14607 @end smallexample
14608
14609 @node M2 Defaults
14610 @subsubsection Modula-2 Defaults
14611 @cindex Modula-2 defaults
14612
14613 If type and range checking are set automatically by @value{GDBN}, they
14614 both default to @code{on} whenever the working language changes to
14615 Modula-2. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
14616 selected the working language.
14617
14618 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, then entering
14619 code compiled from a file whose name ends with @file{.mod} sets the
14620 working language to Modula-2. @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN}
14621 Infer the Source Language}, for further details.
14622
14623 @node Deviations
14624 @subsubsection Deviations from Standard Modula-2
14625 @cindex Modula-2, deviations from
14626
14627 A few changes have been made to make Modula-2 programs easier to debug.
14628 This is done primarily via loosening its type strictness:
14629
14630 @itemize @bullet
14631 @item
14632 Unlike in standard Modula-2, pointer constants can be formed by
14633 integers. This allows you to modify pointer variables during
14634 debugging. (In standard Modula-2, the actual address contained in a
14635 pointer variable is hidden from you; it can only be modified
14636 through direct assignment to another pointer variable or expression that
14637 returned a pointer.)
14638
14639 @item
14640 C escape sequences can be used in strings and characters to represent
14641 non-printable characters. @value{GDBN} prints out strings with these
14642 escape sequences embedded. Single non-printable characters are
14643 printed using the @samp{CHR(@var{nnn})} format.
14644
14645 @item
14646 The assignment operator (@code{:=}) returns the value of its right-hand
14647 argument.
14648
14649 @item
14650 All built-in procedures both modify @emph{and} return their argument.
14651 @end itemize
14652
14653 @node M2 Checks
14654 @subsubsection Modula-2 Type and Range Checks
14655 @cindex Modula-2 checks
14656
14657 @quotation
14658 @emph{Warning:} in this release, @value{GDBN} does not yet perform type or
14659 range checking.
14660 @end quotation
14661 @c FIXME remove warning when type/range checks added
14662
14663 @value{GDBN} considers two Modula-2 variables type equivalent if:
14664
14665 @itemize @bullet
14666 @item
14667 They are of types that have been declared equivalent via a @code{TYPE
14668 @var{t1} = @var{t2}} statement
14669
14670 @item
14671 They have been declared on the same line. (Note: This is true of the
14672 @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler, but it may not be true of other compilers.)
14673 @end itemize
14674
14675 As long as type checking is enabled, any attempt to combine variables
14676 whose types are not equivalent is an error.
14677
14678 Range checking is done on all mathematical operations, assignment, array
14679 index bounds, and all built-in functions and procedures.
14680
14681 @node M2 Scope
14682 @subsubsection The Scope Operators @code{::} and @code{.}
14683 @cindex scope
14684 @cindex @code{.}, Modula-2 scope operator
14685 @cindex colon, doubled as scope operator
14686 @ifinfo
14687 @vindex colon-colon@r{, in Modula-2}
14688 @c Info cannot handle :: but TeX can.
14689 @end ifinfo
14690 @ifnotinfo
14691 @vindex ::@r{, in Modula-2}
14692 @end ifnotinfo
14693
14694 There are a few subtle differences between the Modula-2 scope operator
14695 (@code{.}) and the @value{GDBN} scope operator (@code{::}). The two have
14696 similar syntax:
14697
14698 @smallexample
14699
14700 @var{module} . @var{id}
14701 @var{scope} :: @var{id}
14702 @end smallexample
14703
14704 @noindent
14705 where @var{scope} is the name of a module or a procedure,
14706 @var{module} the name of a module, and @var{id} is any declared
14707 identifier within your program, except another module.
14708
14709 Using the @code{::} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the scope
14710 specified by @var{scope} for the identifier @var{id}. If it is not
14711 found in the specified scope, then @value{GDBN} searches all scopes
14712 enclosing the one specified by @var{scope}.
14713
14714 Using the @code{.} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the current scope for
14715 the identifier specified by @var{id} that was imported from the
14716 definition module specified by @var{module}. With this operator, it is
14717 an error if the identifier @var{id} was not imported from definition
14718 module @var{module}, or if @var{id} is not an identifier in
14719 @var{module}.
14720
14721 @node GDB/M2
14722 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
14723
14724 Some @value{GDBN} commands have little use when debugging Modula-2 programs.
14725 Five subcommands of @code{set print} and @code{show print} apply
14726 specifically to C and C@t{++}: @samp{vtbl}, @samp{demangle},
14727 @samp{asm-demangle}, @samp{object}, and @samp{union}. The first four
14728 apply to C@t{++}, and the last to the C @code{union} type, which has no direct
14729 analogue in Modula-2.
14730
14731 The @code{@@} operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}), while available
14732 with any language, is not useful with Modula-2. Its
14733 intent is to aid the debugging of @dfn{dynamic arrays}, which cannot be
14734 created in Modula-2 as they can in C or C@t{++}. However, because an
14735 address can be specified by an integral constant, the construct
14736 @samp{@{@var{type}@}@var{adrexp}} is still useful.
14737
14738 @cindex @code{#} in Modula-2
14739 In @value{GDBN} scripts, the Modula-2 inequality operator @code{#} is
14740 interpreted as the beginning of a comment. Use @code{<>} instead.
14741
14742 @node Ada
14743 @subsection Ada
14744 @cindex Ada
14745
14746 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} for Ada only support
14747 output from the @sc{gnu} Ada (GNAT) compiler.
14748 Other Ada compilers are not currently supported, and
14749 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
14750 to be difficult.
14751
14752
14753 @cindex expressions in Ada
14754 @menu
14755 * Ada Mode Intro:: General remarks on the Ada syntax
14756 and semantics supported by Ada mode
14757 in @value{GDBN}.
14758 * Omissions from Ada:: Restrictions on the Ada expression syntax.
14759 * Additions to Ada:: Extensions of the Ada expression syntax.
14760 * Stopping Before Main Program:: Debugging the program during elaboration.
14761 * Ada Tasks:: Listing and setting breakpoints in tasks.
14762 * Ada Tasks and Core Files:: Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
14763 * Ravenscar Profile:: Tasking Support when using the Ravenscar
14764 Profile
14765 * Ada Glitches:: Known peculiarities of Ada mode.
14766 @end menu
14767
14768 @node Ada Mode Intro
14769 @subsubsection Introduction
14770 @cindex Ada mode, general
14771
14772 The Ada mode of @value{GDBN} supports a fairly large subset of Ada expression
14773 syntax, with some extensions.
14774 The philosophy behind the design of this subset is
14775
14776 @itemize @bullet
14777 @item
14778 That @value{GDBN} should provide basic literals and access to operations for
14779 arithmetic, dereferencing, field selection, indexing, and subprogram calls,
14780 leaving more sophisticated computations to subprograms written into the
14781 program (which therefore may be called from @value{GDBN}).
14782
14783 @item
14784 That type safety and strict adherence to Ada language restrictions
14785 are not particularly important to the @value{GDBN} user.
14786
14787 @item
14788 That brevity is important to the @value{GDBN} user.
14789 @end itemize
14790
14791 Thus, for brevity, the debugger acts as if all names declared in
14792 user-written packages are directly visible, even if they are not visible
14793 according to Ada rules, thus making it unnecessary to fully qualify most
14794 names with their packages, regardless of context. Where this causes
14795 ambiguity, @value{GDBN} asks the user's intent.
14796
14797 The debugger will start in Ada mode if it detects an Ada main program.
14798 As for other languages, it will enter Ada mode when stopped in a program that
14799 was translated from an Ada source file.
14800
14801 While in Ada mode, you may use `@t{--}' for comments. This is useful
14802 mostly for documenting command files. The standard @value{GDBN} comment
14803 (@samp{#}) still works at the beginning of a line in Ada mode, but not in the
14804 middle (to allow based literals).
14805
14806 The debugger supports limited overloading. Given a subprogram call in which
14807 the function symbol has multiple definitions, it will use the number of
14808 actual parameters and some information about their types to attempt to narrow
14809 the set of definitions. It also makes very limited use of context, preferring
14810 procedures to functions in the context of the @code{call} command, and
14811 functions to procedures elsewhere.
14812
14813 @node Omissions from Ada
14814 @subsubsection Omissions from Ada
14815 @cindex Ada, omissions from
14816
14817 Here are the notable omissions from the subset:
14818
14819 @itemize @bullet
14820 @item
14821 Only a subset of the attributes are supported:
14822
14823 @itemize @minus
14824 @item
14825 @t{'First}, @t{'Last}, and @t{'Length}
14826 on array objects (not on types and subtypes).
14827
14828 @item
14829 @t{'Min} and @t{'Max}.
14830
14831 @item
14832 @t{'Pos} and @t{'Val}.
14833
14834 @item
14835 @t{'Tag}.
14836
14837 @item
14838 @t{'Range} on array objects (not subtypes), but only as the right
14839 operand of the membership (@code{in}) operator.
14840
14841 @item
14842 @t{'Access}, @t{'Unchecked_Access}, and
14843 @t{'Unrestricted_Access} (a GNAT extension).
14844
14845 @item
14846 @t{'Address}.
14847 @end itemize
14848
14849 @item
14850 The names in
14851 @code{Characters.Latin_1} are not available and
14852 concatenation is not implemented. Thus, escape characters in strings are
14853 not currently available.
14854
14855 @item
14856 Equality tests (@samp{=} and @samp{/=}) on arrays test for bitwise
14857 equality of representations. They will generally work correctly
14858 for strings and arrays whose elements have integer or enumeration types.
14859 They may not work correctly for arrays whose element
14860 types have user-defined equality, for arrays of real values
14861 (in particular, IEEE-conformant floating point, because of negative
14862 zeroes and NaNs), and for arrays whose elements contain unused bits with
14863 indeterminate values.
14864
14865 @item
14866 The other component-by-component array operations (@code{and}, @code{or},
14867 @code{xor}, @code{not}, and relational tests other than equality)
14868 are not implemented.
14869
14870 @item
14871 @cindex array aggregates (Ada)
14872 @cindex record aggregates (Ada)
14873 @cindex aggregates (Ada)
14874 There is limited support for array and record aggregates. They are
14875 permitted only on the right sides of assignments, as in these examples:
14876
14877 @smallexample
14878 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
14879 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, others => 0)
14880 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (0|4 => 1, 1..3 => 2, 5 => 6)
14881 (@value{GDBP}) set A_2D_Array := ((1, 2, 3), (4, 5, 6), (7, 8, 9))
14882 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (1, "Peter", True);
14883 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (Name => "Peter", Id => 1, Alive => True)
14884 @end smallexample
14885
14886 Changing a
14887 discriminant's value by assigning an aggregate has an
14888 undefined effect if that discriminant is used within the record.
14889 However, you can first modify discriminants by directly assigning to
14890 them (which normally would not be allowed in Ada), and then performing an
14891 aggregate assignment. For example, given a variable @code{A_Rec}
14892 declared to have a type such as:
14893
14894 @smallexample
14895 type Rec (Len : Small_Integer := 0) is record
14896 Id : Integer;
14897 Vals : IntArray (1 .. Len);
14898 end record;
14899 @end smallexample
14900
14901 you can assign a value with a different size of @code{Vals} with two
14902 assignments:
14903
14904 @smallexample
14905 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec.Len := 4
14906 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec := (Id => 42, Vals => (1, 2, 3, 4))
14907 @end smallexample
14908
14909 As this example also illustrates, @value{GDBN} is very loose about the usual
14910 rules concerning aggregates. You may leave out some of the
14911 components of an array or record aggregate (such as the @code{Len}
14912 component in the assignment to @code{A_Rec} above); they will retain their
14913 original values upon assignment. You may freely use dynamic values as
14914 indices in component associations. You may even use overlapping or
14915 redundant component associations, although which component values are
14916 assigned in such cases is not defined.
14917
14918 @item
14919 Calls to dispatching subprograms are not implemented.
14920
14921 @item
14922 The overloading algorithm is much more limited (i.e., less selective)
14923 than that of real Ada. It makes only limited use of the context in
14924 which a subexpression appears to resolve its meaning, and it is much
14925 looser in its rules for allowing type matches. As a result, some
14926 function calls will be ambiguous, and the user will be asked to choose
14927 the proper resolution.
14928
14929 @item
14930 The @code{new} operator is not implemented.
14931
14932 @item
14933 Entry calls are not implemented.
14934
14935 @item
14936 Aside from printing, arithmetic operations on the native VAX floating-point
14937 formats are not supported.
14938
14939 @item
14940 It is not possible to slice a packed array.
14941
14942 @item
14943 The names @code{True} and @code{False}, when not part of a qualified name,
14944 are interpreted as if implicitly prefixed by @code{Standard}, regardless of
14945 context.
14946 Should your program
14947 redefine these names in a package or procedure (at best a dubious practice),
14948 you will have to use fully qualified names to access their new definitions.
14949 @end itemize
14950
14951 @node Additions to Ada
14952 @subsubsection Additions to Ada
14953 @cindex Ada, deviations from
14954
14955 As it does for other languages, @value{GDBN} makes certain generic
14956 extensions to Ada (@pxref{Expressions}):
14957
14958 @itemize @bullet
14959 @item
14960 If the expression @var{E} is a variable residing in memory (typically
14961 a local variable or array element) and @var{N} is a positive integer,
14962 then @code{@var{E}@@@var{N}} displays the values of @var{E} and the
14963 @var{N}-1 adjacent variables following it in memory as an array. In
14964 Ada, this operator is generally not necessary, since its prime use is
14965 in displaying parts of an array, and slicing will usually do this in
14966 Ada. However, there are occasional uses when debugging programs in
14967 which certain debugging information has been optimized away.
14968
14969 @item
14970 @code{@var{B}::@var{var}} means ``the variable named @var{var} that
14971 appears in function or file @var{B}.'' When @var{B} is a file name,
14972 you must typically surround it in single quotes.
14973
14974 @item
14975 The expression @code{@{@var{type}@} @var{addr}} means ``the variable of type
14976 @var{type} that appears at address @var{addr}.''
14977
14978 @item
14979 A name starting with @samp{$} is a convenience variable
14980 (@pxref{Convenience Vars}) or a machine register (@pxref{Registers}).
14981 @end itemize
14982
14983 In addition, @value{GDBN} provides a few other shortcuts and outright
14984 additions specific to Ada:
14985
14986 @itemize @bullet
14987 @item
14988 The assignment statement is allowed as an expression, returning
14989 its right-hand operand as its value. Thus, you may enter
14990
14991 @smallexample
14992 (@value{GDBP}) set x := y + 3
14993 (@value{GDBP}) print A(tmp := y + 1)
14994 @end smallexample
14995
14996 @item
14997 The semicolon is allowed as an ``operator,'' returning as its value
14998 the value of its right-hand operand.
14999 This allows, for example,
15000 complex conditional breaks:
15001
15002 @smallexample
15003 (@value{GDBP}) break f
15004 (@value{GDBP}) condition 1 (report(i); k += 1; A(k) > 100)
15005 @end smallexample
15006
15007 @item
15008 Rather than use catenation and symbolic character names to introduce special
15009 characters into strings, one may instead use a special bracket notation,
15010 which is also used to print strings. A sequence of characters of the form
15011 @samp{["@var{XX}"]} within a string or character literal denotes the
15012 (single) character whose numeric encoding is @var{XX} in hexadecimal. The
15013 sequence of characters @samp{["""]} also denotes a single quotation mark
15014 in strings. For example,
15015 @smallexample
15016 "One line.["0a"]Next line.["0a"]"
15017 @end smallexample
15018 @noindent
15019 contains an ASCII newline character (@code{Ada.Characters.Latin_1.LF})
15020 after each period.
15021
15022 @item
15023 The subtype used as a prefix for the attributes @t{'Pos}, @t{'Min}, and
15024 @t{'Max} is optional (and is ignored in any case). For example, it is valid
15025 to write
15026
15027 @smallexample
15028 (@value{GDBP}) print 'max(x, y)
15029 @end smallexample
15030
15031 @item
15032 When printing arrays, @value{GDBN} uses positional notation when the
15033 array has a lower bound of 1, and uses a modified named notation otherwise.
15034 For example, a one-dimensional array of three integers with a lower bound
15035 of 3 might print as
15036
15037 @smallexample
15038 (3 => 10, 17, 1)
15039 @end smallexample
15040
15041 @noindent
15042 That is, in contrast to valid Ada, only the first component has a @code{=>}
15043 clause.
15044
15045 @item
15046 You may abbreviate attributes in expressions with any unique,
15047 multi-character subsequence of
15048 their names (an exact match gets preference).
15049 For example, you may use @t{a'len}, @t{a'gth}, or @t{a'lh}
15050 in place of @t{a'length}.
15051
15052 @item
15053 @cindex quoting Ada internal identifiers
15054 Since Ada is case-insensitive, the debugger normally maps identifiers you type
15055 to lower case. The GNAT compiler uses upper-case characters for
15056 some of its internal identifiers, which are normally of no interest to users.
15057 For the rare occasions when you actually have to look at them,
15058 enclose them in angle brackets to avoid the lower-case mapping.
15059 For example,
15060 @smallexample
15061 (@value{GDBP}) print <JMPBUF_SAVE>[0]
15062 @end smallexample
15063
15064 @item
15065 Printing an object of class-wide type or dereferencing an
15066 access-to-class-wide value will display all the components of the object's
15067 specific type (as indicated by its run-time tag). Likewise, component
15068 selection on such a value will operate on the specific type of the
15069 object.
15070
15071 @end itemize
15072
15073 @node Stopping Before Main Program
15074 @subsubsection Stopping at the Very Beginning
15075
15076 @cindex breakpointing Ada elaboration code
15077 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration, and
15078 before reaching the main procedure.
15079 As defined in the Ada Reference
15080 Manual, the elaboration code is invoked from a procedure called
15081 @code{adainit}. To run your program up to the beginning of
15082 elaboration, simply use the following two commands:
15083 @code{tbreak adainit} and @code{run}.
15084
15085 @node Ada Tasks
15086 @subsubsection Extensions for Ada Tasks
15087 @cindex Ada, tasking
15088
15089 Support for Ada tasks is analogous to that for threads (@pxref{Threads}).
15090 @value{GDBN} provides the following task-related commands:
15091
15092 @table @code
15093 @kindex info tasks
15094 @item info tasks
15095 This command shows a list of current Ada tasks, as in the following example:
15096
15097
15098 @smallexample
15099 @iftex
15100 @leftskip=0.5cm
15101 @end iftex
15102 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
15103 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
15104 1 8088000 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
15105 2 80a4000 1 15 Accept Statement b
15106 3 809a800 1 15 Child Activation Wait a
15107 * 4 80ae800 3 15 Runnable c
15108
15109 @end smallexample
15110
15111 @noindent
15112 In this listing, the asterisk before the last task indicates it to be the
15113 task currently being inspected.
15114
15115 @table @asis
15116 @item ID
15117 Represents @value{GDBN}'s internal task number.
15118
15119 @item TID
15120 The Ada task ID.
15121
15122 @item P-ID
15123 The parent's task ID (@value{GDBN}'s internal task number).
15124
15125 @item Pri
15126 The base priority of the task.
15127
15128 @item State
15129 Current state of the task.
15130
15131 @table @code
15132 @item Unactivated
15133 The task has been created but has not been activated. It cannot be
15134 executing.
15135
15136 @item Runnable
15137 The task is not blocked for any reason known to Ada. (It may be waiting
15138 for a mutex, though.) It is conceptually "executing" in normal mode.
15139
15140 @item Terminated
15141 The task is terminated, in the sense of ARM 9.3 (5). Any dependents
15142 that were waiting on terminate alternatives have been awakened and have
15143 terminated themselves.
15144
15145 @item Child Activation Wait
15146 The task is waiting for created tasks to complete activation.
15147
15148 @item Accept Statement
15149 The task is waiting on an accept or selective wait statement.
15150
15151 @item Waiting on entry call
15152 The task is waiting on an entry call.
15153
15154 @item Async Select Wait
15155 The task is waiting to start the abortable part of an asynchronous
15156 select statement.
15157
15158 @item Delay Sleep
15159 The task is waiting on a select statement with only a delay
15160 alternative open.
15161
15162 @item Child Termination Wait
15163 The task is sleeping having completed a master within itself, and is
15164 waiting for the tasks dependent on that master to become terminated or
15165 waiting on a terminate Phase.
15166
15167 @item Wait Child in Term Alt
15168 The task is sleeping waiting for tasks on terminate alternatives to
15169 finish terminating.
15170
15171 @item Accepting RV with @var{taskno}
15172 The task is accepting a rendez-vous with the task @var{taskno}.
15173 @end table
15174
15175 @item Name
15176 Name of the task in the program.
15177
15178 @end table
15179
15180 @kindex info task @var{taskno}
15181 @item info task @var{taskno}
15182 This command shows detailled informations on the specified task, as in
15183 the following example:
15184 @smallexample
15185 @iftex
15186 @leftskip=0.5cm
15187 @end iftex
15188 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
15189 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
15190 1 8077880 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
15191 * 2 807c468 1 15 Runnable task_1
15192 (@value{GDBP}) info task 2
15193 Ada Task: 0x807c468
15194 Name: task_1
15195 Thread: 0x807f378
15196 Parent: 1 (main_task)
15197 Base Priority: 15
15198 State: Runnable
15199 @end smallexample
15200
15201 @item task
15202 @kindex task@r{ (Ada)}
15203 @cindex current Ada task ID
15204 This command prints the ID of the current task.
15205
15206 @smallexample
15207 @iftex
15208 @leftskip=0.5cm
15209 @end iftex
15210 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
15211 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
15212 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
15213 * 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable t
15214 (@value{GDBP}) task
15215 [Current task is 2]
15216 @end smallexample
15217
15218 @item task @var{taskno}
15219 @cindex Ada task switching
15220 This command is like the @code{thread @var{threadno}}
15221 command (@pxref{Threads}). It switches the context of debugging
15222 from the current task to the given task.
15223
15224 @smallexample
15225 @iftex
15226 @leftskip=0.5cm
15227 @end iftex
15228 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
15229 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
15230 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
15231 * 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable t
15232 (@value{GDBP}) task 1
15233 [Switching to task 1]
15234 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
15235 (@value{GDBP}) bt
15236 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
15237 #1 0x8056714 in system.os_interface.pthread_cond_wait ()
15238 #2 0x805cb63 in system.task_primitives.operations.sleep ()
15239 #3 0x806153e in system.tasking.stages.activate_tasks ()
15240 #4 0x804aacc in un () at un.adb:5
15241 @end smallexample
15242
15243 @item break @var{linespec} task @var{taskno}
15244 @itemx break @var{linespec} task @var{taskno} if @dots{}
15245 @cindex breakpoints and tasks, in Ada
15246 @cindex task breakpoints, in Ada
15247 @kindex break @dots{} task @var{taskno}@r{ (Ada)}
15248 These commands are like the @code{break @dots{} thread @dots{}}
15249 command (@pxref{Thread Stops}).
15250 @var{linespec} specifies source lines, as described
15251 in @ref{Specify Location}.
15252
15253 Use the qualifier @samp{task @var{taskno}} with a breakpoint command
15254 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
15255 particular Ada task reaches this breakpoint. @var{taskno} is one of the
15256 numeric task identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown in the first
15257 column of the @samp{info tasks} display.
15258
15259 If you do not specify @samp{task @var{taskno}} when you set a
15260 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} tasks of your
15261 program.
15262
15263 You can use the @code{task} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
15264 well; in this case, place @samp{task @var{taskno}} before the
15265 breakpoint condition (before the @code{if}).
15266
15267 For example,
15268
15269 @smallexample
15270 @iftex
15271 @leftskip=0.5cm
15272 @end iftex
15273 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
15274 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
15275 1 140022020 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
15276 2 140045060 1 15 Accept/Select Wait t2
15277 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
15278 * 4 140056040 1 15 Runnable t3
15279 (@value{GDBP}) b 15 task 2
15280 Breakpoint 5 at 0x120044cb0: file test_task_debug.adb, line 15.
15281 (@value{GDBP}) cont
15282 Continuing.
15283 task # 1 running
15284 task # 2 running
15285
15286 Breakpoint 5, test_task_debug () at test_task_debug.adb:15
15287 15 flush;
15288 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
15289 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
15290 1 140022020 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
15291 * 2 140045060 1 15 Runnable t2
15292 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
15293 4 140056040 1 15 Delay Sleep t3
15294 @end smallexample
15295 @end table
15296
15297 @node Ada Tasks and Core Files
15298 @subsubsection Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
15299 @cindex Ada tasking and core file debugging
15300
15301 When inspecting a core file, as opposed to debugging a live program,
15302 tasking support may be limited or even unavailable, depending on
15303 the platform being used.
15304 For instance, on x86-linux, the list of tasks is available, but task
15305 switching is not supported. On Tru64, however, task switching will work
15306 as usual.
15307
15308 On certain platforms, including Tru64, the debugger needs to perform some
15309 memory writes in order to provide Ada tasking support. When inspecting
15310 a core file, this means that the core file must be opened with read-write
15311 privileges, using the command @samp{"set write on"} (@pxref{Patching}).
15312 Under these circumstances, you should make a backup copy of the core
15313 file before inspecting it with @value{GDBN}.
15314
15315 @node Ravenscar Profile
15316 @subsubsection Tasking Support when using the Ravenscar Profile
15317 @cindex Ravenscar Profile
15318
15319 The @dfn{Ravenscar Profile} is a subset of the Ada tasking features,
15320 specifically designed for systems with safety-critical real-time
15321 requirements.
15322
15323 @table @code
15324 @kindex set ravenscar task-switching on
15325 @cindex task switching with program using Ravenscar Profile
15326 @item set ravenscar task-switching on
15327 Allows task switching when debugging a program that uses the Ravenscar
15328 Profile. This is the default.
15329
15330 @kindex set ravenscar task-switching off
15331 @item set ravenscar task-switching off
15332 Turn off task switching when debugging a program that uses the Ravenscar
15333 Profile. This is mostly intended to disable the code that adds support
15334 for the Ravenscar Profile, in case a bug in either @value{GDBN} or in
15335 the Ravenscar runtime is preventing @value{GDBN} from working properly.
15336 To be effective, this command should be run before the program is started.
15337
15338 @kindex show ravenscar task-switching
15339 @item show ravenscar task-switching
15340 Show whether it is possible to switch from task to task in a program
15341 using the Ravenscar Profile.
15342
15343 @end table
15344
15345 @node Ada Glitches
15346 @subsubsection Known Peculiarities of Ada Mode
15347 @cindex Ada, problems
15348
15349 Besides the omissions listed previously (@pxref{Omissions from Ada}),
15350 we know of several problems with and limitations of Ada mode in
15351 @value{GDBN},
15352 some of which will be fixed with planned future releases of the debugger
15353 and the GNU Ada compiler.
15354
15355 @itemize @bullet
15356 @item
15357 Static constants that the compiler chooses not to materialize as objects in
15358 storage are invisible to the debugger.
15359
15360 @item
15361 Named parameter associations in function argument lists are ignored (the
15362 argument lists are treated as positional).
15363
15364 @item
15365 Many useful library packages are currently invisible to the debugger.
15366
15367 @item
15368 Fixed-point arithmetic, conversions, input, and output is carried out using
15369 floating-point arithmetic, and may give results that only approximate those on
15370 the host machine.
15371
15372 @item
15373 The GNAT compiler never generates the prefix @code{Standard} for any of
15374 the standard symbols defined by the Ada language. @value{GDBN} knows about
15375 this: it will strip the prefix from names when you use it, and will never
15376 look for a name you have so qualified among local symbols, nor match against
15377 symbols in other packages or subprograms. If you have
15378 defined entities anywhere in your program other than parameters and
15379 local variables whose simple names match names in @code{Standard},
15380 GNAT's lack of qualification here can cause confusion. When this happens,
15381 you can usually resolve the confusion
15382 by qualifying the problematic names with package
15383 @code{Standard} explicitly.
15384 @end itemize
15385
15386 Older versions of the compiler sometimes generate erroneous debugging
15387 information, resulting in the debugger incorrectly printing the value
15388 of affected entities. In some cases, the debugger is able to work
15389 around an issue automatically. In other cases, the debugger is able
15390 to work around the issue, but the work-around has to be specifically
15391 enabled.
15392
15393 @kindex set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS
15394 @kindex show ada trust-PAD-over-XVS
15395 @table @code
15396
15397 @item set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS on
15398 Configure GDB to strictly follow the GNAT encoding when computing the
15399 value of Ada entities, particularly when @code{PAD} and @code{PAD___XVS}
15400 types are involved (see @code{ada/exp_dbug.ads} in the GCC sources for
15401 a complete description of the encoding used by the GNAT compiler).
15402 This is the default.
15403
15404 @item set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS off
15405 This is related to the encoding using by the GNAT compiler. If @value{GDBN}
15406 sometimes prints the wrong value for certain entities, changing @code{ada
15407 trust-PAD-over-XVS} to @code{off} activates a work-around which may fix
15408 the issue. It is always safe to set @code{ada trust-PAD-over-XVS} to
15409 @code{off}, but this incurs a slight performance penalty, so it is
15410 recommended to leave this setting to @code{on} unless necessary.
15411
15412 @end table
15413
15414 @node Unsupported Languages
15415 @section Unsupported Languages
15416
15417 @cindex unsupported languages
15418 @cindex minimal language
15419 In addition to the other fully-supported programming languages,
15420 @value{GDBN} also provides a pseudo-language, called @code{minimal}.
15421 It does not represent a real programming language, but provides a set
15422 of capabilities close to what the C or assembly languages provide.
15423 This should allow most simple operations to be performed while debugging
15424 an application that uses a language currently not supported by @value{GDBN}.
15425
15426 If the language is set to @code{auto}, @value{GDBN} will automatically
15427 select this language if the current frame corresponds to an unsupported
15428 language.
15429
15430 @node Symbols
15431 @chapter Examining the Symbol Table
15432
15433 The commands described in this chapter allow you to inquire about the
15434 symbols (names of variables, functions and types) defined in your
15435 program. This information is inherent in the text of your program and
15436 does not change as your program executes. @value{GDBN} finds it in your
15437 program's symbol table, in the file indicated when you started @value{GDBN}
15438 (@pxref{File Options, ,Choosing Files}), or by one of the
15439 file-management commands (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
15440
15441 @cindex symbol names
15442 @cindex names of symbols
15443 @cindex quoting names
15444 Occasionally, you may need to refer to symbols that contain unusual
15445 characters, which @value{GDBN} ordinarily treats as word delimiters. The
15446 most frequent case is in referring to static variables in other
15447 source files (@pxref{Variables,,Program Variables}). File names
15448 are recorded in object files as debugging symbols, but @value{GDBN} would
15449 ordinarily parse a typical file name, like @file{foo.c}, as the three words
15450 @samp{foo} @samp{.} @samp{c}. To allow @value{GDBN} to recognize
15451 @samp{foo.c} as a single symbol, enclose it in single quotes; for example,
15452
15453 @smallexample
15454 p 'foo.c'::x
15455 @end smallexample
15456
15457 @noindent
15458 looks up the value of @code{x} in the scope of the file @file{foo.c}.
15459
15460 @table @code
15461 @cindex case-insensitive symbol names
15462 @cindex case sensitivity in symbol names
15463 @kindex set case-sensitive
15464 @item set case-sensitive on
15465 @itemx set case-sensitive off
15466 @itemx set case-sensitive auto
15467 Normally, when @value{GDBN} looks up symbols, it matches their names
15468 with case sensitivity determined by the current source language.
15469 Occasionally, you may wish to control that. The command @code{set
15470 case-sensitive} lets you do that by specifying @code{on} for
15471 case-sensitive matches or @code{off} for case-insensitive ones. If
15472 you specify @code{auto}, case sensitivity is reset to the default
15473 suitable for the source language. The default is case-sensitive
15474 matches for all languages except for Fortran, for which the default is
15475 case-insensitive matches.
15476
15477 @kindex show case-sensitive
15478 @item show case-sensitive
15479 This command shows the current setting of case sensitivity for symbols
15480 lookups.
15481
15482 @kindex set print type methods
15483 @item set print type methods
15484 @itemx set print type methods on
15485 @itemx set print type methods off
15486 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a class, it displays any methods
15487 declared in that class. You can control this behavior either by
15488 passing the appropriate flag to @code{ptype}, or using @command{set
15489 print type methods}. Specifying @code{on} will cause @value{GDBN} to
15490 display the methods; this is the default. Specifying @code{off} will
15491 cause @value{GDBN} to omit the methods.
15492
15493 @kindex show print type methods
15494 @item show print type methods
15495 This command shows the current setting of method display when printing
15496 classes.
15497
15498 @kindex set print type typedefs
15499 @item set print type typedefs
15500 @itemx set print type typedefs on
15501 @itemx set print type typedefs off
15502
15503 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a class, it displays any typedefs
15504 defined in that class. You can control this behavior either by
15505 passing the appropriate flag to @code{ptype}, or using @command{set
15506 print type typedefs}. Specifying @code{on} will cause @value{GDBN} to
15507 display the typedef definitions; this is the default. Specifying
15508 @code{off} will cause @value{GDBN} to omit the typedef definitions.
15509 Note that this controls whether the typedef definition itself is
15510 printed, not whether typedef names are substituted when printing other
15511 types.
15512
15513 @kindex show print type typedefs
15514 @item show print type typedefs
15515 This command shows the current setting of typedef display when
15516 printing classes.
15517
15518 @kindex info address
15519 @cindex address of a symbol
15520 @item info address @var{symbol}
15521 Describe where the data for @var{symbol} is stored. For a register
15522 variable, this says which register it is kept in. For a non-register
15523 local variable, this prints the stack-frame offset at which the variable
15524 is always stored.
15525
15526 Note the contrast with @samp{print &@var{symbol}}, which does not work
15527 at all for a register variable, and for a stack local variable prints
15528 the exact address of the current instantiation of the variable.
15529
15530 @kindex info symbol
15531 @cindex symbol from address
15532 @cindex closest symbol and offset for an address
15533 @item info symbol @var{addr}
15534 Print the name of a symbol which is stored at the address @var{addr}.
15535 If no symbol is stored exactly at @var{addr}, @value{GDBN} prints the
15536 nearest symbol and an offset from it:
15537
15538 @smallexample
15539 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x54320
15540 _initialize_vx + 396 in section .text
15541 @end smallexample
15542
15543 @noindent
15544 This is the opposite of the @code{info address} command. You can use
15545 it to find out the name of a variable or a function given its address.
15546
15547 For dynamically linked executables, the name of executable or shared
15548 library containing the symbol is also printed:
15549
15550 @smallexample
15551 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x400225
15552 _start + 5 in section .text of /tmp/a.out
15553 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x2aaaac2811cf
15554 __read_nocancel + 6 in section .text of /usr/lib64/libc.so.6
15555 @end smallexample
15556
15557 @kindex whatis
15558 @item whatis[/@var{flags}] [@var{arg}]
15559 Print the data type of @var{arg}, which can be either an expression
15560 or a name of a data type. With no argument, print the data type of
15561 @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
15562
15563 If @var{arg} is an expression (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}), it
15564 is not actually evaluated, and any side-effecting operations (such as
15565 assignments or function calls) inside it do not take place.
15566
15567 If @var{arg} is a variable or an expression, @code{whatis} prints its
15568 literal type as it is used in the source code. If the type was
15569 defined using a @code{typedef}, @code{whatis} will @emph{not} print
15570 the data type underlying the @code{typedef}. If the type of the
15571 variable or the expression is a compound data type, such as
15572 @code{struct} or @code{class}, @code{whatis} never prints their
15573 fields or methods. It just prints the @code{struct}/@code{class}
15574 name (a.k.a.@: its @dfn{tag}). If you want to see the members of
15575 such a compound data type, use @code{ptype}.
15576
15577 If @var{arg} is a type name that was defined using @code{typedef},
15578 @code{whatis} @dfn{unrolls} only one level of that @code{typedef}.
15579 Unrolling means that @code{whatis} will show the underlying type used
15580 in the @code{typedef} declaration of @var{arg}. However, if that
15581 underlying type is also a @code{typedef}, @code{whatis} will not
15582 unroll it.
15583
15584 For C code, the type names may also have the form @samp{class
15585 @var{class-name}}, @samp{struct @var{struct-tag}}, @samp{union
15586 @var{union-tag}} or @samp{enum @var{enum-tag}}.
15587
15588 @var{flags} can be used to modify how the type is displayed.
15589 Available flags are:
15590
15591 @table @code
15592 @item r
15593 Display in ``raw'' form. Normally, @value{GDBN} substitutes template
15594 parameters and typedefs defined in a class when printing the class'
15595 members. The @code{/r} flag disables this.
15596
15597 @item m
15598 Do not print methods defined in the class.
15599
15600 @item M
15601 Print methods defined in the class. This is the default, but the flag
15602 exists in case you change the default with @command{set print type methods}.
15603
15604 @item t
15605 Do not print typedefs defined in the class. Note that this controls
15606 whether the typedef definition itself is printed, not whether typedef
15607 names are substituted when printing other types.
15608
15609 @item T
15610 Print typedefs defined in the class. This is the default, but the flag
15611 exists in case you change the default with @command{set print type typedefs}.
15612 @end table
15613
15614 @kindex ptype
15615 @item ptype[/@var{flags}] [@var{arg}]
15616 @code{ptype} accepts the same arguments as @code{whatis}, but prints a
15617 detailed description of the type, instead of just the name of the type.
15618 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
15619
15620 Contrary to @code{whatis}, @code{ptype} always unrolls any
15621 @code{typedef}s in its argument declaration, whether the argument is
15622 a variable, expression, or a data type. This means that @code{ptype}
15623 of a variable or an expression will not print literally its type as
15624 present in the source code---use @code{whatis} for that. @code{typedef}s at
15625 the pointer or reference targets are also unrolled. Only @code{typedef}s of
15626 fields, methods and inner @code{class typedef}s of @code{struct}s,
15627 @code{class}es and @code{union}s are not unrolled even with @code{ptype}.
15628
15629 For example, for this variable declaration:
15630
15631 @smallexample
15632 typedef double real_t;
15633 struct complex @{ real_t real; double imag; @};
15634 typedef struct complex complex_t;
15635 complex_t var;
15636 real_t *real_pointer_var;
15637 @end smallexample
15638
15639 @noindent
15640 the two commands give this output:
15641
15642 @smallexample
15643 @group
15644 (@value{GDBP}) whatis var
15645 type = complex_t
15646 (@value{GDBP}) ptype var
15647 type = struct complex @{
15648 real_t real;
15649 double imag;
15650 @}
15651 (@value{GDBP}) whatis complex_t
15652 type = struct complex
15653 (@value{GDBP}) whatis struct complex
15654 type = struct complex
15655 (@value{GDBP}) ptype struct complex
15656 type = struct complex @{
15657 real_t real;
15658 double imag;
15659 @}
15660 (@value{GDBP}) whatis real_pointer_var
15661 type = real_t *
15662 (@value{GDBP}) ptype real_pointer_var
15663 type = double *
15664 @end group
15665 @end smallexample
15666
15667 @noindent
15668 As with @code{whatis}, using @code{ptype} without an argument refers to
15669 the type of @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
15670
15671 @cindex incomplete type
15672 Sometimes, programs use opaque data types or incomplete specifications
15673 of complex data structure. If the debug information included in the
15674 program does not allow @value{GDBN} to display a full declaration of
15675 the data type, it will say @samp{<incomplete type>}. For example,
15676 given these declarations:
15677
15678 @smallexample
15679 struct foo;
15680 struct foo *fooptr;
15681 @end smallexample
15682
15683 @noindent
15684 but no definition for @code{struct foo} itself, @value{GDBN} will say:
15685
15686 @smallexample
15687 (@value{GDBP}) ptype foo
15688 $1 = <incomplete type>
15689 @end smallexample
15690
15691 @noindent
15692 ``Incomplete type'' is C terminology for data types that are not
15693 completely specified.
15694
15695 @kindex info types
15696 @item info types @var{regexp}
15697 @itemx info types
15698 Print a brief description of all types whose names match the regular
15699 expression @var{regexp} (or all types in your program, if you supply
15700 no argument). Each complete typename is matched as though it were a
15701 complete line; thus, @samp{i type value} gives information on all
15702 types in your program whose names include the string @code{value}, but
15703 @samp{i type ^value$} gives information only on types whose complete
15704 name is @code{value}.
15705
15706 This command differs from @code{ptype} in two ways: first, like
15707 @code{whatis}, it does not print a detailed description; second, it
15708 lists all source files where a type is defined.
15709
15710 @kindex info type-printers
15711 @item info type-printers
15712 Versions of @value{GDBN} that ship with Python scripting enabled may
15713 have ``type printers'' available. When using @command{ptype} or
15714 @command{whatis}, these printers are consulted when the name of a type
15715 is needed. @xref{Type Printing API}, for more information on writing
15716 type printers.
15717
15718 @code{info type-printers} displays all the available type printers.
15719
15720 @kindex enable type-printer
15721 @kindex disable type-printer
15722 @item enable type-printer @var{name}@dots{}
15723 @item disable type-printer @var{name}@dots{}
15724 These commands can be used to enable or disable type printers.
15725
15726 @kindex info scope
15727 @cindex local variables
15728 @item info scope @var{location}
15729 List all the variables local to a particular scope. This command
15730 accepts a @var{location} argument---a function name, a source line, or
15731 an address preceded by a @samp{*}, and prints all the variables local
15732 to the scope defined by that location. (@xref{Specify Location}, for
15733 details about supported forms of @var{location}.) For example:
15734
15735 @smallexample
15736 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info scope command_line_handler}
15737 Scope for command_line_handler:
15738 Symbol rl is an argument at stack/frame offset 8, length 4.
15739 Symbol linebuffer is in static storage at address 0x150a18, length 4.
15740 Symbol linelength is in static storage at address 0x150a1c, length 4.
15741 Symbol p is a local variable in register $esi, length 4.
15742 Symbol p1 is a local variable in register $ebx, length 4.
15743 Symbol nline is a local variable in register $edx, length 4.
15744 Symbol repeat is a local variable at frame offset -8, length 4.
15745 @end smallexample
15746
15747 @noindent
15748 This command is especially useful for determining what data to collect
15749 during a @dfn{trace experiment}, see @ref{Tracepoint Actions,
15750 collect}.
15751
15752 @kindex info source
15753 @item info source
15754 Show information about the current source file---that is, the source file for
15755 the function containing the current point of execution:
15756 @itemize @bullet
15757 @item
15758 the name of the source file, and the directory containing it,
15759 @item
15760 the directory it was compiled in,
15761 @item
15762 its length, in lines,
15763 @item
15764 which programming language it is written in,
15765 @item
15766 whether the executable includes debugging information for that file, and
15767 if so, what format the information is in (e.g., STABS, Dwarf 2, etc.), and
15768 @item
15769 whether the debugging information includes information about
15770 preprocessor macros.
15771 @end itemize
15772
15773
15774 @kindex info sources
15775 @item info sources
15776 Print the names of all source files in your program for which there is
15777 debugging information, organized into two lists: files whose symbols
15778 have already been read, and files whose symbols will be read when needed.
15779
15780 @kindex info functions
15781 @item info functions
15782 Print the names and data types of all defined functions.
15783
15784 @item info functions @var{regexp}
15785 Print the names and data types of all defined functions
15786 whose names contain a match for regular expression @var{regexp}.
15787 Thus, @samp{info fun step} finds all functions whose names
15788 include @code{step}; @samp{info fun ^step} finds those whose names
15789 start with @code{step}. If a function name contains characters
15790 that conflict with the regular expression language (e.g.@:
15791 @samp{operator*()}), they may be quoted with a backslash.
15792
15793 @kindex info variables
15794 @item info variables
15795 Print the names and data types of all variables that are defined
15796 outside of functions (i.e.@: excluding local variables).
15797
15798 @item info variables @var{regexp}
15799 Print the names and data types of all variables (except for local
15800 variables) whose names contain a match for regular expression
15801 @var{regexp}.
15802
15803 @kindex info classes
15804 @cindex Objective-C, classes and selectors
15805 @item info classes
15806 @itemx info classes @var{regexp}
15807 Display all Objective-C classes in your program, or
15808 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
15809 expression.
15810
15811 @kindex info selectors
15812 @item info selectors
15813 @itemx info selectors @var{regexp}
15814 Display all Objective-C selectors in your program, or
15815 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
15816 expression.
15817
15818 @ignore
15819 This was never implemented.
15820 @kindex info methods
15821 @item info methods
15822 @itemx info methods @var{regexp}
15823 The @code{info methods} command permits the user to examine all defined
15824 methods within C@t{++} program, or (with the @var{regexp} argument) a
15825 specific set of methods found in the various C@t{++} classes. Many
15826 C@t{++} classes provide a large number of methods. Thus, the output
15827 from the @code{ptype} command can be overwhelming and hard to use. The
15828 @code{info-methods} command filters the methods, printing only those
15829 which match the regular-expression @var{regexp}.
15830 @end ignore
15831
15832 @cindex opaque data types
15833 @kindex set opaque-type-resolution
15834 @item set opaque-type-resolution on
15835 Tell @value{GDBN} to resolve opaque types. An opaque type is a type
15836 declared as a pointer to a @code{struct}, @code{class}, or
15837 @code{union}---for example, @code{struct MyType *}---that is used in one
15838 source file although the full declaration of @code{struct MyType} is in
15839 another source file. The default is on.
15840
15841 A change in the setting of this subcommand will not take effect until
15842 the next time symbols for a file are loaded.
15843
15844 @item set opaque-type-resolution off
15845 Tell @value{GDBN} not to resolve opaque types. In this case, the type
15846 is printed as follows:
15847 @smallexample
15848 @{<no data fields>@}
15849 @end smallexample
15850
15851 @kindex show opaque-type-resolution
15852 @item show opaque-type-resolution
15853 Show whether opaque types are resolved or not.
15854
15855 @kindex maint print symbols
15856 @cindex symbol dump
15857 @kindex maint print psymbols
15858 @cindex partial symbol dump
15859 @kindex maint print msymbols
15860 @cindex minimal symbol dump
15861 @item maint print symbols @var{filename}
15862 @itemx maint print psymbols @var{filename}
15863 @itemx maint print msymbols @var{filename}
15864 Write a dump of debugging symbol data into the file @var{filename}.
15865 These commands are used to debug the @value{GDBN} symbol-reading code. Only
15866 symbols with debugging data are included. If you use @samp{maint print
15867 symbols}, @value{GDBN} includes all the symbols for which it has already
15868 collected full details: that is, @var{filename} reflects symbols for
15869 only those files whose symbols @value{GDBN} has read. You can use the
15870 command @code{info sources} to find out which files these are. If you
15871 use @samp{maint print psymbols} instead, the dump shows information about
15872 symbols that @value{GDBN} only knows partially---that is, symbols defined in
15873 files that @value{GDBN} has skimmed, but not yet read completely. Finally,
15874 @samp{maint print msymbols} dumps just the minimal symbol information
15875 required for each object file from which @value{GDBN} has read some symbols.
15876 @xref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}, for a discussion of how
15877 @value{GDBN} reads symbols (in the description of @code{symbol-file}).
15878
15879 @kindex maint info symtabs
15880 @kindex maint info psymtabs
15881 @cindex listing @value{GDBN}'s internal symbol tables
15882 @cindex symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
15883 @cindex full symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
15884 @cindex partial symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
15885 @item maint info symtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
15886 @itemx maint info psymtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
15887
15888 List the @code{struct symtab} or @code{struct partial_symtab}
15889 structures whose names match @var{regexp}. If @var{regexp} is not
15890 given, list them all. The output includes expressions which you can
15891 copy into a @value{GDBN} debugging this one to examine a particular
15892 structure in more detail. For example:
15893
15894 @smallexample
15895 (@value{GDBP}) maint info psymtabs dwarf2read
15896 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
15897 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
15898 @{ psymtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
15899 ((struct partial_symtab *) 0x8474b10)
15900 readin no
15901 fullname (null)
15902 text addresses 0x814d3c8 -- 0x8158074
15903 globals (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x8507a08 @@ 9)
15904 statics (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x40e95b78 @@ 2882)
15905 dependencies (none)
15906 @}
15907 @}
15908 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
15909 (@value{GDBP})
15910 @end smallexample
15911 @noindent
15912 We see that there is one partial symbol table whose filename contains
15913 the string @samp{dwarf2read}, belonging to the @samp{gdb} executable;
15914 and we see that @value{GDBN} has not read in any symtabs yet at all.
15915 If we set a breakpoint on a function, that will cause @value{GDBN} to
15916 read the symtab for the compilation unit containing that function:
15917
15918 @smallexample
15919 (@value{GDBP}) break dwarf2_psymtab_to_symtab
15920 Breakpoint 1 at 0x814e5da: file /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c,
15921 line 1574.
15922 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
15923 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
15924 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
15925 @{ symtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
15926 ((struct symtab *) 0x86c1f38)
15927 dirname (null)
15928 fullname (null)
15929 blockvector ((struct blockvector *) 0x86c1bd0) (primary)
15930 linetable ((struct linetable *) 0x8370fa0)
15931 debugformat DWARF 2
15932 @}
15933 @}
15934 (@value{GDBP})
15935 @end smallexample
15936 @end table
15937
15938
15939 @node Altering
15940 @chapter Altering Execution
15941
15942 Once you think you have found an error in your program, you might want to
15943 find out for certain whether correcting the apparent error would lead to
15944 correct results in the rest of the run. You can find the answer by
15945 experiment, using the @value{GDBN} features for altering execution of the
15946 program.
15947
15948 For example, you can store new values into variables or memory
15949 locations, give your program a signal, restart it at a different
15950 address, or even return prematurely from a function.
15951
15952 @menu
15953 * Assignment:: Assignment to variables
15954 * Jumping:: Continuing at a different address
15955 * Signaling:: Giving your program a signal
15956 * Returning:: Returning from a function
15957 * Calling:: Calling your program's functions
15958 * Patching:: Patching your program
15959 @end menu
15960
15961 @node Assignment
15962 @section Assignment to Variables
15963
15964 @cindex assignment
15965 @cindex setting variables
15966 To alter the value of a variable, evaluate an assignment expression.
15967 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}. For example,
15968
15969 @smallexample
15970 print x=4
15971 @end smallexample
15972
15973 @noindent
15974 stores the value 4 into the variable @code{x}, and then prints the
15975 value of the assignment expression (which is 4).
15976 @xref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages}, for more
15977 information on operators in supported languages.
15978
15979 @kindex set variable
15980 @cindex variables, setting
15981 If you are not interested in seeing the value of the assignment, use the
15982 @code{set} command instead of the @code{print} command. @code{set} is
15983 really the same as @code{print} except that the expression's value is
15984 not printed and is not put in the value history (@pxref{Value History,
15985 ,Value History}). The expression is evaluated only for its effects.
15986
15987 If the beginning of the argument string of the @code{set} command
15988 appears identical to a @code{set} subcommand, use the @code{set
15989 variable} command instead of just @code{set}. This command is identical
15990 to @code{set} except for its lack of subcommands. For example, if your
15991 program has a variable @code{width}, you get an error if you try to set
15992 a new value with just @samp{set width=13}, because @value{GDBN} has the
15993 command @code{set width}:
15994
15995 @smallexample
15996 (@value{GDBP}) whatis width
15997 type = double
15998 (@value{GDBP}) p width
15999 $4 = 13
16000 (@value{GDBP}) set width=47
16001 Invalid syntax in expression.
16002 @end smallexample
16003
16004 @noindent
16005 The invalid expression, of course, is @samp{=47}. In
16006 order to actually set the program's variable @code{width}, use
16007
16008 @smallexample
16009 (@value{GDBP}) set var width=47
16010 @end smallexample
16011
16012 Because the @code{set} command has many subcommands that can conflict
16013 with the names of program variables, it is a good idea to use the
16014 @code{set variable} command instead of just @code{set}. For example, if
16015 your program has a variable @code{g}, you run into problems if you try
16016 to set a new value with just @samp{set g=4}, because @value{GDBN} has
16017 the command @code{set gnutarget}, abbreviated @code{set g}:
16018
16019 @smallexample
16020 @group
16021 (@value{GDBP}) whatis g
16022 type = double
16023 (@value{GDBP}) p g
16024 $1 = 1
16025 (@value{GDBP}) set g=4
16026 (@value{GDBP}) p g
16027 $2 = 1
16028 (@value{GDBP}) r
16029 The program being debugged has been started already.
16030 Start it from the beginning? (y or n) y
16031 Starting program: /home/smith/cc_progs/a.out
16032 "/home/smith/cc_progs/a.out": can't open to read symbols:
16033 Invalid bfd target.
16034 (@value{GDBP}) show g
16035 The current BFD target is "=4".
16036 @end group
16037 @end smallexample
16038
16039 @noindent
16040 The program variable @code{g} did not change, and you silently set the
16041 @code{gnutarget} to an invalid value. In order to set the variable
16042 @code{g}, use
16043
16044 @smallexample
16045 (@value{GDBP}) set var g=4
16046 @end smallexample
16047
16048 @value{GDBN} allows more implicit conversions in assignments than C; you can
16049 freely store an integer value into a pointer variable or vice versa,
16050 and you can convert any structure to any other structure that is the
16051 same length or shorter.
16052 @comment FIXME: how do structs align/pad in these conversions?
16053 @comment /doc@cygnus.com 18dec1990
16054
16055 To store values into arbitrary places in memory, use the @samp{@{@dots{}@}}
16056 construct to generate a value of specified type at a specified address
16057 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). For example, @code{@{int@}0x83040} refers
16058 to memory location @code{0x83040} as an integer (which implies a certain size
16059 and representation in memory), and
16060
16061 @smallexample
16062 set @{int@}0x83040 = 4
16063 @end smallexample
16064
16065 @noindent
16066 stores the value 4 into that memory location.
16067
16068 @node Jumping
16069 @section Continuing at a Different Address
16070
16071 Ordinarily, when you continue your program, you do so at the place where
16072 it stopped, with the @code{continue} command. You can instead continue at
16073 an address of your own choosing, with the following commands:
16074
16075 @table @code
16076 @kindex jump
16077 @kindex j @r{(@code{jump})}
16078 @item jump @var{linespec}
16079 @itemx j @var{linespec}
16080 @itemx jump @var{location}
16081 @itemx j @var{location}
16082 Resume execution at line @var{linespec} or at address given by
16083 @var{location}. Execution stops again immediately if there is a
16084 breakpoint there. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description of the
16085 different forms of @var{linespec} and @var{location}. It is common
16086 practice to use the @code{tbreak} command in conjunction with
16087 @code{jump}. @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
16088
16089 The @code{jump} command does not change the current stack frame, or
16090 the stack pointer, or the contents of any memory location or any
16091 register other than the program counter. If line @var{linespec} is in
16092 a different function from the one currently executing, the results may
16093 be bizarre if the two functions expect different patterns of arguments or
16094 of local variables. For this reason, the @code{jump} command requests
16095 confirmation if the specified line is not in the function currently
16096 executing. However, even bizarre results are predictable if you are
16097 well acquainted with the machine-language code of your program.
16098 @end table
16099
16100 @c Doesn't work on HP-UX; have to set $pcoqh and $pcoqt.
16101 On many systems, you can get much the same effect as the @code{jump}
16102 command by storing a new value into the register @code{$pc}. The
16103 difference is that this does not start your program running; it only
16104 changes the address of where it @emph{will} run when you continue. For
16105 example,
16106
16107 @smallexample
16108 set $pc = 0x485
16109 @end smallexample
16110
16111 @noindent
16112 makes the next @code{continue} command or stepping command execute at
16113 address @code{0x485}, rather than at the address where your program stopped.
16114 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}.
16115
16116 The most common occasion to use the @code{jump} command is to back
16117 up---perhaps with more breakpoints set---over a portion of a program
16118 that has already executed, in order to examine its execution in more
16119 detail.
16120
16121 @c @group
16122 @node Signaling
16123 @section Giving your Program a Signal
16124 @cindex deliver a signal to a program
16125
16126 @table @code
16127 @kindex signal
16128 @item signal @var{signal}
16129 Resume execution where your program stopped, but immediately give it the
16130 signal @var{signal}. @var{signal} can be the name or the number of a
16131 signal. For example, on many systems @code{signal 2} and @code{signal
16132 SIGINT} are both ways of sending an interrupt signal.
16133
16134 Alternatively, if @var{signal} is zero, continue execution without
16135 giving a signal. This is useful when your program stopped on account of
16136 a signal and would ordinarily see the signal when resumed with the
16137 @code{continue} command; @samp{signal 0} causes it to resume without a
16138 signal.
16139
16140 @code{signal} does not repeat when you press @key{RET} a second time
16141 after executing the command.
16142 @end table
16143 @c @end group
16144
16145 Invoking the @code{signal} command is not the same as invoking the
16146 @code{kill} utility from the shell. Sending a signal with @code{kill}
16147 causes @value{GDBN} to decide what to do with the signal depending on
16148 the signal handling tables (@pxref{Signals}). The @code{signal} command
16149 passes the signal directly to your program.
16150
16151
16152 @node Returning
16153 @section Returning from a Function
16154
16155 @table @code
16156 @cindex returning from a function
16157 @kindex return
16158 @item return
16159 @itemx return @var{expression}
16160 You can cancel execution of a function call with the @code{return}
16161 command. If you give an
16162 @var{expression} argument, its value is used as the function's return
16163 value.
16164 @end table
16165
16166 When you use @code{return}, @value{GDBN} discards the selected stack frame
16167 (and all frames within it). You can think of this as making the
16168 discarded frame return prematurely. If you wish to specify a value to
16169 be returned, give that value as the argument to @code{return}.
16170
16171 This pops the selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a
16172 Frame}), and any other frames inside of it, leaving its caller as the
16173 innermost remaining frame. That frame becomes selected. The
16174 specified value is stored in the registers used for returning values
16175 of functions.
16176
16177 The @code{return} command does not resume execution; it leaves the
16178 program stopped in the state that would exist if the function had just
16179 returned. In contrast, the @code{finish} command (@pxref{Continuing
16180 and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}) resumes execution until the
16181 selected stack frame returns naturally.
16182
16183 @value{GDBN} needs to know how the @var{expression} argument should be set for
16184 the inferior. The concrete registers assignment depends on the OS ABI and the
16185 type being returned by the selected stack frame. For example it is common for
16186 OS ABI to return floating point values in FPU registers while integer values in
16187 CPU registers. Still some ABIs return even floating point values in CPU
16188 registers. Larger integer widths (such as @code{long long int}) also have
16189 specific placement rules. @value{GDBN} already knows the OS ABI from its
16190 current target so it needs to find out also the type being returned to make the
16191 assignment into the right register(s).
16192
16193 Normally, the selected stack frame has debug info. @value{GDBN} will always
16194 use the debug info instead of the implicit type of @var{expression} when the
16195 debug info is available. For example, if you type @kbd{return -1}, and the
16196 function in the current stack frame is declared to return a @code{long long
16197 int}, @value{GDBN} transparently converts the implicit @code{int} value of -1
16198 into a @code{long long int}:
16199
16200 @smallexample
16201 Breakpoint 1, func () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:29
16202 29 return 31;
16203 (@value{GDBP}) return -1
16204 Make func return now? (y or n) y
16205 #0 0x004004f6 in main () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:43
16206 43 printf ("result=%lld\n", func ());
16207 (@value{GDBP})
16208 @end smallexample
16209
16210 However, if the selected stack frame does not have a debug info, e.g., if the
16211 function was compiled without debug info, @value{GDBN} has to find out the type
16212 to return from user. Specifying a different type by mistake may set the value
16213 in different inferior registers than the caller code expects. For example,
16214 typing @kbd{return -1} with its implicit type @code{int} would set only a part
16215 of a @code{long long int} result for a debug info less function (on 32-bit
16216 architectures). Therefore the user is required to specify the return type by
16217 an appropriate cast explicitly:
16218
16219 @smallexample
16220 Breakpoint 2, 0x0040050b in func ()
16221 (@value{GDBP}) return -1
16222 Return value type not available for selected stack frame.
16223 Please use an explicit cast of the value to return.
16224 (@value{GDBP}) return (long long int) -1
16225 Make selected stack frame return now? (y or n) y
16226 #0 0x00400526 in main ()
16227 (@value{GDBP})
16228 @end smallexample
16229
16230 @node Calling
16231 @section Calling Program Functions
16232
16233 @table @code
16234 @cindex calling functions
16235 @cindex inferior functions, calling
16236 @item print @var{expr}
16237 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} and display the resulting value.
16238 @var{expr} may include calls to functions in the program being
16239 debugged.
16240
16241 @kindex call
16242 @item call @var{expr}
16243 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} without displaying @code{void}
16244 returned values.
16245
16246 You can use this variant of the @code{print} command if you want to
16247 execute a function from your program that does not return anything
16248 (a.k.a.@: @dfn{a void function}), but without cluttering the output
16249 with @code{void} returned values that @value{GDBN} will otherwise
16250 print. If the result is not void, it is printed and saved in the
16251 value history.
16252 @end table
16253
16254 It is possible for the function you call via the @code{print} or
16255 @code{call} command to generate a signal (e.g., if there's a bug in
16256 the function, or if you passed it incorrect arguments). What happens
16257 in that case is controlled by the @code{set unwindonsignal} command.
16258
16259 Similarly, with a C@t{++} program it is possible for the function you
16260 call via the @code{print} or @code{call} command to generate an
16261 exception that is not handled due to the constraints of the dummy
16262 frame. In this case, any exception that is raised in the frame, but has
16263 an out-of-frame exception handler will not be found. GDB builds a
16264 dummy-frame for the inferior function call, and the unwinder cannot
16265 seek for exception handlers outside of this dummy-frame. What happens
16266 in that case is controlled by the
16267 @code{set unwind-on-terminating-exception} command.
16268
16269 @table @code
16270 @item set unwindonsignal
16271 @kindex set unwindonsignal
16272 @cindex unwind stack in called functions
16273 @cindex call dummy stack unwinding
16274 Set unwinding of the stack if a signal is received while in a function
16275 that @value{GDBN} called in the program being debugged. If set to on,
16276 @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack it created for the call and restores
16277 the context to what it was before the call. If set to off (the
16278 default), @value{GDBN} stops in the frame where the signal was
16279 received.
16280
16281 @item show unwindonsignal
16282 @kindex show unwindonsignal
16283 Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
16284 @value{GDBN}.
16285
16286 @item set unwind-on-terminating-exception
16287 @kindex set unwind-on-terminating-exception
16288 @cindex unwind stack in called functions with unhandled exceptions
16289 @cindex call dummy stack unwinding on unhandled exception.
16290 Set unwinding of the stack if a C@t{++} exception is raised, but left
16291 unhandled while in a function that @value{GDBN} called in the program being
16292 debugged. If set to on (the default), @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack
16293 it created for the call and restores the context to what it was before
16294 the call. If set to off, @value{GDBN} the exception is delivered to
16295 the default C@t{++} exception handler and the inferior terminated.
16296
16297 @item show unwind-on-terminating-exception
16298 @kindex show unwind-on-terminating-exception
16299 Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
16300 @value{GDBN}.
16301
16302 @end table
16303
16304 @cindex weak alias functions
16305 Sometimes, a function you wish to call is actually a @dfn{weak alias}
16306 for another function. In such case, @value{GDBN} might not pick up
16307 the type information, including the types of the function arguments,
16308 which causes @value{GDBN} to call the inferior function incorrectly.
16309 As a result, the called function will function erroneously and may
16310 even crash. A solution to that is to use the name of the aliased
16311 function instead.
16312
16313 @node Patching
16314 @section Patching Programs
16315
16316 @cindex patching binaries
16317 @cindex writing into executables
16318 @cindex writing into corefiles
16319
16320 By default, @value{GDBN} opens the file containing your program's
16321 executable code (or the corefile) read-only. This prevents accidental
16322 alterations to machine code; but it also prevents you from intentionally
16323 patching your program's binary.
16324
16325 If you'd like to be able to patch the binary, you can specify that
16326 explicitly with the @code{set write} command. For example, you might
16327 want to turn on internal debugging flags, or even to make emergency
16328 repairs.
16329
16330 @table @code
16331 @kindex set write
16332 @item set write on
16333 @itemx set write off
16334 If you specify @samp{set write on}, @value{GDBN} opens executable and
16335 core files for both reading and writing; if you specify @kbd{set write
16336 off} (the default), @value{GDBN} opens them read-only.
16337
16338 If you have already loaded a file, you must load it again (using the
16339 @code{exec-file} or @code{core-file} command) after changing @code{set
16340 write}, for your new setting to take effect.
16341
16342 @item show write
16343 @kindex show write
16344 Display whether executable files and core files are opened for writing
16345 as well as reading.
16346 @end table
16347
16348 @node GDB Files
16349 @chapter @value{GDBN} Files
16350
16351 @value{GDBN} needs to know the file name of the program to be debugged,
16352 both in order to read its symbol table and in order to start your
16353 program. To debug a core dump of a previous run, you must also tell
16354 @value{GDBN} the name of the core dump file.
16355
16356 @menu
16357 * Files:: Commands to specify files
16358 * Separate Debug Files:: Debugging information in separate files
16359 * MiniDebugInfo:: Debugging information in a special section
16360 * Index Files:: Index files speed up GDB
16361 * Symbol Errors:: Errors reading symbol files
16362 * Data Files:: GDB data files
16363 @end menu
16364
16365 @node Files
16366 @section Commands to Specify Files
16367
16368 @cindex symbol table
16369 @cindex core dump file
16370
16371 You may want to specify executable and core dump file names. The usual
16372 way to do this is at start-up time, using the arguments to
16373 @value{GDBN}'s start-up commands (@pxref{Invocation, , Getting In and
16374 Out of @value{GDBN}}).
16375
16376 Occasionally it is necessary to change to a different file during a
16377 @value{GDBN} session. Or you may run @value{GDBN} and forget to
16378 specify a file you want to use. Or you are debugging a remote target
16379 via @code{gdbserver} (@pxref{Server, file, Using the @code{gdbserver}
16380 Program}). In these situations the @value{GDBN} commands to specify
16381 new files are useful.
16382
16383 @table @code
16384 @cindex executable file
16385 @kindex file
16386 @item file @var{filename}
16387 Use @var{filename} as the program to be debugged. It is read for its
16388 symbols and for the contents of pure memory. It is also the program
16389 executed when you use the @code{run} command. If you do not specify a
16390 directory and the file is not found in the @value{GDBN} working directory,
16391 @value{GDBN} uses the environment variable @code{PATH} as a list of
16392 directories to search, just as the shell does when looking for a program
16393 to run. You can change the value of this variable, for both @value{GDBN}
16394 and your program, using the @code{path} command.
16395
16396 @cindex unlinked object files
16397 @cindex patching object files
16398 You can load unlinked object @file{.o} files into @value{GDBN} using
16399 the @code{file} command. You will not be able to ``run'' an object
16400 file, but you can disassemble functions and inspect variables. Also,
16401 if the underlying BFD functionality supports it, you could use
16402 @kbd{gdb -write} to patch object files using this technique. Note
16403 that @value{GDBN} can neither interpret nor modify relocations in this
16404 case, so branches and some initialized variables will appear to go to
16405 the wrong place. But this feature is still handy from time to time.
16406
16407 @item file
16408 @code{file} with no argument makes @value{GDBN} discard any information it
16409 has on both executable file and the symbol table.
16410
16411 @kindex exec-file
16412 @item exec-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
16413 Specify that the program to be run (but not the symbol table) is found
16414 in @var{filename}. @value{GDBN} searches the environment variable @code{PATH}
16415 if necessary to locate your program. Omitting @var{filename} means to
16416 discard information on the executable file.
16417
16418 @kindex symbol-file
16419 @item symbol-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
16420 Read symbol table information from file @var{filename}. @code{PATH} is
16421 searched when necessary. Use the @code{file} command to get both symbol
16422 table and program to run from the same file.
16423
16424 @code{symbol-file} with no argument clears out @value{GDBN} information on your
16425 program's symbol table.
16426
16427 The @code{symbol-file} command causes @value{GDBN} to forget the contents of
16428 some breakpoints and auto-display expressions. This is because they may
16429 contain pointers to the internal data recording symbols and data types,
16430 which are part of the old symbol table data being discarded inside
16431 @value{GDBN}.
16432
16433 @code{symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
16434 executing it once.
16435
16436 When @value{GDBN} is configured for a particular environment, it
16437 understands debugging information in whatever format is the standard
16438 generated for that environment; you may use either a @sc{gnu} compiler, or
16439 other compilers that adhere to the local conventions.
16440 Best results are usually obtained from @sc{gnu} compilers; for example,
16441 using @code{@value{NGCC}} you can generate debugging information for
16442 optimized code.
16443
16444 For most kinds of object files, with the exception of old SVR3 systems
16445 using COFF, the @code{symbol-file} command does not normally read the
16446 symbol table in full right away. Instead, it scans the symbol table
16447 quickly to find which source files and which symbols are present. The
16448 details are read later, one source file at a time, as they are needed.
16449
16450 The purpose of this two-stage reading strategy is to make @value{GDBN}
16451 start up faster. For the most part, it is invisible except for
16452 occasional pauses while the symbol table details for a particular source
16453 file are being read. (The @code{set verbose} command can turn these
16454 pauses into messages if desired. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional
16455 Warnings and Messages}.)
16456
16457 We have not implemented the two-stage strategy for COFF yet. When the
16458 symbol table is stored in COFF format, @code{symbol-file} reads the
16459 symbol table data in full right away. Note that ``stabs-in-COFF''
16460 still does the two-stage strategy, since the debug info is actually
16461 in stabs format.
16462
16463 @kindex readnow
16464 @cindex reading symbols immediately
16465 @cindex symbols, reading immediately
16466 @item symbol-file @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @var{filename}
16467 @itemx file @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @var{filename}
16468 You can override the @value{GDBN} two-stage strategy for reading symbol
16469 tables by using the @samp{-readnow} option with any of the commands that
16470 load symbol table information, if you want to be sure @value{GDBN} has the
16471 entire symbol table available.
16472
16473 @c FIXME: for now no mention of directories, since this seems to be in
16474 @c flux. 13mar1992 status is that in theory GDB would look either in
16475 @c current dir or in same dir as myprog; but issues like competing
16476 @c GDB's, or clutter in system dirs, mean that in practice right now
16477 @c only current dir is used. FFish says maybe a special GDB hierarchy
16478 @c (eg rooted in val of env var GDBSYMS) could exist for mappable symbol
16479 @c files.
16480
16481 @kindex core-file
16482 @item core-file @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
16483 @itemx core
16484 Specify the whereabouts of a core dump file to be used as the ``contents
16485 of memory''. Traditionally, core files contain only some parts of the
16486 address space of the process that generated them; @value{GDBN} can access the
16487 executable file itself for other parts.
16488
16489 @code{core-file} with no argument specifies that no core file is
16490 to be used.
16491
16492 Note that the core file is ignored when your program is actually running
16493 under @value{GDBN}. So, if you have been running your program and you
16494 wish to debug a core file instead, you must kill the subprocess in which
16495 the program is running. To do this, use the @code{kill} command
16496 (@pxref{Kill Process, ,Killing the Child Process}).
16497
16498 @kindex add-symbol-file
16499 @cindex dynamic linking
16500 @item add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address}
16501 @itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address} @r{[} -readnow @r{]}
16502 @itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address} -s @var{section} @var{address} @dots{}
16503 The @code{add-symbol-file} command reads additional symbol table
16504 information from the file @var{filename}. You would use this command
16505 when @var{filename} has been dynamically loaded (by some other means)
16506 into the program that is running. @var{address} should be the memory
16507 address at which the file has been loaded; @value{GDBN} cannot figure
16508 this out for itself. You can additionally specify an arbitrary number
16509 of @samp{-s @var{section} @var{address}} pairs, to give an explicit
16510 section name and base address for that section. You can specify any
16511 @var{address} as an expression.
16512
16513 The symbol table of the file @var{filename} is added to the symbol table
16514 originally read with the @code{symbol-file} command. You can use the
16515 @code{add-symbol-file} command any number of times; the new symbol data
16516 thus read keeps adding to the old. To discard all old symbol data
16517 instead, use the @code{symbol-file} command without any arguments.
16518
16519 @cindex relocatable object files, reading symbols from
16520 @cindex object files, relocatable, reading symbols from
16521 @cindex reading symbols from relocatable object files
16522 @cindex symbols, reading from relocatable object files
16523 @cindex @file{.o} files, reading symbols from
16524 Although @var{filename} is typically a shared library file, an
16525 executable file, or some other object file which has been fully
16526 relocated for loading into a process, you can also load symbolic
16527 information from relocatable @file{.o} files, as long as:
16528
16529 @itemize @bullet
16530 @item
16531 the file's symbolic information refers only to linker symbols defined in
16532 that file, not to symbols defined by other object files,
16533 @item
16534 every section the file's symbolic information refers to has actually
16535 been loaded into the inferior, as it appears in the file, and
16536 @item
16537 you can determine the address at which every section was loaded, and
16538 provide these to the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
16539 @end itemize
16540
16541 @noindent
16542 Some embedded operating systems, like Sun Chorus and VxWorks, can load
16543 relocatable files into an already running program; such systems
16544 typically make the requirements above easy to meet. However, it's
16545 important to recognize that many native systems use complex link
16546 procedures (@code{.linkonce} section factoring and C@t{++} constructor table
16547 assembly, for example) that make the requirements difficult to meet. In
16548 general, one cannot assume that using @code{add-symbol-file} to read a
16549 relocatable object file's symbolic information will have the same effect
16550 as linking the relocatable object file into the program in the normal
16551 way.
16552
16553 @code{add-symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
16554
16555 @kindex add-symbol-file-from-memory
16556 @cindex @code{syscall DSO}
16557 @cindex load symbols from memory
16558 @item add-symbol-file-from-memory @var{address}
16559 Load symbols from the given @var{address} in a dynamically loaded
16560 object file whose image is mapped directly into the inferior's memory.
16561 For example, the Linux kernel maps a @code{syscall DSO} into each
16562 process's address space; this DSO provides kernel-specific code for
16563 some system calls. The argument can be any expression whose
16564 evaluation yields the address of the file's shared object file header.
16565 For this command to work, you must have used @code{symbol-file} or
16566 @code{exec-file} commands in advance.
16567
16568 @kindex add-shared-symbol-files
16569 @kindex assf
16570 @item add-shared-symbol-files @var{library-file}
16571 @itemx assf @var{library-file}
16572 The @code{add-shared-symbol-files} command can currently be used only
16573 in the Cygwin build of @value{GDBN} on MS-Windows OS, where it is an
16574 alias for the @code{dll-symbols} command (@pxref{Cygwin Native}).
16575 @value{GDBN} automatically looks for shared libraries, however if
16576 @value{GDBN} does not find yours, you can invoke
16577 @code{add-shared-symbol-files}. It takes one argument: the shared
16578 library's file name. @code{assf} is a shorthand alias for
16579 @code{add-shared-symbol-files}.
16580
16581 @kindex section
16582 @item section @var{section} @var{addr}
16583 The @code{section} command changes the base address of the named
16584 @var{section} of the exec file to @var{addr}. This can be used if the
16585 exec file does not contain section addresses, (such as in the
16586 @code{a.out} format), or when the addresses specified in the file
16587 itself are wrong. Each section must be changed separately. The
16588 @code{info files} command, described below, lists all the sections and
16589 their addresses.
16590
16591 @kindex info files
16592 @kindex info target
16593 @item info files
16594 @itemx info target
16595 @code{info files} and @code{info target} are synonymous; both print the
16596 current target (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}),
16597 including the names of the executable and core dump files currently in
16598 use by @value{GDBN}, and the files from which symbols were loaded. The
16599 command @code{help target} lists all possible targets rather than
16600 current ones.
16601
16602 @kindex maint info sections
16603 @item maint info sections
16604 Another command that can give you extra information about program sections
16605 is @code{maint info sections}. In addition to the section information
16606 displayed by @code{info files}, this command displays the flags and file
16607 offset of each section in the executable and core dump files. In addition,
16608 @code{maint info sections} provides the following command options (which
16609 may be arbitrarily combined):
16610
16611 @table @code
16612 @item ALLOBJ
16613 Display sections for all loaded object files, including shared libraries.
16614 @item @var{sections}
16615 Display info only for named @var{sections}.
16616 @item @var{section-flags}
16617 Display info only for sections for which @var{section-flags} are true.
16618 The section flags that @value{GDBN} currently knows about are:
16619 @table @code
16620 @item ALLOC
16621 Section will have space allocated in the process when loaded.
16622 Set for all sections except those containing debug information.
16623 @item LOAD
16624 Section will be loaded from the file into the child process memory.
16625 Set for pre-initialized code and data, clear for @code{.bss} sections.
16626 @item RELOC
16627 Section needs to be relocated before loading.
16628 @item READONLY
16629 Section cannot be modified by the child process.
16630 @item CODE
16631 Section contains executable code only.
16632 @item DATA
16633 Section contains data only (no executable code).
16634 @item ROM
16635 Section will reside in ROM.
16636 @item CONSTRUCTOR
16637 Section contains data for constructor/destructor lists.
16638 @item HAS_CONTENTS
16639 Section is not empty.
16640 @item NEVER_LOAD
16641 An instruction to the linker to not output the section.
16642 @item COFF_SHARED_LIBRARY
16643 A notification to the linker that the section contains
16644 COFF shared library information.
16645 @item IS_COMMON
16646 Section contains common symbols.
16647 @end table
16648 @end table
16649 @kindex set trust-readonly-sections
16650 @cindex read-only sections
16651 @item set trust-readonly-sections on
16652 Tell @value{GDBN} that readonly sections in your object file
16653 really are read-only (i.e.@: that their contents will not change).
16654 In that case, @value{GDBN} can fetch values from these sections
16655 out of the object file, rather than from the target program.
16656 For some targets (notably embedded ones), this can be a significant
16657 enhancement to debugging performance.
16658
16659 The default is off.
16660
16661 @item set trust-readonly-sections off
16662 Tell @value{GDBN} not to trust readonly sections. This means that
16663 the contents of the section might change while the program is running,
16664 and must therefore be fetched from the target when needed.
16665
16666 @item show trust-readonly-sections
16667 Show the current setting of trusting readonly sections.
16668 @end table
16669
16670 All file-specifying commands allow both absolute and relative file names
16671 as arguments. @value{GDBN} always converts the file name to an absolute file
16672 name and remembers it that way.
16673
16674 @cindex shared libraries
16675 @anchor{Shared Libraries}
16676 @value{GDBN} supports @sc{gnu}/Linux, MS-Windows, HP-UX, SunOS, SVr4, Irix,
16677 and IBM RS/6000 AIX shared libraries.
16678
16679 On MS-Windows @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support
16680 shared libraries. @xref{Expat}.
16681
16682 @value{GDBN} automatically loads symbol definitions from shared libraries
16683 when you use the @code{run} command, or when you examine a core file.
16684 (Before you issue the @code{run} command, @value{GDBN} does not understand
16685 references to a function in a shared library, however---unless you are
16686 debugging a core file).
16687
16688 On HP-UX, if the program loads a library explicitly, @value{GDBN}
16689 automatically loads the symbols at the time of the @code{shl_load} call.
16690
16691 @c FIXME: some @value{GDBN} release may permit some refs to undef
16692 @c FIXME...symbols---eg in a break cmd---assuming they are from a shared
16693 @c FIXME...lib; check this from time to time when updating manual
16694
16695 There are times, however, when you may wish to not automatically load
16696 symbol definitions from shared libraries, such as when they are
16697 particularly large or there are many of them.
16698
16699 To control the automatic loading of shared library symbols, use the
16700 commands:
16701
16702 @table @code
16703 @kindex set auto-solib-add
16704 @item set auto-solib-add @var{mode}
16705 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, symbols from all shared object libraries
16706 will be loaded automatically when the inferior begins execution, you
16707 attach to an independently started inferior, or when the dynamic linker
16708 informs @value{GDBN} that a new library has been loaded. If @var{mode}
16709 is @code{off}, symbols must be loaded manually, using the
16710 @code{sharedlibrary} command. The default value is @code{on}.
16711
16712 @cindex memory used for symbol tables
16713 If your program uses lots of shared libraries with debug info that
16714 takes large amounts of memory, you can decrease the @value{GDBN}
16715 memory footprint by preventing it from automatically loading the
16716 symbols from shared libraries. To that end, type @kbd{set
16717 auto-solib-add off} before running the inferior, then load each
16718 library whose debug symbols you do need with @kbd{sharedlibrary
16719 @var{regexp}}, where @var{regexp} is a regular expression that matches
16720 the libraries whose symbols you want to be loaded.
16721
16722 @kindex show auto-solib-add
16723 @item show auto-solib-add
16724 Display the current autoloading mode.
16725 @end table
16726
16727 @cindex load shared library
16728 To explicitly load shared library symbols, use the @code{sharedlibrary}
16729 command:
16730
16731 @table @code
16732 @kindex info sharedlibrary
16733 @kindex info share
16734 @item info share @var{regex}
16735 @itemx info sharedlibrary @var{regex}
16736 Print the names of the shared libraries which are currently loaded
16737 that match @var{regex}. If @var{regex} is omitted then print
16738 all shared libraries that are loaded.
16739
16740 @kindex sharedlibrary
16741 @kindex share
16742 @item sharedlibrary @var{regex}
16743 @itemx share @var{regex}
16744 Load shared object library symbols for files matching a
16745 Unix regular expression.
16746 As with files loaded automatically, it only loads shared libraries
16747 required by your program for a core file or after typing @code{run}. If
16748 @var{regex} is omitted all shared libraries required by your program are
16749 loaded.
16750
16751 @item nosharedlibrary
16752 @kindex nosharedlibrary
16753 @cindex unload symbols from shared libraries
16754 Unload all shared object library symbols. This discards all symbols
16755 that have been loaded from all shared libraries. Symbols from shared
16756 libraries that were loaded by explicit user requests are not
16757 discarded.
16758 @end table
16759
16760 Sometimes you may wish that @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control
16761 when any of shared library events happen. The best way to do this is
16762 to use @code{catch load} and @code{catch unload} (@pxref{Set
16763 Catchpoints}).
16764
16765 @value{GDBN} also supports the the @code{set stop-on-solib-events}
16766 command for this. This command exists for historical reasons. It is
16767 less useful than setting a catchpoint, because it does not allow for
16768 conditions or commands as a catchpoint does.
16769
16770 @table @code
16771 @item set stop-on-solib-events
16772 @kindex set stop-on-solib-events
16773 This command controls whether @value{GDBN} should give you control
16774 when the dynamic linker notifies it about some shared library event.
16775 The most common event of interest is loading or unloading of a new
16776 shared library.
16777
16778 @item show stop-on-solib-events
16779 @kindex show stop-on-solib-events
16780 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control when shared
16781 library events happen.
16782 @end table
16783
16784 Shared libraries are also supported in many cross or remote debugging
16785 configurations. @value{GDBN} needs to have access to the target's libraries;
16786 this can be accomplished either by providing copies of the libraries
16787 on the host system, or by asking @value{GDBN} to automatically retrieve the
16788 libraries from the target. If copies of the target libraries are
16789 provided, they need to be the same as the target libraries, although the
16790 copies on the target can be stripped as long as the copies on the host are
16791 not.
16792
16793 @cindex where to look for shared libraries
16794 For remote debugging, you need to tell @value{GDBN} where the target
16795 libraries are, so that it can load the correct copies---otherwise, it
16796 may try to load the host's libraries. @value{GDBN} has two variables
16797 to specify the search directories for target libraries.
16798
16799 @table @code
16800 @cindex prefix for shared library file names
16801 @cindex system root, alternate
16802 @kindex set solib-absolute-prefix
16803 @kindex set sysroot
16804 @item set sysroot @var{path}
16805 Use @var{path} as the system root for the program being debugged. Any
16806 absolute shared library paths will be prefixed with @var{path}; many
16807 runtime loaders store the absolute paths to the shared library in the
16808 target program's memory. If you use @code{set sysroot} to find shared
16809 libraries, they need to be laid out in the same way that they are on
16810 the target, with e.g.@: a @file{/lib} and @file{/usr/lib} hierarchy
16811 under @var{path}.
16812
16813 If @var{path} starts with the sequence @file{remote:}, @value{GDBN} will
16814 retrieve the target libraries from the remote system. This is only
16815 supported when using a remote target that supports the @code{remote get}
16816 command (@pxref{File Transfer,,Sending files to a remote system}).
16817 The part of @var{path} following the initial @file{remote:}
16818 (if present) is used as system root prefix on the remote file system.
16819 @footnote{If you want to specify a local system root using a directory
16820 that happens to be named @file{remote:}, you need to use some equivalent
16821 variant of the name like @file{./remote:}.}
16822
16823 For targets with an MS-DOS based filesystem, such as MS-Windows and
16824 SymbianOS, @value{GDBN} tries prefixing a few variants of the target
16825 absolute file name with @var{path}. But first, on Unix hosts,
16826 @value{GDBN} converts all backslash directory separators into forward
16827 slashes, because the backslash is not a directory separator on Unix:
16828
16829 @smallexample
16830 c:\foo\bar.dll @result{} c:/foo/bar.dll
16831 @end smallexample
16832
16833 Then, @value{GDBN} attempts prefixing the target file name with
16834 @var{path}, and looks for the resulting file name in the host file
16835 system:
16836
16837 @smallexample
16838 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/c:/foo/bar.dll
16839 @end smallexample
16840
16841 If that does not find the shared library, @value{GDBN} tries removing
16842 the @samp{:} character from the drive spec, both for convenience, and,
16843 for the case of the host file system not supporting file names with
16844 colons:
16845
16846 @smallexample
16847 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/c/foo/bar.dll
16848 @end smallexample
16849
16850 This makes it possible to have a system root that mirrors a target
16851 with more than one drive. E.g., you may want to setup your local
16852 copies of the target system shared libraries like so (note @samp{c} vs
16853 @samp{z}):
16854
16855 @smallexample
16856 @file{/path/to/sysroot/c/sys/bin/foo.dll}
16857 @file{/path/to/sysroot/c/sys/bin/bar.dll}
16858 @file{/path/to/sysroot/z/sys/bin/bar.dll}
16859 @end smallexample
16860
16861 @noindent
16862 and point the system root at @file{/path/to/sysroot}, so that
16863 @value{GDBN} can find the correct copies of both
16864 @file{c:\sys\bin\foo.dll}, and @file{z:\sys\bin\bar.dll}.
16865
16866 If that still does not find the shared library, @value{GDBN} tries
16867 removing the whole drive spec from the target file name:
16868
16869 @smallexample
16870 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/foo/bar.dll
16871 @end smallexample
16872
16873 This last lookup makes it possible to not care about the drive name,
16874 if you don't want or need to.
16875
16876 The @code{set solib-absolute-prefix} command is an alias for @code{set
16877 sysroot}.
16878
16879 @cindex default system root
16880 @cindex @samp{--with-sysroot}
16881 You can set the default system root by using the configure-time
16882 @samp{--with-sysroot} option. If the system root is inside
16883 @value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
16884 @samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default system root will be updated
16885 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
16886 location.
16887
16888 @kindex show sysroot
16889 @item show sysroot
16890 Display the current shared library prefix.
16891
16892 @kindex set solib-search-path
16893 @item set solib-search-path @var{path}
16894 If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
16895 directories to search for shared libraries. @samp{solib-search-path}
16896 is used after @samp{sysroot} fails to locate the library, or if the
16897 path to the library is relative instead of absolute. If you want to
16898 use @samp{solib-search-path} instead of @samp{sysroot}, be sure to set
16899 @samp{sysroot} to a nonexistent directory to prevent @value{GDBN} from
16900 finding your host's libraries. @samp{sysroot} is preferred; setting
16901 it to a nonexistent directory may interfere with automatic loading
16902 of shared library symbols.
16903
16904 @kindex show solib-search-path
16905 @item show solib-search-path
16906 Display the current shared library search path.
16907
16908 @cindex DOS file-name semantics of file names.
16909 @kindex set target-file-system-kind (unix|dos-based|auto)
16910 @kindex show target-file-system-kind
16911 @item set target-file-system-kind @var{kind}
16912 Set assumed file system kind for target reported file names.
16913
16914 Shared library file names as reported by the target system may not
16915 make sense as is on the system @value{GDBN} is running on. For
16916 example, when remote debugging a target that has MS-DOS based file
16917 system semantics, from a Unix host, the target may be reporting to
16918 @value{GDBN} a list of loaded shared libraries with file names such as
16919 @file{c:\Windows\kernel32.dll}. On Unix hosts, there's no concept of
16920 drive letters, so the @samp{c:\} prefix is not normally understood as
16921 indicating an absolute file name, and neither is the backslash
16922 normally considered a directory separator character. In that case,
16923 the native file system would interpret this whole absolute file name
16924 as a relative file name with no directory components. This would make
16925 it impossible to point @value{GDBN} at a copy of the remote target's
16926 shared libraries on the host using @code{set sysroot}, and impractical
16927 with @code{set solib-search-path}. Setting
16928 @code{target-file-system-kind} to @code{dos-based} tells @value{GDBN}
16929 to interpret such file names similarly to how the target would, and to
16930 map them to file names valid on @value{GDBN}'s native file system
16931 semantics. The value of @var{kind} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition
16932 to one of the supported file system kinds. In that case, @value{GDBN}
16933 tries to determine the appropriate file system variant based on the
16934 current target's operating system (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the
16935 Current ABI}). The supported file system settings are:
16936
16937 @table @code
16938 @item unix
16939 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target file system is of Unix
16940 kind. Only file names starting the forward slash (@samp{/}) character
16941 are considered absolute, and the directory separator character is also
16942 the forward slash.
16943
16944 @item dos-based
16945 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target file system is DOS based.
16946 File names starting with either a forward slash, or a drive letter
16947 followed by a colon (e.g., @samp{c:}), are considered absolute, and
16948 both the slash (@samp{/}) and the backslash (@samp{\\}) characters are
16949 considered directory separators.
16950
16951 @item auto
16952 Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the file system kind associated with the
16953 target operating system (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the Current ABI}).
16954 This is the default.
16955 @end table
16956 @end table
16957
16958 @cindex file name canonicalization
16959 @cindex base name differences
16960 When processing file names provided by the user, @value{GDBN}
16961 frequently needs to compare them to the file names recorded in the
16962 program's debug info. Normally, @value{GDBN} compares just the
16963 @dfn{base names} of the files as strings, which is reasonably fast
16964 even for very large programs. (The base name of a file is the last
16965 portion of its name, after stripping all the leading directories.)
16966 This shortcut in comparison is based upon the assumption that files
16967 cannot have more than one base name. This is usually true, but
16968 references to files that use symlinks or similar filesystem
16969 facilities violate that assumption. If your program records files
16970 using such facilities, or if you provide file names to @value{GDBN}
16971 using symlinks etc., you can set @code{basenames-may-differ} to
16972 @code{true} to instruct @value{GDBN} to completely canonicalize each
16973 pair of file names it needs to compare. This will make file-name
16974 comparisons accurate, but at a price of a significant slowdown.
16975
16976 @table @code
16977 @item set basenames-may-differ
16978 @kindex set basenames-may-differ
16979 Set whether a source file may have multiple base names.
16980
16981 @item show basenames-may-differ
16982 @kindex show basenames-may-differ
16983 Show whether a source file may have multiple base names.
16984 @end table
16985
16986 @node Separate Debug Files
16987 @section Debugging Information in Separate Files
16988 @cindex separate debugging information files
16989 @cindex debugging information in separate files
16990 @cindex @file{.debug} subdirectories
16991 @cindex debugging information directory, global
16992 @cindex global debugging information directories
16993 @cindex build ID, and separate debugging files
16994 @cindex @file{.build-id} directory
16995
16996 @value{GDBN} allows you to put a program's debugging information in a
16997 file separate from the executable itself, in a way that allows
16998 @value{GDBN} to find and load the debugging information automatically.
16999 Since debugging information can be very large---sometimes larger
17000 than the executable code itself---some systems distribute debugging
17001 information for their executables in separate files, which users can
17002 install only when they need to debug a problem.
17003
17004 @value{GDBN} supports two ways of specifying the separate debug info
17005 file:
17006
17007 @itemize @bullet
17008 @item
17009 The executable contains a @dfn{debug link} that specifies the name of
17010 the separate debug info file. The separate debug file's name is
17011 usually @file{@var{executable}.debug}, where @var{executable} is the
17012 name of the corresponding executable file without leading directories
17013 (e.g., @file{ls.debug} for @file{/usr/bin/ls}). In addition, the
17014 debug link specifies a 32-bit @dfn{Cyclic Redundancy Check} (CRC)
17015 checksum for the debug file, which @value{GDBN} uses to validate that
17016 the executable and the debug file came from the same build.
17017
17018 @item
17019 The executable contains a @dfn{build ID}, a unique bit string that is
17020 also present in the corresponding debug info file. (This is supported
17021 only on some operating systems, notably those which use the ELF format
17022 for binary files and the @sc{gnu} Binutils.) For more details about
17023 this feature, see the description of the @option{--build-id}
17024 command-line option in @ref{Options, , Command Line Options, ld.info,
17025 The GNU Linker}. The debug info file's name is not specified
17026 explicitly by the build ID, but can be computed from the build ID, see
17027 below.
17028 @end itemize
17029
17030 Depending on the way the debug info file is specified, @value{GDBN}
17031 uses two different methods of looking for the debug file:
17032
17033 @itemize @bullet
17034 @item
17035 For the ``debug link'' method, @value{GDBN} looks up the named file in
17036 the directory of the executable file, then in a subdirectory of that
17037 directory named @file{.debug}, and finally under each one of the global debug
17038 directories, in a subdirectory whose name is identical to the leading
17039 directories of the executable's absolute file name.
17040
17041 @item
17042 For the ``build ID'' method, @value{GDBN} looks in the
17043 @file{.build-id} subdirectory of each one of the global debug directories for
17044 a file named @file{@var{nn}/@var{nnnnnnnn}.debug}, where @var{nn} are the
17045 first 2 hex characters of the build ID bit string, and @var{nnnnnnnn}
17046 are the rest of the bit string. (Real build ID strings are 32 or more
17047 hex characters, not 10.)
17048 @end itemize
17049
17050 So, for example, suppose you ask @value{GDBN} to debug
17051 @file{/usr/bin/ls}, which has a debug link that specifies the
17052 file @file{ls.debug}, and a build ID whose value in hex is
17053 @code{abcdef1234}. If the list of the global debug directories includes
17054 @file{/usr/lib/debug}, then @value{GDBN} will look for the following
17055 debug information files, in the indicated order:
17056
17057 @itemize @minus
17058 @item
17059 @file{/usr/lib/debug/.build-id/ab/cdef1234.debug}
17060 @item
17061 @file{/usr/bin/ls.debug}
17062 @item
17063 @file{/usr/bin/.debug/ls.debug}
17064 @item
17065 @file{/usr/lib/debug/usr/bin/ls.debug}.
17066 @end itemize
17067
17068 @anchor{debug-file-directory}
17069 Global debugging info directories default to what is set by @value{GDBN}
17070 configure option @option{--with-separate-debug-dir}. During @value{GDBN} run
17071 you can also set the global debugging info directories, and view the list
17072 @value{GDBN} is currently using.
17073
17074 @table @code
17075
17076 @kindex set debug-file-directory
17077 @item set debug-file-directory @var{directories}
17078 Set the directories which @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
17079 information files to @var{directory}. Multiple path components can be set
17080 concatenating them by a path separator.
17081
17082 @kindex show debug-file-directory
17083 @item show debug-file-directory
17084 Show the directories @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
17085 information files.
17086
17087 @end table
17088
17089 @cindex @code{.gnu_debuglink} sections
17090 @cindex debug link sections
17091 A debug link is a special section of the executable file named
17092 @code{.gnu_debuglink}. The section must contain:
17093
17094 @itemize
17095 @item
17096 A filename, with any leading directory components removed, followed by
17097 a zero byte,
17098 @item
17099 zero to three bytes of padding, as needed to reach the next four-byte
17100 boundary within the section, and
17101 @item
17102 a four-byte CRC checksum, stored in the same endianness used for the
17103 executable file itself. The checksum is computed on the debugging
17104 information file's full contents by the function given below, passing
17105 zero as the @var{crc} argument.
17106 @end itemize
17107
17108 Any executable file format can carry a debug link, as long as it can
17109 contain a section named @code{.gnu_debuglink} with the contents
17110 described above.
17111
17112 @cindex @code{.note.gnu.build-id} sections
17113 @cindex build ID sections
17114 The build ID is a special section in the executable file (and in other
17115 ELF binary files that @value{GDBN} may consider). This section is
17116 often named @code{.note.gnu.build-id}, but that name is not mandatory.
17117 It contains unique identification for the built files---the ID remains
17118 the same across multiple builds of the same build tree. The default
17119 algorithm SHA1 produces 160 bits (40 hexadecimal characters) of the
17120 content for the build ID string. The same section with an identical
17121 value is present in the original built binary with symbols, in its
17122 stripped variant, and in the separate debugging information file.
17123
17124 The debugging information file itself should be an ordinary
17125 executable, containing a full set of linker symbols, sections, and
17126 debugging information. The sections of the debugging information file
17127 should have the same names, addresses, and sizes as the original file,
17128 but they need not contain any data---much like a @code{.bss} section
17129 in an ordinary executable.
17130
17131 The @sc{gnu} binary utilities (Binutils) package includes the
17132 @samp{objcopy} utility that can produce
17133 the separated executable / debugging information file pairs using the
17134 following commands:
17135
17136 @smallexample
17137 @kbd{objcopy --only-keep-debug foo foo.debug}
17138 @kbd{strip -g foo}
17139 @end smallexample
17140
17141 @noindent
17142 These commands remove the debugging
17143 information from the executable file @file{foo} and place it in the file
17144 @file{foo.debug}. You can use the first, second or both methods to link the
17145 two files:
17146
17147 @itemize @bullet
17148 @item
17149 The debug link method needs the following additional command to also leave
17150 behind a debug link in @file{foo}:
17151
17152 @smallexample
17153 @kbd{objcopy --add-gnu-debuglink=foo.debug foo}
17154 @end smallexample
17155
17156 Ulrich Drepper's @file{elfutils} package, starting with version 0.53, contains
17157 a version of the @code{strip} command such that the command @kbd{strip foo -f
17158 foo.debug} has the same functionality as the two @code{objcopy} commands and
17159 the @code{ln -s} command above, together.
17160
17161 @item
17162 Build ID gets embedded into the main executable using @code{ld --build-id} or
17163 the @value{NGCC} counterpart @code{gcc -Wl,--build-id}. Build ID support plus
17164 compatibility fixes for debug files separation are present in @sc{gnu} binary
17165 utilities (Binutils) package since version 2.18.
17166 @end itemize
17167
17168 @noindent
17169
17170 @cindex CRC algorithm definition
17171 The CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink} is the CRC-32 defined in
17172 IEEE 802.3 using the polynomial:
17173
17174 @c TexInfo requires naked braces for multi-digit exponents for Tex
17175 @c output, but this causes HTML output to barf. HTML has to be set using
17176 @c raw commands. So we end up having to specify this equation in 2
17177 @c different ways!
17178 @ifhtml
17179 @display
17180 @html
17181 <em>x</em><sup>32</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>26</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>23</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>22</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>16</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>12</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>11</sup>
17182 + <em>x</em><sup>10</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>8</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>7</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>5</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>4</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>2</sup> + <em>x</em> + 1
17183 @end html
17184 @end display
17185 @end ifhtml
17186 @ifnothtml
17187 @display
17188 @math{x^{32} + x^{26} + x^{23} + x^{22} + x^{16} + x^{12} + x^{11}}
17189 @math{+ x^{10} + x^8 + x^7 + x^5 + x^4 + x^2 + x + 1}
17190 @end display
17191 @end ifnothtml
17192
17193 The function is computed byte at a time, taking the least
17194 significant bit of each byte first. The initial pattern
17195 @code{0xffffffff} is used, to ensure leading zeros affect the CRC and
17196 the final result is inverted to ensure trailing zeros also affect the
17197 CRC.
17198
17199 @emph{Note:} This is the same CRC polynomial as used in handling the
17200 @dfn{Remote Serial Protocol} @code{qCRC} packet (@pxref{Remote Protocol,
17201 , @value{GDBN} Remote Serial Protocol}). However in the
17202 case of the Remote Serial Protocol, the CRC is computed @emph{most}
17203 significant bit first, and the result is not inverted, so trailing
17204 zeros have no effect on the CRC value.
17205
17206 To complete the description, we show below the code of the function
17207 which produces the CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink}. Inverting the
17208 initially supplied @code{crc} argument means that an initial call to
17209 this function passing in zero will start computing the CRC using
17210 @code{0xffffffff}.
17211
17212 @kindex gnu_debuglink_crc32
17213 @smallexample
17214 unsigned long
17215 gnu_debuglink_crc32 (unsigned long crc,
17216 unsigned char *buf, size_t len)
17217 @{
17218 static const unsigned long crc32_table[256] =
17219 @{
17220 0x00000000, 0x77073096, 0xee0e612c, 0x990951ba, 0x076dc419,
17221 0x706af48f, 0xe963a535, 0x9e6495a3, 0x0edb8832, 0x79dcb8a4,
17222 0xe0d5e91e, 0x97d2d988, 0x09b64c2b, 0x7eb17cbd, 0xe7b82d07,
17223 0x90bf1d91, 0x1db71064, 0x6ab020f2, 0xf3b97148, 0x84be41de,
17224 0x1adad47d, 0x6ddde4eb, 0xf4d4b551, 0x83d385c7, 0x136c9856,
17225 0x646ba8c0, 0xfd62f97a, 0x8a65c9ec, 0x14015c4f, 0x63066cd9,
17226 0xfa0f3d63, 0x8d080df5, 0x3b6e20c8, 0x4c69105e, 0xd56041e4,
17227 0xa2677172, 0x3c03e4d1, 0x4b04d447, 0xd20d85fd, 0xa50ab56b,
17228 0x35b5a8fa, 0x42b2986c, 0xdbbbc9d6, 0xacbcf940, 0x32d86ce3,
17229 0x45df5c75, 0xdcd60dcf, 0xabd13d59, 0x26d930ac, 0x51de003a,
17230 0xc8d75180, 0xbfd06116, 0x21b4f4b5, 0x56b3c423, 0xcfba9599,
17231 0xb8bda50f, 0x2802b89e, 0x5f058808, 0xc60cd9b2, 0xb10be924,
17232 0x2f6f7c87, 0x58684c11, 0xc1611dab, 0xb6662d3d, 0x76dc4190,
17233 0x01db7106, 0x98d220bc, 0xefd5102a, 0x71b18589, 0x06b6b51f,
17234 0x9fbfe4a5, 0xe8b8d433, 0x7807c9a2, 0x0f00f934, 0x9609a88e,
17235 0xe10e9818, 0x7f6a0dbb, 0x086d3d2d, 0x91646c97, 0xe6635c01,
17236 0x6b6b51f4, 0x1c6c6162, 0x856530d8, 0xf262004e, 0x6c0695ed,
17237 0x1b01a57b, 0x8208f4c1, 0xf50fc457, 0x65b0d9c6, 0x12b7e950,
17238 0x8bbeb8ea, 0xfcb9887c, 0x62dd1ddf, 0x15da2d49, 0x8cd37cf3,
17239 0xfbd44c65, 0x4db26158, 0x3ab551ce, 0xa3bc0074, 0xd4bb30e2,
17240 0x4adfa541, 0x3dd895d7, 0xa4d1c46d, 0xd3d6f4fb, 0x4369e96a,
17241 0x346ed9fc, 0xad678846, 0xda60b8d0, 0x44042d73, 0x33031de5,
17242 0xaa0a4c5f, 0xdd0d7cc9, 0x5005713c, 0x270241aa, 0xbe0b1010,
17243 0xc90c2086, 0x5768b525, 0x206f85b3, 0xb966d409, 0xce61e49f,
17244 0x5edef90e, 0x29d9c998, 0xb0d09822, 0xc7d7a8b4, 0x59b33d17,
17245 0x2eb40d81, 0xb7bd5c3b, 0xc0ba6cad, 0xedb88320, 0x9abfb3b6,
17246 0x03b6e20c, 0x74b1d29a, 0xead54739, 0x9dd277af, 0x04db2615,
17247 0x73dc1683, 0xe3630b12, 0x94643b84, 0x0d6d6a3e, 0x7a6a5aa8,
17248 0xe40ecf0b, 0x9309ff9d, 0x0a00ae27, 0x7d079eb1, 0xf00f9344,
17249 0x8708a3d2, 0x1e01f268, 0x6906c2fe, 0xf762575d, 0x806567cb,
17250 0x196c3671, 0x6e6b06e7, 0xfed41b76, 0x89d32be0, 0x10da7a5a,
17251 0x67dd4acc, 0xf9b9df6f, 0x8ebeeff9, 0x17b7be43, 0x60b08ed5,
17252 0xd6d6a3e8, 0xa1d1937e, 0x38d8c2c4, 0x4fdff252, 0xd1bb67f1,
17253 0xa6bc5767, 0x3fb506dd, 0x48b2364b, 0xd80d2bda, 0xaf0a1b4c,
17254 0x36034af6, 0x41047a60, 0xdf60efc3, 0xa867df55, 0x316e8eef,
17255 0x4669be79, 0xcb61b38c, 0xbc66831a, 0x256fd2a0, 0x5268e236,
17256 0xcc0c7795, 0xbb0b4703, 0x220216b9, 0x5505262f, 0xc5ba3bbe,
17257 0xb2bd0b28, 0x2bb45a92, 0x5cb36a04, 0xc2d7ffa7, 0xb5d0cf31,
17258 0x2cd99e8b, 0x5bdeae1d, 0x9b64c2b0, 0xec63f226, 0x756aa39c,
17259 0x026d930a, 0x9c0906a9, 0xeb0e363f, 0x72076785, 0x05005713,
17260 0x95bf4a82, 0xe2b87a14, 0x7bb12bae, 0x0cb61b38, 0x92d28e9b,
17261 0xe5d5be0d, 0x7cdcefb7, 0x0bdbdf21, 0x86d3d2d4, 0xf1d4e242,
17262 0x68ddb3f8, 0x1fda836e, 0x81be16cd, 0xf6b9265b, 0x6fb077e1,
17263 0x18b74777, 0x88085ae6, 0xff0f6a70, 0x66063bca, 0x11010b5c,
17264 0x8f659eff, 0xf862ae69, 0x616bffd3, 0x166ccf45, 0xa00ae278,
17265 0xd70dd2ee, 0x4e048354, 0x3903b3c2, 0xa7672661, 0xd06016f7,
17266 0x4969474d, 0x3e6e77db, 0xaed16a4a, 0xd9d65adc, 0x40df0b66,
17267 0x37d83bf0, 0xa9bcae53, 0xdebb9ec5, 0x47b2cf7f, 0x30b5ffe9,
17268 0xbdbdf21c, 0xcabac28a, 0x53b39330, 0x24b4a3a6, 0xbad03605,
17269 0xcdd70693, 0x54de5729, 0x23d967bf, 0xb3667a2e, 0xc4614ab8,
17270 0x5d681b02, 0x2a6f2b94, 0xb40bbe37, 0xc30c8ea1, 0x5a05df1b,
17271 0x2d02ef8d
17272 @};
17273 unsigned char *end;
17274
17275 crc = ~crc & 0xffffffff;
17276 for (end = buf + len; buf < end; ++buf)
17277 crc = crc32_table[(crc ^ *buf) & 0xff] ^ (crc >> 8);
17278 return ~crc & 0xffffffff;
17279 @}
17280 @end smallexample
17281
17282 @noindent
17283 This computation does not apply to the ``build ID'' method.
17284
17285 @node MiniDebugInfo
17286 @section Debugging information in a special section
17287 @cindex separate debug sections
17288 @cindex @samp{.gnu_debugdata} section
17289
17290 Some systems ship pre-built executables and libraries that have a
17291 special @samp{.gnu_debugdata} section. This feature is called
17292 @dfn{MiniDebugInfo}. This section holds an LZMA-compressed object and
17293 is used to supply extra symbols for backtraces.
17294
17295 The intent of this section is to provide extra minimal debugging
17296 information for use in simple backtraces. It is not intended to be a
17297 replacement for full separate debugging information (@pxref{Separate
17298 Debug Files}). The example below shows the intended use; however,
17299 @value{GDBN} does not currently put restrictions on what sort of
17300 debugging information might be included in the section.
17301
17302 @value{GDBN} has support for this extension. If the section exists,
17303 then it is used provided that no other source of debugging information
17304 can be found, and that @value{GDBN} was configured with LZMA support.
17305
17306 This section can be easily created using @command{objcopy} and other
17307 standard utilities:
17308
17309 @smallexample
17310 # Extract the dynamic symbols from the main binary, there is no need
17311 # to also have these in the normal symbol table
17312 nm -D @var{binary} --format=posix --defined-only \
17313 | awk '@{ print $1 @}' | sort > dynsyms
17314
17315 # Extract all the text (i.e. function) symbols from the debuginfo .
17316 nm @var{binary} --format=posix --defined-only \
17317 | awk '@{ if ($2 == "T" || $2 == "t") print $1 @}' \
17318 | sort > funcsyms
17319
17320 # Keep all the function symbols not already in the dynamic symbol
17321 # table.
17322 comm -13 dynsyms funcsyms > keep_symbols
17323
17324 # Copy the full debuginfo, keeping only a minimal set of symbols and
17325 # removing some unnecessary sections.
17326 objcopy -S --remove-section .gdb_index --remove-section .comment \
17327 --keep-symbols=keep_symbols @var{binary} mini_debuginfo
17328
17329 # Inject the compressed data into the .gnu_debugdata section of the
17330 # original binary.
17331 xz mini_debuginfo
17332 objcopy --add-section .gnu_debugdata=mini_debuginfo.xz @var{binary}
17333 @end smallexample
17334
17335 @node Index Files
17336 @section Index Files Speed Up @value{GDBN}
17337 @cindex index files
17338 @cindex @samp{.gdb_index} section
17339
17340 When @value{GDBN} finds a symbol file, it scans the symbols in the
17341 file in order to construct an internal symbol table. This lets most
17342 @value{GDBN} operations work quickly---at the cost of a delay early
17343 on. For large programs, this delay can be quite lengthy, so
17344 @value{GDBN} provides a way to build an index, which speeds up
17345 startup.
17346
17347 The index is stored as a section in the symbol file. @value{GDBN} can
17348 write the index to a file, then you can put it into the symbol file
17349 using @command{objcopy}.
17350
17351 To create an index file, use the @code{save gdb-index} command:
17352
17353 @table @code
17354 @item save gdb-index @var{directory}
17355 @kindex save gdb-index
17356 Create an index file for each symbol file currently known by
17357 @value{GDBN}. Each file is named after its corresponding symbol file,
17358 with @samp{.gdb-index} appended, and is written into the given
17359 @var{directory}.
17360 @end table
17361
17362 Once you have created an index file you can merge it into your symbol
17363 file, here named @file{symfile}, using @command{objcopy}:
17364
17365 @smallexample
17366 $ objcopy --add-section .gdb_index=symfile.gdb-index \
17367 --set-section-flags .gdb_index=readonly symfile symfile
17368 @end smallexample
17369
17370 @value{GDBN} will normally ignore older versions of @file{.gdb_index}
17371 sections that have been deprecated. Usually they are deprecated because
17372 they are missing a new feature or have performance issues.
17373 To tell @value{GDBN} to use a deprecated index section anyway
17374 specify @code{set use-deprecated-index-sections on}.
17375 The default is @code{off}.
17376 This can speed up startup, but may result in some functionality being lost.
17377 @xref{Index Section Format}.
17378
17379 @emph{Warning:} Setting @code{use-deprecated-index-sections} to @code{on}
17380 must be done before gdb reads the file. The following will not work:
17381
17382 @smallexample
17383 $ gdb -ex "set use-deprecated-index-sections on" <program>
17384 @end smallexample
17385
17386 Instead you must do, for example,
17387
17388 @smallexample
17389 $ gdb -iex "set use-deprecated-index-sections on" <program>
17390 @end smallexample
17391
17392 There are currently some limitation on indices. They only work when
17393 for DWARF debugging information, not stabs. And, they do not
17394 currently work for programs using Ada.
17395
17396 @node Symbol Errors
17397 @section Errors Reading Symbol Files
17398
17399 While reading a symbol file, @value{GDBN} occasionally encounters problems,
17400 such as symbol types it does not recognize, or known bugs in compiler
17401 output. By default, @value{GDBN} does not notify you of such problems, since
17402 they are relatively common and primarily of interest to people
17403 debugging compilers. If you are interested in seeing information
17404 about ill-constructed symbol tables, you can either ask @value{GDBN} to print
17405 only one message about each such type of problem, no matter how many
17406 times the problem occurs; or you can ask @value{GDBN} to print more messages,
17407 to see how many times the problems occur, with the @code{set
17408 complaints} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
17409 Messages}).
17410
17411 The messages currently printed, and their meanings, include:
17412
17413 @table @code
17414 @item inner block not inside outer block in @var{symbol}
17415
17416 The symbol information shows where symbol scopes begin and end
17417 (such as at the start of a function or a block of statements). This
17418 error indicates that an inner scope block is not fully contained
17419 in its outer scope blocks.
17420
17421 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the inner block as if it had
17422 the same scope as the outer block. In the error message, @var{symbol}
17423 may be shown as ``@code{(don't know)}'' if the outer block is not a
17424 function.
17425
17426 @item block at @var{address} out of order
17427
17428 The symbol information for symbol scope blocks should occur in
17429 order of increasing addresses. This error indicates that it does not
17430 do so.
17431
17432 @value{GDBN} does not circumvent this problem, and has trouble
17433 locating symbols in the source file whose symbols it is reading. (You
17434 can often determine what source file is affected by specifying
17435 @code{set verbose on}. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
17436 Messages}.)
17437
17438 @item bad block start address patched
17439
17440 The symbol information for a symbol scope block has a start address
17441 smaller than the address of the preceding source line. This is known
17442 to occur in the SunOS 4.1.1 (and earlier) C compiler.
17443
17444 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the symbol scope block as
17445 starting on the previous source line.
17446
17447 @item bad string table offset in symbol @var{n}
17448
17449 @cindex foo
17450 Symbol number @var{n} contains a pointer into the string table which is
17451 larger than the size of the string table.
17452
17453 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by considering the symbol to have the
17454 name @code{foo}, which may cause other problems if many symbols end up
17455 with this name.
17456
17457 @item unknown symbol type @code{0x@var{nn}}
17458
17459 The symbol information contains new data types that @value{GDBN} does
17460 not yet know how to read. @code{0x@var{nn}} is the symbol type of the
17461 uncomprehended information, in hexadecimal.
17462
17463 @value{GDBN} circumvents the error by ignoring this symbol information.
17464 This usually allows you to debug your program, though certain symbols
17465 are not accessible. If you encounter such a problem and feel like
17466 debugging it, you can debug @code{@value{GDBP}} with itself, breakpoint
17467 on @code{complain}, then go up to the function @code{read_dbx_symtab}
17468 and examine @code{*bufp} to see the symbol.
17469
17470 @item stub type has NULL name
17471
17472 @value{GDBN} could not find the full definition for a struct or class.
17473
17474 @item const/volatile indicator missing (ok if using g++ v1.x), got@dots{}
17475 The symbol information for a C@t{++} member function is missing some
17476 information that recent versions of the compiler should have output for
17477 it.
17478
17479 @item info mismatch between compiler and debugger
17480
17481 @value{GDBN} could not parse a type specification output by the compiler.
17482
17483 @end table
17484
17485 @node Data Files
17486 @section GDB Data Files
17487
17488 @cindex prefix for data files
17489 @value{GDBN} will sometimes read an auxiliary data file. These files
17490 are kept in a directory known as the @dfn{data directory}.
17491
17492 You can set the data directory's name, and view the name @value{GDBN}
17493 is currently using.
17494
17495 @table @code
17496 @kindex set data-directory
17497 @item set data-directory @var{directory}
17498 Set the directory which @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files
17499 to @var{directory}.
17500
17501 @kindex show data-directory
17502 @item show data-directory
17503 Show the directory @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files.
17504 @end table
17505
17506 @cindex default data directory
17507 @cindex @samp{--with-gdb-datadir}
17508 You can set the default data directory by using the configure-time
17509 @samp{--with-gdb-datadir} option. If the data directory is inside
17510 @value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
17511 @samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default data directory will be updated
17512 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
17513 location.
17514
17515 The data directory may also be specified with the
17516 @code{--data-directory} command line option.
17517 @xref{Mode Options}.
17518
17519 @node Targets
17520 @chapter Specifying a Debugging Target
17521
17522 @cindex debugging target
17523 A @dfn{target} is the execution environment occupied by your program.
17524
17525 Often, @value{GDBN} runs in the same host environment as your program;
17526 in that case, the debugging target is specified as a side effect when
17527 you use the @code{file} or @code{core} commands. When you need more
17528 flexibility---for example, running @value{GDBN} on a physically separate
17529 host, or controlling a standalone system over a serial port or a
17530 realtime system over a TCP/IP connection---you can use the @code{target}
17531 command to specify one of the target types configured for @value{GDBN}
17532 (@pxref{Target Commands, ,Commands for Managing Targets}).
17533
17534 @cindex target architecture
17535 It is possible to build @value{GDBN} for several different @dfn{target
17536 architectures}. When @value{GDBN} is built like that, you can choose
17537 one of the available architectures with the @kbd{set architecture}
17538 command.
17539
17540 @table @code
17541 @kindex set architecture
17542 @kindex show architecture
17543 @item set architecture @var{arch}
17544 This command sets the current target architecture to @var{arch}. The
17545 value of @var{arch} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition to one of the
17546 supported architectures.
17547
17548 @item show architecture
17549 Show the current target architecture.
17550
17551 @item set processor
17552 @itemx processor
17553 @kindex set processor
17554 @kindex show processor
17555 These are alias commands for, respectively, @code{set architecture}
17556 and @code{show architecture}.
17557 @end table
17558
17559 @menu
17560 * Active Targets:: Active targets
17561 * Target Commands:: Commands for managing targets
17562 * Byte Order:: Choosing target byte order
17563 @end menu
17564
17565 @node Active Targets
17566 @section Active Targets
17567
17568 @cindex stacking targets
17569 @cindex active targets
17570 @cindex multiple targets
17571
17572 There are multiple classes of targets such as: processes, executable files or
17573 recording sessions. Core files belong to the process class, making core file
17574 and process mutually exclusive. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} can work concurrently
17575 on multiple active targets, one in each class. This allows you to (for
17576 example) start a process and inspect its activity, while still having access to
17577 the executable file after the process finishes. Or if you start process
17578 recording (@pxref{Reverse Execution}) and @code{reverse-step} there, you are
17579 presented a virtual layer of the recording target, while the process target
17580 remains stopped at the chronologically last point of the process execution.
17581
17582 Use the @code{core-file} and @code{exec-file} commands to select a new core
17583 file or executable target (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}). To
17584 specify as a target a process that is already running, use the @code{attach}
17585 command (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running Process}).
17586
17587 @node Target Commands
17588 @section Commands for Managing Targets
17589
17590 @table @code
17591 @item target @var{type} @var{parameters}
17592 Connects the @value{GDBN} host environment to a target machine or
17593 process. A target is typically a protocol for talking to debugging
17594 facilities. You use the argument @var{type} to specify the type or
17595 protocol of the target machine.
17596
17597 Further @var{parameters} are interpreted by the target protocol, but
17598 typically include things like device names or host names to connect
17599 with, process numbers, and baud rates.
17600
17601 The @code{target} command does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again
17602 after executing the command.
17603
17604 @kindex help target
17605 @item help target
17606 Displays the names of all targets available. To display targets
17607 currently selected, use either @code{info target} or @code{info files}
17608 (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
17609
17610 @item help target @var{name}
17611 Describe a particular target, including any parameters necessary to
17612 select it.
17613
17614 @kindex set gnutarget
17615 @item set gnutarget @var{args}
17616 @value{GDBN} uses its own library BFD to read your files. @value{GDBN}
17617 knows whether it is reading an @dfn{executable},
17618 a @dfn{core}, or a @dfn{.o} file; however, you can specify the file format
17619 with the @code{set gnutarget} command. Unlike most @code{target} commands,
17620 with @code{gnutarget} the @code{target} refers to a program, not a machine.
17621
17622 @quotation
17623 @emph{Warning:} To specify a file format with @code{set gnutarget},
17624 you must know the actual BFD name.
17625 @end quotation
17626
17627 @noindent
17628 @xref{Files, , Commands to Specify Files}.
17629
17630 @kindex show gnutarget
17631 @item show gnutarget
17632 Use the @code{show gnutarget} command to display what file format
17633 @code{gnutarget} is set to read. If you have not set @code{gnutarget},
17634 @value{GDBN} will determine the file format for each file automatically,
17635 and @code{show gnutarget} displays @samp{The current BFD target is "auto"}.
17636 @end table
17637
17638 @cindex common targets
17639 Here are some common targets (available, or not, depending on the GDB
17640 configuration):
17641
17642 @table @code
17643 @kindex target
17644 @item target exec @var{program}
17645 @cindex executable file target
17646 An executable file. @samp{target exec @var{program}} is the same as
17647 @samp{exec-file @var{program}}.
17648
17649 @item target core @var{filename}
17650 @cindex core dump file target
17651 A core dump file. @samp{target core @var{filename}} is the same as
17652 @samp{core-file @var{filename}}.
17653
17654 @item target remote @var{medium}
17655 @cindex remote target
17656 A remote system connected to @value{GDBN} via a serial line or network
17657 connection. This command tells @value{GDBN} to use its own remote
17658 protocol over @var{medium} for debugging. @xref{Remote Debugging}.
17659
17660 For example, if you have a board connected to @file{/dev/ttya} on the
17661 machine running @value{GDBN}, you could say:
17662
17663 @smallexample
17664 target remote /dev/ttya
17665 @end smallexample
17666
17667 @code{target remote} supports the @code{load} command. This is only
17668 useful if you have some other way of getting the stub to the target
17669 system, and you can put it somewhere in memory where it won't get
17670 clobbered by the download.
17671
17672 @item target sim @r{[}@var{simargs}@r{]} @dots{}
17673 @cindex built-in simulator target
17674 Builtin CPU simulator. @value{GDBN} includes simulators for most architectures.
17675 In general,
17676 @smallexample
17677 target sim
17678 load
17679 run
17680 @end smallexample
17681 @noindent
17682 works; however, you cannot assume that a specific memory map, device
17683 drivers, or even basic I/O is available, although some simulators do
17684 provide these. For info about any processor-specific simulator details,
17685 see the appropriate section in @ref{Embedded Processors, ,Embedded
17686 Processors}.
17687
17688 @end table
17689
17690 Some configurations may include these targets as well:
17691
17692 @table @code
17693
17694 @item target nrom @var{dev}
17695 @cindex NetROM ROM emulator target
17696 NetROM ROM emulator. This target only supports downloading.
17697
17698 @end table
17699
17700 Different targets are available on different configurations of @value{GDBN};
17701 your configuration may have more or fewer targets.
17702
17703 Many remote targets require you to download the executable's code once
17704 you've successfully established a connection. You may wish to control
17705 various aspects of this process.
17706
17707 @table @code
17708
17709 @item set hash
17710 @kindex set hash@r{, for remote monitors}
17711 @cindex hash mark while downloading
17712 This command controls whether a hash mark @samp{#} is displayed while
17713 downloading a file to the remote monitor. If on, a hash mark is
17714 displayed after each S-record is successfully downloaded to the
17715 monitor.
17716
17717 @item show hash
17718 @kindex show hash@r{, for remote monitors}
17719 Show the current status of displaying the hash mark.
17720
17721 @item set debug monitor
17722 @kindex set debug monitor
17723 @cindex display remote monitor communications
17724 Enable or disable display of communications messages between
17725 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
17726
17727 @item show debug monitor
17728 @kindex show debug monitor
17729 Show the current status of displaying communications between
17730 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
17731 @end table
17732
17733 @table @code
17734
17735 @kindex load @var{filename}
17736 @item load @var{filename}
17737 @anchor{load}
17738 Depending on what remote debugging facilities are configured into
17739 @value{GDBN}, the @code{load} command may be available. Where it exists, it
17740 is meant to make @var{filename} (an executable) available for debugging
17741 on the remote system---by downloading, or dynamic linking, for example.
17742 @code{load} also records the @var{filename} symbol table in @value{GDBN}, like
17743 the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
17744
17745 If your @value{GDBN} does not have a @code{load} command, attempting to
17746 execute it gets the error message ``@code{You can't do that when your
17747 target is @dots{}}''
17748
17749 The file is loaded at whatever address is specified in the executable.
17750 For some object file formats, you can specify the load address when you
17751 link the program; for other formats, like a.out, the object file format
17752 specifies a fixed address.
17753 @c FIXME! This would be a good place for an xref to the GNU linker doc.
17754
17755 Depending on the remote side capabilities, @value{GDBN} may be able to
17756 load programs into flash memory.
17757
17758 @code{load} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
17759 @end table
17760
17761 @node Byte Order
17762 @section Choosing Target Byte Order
17763
17764 @cindex choosing target byte order
17765 @cindex target byte order
17766
17767 Some types of processors, such as the @acronym{MIPS}, PowerPC, and Renesas SH,
17768 offer the ability to run either big-endian or little-endian byte
17769 orders. Usually the executable or symbol will include a bit to
17770 designate the endian-ness, and you will not need to worry about
17771 which to use. However, you may still find it useful to adjust
17772 @value{GDBN}'s idea of processor endian-ness manually.
17773
17774 @table @code
17775 @kindex set endian
17776 @item set endian big
17777 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is big-endian.
17778
17779 @item set endian little
17780 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is little-endian.
17781
17782 @item set endian auto
17783 Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the byte order associated with the
17784 executable.
17785
17786 @item show endian
17787 Display @value{GDBN}'s current idea of the target byte order.
17788
17789 @end table
17790
17791 Note that these commands merely adjust interpretation of symbolic
17792 data on the host, and that they have absolutely no effect on the
17793 target system.
17794
17795
17796 @node Remote Debugging
17797 @chapter Debugging Remote Programs
17798 @cindex remote debugging
17799
17800 If you are trying to debug a program running on a machine that cannot run
17801 @value{GDBN} in the usual way, it is often useful to use remote debugging.
17802 For example, you might use remote debugging on an operating system kernel,
17803 or on a small system which does not have a general purpose operating system
17804 powerful enough to run a full-featured debugger.
17805
17806 Some configurations of @value{GDBN} have special serial or TCP/IP interfaces
17807 to make this work with particular debugging targets. In addition,
17808 @value{GDBN} comes with a generic serial protocol (specific to @value{GDBN},
17809 but not specific to any particular target system) which you can use if you
17810 write the remote stubs---the code that runs on the remote system to
17811 communicate with @value{GDBN}.
17812
17813 Other remote targets may be available in your
17814 configuration of @value{GDBN}; use @code{help target} to list them.
17815
17816 @menu
17817 * Connecting:: Connecting to a remote target
17818 * File Transfer:: Sending files to a remote system
17819 * Server:: Using the gdbserver program
17820 * Remote Configuration:: Remote configuration
17821 * Remote Stub:: Implementing a remote stub
17822 @end menu
17823
17824 @node Connecting
17825 @section Connecting to a Remote Target
17826
17827 On the @value{GDBN} host machine, you will need an unstripped copy of
17828 your program, since @value{GDBN} needs symbol and debugging information.
17829 Start up @value{GDBN} as usual, using the name of the local copy of your
17830 program as the first argument.
17831
17832 @cindex @code{target remote}
17833 @value{GDBN} can communicate with the target over a serial line, or
17834 over an @acronym{IP} network using @acronym{TCP} or @acronym{UDP}. In
17835 each case, @value{GDBN} uses the same protocol for debugging your
17836 program; only the medium carrying the debugging packets varies. The
17837 @code{target remote} command establishes a connection to the target.
17838 Its arguments indicate which medium to use:
17839
17840 @table @code
17841
17842 @item target remote @var{serial-device}
17843 @cindex serial line, @code{target remote}
17844 Use @var{serial-device} to communicate with the target. For example,
17845 to use a serial line connected to the device named @file{/dev/ttyb}:
17846
17847 @smallexample
17848 target remote /dev/ttyb
17849 @end smallexample
17850
17851 If you're using a serial line, you may want to give @value{GDBN} the
17852 @w{@samp{--baud}} option, or use the @code{set remotebaud} command
17853 (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remotebaud}) before the
17854 @code{target} command.
17855
17856 @item target remote @code{@var{host}:@var{port}}
17857 @itemx target remote @code{tcp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
17858 @cindex @acronym{TCP} port, @code{target remote}
17859 Debug using a @acronym{TCP} connection to @var{port} on @var{host}.
17860 The @var{host} may be either a host name or a numeric @acronym{IP}
17861 address; @var{port} must be a decimal number. The @var{host} could be
17862 the target machine itself, if it is directly connected to the net, or
17863 it might be a terminal server which in turn has a serial line to the
17864 target.
