Document the branch tracing extensions to the remote serial protocol.
[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 @include gdb-cfg.texi
10 @c
11 @settitle Debugging with @value{GDBN}
12 @setchapternewpage odd
13 @c %**end of header
14
15 @iftex
16 @c @smallbook
17 @c @cropmarks
18 @end iftex
19
20 @finalout
21 @c To avoid file-name clashes between index.html and Index.html, when
22 @c the manual is produced on a Posix host and then moved to a
23 @c case-insensitive filesystem (e.g., MS-Windows), we separate the
24 @c indices into two: Concept Index and all the rest.
25 @syncodeindex ky fn
26 @syncodeindex tp fn
27
28 @c readline appendices use @vindex, @findex and @ftable,
29 @c annotate.texi and gdbmi use @findex.
30 @syncodeindex vr fn
31
32 @c !!set GDB manual's edition---not the same as GDB version!
33 @c This is updated by GNU Press.
34 @set EDITION Tenth
35
36 @c !!set GDB edit command default editor
37 @set EDITOR /bin/ex
38
39 @c THIS MANUAL REQUIRES TEXINFO 4.0 OR LATER.
40
41 @c This is a dir.info fragment to support semi-automated addition of
42 @c manuals to an info tree.
43 @dircategory Software development
44 @direntry
45 * Gdb: (gdb). The GNU debugger.
46 @end direntry
47
48 @copying
49 Copyright @copyright{} 1988-2013 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
50
51 Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document
52 under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.3 or
53 any later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with the
54 Invariant Sections being ``Free Software'' and ``Free Software Needs
55 Free Documentation'', with the Front-Cover Texts being ``A GNU Manual,''
56 and with the Back-Cover Texts as in (a) below.
57
58 (a) The FSF's Back-Cover Text is: ``You are free to copy and modify
59 this GNU Manual. Buying copies from GNU Press supports the FSF in
60 developing GNU and promoting software freedom.''
61 @end copying
62
63 @ifnottex
64 This file documents the @sc{gnu} debugger @value{GDBN}.
65
66 This is the @value{EDITION} Edition, of @cite{Debugging with
67 @value{GDBN}: the @sc{gnu} Source-Level Debugger} for @value{GDBN}
68 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
69 @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
70 @end ifset
71 Version @value{GDBVN}.
72
73 @insertcopying
74 @end ifnottex
75
76 @titlepage
77 @title Debugging with @value{GDBN}
78 @subtitle The @sc{gnu} Source-Level Debugger
79 @sp 1
80 @subtitle @value{EDITION} Edition, for @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN}
81 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
82 @sp 1
83 @subtitle @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
84 @end ifset
85 @author Richard Stallman, Roland Pesch, Stan Shebs, et al.
86 @page
87 @tex
88 {\parskip=0pt
89 \hfill (Send bugs and comments on @value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.)\par
90 \hfill {\it Debugging with @value{GDBN}}\par
91 \hfill \TeX{}info \texinfoversion\par
92 }
93 @end tex
94
95 @vskip 0pt plus 1filll
96 Published by the Free Software Foundation @*
97 51 Franklin Street, Fifth Floor,
98 Boston, MA 02110-1301, USA@*
99 ISBN 978-0-9831592-3-0 @*
100
101 @insertcopying
102 @end titlepage
103 @page
104
105 @ifnottex
106 @node Top, Summary, (dir), (dir)
107
108 @top Debugging with @value{GDBN}
109
110 This file describes @value{GDBN}, the @sc{gnu} symbolic debugger.
111
112 This is the @value{EDITION} Edition, for @value{GDBN}
113 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
114 @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
115 @end ifset
116 Version @value{GDBVN}.
117
118 Copyright (C) 1988-2013 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
119
120 This edition of the GDB manual is dedicated to the memory of Fred
121 Fish. Fred was a long-standing contributor to GDB and to Free
122 software in general. We will miss him.
123
124 @menu
125 * Summary:: Summary of @value{GDBN}
126 * Sample Session:: A sample @value{GDBN} session
127
128 * Invocation:: Getting in and out of @value{GDBN}
129 * Commands:: @value{GDBN} commands
130 * Running:: Running programs under @value{GDBN}
131 * Stopping:: Stopping and continuing
132 * Reverse Execution:: Running programs backward
133 * Process Record and Replay:: Recording inferior's execution and replaying it
134 * Stack:: Examining the stack
135 * Source:: Examining source files
136 * Data:: Examining data
137 * Optimized Code:: Debugging optimized code
138 * Macros:: Preprocessor Macros
139 * Tracepoints:: Debugging remote targets non-intrusively
140 * Overlays:: Debugging programs that use overlays
141
142 * Languages:: Using @value{GDBN} with different languages
143
144 * Symbols:: Examining the symbol table
145 * Altering:: Altering execution
146 * GDB Files:: @value{GDBN} files
147 * Targets:: Specifying a debugging target
148 * Remote Debugging:: Debugging remote programs
149 * Configurations:: Configuration-specific information
150 * Controlling GDB:: Controlling @value{GDBN}
151 * Extending GDB:: Extending @value{GDBN}
152 * Interpreters:: Command Interpreters
153 * TUI:: @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
154 * Emacs:: Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
155 * GDB/MI:: @value{GDBN}'s Machine Interface.
156 * Annotations:: @value{GDBN}'s annotation interface.
157 * JIT Interface:: Using the JIT debugging interface.