17865
17866 For example, to connect to port 2828 on a terminal server named
17867 @code{manyfarms}:
17868
17869 @smallexample
17870 target remote manyfarms:2828
17871 @end smallexample
17872
17873 If your remote target is actually running on the same machine as your
17874 debugger session (e.g.@: a simulator for your target running on the
17875 same host), you can omit the hostname. For example, to connect to
17876 port 1234 on your local machine:
17877
17878 @smallexample
17879 target remote :1234
17880 @end smallexample
17881 @noindent
17882
17883 Note that the colon is still required here.
17884
17885 @item target remote @code{udp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
17886 @cindex @acronym{UDP} port, @code{target remote}
17887 Debug using @acronym{UDP} packets to @var{port} on @var{host}. For example, to
17888 connect to @acronym{UDP} port 2828 on a terminal server named @code{manyfarms}:
17889
17890 @smallexample
17891 target remote udp:manyfarms:2828
17892 @end smallexample
17893
17894 When using a @acronym{UDP} connection for remote debugging, you should
17895 keep in mind that the `U' stands for ``Unreliable''. @acronym{UDP}
17896 can silently drop packets on busy or unreliable networks, which will
17897 cause havoc with your debugging session.
17898
17899 @item target remote | @var{command}
17900 @cindex pipe, @code{target remote} to
17901 Run @var{command} in the background and communicate with it using a
17902 pipe. The @var{command} is a shell command, to be parsed and expanded
17903 by the system's command shell, @code{/bin/sh}; it should expect remote
17904 protocol packets on its standard input, and send replies on its
17905 standard output. You could use this to run a stand-alone simulator
17906 that speaks the remote debugging protocol, to make net connections
17907 using programs like @code{ssh}, or for other similar tricks.
17908
17909 If @var{command} closes its standard output (perhaps by exiting),
17910 @value{GDBN} will try to send it a @code{SIGTERM} signal. (If the
17911 program has already exited, this will have no effect.)
17912
17913 @end table
17914
17915 Once the connection has been established, you can use all the usual
17916 commands to examine and change data. The remote program is already
17917 running; you can use @kbd{step} and @kbd{continue}, and you do not
17918 need to use @kbd{run}.
17919
17920 @cindex interrupting remote programs
17921 @cindex remote programs, interrupting
17922 Whenever @value{GDBN} is waiting for the remote program, if you type the
17923 interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}), @value{GDBN} attempts to stop the
17924 program. This may or may not succeed, depending in part on the hardware
17925 and the serial drivers the remote system uses. If you type the
17926 interrupt character once again, @value{GDBN} displays this prompt:
17927
17928 @smallexample
17929 Interrupted while waiting for the program.
17930 Give up (and stop debugging it)? (y or n)
17931 @end smallexample
17932
17933 If you type @kbd{y}, @value{GDBN} abandons the remote debugging session.
17934 (If you decide you want to try again later, you can use @samp{target
17935 remote} again to connect once more.) If you type @kbd{n}, @value{GDBN}
17936 goes back to waiting.
17937
17938 @table @code
17939 @kindex detach (remote)
17940 @item detach
17941 When you have finished debugging the remote program, you can use the
17942 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control.
17943 Detaching from the target normally resumes its execution, but the results
17944 will depend on your particular remote stub. After the @code{detach}
17945 command, @value{GDBN} is free to connect to another target.
17946
17947 @kindex disconnect
17948 @item disconnect
17949 The @code{disconnect} command behaves like @code{detach}, except that
17950 the target is generally not resumed. It will wait for @value{GDBN}
17951 (this instance or another one) to connect and continue debugging. After
17952 the @code{disconnect} command, @value{GDBN} is again free to connect to
17953 another target.
17954
17955 @cindex send command to remote monitor
17956 @cindex extend @value{GDBN} for remote targets
17957 @cindex add new commands for external monitor
17958 @kindex monitor
17959 @item monitor @var{cmd}
17960 This command allows you to send arbitrary commands directly to the
17961 remote monitor. Since @value{GDBN} doesn't care about the commands it
17962 sends like this, this command is the way to extend @value{GDBN}---you
17963 can add new commands that only the external monitor will understand
17964 and implement.
17965 @end table
17966
17967 @node File Transfer
17968 @section Sending files to a remote system
17969 @cindex remote target, file transfer
17970 @cindex file transfer
17971 @cindex sending files to remote systems
17972
17973 Some remote targets offer the ability to transfer files over the same
17974 connection used to communicate with @value{GDBN}. This is convenient
17975 for targets accessible through other means, e.g.@: @sc{gnu}/Linux systems
17976 running @code{gdbserver} over a network interface. For other targets,
17977 e.g.@: embedded devices with only a single serial port, this may be
17978 the only way to upload or download files.
17979
17980 Not all remote targets support these commands.
17981
17982 @table @code
17983 @kindex remote put
17984 @item remote put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
17985 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
17986 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
17987
17988 @kindex remote get
17989 @item remote get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
17990 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
17991 on the host system.
17992
17993 @kindex remote delete
17994 @item remote delete @var{targetfile}
17995 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
17996
17997 @end table
17998
17999 @node Server
18000 @section Using the @code{gdbserver} Program
18001
18002 @kindex gdbserver
18003 @cindex remote connection without stubs
18004 @code{gdbserver} is a control program for Unix-like systems, which
18005 allows you to connect your program with a remote @value{GDBN} via
18006 @code{target remote}---but without linking in the usual debugging stub.
18007
18008 @code{gdbserver} is not a complete replacement for the debugging stubs,
18009 because it requires essentially the same operating-system facilities
18010 that @value{GDBN} itself does. In fact, a system that can run
18011 @code{gdbserver} to connect to a remote @value{GDBN} could also run
18012 @value{GDBN} locally! @code{gdbserver} is sometimes useful nevertheless,
18013 because it is a much smaller program than @value{GDBN} itself. It is
18014 also easier to port than all of @value{GDBN}, so you may be able to get
18015 started more quickly on a new system by using @code{gdbserver}.
18016 Finally, if you develop code for real-time systems, you may find that
18017 the tradeoffs involved in real-time operation make it more convenient to
18018 do as much development work as possible on another system, for example
18019 by cross-compiling. You can use @code{gdbserver} to make a similar
18020 choice for debugging.
18021
18022 @value{GDBN} and @code{gdbserver} communicate via either a serial line
18023 or a TCP connection, using the standard @value{GDBN} remote serial
18024 protocol.
18025
18026 @quotation
18027 @emph{Warning:} @code{gdbserver} does not have any built-in security.
18028 Do not run @code{gdbserver} connected to any public network; a
18029 @value{GDBN} connection to @code{gdbserver} provides access to the
18030 target system with the same privileges as the user running
18031 @code{gdbserver}.
18032 @end quotation
18033
18034 @subsection Running @code{gdbserver}
18035 @cindex arguments, to @code{gdbserver}
18036 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, command-line arguments
18037
18038 Run @code{gdbserver} on the target system. You need a copy of the
18039 program you want to debug, including any libraries it requires.
18040 @code{gdbserver} does not need your program's symbol table, so you can
18041 strip the program if necessary to save space. @value{GDBN} on the host
18042 system does all the symbol handling.
18043
18044 To use the server, you must tell it how to communicate with @value{GDBN};
18045 the name of your program; and the arguments for your program. The usual
18046 syntax is:
18047
18048 @smallexample
18049 target> gdbserver @var{comm} @var{program} [ @var{args} @dots{} ]
18050 @end smallexample
18051
18052 @var{comm} is either a device name (to use a serial line), or a TCP
18053 hostname and portnumber, or @code{-} or @code{stdio} to use
18054 stdin/stdout of @code{gdbserver}.
18055 For example, to debug Emacs with the argument
18056 @samp{foo.txt} and communicate with @value{GDBN} over the serial port
18057 @file{/dev/com1}:
18058
18059 @smallexample
18060 target> gdbserver /dev/com1 emacs foo.txt
18061 @end smallexample
18062
18063 @code{gdbserver} waits passively for the host @value{GDBN} to communicate
18064 with it.
18065
18066 To use a TCP connection instead of a serial line:
18067
18068 @smallexample
18069 target> gdbserver host:2345 emacs foo.txt
18070 @end smallexample
18071
18072 The only difference from the previous example is the first argument,
18073 specifying that you are communicating with the host @value{GDBN} via
18074 TCP. The @samp{host:2345} argument means that @code{gdbserver} is to
18075 expect a TCP connection from machine @samp{host} to local TCP port 2345.
18076 (Currently, the @samp{host} part is ignored.) You can choose any number
18077 you want for the port number as long as it does not conflict with any
18078 TCP ports already in use on the target system (for example, @code{23} is
18079 reserved for @code{telnet}).@footnote{If you choose a port number that
18080 conflicts with another service, @code{gdbserver} prints an error message
18081 and exits.} You must use the same port number with the host @value{GDBN}
18082 @code{target remote} command.
18083
18084 The @code{stdio} connection is useful when starting @code{gdbserver}
18085 with ssh:
18086
18087 @smallexample
18088 (gdb) target remote | ssh -T hostname gdbserver - hello
18089 @end smallexample
18090
18091 The @samp{-T} option to ssh is provided because we don't need a remote pty,
18092 and we don't want escape-character handling. Ssh does this by default when
18093 a command is provided, the flag is provided to make it explicit.
18094 You could elide it if you want to.
18095
18096 Programs started with stdio-connected gdbserver have @file{/dev/null} for
18097 @code{stdin}, and @code{stdout},@code{stderr} are sent back to gdb for
18098 display through a pipe connected to gdbserver.
18099 Both @code{stdout} and @code{stderr} use the same pipe.
18100
18101 @subsubsection Attaching to a Running Program
18102 @cindex attach to a program, @code{gdbserver}
18103 @cindex @option{--attach}, @code{gdbserver} option
18104
18105 On some targets, @code{gdbserver} can also attach to running programs.
18106 This is accomplished via the @code{--attach} argument. The syntax is:
18107
18108 @smallexample
18109 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
18110 @end smallexample
18111
18112 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't necessary
18113 to point @code{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
18114
18115 @pindex pidof
18116 You can debug processes by name instead of process ID if your target has the
18117 @code{pidof} utility:
18118
18119 @smallexample
18120 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} `pidof @var{program}`
18121 @end smallexample
18122
18123 In case more than one copy of @var{program} is running, or @var{program}
18124 has multiple threads, most versions of @code{pidof} support the
18125 @code{-s} option to only return the first process ID.
18126
18127 @subsubsection Multi-Process Mode for @code{gdbserver}
18128 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, multiple processes
18129 @cindex multiple processes with @code{gdbserver}
18130
18131 When you connect to @code{gdbserver} using @code{target remote},
18132 @code{gdbserver} debugs the specified program only once. When the
18133 program exits, or you detach from it, @value{GDBN} closes the connection
18134 and @code{gdbserver} exits.
18135
18136 If you connect using @kbd{target extended-remote}, @code{gdbserver}
18137 enters multi-process mode. When the debugged program exits, or you
18138 detach from it, @value{GDBN} stays connected to @code{gdbserver} even
18139 though no program is running. The @code{run} and @code{attach}
18140 commands instruct @code{gdbserver} to run or attach to a new program.
18141 The @code{run} command uses @code{set remote exec-file} (@pxref{set
18142 remote exec-file}) to select the program to run. Command line
18143 arguments are supported, except for wildcard expansion and I/O
18144 redirection (@pxref{Arguments}).
18145
18146 @cindex @option{--multi}, @code{gdbserver} option
18147 To start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
18148 or process ID to attach, use the @option{--multi} command line option.
18149 Then you can connect using @kbd{target extended-remote} and start
18150 the program you want to debug.
18151
18152 In multi-process mode @code{gdbserver} does not automatically exit unless you
18153 use the option @option{--once}. You can terminate it by using
18154 @code{monitor exit} (@pxref{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}). Note that the
18155 conditions under which @code{gdbserver} terminates depend on how @value{GDBN}
18156 connects to it (@kbd{target remote} or @kbd{target extended-remote}). The
18157 @option{--multi} option to @code{gdbserver} has no influence on that.
18158
18159 @subsubsection TCP port allocation lifecycle of @code{gdbserver}
18160
18161 This section applies only when @code{gdbserver} is run to listen on a TCP port.
18162
18163 @code{gdbserver} normally terminates after all of its debugged processes have
18164 terminated in @kbd{target remote} mode. On the other hand, for @kbd{target
18165 extended-remote}, @code{gdbserver} stays running even with no processes left.
18166 @value{GDBN} normally terminates the spawned debugged process on its exit,
18167 which normally also terminates @code{gdbserver} in the @kbd{target remote}
18168 mode. Therefore, when the connection drops unexpectedly, and @value{GDBN}
18169 cannot ask @code{gdbserver} to kill its debugged processes, @code{gdbserver}
18170 stays running even in the @kbd{target remote} mode.
18171
18172 When @code{gdbserver} stays running, @value{GDBN} can connect to it again later.
18173 Such reconnecting is useful for features like @ref{disconnected tracing}. For
18174 completeness, at most one @value{GDBN} can be connected at a time.
18175
18176 @cindex @option{--once}, @code{gdbserver} option
18177 By default, @code{gdbserver} keeps the listening TCP port open, so that
18178 additional connections are possible. However, if you start @code{gdbserver}
18179 with the @option{--once} option, it will stop listening for any further
18180 connection attempts after connecting to the first @value{GDBN} session. This
18181 means no further connections to @code{gdbserver} will be possible after the
18182 first one. It also means @code{gdbserver} will terminate after the first
18183 connection with remote @value{GDBN} has closed, even for unexpectedly closed
18184 connections and even in the @kbd{target extended-remote} mode. The
18185 @option{--once} option allows reusing the same port number for connecting to
18186 multiple instances of @code{gdbserver} running on the same host, since each
18187 instance closes its port after the first connection.
18188
18189 @subsubsection Other Command-Line Arguments for @code{gdbserver}
18190
18191 @cindex @option{--debug}, @code{gdbserver} option
18192 The @option{--debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display extra
18193 status information about the debugging process.
18194 @cindex @option{--remote-debug}, @code{gdbserver} option
18195 The @option{--remote-debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display
18196 remote protocol debug output. These options are intended for
18197 @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to the developers.
18198
18199 @cindex @option{--wrapper}, @code{gdbserver} option
18200 The @option{--wrapper} option specifies a wrapper to launch programs
18201 for debugging. The option should be followed by the name of the
18202 wrapper, then any command-line arguments to pass to the wrapper, then
18203 @kbd{--} indicating the end of the wrapper arguments.
18204
18205 @code{gdbserver} runs the specified wrapper program with a combined
18206 command line including the wrapper arguments, then the name of the
18207 program to debug, then any arguments to the program. The wrapper
18208 runs until it executes your program, and then @value{GDBN} gains control.
18209
18210 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
18211 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
18212 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
18213 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
18214
18215 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
18216 the debugged program, without setting the variable in @code{gdbserver}'s
18217 environment:
18218
18219 @smallexample
18220 $ gdbserver --wrapper env LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so -- :2222 ./testprog
18221 @end smallexample
18222
18223 @subsection Connecting to @code{gdbserver}
18224
18225 Run @value{GDBN} on the host system.
18226
18227 First make sure you have the necessary symbol files. Load symbols for
18228 your application using the @code{file} command before you connect. Use
18229 @code{set sysroot} to locate target libraries (unless your @value{GDBN}
18230 was compiled with the correct sysroot using @code{--with-sysroot}).
18231
18232 The symbol file and target libraries must exactly match the executable
18233 and libraries on the target, with one exception: the files on the host
18234 system should not be stripped, even if the files on the target system
18235 are. Mismatched or missing files will lead to confusing results
18236 during debugging. On @sc{gnu}/Linux targets, mismatched or missing
18237 files may also prevent @code{gdbserver} from debugging multi-threaded
18238 programs.
18239
18240 Connect to your target (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
18241 For TCP connections, you must start up @code{gdbserver} prior to using
18242 the @code{target remote} command. Otherwise you may get an error whose
18243 text depends on the host system, but which usually looks something like
18244 @samp{Connection refused}. Don't use the @code{load}
18245 command in @value{GDBN} when using @code{gdbserver}, since the program is
18246 already on the target.
18247
18248 @subsection Monitor Commands for @code{gdbserver}
18249 @cindex monitor commands, for @code{gdbserver}
18250 @anchor{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}
18251
18252 During a @value{GDBN} session using @code{gdbserver}, you can use the
18253 @code{monitor} command to send special requests to @code{gdbserver}.
18254 Here are the available commands.
18255
18256 @table @code
18257 @item monitor help
18258 List the available monitor commands.
18259
18260 @item monitor set debug 0
18261 @itemx monitor set debug 1
18262 Disable or enable general debugging messages.
18263
18264 @item monitor set remote-debug 0
18265 @itemx monitor set remote-debug 1
18266 Disable or enable specific debugging messages associated with the remote
18267 protocol (@pxref{Remote Protocol}).
18268
18269 @item monitor set libthread-db-search-path [PATH]
18270 @cindex gdbserver, search path for @code{libthread_db}
18271 When this command is issued, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
18272 directories to search for @code{libthread_db} (@pxref{Threads,,set
18273 libthread-db-search-path}). If you omit @var{path},
18274 @samp{libthread-db-search-path} will be reset to its default value.
18275
18276 The special entry @samp{$pdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path} is
18277 not supported in @code{gdbserver}.
18278
18279 @item monitor exit
18280 Tell gdbserver to exit immediately. This command should be followed by
18281 @code{disconnect} to close the debugging session. @code{gdbserver} will
18282 detach from any attached processes and kill any processes it created.
18283 Use @code{monitor exit} to terminate @code{gdbserver} at the end
18284 of a multi-process mode debug session.
18285
18286 @end table
18287
18288 @subsection Tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}
18289 @cindex tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}
18290
18291 On some targets, @code{gdbserver} supports tracepoints, fast
18292 tracepoints and static tracepoints.
18293
18294 For fast or static tracepoints to work, a special library called the
18295 @dfn{in-process agent} (IPA), must be loaded in the inferior process.
18296 This library is built and distributed as an integral part of
18297 @code{gdbserver}. In addition, support for static tracepoints
18298 requires building the in-process agent library with static tracepoints
18299 support. At present, the UST (LTTng Userspace Tracer,
18300 @url{http://lttng.org/ust}) tracing engine is supported. This support
18301 is automatically available if UST development headers are found in the
18302 standard include path when @code{gdbserver} is built, or if
18303 @code{gdbserver} was explicitly configured using @option{--with-ust}
18304 to point at such headers. You can explicitly disable the support
18305 using @option{--with-ust=no}.
18306
18307 There are several ways to load the in-process agent in your program:
18308
18309 @table @code
18310 @item Specifying it as dependency at link time
18311
18312 You can link your program dynamically with the in-process agent
18313 library. On most systems, this is accomplished by adding
18314 @code{-linproctrace} to the link command.
18315
18316 @item Using the system's preloading mechanisms
18317
18318 You can force loading the in-process agent at startup time by using
18319 your system's support for preloading shared libraries. Many Unixes
18320 support the concept of preloading user defined libraries. In most
18321 cases, you do that by specifying @code{LD_PRELOAD=libinproctrace.so}
18322 in the environment. See also the description of @code{gdbserver}'s
18323 @option{--wrapper} command line option.
18324
18325 @item Using @value{GDBN} to force loading the agent at run time
18326
18327 On some systems, you can force the inferior to load a shared library,
18328 by calling a dynamic loader function in the inferior that takes care
18329 of dynamically looking up and loading a shared library. On most Unix
18330 systems, the function is @code{dlopen}. You'll use the @code{call}
18331 command for that. For example:
18332
18333 @smallexample
18334 (@value{GDBP}) call dlopen ("libinproctrace.so", ...)
18335 @end smallexample
18336
18337 Note that on most Unix systems, for the @code{dlopen} function to be
18338 available, the program needs to be linked with @code{-ldl}.
18339 @end table
18340
18341 On systems that have a userspace dynamic loader, like most Unix
18342 systems, when you connect to @code{gdbserver} using @code{target
18343 remote}, you'll find that the program is stopped at the dynamic
18344 loader's entry point, and no shared library has been loaded in the
18345 program's address space yet, including the in-process agent. In that
18346 case, before being able to use any of the fast or static tracepoints
18347 features, you need to let the loader run and load the shared
18348 libraries. The simplest way to do that is to run the program to the
18349 main procedure. E.g., if debugging a C or C@t{++} program, start
18350 @code{gdbserver} like so:
18351
18352 @smallexample
18353 $ gdbserver :9999 myprogram
18354 @end smallexample
18355
18356 Start GDB and connect to @code{gdbserver} like so, and run to main:
18357
18358 @smallexample
18359 $ gdb myprogram
18360 (@value{GDBP}) target remote myhost:9999
18361 0x00007f215893ba60 in ?? () from /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2
18362 (@value{GDBP}) b main
18363 (@value{GDBP}) continue
18364 @end smallexample
18365
18366 The in-process tracing agent library should now be loaded into the
18367 process; you can confirm it with the @code{info sharedlibrary}
18368 command, which will list @file{libinproctrace.so} as loaded in the
18369 process. You are now ready to install fast tracepoints, list static
18370 tracepoint markers, probe static tracepoints markers, and start
18371 tracing.
18372
18373 @node Remote Configuration
18374 @section Remote Configuration
18375
18376 @kindex set remote
18377 @kindex show remote
18378 This section documents the configuration options available when
18379 debugging remote programs. For the options related to the File I/O
18380 extensions of the remote protocol, see @ref{system,
18381 system-call-allowed}.
18382
18383 @table @code
18384 @item set remoteaddresssize @var{bits}
18385 @cindex address size for remote targets
18386 @cindex bits in remote address
18387 Set the maximum size of address in a memory packet to the specified
18388 number of bits. @value{GDBN} will mask off the address bits above
18389 that number, when it passes addresses to the remote target. The
18390 default value is the number of bits in the target's address.
18391
18392 @item show remoteaddresssize
18393 Show the current value of remote address size in bits.
18394
18395 @item set remotebaud @var{n}
18396 @cindex baud rate for remote targets
18397 Set the baud rate for the remote serial I/O to @var{n} baud. The
18398 value is used to set the speed of the serial port used for debugging
18399 remote targets.
18400
18401 @item show remotebaud
18402 Show the current speed of the remote connection.
18403
18404 @item set remotebreak
18405 @cindex interrupt remote programs
18406 @cindex BREAK signal instead of Ctrl-C
18407 @anchor{set remotebreak}
18408 If set to on, @value{GDBN} sends a @code{BREAK} signal to the remote
18409 when you type @kbd{Ctrl-c} to interrupt the program running
18410 on the remote. If set to off, @value{GDBN} sends the @samp{Ctrl-C}
18411 character instead. The default is off, since most remote systems
18412 expect to see @samp{Ctrl-C} as the interrupt signal.
18413
18414 @item show remotebreak
18415 Show whether @value{GDBN} sends @code{BREAK} or @samp{Ctrl-C} to
18416 interrupt the remote program.
18417
18418 @item set remoteflow on
18419 @itemx set remoteflow off
18420 @kindex set remoteflow
18421 Enable or disable hardware flow control (@code{RTS}/@code{CTS})
18422 on the serial port used to communicate to the remote target.
18423
18424 @item show remoteflow
18425 @kindex show remoteflow
18426 Show the current setting of hardware flow control.
18427
18428 @item set remotelogbase @var{base}
18429 Set the base (a.k.a.@: radix) of logging serial protocol
18430 communications to @var{base}. Supported values of @var{base} are:
18431 @code{ascii}, @code{octal}, and @code{hex}. The default is
18432 @code{ascii}.
18433
18434 @item show remotelogbase
18435 Show the current setting of the radix for logging remote serial
18436 protocol.
18437
18438 @item set remotelogfile @var{file}
18439 @cindex record serial communications on file
18440 Record remote serial communications on the named @var{file}. The
18441 default is not to record at all.
18442
18443 @item show remotelogfile.
18444 Show the current setting of the file name on which to record the
18445 serial communications.
18446
18447 @item set remotetimeout @var{num}
18448 @cindex timeout for serial communications
18449 @cindex remote timeout
18450 Set the timeout limit to wait for the remote target to respond to
18451 @var{num} seconds. The default is 2 seconds.
18452
18453 @item show remotetimeout
18454 Show the current number of seconds to wait for the remote target
18455 responses.
18456
18457 @cindex limit hardware breakpoints and watchpoints
18458 @cindex remote target, limit break- and watchpoints
18459 @anchor{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}
18460 @anchor{set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit}
18461 @item set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit @var{limit}
18462 @itemx set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit @var{limit}
18463 Restrict @value{GDBN} to using @var{limit} remote hardware breakpoint or
18464 watchpoints. A limit of -1, the default, is treated as unlimited.
18465
18466 @cindex limit hardware watchpoints length
18467 @cindex remote target, limit watchpoints length
18468 @anchor{set remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit}
18469 @item set remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit @var{limit}
18470 Restrict @value{GDBN} to using @var{limit} bytes for the maximum length of
18471 a remote hardware watchpoint. A limit of -1, the default, is treated
18472 as unlimited.
18473
18474 @item show remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit
18475 Show the current limit (in bytes) of the maximum length of
18476 a remote hardware watchpoint.
18477
18478 @item set remote exec-file @var{filename}
18479 @itemx show remote exec-file
18480 @anchor{set remote exec-file}
18481 @cindex executable file, for remote target
18482 Select the file used for @code{run} with @code{target
18483 extended-remote}. This should be set to a filename valid on the
18484 target system. If it is not set, the target will use a default
18485 filename (e.g.@: the last program run).
18486
18487 @item set remote interrupt-sequence
18488 @cindex interrupt remote programs
18489 @cindex select Ctrl-C, BREAK or BREAK-g
18490 Allow the user to select one of @samp{Ctrl-C}, a @code{BREAK} or
18491 @samp{BREAK-g} as the
18492 sequence to the remote target in order to interrupt the execution.
18493 @samp{Ctrl-C} is a default. Some system prefers @code{BREAK} which
18494 is high level of serial line for some certain time.
18495 Linux kernel prefers @samp{BREAK-g}, a.k.a Magic SysRq g.
18496 It is @code{BREAK} signal followed by character @code{g}.
18497
18498 @item show interrupt-sequence
18499 Show which of @samp{Ctrl-C}, @code{BREAK} or @code{BREAK-g}
18500 is sent by @value{GDBN} to interrupt the remote program.
18501 @code{BREAK-g} is BREAK signal followed by @code{g} and
18502 also known as Magic SysRq g.
18503
18504 @item set remote interrupt-on-connect
18505 @cindex send interrupt-sequence on start
18506 Specify whether interrupt-sequence is sent to remote target when
18507 @value{GDBN} connects to it. This is mostly needed when you debug
18508 Linux kernel. Linux kernel expects @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g}
18509 which is known as Magic SysRq g in order to connect @value{GDBN}.
18510
18511 @item show interrupt-on-connect
18512 Show whether interrupt-sequence is sent
18513 to remote target when @value{GDBN} connects to it.
18514
18515 @kindex set tcp
18516 @kindex show tcp
18517 @item set tcp auto-retry on
18518 @cindex auto-retry, for remote TCP target
18519 Enable auto-retry for remote TCP connections. This is useful if the remote
18520 debugging agent is launched in parallel with @value{GDBN}; there is a race
18521 condition because the agent may not become ready to accept the connection
18522 before @value{GDBN} attempts to connect. When auto-retry is
18523 enabled, if the initial attempt to connect fails, @value{GDBN} reattempts
18524 to establish the connection using the timeout specified by
18525 @code{set tcp connect-timeout}.
18526
18527 @item set tcp auto-retry off
18528 Do not auto-retry failed TCP connections.
18529
18530 @item show tcp auto-retry
18531 Show the current auto-retry setting.
18532
18533 @item set tcp connect-timeout @var{seconds}
18534 @itemx set tcp connect-timeout unlimited
18535 @cindex connection timeout, for remote TCP target
18536 @cindex timeout, for remote target connection
18537 Set the timeout for establishing a TCP connection to the remote target to
18538 @var{seconds}. The timeout affects both polling to retry failed connections
18539 (enabled by @code{set tcp auto-retry on}) and waiting for connections
18540 that are merely slow to complete, and represents an approximate cumulative
18541 value. If @var{seconds} is @code{unlimited}, there is no timeout and
18542 @value{GDBN} will keep attempting to establish a connection forever,
18543 unless interrupted with @kbd{Ctrl-c}. The default is 15 seconds.
18544
18545 @item show tcp connect-timeout
18546 Show the current connection timeout setting.
18547 @end table
18548
18549 @cindex remote packets, enabling and disabling
18550 The @value{GDBN} remote protocol autodetects the packets supported by
18551 your debugging stub. If you need to override the autodetection, you
18552 can use these commands to enable or disable individual packets. Each
18553 packet can be set to @samp{on} (the remote target supports this
18554 packet), @samp{off} (the remote target does not support this packet),
18555 or @samp{auto} (detect remote target support for this packet). They
18556 all default to @samp{auto}. For more information about each packet,
18557 see @ref{Remote Protocol}.
18558
18559 During normal use, you should not have to use any of these commands.
18560 If you do, that may be a bug in your remote debugging stub, or a bug
18561 in @value{GDBN}. You may want to report the problem to the
18562 @value{GDBN} developers.
18563
18564 For each packet @var{name}, the command to enable or disable the
18565 packet is @code{set remote @var{name}-packet}. The available settings
18566 are:
18567
18568 @multitable @columnfractions 0.28 0.32 0.25
18569 @item Command Name
18570 @tab Remote Packet
18571 @tab Related Features
18572
18573 @item @code{fetch-register}
18574 @tab @code{p}
18575 @tab @code{info registers}
18576
18577 @item @code{set-register}
18578 @tab @code{P}
18579 @tab @code{set}
18580
18581 @item @code{binary-download}
18582 @tab @code{X}
18583 @tab @code{load}, @code{set}
18584
18585 @item @code{read-aux-vector}
18586 @tab @code{qXfer:auxv:read}
18587 @tab @code{info auxv}
18588
18589 @item @code{symbol-lookup}
18590 @tab @code{qSymbol}
18591 @tab Detecting multiple threads
18592
18593 @item @code{attach}
18594 @tab @code{vAttach}
18595 @tab @code{attach}
18596
18597 @item @code{verbose-resume}
18598 @tab @code{vCont}
18599 @tab Stepping or resuming multiple threads
18600
18601 @item @code{run}
18602 @tab @code{vRun}
18603 @tab @code{run}
18604
18605 @item @code{software-breakpoint}
18606 @tab @code{Z0}
18607 @tab @code{break}
18608
18609 @item @code{hardware-breakpoint}
18610 @tab @code{Z1}
18611 @tab @code{hbreak}
18612
18613 @item @code{write-watchpoint}
18614 @tab @code{Z2}
18615 @tab @code{watch}
18616
18617 @item @code{read-watchpoint}
18618 @tab @code{Z3}
18619 @tab @code{rwatch}
18620
18621 @item @code{access-watchpoint}
18622 @tab @code{Z4}
18623 @tab @code{awatch}
18624
18625 @item @code{target-features}
18626 @tab @code{qXfer:features:read}
18627 @tab @code{set architecture}
18628
18629 @item @code{library-info}
18630 @tab @code{qXfer:libraries:read}
18631 @tab @code{info sharedlibrary}
18632
18633 @item @code{memory-map}
18634 @tab @code{qXfer:memory-map:read}
18635 @tab @code{info mem}
18636
18637 @item @code{read-sdata-object}
18638 @tab @code{qXfer:sdata:read}
18639 @tab @code{print $_sdata}
18640
18641 @item @code{read-spu-object}
18642 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:read}
18643 @tab @code{info spu}
18644
18645 @item @code{write-spu-object}
18646 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:write}
18647 @tab @code{info spu}
18648
18649 @item @code{read-siginfo-object}
18650 @tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:read}
18651 @tab @code{print $_siginfo}
18652
18653 @item @code{write-siginfo-object}
18654 @tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:write}
18655 @tab @code{set $_siginfo}
18656
18657 @item @code{threads}
18658 @tab @code{qXfer:threads:read}
18659 @tab @code{info threads}
18660
18661 @item @code{get-thread-local-@*storage-address}
18662 @tab @code{qGetTLSAddr}
18663 @tab Displaying @code{__thread} variables
18664
18665 @item @code{get-thread-information-block-address}
18666 @tab @code{qGetTIBAddr}
18667 @tab Display MS-Windows Thread Information Block.
18668
18669 @item @code{search-memory}
18670 @tab @code{qSearch:memory}
18671 @tab @code{find}
18672
18673 @item @code{supported-packets}
18674 @tab @code{qSupported}
18675 @tab Remote communications parameters
18676
18677 @item @code{pass-signals}
18678 @tab @code{QPassSignals}
18679 @tab @code{handle @var{signal}}
18680
18681 @item @code{program-signals}
18682 @tab @code{QProgramSignals}
18683 @tab @code{handle @var{signal}}
18684
18685 @item @code{hostio-close-packet}
18686 @tab @code{vFile:close}
18687 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
18688
18689 @item @code{hostio-open-packet}
18690 @tab @code{vFile:open}
18691 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
18692
18693 @item @code{hostio-pread-packet}
18694 @tab @code{vFile:pread}
18695 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
18696
18697 @item @code{hostio-pwrite-packet}
18698 @tab @code{vFile:pwrite}
18699 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
18700
18701 @item @code{hostio-unlink-packet}
18702 @tab @code{vFile:unlink}
18703 @tab @code{remote delete}
18704
18705 @item @code{hostio-readlink-packet}
18706 @tab @code{vFile:readlink}
18707 @tab Host I/O
18708
18709 @item @code{noack-packet}
18710 @tab @code{QStartNoAckMode}
18711 @tab Packet acknowledgment
18712
18713 @item @code{osdata}
18714 @tab @code{qXfer:osdata:read}
18715 @tab @code{info os}
18716
18717 @item @code{query-attached}
18718 @tab @code{qAttached}
18719 @tab Querying remote process attach state.
18720
18721 @item @code{trace-buffer-size}
18722 @tab @code{QTBuffer:size}
18723 @tab @code{set trace-buffer-size}
18724
18725 @item @code{trace-status}
18726 @tab @code{qTStatus}
18727 @tab @code{tstatus}
18728
18729 @item @code{traceframe-info}
18730 @tab @code{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
18731 @tab Traceframe info
18732
18733 @item @code{install-in-trace}
18734 @tab @code{InstallInTrace}
18735 @tab Install tracepoint in tracing
18736
18737 @item @code{disable-randomization}
18738 @tab @code{QDisableRandomization}
18739 @tab @code{set disable-randomization}
18740
18741 @item @code{conditional-breakpoints-packet}
18742 @tab @code{Z0 and Z1}
18743 @tab @code{Support for target-side breakpoint condition evaluation}
18744 @end multitable
18745
18746 @node Remote Stub
18747 @section Implementing a Remote Stub
18748
18749 @cindex debugging stub, example
18750 @cindex remote stub, example
18751 @cindex stub example, remote debugging
18752 The stub files provided with @value{GDBN} implement the target side of the
18753 communication protocol, and the @value{GDBN} side is implemented in the
18754 @value{GDBN} source file @file{remote.c}. Normally, you can simply allow
18755 these subroutines to communicate, and ignore the details. (If you're
18756 implementing your own stub file, you can still ignore the details: start
18757 with one of the existing stub files. @file{sparc-stub.c} is the best
18758 organized, and therefore the easiest to read.)
18759
18760 @cindex remote serial debugging, overview
18761 To debug a program running on another machine (the debugging
18762 @dfn{target} machine), you must first arrange for all the usual
18763 prerequisites for the program to run by itself. For example, for a C
18764 program, you need:
18765
18766 @enumerate
18767 @item
18768 A startup routine to set up the C runtime environment; these usually
18769 have a name like @file{crt0}. The startup routine may be supplied by
18770 your hardware supplier, or you may have to write your own.
18771
18772 @item
18773 A C subroutine library to support your program's
18774 subroutine calls, notably managing input and output.
18775
18776 @item
18777 A way of getting your program to the other machine---for example, a
18778 download program. These are often supplied by the hardware
18779 manufacturer, but you may have to write your own from hardware
18780 documentation.
18781 @end enumerate
18782
18783 The next step is to arrange for your program to use a serial port to
18784 communicate with the machine where @value{GDBN} is running (the @dfn{host}
18785 machine). In general terms, the scheme looks like this:
18786
18787 @table @emph
18788 @item On the host,
18789 @value{GDBN} already understands how to use this protocol; when everything
18790 else is set up, you can simply use the @samp{target remote} command
18791 (@pxref{Targets,,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
18792
18793 @item On the target,
18794 you must link with your program a few special-purpose subroutines that
18795 implement the @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol. The file containing these
18796 subroutines is called a @dfn{debugging stub}.
18797
18798 On certain remote targets, you can use an auxiliary program
18799 @code{gdbserver} instead of linking a stub into your program.
18800 @xref{Server,,Using the @code{gdbserver} Program}, for details.
18801 @end table
18802
18803 The debugging stub is specific to the architecture of the remote
18804 machine; for example, use @file{sparc-stub.c} to debug programs on
18805 @sc{sparc} boards.
18806
18807 @cindex remote serial stub list
18808 These working remote stubs are distributed with @value{GDBN}:
18809
18810 @table @code
18811
18812 @item i386-stub.c
18813 @cindex @file{i386-stub.c}
18814 @cindex Intel
18815 @cindex i386
18816 For Intel 386 and compatible architectures.
18817
18818 @item m68k-stub.c
18819 @cindex @file{m68k-stub.c}
18820 @cindex Motorola 680x0
18821 @cindex m680x0
18822 For Motorola 680x0 architectures.
18823
18824 @item sh-stub.c
18825 @cindex @file{sh-stub.c}
18826 @cindex Renesas
18827 @cindex SH
18828 For Renesas SH architectures.
18829
18830 @item sparc-stub.c
18831 @cindex @file{sparc-stub.c}
18832 @cindex Sparc
18833 For @sc{sparc} architectures.
18834
18835 @item sparcl-stub.c
18836 @cindex @file{sparcl-stub.c}
18837 @cindex Fujitsu
18838 @cindex SparcLite
18839 For Fujitsu @sc{sparclite} architectures.
18840
18841 @end table
18842
18843 The @file{README} file in the @value{GDBN} distribution may list other
18844 recently added stubs.
18845
18846 @menu
18847 * Stub Contents:: What the stub can do for you
18848 * Bootstrapping:: What you must do for the stub
18849 * Debug Session:: Putting it all together
18850 @end menu
18851
18852 @node Stub Contents
18853 @subsection What the Stub Can Do for You
18854
18855 @cindex remote serial stub
18856 The debugging stub for your architecture supplies these three
18857 subroutines:
18858
18859 @table @code
18860 @item set_debug_traps
18861 @findex set_debug_traps
18862 @cindex remote serial stub, initialization
18863 This routine arranges for @code{handle_exception} to run when your
18864 program stops. You must call this subroutine explicitly in your
18865 program's startup code.
18866
18867 @item handle_exception
18868 @findex handle_exception
18869 @cindex remote serial stub, main routine
18870 This is the central workhorse, but your program never calls it
18871 explicitly---the setup code arranges for @code{handle_exception} to
18872 run when a trap is triggered.
18873
18874 @code{handle_exception} takes control when your program stops during
18875 execution (for example, on a breakpoint), and mediates communications
18876 with @value{GDBN} on the host machine. This is where the communications
18877 protocol is implemented; @code{handle_exception} acts as the @value{GDBN}
18878 representative on the target machine. It begins by sending summary
18879 information on the state of your program, then continues to execute,
18880 retrieving and transmitting any information @value{GDBN} needs, until you
18881 execute a @value{GDBN} command that makes your program resume; at that point,
18882 @code{handle_exception} returns control to your own code on the target
18883 machine.
18884
18885 @item breakpoint
18886 @cindex @code{breakpoint} subroutine, remote
18887 Use this auxiliary subroutine to make your program contain a
18888 breakpoint. Depending on the particular situation, this may be the only
18889 way for @value{GDBN} to get control. For instance, if your target
18890 machine has some sort of interrupt button, you won't need to call this;
18891 pressing the interrupt button transfers control to
18892 @code{handle_exception}---in effect, to @value{GDBN}. On some machines,
18893 simply receiving characters on the serial port may also trigger a trap;
18894 again, in that situation, you don't need to call @code{breakpoint} from
18895 your own program---simply running @samp{target remote} from the host
18896 @value{GDBN} session gets control.
18897
18898 Call @code{breakpoint} if none of these is true, or if you simply want
18899 to make certain your program stops at a predetermined point for the
18900 start of your debugging session.
18901 @end table
18902
18903 @node Bootstrapping
18904 @subsection What You Must Do for the Stub
18905
18906 @cindex remote stub, support routines
18907 The debugging stubs that come with @value{GDBN} are set up for a particular
18908 chip architecture, but they have no information about the rest of your
18909 debugging target machine.
18910
18911 First of all you need to tell the stub how to communicate with the
18912 serial port.
18913
18914 @table @code
18915 @item int getDebugChar()
18916 @findex getDebugChar
18917 Write this subroutine to read a single character from the serial port.
18918 It may be identical to @code{getchar} for your target system; a
18919 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
18920
18921 @item void putDebugChar(int)
18922 @findex putDebugChar
18923 Write this subroutine to write a single character to the serial port.
18924 It may be identical to @code{putchar} for your target system; a
18925 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
18926 @end table
18927
18928 @cindex control C, and remote debugging
18929 @cindex interrupting remote targets
18930 If you want @value{GDBN} to be able to stop your program while it is
18931 running, you need to use an interrupt-driven serial driver, and arrange
18932 for it to stop when it receives a @code{^C} (@samp{\003}, the control-C
18933 character). That is the character which @value{GDBN} uses to tell the
18934 remote system to stop.
18935
18936 Getting the debugging target to return the proper status to @value{GDBN}
18937 probably requires changes to the standard stub; one quick and dirty way
18938 is to just execute a breakpoint instruction (the ``dirty'' part is that
18939 @value{GDBN} reports a @code{SIGTRAP} instead of a @code{SIGINT}).
18940
18941 Other routines you need to supply are:
18942
18943 @table @code
18944 @item void exceptionHandler (int @var{exception_number}, void *@var{exception_address})
18945 @findex exceptionHandler
18946 Write this function to install @var{exception_address} in the exception
18947 handling tables. You need to do this because the stub does not have any
18948 way of knowing what the exception handling tables on your target system
18949 are like (for example, the processor's table might be in @sc{rom},
18950 containing entries which point to a table in @sc{ram}).
18951 @var{exception_number} is the exception number which should be changed;
18952 its meaning is architecture-dependent (for example, different numbers
18953 might represent divide by zero, misaligned access, etc). When this
18954 exception occurs, control should be transferred directly to
18955 @var{exception_address}, and the processor state (stack, registers,
18956 and so on) should be just as it is when a processor exception occurs. So if
18957 you want to use a jump instruction to reach @var{exception_address}, it
18958 should be a simple jump, not a jump to subroutine.
18959
18960 For the 386, @var{exception_address} should be installed as an interrupt
18961 gate so that interrupts are masked while the handler runs. The gate
18962 should be at privilege level 0 (the most privileged level). The
18963 @sc{sparc} and 68k stubs are able to mask interrupts themselves without
18964 help from @code{exceptionHandler}.
18965
18966 @item void flush_i_cache()
18967 @findex flush_i_cache
18968 On @sc{sparc} and @sc{sparclite} only, write this subroutine to flush the
18969 instruction cache, if any, on your target machine. If there is no
18970 instruction cache, this subroutine may be a no-op.
18971
18972 On target machines that have instruction caches, @value{GDBN} requires this
18973 function to make certain that the state of your program is stable.
18974 @end table
18975
18976 @noindent
18977 You must also make sure this library routine is available:
18978
18979 @table @code
18980 @item void *memset(void *, int, int)
18981 @findex memset
18982 This is the standard library function @code{memset} that sets an area of
18983 memory to a known value. If you have one of the free versions of
18984 @code{libc.a}, @code{memset} can be found there; otherwise, you must
18985 either obtain it from your hardware manufacturer, or write your own.
18986 @end table
18987
18988 If you do not use the GNU C compiler, you may need other standard
18989 library subroutines as well; this varies from one stub to another,
18990 but in general the stubs are likely to use any of the common library
18991 subroutines which @code{@value{NGCC}} generates as inline code.
18992
18993
18994 @node Debug Session
18995 @subsection Putting it All Together
18996
18997 @cindex remote serial debugging summary
18998 In summary, when your program is ready to debug, you must follow these
18999 steps.
19000
19001 @enumerate
19002 @item
19003 Make sure you have defined the supporting low-level routines
19004 (@pxref{Bootstrapping,,What You Must Do for the Stub}):
19005 @display
19006 @code{getDebugChar}, @code{putDebugChar},
19007 @code{flush_i_cache}, @code{memset}, @code{exceptionHandler}.
19008 @end display
19009
19010 @item
19011 Insert these lines in your program's startup code, before the main
19012 procedure is called:
19013
19014 @smallexample
19015 set_debug_traps();
19016 breakpoint();
19017 @end smallexample
19018
19019 On some machines, when a breakpoint trap is raised, the hardware
19020 automatically makes the PC point to the instruction after the
19021 breakpoint. If your machine doesn't do that, you may need to adjust
19022 @code{handle_exception} to arrange for it to return to the instruction
19023 after the breakpoint on this first invocation, so that your program
19024 doesn't keep hitting the initial breakpoint instead of making
19025 progress.
19026
19027 @item
19028 For the 680x0 stub only, you need to provide a variable called
19029 @code{exceptionHook}. Normally you just use:
19030
19031 @smallexample
19032 void (*exceptionHook)() = 0;
19033 @end smallexample
19034
19035 @noindent
19036 but if before calling @code{set_debug_traps}, you set it to point to a
19037 function in your program, that function is called when
19038 @code{@value{GDBN}} continues after stopping on a trap (for example, bus
19039 error). The function indicated by @code{exceptionHook} is called with
19040 one parameter: an @code{int} which is the exception number.
19041
19042 @item
19043 Compile and link together: your program, the @value{GDBN} debugging stub for
19044 your target architecture, and the supporting subroutines.
19045
19046 @item
19047 Make sure you have a serial connection between your target machine and
19048 the @value{GDBN} host, and identify the serial port on the host.
19049
19050 @item
19051 @c The "remote" target now provides a `load' command, so we should
19052 @c document that. FIXME.
19053 Download your program to your target machine (or get it there by
19054 whatever means the manufacturer provides), and start it.
19055
19056 @item
19057 Start @value{GDBN} on the host, and connect to the target
19058 (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
19059
19060 @end enumerate
19061
19062 @node Configurations
19063 @chapter Configuration-Specific Information
19064
19065 While nearly all @value{GDBN} commands are available for all native and
19066 cross versions of the debugger, there are some exceptions. This chapter
19067 describes things that are only available in certain configurations.
19068
19069 There are three major categories of configurations: native
19070 configurations, where the host and target are the same, embedded
19071 operating system configurations, which are usually the same for several
19072 different processor architectures, and bare embedded processors, which
19073 are quite different from each other.
19074
19075 @menu
19076 * Native::
19077 * Embedded OS::
19078 * Embedded Processors::
19079 * Architectures::
19080 @end menu
19081
19082 @node Native
19083 @section Native
19084
19085 This section describes details specific to particular native
19086 configurations.
19087
19088 @menu
19089 * HP-UX:: HP-UX
19090 * BSD libkvm Interface:: Debugging BSD kernel memory images
19091 * SVR4 Process Information:: SVR4 process information
19092 * DJGPP Native:: Features specific to the DJGPP port
19093 * Cygwin Native:: Features specific to the Cygwin port
19094 * Hurd Native:: Features specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd
19095 * Darwin:: Features specific to Darwin
19096 @end menu
19097
19098 @node HP-UX
19099 @subsection HP-UX
19100
19101 On HP-UX systems, if you refer to a function or variable name that
19102 begins with a dollar sign, @value{GDBN} searches for a user or system
19103 name first, before it searches for a convenience variable.
19104
19105
19106 @node BSD libkvm Interface
19107 @subsection BSD libkvm Interface
19108
19109 @cindex libkvm
19110 @cindex kernel memory image
19111 @cindex kernel crash dump
19112
19113 BSD-derived systems (FreeBSD/NetBSD/OpenBSD) have a kernel memory
19114 interface that provides a uniform interface for accessing kernel virtual
19115 memory images, including live systems and crash dumps. @value{GDBN}
19116 uses this interface to allow you to debug live kernels and kernel crash
19117 dumps on many native BSD configurations. This is implemented as a
19118 special @code{kvm} debugging target. For debugging a live system, load
19119 the currently running kernel into @value{GDBN} and connect to the
19120 @code{kvm} target:
19121
19122 @smallexample
19123 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm}
19124 @end smallexample
19125
19126 For debugging crash dumps, provide the file name of the crash dump as an
19127 argument:
19128
19129 @smallexample
19130 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm /var/crash/bsd.0}
19131 @end smallexample
19132
19133 Once connected to the @code{kvm} target, the following commands are
19134 available:
19135
19136 @table @code
19137 @kindex kvm
19138 @item kvm pcb
19139 Set current context from the @dfn{Process Control Block} (PCB) address.
19140
19141 @item kvm proc
19142 Set current context from proc address. This command isn't available on
19143 modern FreeBSD systems.
19144 @end table
19145
19146 @node SVR4 Process Information
19147 @subsection SVR4 Process Information
19148 @cindex /proc
19149 @cindex examine process image
19150 @cindex process info via @file{/proc}
19151
19152 Many versions of SVR4 and compatible systems provide a facility called
19153 @samp{/proc} that can be used to examine the image of a running
19154 process using file-system subroutines.
19155
19156 If @value{GDBN} is configured for an operating system with this
19157 facility, the command @code{info proc} is available to report
19158 information about the process running your program, or about any
19159 process running on your system. This includes, as of this writing,
19160 @sc{gnu}/Linux, OSF/1 (Digital Unix), Solaris, and Irix, but
19161 not HP-UX, for example.
19162
19163 This command may also work on core files that were created on a system
19164 that has the @samp{/proc} facility.
19165
19166 @table @code
19167 @kindex info proc
19168 @cindex process ID
19169 @item info proc
19170 @itemx info proc @var{process-id}
19171 Summarize available information about any running process. If a
19172 process ID is specified by @var{process-id}, display information about
19173 that process; otherwise display information about the program being
19174 debugged. The summary includes the debugged process ID, the command
19175 line used to invoke it, its current working directory, and its
19176 executable file's absolute file name.
19177
19178 On some systems, @var{process-id} can be of the form
19179 @samp{[@var{pid}]/@var{tid}} which specifies a certain thread ID
19180 within a process. If the optional @var{pid} part is missing, it means
19181 a thread from the process being debugged (the leading @samp{/} still
19182 needs to be present, or else @value{GDBN} will interpret the number as
19183 a process ID rather than a thread ID).
19184
19185 @item info proc cmdline
19186 @cindex info proc cmdline
19187 Show the original command line of the process. This command is
19188 specific to @sc{gnu}/Linux.
19189
19190 @item info proc cwd
19191 @cindex info proc cwd
19192 Show the current working directory of the process. This command is
19193 specific to @sc{gnu}/Linux.
19194
19195 @item info proc exe
19196 @cindex info proc exe
19197 Show the name of executable of the process. This command is specific
19198 to @sc{gnu}/Linux.
19199
19200 @item info proc mappings
19201 @cindex memory address space mappings
19202 Report the memory address space ranges accessible in the program, with
19203 information on whether the process has read, write, or execute access
19204 rights to each range. On @sc{gnu}/Linux systems, each memory range
19205 includes the object file which is mapped to that range, instead of the
19206 memory access rights to that range.
19207
19208 @item info proc stat
19209 @itemx info proc status
19210 @cindex process detailed status information
19211 These subcommands are specific to @sc{gnu}/Linux systems. They show
19212 the process-related information, including the user ID and group ID;
19213 how many threads are there in the process; its virtual memory usage;
19214 the signals that are pending, blocked, and ignored; its TTY; its
19215 consumption of system and user time; its stack size; its @samp{nice}
19216 value; etc. For more information, see the @samp{proc} man page
19217 (type @kbd{man 5 proc} from your shell prompt).
19218
19219 @item info proc all
19220 Show all the information about the process described under all of the
19221 above @code{info proc} subcommands.
19222
19223 @ignore
19224 @comment These sub-options of 'info proc' were not included when
19225 @comment procfs.c was re-written. Keep their descriptions around
19226 @comment against the day when someone finds the time to put them back in.
19227 @kindex info proc times
19228 @item info proc times
19229 Starting time, user CPU time, and system CPU time for your program and
19230 its children.
19231
19232 @kindex info proc id
19233 @item info proc id
19234 Report on the process IDs related to your program: its own process ID,
19235 the ID of its parent, the process group ID, and the session ID.
19236 @end ignore
19237
19238 @item set procfs-trace
19239 @kindex set procfs-trace
19240 @cindex @code{procfs} API calls
19241 This command enables and disables tracing of @code{procfs} API calls.
19242
19243 @item show procfs-trace
19244 @kindex show procfs-trace
19245 Show the current state of @code{procfs} API call tracing.
19246
19247 @item set procfs-file @var{file}
19248 @kindex set procfs-file
19249 Tell @value{GDBN} to write @code{procfs} API trace to the named
19250 @var{file}. @value{GDBN} appends the trace info to the previous
19251 contents of the file. The default is to display the trace on the
19252 standard output.
19253
19254 @item show procfs-file
19255 @kindex show procfs-file
19256 Show the file to which @code{procfs} API trace is written.
19257
19258 @item proc-trace-entry
19259 @itemx proc-trace-exit
19260 @itemx proc-untrace-entry
19261 @itemx proc-untrace-exit
19262 @kindex proc-trace-entry
19263 @kindex proc-trace-exit
19264 @kindex proc-untrace-entry
19265 @kindex proc-untrace-exit
19266 These commands enable and disable tracing of entries into and exits
19267 from the @code{syscall} interface.
19268
19269 @item info pidlist
19270 @kindex info pidlist
19271 @cindex process list, QNX Neutrino
19272 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all the
19273 processes and all the threads within each process.
19274
19275 @item info meminfo
19276 @kindex info meminfo
19277 @cindex mapinfo list, QNX Neutrino
19278 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all mapinfos.
19279 @end table
19280
19281 @node DJGPP Native
19282 @subsection Features for Debugging @sc{djgpp} Programs
19283 @cindex @sc{djgpp} debugging
19284 @cindex native @sc{djgpp} debugging
19285 @cindex MS-DOS-specific commands
19286
19287 @cindex DPMI
19288 @sc{djgpp} is a port of the @sc{gnu} development tools to MS-DOS and
19289 MS-Windows. @sc{djgpp} programs are 32-bit protected-mode programs
19290 that use the @dfn{DPMI} (DOS Protected-Mode Interface) API to run on
19291 top of real-mode DOS systems and their emulations.
19292
19293 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of @sc{djgpp} programs, and
19294 defines a few commands specific to the @sc{djgpp} port. This
19295 subsection describes those commands.
19296
19297 @table @code
19298 @kindex info dos
19299 @item info dos
19300 This is a prefix of @sc{djgpp}-specific commands which print
19301 information about the target system and important OS structures.
19302
19303 @kindex sysinfo
19304 @cindex MS-DOS system info
19305 @cindex free memory information (MS-DOS)
19306 @item info dos sysinfo
19307 This command displays assorted information about the underlying
19308 platform: the CPU type and features, the OS version and flavor, the
19309 DPMI version, and the available conventional and DPMI memory.
19310
19311 @cindex GDT
19312 @cindex LDT
19313 @cindex IDT
19314 @cindex segment descriptor tables
19315 @cindex descriptor tables display
19316 @item info dos gdt
19317 @itemx info dos ldt
19318 @itemx info dos idt
19319 These 3 commands display entries from, respectively, Global, Local,
19320 and Interrupt Descriptor Tables (GDT, LDT, and IDT). The descriptor
19321 tables are data structures which store a descriptor for each segment
19322 that is currently in use. The segment's selector is an index into a
19323 descriptor table; the table entry for that index holds the
19324 descriptor's base address and limit, and its attributes and access
19325 rights.
19326
19327 A typical @sc{djgpp} program uses 3 segments: a code segment, a data
19328 segment (used for both data and the stack), and a DOS segment (which
19329 allows access to DOS/BIOS data structures and absolute addresses in
19330 conventional memory). However, the DPMI host will usually define
19331 additional segments in order to support the DPMI environment.
19332
19333 @cindex garbled pointers
19334 These commands allow to display entries from the descriptor tables.
19335 Without an argument, all entries from the specified table are
19336 displayed. An argument, which should be an integer expression, means
19337 display a single entry whose index is given by the argument. For
19338 example, here's a convenient way to display information about the
19339 debugged program's data segment:
19340
19341 @smallexample
19342 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos ldt $ds}
19343 @exdent @code{0x13f: base=0x11970000 limit=0x0009ffff 32-Bit Data (Read/Write, Exp-up)}
19344 @end smallexample
19345
19346 @noindent
19347 This comes in handy when you want to see whether a pointer is outside
19348 the data segment's limit (i.e.@: @dfn{garbled}).
19349
19350 @cindex page tables display (MS-DOS)
19351 @item info dos pde
19352 @itemx info dos pte
19353 These two commands display entries from, respectively, the Page
19354 Directory and the Page Tables. Page Directories and Page Tables are
19355 data structures which control how virtual memory addresses are mapped
19356 into physical addresses. A Page Table includes an entry for every
19357 page of memory that is mapped into the program's address space; there
19358 may be several Page Tables, each one holding up to 4096 entries. A
19359 Page Directory has up to 4096 entries, one each for every Page Table
19360 that is currently in use.
19361
19362 Without an argument, @kbd{info dos pde} displays the entire Page
19363 Directory, and @kbd{info dos pte} displays all the entries in all of
19364 the Page Tables. An argument, an integer expression, given to the
19365 @kbd{info dos pde} command means display only that entry from the Page
19366 Directory table. An argument given to the @kbd{info dos pte} command
19367 means display entries from a single Page Table, the one pointed to by
19368 the specified entry in the Page Directory.
19369
19370 @cindex direct memory access (DMA) on MS-DOS
19371 These commands are useful when your program uses @dfn{DMA} (Direct
19372 Memory Access), which needs physical addresses to program the DMA
19373 controller.
19374
19375 These commands are supported only with some DPMI servers.
19376
19377 @cindex physical address from linear address
19378 @item info dos address-pte @var{addr}
19379 This command displays the Page Table entry for a specified linear
19380 address. The argument @var{addr} is a linear address which should
19381 already have the appropriate segment's base address added to it,
19382 because this command accepts addresses which may belong to @emph{any}
19383 segment. For example, here's how to display the Page Table entry for
19384 the page where a variable @code{i} is stored:
19385
19386 @smallexample
19387 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte __djgpp_base_address + (char *)&i}
19388 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x11a00d30:}
19389 @exdent @code{Base=0x02698000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0xd30}
19390 @end smallexample
19391
19392 @noindent
19393 This says that @code{i} is stored at offset @code{0xd30} from the page
19394 whose physical base address is @code{0x02698000}, and shows all the
19395 attributes of that page.
19396
19397 Note that you must cast the addresses of variables to a @code{char *},
19398 since otherwise the value of @code{__djgpp_base_address}, the base
19399 address of all variables and functions in a @sc{djgpp} program, will
19400 be added using the rules of C pointer arithmetics: if @code{i} is
19401 declared an @code{int}, @value{GDBN} will add 4 times the value of
19402 @code{__djgpp_base_address} to the address of @code{i}.
19403
19404 Here's another example, it displays the Page Table entry for the
19405 transfer buffer:
19406
19407 @smallexample
19408 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte *((unsigned *)&_go32_info_block + 3)}
19409 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x29110:}
19410 @exdent @code{Base=0x00029000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0x110}
19411 @end smallexample
19412
19413 @noindent
19414 (The @code{+ 3} offset is because the transfer buffer's address is the
19415 3rd member of the @code{_go32_info_block} structure.) The output
19416 clearly shows that this DPMI server maps the addresses in conventional
19417 memory 1:1, i.e.@: the physical (@code{0x00029000} + @code{0x110}) and
19418 linear (@code{0x29110}) addresses are identical.
19419
19420 This command is supported only with some DPMI servers.
19421 @end table
19422
19423 @cindex DOS serial data link, remote debugging
19424 In addition to native debugging, the DJGPP port supports remote
19425 debugging via a serial data link. The following commands are specific
19426 to remote serial debugging in the DJGPP port of @value{GDBN}.
19427
19428 @table @code
19429 @kindex set com1base
19430 @kindex set com1irq
19431 @kindex set com2base
19432 @kindex set com2irq
19433 @kindex set com3base
19434 @kindex set com3irq
19435 @kindex set com4base
19436 @kindex set com4irq
19437 @item set com1base @var{addr}
19438 This command sets the base I/O port address of the @file{COM1} serial
19439 port.
19440
19441 @item set com1irq @var{irq}
19442 This command sets the @dfn{Interrupt Request} (@code{IRQ}) line to use
19443 for the @file{COM1} serial port.
19444
19445 There are similar commands @samp{set com2base}, @samp{set com3irq},
19446 etc.@: for setting the port address and the @code{IRQ} lines for the
19447 other 3 COM ports.
19448
19449 @kindex show com1base
19450 @kindex show com1irq
19451 @kindex show com2base
19452 @kindex show com2irq
19453 @kindex show com3base
19454 @kindex show com3irq
19455 @kindex show com4base
19456 @kindex show com4irq
19457 The related commands @samp{show com1base}, @samp{show com1irq} etc.@:
19458 display the current settings of the base address and the @code{IRQ}
19459 lines used by the COM ports.
19460
19461 @item info serial
19462 @kindex info serial
19463 @cindex DOS serial port status
19464 This command prints the status of the 4 DOS serial ports. For each
19465 port, it prints whether it's active or not, its I/O base address and
19466 IRQ number, whether it uses a 16550-style FIFO, its baudrate, and the
19467 counts of various errors encountered so far.
19468 @end table
19469
19470
19471 @node Cygwin Native
19472 @subsection Features for Debugging MS Windows PE Executables
19473 @cindex MS Windows debugging
19474 @cindex native Cygwin debugging
19475 @cindex Cygwin-specific commands
19476
19477 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of MS Windows programs, including
19478 DLLs with and without symbolic debugging information.
19479
19480 @cindex Ctrl-BREAK, MS-Windows
19481 @cindex interrupt debuggee on MS-Windows
19482 MS-Windows programs that call @code{SetConsoleMode} to switch off the
19483 special meaning of the @samp{Ctrl-C} keystroke cannot be interrupted
19484 by typing @kbd{C-c}. For this reason, @value{GDBN} on MS-Windows
19485 supports @kbd{C-@key{BREAK}} as an alternative interrupt key
19486 sequence, which can be used to interrupt the debuggee even if it
19487 ignores @kbd{C-c}.
19488
19489 There are various additional Cygwin-specific commands, described in
19490 this section. Working with DLLs that have no debugging symbols is
19491 described in @ref{Non-debug DLL Symbols}.
19492
19493 @table @code
19494 @kindex info w32
19495 @item info w32
19496 This is a prefix of MS Windows-specific commands which print
19497 information about the target system and important OS structures.
19498
19499 @item info w32 selector
19500 This command displays information returned by
19501 the Win32 API @code{GetThreadSelectorEntry} function.
19502 It takes an optional argument that is evaluated to
19503 a long value to give the information about this given selector.
19504 Without argument, this command displays information
19505 about the six segment registers.
19506
19507 @item info w32 thread-information-block
19508 This command displays thread specific information stored in the
19509 Thread Information Block (readable on the X86 CPU family using @code{$fs}
19510 selector for 32-bit programs and @code{$gs} for 64-bit programs).
19511
19512 @kindex info dll
19513 @item info dll
19514 This is a Cygwin-specific alias of @code{info shared}.
19515
19516 @kindex dll-symbols
19517 @item dll-symbols
19518 This command loads symbols from a dll similarly to
19519 add-sym command but without the need to specify a base address.
19520
19521 @kindex set cygwin-exceptions
19522 @cindex debugging the Cygwin DLL
19523 @cindex Cygwin DLL, debugging
19524 @item set cygwin-exceptions @var{mode}
19525 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that
19526 happen inside the Cygwin DLL. If @var{mode} is @code{off},
19527 @value{GDBN} will delay recognition of exceptions, and may ignore some
19528 exceptions which seem to be caused by internal Cygwin DLL
19529 ``bookkeeping''. This option is meant primarily for debugging the
19530 Cygwin DLL itself; the default value is @code{off} to avoid annoying
19531 @value{GDBN} users with false @code{SIGSEGV} signals.
19532
19533 @kindex show cygwin-exceptions
19534 @item show cygwin-exceptions
19535 Displays whether @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that happen
19536 inside the Cygwin DLL itself.
19537
19538 @kindex set new-console
19539 @item set new-console @var{mode}
19540 If @var{mode} is @code{on} the debuggee will
19541 be started in a new console on next start.
19542 If @var{mode} is @code{off}, the debuggee will
19543 be started in the same console as the debugger.
19544
19545 @kindex show new-console
19546 @item show new-console
19547 Displays whether a new console is used
19548 when the debuggee is started.
19549
19550 @kindex set new-group
19551 @item set new-group @var{mode}
19552 This boolean value controls whether the debuggee should
19553 start a new group or stay in the same group as the debugger.
19554 This affects the way the Windows OS handles
19555 @samp{Ctrl-C}.
19556
19557 @kindex show new-group
19558 @item show new-group
19559 Displays current value of new-group boolean.
19560
19561 @kindex set debugevents
19562 @item set debugevents
19563 This boolean value adds debug output concerning kernel events related
19564 to the debuggee seen by the debugger. This includes events that
19565 signal thread and process creation and exit, DLL loading and
19566 unloading, console interrupts, and debugging messages produced by the
19567 Windows @code{OutputDebugString} API call.
19568
19569 @kindex set debugexec
19570 @item set debugexec
19571 This boolean value adds debug output concerning execute events
19572 (such as resume thread) seen by the debugger.
19573
19574 @kindex set debugexceptions
19575 @item set debugexceptions
19576 This boolean value adds debug output concerning exceptions in the
19577 debuggee seen by the debugger.
19578
19579 @kindex set debugmemory
19580 @item set debugmemory
19581 This boolean value adds debug output concerning debuggee memory reads
19582 and writes by the debugger.
19583
19584 @kindex set shell
19585 @item set shell
19586 This boolean values specifies whether the debuggee is called
19587 via a shell or directly (default value is on).
19588
19589 @kindex show shell
19590 @item show shell
19591 Displays if the debuggee will be started with a shell.
19592
19593 @end table
19594
19595 @menu
19596 * Non-debug DLL Symbols:: Support for DLLs without debugging symbols
19597 @end menu
19598
19599 @node Non-debug DLL Symbols
19600 @subsubsection Support for DLLs without Debugging Symbols
19601 @cindex DLLs with no debugging symbols
19602 @cindex Minimal symbols and DLLs
19603
19604 Very often on windows, some of the DLLs that your program relies on do
19605 not include symbolic debugging information (for example,
19606 @file{kernel32.dll}). When @value{GDBN} doesn't recognize any debugging
19607 symbols in a DLL, it relies on the minimal amount of symbolic
19608 information contained in the DLL's export table. This section
19609 describes working with such symbols, known internally to @value{GDBN} as
19610 ``minimal symbols''.
19611
19612 Note that before the debugged program has started execution, no DLLs
19613 will have been loaded. The easiest way around this problem is simply to
19614 start the program --- either by setting a breakpoint or letting the
19615 program run once to completion. It is also possible to force
19616 @value{GDBN} to load a particular DLL before starting the executable ---
19617 see the shared library information in @ref{Files}, or the
19618 @code{dll-symbols} command in @ref{Cygwin Native}. Currently,
19619 explicitly loading symbols from a DLL with no debugging information will
19620 cause the symbol names to be duplicated in @value{GDBN}'s lookup table,
19621 which may adversely affect symbol lookup performance.
19622
19623 @subsubsection DLL Name Prefixes
19624
19625 In keeping with the naming conventions used by the Microsoft debugging
19626 tools, DLL export symbols are made available with a prefix based on the
19627 DLL name, for instance @code{KERNEL32!CreateFileA}. The plain name is
19628 also entered into the symbol table, so @code{CreateFileA} is often
19629 sufficient. In some cases there will be name clashes within a program
19630 (particularly if the executable itself includes full debugging symbols)
19631 necessitating the use of the fully qualified name when referring to the
19632 contents of the DLL. Use single-quotes around the name to avoid the
19633 exclamation mark (``!'') being interpreted as a language operator.
19634
19635 Note that the internal name of the DLL may be all upper-case, even
19636 though the file name of the DLL is lower-case, or vice-versa. Since
19637 symbols within @value{GDBN} are @emph{case-sensitive} this may cause
19638 some confusion. If in doubt, try the @code{info functions} and
19639 @code{info variables} commands or even @code{maint print msymbols}
19640 (@pxref{Symbols}). Here's an example:
19641
19642 @smallexample
19643 (@value{GDBP}) info function CreateFileA
19644 All functions matching regular expression "CreateFileA":
19645
19646 Non-debugging symbols:
19647 0x77e885f4 CreateFileA
19648 0x77e885f4 KERNEL32!CreateFileA
19649 @end smallexample
19650
19651 @smallexample
19652 (@value{GDBP}) info function !
19653 All functions matching regular expression "!":
19654
19655 Non-debugging symbols:
19656 0x6100114c cygwin1!__assert
19657 0x61004034 cygwin1!_dll_crt0@@0
19658 0x61004240 cygwin1!dll_crt0(per_process *)
19659 [etc...]
19660 @end smallexample
19661
19662 @subsubsection Working with Minimal Symbols
19663
19664 Symbols extracted from a DLL's export table do not contain very much
19665 type information. All that @value{GDBN} can do is guess whether a symbol
19666 refers to a function or variable depending on the linker section that
19667 contains the symbol. Also note that the actual contents of the memory
19668 contained in a DLL are not available unless the program is running. This
19669 means that you cannot examine the contents of a variable or disassemble
19670 a function within a DLL without a running program.
19671
19672 Variables are generally treated as pointers and dereferenced
19673 automatically. For this reason, it is often necessary to prefix a
19674 variable name with the address-of operator (``&'') and provide explicit
19675 type information in the command. Here's an example of the type of
19676 problem:
19677
19678 @smallexample
19679 (@value{GDBP}) print 'cygwin1!__argv'
19680 $1 = 268572168
19681 @end smallexample
19682
19683 @smallexample
19684 (@value{GDBP}) x 'cygwin1!__argv'
19685 0x10021610: "\230y\""
19686 @end smallexample
19687
19688 And two possible solutions:
19689
19690 @smallexample
19691 (@value{GDBP}) print ((char **)'cygwin1!__argv')[0]
19692 $2 = 0x22fd98 "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
19693 @end smallexample
19694
19695 @smallexample
19696 (@value{GDBP}) x/2x &'cygwin1!__argv'
19697 0x610c0aa8 <cygwin1!__argv>: 0x10021608 0x00000000
19698 (@value{GDBP}) x/x 0x10021608
19699 0x10021608: 0x0022fd98
19700 (@value{GDBP}) x/s 0x0022fd98
19701 0x22fd98: "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
19702 @end smallexample
19703
19704 Setting a break point within a DLL is possible even before the program
19705 starts execution. However, under these circumstances, @value{GDBN} can't
19706 examine the initial instructions of the function in order to skip the
19707 function's frame set-up code. You can work around this by using ``*&''
19708 to set the breakpoint at a raw memory address:
19709
19710 @smallexample
19711 (@value{GDBP}) break *&'python22!PyOS_Readline'
19712 Breakpoint 1 at 0x1e04eff0
19713 @end smallexample
19714
19715 The author of these extensions is not entirely convinced that setting a
19716 break point within a shared DLL like @file{kernel32.dll} is completely
19717 safe.
19718
19719 @node Hurd Native
19720 @subsection Commands Specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd Systems
19721 @cindex @sc{gnu} Hurd debugging
19722
19723 This subsection describes @value{GDBN} commands specific to the
19724 @sc{gnu} Hurd native debugging.
19725
19726 @table @code
19727 @item set signals
19728 @itemx set sigs
19729 @kindex set signals@r{, Hurd command}
19730 @kindex set sigs@r{, Hurd command}
19731 This command toggles the state of inferior signal interception by
19732 @value{GDBN}. Mach exceptions, such as breakpoint traps, are not
19733 affected by this command. @code{sigs} is a shorthand alias for
19734 @code{signals}.
19735
19736 @item show signals
19737 @itemx show sigs
19738 @kindex show signals@r{, Hurd command}
19739 @kindex show sigs@r{, Hurd command}
19740 Show the current state of intercepting inferior's signals.
19741
19742 @item set signal-thread
19743 @itemx set sigthread
19744 @kindex set signal-thread
19745 @kindex set sigthread
19746 This command tells @value{GDBN} which thread is the @code{libc} signal
19747 thread. That thread is run when a signal is delivered to a running
19748 process. @code{set sigthread} is the shorthand alias of @code{set
19749 signal-thread}.
19750
19751 @item show signal-thread
19752 @itemx show sigthread
19753 @kindex show signal-thread
19754 @kindex show sigthread
19755 These two commands show which thread will run when the inferior is
19756 delivered a signal.
19757
19758 @item set stopped
19759 @kindex set stopped@r{, Hurd command}
19760 This commands tells @value{GDBN} that the inferior process is stopped,
19761 as with the @code{SIGSTOP} signal. The stopped process can be
19762 continued by delivering a signal to it.
19763
19764 @item show stopped
19765 @kindex show stopped@r{, Hurd command}
19766 This command shows whether @value{GDBN} thinks the debuggee is
19767 stopped.
19768
19769 @item set exceptions
19770 @kindex set exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
19771 Use this command to turn off trapping of exceptions in the inferior.
19772 When exception trapping is off, neither breakpoints nor
19773 single-stepping will work. To restore the default, set exception
19774 trapping on.
19775
19776 @item show exceptions
19777 @kindex show exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
19778 Show the current state of trapping exceptions in the inferior.
19779
19780 @item set task pause
19781 @kindex set task@r{, Hurd commands}
19782 @cindex task attributes (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
19783 @cindex pause current task (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
19784 This command toggles task suspension when @value{GDBN} has control.
19785 Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the task is suspended
19786 whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to off will take
19787 effect the next time the inferior is continued. If this option is set
19788 to off, you can use @code{set thread default pause on} or @code{set
19789 thread pause on} (see below) to pause individual threads.
19790
19791 @item show task pause
19792 @kindex show task@r{, Hurd commands}
19793 Show the current state of task suspension.
19794
19795 @item set task detach-suspend-count
19796 @cindex task suspend count
19797 @cindex detach from task, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19798 This command sets the suspend count the task will be left with when
19799 @value{GDBN} detaches from it.
19800
19801 @item show task detach-suspend-count
19802 Show the suspend count the task will be left with when detaching.
19803
19804 @item set task exception-port
19805 @itemx set task excp
19806 @cindex task exception port, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19807 This command sets the task exception port to which @value{GDBN} will
19808 forward exceptions. The argument should be the value of the @dfn{send
19809 rights} of the task. @code{set task excp} is a shorthand alias.
19810
19811 @item set noninvasive
19812 @cindex noninvasive task options
19813 This command switches @value{GDBN} to a mode that is the least
19814 invasive as far as interfering with the inferior is concerned. This
19815 is the same as using @code{set task pause}, @code{set exceptions}, and
19816 @code{set signals} to values opposite to the defaults.
19817
19818 @item info send-rights
19819 @itemx info receive-rights
19820 @itemx info port-rights
19821 @itemx info port-sets
19822 @itemx info dead-names
19823 @itemx info ports
19824 @itemx info psets
19825 @cindex send rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19826 @cindex receive rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19827 @cindex port rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19828 @cindex port sets, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19829 @cindex dead names, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19830 These commands display information about, respectively, send rights,
19831 receive rights, port rights, port sets, and dead names of a task.
19832 There are also shorthand aliases: @code{info ports} for @code{info
19833 port-rights} and @code{info psets} for @code{info port-sets}.
19834
19835 @item set thread pause
19836 @kindex set thread@r{, Hurd command}
19837 @cindex thread properties, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19838 @cindex pause current thread (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
19839 This command toggles current thread suspension when @value{GDBN} has
19840 control. Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the current
19841 thread is suspended whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to
19842 off will take effect the next time the inferior is continued.
19843 Normally, this command has no effect, since when @value{GDBN} has
19844 control, the whole task is suspended. However, if you used @code{set
19845 task pause off} (see above), this command comes in handy to suspend
19846 only the current thread.
19847
19848 @item show thread pause
19849 @kindex show thread@r{, Hurd command}
19850 This command shows the state of current thread suspension.
19851
19852 @item set thread run
19853 This command sets whether the current thread is allowed to run.
19854
19855 @item show thread run
19856 Show whether the current thread is allowed to run.
19857
19858 @item set thread detach-suspend-count
19859 @cindex thread suspend count, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19860 @cindex detach from thread, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19861 This command sets the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on a
19862 thread when detaching. This number is relative to the suspend count
19863 found by @value{GDBN} when it notices the thread; use @code{set thread
19864 takeover-suspend-count} to force it to an absolute value.
19865
19866 @item show thread detach-suspend-count
19867 Show the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on the thread when
19868 detaching.
19869
19870 @item set thread exception-port
19871 @itemx set thread excp
19872 Set the thread exception port to which to forward exceptions. This
19873 overrides the port set by @code{set task exception-port} (see above).
19874 @code{set thread excp} is the shorthand alias.
19875
19876 @item set thread takeover-suspend-count
19877 Normally, @value{GDBN}'s thread suspend counts are relative to the
19878 value @value{GDBN} finds when it notices each thread. This command
19879 changes the suspend counts to be absolute instead.
19880
19881 @item set thread default
19882 @itemx show thread default
19883 @cindex thread default settings, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19884 Each of the above @code{set thread} commands has a @code{set thread
19885 default} counterpart (e.g., @code{set thread default pause}, @code{set
19886 thread default exception-port}, etc.). The @code{thread default}
19887 variety of commands sets the default thread properties for all
19888 threads; you can then change the properties of individual threads with
19889 the non-default commands.
19890 @end table
19891
19892 @node Darwin
19893 @subsection Darwin
19894 @cindex Darwin
19895
19896 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands specific to the Darwin target:
19897
19898 @table @code
19899 @item set debug darwin @var{num}
19900 @kindex set debug darwin
19901 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages specific to
19902 the Darwin support. Higher values produce more verbose output.
19903
19904 @item show debug darwin
19905 @kindex show debug darwin
19906 Show the current state of Darwin messages.
19907
19908 @item set debug mach-o @var{num}
19909 @kindex set debug mach-o
19910 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages while
19911 @value{GDBN} is reading Darwin object files. (@dfn{Mach-O} is the
19912 file format used on Darwin for object and executable files.) Higher
19913 values produce more verbose output. This is a command to diagnose
19914 problems internal to @value{GDBN} and should not be needed in normal
19915 usage.
19916
19917 @item show debug mach-o
19918 @kindex show debug mach-o
19919 Show the current state of Mach-O file messages.
19920
19921 @item set mach-exceptions on
19922 @itemx set mach-exceptions off
19923 @kindex set mach-exceptions
19924 On Darwin, faults are first reported as a Mach exception and are then
19925 mapped to a Posix signal. Use this command to turn on trapping of
19926 Mach exceptions in the inferior. This might be sometimes useful to
19927 better understand the cause of a fault. The default is off.
19928
19929 @item show mach-exceptions
19930 @kindex show mach-exceptions
19931 Show the current state of exceptions trapping.
19932 @end table
19933
19934
19935 @node Embedded OS
19936 @section Embedded Operating Systems
19937
19938 This section describes configurations involving the debugging of
19939 embedded operating systems that are available for several different
19940 architectures.
19941
19942 @menu
19943 * VxWorks:: Using @value{GDBN} with VxWorks
19944 @end menu
19945
19946 @value{GDBN} includes the ability to debug programs running on
19947 various real-time operating systems.
19948
19949 @node VxWorks
19950 @subsection Using @value{GDBN} with VxWorks
19951
19952 @cindex VxWorks
19953
19954 @table @code
19955
19956 @kindex target vxworks
19957 @item target vxworks @var{machinename}
19958 A VxWorks system, attached via TCP/IP. The argument @var{machinename}
19959 is the target system's machine name or IP address.
19960
19961 @end table
19962
19963 On VxWorks, @code{load} links @var{filename} dynamically on the
19964 current target system as well as adding its symbols in @value{GDBN}.
19965
19966 @value{GDBN} enables developers to spawn and debug tasks running on networked
19967 VxWorks targets from a Unix host. Already-running tasks spawned from
19968 the VxWorks shell can also be debugged. @value{GDBN} uses code that runs on
19969 both the Unix host and on the VxWorks target. The program
19970 @code{@value{GDBP}} is installed and executed on the Unix host. (It may be
19971 installed with the name @code{vxgdb}, to distinguish it from a
19972 @value{GDBN} for debugging programs on the host itself.)
19973
19974 @table @code
19975 @item VxWorks-timeout @var{args}
19976 @kindex vxworks-timeout
19977 All VxWorks-based targets now support the option @code{vxworks-timeout}.
19978 This option is set by the user, and @var{args} represents the number of
19979 seconds @value{GDBN} waits for responses to rpc's. You might use this if
19980 your VxWorks target is a slow software simulator or is on the far side
19981 of a thin network line.
19982 @end table
19983
19984 The following information on connecting to VxWorks was current when
19985 this manual was produced; newer releases of VxWorks may use revised
19986 procedures.
19987
19988 @findex INCLUDE_RDB
19989 To use @value{GDBN} with VxWorks, you must rebuild your VxWorks kernel
19990 to include the remote debugging interface routines in the VxWorks
19991 library @file{rdb.a}. To do this, define @code{INCLUDE_RDB} in the
19992 VxWorks configuration file @file{configAll.h} and rebuild your VxWorks
19993 kernel. The resulting kernel contains @file{rdb.a}, and spawns the
19994 source debugging task @code{tRdbTask} when VxWorks is booted. For more
19995 information on configuring and remaking VxWorks, see the manufacturer's
19996 manual.
19997 @c VxWorks, see the @cite{VxWorks Programmer's Guide}.
19998
19999 Once you have included @file{rdb.a} in your VxWorks system image and set
20000 your Unix execution search path to find @value{GDBN}, you are ready to
20001 run @value{GDBN}. From your Unix host, run @code{@value{GDBP}} (or
20002 @code{vxgdb}, depending on your installation).
20003
20004 @value{GDBN} comes up showing the prompt:
20005
20006 @smallexample
20007 (vxgdb)
20008 @end smallexample
20009
20010 @menu
20011 * VxWorks Connection:: Connecting to VxWorks
20012 * VxWorks Download:: VxWorks download
20013 * VxWorks Attach:: Running tasks
20014 @end menu
20015
20016 @node VxWorks Connection
20017 @subsubsection Connecting to VxWorks
20018
20019 The @value{GDBN} command @code{target} lets you connect to a VxWorks target on the
20020 network. To connect to a target whose host name is ``@code{tt}'', type:
20021
20022 @smallexample
20023 (vxgdb) target vxworks tt
20024 @end smallexample
20025
20026 @need 750
20027 @value{GDBN} displays messages like these:
20028
20029 @smallexample
20030 Attaching remote machine across net...
20031 Connected to tt.
20032 @end smallexample
20033
20034 @need 1000
20035 @value{GDBN} then attempts to read the symbol tables of any object modules
20036 loaded into the VxWorks target since it was last booted. @value{GDBN} locates
20037 these files by searching the directories listed in the command search
20038 path (@pxref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}); if it fails
20039 to find an object file, it displays a message such as:
20040
20041 @smallexample
20042 prog.o: No such file or directory.
20043 @end smallexample
20044
20045 When this happens, add the appropriate directory to the search path with
20046 the @value{GDBN} command @code{path}, and execute the @code{target}
20047 command again.
20048
20049 @node VxWorks Download
20050 @subsubsection VxWorks Download
20051
20052 @cindex download to VxWorks
20053 If you have connected to the VxWorks target and you want to debug an
20054 object that has not yet been loaded, you can use the @value{GDBN}
20055 @code{load} command to download a file from Unix to VxWorks
20056 incrementally. The object file given as an argument to the @code{load}
20057 command is actually opened twice: first by the VxWorks target in order
20058 to download the code, then by @value{GDBN} in order to read the symbol
20059 table. This can lead to problems if the current working directories on
20060 the two systems differ. If both systems have NFS mounted the same
20061 filesystems, you can avoid these problems by using absolute paths.
20062 Otherwise, it is simplest to set the working directory on both systems
20063 to the directory in which the object file resides, and then to reference
20064 the file by its name, without any path. For instance, a program
20065 @file{prog.o} may reside in @file{@var{vxpath}/vw/demo/rdb} in VxWorks
20066 and in @file{@var{hostpath}/vw/demo/rdb} on the host. To load this
20067 program, type this on VxWorks:
20068
20069 @smallexample
20070 -> cd "@var{vxpath}/vw/demo/rdb"
20071 @end smallexample
20072
20073 @noindent
20074 Then, in @value{GDBN}, type:
20075
20076 @smallexample
20077 (vxgdb) cd @var{hostpath}/vw/demo/rdb
20078 (vxgdb) load prog.o
20079 @end smallexample
20080
20081 @value{GDBN} displays a response similar to this:
20082
20083 @smallexample
20084 Reading symbol data from wherever/vw/demo/rdb/prog.o... done.
20085 @end smallexample
20086
20087 You can also use the @code{load} command to reload an object module
20088 after editing and recompiling the corresponding source file. Note that
20089 this makes @value{GDBN} delete all currently-defined breakpoints,
20090 auto-displays, and convenience variables, and to clear the value
20091 history. (This is necessary in order to preserve the integrity of
20092 debugger's data structures that reference the target system's symbol
20093 table.)
20094
20095 @node VxWorks Attach
20096 @subsubsection Running Tasks
20097
20098 @cindex running VxWorks tasks
20099 You can also attach to an existing task using the @code{attach} command as
20100 follows:
20101
20102 @smallexample
20103 (vxgdb) attach @var{task}
20104 @end smallexample
20105
20106 @noindent
20107 where @var{task} is the VxWorks hexadecimal task ID. The task can be running
20108 or suspended when you attach to it. Running tasks are suspended at
20109 the time of attachment.
20110
20111 @node Embedded Processors
20112 @section Embedded Processors
20113
20114 This section goes into details specific to particular embedded
20115 configurations.
20116
20117 @cindex send command to simulator
20118 Whenever a specific embedded processor has a simulator, @value{GDBN}
20119 allows to send an arbitrary command to the simulator.
20120
20121 @table @code
20122 @item sim @var{command}
20123 @kindex sim@r{, a command}
20124 Send an arbitrary @var{command} string to the simulator. Consult the
20125 documentation for the specific simulator in use for information about
20126 acceptable commands.
20127 @end table
20128
20129
20130 @menu
20131 * ARM:: ARM RDI
20132 * M32R/D:: Renesas M32R/D
20133 * M68K:: Motorola M68K
20134 * MicroBlaze:: Xilinx MicroBlaze
20135 * MIPS Embedded:: MIPS Embedded
20136 * PowerPC Embedded:: PowerPC Embedded
20137 * PA:: HP PA Embedded
20138 * Sparclet:: Tsqware Sparclet
20139 * Sparclite:: Fujitsu Sparclite
20140 * Z8000:: Zilog Z8000
20141 * AVR:: Atmel AVR
20142 * CRIS:: CRIS
20143 * Super-H:: Renesas Super-H
20144 @end menu
20145
20146 @node ARM
20147 @subsection ARM
20148 @cindex ARM RDI
20149
20150 @table @code
20151 @kindex target rdi
20152 @item target rdi @var{dev}
20153 ARM Angel monitor, via RDI library interface to ADP protocol. You may
20154 use this target to communicate with both boards running the Angel
20155 monitor, or with the EmbeddedICE JTAG debug device.
20156
20157 @kindex target rdp
20158 @item target rdp @var{dev}
20159 ARM Demon monitor.
20160
20161 @end table
20162
20163 @value{GDBN} provides the following ARM-specific commands:
20164
20165 @table @code
20166 @item set arm disassembler
20167 @kindex set arm
20168 This commands selects from a list of disassembly styles. The
20169 @code{"std"} style is the standard style.
20170
20171 @item show arm disassembler
20172 @kindex show arm
20173 Show the current disassembly style.
20174
20175 @item set arm apcs32
20176 @cindex ARM 32-bit mode
20177 This command toggles ARM operation mode between 32-bit and 26-bit.
20178
20179 @item show arm apcs32
20180 Display the current usage of the ARM 32-bit mode.
20181
20182 @item set arm fpu @var{fputype}
20183 This command sets the ARM floating-point unit (FPU) type. The
20184 argument @var{fputype} can be one of these:
20185
20186 @table @code
20187 @item auto
20188 Determine the FPU type by querying the OS ABI.
20189 @item softfpa
20190 Software FPU, with mixed-endian doubles on little-endian ARM
20191 processors.
20192 @item fpa
20193 GCC-compiled FPA co-processor.
20194 @item softvfp
20195 Software FPU with pure-endian doubles.
20196 @item vfp
20197 VFP co-processor.
20198 @end table
20199
20200 @item show arm fpu
20201 Show the current type of the FPU.
20202
20203 @item set arm abi
20204 This command forces @value{GDBN} to use the specified ABI.
20205
20206 @item show arm abi
20207 Show the currently used ABI.
20208
20209 @item set arm fallback-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
20210 @value{GDBN} uses the symbol table, when available, to determine
20211 whether instructions are ARM or Thumb. This command controls
20212 @value{GDBN}'s default behavior when the symbol table is not
20213 available. The default is @samp{auto}, which causes @value{GDBN} to
20214 use the current execution mode (from the @code{T} bit in the @code{CPSR}
20215 register).
20216
20217 @item show arm fallback-mode
20218 Show the current fallback instruction mode.
20219
20220 @item set arm force-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
20221 This command overrides use of the symbol table to determine whether
20222 instructions are ARM or Thumb. The default is @samp{auto}, which
20223 causes @value{GDBN} to use the symbol table and then the setting
20224 of @samp{set arm fallback-mode}.
20225
20226 @item show arm force-mode
20227 Show the current forced instruction mode.
20228
20229 @item set debug arm
20230 Toggle whether to display ARM-specific debugging messages from the ARM
20231 target support subsystem.
20232
20233 @item show debug arm
20234 Show whether ARM-specific debugging messages are enabled.
20235 @end table
20236
20237 The following commands are available when an ARM target is debugged
20238 using the RDI interface:
20239
20240 @table @code
20241 @item rdilogfile @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
20242 @kindex rdilogfile
20243 @cindex ADP (Angel Debugger Protocol) logging
20244 Set the filename for the ADP (Angel Debugger Protocol) packet log.
20245 With an argument, sets the log file to the specified @var{file}. With
20246 no argument, show the current log file name. The default log file is
20247 @file{rdi.log}.
20248
20249 @item rdilogenable @r{[}@var{arg}@r{]}
20250 @kindex rdilogenable
20251 Control logging of ADP packets. With an argument of 1 or @code{"yes"}
20252 enables logging, with an argument 0 or @code{"no"} disables it. With
20253 no arguments displays the current setting. When logging is enabled,
20254 ADP packets exchanged between @value{GDBN} and the RDI target device
20255 are logged to a file.
20256
20257 @item set rdiromatzero
20258 @kindex set rdiromatzero
20259 @cindex ROM at zero address, RDI
20260 Tell @value{GDBN} whether the target has ROM at address 0. If on,
20261 vector catching is disabled, so that zero address can be used. If off
20262 (the default), vector catching is enabled. For this command to take
20263 effect, it needs to be invoked prior to the @code{target rdi} command.
20264
20265 @item show rdiromatzero
20266 @kindex show rdiromatzero
20267 Show the current setting of ROM at zero address.
20268
20269 @item set rdiheartbeat
20270 @kindex set rdiheartbeat
20271 @cindex RDI heartbeat
20272 Enable or disable RDI heartbeat packets. It is not recommended to
20273 turn on this option, since it confuses ARM and EPI JTAG interface, as
20274 well as the Angel monitor.
20275
20276 @item show rdiheartbeat
20277 @kindex show rdiheartbeat
20278 Show the setting of RDI heartbeat packets.
20279 @end table
20280
20281 @table @code
20282 @item target sim @r{[}@var{simargs}@r{]} @dots{}
20283 The @value{GDBN} ARM simulator accepts the following optional arguments.
20284
20285 @table @code
20286 @item --swi-support=@var{type}
20287 Tell the simulator which SWI interfaces to support.
20288 @var{type} may be a comma separated list of the following values.
20289 The default value is @code{all}.
20290
20291 @table @code
20292 @item none
20293 @item demon
20294 @item angel
20295 @item redboot
20296 @item all
20297 @end table
20298 @end table
20299 @end table
20300
20301 @node M32R/D
20302 @subsection Renesas M32R/D and M32R/SDI
20303
20304 @table @code
20305 @kindex target m32r
20306 @item target m32r @var{dev}
20307 Renesas M32R/D ROM monitor.
20308
20309 @kindex target m32rsdi
20310 @item target m32rsdi @var{dev}
20311 Renesas M32R SDI server, connected via parallel port to the board.
20312 @end table
20313
20314 The following @value{GDBN} commands are specific to the M32R monitor:
20315
20316 @table @code
20317 @item set download-path @var{path}
20318 @kindex set download-path
20319 @cindex find downloadable @sc{srec} files (M32R)
20320 Set the default path for finding downloadable @sc{srec} files.
20321
20322 @item show download-path
20323 @kindex show download-path
20324 Show the default path for downloadable @sc{srec} files.
20325
20326 @item set board-address @var{addr}
20327 @kindex set board-address
20328 @cindex M32-EVA target board address
20329 Set the IP address for the M32R-EVA target board.
20330
20331 @item show board-address
20332 @kindex show board-address
20333 Show the current IP address of the target board.
20334
20335 @item set server-address @var{addr}
20336 @kindex set server-address
20337 @cindex download server address (M32R)
20338 Set the IP address for the download server, which is the @value{GDBN}'s
20339 host machine.
20340
20341 @item show server-address
20342 @kindex show server-address
20343 Display the IP address of the download server.
20344
20345 @item upload @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
20346 @kindex upload@r{, M32R}
20347 Upload the specified @sc{srec} @var{file} via the monitor's Ethernet
20348 upload capability. If no @var{file} argument is given, the current
20349 executable file is uploaded.
20350
20351 @item tload @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
20352 @kindex tload@r{, M32R}
20353 Test the @code{upload} command.
20354 @end table
20355
20356 The following commands are available for M32R/SDI:
20357
20358 @table @code
20359 @item sdireset
20360 @kindex sdireset
20361 @cindex reset SDI connection, M32R
20362 This command resets the SDI connection.
20363
20364 @item sdistatus
20365 @kindex sdistatus
20366 This command shows the SDI connection status.
20367
20368 @item debug_chaos
20369 @kindex debug_chaos
20370 @cindex M32R/Chaos debugging
20371 Instructs the remote that M32R/Chaos debugging is to be used.
20372
20373 @item use_debug_dma
20374 @kindex use_debug_dma
20375 Instructs the remote to use the DEBUG_DMA method of accessing memory.
20376
20377 @item use_mon_code
20378 @kindex use_mon_code
20379 Instructs the remote to use the MON_CODE method of accessing memory.
20380
20381 @item use_ib_break
20382 @kindex use_ib_break
20383 Instructs the remote to set breakpoints by IB break.
20384
20385 @item use_dbt_break
20386 @kindex use_dbt_break
20387 Instructs the remote to set breakpoints by DBT.
20388 @end table
20389
20390 @node M68K
20391 @subsection M68k
20392
20393 The Motorola m68k configuration includes ColdFire support, and a
20394 target command for the following ROM monitor.
20395
20396 @table @code
20397
20398 @kindex target dbug
20399 @item target dbug @var{dev}
20400 dBUG ROM monitor for Motorola ColdFire.
20401
20402 @end table
20403
20404 @node MicroBlaze
20405 @subsection MicroBlaze
20406 @cindex Xilinx MicroBlaze
20407 @cindex XMD, Xilinx Microprocessor Debugger
20408
20409 The MicroBlaze is a soft-core processor supported on various Xilinx
20410 FPGAs, such as Spartan or Virtex series. Boards with these processors
20411 usually have JTAG ports which connect to a host system running the Xilinx
20412 Embedded Development Kit (EDK) or Software Development Kit (SDK).
20413 This host system is used to download the configuration bitstream to
20414 the target FPGA. The Xilinx Microprocessor Debugger (XMD) program
20415 communicates with the target board using the JTAG interface and
20416 presents a @code{gdbserver} interface to the board. By default
20417 @code{xmd} uses port @code{1234}. (While it is possible to change
20418 this default port, it requires the use of undocumented @code{xmd}
20419 commands. Contact Xilinx support if you need to do this.)
20420
20421 Use these GDB commands to connect to the MicroBlaze target processor.
20422
20423 @table @code
20424 @item target remote :1234
20425 Use this command to connect to the target if you are running @value{GDBN}
20426 on the same system as @code{xmd}.
20427
20428 @item target remote @var{xmd-host}:1234
20429 Use this command to connect to the target if it is connected to @code{xmd}
20430 running on a different system named @var{xmd-host}.
20431
20432 @item load
20433 Use this command to download a program to the MicroBlaze target.
20434
20435 @item set debug microblaze @var{n}
20436 Enable MicroBlaze-specific debugging messages if non-zero.
20437
20438 @item show debug microblaze @var{n}
20439 Show MicroBlaze-specific debugging level.
20440 @end table
20441
20442 @node MIPS Embedded
20443 @subsection @acronym{MIPS} Embedded
20444
20445 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} boards
20446 @value{GDBN} can use the @acronym{MIPS} remote debugging protocol to talk to a
20447 @acronym{MIPS} board attached to a serial line. This is available when
20448 you configure @value{GDBN} with @samp{--target=mips-elf}.
20449
20450 @need 1000
20451 Use these @value{GDBN} commands to specify the connection to your target board:
20452
20453 @table @code
20454 @item target mips @var{port}
20455 @kindex target mips @var{port}
20456 To run a program on the board, start up @code{@value{GDBP}} with the
20457 name of your program as the argument. To connect to the board, use the
20458 command @samp{target mips @var{port}}, where @var{port} is the name of
20459 the serial port connected to the board. If the program has not already
20460 been downloaded to the board, you may use the @code{load} command to
20461 download it. You can then use all the usual @value{GDBN} commands.
20462
20463 For example, this sequence connects to the target board through a serial
20464 port, and loads and runs a program called @var{prog} through the
20465 debugger:
20466
20467 @smallexample
20468 host$ @value{GDBP} @var{prog}
20469 @value{GDBN} is free software and @dots{}
20470 (@value{GDBP}) target mips /dev/ttyb
20471 (@value{GDBP}) load @var{prog}
20472 (@value{GDBP}) run
20473 @end smallexample
20474
20475 @item target mips @var{hostname}:@var{portnumber}
20476 On some @value{GDBN} host configurations, you can specify a TCP
20477 connection (for instance, to a serial line managed by a terminal
20478 concentrator) instead of a serial port, using the syntax
20479 @samp{@var{hostname}:@var{portnumber}}.
20480
20481 @item target pmon @var{port}
20482 @kindex target pmon @var{port}
20483 PMON ROM monitor.
20484
20485 @item target ddb @var{port}
20486 @kindex target ddb @var{port}
20487 NEC's DDB variant of PMON for Vr4300.
20488
20489 @item target lsi @var{port}
20490 @kindex target lsi @var{port}
20491 LSI variant of PMON.
20492
20493 @kindex target r3900
20494 @item target r3900 @var{dev}
20495 Densan DVE-R3900 ROM monitor for Toshiba R3900 Mips.
20496
20497 @kindex target array
20498 @item target array @var{dev}
20499 Array Tech LSI33K RAID controller board.
20500
20501 @end table
20502
20503
20504 @noindent
20505 @value{GDBN} also supports these special commands for @acronym{MIPS} targets:
20506
20507 @table @code
20508 @item set mipsfpu double
20509 @itemx set mipsfpu single
20510 @itemx set mipsfpu none
20511 @itemx set mipsfpu auto
20512 @itemx show mipsfpu
20513 @kindex set mipsfpu
20514 @kindex show mipsfpu
20515 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} remote floating point
20516 @cindex floating point, @acronym{MIPS} remote
20517 If your target board does not support the @acronym{MIPS} floating point
20518 coprocessor, you should use the command @samp{set mipsfpu none} (if you
20519 need this, you may wish to put the command in your @value{GDBN} init
20520 file). This tells @value{GDBN} how to find the return value of
20521 functions which return floating point values. It also allows
20522 @value{GDBN} to avoid saving the floating point registers when calling
20523 functions on the board. If you are using a floating point coprocessor
20524 with only single precision floating point support, as on the @sc{r4650}
20525 processor, use the command @samp{set mipsfpu single}. The default
20526 double precision floating point coprocessor may be selected using
20527 @samp{set mipsfpu double}.
20528
20529 In previous versions the only choices were double precision or no
20530 floating point, so @samp{set mipsfpu on} will select double precision
20531 and @samp{set mipsfpu off} will select no floating point.
20532
20533 As usual, you can inquire about the @code{mipsfpu} variable with
20534 @samp{show mipsfpu}.
20535
20536 @item set timeout @var{seconds}
20537 @itemx set retransmit-timeout @var{seconds}
20538 @itemx show timeout
20539 @itemx show retransmit-timeout
20540 @cindex @code{timeout}, @acronym{MIPS} protocol
20541 @cindex @code{retransmit-timeout}, @acronym{MIPS} protocol
20542 @kindex set timeout
20543 @kindex show timeout
20544 @kindex set retransmit-timeout
20545 @kindex show retransmit-timeout
20546 You can control the timeout used while waiting for a packet, in the @acronym{MIPS}
20547 remote protocol, with the @code{set timeout @var{seconds}} command. The
20548 default is 5 seconds. Similarly, you can control the timeout used while
20549 waiting for an acknowledgment of a packet with the @code{set
20550 retransmit-timeout @var{seconds}} command. The default is 3 seconds.
20551 You can inspect both values with @code{show timeout} and @code{show
20552 retransmit-timeout}. (These commands are @emph{only} available when
20553 @value{GDBN} is configured for @samp{--target=mips-elf}.)
20554
20555 The timeout set by @code{set timeout} does not apply when @value{GDBN}
20556 is waiting for your program to stop. In that case, @value{GDBN} waits
20557 forever because it has no way of knowing how long the program is going
20558 to run before stopping.
20559
20560 @item set syn-garbage-limit @var{num}
20561 @kindex set syn-garbage-limit@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
20562 @cindex synchronize with remote @acronym{MIPS} target
20563 Limit the maximum number of characters @value{GDBN} should ignore when
20564 it tries to synchronize with the remote target. The default is 10
20565 characters. Setting the limit to -1 means there's no limit.
20566
20567 @item show syn-garbage-limit
20568 @kindex show syn-garbage-limit@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
20569 Show the current limit on the number of characters to ignore when
20570 trying to synchronize with the remote system.
20571
20572 @item set monitor-prompt @var{prompt}
20573 @kindex set monitor-prompt@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
20574 @cindex remote monitor prompt
20575 Tell @value{GDBN} to expect the specified @var{prompt} string from the
20576 remote monitor. The default depends on the target:
20577 @table @asis
20578 @item pmon target
20579 @samp{PMON}
20580 @item ddb target
20581 @samp{NEC010}
20582 @item lsi target
20583 @samp{PMON>}
20584 @end table
20585
20586 @item show monitor-prompt
20587 @kindex show monitor-prompt@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
20588 Show the current strings @value{GDBN} expects as the prompt from the
20589 remote monitor.
20590
20591 @item set monitor-warnings
20592 @kindex set monitor-warnings@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
20593 Enable or disable monitor warnings about hardware breakpoints. This
20594 has effect only for the @code{lsi} target. When on, @value{GDBN} will
20595 display warning messages whose codes are returned by the @code{lsi}
20596 PMON monitor for breakpoint commands.
20597
20598 @item show monitor-warnings
20599 @kindex show monitor-warnings@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
20600 Show the current setting of printing monitor warnings.
20601
20602 @item pmon @var{command}
20603 @kindex pmon@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
20604 @cindex send PMON command
20605 This command allows sending an arbitrary @var{command} string to the
20606 monitor. The monitor must be in debug mode for this to work.
20607 @end table
20608
20609 @node PowerPC Embedded
20610 @subsection PowerPC Embedded
20611
20612 @cindex DVC register
20613 @value{GDBN} supports using the DVC (Data Value Compare) register to
20614 implement in hardware simple hardware watchpoint conditions of the form:
20615
20616 @smallexample
20617 (@value{GDBP}) watch @var{ADDRESS|VARIABLE} \
20618 if @var{ADDRESS|VARIABLE} == @var{CONSTANT EXPRESSION}
20619 @end smallexample
20620
20621 The DVC register will be automatically used when @value{GDBN} detects
20622 such pattern in a condition expression, and the created watchpoint uses one
20623 debug register (either the @code{exact-watchpoints} option is on and the
20624 variable is scalar, or the variable has a length of one byte). This feature
20625 is available in native @value{GDBN} running on a Linux kernel version 2.6.34
20626 or newer.
20627
20628 When running on PowerPC embedded processors, @value{GDBN} automatically uses
20629 ranged hardware watchpoints, unless the @code{exact-watchpoints} option is on,
20630 in which case watchpoints using only one debug register are created when
20631 watching variables of scalar types.
20632
20633 You can create an artificial array to watch an arbitrary memory
20634 region using one of the following commands (@pxref{Expressions}):
20635
20636 @smallexample
20637 (@value{GDBP}) watch *((char *) @var{address})@@@var{length}
20638 (@value{GDBP}) watch @{char[@var{length}]@} @var{address}
20639 @end smallexample
20640
20641 PowerPC embedded processors support masked watchpoints. See the discussion
20642 about the @code{mask} argument in @ref{Set Watchpoints}.
20643
20644 @cindex ranged breakpoint
20645 PowerPC embedded processors support hardware accelerated
20646 @dfn{ranged breakpoints}. A ranged breakpoint stops execution of
20647 the inferior whenever it executes an instruction at any address within
20648 the range it specifies. To set a ranged breakpoint in @value{GDBN},
20649 use the @code{break-range} command.
20650
20651 @value{GDBN} provides the following PowerPC-specific commands:
20652
20653 @table @code
20654 @kindex break-range
20655 @item break-range @var{start-location}, @var{end-location}
20656 Set a breakpoint for an address range.
20657 @var{start-location} and @var{end-location} can specify a function name,
20658 a line number, an offset of lines from the current line or from the start
20659 location, or an address of an instruction (see @ref{Specify Location},
20660 for a list of all the possible ways to specify a @var{location}.)
20661 The breakpoint will stop execution of the inferior whenever it
20662 executes an instruction at any address within the specified range,
20663 (including @var{start-location} and @var{end-location}.)
20664
20665 @kindex set powerpc
20666 @item set powerpc soft-float
20667 @itemx show powerpc soft-float
20668 Force @value{GDBN} to use (or not use) a software floating point calling
20669 convention. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention based
20670 on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
20671
20672 @item set powerpc vector-abi
20673 @itemx show powerpc vector-abi
20674 Force @value{GDBN} to use the specified calling convention for vector
20675 arguments and return values. The valid options are @samp{auto};
20676 @samp{generic}, to avoid vector registers even if they are present;
20677 @samp{altivec}, to use AltiVec registers; and @samp{spe} to use SPE
20678 registers. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention
20679 based on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
20680
20681 @item set powerpc exact-watchpoints
20682 @itemx show powerpc exact-watchpoints
20683 Allow @value{GDBN} to use only one debug register when watching a variable
20684 of scalar type, thus assuming that the variable is accessed through the
20685 address of its first byte.
20686
20687 @kindex target dink32
20688 @item target dink32 @var{dev}
20689 DINK32 ROM monitor.
20690
20691 @kindex target ppcbug
20692 @item target ppcbug @var{dev}
20693 @kindex target ppcbug1
20694 @item target ppcbug1 @var{dev}
20695 PPCBUG ROM monitor for PowerPC.
20696
20697 @kindex target sds
20698 @item target sds @var{dev}
20699 SDS monitor, running on a PowerPC board (such as Motorola's ADS).
20700 @end table
20701
20702 @cindex SDS protocol
20703 The following commands specific to the SDS protocol are supported
20704 by @value{GDBN}:
20705
20706 @table @code
20707 @item set sdstimeout @var{nsec}
20708 @kindex set sdstimeout
20709 Set the timeout for SDS protocol reads to be @var{nsec} seconds. The
20710 default is 2 seconds.
20711
20712 @item show sdstimeout
20713 @kindex show sdstimeout
20714 Show the current value of the SDS timeout.
20715
20716 @item sds @var{command}
20717 @kindex sds@r{, a command}
20718 Send the specified @var{command} string to the SDS monitor.
20719 @end table
20720
20721
20722 @node PA
20723 @subsection HP PA Embedded
20724
20725 @table @code
20726
20727 @kindex target op50n
20728 @item target op50n @var{dev}
20729 OP50N monitor, running on an OKI HPPA board.
20730
20731 @kindex target w89k
20732 @item target w89k @var{dev}
20733 W89K monitor, running on a Winbond HPPA board.
20734
20735 @end table
20736
20737 @node Sparclet
20738 @subsection Tsqware Sparclet
20739
20740 @cindex Sparclet
20741
20742 @value{GDBN} enables developers to debug tasks running on
20743 Sparclet targets from a Unix host.
20744 @value{GDBN} uses code that runs on
20745 both the Unix host and on the Sparclet target. The program
20746 @code{@value{GDBP}} is installed and executed on the Unix host.
20747
20748 @table @code
20749 @item remotetimeout @var{args}
20750 @kindex remotetimeout
20751 @value{GDBN} supports the option @code{remotetimeout}.
20752 This option is set by the user, and @var{args} represents the number of
20753 seconds @value{GDBN} waits for responses.
20754 @end table
20755
20756 @cindex compiling, on Sparclet
20757 When compiling for debugging, include the options @samp{-g} to get debug
20758 information and @samp{-Ttext} to relocate the program to where you wish to
20759 load it on the target. You may also want to add the options @samp{-n} or
20760 @samp{-N} in order to reduce the size of the sections. Example:
20761
20762 @smallexample
20763 sparclet-aout-gcc prog.c -Ttext 0x12010000 -g -o prog -N
20764 @end smallexample
20765
20766 You can use @code{objdump} to verify that the addresses are what you intended:
20767
20768 @smallexample
20769 sparclet-aout-objdump --headers --syms prog
20770 @end smallexample
20771
20772 @cindex running, on Sparclet
20773 Once you have set
20774 your Unix execution search path to find @value{GDBN}, you are ready to
20775 run @value{GDBN}. From your Unix host, run @code{@value{GDBP}}
20776 (or @code{sparclet-aout-gdb}, depending on your installation).
20777
20778 @value{GDBN} comes up showing the prompt:
20779
20780 @smallexample
20781 (gdbslet)
20782 @end smallexample
20783
20784 @menu
20785 * Sparclet File:: Setting the file to debug
20786 * Sparclet Connection:: Connecting to Sparclet
20787 * Sparclet Download:: Sparclet download
20788 * Sparclet Execution:: Running and debugging
20789 @end menu
20790
20791 @node Sparclet File
20792 @subsubsection Setting File to Debug
20793
20794 The @value{GDBN} command @code{file} lets you choose with program to debug.
20795
20796 @smallexample
20797 (gdbslet) file prog
20798 @end smallexample
20799
20800 @need 1000
20801 @value{GDBN} then attempts to read the symbol table of @file{prog}.
20802 @value{GDBN} locates
20803 the file by searching the directories listed in the command search
20804 path.
20805 If the file was compiled with debug information (option @samp{-g}), source
20806 files will be searched as well.
20807 @value{GDBN} locates
20808 the source files by searching the directories listed in the directory search
20809 path (@pxref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}).
20810 If it fails
20811 to find a file, it displays a message such as:
20812
20813 @smallexample
20814 prog: No such file or directory.
20815 @end smallexample
20816
20817 When this happens, add the appropriate directories to the search paths with
20818 the @value{GDBN} commands @code{path} and @code{dir}, and execute the
20819 @code{target} command again.
20820
20821 @node Sparclet Connection
20822 @subsubsection Connecting to Sparclet
20823
20824 The @value{GDBN} command @code{target} lets you connect to a Sparclet target.
20825 To connect to a target on serial port ``@code{ttya}'', type:
20826
20827 @smallexample
20828 (gdbslet) target sparclet /dev/ttya
20829 Remote target sparclet connected to /dev/ttya
20830 main () at ../prog.c:3
20831 @end smallexample
20832
20833 @need 750
20834 @value{GDBN} displays messages like these:
20835
20836 @smallexample
20837 Connected to ttya.
20838 @end smallexample
20839
20840 @node Sparclet Download
20841 @subsubsection Sparclet Download
20842
20843 @cindex download to Sparclet
20844 Once connected to the Sparclet target,
20845 you can use the @value{GDBN}
20846 @code{load} command to download the file from the host to the target.
20847 The file name and load offset should be given as arguments to the @code{load}
20848 command.
20849 Since the file format is aout, the program must be loaded to the starting
20850 address. You can use @code{objdump} to find out what this value is. The load
20851 offset is an offset which is added to the VMA (virtual memory address)
20852 of each of the file's sections.
20853 For instance, if the program
20854 @file{prog} was linked to text address 0x1201000, with data at 0x12010160
20855 and bss at 0x12010170, in @value{GDBN}, type:
20856
20857 @smallexample
20858 (gdbslet) load prog 0x12010000
20859 Loading section .text, size 0xdb0 vma 0x12010000
20860 @end smallexample
20861
20862 If the code is loaded at a different address then what the program was linked
20863 to, you may need to use the @code{section} and @code{add-symbol-file} commands
20864 to tell @value{GDBN} where to map the symbol table.
20865
20866 @node Sparclet Execution
20867 @subsubsection Running and Debugging
20868
20869 @cindex running and debugging Sparclet programs
20870 You can now begin debugging the task using @value{GDBN}'s execution control
20871 commands, @code{b}, @code{step}, @code{run}, etc. See the @value{GDBN}
20872 manual for the list of commands.
20873
20874 @smallexample
20875 (gdbslet) b main
20876 Breakpoint 1 at 0x12010000: file prog.c, line 3.
20877 (gdbslet) run
20878 Starting program: prog
20879 Breakpoint 1, main (argc=1, argv=0xeffff21c) at prog.c:3
20880 3 char *symarg = 0;
20881 (gdbslet) step
20882 4 char *execarg = "hello!";
20883 (gdbslet)
20884 @end smallexample
20885
20886 @node Sparclite
20887 @subsection Fujitsu Sparclite
20888
20889 @table @code
20890
20891 @kindex target sparclite
20892 @item target sparclite @var{dev}
20893 Fujitsu sparclite boards, used only for the purpose of loading.
20894 You must use an additional command to debug the program.
20895 For example: target remote @var{dev} using @value{GDBN} standard
20896 remote protocol.
20897
20898 @end table
20899
20900 @node Z8000
20901 @subsection Zilog Z8000
20902
20903 @cindex Z8000
20904 @cindex simulator, Z8000
20905 @cindex Zilog Z8000 simulator
20906
20907 When configured for debugging Zilog Z8000 targets, @value{GDBN} includes
20908 a Z8000 simulator.
20909
20910 For the Z8000 family, @samp{target sim} simulates either the Z8002 (the
20911 unsegmented variant of the Z8000 architecture) or the Z8001 (the
20912 segmented variant). The simulator recognizes which architecture is
20913 appropriate by inspecting the object code.
20914
20915 @table @code
20916 @item target sim @var{args}
20917 @kindex sim
20918 @kindex target sim@r{, with Z8000}
20919 Debug programs on a simulated CPU. If the simulator supports setup
20920 options, specify them via @var{args}.
20921 @end table
20922
20923 @noindent
20924 After specifying this target, you can debug programs for the simulated
20925 CPU in the same style as programs for your host computer; use the
20926 @code{file} command to load a new program image, the @code{run} command
20927 to run your program, and so on.
20928
20929 As well as making available all the usual machine registers
20930 (@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}), the Z8000 simulator provides three
20931 additional items of information as specially named registers:
20932
20933 @table @code
20934
20935 @item cycles
20936 Counts clock-ticks in the simulator.
20937
20938 @item insts
20939 Counts instructions run in the simulator.
20940
20941 @item time
20942 Execution time in 60ths of a second.
20943
20944 @end table
20945
20946 You can refer to these values in @value{GDBN} expressions with the usual
20947 conventions; for example, @w{@samp{b fputc if $cycles>5000}} sets a
20948 conditional breakpoint that suspends only after at least 5000
20949 simulated clock ticks.
20950
20951 @node AVR
20952 @subsection Atmel AVR
20953 @cindex AVR
20954
20955 When configured for debugging the Atmel AVR, @value{GDBN} supports the
20956 following AVR-specific commands:
20957
20958 @table @code
20959 @item info io_registers
20960 @kindex info io_registers@r{, AVR}
20961 @cindex I/O registers (Atmel AVR)
20962 This command displays information about the AVR I/O registers. For
20963 each register, @value{GDBN} prints its number and value.
20964 @end table
20965
20966 @node CRIS
20967 @subsection CRIS
20968 @cindex CRIS
20969
20970 When configured for debugging CRIS, @value{GDBN} provides the
20971 following CRIS-specific commands:
20972
20973 @table @code
20974 @item set cris-version @var{ver}
20975 @cindex CRIS version
20976 Set the current CRIS version to @var{ver}, either @samp{10} or @samp{32}.
20977 The CRIS version affects register names and sizes. This command is useful in
20978 case autodetection of the CRIS version fails.
20979
20980 @item show cris-version
20981 Show the current CRIS version.
20982
20983 @item set cris-dwarf2-cfi
20984 @cindex DWARF-2 CFI and CRIS
20985 Set the usage of DWARF-2 CFI for CRIS debugging. The default is @samp{on}.
20986 Change to @samp{off} when using @code{gcc-cris} whose version is below
20987 @code{R59}.
20988
20989 @item show cris-dwarf2-cfi
20990 Show the current state of using DWARF-2 CFI.
20991
20992 @item set cris-mode @var{mode}
20993 @cindex CRIS mode
20994 Set the current CRIS mode to @var{mode}. It should only be changed when
20995 debugging in guru mode, in which case it should be set to
20996 @samp{guru} (the default is @samp{normal}).
20997
20998 @item show cris-mode
20999 Show the current CRIS mode.
21000 @end table
21001
21002 @node Super-H
21003 @subsection Renesas Super-H
21004 @cindex Super-H
21005
21006 For the Renesas Super-H processor, @value{GDBN} provides these
21007 commands:
21008
21009 @table @code
21010 @item set sh calling-convention @var{convention}
21011 @kindex set sh calling-convention
21012 Set the calling-convention used when calling functions from @value{GDBN}.
21013 Allowed values are @samp{gcc}, which is the default setting, and @samp{renesas}.
21014 With the @samp{gcc} setting, functions are called using the @value{NGCC} calling
21015 convention. If the DWARF-2 information of the called function specifies
21016 that the function follows the Renesas calling convention, the function
21017 is called using the Renesas calling convention. If the calling convention
21018 is set to @samp{renesas}, the Renesas calling convention is always used,
21019 regardless of the DWARF-2 information. This can be used to override the
21020 default of @samp{gcc} if debug information is missing, or the compiler
21021 does not emit the DWARF-2 calling convention entry for a function.
21022
21023 @item show sh calling-convention
21024 @kindex show sh calling-convention
21025 Show the current calling convention setting.
21026
21027 @end table
21028
21029
21030 @node Architectures
21031 @section Architectures
21032
21033 This section describes characteristics of architectures that affect
21034 all uses of @value{GDBN} with the architecture, both native and cross.
21035
21036 @menu
21037 * AArch64::
21038 * i386::
21039 * Alpha::
21040 * MIPS::
21041 * HPPA:: HP PA architecture
21042 * SPU:: Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
21043 * PowerPC::
21044 * Nios II::
21045 @end menu
21046
21047 @node AArch64
21048 @subsection AArch64
21049 @cindex AArch64 support
21050
21051 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the AArch64 architecture, it provides the
21052 following special commands:
21053
21054 @table @code
21055 @item set debug aarch64
21056 @kindex set debug aarch64
21057 This command determines whether AArch64 architecture-specific debugging
21058 messages are to be displayed.
21059
21060 @item show debug aarch64
21061 Show whether AArch64 debugging messages are displayed.
21062
21063 @end table
21064
21065 @node i386
21066 @subsection x86 Architecture-specific Issues
21067
21068 @table @code
21069 @item set struct-convention @var{mode}
21070 @kindex set struct-convention
21071 @cindex struct return convention
21072 @cindex struct/union returned in registers
21073 Set the convention used by the inferior to return @code{struct}s and
21074 @code{union}s from functions to @var{mode}. Possible values of
21075 @var{mode} are @code{"pcc"}, @code{"reg"}, and @code{"default"} (the
21076 default). @code{"default"} or @code{"pcc"} means that @code{struct}s
21077 are returned on the stack, while @code{"reg"} means that a
21078 @code{struct} or a @code{union} whose size is 1, 2, 4, or 8 bytes will
21079 be returned in a register.
21080
21081 @item show struct-convention
21082 @kindex show struct-convention
21083 Show the current setting of the convention to return @code{struct}s
21084 from functions.
21085 @end table
21086
21087 @node Alpha
21088 @subsection Alpha
21089
21090 See the following section.
21091
21092 @node MIPS
21093 @subsection @acronym{MIPS}
21094
21095 @cindex stack on Alpha
21096 @cindex stack on @acronym{MIPS}
21097 @cindex Alpha stack
21098 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} stack
21099 Alpha- and @acronym{MIPS}-based computers use an unusual stack frame, which
21100 sometimes requires @value{GDBN} to search backward in the object code to
21101 find the beginning of a function.
21102
21103 @cindex response time, @acronym{MIPS} debugging
21104 To improve response time (especially for embedded applications, where
21105 @value{GDBN} may be restricted to a slow serial line for this search)
21106 you may want to limit the size of this search, using one of these
21107 commands:
21108
21109 @table @code
21110 @cindex @code{heuristic-fence-post} (Alpha, @acronym{MIPS})
21111 @item set heuristic-fence-post @var{limit}
21112 Restrict @value{GDBN} to examining at most @var{limit} bytes in its
21113 search for the beginning of a function. A value of @var{0} (the
21114 default) means there is no limit. However, except for @var{0}, the
21115 larger the limit the more bytes @code{heuristic-fence-post} must search
21116 and therefore the longer it takes to run. You should only need to use
21117 this command when debugging a stripped executable.
21118
21119 @item show heuristic-fence-post
21120 Display the current limit.
21121 @end table
21122
21123 @noindent
21124 These commands are available @emph{only} when @value{GDBN} is configured
21125 for debugging programs on Alpha or @acronym{MIPS} processors.
21126
21127 Several @acronym{MIPS}-specific commands are available when debugging @acronym{MIPS}
21128 programs:
21129
21130 @table @code
21131 @item set mips abi @var{arg}
21132 @kindex set mips abi
21133 @cindex set ABI for @acronym{MIPS}
21134 Tell @value{GDBN} which @acronym{MIPS} ABI is used by the inferior. Possible
21135 values of @var{arg} are:
21136
21137 @table @samp
21138 @item auto
21139 The default ABI associated with the current binary (this is the
21140 default).
21141 @item o32
21142 @item o64
21143 @item n32
21144 @item n64
21145 @item eabi32
21146 @item eabi64
21147 @end table
21148
21149 @item show mips abi
21150 @kindex show mips abi
21151 Show the @acronym{MIPS} ABI used by @value{GDBN} to debug the inferior.
21152
21153 @item set mips compression @var{arg}
21154 @kindex set mips compression
21155 @cindex code compression, @acronym{MIPS}
21156 Tell @value{GDBN} which @acronym{MIPS} compressed
21157 @acronym{ISA, Instruction Set Architecture} encoding is used by the
21158 inferior. @value{GDBN} uses this for code disassembly and other
21159 internal interpretation purposes. This setting is only referred to
21160 when no executable has been associated with the debugging session or
21161 the executable does not provide information about the encoding it uses.
21162 Otherwise this setting is automatically updated from information
21163 provided by the executable.
21164
21165 Possible values of @var{arg} are @samp{mips16} and @samp{micromips}.
21166 The default compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding is @samp{mips16}, as
21167 executables containing @acronym{MIPS16} code frequently are not
21168 identified as such.
21169
21170 This setting is ``sticky''; that is, it retains its value across
21171 debugging sessions until reset either explicitly with this command or
21172 implicitly from an executable.
21173
21174 The compiler and/or assembler typically add symbol table annotations to
21175 identify functions compiled for the @acronym{MIPS16} or
21176 @acronym{microMIPS} @acronym{ISA}s. If these function-scope annotations
21177 are present, @value{GDBN} uses them in preference to the global
21178 compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding setting.
21179
21180 @item show mips compression
21181 @kindex show mips compression
21182 Show the @acronym{MIPS} compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding used by
21183 @value{GDBN} to debug the inferior.
21184
21185 @item set mipsfpu
21186 @itemx show mipsfpu
21187 @xref{MIPS Embedded, set mipsfpu}.
21188
21189 @item set mips mask-address @var{arg}
21190 @kindex set mips mask-address
21191 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} addresses, masking
21192 This command determines whether the most-significant 32 bits of 64-bit
21193 @acronym{MIPS} addresses are masked off. The argument @var{arg} can be
21194 @samp{on}, @samp{off}, or @samp{auto}. The latter is the default
21195 setting, which lets @value{GDBN} determine the correct value.
21196
21197 @item show mips mask-address
21198 @kindex show mips mask-address
21199 Show whether the upper 32 bits of @acronym{MIPS} addresses are masked off or
21200 not.
21201
21202 @item set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
21203 @kindex set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
21204 This command controls compatibility with 64-bit @acronym{MIPS} targets that
21205 transfer data in 32-bit quantities. If you have an old @acronym{MIPS} 64 target
21206 that transfers 32 bits for some registers, like @sc{sr} and @sc{fsr},
21207 and 64 bits for other registers, set this option to @samp{on}.
21208
21209 @item show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
21210 @kindex show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
21211 Show the current setting of compatibility with older @acronym{MIPS} 64 targets.
21212
21213 @item set debug mips
21214 @kindex set debug mips
21215 This command turns on and off debugging messages for the @acronym{MIPS}-specific
21216 target code in @value{GDBN}.
21217
21218 @item show debug mips
21219 @kindex show debug mips
21220 Show the current setting of @acronym{MIPS} debugging messages.
21221 @end table
21222
21223
21224 @node HPPA
21225 @subsection HPPA
21226 @cindex HPPA support
21227
21228 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the HP PA architecture, it provides the
21229 following special commands:
21230
21231 @table @code
21232 @item set debug hppa
21233 @kindex set debug hppa
21234 This command determines whether HPPA architecture-specific debugging
21235 messages are to be displayed.
21236
21237 @item show debug hppa
21238 Show whether HPPA debugging messages are displayed.
21239
21240 @item maint print unwind @var{address}
21241 @kindex maint print unwind@r{, HPPA}
21242 This command displays the contents of the unwind table entry at the
21243 given @var{address}.
21244
21245 @end table
21246
21247
21248 @node SPU
21249 @subsection Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
21250 @cindex Cell Broadband Engine
21251 @cindex SPU
21252
21253 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture,
21254 it provides the following special commands:
21255
21256 @table @code
21257 @item info spu event
21258 @kindex info spu
21259 Display SPU event facility status. Shows current event mask
21260 and pending event status.
21261
21262 @item info spu signal
21263 Display SPU signal notification facility status. Shows pending
21264 signal-control word and signal notification mode of both signal
21265 notification channels.
21266
21267 @item info spu mailbox
21268 Display SPU mailbox facility status. Shows all pending entries,
21269 in order of processing, in each of the SPU Write Outbound,
21270 SPU Write Outbound Interrupt, and SPU Read Inbound mailboxes.
21271
21272 @item info spu dma
21273 Display MFC DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
21274 DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
21275 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
21276
21277 @item info spu proxydma
21278 Display MFC Proxy-DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
21279 Proxy-DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
21280 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
21281
21282 @end table
21283
21284 When @value{GDBN} is debugging a combined PowerPC/SPU application
21285 on the Cell Broadband Engine, it provides in addition the following
21286 special commands:
21287
21288 @table @code
21289 @item set spu stop-on-load @var{arg}
21290 @kindex set spu
21291 Set whether to stop for new SPE threads. When set to @code{on}, @value{GDBN}
21292 will give control to the user when a new SPE thread enters its @code{main}
21293 function. The default is @code{off}.
21294
21295 @item show spu stop-on-load
21296 @kindex show spu
21297 Show whether to stop for new SPE threads.
21298
21299 @item set spu auto-flush-cache @var{arg}
21300 Set whether to automatically flush the software-managed cache. When set to
21301 @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will automatically cause the SPE software-managed
21302 cache to be flushed whenever SPE execution stops. This provides a consistent
21303 view of PowerPC memory that is accessed via the cache. If an application
21304 does not use the software-managed cache, this option has no effect.
21305
21306 @item show spu auto-flush-cache
21307 Show whether to automatically flush the software-managed cache.
21308
21309 @end table
21310
21311 @node PowerPC
21312 @subsection PowerPC
21313 @cindex PowerPC architecture
21314
21315 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the PowerPC architecture, it provides a set of
21316 pseudo-registers to enable inspection of 128-bit wide Decimal Floating Point
21317 numbers stored in the floating point registers. These values must be stored
21318 in two consecutive registers, always starting at an even register like
21319 @code{f0} or @code{f2}.
21320
21321 The pseudo-registers go from @code{$dl0} through @code{$dl15}, and are formed
21322 by joining the even/odd register pairs @code{f0} and @code{f1} for @code{$dl0},
21323 @code{f2} and @code{f3} for @code{$dl1} and so on.
21324
21325 For POWER7 processors, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers, the 64-bit
21326 wide Extended Floating Point Registers (@samp{f32} through @samp{f63}).
21327
21328 @node Nios II
21329 @subsection Nios II
21330 @cindex Nios II architecture
21331
21332 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the Nios II architecture,
21333 it provides the following special commands:
21334
21335 @table @code
21336
21337 @item set debug nios2
21338 @kindex set debug nios2
21339 This command turns on and off debugging messages for the Nios II
21340 target code in @value{GDBN}.
21341
21342 @item show debug nios2
21343 @kindex show debug nios2
21344 Show the current setting of Nios II debugging messages.
21345 @end table
21346
21347 @node Controlling GDB
21348 @chapter Controlling @value{GDBN}
21349
21350 You can alter the way @value{GDBN} interacts with you by using the
21351 @code{set} command. For commands controlling how @value{GDBN} displays
21352 data, see @ref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}. Other settings are
21353 described here.
21354
21355 @menu
21356 * Prompt:: Prompt
21357 * Editing:: Command editing
21358 * Command History:: Command history
21359 * Screen Size:: Screen size
21360 * Numbers:: Numbers
21361 * ABI:: Configuring the current ABI
21362 * Auto-loading:: Automatically loading associated files
21363 * Messages/Warnings:: Optional warnings and messages
21364 * Debugging Output:: Optional messages about internal happenings
21365 * Other Misc Settings:: Other Miscellaneous Settings
21366 @end menu
21367
21368 @node Prompt
21369 @section Prompt
21370
21371 @cindex prompt
21372
21373 @value{GDBN} indicates its readiness to read a command by printing a string
21374 called the @dfn{prompt}. This string is normally @samp{(@value{GDBP})}. You
21375 can change the prompt string with the @code{set prompt} command. For
21376 instance, when debugging @value{GDBN} with @value{GDBN}, it is useful to change
21377 the prompt in one of the @value{GDBN} sessions so that you can always tell
21378 which one you are talking to.
21379
21380 @emph{Note:} @code{set prompt} does not add a space for you after the
21381 prompt you set. This allows you to set a prompt which ends in a space
21382 or a prompt that does not.
21383
21384 @table @code
21385 @kindex set prompt
21386 @item set prompt @var{newprompt}
21387 Directs @value{GDBN} to use @var{newprompt} as its prompt string henceforth.
21388
21389 @kindex show prompt
21390 @item show prompt
21391 Prints a line of the form: @samp{Gdb's prompt is: @var{your-prompt}}
21392 @end table
21393
21394 Versions of @value{GDBN} that ship with Python scripting enabled have
21395 prompt extensions. The commands for interacting with these extensions
21396 are:
21397
21398 @table @code
21399 @kindex set extended-prompt
21400 @item set extended-prompt @var{prompt}
21401 Set an extended prompt that allows for substitutions.
21402 @xref{gdb.prompt}, for a list of escape sequences that can be used for
21403 substitution. Any escape sequences specified as part of the prompt
21404 string are replaced with the corresponding strings each time the prompt
21405 is displayed.
21406
21407 For example:
21408
21409 @smallexample
21410 set extended-prompt Current working directory: \w (gdb)
21411 @end smallexample
21412
21413 Note that when an extended-prompt is set, it takes control of the
21414 @var{prompt_hook} hook. @xref{prompt_hook}, for further information.
21415
21416 @kindex show extended-prompt
21417 @item show extended-prompt
21418 Prints the extended prompt. Any escape sequences specified as part of
21419 the prompt string with @code{set extended-prompt}, are replaced with the
21420 corresponding strings each time the prompt is displayed.
21421 @end table
21422
21423 @node Editing
21424 @section Command Editing
21425 @cindex readline
21426 @cindex command line editing
21427
21428 @value{GDBN} reads its input commands via the @dfn{Readline} interface. This
21429 @sc{gnu} library provides consistent behavior for programs which provide a
21430 command line interface to the user. Advantages are @sc{gnu} Emacs-style
21431 or @dfn{vi}-style inline editing of commands, @code{csh}-like history
21432 substitution, and a storage and recall of command history across
21433 debugging sessions.
21434
21435 You may control the behavior of command line editing in @value{GDBN} with the
21436 command @code{set}.
21437
21438 @table @code
21439 @kindex set editing
21440 @cindex editing
21441 @item set editing
21442 @itemx set editing on
21443 Enable command line editing (enabled by default).
21444
21445 @item set editing off
21446 Disable command line editing.
21447
21448 @kindex show editing
21449 @item show editing
21450 Show whether command line editing is enabled.
21451 @end table
21452
21453 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
21454 @xref{Command Line Editing, , , rluserman, GNU Readline Library},
21455 @end ifset
21456 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
21457 @xref{Command Line Editing},
21458 @end ifclear
21459 for more details about the Readline
21460 interface. Users unfamiliar with @sc{gnu} Emacs or @code{vi} are
21461 encouraged to read that chapter.
21462
21463 @node Command History
21464 @section Command History
21465 @cindex command history
21466
21467 @value{GDBN} can keep track of the commands you type during your
21468 debugging sessions, so that you can be certain of precisely what
21469 happened. Use these commands to manage the @value{GDBN} command
21470 history facility.
21471
21472 @value{GDBN} uses the @sc{gnu} History library, a part of the Readline
21473 package, to provide the history facility.
21474 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
21475 @xref{Using History Interactively, , , history, GNU History Library},
21476 @end ifset
21477 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
21478 @xref{Using History Interactively},
21479 @end ifclear
21480 for the detailed description of the History library.
21481
21482 To issue a command to @value{GDBN} without affecting certain aspects of
21483 the state which is seen by users, prefix it with @samp{server }
21484 (@pxref{Server Prefix}). This
21485 means that this command will not affect the command history, nor will it
21486 affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which command to repeat if @key{RET} is
21487 pressed on a line by itself.
21488
21489 @cindex @code{server}, command prefix
21490 The server prefix does not affect the recording of values into the value
21491 history; to print a value without recording it into the value history,
21492 use the @code{output} command instead of the @code{print} command.
21493
21494 Here is the description of @value{GDBN} commands related to command
21495 history.
21496
21497 @table @code
21498 @cindex history substitution
21499 @cindex history file
21500 @kindex set history filename
21501 @cindex @env{GDBHISTFILE}, environment variable
21502 @item set history filename @var{fname}
21503 Set the name of the @value{GDBN} command history file to @var{fname}.
21504 This is the file where @value{GDBN} reads an initial command history
21505 list, and where it writes the command history from this session when it
21506 exits. You can access this list through history expansion or through
21507 the history command editing characters listed below. This file defaults
21508 to the value of the environment variable @code{GDBHISTFILE}, or to
21509 @file{./.gdb_history} (@file{./_gdb_history} on MS-DOS) if this variable
21510 is not set.
21511
21512 @cindex save command history
21513 @kindex set history save
21514 @item set history save
21515 @itemx set history save on
21516 Record command history in a file, whose name may be specified with the
21517 @code{set history filename} command. By default, this option is disabled.
21518
21519 @item set history save off
21520 Stop recording command history in a file.
21521
21522 @cindex history size
21523 @kindex set history size
21524 @cindex @env{HISTSIZE}, environment variable
21525 @item set history size @var{size}
21526 @itemx set history size unlimited
21527 Set the number of commands which @value{GDBN} keeps in its history list.
21528 This defaults to the value of the environment variable
21529 @code{HISTSIZE}, or to 256 if this variable is not set. If @var{size}
21530 is @code{unlimited}, the number of commands @value{GDBN} keeps in the
21531 history list is unlimited.
21532 @end table
21533
21534 History expansion assigns special meaning to the character @kbd{!}.
21535 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
21536 @xref{Event Designators, , , history, GNU History Library},
21537 @end ifset
21538 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
21539 @xref{Event Designators},
21540 @end ifclear
21541 for more details.
21542
21543 @cindex history expansion, turn on/off
21544 Since @kbd{!} is also the logical not operator in C, history expansion
21545 is off by default. If you decide to enable history expansion with the
21546 @code{set history expansion on} command, you may sometimes need to
21547 follow @kbd{!} (when it is used as logical not, in an expression) with
21548 a space or a tab to prevent it from being expanded. The readline
21549 history facilities do not attempt substitution on the strings
21550 @kbd{!=} and @kbd{!(}, even when history expansion is enabled.
21551
21552 The commands to control history expansion are:
21553
21554 @table @code
21555 @item set history expansion on
21556 @itemx set history expansion
21557 @kindex set history expansion
21558 Enable history expansion. History expansion is off by default.
21559
21560 @item set history expansion off
21561 Disable history expansion.
21562
21563 @c @group
21564 @kindex show history
21565 @item show history
21566 @itemx show history filename
21567 @itemx show history save
21568 @itemx show history size
21569 @itemx show history expansion
21570 These commands display the state of the @value{GDBN} history parameters.
21571 @code{show history} by itself displays all four states.
21572 @c @end group
21573 @end table
21574
21575 @table @code
21576 @kindex show commands
21577 @cindex show last commands
21578 @cindex display command history
21579 @item show commands
21580 Display the last ten commands in the command history.
21581
21582 @item show commands @var{n}
21583 Print ten commands centered on command number @var{n}.
21584
21585 @item show commands +
21586 Print ten commands just after the commands last printed.
21587 @end table
21588
21589 @node Screen Size
21590 @section Screen Size
21591 @cindex size of screen
21592 @cindex pauses in output
21593
21594 Certain commands to @value{GDBN} may produce large amounts of
21595 information output to the screen. To help you read all of it,
21596 @value{GDBN} pauses and asks you for input at the end of each page of
21597 output. Type @key{RET} when you want to continue the output, or @kbd{q}
21598 to discard the remaining output. Also, the screen width setting
21599 determines when to wrap lines of output. Depending on what is being
21600 printed, @value{GDBN} tries to break the line at a readable place,
21601 rather than simply letting it overflow onto the following line.
21602
21603 Normally @value{GDBN} knows the size of the screen from the terminal
21604 driver software. For example, on Unix @value{GDBN} uses the termcap data base
21605 together with the value of the @code{TERM} environment variable and the
21606 @code{stty rows} and @code{stty cols} settings. If this is not correct,
21607 you can override it with the @code{set height} and @code{set
21608 width} commands:
21609
21610 @table @code
21611 @kindex set height
21612 @kindex set width
21613 @kindex show width
21614 @kindex show height
21615 @item set height @var{lpp}
21616 @itemx set height unlimited
21617 @itemx show height
21618 @itemx set width @var{cpl}
21619 @itemx set width unlimited
21620 @itemx show width
21621 These @code{set} commands specify a screen height of @var{lpp} lines and
21622 a screen width of @var{cpl} characters. The associated @code{show}
21623 commands display the current settings.
21624
21625 If you specify a height of either @code{unlimited} or zero lines,
21626 @value{GDBN} does not pause during output no matter how long the
21627 output is. This is useful if output is to a file or to an editor
21628 buffer.
21629
21630 Likewise, you can specify @samp{set width unlimited} or @samp{set
21631 width 0} to prevent @value{GDBN} from wrapping its output.
21632
21633 @item set pagination on
21634 @itemx set pagination off
21635 @kindex set pagination
21636 Turn the output pagination on or off; the default is on. Turning
21637 pagination off is the alternative to @code{set height unlimited}. Note that
21638 running @value{GDBN} with the @option{--batch} option (@pxref{Mode
21639 Options, -batch}) also automatically disables pagination.
21640
21641 @item show pagination
21642 @kindex show pagination
21643 Show the current pagination mode.
21644 @end table
21645
21646 @node Numbers
21647 @section Numbers
21648 @cindex number representation
21649 @cindex entering numbers
21650
21651 You can always enter numbers in octal, decimal, or hexadecimal in
21652 @value{GDBN} by the usual conventions: octal numbers begin with
21653 @samp{0}, decimal numbers end with @samp{.}, and hexadecimal numbers
21654 begin with @samp{0x}. Numbers that neither begin with @samp{0} or
21655 @samp{0x}, nor end with a @samp{.} are, by default, entered in base
21656 10; likewise, the default display for numbers---when no particular
21657 format is specified---is base 10. You can change the default base for
21658 both input and output with the commands described below.
21659
21660 @table @code
21661 @kindex set input-radix
21662 @item set input-radix @var{base}
21663 Set the default base for numeric input. Supported choices
21664 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. @var{base} must itself be
21665 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix; for
21666 example, any of
21667
21668 @smallexample
21669 set input-radix 012
21670 set input-radix 10.
21671 set input-radix 0xa
21672 @end smallexample
21673
21674 @noindent
21675 sets the input base to decimal. On the other hand, @samp{set input-radix 10}
21676 leaves the input radix unchanged, no matter what it was, since
21677 @samp{10}, being without any leading or trailing signs of its base, is
21678 interpreted in the current radix. Thus, if the current radix is 16,
21679 @samp{10} is interpreted in hex, i.e.@: as 16 decimal, which doesn't
21680 change the radix.
21681
21682 @kindex set output-radix
21683 @item set output-radix @var{base}
21684 Set the default base for numeric display. Supported choices
21685 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. @var{base} must itself be
21686 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix.
21687
21688 @kindex show input-radix
21689 @item show input-radix
21690 Display the current default base for numeric input.
21691
21692 @kindex show output-radix
21693 @item show output-radix
21694 Display the current default base for numeric display.
21695
21696 @item set radix @r{[}@var{base}@r{]}
21697 @itemx show radix
21698 @kindex set radix
21699 @kindex show radix
21700 These commands set and show the default base for both input and output
21701 of numbers. @code{set radix} sets the radix of input and output to
21702 the same base; without an argument, it resets the radix back to its
21703 default value of 10.
21704
21705 @end table
21706
21707 @node ABI
21708 @section Configuring the Current ABI
21709
21710 @value{GDBN} can determine the @dfn{ABI} (Application Binary Interface) of your
21711 application automatically. However, sometimes you need to override its
21712 conclusions. Use these commands to manage @value{GDBN}'s view of the
21713 current ABI.
21714
21715 @cindex OS ABI
21716 @kindex set osabi
21717 @kindex show osabi
21718 @cindex Newlib OS ABI and its influence on the longjmp handling
21719
21720 One @value{GDBN} configuration can debug binaries for multiple operating
21721 system targets, either via remote debugging or native emulation.
21722 @value{GDBN} will autodetect the @dfn{OS ABI} (Operating System ABI) in use,
21723 but you can override its conclusion using the @code{set osabi} command.
21724 One example where this is useful is in debugging of binaries which use
21725 an alternate C library (e.g.@: @sc{uClibc} for @sc{gnu}/Linux) which does
21726 not have the same identifying marks that the standard C library for your
21727 platform provides.
21728
21729 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the AArch64 architecture, it provides a
21730 ``Newlib'' OS ABI. This is useful for handling @code{setjmp} and
21731 @code{longjmp} when debugging binaries that use the @sc{newlib} C library.
21732 The ``Newlib'' OS ABI can be selected by @code{set osabi Newlib}.
21733
21734 @table @code
21735 @item show osabi
21736 Show the OS ABI currently in use.
21737
21738 @item set osabi
21739 With no argument, show the list of registered available OS ABI's.
21740
21741 @item set osabi @var{abi}
21742 Set the current OS ABI to @var{abi}.
21743 @end table
21744
21745 @cindex float promotion
21746
21747 Generally, the way that an argument of type @code{float} is passed to a
21748 function depends on whether the function is prototyped. For a prototyped
21749 (i.e.@: ANSI/ISO style) function, @code{float} arguments are passed unchanged,
21750 according to the architecture's convention for @code{float}. For unprototyped
21751 (i.e.@: K&R style) functions, @code{float} arguments are first promoted to type
21752 @code{double} and then passed.
21753
21754 Unfortunately, some forms of debug information do not reliably indicate whether
21755 a function is prototyped. If @value{GDBN} calls a function that is not marked
21756 as prototyped, it consults @kbd{set coerce-float-to-double}.
21757
21758 @table @code
21759 @kindex set coerce-float-to-double
21760 @item set coerce-float-to-double
21761 @itemx set coerce-float-to-double on
21762 Arguments of type @code{float} will be promoted to @code{double} when passed
21763 to an unprototyped function. This is the default setting.
21764
21765 @item set coerce-float-to-double off
21766 Arguments of type @code{float} will be passed directly to unprototyped
21767 functions.
21768
21769 @kindex show coerce-float-to-double
21770 @item show coerce-float-to-double
21771 Show the current setting of promoting @code{float} to @code{double}.
21772 @end table
21773
21774 @kindex set cp-abi
21775 @kindex show cp-abi
21776 @value{GDBN} needs to know the ABI used for your program's C@t{++}
21777 objects. The correct C@t{++} ABI depends on which C@t{++} compiler was
21778 used to build your application. @value{GDBN} only fully supports
21779 programs with a single C@t{++} ABI; if your program contains code using
21780 multiple C@t{++} ABI's or if @value{GDBN} can not identify your
21781 program's ABI correctly, you can tell @value{GDBN} which ABI to use.
21782 Currently supported ABI's include ``gnu-v2'', for @code{g++} versions
21783 before 3.0, ``gnu-v3'', for @code{g++} versions 3.0 and later, and
21784 ``hpaCC'' for the HP ANSI C@t{++} compiler. Other C@t{++} compilers may
21785 use the ``gnu-v2'' or ``gnu-v3'' ABI's as well. The default setting is
21786 ``auto''.
21787
21788 @table @code
21789 @item show cp-abi
21790 Show the C@t{++} ABI currently in use.
21791
21792 @item set cp-abi
21793 With no argument, show the list of supported C@t{++} ABI's.
21794
21795 @item set cp-abi @var{abi}
21796 @itemx set cp-abi auto
21797 Set the current C@t{++} ABI to @var{abi}, or return to automatic detection.
21798 @end table
21799
21800 @node Auto-loading
21801 @section Automatically loading associated files
21802 @cindex auto-loading
21803
21804 @value{GDBN} sometimes reads files with commands and settings automatically,
21805 without being explicitly told so by the user. We call this feature
21806 @dfn{auto-loading}. While auto-loading is useful for automatically adapting
21807 @value{GDBN} to the needs of your project, it can sometimes produce unexpected
21808 results or introduce security risks (e.g., if the file comes from untrusted
21809 sources).
21810
21811 Note that loading of these associated files (including the local @file{.gdbinit}
21812 file) requires accordingly configured @code{auto-load safe-path}
21813 (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
21814
21815 For these reasons, @value{GDBN} includes commands and options to let you
21816 control when to auto-load files and which files should be auto-loaded.
21817
21818 @table @code
21819 @anchor{set auto-load off}
21820 @kindex set auto-load off
21821 @item set auto-load off
21822 Globally disable loading of all auto-loaded files.
21823 You may want to use this command with the @samp{-iex} option
21824 (@pxref{Option -init-eval-command}) such as:
21825 @smallexample
21826 $ @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load off" untrusted-executable corefile}
21827 @end smallexample
21828
21829 Be aware that system init file (@pxref{System-wide configuration})
21830 and init files from your home directory (@pxref{Home Directory Init File})
21831 still get read (as they come from generally trusted directories).
21832 To prevent @value{GDBN} from auto-loading even those init files, use the
21833 @option{-nx} option (@pxref{Mode Options}), in addition to
21834 @code{set auto-load no}.
21835
21836 @anchor{show auto-load}
21837 @kindex show auto-load
21838 @item show auto-load
21839 Show whether auto-loading of each specific @samp{auto-load} file(s) is enabled
21840 or disabled.
21841
21842 @smallexample
21843 (gdb) show auto-load
21844 gdb-scripts: Auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts is on.
21845 libthread-db: Auto-loading of inferior specific libthread_db is on.
21846 local-gdbinit: Auto-loading of .gdbinit script from current directory
21847 is on.
21848 python-scripts: Auto-loading of Python scripts is on.
21849 safe-path: List of directories from which it is safe to auto-load files
21850 is $debugdir:$datadir/auto-load.
21851 scripts-directory: List of directories from which to load auto-loaded scripts
21852 is $debugdir:$datadir/auto-load.
21853 @end smallexample
21854
21855 @anchor{info auto-load}
21856 @kindex info auto-load
21857 @item info auto-load
21858 Print whether each specific @samp{auto-load} file(s) have been auto-loaded or
21859 not.
21860
21861 @smallexample
21862 (gdb) info auto-load
21863 gdb-scripts:
21864 Loaded Script
21865 Yes /home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.gdb
21866 libthread-db: No auto-loaded libthread-db.
21867 local-gdbinit: Local .gdbinit file "/home/user/gdb/.gdbinit" has been
21868 loaded.
21869 python-scripts:
21870 Loaded Script
21871 Yes /home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.py
21872 @end smallexample
21873 @end table
21874
21875 These are various kinds of files @value{GDBN} can automatically load:
21876
21877 @itemize @bullet
21878 @item
21879 @xref{objfile-gdb.py file}, controlled by @ref{set auto-load python-scripts}.
21880 @item
21881 @xref{objfile-gdb.gdb file}, controlled by @ref{set auto-load gdb-scripts}.
21882 @item
21883 @xref{dotdebug_gdb_scripts section},
21884 controlled by @ref{set auto-load python-scripts}.
21885 @item
21886 @xref{Init File in the Current Directory},
21887 controlled by @ref{set auto-load local-gdbinit}.
21888 @item
21889 @xref{libthread_db.so.1 file}, controlled by @ref{set auto-load libthread-db}.
21890 @end itemize
21891
21892 These are @value{GDBN} control commands for the auto-loading:
21893
21894 @multitable @columnfractions .5 .5
21895 @item @xref{set auto-load off}.
21896 @tab Disable auto-loading globally.
21897 @item @xref{show auto-load}.
21898 @tab Show setting of all kinds of files.
21899 @item @xref{info auto-load}.
21900 @tab Show state of all kinds of files.
21901 @item @xref{set auto-load gdb-scripts}.
21902 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} command scripts.
21903 @item @xref{show auto-load gdb-scripts}.
21904 @tab Show setting of @value{GDBN} command scripts.
21905 @item @xref{info auto-load gdb-scripts}.
21906 @tab Show state of @value{GDBN} command scripts.
21907 @item @xref{set auto-load python-scripts}.
21908 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
21909 @item @xref{show auto-load python-scripts}.
21910 @tab Show setting of @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
21911 @item @xref{info auto-load python-scripts}.
21912 @tab Show state of @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
21913 @item @xref{set auto-load scripts-directory}.
21914 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
21915 @item @xref{show auto-load scripts-directory}.
21916 @tab Show @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
21917 @item @xref{set auto-load local-gdbinit}.
21918 @tab Control for init file in the current directory.
21919 @item @xref{show auto-load local-gdbinit}.
21920 @tab Show setting of init file in the current directory.
21921 @item @xref{info auto-load local-gdbinit}.
21922 @tab Show state of init file in the current directory.
21923 @item @xref{set auto-load libthread-db}.
21924 @tab Control for thread debugging library.
21925 @item @xref{show auto-load libthread-db}.
21926 @tab Show setting of thread debugging library.
21927 @item @xref{info auto-load libthread-db}.
21928 @tab Show state of thread debugging library.
21929 @item @xref{set auto-load safe-path}.
21930 @tab Control directories trusted for automatic loading.
21931 @item @xref{show auto-load safe-path}.
21932 @tab Show directories trusted for automatic loading.
21933 @item @xref{add-auto-load-safe-path}.
21934 @tab Add directory trusted for automatic loading.
21935 @end multitable
21936
21937 @menu
21938 * Init File in the Current Directory:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load local-gdbinit}
21939 * libthread_db.so.1 file:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load libthread-db}
21940 * objfile-gdb.gdb file:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load gdb-script}
21941 * Auto-loading safe path:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load safe-path}
21942 * Auto-loading verbose mode:: @samp{set/show debug auto-load}
21943 @xref{Python Auto-loading}.
21944 @end menu
21945
21946 @node Init File in the Current Directory
21947 @subsection Automatically loading init file in the current directory
21948 @cindex auto-loading init file in the current directory
21949
21950 By default, @value{GDBN} reads and executes the canned sequences of commands
21951 from init file (if any) in the current working directory,
21952 see @ref{Init File in the Current Directory during Startup}.
21953
21954 Note that loading of this local @file{.gdbinit} file also requires accordingly
21955 configured @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
21956
21957 @table @code
21958 @anchor{set auto-load local-gdbinit}
21959 @kindex set auto-load local-gdbinit
21960 @item set auto-load local-gdbinit [on|off]
21961 Enable or disable the auto-loading of canned sequences of commands
21962 (@pxref{Sequences}) found in init file in the current directory.
21963
21964 @anchor{show auto-load local-gdbinit}
21965 @kindex show auto-load local-gdbinit
21966 @item show auto-load local-gdbinit
21967 Show whether auto-loading of canned sequences of commands from init file in the
21968 current directory is enabled or disabled.
21969
21970 @anchor{info auto-load local-gdbinit}
21971 @kindex info auto-load local-gdbinit
21972 @item info auto-load local-gdbinit
21973 Print whether canned sequences of commands from init file in the
21974 current directory have been auto-loaded.
21975 @end table
21976
21977 @node libthread_db.so.1 file
21978 @subsection Automatically loading thread debugging library
21979 @cindex auto-loading libthread_db.so.1
21980
21981 This feature is currently present only on @sc{gnu}/Linux native hosts.
21982
21983 @value{GDBN} reads in some cases thread debugging library from places specific
21984 to the inferior (@pxref{set libthread-db-search-path}).
21985
21986 The special @samp{libthread-db-search-path} entry @samp{$sdir} is processed
21987 without checking this @samp{set auto-load libthread-db} switch as system
21988 libraries have to be trusted in general. In all other cases of
21989 @samp{libthread-db-search-path} entries @value{GDBN} checks first if @samp{set
21990 auto-load libthread-db} is enabled before trying to open such thread debugging
21991 library.
21992
21993 Note that loading of this debugging library also requires accordingly configured
21994 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
21995
21996 @table @code
21997 @anchor{set auto-load libthread-db}
21998 @kindex set auto-load libthread-db
21999 @item set auto-load libthread-db [on|off]
22000 Enable or disable the auto-loading of inferior specific thread debugging library.
22001
22002 @anchor{show auto-load libthread-db}
22003 @kindex show auto-load libthread-db
22004 @item show auto-load libthread-db
22005 Show whether auto-loading of inferior specific thread debugging library is
22006 enabled or disabled.
22007
22008 @anchor{info auto-load libthread-db}
22009 @kindex info auto-load libthread-db
22010 @item info auto-load libthread-db
22011 Print the list of all loaded inferior specific thread debugging libraries and
22012 for each such library print list of inferior @var{pid}s using it.
22013 @end table
22014
22015 @node objfile-gdb.gdb file
22016 @subsection The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb} file
22017 @cindex auto-loading @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb}
22018
22019 @value{GDBN} tries to load an @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb} file containing
22020 canned sequences of commands (@pxref{Sequences}), as long as @samp{set
22021 auto-load gdb-scripts} is set to @samp{on}.
22022
22023 Note that loading of this script file also requires accordingly configured
22024 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
22025
22026 For more background refer to the similar Python scripts auto-loading
22027 description (@pxref{objfile-gdb.py file}).
22028
22029 @table @code
22030 @anchor{set auto-load gdb-scripts}
22031 @kindex set auto-load gdb-scripts
22032 @item set auto-load gdb-scripts [on|off]
22033 Enable or disable the auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts.
22034
22035 @anchor{show auto-load gdb-scripts}
22036 @kindex show auto-load gdb-scripts
22037 @item show auto-load gdb-scripts
22038 Show whether auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts is enabled or
22039 disabled.
22040
22041 @anchor{info auto-load gdb-scripts}
22042 @kindex info auto-load gdb-scripts
22043 @cindex print list of auto-loaded canned sequences of commands scripts
22044 @item info auto-load gdb-scripts [@var{regexp}]
22045 Print the list of all canned sequences of commands scripts that @value{GDBN}
22046 auto-loaded.
22047 @end table
22048
22049 If @var{regexp} is supplied only canned sequences of commands scripts with
22050 matching names are printed.
22051
22052 @node Auto-loading safe path
22053 @subsection Security restriction for auto-loading
22054 @cindex auto-loading safe-path
22055
22056 As the files of inferior can come from untrusted source (such as submitted by
22057 an application user) @value{GDBN} does not always load any files automatically.
22058 @value{GDBN} provides the @samp{set auto-load safe-path} setting to list
22059 directories trusted for loading files not explicitly requested by user.
22060 Each directory can also be a shell wildcard pattern.
22061
22062 If the path is not set properly you will see a warning and the file will not
22063 get loaded:
22064
22065 @smallexample
22066 $ ./gdb -q ./gdb
22067 Reading symbols from /home/user/gdb/gdb...done.
22068 warning: File "/home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.gdb" auto-loading has been
22069 declined by your `auto-load safe-path' set
22070 to "$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load".
22071 warning: File "/home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.py" auto-loading has been
22072 declined by your `auto-load safe-path' set
22073 to "$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load".
22074 @end smallexample
22075
22076 @noindent
22077 To instruct @value{GDBN} to go ahead and use the init files anyway,
22078 invoke @value{GDBN} like this:
22079
22080 @smallexample
22081 $ gdb -q -iex "set auto-load safe-path /home/user/gdb" ./gdb
22082 @end smallexample
22083
22084 The list of trusted directories is controlled by the following commands:
22085
22086 @table @code
22087 @anchor{set auto-load safe-path}
22088 @kindex set auto-load safe-path
22089 @item set auto-load safe-path @r{[}@var{directories}@r{]}
22090 Set the list of directories (and their subdirectories) trusted for automatic
22091 loading and execution of scripts. You can also enter a specific trusted file.
22092 Each directory can also be a shell wildcard pattern; wildcards do not match
22093 directory separator - see @code{FNM_PATHNAME} for system function @code{fnmatch}
22094 (@pxref{Wildcard Matching, fnmatch, , libc, GNU C Library Reference Manual}).
22095 If you omit @var{directories}, @samp{auto-load safe-path} will be reset to
22096 its default value as specified during @value{GDBN} compilation.
22097
22098 The list of directories uses path separator (@samp{:} on GNU and Unix
22099 systems, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS) to separate directories, similarly
22100 to the @env{PATH} environment variable.
22101
22102 @anchor{show auto-load safe-path}
22103 @kindex show auto-load safe-path
22104 @item show auto-load safe-path
22105 Show the list of directories trusted for automatic loading and execution of
22106 scripts.
22107
22108 @anchor{add-auto-load-safe-path}
22109 @kindex add-auto-load-safe-path
22110 @item add-auto-load-safe-path
22111 Add an entry (or list of entries) the list of directories trusted for automatic
22112 loading and execution of scripts. Multiple entries may be delimited by the
22113 host platform path separator in use.
22114 @end table
22115
22116 This variable defaults to what @code{--with-auto-load-dir} has been configured
22117 to (@pxref{with-auto-load-dir}). @file{$debugdir} and @file{$datadir}
22118 substitution applies the same as for @ref{set auto-load scripts-directory}.
22119 The default @code{set auto-load safe-path} value can be also overriden by
22120 @value{GDBN} configuration option @option{--with-auto-load-safe-path}.
22121
22122 Setting this variable to @file{/} disables this security protection,
22123 corresponding @value{GDBN} configuration option is
22124 @option{--without-auto-load-safe-path}.
22125 This variable is supposed to be set to the system directories writable by the
22126 system superuser only. Users can add their source directories in init files in
22127 their home directories (@pxref{Home Directory Init File}). See also deprecated
22128 init file in the current directory
22129 (@pxref{Init File in the Current Directory during Startup}).
22130
22131 To force @value{GDBN} to load the files it declined to load in the previous
22132 example, you could use one of the following ways:
22133
22134 @table @asis
22135 @item @file{~/.gdbinit}: @samp{add-auto-load-safe-path ~/src/gdb}
22136 Specify this trusted directory (or a file) as additional component of the list.
22137 You have to specify also any existing directories displayed by
22138 by @samp{show auto-load safe-path} (such as @samp{/usr:/bin} in this example).
22139
22140 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load safe-path /usr:/bin:~/src/gdb" @dots{}}
22141 Specify this directory as in the previous case but just for a single
22142 @value{GDBN} session.
22143
22144 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load safe-path /" @dots{}}
22145 Disable auto-loading safety for a single @value{GDBN} session.
22146 This assumes all the files you debug during this @value{GDBN} session will come
22147 from trusted sources.
22148
22149 @item @kbd{./configure --without-auto-load-safe-path}
22150 During compilation of @value{GDBN} you may disable any auto-loading safety.
22151 This assumes all the files you will ever debug with this @value{GDBN} come from
22152 trusted sources.
22153 @end table
22154
22155 On the other hand you can also explicitly forbid automatic files loading which
22156 also suppresses any such warning messages:
22157
22158 @table @asis
22159 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load no" @dots{}}
22160 You can use @value{GDBN} command-line option for a single @value{GDBN} session.
22161
22162 @item @file{~/.gdbinit}: @samp{set auto-load no}
22163 Disable auto-loading globally for the user
22164 (@pxref{Home Directory Init File}). While it is improbable, you could also
22165 use system init file instead (@pxref{System-wide configuration}).
22166 @end table
22167
22168 This setting applies to the file names as entered by user. If no entry matches
22169 @value{GDBN} tries as a last resort to also resolve all the file names into
22170 their canonical form (typically resolving symbolic links) and compare the
22171 entries again. @value{GDBN} already canonicalizes most of the filenames on its
22172 own before starting the comparison so a canonical form of directories is
22173 recommended to be entered.
22174
22175 @node Auto-loading verbose mode
22176 @subsection Displaying files tried for auto-load
22177 @cindex auto-loading verbose mode
22178
22179 For better visibility of all the file locations where you can place scripts to
22180 be auto-loaded with inferior --- or to protect yourself against accidental
22181 execution of untrusted scripts --- @value{GDBN} provides a feature for printing
22182 all the files attempted to be loaded. Both existing and non-existing files may
22183 be printed.
22184
22185 For example the list of directories from which it is safe to auto-load files
22186 (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}) applies also to canonicalized filenames which
22187 may not be too obvious while setting it up.
22188
22189 @smallexample
22190 (gdb) set debug auto-load on
22191 (gdb) file ~/src/t/true
22192 auto-load: Loading canned sequences of commands script "/tmp/true-gdb.gdb"
22193 for objfile "/tmp/true".
22194 auto-load: Updating directories of "/usr:/opt".
22195 auto-load: Using directory "/usr".
22196 auto-load: Using directory "/opt".
22197 warning: File "/tmp/true-gdb.gdb" auto-loading has been declined
22198 by your `auto-load safe-path' set to "/usr:/opt".
22199 @end smallexample
22200
22201 @table @code
22202 @anchor{set debug auto-load}
22203 @kindex set debug auto-load
22204 @item set debug auto-load [on|off]
22205 Set whether to print the filenames attempted to be auto-loaded.
22206
22207 @anchor{show debug auto-load}
22208 @kindex show debug auto-load
22209 @item show debug auto-load
22210 Show whether printing of the filenames attempted to be auto-loaded is turned
22211 on or off.
22212 @end table
22213
22214 @node Messages/Warnings
22215 @section Optional Warnings and Messages
22216
22217 @cindex verbose operation
22218 @cindex optional warnings
22219 By default, @value{GDBN} is silent about its inner workings. If you are
22220 running on a slow machine, you may want to use the @code{set verbose}
22221 command. This makes @value{GDBN} tell you when it does a lengthy
22222 internal operation, so you will not think it has crashed.
22223
22224 Currently, the messages controlled by @code{set verbose} are those
22225 which announce that the symbol table for a source file is being read;
22226 see @code{symbol-file} in @ref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}.
22227
22228 @table @code
22229 @kindex set verbose
22230 @item set verbose on
22231 Enables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
22232
22233 @item set verbose off
22234 Disables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
22235
22236 @kindex show verbose
22237 @item show verbose
22238 Displays whether @code{set verbose} is on or off.
22239 @end table
22240
22241 By default, if @value{GDBN} encounters bugs in the symbol table of an
22242 object file, it is silent; but if you are debugging a compiler, you may
22243 find this information useful (@pxref{Symbol Errors, ,Errors Reading
22244 Symbol Files}).
22245
22246 @table @code
22247
22248 @kindex set complaints
22249 @item set complaints @var{limit}
22250 Permits @value{GDBN} to output @var{limit} complaints about each type of
22251 unusual symbols before becoming silent about the problem. Set
22252 @var{limit} to zero to suppress all complaints; set it to a large number
22253 to prevent complaints from being suppressed.
22254
22255 @kindex show complaints
22256 @item show complaints
22257 Displays how many symbol complaints @value{GDBN} is permitted to produce.
22258
22259 @end table
22260
22261 @anchor{confirmation requests}
22262 By default, @value{GDBN} is cautious, and asks what sometimes seems to be a
22263 lot of stupid questions to confirm certain commands. For example, if
22264 you try to run a program which is already running:
22265
22266 @smallexample
22267 (@value{GDBP}) run
22268 The program being debugged has been started already.
22269 Start it from the beginning? (y or n)
22270 @end smallexample
22271
22272 If you are willing to unflinchingly face the consequences of your own
22273 commands, you can disable this ``feature'':
22274
22275 @table @code
22276
22277 @kindex set confirm
22278 @cindex flinching
22279 @cindex confirmation
22280 @cindex stupid questions
22281 @item set confirm off
22282 Disables confirmation requests. Note that running @value{GDBN} with
22283 the @option{--batch} option (@pxref{Mode Options, -batch}) also
22284 automatically disables confirmation requests.
22285
22286 @item set confirm on
22287 Enables confirmation requests (the default).
22288
22289 @kindex show confirm
22290 @item show confirm
22291 Displays state of confirmation requests.
22292
22293 @end table
22294
22295 @cindex command tracing
22296 If you need to debug user-defined commands or sourced files you may find it
22297 useful to enable @dfn{command tracing}. In this mode each command will be
22298 printed as it is executed, prefixed with one or more @samp{+} symbols, the
22299 quantity denoting the call depth of each command.
22300
22301 @table @code
22302 @kindex set trace-commands
22303 @cindex command scripts, debugging
22304 @item set trace-commands on
22305 Enable command tracing.
22306 @item set trace-commands off
22307 Disable command tracing.
22308 @item show trace-commands
22309 Display the current state of command tracing.
22310 @end table
22311
22312 @node Debugging Output
22313 @section Optional Messages about Internal Happenings
22314 @cindex optional debugging messages
22315
22316 @value{GDBN} has commands that enable optional debugging messages from
22317 various @value{GDBN} subsystems; normally these commands are of
22318 interest to @value{GDBN} maintainers, or when reporting a bug. This
22319 section documents those commands.
22320
22321 @table @code
22322 @kindex set exec-done-display
22323 @item set exec-done-display
22324 Turns on or off the notification of asynchronous commands'
22325 completion. When on, @value{GDBN} will print a message when an
22326 asynchronous command finishes its execution. The default is off.
22327 @kindex show exec-done-display
22328 @item show exec-done-display
22329 Displays the current setting of asynchronous command completion
22330 notification.
22331 @kindex set debug
22332 @cindex ARM AArch64
22333 @item set debug aarch64
22334 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to ARM AArch64.
22335 The default is off.
22336 @kindex show debug
22337 @item show debug aarch64
22338 Displays the current state of displaying debugging messages related to
22339 ARM AArch64.
22340 @cindex gdbarch debugging info
22341 @cindex architecture debugging info
22342 @item set debug arch
22343 Turns on or off display of gdbarch debugging info. The default is off
22344 @item show debug arch
22345 Displays the current state of displaying gdbarch debugging info.
22346 @item set debug aix-solib
22347 @cindex AIX shared library debugging
22348 Control display of debugging messages from the AIX shared library
22349 support module. The default is off.
22350 @item show debug aix-thread
22351 Show the current state of displaying AIX shared library debugging messages.
22352 @item set debug aix-thread
22353 @cindex AIX threads
22354 Display debugging messages about inner workings of the AIX thread
22355 module.
22356 @item show debug aix-thread
22357 Show the current state of AIX thread debugging info display.
22358 @item set debug check-physname
22359 @cindex physname
22360 Check the results of the ``physname'' computation. When reading DWARF
22361 debugging information for C@t{++}, @value{GDBN} attempts to compute
22362 each entity's name. @value{GDBN} can do this computation in two
22363 different ways, depending on exactly what information is present.
22364 When enabled, this setting causes @value{GDBN} to compute the names
22365 both ways and display any discrepancies.
22366 @item show debug check-physname
22367 Show the current state of ``physname'' checking.
22368 @item set debug coff-pe-read
22369 @cindex COFF/PE exported symbols
22370 Control display of debugging messages related to reading of COFF/PE
22371 exported symbols. The default is off.
22372 @item show debug coff-pe-read
22373 Displays the current state of displaying debugging messages related to
22374 reading of COFF/PE exported symbols.
22375 @item set debug dwarf2-die
22376 @cindex DWARF2 DIEs
22377 Dump DWARF2 DIEs after they are read in.
22378 The value is the number of nesting levels to print.
22379 A value of zero turns off the display.
22380 @item show debug dwarf2-die
22381 Show the current state of DWARF2 DIE debugging.
22382 @item set debug dwarf2-read
22383 @cindex DWARF2 Reading
22384 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to reading
22385 DWARF debug info. The default is off.
22386 @item show debug dwarf2-read
22387 Show the current state of DWARF2 reader debugging.
22388 @item set debug displaced
22389 @cindex displaced stepping debugging info
22390 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for the
22391 displaced stepping support. The default is off.
22392 @item show debug displaced
22393 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} debugging info
22394 related to displaced stepping.
22395 @item set debug event
22396 @cindex event debugging info
22397 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} event debugging info. The
22398 default is off.
22399 @item show debug event
22400 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} event debugging
22401 info.
22402 @item set debug expression
22403 @cindex expression debugging info
22404 Turns on or off display of debugging info about @value{GDBN}
22405 expression parsing. The default is off.
22406 @item show debug expression
22407 Displays the current state of displaying debugging info about
22408 @value{GDBN} expression parsing.
22409 @item set debug frame
22410 @cindex frame debugging info
22411 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} frame debugging info. The
22412 default is off.
22413 @item show debug frame
22414 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} frame debugging
22415 info.
22416 @item set debug gnu-nat
22417 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug messages
22418 Turns on or off debugging messages from the @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug support.
22419 @item show debug gnu-nat
22420 Show the current state of @sc{gnu}/Hurd debugging messages.
22421 @item set debug infrun
22422 @cindex inferior debugging info
22423 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for running the inferior.
22424 The default is off. @file{infrun.c} contains GDB's runtime state machine used
22425 for implementing operations such as single-stepping the inferior.
22426 @item show debug infrun
22427 Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} inferior debugging.
22428 @item set debug jit
22429 @cindex just-in-time compilation, debugging messages
22430 Turns on or off debugging messages from JIT debug support.
22431 @item show debug jit
22432 Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} JIT debugging.
22433 @item set debug lin-lwp
22434 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Linux LWP debug messages
22435 @cindex Linux lightweight processes
22436 Turns on or off debugging messages from the Linux LWP debug support.
22437 @item show debug lin-lwp
22438 Show the current state of Linux LWP debugging messages.
22439 @item set debug mach-o
22440 @cindex Mach-O symbols processing
22441 Control display of debugging messages related to Mach-O symbols
22442 processing. The default is off.
22443 @item show debug mach-o
22444 Displays the current state of displaying debugging messages related to
22445 reading of COFF/PE exported symbols.
22446 @item set debug notification
22447 @cindex remote async notification debugging info
22448 Turns on or off debugging messages about remote async notification.
22449 The default is off.
22450 @item show debug notification
22451 Displays the current state of remote async notification debugging messages.
22452 @item set debug observer
22453 @cindex observer debugging info
22454 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} observer debugging. This
22455 includes info such as the notification of observable events.
22456 @item show debug observer
22457 Displays the current state of observer debugging.
22458 @item set debug overload
22459 @cindex C@t{++} overload debugging info
22460 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload debugging
22461 info. This includes info such as ranking of functions, etc. The default
22462 is off.
22463 @item show debug overload
22464 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload
22465 debugging info.
22466 @cindex expression parser, debugging info
22467 @cindex debug expression parser
22468 @item set debug parser
22469 Turns on or off the display of expression parser debugging output.
22470 Internally, this sets the @code{yydebug} variable in the expression
22471 parser. @xref{Tracing, , Tracing Your Parser, bison, Bison}, for
22472 details. The default is off.
22473 @item show debug parser
22474 Show the current state of expression parser debugging.
22475 @cindex packets, reporting on stdout
22476 @cindex serial connections, debugging
22477 @cindex debug remote protocol
22478 @cindex remote protocol debugging
22479 @cindex display remote packets
22480 @item set debug remote
22481 Turns on or off display of reports on all packets sent back and forth across
22482 the serial line to the remote machine. The info is printed on the
22483 @value{GDBN} standard output stream. The default is off.
22484 @item show debug remote
22485 Displays the state of display of remote packets.
22486 @item set debug serial
22487 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} serial debugging info. The
22488 default is off.
22489 @item show debug serial
22490 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} serial debugging
22491 info.
22492 @item set debug solib-frv
22493 @cindex FR-V shared-library debugging
22494 Turns on or off debugging messages for FR-V shared-library code.
22495 @item show debug solib-frv
22496 Display the current state of FR-V shared-library code debugging
22497 messages.
22498 @item set debug symtab-create
22499 @cindex symbol table creation
22500 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to symbol table creation.
22501 The default is off.
22502 @item show debug symtab-create
22503 Show the current state of symbol table creation debugging.
22504 @item set debug target
22505 @cindex target debugging info
22506 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} target debugging info. This info
22507 includes what is going on at the target level of GDB, as it happens. The
22508 default is 0. Set it to 1 to track events, and to 2 to also track the
22509 value of large memory transfers. Changes to this flag do not take effect
22510 until the next time you connect to a target or use the @code{run} command.
22511 @item show debug target
22512 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} target debugging
22513 info.
22514 @item set debug timestamp
22515 @cindex timestampping debugging info
22516 Turns on or off display of timestamps with @value{GDBN} debugging info.
22517 When enabled, seconds and microseconds are displayed before each debugging
22518 message.
22519 @item show debug timestamp
22520 Displays the current state of displaying timestamps with @value{GDBN}
22521 debugging info.
22522 @item set debugvarobj
22523 @cindex variable object debugging info
22524 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} variable object debugging
22525 info. The default is off.
22526 @item show debugvarobj
22527 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} variable object
22528 debugging info.
22529 @item set debug xml
22530 @cindex XML parser debugging
22531 Turns on or off debugging messages for built-in XML parsers.
22532 @item show debug xml
22533 Displays the current state of XML debugging messages.
22534 @end table
22535
22536 @node Other Misc Settings
22537 @section Other Miscellaneous Settings
22538 @cindex miscellaneous settings
22539
22540 @table @code
22541 @kindex set interactive-mode
22542 @item set interactive-mode
22543 If @code{on}, forces @value{GDBN} to assume that GDB was started
22544 in a terminal. In practice, this means that @value{GDBN} should wait
22545 for the user to answer queries generated by commands entered at
22546 the command prompt. If @code{off}, forces @value{GDBN} to operate
22547 in the opposite mode, and it uses the default answers to all queries.
22548 If @code{auto} (the default), @value{GDBN} tries to determine whether
22549 its standard input is a terminal, and works in interactive-mode if it
22550 is, non-interactively otherwise.
22551
22552 In the vast majority of cases, the debugger should be able to guess
22553 correctly which mode should be used. But this setting can be useful
22554 in certain specific cases, such as running a MinGW @value{GDBN}
22555 inside a cygwin window.
22556
22557 @kindex show interactive-mode
22558 @item show interactive-mode
22559 Displays whether the debugger is operating in interactive mode or not.
22560 @end table
22561
22562 @node Extending GDB
22563 @chapter Extending @value{GDBN}
22564 @cindex extending GDB
22565
22566 @value{GDBN} provides three mechanisms for extension. The first is based
22567 on composition of @value{GDBN} commands, the second is based on the
22568 Python scripting language, and the third is for defining new aliases of
22569 existing commands.
22570
22571 To facilitate the use of the first two extensions, @value{GDBN} is capable
22572 of evaluating the contents of a file. When doing so, @value{GDBN}
22573 can recognize which scripting language is being used by looking at
22574 the filename extension. Files with an unrecognized filename extension
22575 are always treated as a @value{GDBN} Command Files.
22576 @xref{Command Files,, Command files}.
22577
22578 You can control how @value{GDBN} evaluates these files with the following
22579 setting:
22580
22581 @table @code
22582 @kindex set script-extension
22583 @kindex show script-extension
22584 @item set script-extension off
22585 All scripts are always evaluated as @value{GDBN} Command Files.
22586
22587 @item set script-extension soft
22588 The debugger determines the scripting language based on filename
22589 extension. If this scripting language is supported, @value{GDBN}
22590 evaluates the script using that language. Otherwise, it evaluates
22591 the file as a @value{GDBN} Command File.
22592
22593 @item set script-extension strict
22594 The debugger determines the scripting language based on filename
22595 extension, and evaluates the script using that language. If the
22596 language is not supported, then the evaluation fails.
22597
22598 @item show script-extension
22599 Display the current value of the @code{script-extension} option.
22600
22601 @end table
22602
22603 @menu
22604 * Sequences:: Canned Sequences of Commands
22605 * Python:: Scripting @value{GDBN} using Python
22606 * Aliases:: Creating new spellings of existing commands
22607 @end menu
22608
22609 @node Sequences
22610 @section Canned Sequences of Commands
22611
22612 Aside from breakpoint commands (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint
22613 Command Lists}), @value{GDBN} provides two ways to store sequences of
22614 commands for execution as a unit: user-defined commands and command
22615 files.
22616
22617 @menu
22618 * Define:: How to define your own commands
22619 * Hooks:: Hooks for user-defined commands
22620 * Command Files:: How to write scripts of commands to be stored in a file
22621 * Output:: Commands for controlled output
22622 @end menu
22623
22624 @node Define
22625 @subsection User-defined Commands
22626
22627 @cindex user-defined command
22628 @cindex arguments, to user-defined commands
22629 A @dfn{user-defined command} is a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands to
22630 which you assign a new name as a command. This is done with the
22631 @code{define} command. User commands may accept up to 10 arguments
22632 separated by whitespace. Arguments are accessed within the user command
22633 via @code{$arg0@dots{}$arg9}. A trivial example:
22634
22635 @smallexample
22636 define adder
22637 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
22638 end
22639 @end smallexample
22640
22641 @noindent
22642 To execute the command use:
22643
22644 @smallexample
22645 adder 1 2 3
22646 @end smallexample
22647
22648 @noindent
22649 This defines the command @code{adder}, which prints the sum of
22650 its three arguments. Note the arguments are text substitutions, so they may
22651 reference variables, use complex expressions, or even perform inferior
22652 functions calls.
22653
22654 @cindex argument count in user-defined commands
22655 @cindex how many arguments (user-defined commands)
22656 In addition, @code{$argc} may be used to find out how many arguments have
22657 been passed. This expands to a number in the range 0@dots{}10.
22658
22659 @smallexample
22660 define adder
22661 if $argc == 2
22662 print $arg0 + $arg1
22663 end
22664 if $argc == 3
22665 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
22666 end
22667 end
22668 @end smallexample
22669
22670 @table @code
22671
22672 @kindex define
22673 @item define @var{commandname}
22674 Define a command named @var{commandname}. If there is already a command
22675 by that name, you are asked to confirm that you want to redefine it.
22676 @var{commandname} may be a bare command name consisting of letters,
22677 numbers, dashes, and underscores. It may also start with any predefined
22678 prefix command. For example, @samp{define target my-target} creates
22679 a user-defined @samp{target my-target} command.
22680
22681 The definition of the command is made up of other @value{GDBN} command lines,
22682 which are given following the @code{define} command. The end of these
22683 commands is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
22684
22685 @kindex document
22686 @kindex end@r{ (user-defined commands)}
22687 @item document @var{commandname}
22688 Document the user-defined command @var{commandname}, so that it can be
22689 accessed by @code{help}. The command @var{commandname} must already be
22690 defined. This command reads lines of documentation just as @code{define}
22691 reads the lines of the command definition, ending with @code{end}.
22692 After the @code{document} command is finished, @code{help} on command
22693 @var{commandname} displays the documentation you have written.
22694
22695 You may use the @code{document} command again to change the
22696 documentation of a command. Redefining the command with @code{define}
22697 does not change the documentation.
22698
22699 @kindex dont-repeat
22700 @cindex don't repeat command
22701 @item dont-repeat
22702 Used inside a user-defined command, this tells @value{GDBN} that this
22703 command should not be repeated when the user hits @key{RET}
22704 (@pxref{Command Syntax, repeat last command}).
22705
22706 @kindex help user-defined
22707 @item help user-defined
22708 List all user-defined commands and all python commands defined in class
22709 COMAND_USER. The first line of the documentation or docstring is
22710 included (if any).
22711
22712 @kindex show user
22713 @item show user
22714 @itemx show user @var{commandname}
22715 Display the @value{GDBN} commands used to define @var{commandname} (but
22716 not its documentation). If no @var{commandname} is given, display the
22717 definitions for all user-defined commands.
22718 This does not work for user-defined python commands.
22719
22720 @cindex infinite recursion in user-defined commands
22721 @kindex show max-user-call-depth
22722 @kindex set max-user-call-depth
22723 @item show max-user-call-depth
22724 @itemx set max-user-call-depth
22725 The value of @code{max-user-call-depth} controls how many recursion
22726 levels are allowed in user-defined commands before @value{GDBN} suspects an
22727 infinite recursion and aborts the command.
22728 This does not apply to user-defined python commands.
22729 @end table
22730
22731 In addition to the above commands, user-defined commands frequently
22732 use control flow commands, described in @ref{Command Files}.
22733
22734 When user-defined commands are executed, the
22735 commands of the definition are not printed. An error in any command
22736 stops execution of the user-defined command.
22737
22738 If used interactively, commands that would ask for confirmation proceed
22739 without asking when used inside a user-defined command. Many @value{GDBN}
22740 commands that normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the
22741 messages when used in a user-defined command.
22742
22743 @node Hooks
22744 @subsection User-defined Command Hooks
22745 @cindex command hooks
22746 @cindex hooks, for commands
22747 @cindex hooks, pre-command
22748
22749 @kindex hook
22750 You may define @dfn{hooks}, which are a special kind of user-defined
22751 command. Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined
22752 command @samp{hook-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments)
22753 before that command.
22754
22755 @cindex hooks, post-command
22756 @kindex hookpost
22757 A hook may also be defined which is run after the command you executed.
22758 Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined command
22759 @samp{hookpost-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments) after
22760 that command. Post-execution hooks may exist simultaneously with
22761 pre-execution hooks, for the same command.
22762
22763 It is valid for a hook to call the command which it hooks. If this
22764 occurs, the hook is not re-executed, thereby avoiding infinite recursion.
22765
22766 @c It would be nice if hookpost could be passed a parameter indicating
22767 @c if the command it hooks executed properly or not. FIXME!
22768
22769 @kindex stop@r{, a pseudo-command}
22770 In addition, a pseudo-command, @samp{stop} exists. Defining
22771 (@samp{hook-stop}) makes the associated commands execute every time
22772 execution stops in your program: before breakpoint commands are run,
22773 displays are printed, or the stack frame is printed.
22774
22775 For example, to ignore @code{SIGALRM} signals while
22776 single-stepping, but treat them normally during normal execution,
22777 you could define:
22778
22779 @smallexample
22780 define hook-stop
22781 handle SIGALRM nopass
22782 end
22783
22784 define hook-run
22785 handle SIGALRM pass
22786 end
22787
22788 define hook-continue
22789 handle SIGALRM pass
22790 end
22791 @end smallexample
22792
22793 As a further example, to hook at the beginning and end of the @code{echo}
22794 command, and to add extra text to the beginning and end of the message,
22795 you could define:
22796
22797 @smallexample
22798 define hook-echo
22799 echo <<<---
22800 end
22801
22802 define hookpost-echo
22803 echo --->>>\n
22804 end
22805
22806 (@value{GDBP}) echo Hello World
22807 <<<---Hello World--->>>
22808 (@value{GDBP})
22809
22810 @end smallexample
22811
22812 You can define a hook for any single-word command in @value{GDBN}, but
22813 not for command aliases; you should define a hook for the basic command
22814 name, e.g.@: @code{backtrace} rather than @code{bt}.
22815 @c FIXME! So how does Joe User discover whether a command is an alias
22816 @c or not?
22817 You can hook a multi-word command by adding @code{hook-} or
22818 @code{hookpost-} to the last word of the command, e.g.@:
22819 @samp{define target hook-remote} to add a hook to @samp{target remote}.
22820
22821 If an error occurs during the execution of your hook, execution of
22822 @value{GDBN} commands stops and @value{GDBN} issues a prompt
22823 (before the command that you actually typed had a chance to run).
22824
22825 If you try to define a hook which does not match any known command, you
22826 get a warning from the @code{define} command.
22827
22828 @node Command Files
22829 @subsection Command Files
22830
22831 @cindex command files
22832 @cindex scripting commands
22833 A command file for @value{GDBN} is a text file made of lines that are
22834 @value{GDBN} commands. Comments (lines starting with @kbd{#}) may
22835 also be included. An empty line in a command file does nothing; it
22836 does not mean to repeat the last command, as it would from the
22837 terminal.
22838
22839 You can request the execution of a command file with the @code{source}
22840 command. Note that the @code{source} command is also used to evaluate
22841 scripts that are not Command Files. The exact behavior can be configured
22842 using the @code{script-extension} setting.
22843 @xref{Extending GDB,, Extending GDB}.
22844
22845 @table @code
22846 @kindex source
22847 @cindex execute commands from a file
22848 @item source [-s] [-v] @var{filename}
22849 Execute the command file @var{filename}.
22850 @end table
22851
22852 The lines in a command file are generally executed sequentially,
22853 unless the order of execution is changed by one of the
22854 @emph{flow-control commands} described below. The commands are not
22855 printed as they are executed. An error in any command terminates
22856 execution of the command file and control is returned to the console.
22857
22858 @value{GDBN} first searches for @var{filename} in the current directory.
22859 If the file is not found there, and @var{filename} does not specify a
22860 directory, then @value{GDBN} also looks for the file on the source search path
22861 (specified with the @samp{directory} command);
22862 except that @file{$cdir} is not searched because the compilation directory
22863 is not relevant to scripts.
22864
22865 If @code{-s} is specified, then @value{GDBN} searches for @var{filename}
22866 on the search path even if @var{filename} specifies a directory.
22867 The search is done by appending @var{filename} to each element of the
22868 search path. So, for example, if @var{filename} is @file{mylib/myscript}
22869 and the search path contains @file{/home/user} then @value{GDBN} will
22870 look for the script @file{/home/user/mylib/myscript}.
22871 The search is also done if @var{filename} is an absolute path.
22872 For example, if @var{filename} is @file{/tmp/myscript} and
22873 the search path contains @file{/home/user} then @value{GDBN} will
22874 look for the script @file{/home/user/tmp/myscript}.
22875 For DOS-like systems, if @var{filename} contains a drive specification,
22876 it is stripped before concatenation. For example, if @var{filename} is
22877 @file{d:myscript} and the search path contains @file{c:/tmp} then @value{GDBN}
22878 will look for the script @file{c:/tmp/myscript}.
22879
22880 If @code{-v}, for verbose mode, is given then @value{GDBN} displays
22881 each command as it is executed. The option must be given before
22882 @var{filename}, and is interpreted as part of the filename anywhere else.
22883
22884 Commands that would ask for confirmation if used interactively proceed
22885 without asking when used in a command file. Many @value{GDBN} commands that
22886 normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the messages
22887 when called from command files.
22888
22889 @value{GDBN} also accepts command input from standard input. In this
22890 mode, normal output goes to standard output and error output goes to
22891 standard error. Errors in a command file supplied on standard input do
22892 not terminate execution of the command file---execution continues with
22893 the next command.
22894
22895 @smallexample
22896 gdb < cmds > log 2>&1
22897 @end smallexample
22898
22899 (The syntax above will vary depending on the shell used.) This example
22900 will execute commands from the file @file{cmds}. All output and errors
22901 would be directed to @file{log}.
22902
22903 Since commands stored on command files tend to be more general than
22904 commands typed interactively, they frequently need to deal with
22905 complicated situations, such as different or unexpected values of
22906 variables and symbols, changes in how the program being debugged is
22907 built, etc. @value{GDBN} provides a set of flow-control commands to
22908 deal with these complexities. Using these commands, you can write
22909 complex scripts that loop over data structures, execute commands
22910 conditionally, etc.
22911
22912 @table @code
22913 @kindex if
22914 @kindex else
22915 @item if
22916 @itemx else
22917 This command allows to include in your script conditionally executed
22918 commands. The @code{if} command takes a single argument, which is an
22919 expression to evaluate. It is followed by a series of commands that
22920 are executed only if the expression is true (its value is nonzero).
22921 There can then optionally be an @code{else} line, followed by a series
22922 of commands that are only executed if the expression was false. The
22923 end of the list is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
22924
22925 @kindex while
22926 @item while
22927 This command allows to write loops. Its syntax is similar to
22928 @code{if}: the command takes a single argument, which is an expression
22929 to evaluate, and must be followed by the commands to execute, one per
22930 line, terminated by an @code{end}. These commands are called the
22931 @dfn{body} of the loop. The commands in the body of @code{while} are
22932 executed repeatedly as long as the expression evaluates to true.
22933
22934 @kindex loop_break
22935 @item loop_break
22936 This command exits the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included.
22937 Execution of the script continues after that @code{while}s @code{end}
22938 line.
22939
22940 @kindex loop_continue
22941 @item loop_continue
22942 This command skips the execution of the rest of the body of commands
22943 in the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included. Execution
22944 branches to the beginning of the @code{while} loop, where it evaluates
22945 the controlling expression.
22946
22947 @kindex end@r{ (if/else/while commands)}
22948 @item end
22949 Terminate the block of commands that are the body of @code{if},
22950 @code{else}, or @code{while} flow-control commands.
22951 @end table
22952
22953
22954 @node Output
22955 @subsection Commands for Controlled Output
22956
22957 During the execution of a command file or a user-defined command, normal
22958 @value{GDBN} output is suppressed; the only output that appears is what is
22959 explicitly printed by the commands in the definition. This section
22960 describes three commands useful for generating exactly the output you
22961 want.
22962
22963 @table @code
22964 @kindex echo
22965 @item echo @var{text}
22966 @c I do not consider backslash-space a standard C escape sequence
22967 @c because it is not in ANSI.
22968 Print @var{text}. Nonprinting characters can be included in
22969 @var{text} using C escape sequences, such as @samp{\n} to print a
22970 newline. @strong{No newline is printed unless you specify one.}
22971 In addition to the standard C escape sequences, a backslash followed
22972 by a space stands for a space. This is useful for displaying a
22973 string with spaces at the beginning or the end, since leading and
22974 trailing spaces are otherwise trimmed from all arguments.
22975 To print @samp{@w{ }and foo =@w{ }}, use the command
22976 @samp{echo \@w{ }and foo = \@w{ }}.
22977
22978 A backslash at the end of @var{text} can be used, as in C, to continue
22979 the command onto subsequent lines. For example,
22980
22981 @smallexample
22982 echo This is some text\n\
22983 which is continued\n\
22984 onto several lines.\n
22985 @end smallexample
22986
22987 produces the same output as
22988
22989 @smallexample
22990 echo This is some text\n
22991 echo which is continued\n
22992 echo onto several lines.\n
22993 @end smallexample
22994
22995 @kindex output
22996 @item output @var{expression}
22997 Print the value of @var{expression} and nothing but that value: no
22998 newlines, no @samp{$@var{nn} = }. The value is not entered in the
22999 value history either. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information
23000 on expressions.
23001
23002 @item output/@var{fmt} @var{expression}
23003 Print the value of @var{expression} in format @var{fmt}. You can use
23004 the same formats as for @code{print}. @xref{Output Formats,,Output
23005 Formats}, for more information.
23006
23007 @kindex printf
23008 @item printf @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
23009 Print the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
23010 the string @var{template}. To print several values, make
23011 @var{expressions} be a comma-separated list of individual expressions,
23012 which may be either numbers or pointers. Their values are printed as
23013 specified by @var{template}, exactly as a C program would do by
23014 executing the code below:
23015
23016 @smallexample
23017 printf (@var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{});
23018 @end smallexample
23019
23020 As in @code{C} @code{printf}, ordinary characters in @var{template}
23021 are printed verbatim, while @dfn{conversion specification} introduced
23022 by the @samp{%} character cause subsequent @var{expressions} to be
23023 evaluated, their values converted and formatted according to type and
23024 style information encoded in the conversion specifications, and then
23025 printed.
23026
23027 For example, you can print two values in hex like this:
23028
23029 @smallexample
23030 printf "foo, bar-foo = 0x%x, 0x%x\n", foo, bar-foo
23031 @end smallexample
23032
23033 @code{printf} supports all the standard @code{C} conversion
23034 specifications, including the flags and modifiers between the @samp{%}
23035 character and the conversion letter, with the following exceptions:
23036
23037 @itemize @bullet
23038 @item
23039 The argument-ordering modifiers, such as @samp{2$}, are not supported.
23040
23041 @item
23042 The modifier @samp{*} is not supported for specifying precision or
23043 width.
23044
23045 @item
23046 The @samp{'} flag (for separation of digits into groups according to
23047 @code{LC_NUMERIC'}) is not supported.
23048
23049 @item
23050 The type modifiers @samp{hh}, @samp{j}, @samp{t}, and @samp{z} are not
23051 supported.
23052
23053 @item
23054 The conversion letter @samp{n} (as in @samp{%n}) is not supported.
23055
23056 @item
23057 The conversion letters @samp{a} and @samp{A} are not supported.
23058 @end itemize
23059
23060 @noindent
23061 Note that the @samp{ll} type modifier is supported only if the
23062 underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} supports
23063 the @code{long long int} type, and the @samp{L} type modifier is
23064 supported only if @code{long double} type is available.
23065
23066 As in @code{C}, @code{printf} supports simple backslash-escape
23067 sequences, such as @code{\n}, @samp{\t}, @samp{\\}, @samp{\"},
23068 @samp{\a}, and @samp{\f}, that consist of backslash followed by a
23069 single character. Octal and hexadecimal escape sequences are not
23070 supported.
23071
23072 Additionally, @code{printf} supports conversion specifications for DFP
23073 (@dfn{Decimal Floating Point}) types using the following length modifiers
23074 together with a floating point specifier.
23075 letters:
23076
23077 @itemize @bullet
23078 @item
23079 @samp{H} for printing @code{Decimal32} types.
23080
23081 @item
23082 @samp{D} for printing @code{Decimal64} types.
23083
23084 @item
23085 @samp{DD} for printing @code{Decimal128} types.
23086 @end itemize
23087
23088 If the underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} has
23089 support for the three length modifiers for DFP types, other modifiers
23090 such as width and precision will also be available for @value{GDBN} to use.
23091
23092 In case there is no such @code{C} support, no additional modifiers will be
23093 available and the value will be printed in the standard way.
23094
23095 Here's an example of printing DFP types using the above conversion letters:
23096 @smallexample
23097 printf "D32: %Hf - D64: %Df - D128: %DDf\n",1.2345df,1.2E10dd,1.2E1dl
23098 @end smallexample
23099
23100 @kindex eval
23101 @item eval @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
23102 Convert the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
23103 the string @var{template} to a command line, and call it.
23104
23105 @end table
23106
23107 @node Python
23108 @section Scripting @value{GDBN} using Python
23109 @cindex python scripting
23110 @cindex scripting with python
23111
23112 You can script @value{GDBN} using the @uref{http://www.python.org/,
23113 Python programming language}. This feature is available only if
23114 @value{GDBN} was configured using @option{--with-python}.
23115
23116 @cindex python directory
23117 Python scripts used by @value{GDBN} should be installed in
23118 @file{@var{data-directory}/python}, where @var{data-directory} is
23119 the data directory as determined at @value{GDBN} startup (@pxref{Data Files}).
23120 This directory, known as the @dfn{python directory},
23121 is automatically added to the Python Search Path in order to allow
23122 the Python interpreter to locate all scripts installed at this location.
23123
23124 Additionally, @value{GDBN} commands and convenience functions which
23125 are written in Python and are located in the
23126 @file{@var{data-directory}/python/gdb/command} or
23127 @file{@var{data-directory}/python/gdb/function} directories are
23128 automatically imported when @value{GDBN} starts.
23129
23130 @menu
23131 * Python Commands:: Accessing Python from @value{GDBN}.
23132 * Python API:: Accessing @value{GDBN} from Python.
23133 * Python Auto-loading:: Automatically loading Python code.
23134 * Python modules:: Python modules provided by @value{GDBN}.
23135 @end menu
23136
23137 @node Python Commands
23138 @subsection Python Commands
23139 @cindex python commands
23140 @cindex commands to access python
23141
23142 @value{GDBN} provides two commands for accessing the Python interpreter,
23143 and one related setting:
23144
23145 @table @code
23146 @kindex python-interactive
23147 @kindex pi
23148 @item python-interactive @r{[}@var{command}@r{]}
23149 @itemx pi @r{[}@var{command}@r{]}
23150 Without an argument, the @code{python-interactive} command can be used
23151 to start an interactive Python prompt. To return to @value{GDBN},
23152 type the @code{EOF} character (e.g., @kbd{Ctrl-D} on an empty prompt).
23153
23154 Alternatively, a single-line Python command can be given as an
23155 argument and evaluated. If the command is an expression, the result
23156 will be printed; otherwise, nothing will be printed. For example:
23157
23158 @smallexample
23159 (@value{GDBP}) python-interactive 2 + 3
23160 5
23161 @end smallexample
23162
23163 @kindex python
23164 @kindex py
23165 @item python @r{[}@var{command}@r{]}
23166 @itemx py @r{[}@var{command}@r{]}
23167 The @code{python} command can be used to evaluate Python code.
23168
23169 If given an argument, the @code{python} command will evaluate the
23170 argument as a Python command. For example:
23171
23172 @smallexample
23173 (@value{GDBP}) python print 23
23174 23
23175 @end smallexample
23176
23177 If you do not provide an argument to @code{python}, it will act as a
23178 multi-line command, like @code{define}. In this case, the Python
23179 script is made up of subsequent command lines, given after the
23180 @code{python} command. This command list is terminated using a line
23181 containing @code{end}. For example:
23182
23183 @smallexample
23184 (@value{GDBP}) python
23185 Type python script
23186 End with a line saying just "end".
23187 >print 23
23188 >end
23189 23
23190 @end smallexample
23191
23192 @kindex set python print-stack
23193 @item set python print-stack
23194 By default, @value{GDBN} will print only the message component of a
23195 Python exception when an error occurs in a Python script. This can be
23196 controlled using @code{set python print-stack}: if @code{full}, then
23197 full Python stack printing is enabled; if @code{none}, then Python stack
23198 and message printing is disabled; if @code{message}, the default, only
23199 the message component of the error is printed.
23200 @end table
23201
23202 It is also possible to execute a Python script from the @value{GDBN}
23203 interpreter:
23204
23205 @table @code
23206 @item source @file{script-name}
23207 The script name must end with @samp{.py} and @value{GDBN} must be configured
23208 to recognize the script language based on filename extension using
23209 the @code{script-extension} setting. @xref{Extending GDB, ,Extending GDB}.
23210
23211 @item python execfile ("script-name")
23212 This method is based on the @code{execfile} Python built-in function,
23213 and thus is always available.
23214 @end table
23215
23216 @node Python API
23217 @subsection Python API
23218 @cindex python api
23219 @cindex programming in python
23220
23221 You can get quick online help for @value{GDBN}'s Python API by issuing
23222 the command @w{@kbd{python help (gdb)}}.
23223
23224 Functions and methods which have two or more optional arguments allow
23225 them to be specified using keyword syntax. This allows passing some
23226 optional arguments while skipping others. Example:
23227 @w{@code{gdb.some_function ('foo', bar = 1, baz = 2)}}.
23228
23229 @menu
23230 * Basic Python:: Basic Python Functions.
23231 * Exception Handling:: How Python exceptions are translated.
23232 * Values From Inferior:: Python representation of values.
23233 * Types In Python:: Python representation of types.
23234 * Pretty Printing API:: Pretty-printing values.
23235 * Selecting Pretty-Printers:: How GDB chooses a pretty-printer.
23236 * Writing a Pretty-Printer:: Writing a Pretty-Printer.
23237 * Type Printing API:: Pretty-printing types.
23238 * Frame Filter API:: Filtering Frames.
23239 * Frame Decorator API:: Decorating Frames.
23240 * Writing a Frame Filter:: Writing a Frame Filter.
23241 * Inferiors In Python:: Python representation of inferiors (processes)
23242 * Events In Python:: Listening for events from @value{GDBN}.
23243 * Threads In Python:: Accessing inferior threads from Python.
23244 * Commands In Python:: Implementing new commands in Python.
23245 * Parameters In Python:: Adding new @value{GDBN} parameters.
23246 * Functions In Python:: Writing new convenience functions.
23247 * Progspaces In Python:: Program spaces.
23248 * Objfiles In Python:: Object files.
23249 * Frames In Python:: Accessing inferior stack frames from Python.
23250 * Blocks In Python:: Accessing blocks from Python.
23251 * Symbols In Python:: Python representation of symbols.
23252 * Symbol Tables In Python:: Python representation of symbol tables.
23253 * Breakpoints In Python:: Manipulating breakpoints using Python.
23254 * Finish Breakpoints in Python:: Setting Breakpoints on function return
23255 using Python.
23256 * Lazy Strings In Python:: Python representation of lazy strings.
23257 * Architectures In Python:: Python representation of architectures.
23258 @end menu
23259
23260 @node Basic Python
23261 @subsubsection Basic Python
23262
23263 @cindex python stdout
23264 @cindex python pagination
23265 At startup, @value{GDBN} overrides Python's @code{sys.stdout} and
23266 @code{sys.stderr} to print using @value{GDBN}'s output-paging streams.
23267 A Python program which outputs to one of these streams may have its
23268 output interrupted by the user (@pxref{Screen Size}). In this
23269 situation, a Python @code{KeyboardInterrupt} exception is thrown.
23270
23271 Some care must be taken when writing Python code to run in
23272 @value{GDBN}. Two things worth noting in particular:
23273
23274 @itemize @bullet
23275 @item
23276 @value{GDBN} install handlers for @code{SIGCHLD} and @code{SIGINT}.
23277 Python code must not override these, or even change the options using
23278 @code{sigaction}. If your program changes the handling of these
23279 signals, @value{GDBN} will most likely stop working correctly. Note
23280 that it is unfortunately common for GUI toolkits to install a
23281 @code{SIGCHLD} handler.
23282
23283 @item
23284 @value{GDBN} takes care to mark its internal file descriptors as
23285 close-on-exec. However, this cannot be done in a thread-safe way on
23286 all platforms. Your Python programs should be aware of this and
23287 should both create new file descriptors with the close-on-exec flag
23288 set and arrange to close unneeded file descriptors before starting a
23289 child process.
23290 @end itemize
23291
23292 @cindex python functions
23293 @cindex python module
23294 @cindex gdb module
23295 @value{GDBN} introduces a new Python module, named @code{gdb}. All
23296 methods and classes added by @value{GDBN} are placed in this module.
23297 @value{GDBN} automatically @code{import}s the @code{gdb} module for
23298 use in all scripts evaluated by the @code{python} command.
23299
23300 @findex gdb.PYTHONDIR
23301 @defvar gdb.PYTHONDIR
23302 A string containing the python directory (@pxref{Python}).
23303 @end defvar
23304
23305 @findex gdb.execute
23306 @defun gdb.execute (command @r{[}, from_tty @r{[}, to_string@r{]]})
23307 Evaluate @var{command}, a string, as a @value{GDBN} CLI command.
23308 If a GDB exception happens while @var{command} runs, it is
23309 translated as described in @ref{Exception Handling,,Exception Handling}.
23310
23311 @var{from_tty} specifies whether @value{GDBN} ought to consider this
23312 command as having originated from the user invoking it interactively.
23313 It must be a boolean value. If omitted, it defaults to @code{False}.
23314
23315 By default, any output produced by @var{command} is sent to
23316 @value{GDBN}'s standard output. If the @var{to_string} parameter is
23317 @code{True}, then output will be collected by @code{gdb.execute} and
23318 returned as a string. The default is @code{False}, in which case the
23319 return value is @code{None}. If @var{to_string} is @code{True}, the
23320 @value{GDBN} virtual terminal will be temporarily set to unlimited width
23321 and height, and its pagination will be disabled; @pxref{Screen Size}.
23322 @end defun
23323
23324 @findex gdb.breakpoints
23325 @defun gdb.breakpoints ()
23326 Return a sequence holding all of @value{GDBN}'s breakpoints.
23327 @xref{Breakpoints In Python}, for more information.
23328 @end defun
23329
23330 @findex gdb.parameter
23331 @defun gdb.parameter (parameter)
23332 Return the value of a @value{GDBN} parameter. @var{parameter} is a
23333 string naming the parameter to look up; @var{parameter} may contain
23334 spaces if the parameter has a multi-part name. For example,
23335 @samp{print object} is a valid parameter name.
23336
23337 If the named parameter does not exist, this function throws a
23338 @code{gdb.error} (@pxref{Exception Handling}). Otherwise, the
23339 parameter's value is converted to a Python value of the appropriate
23340 type, and returned.
23341 @end defun
23342
23343 @findex gdb.history
23344 @defun gdb.history (number)
23345 Return a value from @value{GDBN}'s value history (@pxref{Value
23346 History}). @var{number} indicates which history element to return.
23347 If @var{number} is negative, then @value{GDBN} will take its absolute value
23348 and count backward from the last element (i.e., the most recent element) to
23349 find the value to return. If @var{number} is zero, then @value{GDBN} will
23350 return the most recent element. If the element specified by @var{number}
23351 doesn't exist in the value history, a @code{gdb.error} exception will be
23352 raised.
23353
23354 If no exception is raised, the return value is always an instance of
23355 @code{gdb.Value} (@pxref{Values From Inferior}).
23356 @end defun
23357
23358 @findex gdb.parse_and_eval
23359 @defun gdb.parse_and_eval (expression)
23360 Parse @var{expression} as an expression in the current language,
23361 evaluate it, and return the result as a @code{gdb.Value}.
23362 @var{expression} must be a string.
23363
23364 This function can be useful when implementing a new command
23365 (@pxref{Commands In Python}), as it provides a way to parse the
23366 command's argument as an expression. It is also useful simply to
23367 compute values, for example, it is the only way to get the value of a
23368 convenience variable (@pxref{Convenience Vars}) as a @code{gdb.Value}.
23369 @end defun
23370
23371 @findex gdb.find_pc_line
23372 @defun gdb.find_pc_line (pc)
23373 Return the @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object corresponding to the
23374 @var{pc} value. @xref{Symbol Tables In Python}. If an invalid
23375 value of @var{pc} is passed as an argument, then the @code{symtab} and
23376 @code{line} attributes of the returned @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object
23377 will be @code{None} and 0 respectively.
23378 @end defun
23379
23380 @findex gdb.post_event
23381 @defun gdb.post_event (event)
23382 Put @var{event}, a callable object taking no arguments, into
23383 @value{GDBN}'s internal event queue. This callable will be invoked at
23384 some later point, during @value{GDBN}'s event processing. Events
23385 posted using @code{post_event} will be run in the order in which they
23386 were posted; however, there is no way to know when they will be
23387 processed relative to other events inside @value{GDBN}.
23388
23389 @value{GDBN} is not thread-safe. If your Python program uses multiple
23390 threads, you must be careful to only call @value{GDBN}-specific
23391 functions in the main @value{GDBN} thread. @code{post_event} ensures
23392 this. For example:
23393
23394 @smallexample
23395 (@value{GDBP}) python
23396 >import threading
23397 >
23398 >class Writer():
23399 > def __init__(self, message):
23400 > self.message = message;
23401 > def __call__(self):
23402 > gdb.write(self.message)
23403 >
23404 >class MyThread1 (threading.Thread):
23405 > def run (self):
23406 > gdb.post_event(Writer("Hello "))
23407 >
23408 >class MyThread2 (threading.Thread):
23409 > def run (self):
23410 > gdb.post_event(Writer("World\n"))
23411 >
23412 >MyThread1().start()
23413 >MyThread2().start()
23414 >end
23415 (@value{GDBP}) Hello World
23416 @end smallexample
23417 @end defun
23418
23419 @findex gdb.write
23420 @defun gdb.write (string @r{[}, stream{]})
23421 Print a string to @value{GDBN}'s paginated output stream. The
23422 optional @var{stream} determines the stream to print to. The default
23423 stream is @value{GDBN}'s standard output stream. Possible stream
23424 values are:
23425
23426 @table @code
23427 @findex STDOUT
23428 @findex gdb.STDOUT
23429 @item gdb.STDOUT
23430 @value{GDBN}'s standard output stream.
23431
23432 @findex STDERR
23433 @findex gdb.STDERR
23434 @item gdb.STDERR
23435 @value{GDBN}'s standard error stream.
23436
23437 @findex STDLOG
23438 @findex gdb.STDLOG
23439 @item gdb.STDLOG
23440 @value{GDBN}'s log stream (@pxref{Logging Output}).
23441 @end table
23442
23443 Writing to @code{sys.stdout} or @code{sys.stderr} will automatically
23444 call this function and will automatically direct the output to the
23445 relevant stream.
23446 @end defun
23447
23448 @findex gdb.flush
23449 @defun gdb.flush ()
23450 Flush the buffer of a @value{GDBN} paginated stream so that the
23451 contents are displayed immediately. @value{GDBN} will flush the
23452 contents of a stream automatically when it encounters a newline in the
23453 buffer. The optional @var{stream} determines the stream to flush. The
23454 default stream is @value{GDBN}'s standard output stream. Possible
23455 stream values are:
23456
23457 @table @code
23458 @findex STDOUT
23459 @findex gdb.STDOUT
23460 @item gdb.STDOUT
23461 @value{GDBN}'s standard output stream.
23462
23463 @findex STDERR
23464 @findex gdb.STDERR
23465 @item gdb.STDERR
23466 @value{GDBN}'s standard error stream.
23467
23468 @findex STDLOG
23469 @findex gdb.STDLOG
23470 @item gdb.STDLOG
23471 @value{GDBN}'s log stream (@pxref{Logging Output}).
23472
23473 @end table
23474
23475 Flushing @code{sys.stdout} or @code{sys.stderr} will automatically
23476 call this function for the relevant stream.
23477 @end defun
23478
23479 @findex gdb.target_charset
23480 @defun gdb.target_charset ()
23481 Return the name of the current target character set (@pxref{Character
23482 Sets}). This differs from @code{gdb.parameter('target-charset')} in
23483 that @samp{auto} is never returned.
23484 @end defun
23485
23486 @findex gdb.target_wide_charset
23487 @defun gdb.target_wide_charset ()
23488 Return the name of the current target wide character set
23489 (@pxref{Character Sets}). This differs from
23490 @code{gdb.parameter('target-wide-charset')} in that @samp{auto} is
23491 never returned.
23492 @end defun
23493
23494 @findex gdb.solib_name
23495 @defun gdb.solib_name (address)
23496 Return the name of the shared library holding the given @var{address}
23497 as a string, or @code{None}.
23498 @end defun
23499
23500 @findex gdb.decode_line
23501 @defun gdb.decode_line @r{[}expression@r{]}
23502 Return locations of the line specified by @var{expression}, or of the
23503 current line if no argument was given. This function returns a Python
23504 tuple containing two elements. The first element contains a string
23505 holding any unparsed section of @var{expression} (or @code{None} if
23506 the expression has been fully parsed). The second element contains
23507 either @code{None} or another tuple that contains all the locations
23508 that match the expression represented as @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line}
23509 objects (@pxref{Symbol Tables In Python}). If @var{expression} is
23510 provided, it is decoded the way that @value{GDBN}'s inbuilt
23511 @code{break} or @code{edit} commands do (@pxref{Specify Location}).
23512 @end defun
23513
23514 @defun gdb.prompt_hook (current_prompt)
23515 @anchor{prompt_hook}
23516
23517 If @var{prompt_hook} is callable, @value{GDBN} will call the method
23518 assigned to this operation before a prompt is displayed by
23519 @value{GDBN}.
23520
23521 The parameter @code{current_prompt} contains the current @value{GDBN}
23522 prompt. This method must return a Python string, or @code{None}. If
23523 a string is returned, the @value{GDBN} prompt will be set to that
23524 string. If @code{None} is returned, @value{GDBN} will continue to use
23525 the current prompt.
23526
23527 Some prompts cannot be substituted in @value{GDBN}. Secondary prompts
23528 such as those used by readline for command input, and annotation
23529 related prompts are prohibited from being changed.
23530 @end defun
23531
23532 @node Exception Handling
23533 @subsubsection Exception Handling
23534 @cindex python exceptions
23535 @cindex exceptions, python
23536
23537 When executing the @code{python} command, Python exceptions
23538 uncaught within the Python code are translated to calls to
23539 @value{GDBN} error-reporting mechanism. If the command that called
23540 @code{python} does not handle the error, @value{GDBN} will
23541 terminate it and print an error message containing the Python
23542 exception name, the associated value, and the Python call stack
23543 backtrace at the point where the exception was raised. Example:
23544
23545 @smallexample
23546 (@value{GDBP}) python print foo
23547 Traceback (most recent call last):
23548 File "<string>", line 1, in <module>
23549 NameError: name 'foo' is not defined
23550 @end smallexample
23551
23552 @value{GDBN} errors that happen in @value{GDBN} commands invoked by
23553 Python code are converted to Python exceptions. The type of the
23554 Python exception depends on the error.
23555
23556 @ftable @code
23557 @item gdb.error
23558 This is the base class for most exceptions generated by @value{GDBN}.
23559 It is derived from @code{RuntimeError}, for compatibility with earlier
23560 versions of @value{GDBN}.
23561
23562 If an error occurring in @value{GDBN} does not fit into some more
23563 specific category, then the generated exception will have this type.
23564
23565 @item gdb.MemoryError
23566 This is a subclass of @code{gdb.error} which is thrown when an
23567 operation tried to access invalid memory in the inferior.
23568
23569 @item KeyboardInterrupt
23570 User interrupt (via @kbd{C-c} or by typing @kbd{q} at a pagination
23571 prompt) is translated to a Python @code{KeyboardInterrupt} exception.
23572 @end ftable
23573
23574 In all cases, your exception handler will see the @value{GDBN} error
23575 message as its value and the Python call stack backtrace at the Python
23576 statement closest to where the @value{GDBN} error occured as the
23577 traceback.
23578
23579 @findex gdb.GdbError
23580 When implementing @value{GDBN} commands in Python via @code{gdb.Command},
23581 it is useful to be able to throw an exception that doesn't cause a
23582 traceback to be printed. For example, the user may have invoked the
23583 command incorrectly. Use the @code{gdb.GdbError} exception
23584 to handle this case. Example:
23585
23586 @smallexample
23587 (gdb) python
23588 >class HelloWorld (gdb.Command):
23589 > """Greet the whole world."""
23590 > def __init__ (self):
23591 > super (HelloWorld, self).__init__ ("hello-world", gdb.COMMAND_USER)
23592 > def invoke (self, args, from_tty):
23593 > argv = gdb.string_to_argv (args)
23594 > if len (argv) != 0:
23595 > raise gdb.GdbError ("hello-world takes no arguments")
23596 > print "Hello, World!"
23597 >HelloWorld ()
23598 >end
23599 (gdb) hello-world 42
23600 hello-world takes no arguments
23601 @end smallexample
23602
23603 @node Values From Inferior
23604 @subsubsection Values From Inferior
23605 @cindex values from inferior, with Python
23606 @cindex python, working with values from inferior
23607
23608 @cindex @code{gdb.Value}
23609 @value{GDBN} provides values it obtains from the inferior program in
23610 an object of type @code{gdb.Value}. @value{GDBN} uses this object
23611 for its internal bookkeeping of the inferior's values, and for
23612 fetching values when necessary.
23613
23614 Inferior values that are simple scalars can be used directly in
23615 Python expressions that are valid for the value's data type. Here's
23616 an example for an integer or floating-point value @code{some_val}:
23617
23618 @smallexample
23619 bar = some_val + 2
23620 @end smallexample
23621
23622 @noindent
23623 As result of this, @code{bar} will also be a @code{gdb.Value} object
23624 whose values are of the same type as those of @code{some_val}.
23625
23626 Inferior values that are structures or instances of some class can
23627 be accessed using the Python @dfn{dictionary syntax}. For example, if
23628 @code{some_val} is a @code{gdb.Value} instance holding a structure, you
23629 can access its @code{foo} element with:
23630
23631 @smallexample
23632 bar = some_val['foo']
23633 @end smallexample
23634
23635 Again, @code{bar} will also be a @code{gdb.Value} object.
23636
23637 A @code{gdb.Value} that represents a function can be executed via
23638 inferior function call. Any arguments provided to the call must match
23639 the function's prototype, and must be provided in the order specified
23640 by that prototype.
23641
23642 For example, @code{some_val} is a @code{gdb.Value} instance
23643 representing a function that takes two integers as arguments. To
23644 execute this function, call it like so:
23645
23646 @smallexample
23647 result = some_val (10,20)
23648 @end smallexample
23649
23650 Any values returned from a function call will be stored as a
23651 @code{gdb.Value}.
23652
23653 The following attributes are provided:
23654
23655 @defvar Value.address
23656 If this object is addressable, this read-only attribute holds a
23657 @code{gdb.Value} object representing the address. Otherwise,
23658 this attribute holds @code{None}.
23659 @end defvar
23660
23661 @cindex optimized out value in Python
23662 @defvar Value.is_optimized_out
23663 This read-only boolean attribute is true if the compiler optimized out
23664 this value, thus it is not available for fetching from the inferior.
23665 @end defvar
23666
23667 @defvar Value.type
23668 The type of this @code{gdb.Value}. The value of this attribute is a
23669 @code{gdb.Type} object (@pxref{Types In Python}).
23670 @end defvar
23671
23672 @defvar Value.dynamic_type
23673 The dynamic type of this @code{gdb.Value}. This uses C@t{++} run-time
23674 type information (@acronym{RTTI}) to determine the dynamic type of the
23675 value. If this value is of class type, it will return the class in
23676 which the value is embedded, if any. If this value is of pointer or
23677 reference to a class type, it will compute the dynamic type of the
23678 referenced object, and return a pointer or reference to that type,
23679 respectively. In all other cases, it will return the value's static
23680 type.
23681
23682 Note that this feature will only work when debugging a C@t{++} program
23683 that includes @acronym{RTTI} for the object in question. Otherwise,
23684 it will just return the static type of the value as in @kbd{ptype foo}
23685 (@pxref{Symbols, ptype}).
23686 @end defvar
23687
23688 @defvar Value.is_lazy
23689 The value of this read-only boolean attribute is @code{True} if this
23690 @code{gdb.Value} has not yet been fetched from the inferior.
23691 @value{GDBN} does not fetch values until necessary, for efficiency.
23692 For example:
23693
23694 @smallexample
23695 myval = gdb.parse_and_eval ('somevar')
23696 @end smallexample
23697
23698 The value of @code{somevar} is not fetched at this time. It will be
23699 fetched when the value is needed, or when the @code{fetch_lazy}
23700 method is invoked.
23701 @end defvar
23702
23703 The following methods are provided:
23704
23705 @defun Value.__init__ (@var{val})
23706 Many Python values can be converted directly to a @code{gdb.Value} via
23707 this object initializer. Specifically:
23708
23709 @table @asis
23710 @item Python boolean
23711 A Python boolean is converted to the boolean type from the current
23712 language.
23713
23714 @item Python integer
23715 A Python integer is converted to the C @code{long} type for the
23716 current architecture.
23717
23718 @item Python long
23719 A Python long is converted to the C @code{long long} type for the
23720 current architecture.
23721
23722 @item Python float
23723 A Python float is converted to the C @code{double} type for the
23724 current architecture.
23725
23726 @item Python string
23727 A Python string is converted to a target string, using the current
23728 target encoding.
23729
23730 @item @code{gdb.Value}
23731 If @code{val} is a @code{gdb.Value}, then a copy of the value is made.
23732
23733 @item @code{gdb.LazyString}
23734 If @code{val} is a @code{gdb.LazyString} (@pxref{Lazy Strings In
23735 Python}), then the lazy string's @code{value} method is called, and
23736 its result is used.
23737 @end table
23738 @end defun
23739
23740 @defun Value.cast (type)
23741 Return a new instance of @code{gdb.Value} that is the result of
23742 casting this instance to the type described by @var{type}, which must
23743 be a @code{gdb.Type} object. If the cast cannot be performed for some
23744 reason, this method throws an exception.
23745 @end defun
23746
23747 @defun Value.dereference ()
23748 For pointer data types, this method returns a new @code{gdb.Value} object
23749 whose contents is the object pointed to by the pointer. For example, if
23750 @code{foo} is a C pointer to an @code{int}, declared in your C program as
23751
23752 @smallexample
23753 int *foo;
23754 @end smallexample
23755
23756 @noindent
23757 then you can use the corresponding @code{gdb.Value} to access what
23758 @code{foo} points to like this:
23759
23760 @smallexample
23761 bar = foo.dereference ()
23762 @end smallexample
23763
23764 The result @code{bar} will be a @code{gdb.Value} object holding the
23765 value pointed to by @code{foo}.
23766
23767 A similar function @code{Value.referenced_value} exists which also
23768 returns @code{gdb.Value} objects corresonding to the values pointed to
23769 by pointer values (and additionally, values referenced by reference
23770 values). However, the behavior of @code{Value.dereference}
23771 differs from @code{Value.referenced_value} by the fact that the
23772 behavior of @code{Value.dereference} is identical to applying the C
23773 unary operator @code{*} on a given value. For example, consider a
23774 reference to a pointer @code{ptrref}, declared in your C@t{++} program
23775 as
23776
23777 @smallexample
23778 typedef int *intptr;
23779 ...
23780 int val = 10;
23781 intptr ptr = &val;
23782 intptr &ptrref = ptr;
23783 @end smallexample
23784
23785 Though @code{ptrref} is a reference value, one can apply the method
23786 @code{Value.dereference} to the @code{gdb.Value} object corresponding
23787 to it and obtain a @code{gdb.Value} which is identical to that
23788 corresponding to @code{val}. However, if you apply the method
23789 @code{Value.referenced_value}, the result would be a @code{gdb.Value}
23790 object identical to that corresponding to @code{ptr}.
23791
23792 @smallexample
23793 py_ptrref = gdb.parse_and_eval ("ptrref")
23794 py_val = py_ptrref.dereference ()
23795 py_ptr = py_ptrref.referenced_value ()
23796 @end smallexample
23797
23798 The @code{gdb.Value} object @code{py_val} is identical to that
23799 corresponding to @code{val}, and @code{py_ptr} is identical to that
23800 corresponding to @code{ptr}. In general, @code{Value.dereference} can
23801 be applied whenever the C unary operator @code{*} can be applied
23802 to the corresponding C value. For those cases where applying both
23803 @code{Value.dereference} and @code{Value.referenced_value} is allowed,
23804 the results obtained need not be identical (as we have seen in the above
23805 example). The results are however identical when applied on
23806 @code{gdb.Value} objects corresponding to pointers (@code{gdb.Value}
23807 objects with type code @code{TYPE_CODE_PTR}) in a C/C@t{++} program.
23808 @end defun
23809
23810 @defun Value.referenced_value ()
23811 For pointer or reference data types, this method returns a new
23812 @code{gdb.Value} object corresponding to the value referenced by the
23813 pointer/reference value. For pointer data types,
23814 @code{Value.dereference} and @code{Value.referenced_value} produce
23815 identical results. The difference between these methods is that
23816 @code{Value.dereference} cannot get the values referenced by reference
23817 values. For example, consider a reference to an @code{int}, declared
23818 in your C@t{++} program as
23819
23820 @smallexample
23821 int val = 10;
23822 int &ref = val;
23823 @end smallexample
23824
23825 @noindent
23826 then applying @code{Value.dereference} to the @code{gdb.Value} object
23827 corresponding to @code{ref} will result in an error, while applying
23828 @code{Value.referenced_value} will result in a @code{gdb.Value} object
23829 identical to that corresponding to @code{val}.
23830
23831 @smallexample
23832 py_ref = gdb.parse_and_eval ("ref")
23833 er_ref = py_ref.dereference () # Results in error
23834 py_val = py_ref.referenced_value () # Returns the referenced value
23835 @end smallexample
23836
23837 The @code{gdb.Value} object @code{py_val} is identical to that
23838 corresponding to @code{val}.
23839 @end defun
23840
23841 @defun Value.dynamic_cast (type)
23842 Like @code{Value.cast}, but works as if the C@t{++} @code{dynamic_cast}
23843 operator were used. Consult a C@t{++} reference for details.
23844 @end defun
23845
23846 @defun Value.reinterpret_cast (type)
23847 Like @code{Value.cast}, but works as if the C@t{++} @code{reinterpret_cast}
23848 operator were used. Consult a C@t{++} reference for details.
23849 @end defun
23850
23851 @defun Value.string (@r{[}encoding@r{[}, errors@r{[}, length@r{]]]})
23852 If this @code{gdb.Value} represents a string, then this method
23853 converts the contents to a Python string. Otherwise, this method will
23854 throw an exception.
23855
23856 Strings are recognized in a language-specific way; whether a given
23857 @code{gdb.Value} represents a string is determined by the current
23858 language.
23859
23860 For C-like languages, a value is a string if it is a pointer to or an
23861 array of characters or ints. The string is assumed to be terminated
23862 by a zero of the appropriate width. However if the optional length
23863 argument is given, the string will be converted to that given length,
23864 ignoring any embedded zeros that the string may contain.
23865
23866 If the optional @var{encoding} argument is given, it must be a string
23867 naming the encoding of the string in the @code{gdb.Value}, such as
23868 @code{"ascii"}, @code{"iso-8859-6"} or @code{"utf-8"}. It accepts
23869 the same encodings as the corresponding argument to Python's
23870 @code{string.decode} method, and the Python codec machinery will be used
23871 to convert the string. If @var{encoding} is not given, or if
23872 @var{encoding} is the empty string, then either the @code{target-charset}
23873 (@pxref{Character Sets}) will be used, or a language-specific encoding
23874 will be used, if the current language is able to supply one.
23875
23876 The optional @var{errors} argument is the same as the corresponding
23877 argument to Python's @code{string.decode} method.
23878
23879 If the optional @var{length} argument is given, the string will be
23880 fetched and converted to the given length.
23881 @end defun
23882
23883 @defun Value.lazy_string (@r{[}encoding @r{[}, length@r{]]})
23884 If this @code{gdb.Value} represents a string, then this method
23885 converts the contents to a @code{gdb.LazyString} (@pxref{Lazy Strings
23886 In Python}). Otherwise, this method will throw an exception.
23887
23888 If the optional @var{encoding} argument is given, it must be a string
23889 naming the encoding of the @code{gdb.LazyString}. Some examples are:
23890 @samp{ascii}, @samp{iso-8859-6} or @samp{utf-8}. If the
23891 @var{encoding} argument is an encoding that @value{GDBN} does
23892 recognize, @value{GDBN} will raise an error.
23893
23894 When a lazy string is printed, the @value{GDBN} encoding machinery is
23895 used to convert the string during printing. If the optional
23896 @var{encoding} argument is not provided, or is an empty string,
23897 @value{GDBN} will automatically select the encoding most suitable for
23898 the string type. For further information on encoding in @value{GDBN}
23899 please see @ref{Character Sets}.
23900
23901 If the optional @var{length} argument is given, the string will be
23902 fetched and encoded to the length of characters specified. If
23903 the @var{length} argument is not provided, the string will be fetched
23904 and encoded until a null of appropriate width is found.
23905 @end defun
23906
23907 @defun Value.fetch_lazy ()
23908 If the @code{gdb.Value} object is currently a lazy value
23909 (@code{gdb.Value.is_lazy} is @code{True}), then the value is
23910 fetched from the inferior. Any errors that occur in the process
23911 will produce a Python exception.
23912
23913 If the @code{gdb.Value} object is not a lazy value, this method
23914 has no effect.
23915
23916 This method does not return a value.
23917 @end defun
23918
23919
23920 @node Types In Python
23921 @subsubsection Types In Python
23922 @cindex types in Python
23923 @cindex Python, working with types
23924
23925 @tindex gdb.Type
23926 @value{GDBN} represents types from the inferior using the class
23927 @code{gdb.Type}.
23928
23929 The following type-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
23930 module:
23931
23932 @findex gdb.lookup_type
23933 @defun gdb.lookup_type (name @r{[}, block@r{]})
23934 This function looks up a type by name. @var{name} is the name of the
23935 type to look up. It must be a string.
23936
23937 If @var{block} is given, then @var{name} is looked up in that scope.
23938 Otherwise, it is searched for globally.
23939
23940 Ordinarily, this function will return an instance of @code{gdb.Type}.
23941 If the named type cannot be found, it will throw an exception.
23942 @end defun
23943
23944 If the type is a structure or class type, or an enum type, the fields
23945 of that type can be accessed using the Python @dfn{dictionary syntax}.
23946 For example, if @code{some_type} is a @code{gdb.Type} instance holding
23947 a structure type, you can access its @code{foo} field with:
23948
23949 @smallexample
23950 bar = some_type['foo']
23951 @end smallexample
23952
23953 @code{bar} will be a @code{gdb.Field} object; see below under the
23954 description of the @code{Type.fields} method for a description of the
23955 @code{gdb.Field} class.
23956
23957 An instance of @code{Type} has the following attributes:
23958
23959 @defvar Type.code
23960 The type code for this type. The type code will be one of the
23961 @code{TYPE_CODE_} constants defined below.
23962 @end defvar
23963
23964 @defvar Type.sizeof
23965 The size of this type, in target @code{char} units. Usually, a
23966 target's @code{char} type will be an 8-bit byte. However, on some
23967 unusual platforms, this type may have a different size.
23968 @end defvar
23969
23970 @defvar Type.tag
23971 The tag name for this type. The tag name is the name after
23972 @code{struct}, @code{union}, or @code{enum} in C and C@t{++}; not all
23973 languages have this concept. If this type has no tag name, then
23974 @code{None} is returned.
23975 @end defvar
23976
23977 The following methods are provided:
23978
23979 @defun Type.fields ()
23980 For structure and union types, this method returns the fields. Range
23981 types have two fields, the minimum and maximum values. Enum types
23982 have one field per enum constant. Function and method types have one
23983 field per parameter. The base types of C@t{++} classes are also
23984 represented as fields. If the type has no fields, or does not fit
23985 into one of these categories, an empty sequence will be returned.
23986
23987 Each field is a @code{gdb.Field} object, with some pre-defined attributes:
23988 @table @code
23989 @item bitpos
23990 This attribute is not available for @code{static} fields (as in
23991 C@t{++} or Java). For non-@code{static} fields, the value is the bit
23992 position of the field. For @code{enum} fields, the value is the
23993 enumeration member's integer representation.
23994
23995 @item name
23996 The name of the field, or @code{None} for anonymous fields.
23997
23998 @item artificial
23999 This is @code{True} if the field is artificial, usually meaning that
24000 it was provided by the compiler and not the user. This attribute is
24001 always provided, and is @code{False} if the field is not artificial.
24002
24003 @item is_base_class
24004 This is @code{True} if the field represents a base class of a C@t{++}
24005 structure. This attribute is always provided, and is @code{False}
24006 if the field is not a base class of the type that is the argument of
24007 @code{fields}, or if that type was not a C@t{++} class.
24008
24009 @item bitsize
24010 If the field is packed, or is a bitfield, then this will have a
24011 non-zero value, which is the size of the field in bits. Otherwise,
24012 this will be zero; in this case the field's size is given by its type.
24013
24014 @item type
24015 The type of the field. This is usually an instance of @code{Type},
24016 but it can be @code{None} in some situations.
24017 @end table
24018 @end defun
24019
24020 @defun Type.array (@var{n1} @r{[}, @var{n2}@r{]})
24021 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents an array of this
24022 type. If one argument is given, it is the inclusive upper bound of
24023 the array; in this case the lower bound is zero. If two arguments are
24024 given, the first argument is the lower bound of the array, and the
24025 second argument is the upper bound of the array. An array's length
24026 must not be negative, but the bounds can be.
24027 @end defun
24028
24029 @defun Type.vector (@var{n1} @r{[}, @var{n2}@r{]})
24030 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a vector of this
24031 type. If one argument is given, it is the inclusive upper bound of
24032 the vector; in this case the lower bound is zero. If two arguments are
24033 given, the first argument is the lower bound of the vector, and the
24034 second argument is the upper bound of the vector. A vector's length
24035 must not be negative, but the bounds can be.
24036
24037 The difference between an @code{array} and a @code{vector} is that
24038 arrays behave like in C: when used in expressions they decay to a pointer
24039 to the first element whereas vectors are treated as first class values.
24040 @end defun
24041
24042 @defun Type.const ()
24043 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a
24044 @code{const}-qualified variant of this type.
24045 @end defun
24046
24047 @defun Type.volatile ()
24048 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a
24049 @code{volatile}-qualified variant of this type.
24050 @end defun
24051
24052 @defun Type.unqualified ()
24053 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents an unqualified
24054 variant of this type. That is, the result is neither @code{const} nor
24055 @code{volatile}.
24056 @end defun
24057
24058 @defun Type.range ()
24059 Return a Python @code{Tuple} object that contains two elements: the
24060 low bound of the argument type and the high bound of that type. If
24061 the type does not have a range, @value{GDBN} will raise a
24062 @code{gdb.error} exception (@pxref{Exception Handling}).
24063 @end defun
24064
24065 @defun Type.reference ()
24066 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a reference to this
24067 type.
24068 @end defun
24069
24070 @defun Type.pointer ()
24071 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a pointer to this
24072 type.
24073 @end defun
24074
24075 @defun Type.strip_typedefs ()
24076 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} that represents the real type,
24077 after removing all layers of typedefs.
24078 @end defun
24079
24080 @defun Type.target ()
24081 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents the target type
24082 of this type.
24083
24084 For a pointer type, the target type is the type of the pointed-to
24085 object. For an array type (meaning C-like arrays), the target type is
24086 the type of the elements of the array. For a function or method type,
24087 the target type is the type of the return value. For a complex type,
24088 the target type is the type of the elements. For a typedef, the
24089 target type is the aliased type.
24090
24091 If the type does not have a target, this method will throw an
24092 exception.
24093 @end defun
24094
24095 @defun Type.template_argument (n @r{[}, block@r{]})
24096 If this @code{gdb.Type} is an instantiation of a template, this will
24097 return a new @code{gdb.Type} which represents the type of the
24098 @var{n}th template argument.
24099
24100 If this @code{gdb.Type} is not a template type, this will throw an
24101 exception. Ordinarily, only C@t{++} code will have template types.
24102
24103 If @var{block} is given, then @var{name} is looked up in that scope.
24104 Otherwise, it is searched for globally.
24105 @end defun
24106
24107
24108 Each type has a code, which indicates what category this type falls
24109 into. The available type categories are represented by constants
24110 defined in the @code{gdb} module:
24111
24112 @table @code
24113 @findex TYPE_CODE_PTR
24114 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_PTR
24115 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_PTR
24116 The type is a pointer.
24117
24118 @findex TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
24119 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
24120 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
24121 The type is an array.
24122
24123 @findex TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
24124 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
24125 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
24126 The type is a structure.
24127
24128 @findex TYPE_CODE_UNION
24129 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_UNION
24130 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_UNION
24131 The type is a union.
24132
24133 @findex TYPE_CODE_ENUM
24134 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ENUM
24135 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_ENUM
24136 The type is an enum.
24137
24138 @findex TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
24139 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
24140 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
24141 A bit flags type, used for things such as status registers.
24142
24143 @findex TYPE_CODE_FUNC
24144 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FUNC
24145 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_FUNC
24146 The type is a function.
24147
24148 @findex TYPE_CODE_INT
24149 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_INT
24150 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_INT
24151 The type is an integer type.
24152
24153 @findex TYPE_CODE_FLT
24154 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLT
24155 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLT
24156 A floating point type.
24157
24158 @findex TYPE_CODE_VOID
24159 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_VOID
24160 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_VOID
24161 The special type @code{void}.
24162
24163 @findex TYPE_CODE_SET
24164 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_SET
24165 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_SET
24166 A Pascal set type.
24167
24168 @findex TYPE_CODE_RANGE
24169 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_RANGE
24170 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_RANGE
24171 A range type, that is, an integer type with bounds.
24172
24173 @findex TYPE_CODE_STRING
24174 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRING
24175 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRING
24176 A string type. Note that this is only used for certain languages with
24177 language-defined string types; C strings are not represented this way.
24178
24179 @findex TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
24180 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
24181 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
24182 A string of bits. It is deprecated.
24183
24184 @findex TYPE_CODE_ERROR
24185 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ERROR
24186 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_ERROR
24187 An unknown or erroneous type.
24188
24189 @findex TYPE_CODE_METHOD
24190 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHOD
24191 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHOD
24192 A method type, as found in C@t{++} or Java.
24193
24194 @findex TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
24195 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
24196 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
24197 A pointer-to-member-function.
24198
24199 @findex TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
24200 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
24201 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
24202 A pointer-to-member.
24203
24204 @findex TYPE_CODE_REF
24205 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_REF
24206 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_REF
24207 A reference type.
24208
24209 @findex TYPE_CODE_CHAR
24210 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_CHAR
24211 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_CHAR
24212 A character type.
24213
24214 @findex TYPE_CODE_BOOL
24215 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_BOOL
24216 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_BOOL
24217 A boolean type.
24218
24219 @findex TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
24220 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
24221 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
24222 A complex float type.
24223
24224 @findex TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
24225 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
24226 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
24227 A typedef to some other type.
24228
24229 @findex TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
24230 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
24231 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
24232 A C@t{++} namespace.
24233
24234 @findex TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
24235 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
24236 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
24237 A decimal floating point type.
24238
24239 @findex TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
24240 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
24241 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
24242 A function internal to @value{GDBN}. This is the type used to represent
24243 convenience functions.
24244 @end table
24245
24246 Further support for types is provided in the @code{gdb.types}
24247 Python module (@pxref{gdb.types}).
24248
24249 @node Pretty Printing API
24250 @subsubsection Pretty Printing API
24251
24252 An example output is provided (@pxref{Pretty Printing}).
24253
24254 A pretty-printer is just an object that holds a value and implements a
24255 specific interface, defined here.
24256
24257 @defun pretty_printer.children (self)
24258 @value{GDBN} will call this method on a pretty-printer to compute the
24259 children of the pretty-printer's value.
24260
24261 This method must return an object conforming to the Python iterator
24262 protocol. Each item returned by the iterator must be a tuple holding
24263 two elements. The first element is the ``name'' of the child; the
24264 second element is the child's value. The value can be any Python
24265 object which is convertible to a @value{GDBN} value.
24266
24267 This method is optional. If it does not exist, @value{GDBN} will act
24268 as though the value has no children.
24269 @end defun
24270
24271 @defun pretty_printer.display_hint (self)
24272 The CLI may call this method and use its result to change the
24273 formatting of a value. The result will also be supplied to an MI
24274 consumer as a @samp{displayhint} attribute of the variable being
24275 printed.
24276
24277 This method is optional. If it does exist, this method must return a
24278 string.
24279
24280 Some display hints are predefined by @value{GDBN}:
24281
24282 @table @samp
24283 @item array
24284 Indicate that the object being printed is ``array-like''. The CLI
24285 uses this to respect parameters such as @code{set print elements} and
24286 @code{set print array}.
24287
24288 @item map
24289 Indicate that the object being printed is ``map-like'', and that the
24290 children of this value can be assumed to alternate between keys and
24291 values.
24292
24293 @item string
24294 Indicate that the object being printed is ``string-like''. If the
24295 printer's @code{to_string} method returns a Python string of some
24296 kind, then @value{GDBN} will call its internal language-specific
24297 string-printing function to format the string. For the CLI this means
24298 adding quotation marks, possibly escaping some characters, respecting
24299 @code{set print elements}, and the like.
24300 @end table
24301 @end defun
24302
24303 @defun pretty_printer.to_string (self)
24304 @value{GDBN} will call this method to display the string
24305 representation of the value passed to the object's constructor.
24306
24307 When printing from the CLI, if the @code{to_string} method exists,
24308 then @value{GDBN} will prepend its result to the values returned by
24309 @code{children}. Exactly how this formatting is done is dependent on
24310 the display hint, and may change as more hints are added. Also,
24311 depending on the print settings (@pxref{Print Settings}), the CLI may
24312 print just the result of @code{to_string} in a stack trace, omitting
24313 the result of @code{children}.
24314
24315 If this method returns a string, it is printed verbatim.
24316
24317 Otherwise, if this method returns an instance of @code{gdb.Value},
24318 then @value{GDBN} prints this value. This may result in a call to
24319 another pretty-printer.
24320
24321 If instead the method returns a Python value which is convertible to a
24322 @code{gdb.Value}, then @value{GDBN} performs the conversion and prints
24323 the resulting value. Again, this may result in a call to another
24324 pretty-printer. Python scalars (integers, floats, and booleans) and
24325 strings are convertible to @code{gdb.Value}; other types are not.
24326
24327 Finally, if this method returns @code{None} then no further operations
24328 are peformed in this method and nothing is printed.
24329
24330 If the result is not one of these types, an exception is raised.
24331 @end defun
24332
24333 @value{GDBN} provides a function which can be used to look up the
24334 default pretty-printer for a @code{gdb.Value}:
24335
24336 @findex gdb.default_visualizer
24337 @defun gdb.default_visualizer (value)
24338 This function takes a @code{gdb.Value} object as an argument. If a
24339 pretty-printer for this value exists, then it is returned. If no such
24340 printer exists, then this returns @code{None}.
24341 @end defun
24342
24343 @node Selecting Pretty-Printers
24344 @subsubsection Selecting Pretty-Printers
24345
24346 The Python list @code{gdb.pretty_printers} contains an array of
24347 functions or callable objects that have been registered via addition
24348 as a pretty-printer. Printers in this list are called @code{global}
24349 printers, they're available when debugging all inferiors.
24350 Each @code{gdb.Progspace} contains a @code{pretty_printers} attribute.
24351 Each @code{gdb.Objfile} also contains a @code{pretty_printers}
24352 attribute.
24353
24354 Each function on these lists is passed a single @code{gdb.Value}
24355 argument and should return a pretty-printer object conforming to the
24356 interface definition above (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}). If a function
24357 cannot create a pretty-printer for the value, it should return
24358 @code{None}.
24359
24360 @value{GDBN} first checks the @code{pretty_printers} attribute of each
24361 @code{gdb.Objfile} in the current program space and iteratively calls
24362 each enabled lookup routine in the list for that @code{gdb.Objfile}
24363 until it receives a pretty-printer object.
24364 If no pretty-printer is found in the objfile lists, @value{GDBN} then
24365 searches the pretty-printer list of the current program space,
24366 calling each enabled function until an object is returned.
24367 After these lists have been exhausted, it tries the global
24368 @code{gdb.pretty_printers} list, again calling each enabled function until an
24369 object is returned.
24370
24371 The order in which the objfiles are searched is not specified. For a
24372 given list, functions are always invoked from the head of the list,
24373 and iterated over sequentially until the end of the list, or a printer
24374 object is returned.
24375
24376 For various reasons a pretty-printer may not work.
24377 For example, the underlying data structure may have changed and
24378 the pretty-printer is out of date.
24379
24380 The consequences of a broken pretty-printer are severe enough that
24381 @value{GDBN} provides support for enabling and disabling individual
24382 printers. For example, if @code{print frame-arguments} is on,
24383 a backtrace can become highly illegible if any argument is printed
24384 with a broken printer.
24385
24386 Pretty-printers are enabled and disabled by attaching an @code{enabled}
24387 attribute to the registered function or callable object. If this attribute
24388 is present and its value is @code{False}, the printer is disabled, otherwise
24389 the printer is enabled.
24390
24391 @node Writing a Pretty-Printer
24392 @subsubsection Writing a Pretty-Printer
24393 @cindex writing a pretty-printer
24394
24395 A pretty-printer consists of two parts: a lookup function to detect
24396 if the type is supported, and the printer itself.
24397
24398 Here is an example showing how a @code{std::string} printer might be
24399 written. @xref{Pretty Printing API}, for details on the API this class
24400 must provide.
24401
24402 @smallexample
24403 class StdStringPrinter(object):
24404 "Print a std::string"
24405
24406 def __init__(self, val):
24407 self.val = val
24408
24409 def to_string(self):
24410 return self.val['_M_dataplus']['_M_p']
24411
24412 def display_hint(self):
24413 return 'string'
24414 @end smallexample
24415
24416 And here is an example showing how a lookup function for the printer
24417 example above might be written.
24418
24419 @smallexample
24420 def str_lookup_function(val):
24421 lookup_tag = val.type.tag
24422 if lookup_tag == None:
24423 return None
24424 regex = re.compile("^std::basic_string<char,.*>$")
24425 if regex.match(lookup_tag):
24426 return StdStringPrinter(val)
24427 return None
24428 @end smallexample
24429
24430 The example lookup function extracts the value's type, and attempts to
24431 match it to a type that it can pretty-print. If it is a type the
24432 printer can pretty-print, it will return a printer object. If not, it
24433 returns @code{None}.
24434
24435 We recommend that you put your core pretty-printers into a Python
24436 package. If your pretty-printers are for use with a library, we
24437 further recommend embedding a version number into the package name.
24438 This practice will enable @value{GDBN} to load multiple versions of
24439 your pretty-printers at the same time, because they will have
24440 different names.
24441
24442 You should write auto-loaded code (@pxref{Python Auto-loading}) such that it
24443 can be evaluated multiple times without changing its meaning. An
24444 ideal auto-load file will consist solely of @code{import}s of your
24445 printer modules, followed by a call to a register pretty-printers with
24446 the current objfile.
24447
24448 Taken as a whole, this approach will scale nicely to multiple
24449 inferiors, each potentially using a different library version.
24450 Embedding a version number in the Python package name will ensure that
24451 @value{GDBN} is able to load both sets of printers simultaneously.
24452 Then, because the search for pretty-printers is done by objfile, and
24453 because your auto-loaded code took care to register your library's
24454 printers with a specific objfile, @value{GDBN} will find the correct
24455 printers for the specific version of the library used by each
24456 inferior.
24457
24458 To continue the @code{std::string} example (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}),
24459 this code might appear in @code{gdb.libstdcxx.v6}:
24460
24461 @smallexample
24462 def register_printers(objfile):
24463 objfile.pretty_printers.append(str_lookup_function)
24464 @end smallexample
24465
24466 @noindent
24467 And then the corresponding contents of the auto-load file would be:
24468
24469 @smallexample
24470 import gdb.libstdcxx.v6
24471 gdb.libstdcxx.v6.register_printers(gdb.current_objfile())
24472 @end smallexample
24473
24474 The previous example illustrates a basic pretty-printer.
24475 There are a few things that can be improved on.
24476 The printer doesn't have a name, making it hard to identify in a
24477 list of installed printers. The lookup function has a name, but
24478 lookup functions can have arbitrary, even identical, names.
24479
24480 Second, the printer only handles one type, whereas a library typically has
24481 several types. One could install a lookup function for each desired type
24482 in the library, but one could also have a single lookup function recognize
24483 several types. The latter is the conventional way this is handled.
24484 If a pretty-printer can handle multiple data types, then its
24485 @dfn{subprinters} are the printers for the individual data types.
24486
24487 The @code{gdb.printing} module provides a formal way of solving these
24488 problems (@pxref{gdb.printing}).
24489 Here is another example that handles multiple types.
24490
24491 These are the types we are going to pretty-print:
24492
24493 @smallexample
24494 struct foo @{ int a, b; @};
24495 struct bar @{ struct foo x, y; @};
24496 @end smallexample
24497
24498 Here are the printers:
24499
24500 @smallexample
24501 class fooPrinter:
24502 """Print a foo object."""
24503
24504 def __init__(self, val):
24505 self.val = val
24506
24507 def to_string(self):
24508 return ("a=<" + str(self.val["a"]) +
24509 "> b=<" + str(self.val["b"]) + ">")
24510
24511 class barPrinter:
24512 """Print a bar object."""
24513
24514 def __init__(self, val):
24515 self.val = val
24516
24517 def to_string(self):
24518 return ("x=<" + str(self.val["x"]) +
24519 "> y=<" + str(self.val["y"]) + ">")
24520 @end smallexample
24521
24522 This example doesn't need a lookup function, that is handled by the
24523 @code{gdb.printing} module. Instead a function is provided to build up
24524 the object that handles the lookup.
24525
24526 @smallexample
24527 import gdb.printing
24528
24529 def build_pretty_printer():
24530 pp = gdb.printing.RegexpCollectionPrettyPrinter(
24531 "my_library")
24532 pp.add_printer('foo', '^foo$', fooPrinter)
24533 pp.add_printer('bar', '^bar$', barPrinter)
24534 return pp
24535 @end smallexample
24536
24537 And here is the autoload support:
24538
24539 @smallexample
24540 import gdb.printing
24541 import my_library
24542 gdb.printing.register_pretty_printer(
24543 gdb.current_objfile(),
24544 my_library.build_pretty_printer())
24545 @end smallexample
24546
24547 Finally, when this printer is loaded into @value{GDBN}, here is the
24548 corresponding output of @samp{info pretty-printer}:
24549
24550 @smallexample
24551 (gdb) info pretty-printer
24552 my_library.so:
24553 my_library
24554 foo
24555 bar
24556 @end smallexample
24557
24558 @node Type Printing API
24559 @subsubsection Type Printing API
24560 @cindex type printing API for Python
24561
24562 @value{GDBN} provides a way for Python code to customize type display.
24563 This is mainly useful for substituting canonical typedef names for
24564 types.
24565
24566 @cindex type printer
24567 A @dfn{type printer} is just a Python object conforming to a certain
24568 protocol. A simple base class implementing the protocol is provided;
24569 see @ref{gdb.types}. A type printer must supply at least:
24570
24571 @defivar type_printer enabled
24572 A boolean which is True if the printer is enabled, and False
24573 otherwise. This is manipulated by the @code{enable type-printer}
24574 and @code{disable type-printer} commands.
24575 @end defivar
24576
24577 @defivar type_printer name
24578 The name of the type printer. This must be a string. This is used by
24579 the @code{enable type-printer} and @code{disable type-printer}
24580 commands.
24581 @end defivar
24582
24583 @defmethod type_printer instantiate (self)
24584 This is called by @value{GDBN} at the start of type-printing. It is
24585 only called if the type printer is enabled. This method must return a
24586 new object that supplies a @code{recognize} method, as described below.
24587 @end defmethod
24588
24589
24590 When displaying a type, say via the @code{ptype} command, @value{GDBN}
24591 will compute a list of type recognizers. This is done by iterating
24592 first over the per-objfile type printers (@pxref{Objfiles In Python}),
24593 followed by the per-progspace type printers (@pxref{Progspaces In
24594 Python}), and finally the global type printers.
24595
24596 @value{GDBN} will call the @code{instantiate} method of each enabled
24597 type printer. If this method returns @code{None}, then the result is
24598 ignored; otherwise, it is appended to the list of recognizers.
24599
24600 Then, when @value{GDBN} is going to display a type name, it iterates
24601 over the list of recognizers. For each one, it calls the recognition
24602 function, stopping if the function returns a non-@code{None} value.
24603 The recognition function is defined as:
24604
24605 @defmethod type_recognizer recognize (self, type)
24606 If @var{type} is not recognized, return @code{None}. Otherwise,
24607 return a string which is to be printed as the name of @var{type}.
24608 @var{type} will be an instance of @code{gdb.Type} (@pxref{Types In
24609 Python}).
24610 @end defmethod
24611
24612 @value{GDBN} uses this two-pass approach so that type printers can
24613 efficiently cache information without holding on to it too long. For
24614 example, it can be convenient to look up type information in a type
24615 printer and hold it for a recognizer's lifetime; if a single pass were
24616 done then type printers would have to make use of the event system in
24617 order to avoid holding information that could become stale as the
24618 inferior changed.
24619
24620 @node Frame Filter API
24621 @subsubsection Filtering Frames.
24622 @cindex frame filters api
24623
24624 Frame filters are Python objects that manipulate the visibility of a
24625 frame or frames when a backtrace (@pxref{Backtrace}) is printed by
24626 @value{GDBN}.
24627
24628 Only commands that print a backtrace, or, in the case of @sc{gdb/mi}
24629 commands (@pxref{GDB/MI}), those that return a collection of frames
24630 are affected. The commands that work with frame filters are:
24631
24632 @code{backtrace} (@pxref{backtrace-command,, The backtrace command}),
24633 @code{-stack-list-frames}
24634 (@pxref{-stack-list-frames,, The -stack-list-frames command}),
24635 @code{-stack-list-variables} (@pxref{-stack-list-variables,, The
24636 -stack-list-variables command}), @code{-stack-list-arguments}
24637 @pxref{-stack-list-arguments,, The -stack-list-arguments command}) and
24638 @code{-stack-list-locals} (@pxref{-stack-list-locals,, The
24639 -stack-list-locals command}).
24640
24641 A frame filter works by taking an iterator as an argument, applying
24642 actions to the contents of that iterator, and returning another
24643 iterator (or, possibly, the same iterator it was provided in the case
24644 where the filter does not perform any operations). Typically, frame
24645 filters utilize tools such as the Python's @code{itertools} module to
24646 work with and create new iterators from the source iterator.
24647 Regardless of how a filter chooses to apply actions, it must not alter
24648 the underlying @value{GDBN} frame or frames, or attempt to alter the
24649 call-stack within @value{GDBN}. This preserves data integrity within
24650 @value{GDBN}. Frame filters are executed on a priority basis and care
24651 should be taken that some frame filters may have been executed before,
24652 and that some frame filters will be executed after.
24653
24654 An important consideration when designing frame filters, and well
24655 worth reflecting upon, is that frame filters should avoid unwinding
24656 the call stack if possible. Some stacks can run very deep, into the
24657 tens of thousands in some cases. To search every frame when a frame
24658 filter executes may be too expensive at that step. The frame filter
24659 cannot know how many frames it has to iterate over, and it may have to
24660 iterate through them all. This ends up duplicating effort as
24661 @value{GDBN} performs this iteration when it prints the frames. If
24662 the filter can defer unwinding frames until frame decorators are
24663 executed, after the last filter has executed, it should. @xref{Frame
24664 Decorator API}, for more information on decorators. Also, there are
24665 examples for both frame decorators and filters in later chapters.
24666 @xref{Writing a Frame Filter}, for more information.
24667
24668 The Python dictionary @code{gdb.frame_filters} contains key/object
24669 pairings that comprise a frame filter. Frame filters in this
24670 dictionary are called @code{global} frame filters, and they are
24671 available when debugging all inferiors. These frame filters must
24672 register with the dictionary directly. In addition to the
24673 @code{global} dictionary, there are other dictionaries that are loaded
24674 with different inferiors via auto-loading (@pxref{Python
24675 Auto-loading}). The two other areas where frame filter dictionaries
24676 can be found are: @code{gdb.Progspace} which contains a
24677 @code{frame_filters} dictionary attribute, and each @code{gdb.Objfile}
24678 object which also contains a @code{frame_filters} dictionary
24679 attribute.
24680
24681 When a command is executed from @value{GDBN} that is compatible with
24682 frame filters, @value{GDBN} combines the @code{global},
24683 @code{gdb.Progspace} and all @code{gdb.Objfile} dictionaries currently
24684 loaded. All of the @code{gdb.Objfile} dictionaries are combined, as
24685 several frames, and thus several object files, might be in use.
24686 @value{GDBN} then prunes any frame filter whose @code{enabled}
24687 attribute is @code{False}. This pruned list is then sorted according
24688 to the @code{priority} attribute in each filter.
24689
24690 Once the dictionaries are combined, pruned and sorted, @value{GDBN}
24691 creates an iterator which wraps each frame in the call stack in a
24692 @code{FrameDecorator} object, and calls each filter in order. The
24693 output from the previous filter will always be the input to the next
24694 filter, and so on.
24695
24696 Frame filters have a mandatory interface which each frame filter must
24697 implement, defined here:
24698
24699 @defun FrameFilter.filter (iterator)
24700 @value{GDBN} will call this method on a frame filter when it has
24701 reached the order in the priority list for that filter.
24702
24703 For example, if there are four frame filters:
24704
24705 @smallexample
24706 Name Priority
24707
24708 Filter1 5
24709 Filter2 10
24710 Filter3 100
24711 Filter4 1
24712 @end smallexample
24713
24714 The order that the frame filters will be called is:
24715
24716 @smallexample
24717 Filter3 -> Filter2 -> Filter1 -> Filter4
24718 @end smallexample
24719
24720 Note that the output from @code{Filter3} is passed to the input of
24721 @code{Filter2}, and so on.
24722
24723 This @code{filter} method is passed a Python iterator. This iterator
24724 contains a sequence of frame decorators that wrap each
24725 @code{gdb.Frame}, or a frame decorator that wraps another frame
24726 decorator. The first filter that is executed in the sequence of frame
24727 filters will receive an iterator entirely comprised of default
24728 @code{FrameDecorator} objects. However, after each frame filter is
24729 executed, the previous frame filter may have wrapped some or all of
24730 the frame decorators with their own frame decorator. As frame
24731 decorators must also conform to a mandatory interface, these
24732 decorators can be assumed to act in a uniform manner (@pxref{Frame
24733 Decorator API}).
24734
24735 This method must return an object conforming to the Python iterator
24736 protocol. Each item in the iterator must be an object conforming to
24737 the frame decorator interface. If a frame filter does not wish to
24738 perform any operations on this iterator, it should return that
24739 iterator untouched.
24740
24741 This method is not optional. If it does not exist, @value{GDBN} will
24742 raise and print an error.
24743 @end defun
24744
24745 @defvar FrameFilter.name
24746 The @code{name} attribute must be Python string which contains the
24747 name of the filter displayed by @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Frame Filter
24748 Management}). This attribute may contain any combination of letters
24749 or numbers. Care should be taken to ensure that it is unique. This
24750 attribute is mandatory.
24751 @end defvar
24752
24753 @defvar FrameFilter.enabled
24754 The @code{enabled} attribute must be Python boolean. This attribute
24755 indicates to @value{GDBN} whether the frame filter is enabled, and
24756 should be considered when frame filters are executed. If
24757 @code{enabled} is @code{True}, then the frame filter will be executed
24758 when any of the backtrace commands detailed earlier in this chapter
24759 are executed. If @code{enabled} is @code{False}, then the frame
24760 filter will not be executed. This attribute is mandatory.
24761 @end defvar
24762
24763 @defvar FrameFilter.priority
24764 The @code{priority} attribute must be Python integer. This attribute
24765 controls the order of execution in relation to other frame filters.
24766 There are no imposed limits on the range of @code{priority} other than
24767 it must be a valid integer. The higher the @code{priority} attribute,
24768 the sooner the frame filter will be executed in relation to other
24769 frame filters. Although @code{priority} can be negative, it is
24770 recommended practice to assume zero is the lowest priority that a
24771 frame filter can be assigned. Frame filters that have the same
24772 priority are executed in unsorted order in that priority slot. This
24773 attribute is mandatory.
24774 @end defvar
24775
24776 @node Frame Decorator API
24777 @subsubsection Decorating Frames.
24778 @cindex frame decorator api
24779
24780 Frame decorators are sister objects to frame filters (@pxref{Frame
24781 Filter API}). Frame decorators are applied by a frame filter and can
24782 only be used in conjunction with frame filters.
24783
24784 The purpose of a frame decorator is to customize the printed content
24785 of each @code{gdb.Frame} in commands where frame filters are executed.
24786 This concept is called decorating a frame. Frame decorators decorate
24787 a @code{gdb.Frame} with Python code contained within each API call.
24788 This separates the actual data contained in a @code{gdb.Frame} from
24789 the decorated data produced by a frame decorator. This abstraction is
24790 necessary to maintain integrity of the data contained in each
24791 @code{gdb.Frame}.
24792
24793 Frame decorators have a mandatory interface, defined below.
24794
24795 @value{GDBN} already contains a frame decorator called
24796 @code{FrameDecorator}. This contains substantial amounts of
24797 boilerplate code to decorate the content of a @code{gdb.Frame}. It is
24798 recommended that other frame decorators inherit and extend this
24799 object, and only to override the methods needed.
24800
24801 @defun FrameDecorator.elided (self)
24802
24803 The @code{elided} method groups frames together in a hierarchical
24804 system. An example would be an interpreter, where multiple low-level
24805 frames make up a single call in the interpreted language. In this
24806 example, the frame filter would elide the low-level frames and present
24807 a single high-level frame, representing the call in the interpreted
24808 language, to the user.
24809
24810 The @code{elided} function must return an iterable and this iterable
24811 must contain the frames that are being elided wrapped in a suitable
24812 frame decorator. If no frames are being elided this function may
24813 return an empty iterable, or @code{None}. Elided frames are indented
24814 from normal frames in a @code{CLI} backtrace, or in the case of
24815 @code{GDB/MI}, are placed in the @code{children} field of the eliding
24816 frame.
24817
24818 It is the frame filter's task to also filter out the elided frames from
24819 the source iterator. This will avoid printing the frame twice.
24820 @end defun
24821
24822 @defun FrameDecorator.function (self)
24823
24824 This method returns the name of the function in the frame that is to
24825 be printed.
24826
24827 This method must return a Python string describing the function, or
24828 @code{None}.
24829
24830 If this function returns @code{None}, @value{GDBN} will not print any
24831 data for this field.
24832 @end defun
24833
24834 @defun FrameDecorator.address (self)
24835
24836 This method returns the address of the frame that is to be printed.
24837
24838 This method must return a Python numeric integer type of sufficient
24839 size to describe the address of the frame, or @code{None}.
24840
24841 If this function returns a @code{None}, @value{GDBN} will not print
24842 any data for this field.
24843 @end defun
24844
24845 @defun FrameDecorator.filename (self)
24846
24847 This method returns the filename and path associated with this frame.
24848
24849 This method must return a Python string containing the filename and
24850 the path to the object file backing the frame, or @code{None}.
24851
24852 If this function returns a @code{None}, @value{GDBN} will not print
24853 any data for this field.
24854 @end defun
24855
24856 @defun FrameDecorator.line (self):
24857
24858 This method returns the line number associated with the current
24859 position within the function addressed by this frame.
24860
24861 This method must return a Python integer type, or @code{None}.
24862
24863 If this function returns a @code{None}, @value{GDBN} will not print
24864 any data for this field.
24865 @end defun
24866
24867 @defun FrameDecorator.frame_args (self)
24868 @anchor{frame_args}
24869
24870 This method must return an iterable, or @code{None}. Returning an
24871 empty iterable, or @code{None} means frame arguments will not be
24872 printed for this frame. This iterable must contain objects that
24873 implement two methods, described here.
24874
24875 This object must implement a @code{argument} method which takes a
24876 single @code{self} parameter and must return a @code{gdb.Symbol}
24877 (@pxref{Symbols In Python}), or a Python string. The object must also
24878 implement a @code{value} method which takes a single @code{self}
24879 parameter and must return a @code{gdb.Value} (@pxref{Values From
24880 Inferior}), a Python value, or @code{None}. If the @code{value}
24881 method returns @code{None}, and the @code{argument} method returns a
24882 @code{gdb.Symbol}, @value{GDBN} will look-up and print the value of
24883 the @code{gdb.Symbol} automatically.
24884
24885 A brief example:
24886
24887 @smallexample
24888 class SymValueWrapper():
24889
24890 def __init__(self, symbol, value):
24891 self.sym = symbol
24892 self.val = value
24893
24894 def value(self):
24895 return self.val
24896
24897 def symbol(self):
24898 return self.sym
24899
24900 class SomeFrameDecorator()
24901 ...
24902 ...
24903 def frame_args(self):
24904 args = []
24905 try:
24906 block = self.inferior_frame.block()
24907 except:
24908 return None
24909
24910 # Iterate over all symbols in a block. Only add
24911 # symbols that are arguments.
24912 for sym in block:
24913 if not sym.is_argument:
24914 continue
24915 args.append(SymValueWrapper(sym,None))
24916
24917 # Add example synthetic argument.
24918 args.append(SymValueWrapper(``foo'', 42))
24919
24920 return args
24921 @end smallexample
24922 @end defun
24923
24924 @defun FrameDecorator.frame_locals (self)
24925
24926 This method must return an iterable or @code{None}. Returning an
24927 empty iterable, or @code{None} means frame local arguments will not be
24928 printed for this frame.
24929
24930 The object interface, the description of the various strategies for
24931 reading frame locals, and the example are largely similar to those
24932 described in the @code{frame_args} function, (@pxref{frame_args,,The
24933 frame filter frame_args function}). Below is a modified example:
24934
24935 @smallexample
24936 class SomeFrameDecorator()
24937 ...
24938 ...
24939 def frame_locals(self):
24940 vars = []
24941 try:
24942 block = self.inferior_frame.block()
24943 except:
24944 return None
24945
24946 # Iterate over all symbols in a block. Add all
24947 # symbols, except arguments.
24948 for sym in block:
24949 if sym.is_argument:
24950 continue
24951 vars.append(SymValueWrapper(sym,None))
24952
24953 # Add an example of a synthetic local variable.
24954 vars.append(SymValueWrapper(``bar'', 99))
24955
24956 return vars
24957 @end smallexample
24958 @end defun
24959
24960 @defun FrameDecorator.inferior_frame (self):
24961
24962 This method must return the underlying @code{gdb.Frame} that this
24963 frame decorator is decorating. @value{GDBN} requires the underlying
24964 frame for internal frame information to determine how to print certain
24965 values when printing a frame.
24966 @end defun
24967
24968 @node Writing a Frame Filter
24969 @subsubsection Writing a Frame Filter
24970 @cindex writing a frame filter
24971
24972 There are three basic elements that a frame filter must implement: it
24973 must correctly implement the documented interface (@pxref{Frame Filter
24974 API}), it must register itself with @value{GDBN}, and finally, it must
24975 decide if it is to work on the data provided by @value{GDBN}. In all
24976 cases, whether it works on the iterator or not, each frame filter must
24977 return an iterator. A bare-bones frame filter follows the pattern in
24978 the following example.
24979
24980 @smallexample
24981 import gdb
24982
24983 class FrameFilter():
24984
24985 def __init__(self):
24986 # Frame filter attribute creation.
24987 #
24988 # 'name' is the name of the filter that GDB will display.
24989 #
24990 # 'priority' is the priority of the filter relative to other
24991 # filters.
24992 #
24993 # 'enabled' is a boolean that indicates whether this filter is
24994 # enabled and should be executed.
24995
24996 self.name = "Foo"
24997 self.priority = 100
24998 self.enabled = True
24999
25000 # Register this frame filter with the global frame_filters
25001 # dictionary.
25002 gdb.frame_filters[self.name] = self
25003
25004 def filter(self, frame_iter):
25005 # Just return the iterator.
25006 return frame_iter
25007 @end smallexample
25008
25009 The frame filter in the example above implements the three
25010 requirements for all frame filters. It implements the API, self
25011 registers, and makes a decision on the iterator (in this case, it just
25012 returns the iterator untouched).
25013
25014 The first step is attribute creation and assignment, and as shown in
25015 the comments the filter assigns the following attributes: @code{name},
25016 @code{priority} and whether the filter should be enabled with the
25017 @code{enabled} attribute.
25018
25019 The second step is registering the frame filter with the dictionary or
25020 dictionaries that the frame filter has interest in. As shown in the
25021 comments, this filter just registers itself with the global dictionary
25022 @code{gdb.frame_filters}. As noted earlier, @code{gdb.frame_filters}
25023 is a dictionary that is initialized in the @code{gdb} module when
25024 @value{GDBN} starts. What dictionary a filter registers with is an
25025 important consideration. Generally, if a filter is specific to a set
25026 of code, it should be registered either in the @code{objfile} or
25027 @code{progspace} dictionaries as they are specific to the program
25028 currently loaded in @value{GDBN}. The global dictionary is always
25029 present in @value{GDBN} and is never unloaded. Any filters registered
25030 with the global dictionary will exist until @value{GDBN} exits. To
25031 avoid filters that may conflict, it is generally better to register
25032 frame filters against the dictionaries that more closely align with
25033 the usage of the filter currently in question. @xref{Python
25034 Auto-loading}, for further information on auto-loading Python scripts.
25035
25036 @value{GDBN} takes a hands-off approach to frame filter registration,
25037 therefore it is the frame filter's responsibility to ensure
25038 registration has occurred, and that any exceptions are handled
25039 appropriately. In particular, you may wish to handle exceptions
25040 relating to Python dictionary key uniqueness. It is mandatory that
25041 the dictionary key is the same as frame filter's @code{name}
25042 attribute. When a user manages frame filters (@pxref{Frame Filter
25043 Management}), the names @value{GDBN} will display are those contained
25044 in the @code{name} attribute.
25045
25046 The final step of this example is the implementation of the
25047 @code{filter} method. As shown in the example comments, we define the
25048 @code{filter} method and note that the method must take an iterator,
25049 and also must return an iterator. In this bare-bones example, the
25050 frame filter is not very useful as it just returns the iterator
25051 untouched. However this is a valid operation for frame filters that
25052 have the @code{enabled} attribute set, but decide not to operate on
25053 any frames.
25054
25055 In the next example, the frame filter operates on all frames and
25056 utilizes a frame decorator to perform some work on the frames.
25057 @xref{Frame Decorator API}, for further information on the frame
25058 decorator interface.
25059
25060 This example works on inlined frames. It highlights frames which are
25061 inlined by tagging them with an ``[inlined]'' tag. By applying a
25062 frame decorator to all frames with the Python @code{itertools imap}
25063 method, the example defers actions to the frame decorator. Frame
25064 decorators are only processed when @value{GDBN} prints the backtrace.
25065
25066 This introduces a new decision making topic: whether to perform
25067 decision making operations at the filtering step, or at the printing
25068 step. In this example's approach, it does not perform any filtering
25069 decisions at the filtering step beyond mapping a frame decorator to
25070 each frame. This allows the actual decision making to be performed
25071 when each frame is printed. This is an important consideration, and
25072 well worth reflecting upon when designing a frame filter. An issue
25073 that frame filters should avoid is unwinding the stack if possible.
25074 Some stacks can run very deep, into the tens of thousands in some
25075 cases. To search every frame to determine if it is inlined ahead of
25076 time may be too expensive at the filtering step. The frame filter
25077 cannot know how many frames it has to iterate over, and it would have
25078 to iterate through them all. This ends up duplicating effort as
25079 @value{GDBN} performs this iteration when it prints the frames.
25080
25081 In this example decision making can be deferred to the printing step.
25082 As each frame is printed, the frame decorator can examine each frame
25083 in turn when @value{GDBN} iterates. From a performance viewpoint,
25084 this is the most appropriate decision to make as it avoids duplicating
25085 the effort that the printing step would undertake anyway. Also, if
25086 there are many frame filters unwinding the stack during filtering, it
25087 can substantially delay the printing of the backtrace which will
25088 result in large memory usage, and a poor user experience.
25089
25090 @smallexample
25091 class InlineFilter():
25092
25093 def __init__(self):
25094 self.name = "InlinedFrameFilter"
25095 self.priority = 100
25096 self.enabled = True
25097 gdb.frame_filters[self.name] = self
25098
25099 def filter(self, frame_iter):
25100 frame_iter = itertools.imap(InlinedFrameDecorator,
25101 frame_iter)
25102 return frame_iter
25103 @end smallexample
25104
25105 This frame filter is somewhat similar to the earlier example, except
25106 that the @code{filter} method applies a frame decorator object called
25107 @code{InlinedFrameDecorator} to each element in the iterator. The
25108 @code{imap} Python method is light-weight. It does not proactively
25109 iterate over the iterator, but rather creates a new iterator which
25110 wraps the existing one.
25111
25112 Below is the frame decorator for this example.
25113
25114 @smallexample
25115 class InlinedFrameDecorator(FrameDecorator):
25116
25117 def __init__(self, fobj):
25118 super(InlinedFrameDecorator, self).__init__(fobj)
25119
25120 def function(self):
25121 frame = fobj.inferior_frame()
25122 name = str(frame.name())
25123
25124 if frame.type() == gdb.INLINE_FRAME:
25125 name = name + " [inlined]"
25126
25127 return name
25128 @end smallexample
25129
25130 This frame decorator only defines and overrides the @code{function}
25131 method. It lets the supplied @code{FrameDecorator}, which is shipped
25132 with @value{GDBN}, perform the other work associated with printing
25133 this frame.
25134
25135 The combination of these two objects create this output from a
25136 backtrace:
25137
25138 @smallexample
25139 #0 0x004004e0 in bar () at inline.c:11
25140 #1 0x00400566 in max [inlined] (b=6, a=12) at inline.c:21
25141 #2 0x00400566 in main () at inline.c:31
25142 @end smallexample
25143
25144 So in the case of this example, a frame decorator is applied to all
25145 frames, regardless of whether they may be inlined or not. As
25146 @value{GDBN} iterates over the iterator produced by the frame filters,
25147 @value{GDBN} executes each frame decorator which then makes a decision
25148 on what to print in the @code{function} callback. Using a strategy
25149 like this is a way to defer decisions on the frame content to printing
25150 time.
25151
25152 @subheading Eliding Frames
25153
25154 It might be that the above example is not desirable for representing
25155 inlined frames, and a hierarchical approach may be preferred. If we
25156 want to hierarchically represent frames, the @code{elided} frame
25157 decorator interface might be preferable.
25158
25159 This example approaches the issue with the @code{elided} method. This
25160 example is quite long, but very simplistic. It is out-of-scope for
25161 this section to write a complete example that comprehensively covers
25162 all approaches of finding and printing inlined frames. However, this
25163 example illustrates the approach an author might use.
25164
25165 This example comprises of three sections.
25166
25167 @smallexample
25168 class InlineFrameFilter():
25169
25170 def __init__(self):
25171 self.name = "InlinedFrameFilter"
25172 self.priority = 100
25173 self.enabled = True
25174 gdb.frame_filters[self.name] = self
25175
25176 def filter(self, frame_iter):
25177 return ElidingInlineIterator(frame_iter)
25178 @end smallexample
25179
25180 This frame filter is very similar to the other examples. The only
25181 difference is this frame filter is wrapping the iterator provided to
25182 it (@code{frame_iter}) with a custom iterator called
25183 @code{ElidingInlineIterator}. This again defers actions to when
25184 @value{GDBN} prints the backtrace, as the iterator is not traversed
25185 until printing.
25186
25187 The iterator for this example is as follows. It is in this section of
25188 the example where decisions are made on the content of the backtrace.
25189
25190 @smallexample
25191 class ElidingInlineIterator:
25192 def __init__(self, ii):
25193 self.input_iterator = ii
25194
25195 def __iter__(self):
25196 return self
25197
25198 def next(self):
25199 frame = next(self.input_iterator)
25200
25201 if frame.inferior_frame().type() != gdb.INLINE_FRAME:
25202 return frame
25203
25204 try:
25205 eliding_frame = next(self.input_iterator)
25206 except StopIteration:
25207 return frame
25208 return ElidingFrameDecorator(eliding_frame, [frame])
25209 @end smallexample
25210
25211 This iterator implements the Python iterator protocol. When the
25212 @code{next} function is called (when @value{GDBN} prints each frame),
25213 the iterator checks if this frame decorator, @code{frame}, is wrapping
25214 an inlined frame. If it is not, it returns the existing frame decorator
25215 untouched. If it is wrapping an inlined frame, it assumes that the
25216 inlined frame was contained within the next oldest frame,
25217 @code{eliding_frame}, which it fetches. It then creates and returns a
25218 frame decorator, @code{ElidingFrameDecorator}, which contains both the
25219 elided frame, and the eliding frame.
25220
25221 @smallexample
25222 class ElidingInlineDecorator(FrameDecorator):
25223
25224 def __init__(self, frame, elided_frames):
25225 super(ElidingInlineDecorator, self).__init__(frame)
25226 self.frame = frame
25227 self.elided_frames = elided_frames
25228
25229 def elided(self):
25230 return iter(self.elided_frames)
25231 @end smallexample
25232
25233 This frame decorator overrides one function and returns the inlined
25234 frame in the @code{elided} method. As before it lets
25235 @code{FrameDecorator} do the rest of the work involved in printing
25236 this frame. This produces the following output.
25237
25238 @smallexample
25239 #0 0x004004e0 in bar () at inline.c:11
25240 #2 0x00400529 in main () at inline.c:25
25241 #1 0x00400529 in max (b=6, a=12) at inline.c:15
25242 @end smallexample
25243
25244 In that output, @code{max} which has been inlined into @code{main} is
25245 printed hierarchically. Another approach would be to combine the
25246 @code{function} method, and the @code{elided} method to both print a
25247 marker in the inlined frame, and also show the hierarchical
25248 relationship.
25249
25250 @node Inferiors In Python
25251 @subsubsection Inferiors In Python
25252 @cindex inferiors in Python
25253
25254 @findex gdb.Inferior
25255 Programs which are being run under @value{GDBN} are called inferiors
25256 (@pxref{Inferiors and Programs}). Python scripts can access
25257 information about and manipulate inferiors controlled by @value{GDBN}
25258 via objects of the @code{gdb.Inferior} class.
25259
25260 The following inferior-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
25261 module:
25262
25263 @defun gdb.inferiors ()
25264 Return a tuple containing all inferior objects.
25265 @end defun
25266
25267 @defun gdb.selected_inferior ()
25268 Return an object representing the current inferior.
25269 @end defun
25270
25271 A @code{gdb.Inferior} object has the following attributes:
25272
25273 @defvar Inferior.num
25274 ID of inferior, as assigned by GDB.
25275 @end defvar
25276
25277 @defvar Inferior.pid
25278 Process ID of the inferior, as assigned by the underlying operating
25279 system.
25280 @end defvar
25281
25282 @defvar Inferior.was_attached
25283 Boolean signaling whether the inferior was created using `attach', or
25284 started by @value{GDBN} itself.
25285 @end defvar
25286
25287 A @code{gdb.Inferior} object has the following methods:
25288
25289 @defun Inferior.is_valid ()
25290 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Inferior} object is valid,
25291 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Inferior} object will become invalid
25292 if the inferior no longer exists within @value{GDBN}. All other
25293 @code{gdb.Inferior} methods will throw an exception if it is invalid
25294 at the time the method is called.
25295 @end defun
25296
25297 @defun Inferior.threads ()
25298 This method returns a tuple holding all the threads which are valid
25299 when it is called. If there are no valid threads, the method will
25300 return an empty tuple.
25301 @end defun
25302
25303 @findex Inferior.read_memory
25304 @defun Inferior.read_memory (address, length)
25305 Read @var{length} bytes of memory from the inferior, starting at
25306 @var{address}. Returns a buffer object, which behaves much like an array
25307 or a string. It can be modified and given to the
25308 @code{Inferior.write_memory} function. In @code{Python} 3, the return
25309 value is a @code{memoryview} object.
25310 @end defun
25311
25312 @findex Inferior.write_memory
25313 @defun Inferior.write_memory (address, buffer @r{[}, length@r{]})
25314 Write the contents of @var{buffer} to the inferior, starting at
25315 @var{address}. The @var{buffer} parameter must be a Python object
25316 which supports the buffer protocol, i.e., a string, an array or the
25317 object returned from @code{Inferior.read_memory}. If given, @var{length}
25318 determines the number of bytes from @var{buffer} to be written.
25319 @end defun
25320
25321 @findex gdb.search_memory
25322 @defun Inferior.search_memory (address, length, pattern)
25323 Search a region of the inferior memory starting at @var{address} with
25324 the given @var{length} using the search pattern supplied in
25325 @var{pattern}. The @var{pattern} parameter must be a Python object
25326 which supports the buffer protocol, i.e., a string, an array or the
25327 object returned from @code{gdb.read_memory}. Returns a Python @code{Long}
25328 containing the address where the pattern was found, or @code{None} if
25329 the pattern could not be found.
25330 @end defun
25331
25332 @node Events In Python
25333 @subsubsection Events In Python
25334 @cindex inferior events in Python
25335
25336 @value{GDBN} provides a general event facility so that Python code can be
25337 notified of various state changes, particularly changes that occur in
25338 the inferior.
25339
25340 An @dfn{event} is just an object that describes some state change. The
25341 type of the object and its attributes will vary depending on the details
25342 of the change. All the existing events are described below.
25343
25344 In order to be notified of an event, you must register an event handler
25345 with an @dfn{event registry}. An event registry is an object in the
25346 @code{gdb.events} module which dispatches particular events. A registry
25347 provides methods to register and unregister event handlers:
25348
25349 @defun EventRegistry.connect (object)
25350 Add the given callable @var{object} to the registry. This object will be
25351 called when an event corresponding to this registry occurs.
25352 @end defun
25353
25354 @defun EventRegistry.disconnect (object)
25355 Remove the given @var{object} from the registry. Once removed, the object
25356 will no longer receive notifications of events.
25357 @end defun
25358
25359 Here is an example:
25360
25361 @smallexample
25362 def exit_handler (event):
25363 print "event type: exit"
25364 print "exit code: %d" % (event.exit_code)
25365
25366 gdb.events.exited.connect (exit_handler)
25367 @end smallexample
25368
25369 In the above example we connect our handler @code{exit_handler} to the
25370 registry @code{events.exited}. Once connected, @code{exit_handler} gets
25371 called when the inferior exits. The argument @dfn{event} in this example is
25372 of type @code{gdb.ExitedEvent}. As you can see in the example the
25373 @code{ExitedEvent} object has an attribute which indicates the exit code of
25374 the inferior.
25375
25376 The following is a listing of the event registries that are available and
25377 details of the events they emit:
25378
25379 @table @code
25380
25381 @item events.cont
25382 Emits @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}.
25383
25384 Some events can be thread specific when @value{GDBN} is running in non-stop
25385 mode. When represented in Python, these events all extend
25386 @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}. Note, this event is not emitted directly; instead,
25387 events which are emitted by this or other modules might extend this event.
25388 Examples of these events are @code{gdb.BreakpointEvent} and
25389 @code{gdb.ContinueEvent}.
25390
25391 @defvar ThreadEvent.inferior_thread
25392 In non-stop mode this attribute will be set to the specific thread which was
25393 involved in the emitted event. Otherwise, it will be set to @code{None}.
25394 @end defvar
25395
25396 Emits @code{gdb.ContinueEvent} which extends @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}.
25397
25398 This event indicates that the inferior has been continued after a stop. For
25399 inherited attribute refer to @code{gdb.ThreadEvent} above.
25400
25401 @item events.exited
25402 Emits @code{events.ExitedEvent} which indicates that the inferior has exited.
25403 @code{events.ExitedEvent} has two attributes:
25404 @defvar ExitedEvent.exit_code
25405 An integer representing the exit code, if available, which the inferior
25406 has returned. (The exit code could be unavailable if, for example,
25407 @value{GDBN} detaches from the inferior.) If the exit code is unavailable,
25408 the attribute does not exist.
25409 @end defvar
25410 @defvar ExitedEvent inferior
25411 A reference to the inferior which triggered the @code{exited} event.
25412 @end defvar
25413
25414 @item events.stop
25415 Emits @code{gdb.StopEvent} which extends @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}.
25416
25417 Indicates that the inferior has stopped. All events emitted by this registry
25418 extend StopEvent. As a child of @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}, @code{gdb.StopEvent}
25419 will indicate the stopped thread when @value{GDBN} is running in non-stop
25420 mode. Refer to @code{gdb.ThreadEvent} above for more details.
25421
25422 Emits @code{gdb.SignalEvent} which extends @code{gdb.StopEvent}.
25423
25424 This event indicates that the inferior or one of its threads has received as
25425 signal. @code{gdb.SignalEvent} has the following attributes:
25426
25427 @defvar SignalEvent.stop_signal
25428 A string representing the signal received by the inferior. A list of possible
25429 signal values can be obtained by running the command @code{info signals} in
25430 the @value{GDBN} command prompt.
25431 @end defvar
25432
25433 Also emits @code{gdb.BreakpointEvent} which extends @code{gdb.StopEvent}.
25434
25435 @code{gdb.BreakpointEvent} event indicates that one or more breakpoints have
25436 been hit, and has the following attributes:
25437
25438 @defvar BreakpointEvent.breakpoints
25439 A sequence containing references to all the breakpoints (type
25440 @code{gdb.Breakpoint}) that were hit.
25441 @xref{Breakpoints In Python}, for details of the @code{gdb.Breakpoint} object.
25442 @end defvar
25443 @defvar BreakpointEvent.breakpoint
25444 A reference to the first breakpoint that was hit.
25445 This function is maintained for backward compatibility and is now deprecated
25446 in favor of the @code{gdb.BreakpointEvent.breakpoints} attribute.
25447 @end defvar
25448
25449 @item events.new_objfile
25450 Emits @code{gdb.NewObjFileEvent} which indicates that a new object file has
25451 been loaded by @value{GDBN}. @code{gdb.NewObjFileEvent} has one attribute:
25452
25453 @defvar NewObjFileEvent.new_objfile
25454 A reference to the object file (@code{gdb.Objfile}) which has been loaded.
25455 @xref{Objfiles In Python}, for details of the @code{gdb.Objfile} object.
25456 @end defvar
25457
25458 @end table
25459
25460 @node Threads In Python
25461 @subsubsection Threads In Python
25462 @cindex threads in python
25463
25464 @findex gdb.InferiorThread
25465 Python scripts can access information about, and manipulate inferior threads
25466 controlled by @value{GDBN}, via objects of the @code{gdb.InferiorThread} class.
25467
25468 The following thread-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
25469 module:
25470
25471 @findex gdb.selected_thread
25472 @defun gdb.selected_thread ()
25473 This function returns the thread object for the selected thread. If there
25474 is no selected thread, this will return @code{None}.
25475 @end defun
25476
25477 A @code{gdb.InferiorThread} object has the following attributes:
25478
25479 @defvar InferiorThread.name
25480 The name of the thread. If the user specified a name using
25481 @code{thread name}, then this returns that name. Otherwise, if an
25482 OS-supplied name is available, then it is returned. Otherwise, this
25483 returns @code{None}.
25484
25485 This attribute can be assigned to. The new value must be a string
25486 object, which sets the new name, or @code{None}, which removes any
25487 user-specified thread name.
25488 @end defvar
25489
25490 @defvar InferiorThread.num
25491 ID of the thread, as assigned by GDB.
25492 @end defvar
25493
25494 @defvar InferiorThread.ptid
25495 ID of the thread, as assigned by the operating system. This attribute is a
25496 tuple containing three integers. The first is the Process ID (PID); the second
25497 is the Lightweight Process ID (LWPID), and the third is the Thread ID (TID).
25498 Either the LWPID or TID may be 0, which indicates that the operating system
25499 does not use that identifier.
25500 @end defvar
25501
25502 A @code{gdb.InferiorThread} object has the following methods:
25503
25504 @defun InferiorThread.is_valid ()
25505 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.InferiorThread} object is valid,
25506 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.InferiorThread} object will become
25507 invalid if the thread exits, or the inferior that the thread belongs
25508 is deleted. All other @code{gdb.InferiorThread} methods will throw an
25509 exception if it is invalid at the time the method is called.
25510 @end defun
25511
25512 @defun InferiorThread.switch ()
25513 This changes @value{GDBN}'s currently selected thread to the one represented
25514 by this object.
25515 @end defun
25516
25517 @defun InferiorThread.is_stopped ()
25518 Return a Boolean indicating whether the thread is stopped.
25519 @end defun
25520
25521 @defun InferiorThread.is_running ()
25522 Return a Boolean indicating whether the thread is running.
25523 @end defun
25524
25525 @defun InferiorThread.is_exited ()
25526 Return a Boolean indicating whether the thread is exited.
25527 @end defun
25528
25529 @node Commands In Python
25530 @subsubsection Commands In Python
25531
25532 @cindex commands in python
25533 @cindex python commands
25534 You can implement new @value{GDBN} CLI commands in Python. A CLI
25535 command is implemented using an instance of the @code{gdb.Command}
25536 class, most commonly using a subclass.
25537
25538 @defun Command.__init__ (name, @var{command_class} @r{[}, @var{completer_class} @r{[}, @var{prefix}@r{]]})
25539 The object initializer for @code{Command} registers the new command
25540 with @value{GDBN}. This initializer is normally invoked from the
25541 subclass' own @code{__init__} method.
25542
25543 @var{name} is the name of the command. If @var{name} consists of
25544 multiple words, then the initial words are looked for as prefix
25545 commands. In this case, if one of the prefix commands does not exist,
25546 an exception is raised.
25547
25548 There is no support for multi-line commands.
25549
25550 @var{command_class} should be one of the @samp{COMMAND_} constants
25551 defined below. This argument tells @value{GDBN} how to categorize the
25552 new command in the help system.
25553
25554 @var{completer_class} is an optional argument. If given, it should be
25555 one of the @samp{COMPLETE_} constants defined below. This argument
25556 tells @value{GDBN} how to perform completion for this command. If not
25557 given, @value{GDBN} will attempt to complete using the object's
25558 @code{complete} method (see below); if no such method is found, an
25559 error will occur when completion is attempted.
25560
25561 @var{prefix} is an optional argument. If @code{True}, then the new
25562 command is a prefix command; sub-commands of this command may be
25563 registered.
25564
25565 The help text for the new command is taken from the Python
25566 documentation string for the command's class, if there is one. If no
25567 documentation string is provided, the default value ``This command is
25568 not documented.'' is used.
25569 @end defun
25570
25571 @cindex don't repeat Python command
25572 @defun Command.dont_repeat ()
25573 By default, a @value{GDBN} command is repeated when the user enters a
25574 blank line at the command prompt. A command can suppress this
25575 behavior by invoking the @code{dont_repeat} method. This is similar
25576 to the user command @code{dont-repeat}, see @ref{Define, dont-repeat}.
25577 @end defun
25578
25579 @defun Command.invoke (argument, from_tty)
25580 This method is called by @value{GDBN} when this command is invoked.
25581
25582 @var{argument} is a string. It is the argument to the command, after
25583 leading and trailing whitespace has been stripped.
25584
25585 @var{from_tty} is a boolean argument. When true, this means that the
25586 command was entered by the user at the terminal; when false it means
25587 that the command came from elsewhere.
25588
25589 If this method throws an exception, it is turned into a @value{GDBN}
25590 @code{error} call. Otherwise, the return value is ignored.
25591
25592 @findex gdb.string_to_argv
25593 To break @var{argument} up into an argv-like string use
25594 @code{gdb.string_to_argv}. This function behaves identically to
25595 @value{GDBN}'s internal argument lexer @code{buildargv}.
25596 It is recommended to use this for consistency.
25597 Arguments are separated by spaces and may be quoted.
25598 Example:
25599
25600 @smallexample
25601 print gdb.string_to_argv ("1 2\ \\\"3 '4 \"5' \"6 '7\"")
25602 ['1', '2 "3', '4 "5', "6 '7"]
25603 @end smallexample
25604
25605 @end defun
25606
25607 @cindex completion of Python commands
25608 @defun Command.complete (text, word)
25609 This method is called by @value{GDBN} when the user attempts
25610 completion on this command. All forms of completion are handled by
25611 this method, that is, the @key{TAB} and @key{M-?} key bindings
25612 (@pxref{Completion}), and the @code{complete} command (@pxref{Help,
25613 complete}).
25614
25615 The arguments @var{text} and @var{word} are both strings. @var{text}
25616 holds the complete command line up to the cursor's location.
25617 @var{word} holds the last word of the command line; this is computed
25618 using a word-breaking heuristic.
25619
25620 The @code{complete} method can return several values:
25621 @itemize @bullet
25622 @item
25623 If the return value is a sequence, the contents of the sequence are
25624 used as the completions. It is up to @code{complete} to ensure that the
25625 contents actually do complete the word. A zero-length sequence is
25626 allowed, it means that there were no completions available. Only
25627 string elements of the sequence are used; other elements in the
25628 sequence are ignored.
25629
25630 @item
25631 If the return value is one of the @samp{COMPLETE_} constants defined
25632 below, then the corresponding @value{GDBN}-internal completion
25633 function is invoked, and its result is used.
25634
25635 @item
25636 All other results are treated as though there were no available
25637 completions.
25638 @end itemize
25639 @end defun
25640
25641 When a new command is registered, it must be declared as a member of
25642 some general class of commands. This is used to classify top-level
25643 commands in the on-line help system; note that prefix commands are not
25644 listed under their own category but rather that of their top-level
25645 command. The available classifications are represented by constants
25646 defined in the @code{gdb} module:
25647
25648 @table @code
25649 @findex COMMAND_NONE
25650 @findex gdb.COMMAND_NONE
25651 @item gdb.COMMAND_NONE
25652 The command does not belong to any particular class. A command in
25653 this category will not be displayed in any of the help categories.
25654
25655 @findex COMMAND_RUNNING
25656 @findex gdb.COMMAND_RUNNING
25657 @item gdb.COMMAND_RUNNING
25658 The command is related to running the inferior. For example,
25659 @code{start}, @code{step}, and @code{continue} are in this category.
25660 Type @kbd{help running} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
25661 commands in this category.
25662
25663 @findex COMMAND_DATA
25664 @findex gdb.COMMAND_DATA
25665 @item gdb.COMMAND_DATA
25666 The command is related to data or variables. For example,
25667 @code{call}, @code{find}, and @code{print} are in this category. Type
25668 @kbd{help data} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands
25669 in this category.
25670
25671 @findex COMMAND_STACK
25672 @findex gdb.COMMAND_STACK
25673 @item gdb.COMMAND_STACK
25674 The command has to do with manipulation of the stack. For example,
25675 @code{backtrace}, @code{frame}, and @code{return} are in this
25676 category. Type @kbd{help stack} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a
25677 list of commands in this category.
25678
25679 @findex COMMAND_FILES
25680 @findex gdb.COMMAND_FILES
25681 @item gdb.COMMAND_FILES
25682 This class is used for file-related commands. For example,
25683 @code{file}, @code{list} and @code{section} are in this category.
25684 Type @kbd{help files} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
25685 commands in this category.
25686
25687 @findex COMMAND_SUPPORT
25688 @findex gdb.COMMAND_SUPPORT
25689 @item gdb.COMMAND_SUPPORT
25690 This should be used for ``support facilities'', generally meaning
25691 things that are useful to the user when interacting with @value{GDBN},
25692 but not related to the state of the inferior. For example,
25693 @code{help}, @code{make}, and @code{shell} are in this category. Type
25694 @kbd{help support} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
25695 commands in this category.
25696
25697 @findex COMMAND_STATUS
25698 @findex gdb.COMMAND_STATUS
25699 @item gdb.COMMAND_STATUS
25700 The command is an @samp{info}-related command, that is, related to the
25701 state of @value{GDBN} itself. For example, @code{info}, @code{macro},
25702 and @code{show} are in this category. Type @kbd{help status} at the
25703 @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in this category.
25704
25705 @findex COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
25706 @findex gdb.COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
25707 @item gdb.COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
25708 The command has to do with breakpoints. For example, @code{break},
25709 @code{clear}, and @code{delete} are in this category. Type @kbd{help
25710 breakpoints} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in
25711 this category.
25712
25713 @findex COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
25714 @findex gdb.COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
25715 @item gdb.COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
25716 The command has to do with tracepoints. For example, @code{trace},
25717 @code{actions}, and @code{tfind} are in this category. Type
25718 @kbd{help tracepoints} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
25719 commands in this category.
25720
25721 @findex COMMAND_USER
25722 @findex gdb.COMMAND_USER
25723 @item gdb.COMMAND_USER
25724 The command is a general purpose command for the user, and typically
25725 does not fit in one of the other categories.
25726 Type @kbd{help user-defined} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see
25727 a list of commands in this category, as well as the list of gdb macros
25728 (@pxref{Sequences}).
25729
25730 @findex COMMAND_OBSCURE
25731 @findex gdb.COMMAND_OBSCURE
25732 @item gdb.COMMAND_OBSCURE
25733 The command is only used in unusual circumstances, or is not of
25734 general interest to users. For example, @code{checkpoint},
25735 @code{fork}, and @code{stop} are in this category. Type @kbd{help
25736 obscure} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in this
25737 category.
25738
25739 @findex COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
25740 @findex gdb.COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
25741 @item gdb.COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
25742 The command is only useful to @value{GDBN} maintainers. The
25743 @code{maintenance} and @code{flushregs} commands are in this category.
25744 Type @kbd{help internals} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
25745 commands in this category.
25746 @end table
25747
25748 A new command can use a predefined completion function, either by
25749 specifying it via an argument at initialization, or by returning it
25750 from the @code{complete} method. These predefined completion
25751 constants are all defined in the @code{gdb} module:
25752
25753 @table @code
25754 @findex COMPLETE_NONE
25755 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_NONE
25756 @item gdb.COMPLETE_NONE
25757 This constant means that no completion should be done.
25758
25759 @findex COMPLETE_FILENAME
25760 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_FILENAME
25761 @item gdb.COMPLETE_FILENAME
25762 This constant means that filename completion should be performed.
25763
25764 @findex COMPLETE_LOCATION
25765 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_LOCATION
25766 @item gdb.COMPLETE_LOCATION
25767 This constant means that location completion should be done.
25768 @xref{Specify Location}.
25769
25770 @findex COMPLETE_COMMAND
25771 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_COMMAND
25772 @item gdb.COMPLETE_COMMAND
25773 This constant means that completion should examine @value{GDBN}
25774 command names.
25775
25776 @findex COMPLETE_SYMBOL
25777 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_SYMBOL
25778 @item gdb.COMPLETE_SYMBOL
25779 This constant means that completion should be done using symbol names
25780 as the source.
25781 @end table
25782
25783 The following code snippet shows how a trivial CLI command can be
25784 implemented in Python:
25785
25786 @smallexample
25787 class HelloWorld (gdb.Command):
25788 """Greet the whole world."""
25789
25790 def __init__ (self):
25791 super (HelloWorld, self).__init__ ("hello-world", gdb.COMMAND_USER)
25792
25793 def invoke (self, arg, from_tty):
25794 print "Hello, World!"
25795
25796 HelloWorld ()
25797 @end smallexample
25798
25799 The last line instantiates the class, and is necessary to trigger the
25800 registration of the command with @value{GDBN}. Depending on how the
25801 Python code is read into @value{GDBN}, you may need to import the
25802 @code{gdb} module explicitly.
25803
25804 @node Parameters In Python
25805 @subsubsection Parameters In Python
25806
25807 @cindex parameters in python
25808 @cindex python parameters
25809 @tindex gdb.Parameter
25810 @tindex Parameter
25811 You can implement new @value{GDBN} parameters using Python. A new
25812 parameter is implemented as an instance of the @code{gdb.Parameter}
25813 class.
25814
25815 Parameters are exposed to the user via the @code{set} and
25816 @code{show} commands. @xref{Help}.
25817
25818 There are many parameters that already exist and can be set in
25819 @value{GDBN}. Two examples are: @code{set follow fork} and
25820 @code{set charset}. Setting these parameters influences certain
25821 behavior in @value{GDBN}. Similarly, you can define parameters that
25822 can be used to influence behavior in custom Python scripts and commands.
25823
25824 @defun Parameter.__init__ (name, @var{command-class}, @var{parameter-class} @r{[}, @var{enum-sequence}@r{]})
25825 The object initializer for @code{Parameter} registers the new
25826 parameter with @value{GDBN}. This initializer is normally invoked
25827 from the subclass' own @code{__init__} method.
25828
25829 @var{name} is the name of the new parameter. If @var{name} consists
25830 of multiple words, then the initial words are looked for as prefix
25831 parameters. An example of this can be illustrated with the
25832 @code{set print} set of parameters. If @var{name} is
25833 @code{print foo}, then @code{print} will be searched as the prefix
25834 parameter. In this case the parameter can subsequently be accessed in
25835 @value{GDBN} as @code{set print foo}.
25836
25837 If @var{name} consists of multiple words, and no prefix parameter group
25838 can be found, an exception is raised.
25839
25840 @var{command-class} should be one of the @samp{COMMAND_} constants
25841 (@pxref{Commands In Python}). This argument tells @value{GDBN} how to
25842 categorize the new parameter in the help system.
25843
25844 @var{parameter-class} should be one of the @samp{PARAM_} constants
25845 defined below. This argument tells @value{GDBN} the type of the new
25846 parameter; this information is used for input validation and
25847 completion.
25848
25849 If @var{parameter-class} is @code{PARAM_ENUM}, then
25850 @var{enum-sequence} must be a sequence of strings. These strings
25851 represent the possible values for the parameter.
25852
25853 If @var{parameter-class} is not @code{PARAM_ENUM}, then the presence
25854 of a fourth argument will cause an exception to be thrown.
25855
25856 The help text for the new parameter is taken from the Python
25857 documentation string for the parameter's class, if there is one. If
25858 there is no documentation string, a default value is used.
25859 @end defun
25860
25861 @defvar Parameter.set_doc
25862 If this attribute exists, and is a string, then its value is used as
25863 the help text for this parameter's @code{set} command. The value is
25864 examined when @code{Parameter.__init__} is invoked; subsequent changes
25865 have no effect.
25866 @end defvar
25867
25868 @defvar Parameter.show_doc
25869 If this attribute exists, and is a string, then its value is used as
25870 the help text for this parameter's @code{show} command. The value is
25871 examined when @code{Parameter.__init__} is invoked; subsequent changes
25872 have no effect.
25873 @end defvar
25874
25875 @defvar Parameter.value
25876 The @code{value} attribute holds the underlying value of the
25877 parameter. It can be read and assigned to just as any other
25878 attribute. @value{GDBN} does validation when assignments are made.
25879 @end defvar
25880
25881 There are two methods that should be implemented in any
25882 @code{Parameter} class. These are:
25883
25884 @defun Parameter.get_set_string (self)
25885 @value{GDBN} will call this method when a @var{parameter}'s value has
25886 been changed via the @code{set} API (for example, @kbd{set foo off}).
25887 The @code{value} attribute has already been populated with the new
25888 value and may be used in output. This method must return a string.
25889 @end defun
25890
25891 @defun Parameter.get_show_string (self, svalue)
25892 @value{GDBN} will call this method when a @var{parameter}'s
25893 @code{show} API has been invoked (for example, @kbd{show foo}). The
25894 argument @code{svalue} receives the string representation of the
25895 current value. This method must return a string.
25896 @end defun
25897
25898 When a new parameter is defined, its type must be specified. The
25899 available types are represented by constants defined in the @code{gdb}
25900 module:
25901
25902 @table @code
25903 @findex PARAM_BOOLEAN
25904 @findex gdb.PARAM_BOOLEAN
25905 @item gdb.PARAM_BOOLEAN
25906 The value is a plain boolean. The Python boolean values, @code{True}
25907 and @code{False} are the only valid values.
25908
25909 @findex PARAM_AUTO_BOOLEAN
25910 @findex gdb.PARAM_AUTO_BOOLEAN
25911 @item gdb.PARAM_AUTO_BOOLEAN
25912 The value has three possible states: true, false, and @samp{auto}. In
25913 Python, true and false are represented using boolean constants, and
25914 @samp{auto} is represented using @code{None}.
25915
25916 @findex PARAM_UINTEGER
25917 @findex gdb.PARAM_UINTEGER
25918 @item gdb.PARAM_UINTEGER
25919 The value is an unsigned integer. The value of 0 should be
25920 interpreted to mean ``unlimited''.
25921
25922 @findex PARAM_INTEGER
25923 @findex gdb.PARAM_INTEGER
25924 @item gdb.PARAM_INTEGER
25925 The value is a signed integer. The value of 0 should be interpreted
25926 to mean ``unlimited''.
25927
25928 @findex PARAM_STRING
25929 @findex gdb.PARAM_STRING
25930 @item gdb.PARAM_STRING
25931 The value is a string. When the user modifies the string, any escape
25932 sequences, such as @samp{\t}, @samp{\f}, and octal escapes, are
25933 translated into corresponding characters and encoded into the current
25934 host charset.
25935
25936 @findex PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE
25937 @findex gdb.PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE
25938 @item gdb.PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE
25939 The value is a string. When the user modifies the string, escapes are
25940 passed through untranslated.
25941
25942 @findex PARAM_OPTIONAL_FILENAME
25943 @findex gdb.PARAM_OPTIONAL_FILENAME
25944 @item gdb.PARAM_OPTIONAL_FILENAME
25945 The value is a either a filename (a string), or @code{None}.
25946
25947 @findex PARAM_FILENAME
25948 @findex gdb.PARAM_FILENAME
25949 @item gdb.PARAM_FILENAME
25950 The value is a filename. This is just like
25951 @code{PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE}, but uses file names for completion.
25952
25953 @findex PARAM_ZINTEGER
25954 @findex gdb.PARAM_ZINTEGER
25955 @item gdb.PARAM_ZINTEGER
25956 The value is an integer. This is like @code{PARAM_INTEGER}, except 0
25957 is interpreted as itself.
25958
25959 @findex PARAM_ENUM
25960 @findex gdb.PARAM_ENUM
25961 @item gdb.PARAM_ENUM
25962 The value is a string, which must be one of a collection string
25963 constants provided when the parameter is created.
25964 @end table
25965
25966 @node Functions In Python
25967 @subsubsection Writing new convenience functions
25968
25969 @cindex writing convenience functions
25970 @cindex convenience functions in python
25971 @cindex python convenience functions
25972 @tindex gdb.Function
25973 @tindex Function
25974 You can implement new convenience functions (@pxref{Convenience Vars})
25975 in Python. A convenience function is an instance of a subclass of the
25976 class @code{gdb.Function}.
25977
25978 @defun Function.__init__ (name)
25979 The initializer for @code{Function} registers the new function with
25980 @value{GDBN}. The argument @var{name} is the name of the function,
25981 a string. The function will be visible to the user as a convenience
25982 variable of type @code{internal function}, whose name is the same as
25983 the given @var{name}.
25984
25985 The documentation for the new function is taken from the documentation
25986 string for the new class.
25987 @end defun
25988
25989 @defun Function.invoke (@var{*args})
25990 When a convenience function is evaluated, its arguments are converted
25991 to instances of @code{gdb.Value}, and then the function's
25992 @code{invoke} method is called. Note that @value{GDBN} does not
25993 predetermine the arity of convenience functions. Instead, all
25994 available arguments are passed to @code{invoke}, following the
25995 standard Python calling convention. In particular, a convenience
25996 function can have default values for parameters without ill effect.
25997
25998 The return value of this method is used as its value in the enclosing
25999 expression. If an ordinary Python value is returned, it is converted
26000 to a @code{gdb.Value} following the usual rules.
26001 @end defun
26002
26003 The following code snippet shows how a trivial convenience function can
26004 be implemented in Python:
26005
26006 @smallexample
26007 class Greet (gdb.Function):
26008 """Return string to greet someone.
26009 Takes a name as argument."""
26010
26011 def __init__ (self):
26012 super (Greet, self).__init__ ("greet")
26013
26014 def invoke (self, name):
26015 return "Hello, %s!" % name.string ()
26016
26017 Greet ()
26018 @end smallexample
26019
26020 The last line instantiates the class, and is necessary to trigger the
26021 registration of the function with @value{GDBN}. Depending on how the
26022 Python code is read into @value{GDBN}, you may need to import the
26023 @code{gdb} module explicitly.
26024
26025 Now you can use the function in an expression:
26026
26027 @smallexample
26028 (gdb) print $greet("Bob")
26029 $1 = "Hello, Bob!"
26030 @end smallexample
26031
26032 @node Progspaces In Python
26033 @subsubsection Program Spaces In Python
26034
26035 @cindex progspaces in python
26036 @tindex gdb.Progspace
26037 @tindex Progspace
26038 A program space, or @dfn{progspace}, represents a symbolic view
26039 of an address space.
26040 It consists of all of the objfiles of the program.
26041 @xref{Objfiles In Python}.
26042 @xref{Inferiors and Programs, program spaces}, for more details
26043 about program spaces.
26044
26045 The following progspace-related functions are available in the
26046 @code{gdb} module:
26047
26048 @findex gdb.current_progspace
26049 @defun gdb.current_progspace ()
26050 This function returns the program space of the currently selected inferior.
26051 @xref{Inferiors and Programs}.
26052 @end defun
26053
26054 @findex gdb.progspaces
26055 @defun gdb.progspaces ()
26056 Return a sequence of all the progspaces currently known to @value{GDBN}.
26057 @end defun
26058
26059 Each progspace is represented by an instance of the @code{gdb.Progspace}
26060 class.
26061
26062 @defvar Progspace.filename
26063 The file name of the progspace as a string.
26064 @end defvar
26065
26066 @defvar Progspace.pretty_printers
26067 The @code{pretty_printers} attribute is a list of functions. It is
26068 used to look up pretty-printers. A @code{Value} is passed to each
26069 function in order; if the function returns @code{None}, then the
26070 search continues. Otherwise, the return value should be an object
26071 which is used to format the value. @xref{Pretty Printing API}, for more
26072 information.
26073 @end defvar
26074
26075 @defvar Progspace.type_printers
26076 The @code{type_printers} attribute is a list of type printer objects.
26077 @xref{Type Printing API}, for more information.
26078 @end defvar
26079
26080 @defvar Progspace.frame_filters
26081 The @code{frame_filters} attribute is a dictionary of frame filter
26082 objects. @xref{Frame Filter API}, for more information.
26083 @end defvar
26084
26085 @node Objfiles In Python
26086 @subsubsection Objfiles In Python
26087
26088 @cindex objfiles in python
26089 @tindex gdb.Objfile
26090 @tindex Objfile
26091 @value{GDBN} loads symbols for an inferior from various
26092 symbol-containing files (@pxref{Files}). These include the primary
26093 executable file, any shared libraries used by the inferior, and any
26094 separate debug info files (@pxref{Separate Debug Files}).
26095 @value{GDBN} calls these symbol-containing files @dfn{objfiles}.
26096
26097 The following objfile-related functions are available in the
26098 @code{gdb} module:
26099
26100 @findex gdb.current_objfile
26101 @defun gdb.current_objfile ()
26102 When auto-loading a Python script (@pxref{Python Auto-loading}), @value{GDBN}
26103 sets the ``current objfile'' to the corresponding objfile. This
26104 function returns the current objfile. If there is no current objfile,
26105 this function returns @code{None}.
26106 @end defun
26107
26108 @findex gdb.objfiles
26109 @defun gdb.objfiles ()
26110 Return a sequence of all the objfiles current known to @value{GDBN}.
26111 @xref{Objfiles In Python}.
26112 @end defun
26113
26114 Each objfile is represented by an instance of the @code{gdb.Objfile}
26115 class.
26116
26117 @defvar Objfile.filename
26118 The file name of the objfile as a string.
26119 @end defvar
26120
26121 @defvar Objfile.pretty_printers
26122 The @code{pretty_printers} attribute is a list of functions. It is
26123 used to look up pretty-printers. A @code{Value} is passed to each
26124 function in order; if the function returns @code{None}, then the
26125 search continues. Otherwise, the return value should be an object
26126 which is used to format the value. @xref{Pretty Printing API}, for more
26127 information.
26128 @end defvar
26129
26130 @defvar Objfile.type_printers
26131 The @code{type_printers} attribute is a list of type printer objects.
26132 @xref{Type Printing API}, for more information.
26133 @end defvar
26134
26135 @defvar Objfile.frame_filters
26136 The @code{frame_filters} attribute is a dictionary of frame filter
26137 objects. @xref{Frame Filter API}, for more information.
26138 @end defvar
26139
26140 A @code{gdb.Objfile} object has the following methods:
26141
26142 @defun Objfile.is_valid ()
26143 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Objfile} object is valid,
26144 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Objfile} object can become invalid
26145 if the object file it refers to is not loaded in @value{GDBN} any
26146 longer. All other @code{gdb.Objfile} methods will throw an exception
26147 if it is invalid at the time the method is called.
26148 @end defun
26149
26150 @node Frames In Python
26151 @subsubsection Accessing inferior stack frames from Python.
26152
26153 @cindex frames in python
26154 When the debugged program stops, @value{GDBN} is able to analyze its call
26155 stack (@pxref{Frames,,Stack frames}). The @code{gdb.Frame} class
26156 represents a frame in the stack. A @code{gdb.Frame} object is only valid
26157 while its corresponding frame exists in the inferior's stack. If you try
26158 to use an invalid frame object, @value{GDBN} will throw a @code{gdb.error}
26159 exception (@pxref{Exception Handling}).
26160
26161 Two @code{gdb.Frame} objects can be compared for equality with the @code{==}
26162 operator, like:
26163
26164 @smallexample
26165 (@value{GDBP}) python print gdb.newest_frame() == gdb.selected_frame ()
26166 True
26167 @end smallexample
26168
26169 The following frame-related functions are available in the @code{gdb} module:
26170
26171 @findex gdb.selected_frame
26172 @defun gdb.selected_frame ()
26173 Return the selected frame object. (@pxref{Selection,,Selecting a Frame}).
26174 @end defun
26175
26176 @findex gdb.newest_frame
26177 @defun gdb.newest_frame ()
26178 Return the newest frame object for the selected thread.
26179 @end defun
26180
26181 @defun gdb.frame_stop_reason_string (reason)
26182 Return a string explaining the reason why @value{GDBN} stopped unwinding
26183 frames, as expressed by the given @var{reason} code (an integer, see the
26184 @code{unwind_stop_reason} method further down in this section).
26185 @end defun
26186
26187 A @code{gdb.Frame} object has the following methods:
26188
26189 @defun Frame.is_valid ()
26190 Returns true if the @code{gdb.Frame} object is valid, false if not.
26191 A frame object can become invalid if the frame it refers to doesn't
26192 exist anymore in the inferior. All @code{gdb.Frame} methods will throw
26193 an exception if it is invalid at the time the method is called.
26194 @end defun
26195
26196 @defun Frame.name ()
26197 Returns the function name of the frame, or @code{None} if it can't be
26198 obtained.
26199 @end defun
26200
26201 @defun Frame.architecture ()
26202 Returns the @code{gdb.Architecture} object corresponding to the frame's
26203 architecture. @xref{Architectures In Python}.
26204 @end defun
26205
26206 @defun Frame.type ()
26207 Returns the type of the frame. The value can be one of:
26208 @table @code
26209 @item gdb.NORMAL_FRAME
26210 An ordinary stack frame.
26211
26212 @item gdb.DUMMY_FRAME
26213 A fake stack frame that was created by @value{GDBN} when performing an
26214 inferior function call.
26215
26216 @item gdb.INLINE_FRAME
26217 A frame representing an inlined function. The function was inlined
26218 into a @code{gdb.NORMAL_FRAME} that is older than this one.
26219
26220 @item gdb.TAILCALL_FRAME
26221 A frame representing a tail call. @xref{Tail Call Frames}.
26222
26223 @item gdb.SIGTRAMP_FRAME
26224 A signal trampoline frame. This is the frame created by the OS when
26225 it calls into a signal handler.
26226
26227 @item gdb.ARCH_FRAME
26228 A fake stack frame representing a cross-architecture call.
26229
26230 @item gdb.SENTINEL_FRAME
26231 This is like @code{gdb.NORMAL_FRAME}, but it is only used for the
26232 newest frame.
26233 @end table
26234 @end defun
26235
26236 @defun Frame.unwind_stop_reason ()
26237 Return an integer representing the reason why it's not possible to find
26238 more frames toward the outermost frame. Use
26239 @code{gdb.frame_stop_reason_string} to convert the value returned by this
26240 function to a string. The value can be one of:
26241
26242 @table @code
26243 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_NO_REASON
26244 No particular reason (older frames should be available).
26245
26246 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_NULL_ID
26247 The previous frame's analyzer returns an invalid result.
26248
26249 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_OUTERMOST
26250 This frame is the outermost.
26251
26252 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_UNAVAILABLE
26253 Cannot unwind further, because that would require knowing the
26254 values of registers or memory that have not been collected.
26255
26256 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_INNER_ID
26257 This frame ID looks like it ought to belong to a NEXT frame,
26258 but we got it for a PREV frame. Normally, this is a sign of
26259 unwinder failure. It could also indicate stack corruption.
26260
26261 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_SAME_ID
26262 This frame has the same ID as the previous one. That means
26263 that unwinding further would almost certainly give us another
26264 frame with exactly the same ID, so break the chain. Normally,
26265 this is a sign of unwinder failure. It could also indicate
26266 stack corruption.
26267
26268 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_NO_SAVED_PC
26269 The frame unwinder did not find any saved PC, but we needed
26270 one to unwind further.
26271
26272 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_FIRST_ERROR
26273 Any stop reason greater or equal to this value indicates some kind
26274 of error. This special value facilitates writing code that tests
26275 for errors in unwinding in a way that will work correctly even if
26276 the list of the other values is modified in future @value{GDBN}
26277 versions. Using it, you could write:
26278 @smallexample
26279 reason = gdb.selected_frame().unwind_stop_reason ()
26280 reason_str = gdb.frame_stop_reason_string (reason)
26281 if reason >= gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_FIRST_ERROR:
26282 print "An error occured: %s" % reason_str
26283 @end smallexample
26284 @end table
26285
26286 @end defun
26287
26288 @defun Frame.pc ()
26289 Returns the frame's resume address.
26290 @end defun
26291
26292 @defun Frame.block ()
26293 Return the frame's code block. @xref{Blocks In Python}.
26294 @end defun
26295
26296 @defun Frame.function ()
26297 Return the symbol for the function corresponding to this frame.
26298 @xref{Symbols In Python}.
26299 @end defun
26300
26301 @defun Frame.older ()
26302 Return the frame that called this frame.
26303 @end defun
26304
26305 @defun Frame.newer ()
26306 Return the frame called by this frame.
26307 @end defun
26308
26309 @defun Frame.find_sal ()
26310 Return the frame's symtab and line object.
26311 @xref{Symbol Tables In Python}.
26312 @end defun
26313
26314 @defun Frame.read_var (variable @r{[}, block@r{]})
26315 Return the value of @var{variable} in this frame. If the optional
26316 argument @var{block} is provided, search for the variable from that
26317 block; otherwise start at the frame's current block (which is
26318 determined by the frame's current program counter). @var{variable}
26319 must be a string or a @code{gdb.Symbol} object. @var{block} must be a
26320 @code{gdb.Block} object.
26321 @end defun
26322
26323 @defun Frame.select ()
26324 Set this frame to be the selected frame. @xref{Stack, ,Examining the
26325 Stack}.
26326 @end defun
26327
26328 @node Blocks In Python
26329 @subsubsection Accessing blocks from Python.
26330
26331 @cindex blocks in python
26332 @tindex gdb.Block
26333
26334 In @value{GDBN}, symbols are stored in blocks. A block corresponds
26335 roughly to a scope in the source code. Blocks are organized
26336 hierarchically, and are represented individually in Python as a
26337 @code{gdb.Block}. Blocks rely on debugging information being
26338 available.
26339
26340 A frame has a block. Please see @ref{Frames In Python}, for a more
26341 in-depth discussion of frames.
26342
26343 The outermost block is known as the @dfn{global block}. The global
26344 block typically holds public global variables and functions.
26345
26346 The block nested just inside the global block is the @dfn{static
26347 block}. The static block typically holds file-scoped variables and
26348 functions.
26349
26350 @value{GDBN} provides a method to get a block's superblock, but there
26351 is currently no way to examine the sub-blocks of a block, or to
26352 iterate over all the blocks in a symbol table (@pxref{Symbol Tables In
26353 Python}).
26354
26355 Here is a short example that should help explain blocks:
26356
26357 @smallexample
26358 /* This is in the global block. */
26359 int global;
26360
26361 /* This is in the static block. */
26362 static int file_scope;
26363
26364 /* 'function' is in the global block, and 'argument' is
26365 in a block nested inside of 'function'. */
26366 int function (int argument)
26367 @{
26368 /* 'local' is in a block inside 'function'. It may or may
26369 not be in the same block as 'argument'. */
26370 int local;
26371
26372 @{
26373 /* 'inner' is in a block whose superblock is the one holding
26374 'local'. */
26375 int inner;
26376
26377 /* If this call is expanded by the compiler, you may see
26378 a nested block here whose function is 'inline_function'
26379 and whose superblock is the one holding 'inner'. */
26380 inline_function ();
26381 @}
26382 @}
26383 @end smallexample
26384
26385 A @code{gdb.Block} is iterable. The iterator returns the symbols
26386 (@pxref{Symbols In Python}) local to the block. Python programs
26387 should not assume that a specific block object will always contain a
26388 given symbol, since changes in @value{GDBN} features and
26389 infrastructure may cause symbols move across blocks in a symbol
26390 table.
26391
26392 The following block-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
26393 module:
26394
26395 @findex gdb.block_for_pc
26396 @defun gdb.block_for_pc (pc)
26397 Return the innermost @code{gdb.Block} containing the given @var{pc}
26398 value. If the block cannot be found for the @var{pc} value specified,
26399 the function will return @code{None}.
26400 @end defun
26401
26402 A @code{gdb.Block} object has the following methods:
26403
26404 @defun Block.is_valid ()
26405 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Block} object is valid,
26406 @code{False} if not. A block object can become invalid if the block it
26407 refers to doesn't exist anymore in the inferior. All other
26408 @code{gdb.Block} methods will throw an exception if it is invalid at
26409 the time the method is called. The block's validity is also checked
26410 during iteration over symbols of the block.
26411 @end defun
26412
26413 A @code{gdb.Block} object has the following attributes:
26414
26415 @defvar Block.start
26416 The start address of the block. This attribute is not writable.
26417 @end defvar
26418
26419 @defvar Block.end
26420 The end address of the block. This attribute is not writable.
26421 @end defvar
26422
26423 @defvar Block.function
26424 The name of the block represented as a @code{gdb.Symbol}. If the
26425 block is not named, then this attribute holds @code{None}. This
26426 attribute is not writable.
26427
26428 For ordinary function blocks, the superblock is the static block.
26429 However, you should note that it is possible for a function block to
26430 have a superblock that is not the static block -- for instance this
26431 happens for an inlined function.
26432 @end defvar
26433
26434 @defvar Block.superblock
26435 The block containing this block. If this parent block does not exist,
26436 this attribute holds @code{None}. This attribute is not writable.
26437 @end defvar
26438
26439 @defvar Block.global_block
26440 The global block associated with this block. This attribute is not
26441 writable.
26442 @end defvar
26443
26444 @defvar Block.static_block
26445 The static block associated with this block. This attribute is not
26446 writable.
26447 @end defvar
26448
26449 @defvar Block.is_global
26450 @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Block} object is a global block,
26451 @code{False} if not. This attribute is not
26452 writable.
26453 @end defvar
26454
26455 @defvar Block.is_static
26456 @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Block} object is a static block,
26457 @code{False} if not. This attribute is not writable.
26458 @end defvar
26459
26460 @node Symbols In Python
26461 @subsubsection Python representation of Symbols.
26462
26463 @cindex symbols in python
26464 @tindex gdb.Symbol
26465
26466 @value{GDBN} represents every variable, function and type as an
26467 entry in a symbol table. @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}.
26468 Similarly, Python represents these symbols in @value{GDBN} with the
26469 @code{gdb.Symbol} object.
26470
26471 The following symbol-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
26472 module:
26473
26474 @findex gdb.lookup_symbol
26475 @defun gdb.lookup_symbol (name @r{[}, block @r{[}, domain@r{]]})
26476 This function searches for a symbol by name. The search scope can be
26477 restricted to the parameters defined in the optional domain and block
26478 arguments.
26479
26480 @var{name} is the name of the symbol. It must be a string. The
26481 optional @var{block} argument restricts the search to symbols visible
26482 in that @var{block}. The @var{block} argument must be a
26483 @code{gdb.Block} object. If omitted, the block for the current frame
26484 is used. The optional @var{domain} argument restricts
26485 the search to the domain type. The @var{domain} argument must be a
26486 domain constant defined in the @code{gdb} module and described later
26487 in this chapter.
26488
26489 The result is a tuple of two elements.
26490 The first element is a @code{gdb.Symbol} object or @code{None} if the symbol
26491 is not found.
26492 If the symbol is found, the second element is @code{True} if the symbol
26493 is a field of a method's object (e.g., @code{this} in C@t{++}),
26494 otherwise it is @code{False}.
26495 If the symbol is not found, the second element is @code{False}.
26496 @end defun
26497
26498 @findex gdb.lookup_global_symbol
26499 @defun gdb.lookup_global_symbol (name @r{[}, domain@r{]})
26500 This function searches for a global symbol by name.
26501 The search scope can be restricted to by the domain argument.
26502
26503 @var{name} is the name of the symbol. It must be a string.
26504 The optional @var{domain} argument restricts the search to the domain type.
26505 The @var{domain} argument must be a domain constant defined in the @code{gdb}
26506 module and described later in this chapter.
26507
26508 The result is a @code{gdb.Symbol} object or @code{None} if the symbol
26509 is not found.
26510 @end defun
26511
26512 A @code{gdb.Symbol} object has the following attributes:
26513
26514 @defvar Symbol.type
26515 The type of the symbol or @code{None} if no type is recorded.
26516 This attribute is represented as a @code{gdb.Type} object.
26517 @xref{Types In Python}. This attribute is not writable.
26518 @end defvar
26519
26520 @defvar Symbol.symtab
26521 The symbol table in which the symbol appears. This attribute is
26522 represented as a @code{gdb.Symtab} object. @xref{Symbol Tables In
26523 Python}. This attribute is not writable.
26524 @end defvar
26525
26526 @defvar Symbol.line
26527 The line number in the source code at which the symbol was defined.
26528 This is an integer.
26529 @end defvar
26530
26531 @defvar Symbol.name
26532 The name of the symbol as a string. This attribute is not writable.
26533 @end defvar
26534
26535 @defvar Symbol.linkage_name
26536 The name of the symbol, as used by the linker (i.e., may be mangled).
26537 This attribute is not writable.
26538 @end defvar
26539
26540 @defvar Symbol.print_name
26541 The name of the symbol in a form suitable for output. This is either
26542 @code{name} or @code{linkage_name}, depending on whether the user
26543 asked @value{GDBN} to display demangled or mangled names.
26544 @end defvar
26545
26546 @defvar Symbol.addr_class
26547 The address class of the symbol. This classifies how to find the value
26548 of a symbol. Each address class is a constant defined in the
26549 @code{gdb} module and described later in this chapter.
26550 @end defvar
26551
26552 @defvar Symbol.needs_frame
26553 This is @code{True} if evaluating this symbol's value requires a frame
26554 (@pxref{Frames In Python}) and @code{False} otherwise. Typically,
26555 local variables will require a frame, but other symbols will not.
26556 @end defvar
26557
26558 @defvar Symbol.is_argument
26559 @code{True} if the symbol is an argument of a function.
26560 @end defvar
26561
26562 @defvar Symbol.is_constant
26563 @code{True} if the symbol is a constant.
26564 @end defvar
26565
26566 @defvar Symbol.is_function
26567 @code{True} if the symbol is a function or a method.
26568 @end defvar
26569
26570 @defvar Symbol.is_variable
26571 @code{True} if the symbol is a variable.
26572 @end defvar
26573
26574 A @code{gdb.Symbol} object has the following methods:
26575
26576 @defun Symbol.is_valid ()
26577 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Symbol} object is valid,
26578 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Symbol} object can become invalid if
26579 the symbol it refers to does not exist in @value{GDBN} any longer.
26580 All other @code{gdb.Symbol} methods will throw an exception if it is
26581 invalid at the time the method is called.
26582 @end defun
26583
26584 @defun Symbol.value (@r{[}frame@r{]})
26585 Compute the value of the symbol, as a @code{gdb.Value}. For
26586 functions, this computes the address of the function, cast to the
26587 appropriate type. If the symbol requires a frame in order to compute
26588 its value, then @var{frame} must be given. If @var{frame} is not
26589 given, or if @var{frame} is invalid, then this method will throw an
26590 exception.
26591 @end defun
26592
26593 The available domain categories in @code{gdb.Symbol} are represented
26594 as constants in the @code{gdb} module:
26595
26596 @table @code
26597 @findex SYMBOL_UNDEF_DOMAIN
26598 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_UNDEF_DOMAIN
26599 @item gdb.SYMBOL_UNDEF_DOMAIN
26600 This is used when a domain has not been discovered or none of the
26601 following domains apply. This usually indicates an error either
26602 in the symbol information or in @value{GDBN}'s handling of symbols.
26603 @findex SYMBOL_VAR_DOMAIN
26604 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_VAR_DOMAIN
26605 @item gdb.SYMBOL_VAR_DOMAIN
26606 This domain contains variables, function names, typedef names and enum
26607 type values.
26608 @findex SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN
26609 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN
26610 @item gdb.SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN
26611 This domain holds struct, union and enum type names.
26612 @findex SYMBOL_LABEL_DOMAIN
26613 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LABEL_DOMAIN
26614 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LABEL_DOMAIN
26615 This domain contains names of labels (for gotos).
26616 @findex SYMBOL_VARIABLES_DOMAIN
26617 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_VARIABLES_DOMAIN
26618 @item gdb.SYMBOL_VARIABLES_DOMAIN
26619 This domain holds a subset of the @code{SYMBOLS_VAR_DOMAIN}; it
26620 contains everything minus functions and types.
26621 @findex SYMBOL_FUNCTIONS_DOMAIN
26622 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_FUNCTIONS_DOMAIN
26623 @item gdb.SYMBOL_FUNCTION_DOMAIN
26624 This domain contains all functions.
26625 @findex SYMBOL_TYPES_DOMAIN
26626 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_TYPES_DOMAIN
26627 @item gdb.SYMBOL_TYPES_DOMAIN
26628 This domain contains all types.
26629 @end table
26630
26631 The available address class categories in @code{gdb.Symbol} are represented
26632 as constants in the @code{gdb} module:
26633
26634 @table @code
26635 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_UNDEF
26636 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_UNDEF
26637 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_UNDEF
26638 If this is returned by address class, it indicates an error either in
26639 the symbol information or in @value{GDBN}'s handling of symbols.
26640 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_CONST
26641 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_CONST
26642 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_CONST
26643 Value is constant int.
26644 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_STATIC
26645 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_STATIC
26646 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_STATIC
26647 Value is at a fixed address.
26648 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_REGISTER
26649 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REGISTER
26650 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REGISTER
26651 Value is in a register.
26652 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_ARG
26653 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_ARG
26654 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_ARG
26655 Value is an argument. This value is at the offset stored within the
26656 symbol inside the frame's argument list.
26657 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_REF_ARG
26658 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REF_ARG
26659 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REF_ARG
26660 Value address is stored in the frame's argument list. Just like
26661 @code{LOC_ARG} except that the value's address is stored at the
26662 offset, not the value itself.
26663 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_REGPARM_ADDR
26664 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REGPARM_ADDR
26665 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REGPARM_ADDR
26666 Value is a specified register. Just like @code{LOC_REGISTER} except
26667 the register holds the address of the argument instead of the argument
26668 itself.
26669 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_LOCAL
26670 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_LOCAL
26671 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_LOCAL
26672 Value is a local variable.
26673 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_TYPEDEF
26674 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_TYPEDEF
26675 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_TYPEDEF
26676 Value not used. Symbols in the domain @code{SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN} all
26677 have this class.
26678 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_BLOCK
26679 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_BLOCK
26680 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_BLOCK
26681 Value is a block.
26682 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_CONST_BYTES
26683 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_CONST_BYTES
26684 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_CONST_BYTES
26685 Value is a byte-sequence.
26686 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_UNRESOLVED
26687 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_UNRESOLVED
26688 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_UNRESOLVED
26689 Value is at a fixed address, but the address of the variable has to be
26690 determined from the minimal symbol table whenever the variable is
26691 referenced.
26692 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_OPTIMIZED_OUT
26693 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_OPTIMIZED_OUT
26694 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_OPTIMIZED_OUT
26695 The value does not actually exist in the program.
26696 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_COMPUTED
26697 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_COMPUTED
26698 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_COMPUTED
26699 The value's address is a computed location.
26700 @end table
26701
26702 @node Symbol Tables In Python
26703 @subsubsection Symbol table representation in Python.
26704
26705 @cindex symbol tables in python
26706 @tindex gdb.Symtab
26707 @tindex gdb.Symtab_and_line
26708
26709 Access to symbol table data maintained by @value{GDBN} on the inferior
26710 is exposed to Python via two objects: @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} and
26711 @code{gdb.Symtab}. Symbol table and line data for a frame is returned
26712 from the @code{find_sal} method in @code{gdb.Frame} object.
26713 @xref{Frames In Python}.
26714
26715 For more information on @value{GDBN}'s symbol table management, see
26716 @ref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}, for more information.
26717
26718 A @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object has the following attributes:
26719
26720 @defvar Symtab_and_line.symtab
26721 The symbol table object (@code{gdb.Symtab}) for this frame.
26722 This attribute is not writable.
26723 @end defvar
26724
26725 @defvar Symtab_and_line.pc
26726 Indicates the start of the address range occupied by code for the
26727 current source line. This attribute is not writable.
26728 @end defvar
26729
26730 @defvar Symtab_and_line.last
26731 Indicates the end of the address range occupied by code for the current
26732 source line. This attribute is not writable.
26733 @end defvar
26734
26735 @defvar Symtab_and_line.line
26736 Indicates the current line number for this object. This
26737 attribute is not writable.
26738 @end defvar
26739
26740 A @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object has the following methods:
26741
26742 @defun Symtab_and_line.is_valid ()
26743 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object is valid,
26744 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object can become
26745 invalid if the Symbol table and line object it refers to does not
26746 exist in @value{GDBN} any longer. All other
26747 @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} methods will throw an exception if it is
26748 invalid at the time the method is called.
26749 @end defun
26750
26751 A @code{gdb.Symtab} object has the following attributes:
26752
26753 @defvar Symtab.filename
26754 The symbol table's source filename. This attribute is not writable.
26755 @end defvar
26756
26757 @defvar Symtab.objfile
26758 The symbol table's backing object file. @xref{Objfiles In Python}.
26759 This attribute is not writable.
26760 @end defvar
26761
26762 A @code{gdb.Symtab} object has the following methods:
26763
26764 @defun Symtab.is_valid ()
26765 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Symtab} object is valid,
26766 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Symtab} object can become invalid if
26767 the symbol table it refers to does not exist in @value{GDBN} any
26768 longer. All other @code{gdb.Symtab} methods will throw an exception
26769 if it is invalid at the time the method is called.
26770 @end defun
26771
26772 @defun Symtab.fullname ()
26773 Return the symbol table's source absolute file name.
26774 @end defun
26775
26776 @defun Symtab.global_block ()
26777 Return the global block of the underlying symbol table.
26778 @xref{Blocks In Python}.
26779 @end defun
26780
26781 @defun Symtab.static_block ()
26782 Return the static block of the underlying symbol table.
26783 @xref{Blocks In Python}.
26784 @end defun
26785
26786 @node Breakpoints In Python
26787 @subsubsection Manipulating breakpoints using Python
26788
26789 @cindex breakpoints in python
26790 @tindex gdb.Breakpoint
26791
26792 Python code can manipulate breakpoints via the @code{gdb.Breakpoint}
26793 class.
26794
26795 @defun Breakpoint.__init__ (spec @r{[}, type @r{[}, wp_class @r{[},internal@r{]]]})
26796 Create a new breakpoint. @var{spec} is a string naming the
26797 location of the breakpoint, or an expression that defines a
26798 watchpoint. The contents can be any location recognized by the
26799 @code{break} command, or in the case of a watchpoint, by the @code{watch}
26800 command. The optional @var{type} denotes the breakpoint to create
26801 from the types defined later in this chapter. This argument can be
26802 either: @code{gdb.BP_BREAKPOINT} or @code{gdb.BP_WATCHPOINT}. @var{type}
26803 defaults to @code{gdb.BP_BREAKPOINT}. The optional @var{internal} argument
26804 allows the breakpoint to become invisible to the user. The breakpoint
26805 will neither be reported when created, nor will it be listed in the
26806 output from @code{info breakpoints} (but will be listed with the
26807 @code{maint info breakpoints} command). The optional @var{wp_class}
26808 argument defines the class of watchpoint to create, if @var{type} is
26809 @code{gdb.BP_WATCHPOINT}. If a watchpoint class is not provided, it is
26810 assumed to be a @code{gdb.WP_WRITE} class.
26811 @end defun
26812
26813 @defun Breakpoint.stop (self)
26814 The @code{gdb.Breakpoint} class can be sub-classed and, in
26815 particular, you may choose to implement the @code{stop} method.
26816 If this method is defined as a sub-class of @code{gdb.Breakpoint},
26817 it will be called when the inferior reaches any location of a
26818 breakpoint which instantiates that sub-class. If the method returns
26819 @code{True}, the inferior will be stopped at the location of the
26820 breakpoint, otherwise the inferior will continue.
26821
26822 If there are multiple breakpoints at the same location with a
26823 @code{stop} method, each one will be called regardless of the
26824 return status of the previous. This ensures that all @code{stop}
26825 methods have a chance to execute at that location. In this scenario
26826 if one of the methods returns @code{True} but the others return
26827 @code{False}, the inferior will still be stopped.
26828
26829 You should not alter the execution state of the inferior (i.e.@:, step,
26830 next, etc.), alter the current frame context (i.e.@:, change the current
26831 active frame), or alter, add or delete any breakpoint. As a general
26832 rule, you should not alter any data within @value{GDBN} or the inferior
26833 at this time.
26834
26835 Example @code{stop} implementation:
26836
26837 @smallexample
26838 class MyBreakpoint (gdb.Breakpoint):
26839 def stop (self):
26840 inf_val = gdb.parse_and_eval("foo")
26841 if inf_val == 3:
26842 return True
26843 return False
26844 @end smallexample
26845 @end defun
26846
26847 The available watchpoint types represented by constants are defined in the
26848 @code{gdb} module:
26849
26850 @table @code
26851 @findex WP_READ
26852 @findex gdb.WP_READ
26853 @item gdb.WP_READ
26854 Read only watchpoint.
26855
26856 @findex WP_WRITE
26857 @findex gdb.WP_WRITE
26858 @item gdb.WP_WRITE
26859 Write only watchpoint.
26860
26861 @findex WP_ACCESS
26862 @findex gdb.WP_ACCESS
26863 @item gdb.WP_ACCESS
26864 Read/Write watchpoint.
26865 @end table
26866
26867 @defun Breakpoint.is_valid ()
26868 Return @code{True} if this @code{Breakpoint} object is valid,
26869 @code{False} otherwise. A @code{Breakpoint} object can become invalid
26870 if the user deletes the breakpoint. In this case, the object still
26871 exists, but the underlying breakpoint does not. In the cases of
26872 watchpoint scope, the watchpoint remains valid even if execution of the
26873 inferior leaves the scope of that watchpoint.
26874 @end defun
26875
26876 @defun Breakpoint.delete
26877 Permanently deletes the @value{GDBN} breakpoint. This also
26878 invalidates the Python @code{Breakpoint} object. Any further access
26879 to this object's attributes or methods will raise an error.
26880 @end defun
26881
26882 @defvar Breakpoint.enabled
26883 This attribute is @code{True} if the breakpoint is enabled, and
26884 @code{False} otherwise. This attribute is writable.
26885 @end defvar
26886
26887 @defvar Breakpoint.silent
26888 This attribute is @code{True} if the breakpoint is silent, and
26889 @code{False} otherwise. This attribute is writable.
26890
26891 Note that a breakpoint can also be silent if it has commands and the
26892 first command is @code{silent}. This is not reported by the
26893 @code{silent} attribute.
26894 @end defvar
26895
26896 @defvar Breakpoint.thread
26897 If the breakpoint is thread-specific, this attribute holds the thread
26898 id. If the breakpoint is not thread-specific, this attribute is
26899 @code{None}. This attribute is writable.
26900 @end defvar
26901
26902 @defvar Breakpoint.task
26903 If the breakpoint is Ada task-specific, this attribute holds the Ada task
26904 id. If the breakpoint is not task-specific (or the underlying
26905 language is not Ada), this attribute is @code{None}. This attribute
26906 is writable.
26907 @end defvar
26908
26909 @defvar Breakpoint.ignore_count
26910 This attribute holds the ignore count for the breakpoint, an integer.
26911 This attribute is writable.
26912 @end defvar
26913
26914 @defvar Breakpoint.number
26915 This attribute holds the breakpoint's number --- the identifier used by
26916 the user to manipulate the breakpoint. This attribute is not writable.
26917 @end defvar
26918
26919 @defvar Breakpoint.type
26920 This attribute holds the breakpoint's type --- the identifier used to
26921 determine the actual breakpoint type or use-case. This attribute is not
26922 writable.
26923 @end defvar
26924
26925 @defvar Breakpoint.visible
26926 This attribute tells whether the breakpoint is visible to the user
26927 when set, or when the @samp{info breakpoints} command is run. This
26928 attribute is not writable.
26929 @end defvar
26930
26931 The available types are represented by constants defined in the @code{gdb}
26932 module:
26933
26934 @table @code
26935 @findex BP_BREAKPOINT
26936 @findex gdb.BP_BREAKPOINT
26937 @item gdb.BP_BREAKPOINT
26938 Normal code breakpoint.
26939
26940 @findex BP_WATCHPOINT
26941 @findex gdb.BP_WATCHPOINT
26942 @item gdb.BP_WATCHPOINT
26943 Watchpoint breakpoint.
26944
26945 @findex BP_HARDWARE_WATCHPOINT
26946 @findex gdb.BP_HARDWARE_WATCHPOINT
26947 @item gdb.BP_HARDWARE_WATCHPOINT
26948 Hardware assisted watchpoint.
26949
26950 @findex BP_READ_WATCHPOINT
26951 @findex gdb.BP_READ_WATCHPOINT
26952 @item gdb.BP_READ_WATCHPOINT
26953 Hardware assisted read watchpoint.
26954
26955 @findex BP_ACCESS_WATCHPOINT
26956 @findex gdb.BP_ACCESS_WATCHPOINT
26957 @item gdb.BP_ACCESS_WATCHPOINT
26958 Hardware assisted access watchpoint.
26959 @end table
26960
26961 @defvar Breakpoint.hit_count
26962 This attribute holds the hit count for the breakpoint, an integer.
26963 This attribute is writable, but currently it can only be set to zero.
26964 @end defvar
26965
26966 @defvar Breakpoint.location
26967 This attribute holds the location of the breakpoint, as specified by
26968 the user. It is a string. If the breakpoint does not have a location
26969 (that is, it is a watchpoint) the attribute's value is @code{None}. This
26970 attribute is not writable.
26971 @end defvar
26972
26973 @defvar Breakpoint.expression
26974 This attribute holds a breakpoint expression, as specified by
26975 the user. It is a string. If the breakpoint does not have an
26976 expression (the breakpoint is not a watchpoint) the attribute's value
26977 is @code{None}. This attribute is not writable.
26978 @end defvar
26979
26980 @defvar Breakpoint.condition
26981 This attribute holds the condition of the breakpoint, as specified by
26982 the user. It is a string. If there is no condition, this attribute's
26983 value is @code{None}. This attribute is writable.
26984 @end defvar
26985
26986 @defvar Breakpoint.commands
26987 This attribute holds the commands attached to the breakpoint. If
26988 there are commands, this attribute's value is a string holding all the
26989 commands, separated by newlines. If there are no commands, this
26990 attribute is @code{None}. This attribute is not writable.
26991 @end defvar
26992
26993 @node Finish Breakpoints in Python
26994 @subsubsection Finish Breakpoints
26995
26996 @cindex python finish breakpoints
26997 @tindex gdb.FinishBreakpoint
26998
26999 A finish breakpoint is a temporary breakpoint set at the return address of
27000 a frame, based on the @code{finish} command. @code{gdb.FinishBreakpoint}
27001 extends @code{gdb.Breakpoint}. The underlying breakpoint will be disabled
27002 and deleted when the execution will run out of the breakpoint scope (i.e.@:
27003 @code{Breakpoint.stop} or @code{FinishBreakpoint.out_of_scope} triggered).
27004 Finish breakpoints are thread specific and must be create with the right
27005 thread selected.
27006
27007 @defun FinishBreakpoint.__init__ (@r{[}frame@r{]} @r{[}, internal@r{]})
27008 Create a finish breakpoint at the return address of the @code{gdb.Frame}
27009 object @var{frame}. If @var{frame} is not provided, this defaults to the
27010 newest frame. The optional @var{internal} argument allows the breakpoint to
27011 become invisible to the user. @xref{Breakpoints In Python}, for further
27012 details about this argument.
27013 @end defun
27014
27015 @defun FinishBreakpoint.out_of_scope (self)
27016 In some circumstances (e.g.@: @code{longjmp}, C@t{++} exceptions, @value{GDBN}
27017 @code{return} command, @dots{}), a function may not properly terminate, and
27018 thus never hit the finish breakpoint. When @value{GDBN} notices such a
27019 situation, the @code{out_of_scope} callback will be triggered.
27020
27021 You may want to sub-class @code{gdb.FinishBreakpoint} and override this
27022 method:
27023
27024 @smallexample
27025 class MyFinishBreakpoint (gdb.FinishBreakpoint)
27026 def stop (self):
27027 print "normal finish"
27028 return True
27029
27030 def out_of_scope ():
27031 print "abnormal finish"
27032 @end smallexample
27033 @end defun
27034
27035 @defvar FinishBreakpoint.return_value
27036 When @value{GDBN} is stopped at a finish breakpoint and the frame
27037 used to build the @code{gdb.FinishBreakpoint} object had debug symbols, this
27038 attribute will contain a @code{gdb.Value} object corresponding to the return
27039 value of the function. The value will be @code{None} if the function return
27040 type is @code{void} or if the return value was not computable. This attribute
27041 is not writable.
27042 @end defvar
27043
27044 @node Lazy Strings In Python
27045 @subsubsection Python representation of lazy strings.
27046
27047 @cindex lazy strings in python
27048 @tindex gdb.LazyString
27049
27050 A @dfn{lazy string} is a string whose contents is not retrieved or
27051 encoded until it is needed.
27052
27053 A @code{gdb.LazyString} is represented in @value{GDBN} as an
27054 @code{address} that points to a region of memory, an @code{encoding}
27055 that will be used to encode that region of memory, and a @code{length}
27056 to delimit the region of memory that represents the string. The
27057 difference between a @code{gdb.LazyString} and a string wrapped within
27058 a @code{gdb.Value} is that a @code{gdb.LazyString} will be treated
27059 differently by @value{GDBN} when printing. A @code{gdb.LazyString} is
27060 retrieved and encoded during printing, while a @code{gdb.Value}
27061 wrapping a string is immediately retrieved and encoded on creation.
27062
27063 A @code{gdb.LazyString} object has the following functions:
27064
27065 @defun LazyString.value ()
27066 Convert the @code{gdb.LazyString} to a @code{gdb.Value}. This value
27067 will point to the string in memory, but will lose all the delayed
27068 retrieval, encoding and handling that @value{GDBN} applies to a
27069 @code{gdb.LazyString}.
27070 @end defun
27071
27072 @defvar LazyString.address
27073 This attribute holds the address of the string. This attribute is not
27074 writable.
27075 @end defvar
27076
27077 @defvar LazyString.length
27078 This attribute holds the length of the string in characters. If the
27079 length is -1, then the string will be fetched and encoded up to the
27080 first null of appropriate width. This attribute is not writable.
27081 @end defvar
27082
27083 @defvar LazyString.encoding
27084 This attribute holds the encoding that will be applied to the string
27085 when the string is printed by @value{GDBN}. If the encoding is not
27086 set, or contains an empty string, then @value{GDBN} will select the
27087 most appropriate encoding when the string is printed. This attribute
27088 is not writable.
27089 @end defvar
27090
27091 @defvar LazyString.type
27092 This attribute holds the type that is represented by the lazy string's
27093 type. For a lazy string this will always be a pointer type. To
27094 resolve this to the lazy string's character type, use the type's
27095 @code{target} method. @xref{Types In Python}. This attribute is not
27096 writable.
27097 @end defvar
27098
27099 @node Architectures In Python
27100 @subsubsection Python representation of architectures
27101 @cindex Python architectures
27102
27103 @value{GDBN} uses architecture specific parameters and artifacts in a
27104 number of its various computations. An architecture is represented
27105 by an instance of the @code{gdb.Architecture} class.
27106
27107 A @code{gdb.Architecture} class has the following methods:
27108
27109 @defun Architecture.name ()
27110 Return the name (string value) of the architecture.
27111 @end defun
27112
27113 @defun Architecture.disassemble (@var{start_pc} @r{[}, @var{end_pc} @r{[}, @var{count}@r{]]})
27114 Return a list of disassembled instructions starting from the memory
27115 address @var{start_pc}. The optional arguments @var{end_pc} and
27116 @var{count} determine the number of instructions in the returned list.
27117 If both the optional arguments @var{end_pc} and @var{count} are
27118 specified, then a list of at most @var{count} disassembled instructions
27119 whose start address falls in the closed memory address interval from
27120 @var{start_pc} to @var{end_pc} are returned. If @var{end_pc} is not
27121 specified, but @var{count} is specified, then @var{count} number of
27122 instructions starting from the address @var{start_pc} are returned. If
27123 @var{count} is not specified but @var{end_pc} is specified, then all
27124 instructions whose start address falls in the closed memory address
27125 interval from @var{start_pc} to @var{end_pc} are returned. If neither
27126 @var{end_pc} nor @var{count} are specified, then a single instruction at
27127 @var{start_pc} is returned. For all of these cases, each element of the
27128 returned list is a Python @code{dict} with the following string keys:
27129
27130 @table @code
27131
27132 @item addr
27133 The value corresponding to this key is a Python long integer capturing
27134 the memory address of the instruction.
27135
27136 @item asm
27137 The value corresponding to this key is a string value which represents
27138 the instruction with assembly language mnemonics. The assembly
27139 language flavor used is the same as that specified by the current CLI
27140 variable @code{disassembly-flavor}. @xref{Machine Code}.
27141
27142 @item length
27143 The value corresponding to this key is the length (integer value) of the
27144 instruction in bytes.
27145
27146 @end table
27147 @end defun
27148
27149 @node Python Auto-loading
27150 @subsection Python Auto-loading
27151 @cindex Python auto-loading
27152
27153 When a new object file is read (for example, due to the @code{file}
27154 command, or because the inferior has loaded a shared library),
27155 @value{GDBN} will look for Python support scripts in several ways:
27156 @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py} (@pxref{objfile-gdb.py file})
27157 and @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
27158 (@pxref{dotdebug_gdb_scripts section}).
27159
27160 The auto-loading feature is useful for supplying application-specific
27161 debugging commands and scripts.
27162
27163 Auto-loading can be enabled or disabled,
27164 and the list of auto-loaded scripts can be printed.
27165
27166 @table @code
27167 @anchor{set auto-load python-scripts}
27168 @kindex set auto-load python-scripts
27169 @item set auto-load python-scripts [on|off]
27170 Enable or disable the auto-loading of Python scripts.
27171
27172 @anchor{show auto-load python-scripts}
27173 @kindex show auto-load python-scripts
27174 @item show auto-load python-scripts
27175 Show whether auto-loading of Python scripts is enabled or disabled.
27176
27177 @anchor{info auto-load python-scripts}
27178 @kindex info auto-load python-scripts
27179 @cindex print list of auto-loaded Python scripts
27180 @item info auto-load python-scripts [@var{regexp}]
27181 Print the list of all Python scripts that @value{GDBN} auto-loaded.
27182
27183 Also printed is the list of Python scripts that were mentioned in
27184 the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section and were not found
27185 (@pxref{dotdebug_gdb_scripts section}).
27186 This is useful because their names are not printed when @value{GDBN}
27187 tries to load them and fails. There may be many of them, and printing
27188 an error message for each one is problematic.
27189
27190 If @var{regexp} is supplied only Python scripts with matching names are printed.
27191
27192 Example:
27193
27194 @smallexample
27195 (gdb) info auto-load python-scripts
27196 Loaded Script
27197 Yes py-section-script.py
27198 full name: /tmp/py-section-script.py
27199 No my-foo-pretty-printers.py
27200 @end smallexample
27201 @end table
27202
27203 When reading an auto-loaded file, @value{GDBN} sets the
27204 @dfn{current objfile}. This is available via the @code{gdb.current_objfile}
27205 function (@pxref{Objfiles In Python}). This can be useful for
27206 registering objfile-specific pretty-printers and frame-filters.
27207
27208 @menu
27209 * objfile-gdb.py file:: The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py} file
27210 * dotdebug_gdb_scripts section:: The @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
27211 * Which flavor to choose?::
27212 @end menu
27213
27214 @node objfile-gdb.py file
27215 @subsubsection The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py} file
27216 @cindex @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py}
27217
27218 When a new object file is read, @value{GDBN} looks for
27219 a file named @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py} (we call it @var{script-name} below),
27220 where @var{objfile} is the object file's real name, formed by ensuring
27221 that the file name is absolute, following all symlinks, and resolving
27222 @code{.} and @code{..} components. If this file exists and is
27223 readable, @value{GDBN} will evaluate it as a Python script.
27224
27225 If this file does not exist, then @value{GDBN} will look for
27226 @var{script-name} file in all of the directories as specified below.
27227
27228 Note that loading of this script file also requires accordingly configured
27229 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
27230
27231 For object files using @file{.exe} suffix @value{GDBN} tries to load first the
27232 scripts normally according to its @file{.exe} filename. But if no scripts are
27233 found @value{GDBN} also tries script filenames matching the object file without
27234 its @file{.exe} suffix. This @file{.exe} stripping is case insensitive and it
27235 is attempted on any platform. This makes the script filenames compatible
27236 between Unix and MS-Windows hosts.
27237
27238 @table @code
27239 @anchor{set auto-load scripts-directory}
27240 @kindex set auto-load scripts-directory
27241 @item set auto-load scripts-directory @r{[}@var{directories}@r{]}
27242 Control @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location. Multiple directory entries
27243 may be delimited by the host platform path separator in use
27244 (@samp{:} on Unix, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS).
27245
27246 Each entry here needs to be covered also by the security setting
27247 @code{set auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{set auto-load safe-path}).
27248
27249 @anchor{with-auto-load-dir}
27250 This variable defaults to @file{$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load}. The default
27251 @code{set auto-load safe-path} value can be also overriden by @value{GDBN}
27252 configuration option @option{--with-auto-load-dir}.
27253
27254 Any reference to @file{$debugdir} will get replaced by
27255 @var{debug-file-directory} value (@pxref{Separate Debug Files}) and any
27256 reference to @file{$datadir} will get replaced by @var{data-directory} which is
27257 determined at @value{GDBN} startup (@pxref{Data Files}). @file{$debugdir} and
27258 @file{$datadir} must be placed as a directory component --- either alone or
27259 delimited by @file{/} or @file{\} directory separators, depending on the host
27260 platform.
27261
27262 The list of directories uses path separator (@samp{:} on GNU and Unix
27263 systems, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS) to separate directories, similarly
27264 to the @env{PATH} environment variable.
27265
27266 @anchor{show auto-load scripts-directory}
27267 @kindex show auto-load scripts-directory
27268 @item show auto-load scripts-directory
27269 Show @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
27270 @end table
27271
27272 @value{GDBN} does not track which files it has already auto-loaded this way.
27273 @value{GDBN} will load the associated script every time the corresponding
27274 @var{objfile} is opened.
27275 So your @file{-gdb.py} file should be careful to avoid errors if it
27276 is evaluated more than once.
27277
27278 @node dotdebug_gdb_scripts section
27279 @subsubsection The @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
27280 @cindex @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
27281
27282 For systems using file formats like ELF and COFF,
27283 when @value{GDBN} loads a new object file
27284 it will look for a special section named @samp{.debug_gdb_scripts}.
27285 If this section exists, its contents is a list of names of scripts to load.
27286
27287 @value{GDBN} will look for each specified script file first in the
27288 current directory and then along the source search path
27289 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}),
27290 except that @file{$cdir} is not searched, since the compilation
27291 directory is not relevant to scripts.
27292
27293 Entries can be placed in section @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} with,
27294 for example, this GCC macro:
27295
27296 @example
27297 /* Note: The "MS" section flags are to remove duplicates. */
27298 #define DEFINE_GDB_SCRIPT(script_name) \
27299 asm("\
27300 .pushsection \".debug_gdb_scripts\", \"MS\",@@progbits,1\n\
27301 .byte 1\n\
27302 .asciz \"" script_name "\"\n\
27303 .popsection \n\
27304 ");
27305 @end example
27306
27307 @noindent
27308 Then one can reference the macro in a header or source file like this:
27309
27310 @example
27311 DEFINE_GDB_SCRIPT ("my-app-scripts.py")
27312 @end example
27313
27314 The script name may include directories if desired.
27315
27316 Note that loading of this script file also requires accordingly configured
27317 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
27318
27319 If the macro is put in a header, any application or library
27320 using this header will get a reference to the specified script.
27321
27322 @node Which flavor to choose?
27323 @subsubsection Which flavor to choose?
27324
27325 Given the multiple ways of auto-loading Python scripts, it might not always
27326 be clear which one to choose. This section provides some guidance.
27327
27328 Benefits of the @file{-gdb.py} way:
27329
27330 @itemize @bullet
27331 @item
27332 Can be used with file formats that don't support multiple sections.
27333
27334 @item
27335 Ease of finding scripts for public libraries.
27336
27337 Scripts specified in the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section are searched for
27338 in the source search path.
27339 For publicly installed libraries, e.g., @file{libstdc++}, there typically
27340 isn't a source directory in which to find the script.
27341
27342 @item
27343 Doesn't require source code additions.
27344 @end itemize
27345
27346 Benefits of the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} way:
27347
27348 @itemize @bullet
27349 @item
27350 Works with static linking.
27351
27352 Scripts for libraries done the @file{-gdb.py} way require an objfile to
27353 trigger their loading. When an application is statically linked the only
27354 objfile available is the executable, and it is cumbersome to attach all the
27355 scripts from all the input libraries to the executable's @file{-gdb.py} script.
27356
27357 @item
27358 Works with classes that are entirely inlined.
27359
27360 Some classes can be entirely inlined, and thus there may not be an associated
27361 shared library to attach a @file{-gdb.py} script to.
27362
27363 @item
27364 Scripts needn't be copied out of the source tree.
27365
27366 In some circumstances, apps can be built out of large collections of internal
27367 libraries, and the build infrastructure necessary to install the
27368 @file{-gdb.py} scripts in a place where @value{GDBN} can find them is
27369 cumbersome. It may be easier to specify the scripts in the
27370 @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section as relative paths, and add a path to the
27371 top of the source tree to the source search path.
27372 @end itemize
27373
27374 @node Python modules
27375 @subsection Python modules
27376 @cindex python modules
27377
27378 @value{GDBN} comes with several modules to assist writing Python code.
27379
27380 @menu
27381 * gdb.printing:: Building and registering pretty-printers.
27382 * gdb.types:: Utilities for working with types.
27383 * gdb.prompt:: Utilities for prompt value substitution.
27384 @end menu
27385
27386 @node gdb.printing
27387 @subsubsection gdb.printing
27388 @cindex gdb.printing
27389
27390 This module provides a collection of utilities for working with
27391 pretty-printers.
27392
27393 @table @code
27394 @item PrettyPrinter (@var{name}, @var{subprinters}=None)
27395 This class specifies the API that makes @samp{info pretty-printer},
27396 @samp{enable pretty-printer} and @samp{disable pretty-printer} work.
27397 Pretty-printers should generally inherit from this class.
27398
27399 @item SubPrettyPrinter (@var{name})
27400 For printers that handle multiple types, this class specifies the
27401 corresponding API for the subprinters.
27402
27403 @item RegexpCollectionPrettyPrinter (@var{name})
27404 Utility class for handling multiple printers, all recognized via
27405 regular expressions.
27406 @xref{Writing a Pretty-Printer}, for an example.
27407
27408 @item FlagEnumerationPrinter (@var{name})
27409 A pretty-printer which handles printing of @code{enum} values. Unlike
27410 @value{GDBN}'s built-in @code{enum} printing, this printer attempts to
27411 work properly when there is some overlap between the enumeration
27412 constants. @var{name} is the name of the printer and also the name of
27413 the @code{enum} type to look up.
27414
27415 @item register_pretty_printer (@var{obj}, @var{printer}, @var{replace}=False)
27416 Register @var{printer} with the pretty-printer list of @var{obj}.
27417 If @var{replace} is @code{True} then any existing copy of the printer
27418 is replaced. Otherwise a @code{RuntimeError} exception is raised
27419 if a printer with the same name already exists.
27420 @end table
27421
27422 @node gdb.types
27423 @subsubsection gdb.types
27424 @cindex gdb.types
27425
27426 This module provides a collection of utilities for working with
27427 @code{gdb.Type} objects.
27428
27429 @table @code
27430 @item get_basic_type (@var{type})
27431 Return @var{type} with const and volatile qualifiers stripped,
27432 and with typedefs and C@t{++} references converted to the underlying type.
27433
27434 C@t{++} example:
27435
27436 @smallexample
27437 typedef const int const_int;
27438 const_int foo (3);
27439 const_int& foo_ref (foo);
27440 int main () @{ return 0; @}
27441 @end smallexample
27442
27443 Then in gdb:
27444
27445 @smallexample
27446 (gdb) start
27447 (gdb) python import gdb.types
27448 (gdb) python foo_ref = gdb.parse_and_eval("foo_ref")
27449 (gdb) python print gdb.types.get_basic_type(foo_ref.type)
27450 int
27451 @end smallexample
27452
27453 @item has_field (@var{type}, @var{field})
27454 Return @code{True} if @var{type}, assumed to be a type with fields
27455 (e.g., a structure or union), has field @var{field}.
27456
27457 @item make_enum_dict (@var{enum_type})
27458 Return a Python @code{dictionary} type produced from @var{enum_type}.
27459
27460 @item deep_items (@var{type})
27461 Returns a Python iterator similar to the standard
27462 @code{gdb.Type.iteritems} method, except that the iterator returned
27463 by @code{deep_items} will recursively traverse anonymous struct or
27464 union fields. For example:
27465
27466 @smallexample
27467 struct A
27468 @{
27469 int a;
27470 union @{
27471 int b0;
27472 int b1;
27473 @};
27474 @};
27475 @end smallexample
27476
27477 @noindent
27478 Then in @value{GDBN}:
27479 @smallexample
27480 (@value{GDBP}) python import gdb.types
27481 (@value{GDBP}) python struct_a = gdb.lookup_type("struct A")
27482 (@value{GDBP}) python print struct_a.keys ()
27483 @{['a', '']@}
27484 (@value{GDBP}) python print [k for k,v in gdb.types.deep_items(struct_a)]
27485 @{['a', 'b0', 'b1']@}
27486 @end smallexample
27487
27488 @item get_type_recognizers ()
27489 Return a list of the enabled type recognizers for the current context.
27490 This is called by @value{GDBN} during the type-printing process
27491 (@pxref{Type Printing API}).
27492
27493 @item apply_type_recognizers (recognizers, type_obj)
27494 Apply the type recognizers, @var{recognizers}, to the type object
27495 @var{type_obj}. If any recognizer returns a string, return that
27496 string. Otherwise, return @code{None}. This is called by
27497 @value{GDBN} during the type-printing process (@pxref{Type Printing
27498 API}).
27499
27500 @item register_type_printer (locus, printer)
27501 This is a convenience function to register a type printer.
27502 @var{printer} is the type printer to register. It must implement the
27503 type printer protocol. @var{locus} is either a @code{gdb.Objfile}, in
27504 which case the printer is registered with that objfile; a
27505 @code{gdb.Progspace}, in which case the printer is registered with
27506 that progspace; or @code{None}, in which case the printer is
27507 registered globally.
27508
27509 @item TypePrinter
27510 This is a base class that implements the type printer protocol. Type
27511 printers are encouraged, but not required, to derive from this class.
27512 It defines a constructor:
27513
27514 @defmethod TypePrinter __init__ (self, name)
27515 Initialize the type printer with the given name. The new printer
27516 starts in the enabled state.
27517 @end defmethod
27518
27519 @end table
27520
27521 @node gdb.prompt
27522 @subsubsection gdb.prompt
27523 @cindex gdb.prompt
27524
27525 This module provides a method for prompt value-substitution.
27526
27527 @table @code
27528 @item substitute_prompt (@var{string})
27529 Return @var{string} with escape sequences substituted by values. Some
27530 escape sequences take arguments. You can specify arguments inside
27531 ``@{@}'' immediately following the escape sequence.
27532
27533 The escape sequences you can pass to this function are:
27534
27535 @table @code
27536 @item \\
27537 Substitute a backslash.
27538 @item \e
27539 Substitute an ESC character.
27540 @item \f
27541 Substitute the selected frame; an argument names a frame parameter.
27542 @item \n
27543 Substitute a newline.
27544 @item \p
27545 Substitute a parameter's value; the argument names the parameter.
27546 @item \r
27547 Substitute a carriage return.
27548 @item \t
27549 Substitute the selected thread; an argument names a thread parameter.
27550 @item \v
27551 Substitute the version of GDB.
27552 @item \w
27553 Substitute the current working directory.
27554 @item \[
27555 Begin a sequence of non-printing characters. These sequences are
27556 typically used with the ESC character, and are not counted in the string
27557 length. Example: ``\[\e[0;34m\](gdb)\[\e[0m\]'' will return a
27558 blue-colored ``(gdb)'' prompt where the length is five.
27559 @item \]
27560 End a sequence of non-printing characters.
27561 @end table
27562
27563 For example:
27564
27565 @smallexample
27566 substitute_prompt (``frame: \f,
27567 print arguments: \p@{print frame-arguments@}'')
27568 @end smallexample
27569
27570 @exdent will return the string:
27571
27572 @smallexample
27573 "frame: main, print arguments: scalars"
27574 @end smallexample
27575 @end table
27576
27577 @node Aliases
27578 @section Creating new spellings of existing commands
27579 @cindex aliases for commands
27580
27581 It is often useful to define alternate spellings of existing commands.
27582 For example, if a new @value{GDBN} command defined in Python has
27583 a long name to type, it is handy to have an abbreviated version of it
27584 that involves less typing.
27585
27586 @value{GDBN} itself uses aliases. For example @samp{s} is an alias
27587 of the @samp{step} command even though it is otherwise an ambiguous
27588 abbreviation of other commands like @samp{set} and @samp{show}.
27589
27590 Aliases are also used to provide shortened or more common versions
27591 of multi-word commands. For example, @value{GDBN} provides the
27592 @samp{tty} alias of the @samp{set inferior-tty} command.
27593
27594 You can define a new alias with the @samp{alias} command.
27595
27596 @table @code
27597
27598 @kindex alias
27599 @item alias [-a] [--] @var{ALIAS} = @var{COMMAND}
27600
27601 @end table
27602
27603 @var{ALIAS} specifies the name of the new alias.
27604 Each word of @var{ALIAS} must consist of letters, numbers, dashes and
27605 underscores.
27606
27607 @var{COMMAND} specifies the name of an existing command
27608 that is being aliased.
27609
27610 The @samp{-a} option specifies that the new alias is an abbreviation
27611 of the command. Abbreviations are not shown in command
27612 lists displayed by the @samp{help} command.
27613
27614 The @samp{--} option specifies the end of options,
27615 and is useful when @var{ALIAS} begins with a dash.
27616
27617 Here is a simple example showing how to make an abbreviation
27618 of a command so that there is less to type.
27619 Suppose you were tired of typing @samp{disas}, the current
27620 shortest unambiguous abbreviation of the @samp{disassemble} command
27621 and you wanted an even shorter version named @samp{di}.
27622 The following will accomplish this.
27623
27624 @smallexample
27625 (gdb) alias -a di = disas
27626 @end smallexample
27627
27628 Note that aliases are different from user-defined commands.
27629 With a user-defined command, you also need to write documentation
27630 for it with the @samp{document} command.
27631 An alias automatically picks up the documentation of the existing command.
27632
27633 Here is an example where we make @samp{elms} an abbreviation of
27634 @samp{elements} in the @samp{set print elements} command.
27635 This is to show that you can make an abbreviation of any part
27636 of a command.
27637
27638 @smallexample
27639 (gdb) alias -a set print elms = set print elements
27640 (gdb) alias -a show print elms = show print elements
27641 (gdb) set p elms 20
27642 (gdb) show p elms
27643 Limit on string chars or array elements to print is 200.
27644 @end smallexample
27645
27646 Note that if you are defining an alias of a @samp{set} command,
27647 and you want to have an alias for the corresponding @samp{show}
27648 command, then you need to define the latter separately.
27649
27650 Unambiguously abbreviated commands are allowed in @var{COMMAND} and
27651 @var{ALIAS}, just as they are normally.
27652
27653 @smallexample
27654 (gdb) alias -a set pr elms = set p ele
27655 @end smallexample
27656
27657 Finally, here is an example showing the creation of a one word
27658 alias for a more complex command.
27659 This creates alias @samp{spe} of the command @samp{set print elements}.
27660
27661 @smallexample
27662 (gdb) alias spe = set print elements
27663 (gdb) spe 20
27664 @end smallexample
27665
27666 @node Interpreters
27667 @chapter Command Interpreters
27668 @cindex command interpreters
27669
27670 @value{GDBN} supports multiple command interpreters, and some command
27671 infrastructure to allow users or user interface writers to switch
27672 between interpreters or run commands in other interpreters.
27673
27674 @value{GDBN} currently supports two command interpreters, the console
27675 interpreter (sometimes called the command-line interpreter or @sc{cli})
27676 and the machine interface interpreter (or @sc{gdb/mi}). This manual
27677 describes both of these interfaces in great detail.
27678
27679 By default, @value{GDBN} will start with the console interpreter.
27680 However, the user may choose to start @value{GDBN} with another
27681 interpreter by specifying the @option{-i} or @option{--interpreter}
27682 startup options. Defined interpreters include:
27683
27684 @table @code
27685 @item console
27686 @cindex console interpreter
27687 The traditional console or command-line interpreter. This is the most often
27688 used interpreter with @value{GDBN}. With no interpreter specified at runtime,
27689 @value{GDBN} will use this interpreter.
27690
27691 @item mi
27692 @cindex mi interpreter
27693 The newest @sc{gdb/mi} interface (currently @code{mi2}). Used primarily
27694 by programs wishing to use @value{GDBN} as a backend for a debugger GUI
27695 or an IDE. For more information, see @ref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi}
27696 Interface}.
27697
27698 @item mi2
27699 @cindex mi2 interpreter
27700 The current @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
27701
27702 @item mi1
27703 @cindex mi1 interpreter
27704 The @sc{gdb/mi} interface included in @value{GDBN} 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3.
27705
27706 @end table
27707
27708 @cindex invoke another interpreter
27709 The interpreter being used by @value{GDBN} may not be dynamically
27710 switched at runtime. Although possible, this could lead to a very
27711 precarious situation. Consider an IDE using @sc{gdb/mi}. If a user
27712 enters the command "interpreter-set console" in a console view,
27713 @value{GDBN} would switch to using the console interpreter, rendering
27714 the IDE inoperable!
27715
27716 @kindex interpreter-exec
27717 Although you may only choose a single interpreter at startup, you may execute
27718 commands in any interpreter from the current interpreter using the appropriate
27719 command. If you are running the console interpreter, simply use the
27720 @code{interpreter-exec} command:
27721
27722 @smallexample
27723 interpreter-exec mi "-data-list-register-names"
27724 @end smallexample
27725
27726 @sc{gdb/mi} has a similar command, although it is only available in versions of
27727 @value{GDBN} which support @sc{gdb/mi} version 2 (or greater).
27728
27729 @node TUI
27730 @chapter @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
27731 @cindex TUI
27732 @cindex Text User Interface
27733
27734 @menu
27735 * TUI Overview:: TUI overview
27736 * TUI Keys:: TUI key bindings
27737 * TUI Single Key Mode:: TUI single key mode
27738 * TUI Commands:: TUI-specific commands
27739 * TUI Configuration:: TUI configuration variables
27740 @end menu
27741
27742 The @value{GDBN} Text User Interface (TUI) is a terminal
27743 interface which uses the @code{curses} library to show the source
27744 file, the assembly output, the program registers and @value{GDBN}
27745 commands in separate text windows. The TUI mode is supported only
27746 on platforms where a suitable version of the @code{curses} library
27747 is available.
27748
27749 The TUI mode is enabled by default when you invoke @value{GDBN} as
27750 @samp{@value{GDBP} -tui}.
27751 You can also switch in and out of TUI mode while @value{GDBN} runs by
27752 using various TUI commands and key bindings, such as @kbd{C-x C-a}.
27753 @xref{TUI Keys, ,TUI Key Bindings}.
27754
27755 @node TUI Overview
27756 @section TUI Overview
27757
27758 In TUI mode, @value{GDBN} can display several text windows:
27759
27760 @table @emph
27761 @item command
27762 This window is the @value{GDBN} command window with the @value{GDBN}
27763 prompt and the @value{GDBN} output. The @value{GDBN} input is still
27764 managed using readline.
27765
27766 @item source
27767 The source window shows the source file of the program. The current
27768 line and active breakpoints are displayed in this window.
27769
27770 @item assembly
27771 The assembly window shows the disassembly output of the program.
27772
27773 @item register
27774 This window shows the processor registers. Registers are highlighted
27775 when their values change.
27776 @end table
27777
27778 The source and assembly windows show the current program position
27779 by highlighting the current line and marking it with a @samp{>} marker.
27780 Breakpoints are indicated with two markers. The first marker
27781 indicates the breakpoint type:
27782
27783 @table @code
27784 @item B
27785 Breakpoint which was hit at least once.
27786
27787 @item b
27788 Breakpoint which was never hit.
27789
27790 @item H
27791 Hardware breakpoint which was hit at least once.
27792
27793 @item h
27794 Hardware breakpoint which was never hit.
27795 @end table
27796
27797 The second marker indicates whether the breakpoint is enabled or not:
27798
27799 @table @code
27800 @item +
27801 Breakpoint is enabled.
27802
27803 @item -
27804 Breakpoint is disabled.
27805 @end table
27806
27807 The source, assembly and register windows are updated when the current
27808 thread changes, when the frame changes, or when the program counter
27809 changes.
27810
27811 These windows are not all visible at the same time. The command
27812 window is always visible. The others can be arranged in several
27813 layouts:
27814
27815 @itemize @bullet
27816 @item
27817 source only,
27818
27819 @item
27820 assembly only,
27821
27822 @item
27823 source and assembly,
27824
27825 @item
27826 source and registers, or
27827
27828 @item
27829 assembly and registers.
27830 @end itemize
27831
27832 A status line above the command window shows the following information:
27833
27834 @table @emph
27835 @item target
27836 Indicates the current @value{GDBN} target.
27837 (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
27838
27839 @item process
27840 Gives the current process or thread number.
27841 When no process is being debugged, this field is set to @code{No process}.
27842
27843 @item function
27844 Gives the current function name for the selected frame.
27845 The name is demangled if demangling is turned on (@pxref{Print Settings}).
27846 When there is no symbol corresponding to the current program counter,
27847 the string @code{??} is displayed.
27848
27849 @item line
27850 Indicates the current line number for the selected frame.
27851 When the current line number is not known, the string @code{??} is displayed.
27852
27853 @item pc
27854 Indicates the current program counter address.
27855 @end table
27856
27857 @node TUI Keys
27858 @section TUI Key Bindings
27859 @cindex TUI key bindings
27860
27861 The TUI installs several key bindings in the readline keymaps
27862 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
27863 (@pxref{Command Line Editing, , , rluserman, GNU Readline Library}).
27864 @end ifset
27865 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
27866 (@pxref{Command Line Editing}).
27867 @end ifclear
27868 The following key bindings are installed for both TUI mode and the
27869 @value{GDBN} standard mode.
27870
27871 @table @kbd
27872 @kindex C-x C-a
27873 @item C-x C-a
27874 @kindex C-x a
27875 @itemx C-x a
27876 @kindex C-x A
27877 @itemx C-x A
27878 Enter or leave the TUI mode. When leaving the TUI mode,
27879 the curses window management stops and @value{GDBN} operates using
27880 its standard mode, writing on the terminal directly. When reentering
27881 the TUI mode, control is given back to the curses windows.
27882 The screen is then refreshed.
27883
27884 @kindex C-x 1
27885 @item C-x 1
27886 Use a TUI layout with only one window. The layout will
27887 either be @samp{source} or @samp{assembly}. When the TUI mode
27888 is not active, it will switch to the TUI mode.
27889
27890 Think of this key binding as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 1} binding.
27891
27892 @kindex C-x 2
27893 @item C-x 2
27894 Use a TUI layout with at least two windows. When the current
27895 layout already has two windows, the next layout with two windows is used.
27896 When a new layout is chosen, one window will always be common to the
27897 previous layout and the new one.
27898
27899 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 2} binding.
27900
27901 @kindex C-x o
27902 @item C-x o
27903 Change the active window. The TUI associates several key bindings
27904 (like scrolling and arrow keys) with the active window. This command
27905 gives the focus to the next TUI window.
27906
27907 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x o} binding.
27908
27909 @kindex C-x s
27910 @item C-x s
27911 Switch in and out of the TUI SingleKey mode that binds single
27912 keys to @value{GDBN} commands (@pxref{TUI Single Key Mode}).
27913 @end table
27914
27915 The following key bindings only work in the TUI mode:
27916
27917 @table @asis
27918 @kindex PgUp
27919 @item @key{PgUp}
27920 Scroll the active window one page up.
27921
27922 @kindex PgDn
27923 @item @key{PgDn}
27924 Scroll the active window one page down.
27925
27926 @kindex Up
27927 @item @key{Up}
27928 Scroll the active window one line up.
27929
27930 @kindex Down
27931 @item @key{Down}
27932 Scroll the active window one line down.
27933
27934 @kindex Left
27935 @item @key{Left}
27936 Scroll the active window one column left.
27937
27938 @kindex Right
27939 @item @key{Right}
27940 Scroll the active window one column right.
27941
27942 @kindex C-L
27943 @item @kbd{C-L}
27944 Refresh the screen.
27945 @end table
27946
27947 Because the arrow keys scroll the active window in the TUI mode, they
27948 are not available for their normal use by readline unless the command
27949 window has the focus. When another window is active, you must use
27950 other readline key bindings such as @kbd{C-p}, @kbd{C-n}, @kbd{C-b}
27951 and @kbd{C-f} to control the command window.
27952
27953 @node TUI Single Key Mode
27954 @section TUI Single Key Mode
27955 @cindex TUI single key mode
27956
27957 The TUI also provides a @dfn{SingleKey} mode, which binds several
27958 frequently used @value{GDBN} commands to single keys. Type @kbd{C-x s} to
27959 switch into this mode, where the following key bindings are used:
27960
27961 @table @kbd
27962 @kindex c @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
27963 @item c
27964 continue
27965
27966 @kindex d @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
27967 @item d
27968 down
27969
27970 @kindex f @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
27971 @item f
27972 finish
27973
27974 @kindex n @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
27975 @item n
27976 next
27977
27978 @kindex q @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
27979 @item q
27980 exit the SingleKey mode.
27981
27982 @kindex r @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
27983 @item r
27984 run
27985
27986 @kindex s @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
27987 @item s
27988 step
27989
27990 @kindex u @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
27991 @item u
27992 up
27993
27994 @kindex v @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
27995 @item v
27996 info locals
27997
27998 @kindex w @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
27999 @item w
28000 where
28001 @end table
28002
28003 Other keys temporarily switch to the @value{GDBN} command prompt.
28004 The key that was pressed is inserted in the editing buffer so that
28005 it is possible to type most @value{GDBN} commands without interaction
28006 with the TUI SingleKey mode. Once the command is entered the TUI
28007 SingleKey mode is restored. The only way to permanently leave
28008 this mode is by typing @kbd{q} or @kbd{C-x s}.
28009
28010
28011 @node TUI Commands
28012 @section TUI-specific Commands
28013 @cindex TUI commands
28014
28015 The TUI has specific commands to control the text windows.
28016 These commands are always available, even when @value{GDBN} is not in
28017 the TUI mode. When @value{GDBN} is in the standard mode, most
28018 of these commands will automatically switch to the TUI mode.
28019
28020 Note that if @value{GDBN}'s @code{stdout} is not connected to a
28021 terminal, or @value{GDBN} has been started with the machine interface
28022 interpreter (@pxref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}), most of
28023 these commands will fail with an error, because it would not be
28024 possible or desirable to enable curses window management.
28025
28026 @table @code
28027 @item info win
28028 @kindex info win
28029 List and give the size of all displayed windows.
28030
28031 @item layout next
28032 @kindex layout
28033 Display the next layout.
28034
28035 @item layout prev
28036 Display the previous layout.
28037
28038 @item layout src
28039 Display the source window only.
28040
28041 @item layout asm
28042 Display the assembly window only.
28043
28044 @item layout split
28045 Display the source and assembly window.
28046
28047 @item layout regs
28048 Display the register window together with the source or assembly window.
28049
28050 @item focus next
28051 @kindex focus
28052 Make the next window active for scrolling.
28053
28054 @item focus prev
28055 Make the previous window active for scrolling.
28056
28057 @item focus src
28058 Make the source window active for scrolling.
28059
28060 @item focus asm
28061 Make the assembly window active for scrolling.
28062
28063 @item focus regs
28064 Make the register window active for scrolling.
28065
28066 @item focus cmd
28067 Make the command window active for scrolling.
28068
28069 @item refresh
28070 @kindex refresh
28071 Refresh the screen. This is similar to typing @kbd{C-L}.
28072
28073 @item tui reg float
28074 @kindex tui reg
28075 Show the floating point registers in the register window.
28076
28077 @item tui reg general
28078 Show the general registers in the register window.
28079
28080 @item tui reg next
28081 Show the next register group. The list of register groups as well as
28082 their order is target specific. The predefined register groups are the
28083 following: @code{general}, @code{float}, @code{system}, @code{vector},
28084 @code{all}, @code{save}, @code{restore}.
28085
28086 @item tui reg system
28087 Show the system registers in the register window.
28088
28089 @item update
28090 @kindex update
28091 Update the source window and the current execution point.
28092
28093 @item winheight @var{name} +@var{count}
28094 @itemx winheight @var{name} -@var{count}
28095 @kindex winheight
28096 Change the height of the window @var{name} by @var{count}
28097 lines. Positive counts increase the height, while negative counts
28098 decrease it.
28099
28100 @item tabset @var{nchars}
28101 @kindex tabset
28102 Set the width of tab stops to be @var{nchars} characters.
28103 @end table
28104
28105 @node TUI Configuration
28106 @section TUI Configuration Variables
28107 @cindex TUI configuration variables
28108
28109 Several configuration variables control the appearance of TUI windows.
28110
28111 @table @code
28112 @item set tui border-kind @var{kind}
28113 @kindex set tui border-kind
28114 Select the border appearance for the source, assembly and register windows.
28115 The possible values are the following:
28116 @table @code
28117 @item space
28118 Use a space character to draw the border.
28119
28120 @item ascii
28121 Use @sc{ascii} characters @samp{+}, @samp{-} and @samp{|} to draw the border.
28122
28123 @item acs
28124 Use the Alternate Character Set to draw the border. The border is
28125 drawn using character line graphics if the terminal supports them.
28126 @end table
28127
28128 @item set tui border-mode @var{mode}
28129 @kindex set tui border-mode
28130 @itemx set tui active-border-mode @var{mode}
28131 @kindex set tui active-border-mode
28132 Select the display attributes for the borders of the inactive windows
28133 or the active window. The @var{mode} can be one of the following:
28134 @table @code
28135 @item normal
28136 Use normal attributes to display the border.
28137
28138 @item standout
28139 Use standout mode.
28140
28141 @item reverse
28142 Use reverse video mode.
28143
28144 @item half
28145 Use half bright mode.
28146
28147 @item half-standout
28148 Use half bright and standout mode.
28149
28150 @item bold
28151 Use extra bright or bold mode.
28152
28153 @item bold-standout
28154 Use extra bright or bold and standout mode.
28155 @end table
28156 @end table
28157
28158 @node Emacs
28159 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
28160
28161 @cindex Emacs
28162 @cindex @sc{gnu} Emacs
28163 A special interface allows you to use @sc{gnu} Emacs to view (and
28164 edit) the source files for the program you are debugging with
28165 @value{GDBN}.
28166
28167 To use this interface, use the command @kbd{M-x gdb} in Emacs. Give the
28168 executable file you want to debug as an argument. This command starts
28169 @value{GDBN} as a subprocess of Emacs, with input and output through a newly
28170 created Emacs buffer.
28171 @c (Do not use the @code{-tui} option to run @value{GDBN} from Emacs.)
28172
28173 Running @value{GDBN} under Emacs can be just like running @value{GDBN} normally except for two
28174 things:
28175
28176 @itemize @bullet
28177 @item
28178 All ``terminal'' input and output goes through an Emacs buffer, called
28179 the GUD buffer.
28180
28181 This applies both to @value{GDBN} commands and their output, and to the input
28182 and output done by the program you are debugging.
28183
28184 This is useful because it means that you can copy the text of previous
28185 commands and input them again; you can even use parts of the output
28186 in this way.
28187
28188 All the facilities of Emacs' Shell mode are available for interacting
28189 with your program. In particular, you can send signals the usual
28190 way---for example, @kbd{C-c C-c} for an interrupt, @kbd{C-c C-z} for a
28191 stop.
28192
28193 @item
28194 @value{GDBN} displays source code through Emacs.
28195
28196 Each time @value{GDBN} displays a stack frame, Emacs automatically finds the
28197 source file for that frame and puts an arrow (@samp{=>}) at the
28198 left margin of the current line. Emacs uses a separate buffer for
28199 source display, and splits the screen to show both your @value{GDBN} session
28200 and the source.
28201
28202 Explicit @value{GDBN} @code{list} or search commands still produce output as
28203 usual, but you probably have no reason to use them from Emacs.
28204 @end itemize
28205
28206 We call this @dfn{text command mode}. Emacs 22.1, and later, also uses
28207 a graphical mode, enabled by default, which provides further buffers
28208 that can control the execution and describe the state of your program.
28209 @xref{GDB Graphical Interface,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}.
28210
28211 If you specify an absolute file name when prompted for the @kbd{M-x
28212 gdb} argument, then Emacs sets your current working directory to where
28213 your program resides. If you only specify the file name, then Emacs
28214 sets your current working directory to the directory associated
28215 with the previous buffer. In this case, @value{GDBN} may find your
28216 program by searching your environment's @code{PATH} variable, but on
28217 some operating systems it might not find the source. So, although the
28218 @value{GDBN} input and output session proceeds normally, the auxiliary
28219 buffer does not display the current source and line of execution.
28220
28221 The initial working directory of @value{GDBN} is printed on the top
28222 line of the GUD buffer and this serves as a default for the commands
28223 that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files,
28224 ,Commands to Specify Files}.
28225
28226 By default, @kbd{M-x gdb} calls the program called @file{gdb}. If you
28227 need to call @value{GDBN} by a different name (for example, if you
28228 keep several configurations around, with different names) you can
28229 customize the Emacs variable @code{gud-gdb-command-name} to run the
28230 one you want.
28231
28232 In the GUD buffer, you can use these special Emacs commands in
28233 addition to the standard Shell mode commands:
28234
28235 @table @kbd
28236 @item C-h m
28237 Describe the features of Emacs' GUD Mode.
28238
28239 @item C-c C-s
28240 Execute to another source line, like the @value{GDBN} @code{step} command; also
28241 update the display window to show the current file and location.
28242
28243 @item C-c C-n
28244 Execute to next source line in this function, skipping all function
28245 calls, like the @value{GDBN} @code{next} command. Then update the display window
28246 to show the current file and location.
28247
28248 @item C-c C-i
28249 Execute one instruction, like the @value{GDBN} @code{stepi} command; update
28250 display window accordingly.
28251
28252 @item C-c C-f
28253 Execute until exit from the selected stack frame, like the @value{GDBN}
28254 @code{finish} command.
28255
28256 @item C-c C-r
28257 Continue execution of your program, like the @value{GDBN} @code{continue}
28258 command.
28259
28260 @item C-c <
28261 Go up the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument
28262 (@pxref{Arguments, , Numeric Arguments, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}),
28263 like the @value{GDBN} @code{up} command.
28264
28265 @item C-c >
28266 Go down the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument, like the
28267 @value{GDBN} @code{down} command.
28268 @end table
28269
28270 In any source file, the Emacs command @kbd{C-x @key{SPC}} (@code{gud-break})
28271 tells @value{GDBN} to set a breakpoint on the source line point is on.
28272
28273 In text command mode, if you type @kbd{M-x speedbar}, Emacs displays a
28274 separate frame which shows a backtrace when the GUD buffer is current.
28275 Move point to any frame in the stack and type @key{RET} to make it
28276 become the current frame and display the associated source in the
28277 source buffer. Alternatively, click @kbd{Mouse-2} to make the
28278 selected frame become the current one. In graphical mode, the
28279 speedbar displays watch expressions.
28280
28281 If you accidentally delete the source-display buffer, an easy way to get
28282 it back is to type the command @code{f} in the @value{GDBN} buffer, to
28283 request a frame display; when you run under Emacs, this recreates
28284 the source buffer if necessary to show you the context of the current
28285 frame.
28286
28287 The source files displayed in Emacs are in ordinary Emacs buffers
28288 which are visiting the source files in the usual way. You can edit
28289 the files with these buffers if you wish; but keep in mind that @value{GDBN}
28290 communicates with Emacs in terms of line numbers. If you add or
28291 delete lines from the text, the line numbers that @value{GDBN} knows cease
28292 to correspond properly with the code.
28293
28294 A more detailed description of Emacs' interaction with @value{GDBN} is
28295 given in the Emacs manual (@pxref{Debuggers,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu}
28296 Emacs Manual}).
28297
28298 @node GDB/MI
28299 @chapter The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface
28300
28301 @unnumberedsec Function and Purpose
28302
28303 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, its purpose
28304 @sc{gdb/mi} is a line based machine oriented text interface to
28305 @value{GDBN} and is activated by specifying using the
28306 @option{--interpreter} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}). It
28307 is specifically intended to support the development of systems which
28308 use the debugger as just one small component of a larger system.
28309
28310 This chapter is a specification of the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. It is written
28311 in the form of a reference manual.
28312
28313 Note that @sc{gdb/mi} is still under construction, so some of the
28314 features described below are incomplete and subject to change
28315 (@pxref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, , @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends}).
28316
28317 @unnumberedsec Notation and Terminology
28318
28319 @cindex notational conventions, for @sc{gdb/mi}
28320 This chapter uses the following notation:
28321
28322 @itemize @bullet
28323 @item
28324 @code{|} separates two alternatives.
28325
28326 @item
28327 @code{[ @var{something} ]} indicates that @var{something} is optional:
28328 it may or may not be given.
28329
28330 @item
28331 @code{( @var{group} )*} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
28332 may repeat zero or more times.
28333
28334 @item
28335 @code{( @var{group} )+} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
28336 may repeat one or more times.
28337
28338 @item
28339 @code{"@var{string}"} means a literal @var{string}.
28340 @end itemize
28341
28342 @ignore
28343 @heading Dependencies
28344 @end ignore
28345
28346 @menu
28347 * GDB/MI General Design::
28348 * GDB/MI Command Syntax::
28349 * GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI::
28350 * GDB/MI Development and Front Ends::
28351 * GDB/MI Output Records::
28352 * GDB/MI Simple Examples::
28353 * GDB/MI Command Description Format::
28354 * GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands::
28355 * GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands::
28356 * GDB/MI Program Context::
28357 * GDB/MI Thread Commands::
28358 * GDB/MI Ada Tasking Commands::
28359 * GDB/MI Program Execution::
28360 * GDB/MI Stack Manipulation::
28361 * GDB/MI Variable Objects::
28362 * GDB/MI Data Manipulation::
28363 * GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands::
28364 * GDB/MI Symbol Query::
28365 * GDB/MI File Commands::
28366 @ignore
28367 * GDB/MI Kod Commands::
28368 * GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands::
28369 * GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands::
28370 @end ignore
28371 * GDB/MI Target Manipulation::
28372 * GDB/MI File Transfer Commands::
28373 * GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands::
28374 @end menu
28375
28376 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28377 @node GDB/MI General Design
28378 @section @sc{gdb/mi} General Design
28379 @cindex GDB/MI General Design
28380
28381 Interaction of a @sc{GDB/MI} frontend with @value{GDBN} involves three
28382 parts---commands sent to @value{GDBN}, responses to those commands
28383 and notifications. Each command results in exactly one response,
28384 indicating either successful completion of the command, or an error.
28385 For the commands that do not resume the target, the response contains the
28386 requested information. For the commands that resume the target, the
28387 response only indicates whether the target was successfully resumed.
28388 Notifications is the mechanism for reporting changes in the state of the
28389 target, or in @value{GDBN} state, that cannot conveniently be associated with
28390 a command and reported as part of that command response.
28391
28392 The important examples of notifications are:
28393 @itemize @bullet
28394
28395 @item
28396 Exec notifications. These are used to report changes in
28397 target state---when a target is resumed, or stopped. It would not
28398 be feasible to include this information in response of resuming
28399 commands, because one resume commands can result in multiple events in
28400 different threads. Also, quite some time may pass before any event
28401 happens in the target, while a frontend needs to know whether the resuming
28402 command itself was successfully executed.
28403
28404 @item
28405 Console output, and status notifications. Console output
28406 notifications are used to report output of CLI commands, as well as
28407 diagnostics for other commands. Status notifications are used to
28408 report the progress of a long-running operation. Naturally, including
28409 this information in command response would mean no output is produced
28410 until the command is finished, which is undesirable.
28411
28412 @item
28413 General notifications. Commands may have various side effects on
28414 the @value{GDBN} or target state beyond their official purpose. For example,
28415 a command may change the selected thread. Although such changes can
28416 be included in command response, using notification allows for more
28417 orthogonal frontend design.
28418
28419 @end itemize
28420
28421 There's no guarantee that whenever an MI command reports an error,
28422 @value{GDBN} or the target are in any specific state, and especially,
28423 the state is not reverted to the state before the MI command was
28424 processed. Therefore, whenever an MI command results in an error,
28425 we recommend that the frontend refreshes all the information shown in
28426 the user interface.
28427
28428
28429 @menu
28430 * Context management::
28431 * Asynchronous and non-stop modes::
28432 * Thread groups::
28433 @end menu
28434
28435 @node Context management
28436 @subsection Context management
28437
28438 In most cases when @value{GDBN} accesses the target, this access is
28439 done in context of a specific thread and frame (@pxref{Frames}).
28440 Often, even when accessing global data, the target requires that a thread
28441 be specified. The CLI interface maintains the selected thread and frame,
28442 and supplies them to target on each command. This is convenient,
28443 because a command line user would not want to specify that information
28444 explicitly on each command, and because user interacts with
28445 @value{GDBN} via a single terminal, so no confusion is possible as
28446 to what thread and frame are the current ones.
28447
28448 In the case of MI, the concept of selected thread and frame is less
28449 useful. First, a frontend can easily remember this information
28450 itself. Second, a graphical frontend can have more than one window,
28451 each one used for debugging a different thread, and the frontend might
28452 want to access additional threads for internal purposes. This
28453 increases the risk that by relying on implicitly selected thread, the
28454 frontend may be operating on a wrong one. Therefore, each MI command
28455 should explicitly specify which thread and frame to operate on. To
28456 make it possible, each MI command accepts the @samp{--thread} and
28457 @samp{--frame} options, the value to each is @value{GDBN} identifier
28458 for thread and frame to operate on.
28459
28460 Usually, each top-level window in a frontend allows the user to select
28461 a thread and a frame, and remembers the user selection for further
28462 operations. However, in some cases @value{GDBN} may suggest that the
28463 current thread be changed. For example, when stopping on a breakpoint
28464 it is reasonable to switch to the thread where breakpoint is hit. For
28465 another example, if the user issues the CLI @samp{thread} command via
28466 the frontend, it is desirable to change the frontend's selected thread to the
28467 one specified by user. @value{GDBN} communicates the suggestion to
28468 change current thread using the @samp{=thread-selected} notification.
28469 No such notification is available for the selected frame at the moment.
28470
28471 Note that historically, MI shares the selected thread with CLI, so
28472 frontends used the @code{-thread-select} to execute commands in the
28473 right context. However, getting this to work right is cumbersome. The
28474 simplest way is for frontend to emit @code{-thread-select} command
28475 before every command. This doubles the number of commands that need
28476 to be sent. The alternative approach is to suppress @code{-thread-select}
28477 if the selected thread in @value{GDBN} is supposed to be identical to the
28478 thread the frontend wants to operate on. However, getting this
28479 optimization right can be tricky. In particular, if the frontend
28480 sends several commands to @value{GDBN}, and one of the commands changes the
28481 selected thread, then the behaviour of subsequent commands will
28482 change. So, a frontend should either wait for response from such
28483 problematic commands, or explicitly add @code{-thread-select} for
28484 all subsequent commands. No frontend is known to do this exactly
28485 right, so it is suggested to just always pass the @samp{--thread} and
28486 @samp{--frame} options.
28487
28488 @node Asynchronous and non-stop modes
28489 @subsection Asynchronous command execution and non-stop mode
28490
28491 On some targets, @value{GDBN} is capable of processing MI commands
28492 even while the target is running. This is called @dfn{asynchronous
28493 command execution} (@pxref{Background Execution}). The frontend may
28494 specify a preferrence for asynchronous execution using the
28495 @code{-gdb-set target-async 1} command, which should be emitted before
28496 either running the executable or attaching to the target. After the
28497 frontend has started the executable or attached to the target, it can
28498 find if asynchronous execution is enabled using the
28499 @code{-list-target-features} command.
28500
28501 Even if @value{GDBN} can accept a command while target is running,
28502 many commands that access the target do not work when the target is
28503 running. Therefore, asynchronous command execution is most useful
28504 when combined with non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}). Then,
28505 it is possible to examine the state of one thread, while other threads
28506 are running.
28507
28508 When a given thread is running, MI commands that try to access the
28509 target in the context of that thread may not work, or may work only on
28510 some targets. In particular, commands that try to operate on thread's
28511 stack will not work, on any target. Commands that read memory, or
28512 modify breakpoints, may work or not work, depending on the target. Note
28513 that even commands that operate on global state, such as @code{print},
28514 @code{set}, and breakpoint commands, still access the target in the
28515 context of a specific thread, so frontend should try to find a
28516 stopped thread and perform the operation on that thread (using the
28517 @samp{--thread} option).
28518
28519 Which commands will work in the context of a running thread is
28520 highly target dependent. However, the two commands
28521 @code{-exec-interrupt}, to stop a thread, and @code{-thread-info},
28522 to find the state of a thread, will always work.
28523
28524 @node Thread groups
28525 @subsection Thread groups
28526 @value{GDBN} may be used to debug several processes at the same time.
28527 On some platfroms, @value{GDBN} may support debugging of several
28528 hardware systems, each one having several cores with several different
28529 processes running on each core. This section describes the MI
28530 mechanism to support such debugging scenarios.
28531
28532 The key observation is that regardless of the structure of the
28533 target, MI can have a global list of threads, because most commands that
28534 accept the @samp{--thread} option do not need to know what process that
28535 thread belongs to. Therefore, it is not necessary to introduce
28536 neither additional @samp{--process} option, nor an notion of the
28537 current process in the MI interface. The only strictly new feature
28538 that is required is the ability to find how the threads are grouped
28539 into processes.
28540
28541 To allow the user to discover such grouping, and to support arbitrary
28542 hierarchy of machines/cores/processes, MI introduces the concept of a
28543 @dfn{thread group}. Thread group is a collection of threads and other
28544 thread groups. A thread group always has a string identifier, a type,
28545 and may have additional attributes specific to the type. A new
28546 command, @code{-list-thread-groups}, returns the list of top-level
28547 thread groups, which correspond to processes that @value{GDBN} is
28548 debugging at the moment. By passing an identifier of a thread group
28549 to the @code{-list-thread-groups} command, it is possible to obtain
28550 the members of specific thread group.
28551
28552 To allow the user to easily discover processes, and other objects, he
28553 wishes to debug, a concept of @dfn{available thread group} is
28554 introduced. Available thread group is an thread group that
28555 @value{GDBN} is not debugging, but that can be attached to, using the
28556 @code{-target-attach} command. The list of available top-level thread
28557 groups can be obtained using @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}.
28558 In general, the content of a thread group may be only retrieved only
28559 after attaching to that thread group.
28560
28561 Thread groups are related to inferiors (@pxref{Inferiors and
28562 Programs}). Each inferior corresponds to a thread group of a special
28563 type @samp{process}, and some additional operations are permitted on
28564 such thread groups.
28565
28566 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28567 @node GDB/MI Command Syntax
28568 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Syntax
28569
28570 @menu
28571 * GDB/MI Input Syntax::
28572 * GDB/MI Output Syntax::
28573 @end menu
28574
28575 @node GDB/MI Input Syntax
28576 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Input Syntax
28577
28578 @cindex input syntax for @sc{gdb/mi}
28579 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, input syntax
28580 @table @code
28581 @item @var{command} @expansion{}
28582 @code{@var{cli-command} | @var{mi-command}}
28583
28584 @item @var{cli-command} @expansion{}
28585 @code{[ @var{token} ] @var{cli-command} @var{nl}}, where
28586 @var{cli-command} is any existing @value{GDBN} CLI command.
28587
28588 @item @var{mi-command} @expansion{}
28589 @code{[ @var{token} ] "-" @var{operation} ( " " @var{option} )*
28590 @code{[} " --" @code{]} ( " " @var{parameter} )* @var{nl}}
28591
28592 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
28593 "any sequence of digits"
28594
28595 @item @var{option} @expansion{}
28596 @code{"-" @var{parameter} [ " " @var{parameter} ]}
28597
28598 @item @var{parameter} @expansion{}
28599 @code{@var{non-blank-sequence} | @var{c-string}}
28600
28601 @item @var{operation} @expansion{}
28602 @emph{any of the operations described in this chapter}
28603
28604 @item @var{non-blank-sequence} @expansion{}
28605 @emph{anything, provided it doesn't contain special characters such as
28606 "-", @var{nl}, """ and of course " "}
28607
28608 @item @var{c-string} @expansion{}
28609 @code{""" @var{seven-bit-iso-c-string-content} """}
28610
28611 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
28612 @code{CR | CR-LF}
28613 @end table
28614
28615 @noindent
28616 Notes:
28617
28618 @itemize @bullet
28619 @item
28620 The CLI commands are still handled by the @sc{mi} interpreter; their
28621 output is described below.
28622
28623 @item
28624 The @code{@var{token}}, when present, is passed back when the command
28625 finishes.
28626
28627 @item
28628 Some @sc{mi} commands accept optional arguments as part of the parameter
28629 list. Each option is identified by a leading @samp{-} (dash) and may be
28630 followed by an optional argument parameter. Options occur first in the
28631 parameter list and can be delimited from normal parameters using
28632 @samp{--} (this is useful when some parameters begin with a dash).
28633 @end itemize
28634
28635 Pragmatics:
28636
28637 @itemize @bullet
28638 @item
28639 We want easy access to the existing CLI syntax (for debugging).
28640
28641 @item
28642 We want it to be easy to spot a @sc{mi} operation.
28643 @end itemize
28644
28645 @node GDB/MI Output Syntax
28646 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax
28647
28648 @cindex output syntax of @sc{gdb/mi}
28649 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, output syntax
28650 The output from @sc{gdb/mi} consists of zero or more out-of-band records
28651 followed, optionally, by a single result record. This result record
28652 is for the most recent command. The sequence of output records is
28653 terminated by @samp{(gdb)}.
28654
28655 If an input command was prefixed with a @code{@var{token}} then the
28656 corresponding output for that command will also be prefixed by that same
28657 @var{token}.
28658
28659 @table @code
28660 @item @var{output} @expansion{}
28661 @code{( @var{out-of-band-record} )* [ @var{result-record} ] "(gdb)" @var{nl}}
28662
28663 @item @var{result-record} @expansion{}
28664 @code{ [ @var{token} ] "^" @var{result-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
28665
28666 @item @var{out-of-band-record} @expansion{}
28667 @code{@var{async-record} | @var{stream-record}}
28668
28669 @item @var{async-record} @expansion{}
28670 @code{@var{exec-async-output} | @var{status-async-output} | @var{notify-async-output}}
28671
28672 @item @var{exec-async-output} @expansion{}
28673 @code{[ @var{token} ] "*" @var{async-output}}
28674
28675 @item @var{status-async-output} @expansion{}
28676 @code{[ @var{token} ] "+" @var{async-output}}
28677
28678 @item @var{notify-async-output} @expansion{}
28679 @code{[ @var{token} ] "=" @var{async-output}}
28680
28681 @item @var{async-output} @expansion{}
28682 @code{@var{async-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
28683
28684 @item @var{result-class} @expansion{}
28685 @code{"done" | "running" | "connected" | "error" | "exit"}
28686
28687 @item @var{async-class} @expansion{}
28688 @code{"stopped" | @var{others}} (where @var{others} will be added
28689 depending on the needs---this is still in development).
28690
28691 @item @var{result} @expansion{}
28692 @code{ @var{variable} "=" @var{value}}
28693
28694 @item @var{variable} @expansion{}
28695 @code{ @var{string} }
28696
28697 @item @var{value} @expansion{}
28698 @code{ @var{const} | @var{tuple} | @var{list} }
28699
28700 @item @var{const} @expansion{}
28701 @code{@var{c-string}}
28702
28703 @item @var{tuple} @expansion{}
28704 @code{ "@{@}" | "@{" @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "@}" }
28705
28706 @item @var{list} @expansion{}
28707 @code{ "[]" | "[" @var{value} ( "," @var{value} )* "]" | "["
28708 @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "]" }
28709
28710 @item @var{stream-record} @expansion{}
28711 @code{@var{console-stream-output} | @var{target-stream-output} | @var{log-stream-output}}
28712
28713 @item @var{console-stream-output} @expansion{}
28714 @code{"~" @var{c-string}}
28715
28716 @item @var{target-stream-output} @expansion{}
28717 @code{"@@" @var{c-string}}
28718
28719 @item @var{log-stream-output} @expansion{}
28720 @code{"&" @var{c-string}}
28721
28722 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
28723 @code{CR | CR-LF}
28724
28725 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
28726 @emph{any sequence of digits}.
28727 @end table
28728
28729 @noindent
28730 Notes:
28731
28732 @itemize @bullet
28733 @item
28734 All output sequences end in a single line containing a period.
28735
28736 @item
28737 The @code{@var{token}} is from the corresponding request. Note that
28738 for all async output, while the token is allowed by the grammar and
28739 may be output by future versions of @value{GDBN} for select async
28740 output messages, it is generally omitted. Frontends should treat
28741 all async output as reporting general changes in the state of the
28742 target and there should be no need to associate async output to any
28743 prior command.
28744
28745 @item
28746 @cindex status output in @sc{gdb/mi}
28747 @var{status-async-output} contains on-going status information about the
28748 progress of a slow operation. It can be discarded. All status output is
28749 prefixed by @samp{+}.
28750
28751 @item
28752 @cindex async output in @sc{gdb/mi}
28753 @var{exec-async-output} contains asynchronous state change on the target
28754 (stopped, started, disappeared). All async output is prefixed by
28755 @samp{*}.
28756
28757 @item
28758 @cindex notify output in @sc{gdb/mi}
28759 @var{notify-async-output} contains supplementary information that the
28760 client should handle (e.g., a new breakpoint information). All notify
28761 output is prefixed by @samp{=}.
28762
28763 @item
28764 @cindex console output in @sc{gdb/mi}
28765 @var{console-stream-output} is output that should be displayed as is in the
28766 console. It is the textual response to a CLI command. All the console
28767 output is prefixed by @samp{~}.
28768
28769 @item
28770 @cindex target output in @sc{gdb/mi}
28771 @var{target-stream-output} is the output produced by the target program.
28772 All the target output is prefixed by @samp{@@}.
28773
28774 @item
28775 @cindex log output in @sc{gdb/mi}
28776 @var{log-stream-output} is output text coming from @value{GDBN}'s internals, for
28777 instance messages that should be displayed as part of an error log. All
28778 the log output is prefixed by @samp{&}.
28779
28780 @item
28781 @cindex list output in @sc{gdb/mi}
28782 New @sc{gdb/mi} commands should only output @var{lists} containing
28783 @var{values}.
28784
28785
28786 @end itemize
28787
28788 @xref{GDB/MI Stream Records, , @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records}, for more
28789 details about the various output records.
28790
28791 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28792 @node GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI
28793 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Compatibility with CLI
28794
28795 @cindex compatibility, @sc{gdb/mi} and CLI
28796 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, compatibility with CLI
28797
28798 For the developers convenience CLI commands can be entered directly,
28799 but there may be some unexpected behaviour. For example, commands
28800 that query the user will behave as if the user replied yes, breakpoint
28801 command lists are not executed and some CLI commands, such as
28802 @code{if}, @code{when} and @code{define}, prompt for further input with
28803 @samp{>}, which is not valid MI output.
28804
28805 This feature may be removed at some stage in the future and it is
28806 recommended that front ends use the @code{-interpreter-exec} command
28807 (@pxref{-interpreter-exec}).
28808
28809 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28810 @node GDB/MI Development and Front Ends
28811 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends
28812 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi} development
28813
28814 The application which takes the MI output and presents the state of the
28815 program being debugged to the user is called a @dfn{front end}.
28816
28817 Although @sc{gdb/mi} is still incomplete, it is currently being used
28818 by a variety of front ends to @value{GDBN}. This makes it difficult
28819 to introduce new functionality without breaking existing usage. This
28820 section tries to minimize the problems by describing how the protocol
28821 might change.
28822
28823 Some changes in MI need not break a carefully designed front end, and
28824 for these the MI version will remain unchanged. The following is a
28825 list of changes that may occur within one level, so front ends should
28826 parse MI output in a way that can handle them:
28827
28828 @itemize @bullet
28829 @item
28830 New MI commands may be added.
28831
28832 @item
28833 New fields may be added to the output of any MI command.
28834
28835 @item
28836 The range of values for fields with specified values, e.g.,
28837 @code{in_scope} (@pxref{-var-update}) may be extended.
28838
28839 @c The format of field's content e.g type prefix, may change so parse it
28840 @c at your own risk. Yes, in general?
28841
28842 @c The order of fields may change? Shouldn't really matter but it might
28843 @c resolve inconsistencies.
28844 @end itemize
28845
28846 If the changes are likely to break front ends, the MI version level
28847 will be increased by one. This will allow the front end to parse the
28848 output according to the MI version. Apart from mi0, new versions of
28849 @value{GDBN} will not support old versions of MI and it will be the
28850 responsibility of the front end to work with the new one.
28851
28852 @c Starting with mi3, add a new command -mi-version that prints the MI
28853 @c version?
28854
28855 The best way to avoid unexpected changes in MI that might break your front
28856 end is to make your project known to @value{GDBN} developers and
28857 follow development on @email{gdb@@sourceware.org} and
28858 @email{gdb-patches@@sourceware.org}.
28859 @cindex mailing lists
28860
28861 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28862 @node GDB/MI Output Records
28863 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Output Records
28864
28865 @menu
28866 * GDB/MI Result Records::
28867 * GDB/MI Stream Records::
28868 * GDB/MI Async Records::
28869 * GDB/MI Breakpoint Information::
28870 * GDB/MI Frame Information::
28871 * GDB/MI Thread Information::
28872 * GDB/MI Ada Exception Information::
28873 @end menu
28874
28875 @node GDB/MI Result Records
28876 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Result Records
28877
28878 @cindex result records in @sc{gdb/mi}
28879 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, result records
28880 In addition to a number of out-of-band notifications, the response to a
28881 @sc{gdb/mi} command includes one of the following result indications:
28882
28883 @table @code
28884 @findex ^done
28885 @item "^done" [ "," @var{results} ]
28886 The synchronous operation was successful, @code{@var{results}} are the return
28887 values.
28888
28889 @item "^running"
28890 @findex ^running
28891 This result record is equivalent to @samp{^done}. Historically, it
28892 was output instead of @samp{^done} if the command has resumed the
28893 target. This behaviour is maintained for backward compatibility, but
28894 all frontends should treat @samp{^done} and @samp{^running}
28895 identically and rely on the @samp{*running} output record to determine
28896 which threads are resumed.
28897
28898 @item "^connected"
28899 @findex ^connected
28900 @value{GDBN} has connected to a remote target.
28901
28902 @item "^error" "," @var{c-string}
28903 @findex ^error
28904 The operation failed. The @code{@var{c-string}} contains the corresponding
28905 error message.
28906
28907 @item "^exit"
28908 @findex ^exit
28909 @value{GDBN} has terminated.
28910
28911 @end table
28912
28913 @node GDB/MI Stream Records
28914 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records
28915
28916 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, stream records
28917 @cindex stream records in @sc{gdb/mi}
28918 @value{GDBN} internally maintains a number of output streams: the console, the
28919 target, and the log. The output intended for each of these streams is
28920 funneled through the @sc{gdb/mi} interface using @dfn{stream records}.
28921
28922 Each stream record begins with a unique @dfn{prefix character} which
28923 identifies its stream (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, , @sc{gdb/mi} Output
28924 Syntax}). In addition to the prefix, each stream record contains a
28925 @code{@var{string-output}}. This is either raw text (with an implicit new
28926 line) or a quoted C string (which does not contain an implicit newline).
28927
28928 @table @code
28929 @item "~" @var{string-output}
28930 The console output stream contains text that should be displayed in the
28931 CLI console window. It contains the textual responses to CLI commands.
28932
28933 @item "@@" @var{string-output}
28934 The target output stream contains any textual output from the running
28935 target. This is only present when GDB's event loop is truly
28936 asynchronous, which is currently only the case for remote targets.
28937
28938 @item "&" @var{string-output}
28939 The log stream contains debugging messages being produced by @value{GDBN}'s
28940 internals.
28941 @end table
28942
28943 @node GDB/MI Async Records
28944 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Async Records
28945
28946 @cindex async records in @sc{gdb/mi}
28947 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, async records
28948 @dfn{Async} records are used to notify the @sc{gdb/mi} client of
28949 additional changes that have occurred. Those changes can either be a
28950 consequence of @sc{gdb/mi} commands (e.g., a breakpoint modified) or a result of
28951 target activity (e.g., target stopped).
28952
28953 The following is the list of possible async records:
28954
28955 @table @code
28956
28957 @item *running,thread-id="@var{thread}"
28958 The target is now running. The @var{thread} field tells which
28959 specific thread is now running, and can be @samp{all} if all threads
28960 are running. The frontend should assume that no interaction with a
28961 running thread is possible after this notification is produced.
28962 The frontend should not assume that this notification is output
28963 only once for any command. @value{GDBN} may emit this notification
28964 several times, either for different threads, because it cannot resume
28965 all threads together, or even for a single thread, if the thread must
28966 be stepped though some code before letting it run freely.
28967
28968 @item *stopped,reason="@var{reason}",thread-id="@var{id}",stopped-threads="@var{stopped}",core="@var{core}"
28969 The target has stopped. The @var{reason} field can have one of the
28970 following values:
28971
28972 @table @code
28973 @item breakpoint-hit
28974 A breakpoint was reached.
28975 @item watchpoint-trigger
28976 A watchpoint was triggered.
28977 @item read-watchpoint-trigger
28978 A read watchpoint was triggered.
28979 @item access-watchpoint-trigger
28980 An access watchpoint was triggered.
28981 @item function-finished
28982 An -exec-finish or similar CLI command was accomplished.
28983 @item location-reached
28984 An -exec-until or similar CLI command was accomplished.
28985 @item watchpoint-scope
28986 A watchpoint has gone out of scope.
28987 @item end-stepping-range
28988 An -exec-next, -exec-next-instruction, -exec-step, -exec-step-instruction or
28989 similar CLI command was accomplished.
28990 @item exited-signalled
28991 The inferior exited because of a signal.
28992 @item exited
28993 The inferior exited.
28994 @item exited-normally
28995 The inferior exited normally.
28996 @item signal-received
28997 A signal was received by the inferior.
28998 @item solib-event
28999 The inferior has stopped due to a library being loaded or unloaded.
29000 This can happen when @code{stop-on-solib-events} (@pxref{Files}) is
29001 set or when a @code{catch load} or @code{catch unload} catchpoint is
29002 in use (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}).
29003 @item fork
29004 The inferior has forked. This is reported when @code{catch fork}
29005 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
29006 @item vfork
29007 The inferior has vforked. This is reported in when @code{catch vfork}
29008 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
29009 @item syscall-entry
29010 The inferior entered a system call. This is reported when @code{catch
29011 syscall} (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
29012 @item syscall-entry
29013 The inferior returned from a system call. This is reported when
29014 @code{catch syscall} (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
29015 @item exec
29016 The inferior called @code{exec}. This is reported when @code{catch exec}
29017 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
29018 @end table
29019
29020 The @var{id} field identifies the thread that directly caused the stop
29021 -- for example by hitting a breakpoint. Depending on whether all-stop
29022 mode is in effect (@pxref{All-Stop Mode}), @value{GDBN} may either
29023 stop all threads, or only the thread that directly triggered the stop.
29024 If all threads are stopped, the @var{stopped} field will have the
29025 value of @code{"all"}. Otherwise, the value of the @var{stopped}
29026 field will be a list of thread identifiers. Presently, this list will
29027 always include a single thread, but frontend should be prepared to see
29028 several threads in the list. The @var{core} field reports the
29029 processor core on which the stop event has happened. This field may be absent
29030 if such information is not available.
29031
29032 @item =thread-group-added,id="@var{id}"
29033 @itemx =thread-group-removed,id="@var{id}"
29034 A thread group was either added or removed. The @var{id} field
29035 contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread group. When a thread
29036 group is added, it generally might not be associated with a running
29037 process. When a thread group is removed, its id becomes invalid and
29038 cannot be used in any way.
29039
29040 @item =thread-group-started,id="@var{id}",pid="@var{pid}"
29041 A thread group became associated with a running program,
29042 either because the program was just started or the thread group
29043 was attached to a program. The @var{id} field contains the
29044 @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread group. The @var{pid} field
29045 contains process identifier, specific to the operating system.
29046
29047 @item =thread-group-exited,id="@var{id}"[,exit-code="@var{code}"]
29048 A thread group is no longer associated with a running program,
29049 either because the program has exited, or because it was detached
29050 from. The @var{id} field contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the
29051 thread group. @var{code} is the exit code of the inferior; it exists
29052 only when the inferior exited with some code.
29053
29054 @item =thread-created,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
29055 @itemx =thread-exited,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
29056 A thread either was created, or has exited. The @var{id} field
29057 contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread. The @var{gid}
29058 field identifies the thread group this thread belongs to.
29059
29060 @item =thread-selected,id="@var{id}"
29061 Informs that the selected thread was changed as result of the last
29062 command. This notification is not emitted as result of @code{-thread-select}
29063 command but is emitted whenever an MI command that is not documented
29064 to change the selected thread actually changes it. In particular,
29065 invoking, directly or indirectly (via user-defined command), the CLI
29066 @code{thread} command, will generate this notification.
29067
29068 We suggest that in response to this notification, front ends
29069 highlight the selected thread and cause subsequent commands to apply to
29070 that thread.
29071
29072 @item =library-loaded,...
29073 Reports that a new library file was loaded by the program. This
29074 notification has 4 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name},
29075 @var{host-name}, and @var{symbols-loaded}. The @var{id} field is an
29076 opaque identifier of the library. For remote debugging case,
29077 @var{target-name} and @var{host-name} fields give the name of the
29078 library file on the target, and on the host respectively. For native
29079 debugging, both those fields have the same value. The
29080 @var{symbols-loaded} field is emitted only for backward compatibility
29081 and should not be relied on to convey any useful information. The
29082 @var{thread-group} field, if present, specifies the id of the thread
29083 group in whose context the library was loaded. If the field is
29084 absent, it means the library was loaded in the context of all present
29085 thread groups.
29086
29087 @item =library-unloaded,...
29088 Reports that a library was unloaded by the program. This notification
29089 has 3 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name} and @var{host-name} with
29090 the same meaning as for the @code{=library-loaded} notification.
29091 The @var{thread-group} field, if present, specifies the id of the
29092 thread group in whose context the library was unloaded. If the field is
29093 absent, it means the library was unloaded in the context of all present
29094 thread groups.
29095
29096 @item =traceframe-changed,num=@var{tfnum},tracepoint=@var{tpnum}
29097 @itemx =traceframe-changed,end
29098 Reports that the trace frame was changed and its new number is
29099 @var{tfnum}. The number of the tracepoint associated with this trace
29100 frame is @var{tpnum}.
29101
29102 @item =tsv-created,name=@var{name},initial=@var{initial}
29103 Reports that the new trace state variable @var{name} is created with
29104 initial value @var{initial}.
29105
29106 @item =tsv-deleted,name=@var{name}
29107 @itemx =tsv-deleted
29108 Reports that the trace state variable @var{name} is deleted or all
29109 trace state variables are deleted.
29110
29111 @item =tsv-modified,name=@var{name},initial=@var{initial}[,current=@var{current}]
29112 Reports that the trace state variable @var{name} is modified with
29113 the initial value @var{initial}. The current value @var{current} of
29114 trace state variable is optional and is reported if the current
29115 value of trace state variable is known.
29116
29117 @item =breakpoint-created,bkpt=@{...@}
29118 @itemx =breakpoint-modified,bkpt=@{...@}
29119 @itemx =breakpoint-deleted,id=@var{number}
29120 Reports that a breakpoint was created, modified, or deleted,
29121 respectively. Only user-visible breakpoints are reported to the MI
29122 user.
29123
29124 The @var{bkpt} argument is of the same form as returned by the various
29125 breakpoint commands; @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands}. The
29126 @var{number} is the ordinal number of the breakpoint.
29127
29128 Note that if a breakpoint is emitted in the result record of a
29129 command, then it will not also be emitted in an async record.
29130
29131 @item =record-started,thread-group="@var{id}"
29132 @itemx =record-stopped,thread-group="@var{id}"
29133 Execution log recording was either started or stopped on an
29134 inferior. The @var{id} is the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread
29135 group corresponding to the affected inferior.
29136
29137 @item =cmd-param-changed,param=@var{param},value=@var{value}
29138 Reports that a parameter of the command @code{set @var{param}} is
29139 changed to @var{value}. In the multi-word @code{set} command,
29140 the @var{param} is the whole parameter list to @code{set} command.
29141 For example, In command @code{set check type on}, @var{param}
29142 is @code{check type} and @var{value} is @code{on}.
29143
29144 @item =memory-changed,thread-group=@var{id},addr=@var{addr},len=@var{len}[,type="code"]
29145 Reports that bytes from @var{addr} to @var{data} + @var{len} were
29146 written in an inferior. The @var{id} is the identifier of the
29147 thread group corresponding to the affected inferior. The optional
29148 @code{type="code"} part is reported if the memory written to holds
29149 executable code.
29150 @end table
29151
29152 @node GDB/MI Breakpoint Information
29153 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Breakpoint Information
29154
29155 When @value{GDBN} reports information about a breakpoint, a
29156 tracepoint, a watchpoint, or a catchpoint, it uses a tuple with the
29157 following fields:
29158
29159 @table @code
29160 @item number
29161 The breakpoint number. For a breakpoint that represents one location
29162 of a multi-location breakpoint, this will be a dotted pair, like
29163 @samp{1.2}.
29164
29165 @item type
29166 The type of the breakpoint. For ordinary breakpoints this will be
29167 @samp{breakpoint}, but many values are possible.
29168
29169 @item catch-type
29170 If the type of the breakpoint is @samp{catchpoint}, then this
29171 indicates the exact type of catchpoint.
29172
29173 @item disp
29174 This is the breakpoint disposition---either @samp{del}, meaning that
29175 the breakpoint will be deleted at the next stop, or @samp{keep},
29176 meaning that the breakpoint will not be deleted.
29177
29178 @item enabled
29179 This indicates whether the breakpoint is enabled, in which case the
29180 value is @samp{y}, or disabled, in which case the value is @samp{n}.
29181 Note that this is not the same as the field @code{enable}.
29182
29183 @item addr
29184 The address of the breakpoint. This may be a hexidecimal number,
29185 giving the address; or the string @samp{<PENDING>}, for a pending
29186 breakpoint; or the string @samp{<MULTIPLE>}, for a breakpoint with
29187 multiple locations. This field will not be present if no address can
29188 be determined. For example, a watchpoint does not have an address.
29189
29190 @item func
29191 If known, the function in which the breakpoint appears.
29192 If not known, this field is not present.
29193
29194 @item filename
29195 The name of the source file which contains this function, if known.
29196 If not known, this field is not present.
29197
29198 @item fullname
29199 The full file name of the source file which contains this function, if
29200 known. If not known, this field is not present.
29201
29202 @item line
29203 The line number at which this breakpoint appears, if known.
29204 If not known, this field is not present.
29205
29206 @item at
29207 If the source file is not known, this field may be provided. If
29208 provided, this holds the address of the breakpoint, possibly followed
29209 by a symbol name.
29210
29211 @item pending
29212 If this breakpoint is pending, this field is present and holds the
29213 text used to set the breakpoint, as entered by the user.
29214
29215 @item evaluated-by
29216 Where this breakpoint's condition is evaluated, either @samp{host} or
29217 @samp{target}.
29218
29219 @item thread
29220 If this is a thread-specific breakpoint, then this identifies the
29221 thread in which the breakpoint can trigger.
29222
29223 @item task
29224 If this breakpoint is restricted to a particular Ada task, then this
29225 field will hold the task identifier.
29226
29227 @item cond
29228 If the breakpoint is conditional, this is the condition expression.
29229
29230 @item ignore
29231 The ignore count of the breakpoint.
29232
29233 @item enable
29234 The enable count of the breakpoint.
29235
29236 @item traceframe-usage
29237 FIXME.
29238
29239 @item static-tracepoint-marker-string-id
29240 For a static tracepoint, the name of the static tracepoint marker.
29241
29242 @item mask
29243 For a masked watchpoint, this is the mask.
29244
29245 @item pass
29246 A tracepoint's pass count.
29247
29248 @item original-location
29249 The location of the breakpoint as originally specified by the user.
29250 This field is optional.
29251
29252 @item times
29253 The number of times the breakpoint has been hit.
29254
29255 @item installed
29256 This field is only given for tracepoints. This is either @samp{y},
29257 meaning that the tracepoint is installed, or @samp{n}, meaning that it
29258 is not.
29259
29260 @item what
29261 Some extra data, the exact contents of which are type-dependent.
29262
29263 @end table
29264
29265 For example, here is what the output of @code{-break-insert}
29266 (@pxref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands}) might be:
29267
29268 @smallexample
29269 -> -break-insert main
29270 <- ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
29271 enabled="y",addr="0x08048564",func="main",file="myprog.c",
29272 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68",thread-groups=["i1"],
29273 times="0"@}
29274 <- (gdb)
29275 @end smallexample
29276
29277 @node GDB/MI Frame Information
29278 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Frame Information
29279
29280 Response from many MI commands includes an information about stack
29281 frame. This information is a tuple that may have the following
29282 fields:
29283
29284 @table @code
29285 @item level
29286 The level of the stack frame. The innermost frame has the level of
29287 zero. This field is always present.
29288
29289 @item func
29290 The name of the function corresponding to the frame. This field may
29291 be absent if @value{GDBN} is unable to determine the function name.
29292
29293 @item addr
29294 The code address for the frame. This field is always present.
29295
29296 @item file
29297 The name of the source files that correspond to the frame's code
29298 address. This field may be absent.
29299
29300 @item line
29301 The source line corresponding to the frames' code address. This field
29302 may be absent.
29303
29304 @item from
29305 The name of the binary file (either executable or shared library) the
29306 corresponds to the frame's code address. This field may be absent.
29307
29308 @end table
29309
29310 @node GDB/MI Thread Information
29311 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Information
29312
29313 Whenever @value{GDBN} has to report an information about a thread, it
29314 uses a tuple with the following fields:
29315
29316 @table @code
29317 @item id
29318 The numeric id assigned to the thread by @value{GDBN}. This field is
29319 always present.
29320
29321 @item target-id
29322 Target-specific string identifying the thread. This field is always present.
29323
29324 @item details
29325 Additional information about the thread provided by the target.
29326 It is supposed to be human-readable and not interpreted by the
29327 frontend. This field is optional.
29328
29329 @item state
29330 Either @samp{stopped} or @samp{running}, depending on whether the
29331 thread is presently running. This field is always present.
29332
29333 @item core
29334 The value of this field is an integer number of the processor core the
29335 thread was last seen on. This field is optional.
29336 @end table
29337
29338 @node GDB/MI Ada Exception Information
29339 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Ada Exception Information
29340
29341 Whenever a @code{*stopped} record is emitted because the program
29342 stopped after hitting an exception catchpoint (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}),
29343 @value{GDBN} provides the name of the exception that was raised via
29344 the @code{exception-name} field.
29345
29346 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29347 @node GDB/MI Simple Examples
29348 @section Simple Examples of @sc{gdb/mi} Interaction
29349 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, simple examples
29350
29351 This subsection presents several simple examples of interaction using
29352 the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. In these examples, @samp{->} means that the
29353 following line is passed to @sc{gdb/mi} as input, while @samp{<-} means
29354 the output received from @sc{gdb/mi}.
29355
29356 Note the line breaks shown in the examples are here only for
29357 readability, they don't appear in the real output.
29358
29359 @subheading Setting a Breakpoint
29360
29361 Setting a breakpoint generates synchronous output which contains detailed
29362 information of the breakpoint.
29363
29364 @smallexample
29365 -> -break-insert main
29366 <- ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
29367 enabled="y",addr="0x08048564",func="main",file="myprog.c",
29368 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68",thread-groups=["i1"],
29369 times="0"@}
29370 <- (gdb)
29371 @end smallexample
29372
29373 @subheading Program Execution
29374
29375 Program execution generates asynchronous records and MI gives the
29376 reason that execution stopped.
29377
29378 @smallexample
29379 -> -exec-run
29380 <- ^running
29381 <- (gdb)
29382 <- *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
29383 frame=@{addr="0x08048564",func="main",
29384 args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},@{name="argv",value="0xbfc4d4d4"@}],
29385 file="myprog.c",fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68"@}
29386 <- (gdb)
29387 -> -exec-continue
29388 <- ^running
29389 <- (gdb)
29390 <- *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
29391 <- (gdb)
29392 @end smallexample
29393
29394 @subheading Quitting @value{GDBN}
29395
29396 Quitting @value{GDBN} just prints the result class @samp{^exit}.
29397
29398 @smallexample
29399 -> (gdb)
29400 <- -gdb-exit
29401 <- ^exit
29402 @end smallexample
29403
29404 Please note that @samp{^exit} is printed immediately, but it might
29405 take some time for @value{GDBN} to actually exit. During that time, @value{GDBN}
29406 performs necessary cleanups, including killing programs being debugged
29407 or disconnecting from debug hardware, so the frontend should wait till
29408 @value{GDBN} exits and should only forcibly kill @value{GDBN} if it
29409 fails to exit in reasonable time.
29410
29411 @subheading A Bad Command
29412
29413 Here's what happens if you pass a non-existent command:
29414
29415 @smallexample
29416 -> -rubbish
29417 <- ^error,msg="Undefined MI command: rubbish"
29418 <- (gdb)
29419 @end smallexample
29420
29421
29422 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29423 @node GDB/MI Command Description Format
29424 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Description Format
29425
29426 The remaining sections describe blocks of commands. Each block of
29427 commands is laid out in a fashion similar to this section.
29428
29429 @subheading Motivation
29430
29431 The motivation for this collection of commands.
29432
29433 @subheading Introduction
29434
29435 A brief introduction to this collection of commands as a whole.
29436
29437 @subheading Commands
29438
29439 For each command in the block, the following is described:
29440
29441 @subsubheading Synopsis
29442
29443 @smallexample
29444 -command @var{args}@dots{}
29445 @end smallexample
29446
29447 @subsubheading Result
29448
29449 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29450
29451 The corresponding @value{GDBN} CLI command(s), if any.
29452
29453 @subsubheading Example
29454
29455 Example(s) formatted for readability. Some of the described commands have
29456 not been implemented yet and these are labeled N.A.@: (not available).
29457
29458
29459 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29460 @node GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands
29461 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Breakpoint Commands
29462
29463 @cindex breakpoint commands for @sc{gdb/mi}
29464 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, breakpoint commands
29465 This section documents @sc{gdb/mi} commands for manipulating
29466 breakpoints.
29467
29468 @subheading The @code{-break-after} Command
29469 @findex -break-after
29470
29471 @subsubheading Synopsis
29472
29473 @smallexample
29474 -break-after @var{number} @var{count}
29475 @end smallexample
29476
29477 The breakpoint number @var{number} is not in effect until it has been
29478 hit @var{count} times. To see how this is reflected in the output of
29479 the @samp{-break-list} command, see the description of the
29480 @samp{-break-list} command below.
29481
29482 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29483
29484 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ignore}.
29485
29486 @subsubheading Example
29487
29488 @smallexample
29489 (gdb)
29490 -break-insert main
29491 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
29492 enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
29493 fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],
29494 times="0"@}
29495 (gdb)
29496 -break-after 1 3
29497 ~
29498 ^done
29499 (gdb)
29500 -break-list
29501 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
29502 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
29503 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
29504 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
29505 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
29506 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
29507 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
29508 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
29509 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
29510 line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
29511 (gdb)
29512 @end smallexample
29513
29514 @ignore
29515 @subheading The @code{-break-catch} Command
29516 @findex -break-catch
29517 @end ignore
29518
29519 @subheading The @code{-break-commands} Command
29520 @findex -break-commands
29521
29522 @subsubheading Synopsis
29523
29524 @smallexample
29525 -break-commands @var{number} [ @var{command1} ... @var{commandN} ]
29526 @end smallexample
29527
29528 Specifies the CLI commands that should be executed when breakpoint
29529 @var{number} is hit. The parameters @var{command1} to @var{commandN}
29530 are the commands. If no command is specified, any previously-set
29531 commands are cleared. @xref{Break Commands}. Typical use of this
29532 functionality is tracing a program, that is, printing of values of
29533 some variables whenever breakpoint is hit and then continuing.
29534
29535 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29536
29537 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{commands}.
29538
29539 @subsubheading Example
29540
29541 @smallexample
29542 (gdb)
29543 -break-insert main
29544 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
29545 enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
29546 fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],
29547 times="0"@}
29548 (gdb)
29549 -break-commands 1 "print v" "continue"
29550 ^done
29551 (gdb)
29552 @end smallexample
29553
29554 @subheading The @code{-break-condition} Command
29555 @findex -break-condition
29556
29557 @subsubheading Synopsis
29558
29559 @smallexample
29560 -break-condition @var{number} @var{expr}
29561 @end smallexample
29562
29563 Breakpoint @var{number} will stop the program only if the condition in
29564 @var{expr} is true. The condition becomes part of the
29565 @samp{-break-list} output (see the description of the @samp{-break-list}
29566 command below).
29567
29568 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29569
29570 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{condition}.
29571
29572 @subsubheading Example
29573
29574 @smallexample
29575 (gdb)
29576 -break-condition 1 1
29577 ^done
29578 (gdb)
29579 -break-list
29580 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
29581 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
29582 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
29583 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
29584 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
29585 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
29586 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
29587 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
29588 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
29589 line="5",cond="1",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
29590 (gdb)
29591 @end smallexample
29592
29593 @subheading The @code{-break-delete} Command
29594 @findex -break-delete
29595
29596 @subsubheading Synopsis
29597
29598 @smallexample
29599 -break-delete ( @var{breakpoint} )+
29600 @end smallexample
29601
29602 Delete the breakpoint(s) whose number(s) are specified in the argument
29603 list. This is obviously reflected in the breakpoint list.
29604
29605 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29606
29607 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{delete}.
29608
29609 @subsubheading Example
29610
29611 @smallexample
29612 (gdb)
29613 -break-delete 1
29614 ^done
29615 (gdb)
29616 -break-list
29617 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
29618 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
29619 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
29620 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
29621 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
29622 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
29623 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
29624 body=[]@}
29625 (gdb)
29626 @end smallexample
29627
29628 @subheading The @code{-break-disable} Command
29629 @findex -break-disable
29630
29631 @subsubheading Synopsis
29632
29633 @smallexample
29634 -break-disable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
29635 @end smallexample
29636
29637 Disable the named @var{breakpoint}(s). The field @samp{enabled} in the
29638 break list is now set to @samp{n} for the named @var{breakpoint}(s).
29639
29640 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29641
29642 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disable}.
29643
29644 @subsubheading Example
29645
29646 @smallexample
29647 (gdb)
29648 -break-disable 2
29649 ^done
29650 (gdb)
29651 -break-list
29652 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
29653 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
29654 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
29655 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
29656 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
29657 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
29658 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
29659 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="n",
29660 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
29661 line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
29662 (gdb)
29663 @end smallexample
29664
29665 @subheading The @code{-break-enable} Command
29666 @findex -break-enable
29667
29668 @subsubheading Synopsis
29669
29670 @smallexample
29671 -break-enable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
29672 @end smallexample
29673
29674 Enable (previously disabled) @var{breakpoint}(s).
29675
29676 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29677
29678 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{enable}.
29679
29680 @subsubheading Example
29681
29682 @smallexample
29683 (gdb)
29684 -break-enable 2
29685 ^done
29686 (gdb)
29687 -break-list
29688 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
29689 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
29690 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
29691 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
29692 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
29693 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
29694 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
29695 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
29696 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
29697 line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
29698 (gdb)
29699 @end smallexample
29700
29701 @subheading The @code{-break-info} Command
29702 @findex -break-info
29703
29704 @subsubheading Synopsis
29705
29706 @smallexample
29707 -break-info @var{breakpoint}
29708 @end smallexample
29709
29710 @c REDUNDANT???
29711 Get information about a single breakpoint.
29712
29713 The result is a table of breakpoints. @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint
29714 Information}, for details on the format of each breakpoint in the
29715 table.
29716
29717 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29718
29719 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break @var{breakpoint}}.
29720
29721 @subsubheading Example
29722 N.A.
29723
29724 @subheading The @code{-break-insert} Command
29725 @findex -break-insert
29726
29727 @subsubheading Synopsis
29728
29729 @smallexample
29730 -break-insert [ -t ] [ -h ] [ -f ] [ -d ] [ -a ]
29731 [ -c @var{condition} ] [ -i @var{ignore-count} ]
29732 [ -p @var{thread-id} ] [ @var{location} ]
29733 @end smallexample
29734
29735 @noindent
29736 If specified, @var{location}, can be one of:
29737
29738 @itemize @bullet
29739 @item function
29740 @c @item +offset
29741 @c @item -offset
29742 @c @item linenum
29743 @item filename:linenum
29744 @item filename:function
29745 @item *address
29746 @end itemize
29747
29748 The possible optional parameters of this command are:
29749
29750 @table @samp
29751 @item -t
29752 Insert a temporary breakpoint.
29753 @item -h
29754 Insert a hardware breakpoint.
29755 @item -f
29756 If @var{location} cannot be parsed (for example if it
29757 refers to unknown files or functions), create a pending
29758 breakpoint. Without this flag, @value{GDBN} will report
29759 an error, and won't create a breakpoint, if @var{location}
29760 cannot be parsed.
29761 @item -d
29762 Create a disabled breakpoint.
29763 @item -a
29764 Create a tracepoint. @xref{Tracepoints}. When this parameter
29765 is used together with @samp{-h}, a fast tracepoint is created.
29766 @item -c @var{condition}
29767 Make the breakpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
29768 @item -i @var{ignore-count}
29769 Initialize the @var{ignore-count}.
29770 @item -p @var{thread-id}
29771 Restrict the breakpoint to the specified @var{thread-id}.
29772 @end table
29773
29774 @subsubheading Result
29775
29776 @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Information}, for details on the format of the
29777 resulting breakpoint.
29778
29779 Note: this format is open to change.
29780 @c An out-of-band breakpoint instead of part of the result?
29781
29782 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29783
29784 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{break}, @samp{tbreak},
29785 @samp{hbreak}, and @samp{thbreak}. @c and @samp{rbreak}.
29786
29787 @subsubheading Example
29788
29789 @smallexample
29790 (gdb)
29791 -break-insert main
29792 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",
29793 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="4",thread-groups=["i1"],
29794 times="0"@}
29795 (gdb)
29796 -break-insert -t foo
29797 ^done,bkpt=@{number="2",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c",
29798 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="11",thread-groups=["i1"],
29799 times="0"@}
29800 (gdb)
29801 -break-list
29802 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
29803 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
29804 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
29805 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
29806 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
29807 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
29808 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
29809 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
29810 addr="0x0001072c", func="main",file="recursive2.c",
29811 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,"line="4",thread-groups=["i1"],
29812 times="0"@},
29813 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="del",enabled="y",
29814 addr="0x00010774",func="foo",file="recursive2.c",
29815 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",thread-groups=["i1"],
29816 times="0"@}]@}
29817 (gdb)
29818 @c -break-insert -r foo.*
29819 @c ~int foo(int, int);
29820 @c ^done,bkpt=@{number="3",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c,
29821 @c "fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",thread-groups=["i1"],
29822 @c times="0"@}
29823 @c (gdb)
29824 @end smallexample
29825
29826 @subheading The @code{-dprintf-insert} Command
29827 @findex -dprintf-insert
29828
29829 @subsubheading Synopsis
29830
29831 @smallexample
29832 -dprintf-insert [ -t ] [ -f ] [ -d ]
29833 [ -c @var{condition} ] [ -i @var{ignore-count} ]
29834 [ -p @var{thread-id} ] [ @var{location} ] [ @var{format} ]
29835 [ @var{argument} ]
29836 @end smallexample
29837
29838 @noindent
29839 If specified, @var{location}, can be one of:
29840
29841 @itemize @bullet
29842 @item @var{function}
29843 @c @item +offset
29844 @c @item -offset
29845 @c @item @var{linenum}
29846 @item @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
29847 @item @var{filename}:function
29848 @item *@var{address}
29849 @end itemize
29850
29851 The possible optional parameters of this command are:
29852
29853 @table @samp
29854 @item -t
29855 Insert a temporary breakpoint.
29856 @item -f
29857 If @var{location} cannot be parsed (for example, if it
29858 refers to unknown files or functions), create a pending
29859 breakpoint. Without this flag, @value{GDBN} will report
29860 an error, and won't create a breakpoint, if @var{location}
29861 cannot be parsed.
29862 @item -d
29863 Create a disabled breakpoint.
29864 @item -c @var{condition}
29865 Make the breakpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
29866 @item -i @var{ignore-count}
29867 Set the ignore count of the breakpoint (@pxref{Conditions, ignore count})
29868 to @var{ignore-count}.
29869 @item -p @var{thread-id}
29870 Restrict the breakpoint to the specified @var{thread-id}.
29871 @end table
29872
29873 @subsubheading Result
29874
29875 @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Information}, for details on the format of the
29876 resulting breakpoint.
29877
29878 @c An out-of-band breakpoint instead of part of the result?
29879
29880 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29881
29882 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{dprintf}.
29883
29884 @subsubheading Example
29885
29886 @smallexample
29887 (gdb)
29888 4-dprintf-insert foo "At foo entry\n"
29889 4^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="dprintf",disp="keep",enabled="y",
29890 addr="0x000000000040061b",func="foo",file="mi-dprintf.c",
29891 fullname="mi-dprintf.c",line="25",thread-groups=["i1"],
29892 times="0",script=@{"printf \"At foo entry\\n\"","continue"@},
29893 original-location="foo"@}
29894 (gdb)
29895 5-dprintf-insert 26 "arg=%d, g=%d\n" arg g
29896 5^done,bkpt=@{number="2",type="dprintf",disp="keep",enabled="y",
29897 addr="0x000000000040062a",func="foo",file="mi-dprintf.c",
29898 fullname="mi-dprintf.c",line="26",thread-groups=["i1"],
29899 times="0",script=@{"printf \"arg=%d, g=%d\\n\", arg, g","continue"@},
29900 original-location="mi-dprintf.c:26"@}
29901 (gdb)
29902 @end smallexample
29903
29904 @subheading The @code{-break-list} Command
29905 @findex -break-list
29906
29907 @subsubheading Synopsis
29908
29909 @smallexample
29910 -break-list
29911 @end smallexample
29912
29913 Displays the list of inserted breakpoints, showing the following fields:
29914
29915 @table @samp
29916 @item Number
29917 number of the breakpoint
29918 @item Type
29919 type of the breakpoint: @samp{breakpoint} or @samp{watchpoint}
29920 @item Disposition
29921 should the breakpoint be deleted or disabled when it is hit: @samp{keep}
29922 or @samp{nokeep}
29923 @item Enabled
29924 is the breakpoint enabled or no: @samp{y} or @samp{n}
29925 @item Address
29926 memory location at which the breakpoint is set
29927 @item What
29928 logical location of the breakpoint, expressed by function name, file
29929 name, line number
29930 @item Thread-groups
29931 list of thread groups to which this breakpoint applies
29932 @item Times
29933 number of times the breakpoint has been hit
29934 @end table
29935
29936 If there are no breakpoints or watchpoints, the @code{BreakpointTable}
29937 @code{body} field is an empty list.
29938
29939 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29940
29941 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break}.
29942
29943 @subsubheading Example
29944
29945 @smallexample
29946 (gdb)
29947 -break-list
29948 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
29949 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
29950 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
29951 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
29952 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
29953 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
29954 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
29955 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
29956 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],
29957 times="0"@},
29958 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
29959 addr="0x00010114",func="foo",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
29960 line="13",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
29961 (gdb)
29962 @end smallexample
29963
29964 Here's an example of the result when there are no breakpoints:
29965
29966 @smallexample
29967 (gdb)
29968 -break-list
29969 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
29970 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
29971 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
29972 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
29973 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
29974 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
29975 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
29976 body=[]@}
29977 (gdb)
29978 @end smallexample
29979
29980 @subheading The @code{-break-passcount} Command
29981 @findex -break-passcount
29982
29983 @subsubheading Synopsis
29984
29985 @smallexample
29986 -break-passcount @var{tracepoint-number} @var{passcount}
29987 @end smallexample
29988
29989 Set the passcount for tracepoint @var{tracepoint-number} to
29990 @var{passcount}. If the breakpoint referred to by @var{tracepoint-number}
29991 is not a tracepoint, error is emitted. This corresponds to CLI
29992 command @samp{passcount}.
29993
29994 @subheading The @code{-break-watch} Command
29995 @findex -break-watch
29996
29997 @subsubheading Synopsis
29998
29999 @smallexample
30000 -break-watch [ -a | -r ]
30001 @end smallexample
30002
30003 Create a watchpoint. With the @samp{-a} option it will create an
30004 @dfn{access} watchpoint, i.e., a watchpoint that triggers either on a
30005 read from or on a write to the memory location. With the @samp{-r}
30006 option, the watchpoint created is a @dfn{read} watchpoint, i.e., it will
30007 trigger only when the memory location is accessed for reading. Without
30008 either of the options, the watchpoint created is a regular watchpoint,
30009 i.e., it will trigger when the memory location is accessed for writing.
30010 @xref{Set Watchpoints, , Setting Watchpoints}.
30011
30012 Note that @samp{-break-list} will report a single list of watchpoints and
30013 breakpoints inserted.
30014
30015 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30016
30017 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{watch}, @samp{awatch}, and
30018 @samp{rwatch}.
30019
30020 @subsubheading Example
30021
30022 Setting a watchpoint on a variable in the @code{main} function:
30023
30024 @smallexample
30025 (gdb)
30026 -break-watch x
30027 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@}
30028 (gdb)
30029 -exec-continue
30030 ^running
30031 (gdb)
30032 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@},
30033 value=@{old="-268439212",new="55"@},
30034 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
30035 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="5"@}
30036 (gdb)
30037 @end smallexample
30038
30039 Setting a watchpoint on a variable local to a function. @value{GDBN} will stop
30040 the program execution twice: first for the variable changing value, then
30041 for the watchpoint going out of scope.
30042
30043 @smallexample
30044 (gdb)
30045 -break-watch C
30046 ^done,wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@}
30047 (gdb)
30048 -exec-continue
30049 ^running
30050 (gdb)
30051 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",
30052 wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@},value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
30053 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
30054 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30055 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
30056 (gdb)
30057 -exec-continue
30058 ^running
30059 (gdb)
30060 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="5",
30061 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
30062 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
30063 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30064 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
30065 (gdb)
30066 @end smallexample
30067
30068 Listing breakpoints and watchpoints, at different points in the program
30069 execution. Note that once the watchpoint goes out of scope, it is
30070 deleted.
30071
30072 @smallexample
30073 (gdb)
30074 -break-watch C
30075 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@}
30076 (gdb)
30077 -break-list
30078 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
30079 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
30080 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
30081 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
30082 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
30083 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
30084 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
30085 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
30086 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
30087 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30088 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c"line="8",thread-groups=["i1"],
30089 times="1"@},
30090 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
30091 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
30092 (gdb)
30093 -exec-continue
30094 ^running
30095 (gdb)
30096 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@},
30097 value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
30098 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
30099 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30100 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
30101 (gdb)
30102 -break-list
30103 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
30104 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
30105 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
30106 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
30107 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
30108 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
30109 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
30110 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
30111 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
30112 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30113 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",thread-groups=["i1"],
30114 times="1"@},
30115 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
30116 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",thread-groups=["i1"],times="-5"@}]@}
30117 (gdb)
30118 -exec-continue
30119 ^running
30120 ^done,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="2",
30121 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
30122 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
30123 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30124 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
30125 (gdb)
30126 -break-list
30127 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
30128 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
30129 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
30130 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
30131 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
30132 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
30133 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
30134 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
30135 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
30136 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30137 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",
30138 thread-groups=["i1"],times="1"@}]@}
30139 (gdb)
30140 @end smallexample
30141
30142
30143 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
30144 @node GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands
30145 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Catchpoint Commands
30146
30147 This section documents @sc{gdb/mi} commands for manipulating
30148 catchpoints.
30149
30150 @subheading The @code{-catch-load} Command
30151 @findex -catch-load
30152
30153 @subsubheading Synopsis
30154
30155 @smallexample
30156 -catch-load [ -t ] [ -d ] @var{regexp}
30157 @end smallexample
30158
30159 Add a catchpoint for library load events. If the @samp{-t} option is used,
30160 the catchpoint is a temporary one (@pxref{Set Breaks, ,Setting
30161 Breakpoints}). If the @samp{-d} option is used, the catchpoint is created
30162 in a disabled state. The @samp{regexp} argument is a regular
30163 expression used to match the name of the loaded library.
30164
30165
30166 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30167
30168 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{catch load}.
30169
30170 @subsubheading Example
30171
30172 @smallexample
30173 -catch-load -t foo.so
30174 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="catchpoint",disp="del",enabled="y",
30175 what="load of library matching foo.so",catch-type="load",times="0"@}
30176 (gdb)
30177 @end smallexample
30178
30179
30180 @subheading The @code{-catch-unload} Command
30181 @findex -catch-unload
30182
30183 @subsubheading Synopsis
30184
30185 @smallexample
30186 -catch-unload [ -t ] [ -d ] @var{regexp}
30187 @end smallexample
30188
30189 Add a catchpoint for library unload events. If the @samp{-t} option is
30190 used, the catchpoint is a temporary one (@pxref{Set Breaks, ,Setting
30191 Breakpoints}). If the @samp{-d} option is used, the catchpoint is
30192 created in a disabled state. The @samp{regexp} argument is a regular
30193 expression used to match the name of the unloaded library.
30194
30195 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30196
30197 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{catch unload}.
30198
30199 @subsubheading Example
30200
30201 @smallexample
30202 -catch-unload -d bar.so
30203 ^done,bkpt=@{number="2",type="catchpoint",disp="keep",enabled="n",
30204 what="load of library matching bar.so",catch-type="unload",times="0"@}
30205 (gdb)
30206 @end smallexample
30207
30208
30209 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
30210 @node GDB/MI Program Context
30211 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Context
30212
30213 @subheading The @code{-exec-arguments} Command
30214 @findex -exec-arguments
30215
30216
30217 @subsubheading Synopsis
30218
30219 @smallexample
30220 -exec-arguments @var{args}
30221 @end smallexample
30222
30223 Set the inferior program arguments, to be used in the next
30224 @samp{-exec-run}.
30225
30226 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30227
30228 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set args}.
30229
30230 @subsubheading Example
30231
30232 @smallexample
30233 (gdb)
30234 -exec-arguments -v word
30235 ^done
30236 (gdb)
30237 @end smallexample
30238
30239
30240 @ignore
30241 @subheading The @code{-exec-show-arguments} Command
30242 @findex -exec-show-arguments
30243
30244 @subsubheading Synopsis
30245
30246 @smallexample
30247 -exec-show-arguments
30248 @end smallexample
30249
30250 Print the arguments of the program.
30251
30252 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30253
30254 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show args}.
30255
30256 @subsubheading Example
30257 N.A.
30258 @end ignore
30259
30260
30261 @subheading The @code{-environment-cd} Command
30262 @findex -environment-cd
30263
30264 @subsubheading Synopsis
30265
30266 @smallexample
30267 -environment-cd @var{pathdir}
30268 @end smallexample
30269
30270 Set @value{GDBN}'s working directory.
30271
30272 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30273
30274 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{cd}.
30275
30276 @subsubheading Example
30277
30278 @smallexample
30279 (gdb)
30280 -environment-cd /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
30281 ^done
30282 (gdb)
30283 @end smallexample
30284
30285
30286 @subheading The @code{-environment-directory} Command
30287 @findex -environment-directory
30288
30289 @subsubheading Synopsis
30290
30291 @smallexample
30292 -environment-directory [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
30293 @end smallexample
30294
30295 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for source files.
30296 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the default
30297 search path. If directories @var{pathdir} are supplied in addition to the
30298 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
30299 occurs as normal.
30300 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
30301 multiple directories in a single command
30302 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
30303 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
30304 If blanks are needed as
30305 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
30306 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
30307 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
30308 character must not be used
30309 in any directory name.
30310 If no directories are specified, the current search path is displayed.
30311
30312 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30313
30314 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{dir}.
30315
30316 @subsubheading Example
30317
30318 @smallexample
30319 (gdb)
30320 -environment-directory /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
30321 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
30322 (gdb)
30323 -environment-directory ""
30324 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
30325 (gdb)
30326 -environment-directory -r /home/jjohnstn/src/gdb /usr/src
30327 ^done,source-path="/home/jjohnstn/src/gdb:/usr/src:$cdir:$cwd"
30328 (gdb)
30329 -environment-directory -r
30330 ^done,source-path="$cdir:$cwd"
30331 (gdb)
30332 @end smallexample
30333
30334
30335 @subheading The @code{-environment-path} Command
30336 @findex -environment-path
30337
30338 @subsubheading Synopsis
30339
30340 @smallexample
30341 -environment-path [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
30342 @end smallexample
30343
30344 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for object files.
30345 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the original
30346 search path that existed at gdb start-up. If directories @var{pathdir} are
30347 supplied in addition to the
30348 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
30349 occurs as normal.
30350 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
30351 multiple directories in a single command
30352 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
30353 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
30354 If blanks are needed as
30355 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
30356 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
30357 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
30358 character must not be used
30359 in any directory name.
30360 If no directories are specified, the current path is displayed.
30361
30362
30363 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30364
30365 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{path}.
30366
30367 @subsubheading Example
30368
30369 @smallexample
30370 (gdb)
30371 -environment-path
30372 ^done,path="/usr/bin"
30373 (gdb)
30374 -environment-path /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb /bin
30375 ^done,path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb:/bin:/usr/bin"
30376 (gdb)
30377 -environment-path -r /usr/local/bin
30378 ^done,path="/usr/local/bin:/usr/bin"
30379 (gdb)
30380 @end smallexample
30381
30382
30383 @subheading The @code{-environment-pwd} Command
30384 @findex -environment-pwd
30385
30386 @subsubheading Synopsis
30387
30388 @smallexample
30389 -environment-pwd
30390 @end smallexample
30391
30392 Show the current working directory.
30393
30394 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30395
30396 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{pwd}.
30397
30398 @subsubheading Example
30399
30400 @smallexample
30401 (gdb)
30402 -environment-pwd
30403 ^done,cwd="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb"
30404 (gdb)
30405 @end smallexample
30406
30407 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
30408 @node GDB/MI Thread Commands
30409 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Commands
30410
30411
30412 @subheading The @code{-thread-info} Command
30413 @findex -thread-info
30414
30415 @subsubheading Synopsis
30416
30417 @smallexample
30418 -thread-info [ @var{thread-id} ]
30419 @end smallexample
30420
30421 Reports information about either a specific thread, if
30422 the @var{thread-id} parameter is present, or about all
30423 threads. When printing information about all threads,
30424 also reports the current thread.
30425
30426 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30427
30428 The @samp{info thread} command prints the same information
30429 about all threads.
30430
30431 @subsubheading Result
30432
30433 The result is a list of threads. The following attributes are
30434 defined for a given thread:
30435
30436 @table @samp
30437 @item current
30438 This field exists only for the current thread. It has the value @samp{*}.
30439
30440 @item id
30441 The identifier that @value{GDBN} uses to refer to the thread.
30442
30443 @item target-id
30444 The identifier that the target uses to refer to the thread.
30445
30446 @item details
30447 Extra information about the thread, in a target-specific format. This
30448 field is optional.
30449
30450 @item name
30451 The name of the thread. If the user specified a name using the
30452 @code{thread name} command, then this name is given. Otherwise, if
30453 @value{GDBN} can extract the thread name from the target, then that
30454 name is given. If @value{GDBN} cannot find the thread name, then this
30455 field is omitted.
30456
30457 @item frame
30458 The stack frame currently executing in the thread.
30459
30460 @item state
30461 The thread's state. The @samp{state} field may have the following
30462 values:
30463
30464 @table @code
30465 @item stopped
30466 The thread is stopped. Frame information is available for stopped
30467 threads.
30468
30469 @item running
30470 The thread is running. There's no frame information for running
30471 threads.
30472
30473 @end table
30474
30475 @item core
30476 If @value{GDBN} can find the CPU core on which this thread is running,
30477 then this field is the core identifier. This field is optional.
30478
30479 @end table
30480
30481 @subsubheading Example
30482
30483 @smallexample
30484 -thread-info
30485 ^done,threads=[
30486 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
30487 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",
30488 args=[]@},state="running"@},
30489 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
30490 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",
30491 args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
30492 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},
30493 state="running"@}],
30494 current-thread-id="1"
30495 (gdb)
30496 @end smallexample
30497
30498 @subheading The @code{-thread-list-ids} Command
30499 @findex -thread-list-ids
30500
30501 @subsubheading Synopsis
30502
30503 @smallexample
30504 -thread-list-ids
30505 @end smallexample
30506
30507 Produces a list of the currently known @value{GDBN} thread ids. At the
30508 end of the list it also prints the total number of such threads.
30509
30510 This command is retained for historical reasons, the
30511 @code{-thread-info} command should be used instead.
30512
30513 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30514
30515 Part of @samp{info threads} supplies the same information.
30516
30517 @subsubheading Example
30518
30519 @smallexample
30520 (gdb)
30521 -thread-list-ids
30522 ^done,thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
30523 current-thread-id="1",number-of-threads="3"
30524 (gdb)
30525 @end smallexample
30526
30527
30528 @subheading The @code{-thread-select} Command
30529 @findex -thread-select
30530
30531 @subsubheading Synopsis
30532
30533 @smallexample
30534 -thread-select @var{threadnum}
30535 @end smallexample
30536
30537 Make @var{threadnum} the current thread. It prints the number of the new
30538 current thread, and the topmost frame for that thread.
30539
30540 This command is deprecated in favor of explicitly using the
30541 @samp{--thread} option to each command.
30542
30543 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30544
30545 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{thread}.
30546
30547 @subsubheading Example
30548
30549 @smallexample
30550 (gdb)
30551 -exec-next
30552 ^running
30553 (gdb)
30554 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",thread-id="2",line="187",
30555 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.threads/linux-dp.c"
30556 (gdb)
30557 -thread-list-ids
30558 ^done,
30559 thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
30560 number-of-threads="3"
30561 (gdb)
30562 -thread-select 3
30563 ^done,new-thread-id="3",
30564 frame=@{level="0",func="vprintf",
30565 args=[@{name="format",value="0x8048e9c \"%*s%c %d %c\\n\""@},
30566 @{name="arg",value="0x2"@}],file="vprintf.c",line="31"@}
30567 (gdb)
30568 @end smallexample
30569
30570 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
30571 @node GDB/MI Ada Tasking Commands
30572 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Ada Tasking Commands
30573
30574 @subheading The @code{-ada-task-info} Command
30575 @findex -ada-task-info
30576
30577 @subsubheading Synopsis
30578
30579 @smallexample
30580 -ada-task-info [ @var{task-id} ]
30581 @end smallexample
30582
30583 Reports information about either a specific Ada task, if the
30584 @var{task-id} parameter is present, or about all Ada tasks.
30585
30586 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30587
30588 The @samp{info tasks} command prints the same information
30589 about all Ada tasks (@pxref{Ada Tasks}).
30590
30591 @subsubheading Result
30592
30593 The result is a table of Ada tasks. The following columns are
30594 defined for each Ada task:
30595
30596 @table @samp
30597 @item current
30598 This field exists only for the current thread. It has the value @samp{*}.
30599
30600 @item id
30601 The identifier that @value{GDBN} uses to refer to the Ada task.
30602
30603 @item task-id
30604 The identifier that the target uses to refer to the Ada task.
30605
30606 @item thread-id
30607 The identifier of the thread corresponding to the Ada task.
30608
30609 This field should always exist, as Ada tasks are always implemented
30610 on top of a thread. But if @value{GDBN} cannot find this corresponding
30611 thread for any reason, the field is omitted.
30612
30613 @item parent-id
30614 This field exists only when the task was created by another task.
30615 In this case, it provides the ID of the parent task.
30616
30617 @item priority
30618 The base priority of the task.
30619
30620 @item state
30621 The current state of the task. For a detailed description of the
30622 possible states, see @ref{Ada Tasks}.
30623
30624 @item name
30625 The name of the task.
30626
30627 @end table
30628
30629 @subsubheading Example
30630
30631 @smallexample
30632 -ada-task-info
30633 ^done,tasks=@{nr_rows="3",nr_cols="8",
30634 hdr=[@{width="1",alignment="-1",col_name="current",colhdr=""@},
30635 @{width="3",alignment="1",col_name="id",colhdr="ID"@},
30636 @{width="9",alignment="1",col_name="task-id",colhdr="TID"@},
30637 @{width="4",alignment="1",col_name="thread-id",colhdr=""@},
30638 @{width="4",alignment="1",col_name="parent-id",colhdr="P-ID"@},
30639 @{width="3",alignment="1",col_name="priority",colhdr="Pri"@},
30640 @{width="22",alignment="-1",col_name="state",colhdr="State"@},
30641 @{width="1",alignment="2",col_name="name",colhdr="Name"@}],
30642 body=[@{current="*",id="1",task-id=" 644010",thread-id="1",priority="48",
30643 state="Child Termination Wait",name="main_task"@}]@}
30644 (gdb)
30645 @end smallexample
30646
30647 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
30648 @node GDB/MI Program Execution
30649 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Execution
30650
30651 These are the asynchronous commands which generate the out-of-band
30652 record @samp{*stopped}. Currently @value{GDBN} only really executes
30653 asynchronously with remote targets and this interaction is mimicked in
30654 other cases.
30655
30656 @subheading The @code{-exec-continue} Command
30657 @findex -exec-continue
30658
30659 @subsubheading Synopsis
30660
30661 @smallexample
30662 -exec-continue [--reverse] [--all|--thread-group N]
30663 @end smallexample
30664
30665 Resumes the execution of the inferior program, which will continue
30666 to execute until it reaches a debugger stop event. If the
30667 @samp{--reverse} option is specified, execution resumes in reverse until
30668 it reaches a stop event. Stop events may include
30669 @itemize @bullet
30670 @item
30671 breakpoints or watchpoints
30672 @item
30673 signals or exceptions
30674 @item
30675 the end of the process (or its beginning under @samp{--reverse})
30676 @item
30677 the end or beginning of a replay log if one is being used.
30678 @end itemize
30679 In all-stop mode (@pxref{All-Stop
30680 Mode}), may resume only one thread, or all threads, depending on the
30681 value of the @samp{scheduler-locking} variable. If @samp{--all} is
30682 specified, all threads (in all inferiors) will be resumed. The @samp{--all} option is
30683 ignored in all-stop mode. If the @samp{--thread-group} options is
30684 specified, then all threads in that thread group are resumed.
30685
30686 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30687
30688 The corresponding @value{GDBN} corresponding is @samp{continue}.
30689
30690 @subsubheading Example
30691
30692 @smallexample
30693 -exec-continue
30694 ^running
30695 (gdb)
30696 @@Hello world
30697 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="2",frame=@{
30698 func="foo",args=[],file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",
30699 line="13"@}
30700 (gdb)
30701 @end smallexample
30702
30703
30704 @subheading The @code{-exec-finish} Command
30705 @findex -exec-finish
30706
30707 @subsubheading Synopsis
30708
30709 @smallexample
30710 -exec-finish [--reverse]
30711 @end smallexample
30712
30713 Resumes the execution of the inferior program until the current
30714 function is exited. Displays the results returned by the function.
30715 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes the reverse
30716 execution of the inferior program until the point where current
30717 function was called.
30718
30719 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30720
30721 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{finish}.
30722
30723 @subsubheading Example
30724
30725 Function returning @code{void}.
30726
30727 @smallexample
30728 -exec-finish
30729 ^running
30730 (gdb)
30731 @@hello from foo
30732 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
30733 file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",line="7"@}
30734 (gdb)
30735 @end smallexample
30736
30737 Function returning other than @code{void}. The name of the internal
30738 @value{GDBN} variable storing the result is printed, together with the
30739 value itself.
30740
30741 @smallexample
30742 -exec-finish
30743 ^running
30744 (gdb)
30745 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{addr="0x000107b0",func="foo",
30746 args=[@{name="a",value="1"],@{name="b",value="9"@}@},
30747 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
30748 gdb-result-var="$1",return-value="0"
30749 (gdb)
30750 @end smallexample
30751
30752
30753 @subheading The @code{-exec-interrupt} Command
30754 @findex -exec-interrupt
30755
30756 @subsubheading Synopsis
30757
30758 @smallexample
30759 -exec-interrupt [--all|--thread-group N]
30760 @end smallexample
30761
30762 Interrupts the background execution of the target. Note how the token
30763 associated with the stop message is the one for the execution command
30764 that has been interrupted. The token for the interrupt itself only
30765 appears in the @samp{^done} output. If the user is trying to
30766 interrupt a non-running program, an error message will be printed.
30767
30768 Note that when asynchronous execution is enabled, this command is
30769 asynchronous just like other execution commands. That is, first the
30770 @samp{^done} response will be printed, and the target stop will be
30771 reported after that using the @samp{*stopped} notification.
30772
30773 In non-stop mode, only the context thread is interrupted by default.
30774 All threads (in all inferiors) will be interrupted if the
30775 @samp{--all} option is specified. If the @samp{--thread-group}
30776 option is specified, all threads in that group will be interrupted.
30777
30778 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30779
30780 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interrupt}.
30781
30782 @subsubheading Example
30783
30784 @smallexample
30785 (gdb)
30786 111-exec-continue
30787 111^running
30788
30789 (gdb)
30790 222-exec-interrupt
30791 222^done
30792 (gdb)
30793 111*stopped,signal-name="SIGINT",signal-meaning="Interrupt",
30794 frame=@{addr="0x00010140",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
30795 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="13"@}
30796 (gdb)
30797
30798 (gdb)
30799 -exec-interrupt
30800 ^error,msg="mi_cmd_exec_interrupt: Inferior not executing."
30801 (gdb)
30802 @end smallexample
30803
30804 @subheading The @code{-exec-jump} Command
30805 @findex -exec-jump
30806
30807 @subsubheading Synopsis
30808
30809 @smallexample
30810 -exec-jump @var{location}
30811 @end smallexample
30812
30813 Resumes execution of the inferior program at the location specified by
30814 parameter. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description of the
30815 different forms of @var{location}.
30816
30817 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30818
30819 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{jump}.
30820
30821 @subsubheading Example
30822
30823 @smallexample
30824 -exec-jump foo.c:10
30825 *running,thread-id="all"
30826 ^running
30827 @end smallexample
30828
30829
30830 @subheading The @code{-exec-next} Command
30831 @findex -exec-next
30832
30833 @subsubheading Synopsis
30834
30835 @smallexample
30836 -exec-next [--reverse]
30837 @end smallexample
30838
30839 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
30840 of the next source line is reached.
30841
30842 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution
30843 of the inferior program, stopping at the beginning of the previous
30844 source line. If you issue this command on the first line of a
30845 function, it will take you back to the caller of that function, to the
30846 source line where the function was called.
30847
30848
30849 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30850
30851 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{next}.
30852
30853 @subsubheading Example
30854
30855 @smallexample
30856 -exec-next
30857 ^running
30858 (gdb)
30859 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="8",file="hello.c"
30860 (gdb)
30861 @end smallexample
30862
30863
30864 @subheading The @code{-exec-next-instruction} Command
30865 @findex -exec-next-instruction
30866
30867 @subsubheading Synopsis
30868
30869 @smallexample
30870 -exec-next-instruction [--reverse]
30871 @end smallexample
30872
30873 Executes one machine instruction. If the instruction is a function
30874 call, continues until the function returns. If the program stops at an
30875 instruction in the middle of a source line, the address will be
30876 printed as well.
30877
30878 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution
30879 of the inferior program, stopping at the previous instruction. If the
30880 previously executed instruction was a return from another function,
30881 it will continue to execute in reverse until the call to that function
30882 (from the current stack frame) is reached.
30883
30884 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30885
30886 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{nexti}.
30887
30888 @subsubheading Example
30889
30890 @smallexample
30891 (gdb)
30892 -exec-next-instruction
30893 ^running
30894
30895 (gdb)
30896 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
30897 addr="0x000100d4",line="5",file="hello.c"
30898 (gdb)
30899 @end smallexample
30900
30901
30902 @subheading The @code{-exec-return} Command
30903 @findex -exec-return
30904
30905 @subsubheading Synopsis
30906
30907 @smallexample
30908 -exec-return
30909 @end smallexample
30910
30911 Makes current function return immediately. Doesn't execute the inferior.
30912 Displays the new current frame.
30913
30914 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30915
30916 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{return}.
30917
30918 @subsubheading Example
30919
30920 @smallexample
30921 (gdb)
30922 200-break-insert callee4
30923 200^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x00010734",
30924 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
30925 (gdb)
30926 000-exec-run
30927 000^running
30928 (gdb)
30929 000*stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
30930 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
30931 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30932 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
30933 (gdb)
30934 205-break-delete
30935 205^done
30936 (gdb)
30937 111-exec-return
30938 111^done,frame=@{level="0",func="callee3",
30939 args=[@{name="strarg",
30940 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
30941 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30942 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
30943 (gdb)
30944 @end smallexample
30945
30946
30947 @subheading The @code{-exec-run} Command
30948 @findex -exec-run
30949
30950 @subsubheading Synopsis
30951
30952 @smallexample
30953 -exec-run [--all | --thread-group N]
30954 @end smallexample
30955
30956 Starts execution of the inferior from the beginning. The inferior
30957 executes until either a breakpoint is encountered or the program
30958 exits. In the latter case the output will include an exit code, if
30959 the program has exited exceptionally.
30960
30961 When no option is specified, the current inferior is started. If the
30962 @samp{--thread-group} option is specified, it should refer to a thread
30963 group of type @samp{process}, and that thread group will be started.
30964 If the @samp{--all} option is specified, then all inferiors will be started.
30965
30966 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30967
30968 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{run}.
30969
30970 @subsubheading Examples
30971
30972 @smallexample
30973 (gdb)
30974 -break-insert main
30975 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",line="4"@}
30976 (gdb)
30977 -exec-run
30978 ^running
30979 (gdb)
30980 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
30981 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
30982 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}
30983 (gdb)
30984 @end smallexample
30985
30986 @noindent
30987 Program exited normally:
30988
30989 @smallexample
30990 (gdb)
30991 -exec-run
30992 ^running
30993 (gdb)
30994 x = 55
30995 *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
30996 (gdb)
30997 @end smallexample
30998
30999 @noindent
31000 Program exited exceptionally:
31001
31002 @smallexample
31003 (gdb)
31004 -exec-run
31005 ^running
31006 (gdb)
31007 x = 55
31008 *stopped,reason="exited",exit-code="01"
31009 (gdb)
31010 @end smallexample
31011
31012 Another way the program can terminate is if it receives a signal such as
31013 @code{SIGINT}. In this case, @sc{gdb/mi} displays this:
31014
31015 @smallexample
31016 (gdb)
31017 *stopped,reason="exited-signalled",signal-name="SIGINT",
31018 signal-meaning="Interrupt"
31019 @end smallexample
31020
31021
31022 @c @subheading -exec-signal
31023
31024
31025 @subheading The @code{-exec-step} Command
31026 @findex -exec-step
31027
31028 @subsubheading Synopsis
31029
31030 @smallexample
31031 -exec-step [--reverse]
31032 @end smallexample
31033
31034 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
31035 of the next source line is reached, if the next source line is not a
31036 function call. If it is, stop at the first instruction of the called
31037 function. If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse
31038 execution of the inferior program, stopping at the beginning of the
31039 previously executed source line.
31040
31041 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31042
31043 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{step}.
31044
31045 @subsubheading Example
31046
31047 Stepping into a function:
31048
31049 @smallexample
31050 -exec-step
31051 ^running
31052 (gdb)
31053 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
31054 frame=@{func="foo",args=[@{name="a",value="10"@},
31055 @{name="b",value="0"@}],file="recursive2.c",
31056 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@}
31057 (gdb)
31058 @end smallexample
31059
31060 Regular stepping:
31061
31062 @smallexample
31063 -exec-step
31064 ^running
31065 (gdb)
31066 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="14",file="recursive2.c"
31067 (gdb)
31068 @end smallexample
31069
31070
31071 @subheading The @code{-exec-step-instruction} Command
31072 @findex -exec-step-instruction
31073
31074 @subsubheading Synopsis
31075
31076 @smallexample
31077 -exec-step-instruction [--reverse]
31078 @end smallexample
31079
31080 Resumes the inferior which executes one machine instruction. If the
31081 @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution of the
31082 inferior program, stopping at the previously executed instruction.
31083 The output, once @value{GDBN} has stopped, will vary depending on
31084 whether we have stopped in the middle of a source line or not. In the
31085 former case, the address at which the program stopped will be printed
31086 as well.
31087
31088 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31089
31090 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{stepi}.
31091
31092 @subsubheading Example
31093
31094 @smallexample
31095 (gdb)
31096 -exec-step-instruction
31097 ^running
31098
31099 (gdb)
31100 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
31101 frame=@{func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
31102 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
31103 (gdb)
31104 -exec-step-instruction
31105 ^running
31106
31107 (gdb)
31108 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
31109 frame=@{addr="0x000100f4",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
31110 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
31111 (gdb)
31112 @end smallexample
31113
31114
31115 @subheading The @code{-exec-until} Command
31116 @findex -exec-until
31117
31118 @subsubheading Synopsis
31119
31120 @smallexample
31121 -exec-until [ @var{location} ]
31122 @end smallexample
31123
31124 Executes the inferior until the @var{location} specified in the
31125 argument is reached. If there is no argument, the inferior executes
31126 until a source line greater than the current one is reached. The
31127 reason for stopping in this case will be @samp{location-reached}.
31128
31129 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31130
31131 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{until}.
31132
31133 @subsubheading Example
31134
31135 @smallexample
31136 (gdb)
31137 -exec-until recursive2.c:6
31138 ^running
31139 (gdb)
31140 x = 55
31141 *stopped,reason="location-reached",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
31142 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="6"@}
31143 (gdb)
31144 @end smallexample
31145
31146 @ignore
31147 @subheading -file-clear
31148 Is this going away????
31149 @end ignore
31150
31151 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31152 @node GDB/MI Stack Manipulation
31153 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Stack Manipulation Commands
31154
31155 @subheading The @code{-enable-frame-filters} Command
31156 @findex -enable-frame-filters
31157
31158 @smallexample
31159 -enable-frame-filters
31160 @end smallexample
31161
31162 @value{GDBN} allows Python-based frame filters to affect the output of
31163 the MI commands relating to stack traces. As there is no way to
31164 implement this in a fully backward-compatible way, a front end must
31165 request that this functionality be enabled.
31166
31167 Once enabled, this feature cannot be disabled.
31168
31169 Note that if Python support has not been compiled into @value{GDBN},
31170 this command will still succeed (and do nothing).
31171
31172 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-frame} Command
31173 @findex -stack-info-frame
31174
31175 @subsubheading Synopsis
31176
31177 @smallexample
31178 -stack-info-frame
31179 @end smallexample
31180
31181 Get info on the selected frame.
31182
31183 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31184
31185 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info frame} or @samp{frame}
31186 (without arguments).
31187
31188 @subsubheading Example
31189
31190 @smallexample
31191 (gdb)
31192 -stack-info-frame
31193 ^done,frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
31194 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
31195 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@}
31196 (gdb)
31197 @end smallexample
31198
31199 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-depth} Command
31200 @findex -stack-info-depth
31201
31202 @subsubheading Synopsis
31203
31204 @smallexample
31205 -stack-info-depth [ @var{max-depth} ]
31206 @end smallexample
31207
31208 Return the depth of the stack. If the integer argument @var{max-depth}
31209 is specified, do not count beyond @var{max-depth} frames.
31210
31211 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31212
31213 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
31214
31215 @subsubheading Example
31216
31217 For a stack with frame levels 0 through 11:
31218
31219 @smallexample
31220 (gdb)
31221 -stack-info-depth
31222 ^done,depth="12"
31223 (gdb)
31224 -stack-info-depth 4
31225 ^done,depth="4"
31226 (gdb)
31227 -stack-info-depth 12
31228 ^done,depth="12"
31229 (gdb)
31230 -stack-info-depth 11
31231 ^done,depth="11"
31232 (gdb)
31233 -stack-info-depth 13
31234 ^done,depth="12"
31235 (gdb)
31236 @end smallexample
31237
31238 @anchor{-stack-list-arguments}
31239 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-arguments} Command
31240 @findex -stack-list-arguments
31241
31242 @subsubheading Synopsis
31243
31244 @smallexample
31245 -stack-list-arguments [ --no-frame-filters ] @var{print-values}
31246 [ @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
31247 @end smallexample
31248
31249 Display a list of the arguments for the frames between @var{low-frame}
31250 and @var{high-frame} (inclusive). If @var{low-frame} and
31251 @var{high-frame} are not provided, list the arguments for the whole
31252 call stack. If the two arguments are equal, show the single frame
31253 at the corresponding level. It is an error if @var{low-frame} is
31254 larger than the actual number of frames. On the other hand,
31255 @var{high-frame} may be larger than the actual number of frames, in
31256 which case only existing frames will be returned.
31257
31258 If @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
31259 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
31260 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
31261 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
31262 structures and unions. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is
31263 supplied, then Python frame filters will not be executed.
31264
31265
31266 Use of this command to obtain arguments in a single frame is
31267 deprecated in favor of the @samp{-stack-list-variables} command.
31268
31269 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31270
31271 @value{GDBN} does not have an equivalent command. @code{gdbtk} has a
31272 @samp{gdb_get_args} command which partially overlaps with the
31273 functionality of @samp{-stack-list-arguments}.
31274
31275 @subsubheading Example
31276
31277 @smallexample
31278 (gdb)
31279 -stack-list-frames
31280 ^done,
31281 stack=[
31282 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
31283 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
31284 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@},
31285 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
31286 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
31287 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@},
31288 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x0001078c",func="callee2",
31289 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
31290 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="22"@},
31291 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107b4",func="callee1",
31292 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
31293 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="27"@},
31294 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107e0",func="main",
31295 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
31296 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="32"@}]
31297 (gdb)
31298 -stack-list-arguments 0
31299 ^done,
31300 stack-args=[
31301 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
31302 frame=@{level="1",args=[name="strarg"]@},
31303 frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@},
31304 frame=@{level="3",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg",name="fltarg"]@},
31305 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
31306 (gdb)
31307 -stack-list-arguments 1
31308 ^done,
31309 stack-args=[
31310 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
31311 frame=@{level="1",
31312 args=[@{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
31313 frame=@{level="2",args=[
31314 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
31315 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
31316 @{frame=@{level="3",args=[
31317 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
31318 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@},
31319 @{name="fltarg",value="3.5"@}]@},
31320 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
31321 (gdb)
31322 -stack-list-arguments 0 2 2
31323 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@}]
31324 (gdb)
31325 -stack-list-arguments 1 2 2
31326 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",
31327 args=[@{name="intarg",value="2"@},
31328 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@}]
31329 (gdb)
31330 @end smallexample
31331
31332 @c @subheading -stack-list-exception-handlers
31333
31334
31335 @anchor{-stack-list-frames}
31336 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-frames} Command
31337 @findex -stack-list-frames
31338
31339 @subsubheading Synopsis
31340
31341 @smallexample
31342 -stack-list-frames [ --no-frame-filters @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
31343 @end smallexample
31344
31345 List the frames currently on the stack. For each frame it displays the
31346 following info:
31347
31348 @table @samp
31349 @item @var{level}
31350 The frame number, 0 being the topmost frame, i.e., the innermost function.
31351 @item @var{addr}
31352 The @code{$pc} value for that frame.
31353 @item @var{func}
31354 Function name.
31355 @item @var{file}
31356 File name of the source file where the function lives.
31357 @item @var{fullname}
31358 The full file name of the source file where the function lives.
31359 @item @var{line}
31360 Line number corresponding to the @code{$pc}.
31361 @item @var{from}
31362 The shared library where this function is defined. This is only given
31363 if the frame's function is not known.
31364 @end table
31365
31366 If invoked without arguments, this command prints a backtrace for the
31367 whole stack. If given two integer arguments, it shows the frames whose
31368 levels are between the two arguments (inclusive). If the two arguments
31369 are equal, it shows the single frame at the corresponding level. It is
31370 an error if @var{low-frame} is larger than the actual number of
31371 frames. On the other hand, @var{high-frame} may be larger than the
31372 actual number of frames, in which case only existing frames will be
31373 returned. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is supplied, then
31374 Python frame filters will not be executed.
31375
31376 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31377
31378 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{backtrace} and @samp{where}.
31379
31380 @subsubheading Example
31381
31382 Full stack backtrace:
31383
31384 @smallexample
31385 (gdb)
31386 -stack-list-frames
31387 ^done,stack=
31388 [frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0001076c",func="foo",
31389 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@},
31390 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
31391 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
31392 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
31393 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
31394 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
31395 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
31396 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
31397 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
31398 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
31399 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
31400 frame=@{level="6",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
31401 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
31402 frame=@{level="7",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
31403 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
31404 frame=@{level="8",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
31405 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
31406 frame=@{level="9",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
31407 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
31408 frame=@{level="10",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
31409 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
31410 frame=@{level="11",addr="0x00010738",func="main",
31411 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}]
31412 (gdb)
31413 @end smallexample
31414
31415 Show frames between @var{low_frame} and @var{high_frame}:
31416
31417 @smallexample
31418 (gdb)
31419 -stack-list-frames 3 5
31420 ^done,stack=
31421 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
31422 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
31423 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
31424 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
31425 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
31426 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
31427 (gdb)
31428 @end smallexample
31429
31430 Show a single frame:
31431
31432 @smallexample
31433 (gdb)
31434 -stack-list-frames 3 3
31435 ^done,stack=
31436 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
31437 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
31438 (gdb)
31439 @end smallexample
31440
31441
31442 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-locals} Command
31443 @findex -stack-list-locals
31444 @anchor{-stack-list-locals}
31445
31446 @subsubheading Synopsis
31447
31448 @smallexample
31449 -stack-list-locals [ --no-frame-filters ] @var{print-values}
31450 @end smallexample
31451
31452 Display the local variable names for the selected frame. If
31453 @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
31454 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
31455 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
31456 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
31457 structures and unions. In this last case, a frontend can immediately
31458 display the value of simple data types and create variable objects for
31459 other data types when the user wishes to explore their values in
31460 more detail. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is supplied, then
31461 Python frame filters will not be executed.
31462
31463 This command is deprecated in favor of the
31464 @samp{-stack-list-variables} command.
31465
31466 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31467
31468 @samp{info locals} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_get_locals} in @code{gdbtk}.
31469
31470 @subsubheading Example
31471
31472 @smallexample
31473 (gdb)
31474 -stack-list-locals 0
31475 ^done,locals=[name="A",name="B",name="C"]
31476 (gdb)
31477 -stack-list-locals --all-values
31478 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",value="1"@},@{name="B",value="2"@},
31479 @{name="C",value="@{1, 2, 3@}"@}]
31480 -stack-list-locals --simple-values
31481 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",type="int",value="1"@},
31482 @{name="B",type="int",value="2"@},@{name="C",type="int [3]"@}]
31483 (gdb)
31484 @end smallexample
31485
31486 @anchor{-stack-list-variables}
31487 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-variables} Command
31488 @findex -stack-list-variables
31489
31490 @subsubheading Synopsis
31491
31492 @smallexample
31493 -stack-list-variables [ --no-frame-filters ] @var{print-values}
31494 @end smallexample
31495
31496 Display the names of local variables and function arguments for the selected frame. If
31497 @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
31498 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
31499 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
31500 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
31501 structures and unions. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is
31502 supplied, then Python frame filters will not be executed.
31503
31504 @subsubheading Example
31505
31506 @smallexample
31507 (gdb)
31508 -stack-list-variables --thread 1 --frame 0 --all-values
31509 ^done,variables=[@{name="x",value="11"@},@{name="s",value="@{a = 1, b = 2@}"@}]
31510 (gdb)
31511 @end smallexample
31512
31513
31514 @subheading The @code{-stack-select-frame} Command
31515 @findex -stack-select-frame
31516
31517 @subsubheading Synopsis
31518
31519 @smallexample
31520 -stack-select-frame @var{framenum}
31521 @end smallexample
31522
31523 Change the selected frame. Select a different frame @var{framenum} on
31524 the stack.
31525
31526 This command in deprecated in favor of passing the @samp{--frame}
31527 option to every command.
31528
31529 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31530
31531 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{frame}, @samp{up},
31532 @samp{down}, @samp{select-frame}, @samp{up-silent}, and @samp{down-silent}.
31533
31534 @subsubheading Example
31535
31536 @smallexample
31537 (gdb)
31538 -stack-select-frame 2
31539 ^done
31540 (gdb)
31541 @end smallexample
31542
31543 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31544 @node GDB/MI Variable Objects
31545 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Variable Objects
31546
31547 @ignore
31548
31549 @subheading Motivation for Variable Objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
31550
31551 For the implementation of a variable debugger window (locals, watched
31552 expressions, etc.), we are proposing the adaptation of the existing code
31553 used by @code{Insight}.
31554
31555 The two main reasons for that are:
31556
31557 @enumerate 1
31558 @item
31559 It has been proven in practice (it is already on its second generation).
31560
31561 @item
31562 It will shorten development time (needless to say how important it is
31563 now).
31564 @end enumerate
31565
31566 The original interface was designed to be used by Tcl code, so it was
31567 slightly changed so it could be used through @sc{gdb/mi}. This section
31568 describes the @sc{gdb/mi} operations that will be available and gives some
31569 hints about their use.
31570
31571 @emph{Note}: In addition to the set of operations described here, we
31572 expect the @sc{gui} implementation of a variable window to require, at
31573 least, the following operations:
31574
31575 @itemize @bullet
31576 @item @code{-gdb-show} @code{output-radix}
31577 @item @code{-stack-list-arguments}
31578 @item @code{-stack-list-locals}
31579 @item @code{-stack-select-frame}
31580 @end itemize
31581
31582 @end ignore
31583
31584 @subheading Introduction to Variable Objects
31585
31586 @cindex variable objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
31587
31588 Variable objects are "object-oriented" MI interface for examining and
31589 changing values of expressions. Unlike some other MI interfaces that
31590 work with expressions, variable objects are specifically designed for
31591 simple and efficient presentation in the frontend. A variable object
31592 is identified by string name. When a variable object is created, the
31593 frontend specifies the expression for that variable object. The
31594 expression can be a simple variable, or it can be an arbitrary complex
31595 expression, and can even involve CPU registers. After creating a
31596 variable object, the frontend can invoke other variable object
31597 operations---for example to obtain or change the value of a variable
31598 object, or to change display format.
31599
31600 Variable objects have hierarchical tree structure. Any variable object
31601 that corresponds to a composite type, such as structure in C, has
31602 a number of child variable objects, for example corresponding to each
31603 element of a structure. A child variable object can itself have
31604 children, recursively. Recursion ends when we reach
31605 leaf variable objects, which always have built-in types. Child variable
31606 objects are created only by explicit request, so if a frontend
31607 is not interested in the children of a particular variable object, no
31608 child will be created.
31609
31610 For a leaf variable object it is possible to obtain its value as a
31611 string, or set the value from a string. String value can be also
31612 obtained for a non-leaf variable object, but it's generally a string
31613 that only indicates the type of the object, and does not list its
31614 contents. Assignment to a non-leaf variable object is not allowed.
31615
31616 A frontend does not need to read the values of all variable objects each time
31617 the program stops. Instead, MI provides an update command that lists all
31618 variable objects whose values has changed since the last update
31619 operation. This considerably reduces the amount of data that must
31620 be transferred to the frontend. As noted above, children variable
31621 objects are created on demand, and only leaf variable objects have a
31622 real value. As result, gdb will read target memory only for leaf
31623 variables that frontend has created.
31624
31625 The automatic update is not always desirable. For example, a frontend
31626 might want to keep a value of some expression for future reference,
31627 and never update it. For another example, fetching memory is
31628 relatively slow for embedded targets, so a frontend might want
31629 to disable automatic update for the variables that are either not
31630 visible on the screen, or ``closed''. This is possible using so
31631 called ``frozen variable objects''. Such variable objects are never
31632 implicitly updated.
31633
31634 Variable objects can be either @dfn{fixed} or @dfn{floating}. For the
31635 fixed variable object, the expression is parsed when the variable
31636 object is created, including associating identifiers to specific
31637 variables. The meaning of expression never changes. For a floating
31638 variable object the values of variables whose names appear in the
31639 expressions are re-evaluated every time in the context of the current
31640 frame. Consider this example:
31641
31642 @smallexample
31643 void do_work(...)
31644 @{
31645 struct work_state state;
31646
31647 if (...)
31648 do_work(...);
31649 @}
31650 @end smallexample
31651
31652 If a fixed variable object for the @code{state} variable is created in
31653 this function, and we enter the recursive call, the variable
31654 object will report the value of @code{state} in the top-level
31655 @code{do_work} invocation. On the other hand, a floating variable
31656 object will report the value of @code{state} in the current frame.
31657
31658 If an expression specified when creating a fixed variable object
31659 refers to a local variable, the variable object becomes bound to the
31660 thread and frame in which the variable object is created. When such
31661 variable object is updated, @value{GDBN} makes sure that the
31662 thread/frame combination the variable object is bound to still exists,
31663 and re-evaluates the variable object in context of that thread/frame.
31664
31665 The following is the complete set of @sc{gdb/mi} operations defined to
31666 access this functionality:
31667
31668 @multitable @columnfractions .4 .6
31669 @item @strong{Operation}
31670 @tab @strong{Description}
31671
31672 @item @code{-enable-pretty-printing}
31673 @tab enable Python-based pretty-printing
31674 @item @code{-var-create}
31675 @tab create a variable object
31676 @item @code{-var-delete}
31677 @tab delete the variable object and/or its children
31678 @item @code{-var-set-format}
31679 @tab set the display format of this variable
31680 @item @code{-var-show-format}
31681 @tab show the display format of this variable
31682 @item @code{-var-info-num-children}
31683 @tab tells how many children this object has
31684 @item @code{-var-list-children}
31685 @tab return a list of the object's children
31686 @item @code{-var-info-type}
31687 @tab show the type of this variable object
31688 @item @code{-var-info-expression}
31689 @tab print parent-relative expression that this variable object represents
31690 @item @code{-var-info-path-expression}
31691 @tab print full expression that this variable object represents
31692 @item @code{-var-show-attributes}
31693 @tab is this variable editable? does it exist here?
31694 @item @code{-var-evaluate-expression}
31695 @tab get the value of this variable
31696 @item @code{-var-assign}
31697 @tab set the value of this variable
31698 @item @code{-var-update}
31699 @tab update the variable and its children
31700 @item @code{-var-set-frozen}
31701 @tab set frozeness attribute
31702 @item @code{-var-set-update-range}
31703 @tab set range of children to display on update
31704 @end multitable
31705
31706 In the next subsection we describe each operation in detail and suggest
31707 how it can be used.
31708
31709 @subheading Description And Use of Operations on Variable Objects
31710
31711 @subheading The @code{-enable-pretty-printing} Command
31712 @findex -enable-pretty-printing
31713
31714 @smallexample
31715 -enable-pretty-printing
31716 @end smallexample
31717
31718 @value{GDBN} allows Python-based visualizers to affect the output of the
31719 MI variable object commands. However, because there was no way to
31720 implement this in a fully backward-compatible way, a front end must
31721 request that this functionality be enabled.
31722
31723 Once enabled, this feature cannot be disabled.
31724
31725 Note that if Python support has not been compiled into @value{GDBN},
31726 this command will still succeed (and do nothing).
31727
31728 This feature is currently (as of @value{GDBN} 7.0) experimental, and
31729 may work differently in future versions of @value{GDBN}.
31730
31731 @subheading The @code{-var-create} Command
31732 @findex -var-create
31733
31734 @subsubheading Synopsis
31735
31736 @smallexample
31737 -var-create @{@var{name} | "-"@}
31738 @{@var{frame-addr} | "*" | "@@"@} @var{expression}
31739 @end smallexample
31740
31741 This operation creates a variable object, which allows the monitoring of
31742 a variable, the result of an expression, a memory cell or a CPU
31743 register.
31744
31745 The @var{name} parameter is the string by which the object can be
31746 referenced. It must be unique. If @samp{-} is specified, the varobj
31747 system will generate a string ``varNNNNNN'' automatically. It will be
31748 unique provided that one does not specify @var{name} of that format.
31749 The command fails if a duplicate name is found.
31750
31751 The frame under which the expression should be evaluated can be
31752 specified by @var{frame-addr}. A @samp{*} indicates that the current
31753 frame should be used. A @samp{@@} indicates that a floating variable
31754 object must be created.
31755
31756 @var{expression} is any expression valid on the current language set (must not
31757 begin with a @samp{*}), or one of the following:
31758
31759 @itemize @bullet
31760 @item
31761 @samp{*@var{addr}}, where @var{addr} is the address of a memory cell
31762
31763 @item
31764 @samp{*@var{addr}-@var{addr}} --- a memory address range (TBD)
31765
31766 @item
31767 @samp{$@var{regname}} --- a CPU register name
31768 @end itemize
31769
31770 @cindex dynamic varobj
31771 A varobj's contents may be provided by a Python-based pretty-printer. In this
31772 case the varobj is known as a @dfn{dynamic varobj}. Dynamic varobjs
31773 have slightly different semantics in some cases. If the
31774 @code{-enable-pretty-printing} command is not sent, then @value{GDBN}
31775 will never create a dynamic varobj. This ensures backward
31776 compatibility for existing clients.
31777
31778 @subsubheading Result
31779
31780 This operation returns attributes of the newly-created varobj. These
31781 are:
31782
31783 @table @samp
31784 @item name
31785 The name of the varobj.
31786
31787 @item numchild
31788 The number of children of the varobj. This number is not necessarily
31789 reliable for a dynamic varobj. Instead, you must examine the
31790 @samp{has_more} attribute.
31791
31792 @item value
31793 The varobj's scalar value. For a varobj whose type is some sort of
31794 aggregate (e.g., a @code{struct}), or for a dynamic varobj, this value
31795 will not be interesting.
31796
31797 @item type
31798 The varobj's type. This is a string representation of the type, as
31799 would be printed by the @value{GDBN} CLI. If @samp{print object}
31800 (@pxref{Print Settings, set print object}) is set to @code{on}, the
31801 @emph{actual} (derived) type of the object is shown rather than the
31802 @emph{declared} one.
31803
31804 @item thread-id
31805 If a variable object is bound to a specific thread, then this is the
31806 thread's identifier.
31807
31808 @item has_more
31809 For a dynamic varobj, this indicates whether there appear to be any
31810 children available. For a non-dynamic varobj, this will be 0.
31811
31812 @item dynamic
31813 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
31814 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
31815 then this attribute will not be present.
31816
31817 @item displayhint
31818 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
31819 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
31820 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
31821 @end table
31822
31823 Typical output will look like this:
31824
31825 @smallexample
31826 name="@var{name}",numchild="@var{N}",type="@var{type}",thread-id="@var{M}",
31827 has_more="@var{has_more}"
31828 @end smallexample
31829
31830
31831 @subheading The @code{-var-delete} Command
31832 @findex -var-delete
31833
31834 @subsubheading Synopsis
31835
31836 @smallexample
31837 -var-delete [ -c ] @var{name}
31838 @end smallexample
31839
31840 Deletes a previously created variable object and all of its children.
31841 With the @samp{-c} option, just deletes the children.
31842
31843 Returns an error if the object @var{name} is not found.
31844
31845
31846 @subheading The @code{-var-set-format} Command
31847 @findex -var-set-format
31848
31849 @subsubheading Synopsis
31850
31851 @smallexample
31852 -var-set-format @var{name} @var{format-spec}
31853 @end smallexample
31854
31855 Sets the output format for the value of the object @var{name} to be
31856 @var{format-spec}.
31857
31858 @anchor{-var-set-format}
31859 The syntax for the @var{format-spec} is as follows:
31860
31861 @smallexample
31862 @var{format-spec} @expansion{}
31863 @{binary | decimal | hexadecimal | octal | natural@}
31864 @end smallexample
31865
31866 The natural format is the default format choosen automatically
31867 based on the variable type (like decimal for an @code{int}, hex
31868 for pointers, etc.).
31869
31870 For a variable with children, the format is set only on the
31871 variable itself, and the children are not affected.
31872
31873 @subheading The @code{-var-show-format} Command
31874 @findex -var-show-format
31875
31876 @subsubheading Synopsis
31877
31878 @smallexample
31879 -var-show-format @var{name}
31880 @end smallexample
31881
31882 Returns the format used to display the value of the object @var{name}.
31883
31884 @smallexample
31885 @var{format} @expansion{}
31886 @var{format-spec}
31887 @end smallexample
31888
31889
31890 @subheading The @code{-var-info-num-children} Command
31891 @findex -var-info-num-children
31892
31893 @subsubheading Synopsis
31894
31895 @smallexample
31896 -var-info-num-children @var{name}
31897 @end smallexample
31898
31899 Returns the number of children of a variable object @var{name}:
31900
31901 @smallexample
31902 numchild=@var{n}
31903 @end smallexample
31904
31905 Note that this number is not completely reliable for a dynamic varobj.
31906 It will return the current number of children, but more children may
31907 be available.
31908
31909
31910 @subheading The @code{-var-list-children} Command
31911 @findex -var-list-children
31912
31913 @subsubheading Synopsis
31914
31915 @smallexample
31916 -var-list-children [@var{print-values}] @var{name} [@var{from} @var{to}]
31917 @end smallexample
31918 @anchor{-var-list-children}
31919
31920 Return a list of the children of the specified variable object and
31921 create variable objects for them, if they do not already exist. With
31922 a single argument or if @var{print-values} has a value of 0 or
31923 @code{--no-values}, print only the names of the variables; if
31924 @var{print-values} is 1 or @code{--all-values}, also print their
31925 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values} print the name and
31926 value for simple data types and just the name for arrays, structures
31927 and unions.
31928
31929 @var{from} and @var{to}, if specified, indicate the range of children
31930 to report. If @var{from} or @var{to} is less than zero, the range is
31931 reset and all children will be reported. Otherwise, children starting
31932 at @var{from} (zero-based) and up to and excluding @var{to} will be
31933 reported.
31934
31935 If a child range is requested, it will only affect the current call to
31936 @code{-var-list-children}, but not future calls to @code{-var-update}.
31937 For this, you must instead use @code{-var-set-update-range}. The
31938 intent of this approach is to enable a front end to implement any
31939 update approach it likes; for example, scrolling a view may cause the
31940 front end to request more children with @code{-var-list-children}, and
31941 then the front end could call @code{-var-set-update-range} with a
31942 different range to ensure that future updates are restricted to just
31943 the visible items.
31944
31945 For each child the following results are returned:
31946
31947 @table @var
31948
31949 @item name
31950 Name of the variable object created for this child.
31951
31952 @item exp
31953 The expression to be shown to the user by the front end to designate this child.
31954 For example this may be the name of a structure member.
31955
31956 For a dynamic varobj, this value cannot be used to form an
31957 expression. There is no way to do this at all with a dynamic varobj.
31958
31959 For C/C@t{++} structures there are several pseudo children returned to
31960 designate access qualifiers. For these pseudo children @var{exp} is
31961 @samp{public}, @samp{private}, or @samp{protected}. In this case the
31962 type and value are not present.
31963
31964 A dynamic varobj will not report the access qualifying
31965 pseudo-children, regardless of the language. This information is not
31966 available at all with a dynamic varobj.
31967
31968 @item numchild
31969 Number of children this child has. For a dynamic varobj, this will be
31970 0.
31971
31972 @item type
31973 The type of the child. If @samp{print object}
31974 (@pxref{Print Settings, set print object}) is set to @code{on}, the
31975 @emph{actual} (derived) type of the object is shown rather than the
31976 @emph{declared} one.
31977
31978 @item value
31979 If values were requested, this is the value.
31980
31981 @item thread-id
31982 If this variable object is associated with a thread, this is the thread id.
31983 Otherwise this result is not present.
31984
31985 @item frozen
31986 If the variable object is frozen, this variable will be present with a value of 1.
31987 @end table
31988
31989 The result may have its own attributes:
31990
31991 @table @samp
31992 @item displayhint
31993 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
31994 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
31995 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
31996
31997 @item has_more
31998 This is an integer attribute which is nonzero if there are children
31999 remaining after the end of the selected range.
32000 @end table
32001
32002 @subsubheading Example
32003
32004 @smallexample
32005 (gdb)
32006 -var-list-children n
32007 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
32008 numchild=@var{n},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
32009 (gdb)
32010 -var-list-children --all-values n
32011 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
32012 numchild=@var{n},value=@var{value},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
32013 @end smallexample
32014
32015
32016 @subheading The @code{-var-info-type} Command
32017 @findex -var-info-type
32018
32019 @subsubheading Synopsis
32020
32021 @smallexample
32022 -var-info-type @var{name}
32023 @end smallexample
32024
32025 Returns the type of the specified variable @var{name}. The type is
32026 returned as a string in the same format as it is output by the
32027 @value{GDBN} CLI:
32028
32029 @smallexample
32030 type=@var{typename}
32031 @end smallexample
32032
32033
32034 @subheading The @code{-var-info-expression} Command
32035 @findex -var-info-expression
32036
32037 @subsubheading Synopsis
32038
32039 @smallexample
32040 -var-info-expression @var{name}
32041 @end smallexample
32042
32043 Returns a string that is suitable for presenting this
32044 variable object in user interface. The string is generally
32045 not valid expression in the current language, and cannot be evaluated.
32046
32047 For example, if @code{a} is an array, and variable object
32048 @code{A} was created for @code{a}, then we'll get this output:
32049
32050 @smallexample
32051 (gdb) -var-info-expression A.1
32052 ^done,lang="C",exp="1"
32053 @end smallexample
32054
32055 @noindent
32056 Here, the values of @code{lang} can be @code{@{"C" | "C++" | "Java"@}}.
32057
32058 Note that the output of the @code{-var-list-children} command also
32059 includes those expressions, so the @code{-var-info-expression} command
32060 is of limited use.
32061
32062 @subheading The @code{-var-info-path-expression} Command
32063 @findex -var-info-path-expression
32064
32065 @subsubheading Synopsis
32066
32067 @smallexample
32068 -var-info-path-expression @var{name}
32069 @end smallexample
32070
32071 Returns an expression that can be evaluated in the current
32072 context and will yield the same value that a variable object has.
32073 Compare this with the @code{-var-info-expression} command, which
32074 result can be used only for UI presentation. Typical use of
32075 the @code{-var-info-path-expression} command is creating a
32076 watchpoint from a variable object.
32077
32078 This command is currently not valid for children of a dynamic varobj,
32079 and will give an error when invoked on one.
32080
32081 For example, suppose @code{C} is a C@t{++} class, derived from class
32082 @code{Base}, and that the @code{Base} class has a member called
32083 @code{m_size}. Assume a variable @code{c} is has the type of
32084 @code{C} and a variable object @code{C} was created for variable
32085 @code{c}. Then, we'll get this output:
32086 @smallexample
32087 (gdb) -var-info-path-expression C.Base.public.m_size
32088 ^done,path_expr=((Base)c).m_size)
32089 @end smallexample
32090
32091 @subheading The @code{-var-show-attributes} Command
32092 @findex -var-show-attributes
32093
32094 @subsubheading Synopsis
32095
32096 @smallexample
32097 -var-show-attributes @var{name}
32098 @end smallexample
32099
32100 List attributes of the specified variable object @var{name}:
32101
32102 @smallexample
32103 status=@var{attr} [ ( ,@var{attr} )* ]
32104 @end smallexample
32105
32106 @noindent
32107 where @var{attr} is @code{@{ @{ editable | noneditable @} | TBD @}}.
32108
32109 @subheading The @code{-var-evaluate-expression} Command
32110 @findex -var-evaluate-expression
32111
32112 @subsubheading Synopsis
32113
32114 @smallexample
32115 -var-evaluate-expression [-f @var{format-spec}] @var{name}
32116 @end smallexample
32117
32118 Evaluates the expression that is represented by the specified variable
32119 object and returns its value as a string. The format of the string
32120 can be specified with the @samp{-f} option. The possible values of
32121 this option are the same as for @code{-var-set-format}
32122 (@pxref{-var-set-format}). If the @samp{-f} option is not specified,
32123 the current display format will be used. The current display format
32124 can be changed using the @code{-var-set-format} command.
32125
32126 @smallexample
32127 value=@var{value}
32128 @end smallexample
32129
32130 Note that one must invoke @code{-var-list-children} for a variable
32131 before the value of a child variable can be evaluated.
32132
32133 @subheading The @code{-var-assign} Command
32134 @findex -var-assign
32135
32136 @subsubheading Synopsis
32137
32138 @smallexample
32139 -var-assign @var{name} @var{expression}
32140 @end smallexample
32141
32142 Assigns the value of @var{expression} to the variable object specified
32143 by @var{name}. The object must be @samp{editable}. If the variable's
32144 value is altered by the assign, the variable will show up in any
32145 subsequent @code{-var-update} list.
32146
32147 @subsubheading Example
32148
32149 @smallexample
32150 (gdb)
32151 -var-assign var1 3
32152 ^done,value="3"
32153 (gdb)
32154 -var-update *
32155 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",in_scope="true",type_changed="false"@}]
32156 (gdb)
32157 @end smallexample
32158
32159 @subheading The @code{-var-update} Command
32160 @findex -var-update
32161
32162 @subsubheading Synopsis
32163
32164 @smallexample
32165 -var-update [@var{print-values}] @{@var{name} | "*"@}
32166 @end smallexample
32167
32168 Reevaluate the expressions corresponding to the variable object
32169 @var{name} and all its direct and indirect children, and return the
32170 list of variable objects whose values have changed; @var{name} must
32171 be a root variable object. Here, ``changed'' means that the result of
32172 @code{-var-evaluate-expression} before and after the
32173 @code{-var-update} is different. If @samp{*} is used as the variable
32174 object names, all existing variable objects are updated, except
32175 for frozen ones (@pxref{-var-set-frozen}). The option
32176 @var{print-values} determines whether both names and values, or just
32177 names are printed. The possible values of this option are the same
32178 as for @code{-var-list-children} (@pxref{-var-list-children}). It is
32179 recommended to use the @samp{--all-values} option, to reduce the
32180 number of MI commands needed on each program stop.
32181
32182 With the @samp{*} parameter, if a variable object is bound to a
32183 currently running thread, it will not be updated, without any
32184 diagnostic.
32185
32186 If @code{-var-set-update-range} was previously used on a varobj, then
32187 only the selected range of children will be reported.
32188
32189 @code{-var-update} reports all the changed varobjs in a tuple named
32190 @samp{changelist}.
32191
32192 Each item in the change list is itself a tuple holding:
32193
32194 @table @samp
32195 @item name
32196 The name of the varobj.
32197
32198 @item value
32199 If values were requested for this update, then this field will be
32200 present and will hold the value of the varobj.
32201
32202 @item in_scope
32203 @anchor{-var-update}
32204 This field is a string which may take one of three values:
32205
32206 @table @code
32207 @item "true"
32208 The variable object's current value is valid.
32209
32210 @item "false"
32211 The variable object does not currently hold a valid value but it may
32212 hold one in the future if its associated expression comes back into
32213 scope.
32214
32215 @item "invalid"
32216 The variable object no longer holds a valid value.
32217 This can occur when the executable file being debugged has changed,
32218 either through recompilation or by using the @value{GDBN} @code{file}
32219 command. The front end should normally choose to delete these variable
32220 objects.
32221 @end table
32222
32223 In the future new values may be added to this list so the front should
32224 be prepared for this possibility. @xref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, ,@sc{GDB/MI} Development and Front Ends}.
32225
32226 @item type_changed
32227 This is only present if the varobj is still valid. If the type
32228 changed, then this will be the string @samp{true}; otherwise it will
32229 be @samp{false}.
32230
32231 When a varobj's type changes, its children are also likely to have
32232 become incorrect. Therefore, the varobj's children are automatically
32233 deleted when this attribute is @samp{true}. Also, the varobj's update
32234 range, when set using the @code{-var-set-update-range} command, is
32235 unset.
32236
32237 @item new_type
32238 If the varobj's type changed, then this field will be present and will
32239 hold the new type.
32240
32241 @item new_num_children
32242 For a dynamic varobj, if the number of children changed, or if the
32243 type changed, this will be the new number of children.
32244
32245 The @samp{numchild} field in other varobj responses is generally not
32246 valid for a dynamic varobj -- it will show the number of children that
32247 @value{GDBN} knows about, but because dynamic varobjs lazily
32248 instantiate their children, this will not reflect the number of
32249 children which may be available.
32250
32251 The @samp{new_num_children} attribute only reports changes to the
32252 number of children known by @value{GDBN}. This is the only way to
32253 detect whether an update has removed children (which necessarily can
32254 only happen at the end of the update range).
32255
32256 @item displayhint
32257 The display hint, if any.
32258
32259 @item has_more
32260 This is an integer value, which will be 1 if there are more children
32261 available outside the varobj's update range.
32262
32263 @item dynamic
32264 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
32265 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
32266 then this attribute will not be present.
32267
32268 @item new_children
32269 If new children were added to a dynamic varobj within the selected
32270 update range (as set by @code{-var-set-update-range}), then they will
32271 be listed in this attribute.
32272 @end table
32273
32274 @subsubheading Example
32275
32276 @smallexample
32277 (gdb)
32278 -var-assign var1 3
32279 ^done,value="3"
32280 (gdb)
32281 -var-update --all-values var1
32282 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",value="3",in_scope="true",
32283 type_changed="false"@}]
32284 (gdb)
32285 @end smallexample
32286
32287 @subheading The @code{-var-set-frozen} Command
32288 @findex -var-set-frozen
32289 @anchor{-var-set-frozen}
32290
32291 @subsubheading Synopsis
32292
32293 @smallexample
32294 -var-set-frozen @var{name} @var{flag}
32295 @end smallexample
32296
32297 Set the frozenness flag on the variable object @var{name}. The
32298 @var{flag} parameter should be either @samp{1} to make the variable
32299 frozen or @samp{0} to make it unfrozen. If a variable object is
32300 frozen, then neither itself, nor any of its children, are
32301 implicitly updated by @code{-var-update} of
32302 a parent variable or by @code{-var-update *}. Only
32303 @code{-var-update} of the variable itself will update its value and
32304 values of its children. After a variable object is unfrozen, it is
32305 implicitly updated by all subsequent @code{-var-update} operations.
32306 Unfreezing a variable does not update it, only subsequent
32307 @code{-var-update} does.
32308
32309 @subsubheading Example
32310
32311 @smallexample
32312 (gdb)
32313 -var-set-frozen V 1
32314 ^done
32315 (gdb)
32316 @end smallexample
32317
32318 @subheading The @code{-var-set-update-range} command
32319 @findex -var-set-update-range
32320 @anchor{-var-set-update-range}
32321
32322 @subsubheading Synopsis
32323
32324 @smallexample
32325 -var-set-update-range @var{name} @var{from} @var{to}
32326 @end smallexample
32327
32328 Set the range of children to be returned by future invocations of
32329 @code{-var-update}.
32330
32331 @var{from} and @var{to} indicate the range of children to report. If
32332 @var{from} or @var{to} is less than zero, the range is reset and all
32333 children will be reported. Otherwise, children starting at @var{from}
32334 (zero-based) and up to and excluding @var{to} will be reported.
32335
32336 @subsubheading Example
32337
32338 @smallexample
32339 (gdb)
32340 -var-set-update-range V 1 2
32341 ^done
32342 @end smallexample
32343
32344 @subheading The @code{-var-set-visualizer} command
32345 @findex -var-set-visualizer
32346 @anchor{-var-set-visualizer}
32347
32348 @subsubheading Synopsis
32349
32350 @smallexample
32351 -var-set-visualizer @var{name} @var{visualizer}
32352 @end smallexample
32353
32354 Set a visualizer for the variable object @var{name}.
32355
32356 @var{visualizer} is the visualizer to use. The special value
32357 @samp{None} means to disable any visualizer in use.
32358
32359 If not @samp{None}, @var{visualizer} must be a Python expression.
32360 This expression must evaluate to a callable object which accepts a
32361 single argument. @value{GDBN} will call this object with the value of
32362 the varobj @var{name} as an argument (this is done so that the same
32363 Python pretty-printing code can be used for both the CLI and MI).
32364 When called, this object must return an object which conforms to the
32365 pretty-printing interface (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}).
32366
32367 The pre-defined function @code{gdb.default_visualizer} may be used to
32368 select a visualizer by following the built-in process
32369 (@pxref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}). This is done automatically when
32370 a varobj is created, and so ordinarily is not needed.
32371
32372 This feature is only available if Python support is enabled. The MI
32373 command @code{-list-features} (@pxref{GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands})
32374 can be used to check this.
32375
32376 @subsubheading Example
32377
32378 Resetting the visualizer:
32379
32380 @smallexample
32381 (gdb)
32382 -var-set-visualizer V None
32383 ^done
32384 @end smallexample
32385
32386 Reselecting the default (type-based) visualizer:
32387
32388 @smallexample
32389 (gdb)
32390 -var-set-visualizer V gdb.default_visualizer
32391 ^done
32392 @end smallexample
32393
32394 Suppose @code{SomeClass} is a visualizer class. A lambda expression
32395 can be used to instantiate this class for a varobj:
32396
32397 @smallexample
32398 (gdb)
32399 -var-set-visualizer V "lambda val: SomeClass()"
32400 ^done
32401 @end smallexample
32402
32403 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32404 @node GDB/MI Data Manipulation
32405 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Data Manipulation
32406
32407 @cindex data manipulation, in @sc{gdb/mi}
32408 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, data manipulation
32409 This section describes the @sc{gdb/mi} commands that manipulate data:
32410 examine memory and registers, evaluate expressions, etc.
32411
32412 @c REMOVED FROM THE INTERFACE.
32413 @c @subheading -data-assign
32414 @c Change the value of a program variable. Plenty of side effects.
32415 @c @subsubheading GDB Command
32416 @c set variable
32417 @c @subsubheading Example
32418 @c N.A.
32419
32420 @subheading The @code{-data-disassemble} Command
32421 @findex -data-disassemble
32422
32423 @subsubheading Synopsis
32424
32425 @smallexample
32426 -data-disassemble
32427 [ -s @var{start-addr} -e @var{end-addr} ]
32428 | [ -f @var{filename} -l @var{linenum} [ -n @var{lines} ] ]
32429 -- @var{mode}
32430 @end smallexample
32431
32432 @noindent
32433 Where:
32434
32435 @table @samp
32436 @item @var{start-addr}
32437 is the beginning address (or @code{$pc})
32438 @item @var{end-addr}
32439 is the end address
32440 @item @var{filename}
32441 is the name of the file to disassemble
32442 @item @var{linenum}
32443 is the line number to disassemble around
32444 @item @var{lines}
32445 is the number of disassembly lines to be produced. If it is -1,
32446 the whole function will be disassembled, in case no @var{end-addr} is
32447 specified. If @var{end-addr} is specified as a non-zero value, and
32448 @var{lines} is lower than the number of disassembly lines between
32449 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only @var{lines} lines are
32450 displayed; if @var{lines} is higher than the number of lines between
32451 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only the lines up to @var{end-addr}
32452 are displayed.
32453 @item @var{mode}
32454 is either 0 (meaning only disassembly), 1 (meaning mixed source and
32455 disassembly), 2 (meaning disassembly with raw opcodes), or 3 (meaning
32456 mixed source and disassembly with raw opcodes).
32457 @end table
32458
32459 @subsubheading Result
32460
32461 The result of the @code{-data-disassemble} command will be a list named
32462 @samp{asm_insns}, the contents of this list depend on the @var{mode}
32463 used with the @code{-data-disassemble} command.
32464
32465 For modes 0 and 2 the @samp{asm_insns} list contains tuples with the
32466 following fields:
32467
32468 @table @code
32469 @item address
32470 The address at which this instruction was disassembled.
32471
32472 @item func-name
32473 The name of the function this instruction is within.
32474
32475 @item offset
32476 The decimal offset in bytes from the start of @samp{func-name}.
32477
32478 @item inst
32479 The text disassembly for this @samp{address}.
32480
32481 @item opcodes
32482 This field is only present for mode 2. This contains the raw opcode
32483 bytes for the @samp{inst} field.
32484
32485 @end table
32486
32487 For modes 1 and 3 the @samp{asm_insns} list contains tuples named
32488 @samp{src_and_asm_line}, each of which has the following fields:
32489
32490 @table @code
32491 @item line
32492 The line number within @samp{file}.
32493
32494 @item file
32495 The file name from the compilation unit. This might be an absolute
32496 file name or a relative file name depending on the compile command
32497 used.
32498
32499 @item fullname
32500 Absolute file name of @samp{file}. It is converted to a canonical form
32501 using the source file search path
32502 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories})
32503 and after resolving all the symbolic links.
32504
32505 If the source file is not found this field will contain the path as
32506 present in the debug information.
32507
32508 @item line_asm_insn
32509 This is a list of tuples containing the disassembly for @samp{line} in
32510 @samp{file}. The fields of each tuple are the same as for
32511 @code{-data-disassemble} in @var{mode} 0 and 2, so @samp{address},
32512 @samp{func-name}, @samp{offset}, @samp{inst}, and optionally
32513 @samp{opcodes}.
32514
32515 @end table
32516
32517 Note that whatever included in the @samp{inst} field, is not
32518 manipulated directly by @sc{gdb/mi}, i.e., it is not possible to
32519 adjust its format.
32520
32521 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32522
32523 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disassemble}.
32524
32525 @subsubheading Example
32526
32527 Disassemble from the current value of @code{$pc} to @code{$pc + 20}:
32528
32529 @smallexample
32530 (gdb)
32531 -data-disassemble -s $pc -e "$pc + 20" -- 0
32532 ^done,
32533 asm_insns=[
32534 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
32535 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
32536 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
32537 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
32538 @{address="0x000107c8",func-name="main",offset="12",
32539 inst="or %o2, 0x140, %o1\t! 0x11940 <_lib_version+8>"@},
32540 @{address="0x000107cc",func-name="main",offset="16",
32541 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
32542 @{address="0x000107d0",func-name="main",offset="20",
32543 inst="or %o2, 0x168, %o4\t! 0x11968 <_lib_version+48>"@}]
32544 (gdb)
32545 @end smallexample
32546
32547 Disassemble the whole @code{main} function. Line 32 is part of
32548 @code{main}.
32549
32550 @smallexample
32551 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -- 0
32552 ^done,asm_insns=[
32553 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
32554 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
32555 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
32556 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
32557 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
32558 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
32559 [@dots{}]
32560 @{address="0x0001081c",func-name="main",offset="96",inst="ret "@},
32561 @{address="0x00010820",func-name="main",offset="100",inst="restore "@}]
32562 (gdb)
32563 @end smallexample
32564
32565 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main}:
32566
32567 @smallexample
32568 (gdb)
32569 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 0
32570 ^done,asm_insns=[
32571 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
32572 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
32573 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
32574 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
32575 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
32576 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]
32577 (gdb)
32578 @end smallexample
32579
32580 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main} in mixed mode:
32581
32582 @smallexample
32583 (gdb)
32584 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 1
32585 ^done,asm_insns=[
32586 src_and_asm_line=@{line="31",
32587 file="../../../src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
32588 fullname="/absolute/path/to/src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
32589 line_asm_insn=[@{address="0x000107bc",
32590 func-name="main",offset="0",inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@}]@},
32591 src_and_asm_line=@{line="32",
32592 file="../../../src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
32593 fullname="/absolute/path/to/src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
32594 line_asm_insn=[@{address="0x000107c0",
32595 func-name="main",offset="4",inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
32596 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
32597 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]@}]
32598 (gdb)
32599 @end smallexample
32600
32601
32602 @subheading The @code{-data-evaluate-expression} Command
32603 @findex -data-evaluate-expression
32604
32605 @subsubheading Synopsis
32606
32607 @smallexample
32608 -data-evaluate-expression @var{expr}
32609 @end smallexample
32610
32611 Evaluate @var{expr} as an expression. The expression could contain an
32612 inferior function call. The function call will execute synchronously.
32613 If the expression contains spaces, it must be enclosed in double quotes.
32614
32615 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32616
32617 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{print}, @samp{output}, and
32618 @samp{call}. In @code{gdbtk} only, there's a corresponding
32619 @samp{gdb_eval} command.
32620
32621 @subsubheading Example
32622
32623 In the following example, the numbers that precede the commands are the
32624 @dfn{tokens} described in @ref{GDB/MI Command Syntax, ,@sc{gdb/mi}
32625 Command Syntax}. Notice how @sc{gdb/mi} returns the same tokens in its
32626 output.
32627
32628 @smallexample
32629 211-data-evaluate-expression A
32630 211^done,value="1"
32631 (gdb)
32632 311-data-evaluate-expression &A
32633 311^done,value="0xefffeb7c"
32634 (gdb)
32635 411-data-evaluate-expression A+3
32636 411^done,value="4"
32637 (gdb)
32638 511-data-evaluate-expression "A + 3"
32639 511^done,value="4"
32640 (gdb)
32641 @end smallexample
32642
32643
32644 @subheading The @code{-data-list-changed-registers} Command
32645 @findex -data-list-changed-registers
32646
32647 @subsubheading Synopsis
32648
32649 @smallexample
32650 -data-list-changed-registers
32651 @end smallexample
32652
32653 Display a list of the registers that have changed.
32654
32655 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32656
32657 @value{GDBN} doesn't have a direct analog for this command; @code{gdbtk}
32658 has the corresponding command @samp{gdb_changed_register_list}.
32659
32660 @subsubheading Example
32661
32662 On a PPC MBX board:
32663
32664 @smallexample
32665 (gdb)
32666 -exec-continue
32667 ^running
32668
32669 (gdb)
32670 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",frame=@{
32671 func="main",args=[],file="try.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",
32672 line="5"@}
32673 (gdb)
32674 -data-list-changed-registers
32675 ^done,changed-registers=["0","1","2","4","5","6","7","8","9",
32676 "10","11","13","14","15","16","17","18","19","20","21","22","23",
32677 "24","25","26","27","28","30","31","64","65","66","67","69"]
32678 (gdb)
32679 @end smallexample
32680
32681
32682 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-names} Command
32683 @findex -data-list-register-names
32684
32685 @subsubheading Synopsis
32686
32687 @smallexample
32688 -data-list-register-names [ ( @var{regno} )+ ]
32689 @end smallexample
32690
32691 Show a list of register names for the current target. If no arguments
32692 are given, it shows a list of the names of all the registers. If
32693 integer numbers are given as arguments, it will print a list of the
32694 names of the registers corresponding to the arguments. To ensure
32695 consistency between a register name and its number, the output list may
32696 include empty register names.
32697
32698 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32699
32700 @value{GDBN} does not have a command which corresponds to
32701 @samp{-data-list-register-names}. In @code{gdbtk} there is a
32702 corresponding command @samp{gdb_regnames}.
32703
32704 @subsubheading Example
32705
32706 For the PPC MBX board:
32707 @smallexample
32708 (gdb)
32709 -data-list-register-names
32710 ^done,register-names=["r0","r1","r2","r3","r4","r5","r6","r7",
32711 "r8","r9","r10","r11","r12","r13","r14","r15","r16","r17","r18",
32712 "r19","r20","r21","r22","r23","r24","r25","r26","r27","r28","r29",
32713 "r30","r31","f0","f1","f2","f3","f4","f5","f6","f7","f8","f9",
32714 "f10","f11","f12","f13","f14","f15","f16","f17","f18","f19","f20",
32715 "f21","f22","f23","f24","f25","f26","f27","f28","f29","f30","f31",
32716 "", "pc","ps","cr","lr","ctr","xer"]
32717 (gdb)
32718 -data-list-register-names 1 2 3
32719 ^done,register-names=["r1","r2","r3"]
32720 (gdb)
32721 @end smallexample
32722
32723 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-values} Command
32724 @findex -data-list-register-values
32725
32726 @subsubheading Synopsis
32727
32728 @smallexample
32729 -data-list-register-values
32730 [ @code{--skip-unavailable} ] @var{fmt} [ ( @var{regno} )*]
32731 @end smallexample
32732
32733 Display the registers' contents. @var{fmt} is the format according to
32734 which the registers' contents are to be returned, followed by an optional
32735 list of numbers specifying the registers to display. A missing list of
32736 numbers indicates that the contents of all the registers must be
32737 returned. The @code{--skip-unavailable} option indicates that only
32738 the available registers are to be returned.
32739
32740 Allowed formats for @var{fmt} are:
32741
32742 @table @code
32743 @item x
32744 Hexadecimal
32745 @item o
32746 Octal
32747 @item t
32748 Binary
32749 @item d
32750 Decimal
32751 @item r
32752 Raw
32753 @item N
32754 Natural
32755 @end table
32756
32757 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32758
32759 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{info reg}, @samp{info
32760 all-reg}, and (in @code{gdbtk}) @samp{gdb_fetch_registers}.
32761
32762 @subsubheading Example
32763
32764 For a PPC MBX board (note: line breaks are for readability only, they
32765 don't appear in the actual output):
32766
32767 @smallexample
32768 (gdb)
32769 -data-list-register-values r 64 65
32770 ^done,register-values=[@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
32771 @{number="65",value="0x00029002"@}]
32772 (gdb)
32773 -data-list-register-values x
32774 ^done,register-values=[@{number="0",value="0xfe0043c8"@},
32775 @{number="1",value="0x3fff88"@},@{number="2",value="0xfffffffe"@},
32776 @{number="3",value="0x0"@},@{number="4",value="0xa"@},
32777 @{number="5",value="0x3fff68"@},@{number="6",value="0x3fff58"@},
32778 @{number="7",value="0xfe011e98"@},@{number="8",value="0x2"@},
32779 @{number="9",value="0xfa202820"@},@{number="10",value="0xfa202808"@},
32780 @{number="11",value="0x1"@},@{number="12",value="0x0"@},
32781 @{number="13",value="0x4544"@},@{number="14",value="0xffdfffff"@},
32782 @{number="15",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="16",value="0xfffffeff"@},
32783 @{number="17",value="0xefffffed"@},@{number="18",value="0xfffffffe"@},
32784 @{number="19",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="20",value="0xffffffff"@},
32785 @{number="21",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="22",value="0xfffffff7"@},
32786 @{number="23",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="24",value="0xffffffff"@},
32787 @{number="25",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="26",value="0xfffffffb"@},
32788 @{number="27",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="28",value="0xf7bfffff"@},
32789 @{number="29",value="0x0"@},@{number="30",value="0xfe010000"@},
32790 @{number="31",value="0x0"@},@{number="32",value="0x0"@},
32791 @{number="33",value="0x0"@},@{number="34",value="0x0"@},
32792 @{number="35",value="0x0"@},@{number="36",value="0x0"@},
32793 @{number="37",value="0x0"@},@{number="38",value="0x0"@},
32794 @{number="39",value="0x0"@},@{number="40",value="0x0"@},
32795 @{number="41",value="0x0"@},@{number="42",value="0x0"@},
32796 @{number="43",value="0x0"@},@{number="44",value="0x0"@},
32797 @{number="45",value="0x0"@},@{number="46",value="0x0"@},
32798 @{number="47",value="0x0"@},@{number="48",value="0x0"@},
32799 @{number="49",value="0x0"@},@{number="50",value="0x0"@},
32800 @{number="51",value="0x0"@},@{number="52",value="0x0"@},
32801 @{number="53",value="0x0"@},@{number="54",value="0x0"@},
32802 @{number="55",value="0x0"@},@{number="56",value="0x0"@},
32803 @{number="57",value="0x0"@},@{number="58",value="0x0"@},
32804 @{number="59",value="0x0"@},@{number="60",value="0x0"@},
32805 @{number="61",value="0x0"@},@{number="62",value="0x0"@},
32806 @{number="63",value="0x0"@},@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
32807 @{number="65",value="0x29002"@},@{number="66",value="0x202f04b5"@},
32808 @{number="67",value="0xfe0043b0"@},@{number="68",value="0xfe00b3e4"@},
32809 @{number="69",value="0x20002b03"@}]
32810 (gdb)
32811 @end smallexample
32812
32813
32814 @subheading The @code{-data-read-memory} Command
32815 @findex -data-read-memory
32816
32817 This command is deprecated, use @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} instead.
32818
32819 @subsubheading Synopsis
32820
32821 @smallexample
32822 -data-read-memory [ -o @var{byte-offset} ]
32823 @var{address} @var{word-format} @var{word-size}
32824 @var{nr-rows} @var{nr-cols} [ @var{aschar} ]
32825 @end smallexample
32826
32827 @noindent
32828 where:
32829
32830 @table @samp
32831 @item @var{address}
32832 An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
32833 read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
32834 quoted using the C convention.
32835
32836 @item @var{word-format}
32837 The format to be used to print the memory words. The notation is the
32838 same as for @value{GDBN}'s @code{print} command (@pxref{Output Formats,
32839 ,Output Formats}).
32840
32841 @item @var{word-size}
32842 The size of each memory word in bytes.
32843
32844 @item @var{nr-rows}
32845 The number of rows in the output table.
32846
32847 @item @var{nr-cols}
32848 The number of columns in the output table.
32849
32850 @item @var{aschar}
32851 If present, indicates that each row should include an @sc{ascii} dump. The
32852 value of @var{aschar} is used as a padding character when a byte is not a
32853 member of the printable @sc{ascii} character set (printable @sc{ascii}
32854 characters are those whose code is between 32 and 126, inclusively).
32855
32856 @item @var{byte-offset}
32857 An offset to add to the @var{address} before fetching memory.
32858 @end table
32859
32860 This command displays memory contents as a table of @var{nr-rows} by
32861 @var{nr-cols} words, each word being @var{word-size} bytes. In total,
32862 @code{@var{nr-rows} * @var{nr-cols} * @var{word-size}} bytes are read
32863 (returned as @samp{total-bytes}). Should less than the requested number
32864 of bytes be returned by the target, the missing words are identified
32865 using @samp{N/A}. The number of bytes read from the target is returned
32866 in @samp{nr-bytes} and the starting address used to read memory in
32867 @samp{addr}.
32868
32869 The address of the next/previous row or page is available in
32870 @samp{next-row} and @samp{prev-row}, @samp{next-page} and
32871 @samp{prev-page}.
32872
32873 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32874
32875 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}. @code{gdbtk} has
32876 @samp{gdb_get_mem} memory read command.
32877
32878 @subsubheading Example
32879
32880 Read six bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+6} but then offset by
32881 @code{-6} bytes. Format as three rows of two columns. One byte per
32882 word. Display each word in hex.
32883
32884 @smallexample
32885 (gdb)
32886 9-data-read-memory -o -6 -- bytes+6 x 1 3 2
32887 9^done,addr="0x00001390",nr-bytes="6",total-bytes="6",
32888 next-row="0x00001396",prev-row="0x0000138e",next-page="0x00001396",
32889 prev-page="0x0000138a",memory=[
32890 @{addr="0x00001390",data=["0x00","0x01"]@},
32891 @{addr="0x00001392",data=["0x02","0x03"]@},
32892 @{addr="0x00001394",data=["0x04","0x05"]@}]
32893 (gdb)
32894 @end smallexample
32895
32896 Read two bytes of memory starting at address @code{shorts + 64} and
32897 display as a single word formatted in decimal.
32898
32899 @smallexample
32900 (gdb)
32901 5-data-read-memory shorts+64 d 2 1 1
32902 5^done,addr="0x00001510",nr-bytes="2",total-bytes="2",
32903 next-row="0x00001512",prev-row="0x0000150e",
32904 next-page="0x00001512",prev-page="0x0000150e",memory=[
32905 @{addr="0x00001510",data=["128"]@}]
32906 (gdb)
32907 @end smallexample
32908
32909 Read thirty two bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+16} and format
32910 as eight rows of four columns. Include a string encoding with @samp{x}
32911 used as the non-printable character.
32912
32913 @smallexample
32914 (gdb)
32915 4-data-read-memory bytes+16 x 1 8 4 x
32916 4^done,addr="0x000013a0",nr-bytes="32",total-bytes="32",
32917 next-row="0x000013c0",prev-row="0x0000139c",
32918 next-page="0x000013c0",prev-page="0x00001380",memory=[
32919 @{addr="0x000013a0",data=["0x10","0x11","0x12","0x13"],ascii="xxxx"@},
32920 @{addr="0x000013a4",data=["0x14","0x15","0x16","0x17"],ascii="xxxx"@},
32921 @{addr="0x000013a8",data=["0x18","0x19","0x1a","0x1b"],ascii="xxxx"@},
32922 @{addr="0x000013ac",data=["0x1c","0x1d","0x1e","0x1f"],ascii="xxxx"@},
32923 @{addr="0x000013b0",data=["0x20","0x21","0x22","0x23"],ascii=" !\"#"@},
32924 @{addr="0x000013b4",data=["0x24","0x25","0x26","0x27"],ascii="$%&'"@},
32925 @{addr="0x000013b8",data=["0x28","0x29","0x2a","0x2b"],ascii="()*+"@},
32926 @{addr="0x000013bc",data=["0x2c","0x2d","0x2e","0x2f"],ascii=",-./"@}]
32927 (gdb)
32928 @end smallexample
32929
32930 @subheading The @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} Command
32931 @findex -data-read-memory-bytes
32932
32933 @subsubheading Synopsis
32934
32935 @smallexample
32936 -data-read-memory-bytes [ -o @var{byte-offset} ]
32937 @var{address} @var{count}
32938 @end smallexample
32939
32940 @noindent
32941 where:
32942
32943 @table @samp
32944 @item @var{address}
32945 An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
32946 read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
32947 quoted using the C convention.
32948
32949 @item @var{count}
32950 The number of bytes to read. This should be an integer literal.
32951
32952 @item @var{byte-offset}
32953 The offsets in bytes relative to @var{address} at which to start
32954 reading. This should be an integer literal. This option is provided
32955 so that a frontend is not required to first evaluate address and then
32956 perform address arithmetics itself.
32957
32958 @end table
32959
32960 This command attempts to read all accessible memory regions in the
32961 specified range. First, all regions marked as unreadable in the memory
32962 map (if one is defined) will be skipped. @xref{Memory Region
32963 Attributes}. Second, @value{GDBN} will attempt to read the remaining
32964 regions. For each one, if reading full region results in an errors,
32965 @value{GDBN} will try to read a subset of the region.
32966
32967 In general, every single byte in the region may be readable or not,
32968 and the only way to read every readable byte is to try a read at
32969 every address, which is not practical. Therefore, @value{GDBN} will
32970 attempt to read all accessible bytes at either beginning or the end
32971 of the region, using a binary division scheme. This heuristic works
32972 well for reading accross a memory map boundary. Note that if a region
32973 has a readable range that is neither at the beginning or the end,
32974 @value{GDBN} will not read it.
32975
32976 The result record (@pxref{GDB/MI Result Records}) that is output of
32977 the command includes a field named @samp{memory} whose content is a
32978 list of tuples. Each tuple represent a successfully read memory block
32979 and has the following fields:
32980
32981 @table @code
32982 @item begin
32983 The start address of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal.
32984
32985 @item end
32986 The end address of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal.
32987
32988 @item offset
32989 The offset of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal, relative to
32990 the start address passed to @code{-data-read-memory-bytes}.
32991
32992 @item contents
32993 The contents of the memory block, in hex.
32994
32995 @end table
32996
32997
32998
32999 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33000
33001 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}.
33002
33003 @subsubheading Example
33004
33005 @smallexample
33006 (gdb)
33007 -data-read-memory-bytes &a 10
33008 ^done,memory=[@{begin="0xbffff154",offset="0x00000000",
33009 end="0xbffff15e",
33010 contents="01000000020000000300"@}]
33011 (gdb)
33012 @end smallexample
33013
33014
33015 @subheading The @code{-data-write-memory-bytes} Command
33016 @findex -data-write-memory-bytes
33017
33018 @subsubheading Synopsis
33019
33020 @smallexample
33021 -data-write-memory-bytes @var{address} @var{contents}
33022 -data-write-memory-bytes @var{address} @var{contents} @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
33023 @end smallexample
33024
33025 @noindent
33026 where:
33027
33028 @table @samp
33029 @item @var{address}
33030 An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
33031 read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
33032 quoted using the C convention.
33033
33034 @item @var{contents}
33035 The hex-encoded bytes to write.
33036
33037 @item @var{count}
33038 Optional argument indicating the number of bytes to be written. If @var{count}
33039 is greater than @var{contents}' length, @value{GDBN} will repeatedly
33040 write @var{contents} until it fills @var{count} bytes.
33041
33042 @end table
33043
33044 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33045
33046 There's no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
33047
33048 @subsubheading Example
33049
33050 @smallexample
33051 (gdb)
33052 -data-write-memory-bytes &a "aabbccdd"
33053 ^done
33054 (gdb)
33055 @end smallexample
33056
33057 @smallexample
33058 (gdb)
33059 -data-write-memory-bytes &a "aabbccdd" 16e
33060 ^done
33061 (gdb)
33062 @end smallexample
33063
33064 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
33065 @node GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands
33066 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Tracepoint Commands
33067
33068 The commands defined in this section implement MI support for
33069 tracepoints. For detailed introduction, see @ref{Tracepoints}.
33070
33071 @subheading The @code{-trace-find} Command
33072 @findex -trace-find
33073
33074 @subsubheading Synopsis
33075
33076 @smallexample
33077 -trace-find @var{mode} [@var{parameters}@dots{}]
33078 @end smallexample
33079
33080 Find a trace frame using criteria defined by @var{mode} and
33081 @var{parameters}. The following table lists permissible
33082 modes and their parameters. For details of operation, see @ref{tfind}.
33083
33084 @table @samp
33085
33086 @item none
33087 No parameters are required. Stops examining trace frames.
33088
33089 @item frame-number
33090 An integer is required as parameter. Selects tracepoint frame with
33091 that index.
33092
33093 @item tracepoint-number
33094 An integer is required as parameter. Finds next
33095 trace frame that corresponds to tracepoint with the specified number.
33096
33097 @item pc
33098 An address is required as parameter. Finds
33099 next trace frame that corresponds to any tracepoint at the specified
33100 address.
33101
33102 @item pc-inside-range
33103 Two addresses are required as parameters. Finds next trace
33104 frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at an address inside the
33105 specified range. Both bounds are considered to be inside the range.
33106
33107 @item pc-outside-range
33108 Two addresses are required as parameters. Finds
33109 next trace frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at an address outside
33110 the specified range. Both bounds are considered to be inside the range.
33111
33112 @item line
33113 Line specification is required as parameter. @xref{Specify Location}.
33114 Finds next trace frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at
33115 the specified location.
33116
33117 @end table
33118
33119 If @samp{none} was passed as @var{mode}, the response does not
33120 have fields. Otherwise, the response may have the following fields:
33121
33122 @table @samp
33123 @item found
33124 This field has either @samp{0} or @samp{1} as the value, depending
33125 on whether a matching tracepoint was found.
33126
33127 @item traceframe
33128 The index of the found traceframe. This field is present iff
33129 the @samp{found} field has value of @samp{1}.
33130
33131 @item tracepoint
33132 The index of the found tracepoint. This field is present iff
33133 the @samp{found} field has value of @samp{1}.
33134
33135 @item frame
33136 The information about the frame corresponding to the found trace
33137 frame. This field is present only if a trace frame was found.
33138 @xref{GDB/MI Frame Information}, for description of this field.
33139
33140 @end table
33141
33142 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33143
33144 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tfind}.
33145
33146 @subheading -trace-define-variable
33147 @findex -trace-define-variable
33148
33149 @subsubheading Synopsis
33150
33151 @smallexample
33152 -trace-define-variable @var{name} [ @var{value} ]
33153 @end smallexample
33154
33155 Create trace variable @var{name} if it does not exist. If
33156 @var{value} is specified, sets the initial value of the specified
33157 trace variable to that value. Note that the @var{name} should start
33158 with the @samp{$} character.
33159
33160 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33161
33162 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tvariable}.
33163
33164 @subheading -trace-list-variables
33165 @findex -trace-list-variables
33166
33167 @subsubheading Synopsis
33168
33169 @smallexample
33170 -trace-list-variables
33171 @end smallexample
33172
33173 Return a table of all defined trace variables. Each element of the
33174 table has the following fields:
33175
33176 @table @samp
33177 @item name
33178 The name of the trace variable. This field is always present.
33179
33180 @item initial
33181 The initial value. This is a 64-bit signed integer. This
33182 field is always present.
33183
33184 @item current
33185 The value the trace variable has at the moment. This is a 64-bit
33186 signed integer. This field is absent iff current value is
33187 not defined, for example if the trace was never run, or is
33188 presently running.
33189
33190 @end table
33191
33192 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33193
33194 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tvariables}.
33195
33196 @subsubheading Example
33197
33198 @smallexample
33199 (gdb)
33200 -trace-list-variables
33201 ^done,trace-variables=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="3",
33202 hdr=[@{width="15",alignment="-1",col_name="name",colhdr="Name"@},
33203 @{width="11",alignment="-1",col_name="initial",colhdr="Initial"@},
33204 @{width="11",alignment="-1",col_name="current",colhdr="Current"@}],
33205 body=[variable=@{name="$trace_timestamp",initial="0"@}
33206 variable=@{name="$foo",initial="10",current="15"@}]@}
33207 (gdb)
33208 @end smallexample
33209
33210 @subheading -trace-save
33211 @findex -trace-save
33212
33213 @subsubheading Synopsis
33214
33215 @smallexample
33216 -trace-save [-r ] @var{filename}
33217 @end smallexample
33218
33219 Saves the collected trace data to @var{filename}. Without the
33220 @samp{-r} option, the data is downloaded from the target and saved
33221 in a local file. With the @samp{-r} option the target is asked
33222 to perform the save.
33223
33224 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33225
33226 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tsave}.
33227
33228
33229 @subheading -trace-start
33230 @findex -trace-start
33231
33232 @subsubheading Synopsis
33233
33234 @smallexample
33235 -trace-start
33236 @end smallexample
33237
33238 Starts a tracing experiments. The result of this command does not
33239 have any fields.
33240
33241 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33242
33243 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstart}.
33244
33245 @subheading -trace-status
33246 @findex -trace-status
33247
33248 @subsubheading Synopsis
33249
33250 @smallexample
33251 -trace-status
33252 @end smallexample
33253
33254 Obtains the status of a tracing experiment. The result may include
33255 the following fields:
33256
33257 @table @samp
33258
33259 @item supported
33260 May have a value of either @samp{0}, when no tracing operations are
33261 supported, @samp{1}, when all tracing operations are supported, or
33262 @samp{file} when examining trace file. In the latter case, examining
33263 of trace frame is possible but new tracing experiement cannot be
33264 started. This field is always present.
33265
33266 @item running
33267 May have a value of either @samp{0} or @samp{1} depending on whether
33268 tracing experiement is in progress on target. This field is present
33269 if @samp{supported} field is not @samp{0}.
33270
33271 @item stop-reason
33272 Report the reason why the tracing was stopped last time. This field
33273 may be absent iff tracing was never stopped on target yet. The
33274 value of @samp{request} means the tracing was stopped as result of
33275 the @code{-trace-stop} command. The value of @samp{overflow} means
33276 the tracing buffer is full. The value of @samp{disconnection} means
33277 tracing was automatically stopped when @value{GDBN} has disconnected.
33278 The value of @samp{passcount} means tracing was stopped when a
33279 tracepoint was passed a maximal number of times for that tracepoint.
33280 This field is present if @samp{supported} field is not @samp{0}.
33281
33282 @item stopping-tracepoint
33283 The number of tracepoint whose passcount as exceeded. This field is
33284 present iff the @samp{stop-reason} field has the value of
33285 @samp{passcount}.
33286
33287 @item frames
33288 @itemx frames-created
33289 The @samp{frames} field is a count of the total number of trace frames
33290 in the trace buffer, while @samp{frames-created} is the total created
33291 during the run, including ones that were discarded, such as when a
33292 circular trace buffer filled up. Both fields are optional.
33293
33294 @item buffer-size
33295 @itemx buffer-free
33296 These fields tell the current size of the tracing buffer and the
33297 remaining space. These fields are optional.
33298
33299 @item circular
33300 The value of the circular trace buffer flag. @code{1} means that the
33301 trace buffer is circular and old trace frames will be discarded if
33302 necessary to make room, @code{0} means that the trace buffer is linear
33303 and may fill up.
33304
33305 @item disconnected
33306 The value of the disconnected tracing flag. @code{1} means that
33307 tracing will continue after @value{GDBN} disconnects, @code{0} means
33308 that the trace run will stop.
33309
33310 @item trace-file
33311 The filename of the trace file being examined. This field is
33312 optional, and only present when examining a trace file.
33313
33314 @end table
33315
33316 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33317
33318 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstatus}.
33319
33320 @subheading -trace-stop
33321 @findex -trace-stop
33322
33323 @subsubheading Synopsis
33324
33325 @smallexample
33326 -trace-stop
33327 @end smallexample
33328
33329 Stops a tracing experiment. The result of this command has the same
33330 fields as @code{-trace-status}, except that the @samp{supported} and
33331 @samp{running} fields are not output.
33332
33333 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33334
33335 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstop}.
33336
33337
33338 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
33339 @node GDB/MI Symbol Query
33340 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Symbol Query Commands
33341
33342
33343 @ignore
33344 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-address} Command
33345 @findex -symbol-info-address
33346
33347 @subsubheading Synopsis
33348
33349 @smallexample
33350 -symbol-info-address @var{symbol}
33351 @end smallexample
33352
33353 Describe where @var{symbol} is stored.
33354
33355 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33356
33357 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info address}.
33358
33359 @subsubheading Example
33360 N.A.
33361
33362
33363 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-file} Command
33364 @findex -symbol-info-file
33365
33366 @subsubheading Synopsis
33367
33368 @smallexample
33369 -symbol-info-file
33370 @end smallexample
33371
33372 Show the file for the symbol.
33373
33374 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33375
33376 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command. @code{gdbtk} has
33377 @samp{gdb_find_file}.
33378
33379 @subsubheading Example
33380 N.A.
33381
33382
33383 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-function} Command
33384 @findex -symbol-info-function
33385
33386 @subsubheading Synopsis
33387
33388 @smallexample
33389 -symbol-info-function
33390 @end smallexample
33391
33392 Show which function the symbol lives in.
33393
33394 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33395
33396 @samp{gdb_get_function} in @code{gdbtk}.
33397
33398 @subsubheading Example
33399 N.A.
33400
33401
33402 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-line} Command
33403 @findex -symbol-info-line
33404
33405 @subsubheading Synopsis
33406
33407 @smallexample
33408 -symbol-info-line
33409 @end smallexample
33410
33411 Show the core addresses of the code for a source line.
33412
33413 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33414
33415 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info line}.
33416 @code{gdbtk} has the @samp{gdb_get_line} and @samp{gdb_get_file} commands.
33417
33418 @subsubheading Example
33419 N.A.
33420
33421
33422 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-symbol} Command
33423 @findex -symbol-info-symbol
33424
33425 @subsubheading Synopsis
33426
33427 @smallexample
33428 -symbol-info-symbol @var{addr}
33429 @end smallexample
33430
33431 Describe what symbol is at location @var{addr}.
33432
33433 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33434
33435 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info symbol}.
33436
33437 @subsubheading Example
33438 N.A.
33439
33440
33441 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-functions} Command
33442 @findex -symbol-list-functions
33443
33444 @subsubheading Synopsis
33445
33446 @smallexample
33447 -symbol-list-functions
33448 @end smallexample
33449
33450 List the functions in the executable.
33451
33452 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33453
33454 @samp{info functions} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_listfunc} and
33455 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
33456
33457 @subsubheading Example
33458 N.A.
33459 @end ignore
33460
33461
33462 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-lines} Command
33463 @findex -symbol-list-lines
33464
33465 @subsubheading Synopsis
33466
33467 @smallexample
33468 -symbol-list-lines @var{filename}
33469 @end smallexample
33470
33471 Print the list of lines that contain code and their associated program
33472 addresses for the given source filename. The entries are sorted in
33473 ascending PC order.
33474
33475 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33476
33477 There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
33478
33479 @subsubheading Example
33480 @smallexample
33481 (gdb)
33482 -symbol-list-lines basics.c
33483 ^done,lines=[@{pc="0x08048554",line="7"@},@{pc="0x0804855a",line="8"@}]
33484 (gdb)
33485 @end smallexample
33486
33487
33488 @ignore
33489 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-types} Command
33490 @findex -symbol-list-types
33491
33492 @subsubheading Synopsis
33493
33494 @smallexample
33495 -symbol-list-types
33496 @end smallexample
33497
33498 List all the type names.
33499
33500 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33501
33502 The corresponding commands are @samp{info types} in @value{GDBN},
33503 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
33504
33505 @subsubheading Example
33506 N.A.
33507
33508
33509 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-variables} Command
33510 @findex -symbol-list-variables
33511
33512 @subsubheading Synopsis
33513
33514 @smallexample
33515 -symbol-list-variables
33516 @end smallexample
33517
33518 List all the global and static variable names.
33519
33520 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33521
33522 @samp{info variables} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
33523
33524 @subsubheading Example
33525 N.A.
33526
33527
33528 @subheading The @code{-symbol-locate} Command
33529 @findex -symbol-locate
33530
33531 @subsubheading Synopsis
33532
33533 @smallexample
33534 -symbol-locate
33535 @end smallexample
33536
33537 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33538
33539 @samp{gdb_loc} in @code{gdbtk}.
33540
33541 @subsubheading Example
33542 N.A.
33543
33544
33545 @subheading The @code{-symbol-type} Command
33546 @findex -symbol-type
33547
33548 @subsubheading Synopsis
33549
33550 @smallexample
33551 -symbol-type @var{variable}
33552 @end smallexample
33553
33554 Show type of @var{variable}.
33555
33556 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33557
33558 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ptype}, @code{gdbtk} has
33559 @samp{gdb_obj_variable}.
33560
33561 @subsubheading Example
33562 N.A.
33563 @end ignore
33564
33565
33566 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
33567 @node GDB/MI File Commands
33568 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Commands
33569
33570 This section describes the GDB/MI commands to specify executable file names
33571 and to read in and obtain symbol table information.
33572
33573 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-and-symbols} Command
33574 @findex -file-exec-and-symbols
33575
33576 @subsubheading Synopsis
33577
33578 @smallexample
33579 -file-exec-and-symbols @var{file}
33580 @end smallexample
33581
33582 Specify the executable file to be debugged. This file is the one from
33583 which the symbol table is also read. If no file is specified, the
33584 command clears the executable and symbol information. If breakpoints
33585 are set when using this command with no arguments, @value{GDBN} will produce
33586 error messages. Otherwise, no output is produced, except a completion
33587 notification.
33588
33589 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33590
33591 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{file}.
33592
33593 @subsubheading Example
33594
33595 @smallexample
33596 (gdb)
33597 -file-exec-and-symbols /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
33598 ^done
33599 (gdb)
33600 @end smallexample
33601
33602
33603 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-file} Command
33604 @findex -file-exec-file
33605
33606 @subsubheading Synopsis
33607
33608 @smallexample
33609 -file-exec-file @var{file}
33610 @end smallexample
33611
33612 Specify the executable file to be debugged. Unlike
33613 @samp{-file-exec-and-symbols}, the symbol table is @emph{not} read
33614 from this file. If used without argument, @value{GDBN} clears the information
33615 about the executable file. No output is produced, except a completion
33616 notification.
33617
33618 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33619
33620 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{exec-file}.
33621
33622 @subsubheading Example
33623
33624 @smallexample
33625 (gdb)
33626 -file-exec-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
33627 ^done
33628 (gdb)
33629 @end smallexample
33630
33631
33632 @ignore
33633 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-sections} Command
33634 @findex -file-list-exec-sections
33635
33636 @subsubheading Synopsis
33637
33638 @smallexample
33639 -file-list-exec-sections
33640 @end smallexample
33641
33642 List the sections of the current executable file.
33643
33644 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33645
33646 The @value{GDBN} command @samp{info file} shows, among the rest, the same
33647 information as this command. @code{gdbtk} has a corresponding command
33648 @samp{gdb_load_info}.
33649
33650 @subsubheading Example
33651 N.A.
33652 @end ignore
33653
33654
33655 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-file} Command
33656 @findex -file-list-exec-source-file
33657
33658 @subsubheading Synopsis
33659
33660 @smallexample
33661 -file-list-exec-source-file
33662 @end smallexample
33663
33664 List the line number, the current source file, and the absolute path
33665 to the current source file for the current executable. The macro
33666 information field has a value of @samp{1} or @samp{0} depending on
33667 whether or not the file includes preprocessor macro information.
33668
33669 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33670
33671 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info source}
33672
33673 @subsubheading Example
33674
33675 @smallexample
33676 (gdb)
33677 123-file-list-exec-source-file
33678 123^done,line="1",file="foo.c",fullname="/home/bar/foo.c,macro-info="1"
33679 (gdb)
33680 @end smallexample
33681
33682
33683 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-files} Command
33684 @findex -file-list-exec-source-files
33685
33686 @subsubheading Synopsis
33687
33688 @smallexample
33689 -file-list-exec-source-files
33690 @end smallexample
33691
33692 List the source files for the current executable.
33693
33694 It will always output both the filename and fullname (absolute file
33695 name) of a source file.
33696
33697 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33698
33699 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info sources}.
33700 @code{gdbtk} has an analogous command @samp{gdb_listfiles}.
33701
33702 @subsubheading Example
33703 @smallexample
33704 (gdb)
33705 -file-list-exec-source-files
33706 ^done,files=[
33707 @{file=foo.c,fullname=/home/foo.c@},
33708 @{file=/home/bar.c,fullname=/home/bar.c@},
33709 @{file=gdb_could_not_find_fullpath.c@}]
33710 (gdb)
33711 @end smallexample
33712
33713 @ignore
33714 @subheading The @code{-file-list-shared-libraries} Command
33715 @findex -file-list-shared-libraries
33716
33717 @subsubheading Synopsis
33718
33719 @smallexample
33720 -file-list-shared-libraries
33721 @end smallexample
33722
33723 List the shared libraries in the program.
33724
33725 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33726
33727 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info shared}.
33728
33729 @subsubheading Example
33730 N.A.
33731
33732
33733 @subheading The @code{-file-list-symbol-files} Command
33734 @findex -file-list-symbol-files
33735
33736 @subsubheading Synopsis
33737
33738 @smallexample
33739 -file-list-symbol-files
33740 @end smallexample
33741
33742 List symbol files.
33743
33744 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33745
33746 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info file} (part of it).
33747
33748 @subsubheading Example
33749 N.A.
33750 @end ignore
33751
33752
33753 @subheading The @code{-file-symbol-file} Command
33754 @findex -file-symbol-file
33755
33756 @subsubheading Synopsis
33757
33758 @smallexample
33759 -file-symbol-file @var{file}
33760 @end smallexample
33761
33762 Read symbol table info from the specified @var{file} argument. When
33763 used without arguments, clears @value{GDBN}'s symbol table info. No output is
33764 produced, except for a completion notification.
33765
33766 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33767
33768 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{symbol-file}.
33769
33770 @subsubheading Example
33771
33772 @smallexample
33773 (gdb)
33774 -file-symbol-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
33775 ^done
33776 (gdb)
33777 @end smallexample
33778
33779 @ignore
33780 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
33781 @node GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands
33782 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Memory Overlay Commands
33783
33784 The memory overlay commands are not implemented.
33785
33786 @c @subheading -overlay-auto
33787
33788 @c @subheading -overlay-list-mapping-state
33789
33790 @c @subheading -overlay-list-overlays
33791
33792 @c @subheading -overlay-map
33793
33794 @c @subheading -overlay-off
33795
33796 @c @subheading -overlay-on
33797
33798 @c @subheading -overlay-unmap
33799
33800 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
33801 @node GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands
33802 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Signal Handling Commands
33803
33804 Signal handling commands are not implemented.
33805
33806 @c @subheading -signal-handle
33807
33808 @c @subheading -signal-list-handle-actions
33809
33810 @c @subheading -signal-list-signal-types
33811 @end ignore
33812
33813
33814 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
33815 @node GDB/MI Target Manipulation
33816 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Target Manipulation Commands
33817
33818
33819 @subheading The @code{-target-attach} Command
33820 @findex -target-attach
33821
33822 @subsubheading Synopsis
33823
33824 @smallexample
33825 -target-attach @var{pid} | @var{gid} | @var{file}
33826 @end smallexample
33827
33828 Attach to a process @var{pid} or a file @var{file} outside of
33829 @value{GDBN}, or a thread group @var{gid}. If attaching to a thread
33830 group, the id previously returned by
33831 @samp{-list-thread-groups --available} must be used.
33832
33833 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33834
33835 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{attach}.
33836
33837 @subsubheading Example
33838 @smallexample
33839 (gdb)
33840 -target-attach 34
33841 =thread-created,id="1"
33842 *stopped,thread-id="1",frame=@{addr="0xb7f7e410",func="bar",args=[]@}
33843 ^done
33844 (gdb)
33845 @end smallexample
33846
33847 @ignore
33848 @subheading The @code{-target-compare-sections} Command
33849 @findex -target-compare-sections
33850
33851 @subsubheading Synopsis
33852
33853 @smallexample
33854 -target-compare-sections [ @var{section} ]
33855 @end smallexample
33856
33857 Compare data of section @var{section} on target to the exec file.
33858 Without the argument, all sections are compared.
33859
33860 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33861
33862 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{compare-sections}.
33863
33864 @subsubheading Example
33865 N.A.
33866 @end ignore
33867
33868
33869 @subheading The @code{-target-detach} Command
33870 @findex -target-detach
33871
33872 @subsubheading Synopsis
33873
33874 @smallexample
33875 -target-detach [ @var{pid} | @var{gid} ]
33876 @end smallexample
33877
33878 Detach from the remote target which normally resumes its execution.
33879 If either @var{pid} or @var{gid} is specified, detaches from either
33880 the specified process, or specified thread group. There's no output.
33881
33882 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33883
33884 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{detach}.
33885
33886 @subsubheading Example
33887
33888 @smallexample
33889 (gdb)
33890 -target-detach
33891 ^done
33892 (gdb)
33893 @end smallexample
33894
33895
33896 @subheading The @code{-target-disconnect} Command
33897 @findex -target-disconnect
33898
33899 @subsubheading Synopsis
33900
33901 @smallexample
33902 -target-disconnect
33903 @end smallexample
33904
33905 Disconnect from the remote target. There's no output and the target is
33906 generally not resumed.
33907
33908 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33909
33910 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disconnect}.
33911
33912 @subsubheading Example
33913
33914 @smallexample
33915 (gdb)
33916 -target-disconnect
33917 ^done
33918 (gdb)
33919 @end smallexample
33920
33921
33922 @subheading The @code{-target-download} Command
33923 @findex -target-download
33924
33925 @subsubheading Synopsis
33926
33927 @smallexample
33928 -target-download
33929 @end smallexample
33930
33931 Loads the executable onto the remote target.
33932 It prints out an update message every half second, which includes the fields:
33933
33934 @table @samp
33935 @item section
33936 The name of the section.
33937 @item section-sent
33938 The size of what has been sent so far for that section.
33939 @item section-size
33940 The size of the section.
33941 @item total-sent
33942 The total size of what was sent so far (the current and the previous sections).
33943 @item total-size
33944 The size of the overall executable to download.
33945 @end table
33946
33947 @noindent
33948 Each message is sent as status record (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, ,
33949 @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax}).
33950
33951 In addition, it prints the name and size of the sections, as they are
33952 downloaded. These messages include the following fields:
33953
33954 @table @samp
33955 @item section
33956 The name of the section.
33957 @item section-size
33958 The size of the section.
33959 @item total-size
33960 The size of the overall executable to download.
33961 @end table
33962
33963 @noindent
33964 At the end, a summary is printed.
33965
33966 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33967
33968 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{load}.
33969
33970 @subsubheading Example
33971
33972 Note: each status message appears on a single line. Here the messages
33973 have been broken down so that they can fit onto a page.
33974
33975 @smallexample
33976 (gdb)
33977 -target-download
33978 +download,@{section=".text",section-size="6668",total-size="9880"@}
33979 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="512",section-size="6668",
33980 total-sent="512",total-size="9880"@}
33981 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1024",section-size="6668",
33982 total-sent="1024",total-size="9880"@}
33983 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1536",section-size="6668",
33984 total-sent="1536",total-size="9880"@}
33985 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2048",section-size="6668",
33986 total-sent="2048",total-size="9880"@}
33987 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2560",section-size="6668",
33988 total-sent="2560",total-size="9880"@}
33989 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3072",section-size="6668",
33990 total-sent="3072",total-size="9880"@}
33991 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3584",section-size="6668",
33992 total-sent="3584",total-size="9880"@}
33993 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4096",section-size="6668",
33994 total-sent="4096",total-size="9880"@}
33995 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4608",section-size="6668",
33996 total-sent="4608",total-size="9880"@}
33997 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5120",section-size="6668",
33998 total-sent="5120",total-size="9880"@}
33999 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5632",section-size="6668",
34000 total-sent="5632",total-size="9880"@}
34001 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6144",section-size="6668",
34002 total-sent="6144",total-size="9880"@}
34003 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6656",section-size="6668",
34004 total-sent="6656",total-size="9880"@}
34005 +download,@{section=".init",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
34006 +download,@{section=".fini",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
34007 +download,@{section=".data",section-size="3156",total-size="9880"@}
34008 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="512",section-size="3156",
34009 total-sent="7236",total-size="9880"@}
34010 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1024",section-size="3156",
34011 total-sent="7748",total-size="9880"@}
34012 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1536",section-size="3156",
34013 total-sent="8260",total-size="9880"@}
34014 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2048",section-size="3156",
34015 total-sent="8772",total-size="9880"@}
34016 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2560",section-size="3156",
34017 total-sent="9284",total-size="9880"@}
34018 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="3072",section-size="3156",
34019 total-sent="9796",total-size="9880"@}
34020 ^done,address="0x10004",load-size="9880",transfer-rate="6586",
34021 write-rate="429"
34022 (gdb)
34023 @end smallexample
34024
34025
34026 @ignore
34027 @subheading The @code{-target-exec-status} Command
34028 @findex -target-exec-status
34029
34030 @subsubheading Synopsis
34031
34032 @smallexample
34033 -target-exec-status
34034 @end smallexample
34035
34036 Provide information on the state of the target (whether it is running or
34037 not, for instance).
34038
34039 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34040
34041 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
34042
34043 @subsubheading Example
34044 N.A.
34045
34046
34047 @subheading The @code{-target-list-available-targets} Command
34048 @findex -target-list-available-targets
34049
34050 @subsubheading Synopsis
34051
34052 @smallexample
34053 -target-list-available-targets
34054 @end smallexample
34055
34056 List the possible targets to connect to.
34057
34058 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34059
34060 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{help target}.
34061
34062 @subsubheading Example
34063 N.A.
34064
34065
34066 @subheading The @code{-target-list-current-targets} Command
34067 @findex -target-list-current-targets
34068
34069 @subsubheading Synopsis
34070
34071 @smallexample
34072 -target-list-current-targets
34073 @end smallexample
34074
34075 Describe the current target.
34076
34077 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34078
34079 The corresponding information is printed by @samp{info file} (among
34080 other things).
34081
34082 @subsubheading Example
34083 N.A.
34084
34085
34086 @subheading The @code{-target-list-parameters} Command
34087 @findex -target-list-parameters
34088
34089 @subsubheading Synopsis
34090
34091 @smallexample
34092 -target-list-parameters
34093 @end smallexample
34094
34095 @c ????
34096 @end ignore
34097
34098 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34099
34100 No equivalent.
34101
34102 @subsubheading Example
34103 N.A.
34104
34105
34106 @subheading The @code{-target-select} Command
34107 @findex -target-select
34108
34109 @subsubheading Synopsis
34110
34111 @smallexample
34112 -target-select @var{type} @var{parameters @dots{}}
34113 @end smallexample
34114
34115 Connect @value{GDBN} to the remote target. This command takes two args:
34116
34117 @table @samp
34118 @item @var{type}
34119 The type of target, for instance @samp{remote}, etc.
34120 @item @var{parameters}
34121 Device names, host names and the like. @xref{Target Commands, ,
34122 Commands for Managing Targets}, for more details.
34123 @end table
34124
34125 The output is a connection notification, followed by the address at
34126 which the target program is, in the following form:
34127
34128 @smallexample
34129 ^connected,addr="@var{address}",func="@var{function name}",
34130 args=[@var{arg list}]
34131 @end smallexample
34132
34133 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34134
34135 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{target}.
34136
34137 @subsubheading Example
34138
34139 @smallexample
34140 (gdb)
34141 -target-select remote /dev/ttya
34142 ^connected,addr="0xfe00a300",func="??",args=[]
34143 (gdb)
34144 @end smallexample
34145
34146 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
34147 @node GDB/MI File Transfer Commands
34148 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Transfer Commands
34149
34150
34151 @subheading The @code{-target-file-put} Command
34152 @findex -target-file-put
34153
34154 @subsubheading Synopsis
34155
34156 @smallexample
34157 -target-file-put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
34158 @end smallexample
34159
34160 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
34161 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
34162
34163 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34164
34165 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote put}.
34166
34167 @subsubheading Example
34168
34169 @smallexample
34170 (gdb)
34171 -target-file-put localfile remotefile
34172 ^done
34173 (gdb)
34174 @end smallexample
34175
34176
34177 @subheading The @code{-target-file-get} Command
34178 @findex -target-file-get
34179
34180 @subsubheading Synopsis
34181
34182 @smallexample
34183 -target-file-get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
34184 @end smallexample
34185
34186 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
34187 on the host system.
34188
34189 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34190
34191 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote get}.
34192
34193 @subsubheading Example
34194
34195 @smallexample
34196 (gdb)
34197 -target-file-get remotefile localfile
34198 ^done
34199 (gdb)
34200 @end smallexample
34201
34202
34203 @subheading The @code{-target-file-delete} Command
34204 @findex -target-file-delete
34205
34206 @subsubheading Synopsis
34207
34208 @smallexample
34209 -target-file-delete @var{targetfile}
34210 @end smallexample
34211
34212 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
34213
34214 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34215
34216 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote delete}.
34217
34218 @subsubheading Example
34219
34220 @smallexample
34221 (gdb)
34222 -target-file-delete remotefile
34223 ^done
34224 (gdb)
34225 @end smallexample
34226
34227
34228 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
34229 @node GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands
34230 @section Miscellaneous @sc{gdb/mi} Commands
34231
34232 @c @subheading -gdb-complete
34233
34234 @subheading The @code{-gdb-exit} Command
34235 @findex -gdb-exit
34236
34237 @subsubheading Synopsis
34238
34239 @smallexample
34240 -gdb-exit
34241 @end smallexample
34242
34243 Exit @value{GDBN} immediately.
34244
34245 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34246
34247 Approximately corresponds to @samp{quit}.
34248
34249 @subsubheading Example
34250
34251 @smallexample
34252 (gdb)
34253 -gdb-exit
34254 ^exit
34255 @end smallexample
34256
34257
34258 @ignore
34259 @subheading The @code{-exec-abort} Command
34260 @findex -exec-abort
34261
34262 @subsubheading Synopsis
34263
34264 @smallexample
34265 -exec-abort
34266 @end smallexample
34267
34268 Kill the inferior running program.
34269
34270 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34271
34272 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{kill}.
34273
34274 @subsubheading Example
34275 N.A.
34276 @end ignore
34277
34278
34279 @subheading The @code{-gdb-set} Command
34280 @findex -gdb-set
34281
34282 @subsubheading Synopsis
34283
34284 @smallexample
34285 -gdb-set
34286 @end smallexample
34287
34288 Set an internal @value{GDBN} variable.
34289 @c IS THIS A DOLLAR VARIABLE? OR SOMETHING LIKE ANNOTATE ?????
34290
34291 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34292
34293 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set}.
34294
34295 @subsubheading Example
34296
34297 @smallexample
34298 (gdb)
34299 -gdb-set $foo=3
34300 ^done
34301 (gdb)
34302 @end smallexample
34303
34304
34305 @subheading The @code{-gdb-show} Command
34306 @findex -gdb-show
34307
34308 @subsubheading Synopsis
34309
34310 @smallexample
34311 -gdb-show
34312 @end smallexample
34313
34314 Show the current value of a @value{GDBN} variable.
34315
34316 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34317
34318 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show}.
34319
34320 @subsubheading Example
34321
34322 @smallexample
34323 (gdb)
34324 -gdb-show annotate
34325 ^done,value="0"
34326 (gdb)
34327 @end smallexample
34328
34329 @c @subheading -gdb-source
34330
34331
34332 @subheading The @code{-gdb-version} Command
34333 @findex -gdb-version
34334
34335 @subsubheading Synopsis
34336
34337 @smallexample
34338 -gdb-version
34339 @end smallexample
34340
34341 Show version information for @value{GDBN}. Used mostly in testing.
34342
34343 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34344
34345 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{show version}. @value{GDBN} by
34346 default shows this information when you start an interactive session.
34347
34348 @subsubheading Example
34349
34350 @c This example modifies the actual output from GDB to avoid overfull
34351 @c box in TeX.
34352 @smallexample
34353 (gdb)
34354 -gdb-version
34355 ~GNU gdb 5.2.1
34356 ~Copyright 2000 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
34357 ~GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License, and
34358 ~you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it under
34359 ~ certain conditions.
34360 ~Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
34361 ~There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty" for
34362 ~ details.
34363 ~This GDB was configured as
34364 "--host=sparc-sun-solaris2.5.1 --target=ppc-eabi".
34365 ^done
34366 (gdb)
34367 @end smallexample
34368
34369 @subheading The @code{-list-features} Command
34370 @findex -list-features
34371
34372 Returns a list of particular features of the MI protocol that
34373 this version of gdb implements. A feature can be a command,
34374 or a new field in an output of some command, or even an
34375 important bugfix. While a frontend can sometimes detect presence
34376 of a feature at runtime, it is easier to perform detection at debugger
34377 startup.
34378
34379 The command returns a list of strings, with each string naming an
34380 available feature. Each returned string is just a name, it does not
34381 have any internal structure. The list of possible feature names
34382 is given below.
34383
34384 Example output:
34385
34386 @smallexample
34387 (gdb) -list-features
34388 ^done,result=["feature1","feature2"]
34389 @end smallexample
34390
34391 The current list of features is:
34392
34393 @table @samp
34394 @item frozen-varobjs
34395 Indicates support for the @code{-var-set-frozen} command, as well
34396 as possible presense of the @code{frozen} field in the output
34397 of @code{-varobj-create}.
34398 @item pending-breakpoints
34399 Indicates support for the @option{-f} option to the @code{-break-insert}
34400 command.
34401 @item python
34402 Indicates Python scripting support, Python-based
34403 pretty-printing commands, and possible presence of the
34404 @samp{display_hint} field in the output of @code{-var-list-children}
34405 @item thread-info
34406 Indicates support for the @code{-thread-info} command.
34407 @item data-read-memory-bytes
34408 Indicates support for the @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} and the
34409 @code{-data-write-memory-bytes} commands.
34410 @item breakpoint-notifications
34411 Indicates that changes to breakpoints and breakpoints created via the
34412 CLI will be announced via async records.
34413 @item ada-task-info
34414 Indicates support for the @code{-ada-task-info} command.
34415 @end table
34416
34417 @subheading The @code{-list-target-features} Command
34418 @findex -list-target-features
34419
34420 Returns a list of particular features that are supported by the
34421 target. Those features affect the permitted MI commands, but
34422 unlike the features reported by the @code{-list-features} command, the
34423 features depend on which target GDB is using at the moment. Whenever
34424 a target can change, due to commands such as @code{-target-select},
34425 @code{-target-attach} or @code{-exec-run}, the list of target features
34426 may change, and the frontend should obtain it again.
34427 Example output:
34428
34429 @smallexample
34430 (gdb) -list-features
34431 ^done,result=["async"]
34432 @end smallexample
34433
34434 The current list of features is:
34435
34436 @table @samp
34437 @item async
34438 Indicates that the target is capable of asynchronous command
34439 execution, which means that @value{GDBN} will accept further commands
34440 while the target is running.
34441
34442 @item reverse
34443 Indicates that the target is capable of reverse execution.
34444 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
34445
34446 @end table
34447
34448 @subheading The @code{-list-thread-groups} Command
34449 @findex -list-thread-groups
34450
34451 @subheading Synopsis
34452
34453 @smallexample
34454 -list-thread-groups [ --available ] [ --recurse 1 ] [ @var{group} ... ]
34455 @end smallexample
34456
34457 Lists thread groups (@pxref{Thread groups}). When a single thread
34458 group is passed as the argument, lists the children of that group.
34459 When several thread group are passed, lists information about those
34460 thread groups. Without any parameters, lists information about all
34461 top-level thread groups.
34462
34463 Normally, thread groups that are being debugged are reported.
34464 With the @samp{--available} option, @value{GDBN} reports thread groups
34465 available on the target.
34466
34467 The output of this command may have either a @samp{threads} result or
34468 a @samp{groups} result. The @samp{thread} result has a list of tuples
34469 as value, with each tuple describing a thread (@pxref{GDB/MI Thread
34470 Information}). The @samp{groups} result has a list of tuples as value,
34471 each tuple describing a thread group. If top-level groups are
34472 requested (that is, no parameter is passed), or when several groups
34473 are passed, the output always has a @samp{groups} result. The format
34474 of the @samp{group} result is described below.
34475
34476 To reduce the number of roundtrips it's possible to list thread groups
34477 together with their children, by passing the @samp{--recurse} option
34478 and the recursion depth. Presently, only recursion depth of 1 is
34479 permitted. If this option is present, then every reported thread group
34480 will also include its children, either as @samp{group} or
34481 @samp{threads} field.
34482
34483 In general, any combination of option and parameters is permitted, with
34484 the following caveats:
34485
34486 @itemize @bullet
34487 @item
34488 When a single thread group is passed, the output will typically
34489 be the @samp{threads} result. Because threads may not contain
34490 anything, the @samp{recurse} option will be ignored.
34491
34492 @item
34493 When the @samp{--available} option is passed, limited information may
34494 be available. In particular, the list of threads of a process might
34495 be inaccessible. Further, specifying specific thread groups might
34496 not give any performance advantage over listing all thread groups.
34497 The frontend should assume that @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}
34498 is always an expensive operation and cache the results.
34499
34500 @end itemize
34501
34502 The @samp{groups} result is a list of tuples, where each tuple may
34503 have the following fields:
34504
34505 @table @code
34506 @item id
34507 Identifier of the thread group. This field is always present.
34508 The identifier is an opaque string; frontends should not try to
34509 convert it to an integer, even though it might look like one.
34510
34511 @item type
34512 The type of the thread group. At present, only @samp{process} is a
34513 valid type.
34514
34515 @item pid
34516 The target-specific process identifier. This field is only present
34517 for thread groups of type @samp{process} and only if the process exists.
34518
34519 @item num_children
34520 The number of children this thread group has. This field may be
34521 absent for an available thread group.
34522
34523 @item threads
34524 This field has a list of tuples as value, each tuple describing a
34525 thread. It may be present if the @samp{--recurse} option is
34526 specified, and it's actually possible to obtain the threads.
34527
34528 @item cores
34529 This field is a list of integers, each identifying a core that one
34530 thread of the group is running on. This field may be absent if
34531 such information is not available.
34532
34533 @item executable
34534 The name of the executable file that corresponds to this thread group.
34535 The field is only present for thread groups of type @samp{process},
34536 and only if there is a corresponding executable file.
34537
34538 @end table
34539
34540 @subheading Example
34541
34542 @smallexample
34543 @value{GDBP}
34544 -list-thread-groups
34545 ^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2"@}]
34546 -list-thread-groups 17
34547 ^done,threads=[@{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
34548 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",args=[]@},state="running"@},
34549 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
34550 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
34551 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},state="running"@}]]
34552 -list-thread-groups --available
34553 ^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2]@}]
34554 -list-thread-groups --available --recurse 1
34555 ^done,groups=[@{id="17", types="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2],
34556 threads=[@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[1]@},
34557 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[2]@}]@},..]
34558 -list-thread-groups --available --recurse 1 17 18
34559 ^done,groups=[@{id="17", types="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2],
34560 threads=[@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[1]@},
34561 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[2]@}]@},...]
34562 @end smallexample
34563
34564 @subheading The @code{-info-os} Command
34565 @findex -info-os
34566
34567 @subsubheading Synopsis
34568
34569 @smallexample
34570 -info-os [ @var{type} ]
34571 @end smallexample
34572
34573 If no argument is supplied, the command returns a table of available
34574 operating-system-specific information types. If one of these types is
34575 supplied as an argument @var{type}, then the command returns a table
34576 of data of that type.
34577
34578 The types of information available depend on the target operating
34579 system.
34580
34581 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34582
34583 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info os}.
34584
34585 @subsubheading Example
34586
34587 When run on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, the output will look something
34588 like this:
34589
34590 @smallexample
34591 @value{GDBP}
34592 -info-os
34593 ^done,OSDataTable=@{nr_rows="9",nr_cols="3",
34594 hdr=[@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col0",colhdr="Type"@},
34595 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col1",colhdr="Description"@},
34596 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col2",colhdr="Title"@}],
34597 body=[item=@{col0="processes",col1="Listing of all processes",
34598 col2="Processes"@},
34599 item=@{col0="procgroups",col1="Listing of all process groups",
34600 col2="Process groups"@},
34601 item=@{col0="threads",col1="Listing of all threads",
34602 col2="Threads"@},
34603 item=@{col0="files",col1="Listing of all file descriptors",
34604 col2="File descriptors"@},
34605 item=@{col0="sockets",col1="Listing of all internet-domain sockets",
34606 col2="Sockets"@},
34607 item=@{col0="shm",col1="Listing of all shared-memory regions",
34608 col2="Shared-memory regions"@},
34609 item=@{col0="semaphores",col1="Listing of all semaphores",
34610 col2="Semaphores"@},
34611 item=@{col0="msg",col1="Listing of all message queues",
34612 col2="Message queues"@},
34613 item=@{col0="modules",col1="Listing of all loaded kernel modules",
34614 col2="Kernel modules"@}]@}
34615 @value{GDBP}
34616 -info-os processes
34617 ^done,OSDataTable=@{nr_rows="190",nr_cols="4",
34618 hdr=[@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col0",colhdr="pid"@},
34619 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col1",colhdr="user"@},
34620 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col2",colhdr="command"@},
34621 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col3",colhdr="cores"@}],
34622 body=[item=@{col0="1",col1="root",col2="/sbin/init",col3="0"@},
34623 item=@{col0="2",col1="root",col2="[kthreadd]",col3="1"@},
34624 item=@{col0="3",col1="root",col2="[ksoftirqd/0]",col3="0"@},
34625 ...
34626 item=@{col0="26446",col1="stan",col2="bash",col3="0"@},
34627 item=@{col0="28152",col1="stan",col2="bash",col3="1"@}]@}
34628 (gdb)
34629 @end smallexample
34630
34631 (Note that the MI output here includes a @code{"Title"} column that
34632 does not appear in command-line @code{info os}; this column is useful
34633 for MI clients that want to enumerate the types of data, such as in a
34634 popup menu, but is needless clutter on the command line, and
34635 @code{info os} omits it.)
34636
34637 @subheading The @code{-add-inferior} Command
34638 @findex -add-inferior
34639
34640 @subheading Synopsis
34641
34642 @smallexample
34643 -add-inferior
34644 @end smallexample
34645
34646 Creates a new inferior (@pxref{Inferiors and Programs}). The created
34647 inferior is not associated with any executable. Such association may
34648 be established with the @samp{-file-exec-and-symbols} command
34649 (@pxref{GDB/MI File Commands}). The command response has a single
34650 field, @samp{inferior}, whose value is the identifier of the
34651 thread group corresponding to the new inferior.
34652
34653 @subheading Example
34654
34655 @smallexample
34656 @value{GDBP}
34657 -add-inferior
34658 ^done,inferior="i3"
34659 @end smallexample
34660
34661 @subheading The @code{-interpreter-exec} Command
34662 @findex -interpreter-exec
34663
34664 @subheading Synopsis
34665
34666 @smallexample
34667 -interpreter-exec @var{interpreter} @var{command}
34668 @end smallexample
34669 @anchor{-interpreter-exec}
34670
34671 Execute the specified @var{command} in the given @var{interpreter}.
34672
34673 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
34674
34675 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interpreter-exec}.
34676
34677 @subheading Example
34678
34679 @smallexample
34680 (gdb)
34681 -interpreter-exec console "break main"
34682 &"During symbol reading, couldn't parse type; debugger out of date?.\n"
34683 &"During symbol reading, bad structure-type format.\n"
34684 ~"Breakpoint 1 at 0x8074fc6: file ../../src/gdb/main.c, line 743.\n"
34685 ^done
34686 (gdb)
34687 @end smallexample
34688
34689 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-set} Command
34690 @findex -inferior-tty-set
34691
34692 @subheading Synopsis
34693
34694 @smallexample
34695 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
34696 @end smallexample
34697
34698 Set terminal for future runs of the program being debugged.
34699
34700 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
34701
34702 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set inferior-tty} /dev/pts/1.
34703
34704 @subheading Example
34705
34706 @smallexample
34707 (gdb)
34708 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
34709 ^done
34710 (gdb)
34711 @end smallexample
34712
34713 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-show} Command
34714 @findex -inferior-tty-show
34715
34716 @subheading Synopsis
34717
34718 @smallexample
34719 -inferior-tty-show
34720 @end smallexample
34721
34722 Show terminal for future runs of program being debugged.
34723
34724 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
34725
34726 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show inferior-tty}.
34727
34728 @subheading Example
34729
34730 @smallexample
34731 (gdb)
34732 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
34733 ^done
34734 (gdb)
34735 -inferior-tty-show
34736 ^done,inferior_tty_terminal="/dev/pts/1"
34737 (gdb)
34738 @end smallexample
34739
34740 @subheading The @code{-enable-timings} Command
34741 @findex -enable-timings
34742
34743 @subheading Synopsis
34744
34745 @smallexample
34746 -enable-timings [yes | no]
34747 @end smallexample
34748
34749 Toggle the printing of the wallclock, user and system times for an MI
34750 command as a field in its output. This command is to help frontend
34751 developers optimize the performance of their code. No argument is
34752 equivalent to @samp{yes}.
34753
34754 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
34755
34756 No equivalent.
34757
34758 @subheading Example
34759
34760 @smallexample
34761 (gdb)
34762 -enable-timings
34763 ^done
34764 (gdb)
34765 -break-insert main
34766 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
34767 addr="0x080484ed",func="main",file="myprog.c",
34768 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73",thread-groups=["i1"],
34769 times="0"@},
34770 time=@{wallclock="0.05185",user="0.00800",system="0.00000"@}
34771 (gdb)
34772 -enable-timings no
34773 ^done
34774 (gdb)
34775 -exec-run
34776 ^running
34777 (gdb)
34778 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
34779 frame=@{addr="0x080484ed",func="main",args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},
34780 @{name="argv",value="0xbfb60364"@}],file="myprog.c",
34781 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73"@}
34782 (gdb)
34783 @end smallexample
34784
34785 @node Annotations
34786 @chapter @value{GDBN} Annotations
34787
34788 This chapter describes annotations in @value{GDBN}. Annotations were
34789 designed to interface @value{GDBN} to graphical user interfaces or other
34790 similar programs which want to interact with @value{GDBN} at a
34791 relatively high level.
34792
34793 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
34794 (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
34795
34796 @ignore
34797 This is Edition @value{EDITION}, @value{DATE}.
34798 @end ignore
34799
34800 @menu
34801 * Annotations Overview:: What annotations are; the general syntax.
34802 * Server Prefix:: Issuing a command without affecting user state.
34803 * Prompting:: Annotations marking @value{GDBN}'s need for input.
34804 * Errors:: Annotations for error messages.
34805 * Invalidation:: Some annotations describe things now invalid.
34806 * Annotations for Running::
34807 Whether the program is running, how it stopped, etc.
34808 * Source Annotations:: Annotations describing source code.
34809 @end menu
34810
34811 @node Annotations Overview
34812 @section What is an Annotation?
34813 @cindex annotations
34814
34815 Annotations start with a newline character, two @samp{control-z}
34816 characters, and the name of the annotation. If there is no additional
34817 information associated with this annotation, the name of the annotation
34818 is followed immediately by a newline. If there is additional
34819 information, the name of the annotation is followed by a space, the
34820 additional information, and a newline. The additional information
34821 cannot contain newline characters.
34822
34823 Any output not beginning with a newline and two @samp{control-z}
34824 characters denotes literal output from @value{GDBN}. Currently there is
34825 no need for @value{GDBN} to output a newline followed by two
34826 @samp{control-z} characters, but if there was such a need, the
34827 annotations could be extended with an @samp{escape} annotation which
34828 means those three characters as output.
34829
34830 The annotation @var{level}, which is specified using the
34831 @option{--annotate} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}), controls
34832 how much information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt,
34833 values of expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0
34834 is for no annotations, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a
34835 subprocess of @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable
34836 for programs that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 annotations have
34837 been made obsolete (@pxref{Limitations, , Limitations of the Annotation
34838 Interface, annotate, GDB's Obsolete Annotations}).
34839
34840 @table @code
34841 @kindex set annotate
34842 @item set annotate @var{level}
34843 The @value{GDBN} command @code{set annotate} sets the level of
34844 annotations to the specified @var{level}.
34845
34846 @item show annotate
34847 @kindex show annotate
34848 Show the current annotation level.
34849 @end table
34850
34851 This chapter describes level 3 annotations.
34852
34853 A simple example of starting up @value{GDBN} with annotations is:
34854
34855 @smallexample
34856 $ @kbd{gdb --annotate=3}
34857 GNU gdb 6.0
34858 Copyright 2003 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
34859 GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License,
34860 and you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it
34861 under certain conditions.
34862 Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
34863 There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty"
34864 for details.
34865 This GDB was configured as "i386-pc-linux-gnu"
34866
34867 ^Z^Zpre-prompt
34868 (@value{GDBP})
34869 ^Z^Zprompt
34870 @kbd{quit}
34871
34872 ^Z^Zpost-prompt
34873 $
34874 @end smallexample
34875
34876 Here @samp{quit} is input to @value{GDBN}; the rest is output from
34877 @value{GDBN}. The three lines beginning @samp{^Z^Z} (where @samp{^Z}
34878 denotes a @samp{control-z} character) are annotations; the rest is
34879 output from @value{GDBN}.
34880
34881 @node Server Prefix
34882 @section The Server Prefix
34883 @cindex server prefix
34884
34885 If you prefix a command with @samp{server } then it will not affect
34886 the command history, nor will it affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which
34887 command to repeat if @key{RET} is pressed on a line by itself. This
34888 means that commands can be run behind a user's back by a front-end in
34889 a transparent manner.
34890
34891 The @code{server } prefix does not affect the recording of values into
34892 the value history; to print a value without recording it into the
34893 value history, use the @code{output} command instead of the
34894 @code{print} command.
34895
34896 Using this prefix also disables confirmation requests
34897 (@pxref{confirmation requests}).
34898
34899 @node Prompting
34900 @section Annotation for @value{GDBN} Input
34901
34902 @cindex annotations for prompts
34903 When @value{GDBN} prompts for input, it annotates this fact so it is possible
34904 to know when to send output, when the output from a given command is
34905 over, etc.
34906
34907 Different kinds of input each have a different @dfn{input type}. Each
34908 input type has three annotations: a @code{pre-} annotation, which
34909 denotes the beginning of any prompt which is being output, a plain
34910 annotation, which denotes the end of the prompt, and then a @code{post-}
34911 annotation which denotes the end of any echo which may (or may not) be
34912 associated with the input. For example, the @code{prompt} input type
34913 features the following annotations:
34914
34915 @smallexample
34916 ^Z^Zpre-prompt
34917 ^Z^Zprompt
34918 ^Z^Zpost-prompt
34919 @end smallexample
34920
34921 The input types are
34922
34923 @table @code
34924 @findex pre-prompt annotation
34925 @findex prompt annotation
34926 @findex post-prompt annotation
34927 @item prompt
34928 When @value{GDBN} is prompting for a command (the main @value{GDBN} prompt).
34929
34930 @findex pre-commands annotation
34931 @findex commands annotation
34932 @findex post-commands annotation
34933 @item commands
34934 When @value{GDBN} prompts for a set of commands, like in the @code{commands}
34935 command. The annotations are repeated for each command which is input.
34936
34937 @findex pre-overload-choice annotation
34938 @findex overload-choice annotation
34939 @findex post-overload-choice annotation
34940 @item overload-choice
34941 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to select between various overloaded functions.
34942
34943 @findex pre-query annotation
34944 @findex query annotation
34945 @findex post-query annotation
34946 @item query
34947 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to confirm a potentially dangerous operation.
34948
34949 @findex pre-prompt-for-continue annotation
34950 @findex prompt-for-continue annotation
34951 @findex post-prompt-for-continue annotation
34952 @item prompt-for-continue
34953 When @value{GDBN} is asking the user to press return to continue. Note: Don't
34954 expect this to work well; instead use @code{set height 0} to disable
34955 prompting. This is because the counting of lines is buggy in the
34956 presence of annotations.
34957 @end table
34958
34959 @node Errors
34960 @section Errors
34961 @cindex annotations for errors, warnings and interrupts
34962
34963 @findex quit annotation
34964 @smallexample
34965 ^Z^Zquit
34966 @end smallexample
34967
34968 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an interrupt.
34969
34970 @findex error annotation
34971 @smallexample
34972 ^Z^Zerror
34973 @end smallexample
34974
34975 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an error.
34976
34977 Quit and error annotations indicate that any annotations which @value{GDBN} was
34978 in the middle of may end abruptly. For example, if a
34979 @code{value-history-begin} annotation is followed by a @code{error}, one
34980 cannot expect to receive the matching @code{value-history-end}. One
34981 cannot expect not to receive it either, however; an error annotation
34982 does not necessarily mean that @value{GDBN} is immediately returning all the way
34983 to the top level.
34984
34985 @findex error-begin annotation
34986 A quit or error annotation may be preceded by
34987
34988 @smallexample
34989 ^Z^Zerror-begin
34990 @end smallexample
34991
34992 Any output between that and the quit or error annotation is the error
34993 message.
34994
34995 Warning messages are not yet annotated.
34996 @c If we want to change that, need to fix warning(), type_error(),
34997 @c range_error(), and possibly other places.
34998
34999 @node Invalidation
35000 @section Invalidation Notices
35001
35002 @cindex annotations for invalidation messages
35003 The following annotations say that certain pieces of state may have
35004 changed.
35005
35006 @table @code
35007 @findex frames-invalid annotation
35008 @item ^Z^Zframes-invalid
35009
35010 The frames (for example, output from the @code{backtrace} command) may
35011 have changed.
35012
35013 @findex breakpoints-invalid annotation
35014 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoints-invalid
35015
35016 The breakpoints may have changed. For example, the user just added or
35017 deleted a breakpoint.
35018 @end table
35019
35020 @node Annotations for Running
35021 @section Running the Program
35022 @cindex annotations for running programs
35023
35024 @findex starting annotation
35025 @findex stopping annotation
35026 When the program starts executing due to a @value{GDBN} command such as
35027 @code{step} or @code{continue},
35028
35029 @smallexample
35030 ^Z^Zstarting
35031 @end smallexample
35032
35033 is output. When the program stops,
35034
35035 @smallexample
35036 ^Z^Zstopped
35037 @end smallexample
35038
35039 is output. Before the @code{stopped} annotation, a variety of
35040 annotations describe how the program stopped.
35041
35042 @table @code
35043 @findex exited annotation
35044 @item ^Z^Zexited @var{exit-status}
35045 The program exited, and @var{exit-status} is the exit status (zero for
35046 successful exit, otherwise nonzero).
35047
35048 @findex signalled annotation
35049 @findex signal-name annotation
35050 @findex signal-name-end annotation
35051 @findex signal-string annotation
35052 @findex signal-string-end annotation
35053 @item ^Z^Zsignalled
35054 The program exited with a signal. After the @code{^Z^Zsignalled}, the
35055 annotation continues:
35056
35057 @smallexample
35058 @var{intro-text}
35059 ^Z^Zsignal-name
35060 @var{name}
35061 ^Z^Zsignal-name-end
35062 @var{middle-text}
35063 ^Z^Zsignal-string
35064 @var{string}
35065 ^Z^Zsignal-string-end
35066 @var{end-text}
35067 @end smallexample
35068
35069 @noindent
35070 where @var{name} is the name of the signal, such as @code{SIGILL} or
35071 @code{SIGSEGV}, and @var{string} is the explanation of the signal, such
35072 as @code{Illegal Instruction} or @code{Segmentation fault}.
35073 @var{intro-text}, @var{middle-text}, and @var{end-text} are for the
35074 user's benefit and have no particular format.
35075
35076 @findex signal annotation
35077 @item ^Z^Zsignal
35078 The syntax of this annotation is just like @code{signalled}, but @value{GDBN} is
35079 just saying that the program received the signal, not that it was
35080 terminated with it.
35081
35082 @findex breakpoint annotation
35083 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoint @var{number}
35084 The program hit breakpoint number @var{number}.
35085
35086 @findex watchpoint annotation
35087 @item ^Z^Zwatchpoint @var{number}
35088 The program hit watchpoint number @var{number}.
35089 @end table
35090
35091 @node Source Annotations
35092 @section Displaying Source
35093 @cindex annotations for source display
35094
35095 @findex source annotation
35096 The following annotation is used instead of displaying source code:
35097
35098 @smallexample
35099 ^Z^Zsource @var{filename}:@var{line}:@var{character}:@var{middle}:@var{addr}
35100 @end smallexample
35101
35102 where @var{filename} is an absolute file name indicating which source
35103 file, @var{line} is the line number within that file (where 1 is the
35104 first line in the file), @var{character} is the character position
35105 within the file (where 0 is the first character in the file) (for most
35106 debug formats this will necessarily point to the beginning of a line),
35107 @var{middle} is @samp{middle} if @var{addr} is in the middle of the
35108 line, or @samp{beg} if @var{addr} is at the beginning of the line, and
35109 @var{addr} is the address in the target program associated with the
35110 source which is being displayed. @var{addr} is in the form @samp{0x}
35111 followed by one or more lowercase hex digits (note that this does not
35112 depend on the language).
35113
35114 @node JIT Interface
35115 @chapter JIT Compilation Interface
35116 @cindex just-in-time compilation
35117 @cindex JIT compilation interface
35118
35119 This chapter documents @value{GDBN}'s @dfn{just-in-time} (JIT) compilation
35120 interface. A JIT compiler is a program or library that generates native
35121 executable code at runtime and executes it, usually in order to achieve good
35122 performance while maintaining platform independence.
35123
35124 Programs that use JIT compilation are normally difficult to debug because
35125 portions of their code are generated at runtime, instead of being loaded from
35126 object files, which is where @value{GDBN} normally finds the program's symbols
35127 and debug information. In order to debug programs that use JIT compilation,
35128 @value{GDBN} has an interface that allows the program to register in-memory
35129 symbol files with @value{GDBN} at runtime.
35130
35131 If you are using @value{GDBN} to debug a program that uses this interface, then
35132 it should work transparently so long as you have not stripped the binary. If
35133 you are developing a JIT compiler, then the interface is documented in the rest
35134 of this chapter. At this time, the only known client of this interface is the
35135 LLVM JIT.
35136
35137 Broadly speaking, the JIT interface mirrors the dynamic loader interface. The
35138 JIT compiler communicates with @value{GDBN} by writing data into a global
35139 variable and calling a fuction at a well-known symbol. When @value{GDBN}
35140 attaches, it reads a linked list of symbol files from the global variable to
35141 find existing code, and puts a breakpoint in the function so that it can find
35142 out about additional code.
35143
35144 @menu
35145 * Declarations:: Relevant C struct declarations
35146 * Registering Code:: Steps to register code
35147 * Unregistering Code:: Steps to unregister code
35148 * Custom Debug Info:: Emit debug information in a custom format
35149 @end menu
35150
35151 @node Declarations
35152 @section JIT Declarations
35153
35154 These are the relevant struct declarations that a C program should include to
35155 implement the interface:
35156
35157 @smallexample
35158 typedef enum
35159 @{
35160 JIT_NOACTION = 0,
35161 JIT_REGISTER_FN,
35162 JIT_UNREGISTER_FN
35163 @} jit_actions_t;
35164
35165 struct jit_code_entry
35166 @{
35167 struct jit_code_entry *next_entry;
35168 struct jit_code_entry *prev_entry;
35169 const char *symfile_addr;
35170 uint64_t symfile_size;
35171 @};
35172
35173 struct jit_descriptor
35174 @{
35175 uint32_t version;
35176 /* This type should be jit_actions_t, but we use uint32_t
35177 to be explicit about the bitwidth. */
35178 uint32_t action_flag;
35179 struct jit_code_entry *relevant_entry;
35180 struct jit_code_entry *first_entry;
35181 @};
35182
35183 /* GDB puts a breakpoint in this function. */
35184 void __attribute__((noinline)) __jit_debug_register_code() @{ @};
35185
35186 /* Make sure to specify the version statically, because the
35187 debugger may check the version before we can set it. */
35188 struct jit_descriptor __jit_debug_descriptor = @{ 1, 0, 0, 0 @};
35189 @end smallexample
35190
35191 If the JIT is multi-threaded, then it is important that the JIT synchronize any
35192 modifications to this global data properly, which can easily be done by putting
35193 a global mutex around modifications to these structures.
35194
35195 @node Registering Code
35196 @section Registering Code
35197
35198 To register code with @value{GDBN}, the JIT should follow this protocol:
35199
35200 @itemize @bullet
35201 @item
35202 Generate an object file in memory with symbols and other desired debug
35203 information. The file must include the virtual addresses of the sections.
35204
35205 @item
35206 Create a code entry for the file, which gives the start and size of the symbol
35207 file.
35208
35209 @item
35210 Add it to the linked list in the JIT descriptor.
35211
35212 @item
35213 Point the relevant_entry field of the descriptor at the entry.
35214
35215 @item
35216 Set @code{action_flag} to @code{JIT_REGISTER} and call
35217 @code{__jit_debug_register_code}.
35218 @end itemize
35219
35220 When @value{GDBN} is attached and the breakpoint fires, @value{GDBN} uses the
35221 @code{relevant_entry} pointer so it doesn't have to walk the list looking for
35222 new code. However, the linked list must still be maintained in order to allow
35223 @value{GDBN} to attach to a running process and still find the symbol files.
35224
35225 @node Unregistering Code
35226 @section Unregistering Code
35227
35228 If code is freed, then the JIT should use the following protocol:
35229
35230 @itemize @bullet
35231 @item
35232 Remove the code entry corresponding to the code from the linked list.
35233
35234 @item
35235 Point the @code{relevant_entry} field of the descriptor at the code entry.
35236
35237 @item
35238 Set @code{action_flag} to @code{JIT_UNREGISTER} and call
35239 @code{__jit_debug_register_code}.
35240 @end itemize
35241
35242 If the JIT frees or recompiles code without unregistering it, then @value{GDBN}
35243 and the JIT will leak the memory used for the associated symbol files.
35244
35245 @node Custom Debug Info
35246 @section Custom Debug Info
35247 @cindex custom JIT debug info
35248 @cindex JIT debug info reader
35249
35250 Generating debug information in platform-native file formats (like ELF
35251 or COFF) may be an overkill for JIT compilers; especially if all the
35252 debug info is used for is displaying a meaningful backtrace. The
35253 issue can be resolved by having the JIT writers decide on a debug info
35254 format and also provide a reader that parses the debug info generated
35255 by the JIT compiler. This section gives a brief overview on writing
35256 such a parser. More specific details can be found in the source file
35257 @file{gdb/jit-reader.in}, which is also installed as a header at
35258 @file{@var{includedir}/gdb/jit-reader.h} for easy inclusion.
35259
35260 The reader is implemented as a shared object (so this functionality is
35261 not available on platforms which don't allow loading shared objects at
35262 runtime). Two @value{GDBN} commands, @code{jit-reader-load} and
35263 @code{jit-reader-unload} are provided, to be used to load and unload
35264 the readers from a preconfigured directory. Once loaded, the shared
35265 object is used the parse the debug information emitted by the JIT
35266 compiler.
35267
35268 @menu
35269 * Using JIT Debug Info Readers:: How to use supplied readers correctly
35270 * Writing JIT Debug Info Readers:: Creating a debug-info reader
35271 @end menu
35272
35273 @node Using JIT Debug Info Readers
35274 @subsection Using JIT Debug Info Readers
35275 @kindex jit-reader-load
35276 @kindex jit-reader-unload
35277
35278 Readers can be loaded and unloaded using the @code{jit-reader-load}
35279 and @code{jit-reader-unload} commands.
35280
35281 @table @code
35282 @item jit-reader-load @var{reader}
35283 Load the JIT reader named @var{reader}. @var{reader} is a shared
35284 object specified as either an absolute or a relative file name. In
35285 the latter case, @value{GDBN} will try to load the reader from a
35286 pre-configured directory, usually @file{@var{libdir}/gdb/} on a UNIX
35287 system (here @var{libdir} is the system library directory, often
35288 @file{/usr/local/lib}).
35289
35290 Only one reader can be active at a time; trying to load a second
35291 reader when one is already loaded will result in @value{GDBN}
35292 reporting an error. A new JIT reader can be loaded by first unloading
35293 the current one using @code{jit-reader-unload} and then invoking
35294 @code{jit-reader-load}.
35295
35296 @item jit-reader-unload
35297 Unload the currently loaded JIT reader.
35298
35299 @end table
35300
35301 @node Writing JIT Debug Info Readers
35302 @subsection Writing JIT Debug Info Readers
35303 @cindex writing JIT debug info readers
35304
35305 As mentioned, a reader is essentially a shared object conforming to a
35306 certain ABI. This ABI is described in @file{jit-reader.h}.
35307
35308 @file{jit-reader.h} defines the structures, macros and functions
35309 required to write a reader. It is installed (along with
35310 @value{GDBN}), in @file{@var{includedir}/gdb} where @var{includedir} is
35311 the system include directory.
35312
35313 Readers need to be released under a GPL compatible license. A reader
35314 can be declared as released under such a license by placing the macro
35315 @code{GDB_DECLARE_GPL_COMPATIBLE_READER} in a source file.
35316
35317 The entry point for readers is the symbol @code{gdb_init_reader},
35318 which is expected to be a function with the prototype
35319
35320 @findex gdb_init_reader
35321 @smallexample
35322 extern struct gdb_reader_funcs *gdb_init_reader (void);
35323 @end smallexample
35324
35325 @cindex @code{struct gdb_reader_funcs}
35326
35327 @code{struct gdb_reader_funcs} contains a set of pointers to callback
35328 functions. These functions are executed to read the debug info
35329 generated by the JIT compiler (@code{read}), to unwind stack frames
35330 (@code{unwind}) and to create canonical frame IDs
35331 (@code{get_Frame_id}). It also has a callback that is called when the
35332 reader is being unloaded (@code{destroy}). The struct looks like this
35333
35334 @smallexample
35335 struct gdb_reader_funcs
35336 @{
35337 /* Must be set to GDB_READER_INTERFACE_VERSION. */
35338 int reader_version;
35339
35340 /* For use by the reader. */
35341 void *priv_data;
35342
35343 gdb_read_debug_info *read;
35344 gdb_unwind_frame *unwind;
35345 gdb_get_frame_id *get_frame_id;
35346 gdb_destroy_reader *destroy;
35347 @};
35348 @end smallexample
35349
35350 @cindex @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks}
35351 @cindex @code{struct gdb_unwind_callbacks}
35352
35353 The callbacks are provided with another set of callbacks by
35354 @value{GDBN} to do their job. For @code{read}, these callbacks are
35355 passed in a @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks} and for @code{unwind}
35356 and @code{get_frame_id}, in a @code{struct gdb_unwind_callbacks}.
35357 @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks} has callbacks to create new object
35358 files and new symbol tables inside those object files. @code{struct
35359 gdb_unwind_callbacks} has callbacks to read registers off the current
35360 frame and to write out the values of the registers in the previous
35361 frame. Both have a callback (@code{target_read}) to read bytes off the
35362 target's address space.
35363
35364 @node In-Process Agent
35365 @chapter In-Process Agent
35366 @cindex debugging agent
35367 The traditional debugging model is conceptually low-speed, but works fine,
35368 because most bugs can be reproduced in debugging-mode execution. However,
35369 as multi-core or many-core processors are becoming mainstream, and
35370 multi-threaded programs become more and more popular, there should be more
35371 and more bugs that only manifest themselves at normal-mode execution, for
35372 example, thread races, because debugger's interference with the program's
35373 timing may conceal the bugs. On the other hand, in some applications,
35374 it is not feasible for the debugger to interrupt the program's execution
35375 long enough for the developer to learn anything helpful about its behavior.
35376 If the program's correctness depends on its real-time behavior, delays
35377 introduced by a debugger might cause the program to fail, even when the
35378 code itself is correct. It is useful to be able to observe the program's
35379 behavior without interrupting it.
35380
35381 Therefore, traditional debugging model is too intrusive to reproduce
35382 some bugs. In order to reduce the interference with the program, we can
35383 reduce the number of operations performed by debugger. The
35384 @dfn{In-Process Agent}, a shared library, is running within the same
35385 process with inferior, and is able to perform some debugging operations
35386 itself. As a result, debugger is only involved when necessary, and
35387 performance of debugging can be improved accordingly. Note that
35388 interference with program can be reduced but can't be removed completely,
35389 because the in-process agent will still stop or slow down the program.
35390
35391 The in-process agent can interpret and execute Agent Expressions
35392 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}) during performing debugging operations. The
35393 agent expressions can be used for different purposes, such as collecting
35394 data in tracepoints, and condition evaluation in breakpoints.
35395
35396 @anchor{Control Agent}
35397 You can control whether the in-process agent is used as an aid for
35398 debugging with the following commands:
35399
35400 @table @code
35401 @kindex set agent on
35402 @item set agent on
35403 Causes the in-process agent to perform some operations on behalf of the
35404 debugger. Just which operations requested by the user will be done
35405 by the in-process agent depends on the its capabilities. For example,
35406 if you request to evaluate breakpoint conditions in the in-process agent,
35407 and the in-process agent has such capability as well, then breakpoint
35408 conditions will be evaluated in the in-process agent.
35409
35410 @kindex set agent off
35411 @item set agent off
35412 Disables execution of debugging operations by the in-process agent. All
35413 of the operations will be performed by @value{GDBN}.
35414
35415 @kindex show agent
35416 @item show agent
35417 Display the current setting of execution of debugging operations by
35418 the in-process agent.
35419 @end table
35420
35421 @menu
35422 * In-Process Agent Protocol::
35423 @end menu
35424
35425 @node In-Process Agent Protocol
35426 @section In-Process Agent Protocol
35427 @cindex in-process agent protocol
35428
35429 The in-process agent is able to communicate with both @value{GDBN} and
35430 GDBserver (@pxref{In-Process Agent}). This section documents the protocol
35431 used for communications between @value{GDBN} or GDBserver and the IPA.
35432 In general, @value{GDBN} or GDBserver sends commands
35433 (@pxref{IPA Protocol Commands}) and data to in-process agent, and then
35434 in-process agent replies back with the return result of the command, or
35435 some other information. The data sent to in-process agent is composed
35436 of primitive data types, such as 4-byte or 8-byte type, and composite
35437 types, which are called objects (@pxref{IPA Protocol Objects}).
35438
35439 @menu
35440 * IPA Protocol Objects::
35441 * IPA Protocol Commands::
35442 @end menu
35443
35444 @node IPA Protocol Objects
35445 @subsection IPA Protocol Objects
35446 @cindex ipa protocol objects
35447
35448 The commands sent to and results received from agent may contain some
35449 complex data types called @dfn{objects}.
35450
35451 The in-process agent is running on the same machine with @value{GDBN}
35452 or GDBserver, so it doesn't have to handle as much differences between
35453 two ends as remote protocol (@pxref{Remote Protocol}) tries to handle.
35454 However, there are still some differences of two ends in two processes:
35455
35456 @enumerate
35457 @item
35458 word size. On some 64-bit machines, @value{GDBN} or GDBserver can be
35459 compiled as a 64-bit executable, while in-process agent is a 32-bit one.
35460 @item
35461 ABI. Some machines may have multiple types of ABI, @value{GDBN} or
35462 GDBserver is compiled with one, and in-process agent is compiled with
35463 the other one.
35464 @end enumerate
35465
35466 Here are the IPA Protocol Objects:
35467
35468 @enumerate
35469 @item
35470 agent expression object. It represents an agent expression
35471 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}).
35472 @anchor{agent expression object}
35473 @item
35474 tracepoint action object. It represents a tracepoint action
35475 (@pxref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}) to collect registers,
35476 memory, static trace data and to evaluate expression.
35477 @anchor{tracepoint action object}
35478 @item
35479 tracepoint object. It represents a tracepoint (@pxref{Tracepoints}).
35480 @anchor{tracepoint object}
35481
35482 @end enumerate
35483
35484 The following table describes important attributes of each IPA protocol
35485 object:
35486
35487 @multitable @columnfractions .30 .20 .50
35488 @headitem Name @tab Size @tab Description
35489 @item @emph{agent expression object} @tab @tab
35490 @item length @tab 4 @tab length of bytes code
35491 @item byte code @tab @var{length} @tab contents of byte code
35492 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting memory} @tab @tab
35493 @item 'M' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
35494 @item addr @tab 8 @tab if @var{basereg} is @samp{-1}, @var{addr} is the
35495 address of the lowest byte to collect, otherwise @var{addr} is the offset
35496 of @var{basereg} for memory collecting.
35497 @item len @tab 8 @tab length of memory for collecting
35498 @item basereg @tab 4 @tab the register number containing the starting
35499 memory address for collecting.
35500 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting registers} @tab @tab
35501 @item 'R' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
35502 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting static trace data} @tab @tab
35503 @item 'L' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
35504 @item @emph{tracepoint action for expression evaluation} @tab @tab
35505 @item 'X' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
35506 @item agent expression @tab length of @tab @ref{agent expression object}
35507 @item @emph{tracepoint object} @tab @tab
35508 @item number @tab 4 @tab number of tracepoint
35509 @item address @tab 8 @tab address of tracepoint inserted on
35510 @item type @tab 4 @tab type of tracepoint
35511 @item enabled @tab 1 @tab enable or disable of tracepoint
35512 @item step_count @tab 8 @tab step
35513 @item pass_count @tab 8 @tab pass
35514 @item numactions @tab 4 @tab number of tracepoint actions
35515 @item hit count @tab 8 @tab hit count
35516 @item trace frame usage @tab 8 @tab trace frame usage
35517 @item compiled_cond @tab 8 @tab compiled condition
35518 @item orig_size @tab 8 @tab orig size
35519 @item condition @tab 4 if condition is NULL otherwise length of
35520 @ref{agent expression object}
35521 @tab zero if condition is NULL, otherwise is
35522 @ref{agent expression object}
35523 @item actions @tab variable
35524 @tab numactions number of @ref{tracepoint action object}
35525 @end multitable
35526
35527 @node IPA Protocol Commands
35528 @subsection IPA Protocol Commands
35529 @cindex ipa protocol commands
35530
35531 The spaces in each command are delimiters to ease reading this commands
35532 specification. They don't exist in real commands.
35533
35534 @table @samp
35535
35536 @item FastTrace:@var{tracepoint_object} @var{gdb_jump_pad_head}
35537 Installs a new fast tracepoint described by @var{tracepoint_object}
35538 (@pxref{tracepoint object}). @var{gdb_jump_pad_head}, 8-byte long, is the
35539 head of @dfn{jumppad}, which is used to jump to data collection routine
35540 in IPA finally.
35541
35542 Replies:
35543 @table @samp
35544 @item OK @var{target_address} @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} @var{fjump_size} @var{fjump}
35545 @var{target_address} is address of tracepoint in the inferior.
35546 @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} is updated head of jumppad. Both of
35547 @var{target_address} and @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} are 8-byte long.
35548 @var{fjump} contains a sequence of instructions jump to jumppad entry.
35549 @var{fjump_size}, 4-byte long, is the size of @var{fjump}.
35550 @item E @var{NN}
35551 for an error
35552
35553 @end table
35554
35555 @item close
35556 Closes the in-process agent. This command is sent when @value{GDBN} or GDBserver
35557 is about to kill inferiors.
35558
35559 @item qTfSTM
35560 @xref{qTfSTM}.
35561 @item qTsSTM
35562 @xref{qTsSTM}.
35563 @item qTSTMat
35564 @xref{qTSTMat}.
35565 @item probe_marker_at:@var{address}
35566 Asks in-process agent to probe the marker at @var{address}.
35567
35568 Replies:
35569 @table @samp
35570 @item E @var{NN}
35571 for an error
35572 @end table
35573 @item unprobe_marker_at:@var{address}
35574 Asks in-process agent to unprobe the marker at @var{address}.
35575 @end table
35576
35577 @node GDB Bugs
35578 @chapter Reporting Bugs in @value{GDBN}
35579 @cindex bugs in @value{GDBN}
35580 @cindex reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
35581
35582 Your bug reports play an essential role in making @value{GDBN} reliable.
35583
35584 Reporting a bug may help you by bringing a solution to your problem, or it
35585 may not. But in any case the principal function of a bug report is to help
35586 the entire community by making the next version of @value{GDBN} work better. Bug
35587 reports are your contribution to the maintenance of @value{GDBN}.
35588
35589 In order for a bug report to serve its purpose, you must include the
35590 information that enables us to fix the bug.
35591
35592 @menu
35593 * Bug Criteria:: Have you found a bug?
35594 * Bug Reporting:: How to report bugs
35595 @end menu
35596
35597 @node Bug Criteria
35598 @section Have You Found a Bug?
35599 @cindex bug criteria
35600
35601 If you are not sure whether you have found a bug, here are some guidelines:
35602
35603 @itemize @bullet
35604 @cindex fatal signal
35605 @cindex debugger crash
35606 @cindex crash of debugger
35607 @item
35608 If the debugger gets a fatal signal, for any input whatever, that is a
35609 @value{GDBN} bug. Reliable debuggers never crash.
35610
35611 @cindex error on valid input
35612 @item
35613 If @value{GDBN} produces an error message for valid input, that is a
35614 bug. (Note that if you're cross debugging, the problem may also be
35615 somewhere in the connection to the target.)
35616
35617 @cindex invalid input
35618 @item
35619 If @value{GDBN} does not produce an error message for invalid input,
35620 that is a bug. However, you should note that your idea of
35621 ``invalid input'' might be our idea of ``an extension'' or ``support
35622 for traditional practice''.
35623
35624 @item
35625 If you are an experienced user of debugging tools, your suggestions
35626 for improvement of @value{GDBN} are welcome in any case.
35627 @end itemize
35628
35629 @node Bug Reporting
35630 @section How to Report Bugs
35631 @cindex bug reports
35632 @cindex @value{GDBN} bugs, reporting
35633
35634 A number of companies and individuals offer support for @sc{gnu} products.
35635 If you obtained @value{GDBN} from a support organization, we recommend you
35636 contact that organization first.
35637
35638 You can find contact information for many support companies and
35639 individuals in the file @file{etc/SERVICE} in the @sc{gnu} Emacs
35640 distribution.
35641 @c should add a web page ref...
35642
35643 @ifset BUGURL
35644 @ifset BUGURL_DEFAULT
35645 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
35646 @value{GDBN}. The preferred method is to submit them directly using
35647 @uref{http://www.gnu.org/software/gdb/bugs/, @value{GDBN}'s Bugs web
35648 page}. Alternatively, the @email{bug-gdb@@gnu.org, e-mail gateway} can
35649 be used.
35650
35651 @strong{Do not send bug reports to @samp{info-gdb}, or to
35652 @samp{help-gdb}, or to any newsgroups.} Most users of @value{GDBN} do
35653 not want to receive bug reports. Those that do have arranged to receive
35654 @samp{bug-gdb}.
35655
35656 The mailing list @samp{bug-gdb} has a newsgroup @samp{gnu.gdb.bug} which
35657 serves as a repeater. The mailing list and the newsgroup carry exactly
35658 the same messages. Often people think of posting bug reports to the
35659 newsgroup instead of mailing them. This appears to work, but it has one
35660 problem which can be crucial: a newsgroup posting often lacks a mail
35661 path back to the sender. Thus, if we need to ask for more information,
35662 we may be unable to reach you. For this reason, it is better to send
35663 bug reports to the mailing list.
35664 @end ifset
35665 @ifclear BUGURL_DEFAULT
35666 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
35667 @value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.
35668 @end ifclear
35669 @end ifset
35670
35671 The fundamental principle of reporting bugs usefully is this:
35672 @strong{report all the facts}. If you are not sure whether to state a
35673 fact or leave it out, state it!
35674
35675 Often people omit facts because they think they know what causes the
35676 problem and assume that some details do not matter. Thus, you might
35677 assume that the name of the variable you use in an example does not matter.
35678 Well, probably it does not, but one cannot be sure. Perhaps the bug is a
35679 stray memory reference which happens to fetch from the location where that
35680 name is stored in memory; perhaps, if the name were different, the contents
35681 of that location would fool the debugger into doing the right thing despite
35682 the bug. Play it safe and give a specific, complete example. That is the
35683 easiest thing for you to do, and the most helpful.
35684
35685 Keep in mind that the purpose of a bug report is to enable us to fix the
35686 bug. It may be that the bug has been reported previously, but neither
35687 you nor we can know that unless your bug report is complete and
35688 self-contained.
35689
35690 Sometimes people give a few sketchy facts and ask, ``Does this ring a
35691 bell?'' Those bug reports are useless, and we urge everyone to
35692 @emph{refuse to respond to them} except to chide the sender to report
35693 bugs properly.
35694
35695 To enable us to fix the bug, you should include all these things:
35696
35697 @itemize @bullet
35698 @item
35699 The version of @value{GDBN}. @value{GDBN} announces it if you start
35700 with no arguments; you can also print it at any time using @code{show
35701 version}.
35702
35703 Without this, we will not know whether there is any point in looking for
35704 the bug in the current version of @value{GDBN}.
35705
35706 @item
35707 The type of machine you are using, and the operating system name and
35708 version number.
35709
35710 @item
35711 The details of the @value{GDBN} build-time configuration.
35712 @value{GDBN} shows these details if you invoke it with the
35713 @option{--configuration} command-line option, or if you type
35714 @code{show configuration} at @value{GDBN}'s prompt.
35715
35716 @item
35717 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile @value{GDBN}---e.g.@:
35718 ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1''.
35719
35720 @item
35721 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile the program you are
35722 debugging---e.g.@: ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1'', or ``HP92453-01 A.10.32.03 HP
35723 C Compiler''. For @value{NGCC}, you can say @kbd{@value{GCC} --version}
35724 to get this information; for other compilers, see the documentation for
35725 those compilers.
35726
35727 @item
35728 The command arguments you gave the compiler to compile your example and
35729 observe the bug. For example, did you use @samp{-O}? To guarantee
35730 you will not omit something important, list them all. A copy of the
35731 Makefile (or the output from make) is sufficient.
35732
35733 If we were to try to guess the arguments, we would probably guess wrong
35734 and then we might not encounter the bug.
35735
35736 @item
35737 A complete input script, and all necessary source files, that will
35738 reproduce the bug.
35739
35740 @item
35741 A description of what behavior you observe that you believe is
35742 incorrect. For example, ``It gets a fatal signal.''
35743
35744 Of course, if the bug is that @value{GDBN} gets a fatal signal, then we
35745 will certainly notice it. But if the bug is incorrect output, we might
35746 not notice unless it is glaringly wrong. You might as well not give us
35747 a chance to make a mistake.
35748
35749 Even if the problem you experience is a fatal signal, you should still
35750 say so explicitly. Suppose something strange is going on, such as, your
35751 copy of @value{GDBN} is out of synch, or you have encountered a bug in
35752 the C library on your system. (This has happened!) Your copy might
35753 crash and ours would not. If you told us to expect a crash, then when
35754 ours fails to crash, we would know that the bug was not happening for
35755 us. If you had not told us to expect a crash, then we would not be able
35756 to draw any conclusion from our observations.
35757
35758 @pindex script
35759 @cindex recording a session script
35760 To collect all this information, you can use a session recording program
35761 such as @command{script}, which is available on many Unix systems.
35762 Just run your @value{GDBN} session inside @command{script} and then
35763 include the @file{typescript} file with your bug report.
35764
35765 Another way to record a @value{GDBN} session is to run @value{GDBN}
35766 inside Emacs and then save the entire buffer to a file.
35767
35768 @item
35769 If you wish to suggest changes to the @value{GDBN} source, send us context
35770 diffs. If you even discuss something in the @value{GDBN} source, refer to
35771 it by context, not by line number.
35772
35773 The line numbers in our development sources will not match those in your
35774 sources. Your line numbers would convey no useful information to us.
35775
35776 @end itemize
35777
35778 Here are some things that are not necessary:
35779
35780 @itemize @bullet
35781 @item
35782 A description of the envelope of the bug.
35783
35784 Often people who encounter a bug spend a lot of time investigating
35785 which changes to the input file will make the bug go away and which
35786 changes will not affect it.
35787
35788 This is often time consuming and not very useful, because the way we
35789 will find the bug is by running a single example under the debugger
35790 with breakpoints, not by pure deduction from a series of examples.
35791 We recommend that you save your time for something else.
35792
35793 Of course, if you can find a simpler example to report @emph{instead}
35794 of the original one, that is a convenience for us. Errors in the
35795 output will be easier to spot, running under the debugger will take
35796 less time, and so on.
35797
35798 However, simplification is not vital; if you do not want to do this,
35799 report the bug anyway and send us the entire test case you used.
35800
35801 @item
35802 A patch for the bug.
35803
35804 A patch for the bug does help us if it is a good one. But do not omit
35805 the necessary information, such as the test case, on the assumption that
35806 a patch is all we need. We might see problems with your patch and decide
35807 to fix the problem another way, or we might not understand it at all.
35808
35809 Sometimes with a program as complicated as @value{GDBN} it is very hard to
35810 construct an example that will make the program follow a certain path
35811 through the code. If you do not send us the example, we will not be able
35812 to construct one, so we will not be able to verify that the bug is fixed.
35813
35814 And if we cannot understand what bug you are trying to fix, or why your
35815 patch should be an improvement, we will not install it. A test case will
35816 help us to understand.
35817
35818 @item
35819 A guess about what the bug is or what it depends on.
35820
35821 Such guesses are usually wrong. Even we cannot guess right about such
35822 things without first using the debugger to find the facts.
35823 @end itemize
35824
35825 @c The readline documentation is distributed with the readline code
35826 @c and consists of the two following files:
35827 @c rluser.texi
35828 @c hsuser.texi
35829 @c Use -I with makeinfo to point to the appropriate directory,
35830 @c environment var TEXINPUTS with TeX.
35831 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
35832 @include rluser.texi
35833 @include hsuser.texi
35834 @end ifclear
35835
35836 @node In Memoriam
35837 @appendix In Memoriam
35838
35839 The @value{GDBN} project mourns the loss of the following long-time
35840 contributors:
35841
35842 @table @code
35843 @item Fred Fish
35844 Fred was a long-standing contributor to @value{GDBN} (1991-2006), and
35845 to Free Software in general. Outside of @value{GDBN}, he was known in
35846 the Amiga world for his series of Fish Disks, and the GeekGadget project.
35847
35848 @item Michael Snyder
35849 Michael was one of the Global Maintainers of the @value{GDBN} project,
35850 with contributions recorded as early as 1996, until 2011. In addition
35851 to his day to day participation, he was a large driving force behind
35852 adding Reverse Debugging to @value{GDBN}.
35853 @end table
35854
35855 Beyond their technical contributions to the project, they were also
35856 enjoyable members of the Free Software Community. We will miss them.
35857
35858 @node Formatting Documentation
35859 @appendix Formatting Documentation
35860
35861 @cindex @value{GDBN} reference card
35862 @cindex reference card
35863 The @value{GDBN} 4 release includes an already-formatted reference card, ready
35864 for printing with PostScript or Ghostscript, in the @file{gdb}
35865 subdirectory of the main source directory@footnote{In
35866 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/refcard.ps} of the version @value{GDBVN}
35867 release.}. If you can use PostScript or Ghostscript with your printer,
35868 you can print the reference card immediately with @file{refcard.ps}.
35869
35870 The release also includes the source for the reference card. You
35871 can format it, using @TeX{}, by typing:
35872
35873 @smallexample
35874 make refcard.dvi
35875 @end smallexample
35876
35877 The @value{GDBN} reference card is designed to print in @dfn{landscape}
35878 mode on US ``letter'' size paper;
35879 that is, on a sheet 11 inches wide by 8.5 inches
35880 high. You will need to specify this form of printing as an option to
35881 your @sc{dvi} output program.
35882
35883 @cindex documentation
35884
35885 All the documentation for @value{GDBN} comes as part of the machine-readable
35886 distribution. The documentation is written in Texinfo format, which is
35887 a documentation system that uses a single source file to produce both
35888 on-line information and a printed manual. You can use one of the Info
35889 formatting commands to create the on-line version of the documentation
35890 and @TeX{} (or @code{texi2roff}) to typeset the printed version.
35891
35892 @value{GDBN} includes an already formatted copy of the on-line Info
35893 version of this manual in the @file{gdb} subdirectory. The main Info
35894 file is @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/gdb.info}, and it refers to
35895 subordinate files matching @samp{gdb.info*} in the same directory. If
35896 necessary, you can print out these files, or read them with any editor;
35897 but they are easier to read using the @code{info} subsystem in @sc{gnu}
35898 Emacs or the standalone @code{info} program, available as part of the
35899 @sc{gnu} Texinfo distribution.
35900
35901 If you want to format these Info files yourself, you need one of the
35902 Info formatting programs, such as @code{texinfo-format-buffer} or
35903 @code{makeinfo}.
35904
35905 If you have @code{makeinfo} installed, and are in the top level
35906 @value{GDBN} source directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, in the case of
35907 version @value{GDBVN}), you can make the Info file by typing:
35908
35909 @smallexample
35910 cd gdb
35911 make gdb.info
35912 @end smallexample
35913
35914 If you want to typeset and print copies of this manual, you need @TeX{},
35915 a program to print its @sc{dvi} output files, and @file{texinfo.tex}, the
35916 Texinfo definitions file.
35917
35918 @TeX{} is a typesetting program; it does not print files directly, but
35919 produces output files called @sc{dvi} files. To print a typeset
35920 document, you need a program to print @sc{dvi} files. If your system
35921 has @TeX{} installed, chances are it has such a program. The precise
35922 command to use depends on your system; @kbd{lpr -d} is common; another
35923 (for PostScript devices) is @kbd{dvips}. The @sc{dvi} print command may
35924 require a file name without any extension or a @samp{.dvi} extension.
35925
35926 @TeX{} also requires a macro definitions file called
35927 @file{texinfo.tex}. This file tells @TeX{} how to typeset a document
35928 written in Texinfo format. On its own, @TeX{} cannot either read or
35929 typeset a Texinfo file. @file{texinfo.tex} is distributed with GDB
35930 and is located in the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}/texinfo}
35931 directory.
35932
35933 If you have @TeX{} and a @sc{dvi} printer program installed, you can
35934 typeset and print this manual. First switch to the @file{gdb}
35935 subdirectory of the main source directory (for example, to
35936 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb}) and type:
35937
35938 @smallexample
35939 make gdb.dvi
35940 @end smallexample
35941
35942 Then give @file{gdb.dvi} to your @sc{dvi} printing program.
35943
35944 @node Installing GDB
35945 @appendix Installing @value{GDBN}
35946 @cindex installation
35947
35948 @menu
35949 * Requirements:: Requirements for building @value{GDBN}
35950 * Running Configure:: Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} script
35951 * Separate Objdir:: Compiling @value{GDBN} in another directory
35952 * Config Names:: Specifying names for hosts and targets
35953 * Configure Options:: Summary of options for configure
35954 * System-wide configuration:: Having a system-wide init file
35955 @end menu
35956
35957 @node Requirements
35958 @section Requirements for Building @value{GDBN}
35959 @cindex building @value{GDBN}, requirements for
35960
35961 Building @value{GDBN} requires various tools and packages to be available.
35962 Other packages will be used only if they are found.
35963
35964 @heading Tools/Packages Necessary for Building @value{GDBN}
35965 @table @asis
35966 @item ISO C90 compiler
35967 @value{GDBN} is written in ISO C90. It should be buildable with any
35968 working C90 compiler, e.g.@: GCC.
35969
35970 @end table
35971
35972 @heading Tools/Packages Optional for Building @value{GDBN}
35973 @table @asis
35974 @item Expat
35975 @anchor{Expat}
35976 @value{GDBN} can use the Expat XML parsing library. This library may be
35977 included with your operating system distribution; if it is not, you
35978 can get the latest version from @url{http://expat.sourceforge.net}.
35979 The @file{configure} script will search for this library in several
35980 standard locations; if it is installed in an unusual path, you can
35981 use the @option{--with-libexpat-prefix} option to specify its location.
35982
35983 Expat is used for:
35984
35985 @itemize @bullet
35986 @item
35987 Remote protocol memory maps (@pxref{Memory Map Format})
35988 @item
35989 Target descriptions (@pxref{Target Descriptions})
35990 @item
35991 Remote shared library lists (@xref{Library List Format},
35992 or alternatively @pxref{Library List Format for SVR4 Targets})
35993 @item
35994 MS-Windows shared libraries (@pxref{Shared Libraries})
35995 @item
35996 Traceframe info (@pxref{Traceframe Info Format})
35997 @item
35998 Branch trace (@pxref{Branch Trace Format})
35999 @end itemize
36000
36001 @item zlib
36002 @cindex compressed debug sections
36003 @value{GDBN} will use the @samp{zlib} library, if available, to read
36004 compressed debug sections. Some linkers, such as GNU gold, are capable
36005 of producing binaries with compressed debug sections. If @value{GDBN}
36006 is compiled with @samp{zlib}, it will be able to read the debug
36007 information in such binaries.
36008
36009 The @samp{zlib} library is likely included with your operating system
36010 distribution; if it is not, you can get the latest version from
36011 @url{http://zlib.net}.
36012
36013 @item iconv
36014 @value{GDBN}'s features related to character sets (@pxref{Character
36015 Sets}) require a functioning @code{iconv} implementation. If you are
36016 on a GNU system, then this is provided by the GNU C Library. Some
36017 other systems also provide a working @code{iconv}.
36018
36019 If @value{GDBN} is using the @code{iconv} program which is installed
36020 in a non-standard place, you will need to tell @value{GDBN} where to find it.
36021 This is done with @option{--with-iconv-bin} which specifies the
36022 directory that contains the @code{iconv} program.
36023
36024 On systems without @code{iconv}, you can install GNU Libiconv. If you
36025 have previously installed Libiconv, you can use the
36026 @option{--with-libiconv-prefix} option to configure.
36027
36028 @value{GDBN}'s top-level @file{configure} and @file{Makefile} will
36029 arrange to build Libiconv if a directory named @file{libiconv} appears
36030 in the top-most source directory. If Libiconv is built this way, and
36031 if the operating system does not provide a suitable @code{iconv}
36032 implementation, then the just-built library will automatically be used
36033 by @value{GDBN}. One easy way to set this up is to download GNU
36034 Libiconv, unpack it, and then rename the directory holding the
36035 Libiconv source code to @samp{libiconv}.
36036 @end table
36037
36038 @node Running Configure
36039 @section Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} Script
36040 @cindex configuring @value{GDBN}
36041 @value{GDBN} comes with a @file{configure} script that automates the process
36042 of preparing @value{GDBN} for installation; you can then use @code{make} to
36043 build the @code{gdb} program.
36044 @iftex
36045 @c irrelevant in info file; it's as current as the code it lives with.
36046 @footnote{If you have a more recent version of @value{GDBN} than @value{GDBVN},
36047 look at the @file{README} file in the sources; we may have improved the
36048 installation procedures since publishing this manual.}
36049 @end iftex
36050
36051 The @value{GDBN} distribution includes all the source code you need for
36052 @value{GDBN} in a single directory, whose name is usually composed by
36053 appending the version number to @samp{gdb}.
36054
36055 For example, the @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN} distribution is in the
36056 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory. That directory contains:
36057
36058 @table @code
36059 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure @r{(and supporting files)}
36060 script for configuring @value{GDBN} and all its supporting libraries
36061
36062 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb
36063 the source specific to @value{GDBN} itself
36064
36065 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/bfd
36066 source for the Binary File Descriptor library
36067
36068 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/include
36069 @sc{gnu} include files
36070
36071 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/libiberty
36072 source for the @samp{-liberty} free software library
36073
36074 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/opcodes
36075 source for the library of opcode tables and disassemblers
36076
36077 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/readline
36078 source for the @sc{gnu} command-line interface
36079
36080 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/glob
36081 source for the @sc{gnu} filename pattern-matching subroutine
36082
36083 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/mmalloc
36084 source for the @sc{gnu} memory-mapped malloc package
36085 @end table
36086
36087 The simplest way to configure and build @value{GDBN} is to run @file{configure}
36088 from the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory, which in
36089 this example is the @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory.
36090
36091 First switch to the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory
36092 if you are not already in it; then run @file{configure}. Pass the
36093 identifier for the platform on which @value{GDBN} will run as an
36094 argument.
36095
36096 For example:
36097
36098 @smallexample
36099 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
36100 ./configure @var{host}
36101 make
36102 @end smallexample
36103
36104 @noindent
36105 where @var{host} is an identifier such as @samp{sun4} or
36106 @samp{decstation}, that identifies the platform where @value{GDBN} will run.
36107 (You can often leave off @var{host}; @file{configure} tries to guess the
36108 correct value by examining your system.)
36109
36110 Running @samp{configure @var{host}} and then running @code{make} builds the
36111 @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, @file{mmalloc}, and @file{libiberty}
36112 libraries, then @code{gdb} itself. The configured source files, and the
36113 binaries, are left in the corresponding source directories.
36114
36115 @need 750
36116 @file{configure} is a Bourne-shell (@code{/bin/sh}) script; if your
36117 system does not recognize this automatically when you run a different
36118 shell, you may need to run @code{sh} on it explicitly:
36119
36120 @smallexample
36121 sh configure @var{host}
36122 @end smallexample
36123
36124 If you run @file{configure} from a directory that contains source
36125 directories for multiple libraries or programs, such as the
36126 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} source directory for version @value{GDBVN},
36127 @file{configure}
36128 creates configuration files for every directory level underneath (unless
36129 you tell it not to, with the @samp{--norecursion} option).
36130
36131 You should run the @file{configure} script from the top directory in the
36132 source tree, the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory. If you run
36133 @file{configure} from one of the subdirectories, you will configure only
36134 that subdirectory. That is usually not what you want. In particular,
36135 if you run the first @file{configure} from the @file{gdb} subdirectory
36136 of the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory, you will omit the
36137 configuration of @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, and other sibling
36138 directories of the @file{gdb} subdirectory. This leads to build errors
36139 about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
36140
36141 You can install @code{@value{GDBP}} anywhere; it has no hardwired paths.
36142 However, you should make sure that the shell on your path (named by
36143 the @samp{SHELL} environment variable) is publicly readable. Remember
36144 that @value{GDBN} uses the shell to start your program---some systems refuse to
36145 let @value{GDBN} debug child processes whose programs are not readable.
36146
36147 @node Separate Objdir
36148 @section Compiling @value{GDBN} in Another Directory
36149
36150 If you want to run @value{GDBN} versions for several host or target machines,
36151 you need a different @code{gdb} compiled for each combination of
36152 host and target. @file{configure} is designed to make this easy by
36153 allowing you to generate each configuration in a separate subdirectory,
36154 rather than in the source directory. If your @code{make} program
36155 handles the @samp{VPATH} feature (@sc{gnu} @code{make} does), running
36156 @code{make} in each of these directories builds the @code{gdb}
36157 program specified there.
36158
36159 To build @code{gdb} in a separate directory, run @file{configure}
36160 with the @samp{--srcdir} option to specify where to find the source.
36161 (You also need to specify a path to find @file{configure}
36162 itself from your working directory. If the path to @file{configure}
36163 would be the same as the argument to @samp{--srcdir}, you can leave out
36164 the @samp{--srcdir} option; it is assumed.)
36165
36166 For example, with version @value{GDBVN}, you can build @value{GDBN} in a
36167 separate directory for a Sun 4 like this:
36168
36169 @smallexample
36170 @group
36171 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
36172 mkdir ../gdb-sun4
36173 cd ../gdb-sun4
36174 ../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure sun4
36175 make
36176 @end group
36177 @end smallexample
36178
36179 When @file{configure} builds a configuration using a remote source
36180 directory, it creates a tree for the binaries with the same structure
36181 (and using the same names) as the tree under the source directory. In
36182 the example, you'd find the Sun 4 library @file{libiberty.a} in the
36183 directory @file{gdb-sun4/libiberty}, and @value{GDBN} itself in
36184 @file{gdb-sun4/gdb}.
36185
36186 Make sure that your path to the @file{configure} script has just one
36187 instance of @file{gdb} in it. If your path to @file{configure} looks
36188 like @file{../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/configure}, you are configuring only
36189 one subdirectory of @value{GDBN}, not the whole package. This leads to
36190 build errors about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
36191
36192 One popular reason to build several @value{GDBN} configurations in separate
36193 directories is to configure @value{GDBN} for cross-compiling (where
36194 @value{GDBN} runs on one machine---the @dfn{host}---while debugging
36195 programs that run on another machine---the @dfn{target}).
36196 You specify a cross-debugging target by
36197 giving the @samp{--target=@var{target}} option to @file{configure}.
36198
36199 When you run @code{make} to build a program or library, you must run
36200 it in a configured directory---whatever directory you were in when you
36201 called @file{configure} (or one of its subdirectories).
36202
36203 The @code{Makefile} that @file{configure} generates in each source
36204 directory also runs recursively. If you type @code{make} in a source
36205 directory such as @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} (or in a separate configured
36206 directory configured with @samp{--srcdir=@var{dirname}/gdb-@value{GDBVN}}), you
36207 will build all the required libraries, and then build GDB.
36208
36209 When you have multiple hosts or targets configured in separate
36210 directories, you can run @code{make} on them in parallel (for example,
36211 if they are NFS-mounted on each of the hosts); they will not interfere
36212 with each other.
36213
36214 @node Config Names
36215 @section Specifying Names for Hosts and Targets
36216
36217 The specifications used for hosts and targets in the @file{configure}
36218 script are based on a three-part naming scheme, but some short predefined
36219 aliases are also supported. The full naming scheme encodes three pieces
36220 of information in the following pattern:
36221
36222 @smallexample
36223 @var{architecture}-@var{vendor}-@var{os}
36224 @end smallexample
36225
36226 For example, you can use the alias @code{sun4} as a @var{host} argument,
36227 or as the value for @var{target} in a @code{--target=@var{target}}
36228 option. The equivalent full name is @samp{sparc-sun-sunos4}.
36229
36230 The @file{configure} script accompanying @value{GDBN} does not provide
36231 any query facility to list all supported host and target names or
36232 aliases. @file{configure} calls the Bourne shell script
36233 @code{config.sub} to map abbreviations to full names; you can read the
36234 script, if you wish, or you can use it to test your guesses on
36235 abbreviations---for example:
36236
36237 @smallexample
36238 % sh config.sub i386-linux
36239 i386-pc-linux-gnu
36240 % sh config.sub alpha-linux
36241 alpha-unknown-linux-gnu
36242 % sh config.sub hp9k700
36243 hppa1.1-hp-hpux
36244 % sh config.sub sun4
36245 sparc-sun-sunos4.1.1
36246 % sh config.sub sun3
36247 m68k-sun-sunos4.1.1
36248 % sh config.sub i986v
36249 Invalid configuration `i986v': machine `i986v' not recognized
36250 @end smallexample
36251
36252 @noindent
36253 @code{config.sub} is also distributed in the @value{GDBN} source
36254 directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, for version @value{GDBVN}).
36255
36256 @node Configure Options
36257 @section @file{configure} Options
36258
36259 Here is a summary of the @file{configure} options and arguments that
36260 are most often useful for building @value{GDBN}. @file{configure} also has
36261 several other options not listed here. @inforef{What Configure
36262 Does,,configure.info}, for a full explanation of @file{configure}.
36263
36264 @smallexample
36265 configure @r{[}--help@r{]}
36266 @r{[}--prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
36267 @r{[}--exec-prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
36268 @r{[}--srcdir=@var{dirname}@r{]}
36269 @r{[}--norecursion@r{]} @r{[}--rm@r{]}
36270 @r{[}--target=@var{target}@r{]}
36271 @var{host}
36272 @end smallexample
36273
36274 @noindent
36275 You may introduce options with a single @samp{-} rather than
36276 @samp{--} if you prefer; but you may abbreviate option names if you use
36277 @samp{--}.
36278
36279 @table @code
36280 @item --help
36281 Display a quick summary of how to invoke @file{configure}.
36282
36283 @item --prefix=@var{dir}
36284 Configure the source to install programs and files under directory
36285 @file{@var{dir}}.
36286
36287 @item --exec-prefix=@var{dir}
36288 Configure the source to install programs under directory
36289 @file{@var{dir}}.
36290
36291 @c avoid splitting the warning from the explanation:
36292 @need 2000
36293 @item --srcdir=@var{dirname}
36294 @strong{Warning: using this option requires @sc{gnu} @code{make}, or another
36295 @code{make} that implements the @code{VPATH} feature.}@*
36296 Use this option to make configurations in directories separate from the
36297 @value{GDBN} source directories. Among other things, you can use this to
36298 build (or maintain) several configurations simultaneously, in separate
36299 directories. @file{configure} writes configuration-specific files in
36300 the current directory, but arranges for them to use the source in the
36301 directory @var{dirname}. @file{configure} creates directories under
36302 the working directory in parallel to the source directories below
36303 @var{dirname}.
36304
36305 @item --norecursion
36306 Configure only the directory level where @file{configure} is executed; do not
36307 propagate configuration to subdirectories.
36308
36309 @item --target=@var{target}
36310 Configure @value{GDBN} for cross-debugging programs running on the specified
36311 @var{target}. Without this option, @value{GDBN} is configured to debug
36312 programs that run on the same machine (@var{host}) as @value{GDBN} itself.
36313
36314 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available targets.
36315
36316 @item @var{host} @dots{}
36317 Configure @value{GDBN} to run on the specified @var{host}.
36318
36319 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available hosts.
36320 @end table
36321
36322 There are many other options available as well, but they are generally
36323 needed for special purposes only.
36324
36325 @node System-wide configuration
36326 @section System-wide configuration and settings
36327 @cindex system-wide init file
36328
36329 @value{GDBN} can be configured to have a system-wide init file;
36330 this file will be read and executed at startup (@pxref{Startup, , What
36331 @value{GDBN} does during startup}).
36332
36333 Here is the corresponding configure option:
36334
36335 @table @code
36336 @item --with-system-gdbinit=@var{file}
36337 Specify that the default location of the system-wide init file is
36338 @var{file}.
36339 @end table
36340
36341 If @value{GDBN} has been configured with the option @option{--prefix=$prefix},
36342 it may be subject to relocation. Two possible cases:
36343
36344 @itemize @bullet
36345 @item
36346 If the default location of this init file contains @file{$prefix},
36347 it will be subject to relocation. Suppose that the configure options
36348 are @option{--prefix=$prefix --with-system-gdbinit=$prefix/etc/gdbinit};
36349 if @value{GDBN} is moved from @file{$prefix} to @file{$install}, the system
36350 init file is looked for as @file{$install/etc/gdbinit} instead of
36351 @file{$prefix/etc/gdbinit}.
36352
36353 @item
36354 By contrast, if the default location does not contain the prefix,
36355 it will not be relocated. E.g.@: if @value{GDBN} has been configured with
36356 @option{--prefix=/usr/local --with-system-gdbinit=/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
36357 then @value{GDBN} will always look for @file{/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
36358 wherever @value{GDBN} is installed.
36359 @end itemize
36360
36361 If the configured location of the system-wide init file (as given by the
36362 @option{--with-system-gdbinit} option at configure time) is in the
36363 data-directory (as specified by @option{--with-gdb-datadir} at configure
36364 time) or in one of its subdirectories, then @value{GDBN} will look for the
36365 system-wide init file in the directory specified by the
36366 @option{--data-directory} command-line option.
36367 Note that the system-wide init file is only read once, during @value{GDBN}
36368 initialization. If the data-directory is changed after @value{GDBN} has
36369 started with the @code{set data-directory} command, the file will not be
36370 reread.
36371
36372 @menu
36373 * System-wide Configuration Scripts:: Installed System-wide Configuration Scripts
36374 @end menu
36375
36376 @node System-wide Configuration Scripts
36377 @subsection Installed System-wide Configuration Scripts
36378 @cindex system-wide configuration scripts
36379
36380 The @file{system-gdbinit} directory, located inside the data-directory
36381 (as specified by @option{--with-gdb-datadir} at configure time) contains
36382 a number of scripts which can be used as system-wide init files. To
36383 automatically source those scripts at startup, @value{GDBN} should be
36384 configured with @option{--with-system-gdbinit}. Otherwise, any user
36385 should be able to source them by hand as needed.
36386
36387 The following scripts are currently available:
36388 @itemize @bullet
36389
36390 @item @file{elinos.py}
36391 @pindex elinos.py
36392 @cindex ELinOS system-wide configuration script
36393 This script is useful when debugging a program on an ELinOS target.
36394 It takes advantage of the environment variables defined in a standard
36395 ELinOS environment in order to determine the location of the system
36396 shared libraries, and then sets the @samp{solib-absolute-prefix}
36397 and @samp{solib-search-path} variables appropriately.
36398
36399 @item @file{wrs-linux.py}
36400 @pindex wrs-linux.py
36401 @cindex Wind River Linux system-wide configuration script
36402 This script is useful when debugging a program on a target running
36403 Wind River Linux. It expects the @env{ENV_PREFIX} to be set to
36404 the host-side sysroot used by the target system.
36405
36406 @end itemize
36407
36408 @node Maintenance Commands
36409 @appendix Maintenance Commands
36410 @cindex maintenance commands
36411 @cindex internal commands
36412
36413 In addition to commands intended for @value{GDBN} users, @value{GDBN}
36414 includes a number of commands intended for @value{GDBN} developers,
36415 that are not documented elsewhere in this manual. These commands are
36416 provided here for reference. (For commands that turn on debugging
36417 messages, see @ref{Debugging Output}.)
36418
36419 @table @code
36420 @kindex maint agent
36421 @kindex maint agent-eval
36422 @item maint agent @r{[}-at @var{location}@r{,}@r{]} @var{expression}
36423 @itemx maint agent-eval @r{[}-at @var{location}@r{,}@r{]} @var{expression}
36424 Translate the given @var{expression} into remote agent bytecodes.
36425 This command is useful for debugging the Agent Expression mechanism
36426 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}). The @samp{agent} version produces an
36427 expression useful for data collection, such as by tracepoints, while
36428 @samp{maint agent-eval} produces an expression that evaluates directly
36429 to a result. For instance, a collection expression for @code{globa +
36430 globb} will include bytecodes to record four bytes of memory at each
36431 of the addresses of @code{globa} and @code{globb}, while discarding
36432 the result of the addition, while an evaluation expression will do the
36433 addition and return the sum.
36434 If @code{-at} is given, generate remote agent bytecode for @var{location}.
36435 If not, generate remote agent bytecode for current frame PC address.
36436
36437 @kindex maint agent-printf
36438 @item maint agent-printf @var{format},@var{expr},...
36439 Translate the given format string and list of argument expressions
36440 into remote agent bytecodes and display them as a disassembled list.
36441 This command is useful for debugging the agent version of dynamic
36442 printf (@pxref{Dynamic Printf}).
36443
36444 @kindex maint info breakpoints
36445 @item @anchor{maint info breakpoints}maint info breakpoints
36446 Using the same format as @samp{info breakpoints}, display both the
36447 breakpoints you've set explicitly, and those @value{GDBN} is using for
36448 internal purposes. Internal breakpoints are shown with negative
36449 breakpoint numbers. The type column identifies what kind of breakpoint
36450 is shown:
36451
36452 @table @code
36453 @item breakpoint
36454 Normal, explicitly set breakpoint.
36455
36456 @item watchpoint
36457 Normal, explicitly set watchpoint.
36458
36459 @item longjmp
36460 Internal breakpoint, used to handle correctly stepping through
36461 @code{longjmp} calls.
36462
36463 @item longjmp resume
36464 Internal breakpoint at the target of a @code{longjmp}.
36465
36466 @item until
36467 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{until} command.
36468
36469 @item finish
36470 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{finish} command.
36471
36472 @item shlib events
36473 Shared library events.
36474
36475 @end table
36476
36477 @kindex maint info bfds
36478 @item maint info bfds
36479 This prints information about each @code{bfd} object that is known to
36480 @value{GDBN}. @xref{Top, , BFD, bfd, The Binary File Descriptor Library}.
36481
36482 @kindex set displaced-stepping
36483 @kindex show displaced-stepping
36484 @cindex displaced stepping support
36485 @cindex out-of-line single-stepping
36486 @item set displaced-stepping
36487 @itemx show displaced-stepping
36488 Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will do @dfn{displaced stepping}
36489 if the target supports it. Displaced stepping is a way to single-step
36490 over breakpoints without removing them from the inferior, by executing
36491 an out-of-line copy of the instruction that was originally at the
36492 breakpoint location. It is also known as out-of-line single-stepping.
36493
36494 @table @code
36495 @item set displaced-stepping on
36496 If the target architecture supports it, @value{GDBN} will use
36497 displaced stepping to step over breakpoints.
36498
36499 @item set displaced-stepping off
36500 @value{GDBN} will not use displaced stepping to step over breakpoints,
36501 even if such is supported by the target architecture.
36502
36503 @cindex non-stop mode, and @samp{set displaced-stepping}
36504 @item set displaced-stepping auto
36505 This is the default mode. @value{GDBN} will use displaced stepping
36506 only if non-stop mode is active (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) and the target
36507 architecture supports displaced stepping.
36508 @end table
36509
36510 @kindex maint check-psymtabs
36511 @item maint check-psymtabs
36512 Check the consistency of currently expanded psymtabs versus symtabs.
36513 Use this to check, for example, whether a symbol is in one but not the other.
36514
36515 @kindex maint check-symtabs
36516 @item maint check-symtabs
36517 Check the consistency of currently expanded symtabs.
36518
36519 @kindex maint expand-symtabs
36520 @item maint expand-symtabs [@var{regexp}]
36521 Expand symbol tables.
36522 If @var{regexp} is specified, only expand symbol tables for file
36523 names matching @var{regexp}.
36524
36525 @kindex maint cplus first_component
36526 @item maint cplus first_component @var{name}
36527 Print the first C@t{++} class/namespace component of @var{name}.
36528
36529 @kindex maint cplus namespace
36530 @item maint cplus namespace
36531 Print the list of possible C@t{++} namespaces.
36532
36533 @kindex maint demangle
36534 @item maint demangle @var{name}
36535 Demangle a C@t{++} or Objective-C mangled @var{name}.
36536
36537 @kindex maint deprecate
36538 @kindex maint undeprecate
36539 @cindex deprecated commands
36540 @item maint deprecate @var{command} @r{[}@var{replacement}@r{]}
36541 @itemx maint undeprecate @var{command}
36542 Deprecate or undeprecate the named @var{command}. Deprecated commands
36543 cause @value{GDBN} to issue a warning when you use them. The optional
36544 argument @var{replacement} says which newer command should be used in
36545 favor of the deprecated one; if it is given, @value{GDBN} will mention
36546 the replacement as part of the warning.
36547
36548 @kindex maint dump-me
36549 @item maint dump-me
36550 @cindex @code{SIGQUIT} signal, dump core of @value{GDBN}
36551 Cause a fatal signal in the debugger and force it to dump its core.
36552 This is supported only on systems which support aborting a program
36553 with the @code{SIGQUIT} signal.
36554
36555 @kindex maint internal-error
36556 @kindex maint internal-warning
36557 @item maint internal-error @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
36558 @itemx maint internal-warning @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
36559 Cause @value{GDBN} to call the internal function @code{internal_error}
36560 or @code{internal_warning} and hence behave as though an internal error
36561 or internal warning has been detected. In addition to reporting the
36562 internal problem, these functions give the user the opportunity to
36563 either quit @value{GDBN} or create a core file of the current
36564 @value{GDBN} session.
36565
36566 These commands take an optional parameter @var{message-text} that is
36567 used as the text of the error or warning message.
36568
36569 Here's an example of using @code{internal-error}:
36570
36571 @smallexample
36572 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint internal-error testing, 1, 2}
36573 @dots{}/maint.c:121: internal-error: testing, 1, 2
36574 A problem internal to GDB has been detected. Further
36575 debugging may prove unreliable.
36576 Quit this debugging session? (y or n) @kbd{n}
36577 Create a core file? (y or n) @kbd{n}
36578 (@value{GDBP})
36579 @end smallexample
36580
36581 @cindex @value{GDBN} internal error
36582 @cindex internal errors, control of @value{GDBN} behavior
36583
36584 @kindex maint set internal-error
36585 @kindex maint show internal-error
36586 @kindex maint set internal-warning
36587 @kindex maint show internal-warning
36588 @item maint set internal-error @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
36589 @itemx maint show internal-error @var{action}
36590 @itemx maint set internal-warning @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
36591 @itemx maint show internal-warning @var{action}
36592 When @value{GDBN} reports an internal problem (error or warning) it
36593 gives the user the opportunity to both quit @value{GDBN} and create a
36594 core file of the current @value{GDBN} session. These commands let you
36595 override the default behaviour for each particular @var{action},
36596 described in the table below.
36597
36598 @table @samp
36599 @item quit
36600 You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
36601 quit. The default is to ask the user what to do.
36602
36603 @item corefile
36604 You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
36605 create a core file. The default is to ask the user what to do.
36606 @end table
36607
36608 @kindex maint packet
36609 @item maint packet @var{text}
36610 If @value{GDBN} is talking to an inferior via the serial protocol,
36611 then this command sends the string @var{text} to the inferior, and
36612 displays the response packet. @value{GDBN} supplies the initial
36613 @samp{$} character, the terminating @samp{#} character, and the
36614 checksum.
36615
36616 @kindex maint print architecture
36617 @item maint print architecture @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
36618 Print the entire architecture configuration. The optional argument
36619 @var{file} names the file where the output goes.
36620
36621 @kindex maint print c-tdesc
36622 @item maint print c-tdesc
36623 Print the current target description (@pxref{Target Descriptions}) as
36624 a C source file. The created source file can be used in @value{GDBN}
36625 when an XML parser is not available to parse the description.
36626
36627 @kindex maint print dummy-frames
36628 @item maint print dummy-frames
36629 Prints the contents of @value{GDBN}'s internal dummy-frame stack.
36630
36631 @smallexample
36632 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{b add}
36633 @dots{}
36634 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{print add(2,3)}
36635 Breakpoint 2, add (a=2, b=3) at @dots{}
36636 58 return (a + b);
36637 The program being debugged stopped while in a function called from GDB.
36638 @dots{}
36639 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print dummy-frames}
36640 0x1a57c80: pc=0x01014068 fp=0x0200bddc sp=0x0200bdd6
36641 top=0x0200bdd4 id=@{stack=0x200bddc,code=0x101405c@}
36642 call_lo=0x01014000 call_hi=0x01014001
36643 (@value{GDBP})
36644 @end smallexample
36645
36646 Takes an optional file parameter.
36647
36648 @kindex maint print registers
36649 @kindex maint print raw-registers
36650 @kindex maint print cooked-registers
36651 @kindex maint print register-groups
36652 @kindex maint print remote-registers
36653 @item maint print registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
36654 @itemx maint print raw-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
36655 @itemx maint print cooked-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
36656 @itemx maint print register-groups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
36657 @itemx maint print remote-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
36658 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register data structures.
36659
36660 The command @code{maint print raw-registers} includes the contents of
36661 the raw register cache; the command @code{maint print
36662 cooked-registers} includes the (cooked) value of all registers,
36663 including registers which aren't available on the target nor visible
36664 to user; the command @code{maint print register-groups} includes the
36665 groups that each register is a member of; and the command @code{maint
36666 print remote-registers} includes the remote target's register numbers
36667 and offsets in the `G' packets. @xref{Registers,, Registers, gdbint,
36668 @value{GDBN} Internals}.
36669
36670 These commands take an optional parameter, a file name to which to
36671 write the information.
36672
36673 @kindex maint print reggroups
36674 @item maint print reggroups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
36675 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register group data structures. The
36676 optional argument @var{file} tells to what file to write the
36677 information.
36678
36679 The register groups info looks like this:
36680
36681 @smallexample
36682 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print reggroups}
36683 Group Type
36684 general user
36685 float user
36686 all user
36687 vector user
36688 system user
36689 save internal
36690 restore internal
36691 @end smallexample
36692
36693 @kindex flushregs
36694 @item flushregs
36695 This command forces @value{GDBN} to flush its internal register cache.
36696
36697 @kindex maint print objfiles
36698 @cindex info for known object files
36699 @item maint print objfiles
36700 Print a dump of all known object files. For each object file, this
36701 command prints its name, address in memory, and all of its psymtabs
36702 and symtabs.
36703
36704 @kindex maint print section-scripts
36705 @cindex info for known .debug_gdb_scripts-loaded scripts
36706 @item maint print section-scripts [@var{regexp}]
36707 Print a dump of scripts specified in the @code{.debug_gdb_section} section.
36708 If @var{regexp} is specified, only print scripts loaded by object files
36709 matching @var{regexp}.
36710 For each script, this command prints its name as specified in the objfile,
36711 and the full path if known.
36712 @xref{dotdebug_gdb_scripts section}.
36713
36714 @kindex maint print statistics
36715 @cindex bcache statistics
36716 @item maint print statistics
36717 This command prints, for each object file in the program, various data
36718 about that object file followed by the byte cache (@dfn{bcache})
36719 statistics for the object file. The objfile data includes the number
36720 of minimal, partial, full, and stabs symbols, the number of types
36721 defined by the objfile, the number of as yet unexpanded psym tables,
36722 the number of line tables and string tables, and the amount of memory
36723 used by the various tables. The bcache statistics include the counts,
36724 sizes, and counts of duplicates of all and unique objects, max,
36725 average, and median entry size, total memory used and its overhead and
36726 savings, and various measures of the hash table size and chain
36727 lengths.
36728
36729 @kindex maint print target-stack
36730 @cindex target stack description
36731 @item maint print target-stack
36732 A @dfn{target} is an interface between the debugger and a particular
36733 kind of file or process. Targets can be stacked in @dfn{strata},
36734 so that more than one target can potentially respond to a request.
36735 In particular, memory accesses will walk down the stack of targets
36736 until they find a target that is interested in handling that particular
36737 address.
36738
36739 This command prints a short description of each layer that was pushed on
36740 the @dfn{target stack}, starting from the top layer down to the bottom one.
36741
36742 @kindex maint print type
36743 @cindex type chain of a data type
36744 @item maint print type @var{expr}
36745 Print the type chain for a type specified by @var{expr}. The argument
36746 can be either a type name or a symbol. If it is a symbol, the type of
36747 that symbol is described. The type chain produced by this command is
36748 a recursive definition of the data type as stored in @value{GDBN}'s
36749 data structures, including its flags and contained types.
36750
36751 @kindex maint set dwarf2 always-disassemble
36752 @kindex maint show dwarf2 always-disassemble
36753 @item maint set dwarf2 always-disassemble
36754 @item maint show dwarf2 always-disassemble
36755 Control the behavior of @code{info address} when using DWARF debugging
36756 information.
36757
36758 The default is @code{off}, which means that @value{GDBN} should try to
36759 describe a variable's location in an easily readable format. When
36760 @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will instead display the DWARF location
36761 expression in an assembly-like format. Note that some locations are
36762 too complex for @value{GDBN} to describe simply; in this case you will
36763 always see the disassembly form.
36764
36765 Here is an example of the resulting disassembly:
36766
36767 @smallexample
36768 (gdb) info addr argc
36769 Symbol "argc" is a complex DWARF expression:
36770 1: DW_OP_fbreg 0
36771 @end smallexample
36772
36773 For more information on these expressions, see
36774 @uref{http://www.dwarfstd.org/, the DWARF standard}.
36775
36776 @kindex maint set dwarf2 max-cache-age
36777 @kindex maint show dwarf2 max-cache-age
36778 @item maint set dwarf2 max-cache-age
36779 @itemx maint show dwarf2 max-cache-age
36780 Control the DWARF 2 compilation unit cache.
36781
36782 @cindex DWARF 2 compilation units cache
36783 In object files with inter-compilation-unit references, such as those
36784 produced by the GCC option @samp{-feliminate-dwarf2-dups}, the DWARF 2
36785 reader needs to frequently refer to previously read compilation units.
36786 This setting controls how long a compilation unit will remain in the
36787 cache if it is not referenced. A higher limit means that cached
36788 compilation units will be stored in memory longer, and more total
36789 memory will be used. Setting it to zero disables caching, which will
36790 slow down @value{GDBN} startup, but reduce memory consumption.
36791
36792 @kindex maint set profile
36793 @kindex maint show profile
36794 @cindex profiling GDB
36795 @item maint set profile
36796 @itemx maint show profile
36797 Control profiling of @value{GDBN}.
36798
36799 Profiling will be disabled until you use the @samp{maint set profile}
36800 command to enable it. When you enable profiling, the system will begin
36801 collecting timing and execution count data; when you disable profiling or
36802 exit @value{GDBN}, the results will be written to a log file. Remember that
36803 if you use profiling, @value{GDBN} will overwrite the profiling log file
36804 (often called @file{gmon.out}). If you have a record of important profiling
36805 data in a @file{gmon.out} file, be sure to move it to a safe location.
36806
36807 Configuring with @samp{--enable-profiling} arranges for @value{GDBN} to be
36808 compiled with the @samp{-pg} compiler option.
36809
36810 @kindex maint set show-debug-regs
36811 @kindex maint show show-debug-regs
36812 @cindex hardware debug registers
36813 @item maint set show-debug-regs
36814 @itemx maint show show-debug-regs
36815 Control whether to show variables that mirror the hardware debug
36816 registers. Use @code{ON} to enable, @code{OFF} to disable. If
36817 enabled, the debug registers values are shown when @value{GDBN} inserts or
36818 removes a hardware breakpoint or watchpoint, and when the inferior
36819 triggers a hardware-assisted breakpoint or watchpoint.
36820
36821 @kindex maint set show-all-tib
36822 @kindex maint show show-all-tib
36823 @item maint set show-all-tib
36824 @itemx maint show show-all-tib
36825 Control whether to show all non zero areas within a 1k block starting
36826 at thread local base, when using the @samp{info w32 thread-information-block}
36827 command.
36828
36829 @kindex maint set per-command
36830 @kindex maint show per-command
36831 @item maint set per-command
36832 @itemx maint show per-command
36833 @cindex resources used by commands
36834
36835 @value{GDBN} can display the resources used by each command.
36836 This is useful in debugging performance problems.
36837
36838 @table @code
36839 @item maint set per-command space [on|off]
36840 @itemx maint show per-command space
36841 Enable or disable the printing of the memory used by GDB for each command.
36842 If enabled, @value{GDBN} will display how much memory each command
36843 took, following the command's own output.
36844 This can also be requested by invoking @value{GDBN} with the
36845 @option{--statistics} command-line switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
36846
36847 @item maint set per-command time [on|off]
36848 @itemx maint show per-command time
36849 Enable or disable the printing of the execution time of @value{GDBN}
36850 for each command.
36851 If enabled, @value{GDBN} will display how much time it
36852 took to execute each command, following the command's own output.
36853 Both CPU time and wallclock time are printed.
36854 Printing both is useful when trying to determine whether the cost is
36855 CPU or, e.g., disk/network latency.
36856 Note that the CPU time printed is for @value{GDBN} only, it does not include
36857 the execution time of the inferior because there's no mechanism currently
36858 to compute how much time was spent by @value{GDBN} and how much time was
36859 spent by the program been debugged.
36860 This can also be requested by invoking @value{GDBN} with the
36861 @option{--statistics} command-line switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
36862
36863 @item maint set per-command symtab [on|off]
36864 @itemx maint show per-command symtab
36865 Enable or disable the printing of basic symbol table statistics
36866 for each command.
36867 If enabled, @value{GDBN} will display the following information:
36868
36869 @enumerate a
36870 @item
36871 number of symbol tables
36872 @item
36873 number of primary symbol tables
36874 @item
36875 number of blocks in the blockvector
36876 @end enumerate
36877 @end table
36878
36879 @kindex maint space
36880 @cindex memory used by commands
36881 @item maint space @var{value}
36882 An alias for @code{maint set per-command space}.
36883 A non-zero value enables it, zero disables it.
36884
36885 @kindex maint time
36886 @cindex time of command execution
36887 @item maint time @var{value}
36888 An alias for @code{maint set per-command time}.
36889 A non-zero value enables it, zero disables it.
36890
36891 @kindex maint translate-address
36892 @item maint translate-address @r{[}@var{section}@r{]} @var{addr}
36893 Find the symbol stored at the location specified by the address
36894 @var{addr} and an optional section name @var{section}. If found,
36895 @value{GDBN} prints the name of the closest symbol and an offset from
36896 the symbol's location to the specified address. This is similar to
36897 the @code{info address} command (@pxref{Symbols}), except that this
36898 command also allows to find symbols in other sections.
36899
36900 If section was not specified, the section in which the symbol was found
36901 is also printed. For dynamically linked executables, the name of
36902 executable or shared library containing the symbol is printed as well.
36903
36904 @end table
36905
36906 The following command is useful for non-interactive invocations of
36907 @value{GDBN}, such as in the test suite.
36908
36909 @table @code
36910 @item set watchdog @var{nsec}
36911 @kindex set watchdog
36912 @cindex watchdog timer
36913 @cindex timeout for commands
36914 Set the maximum number of seconds @value{GDBN} will wait for the
36915 target operation to finish. If this time expires, @value{GDBN}
36916 reports and error and the command is aborted.
36917
36918 @item show watchdog
36919 Show the current setting of the target wait timeout.
36920 @end table
36921
36922 @node Remote Protocol
36923 @appendix @value{GDBN} Remote Serial Protocol
36924
36925 @menu
36926 * Overview::
36927 * Packets::
36928 * Stop Reply Packets::
36929 * General Query Packets::
36930 * Architecture-Specific Protocol Details::
36931 * Tracepoint Packets::
36932 * Host I/O Packets::
36933 * Interrupts::
36934 * Notification Packets::
36935 * Remote Non-Stop::
36936 * Packet Acknowledgment::
36937 * Examples::
36938 * File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension::
36939 * Library List Format::
36940 * Library List Format for SVR4 Targets::
36941 * Memory Map Format::
36942 * Thread List Format::
36943 * Traceframe Info Format::
36944 * Branch Trace Format::
36945 @end menu
36946
36947 @node Overview
36948 @section Overview
36949
36950 There may be occasions when you need to know something about the
36951 protocol---for example, if there is only one serial port to your target
36952 machine, you might want your program to do something special if it
36953 recognizes a packet meant for @value{GDBN}.
36954
36955 In the examples below, @samp{->} and @samp{<-} are used to indicate
36956 transmitted and received data, respectively.
36957
36958 @cindex protocol, @value{GDBN} remote serial
36959 @cindex serial protocol, @value{GDBN} remote
36960 @cindex remote serial protocol
36961 All @value{GDBN} commands and responses (other than acknowledgments
36962 and notifications, see @ref{Notification Packets}) are sent as a
36963 @var{packet}. A @var{packet} is introduced with the character
36964 @samp{$}, the actual @var{packet-data}, and the terminating character
36965 @samp{#} followed by a two-digit @var{checksum}:
36966
36967 @smallexample
36968 @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
36969 @end smallexample
36970 @noindent
36971
36972 @cindex checksum, for @value{GDBN} remote
36973 @noindent
36974 The two-digit @var{checksum} is computed as the modulo 256 sum of all
36975 characters between the leading @samp{$} and the trailing @samp{#} (an
36976 eight bit unsigned checksum).
36977
36978 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0 the protocol
36979 specification also included an optional two-digit @var{sequence-id}:
36980
36981 @smallexample
36982 @code{$}@var{sequence-id}@code{:}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
36983 @end smallexample
36984
36985 @cindex sequence-id, for @value{GDBN} remote
36986 @noindent
36987 That @var{sequence-id} was appended to the acknowledgment. @value{GDBN}
36988 has never output @var{sequence-id}s. Stubs that handle packets added
36989 since @value{GDBN} 5.0 must not accept @var{sequence-id}.
36990
36991 When either the host or the target machine receives a packet, the first
36992 response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
36993 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request
36994 retransmission):
36995
36996 @smallexample
36997 -> @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
36998 <- @code{+}
36999 @end smallexample
37000 @noindent
37001
37002 The @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments can be disabled
37003 once a connection is established.
37004 @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}, for details.
37005
37006 The host (@value{GDBN}) sends @var{command}s, and the target (the
37007 debugging stub incorporated in your program) sends a @var{response}. In
37008 the case of step and continue @var{command}s, the response is only sent
37009 when the operation has completed, and the target has again stopped all
37010 threads in all attached processes. This is the default all-stop mode
37011 behavior, but the remote protocol also supports @value{GDBN}'s non-stop
37012 execution mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}, for details.
37013
37014 @var{packet-data} consists of a sequence of characters with the
37015 exception of @samp{#} and @samp{$} (see @samp{X} packet for additional
37016 exceptions).
37017
37018 @cindex remote protocol, field separator
37019 Fields within the packet should be separated using @samp{,} @samp{;} or
37020 @samp{:}. Except where otherwise noted all numbers are represented in
37021 @sc{hex} with leading zeros suppressed.
37022
37023 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0, the character
37024 @samp{:} could not appear as the third character in a packet (as it
37025 would potentially conflict with the @var{sequence-id}).
37026
37027 @cindex remote protocol, binary data
37028 @anchor{Binary Data}
37029 Binary data in most packets is encoded either as two hexadecimal
37030 digits per byte of binary data. This allowed the traditional remote
37031 protocol to work over connections which were only seven-bit clean.
37032 Some packets designed more recently assume an eight-bit clean
37033 connection, and use a more efficient encoding to send and receive
37034 binary data.
37035
37036 The binary data representation uses @code{7d} (@sc{ascii} @samp{@}})
37037 as an escape character. Any escaped byte is transmitted as the escape
37038 character followed by the original character XORed with @code{0x20}.
37039 For example, the byte @code{0x7d} would be transmitted as the two
37040 bytes @code{0x7d 0x5d}. The bytes @code{0x23} (@sc{ascii} @samp{#}),
37041 @code{0x24} (@sc{ascii} @samp{$}), and @code{0x7d} (@sc{ascii}
37042 @samp{@}}) must always be escaped. Responses sent by the stub
37043 must also escape @code{0x2a} (@sc{ascii} @samp{*}), so that it
37044 is not interpreted as the start of a run-length encoded sequence
37045 (described next).
37046
37047 Response @var{data} can be run-length encoded to save space.
37048 Run-length encoding replaces runs of identical characters with one
37049 instance of the repeated character, followed by a @samp{*} and a
37050 repeat count. The repeat count is itself sent encoded, to avoid
37051 binary characters in @var{data}: a value of @var{n} is sent as
37052 @code{@var{n}+29}. For a repeat count greater or equal to 3, this
37053 produces a printable @sc{ascii} character, e.g.@: a space (@sc{ascii}
37054 code 32) for a repeat count of 3. (This is because run-length
37055 encoding starts to win for counts 3 or more.) Thus, for example,
37056 @samp{0* } is a run-length encoding of ``0000'': the space character
37057 after @samp{*} means repeat the leading @code{0} @w{@code{32 - 29 =
37058 3}} more times.
37059
37060 The printable characters @samp{#} and @samp{$} or with a numeric value
37061 greater than 126 must not be used. Runs of six repeats (@samp{#}) or
37062 seven repeats (@samp{$}) can be expanded using a repeat count of only
37063 five (@samp{"}). For example, @samp{00000000} can be encoded as
37064 @samp{0*"00}.
37065
37066 The error response returned for some packets includes a two character
37067 error number. That number is not well defined.
37068
37069 @cindex empty response, for unsupported packets
37070 For any @var{command} not supported by the stub, an empty response
37071 (@samp{$#00}) should be returned. That way it is possible to extend the
37072 protocol. A newer @value{GDBN} can tell if a packet is supported based
37073 on that response.
37074
37075 At a minimum, a stub is required to support the @samp{g} and @samp{G}
37076 commands for register access, and the @samp{m} and @samp{M} commands
37077 for memory access. Stubs that only control single-threaded targets
37078 can implement run control with the @samp{c} (continue), and @samp{s}
37079 (step) commands. Stubs that support multi-threading targets should
37080 support the @samp{vCont} command. All other commands are optional.
37081
37082 @node Packets
37083 @section Packets
37084
37085 The following table provides a complete list of all currently defined
37086 @var{command}s and their corresponding response @var{data}.
37087 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for details about the File
37088 I/O extension of the remote protocol.
37089
37090 Each packet's description has a template showing the packet's overall
37091 syntax, followed by an explanation of the packet's meaning. We
37092 include spaces in some of the templates for clarity; these are not
37093 part of the packet's syntax. No @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to
37094 separate its components. For example, a template like @samp{foo
37095 @var{bar} @var{baz}} describes a packet beginning with the three ASCII
37096 bytes @samp{foo}, followed by a @var{bar}, followed directly by a
37097 @var{baz}. @value{GDBN} does not transmit a space character between the
37098 @samp{foo} and the @var{bar}, or between the @var{bar} and the
37099 @var{baz}.
37100
37101 @cindex @var{thread-id}, in remote protocol
37102 @anchor{thread-id syntax}
37103 Several packets and replies include a @var{thread-id} field to identify
37104 a thread. Normally these are positive numbers with a target-specific
37105 interpretation, formatted as big-endian hex strings. A @var{thread-id}
37106 can also be a literal @samp{-1} to indicate all threads, or @samp{0} to
37107 pick any thread.
37108
37109 In addition, the remote protocol supports a multiprocess feature in
37110 which the @var{thread-id} syntax is extended to optionally include both
37111 process and thread ID fields, as @samp{p@var{pid}.@var{tid}}.
37112 The @var{pid} (process) and @var{tid} (thread) components each have the
37113 format described above: a positive number with target-specific
37114 interpretation formatted as a big-endian hex string, literal @samp{-1}
37115 to indicate all processes or threads (respectively), or @samp{0} to
37116 indicate an arbitrary process or thread. Specifying just a process, as
37117 @samp{p@var{pid}}, is equivalent to @samp{p@var{pid}.-1}. It is an
37118 error to specify all processes but a specific thread, such as
37119 @samp{p-1.@var{tid}}. Note that the @samp{p} prefix is @emph{not} used
37120 for those packets and replies explicitly documented to include a process
37121 ID, rather than a @var{thread-id}.
37122
37123 The multiprocess @var{thread-id} syntax extensions are only used if both
37124 @value{GDBN} and the stub report support for the @samp{multiprocess}
37125 feature using @samp{qSupported}. @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for
37126 more information.
37127
37128 Note that all packet forms beginning with an upper- or lower-case
37129 letter, other than those described here, are reserved for future use.
37130
37131 Here are the packet descriptions.
37132
37133 @table @samp
37134
37135 @item !
37136 @cindex @samp{!} packet
37137 @anchor{extended mode}
37138 Enable extended mode. In extended mode, the remote server is made
37139 persistent. The @samp{R} packet is used to restart the program being
37140 debugged.
37141
37142 Reply:
37143 @table @samp
37144 @item OK
37145 The remote target both supports and has enabled extended mode.
37146 @end table
37147
37148 @item ?
37149 @cindex @samp{?} packet
37150 Indicate the reason the target halted. The reply is the same as for
37151 step and continue. This packet has a special interpretation when the
37152 target is in non-stop mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}.
37153
37154 Reply:
37155 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
37156
37157 @item A @var{arglen},@var{argnum},@var{arg},@dots{}
37158 @cindex @samp{A} packet
37159 Initialized @code{argv[]} array passed into program. @var{arglen}
37160 specifies the number of bytes in the hex encoded byte stream
37161 @var{arg}. See @code{gdbserver} for more details.
37162
37163 Reply:
37164 @table @samp
37165 @item OK
37166 The arguments were set.
37167 @item E @var{NN}
37168 An error occurred.
37169 @end table
37170
37171 @item b @var{baud}
37172 @cindex @samp{b} packet
37173 (Don't use this packet; its behavior is not well-defined.)
37174 Change the serial line speed to @var{baud}.
37175
37176 JTC: @emph{When does the transport layer state change? When it's
37177 received, or after the ACK is transmitted. In either case, there are
37178 problems if the command or the acknowledgment packet is dropped.}
37179
37180 Stan: @emph{If people really wanted to add something like this, and get
37181 it working for the first time, they ought to modify ser-unix.c to send
37182 some kind of out-of-band message to a specially-setup stub and have the
37183 switch happen "in between" packets, so that from remote protocol's point
37184 of view, nothing actually happened.}
37185
37186 @item B @var{addr},@var{mode}
37187 @cindex @samp{B} packet
37188 Set (@var{mode} is @samp{S}) or clear (@var{mode} is @samp{C}) a
37189 breakpoint at @var{addr}.
37190
37191 Don't use this packet. Use the @samp{Z} and @samp{z} packets instead
37192 (@pxref{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}).
37193
37194 @cindex @samp{bc} packet
37195 @anchor{bc}
37196 @item bc
37197 Backward continue. Execute the target system in reverse. No parameter.
37198 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
37199
37200 Reply:
37201 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
37202
37203 @cindex @samp{bs} packet
37204 @anchor{bs}
37205 @item bs
37206 Backward single step. Execute one instruction in reverse. No parameter.
37207 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
37208
37209 Reply:
37210 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
37211
37212 @item c @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
37213 @cindex @samp{c} packet
37214 Continue. @var{addr} is address to resume. If @var{addr} is omitted,
37215 resume at current address.
37216
37217 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
37218 packet}.
37219
37220 Reply:
37221 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
37222
37223 @item C @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
37224 @cindex @samp{C} packet
37225 Continue with signal @var{sig} (hex signal number). If
37226 @samp{;@var{addr}} is omitted, resume at same address.
37227
37228 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
37229 packet}.
37230
37231 Reply:
37232 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
37233
37234 @item d
37235 @cindex @samp{d} packet
37236 Toggle debug flag.
37237
37238 Don't use this packet; instead, define a general set packet
37239 (@pxref{General Query Packets}).
37240
37241 @item D
37242 @itemx D;@var{pid}
37243 @cindex @samp{D} packet
37244 The first form of the packet is used to detach @value{GDBN} from the
37245 remote system. It is sent to the remote target
37246 before @value{GDBN} disconnects via the @code{detach} command.
37247
37248 The second form, including a process ID, is used when multiprocess
37249 protocol extensions are enabled (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}), to
37250 detach only a specific process. The @var{pid} is specified as a
37251 big-endian hex string.
37252
37253 Reply:
37254 @table @samp
37255 @item OK
37256 for success
37257 @item E @var{NN}
37258 for an error
37259 @end table
37260
37261 @item F @var{RC},@var{EE},@var{CF};@var{XX}
37262 @cindex @samp{F} packet
37263 A reply from @value{GDBN} to an @samp{F} packet sent by the target.
37264 This is part of the File-I/O protocol extension. @xref{File-I/O
37265 Remote Protocol Extension}, for the specification.
37266
37267 @item g
37268 @anchor{read registers packet}
37269 @cindex @samp{g} packet
37270 Read general registers.
37271
37272 Reply:
37273 @table @samp
37274 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
37275 Each byte of register data is described by two hex digits. The bytes
37276 with the register are transmitted in target byte order. The size of
37277 each register and their position within the @samp{g} packet are
37278 determined by the @value{GDBN} internal gdbarch functions
37279 @code{DEPRECATED_REGISTER_RAW_SIZE} and @code{gdbarch_register_name}. The
37280 specification of several standard @samp{g} packets is specified below.
37281
37282 When reading registers from a trace frame (@pxref{Analyze Collected
37283 Data,,Using the Collected Data}), the stub may also return a string of
37284 literal @samp{x}'s in place of the register data digits, to indicate
37285 that the corresponding register has not been collected, thus its value
37286 is unavailable. For example, for an architecture with 4 registers of
37287 4 bytes each, the following reply indicates to @value{GDBN} that
37288 registers 0 and 2 have not been collected, while registers 1 and 3
37289 have been collected, and both have zero value:
37290
37291 @smallexample
37292 -> @code{g}
37293 <- @code{xxxxxxxx00000000xxxxxxxx00000000}
37294 @end smallexample
37295
37296 @item E @var{NN}
37297 for an error.
37298 @end table
37299
37300 @item G @var{XX@dots{}}
37301 @cindex @samp{G} packet
37302 Write general registers. @xref{read registers packet}, for a
37303 description of the @var{XX@dots{}} data.
37304
37305 Reply:
37306 @table @samp
37307 @item OK
37308 for success
37309 @item E @var{NN}
37310 for an error
37311 @end table
37312
37313 @item H @var{op} @var{thread-id}
37314 @cindex @samp{H} packet
37315 Set thread for subsequent operations (@samp{m}, @samp{M}, @samp{g},
37316 @samp{G}, et.al.). @var{op} depends on the operation to be performed:
37317 it should be @samp{c} for step and continue operations (note that this
37318 is deprecated, supporting the @samp{vCont} command is a better
37319 option), @samp{g} for other operations. The thread designator
37320 @var{thread-id} has the format and interpretation described in
37321 @ref{thread-id syntax}.
37322
37323 Reply:
37324 @table @samp
37325 @item OK
37326 for success
37327 @item E @var{NN}
37328 for an error
37329 @end table
37330
37331 @c FIXME: JTC:
37332 @c 'H': How restrictive (or permissive) is the thread model. If a
37333 @c thread is selected and stopped, are other threads allowed
37334 @c to continue to execute? As I mentioned above, I think the
37335 @c semantics of each command when a thread is selected must be
37336 @c described. For example:
37337 @c
37338 @c 'g': If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
37339 @c selected, returns the register block from that thread;
37340 @c otherwise returns current registers.
37341 @c
37342 @c 'G' If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
37343 @c selected, sets the registers of the register block of
37344 @c that thread; otherwise sets current registers.
37345
37346 @item i @r{[}@var{addr}@r{[},@var{nnn}@r{]]}
37347 @anchor{cycle step packet}
37348 @cindex @samp{i} packet
37349 Step the remote target by a single clock cycle. If @samp{,@var{nnn}} is
37350 present, cycle step @var{nnn} cycles. If @var{addr} is present, cycle
37351 step starting at that address.
37352
37353 @item I
37354 @cindex @samp{I} packet
37355 Signal, then cycle step. @xref{step with signal packet}. @xref{cycle
37356 step packet}.
37357
37358 @item k
37359 @cindex @samp{k} packet
37360 Kill request.
37361
37362 FIXME: @emph{There is no description of how to operate when a specific
37363 thread context has been selected (i.e.@: does 'k' kill only that
37364 thread?)}.
37365
37366 @item m @var{addr},@var{length}
37367 @cindex @samp{m} packet
37368 Read @var{length} bytes of memory starting at address @var{addr}.
37369 Note that @var{addr} may not be aligned to any particular boundary.
37370
37371 The stub need not use any particular size or alignment when gathering
37372 data from memory for the response; even if @var{addr} is word-aligned
37373 and @var{length} is a multiple of the word size, the stub is free to
37374 use byte accesses, or not. For this reason, this packet may not be
37375 suitable for accessing memory-mapped I/O devices.
37376 @cindex alignment of remote memory accesses
37377 @cindex size of remote memory accesses
37378 @cindex memory, alignment and size of remote accesses
37379
37380 Reply:
37381 @table @samp
37382 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
37383 Memory contents; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit hexadecimal
37384 number. The reply may contain fewer bytes than requested if the
37385 server was able to read only part of the region of memory.
37386 @item E @var{NN}
37387 @var{NN} is errno
37388 @end table
37389
37390 @item M @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
37391 @cindex @samp{M} packet
37392 Write @var{length} bytes of memory starting at address @var{addr}.
37393 @var{XX@dots{}} is the data; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit
37394 hexadecimal number.
37395
37396 Reply:
37397 @table @samp
37398 @item OK
37399 for success
37400 @item E @var{NN}
37401 for an error (this includes the case where only part of the data was
37402 written).
37403 @end table
37404
37405 @item p @var{n}
37406 @cindex @samp{p} packet
37407 Read the value of register @var{n}; @var{n} is in hex.
37408 @xref{read registers packet}, for a description of how the returned
37409 register value is encoded.
37410
37411 Reply:
37412 @table @samp
37413 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
37414 the register's value
37415 @item E @var{NN}
37416 for an error
37417 @item @w{}
37418 Indicating an unrecognized @var{query}.
37419 @end table
37420
37421 @item P @var{n@dots{}}=@var{r@dots{}}
37422 @anchor{write register packet}
37423 @cindex @samp{P} packet
37424 Write register @var{n@dots{}} with value @var{r@dots{}}. The register
37425 number @var{n} is in hexadecimal, and @var{r@dots{}} contains two hex
37426 digits for each byte in the register (target byte order).
37427
37428 Reply:
37429 @table @samp
37430 @item OK
37431 for success
37432 @item E @var{NN}
37433 for an error
37434 @end table
37435
37436 @item q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
37437 @itemx Q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
37438 @cindex @samp{q} packet
37439 @cindex @samp{Q} packet
37440 General query (@samp{q}) and set (@samp{Q}). These packets are
37441 described fully in @ref{General Query Packets}.
37442
37443 @item r
37444 @cindex @samp{r} packet
37445 Reset the entire system.
37446
37447 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{R} packet instead.
37448
37449 @item R @var{XX}
37450 @cindex @samp{R} packet
37451 Restart the program being debugged. @var{XX}, while needed, is ignored.
37452 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
37453
37454 The @samp{R} packet has no reply.
37455
37456 @item s @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
37457 @cindex @samp{s} packet
37458 Single step. @var{addr} is the address at which to resume. If
37459 @var{addr} is omitted, resume at same address.
37460
37461 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
37462 packet}.
37463
37464 Reply:
37465 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
37466
37467 @item S @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
37468 @anchor{step with signal packet}
37469 @cindex @samp{S} packet
37470 Step with signal. This is analogous to the @samp{C} packet, but
37471 requests a single-step, rather than a normal resumption of execution.
37472
37473 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
37474 packet}.
37475
37476 Reply:
37477 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
37478
37479 @item t @var{addr}:@var{PP},@var{MM}
37480 @cindex @samp{t} packet
37481 Search backwards starting at address @var{addr} for a match with pattern
37482 @var{PP} and mask @var{MM}. @var{PP} and @var{MM} are 4 bytes.
37483 @var{addr} must be at least 3 digits.
37484
37485 @item T @var{thread-id}
37486 @cindex @samp{T} packet
37487 Find out if the thread @var{thread-id} is alive. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
37488
37489 Reply:
37490 @table @samp
37491 @item OK
37492 thread is still alive
37493 @item E @var{NN}
37494 thread is dead
37495 @end table
37496
37497 @item v
37498 Packets starting with @samp{v} are identified by a multi-letter name,
37499 up to the first @samp{;} or @samp{?} (or the end of the packet).
37500
37501 @item vAttach;@var{pid}
37502 @cindex @samp{vAttach} packet
37503 Attach to a new process with the specified process ID @var{pid}.
37504 The process ID is a
37505 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. In all-stop mode, all
37506 threads in the attached process are stopped; in non-stop mode, it may be
37507 attached without being stopped if that is supported by the target.
37508
37509 @c In non-stop mode, on a successful vAttach, the stub should set the
37510 @c current thread to a thread of the newly-attached process. After
37511 @c attaching, GDB queries for the attached process's thread ID with qC.
37512 @c Also note that, from a user perspective, whether or not the
37513 @c target is stopped on attach in non-stop mode depends on whether you
37514 @c use the foreground or background version of the attach command, not
37515 @c on what vAttach does; GDB does the right thing with respect to either
37516 @c stopping or restarting threads.
37517
37518 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
37519
37520 Reply:
37521 @table @samp
37522 @item E @var{nn}
37523 for an error
37524 @item @r{Any stop packet}
37525 for success in all-stop mode (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
37526 @item OK
37527 for success in non-stop mode (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop})
37528 @end table
37529
37530 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@r{[}:@var{thread-id}@r{]]}@dots{}
37531 @cindex @samp{vCont} packet
37532 @anchor{vCont packet}
37533 Resume the inferior, specifying different actions for each thread.
37534 If an action is specified with no @var{thread-id}, then it is applied to any
37535 threads that don't have a specific action specified; if no default action is
37536 specified then other threads should remain stopped in all-stop mode and
37537 in their current state in non-stop mode.
37538 Specifying multiple
37539 default actions is an error; specifying no actions is also an error.
37540 Thread IDs are specified using the syntax described in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
37541
37542 Currently supported actions are:
37543
37544 @table @samp
37545 @item c
37546 Continue.
37547 @item C @var{sig}
37548 Continue with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
37549 @item s
37550 Step.
37551 @item S @var{sig}
37552 Step with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
37553 @item t
37554 Stop.
37555 @item r @var{start},@var{end}
37556 Step once, and then keep stepping as long as the thread stops at
37557 addresses between @var{start} (inclusive) and @var{end} (exclusive).
37558 The remote stub reports a stop reply when either the thread goes out
37559 of the range or is stopped due to an unrelated reason, such as hitting
37560 a breakpoint. @xref{range stepping}.
37561
37562 If the range is empty (@var{start} == @var{end}), then the action
37563 becomes equivalent to the @samp{s} action. In other words,
37564 single-step once, and report the stop (even if the stepped instruction
37565 jumps to @var{start}).
37566
37567 (A stop reply may be sent at any point even if the PC is still within
37568 the stepping range; for example, it is valid to implement this packet
37569 in a degenerate way as a single instruction step operation.)
37570
37571 @end table
37572
37573 The optional argument @var{addr} normally associated with the
37574 @samp{c}, @samp{C}, @samp{s}, and @samp{S} packets is
37575 not supported in @samp{vCont}.
37576
37577 The @samp{t} action is only relevant in non-stop mode
37578 (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop}) and may be ignored by the stub otherwise.
37579 A stop reply should be generated for any affected thread not already stopped.
37580 When a thread is stopped by means of a @samp{t} action,
37581 the corresponding stop reply should indicate that the thread has stopped with
37582 signal @samp{0}, regardless of whether the target uses some other signal
37583 as an implementation detail.
37584
37585 The stub must support @samp{vCont} if it reports support for
37586 multiprocess extensions (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}). Note that in
37587 this case @samp{vCont} actions can be specified to apply to all threads
37588 in a process by using the @samp{p@var{pid}.-1} form of the
37589 @var{thread-id}.
37590
37591 Reply:
37592 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
37593
37594 @item vCont?
37595 @cindex @samp{vCont?} packet
37596 Request a list of actions supported by the @samp{vCont} packet.
37597
37598 Reply:
37599 @table @samp
37600 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@dots{}@r{]}
37601 The @samp{vCont} packet is supported. Each @var{action} is a supported
37602 command in the @samp{vCont} packet.
37603 @item @w{}
37604 The @samp{vCont} packet is not supported.
37605 @end table
37606
37607 @item vFile:@var{operation}:@var{parameter}@dots{}
37608 @cindex @samp{vFile} packet
37609 Perform a file operation on the target system. For details,
37610 see @ref{Host I/O Packets}.
37611
37612 @item vFlashErase:@var{addr},@var{length}
37613 @cindex @samp{vFlashErase} packet
37614 Direct the stub to erase @var{length} bytes of flash starting at
37615 @var{addr}. The region may enclose any number of flash blocks, but
37616 its start and end must fall on block boundaries, as indicated by the
37617 flash block size appearing in the memory map (@pxref{Memory Map
37618 Format}). @value{GDBN} groups flash memory programming operations
37619 together, and sends a @samp{vFlashDone} request after each group; the
37620 stub is allowed to delay erase operation until the @samp{vFlashDone}
37621 packet is received.
37622
37623 Reply:
37624 @table @samp
37625 @item OK
37626 for success
37627 @item E @var{NN}
37628 for an error
37629 @end table
37630
37631 @item vFlashWrite:@var{addr}:@var{XX@dots{}}
37632 @cindex @samp{vFlashWrite} packet
37633 Direct the stub to write data to flash address @var{addr}. The data
37634 is passed in binary form using the same encoding as for the @samp{X}
37635 packet (@pxref{Binary Data}). The memory ranges specified by
37636 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets preceding a @samp{vFlashDone} packet must
37637 not overlap, and must appear in order of increasing addresses
37638 (although @samp{vFlashErase} packets for higher addresses may already
37639 have been received; the ordering is guaranteed only between
37640 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets). If a packet writes to an address that was
37641 neither erased by a preceding @samp{vFlashErase} packet nor by some other
37642 target-specific method, the results are unpredictable.
37643
37644
37645 Reply:
37646 @table @samp
37647 @item OK
37648 for success
37649 @item E.memtype
37650 for vFlashWrite addressing non-flash memory
37651 @item E @var{NN}
37652 for an error
37653 @end table
37654
37655 @item vFlashDone
37656 @cindex @samp{vFlashDone} packet
37657 Indicate to the stub that flash programming operation is finished.
37658 The stub is permitted to delay or batch the effects of a group of
37659 @samp{vFlashErase} and @samp{vFlashWrite} packets until a
37660 @samp{vFlashDone} packet is received. The contents of the affected
37661 regions of flash memory are unpredictable until the @samp{vFlashDone}
37662 request is completed.
37663
37664 @item vKill;@var{pid}
37665 @cindex @samp{vKill} packet
37666 Kill the process with the specified process ID. @var{pid} is a
37667 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. This packet is used in
37668 preference to @samp{k} when multiprocess protocol extensions are
37669 supported; see @ref{multiprocess extensions}.
37670
37671 Reply:
37672 @table @samp
37673 @item E @var{nn}
37674 for an error
37675 @item OK
37676 for success
37677 @end table
37678
37679 @item vRun;@var{filename}@r{[};@var{argument}@r{]}@dots{}
37680 @cindex @samp{vRun} packet
37681 Run the program @var{filename}, passing it each @var{argument} on its
37682 command line. The file and arguments are hex-encoded strings. If
37683 @var{filename} is an empty string, the stub may use a default program
37684 (e.g.@: the last program run). The program is created in the stopped
37685 state.
37686
37687 @c FIXME: What about non-stop mode?
37688
37689 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
37690
37691 Reply:
37692 @table @samp
37693 @item E @var{nn}
37694 for an error
37695 @item @r{Any stop packet}
37696 for success (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
37697 @end table
37698
37699 @item vStopped
37700 @cindex @samp{vStopped} packet
37701 @xref{Notification Packets}.
37702
37703 @item X @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
37704 @anchor{X packet}
37705 @cindex @samp{X} packet
37706 Write data to memory, where the data is transmitted in binary.
37707 @var{addr} is address, @var{length} is number of bytes,
37708 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
37709
37710 Reply:
37711 @table @samp
37712 @item OK
37713 for success
37714 @item E @var{NN}
37715 for an error
37716 @end table
37717
37718 @item z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{kind}
37719 @itemx Z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{kind}
37720 @anchor{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}
37721 @cindex @samp{z} packet
37722 @cindex @samp{Z} packets
37723 Insert (@samp{Z}) or remove (@samp{z}) a @var{type} breakpoint or
37724 watchpoint starting at address @var{address} of kind @var{kind}.
37725
37726 Each breakpoint and watchpoint packet @var{type} is documented
37727 separately.
37728
37729 @emph{Implementation notes: A remote target shall return an empty string
37730 for an unrecognized breakpoint or watchpoint packet @var{type}. A
37731 remote target shall support either both or neither of a given
37732 @samp{Z@var{type}@dots{}} and @samp{z@var{type}@dots{}} packet pair. To
37733 avoid potential problems with duplicate packets, the operations should
37734 be implemented in an idempotent way.}
37735
37736 @item z0,@var{addr},@var{kind}
37737 @itemx Z0,@var{addr},@var{kind}@r{[};@var{cond_list}@dots{}@r{]}@r{[};cmds:@var{persist},@var{cmd_list}@dots{}@r{]}
37738 @cindex @samp{z0} packet
37739 @cindex @samp{Z0} packet
37740 Insert (@samp{Z0}) or remove (@samp{z0}) a memory breakpoint at address
37741 @var{addr} of type @var{kind}.
37742
37743 A memory breakpoint is implemented by replacing the instruction at
37744 @var{addr} with a software breakpoint or trap instruction. The
37745 @var{kind} is target-specific and typically indicates the size of
37746 the breakpoint in bytes that should be inserted. E.g., the @sc{arm}
37747 and @sc{mips} can insert either a 2 or 4 byte breakpoint. Some
37748 architectures have additional meanings for @var{kind};
37749 @var{cond_list} is an optional list of conditional expressions in bytecode
37750 form that should be evaluated on the target's side. These are the
37751 conditions that should be taken into consideration when deciding if
37752 the breakpoint trigger should be reported back to @var{GDBN}.
37753
37754 The @var{cond_list} parameter is comprised of a series of expressions,
37755 concatenated without separators. Each expression has the following form:
37756
37757 @table @samp
37758
37759 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
37760 @var{len} is the length of the bytecode expression and @var{expr} is the
37761 actual conditional expression in bytecode form.
37762
37763 @end table
37764
37765 The optional @var{cmd_list} parameter introduces commands that may be
37766 run on the target, rather than being reported back to @value{GDBN}.
37767 The parameter starts with a numeric flag @var{persist}; if the flag is
37768 nonzero, then the breakpoint may remain active and the commands
37769 continue to be run even when @value{GDBN} disconnects from the target.
37770 Following this flag is a series of expressions concatenated with no
37771 separators. Each expression has the following form:
37772
37773 @table @samp
37774
37775 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
37776 @var{len} is the length of the bytecode expression and @var{expr} is the
37777 actual conditional expression in bytecode form.
37778
37779 @end table
37780
37781 see @ref{Architecture-Specific Protocol Details}.
37782
37783 @emph{Implementation note: It is possible for a target to copy or move
37784 code that contains memory breakpoints (e.g., when implementing
37785 overlays). The behavior of this packet, in the presence of such a
37786 target, is not defined.}
37787
37788 Reply:
37789 @table @samp
37790 @item OK
37791 success
37792 @item @w{}
37793 not supported
37794 @item E @var{NN}
37795 for an error
37796 @end table
37797
37798 @item z1,@var{addr},@var{kind}
37799 @itemx Z1,@var{addr},@var{kind}@r{[};@var{cond_list}@dots{}@r{]}
37800 @cindex @samp{z1} packet
37801 @cindex @samp{Z1} packet
37802 Insert (@samp{Z1}) or remove (@samp{z1}) a hardware breakpoint at
37803 address @var{addr}.
37804
37805 A hardware breakpoint is implemented using a mechanism that is not
37806 dependant on being able to modify the target's memory. @var{kind}
37807 and @var{cond_list} have the same meaning as in @samp{Z0} packets.
37808
37809 @emph{Implementation note: A hardware breakpoint is not affected by code
37810 movement.}
37811
37812 Reply:
37813 @table @samp
37814 @item OK
37815 success
37816 @item @w{}
37817 not supported
37818 @item E @var{NN}
37819 for an error
37820 @end table
37821
37822 @item z2,@var{addr},@var{kind}
37823 @itemx Z2,@var{addr},@var{kind}
37824 @cindex @samp{z2} packet
37825 @cindex @samp{Z2} packet
37826 Insert (@samp{Z2}) or remove (@samp{z2}) a write watchpoint at @var{addr}.
37827 @var{kind} is interpreted as the number of bytes to watch.
37828
37829 Reply:
37830 @table @samp
37831 @item OK
37832 success
37833 @item @w{}
37834 not supported
37835 @item E @var{NN}
37836 for an error
37837 @end table
37838
37839 @item z3,@var{addr},@var{kind}
37840 @itemx Z3,@var{addr},@var{kind}
37841 @cindex @samp{z3} packet
37842 @cindex @samp{Z3} packet
37843 Insert (@samp{Z3}) or remove (@samp{z3}) a read watchpoint at @var{addr}.
37844 @var{kind} is interpreted as the number of bytes to watch.
37845
37846 Reply:
37847 @table @samp
37848 @item OK
37849 success
37850 @item @w{}
37851 not supported
37852 @item E @var{NN}
37853 for an error
37854 @end table
37855
37856 @item z4,@var{addr},@var{kind}
37857 @itemx Z4,@var{addr},@var{kind}
37858 @cindex @samp{z4} packet
37859 @cindex @samp{Z4} packet
37860 Insert (@samp{Z4}) or remove (@samp{z4}) an access watchpoint at @var{addr}.
37861 @var{kind} is interpreted as the number of bytes to watch.
37862
37863 Reply:
37864 @table @samp
37865 @item OK
37866 success
37867 @item @w{}
37868 not supported
37869 @item E @var{NN}
37870 for an error
37871 @end table
37872
37873 @end table
37874
37875 @node Stop Reply Packets
37876 @section Stop Reply Packets
37877 @cindex stop reply packets
37878
37879 The @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}, @samp{s}, @samp{vCont},
37880 @samp{vAttach}, @samp{vRun}, @samp{vStopped}, and @samp{?} packets can
37881 receive any of the below as a reply. Except for @samp{?}
37882 and @samp{vStopped}, that reply is only returned
37883 when the target halts. In the below the exact meaning of @dfn{signal
37884 number} is defined by the header @file{include/gdb/signals.h} in the
37885 @value{GDBN} source code.
37886
37887 As in the description of request packets, we include spaces in the
37888 reply templates for clarity; these are not part of the reply packet's
37889 syntax. No @value{GDBN} stop reply packet uses spaces to separate its
37890 components.
37891
37892 @table @samp
37893
37894 @item S @var{AA}
37895 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
37896 number). This is equivalent to a @samp{T} response with no
37897 @var{n}:@var{r} pairs.
37898
37899 @item T @var{AA} @var{n1}:@var{r1};@var{n2}:@var{r2};@dots{}
37900 @cindex @samp{T} packet reply
37901 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
37902 number). This is equivalent to an @samp{S} response, except that the
37903 @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pairs can carry values of important registers
37904 and other information directly in the stop reply packet, reducing
37905 round-trip latency. Single-step and breakpoint traps are reported
37906 this way. Each @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair is interpreted as follows:
37907
37908 @itemize @bullet
37909 @item
37910 If @var{n} is a hexadecimal number, it is a register number, and the
37911 corresponding @var{r} gives that register's value. @var{r} is a
37912 series of bytes in target byte order, with each byte given by a
37913 two-digit hex number.
37914
37915 @item
37916 If @var{n} is @samp{thread}, then @var{r} is the @var{thread-id} of
37917 the stopped thread, as specified in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
37918
37919 @item
37920 If @var{n} is @samp{core}, then @var{r} is the hexadecimal number of
37921 the core on which the stop event was detected.
37922
37923 @item
37924 If @var{n} is a recognized @dfn{stop reason}, it describes a more
37925 specific event that stopped the target. The currently defined stop
37926 reasons are listed below. @var{aa} should be @samp{05}, the trap
37927 signal. At most one stop reason should be present.
37928
37929 @item
37930 Otherwise, @value{GDBN} should ignore this @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair
37931 and go on to the next; this allows us to extend the protocol in the
37932 future.
37933 @end itemize
37934
37935 The currently defined stop reasons are:
37936
37937 @table @samp
37938 @item watch
37939 @itemx rwatch
37940 @itemx awatch
37941 The packet indicates a watchpoint hit, and @var{r} is the data address, in
37942 hex.
37943
37944 @cindex shared library events, remote reply
37945 @item library
37946 The packet indicates that the loaded libraries have changed.
37947 @value{GDBN} should use @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} to fetch a new
37948 list of loaded libraries. @var{r} is ignored.
37949
37950 @cindex replay log events, remote reply
37951 @item replaylog
37952 The packet indicates that the target cannot continue replaying
37953 logged execution events, because it has reached the end (or the
37954 beginning when executing backward) of the log. The value of @var{r}
37955 will be either @samp{begin} or @samp{end}. @xref{Reverse Execution},
37956 for more information.
37957 @end table
37958
37959 @item W @var{AA}
37960 @itemx W @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
37961 The process exited, and @var{AA} is the exit status. This is only
37962 applicable to certain targets.
37963
37964 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the exited
37965 process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported support for
37966 multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess extensions}.
37967 The @var{pid} is formatted as a big-endian hex string.
37968
37969 @item X @var{AA}
37970 @itemx X @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
37971 The process terminated with signal @var{AA}.
37972
37973 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the
37974 terminated process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported
37975 support for multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess
37976 extensions}. The @var{pid} is formatted as a big-endian hex string.
37977
37978 @item O @var{XX}@dots{}
37979 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data, to be
37980 written as the program's console output. This can happen at any time
37981 while the program is running and the debugger should continue to wait
37982 for @samp{W}, @samp{T}, etc. This reply is not permitted in non-stop mode.
37983
37984 @item F @var{call-id},@var{parameter}@dots{}
37985 @var{call-id} is the identifier which says which host system call should
37986 be called. This is just the name of the function. Translation into the
37987 correct system call is only applicable as it's defined in @value{GDBN}.
37988 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for a list of implemented
37989 system calls.
37990
37991 @samp{@var{parameter}@dots{}} is a list of parameters as defined for
37992 this very system call.
37993
37994 The target replies with this packet when it expects @value{GDBN} to
37995 call a host system call on behalf of the target. @value{GDBN} replies
37996 with an appropriate @samp{F} packet and keeps up waiting for the next
37997 reply packet from the target. The latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
37998 or @samp{s} action is expected to be continued. @xref{File-I/O Remote
37999 Protocol Extension}, for more details.
38000
38001 @end table
38002
38003 @node General Query Packets
38004 @section General Query Packets
38005 @cindex remote query requests
38006
38007 Packets starting with @samp{q} are @dfn{general query packets};
38008 packets starting with @samp{Q} are @dfn{general set packets}. General
38009 query and set packets are a semi-unified form for retrieving and
38010 sending information to and from the stub.
38011
38012 The initial letter of a query or set packet is followed by a name
38013 indicating what sort of thing the packet applies to. For example,
38014 @value{GDBN} may use a @samp{qSymbol} packet to exchange symbol
38015 definitions with the stub. These packet names follow some
38016 conventions:
38017
38018 @itemize @bullet
38019 @item
38020 The name must not contain commas, colons or semicolons.
38021 @item
38022 Most @value{GDBN} query and set packets have a leading upper case
38023 letter.
38024 @item
38025 The names of custom vendor packets should use a company prefix, in
38026 lower case, followed by a period. For example, packets designed at
38027 the Acme Corporation might begin with @samp{qacme.foo} (for querying
38028 foos) or @samp{Qacme.bar} (for setting bars).
38029 @end itemize
38030
38031 The name of a query or set packet should be separated from any
38032 parameters by a @samp{:}; the parameters themselves should be
38033 separated by @samp{,} or @samp{;}. Stubs must be careful to match the
38034 full packet name, and check for a separator or the end of the packet,
38035 in case two packet names share a common prefix. New packets should not begin
38036 with @samp{qC}, @samp{qP}, or @samp{qL}@footnote{The @samp{qP} and @samp{qL}
38037 packets predate these conventions, and have arguments without any terminator
38038 for the packet name; we suspect they are in widespread use in places that
38039 are difficult to upgrade. The @samp{qC} packet has no arguments, but some
38040 existing stubs (e.g.@: RedBoot) are known to not check for the end of the
38041 packet.}.
38042
38043 Like the descriptions of the other packets, each description here
38044 has a template showing the packet's overall syntax, followed by an
38045 explanation of the packet's meaning. We include spaces in some of the
38046 templates for clarity; these are not part of the packet's syntax. No
38047 @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to separate its components.
38048
38049 Here are the currently defined query and set packets:
38050
38051 @table @samp
38052
38053 @item QAgent:1
38054 @itemx QAgent:0
38055 Turn on or off the agent as a helper to perform some debugging operations
38056 delegated from @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Control Agent}).
38057
38058 @item QAllow:@var{op}:@var{val}@dots{}
38059 @cindex @samp{QAllow} packet
38060 Specify which operations @value{GDBN} expects to request of the
38061 target, as a semicolon-separated list of operation name and value
38062 pairs. Possible values for @var{op} include @samp{WriteReg},
38063 @samp{WriteMem}, @samp{InsertBreak}, @samp{InsertTrace},
38064 @samp{InsertFastTrace}, and @samp{Stop}. @var{val} is either 0,
38065 indicating that @value{GDBN} will not request the operation, or 1,
38066 indicating that it may. (The target can then use this to set up its
38067 own internals optimally, for instance if the debugger never expects to
38068 insert breakpoints, it may not need to install its own trap handler.)
38069
38070 @item qC
38071 @cindex current thread, remote request
38072 @cindex @samp{qC} packet
38073 Return the current thread ID.
38074
38075 Reply:
38076 @table @samp
38077 @item QC @var{thread-id}
38078 Where @var{thread-id} is a thread ID as documented in
38079 @ref{thread-id syntax}.
38080 @item @r{(anything else)}
38081 Any other reply implies the old thread ID.
38082 @end table
38083
38084 @item qCRC:@var{addr},@var{length}
38085 @cindex CRC of memory block, remote request
38086 @cindex @samp{qCRC} packet
38087 Compute the CRC checksum of a block of memory using CRC-32 defined in
38088 IEEE 802.3. The CRC is computed byte at a time, taking the most
38089 significant bit of each byte first. The initial pattern code
38090 @code{0xffffffff} is used to ensure leading zeros affect the CRC.
38091
38092 @emph{Note:} This is the same CRC used in validating separate debug
38093 files (@pxref{Separate Debug Files, , Debugging Information in Separate
38094 Files}). However the algorithm is slightly different. When validating
38095 separate debug files, the CRC is computed taking the @emph{least}
38096 significant bit of each byte first, and the final result is inverted to
38097 detect trailing zeros.
38098
38099 Reply:
38100 @table @samp
38101 @item E @var{NN}
38102 An error (such as memory fault)
38103 @item C @var{crc32}
38104 The specified memory region's checksum is @var{crc32}.
38105 @end table
38106
38107 @item QDisableRandomization:@var{value}
38108 @cindex disable address space randomization, remote request
38109 @cindex @samp{QDisableRandomization} packet
38110 Some target operating systems will randomize the virtual address space
38111 of the inferior process as a security feature, but provide a feature
38112 to disable such randomization, e.g.@: to allow for a more deterministic
38113 debugging experience. On such systems, this packet with a @var{value}
38114 of 1 directs the target to disable address space randomization for
38115 processes subsequently started via @samp{vRun} packets, while a packet
38116 with a @var{value} of 0 tells the target to enable address space
38117 randomization.
38118
38119 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
38120
38121 Reply:
38122 @table @samp
38123 @item OK
38124 The request succeeded.
38125
38126 @item E @var{nn}
38127 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
38128
38129 @item @w{}
38130 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QDisableRandomization} is not supported
38131 by the stub.
38132 @end table
38133
38134 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38135 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38136 This should only be done on targets that actually support disabling
38137 address space randomization.
38138
38139 @item qfThreadInfo
38140 @itemx qsThreadInfo
38141 @cindex list active threads, remote request
38142 @cindex @samp{qfThreadInfo} packet
38143 @cindex @samp{qsThreadInfo} packet
38144 Obtain a list of all active thread IDs from the target (OS). Since there
38145 may be too many active threads to fit into one reply packet, this query
38146 works iteratively: it may require more than one query/reply sequence to
38147 obtain the entire list of threads. The first query of the sequence will
38148 be the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query; subsequent queries in the
38149 sequence will be the @samp{qsThreadInfo} query.
38150
38151 NOTE: This packet replaces the @samp{qL} query (see below).
38152
38153 Reply:
38154 @table @samp
38155 @item m @var{thread-id}
38156 A single thread ID
38157 @item m @var{thread-id},@var{thread-id}@dots{}
38158 a comma-separated list of thread IDs
38159 @item l
38160 (lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
38161 @end table
38162
38163 In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
38164 more thread IDs, separated by commas.
38165 @value{GDBN} will respond to each reply with a request for more thread
38166 ids (using the @samp{qs} form of the query), until the target responds
38167 with @samp{l} (lower-case ell, for @dfn{last}).
38168 Refer to @ref{thread-id syntax}, for the format of the @var{thread-id}
38169 fields.
38170
38171 @item qGetTLSAddr:@var{thread-id},@var{offset},@var{lm}
38172 @cindex get thread-local storage address, remote request
38173 @cindex @samp{qGetTLSAddr} packet
38174 Fetch the address associated with thread local storage specified
38175 by @var{thread-id}, @var{offset}, and @var{lm}.
38176
38177 @var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the
38178 thread for which to fetch the TLS address. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
38179
38180 @var{offset} is the (big endian, hex encoded) offset associated with the
38181 thread local variable. (This offset is obtained from the debug
38182 information associated with the variable.)
38183
38184 @var{lm} is the (big endian, hex encoded) OS/ABI-specific encoding of the
38185 load module associated with the thread local storage. For example,
38186 a @sc{gnu}/Linux system will pass the link map address of the shared
38187 object associated with the thread local storage under consideration.
38188 Other operating environments may choose to represent the load module
38189 differently, so the precise meaning of this parameter will vary.
38190
38191 Reply:
38192 @table @samp
38193 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
38194 Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the address of the thread
38195 local storage requested.
38196
38197 @item E @var{nn}
38198 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
38199
38200 @item @w{}
38201 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTLSAddr} is not supported by the stub.
38202 @end table
38203
38204 @item qGetTIBAddr:@var{thread-id}
38205 @cindex get thread information block address
38206 @cindex @samp{qGetTIBAddr} packet
38207 Fetch address of the Windows OS specific Thread Information Block.
38208
38209 @var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the thread.
38210
38211 Reply:
38212 @table @samp
38213 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
38214 Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the linear address of the
38215 thread information block.
38216
38217 @item E @var{nn}
38218 An error occured. This means that either the thread was not found, or the
38219 address could not be retrieved.
38220
38221 @item @w{}
38222 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTIBAddr} is not supported by the stub.
38223 @end table
38224
38225 @item qL @var{startflag} @var{threadcount} @var{nextthread}
38226 Obtain thread information from RTOS. Where: @var{startflag} (one hex
38227 digit) is one to indicate the first query and zero to indicate a
38228 subsequent query; @var{threadcount} (two hex digits) is the maximum
38229 number of threads the response packet can contain; and @var{nextthread}
38230 (eight hex digits), for subsequent queries (@var{startflag} is zero), is
38231 returned in the response as @var{argthread}.
38232
38233 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query instead (see above).
38234
38235 Reply:
38236 @table @samp
38237 @item qM @var{count} @var{done} @var{argthread} @var{thread}@dots{}
38238 Where: @var{count} (two hex digits) is the number of threads being
38239 returned; @var{done} (one hex digit) is zero to indicate more threads
38240 and one indicates no further threads; @var{argthreadid} (eight hex
38241 digits) is @var{nextthread} from the request packet; @var{thread}@dots{}
38242 is a sequence of thread IDs from the target. @var{threadid} (eight hex
38243 digits). See @code{remote.c:parse_threadlist_response()}.
38244 @end table
38245
38246 @item qOffsets
38247 @cindex section offsets, remote request
38248 @cindex @samp{qOffsets} packet
38249 Get section offsets that the target used when relocating the downloaded
38250 image.
38251
38252 Reply:
38253 @table @samp
38254 @item Text=@var{xxx};Data=@var{yyy}@r{[};Bss=@var{zzz}@r{]}
38255 Relocate the @code{Text} section by @var{xxx} from its original address.
38256 Relocate the @code{Data} section by @var{yyy} from its original address.
38257 If the object file format provides segment information (e.g.@: @sc{elf}
38258 @samp{PT_LOAD} program headers), @value{GDBN} will relocate entire
38259 segments by the supplied offsets.
38260
38261 @emph{Note: while a @code{Bss} offset may be included in the response,
38262 @value{GDBN} ignores this and instead applies the @code{Data} offset
38263 to the @code{Bss} section.}
38264
38265 @item TextSeg=@var{xxx}@r{[};DataSeg=@var{yyy}@r{]}
38266 Relocate the first segment of the object file, which conventionally
38267 contains program code, to a starting address of @var{xxx}. If
38268 @samp{DataSeg} is specified, relocate the second segment, which
38269 conventionally contains modifiable data, to a starting address of
38270 @var{yyy}. @value{GDBN} will report an error if the object file
38271 does not contain segment information, or does not contain at least
38272 as many segments as mentioned in the reply. Extra segments are
38273 kept at fixed offsets relative to the last relocated segment.
38274 @end table
38275
38276 @item qP @var{mode} @var{thread-id}
38277 @cindex thread information, remote request
38278 @cindex @samp{qP} packet
38279 Returns information on @var{thread-id}. Where: @var{mode} is a hex
38280 encoded 32 bit mode; @var{thread-id} is a thread ID
38281 (@pxref{thread-id syntax}).
38282
38283 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} query instead
38284 (see below).
38285
38286 Reply: see @code{remote.c:remote_unpack_thread_info_response()}.
38287
38288 @item QNonStop:1
38289 @itemx QNonStop:0
38290 @cindex non-stop mode, remote request
38291 @cindex @samp{QNonStop} packet
38292 @anchor{QNonStop}
38293 Enter non-stop (@samp{QNonStop:1}) or all-stop (@samp{QNonStop:0}) mode.
38294 @xref{Remote Non-Stop}, for more information.
38295
38296 Reply:
38297 @table @samp
38298 @item OK
38299 The request succeeded.
38300
38301 @item E @var{nn}
38302 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
38303
38304 @item @w{}
38305 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QNonStop} is not supported by
38306 the stub.
38307 @end table
38308
38309 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38310 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38311 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set non-stop} command;
38312 @pxref{Non-Stop Mode}.
38313
38314 @item QPassSignals: @var{signal} @r{[};@var{signal}@r{]}@dots{}
38315 @cindex pass signals to inferior, remote request
38316 @cindex @samp{QPassSignals} packet
38317 @anchor{QPassSignals}
38318 Each listed @var{signal} should be passed directly to the inferior process.
38319 Signals are numbered identically to continue packets and stop replies
38320 (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}). Each @var{signal} list item should be
38321 strictly greater than the previous item. These signals do not need to stop
38322 the inferior, or be reported to @value{GDBN}. All other signals should be
38323 reported to @value{GDBN}. Multiple @samp{QPassSignals} packets do not
38324 combine; any earlier @samp{QPassSignals} list is completely replaced by the
38325 new list. This packet improves performance when using @samp{handle
38326 @var{signal} nostop noprint pass}.
38327
38328 Reply:
38329 @table @samp
38330 @item OK
38331 The request succeeded.
38332
38333 @item E @var{nn}
38334 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
38335
38336 @item @w{}
38337 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QPassSignals} is not supported by
38338 the stub.
38339 @end table
38340
38341 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote pass-signals}
38342 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote pass-signals}).
38343 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38344 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38345
38346 @item QProgramSignals: @var{signal} @r{[};@var{signal}@r{]}@dots{}
38347 @cindex signals the inferior may see, remote request
38348 @cindex @samp{QProgramSignals} packet
38349 @anchor{QProgramSignals}
38350 Each listed @var{signal} may be delivered to the inferior process.
38351 Others should be silently discarded.
38352
38353 In some cases, the remote stub may need to decide whether to deliver a
38354 signal to the program or not without @value{GDBN} involvement. One
38355 example of that is while detaching --- the program's threads may have
38356 stopped for signals that haven't yet had a chance of being reported to
38357 @value{GDBN}, and so the remote stub can use the signal list specified
38358 by this packet to know whether to deliver or ignore those pending
38359 signals.
38360
38361 This does not influence whether to deliver a signal as requested by a
38362 resumption packet (@pxref{vCont packet}).
38363
38364 Signals are numbered identically to continue packets and stop replies
38365 (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}). Each @var{signal} list item should be
38366 strictly greater than the previous item. Multiple
38367 @samp{QProgramSignals} packets do not combine; any earlier
38368 @samp{QProgramSignals} list is completely replaced by the new list.
38369
38370 Reply:
38371 @table @samp
38372 @item OK
38373 The request succeeded.
38374
38375 @item E @var{nn}
38376 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
38377
38378 @item @w{}
38379 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QProgramSignals} is not supported
38380 by the stub.
38381 @end table
38382
38383 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote program-signals}
38384 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote program-signals}).
38385 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38386 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38387
38388 @item qRcmd,@var{command}
38389 @cindex execute remote command, remote request
38390 @cindex @samp{qRcmd} packet
38391 @var{command} (hex encoded) is passed to the local interpreter for
38392 execution. Invalid commands should be reported using the output
38393 string. Before the final result packet, the target may also respond
38394 with a number of intermediate @samp{O@var{output}} console output
38395 packets. @emph{Implementors should note that providing access to a
38396 stubs's interpreter may have security implications}.
38397
38398 Reply:
38399 @table @samp
38400 @item OK
38401 A command response with no output.
38402 @item @var{OUTPUT}
38403 A command response with the hex encoded output string @var{OUTPUT}.
38404 @item E @var{NN}
38405 Indicate a badly formed request.
38406 @item @w{}
38407 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qRcmd} is not recognized.
38408 @end table
38409
38410 (Note that the @code{qRcmd} packet's name is separated from the
38411 command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
38412 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
38413 packets.)
38414
38415 @item qSearch:memory:@var{address};@var{length};@var{search-pattern}
38416 @cindex searching memory, in remote debugging
38417 @ifnotinfo
38418 @cindex @samp{qSearch:memory} packet
38419 @end ifnotinfo
38420 @cindex @samp{qSearch memory} packet
38421 @anchor{qSearch memory}
38422 Search @var{length} bytes at @var{address} for @var{search-pattern}.
38423 @var{address} and @var{length} are encoded in hex.
38424 @var{search-pattern} is a sequence of bytes, hex encoded.
38425
38426 Reply:
38427 @table @samp
38428 @item 0
38429 The pattern was not found.
38430 @item 1,address
38431 The pattern was found at @var{address}.
38432 @item E @var{NN}
38433 A badly formed request or an error was encountered while searching memory.
38434 @item @w{}
38435 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSearch:memory} is not recognized.
38436 @end table
38437
38438 @item QStartNoAckMode
38439 @cindex @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet
38440 @anchor{QStartNoAckMode}
38441 Request that the remote stub disable the normal @samp{+}/@samp{-}
38442 protocol acknowledgments (@pxref{Packet Acknowledgment}).
38443
38444 Reply:
38445 @table @samp
38446 @item OK
38447 The stub has switched to no-acknowledgment mode.
38448 @value{GDBN} acknowledges this reponse,
38449 but neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or expect further
38450 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments in the current connection.
38451 @item @w{}
38452 An empty reply indicates that the stub does not support no-acknowledgment mode.
38453 @end table
38454
38455 @item qSupported @r{[}:@var{gdbfeature} @r{[};@var{gdbfeature}@r{]}@dots{} @r{]}
38456 @cindex supported packets, remote query
38457 @cindex features of the remote protocol
38458 @cindex @samp{qSupported} packet
38459 @anchor{qSupported}
38460 Tell the remote stub about features supported by @value{GDBN}, and
38461 query the stub for features it supports. This packet allows
38462 @value{GDBN} and the remote stub to take advantage of each others'
38463 features. @samp{qSupported} also consolidates multiple feature probes
38464 at startup, to improve @value{GDBN} performance---a single larger
38465 packet performs better than multiple smaller probe packets on
38466 high-latency links. Some features may enable behavior which must not
38467 be on by default, e.g.@: because it would confuse older clients or
38468 stubs. Other features may describe packets which could be
38469 automatically probed for, but are not. These features must be
38470 reported before @value{GDBN} will use them. This ``default
38471 unsupported'' behavior is not appropriate for all packets, but it
38472 helps to keep the initial connection time under control with new
38473 versions of @value{GDBN} which support increasing numbers of packets.
38474
38475 Reply:
38476 @table @samp
38477 @item @var{stubfeature} @r{[};@var{stubfeature}@r{]}@dots{}
38478 The stub supports or does not support each returned @var{stubfeature},
38479 depending on the form of each @var{stubfeature} (see below for the
38480 possible forms).
38481 @item @w{}
38482 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSupported} is not recognized,
38483 or that no features needed to be reported to @value{GDBN}.
38484 @end table
38485
38486 The allowed forms for each feature (either a @var{gdbfeature} in the
38487 @samp{qSupported} packet, or a @var{stubfeature} in the response)
38488 are:
38489
38490 @table @samp
38491 @item @var{name}=@var{value}
38492 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and associated
38493 with the specified @var{value}. The format of @var{value} depends
38494 on the feature, but it must not include a semicolon.
38495 @item @var{name}+
38496 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and does not
38497 need an associated value.
38498 @item @var{name}-
38499 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is not supported.
38500 @item @var{name}?
38501 The remote protocol feature @var{name} may be supported, and
38502 @value{GDBN} should auto-detect support in some other way when it is
38503 needed. This form will not be used for @var{gdbfeature} notifications,
38504 but may be used for @var{stubfeature} responses.
38505 @end table
38506
38507 Whenever the stub receives a @samp{qSupported} request, the
38508 supplied set of @value{GDBN} features should override any previous
38509 request. This allows @value{GDBN} to put the stub in a known
38510 state, even if the stub had previously been communicating with
38511 a different version of @value{GDBN}.
38512
38513 The following values of @var{gdbfeature} (for the packet sent by @value{GDBN})
38514 are defined:
38515
38516 @table @samp
38517 @item multiprocess
38518 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports multiprocess
38519 extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
38520 extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
38521 including @samp{multiprocess+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
38522 @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for details.
38523
38524 @item xmlRegisters
38525 This feature indicates that @value{GDBN} supports the XML target
38526 description. If the stub sees @samp{xmlRegisters=} with target
38527 specific strings separated by a comma, it will report register
38528 description.
38529
38530 @item qRelocInsn
38531 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports the
38532 @samp{qRelocInsn} packet (@pxref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate
38533 instruction reply packet}).
38534 @end table
38535
38536 Stubs should ignore any unknown values for
38537 @var{gdbfeature}. Any @value{GDBN} which sends a @samp{qSupported}
38538 packet supports receiving packets of unlimited length (earlier
38539 versions of @value{GDBN} may reject overly long responses). Additional values
38540 for @var{gdbfeature} may be defined in the future to let the stub take
38541 advantage of new features in @value{GDBN}, e.g.@: incompatible
38542 improvements in the remote protocol---the @samp{multiprocess} feature is
38543 an example of such a feature. The stub's reply should be independent
38544 of the @var{gdbfeature} entries sent by @value{GDBN}; first @value{GDBN}
38545 describes all the features it supports, and then the stub replies with
38546 all the features it supports.
38547
38548 Similarly, @value{GDBN} will silently ignore unrecognized stub feature
38549 responses, as long as each response uses one of the standard forms.
38550
38551 Some features are flags. A stub which supports a flag feature
38552 should respond with a @samp{+} form response. Other features
38553 require values, and the stub should respond with an @samp{=}
38554 form response.
38555
38556 Each feature has a default value, which @value{GDBN} will use if
38557 @samp{qSupported} is not available or if the feature is not mentioned
38558 in the @samp{qSupported} response. The default values are fixed; a
38559 stub is free to omit any feature responses that match the defaults.
38560
38561 Not all features can be probed, but for those which can, the probing
38562 mechanism is useful: in some cases, a stub's internal
38563 architecture may not allow the protocol layer to know some information
38564 about the underlying target in advance. This is especially common in
38565 stubs which may be configured for multiple targets.
38566
38567 These are the currently defined stub features and their properties:
38568
38569 @multitable @columnfractions 0.35 0.2 0.12 0.2
38570 @c NOTE: The first row should be @headitem, but we do not yet require
38571 @c a new enough version of Texinfo (4.7) to use @headitem.
38572 @item Feature Name
38573 @tab Value Required
38574 @tab Default
38575 @tab Probe Allowed
38576
38577 @item @samp{PacketSize}
38578 @tab Yes
38579 @tab @samp{-}
38580 @tab No
38581
38582 @item @samp{qXfer:auxv:read}
38583 @tab No
38584 @tab @samp{-}
38585 @tab Yes
38586
38587 @item @samp{qXfer:btrace:read}
38588 @tab No
38589 @tab @samp{-}
38590 @tab Yes
38591
38592 @item @samp{qXfer:features:read}
38593 @tab No
38594 @tab @samp{-}
38595 @tab Yes
38596
38597 @item @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
38598 @tab No
38599 @tab @samp{-}
38600 @tab Yes
38601
38602 @item @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read}
38603 @tab No
38604 @tab @samp{-}
38605 @tab Yes
38606
38607 @item @samp{augmented-libraries-svr4-read}
38608 @tab No
38609 @tab @samp{-}
38610 @tab No
38611
38612 @item @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
38613 @tab No
38614 @tab @samp{-}
38615 @tab Yes
38616
38617 @item @samp{qXfer:sdata:read}
38618 @tab No
38619 @tab @samp{-}
38620 @tab Yes
38621
38622 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:read}
38623 @tab No
38624 @tab @samp{-}
38625 @tab Yes
38626
38627 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:write}
38628 @tab No
38629 @tab @samp{-}
38630 @tab Yes
38631
38632 @item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read}
38633 @tab No
38634 @tab @samp{-}
38635 @tab Yes
38636
38637 @item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write}
38638 @tab No
38639 @tab @samp{-}
38640 @tab Yes
38641
38642 @item @samp{qXfer:threads:read}
38643 @tab No
38644 @tab @samp{-}
38645 @tab Yes
38646
38647 @item @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
38648 @tab No
38649 @tab @samp{-}
38650 @tab Yes
38651
38652 @item @samp{qXfer:uib:read}
38653 @tab No
38654 @tab @samp{-}
38655 @tab Yes
38656
38657 @item @samp{qXfer:fdpic:read}
38658 @tab No
38659 @tab @samp{-}
38660 @tab Yes
38661
38662 @item @samp{Qbtrace:off}
38663 @tab Yes
38664 @tab @samp{-}
38665 @tab Yes
38666
38667 @item @samp{Qbtrace:bts}
38668 @tab Yes
38669 @tab @samp{-}
38670 @tab Yes
38671
38672 @item @samp{QNonStop}
38673 @tab No
38674 @tab @samp{-}
38675 @tab Yes
38676
38677 @item @samp{QPassSignals}
38678 @tab No
38679 @tab @samp{-}
38680 @tab Yes
38681
38682 @item @samp{QStartNoAckMode}
38683 @tab No
38684 @tab @samp{-}
38685 @tab Yes
38686
38687 @item @samp{multiprocess}
38688 @tab No
38689 @tab @samp{-}
38690 @tab No
38691
38692 @item @samp{ConditionalBreakpoints}
38693 @tab No
38694 @tab @samp{-}
38695 @tab No
38696
38697 @item @samp{ConditionalTracepoints}
38698 @tab No
38699 @tab @samp{-}
38700 @tab No
38701
38702 @item @samp{ReverseContinue}
38703 @tab No
38704 @tab @samp{-}
38705 @tab No
38706
38707 @item @samp{ReverseStep}
38708 @tab No
38709 @tab @samp{-}
38710 @tab No
38711
38712 @item @samp{TracepointSource}
38713 @tab No
38714 @tab @samp{-}
38715 @tab No
38716
38717 @item @samp{QAgent}
38718 @tab No
38719 @tab @samp{-}
38720 @tab No
38721
38722 @item @samp{QAllow}
38723 @tab No
38724 @tab @samp{-}
38725 @tab No
38726
38727 @item @samp{QDisableRandomization}
38728 @tab No
38729 @tab @samp{-}
38730 @tab No
38731
38732 @item @samp{EnableDisableTracepoints}
38733 @tab No
38734 @tab @samp{-}
38735 @tab No
38736
38737 @item @samp{QTBuffer:size}
38738 @tab No
38739 @tab @samp{-}
38740 @tab No
38741
38742 @item @samp{tracenz}
38743 @tab No
38744 @tab @samp{-}
38745 @tab No
38746
38747 @item @samp{BreakpointCommands}
38748 @tab No
38749 @tab @samp{-}
38750 @tab No
38751
38752 @end multitable
38753
38754 These are the currently defined stub features, in more detail:
38755
38756 @table @samp
38757 @cindex packet size, remote protocol
38758 @item PacketSize=@var{bytes}
38759 The remote stub can accept packets up to at least @var{bytes} in
38760 length. @value{GDBN} will send packets up to this size for bulk
38761 transfers, and will never send larger packets. This is a limit on the
38762 data characters in the packet, including the frame and checksum.
38763 There is no trailing NUL byte in a remote protocol packet; if the stub
38764 stores packets in a NUL-terminated format, it should allow an extra
38765 byte in its buffer for the NUL. If this stub feature is not supported,
38766 @value{GDBN} guesses based on the size of the @samp{g} packet response.
38767
38768 @item qXfer:auxv:read
38769 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet
38770 (@pxref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}).
38771
38772 @item qXfer:btrace:read
38773 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:btrace:read}
38774 packet (@pxref{qXfer btrace read}).
38775
38776 @item qXfer:features:read
38777 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:features:read} packet
38778 (@pxref{qXfer target description read}).
38779
38780 @item qXfer:libraries:read
38781 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet
38782 (@pxref{qXfer library list read}).
38783
38784 @item qXfer:libraries-svr4:read
38785 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read} packet
38786 (@pxref{qXfer svr4 library list read}).
38787
38788 @item augmented-libraries-svr4-read
38789 The remote stub understands the augmented form of the
38790 @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read} packet
38791 (@pxref{qXfer svr4 library list read}).
38792
38793 @item qXfer:memory-map:read
38794 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read} packet
38795 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}).
38796
38797 @item qXfer:sdata:read
38798 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:sdata:read} packet
38799 (@pxref{qXfer sdata read}).
38800
38801 @item qXfer:spu:read
38802 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:read} packet
38803 (@pxref{qXfer spu read}).
38804
38805 @item qXfer:spu:write
38806 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:write} packet
38807 (@pxref{qXfer spu write}).
38808
38809 @item qXfer:siginfo:read
38810 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read} packet
38811 (@pxref{qXfer siginfo read}).
38812
38813 @item qXfer:siginfo:write
38814 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write} packet
38815 (@pxref{qXfer siginfo write}).
38816
38817 @item qXfer:threads:read
38818 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:threads:read} packet
38819 (@pxref{qXfer threads read}).
38820
38821 @item qXfer:traceframe-info:read
38822 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
38823 packet (@pxref{qXfer traceframe info read}).
38824
38825 @item qXfer:uib:read
38826 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:uib:read}
38827 packet (@pxref{qXfer unwind info block}).
38828
38829 @item qXfer:fdpic:read
38830 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:fdpic:read}
38831 packet (@pxref{qXfer fdpic loadmap read}).
38832
38833 @item QNonStop
38834 The remote stub understands the @samp{QNonStop} packet
38835 (@pxref{QNonStop}).
38836
38837 @item QPassSignals
38838 The remote stub understands the @samp{QPassSignals} packet
38839 (@pxref{QPassSignals}).
38840
38841 @item QStartNoAckMode
38842 The remote stub understands the @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet and
38843 prefers to operate in no-acknowledgment mode. @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}.
38844
38845 @item multiprocess
38846 @anchor{multiprocess extensions}
38847 @cindex multiprocess extensions, in remote protocol
38848 The remote stub understands the multiprocess extensions to the remote
38849 protocol syntax. The multiprocess extensions affect the syntax of
38850 thread IDs in both packets and replies (@pxref{thread-id syntax}), and
38851 add process IDs to the @samp{D} packet and @samp{W} and @samp{X}
38852 replies. Note that reporting this feature indicates support for the
38853 syntactic extensions only, not that the stub necessarily supports
38854 debugging of more than one process at a time. The stub must not use
38855 multiprocess extensions in packet replies unless @value{GDBN} has also
38856 indicated it supports them in its @samp{qSupported} request.
38857
38858 @item qXfer:osdata:read
38859 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet
38860 ((@pxref{qXfer osdata read}).
38861
38862 @item ConditionalBreakpoints
38863 The target accepts and implements evaluation of conditional expressions
38864 defined for breakpoints. The target will only report breakpoint triggers
38865 when such conditions are true (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
38866
38867 @item ConditionalTracepoints
38868 The remote stub accepts and implements conditional expressions defined
38869 for tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoint Conditions}).
38870
38871 @item ReverseContinue
38872 The remote stub accepts and implements the reverse continue packet
38873 (@pxref{bc}).
38874
38875 @item ReverseStep
38876 The remote stub accepts and implements the reverse step packet
38877 (@pxref{bs}).
38878
38879 @item TracepointSource
38880 The remote stub understands the @samp{QTDPsrc} packet that supplies
38881 the source form of tracepoint definitions.
38882
38883 @item QAgent
38884 The remote stub understands the @samp{QAgent} packet.
38885
38886 @item QAllow
38887 The remote stub understands the @samp{QAllow} packet.
38888
38889 @item QDisableRandomization
38890 The remote stub understands the @samp{QDisableRandomization} packet.
38891
38892 @item StaticTracepoint
38893 @cindex static tracepoints, in remote protocol
38894 The remote stub supports static tracepoints.
38895
38896 @item InstallInTrace
38897 @anchor{install tracepoint in tracing}
38898 The remote stub supports installing tracepoint in tracing.
38899
38900 @item EnableDisableTracepoints
38901 The remote stub supports the @samp{QTEnable} (@pxref{QTEnable}) and
38902 @samp{QTDisable} (@pxref{QTDisable}) packets that allow tracepoints
38903 to be enabled and disabled while a trace experiment is running.
38904
38905 @item QTBuffer:size
38906 The remote stub supports the @samp{QTBuffer:size} (@pxref{QTBuffer-size})
38907 packet that allows to change the size of the trace buffer.
38908
38909 @item tracenz
38910 @cindex string tracing, in remote protocol
38911 The remote stub supports the @samp{tracenz} bytecode for collecting strings.
38912 See @ref{Bytecode Descriptions} for details about the bytecode.
38913
38914 @item BreakpointCommands
38915 @cindex breakpoint commands, in remote protocol
38916 The remote stub supports running a breakpoint's command list itself,
38917 rather than reporting the hit to @value{GDBN}.
38918
38919 @item Qbtrace:off
38920 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace:off} packet.
38921
38922 @item Qbtrace:bts
38923 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace:bts} packet.
38924
38925 @end table
38926
38927 @item qSymbol::
38928 @cindex symbol lookup, remote request
38929 @cindex @samp{qSymbol} packet
38930 Notify the target that @value{GDBN} is prepared to serve symbol lookup
38931 requests. Accept requests from the target for the values of symbols.
38932
38933 Reply:
38934 @table @samp
38935 @item OK
38936 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
38937 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
38938 The target requests the value of symbol @var{sym_name} (hex encoded).
38939 @value{GDBN} may provide the value by using the
38940 @samp{qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}} message, described
38941 below.
38942 @end table
38943
38944 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}
38945 Set the value of @var{sym_name} to @var{sym_value}.
38946
38947 @var{sym_name} (hex encoded) is the name of a symbol whose value the
38948 target has previously requested.
38949
38950 @var{sym_value} (hex) is the value for symbol @var{sym_name}. If
38951 @value{GDBN} cannot supply a value for @var{sym_name}, then this field
38952 will be empty.
38953
38954 Reply:
38955 @table @samp
38956 @item OK
38957 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
38958 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
38959 The target requests the value of a new symbol @var{sym_name} (hex
38960 encoded). @value{GDBN} will continue to supply the values of symbols
38961 (if available), until the target ceases to request them.
38962 @end table
38963
38964 @item qTBuffer
38965 @itemx QTBuffer
38966 @itemx QTDisconnected
38967 @itemx QTDP
38968 @itemx QTDPsrc
38969 @itemx QTDV
38970 @itemx qTfP
38971 @itemx qTfV
38972 @itemx QTFrame
38973 @itemx qTMinFTPILen
38974
38975 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
38976
38977 @item qThreadExtraInfo,@var{thread-id}
38978 @cindex thread attributes info, remote request
38979 @cindex @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} packet
38980 Obtain a printable string description of a thread's attributes from
38981 the target OS. @var{thread-id} is a thread ID;
38982 see @ref{thread-id syntax}. This
38983 string may contain anything that the target OS thinks is interesting
38984 for @value{GDBN} to tell the user about the thread. The string is
38985 displayed in @value{GDBN}'s @code{info threads} display. Some
38986 examples of possible thread extra info strings are @samp{Runnable}, or
38987 @samp{Blocked on Mutex}.
38988
38989 Reply:
38990 @table @samp
38991 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
38992 Where @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is a hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data,
38993 comprising the printable string containing the extra information about
38994 the thread's attributes.
38995 @end table
38996
38997 (Note that the @code{qThreadExtraInfo} packet's name is separated from
38998 the command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
38999 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
39000 packets.)
39001
39002 @item QTNotes
39003 @itemx qTP
39004 @itemx QTSave
39005 @itemx qTsP
39006 @itemx qTsV
39007 @itemx QTStart
39008 @itemx QTStop
39009 @itemx QTEnable
39010 @itemx QTDisable
39011 @itemx QTinit
39012 @itemx QTro
39013 @itemx qTStatus
39014 @itemx qTV
39015 @itemx qTfSTM
39016 @itemx qTsSTM
39017 @itemx qTSTMat
39018 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
39019
39020 @item qXfer:@var{object}:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
39021 @cindex read special object, remote request
39022 @cindex @samp{qXfer} packet
39023 @anchor{qXfer read}
39024 Read uninterpreted bytes from the target's special data area
39025 identified by the keyword @var{object}. Request @var{length} bytes
39026 starting at @var{offset} bytes into the data. The content and
39027 encoding of @var{annex} is specific to @var{object}; it can supply
39028 additional details about what data to access.
39029
39030 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All
39031 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:read:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
39032 formats, listed below.
39033
39034 @table @samp
39035 @item qXfer:auxv:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
39036 @anchor{qXfer auxiliary vector read}
39037 Access the target's @dfn{auxiliary vector}. @xref{OS Information,
39038 auxiliary vector}. Note @var{annex} must be empty.
39039
39040 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39041 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39042
39043 @item qXfer:btrace:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
39044 @anchor{qXfer btrace read}
39045
39046 Return a description of the current branch trace.
39047 @xref{Branch Trace Format}. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer}
39048 packet may have one of the following values:
39049
39050 @table @code
39051 @item all
39052 Returns all available branch trace.
39053
39054 @item new
39055 Returns all available branch trace if the branch trace changed since
39056 the last read request.
39057 @end table
39058
39059 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it
39060 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39061
39062 @item qXfer:features:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
39063 @anchor{qXfer target description read}
39064 Access the @dfn{target description}. @xref{Target Descriptions}. The
39065 annex specifies which XML document to access. The main description is
39066 always loaded from the @samp{target.xml} annex.
39067
39068 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39069 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39070
39071 @item qXfer:libraries:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
39072 @anchor{qXfer library list read}
39073 Access the target's list of loaded libraries. @xref{Library List Format}.
39074 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
39075 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
39076
39077 Targets which maintain a list of libraries in the program's memory do
39078 not need to implement this packet; it is designed for platforms where
39079 the operating system manages the list of loaded libraries.
39080
39081 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39082 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39083
39084 @item qXfer:libraries-svr4:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
39085 @anchor{qXfer svr4 library list read}
39086 Access the target's list of loaded libraries when the target is an SVR4
39087 platform. @xref{Library List Format for SVR4 Targets}. The annex part
39088 of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty unless the remote
39089 stub indicated it supports the augmented form of this packet
39090 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
39091 (@pxref{qXfer read}, @ref{qSupported}).
39092
39093 This packet is optional for better performance on SVR4 targets.
39094 @value{GDBN} uses memory read packets to read the SVR4 library list otherwise.
39095
39096 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39097 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39098
39099 If the remote stub indicates it supports the augmented form of this
39100 packet then the annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet may
39101 contain a semicolon-separated list of @samp{@var{name}=@var{value}}
39102 arguments. The currently supported arguments are:
39103
39104 @table @code
39105 @item start=@var{address}
39106 A hexadecimal number specifying the address of the @samp{struct
39107 link_map} to start reading the library list from. If unset or zero
39108 then the first @samp{struct link_map} in the library list will be
39109 chosen as the starting point.
39110
39111 @item prev=@var{address}
39112 A hexadecimal number specifying the address of the @samp{struct
39113 link_map} immediately preceding the @samp{struct link_map}
39114 specified by the @samp{start} argument. If unset or zero then
39115 the remote stub will expect that no @samp{struct link_map}
39116 exists prior to the starting point.
39117
39118 @end table
39119
39120 Arguments that are not understood by the remote stub will be silently
39121 ignored.
39122
39123 @item qXfer:memory-map:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
39124 @anchor{qXfer memory map read}
39125 Access the target's @dfn{memory-map}. @xref{Memory Map Format}. The
39126 annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
39127 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
39128
39129 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39130 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39131
39132 @item qXfer:sdata:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
39133 @anchor{qXfer sdata read}
39134
39135 Read contents of the extra collected static tracepoint marker
39136 information. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must
39137 be empty (@pxref{qXfer read}). @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint
39138 Action Lists}.
39139
39140 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39141 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
39142 (@pxref{qSupported}).
39143
39144 @item qXfer:siginfo:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
39145 @anchor{qXfer siginfo read}
39146 Read contents of the extra signal information on the target
39147 system. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
39148 empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
39149
39150 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39151 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
39152 (@pxref{qSupported}).
39153
39154 @item qXfer:spu:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
39155 @anchor{qXfer spu read}
39156 Read contents of an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
39157 annex specifies which file to read; it must be of the form
39158 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
39159 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
39160 in that context to be accessed.
39161
39162 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39163 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
39164 (@pxref{qSupported}).
39165
39166 @item qXfer:threads:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
39167 @anchor{qXfer threads read}
39168 Access the list of threads on target. @xref{Thread List Format}. The
39169 annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
39170 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
39171
39172 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39173 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39174
39175 @item qXfer:traceframe-info:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
39176 @anchor{qXfer traceframe info read}
39177
39178 Return a description of the current traceframe's contents.
39179 @xref{Traceframe Info Format}. The annex part of the generic
39180 @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
39181
39182 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39183 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39184
39185 @item qXfer:uib:read:@var{pc}:@var{offset},@var{length}
39186 @anchor{qXfer unwind info block}
39187
39188 Return the unwind information block for @var{pc}. This packet is used
39189 on OpenVMS/ia64 to ask the kernel unwind information.
39190
39191 This packet is not probed by default.
39192
39193 @item qXfer:fdpic:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
39194 @anchor{qXfer fdpic loadmap read}
39195 Read contents of @code{loadmap}s on the target system. The
39196 annex, either @samp{exec} or @samp{interp}, specifies which @code{loadmap},
39197 executable @code{loadmap} or interpreter @code{loadmap} to read.
39198
39199 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39200 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39201
39202 @item qXfer:osdata:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
39203 @anchor{qXfer osdata read}
39204 Access the target's @dfn{operating system information}.
39205 @xref{Operating System Information}.
39206
39207 @end table
39208
39209 Reply:
39210 @table @samp
39211 @item m @var{data}
39212 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the
39213 target. There may be more data at a higher address (although
39214 it is permitted to return @samp{m} even for the last valid
39215 block of data, as long as at least one byte of data was read).
39216 @var{data} may have fewer bytes than the @var{length} in the
39217 request.
39218
39219 @item l @var{data}
39220 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the target.
39221 There is no more data to be read. @var{data} may have fewer bytes
39222 than the @var{length} in the request.
39223
39224 @item l
39225 The @var{offset} in the request is at the end of the data.
39226 There is no more data to be read.
39227
39228 @item E00
39229 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
39230
39231 @item E @var{nn}
39232 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered reading the data.
39233 @var{nn} is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
39234
39235 @item @w{}
39236 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not recognized by
39237 the stub, or that the object does not support reading.
39238 @end table
39239
39240 @item qXfer:@var{object}:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
39241 @cindex write data into object, remote request
39242 @anchor{qXfer write}
39243 Write uninterpreted bytes into the target's special data area
39244 identified by the keyword @var{object}, starting at @var{offset} bytes
39245 into the data. @var{data}@dots{} is the binary-encoded data
39246 (@pxref{Binary Data}) to be written. The content and encoding of @var{annex}
39247 is specific to @var{object}; it can supply additional details about what data
39248 to access.
39249
39250 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All
39251 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:write:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
39252 formats, listed below.
39253
39254 @table @samp
39255 @item qXfer:siginfo:write::@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
39256 @anchor{qXfer siginfo write}
39257 Write @var{data} to the extra signal information on the target system.
39258 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
39259 empty (@pxref{qXfer write}).
39260
39261 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39262 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
39263 (@pxref{qSupported}).
39264
39265 @item qXfer:spu:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
39266 @anchor{qXfer spu write}
39267 Write @var{data} to an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
39268 annex specifies which file to write; it must be of the form
39269 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
39270 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
39271 in that context to be accessed.
39272
39273 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39274 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39275 @end table
39276
39277 Reply:
39278 @table @samp
39279 @item @var{nn}
39280 @var{nn} (hex encoded) is the number of bytes written.
39281 This may be fewer bytes than supplied in the request.
39282
39283 @item E00
39284 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
39285
39286 @item E @var{nn}
39287 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered writing the data.
39288 @var{nn} is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
39289
39290 @item @w{}
39291 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not
39292 recognized by the stub, or that the object does not support writing.
39293 @end table
39294
39295 @item qXfer:@var{object}:@var{operation}:@dots{}
39296 Requests of this form may be added in the future. When a stub does
39297 not recognize the @var{object} keyword, or its support for
39298 @var{object} does not recognize the @var{operation} keyword, the stub
39299 must respond with an empty packet.
39300
39301 @item qAttached:@var{pid}
39302 @cindex query attached, remote request
39303 @cindex @samp{qAttached} packet
39304 Return an indication of whether the remote server attached to an
39305 existing process or created a new process. When the multiprocess
39306 protocol extensions are supported (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}),
39307 @var{pid} is an integer in hexadecimal format identifying the target
39308 process. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} will omit the @var{pid} field and
39309 the query packet will be simplified as @samp{qAttached}.
39310
39311 This query is used, for example, to know whether the remote process
39312 should be detached or killed when a @value{GDBN} session is ended with
39313 the @code{quit} command.
39314
39315 Reply:
39316 @table @samp
39317 @item 1
39318 The remote server attached to an existing process.
39319 @item 0
39320 The remote server created a new process.
39321 @item E @var{NN}
39322 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
39323 @end table
39324
39325 @item Qbtrace:bts
39326 Enable branch tracing for the current thread using bts tracing.
39327
39328 Reply:
39329 @table @samp
39330 @item OK
39331 Branch tracing has been enabled.
39332 @item E.errtext
39333 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
39334 @end table
39335
39336 @item Qbtrace:off
39337 Disable branch tracing for the current thread.
39338
39339 Reply:
39340 @table @samp
39341 @item OK
39342 Branch tracing has been disabled.
39343 @item E.errtext
39344 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
39345 @end table
39346
39347 @end table
39348
39349 @node Architecture-Specific Protocol Details
39350 @section Architecture-Specific Protocol Details
39351
39352 This section describes how the remote protocol is applied to specific
39353 target architectures. Also see @ref{Standard Target Features}, for
39354 details of XML target descriptions for each architecture.
39355
39356 @menu
39357 * ARM-Specific Protocol Details::
39358 * MIPS-Specific Protocol Details::
39359 @end menu
39360
39361 @node ARM-Specific Protocol Details
39362 @subsection @acronym{ARM}-specific Protocol Details
39363
39364 @menu
39365 * ARM Breakpoint Kinds::
39366 @end menu
39367
39368 @node ARM Breakpoint Kinds
39369 @subsubsection @acronym{ARM} Breakpoint Kinds
39370 @cindex breakpoint kinds, @acronym{ARM}
39371
39372 These breakpoint kinds are defined for the @samp{Z0} and @samp{Z1} packets.
39373
39374 @table @r
39375
39376 @item 2
39377 16-bit Thumb mode breakpoint.
39378
39379 @item 3
39380 32-bit Thumb mode (Thumb-2) breakpoint.
39381
39382 @item 4
39383 32-bit @acronym{ARM} mode breakpoint.
39384
39385 @end table
39386
39387 @node MIPS-Specific Protocol Details
39388 @subsection @acronym{MIPS}-specific Protocol Details
39389
39390 @menu
39391 * MIPS Register packet Format::
39392 * MIPS Breakpoint Kinds::
39393 @end menu
39394
39395 @node MIPS Register packet Format
39396 @subsubsection @acronym{MIPS} Register Packet Format
39397 @cindex register packet format, @acronym{MIPS}
39398
39399 The following @code{g}/@code{G} packets have previously been defined.
39400 In the below, some thirty-two bit registers are transferred as
39401 sixty-four bits. Those registers should be zero/sign extended (which?)
39402 to fill the space allocated. Register bytes are transferred in target
39403 byte order. The two nibbles within a register byte are transferred
39404 most-significant -- least-significant.
39405
39406 @table @r
39407
39408 @item MIPS32
39409 All registers are transferred as thirty-two bit quantities in the order:
39410 32 general-purpose; sr; lo; hi; bad; cause; pc; 32 floating-point
39411 registers; fsr; fir; fp.
39412
39413 @item MIPS64
39414 All registers are transferred as sixty-four bit quantities (including
39415 thirty-two bit registers such as @code{sr}). The ordering is the same
39416 as @code{MIPS32}.
39417
39418 @end table
39419
39420 @node MIPS Breakpoint Kinds
39421 @subsubsection @acronym{MIPS} Breakpoint Kinds
39422 @cindex breakpoint kinds, @acronym{MIPS}
39423
39424 These breakpoint kinds are defined for the @samp{Z0} and @samp{Z1} packets.
39425
39426 @table @r
39427
39428 @item 2
39429 16-bit @acronym{MIPS16} mode breakpoint.
39430
39431 @item 3
39432 16-bit @acronym{microMIPS} mode breakpoint.
39433
39434 @item 4
39435 32-bit standard @acronym{MIPS} mode breakpoint.
39436
39437 @item 5
39438 32-bit @acronym{microMIPS} mode breakpoint.
39439
39440 @end table
39441
39442 @node Tracepoint Packets
39443 @section Tracepoint Packets
39444 @cindex tracepoint packets
39445 @cindex packets, tracepoint
39446
39447 Here we describe the packets @value{GDBN} uses to implement
39448 tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoints}).
39449
39450 @table @samp
39451
39452 @item QTDP:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{ena}:@var{step}:@var{pass}[:F@var{flen}][:X@var{len},@var{bytes}]@r{[}-@r{]}
39453 @cindex @samp{QTDP} packet
39454 Create a new tracepoint, number @var{n}, at @var{addr}. If @var{ena}
39455 is @samp{E}, then the tracepoint is enabled; if it is @samp{D}, then
39456 the tracepoint is disabled. @var{step} is the tracepoint's step
39457 count, and @var{pass} is its pass count. If an @samp{F} is present,
39458 then the tracepoint is to be a fast tracepoint, and the @var{flen} is
39459 the number of bytes that the target should copy elsewhere to make room
39460 for the tracepoint. If an @samp{X} is present, it introduces a
39461 tracepoint condition, which consists of a hexadecimal length, followed
39462 by a comma and hex-encoded bytes, in a manner similar to action
39463 encodings as described below. If the trailing @samp{-} is present,
39464 further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow to specify this tracepoint's
39465 actions.
39466
39467 Replies:
39468 @table @samp
39469 @item OK
39470 The packet was understood and carried out.
39471 @item qRelocInsn
39472 @xref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate instruction reply packet}.
39473 @item @w{}
39474 The packet was not recognized.
39475 @end table
39476
39477 @item QTDP:-@var{n}:@var{addr}:@r{[}S@r{]}@var{action}@dots{}@r{[}-@r{]}
39478 Define actions to be taken when a tracepoint is hit. @var{n} and
39479 @var{addr} must be the same as in the initial @samp{QTDP} packet for
39480 this tracepoint. This packet may only be sent immediately after
39481 another @samp{QTDP} packet that ended with a @samp{-}. If the
39482 trailing @samp{-} is present, further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow,
39483 specifying more actions for this tracepoint.
39484
39485 In the series of action packets for a given tracepoint, at most one
39486 can have an @samp{S} before its first @var{action}. If such a packet
39487 is sent, it and the following packets define ``while-stepping''
39488 actions. Any prior packets define ordinary actions --- that is, those
39489 taken when the tracepoint is first hit. If no action packet has an
39490 @samp{S}, then all the packets in the series specify ordinary
39491 tracepoint actions.
39492
39493 The @samp{@var{action}@dots{}} portion of the packet is a series of
39494 actions, concatenated without separators. Each action has one of the
39495 following forms:
39496
39497 @table @samp
39498
39499 @item R @var{mask}
39500 Collect the registers whose bits are set in @var{mask}. @var{mask} is
39501 a hexadecimal number whose @var{i}'th bit is set if register number
39502 @var{i} should be collected. (The least significant bit is numbered
39503 zero.) Note that @var{mask} may be any number of digits long; it may
39504 not fit in a 32-bit word.
39505
39506 @item M @var{basereg},@var{offset},@var{len}
39507 Collect @var{len} bytes of memory starting at the address in register
39508 number @var{basereg}, plus @var{offset}. If @var{basereg} is
39509 @samp{-1}, then the range has a fixed address: @var{offset} is the
39510 address of the lowest byte to collect. The @var{basereg},
39511 @var{offset}, and @var{len} parameters are all unsigned hexadecimal
39512 values (the @samp{-1} value for @var{basereg} is a special case).
39513
39514 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
39515 Evaluate @var{expr}, whose length is @var{len}, and collect memory as
39516 it directs. @var{expr} is an agent expression, as described in
39517 @ref{Agent Expressions}. Each byte of the expression is encoded as a
39518 two-digit hex number in the packet; @var{len} is the number of bytes
39519 in the expression (and thus one-half the number of hex digits in the
39520 packet).
39521
39522 @end table
39523
39524 Any number of actions may be packed together in a single @samp{QTDP}
39525 packet, as long as the packet does not exceed the maximum packet
39526 length (400 bytes, for many stubs). There may be only one @samp{R}
39527 action per tracepoint, and it must precede any @samp{M} or @samp{X}
39528 actions. Any registers referred to by @samp{M} and @samp{X} actions
39529 must be collected by a preceding @samp{R} action. (The
39530 ``while-stepping'' actions are treated as if they were attached to a
39531 separate tracepoint, as far as these restrictions are concerned.)
39532
39533 Replies:
39534 @table @samp
39535 @item OK
39536 The packet was understood and carried out.
39537 @item qRelocInsn
39538 @xref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate instruction reply packet}.
39539 @item @w{}
39540 The packet was not recognized.
39541 @end table
39542
39543 @item QTDPsrc:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{type}:@var{start}:@var{slen}:@var{bytes}
39544 @cindex @samp{QTDPsrc} packet
39545 Specify a source string of tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr}.
39546 This is useful to get accurate reproduction of the tracepoints
39547 originally downloaded at the beginning of the trace run. @var{type}
39548 is the name of the tracepoint part, such as @samp{cond} for the
39549 tracepoint's conditional expression (see below for a list of types), while
39550 @var{bytes} is the string, encoded in hexadecimal.
39551
39552 @var{start} is the offset of the @var{bytes} within the overall source
39553 string, while @var{slen} is the total length of the source string.
39554 This is intended for handling source strings that are longer than will
39555 fit in a single packet.
39556 @c Add detailed example when this info is moved into a dedicated
39557 @c tracepoint descriptions section.
39558
39559 The available string types are @samp{at} for the location,
39560 @samp{cond} for the conditional, and @samp{cmd} for an action command.
39561 @value{GDBN} sends a separate packet for each command in the action
39562 list, in the same order in which the commands are stored in the list.
39563
39564 The target does not need to do anything with source strings except
39565 report them back as part of the replies to the @samp{qTfP}/@samp{qTsP}
39566 query packets.
39567
39568 Although this packet is optional, and @value{GDBN} will only send it
39569 if the target replies with @samp{TracepointSource} @xref{General
39570 Query Packets}, it makes both disconnected tracing and trace files
39571 much easier to use. Otherwise the user must be careful that the
39572 tracepoints in effect while looking at trace frames are identical to
39573 the ones in effect during the trace run; even a small discrepancy
39574 could cause @samp{tdump} not to work, or a particular trace frame not
39575 be found.
39576
39577 @item QTDV:@var{n}:@var{value}
39578 @cindex define trace state variable, remote request
39579 @cindex @samp{QTDV} packet
39580 Create a new trace state variable, number @var{n}, with an initial
39581 value of @var{value}, which is a 64-bit signed integer. Both @var{n}
39582 and @var{value} are encoded as hexadecimal values. @value{GDBN} has
39583 the option of not using this packet for initial values of zero; the
39584 target should simply create the trace state variables as they are
39585 mentioned in expressions.
39586
39587 @item QTFrame:@var{n}
39588 @cindex @samp{QTFrame} packet
39589 Select the @var{n}'th tracepoint frame from the buffer, and use the
39590 register and memory contents recorded there to answer subsequent
39591 request packets from @value{GDBN}.
39592
39593 A successful reply from the stub indicates that the stub has found the
39594 requested frame. The response is a series of parts, concatenated
39595 without separators, describing the frame we selected. Each part has
39596 one of the following forms:
39597
39598 @table @samp
39599 @item F @var{f}
39600 The selected frame is number @var{n} in the trace frame buffer;
39601 @var{f} is a hexadecimal number. If @var{f} is @samp{-1}, then there
39602 was no frame matching the criteria in the request packet.
39603
39604 @item T @var{t}
39605 The selected trace frame records a hit of tracepoint number @var{t};
39606 @var{t} is a hexadecimal number.
39607
39608 @end table
39609
39610 @item QTFrame:pc:@var{addr}
39611 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
39612 currently selected frame whose PC is @var{addr};
39613 @var{addr} is a hexadecimal number.
39614
39615 @item QTFrame:tdp:@var{t}
39616 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
39617 currently selected frame that is a hit of tracepoint @var{t}; @var{t}
39618 is a hexadecimal number.
39619
39620 @item QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}
39621 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
39622 currently selected frame whose PC is between @var{start} (inclusive)
39623 and @var{end} (inclusive); @var{start} and @var{end} are hexadecimal
39624 numbers.
39625
39626 @item QTFrame:outside:@var{start}:@var{end}
39627 Like @samp{QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}}, but select the first
39628 frame @emph{outside} the given range of addresses (exclusive).
39629
39630 @item qTMinFTPILen
39631 @cindex @samp{qTMinFTPILen} packet
39632 This packet requests the minimum length of instruction at which a fast
39633 tracepoint (@pxref{Set Tracepoints}) may be placed. For instance, on
39634 the 32-bit x86 architecture, it is possible to use a 4-byte jump, but
39635 it depends on the target system being able to create trampolines in
39636 the first 64K of memory, which might or might not be possible for that
39637 system. So the reply to this packet will be 4 if it is able to
39638 arrange for that.
39639
39640 Replies:
39641
39642 @table @samp
39643 @item 0
39644 The minimum instruction length is currently unknown.
39645 @item @var{length}
39646 The minimum instruction length is @var{length}, where @var{length} is greater
39647 or equal to 1. @var{length} is a hexadecimal number. A reply of 1 means
39648 that a fast tracepoint may be placed on any instruction regardless of size.
39649 @item E
39650 An error has occurred.
39651 @item @w{}
39652 An empty reply indicates that the request is not supported by the stub.
39653 @end table
39654
39655 @item QTStart
39656 @cindex @samp{QTStart} packet
39657 Begin the tracepoint experiment. Begin collecting data from
39658 tracepoint hits in the trace frame buffer. This packet supports the
39659 @samp{qRelocInsn} reply (@pxref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate
39660 instruction reply packet}).
39661
39662 @item QTStop
39663 @cindex @samp{QTStop} packet
39664 End the tracepoint experiment. Stop collecting trace frames.
39665
39666 @item QTEnable:@var{n}:@var{addr}
39667 @anchor{QTEnable}
39668 @cindex @samp{QTEnable} packet
39669 Enable tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr} in a started tracepoint
39670 experiment. If the tracepoint was previously disabled, then collection
39671 of data from it will resume.
39672
39673 @item QTDisable:@var{n}:@var{addr}
39674 @anchor{QTDisable}
39675 @cindex @samp{QTDisable} packet
39676 Disable tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr} in a started tracepoint
39677 experiment. No more data will be collected from the tracepoint unless
39678 @samp{QTEnable:@var{n}:@var{addr}} is subsequently issued.
39679
39680 @item QTinit
39681 @cindex @samp{QTinit} packet
39682 Clear the table of tracepoints, and empty the trace frame buffer.
39683
39684 @item QTro:@var{start1},@var{end1}:@var{start2},@var{end2}:@dots{}
39685 @cindex @samp{QTro} packet
39686 Establish the given ranges of memory as ``transparent''. The stub
39687 will answer requests for these ranges from memory's current contents,
39688 if they were not collected as part of the tracepoint hit.
39689
39690 @value{GDBN} uses this to mark read-only regions of memory, like those
39691 containing program code. Since these areas never change, they should
39692 still have the same contents they did when the tracepoint was hit, so
39693 there's no reason for the stub to refuse to provide their contents.
39694
39695 @item QTDisconnected:@var{value}
39696 @cindex @samp{QTDisconnected} packet
39697 Set the choice to what to do with the tracing run when @value{GDBN}
39698 disconnects from the target. A @var{value} of 1 directs the target to
39699 continue the tracing run, while 0 tells the target to stop tracing if
39700 @value{GDBN} is no longer in the picture.
39701
39702 @item qTStatus
39703 @cindex @samp{qTStatus} packet
39704 Ask the stub if there is a trace experiment running right now.
39705
39706 The reply has the form:
39707
39708 @table @samp
39709
39710 @item T@var{running}@r{[};@var{field}@r{]}@dots{}
39711 @var{running} is a single digit @code{1} if the trace is presently
39712 running, or @code{0} if not. It is followed by semicolon-separated
39713 optional fields that an agent may use to report additional status.
39714
39715 @end table
39716
39717 If the trace is not running, the agent may report any of several
39718 explanations as one of the optional fields:
39719
39720 @table @samp
39721
39722 @item tnotrun:0
39723 No trace has been run yet.
39724
39725 @item tstop[:@var{text}]:0
39726 The trace was stopped by a user-originated stop command. The optional
39727 @var{text} field is a user-supplied string supplied as part of the
39728 stop command (for instance, an explanation of why the trace was
39729 stopped manually). It is hex-encoded.
39730
39731 @item tfull:0
39732 The trace stopped because the trace buffer filled up.
39733
39734 @item tdisconnected:0
39735 The trace stopped because @value{GDBN} disconnected from the target.
39736
39737 @item tpasscount:@var{tpnum}
39738 The trace stopped because tracepoint @var{tpnum} exceeded its pass count.
39739
39740 @item terror:@var{text}:@var{tpnum}
39741 The trace stopped because tracepoint @var{tpnum} had an error. The
39742 string @var{text} is available to describe the nature of the error
39743 (for instance, a divide by zero in the condition expression).
39744 @var{text} is hex encoded.
39745
39746 @item tunknown:0
39747 The trace stopped for some other reason.
39748
39749 @end table
39750
39751 Additional optional fields supply statistical and other information.
39752 Although not required, they are extremely useful for users monitoring
39753 the progress of a trace run. If a trace has stopped, and these
39754 numbers are reported, they must reflect the state of the just-stopped
39755 trace.
39756
39757 @table @samp
39758
39759 @item tframes:@var{n}
39760 The number of trace frames in the buffer.
39761
39762 @item tcreated:@var{n}
39763 The total number of trace frames created during the run. This may
39764 be larger than the trace frame count, if the buffer is circular.
39765
39766 @item tsize:@var{n}
39767 The total size of the trace buffer, in bytes.
39768
39769 @item tfree:@var{n}
39770 The number of bytes still unused in the buffer.
39771
39772 @item circular:@var{n}
39773 The value of the circular trace buffer flag. @code{1} means that the
39774 trace buffer is circular and old trace frames will be discarded if
39775 necessary to make room, @code{0} means that the trace buffer is linear
39776 and may fill up.
39777
39778 @item disconn:@var{n}
39779 The value of the disconnected tracing flag. @code{1} means that
39780 tracing will continue after @value{GDBN} disconnects, @code{0} means
39781 that the trace run will stop.
39782
39783 @end table
39784
39785 @item qTP:@var{tp}:@var{addr}
39786 @cindex tracepoint status, remote request
39787 @cindex @samp{qTP} packet
39788 Ask the stub for the current state of tracepoint number @var{tp} at
39789 address @var{addr}.
39790
39791 Replies:
39792 @table @samp
39793 @item V@var{hits}:@var{usage}
39794 The tracepoint has been hit @var{hits} times so far during the trace
39795 run, and accounts for @var{usage} in the trace buffer. Note that
39796 @code{while-stepping} steps are not counted as separate hits, but the
39797 steps' space consumption is added into the usage number.
39798
39799 @end table
39800
39801 @item qTV:@var{var}
39802 @cindex trace state variable value, remote request
39803 @cindex @samp{qTV} packet
39804 Ask the stub for the value of the trace state variable number @var{var}.
39805
39806 Replies:
39807 @table @samp
39808 @item V@var{value}
39809 The value of the variable is @var{value}. This will be the current
39810 value of the variable if the user is examining a running target, or a
39811 saved value if the variable was collected in the trace frame that the
39812 user is looking at. Note that multiple requests may result in
39813 different reply values, such as when requesting values while the
39814 program is running.
39815
39816 @item U
39817 The value of the variable is unknown. This would occur, for example,
39818 if the user is examining a trace frame in which the requested variable
39819 was not collected.
39820 @end table
39821
39822 @item qTfP
39823 @cindex @samp{qTfP} packet
39824 @itemx qTsP
39825 @cindex @samp{qTsP} packet
39826 These packets request data about tracepoints that are being used by
39827 the target. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfP} to get the first piece
39828 of data, and multiple @code{qTsP} to get additional pieces. Replies
39829 to these packets generally take the form of the @code{QTDP} packets
39830 that define tracepoints. (FIXME add detailed syntax)
39831
39832 @item qTfV
39833 @cindex @samp{qTfV} packet
39834 @itemx qTsV
39835 @cindex @samp{qTsV} packet
39836 These packets request data about trace state variables that are on the
39837 target. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfV} to get the first vari of data,
39838 and multiple @code{qTsV} to get additional variables. Replies to
39839 these packets follow the syntax of the @code{QTDV} packets that define
39840 trace state variables.
39841
39842 @item qTfSTM
39843 @itemx qTsSTM
39844 @anchor{qTfSTM}
39845 @anchor{qTsSTM}
39846 @cindex @samp{qTfSTM} packet
39847 @cindex @samp{qTsSTM} packet
39848 These packets request data about static tracepoint markers that exist
39849 in the target program. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfSTM} to get the
39850 first piece of data, and multiple @code{qTsSTM} to get additional
39851 pieces. Replies to these packets take the following form:
39852
39853 Reply:
39854 @table @samp
39855 @item m @var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra}
39856 A single marker
39857 @item m @var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra},@var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra}@dots{}
39858 a comma-separated list of markers
39859 @item l
39860 (lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
39861 @item E @var{nn}
39862 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
39863 @item @w{}
39864 An empty reply indicates that the request is not supported by the
39865 stub.
39866 @end table
39867
39868 @var{address} is encoded in hex.
39869 @var{id} and @var{extra} are strings encoded in hex.
39870
39871 In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
39872 more markers, separated by commas. @value{GDBN} will respond to each
39873 reply with a request for more markers (using the @samp{qs} form of the
39874 query), until the target responds with @samp{l} (lower-case ell, for
39875 @dfn{last}).
39876
39877 @item qTSTMat:@var{address}
39878 @anchor{qTSTMat}
39879 @cindex @samp{qTSTMat} packet
39880 This packets requests data about static tracepoint markers in the
39881 target program at @var{address}. Replies to this packet follow the
39882 syntax of the @samp{qTfSTM} and @code{qTsSTM} packets that list static
39883 tracepoint markers.
39884
39885 @item QTSave:@var{filename}
39886 @cindex @samp{QTSave} packet
39887 This packet directs the target to save trace data to the file name
39888 @var{filename} in the target's filesystem. @var{filename} is encoded
39889 as a hex string; the interpretation of the file name (relative vs
39890 absolute, wild cards, etc) is up to the target.
39891
39892 @item qTBuffer:@var{offset},@var{len}
39893 @cindex @samp{qTBuffer} packet
39894 Return up to @var{len} bytes of the current contents of trace buffer,
39895 starting at @var{offset}. The trace buffer is treated as if it were
39896 a contiguous collection of traceframes, as per the trace file format.
39897 The reply consists as many hex-encoded bytes as the target can deliver
39898 in a packet; it is not an error to return fewer than were asked for.
39899 A reply consisting of just @code{l} indicates that no bytes are
39900 available.
39901
39902 @item QTBuffer:circular:@var{value}
39903 This packet directs the target to use a circular trace buffer if
39904 @var{value} is 1, or a linear buffer if the value is 0.
39905
39906 @item QTBuffer:size:@var{size}
39907 @anchor{QTBuffer-size}
39908 @cindex @samp{QTBuffer size} packet
39909 This packet directs the target to make the trace buffer be of size
39910 @var{size} if possible. A value of @code{-1} tells the target to
39911 use whatever size it prefers.
39912
39913 @item QTNotes:@r{[}@var{type}:@var{text}@r{]}@r{[};@var{type}:@var{text}@r{]}@dots{}
39914 @cindex @samp{QTNotes} packet
39915 This packet adds optional textual notes to the trace run. Allowable
39916 types include @code{user}, @code{notes}, and @code{tstop}, the
39917 @var{text} fields are arbitrary strings, hex-encoded.
39918
39919 @end table
39920
39921 @subsection Relocate instruction reply packet
39922 When installing fast tracepoints in memory, the target may need to
39923 relocate the instruction currently at the tracepoint address to a
39924 different address in memory. For most instructions, a simple copy is
39925 enough, but, for example, call instructions that implicitly push the
39926 return address on the stack, and relative branches or other
39927 PC-relative instructions require offset adjustment, so that the effect
39928 of executing the instruction at a different address is the same as if
39929 it had executed in the original location.
39930
39931 In response to several of the tracepoint packets, the target may also
39932 respond with a number of intermediate @samp{qRelocInsn} request
39933 packets before the final result packet, to have @value{GDBN} handle
39934 this relocation operation. If a packet supports this mechanism, its
39935 documentation will explicitly say so. See for example the above
39936 descriptions for the @samp{QTStart} and @samp{QTDP} packets. The
39937 format of the request is:
39938
39939 @table @samp
39940 @item qRelocInsn:@var{from};@var{to}
39941
39942 This requests @value{GDBN} to copy instruction at address @var{from}
39943 to address @var{to}, possibly adjusted so that executing the
39944 instruction at @var{to} has the same effect as executing it at
39945 @var{from}. @value{GDBN} writes the adjusted instruction to target
39946 memory starting at @var{to}.
39947 @end table
39948
39949 Replies:
39950 @table @samp
39951 @item qRelocInsn:@var{adjusted_size}
39952 Informs the stub the relocation is complete. @var{adjusted_size} is
39953 the length in bytes of resulting relocated instruction sequence.
39954 @item E @var{NN}
39955 A badly formed request was detected, or an error was encountered while
39956 relocating the instruction.
39957 @end table
39958
39959 @node Host I/O Packets
39960 @section Host I/O Packets
39961 @cindex Host I/O, remote protocol
39962 @cindex file transfer, remote protocol
39963
39964 The @dfn{Host I/O} packets allow @value{GDBN} to perform I/O
39965 operations on the far side of a remote link. For example, Host I/O is
39966 used to upload and download files to a remote target with its own
39967 filesystem. Host I/O uses the same constant values and data structure
39968 layout as the target-initiated File-I/O protocol. However, the
39969 Host I/O packets are structured differently. The target-initiated
39970 protocol relies on target memory to store parameters and buffers.
39971 Host I/O requests are initiated by @value{GDBN}, and the
39972 target's memory is not involved. @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol
39973 Extension}, for more details on the target-initiated protocol.
39974
39975 The Host I/O request packets all encode a single operation along with
39976 its arguments. They have this format:
39977
39978 @table @samp
39979
39980 @item vFile:@var{operation}: @var{parameter}@dots{}
39981 @var{operation} is the name of the particular request; the target
39982 should compare the entire packet name up to the second colon when checking
39983 for a supported operation. The format of @var{parameter} depends on
39984 the operation. Numbers are always passed in hexadecimal. Negative
39985 numbers have an explicit minus sign (i.e.@: two's complement is not
39986 used). Strings (e.g.@: filenames) are encoded as a series of
39987 hexadecimal bytes. The last argument to a system call may be a
39988 buffer of escaped binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
39989
39990 @end table
39991
39992 The valid responses to Host I/O packets are:
39993
39994 @table @samp
39995
39996 @item F @var{result} [, @var{errno}] [; @var{attachment}]
39997 @var{result} is the integer value returned by this operation, usually
39998 non-negative for success and -1 for errors. If an error has occured,
39999 @var{errno} will be included in the result. @var{errno} will have a
40000 value defined by the File-I/O protocol (@pxref{Errno Values}). For
40001 operations which return data, @var{attachment} supplies the data as a
40002 binary buffer. Binary buffers in response packets are escaped in the
40003 normal way (@pxref{Binary Data}). See the individual packet
40004 documentation for the interpretation of @var{result} and
40005 @var{attachment}.
40006
40007 @item @w{}
40008 An empty response indicates that this operation is not recognized.
40009
40010 @end table
40011
40012 These are the supported Host I/O operations:
40013
40014 @table @samp
40015 @item vFile:open: @var{pathname}, @var{flags}, @var{mode}
40016 Open a file at @var{pathname} and return a file descriptor for it, or
40017 return -1 if an error occurs. @var{pathname} is a string,
40018 @var{flags} is an integer indicating a mask of open flags
40019 (@pxref{Open Flags}), and @var{mode} is an integer indicating a mask
40020 of mode bits to use if the file is created (@pxref{mode_t Values}).
40021 @xref{open}, for details of the open flags and mode values.
40022
40023 @item vFile:close: @var{fd}
40024 Close the open file corresponding to @var{fd} and return 0, or
40025 -1 if an error occurs.
40026
40027 @item vFile:pread: @var{fd}, @var{count}, @var{offset}
40028 Read data from the open file corresponding to @var{fd}. Up to
40029 @var{count} bytes will be read from the file, starting at @var{offset}
40030 relative to the start of the file. The target may read fewer bytes;
40031 common reasons include packet size limits and an end-of-file
40032 condition. The number of bytes read is returned. Zero should only be
40033 returned for a successful read at the end of the file, or if
40034 @var{count} was zero.
40035
40036 The data read should be returned as a binary attachment on success.
40037 If zero bytes were read, the response should include an empty binary
40038 attachment (i.e.@: a trailing semicolon). The return value is the
40039 number of target bytes read; the binary attachment may be longer if
40040 some characters were escaped.
40041
40042 @item vFile:pwrite: @var{fd}, @var{offset}, @var{data}
40043 Write @var{data} (a binary buffer) to the open file corresponding
40044 to @var{fd}. Start the write at @var{offset} from the start of the
40045 file. Unlike many @code{write} system calls, there is no
40046 separate @var{count} argument; the length of @var{data} in the
40047 packet is used. @samp{vFile:write} returns the number of bytes written,
40048 which may be shorter than the length of @var{data}, or -1 if an
40049 error occurred.
40050
40051 @item vFile:unlink: @var{pathname}
40052 Delete the file at @var{pathname} on the target. Return 0,
40053 or -1 if an error occurs. @var{pathname} is a string.
40054
40055 @item vFile:readlink: @var{filename}
40056 Read value of symbolic link @var{filename} on the target. Return
40057 the number of bytes read, or -1 if an error occurs.
40058
40059 The data read should be returned as a binary attachment on success.
40060 If zero bytes were read, the response should include an empty binary
40061 attachment (i.e.@: a trailing semicolon). The return value is the
40062 number of target bytes read; the binary attachment may be longer if
40063 some characters were escaped.
40064
40065 @end table
40066
40067 @node Interrupts
40068 @section Interrupts
40069 @cindex interrupts (remote protocol)
40070
40071 When a program on the remote target is running, @value{GDBN} may
40072 attempt to interrupt it by sending a @samp{Ctrl-C}, @code{BREAK} or
40073 a @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g},
40074 control of which is specified via @value{GDBN}'s @samp{interrupt-sequence}.
40075
40076 The precise meaning of @code{BREAK} is defined by the transport
40077 mechanism and may, in fact, be undefined. @value{GDBN} does not
40078 currently define a @code{BREAK} mechanism for any of the network
40079 interfaces except for TCP, in which case @value{GDBN} sends the
40080 @code{telnet} BREAK sequence.
40081
40082 @samp{Ctrl-C}, on the other hand, is defined and implemented for all
40083 transport mechanisms. It is represented by sending the single byte
40084 @code{0x03} without any of the usual packet overhead described in
40085 the Overview section (@pxref{Overview}). When a @code{0x03} byte is
40086 transmitted as part of a packet, it is considered to be packet data
40087 and does @emph{not} represent an interrupt. E.g., an @samp{X} packet
40088 (@pxref{X packet}), used for binary downloads, may include an unescaped
40089 @code{0x03} as part of its packet.
40090
40091 @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g} is also known as Magic SysRq g.
40092 When Linux kernel receives this sequence from serial port,
40093 it stops execution and connects to gdb.
40094
40095 Stubs are not required to recognize these interrupt mechanisms and the
40096 precise meaning associated with receipt of the interrupt is
40097 implementation defined. If the target supports debugging of multiple
40098 threads and/or processes, it should attempt to interrupt all
40099 currently-executing threads and processes.
40100 If the stub is successful at interrupting the
40101 running program, it should send one of the stop
40102 reply packets (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}) to @value{GDBN} as a result
40103 of successfully stopping the program in all-stop mode, and a stop reply
40104 for each stopped thread in non-stop mode.
40105 Interrupts received while the
40106 program is stopped are discarded.
40107
40108 @node Notification Packets
40109 @section Notification Packets
40110 @cindex notification packets
40111 @cindex packets, notification
40112
40113 The @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol includes @dfn{notifications},
40114 packets that require no acknowledgment. Both the GDB and the stub
40115 may send notifications (although the only notifications defined at
40116 present are sent by the stub). Notifications carry information
40117 without incurring the round-trip latency of an acknowledgment, and so
40118 are useful for low-impact communications where occasional packet loss
40119 is not a problem.
40120
40121 A notification packet has the form @samp{% @var{data} #
40122 @var{checksum}}, where @var{data} is the content of the notification,
40123 and @var{checksum} is a checksum of @var{data}, computed and formatted
40124 as for ordinary @value{GDBN} packets. A notification's @var{data}
40125 never contains @samp{$}, @samp{%} or @samp{#} characters. Upon
40126 receiving a notification, the recipient sends no @samp{+} or @samp{-}
40127 to acknowledge the notification's receipt or to report its corruption.
40128
40129 Every notification's @var{data} begins with a name, which contains no
40130 colon characters, followed by a colon character.
40131
40132 Recipients should silently ignore corrupted notifications and
40133 notifications they do not understand. Recipients should restart
40134 timeout periods on receipt of a well-formed notification, whether or
40135 not they understand it.
40136
40137 Senders should only send the notifications described here when this
40138 protocol description specifies that they are permitted. In the
40139 future, we may extend the protocol to permit existing notifications in
40140 new contexts; this rule helps older senders avoid confusing newer
40141 recipients.
40142
40143 (Older versions of @value{GDBN} ignore bytes received until they see
40144 the @samp{$} byte that begins an ordinary packet, so new stubs may
40145 transmit notifications without fear of confusing older clients. There
40146 are no notifications defined for @value{GDBN} to send at the moment, but we
40147 assume that most older stubs would ignore them, as well.)
40148
40149 Each notification is comprised of three parts:
40150 @table @samp
40151 @item @var{name}:@var{event}
40152 The notification packet is sent by the side that initiates the
40153 exchange (currently, only the stub does that), with @var{event}
40154 carrying the specific information about the notification.
40155 @var{name} is the name of the notification.
40156 @item @var{ack}
40157 The acknowledge sent by the other side, usually @value{GDBN}, to
40158 acknowledge the exchange and request the event.
40159 @end table
40160
40161 The purpose of an asynchronous notification mechanism is to report to
40162 @value{GDBN} that something interesting happened in the remote stub.
40163
40164 The remote stub may send notification @var{name}:@var{event}
40165 at any time, but @value{GDBN} acknowledges the notification when
40166 appropriate. The notification event is pending before @value{GDBN}
40167 acknowledges. Only one notification at a time may be pending; if
40168 additional events occur before @value{GDBN} has acknowledged the
40169 previous notification, they must be queued by the stub for later
40170 synchronous transmission in response to @var{ack} packets from
40171 @value{GDBN}. Because the notification mechanism is unreliable,
40172 the stub is permitted to resend a notification if it believes
40173 @value{GDBN} may not have received it.
40174
40175 Specifically, notifications may appear when @value{GDBN} is not
40176 otherwise reading input from the stub, or when @value{GDBN} is
40177 expecting to read a normal synchronous response or a
40178 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgment to a packet it has sent.
40179 Notification packets are distinct from any other communication from
40180 the stub so there is no ambiguity.
40181
40182 After receiving a notification, @value{GDBN} shall acknowledge it by
40183 sending a @var{ack} packet as a regular, synchronous request to the
40184 stub. Such acknowledgment is not required to happen immediately, as
40185 @value{GDBN} is permitted to send other, unrelated packets to the
40186 stub first, which the stub should process normally.
40187
40188 Upon receiving a @var{ack} packet, if the stub has other queued
40189 events to report to @value{GDBN}, it shall respond by sending a
40190 normal @var{event}. @value{GDBN} shall then send another @var{ack}
40191 packet to solicit further responses; again, it is permitted to send
40192 other, unrelated packets as well which the stub should process
40193 normally.
40194
40195 If the stub receives a @var{ack} packet and there are no additional
40196 @var{event} to report, the stub shall return an @samp{OK} response.
40197 At this point, @value{GDBN} has finished processing a notification
40198 and the stub has completed sending any queued events. @value{GDBN}
40199 won't accept any new notifications until the final @samp{OK} is
40200 received . If further notification events occur, the stub shall send
40201 a new notification, @value{GDBN} shall accept the notification, and
40202 the process shall be repeated.
40203
40204 The process of asynchronous notification can be illustrated by the
40205 following example:
40206 @smallexample
40207 <- @code{%%Stop:T0505:98e7ffbf;04:4ce6ffbf;08:b1b6e54c;thread:p7526.7526;core:0;}
40208 @code{...}
40209 -> @code{vStopped}
40210 <- @code{T0505:68f37db7;04:40f37db7;08:63850408;thread:p7526.7528;core:0;}
40211 -> @code{vStopped}
40212 <- @code{T0505:68e3fdb6;04:40e3fdb6;08:63850408;thread:p7526.7529;core:0;}
40213 -> @code{vStopped}
40214 <- @code{OK}
40215 @end smallexample
40216
40217 The following notifications are defined:
40218 @multitable @columnfractions 0.12 0.12 0.38 0.38
40219
40220 @item Notification
40221 @tab Ack
40222 @tab Event
40223 @tab Description
40224
40225 @item Stop
40226 @tab vStopped
40227 @tab @var{reply}. The @var{reply} has the form of a stop reply, as
40228 described in @ref{Stop Reply Packets}. Refer to @ref{Remote Non-Stop},
40229 for information on how these notifications are acknowledged by
40230 @value{GDBN}.
40231 @tab Report an asynchronous stop event in non-stop mode.
40232
40233 @end multitable
40234
40235 @node Remote Non-Stop
40236 @section Remote Protocol Support for Non-Stop Mode
40237
40238 @value{GDBN}'s remote protocol supports non-stop debugging of
40239 multi-threaded programs, as described in @ref{Non-Stop Mode}. If the stub
40240 supports non-stop mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN} by including
40241 @samp{QNonStop+} in its @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
40242
40243 @value{GDBN} typically sends a @samp{QNonStop} packet only when
40244 establishing a new connection with the stub. Entering non-stop mode
40245 does not alter the state of any currently-running threads, but targets
40246 must stop all threads in any already-attached processes when entering
40247 all-stop mode. @value{GDBN} uses the @samp{?} packet as necessary to
40248 probe the target state after a mode change.
40249
40250 In non-stop mode, when an attached process encounters an event that
40251 would otherwise be reported with a stop reply, it uses the
40252 asynchronous notification mechanism (@pxref{Notification Packets}) to
40253 inform @value{GDBN}. In contrast to all-stop mode, where all threads
40254 in all processes are stopped when a stop reply is sent, in non-stop
40255 mode only the thread reporting the stop event is stopped. That is,
40256 when reporting a @samp{S} or @samp{T} response to indicate completion
40257 of a step operation, hitting a breakpoint, or a fault, only the
40258 affected thread is stopped; any other still-running threads continue
40259 to run. When reporting a @samp{W} or @samp{X} response, all running
40260 threads belonging to other attached processes continue to run.
40261
40262 In non-stop mode, the target shall respond to the @samp{?} packet as
40263 follows. First, any incomplete stop reply notification/@samp{vStopped}
40264 sequence in progress is abandoned. The target must begin a new
40265 sequence reporting stop events for all stopped threads, whether or not
40266 it has previously reported those events to @value{GDBN}. The first
40267 stop reply is sent as a synchronous reply to the @samp{?} packet, and
40268 subsequent stop replies are sent as responses to @samp{vStopped} packets
40269 using the mechanism described above. The target must not send
40270 asynchronous stop reply notifications until the sequence is complete.
40271 If all threads are running when the target receives the @samp{?} packet,
40272 or if the target is not attached to any process, it shall respond
40273 @samp{OK}.
40274
40275 @node Packet Acknowledgment
40276 @section Packet Acknowledgment
40277
40278 @cindex acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
40279 @cindex packet acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
40280 By default, when either the host or the target machine receives a packet,
40281 the first response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
40282 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request retransmission).
40283 This mechanism allows the @value{GDBN} remote protocol to operate over
40284 unreliable transport mechanisms, such as a serial line.
40285
40286 In cases where the transport mechanism is itself reliable (such as a pipe or
40287 TCP connection), the @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are redundant.
40288 It may be desirable to disable them in that case to reduce communication
40289 overhead, or for other reasons. This can be accomplished by means of the
40290 @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet; @pxref{QStartNoAckMode}.
40291
40292 When in no-acknowledgment mode, neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or
40293 expect @samp{+}/@samp{-} protocol acknowledgments. The packet
40294 and response format still includes the normal checksum, as described in
40295 @ref{Overview}, but the checksum may be ignored by the receiver.
40296
40297 If the stub supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and prefers to operate in
40298 no-acknowledgment mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN}
40299 by including @samp{QStartNoAckMode+} in its response to @samp{qSupported};
40300 @pxref{qSupported}.
40301 If @value{GDBN} also supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and it has not been
40302 disabled via the @code{set remote noack-packet off} command
40303 (@pxref{Remote Configuration}),
40304 @value{GDBN} may then send a @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet to the stub.
40305 Only then may the stub actually turn off packet acknowledgments.
40306 @value{GDBN} sends a final @samp{+} acknowledgment of the stub's @samp{OK}
40307 response, which can be safely ignored by the stub.
40308
40309 Note that @code{set remote noack-packet} command only affects negotiation
40310 between @value{GDBN} and the stub when subsequent connections are made;
40311 it does not affect the protocol acknowledgment state for any current
40312 connection.
40313 Since @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are enabled by default when a
40314 new connection is established,
40315 there is also no protocol request to re-enable the acknowledgments
40316 for the current connection, once disabled.
40317
40318 @node Examples
40319 @section Examples
40320
40321 Example sequence of a target being re-started. Notice how the restart
40322 does not get any direct output:
40323
40324 @smallexample
40325 -> @code{R00}
40326 <- @code{+}
40327 @emph{target restarts}
40328 -> @code{?}
40329 <- @code{+}
40330 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
40331 -> @code{+}
40332 @end smallexample
40333
40334 Example sequence of a target being stepped by a single instruction:
40335
40336 @smallexample
40337 -> @code{G1445@dots{}}
40338 <- @code{+}
40339 -> @code{s}
40340 <- @code{+}
40341 @emph{time passes}
40342 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
40343 -> @code{+}
40344 -> @code{g}
40345 <- @code{+}
40346 <- @code{1455@dots{}}
40347 -> @code{+}
40348 @end smallexample
40349
40350 @node File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
40351 @section File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
40352 @cindex File-I/O remote protocol extension
40353
40354 @menu
40355 * File-I/O Overview::
40356 * Protocol Basics::
40357 * The F Request Packet::
40358 * The F Reply Packet::
40359 * The Ctrl-C Message::
40360 * Console I/O::
40361 * List of Supported Calls::
40362 * Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes::
40363 * Constants::
40364 * File-I/O Examples::
40365 @end menu
40366
40367 @node File-I/O Overview
40368 @subsection File-I/O Overview
40369 @cindex file-i/o overview
40370
40371 The @dfn{File I/O remote protocol extension} (short: File-I/O) allows the
40372 target to use the host's file system and console I/O to perform various
40373 system calls. System calls on the target system are translated into a
40374 remote protocol packet to the host system, which then performs the needed
40375 actions and returns a response packet to the target system.
40376 This simulates file system operations even on targets that lack file systems.
40377
40378 The protocol is defined to be independent of both the host and target systems.
40379 It uses its own internal representation of datatypes and values. Both
40380 @value{GDBN} and the target's @value{GDBN} stub are responsible for
40381 translating the system-dependent value representations into the internal
40382 protocol representations when data is transmitted.
40383
40384 The communication is synchronous. A system call is possible only when
40385 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
40386 or @samp{s} packets. While @value{GDBN} handles the request for a system call,
40387 the target is stopped to allow deterministic access to the target's
40388 memory. Therefore File-I/O is not interruptible by target signals. On
40389 the other hand, it is possible to interrupt File-I/O by a user interrupt
40390 (@samp{Ctrl-C}) within @value{GDBN}.
40391
40392 The target's request to perform a host system call does not finish
40393 the latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} action. That means,
40394 after finishing the system call, the target returns to continuing the
40395 previous activity (continue, step). No additional continue or step
40396 request from @value{GDBN} is required.
40397
40398 @smallexample
40399 (@value{GDBP}) continue
40400 <- target requests 'system call X'
40401 target is stopped, @value{GDBN} executes system call
40402 -> @value{GDBN} returns result
40403 ... target continues, @value{GDBN} returns to wait for the target
40404 <- target hits breakpoint and sends a Txx packet
40405 @end smallexample
40406
40407 The protocol only supports I/O on the console and to regular files on
40408 the host file system. Character or block special devices, pipes,
40409 named pipes, sockets or any other communication method on the host
40410 system are not supported by this protocol.
40411
40412 File I/O is not supported in non-stop mode.
40413
40414 @node Protocol Basics
40415 @subsection Protocol Basics
40416 @cindex protocol basics, file-i/o
40417
40418 The File-I/O protocol uses the @code{F} packet as the request as well
40419 as reply packet. Since a File-I/O system call can only occur when
40420 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the continuing or stepping target,
40421 the File-I/O request is a reply that @value{GDBN} has to expect as a result
40422 of a previous @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} packet.
40423 This @code{F} packet contains all information needed to allow @value{GDBN}
40424 to call the appropriate host system call:
40425
40426 @itemize @bullet
40427 @item
40428 A unique identifier for the requested system call.
40429
40430 @item
40431 All parameters to the system call. Pointers are given as addresses
40432 in the target memory address space. Pointers to strings are given as
40433 pointer/length pair. Numerical values are given as they are.
40434 Numerical control flags are given in a protocol-specific representation.
40435
40436 @end itemize
40437
40438 At this point, @value{GDBN} has to perform the following actions.
40439
40440 @itemize @bullet
40441 @item
40442 If the parameters include pointer values to data needed as input to a
40443 system call, @value{GDBN} requests this data from the target with a
40444 standard @code{m} packet request. This additional communication has to be
40445 expected by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{m}
40446 packet.
40447
40448 @item
40449 @value{GDBN} translates all value from protocol representation to host
40450 representation as needed. Datatypes are coerced into the host types.
40451
40452 @item
40453 @value{GDBN} calls the system call.
40454
40455 @item
40456 It then coerces datatypes back to protocol representation.
40457
40458 @item
40459 If the system call is expected to return data in buffer space specified
40460 by pointer parameters to the call, the data is transmitted to the
40461 target using a @code{M} or @code{X} packet. This packet has to be expected
40462 by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{M} or @code{X}
40463 packet.
40464
40465 @end itemize
40466
40467 Eventually @value{GDBN} replies with another @code{F} packet which contains all
40468 necessary information for the target to continue. This at least contains
40469
40470 @itemize @bullet
40471 @item
40472 Return value.
40473
40474 @item
40475 @code{errno}, if has been changed by the system call.
40476
40477 @item
40478 ``Ctrl-C'' flag.
40479
40480 @end itemize
40481
40482 After having done the needed type and value coercion, the target continues
40483 the latest continue or step action.
40484
40485 @node The F Request Packet
40486 @subsection The @code{F} Request Packet
40487 @cindex file-i/o request packet
40488 @cindex @code{F} request packet
40489
40490 The @code{F} request packet has the following format:
40491
40492 @table @samp
40493 @item F@var{call-id},@var{parameter@dots{}}
40494
40495 @var{call-id} is the identifier to indicate the host system call to be called.
40496 This is just the name of the function.
40497
40498 @var{parameter@dots{}} are the parameters to the system call.
40499 Parameters are hexadecimal integer values, either the actual values in case
40500 of scalar datatypes, pointers to target buffer space in case of compound
40501 datatypes and unspecified memory areas, or pointer/length pairs in case
40502 of string parameters. These are appended to the @var{call-id} as a
40503 comma-delimited list. All values are transmitted in ASCII
40504 string representation, pointer/length pairs separated by a slash.
40505
40506 @end table
40507
40508
40509
40510 @node The F Reply Packet
40511 @subsection The @code{F} Reply Packet
40512 @cindex file-i/o reply packet
40513 @cindex @code{F} reply packet
40514
40515 The @code{F} reply packet has the following format:
40516
40517 @table @samp
40518
40519 @item F@var{retcode},@var{errno},@var{Ctrl-C flag};@var{call-specific attachment}
40520
40521 @var{retcode} is the return code of the system call as hexadecimal value.
40522
40523 @var{errno} is the @code{errno} set by the call, in protocol-specific
40524 representation.
40525 This parameter can be omitted if the call was successful.
40526
40527 @var{Ctrl-C flag} is only sent if the user requested a break. In this
40528 case, @var{errno} must be sent as well, even if the call was successful.
40529 The @var{Ctrl-C flag} itself consists of the character @samp{C}:
40530
40531 @smallexample
40532 F0,0,C
40533 @end smallexample
40534
40535 @noindent
40536 or, if the call was interrupted before the host call has been performed:
40537
40538 @smallexample
40539 F-1,4,C
40540 @end smallexample
40541
40542 @noindent
40543 assuming 4 is the protocol-specific representation of @code{EINTR}.
40544
40545 @end table
40546
40547
40548 @node The Ctrl-C Message
40549 @subsection The @samp{Ctrl-C} Message
40550 @cindex ctrl-c message, in file-i/o protocol
40551
40552 If the @samp{Ctrl-C} flag is set in the @value{GDBN}
40553 reply packet (@pxref{The F Reply Packet}),
40554 the target should behave as if it had
40555 gotten a break message. The meaning for the target is ``system call
40556 interrupted by @code{SIGINT}''. Consequentially, the target should actually stop
40557 (as with a break message) and return to @value{GDBN} with a @code{T02}
40558 packet.
40559
40560 It's important for the target to know in which
40561 state the system call was interrupted. There are two possible cases:
40562
40563 @itemize @bullet
40564 @item
40565 The system call hasn't been performed on the host yet.
40566
40567 @item
40568 The system call on the host has been finished.
40569
40570 @end itemize
40571
40572 These two states can be distinguished by the target by the value of the
40573 returned @code{errno}. If it's the protocol representation of @code{EINTR}, the system
40574 call hasn't been performed. This is equivalent to the @code{EINTR} handling
40575 on POSIX systems. In any other case, the target may presume that the
40576 system call has been finished --- successfully or not --- and should behave
40577 as if the break message arrived right after the system call.
40578
40579 @value{GDBN} must behave reliably. If the system call has not been called
40580 yet, @value{GDBN} may send the @code{F} reply immediately, setting @code{EINTR} as
40581 @code{errno} in the packet. If the system call on the host has been finished
40582 before the user requests a break, the full action must be finished by
40583 @value{GDBN}. This requires sending @code{M} or @code{X} packets as necessary.
40584 The @code{F} packet may only be sent when either nothing has happened
40585 or the full action has been completed.
40586
40587 @node Console I/O
40588 @subsection Console I/O
40589 @cindex console i/o as part of file-i/o
40590
40591 By default and if not explicitly closed by the target system, the file
40592 descriptors 0, 1 and 2 are connected to the @value{GDBN} console. Output
40593 on the @value{GDBN} console is handled as any other file output operation
40594 (@code{write(1, @dots{})} or @code{write(2, @dots{})}). Console input is handled
40595 by @value{GDBN} so that after the target read request from file descriptor
40596 0 all following typing is buffered until either one of the following
40597 conditions is met:
40598
40599 @itemize @bullet
40600 @item
40601 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-c}. The behaviour is as explained above, and the
40602 @code{read}
40603 system call is treated as finished.
40604
40605 @item
40606 The user presses @key{RET}. This is treated as end of input with a trailing
40607 newline.
40608
40609 @item
40610 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-d}. This is treated as end of input. No trailing
40611 character (neither newline nor @samp{Ctrl-D}) is appended to the input.
40612
40613 @end itemize
40614
40615 If the user has typed more characters than fit in the buffer given to
40616 the @code{read} call, the trailing characters are buffered in @value{GDBN} until
40617 either another @code{read(0, @dots{})} is requested by the target, or debugging
40618 is stopped at the user's request.
40619
40620
40621 @node List of Supported Calls
40622 @subsection List of Supported Calls
40623 @cindex list of supported file-i/o calls
40624
40625 @menu
40626 * open::
40627 * close::
40628 * read::
40629 * write::
40630 * lseek::
40631 * rename::
40632 * unlink::
40633 * stat/fstat::
40634 * gettimeofday::
40635 * isatty::
40636 * system::
40637 @end menu
40638
40639 @node open
40640 @unnumberedsubsubsec open
40641 @cindex open, file-i/o system call
40642
40643 @table @asis
40644 @item Synopsis:
40645 @smallexample
40646 int open(const char *pathname, int flags);
40647 int open(const char *pathname, int flags, mode_t mode);
40648 @end smallexample
40649
40650 @item Request:
40651 @samp{Fopen,@var{pathptr}/@var{len},@var{flags},@var{mode}}
40652
40653 @noindent
40654 @var{flags} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
40655
40656 @table @code
40657 @item O_CREAT
40658 If the file does not exist it will be created. The host
40659 rules apply as far as file ownership and time stamps
40660 are concerned.
40661
40662 @item O_EXCL
40663 When used with @code{O_CREAT}, if the file already exists it is
40664 an error and open() fails.
40665
40666 @item O_TRUNC
40667 If the file already exists and the open mode allows
40668 writing (@code{O_RDWR} or @code{O_WRONLY} is given) it will be
40669 truncated to zero length.
40670
40671 @item O_APPEND
40672 The file is opened in append mode.
40673
40674 @item O_RDONLY
40675 The file is opened for reading only.
40676
40677 @item O_WRONLY
40678 The file is opened for writing only.
40679
40680 @item O_RDWR
40681 The file is opened for reading and writing.
40682 @end table
40683
40684 @noindent
40685 Other bits are silently ignored.
40686
40687
40688 @noindent
40689 @var{mode} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
40690
40691 @table @code
40692 @item S_IRUSR
40693 User has read permission.
40694
40695 @item S_IWUSR
40696 User has write permission.
40697
40698 @item S_IRGRP
40699 Group has read permission.
40700
40701 @item S_IWGRP
40702 Group has write permission.
40703
40704 @item S_IROTH
40705 Others have read permission.
40706
40707 @item S_IWOTH
40708 Others have write permission.
40709 @end table
40710
40711 @noindent
40712 Other bits are silently ignored.
40713
40714
40715 @item Return value:
40716 @code{open} returns the new file descriptor or -1 if an error
40717 occurred.
40718
40719 @item Errors:
40720
40721 @table @code
40722 @item EEXIST
40723 @var{pathname} already exists and @code{O_CREAT} and @code{O_EXCL} were used.
40724
40725 @item EISDIR
40726 @var{pathname} refers to a directory.
40727
40728 @item EACCES
40729 The requested access is not allowed.
40730
40731 @item ENAMETOOLONG
40732 @var{pathname} was too long.
40733
40734 @item ENOENT
40735 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
40736
40737 @item ENODEV
40738 @var{pathname} refers to a device, pipe, named pipe or socket.
40739
40740 @item EROFS
40741 @var{pathname} refers to a file on a read-only filesystem and
40742 write access was requested.
40743
40744 @item EFAULT
40745 @var{pathname} is an invalid pointer value.
40746
40747 @item ENOSPC
40748 No space on device to create the file.
40749
40750 @item EMFILE
40751 The process already has the maximum number of files open.
40752
40753 @item ENFILE
40754 The limit on the total number of files open on the system
40755 has been reached.
40756
40757 @item EINTR
40758 The call was interrupted by the user.
40759 @end table
40760
40761 @end table
40762
40763 @node close
40764 @unnumberedsubsubsec close
40765 @cindex close, file-i/o system call
40766
40767 @table @asis
40768 @item Synopsis:
40769 @smallexample
40770 int close(int fd);
40771 @end smallexample
40772
40773 @item Request:
40774 @samp{Fclose,@var{fd}}
40775
40776 @item Return value:
40777 @code{close} returns zero on success, or -1 if an error occurred.
40778
40779 @item Errors:
40780
40781 @table @code
40782 @item EBADF
40783 @var{fd} isn't a valid open file descriptor.
40784
40785 @item EINTR
40786 The call was interrupted by the user.
40787 @end table
40788
40789 @end table
40790
40791 @node read
40792 @unnumberedsubsubsec read
40793 @cindex read, file-i/o system call
40794
40795 @table @asis
40796 @item Synopsis:
40797 @smallexample
40798 int read(int fd, void *buf, unsigned int count);
40799 @end smallexample
40800
40801 @item Request:
40802 @samp{Fread,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
40803
40804 @item Return value:
40805 On success, the number of bytes read is returned.
40806 Zero indicates end of file. If count is zero, read
40807 returns zero as well. On error, -1 is returned.
40808
40809 @item Errors:
40810
40811 @table @code
40812 @item EBADF
40813 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
40814 reading.
40815
40816 @item EFAULT
40817 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
40818
40819 @item EINTR
40820 The call was interrupted by the user.
40821 @end table
40822
40823 @end table
40824
40825 @node write
40826 @unnumberedsubsubsec write
40827 @cindex write, file-i/o system call
40828
40829 @table @asis
40830 @item Synopsis:
40831 @smallexample
40832 int write(int fd, const void *buf, unsigned int count);
40833 @end smallexample
40834
40835 @item Request:
40836 @samp{Fwrite,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
40837
40838 @item Return value:
40839 On success, the number of bytes written are returned.
40840 Zero indicates nothing was written. On error, -1
40841 is returned.
40842
40843 @item Errors:
40844
40845 @table @code
40846 @item EBADF
40847 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
40848 writing.
40849
40850 @item EFAULT
40851 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
40852
40853 @item EFBIG
40854 An attempt was made to write a file that exceeds the
40855 host-specific maximum file size allowed.
40856
40857 @item ENOSPC
40858 No space on device to write the data.
40859
40860 @item EINTR
40861 The call was interrupted by the user.
40862 @end table
40863
40864 @end table
40865
40866 @node lseek
40867 @unnumberedsubsubsec lseek
40868 @cindex lseek, file-i/o system call
40869
40870 @table @asis
40871 @item Synopsis:
40872 @smallexample
40873 long lseek (int fd, long offset, int flag);
40874 @end smallexample
40875
40876 @item Request:
40877 @samp{Flseek,@var{fd},@var{offset},@var{flag}}
40878
40879 @var{flag} is one of:
40880
40881 @table @code
40882 @item SEEK_SET
40883 The offset is set to @var{offset} bytes.
40884
40885 @item SEEK_CUR
40886 The offset is set to its current location plus @var{offset}
40887 bytes.
40888
40889 @item SEEK_END
40890 The offset is set to the size of the file plus @var{offset}
40891 bytes.
40892 @end table
40893
40894 @item Return value:
40895 On success, the resulting unsigned offset in bytes from
40896 the beginning of the file is returned. Otherwise, a
40897 value of -1 is returned.
40898
40899 @item Errors:
40900
40901 @table @code
40902 @item EBADF
40903 @var{fd} is not a valid open file descriptor.
40904
40905 @item ESPIPE
40906 @var{fd} is associated with the @value{GDBN} console.
40907
40908 @item EINVAL
40909 @var{flag} is not a proper value.
40910
40911 @item EINTR
40912 The call was interrupted by the user.
40913 @end table
40914
40915 @end table
40916
40917 @node rename
40918 @unnumberedsubsubsec rename
40919 @cindex rename, file-i/o system call
40920
40921 @table @asis
40922 @item Synopsis:
40923 @smallexample
40924 int rename(const char *oldpath, const char *newpath);
40925 @end smallexample
40926
40927 @item Request:
40928 @samp{Frename,@var{oldpathptr}/@var{len},@var{newpathptr}/@var{len}}
40929
40930 @item Return value:
40931 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
40932
40933 @item Errors:
40934
40935 @table @code
40936 @item EISDIR
40937 @var{newpath} is an existing directory, but @var{oldpath} is not a
40938 directory.
40939
40940 @item EEXIST
40941 @var{newpath} is a non-empty directory.
40942
40943 @item EBUSY
40944 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} is a directory that is in use by some
40945 process.
40946
40947 @item EINVAL
40948 An attempt was made to make a directory a subdirectory
40949 of itself.
40950
40951 @item ENOTDIR
40952 A component used as a directory in @var{oldpath} or new
40953 path is not a directory. Or @var{oldpath} is a directory
40954 and @var{newpath} exists but is not a directory.
40955
40956 @item EFAULT
40957 @var{oldpathptr} or @var{newpathptr} are invalid pointer values.
40958
40959 @item EACCES
40960 No access to the file or the path of the file.
40961
40962 @item ENAMETOOLONG
40963
40964 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} was too long.
40965
40966 @item ENOENT
40967 A directory component in @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} does not exist.
40968
40969 @item EROFS
40970 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
40971
40972 @item ENOSPC
40973 The device containing the file has no room for the new
40974 directory entry.
40975
40976 @item EINTR
40977 The call was interrupted by the user.
40978 @end table
40979
40980 @end table
40981
40982 @node unlink
40983 @unnumberedsubsubsec unlink
40984 @cindex unlink, file-i/o system call
40985
40986 @table @asis
40987 @item Synopsis:
40988 @smallexample
40989 int unlink(const char *pathname);
40990 @end smallexample
40991
40992 @item Request:
40993 @samp{Funlink,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len}}
40994
40995 @item Return value:
40996 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
40997
40998 @item Errors:
40999
41000 @table @code
41001 @item EACCES
41002 No access to the file or the path of the file.
41003
41004 @item EPERM
41005 The system does not allow unlinking of directories.
41006
41007 @item EBUSY
41008 The file @var{pathname} cannot be unlinked because it's
41009 being used by another process.
41010
41011 @item EFAULT
41012 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
41013
41014 @item ENAMETOOLONG
41015 @var{pathname} was too long.
41016
41017 @item ENOENT
41018 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
41019
41020 @item ENOTDIR
41021 A component of the path is not a directory.
41022
41023 @item EROFS
41024 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
41025
41026 @item EINTR
41027 The call was interrupted by the user.
41028 @end table
41029
41030 @end table
41031
41032 @node stat/fstat
41033 @unnumberedsubsubsec stat/fstat
41034 @cindex fstat, file-i/o system call
41035 @cindex stat, file-i/o system call
41036
41037 @table @asis
41038 @item Synopsis:
41039 @smallexample
41040 int stat(const char *pathname, struct stat *buf);
41041 int fstat(int fd, struct stat *buf);
41042 @end smallexample
41043
41044 @item Request:
41045 @samp{Fstat,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len},@var{bufptr}}@*
41046 @samp{Ffstat,@var{fd},@var{bufptr}}
41047
41048 @item Return value:
41049 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
41050
41051 @item Errors:
41052
41053 @table @code
41054 @item EBADF
41055 @var{fd} is not a valid open file.
41056
41057 @item ENOENT
41058 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist or the
41059 path is an empty string.
41060
41061 @item ENOTDIR
41062 A component of the path is not a directory.
41063
41064 @item EFAULT
41065 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
41066
41067 @item EACCES
41068 No access to the file or the path of the file.
41069
41070 @item ENAMETOOLONG
41071 @var{pathname} was too long.
41072
41073 @item EINTR
41074 The call was interrupted by the user.
41075 @end table
41076
41077 @end table
41078
41079 @node gettimeofday
41080 @unnumberedsubsubsec gettimeofday
41081 @cindex gettimeofday, file-i/o system call
41082
41083 @table @asis
41084 @item Synopsis:
41085 @smallexample
41086 int gettimeofday(struct timeval *tv, void *tz);
41087 @end smallexample
41088
41089 @item Request:
41090 @samp{Fgettimeofday,@var{tvptr},@var{tzptr}}
41091
41092 @item Return value:
41093 On success, 0 is returned, -1 otherwise.
41094
41095 @item Errors:
41096
41097 @table @code
41098 @item EINVAL
41099 @var{tz} is a non-NULL pointer.
41100
41101 @item EFAULT
41102 @var{tvptr} and/or @var{tzptr} is an invalid pointer value.
41103 @end table
41104
41105 @end table
41106
41107 @node isatty
41108 @unnumberedsubsubsec isatty
41109 @cindex isatty, file-i/o system call
41110
41111 @table @asis
41112 @item Synopsis:
41113 @smallexample
41114 int isatty(int fd);
41115 @end smallexample
41116
41117 @item Request:
41118 @samp{Fisatty,@var{fd}}
41119
41120 @item Return value:
41121 Returns 1 if @var{fd} refers to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise.
41122
41123 @item Errors:
41124
41125 @table @code
41126 @item EINTR
41127 The call was interrupted by the user.
41128 @end table
41129
41130 @end table
41131
41132 Note that the @code{isatty} call is treated as a special case: it returns
41133 1 to the target if the file descriptor is attached
41134 to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise. Implementing through system calls
41135 would require implementing @code{ioctl} and would be more complex than
41136 needed.
41137
41138
41139 @node system
41140 @unnumberedsubsubsec system
41141 @cindex system, file-i/o system call
41142
41143 @table @asis
41144 @item Synopsis:
41145 @smallexample
41146 int system(const char *command);
41147 @end smallexample
41148
41149 @item Request:
41150 @samp{Fsystem,@var{commandptr}/@var{len}}
41151
41152 @item Return value:
41153 If @var{len} is zero, the return value indicates whether a shell is
41154 available. A zero return value indicates a shell is not available.
41155 For non-zero @var{len}, the value returned is -1 on error and the
41156 return status of the command otherwise. Only the exit status of the
41157 command is returned, which is extracted from the host's @code{system}
41158 return value by calling @code{WEXITSTATUS(retval)}. In case
41159 @file{/bin/sh} could not be executed, 127 is returned.
41160
41161 @item Errors:
41162
41163 @table @code
41164 @item EINTR
41165 The call was interrupted by the user.
41166 @end table
41167
41168 @end table
41169
41170 @value{GDBN} takes over the full task of calling the necessary host calls
41171 to perform the @code{system} call. The return value of @code{system} on
41172 the host is simplified before it's returned
41173 to the target. Any termination signal information from the child process
41174 is discarded, and the return value consists
41175 entirely of the exit status of the called command.
41176
41177 Due to security concerns, the @code{system} call is by default refused
41178 by @value{GDBN}. The user has to allow this call explicitly with the
41179 @code{set remote system-call-allowed 1} command.
41180
41181 @table @code
41182 @item set remote system-call-allowed
41183 @kindex set remote system-call-allowed
41184 Control whether to allow the @code{system} calls in the File I/O
41185 protocol for the remote target. The default is zero (disabled).
41186
41187 @item show remote system-call-allowed
41188 @kindex show remote system-call-allowed
41189 Show whether the @code{system} calls are allowed in the File I/O
41190 protocol.
41191 @end table
41192
41193 @node Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
41194 @subsection Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
41195 @cindex protocol-specific representation of datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
41196
41197 @menu
41198 * Integral Datatypes::
41199 * Pointer Values::
41200 * Memory Transfer::
41201 * struct stat::
41202 * struct timeval::
41203 @end menu
41204
41205 @node Integral Datatypes
41206 @unnumberedsubsubsec Integral Datatypes
41207 @cindex integral datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
41208
41209 The integral datatypes used in the system calls are @code{int},
41210 @code{unsigned int}, @code{long}, @code{unsigned long},
41211 @code{mode_t}, and @code{time_t}.
41212
41213 @code{int}, @code{unsigned int}, @code{mode_t} and @code{time_t} are
41214 implemented as 32 bit values in this protocol.
41215
41216 @code{long} and @code{unsigned long} are implemented as 64 bit types.
41217
41218 @xref{Limits}, for corresponding MIN and MAX values (similar to those
41219 in @file{limits.h}) to allow range checking on host and target.
41220
41221 @code{time_t} datatypes are defined as seconds since the Epoch.
41222
41223 All integral datatypes transferred as part of a memory read or write of a
41224 structured datatype e.g.@: a @code{struct stat} have to be given in big endian
41225 byte order.
41226
41227 @node Pointer Values
41228 @unnumberedsubsubsec Pointer Values
41229 @cindex pointer values, in file-i/o protocol
41230
41231 Pointers to target data are transmitted as they are. An exception
41232 is made for pointers to buffers for which the length isn't
41233 transmitted as part of the function call, namely strings. Strings
41234 are transmitted as a pointer/length pair, both as hex values, e.g.@:
41235
41236 @smallexample
41237 @code{1aaf/12}
41238 @end smallexample
41239
41240 @noindent
41241 which is a pointer to data of length 18 bytes at position 0x1aaf.
41242 The length is defined as the full string length in bytes, including
41243 the trailing null byte. For example, the string @code{"hello world"}
41244 at address 0x123456 is transmitted as
41245
41246 @smallexample
41247 @code{123456/d}
41248 @end smallexample
41249
41250 @node Memory Transfer
41251 @unnumberedsubsubsec Memory Transfer
41252 @cindex memory transfer, in file-i/o protocol
41253
41254 Structured data which is transferred using a memory read or write (for
41255 example, a @code{struct stat}) is expected to be in a protocol-specific format
41256 with all scalar multibyte datatypes being big endian. Translation to
41257 this representation needs to be done both by the target before the @code{F}
41258 packet is sent, and by @value{GDBN} before
41259 it transfers memory to the target. Transferred pointers to structured
41260 data should point to the already-coerced data at any time.
41261
41262
41263 @node struct stat
41264 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct stat
41265 @cindex struct stat, in file-i/o protocol
41266
41267 The buffer of type @code{struct stat} used by the target and @value{GDBN}
41268 is defined as follows:
41269
41270 @smallexample
41271 struct stat @{
41272 unsigned int st_dev; /* device */
41273 unsigned int st_ino; /* inode */
41274 mode_t st_mode; /* protection */
41275 unsigned int st_nlink; /* number of hard links */
41276 unsigned int st_uid; /* user ID of owner */
41277 unsigned int st_gid; /* group ID of owner */
41278 unsigned int st_rdev; /* device type (if inode device) */
41279 unsigned long st_size; /* total size, in bytes */
41280 unsigned long st_blksize; /* blocksize for filesystem I/O */
41281 unsigned long st_blocks; /* number of blocks allocated */
41282 time_t st_atime; /* time of last access */
41283 time_t st_mtime; /* time of last modification */
41284 time_t st_ctime; /* time of last change */
41285 @};
41286 @end smallexample
41287
41288 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
41289 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
41290 structure is of size 64 bytes.
41291
41292 The values of several fields have a restricted meaning and/or
41293 range of values.
41294
41295 @table @code
41296
41297 @item st_dev
41298 A value of 0 represents a file, 1 the console.
41299
41300 @item st_ino
41301 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
41302
41303 @item st_mode
41304 Valid mode bits are described in @ref{Constants}. Any other
41305 bits have currently no meaning for the target.
41306
41307 @item st_uid
41308 @itemx st_gid
41309 @itemx st_rdev
41310 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
41311
41312 @item st_atime
41313 @itemx st_mtime
41314 @itemx st_ctime
41315 These values have a host and file system dependent
41316 accuracy. Especially on Windows hosts, the file system may not
41317 support exact timing values.
41318 @end table
41319
41320 The target gets a @code{struct stat} of the above representation and is
41321 responsible for coercing it to the target representation before
41322 continuing.
41323
41324 Note that due to size differences between the host, target, and protocol
41325 representations of @code{struct stat} members, these members could eventually
41326 get truncated on the target.
41327
41328 @node struct timeval
41329 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct timeval
41330 @cindex struct timeval, in file-i/o protocol
41331
41332 The buffer of type @code{struct timeval} used by the File-I/O protocol
41333 is defined as follows:
41334
41335 @smallexample
41336 struct timeval @{
41337 time_t tv_sec; /* second */
41338 long tv_usec; /* microsecond */
41339 @};
41340 @end smallexample
41341
41342 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
41343 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
41344 structure is of size 8 bytes.
41345
41346 @node Constants
41347 @subsection Constants
41348 @cindex constants, in file-i/o protocol
41349
41350 The following values are used for the constants inside of the
41351 protocol. @value{GDBN} and target are responsible for translating these
41352 values before and after the call as needed.
41353
41354 @menu
41355 * Open Flags::
41356 * mode_t Values::
41357 * Errno Values::
41358 * Lseek Flags::
41359 * Limits::
41360 @end menu
41361
41362 @node Open Flags
41363 @unnumberedsubsubsec Open Flags
41364 @cindex open flags, in file-i/o protocol
41365
41366 All values are given in hexadecimal representation.
41367
41368 @smallexample
41369 O_RDONLY 0x0
41370 O_WRONLY 0x1
41371 O_RDWR 0x2
41372 O_APPEND 0x8
41373 O_CREAT 0x200
41374 O_TRUNC 0x400
41375 O_EXCL 0x800
41376 @end smallexample
41377
41378 @node mode_t Values
41379 @unnumberedsubsubsec mode_t Values
41380 @cindex mode_t values, in file-i/o protocol
41381
41382 All values are given in octal representation.
41383
41384 @smallexample
41385 S_IFREG 0100000
41386 S_IFDIR 040000
41387 S_IRUSR 0400
41388 S_IWUSR 0200
41389 S_IXUSR 0100
41390 S_IRGRP 040
41391 S_IWGRP 020
41392 S_IXGRP 010
41393 S_IROTH 04
41394 S_IWOTH 02
41395 S_IXOTH 01
41396 @end smallexample
41397
41398 @node Errno Values
41399 @unnumberedsubsubsec Errno Values
41400 @cindex errno values, in file-i/o protocol
41401
41402 All values are given in decimal representation.
41403
41404 @smallexample
41405 EPERM 1
41406 ENOENT 2
41407 EINTR 4
41408 EBADF 9
41409 EACCES 13
41410 EFAULT 14
41411 EBUSY 16
41412 EEXIST 17
41413 ENODEV 19
41414 ENOTDIR 20
41415 EISDIR 21
41416 EINVAL 22
41417 ENFILE 23
41418 EMFILE 24
41419 EFBIG 27
41420 ENOSPC 28
41421 ESPIPE 29
41422 EROFS 30
41423 ENAMETOOLONG 91
41424 EUNKNOWN 9999
41425 @end smallexample
41426
41427 @code{EUNKNOWN} is used as a fallback error value if a host system returns
41428 any error value not in the list of supported error numbers.
41429
41430 @node Lseek Flags
41431 @unnumberedsubsubsec Lseek Flags
41432 @cindex lseek flags, in file-i/o protocol
41433
41434 @smallexample
41435 SEEK_SET 0
41436 SEEK_CUR 1
41437 SEEK_END 2
41438 @end smallexample
41439
41440 @node Limits
41441 @unnumberedsubsubsec Limits
41442 @cindex limits, in file-i/o protocol
41443
41444 All values are given in decimal representation.
41445
41446 @smallexample
41447 INT_MIN -2147483648
41448 INT_MAX 2147483647
41449 UINT_MAX 4294967295
41450 LONG_MIN -9223372036854775808
41451 LONG_MAX 9223372036854775807
41452 ULONG_MAX 18446744073709551615
41453 @end smallexample
41454
41455 @node File-I/O Examples
41456 @subsection File-I/O Examples
41457 @cindex file-i/o examples
41458
41459 Example sequence of a write call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
41460 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be written:
41461
41462 @smallexample
41463 <- @code{Fwrite,3,1234,6}
41464 @emph{request memory read from target}
41465 -> @code{m1234,6}
41466 <- XXXXXX
41467 @emph{return "6 bytes written"}
41468 -> @code{F6}
41469 @end smallexample
41470
41471 Example sequence of a read call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
41472 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be read:
41473
41474 @smallexample
41475 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
41476 @emph{request memory write to target}
41477 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
41478 @emph{return "6 bytes read"}
41479 -> @code{F6}
41480 @end smallexample
41481
41482 Example sequence of a read call, call fails on the host due to invalid
41483 file descriptor (@code{EBADF}):
41484
41485 @smallexample
41486 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
41487 -> @code{F-1,9}
41488 @end smallexample
41489
41490 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} before syscall on
41491 host is called:
41492
41493 @smallexample
41494 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
41495 -> @code{F-1,4,C}
41496 <- @code{T02}
41497 @end smallexample
41498
41499 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} after syscall on
41500 host is called:
41501
41502 @smallexample
41503 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
41504 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
41505 <- @code{T02}
41506 @end smallexample
41507
41508 @node Library List Format
41509 @section Library List Format
41510 @cindex library list format, remote protocol
41511
41512 On some platforms, a dynamic loader (e.g.@: @file{ld.so}) runs in the
41513 same process as your application to manage libraries. In this case,
41514 @value{GDBN} can use the loader's symbol table and normal memory
41515 operations to maintain a list of shared libraries. On other
41516 platforms, the operating system manages loaded libraries.
41517 @value{GDBN} can not retrieve the list of currently loaded libraries
41518 through memory operations, so it uses the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
41519 packet (@pxref{qXfer library list read}) instead. The remote stub
41520 queries the target's operating system and reports which libraries
41521 are loaded.
41522
41523 The @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet returns an XML document which
41524 lists loaded libraries and their offsets. Each library has an
41525 associated name and one or more segment or section base addresses,
41526 which report where the library was loaded in memory.
41527
41528 For the common case of libraries that are fully linked binaries, the
41529 library should have a list of segments. If the target supports
41530 dynamic linking of a relocatable object file, its library XML element
41531 should instead include a list of allocated sections. The segment or
41532 section bases are start addresses, not relocation offsets; they do not
41533 depend on the library's link-time base addresses.
41534
41535 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
41536 library lists. @xref{Expat}.
41537
41538 A simple memory map, with one loaded library relocated by a single
41539 offset, looks like this:
41540
41541 @smallexample
41542 <library-list>
41543 <library name="/lib/libc.so.6">
41544 <segment address="0x10000000"/>
41545 </library>
41546 </library-list>
41547 @end smallexample
41548
41549 Another simple memory map, with one loaded library with three
41550 allocated sections (.text, .data, .bss), looks like this:
41551
41552 @smallexample
41553 <library-list>
41554 <library name="sharedlib.o">
41555 <section address="0x10000000"/>
41556 <section address="0x20000000"/>
41557 <section address="0x30000000"/>
41558 </library>
41559 </library-list>
41560 @end smallexample
41561
41562 The format of a library list is described by this DTD:
41563
41564 @smallexample
41565 <!-- library-list: Root element with versioning -->
41566 <!ELEMENT library-list (library)*>
41567 <!ATTLIST library-list version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
41568 <!ELEMENT library (segment*, section*)>
41569 <!ATTLIST library name CDATA #REQUIRED>
41570 <!ELEMENT segment EMPTY>
41571 <!ATTLIST segment address CDATA #REQUIRED>
41572 <!ELEMENT section EMPTY>
41573 <!ATTLIST section address CDATA #REQUIRED>
41574 @end smallexample
41575
41576 In addition, segments and section descriptors cannot be mixed within a
41577 single library element, and you must supply at least one segment or
41578 section for each library.
41579
41580 @node Library List Format for SVR4 Targets
41581 @section Library List Format for SVR4 Targets
41582 @cindex library list format, remote protocol
41583
41584 On SVR4 platforms @value{GDBN} can use the symbol table of a dynamic loader
41585 (e.g.@: @file{ld.so}) and normal memory operations to maintain a list of
41586 shared libraries. Still a special library list provided by this packet is
41587 more efficient for the @value{GDBN} remote protocol.
41588
41589 The @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read} packet returns an XML document which lists
41590 loaded libraries and their SVR4 linker parameters. For each library on SVR4
41591 target, the following parameters are reported:
41592
41593 @itemize @minus
41594 @item
41595 @code{name}, the absolute file name from the @code{l_name} field of
41596 @code{struct link_map}.
41597 @item
41598 @code{lm} with address of @code{struct link_map} used for TLS
41599 (Thread Local Storage) access.
41600 @item
41601 @code{l_addr}, the displacement as read from the field @code{l_addr} of
41602 @code{struct link_map}. For prelinked libraries this is not an absolute
41603 memory address. It is a displacement of absolute memory address against
41604 address the file was prelinked to during the library load.
41605 @item
41606 @code{l_ld}, which is memory address of the @code{PT_DYNAMIC} segment
41607 @end itemize
41608
41609 Additionally the single @code{main-lm} attribute specifies address of
41610 @code{struct link_map} used for the main executable. This parameter is used
41611 for TLS access and its presence is optional.
41612
41613 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
41614 SVR4 library lists. @xref{Expat}.
41615
41616 A simple memory map, with two loaded libraries (which do not use prelink),
41617 looks like this:
41618
41619 @smallexample
41620 <library-list-svr4 version="1.0" main-lm="0xe4f8f8">
41621 <library name="/lib/ld-linux.so.2" lm="0xe4f51c" l_addr="0xe2d000"
41622 l_ld="0xe4eefc"/>
41623 <library name="/lib/libc.so.6" lm="0xe4fbe8" l_addr="0x154000"
41624 l_ld="0x152350"/>
41625 </library-list-svr>
41626 @end smallexample
41627
41628 The format of an SVR4 library list is described by this DTD:
41629
41630 @smallexample
41631 <!-- library-list-svr4: Root element with versioning -->
41632 <!ELEMENT library-list-svr4 (library)*>
41633 <!ATTLIST library-list-svr4 version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
41634 <!ATTLIST library-list-svr4 main-lm CDATA #IMPLIED>
41635 <!ELEMENT library EMPTY>
41636 <!ATTLIST library name CDATA #REQUIRED>
41637 <!ATTLIST library lm CDATA #REQUIRED>
41638 <!ATTLIST library l_addr CDATA #REQUIRED>
41639 <!ATTLIST library l_ld CDATA #REQUIRED>
41640 @end smallexample
41641
41642 @node Memory Map Format
41643 @section Memory Map Format
41644 @cindex memory map format
41645
41646 To be able to write into flash memory, @value{GDBN} needs to obtain a
41647 memory map from the target. This section describes the format of the
41648 memory map.
41649
41650 The memory map is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
41651 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}) packet and is an XML document that
41652 lists memory regions.
41653
41654 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
41655 memory maps. @xref{Expat}.
41656
41657 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
41658
41659 @smallexample
41660 <?xml version="1.0"?>
41661 <!DOCTYPE memory-map
41662 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Memory Map V1.0//EN"
41663 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-memory-map.dtd">
41664 <memory-map>
41665 region...
41666 </memory-map>
41667 @end smallexample
41668
41669 Each region can be either:
41670
41671 @itemize
41672
41673 @item
41674 A region of RAM starting at @var{addr} and extending for @var{length}
41675 bytes from there:
41676
41677 @smallexample
41678 <memory type="ram" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
41679 @end smallexample
41680
41681
41682 @item
41683 A region of read-only memory:
41684
41685 @smallexample
41686 <memory type="rom" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
41687 @end smallexample
41688
41689
41690 @item
41691 A region of flash memory, with erasure blocks @var{blocksize}
41692 bytes in length:
41693
41694 @smallexample
41695 <memory type="flash" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}">
41696 <property name="blocksize">@var{blocksize}</property>
41697 </memory>
41698 @end smallexample
41699
41700 @end itemize
41701
41702 Regions must not overlap. @value{GDBN} assumes that areas of memory not covered
41703 by the memory map are RAM, and uses the ordinary @samp{M} and @samp{X}
41704 packets to write to addresses in such ranges.
41705
41706 The formal DTD for memory map format is given below:
41707
41708 @smallexample
41709 <!-- ................................................... -->
41710 <!-- Memory Map XML DTD ................................ -->
41711 <!-- File: memory-map.dtd .............................. -->
41712 <!-- .................................... .............. -->
41713 <!-- memory-map.dtd -->
41714 <!-- memory-map: Root element with versioning -->
41715 <!ELEMENT memory-map (memory | property)>
41716 <!ATTLIST memory-map version CDATA #FIXED "1.0.0">
41717 <!ELEMENT memory (property)>
41718 <!-- memory: Specifies a memory region,
41719 and its type, or device. -->
41720 <!ATTLIST memory type CDATA #REQUIRED
41721 start CDATA #REQUIRED
41722 length CDATA #REQUIRED
41723 device CDATA #IMPLIED>
41724 <!-- property: Generic attribute tag -->
41725 <!ELEMENT property (#PCDATA | property)*>
41726 <!ATTLIST property name CDATA #REQUIRED>
41727 @end smallexample
41728
41729 @node Thread List Format
41730 @section Thread List Format
41731 @cindex thread list format
41732
41733 To efficiently update the list of threads and their attributes,
41734 @value{GDBN} issues the @samp{qXfer:threads:read} packet
41735 (@pxref{qXfer threads read}) and obtains the XML document with
41736 the following structure:
41737
41738 @smallexample
41739 <?xml version="1.0"?>
41740 <threads>
41741 <thread id="id" core="0">
41742 ... description ...
41743 </thread>
41744 </threads>
41745 @end smallexample
41746
41747 Each @samp{thread} element must have the @samp{id} attribute that
41748 identifies the thread (@pxref{thread-id syntax}). The
41749 @samp{core} attribute, if present, specifies which processor core
41750 the thread was last executing on. The content of the of @samp{thread}
41751 element is interpreted as human-readable auxilliary information.
41752
41753 @node Traceframe Info Format
41754 @section Traceframe Info Format
41755 @cindex traceframe info format
41756
41757 To be able to know which objects in the inferior can be examined when
41758 inspecting a tracepoint hit, @value{GDBN} needs to obtain the list of
41759 memory ranges, registers and trace state variables that have been
41760 collected in a traceframe.
41761
41762 This list is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
41763 (@pxref{qXfer traceframe info read}) packet and is an XML document.
41764
41765 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
41766 traceframe info discovery. @xref{Expat}.
41767
41768 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
41769
41770 @smallexample
41771 <?xml version="1.0"?>
41772 <!DOCTYPE traceframe-info
41773 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Memory Map V1.0//EN"
41774 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-traceframe-info.dtd">
41775 <traceframe-info>
41776 block...
41777 </traceframe-info>
41778 @end smallexample
41779
41780 Each traceframe block can be either:
41781
41782 @itemize
41783
41784 @item
41785 A region of collected memory starting at @var{addr} and extending for
41786 @var{length} bytes from there:
41787
41788 @smallexample
41789 <memory start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
41790 @end smallexample
41791
41792 @item
41793 A block indicating trace state variable numbered @var{number} has been
41794 collected:
41795
41796 @smallexample
41797 <tvar id="@var{number}"/>
41798 @end smallexample
41799
41800 @end itemize
41801
41802 The formal DTD for the traceframe info format is given below:
41803
41804 @smallexample
41805 <!ELEMENT traceframe-info (memory | tvar)* >
41806 <!ATTLIST traceframe-info version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
41807
41808 <!ELEMENT memory EMPTY>
41809 <!ATTLIST memory start CDATA #REQUIRED
41810 length CDATA #REQUIRED>
41811 <!ELEMENT tvar>
41812 <!ATTLIST tvar id CDATA #REQUIRED>
41813 @end smallexample
41814
41815 @node Branch Trace Format
41816 @section Branch Trace Format
41817 @cindex branch trace format
41818
41819 In order to display the branch trace of an inferior thread,
41820 @value{GDBN} needs to obtain the list of branches. This list is
41821 represented as list of sequential code blocks that are connected via
41822 branches. The code in each block has been executed sequentially.
41823
41824 This list is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:btrace:read}
41825 (@pxref{qXfer btrace read}) packet and is an XML document.
41826
41827 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
41828 traceframe info discovery. @xref{Expat}.
41829
41830 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
41831
41832 @smallexample
41833 <?xml version="1.0"?>
41834 <!DOCTYPE btrace
41835 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Branch Trace V1.0//EN"
41836 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-btrace.dtd">
41837 <btrace>
41838 block...
41839 </btrace>
41840 @end smallexample
41841
41842 @itemize
41843
41844 @item
41845 A block of sequentially executed instructions starting at @var{begin}
41846 and ending at @var{end}:
41847
41848 @smallexample
41849 <block begin="@var{begin}" end="@var{end}"/>
41850 @end smallexample
41851
41852 @end itemize
41853
41854 The formal DTD for the branch trace format is given below:
41855
41856 @smallexample
41857 <!ELEMENT btrace (block)* >
41858 <!ATTLIST btrace version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
41859
41860 <!ELEMENT block EMPTY>
41861 <!ATTLIST block begin CDATA #REQUIRED
41862 end CDATA #REQUIRED>
41863 @end smallexample
41864
41865 @include agentexpr.texi
41866
41867 @node Target Descriptions
41868 @appendix Target Descriptions
41869 @cindex target descriptions
41870
41871 One of the challenges of using @value{GDBN} to debug embedded systems
41872 is that there are so many minor variants of each processor
41873 architecture in use. It is common practice for vendors to start with
41874 a standard processor core --- ARM, PowerPC, or @acronym{MIPS}, for example ---
41875 and then make changes to adapt it to a particular market niche. Some
41876 architectures have hundreds of variants, available from dozens of
41877 vendors. This leads to a number of problems:
41878
41879 @itemize @bullet
41880 @item
41881 With so many different customized processors, it is difficult for
41882 the @value{GDBN} maintainers to keep up with the changes.
41883 @item
41884 Since individual variants may have short lifetimes or limited
41885 audiences, it may not be worthwhile to carry information about every
41886 variant in the @value{GDBN} source tree.
41887 @item
41888 When @value{GDBN} does support the architecture of the embedded system
41889 at hand, the task of finding the correct architecture name to give the
41890 @command{set architecture} command can be error-prone.
41891 @end itemize
41892
41893 To address these problems, the @value{GDBN} remote protocol allows a
41894 target system to not only identify itself to @value{GDBN}, but to
41895 actually describe its own features. This lets @value{GDBN} support
41896 processor variants it has never seen before --- to the extent that the
41897 descriptions are accurate, and that @value{GDBN} understands them.
41898
41899 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
41900 target descriptions. @xref{Expat}.
41901
41902 @menu
41903 * Retrieving Descriptions:: How descriptions are fetched from a target.
41904 * Target Description Format:: The contents of a target description.
41905 * Predefined Target Types:: Standard types available for target
41906 descriptions.
41907 * Standard Target Features:: Features @value{GDBN} knows about.
41908 @end menu
41909
41910 @node Retrieving Descriptions
41911 @section Retrieving Descriptions
41912
41913 Target descriptions can be read from the target automatically, or
41914 specified by the user manually. The default behavior is to read the
41915 description from the target. @value{GDBN} retrieves it via the remote
41916 protocol using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{General Query Packets,
41917 qXfer}). The @var{annex} in the @samp{qXfer} packet will be
41918 @samp{target.xml}. The contents of the @samp{target.xml} annex are an
41919 XML document, of the form described in @ref{Target Description
41920 Format}.
41921
41922 Alternatively, you can specify a file to read for the target description.
41923 If a file is set, the target will not be queried. The commands to
41924 specify a file are:
41925
41926 @table @code
41927 @cindex set tdesc filename
41928 @item set tdesc filename @var{path}
41929 Read the target description from @var{path}.
41930
41931 @cindex unset tdesc filename
41932 @item unset tdesc filename
41933 Do not read the XML target description from a file. @value{GDBN}
41934 will use the description supplied by the current target.
41935
41936 @cindex show tdesc filename
41937 @item show tdesc filename
41938 Show the filename to read for a target description, if any.
41939 @end table
41940
41941
41942 @node Target Description Format
41943 @section Target Description Format
41944 @cindex target descriptions, XML format
41945
41946 A target description annex is an @uref{http://www.w3.org/XML/, XML}
41947 document which complies with the Document Type Definition provided in
41948 the @value{GDBN} sources in @file{gdb/features/gdb-target.dtd}. This
41949 means you can use generally available tools like @command{xmllint} to
41950 check that your feature descriptions are well-formed and valid.
41951 However, to help people unfamiliar with XML write descriptions for
41952 their targets, we also describe the grammar here.
41953
41954 Target descriptions can identify the architecture of the remote target
41955 and (for some architectures) provide information about custom register
41956 sets. They can also identify the OS ABI of the remote target.
41957 @value{GDBN} can use this information to autoconfigure for your
41958 target, or to warn you if you connect to an unsupported target.
41959
41960 Here is a simple target description:
41961
41962 @smallexample
41963 <target version="1.0">
41964 <architecture>i386:x86-64</architecture>
41965 </target>
41966 @end smallexample
41967
41968 @noindent
41969 This minimal description only says that the target uses
41970 the x86-64 architecture.
41971
41972 A target description has the following overall form, with [ ] marking
41973 optional elements and @dots{} marking repeatable elements. The elements
41974 are explained further below.
41975
41976 @smallexample
41977 <?xml version="1.0"?>
41978 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "gdb-target.dtd">
41979 <target version="1.0">
41980 @r{[}@var{architecture}@r{]}
41981 @r{[}@var{osabi}@r{]}
41982 @r{[}@var{compatible}@r{]}
41983 @r{[}@var{feature}@dots{}@r{]}
41984 </target>
41985 @end smallexample
41986
41987 @noindent
41988 The description is generally insensitive to whitespace and line
41989 breaks, under the usual common-sense rules. The XML version
41990 declaration and document type declaration can generally be omitted
41991 (@value{GDBN} does not require them), but specifying them may be
41992 useful for XML validation tools. The @samp{version} attribute for
41993 @samp{<target>} may also be omitted, but we recommend
41994 including it; if future versions of @value{GDBN} use an incompatible
41995 revision of @file{gdb-target.dtd}, they will detect and report
41996 the version mismatch.
41997
41998 @subsection Inclusion
41999 @cindex target descriptions, inclusion
42000 @cindex XInclude
42001 @ifnotinfo
42002 @cindex <xi:include>
42003 @end ifnotinfo
42004
42005 It can sometimes be valuable to split a target description up into
42006 several different annexes, either for organizational purposes, or to
42007 share files between different possible target descriptions. You can
42008 divide a description into multiple files by replacing any element of
42009 the target description with an inclusion directive of the form:
42010
42011 @smallexample
42012 <xi:include href="@var{document}"/>
42013 @end smallexample
42014
42015 @noindent
42016 When @value{GDBN} encounters an element of this form, it will retrieve
42017 the named XML @var{document}, and replace the inclusion directive with
42018 the contents of that document. If the current description was read
42019 using @samp{qXfer}, then so will be the included document;
42020 @var{document} will be interpreted as the name of an annex. If the
42021 current description was read from a file, @value{GDBN} will look for
42022 @var{document} as a file in the same directory where it found the
42023 original description.
42024
42025 @subsection Architecture
42026 @cindex <architecture>
42027
42028 An @samp{<architecture>} element has this form:
42029
42030 @smallexample
42031 <architecture>@var{arch}</architecture>
42032 @end smallexample
42033
42034 @var{arch} is one of the architectures from the set accepted by
42035 @code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
42036
42037 @subsection OS ABI
42038 @cindex @code{<osabi>}
42039
42040 This optional field was introduced in @value{GDBN} version 7.0.
42041 Previous versions of @value{GDBN} ignore it.
42042
42043 An @samp{<osabi>} element has this form:
42044
42045 @smallexample
42046 <osabi>@var{abi-name}</osabi>
42047 @end smallexample
42048
42049 @var{abi-name} is an OS ABI name from the same selection accepted by
42050 @w{@code{set osabi}} (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the Current ABI}).
42051
42052 @subsection Compatible Architecture
42053 @cindex @code{<compatible>}
42054
42055 This optional field was introduced in @value{GDBN} version 7.0.
42056 Previous versions of @value{GDBN} ignore it.
42057
42058 A @samp{<compatible>} element has this form:
42059
42060 @smallexample
42061 <compatible>@var{arch}</compatible>
42062 @end smallexample
42063
42064 @var{arch} is one of the architectures from the set accepted by
42065 @code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
42066
42067 A @samp{<compatible>} element is used to specify that the target
42068 is able to run binaries in some other than the main target architecture
42069 given by the @samp{<architecture>} element. For example, on the
42070 Cell Broadband Engine, the main architecture is @code{powerpc:common}
42071 or @code{powerpc:common64}, but the system is able to run binaries
42072 in the @code{spu} architecture as well. The way to describe this
42073 capability with @samp{<compatible>} is as follows:
42074
42075 @smallexample
42076 <architecture>powerpc:common</architecture>
42077 <compatible>spu</compatible>
42078 @end smallexample
42079
42080 @subsection Features
42081 @cindex <feature>
42082
42083 Each @samp{<feature>} describes some logical portion of the target
42084 system. Features are currently used to describe available CPU
42085 registers and the types of their contents. A @samp{<feature>} element
42086 has this form:
42087
42088 @smallexample
42089 <feature name="@var{name}">
42090 @r{[}@var{type}@dots{}@r{]}
42091 @var{reg}@dots{}
42092 </feature>
42093 @end smallexample
42094
42095 @noindent
42096 Each feature's name should be unique within the description. The name
42097 of a feature does not matter unless @value{GDBN} has some special
42098 knowledge of the contents of that feature; if it does, the feature
42099 should have its standard name. @xref{Standard Target Features}.
42100
42101 @subsection Types
42102
42103 Any register's value is a collection of bits which @value{GDBN} must
42104 interpret. The default interpretation is a two's complement integer,
42105 but other types can be requested by name in the register description.
42106 Some predefined types are provided by @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Predefined
42107 Target Types}), and the description can define additional composite types.
42108
42109 Each type element must have an @samp{id} attribute, which gives
42110 a unique (within the containing @samp{<feature>}) name to the type.
42111 Types must be defined before they are used.
42112
42113 @cindex <vector>
42114 Some targets offer vector registers, which can be treated as arrays
42115 of scalar elements. These types are written as @samp{<vector>} elements,
42116 specifying the array element type, @var{type}, and the number of elements,
42117 @var{count}:
42118
42119 @smallexample
42120 <vector id="@var{id}" type="@var{type}" count="@var{count}"/>
42121 @end smallexample
42122
42123 @cindex <union>
42124 If a register's value is usefully viewed in multiple ways, define it
42125 with a union type containing the useful representations. The
42126 @samp{<union>} element contains one or more @samp{<field>} elements,
42127 each of which has a @var{name} and a @var{type}:
42128
42129 @smallexample
42130 <union id="@var{id}">
42131 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
42132 @dots{}
42133 </union>
42134 @end smallexample
42135
42136 @cindex <struct>
42137 If a register's value is composed from several separate values, define
42138 it with a structure type. There are two forms of the @samp{<struct>}
42139 element; a @samp{<struct>} element must either contain only bitfields
42140 or contain no bitfields. If the structure contains only bitfields,
42141 its total size in bytes must be specified, each bitfield must have an
42142 explicit start and end, and bitfields are automatically assigned an
42143 integer type. The field's @var{start} should be less than or
42144 equal to its @var{end}, and zero represents the least significant bit.
42145
42146 @smallexample
42147 <struct id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
42148 <field name="@var{name}" start="@var{start}" end="@var{end}"/>
42149 @dots{}
42150 </struct>
42151 @end smallexample
42152
42153 If the structure contains no bitfields, then each field has an
42154 explicit type, and no implicit padding is added.
42155
42156 @smallexample
42157 <struct id="@var{id}">
42158 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
42159 @dots{}
42160 </struct>
42161 @end smallexample
42162
42163 @cindex <flags>
42164 If a register's value is a series of single-bit flags, define it with
42165 a flags type. The @samp{<flags>} element has an explicit @var{size}
42166 and contains one or more @samp{<field>} elements. Each field has a
42167 @var{name}, a @var{start}, and an @var{end}. Only single-bit flags
42168 are supported.
42169
42170 @smallexample
42171 <flags id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
42172 <field name="@var{name}" start="@var{start}" end="@var{end}"/>
42173 @dots{}
42174 </flags>
42175 @end smallexample
42176
42177 @subsection Registers
42178 @cindex <reg>
42179
42180 Each register is represented as an element with this form:
42181
42182 @smallexample
42183 <reg name="@var{name}"
42184 bitsize="@var{size}"
42185 @r{[}regnum="@var{num}"@r{]}
42186 @r{[}save-restore="@var{save-restore}"@r{]}
42187 @r{[}type="@var{type}"@r{]}
42188 @r{[}group="@var{group}"@r{]}/>
42189 @end smallexample
42190
42191 @noindent
42192 The components are as follows:
42193
42194 @table @var
42195
42196 @item name
42197 The register's name; it must be unique within the target description.
42198
42199 @item bitsize
42200 The register's size, in bits.
42201
42202 @item regnum
42203 The register's number. If omitted, a register's number is one greater
42204 than that of the previous register (either in the current feature or in
42205 a preceding feature); the first register in the target description
42206 defaults to zero. This register number is used to read or write
42207 the register; e.g.@: it is used in the remote @code{p} and @code{P}
42208 packets, and registers appear in the @code{g} and @code{G} packets
42209 in order of increasing register number.
42210
42211 @item save-restore
42212 Whether the register should be preserved across inferior function
42213 calls; this must be either @code{yes} or @code{no}. The default is
42214 @code{yes}, which is appropriate for most registers except for
42215 some system control registers; this is not related to the target's
42216 ABI.
42217
42218 @item type
42219 The type of the register. @var{type} may be a predefined type, a type
42220 defined in the current feature, or one of the special types @code{int}
42221 and @code{float}. @code{int} is an integer type of the correct size
42222 for @var{bitsize}, and @code{float} is a floating point type (in the
42223 architecture's normal floating point format) of the correct size for
42224 @var{bitsize}. The default is @code{int}.
42225
42226 @item group
42227 The register group to which this register belongs. @var{group} must
42228 be either @code{general}, @code{float}, or @code{vector}. If no
42229 @var{group} is specified, @value{GDBN} will not display the register
42230 in @code{info registers}.
42231
42232 @end table
42233
42234 @node Predefined Target Types
42235 @section Predefined Target Types
42236 @cindex target descriptions, predefined types
42237
42238 Type definitions in the self-description can build up composite types
42239 from basic building blocks, but can not define fundamental types. Instead,
42240 standard identifiers are provided by @value{GDBN} for the fundamental
42241 types. The currently supported types are:
42242
42243 @table @code
42244
42245 @item int8
42246 @itemx int16
42247 @itemx int32
42248 @itemx int64
42249 @itemx int128
42250 Signed integer types holding the specified number of bits.
42251
42252 @item uint8
42253 @itemx uint16
42254 @itemx uint32
42255 @itemx uint64
42256 @itemx uint128
42257 Unsigned integer types holding the specified number of bits.
42258
42259 @item code_ptr
42260 @itemx data_ptr
42261 Pointers to unspecified code and data. The program counter and
42262 any dedicated return address register may be marked as code
42263 pointers; printing a code pointer converts it into a symbolic
42264 address. The stack pointer and any dedicated address registers
42265 may be marked as data pointers.
42266
42267 @item ieee_single
42268 Single precision IEEE floating point.
42269
42270 @item ieee_double
42271 Double precision IEEE floating point.
42272
42273 @item arm_fpa_ext
42274 The 12-byte extended precision format used by ARM FPA registers.
42275
42276 @item i387_ext
42277 The 10-byte extended precision format used by x87 registers.
42278
42279 @item i386_eflags
42280 32bit @sc{eflags} register used by x86.
42281
42282 @item i386_mxcsr
42283 32bit @sc{mxcsr} register used by x86.
42284
42285 @end table
42286
42287 @node Standard Target Features
42288 @section Standard Target Features
42289 @cindex target descriptions, standard features
42290
42291 A target description must contain either no registers or all the
42292 target's registers. If the description contains no registers, then
42293 @value{GDBN} will assume a default register layout, selected based on
42294 the architecture. If the description contains any registers, the
42295 default layout will not be used; the standard registers must be
42296 described in the target description, in such a way that @value{GDBN}
42297 can recognize them.
42298
42299 This is accomplished by giving specific names to feature elements
42300 which contain standard registers. @value{GDBN} will look for features
42301 with those names and verify that they contain the expected registers;
42302 if any known feature is missing required registers, or if any required
42303 feature is missing, @value{GDBN} will reject the target
42304 description. You can add additional registers to any of the
42305 standard features --- @value{GDBN} will display them just as if
42306 they were added to an unrecognized feature.
42307
42308 This section lists the known features and their expected contents.
42309 Sample XML documents for these features are included in the
42310 @value{GDBN} source tree, in the directory @file{gdb/features}.
42311
42312 Names recognized by @value{GDBN} should include the name of the
42313 company or organization which selected the name, and the overall
42314 architecture to which the feature applies; so e.g.@: the feature
42315 containing ARM core registers is named @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}.
42316
42317 The names of registers are not case sensitive for the purpose
42318 of recognizing standard features, but @value{GDBN} will only display
42319 registers using the capitalization used in the description.
42320
42321 @menu
42322 * AArch64 Features::
42323 * ARM Features::
42324 * i386 Features::
42325 * MIPS Features::
42326 * M68K Features::
42327 * Nios II Features::
42328 * PowerPC Features::
42329 * TIC6x Features::
42330 @end menu
42331
42332
42333 @node AArch64 Features
42334 @subsection AArch64 Features
42335 @cindex target descriptions, AArch64 features
42336
42337 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.aarch64.core} feature is required for AArch64
42338 targets. It should contain registers @samp{x0} through @samp{x30},
42339 @samp{sp}, @samp{pc}, and @samp{cpsr}.
42340
42341 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.aarch64.fpu} feature is optional. If present,
42342 it should contain registers @samp{v0} through @samp{v31}, @samp{fpsr},
42343 and @samp{fpcr}.
42344
42345 @node ARM Features
42346 @subsection ARM Features
42347 @cindex target descriptions, ARM features
42348
42349 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core} feature is required for non-M-profile
42350 ARM targets.
42351 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp},
42352 @samp{lr}, @samp{pc}, and @samp{cpsr}.
42353
42354 For M-profile targets (e.g. Cortex-M3), the @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}
42355 feature is replaced by @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.m-profile}. It should contain
42356 registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp}, @samp{lr}, @samp{pc},
42357 and @samp{xpsr}.
42358
42359 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.fpa} feature is optional. If present, it
42360 should contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f7} and @samp{fps}.
42361
42362 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.xscale.iwmmxt} feature is optional. If present,
42363 it should contain at least registers @samp{wR0} through @samp{wR15} and
42364 @samp{wCGR0} through @samp{wCGR3}. The @samp{wCID}, @samp{wCon},
42365 @samp{wCSSF}, and @samp{wCASF} registers are optional.
42366
42367 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.vfp} feature is optional. If present, it
42368 should contain at least registers @samp{d0} through @samp{d15}. If
42369 they are present, @samp{d16} through @samp{d31} should also be included.
42370 @value{GDBN} will synthesize the single-precision registers from
42371 halves of the double-precision registers.
42372
42373 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.neon} feature is optional. It does not
42374 need to contain registers; it instructs @value{GDBN} to display the
42375 VFP double-precision registers as vectors and to synthesize the
42376 quad-precision registers from pairs of double-precision registers.
42377 If this feature is present, @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.vfp} must also
42378 be present and include 32 double-precision registers.
42379
42380 @node i386 Features
42381 @subsection i386 Features
42382 @cindex target descriptions, i386 features
42383
42384 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.core} feature is required for i386/amd64
42385 targets. It should describe the following registers:
42386
42387 @itemize @minus
42388 @item
42389 @samp{eax} through @samp{edi} plus @samp{eip} for i386
42390 @item
42391 @samp{rax} through @samp{r15} plus @samp{rip} for amd64
42392 @item
42393 @samp{eflags}, @samp{cs}, @samp{ss}, @samp{ds}, @samp{es},
42394 @samp{fs}, @samp{gs}
42395 @item
42396 @samp{st0} through @samp{st7}
42397 @item
42398 @samp{fctrl}, @samp{fstat}, @samp{ftag}, @samp{fiseg}, @samp{fioff},
42399 @samp{foseg}, @samp{fooff} and @samp{fop}
42400 @end itemize
42401
42402 The register sets may be different, depending on the target.
42403
42404 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.sse} feature is optional. It should
42405 describe registers:
42406
42407 @itemize @minus
42408 @item
42409 @samp{xmm0} through @samp{xmm7} for i386
42410 @item
42411 @samp{xmm0} through @samp{xmm15} for amd64
42412 @item
42413 @samp{mxcsr}
42414 @end itemize
42415
42416 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.avx} feature is optional and requires the
42417 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.sse} feature. It should
42418 describe the upper 128 bits of @sc{ymm} registers:
42419
42420 @itemize @minus
42421 @item
42422 @samp{ymm0h} through @samp{ymm7h} for i386
42423 @item
42424 @samp{ymm0h} through @samp{ymm15h} for amd64
42425 @end itemize
42426
42427 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.linux} feature is optional. It should
42428 describe a single register, @samp{orig_eax}.
42429
42430 @node MIPS Features
42431 @subsection @acronym{MIPS} Features
42432 @cindex target descriptions, @acronym{MIPS} features
42433
42434 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cpu} feature is required for @acronym{MIPS} targets.
42435 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31}, @samp{lo},
42436 @samp{hi}, and @samp{pc}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending
42437 on the target.
42438
42439 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cp0} feature is also required. It should
42440 contain at least the @samp{status}, @samp{badvaddr}, and @samp{cause}
42441 registers. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
42442
42443 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.fpu} feature is currently required, though
42444 it may be optional in a future version of @value{GDBN}. It should
42445 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31}, @samp{fcsr}, and
42446 @samp{fir}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
42447
42448 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.dsp} feature is optional. It should
42449 contain registers @samp{hi1} through @samp{hi3}, @samp{lo1} through
42450 @samp{lo3}, and @samp{dspctl}. The @samp{dspctl} register should
42451 be 32-bit and the rest may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
42452
42453 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.linux} feature is optional. It should
42454 contain a single register, @samp{restart}, which is used by the
42455 Linux kernel to control restartable syscalls.
42456
42457 @node M68K Features
42458 @subsection M68K Features
42459 @cindex target descriptions, M68K features
42460
42461 @table @code
42462 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.m68k.core}
42463 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.core}
42464 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.fido.core}
42465 One of those features must be always present.
42466 The feature that is present determines which flavor of m68k is
42467 used. The feature that is present should contain registers
42468 @samp{d0} through @samp{d7}, @samp{a0} through @samp{a5}, @samp{fp},
42469 @samp{sp}, @samp{ps} and @samp{pc}.
42470
42471 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.fp}
42472 This feature is optional. If present, it should contain registers
42473 @samp{fp0} through @samp{fp7}, @samp{fpcontrol}, @samp{fpstatus} and
42474 @samp{fpiaddr}.
42475 @end table
42476
42477 @node Nios II Features
42478 @subsection Nios II Features
42479 @cindex target descriptions, Nios II features
42480
42481 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.nios2.cpu} feature is required for Nios II
42482 targets. It should contain the 32 core registers (@samp{zero},
42483 @samp{at}, @samp{r2} through @samp{r23}, @samp{et} through @samp{ra}),
42484 @samp{pc}, and the 16 control registers (@samp{status} through
42485 @samp{mpuacc}).
42486
42487 @node PowerPC Features
42488 @subsection PowerPC Features
42489 @cindex target descriptions, PowerPC features
42490
42491 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} feature is required for PowerPC
42492 targets. It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31},
42493 @samp{pc}, @samp{msr}, @samp{cr}, @samp{lr}, @samp{ctr}, and
42494 @samp{xer}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
42495
42496 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.fpu} feature is optional. It should
42497 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31} and @samp{fpscr}.
42498
42499 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.altivec} feature is optional. It should
42500 contain registers @samp{vr0} through @samp{vr31}, @samp{vscr},
42501 and @samp{vrsave}.
42502
42503 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.vsx} feature is optional. It should
42504 contain registers @samp{vs0h} through @samp{vs31h}. @value{GDBN}
42505 will combine these registers with the floating point registers
42506 (@samp{f0} through @samp{f31}) and the altivec registers (@samp{vr0}
42507 through @samp{vr31}) to present the 128-bit wide registers @samp{vs0}
42508 through @samp{vs63}, the set of vector registers for POWER7.
42509
42510 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.spe} feature is optional. It should
42511 contain registers @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}, @samp{acc}, and
42512 @samp{spefscr}. SPE targets should provide 32-bit registers in
42513 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} and provide the upper halves in
42514 @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}. @value{GDBN} will combine
42515 these to present registers @samp{ev0} through @samp{ev31} to the
42516 user.
42517
42518 @node TIC6x Features
42519 @subsection TMS320C6x Features
42520 @cindex target descriptions, TIC6x features
42521 @cindex target descriptions, TMS320C6x features
42522 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.core} feature is required for TMS320C6x
42523 targets. It should contain registers @samp{A0} through @samp{A15},
42524 registers @samp{B0} through @samp{B15}, @samp{CSR} and @samp{PC}.
42525
42526 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.gp} feature is optional. It should
42527 contain registers @samp{A16} through @samp{A31} and @samp{B16}
42528 through @samp{B31}.
42529
42530 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.c6xp} feature is optional. It should
42531 contain registers @samp{TSR}, @samp{ILC} and @samp{RILC}.
42532
42533 @node Operating System Information
42534 @appendix Operating System Information
42535 @cindex operating system information
42536
42537 @menu
42538 * Process list::
42539 @end menu
42540
42541 Users of @value{GDBN} often wish to obtain information about the state of
42542 the operating system running on the target---for example the list of
42543 processes, or the list of open files. This section describes the
42544 mechanism that makes it possible. This mechanism is similar to the
42545 target features mechanism (@pxref{Target Descriptions}), but focuses
42546 on a different aspect of target.
42547
42548 Operating system information is retrived from the target via the
42549 remote protocol, using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{qXfer osdata
42550 read}). The object name in the request should be @samp{osdata}, and
42551 the @var{annex} identifies the data to be fetched.
42552
42553 @node Process list
42554 @appendixsection Process list
42555 @cindex operating system information, process list
42556
42557 When requesting the process list, the @var{annex} field in the
42558 @samp{qXfer} request should be @samp{processes}. The returned data is
42559 an XML document. The formal syntax of this document is defined in
42560 @file{gdb/features/osdata.dtd}.
42561
42562 An example document is:
42563
42564 @smallexample
42565 <?xml version="1.0"?>
42566 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "osdata.dtd">
42567 <osdata type="processes">
42568 <item>
42569 <column name="pid">1</column>
42570 <column name="user">root</column>
42571 <column name="command">/sbin/init</column>
42572 <column name="cores">1,2,3</column>
42573 </item>
42574 </osdata>
42575 @end smallexample
42576
42577 Each item should include a column whose name is @samp{pid}. The value
42578 of that column should identify the process on the target. The
42579 @samp{user} and @samp{command} columns are optional, and will be
42580 displayed by @value{GDBN}. The @samp{cores} column, if present,
42581 should contain a comma-separated list of cores that this process
42582 is running on. Target may provide additional columns,
42583 which @value{GDBN} currently ignores.
42584
42585 @node Trace File Format
42586 @appendix Trace File Format
42587 @cindex trace file format
42588
42589 The trace file comes in three parts: a header, a textual description
42590 section, and a trace frame section with binary data.
42591
42592 The header has the form @code{\x7fTRACE0\n}. The first byte is
42593 @code{0x7f} so as to indicate that the file contains binary data,
42594 while the @code{0} is a version number that may have different values
42595 in the future.
42596
42597 The description section consists of multiple lines of @sc{ascii} text
42598 separated by newline characters (@code{0xa}). The lines may include a
42599 variety of optional descriptive or context-setting information, such
42600 as tracepoint definitions or register set size. @value{GDBN} will
42601 ignore any line that it does not recognize. An empty line marks the end
42602 of this section.
42603
42604 @c FIXME add some specific types of data
42605
42606 The trace frame section consists of a number of consecutive frames.
42607 Each frame begins with a two-byte tracepoint number, followed by a
42608 four-byte size giving the amount of data in the frame. The data in
42609 the frame consists of a number of blocks, each introduced by a
42610 character indicating its type (at least register, memory, and trace
42611 state variable). The data in this section is raw binary, not a
42612 hexadecimal or other encoding; its endianness matches the target's
42613 endianness.
42614
42615 @c FIXME bi-arch may require endianness/arch info in description section
42616
42617 @table @code
42618 @item R @var{bytes}
42619 Register block. The number and ordering of bytes matches that of a
42620 @code{g} packet in the remote protocol. Note that these are the
42621 actual bytes, in target order and @value{GDBN} register order, not a
42622 hexadecimal encoding.
42623
42624 @item M @var{address} @var{length} @var{bytes}...
42625 Memory block. This is a contiguous block of memory, at the 8-byte
42626 address @var{address}, with a 2-byte length @var{length}, followed by
42627 @var{length} bytes.
42628
42629 @item V @var{number} @var{value}
42630 Trace state variable block. This records the 8-byte signed value
42631 @var{value} of trace state variable numbered @var{number}.
42632
42633 @end table
42634
42635 Future enhancements of the trace file format may include additional types
42636 of blocks.
42637
42638 @node Index Section Format
42639 @appendix @code{.gdb_index} section format
42640 @cindex .gdb_index section format
42641 @cindex index section format
42642
42643 This section documents the index section that is created by @code{save
42644 gdb-index} (@pxref{Index Files}). The index section is
42645 DWARF-specific; some knowledge of DWARF is assumed in this
42646 description.
42647
42648 The mapped index file format is designed to be directly
42649 @code{mmap}able on any architecture. In most cases, a datum is
42650 represented using a little-endian 32-bit integer value, called an
42651 @code{offset_type}. Big endian machines must byte-swap the values
42652 before using them. Exceptions to this rule are noted. The data is
42653 laid out such that alignment is always respected.
42654
42655 A mapped index consists of several areas, laid out in order.
42656
42657 @enumerate
42658 @item
42659 The file header. This is a sequence of values, of @code{offset_type}
42660 unless otherwise noted:
42661
42662 @enumerate
42663 @item
42664 The version number, currently 8. Versions 1, 2 and 3 are obsolete.
42665 Version 4 uses a different hashing function from versions 5 and 6.
42666 Version 6 includes symbols for inlined functions, whereas versions 4
42667 and 5 do not. Version 7 adds attributes to the CU indices in the
42668 symbol table. Version 8 specifies that symbols from DWARF type units
42669 (@samp{DW_TAG_type_unit}) refer to the type unit's symbol table and not the
42670 compilation unit (@samp{DW_TAG_comp_unit}) using the type.
42671
42672 @value{GDBN} will only read version 4, 5, or 6 indices
42673 by specifying @code{set use-deprecated-index-sections on}.
42674 GDB has a workaround for potentially broken version 7 indices so it is
42675 currently not flagged as deprecated.
42676
42677 @item
42678 The offset, from the start of the file, of the CU list.
42679
42680 @item
42681 The offset, from the start of the file, of the types CU list. Note
42682 that this area can be empty, in which case this offset will be equal
42683 to the next offset.
42684
42685 @item
42686 The offset, from the start of the file, of the address area.
42687
42688 @item
42689 The offset, from the start of the file, of the symbol table.
42690
42691 @item
42692 The offset, from the start of the file, of the constant pool.
42693 @end enumerate
42694
42695 @item
42696 The CU list. This is a sequence of pairs of 64-bit little-endian
42697 values, sorted by the CU offset. The first element in each pair is
42698 the offset of a CU in the @code{.debug_info} section. The second
42699 element in each pair is the length of that CU. References to a CU
42700 elsewhere in the map are done using a CU index, which is just the
42701 0-based index into this table. Note that if there are type CUs, then
42702 conceptually CUs and type CUs form a single list for the purposes of
42703 CU indices.
42704
42705 @item
42706 The types CU list. This is a sequence of triplets of 64-bit
42707 little-endian values. In a triplet, the first value is the CU offset,
42708 the second value is the type offset in the CU, and the third value is
42709 the type signature. The types CU list is not sorted.
42710
42711 @item
42712 The address area. The address area consists of a sequence of address
42713 entries. Each address entry has three elements:
42714
42715 @enumerate
42716 @item
42717 The low address. This is a 64-bit little-endian value.
42718
42719 @item
42720 The high address. This is a 64-bit little-endian value. Like
42721 @code{DW_AT_high_pc}, the value is one byte beyond the end.
42722
42723 @item
42724 The CU index. This is an @code{offset_type} value.
42725 @end enumerate
42726
42727 @item
42728 The symbol table. This is an open-addressed hash table. The size of
42729 the hash table is always a power of 2.
42730
42731 Each slot in the hash table consists of a pair of @code{offset_type}
42732 values. The first value is the offset of the symbol's name in the
42733 constant pool. The second value is the offset of the CU vector in the
42734 constant pool.
42735
42736 If both values are 0, then this slot in the hash table is empty. This
42737 is ok because while 0 is a valid constant pool index, it cannot be a
42738 valid index for both a string and a CU vector.
42739
42740 The hash value for a table entry is computed by applying an
42741 iterative hash function to the symbol's name. Starting with an
42742 initial value of @code{r = 0}, each (unsigned) character @samp{c} in
42743 the string is incorporated into the hash using the formula depending on the
42744 index version:
42745
42746 @table @asis
42747 @item Version 4
42748 The formula is @code{r = r * 67 + c - 113}.
42749
42750 @item Versions 5 to 7
42751 The formula is @code{r = r * 67 + tolower (c) - 113}.
42752 @end table
42753
42754 The terminating @samp{\0} is not incorporated into the hash.
42755
42756 The step size used in the hash table is computed via
42757 @code{((hash * 17) & (size - 1)) | 1}, where @samp{hash} is the hash
42758 value, and @samp{size} is the size of the hash table. The step size
42759 is used to find the next candidate slot when handling a hash
42760 collision.
42761
42762 The names of C@t{++} symbols in the hash table are canonicalized. We
42763 don't currently have a simple description of the canonicalization
42764 algorithm; if you intend to create new index sections, you must read
42765 the code.
42766
42767 @item
42768 The constant pool. This is simply a bunch of bytes. It is organized
42769 so that alignment is correct: CU vectors are stored first, followed by
42770 strings.
42771
42772 A CU vector in the constant pool is a sequence of @code{offset_type}
42773 values. The first value is the number of CU indices in the vector.
42774 Each subsequent value is the index and symbol attributes of a CU in
42775 the CU list. This element in the hash table is used to indicate which
42776 CUs define the symbol and how the symbol is used.
42777 See below for the format of each CU index+attributes entry.
42778
42779 A string in the constant pool is zero-terminated.
42780 @end enumerate
42781
42782 Attributes were added to CU index values in @code{.gdb_index} version 7.
42783 If a symbol has multiple uses within a CU then there is one
42784 CU index+attributes value for each use.
42785
42786 The format of each CU index+attributes entry is as follows
42787 (bit 0 = LSB):
42788
42789 @table @asis
42790
42791 @item Bits 0-23
42792 This is the index of the CU in the CU list.
42793 @item Bits 24-27
42794 These bits are reserved for future purposes and must be zero.
42795 @item Bits 28-30
42796 The kind of the symbol in the CU.
42797
42798 @table @asis
42799 @item 0
42800 This value is reserved and should not be used.
42801 By reserving zero the full @code{offset_type} value is backwards compatible
42802 with previous versions of the index.
42803 @item 1
42804 The symbol is a type.
42805 @item 2
42806 The symbol is a variable or an enum value.
42807 @item 3
42808 The symbol is a function.
42809 @item 4
42810 Any other kind of symbol.
42811 @item 5,6,7
42812 These values are reserved.
42813 @end table
42814
42815 @item Bit 31
42816 This bit is zero if the value is global and one if it is static.
42817
42818 The determination of whether a symbol is global or static is complicated.
42819 The authorative reference is the file @file{dwarf2read.c} in
42820 @value{GDBN} sources.
42821
42822 @end table
42823
42824 This pseudo-code describes the computation of a symbol's kind and
42825 global/static attributes in the index.
42826
42827 @smallexample
42828 is_external = get_attribute (die, DW_AT_external);
42829 language = get_attribute (cu_die, DW_AT_language);
42830 switch (die->tag)
42831 @{
42832 case DW_TAG_typedef:
42833 case DW_TAG_base_type:
42834 case DW_TAG_subrange_type:
42835 kind = TYPE;
42836 is_static = 1;
42837 break;
42838 case DW_TAG_enumerator:
42839 kind = VARIABLE;
42840 is_static = (language != CPLUS && language != JAVA);
42841 break;
42842 case DW_TAG_subprogram:
42843 kind = FUNCTION;
42844 is_static = ! (is_external || language == ADA);
42845 break;
42846 case DW_TAG_constant:
42847 kind = VARIABLE;
42848 is_static = ! is_external;
42849 break;
42850 case DW_TAG_variable:
42851 kind = VARIABLE;
42852 is_static = ! is_external;
42853 break;
42854 case DW_TAG_namespace:
42855 kind = TYPE;
42856 is_static = 0;
42857 break;
42858 case DW_TAG_class_type:
42859 case DW_TAG_interface_type:
42860 case DW_TAG_structure_type:
42861 case DW_TAG_union_type:
42862 case DW_TAG_enumeration_type:
42863 kind = TYPE;
42864 is_static = (language != CPLUS && language != JAVA);
42865 break;
42866 default:
42867 assert (0);
42868 @}
42869 @end smallexample
42870
42871 @node Man Pages
42872 @appendix Manual pages
42873 @cindex Man pages
42874
42875 @menu
42876 * gdb man:: The GNU Debugger man page
42877 * gdbserver man:: Remote Server for the GNU Debugger man page
42878 * gcore man:: Generate a core file of a running program
42879 * gdbinit man:: gdbinit scripts
42880 @end menu
42881
42882 @node gdb man
42883 @heading gdb man
42884
42885 @c man title gdb The GNU Debugger
42886
42887 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gdb
42888 gdb [@option{-help}] [@option{-nh}] [@option{-nx}] [@option{-q}]
42889 [@option{-batch}] [@option{-cd=}@var{dir}] [@option{-f}]
42890 [@option{-b}@w{ }@var{bps}]
42891 [@option{-tty=}@var{dev}] [@option{-s} @var{symfile}]
42892 [@option{-e}@w{ }@var{prog}] [@option{-se}@w{ }@var{prog}]
42893 [@option{-c}@w{ }@var{core}] [@option{-p}@w{ }@var{procID}]
42894 [@option{-x}@w{ }@var{cmds}] [@option{-d}@w{ }@var{dir}]
42895 [@var{prog}|@var{prog} @var{procID}|@var{prog} @var{core}]
42896 @c man end
42897
42898 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gdb
42899 The purpose of a debugger such as @value{GDBN} is to allow you to see what is
42900 going on ``inside'' another program while it executes -- or what another
42901 program was doing at the moment it crashed.
42902
42903 @value{GDBN} can do four main kinds of things (plus other things in support of
42904 these) to help you catch bugs in the act:
42905
42906 @itemize @bullet
42907 @item
42908 Start your program, specifying anything that might affect its behavior.
42909
42910 @item
42911 Make your program stop on specified conditions.
42912
42913 @item
42914 Examine what has happened, when your program has stopped.
42915
42916 @item
42917 Change things in your program, so you can experiment with correcting the
42918 effects of one bug and go on to learn about another.
42919 @end itemize
42920
42921 You can use @value{GDBN} to debug programs written in C, C@t{++}, Fortran and
42922 Modula-2.
42923
42924 @value{GDBN} is invoked with the shell command @code{gdb}. Once started, it reads
42925 commands from the terminal until you tell it to exit with the @value{GDBN}
42926 command @code{quit}. You can get online help from @value{GDBN} itself
42927 by using the command @code{help}.
42928
42929 You can run @code{gdb} with no arguments or options; but the most
42930 usual way to start @value{GDBN} is with one argument or two, specifying an
42931 executable program as the argument:
42932
42933 @smallexample
42934 gdb program
42935 @end smallexample
42936
42937 You can also start with both an executable program and a core file specified:
42938
42939 @smallexample
42940 gdb program core
42941 @end smallexample
42942
42943 You can, instead, specify a process ID as a second argument, if you want
42944 to debug a running process:
42945
42946 @smallexample
42947 gdb program 1234
42948 gdb -p 1234
42949 @end smallexample
42950
42951 @noindent
42952 would attach @value{GDBN} to process @code{1234} (unless you also have a file
42953 named @file{1234}; @value{GDBN} does check for a core file first).
42954 With option @option{-p} you can omit the @var{program} filename.
42955
42956 Here are some of the most frequently needed @value{GDBN} commands:
42957
42958 @c pod2man highlights the right hand side of the @item lines.
42959 @table @env
42960 @item break [@var{file}:]@var{functiop}
42961 Set a breakpoint at @var{function} (in @var{file}).
42962
42963 @item run [@var{arglist}]
42964 Start your program (with @var{arglist}, if specified).
42965
42966 @item bt
42967 Backtrace: display the program stack.
42968
42969 @item print @var{expr}
42970 Display the value of an expression.
42971
42972 @item c
42973 Continue running your program (after stopping, e.g. at a breakpoint).
42974
42975 @item next
42976 Execute next program line (after stopping); step @emph{over} any
42977 function calls in the line.
42978
42979 @item edit [@var{file}:]@var{function}
42980 look at the program line where it is presently stopped.
42981
42982 @item list [@var{file}:]@var{function}
42983 type the text of the program in the vicinity of where it is presently stopped.
42984
42985 @item step
42986 Execute next program line (after stopping); step @emph{into} any
42987 function calls in the line.
42988
42989 @item help [@var{name}]
42990 Show information about @value{GDBN} command @var{name}, or general information
42991 about using @value{GDBN}.
42992
42993 @item quit
42994 Exit from @value{GDBN}.
42995 @end table
42996
42997 @ifset man
42998 For full details on @value{GDBN},
42999 see @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
43000 by Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch. The same text is available online
43001 as the @code{gdb} entry in the @code{info} program.
43002 @end ifset
43003 @c man end
43004
43005 @c man begin OPTIONS gdb
43006 Any arguments other than options specify an executable
43007 file and core file (or process ID); that is, the first argument
43008 encountered with no
43009 associated option flag is equivalent to a @option{-se} option, and the second,
43010 if any, is equivalent to a @option{-c} option if it's the name of a file.
43011 Many options have
43012 both long and short forms; both are shown here. The long forms are also
43013 recognized if you truncate them, so long as enough of the option is
43014 present to be unambiguous. (If you prefer, you can flag option
43015 arguments with @option{+} rather than @option{-}, though we illustrate the
43016 more usual convention.)
43017
43018 All the options and command line arguments you give are processed
43019 in sequential order. The order makes a difference when the @option{-x}
43020 option is used.
43021
43022 @table @env
43023 @item -help
43024 @itemx -h
43025 List all options, with brief explanations.
43026
43027 @item -symbols=@var{file}
43028 @itemx -s @var{file}
43029 Read symbol table from file @var{file}.
43030
43031 @item -write
43032 Enable writing into executable and core files.
43033
43034 @item -exec=@var{file}
43035 @itemx -e @var{file}
43036 Use file @var{file} as the executable file to execute when
43037 appropriate, and for examining pure data in conjunction with a core
43038 dump.
43039
43040 @item -se=@var{file}
43041 Read symbol table from file @var{file} and use it as the executable
43042 file.
43043
43044 @item -core=@var{file}
43045 @itemx -c @var{file}
43046 Use file @var{file} as a core dump to examine.
43047
43048 @item -command=@var{file}
43049 @itemx -x @var{file}
43050 Execute @value{GDBN} commands from file @var{file}.
43051
43052 @item -ex @var{command}
43053 Execute given @value{GDBN} @var{command}.
43054
43055 @item -directory=@var{directory}
43056 @itemx -d @var{directory}
43057 Add @var{directory} to the path to search for source files.
43058
43059 @item -nh
43060 Do not execute commands from @file{~/.gdbinit}.
43061
43062 @item -nx
43063 @itemx -n
43064 Do not execute commands from any @file{.gdbinit} initialization files.
43065
43066 @item -quiet
43067 @itemx -q
43068 ``Quiet''. Do not print the introductory and copyright messages. These
43069 messages are also suppressed in batch mode.
43070
43071 @item -batch
43072 Run in batch mode. Exit with status @code{0} after processing all the command
43073 files specified with @option{-x} (and @file{.gdbinit}, if not inhibited).
43074 Exit with nonzero status if an error occurs in executing the @value{GDBN}
43075 commands in the command files.
43076
43077 Batch mode may be useful for running @value{GDBN} as a filter, for example to
43078 download and run a program on another computer; in order to make this
43079 more useful, the message
43080
43081 @smallexample
43082 Program exited normally.
43083 @end smallexample
43084
43085 @noindent
43086 (which is ordinarily issued whenever a program running under @value{GDBN} control
43087 terminates) is not issued when running in batch mode.
43088
43089 @item -cd=@var{directory}
43090 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its working directory,
43091 instead of the current directory.
43092
43093 @item -fullname
43094 @itemx -f
43095 Emacs sets this option when it runs @value{GDBN} as a subprocess. It tells
43096 @value{GDBN} to output the full file name and line number in a standard,
43097 recognizable fashion each time a stack frame is displayed (which
43098 includes each time the program stops). This recognizable format looks
43099 like two @samp{\032} characters, followed by the file name, line number
43100 and character position separated by colons, and a newline. The
43101 Emacs-to-@value{GDBN} interface program uses the two @samp{\032}
43102 characters as a signal to display the source code for the frame.
43103
43104 @item -b @var{bps}
43105 Set the line speed (baud rate or bits per second) of any serial
43106 interface used by @value{GDBN} for remote debugging.
43107
43108 @item -tty=@var{device}
43109 Run using @var{device} for your program's standard input and output.
43110 @end table
43111 @c man end
43112
43113 @c man begin SEEALSO gdb
43114 @ifset man
43115 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
43116 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
43117 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
43118
43119 @smallexample
43120 info gdb
43121 @end smallexample
43122
43123 @noindent
43124 should give you access to the complete manual.
43125
43126 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
43127 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
43128 @end ifset
43129 @c man end
43130
43131 @node gdbserver man
43132 @heading gdbserver man
43133
43134 @c man title gdbserver Remote Server for the GNU Debugger
43135 @format
43136 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gdbserver
43137 gdbserver @var{comm} @var{prog} [@var{args}@dots{}]
43138
43139 gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
43140
43141 gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
43142 @c man end
43143 @end format
43144
43145 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gdbserver
43146 @command{gdbserver} is a program that allows you to run @value{GDBN} on a different machine
43147 than the one which is running the program being debugged.
43148
43149 @ifclear man
43150 @subheading Usage (server (target) side)
43151 @end ifclear
43152 @ifset man
43153 Usage (server (target) side):
43154 @end ifset
43155
43156 First, you need to have a copy of the program you want to debug put onto
43157 the target system. The program can be stripped to save space if needed, as
43158 @command{gdbserver} doesn't care about symbols. All symbol handling is taken care of by
43159 the @value{GDBN} running on the host system.
43160
43161 To use the server, you log on to the target system, and run the @command{gdbserver}
43162 program. You must tell it (a) how to communicate with @value{GDBN}, (b) the name of
43163 your program, and (c) its arguments. The general syntax is:
43164
43165 @smallexample
43166 target> gdbserver @var{comm} @var{program} [@var{args} ...]
43167 @end smallexample
43168
43169 For example, using a serial port, you might say:
43170
43171 @smallexample
43172 @ifset man
43173 @c @file would wrap it as F</dev/com1>.
43174 target> gdbserver /dev/com1 emacs foo.txt
43175 @end ifset
43176 @ifclear man
43177 target> gdbserver @file{/dev/com1} emacs foo.txt
43178 @end ifclear
43179 @end smallexample
43180
43181 This tells @command{gdbserver} to debug emacs with an argument of foo.txt, and
43182 to communicate with @value{GDBN} via @file{/dev/com1}. @command{gdbserver} now
43183 waits patiently for the host @value{GDBN} to communicate with it.
43184
43185 To use a TCP connection, you could say:
43186
43187 @smallexample
43188 target> gdbserver host:2345 emacs foo.txt
43189 @end smallexample
43190
43191 This says pretty much the same thing as the last example, except that we are
43192 going to communicate with the @code{host} @value{GDBN} via TCP. The @code{host:2345} argument means
43193 that we are expecting to see a TCP connection from @code{host} to local TCP port
43194 2345. (Currently, the @code{host} part is ignored.) You can choose any number you
43195 want for the port number as long as it does not conflict with any existing TCP
43196 ports on the target system. This same port number must be used in the host
43197 @value{GDBN}s @code{target remote} command, which will be described shortly. Note that if
43198 you chose a port number that conflicts with another service, @command{gdbserver} will
43199 print an error message and exit.
43200
43201 @command{gdbserver} can also attach to running programs.
43202 This is accomplished via the @option{--attach} argument. The syntax is:
43203
43204 @smallexample
43205 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
43206 @end smallexample
43207
43208 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't
43209 necessary to point @command{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
43210
43211 To start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
43212 or process ID to attach, use the @option{--multi} command line option.
43213 In such case you should connect using @kbd{target extended-remote} to start
43214 the program you want to debug.
43215
43216 @smallexample
43217 target> gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
43218 @end smallexample
43219
43220 @ifclear man
43221 @subheading Usage (host side)
43222 @end ifclear
43223 @ifset man
43224 Usage (host side):
43225 @end ifset
43226
43227 You need an unstripped copy of the target program on your host system, since
43228 @value{GDBN} needs to examine it's symbol tables and such. Start up @value{GDBN} as you normally
43229 would, with the target program as the first argument. (You may need to use the
43230 @option{--baud} option if the serial line is running at anything except 9600 baud.)
43231 That is @code{gdb TARGET-PROG}, or @code{gdb --baud BAUD TARGET-PROG}. After that, the only
43232 new command you need to know about is @code{target remote}
43233 (or @code{target extended-remote}). Its argument is either
43234 a device name (usually a serial device, like @file{/dev/ttyb}), or a @code{HOST:PORT}
43235 descriptor. For example:
43236
43237 @smallexample
43238 @ifset man
43239 @c @file would wrap it as F</dev/ttyb>.
43240 (gdb) target remote /dev/ttyb
43241 @end ifset
43242 @ifclear man
43243 (gdb) target remote @file{/dev/ttyb}
43244 @end ifclear
43245 @end smallexample
43246
43247 @noindent
43248 communicates with the server via serial line @file{/dev/ttyb}, and:
43249
43250 @smallexample
43251 (gdb) target remote the-target:2345
43252 @end smallexample
43253
43254 @noindent
43255 communicates via a TCP connection to port 2345 on host `the-target', where
43256 you previously started up @command{gdbserver} with the same port number. Note that for
43257 TCP connections, you must start up @command{gdbserver} prior to using the `target remote'
43258 command, otherwise you may get an error that looks something like
43259 `Connection refused'.
43260
43261 @command{gdbserver} can also debug multiple inferiors at once,
43262 described in
43263 @ifset man
43264 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Inferiors and Programs}
43265 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n 'Inferiors and Programs'}.
43266 @end ifset
43267 @ifclear man
43268 @ref{Inferiors and Programs}.
43269 @end ifclear
43270 In such case use the @code{extended-remote} @value{GDBN} command variant:
43271
43272 @smallexample
43273 (gdb) target extended-remote the-target:2345
43274 @end smallexample
43275
43276 The @command{gdbserver} option @option{--multi} may or may not be used in such
43277 case.
43278 @c man end
43279
43280 @c man begin OPTIONS gdbserver
43281 There are three different modes for invoking @command{gdbserver}:
43282
43283 @itemize @bullet
43284
43285 @item
43286 Debug a specific program specified by its program name:
43287
43288 @smallexample
43289 gdbserver @var{comm} @var{prog} [@var{args}@dots{}]
43290 @end smallexample
43291
43292 The @var{comm} parameter specifies how should the server communicate
43293 with @value{GDBN}; it is either a device name (to use a serial line),
43294 a TCP port number (@code{:1234}), or @code{-} or @code{stdio} to use
43295 stdin/stdout of @code{gdbserver}. Specify the name of the program to
43296 debug in @var{prog}. Any remaining arguments will be passed to the
43297 program verbatim. When the program exits, @value{GDBN} will close the
43298 connection, and @code{gdbserver} will exit.
43299
43300 @item
43301 Debug a specific program by specifying the process ID of a running
43302 program:
43303
43304 @smallexample
43305 gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
43306 @end smallexample
43307
43308 The @var{comm} parameter is as described above. Supply the process ID
43309 of a running program in @var{pid}; @value{GDBN} will do everything
43310 else. Like with the previous mode, when the process @var{pid} exits,
43311 @value{GDBN} will close the connection, and @code{gdbserver} will exit.
43312
43313 @item
43314 Multi-process mode -- debug more than one program/process:
43315
43316 @smallexample
43317 gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
43318 @end smallexample
43319
43320 In this mode, @value{GDBN} can instruct @command{gdbserver} which
43321 command(s) to run. Unlike the other 2 modes, @value{GDBN} will not
43322 close the connection when a process being debugged exits, so you can
43323 debug several processes in the same session.
43324 @end itemize
43325
43326 In each of the modes you may specify these options:
43327
43328 @table @env
43329
43330 @item --help
43331 List all options, with brief explanations.
43332
43333 @item --version
43334 This option causes @command{gdbserver} to print its version number and exit.
43335
43336 @item --attach
43337 @command{gdbserver} will attach to a running program. The syntax is:
43338
43339 @smallexample
43340 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
43341 @end smallexample
43342
43343 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't
43344 necessary to point @command{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
43345
43346 @item --multi
43347 To start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
43348 or process ID to attach, use this command line option.
43349 Then you can connect using @kbd{target extended-remote} and start
43350 the program you want to debug. The syntax is:
43351
43352 @smallexample
43353 target> gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
43354 @end smallexample
43355
43356 @item --debug
43357 Instruct @code{gdbserver} to display extra status information about the debugging
43358 process.
43359 This option is intended for @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to
43360 the developers.
43361
43362 @item --remote-debug
43363 Instruct @code{gdbserver} to display remote protocol debug output.
43364 This option is intended for @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to
43365 the developers.
43366
43367 @item --wrapper
43368 Specify a wrapper to launch programs
43369 for debugging. The option should be followed by the name of the
43370 wrapper, then any command-line arguments to pass to the wrapper, then
43371 @kbd{--} indicating the end of the wrapper arguments.
43372
43373 @item --once
43374 By default, @command{gdbserver} keeps the listening TCP port open, so that
43375 additional connections are possible. However, if you start @code{gdbserver}
43376 with the @option{--once} option, it will stop listening for any further
43377 connection attempts after connecting to the first @value{GDBN} session.
43378
43379 @c --disable-packet is not documented for users.
43380
43381 @c --disable-randomization and --no-disable-randomization are superseded by
43382 @c QDisableRandomization.
43383
43384 @end table
43385 @c man end
43386
43387 @c man begin SEEALSO gdbserver
43388 @ifset man
43389 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
43390 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
43391 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
43392
43393 @smallexample
43394 info gdb
43395 @end smallexample
43396
43397 should give you access to the complete manual.
43398
43399 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
43400 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
43401 @end ifset
43402 @c man end
43403
43404 @node gcore man
43405 @heading gcore
43406
43407 @c man title gcore Generate a core file of a running program
43408
43409 @format
43410 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gcore
43411 gcore [-o @var{filename}] @var{pid}
43412 @c man end
43413 @end format
43414
43415 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gcore
43416 Generate a core dump of a running program with process ID @var{pid}.
43417 Produced file is equivalent to a kernel produced core file as if the process
43418 crashed (and if @kbd{ulimit -c} were used to set up an appropriate core dump
43419 limit). Unlike after a crash, after @command{gcore} the program remains
43420 running without any change.
43421 @c man end
43422
43423 @c man begin OPTIONS gcore
43424 @table @env
43425 @item -o @var{filename}
43426 The optional argument
43427 @var{filename} specifies the file name where to put the core dump.
43428 If not specified, the file name defaults to @file{core.@var{pid}},
43429 where @var{pid} is the running program process ID.
43430 @end table
43431 @c man end
43432
43433 @c man begin SEEALSO gcore
43434 @ifset man
43435 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
43436 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
43437 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
43438
43439 @smallexample
43440 info gdb
43441 @end smallexample
43442
43443 @noindent
43444 should give you access to the complete manual.
43445
43446 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
43447 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
43448 @end ifset
43449 @c man end
43450
43451 @node gdbinit man
43452 @heading gdbinit
43453
43454 @c man title gdbinit GDB initialization scripts
43455
43456 @format
43457 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gdbinit
43458 @ifset SYSTEM_GDBINIT
43459 @value{SYSTEM_GDBINIT}
43460 @end ifset
43461
43462 ~/.gdbinit
43463
43464 ./.gdbinit
43465 @c man end
43466 @end format
43467
43468 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gdbinit
43469 These files contain @value{GDBN} commands to automatically execute during
43470 @value{GDBN} startup. The lines of contents are canned sequences of commands,
43471 described in
43472 @ifset man
43473 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Sequences}
43474 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n Sequences}.
43475 @end ifset
43476 @ifclear man
43477 @ref{Sequences}.
43478 @end ifclear
43479
43480 Please read more in
43481 @ifset man
43482 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Startup}
43483 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n Startup}.
43484 @end ifset
43485 @ifclear man
43486 @ref{Startup}.
43487 @end ifclear
43488
43489 @table @env
43490 @ifset SYSTEM_GDBINIT
43491 @item @value{SYSTEM_GDBINIT}
43492 @end ifset
43493 @ifclear SYSTEM_GDBINIT
43494 @item (not enabled with @code{--with-system-gdbinit} during compilation)
43495 @end ifclear
43496 System-wide initialization file. It is executed unless user specified
43497 @value{GDBN} option @code{-nx} or @code{-n}.
43498 See more in
43499 @ifset man
43500 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{System-wide configuration}
43501 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n 'System-wide configuration'}.
43502 @end ifset
43503 @ifclear man
43504 @ref{System-wide configuration}.
43505 @end ifclear
43506
43507 @item ~/.gdbinit
43508 User initialization file. It is executed unless user specified
43509 @value{GDBN} options @code{-nx}, @code{-n} or @code{-nh}.
43510
43511 @item ./.gdbinit
43512 Initialization file for current directory. It may need to be enabled with
43513 @value{GDBN} security command @code{set auto-load local-gdbinit}.
43514 See more in
43515 @ifset man
43516 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Init File in the Current Directory}
43517 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n 'Init File in the Current Directory'}.
43518 @end ifset
43519 @ifclear man
43520 @ref{Init File in the Current Directory}.
43521 @end ifclear
43522 @end table
43523 @c man end
43524
43525 @c man begin SEEALSO gdbinit
43526 @ifset man
43527 gdb(1), @code{info -f gdb -n Startup}
43528
43529 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
43530 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
43531 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
43532
43533 @smallexample
43534 info gdb
43535 @end smallexample
43536
43537 should give you access to the complete manual.
43538
43539 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
43540 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
43541 @end ifset
43542 @c man end
43543
43544 @include gpl.texi
43545
43546 @node GNU Free Documentation License
43547 @appendix GNU Free Documentation License
43548 @include fdl.texi
43549
43550 @node Concept Index
43551 @unnumbered Concept Index
43552
43553 @printindex cp
43554
43555 @node Command and Variable Index
43556 @unnumbered Command, Variable, and Function Index
43557
43558 @printindex fn
43559
43560 @tex
43561 % I think something like @@colophon should be in texinfo. In the
43562 % meantime:
43563 \long\def\colophon{\hbox to0pt{}\vfill
43564 \centerline{The body of this manual is set in}
43565 \centerline{\fontname\tenrm,}
43566 \centerline{with headings in {\bf\fontname\tenbf}}
43567 \centerline{and examples in {\tt\fontname\tentt}.}
43568 \centerline{{\it\fontname\tenit\/},}
43569 \centerline{{\bf\fontname\tenbf}, and}
43570 \centerline{{\sl\fontname\tensl\/}}
43571 \centerline{are used for emphasis.}\vfill}
43572 \page\colophon
43573 % Blame: doc@@cygnus.com, 1991.
43574 @end tex
43575
43576 @bye
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