158 * In-Process Agent:: In-Process Agent
159
160 * GDB Bugs:: Reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
161
162 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
163 * Command Line Editing: (rluserman). Command Line Editing
164 * Using History Interactively: (history). Using History Interactively
165 @end ifset
166 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
167 * Command Line Editing:: Command Line Editing
168 * Using History Interactively:: Using History Interactively
169 @end ifclear
170 * In Memoriam:: In Memoriam
171 * Formatting Documentation:: How to format and print @value{GDBN} documentation
172 * Installing GDB:: Installing GDB
173 * Maintenance Commands:: Maintenance Commands
174 * Remote Protocol:: GDB Remote Serial Protocol
175 * Agent Expressions:: The GDB Agent Expression Mechanism
176 * Target Descriptions:: How targets can describe themselves to
177 @value{GDBN}
178 * Operating System Information:: Getting additional information from
179 the operating system
180 * Trace File Format:: GDB trace file format
181 * Index Section Format:: .gdb_index section format
182 * Copying:: GNU General Public License says
183 how you can copy and share GDB
184 * GNU Free Documentation License:: The license for this documentation
185 * Concept Index:: Index of @value{GDBN} concepts
186 * Command and Variable Index:: Index of @value{GDBN} commands, variables,
187 functions, and Python data types
188 @end menu
189
190 @end ifnottex
191
192 @contents
193
194 @node Summary
195 @unnumbered Summary of @value{GDBN}
196
197 The purpose of a debugger such as @value{GDBN} is to allow you to see what is
198 going on ``inside'' another program while it executes---or what another
199 program was doing at the moment it crashed.
200
201 @value{GDBN} can do four main kinds of things (plus other things in support of
202 these) to help you catch bugs in the act:
203
204 @itemize @bullet
205 @item
206 Start your program, specifying anything that might affect its behavior.
207
208 @item
209 Make your program stop on specified conditions.
210
211 @item
212 Examine what has happened, when your program has stopped.
213
214 @item
215 Change things in your program, so you can experiment with correcting the
216 effects of one bug and go on to learn about another.
217 @end itemize
218
219 You can use @value{GDBN} to debug programs written in C and C@t{++}.
220 For more information, see @ref{Supported Languages,,Supported Languages}.
221 For more information, see @ref{C,,C and C++}.
222
223 Support for D is partial. For information on D, see
224 @ref{D,,D}.
225
226 @cindex Modula-2
227 Support for Modula-2 is partial. For information on Modula-2, see
228 @ref{Modula-2,,Modula-2}.
229
230 Support for OpenCL C is partial. For information on OpenCL C, see
231 @ref{OpenCL C,,OpenCL C}.
232
233 @cindex Pascal
234 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
235 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
236 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
237 syntax.
238
239 @cindex Fortran
240 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, although
241 it may be necessary to refer to some variables with a trailing
242 underscore.
243
244 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Objective-C,
245 using either the Apple/NeXT or the GNU Objective-C runtime.
246
247 @menu
248 * Free Software:: Freely redistributable software
249 * Free Documentation:: Free Software Needs Free Documentation
250 * Contributors:: Contributors to GDB
251 @end menu
252
253 @node Free Software
254 @unnumberedsec Free Software
255
256 @value{GDBN} is @dfn{free software}, protected by the @sc{gnu}
257 General Public License
258 (GPL). The GPL gives you the freedom to copy or adapt a licensed
259 program---but every person getting a copy also gets with it the
260 freedom to modify that copy (which means that they must get access to
261 the source code), and the freedom to distribute further copies.
262 Typical software companies use copyrights to limit your freedoms; the
263 Free Software Foundation uses the GPL to preserve these freedoms.
264
265 Fundamentally, the General Public License is a license which says that
266 you have these freedoms and that you cannot take these freedoms away
267 from anyone else.
268
269 @node Free Documentation
270 @unnumberedsec Free Software Needs Free Documentation
271
272 The biggest deficiency in the free software community today is not in
273 the software---it is the lack of good free documentation that we can
274 include with the free software. Many of our most important
275 programs do not come with free reference manuals and free introductory
276 texts. Documentation is an essential part of any software package;
277 when an important free software package does not come with a free
278 manual and a free tutorial, that is a major gap. We have many such
279 gaps today.
280
281 Consider Perl, for instance. The tutorial manuals that people
282 normally use are non-free. How did this come about? Because the
283 authors of those manuals published them with restrictive terms---no
284 copying, no modification, source files not available---which exclude
285 them from the free software world.
286
287 That wasn't the first time this sort of thing happened, and it was far
288 from the last. Many times we have heard a GNU user eagerly describe a
289 manual that he is writing, his intended contribution to the community,
290 only to learn that he had ruined everything by signing a publication
291 contract to make it non-free.
292
293 Free documentation, like free software, is a matter of freedom, not
294 price. The problem with the non-free manual is not that publishers
295 charge a price for printed copies---that in itself is fine. (The Free
296 Software Foundation sells printed copies of manuals, too.) The
297 problem is the restrictions on the use of the manual. Free manuals
298 are available in source code form, and give you permission to copy and
299 modify. Non-free manuals do not allow this.
300
301 The criteria of freedom for a free manual are roughly the same as for
302 free software. Redistribution (including the normal kinds of
303 commercial redistribution) must be permitted, so that the manual can
304 accompany every copy of the program, both on-line and on paper.
305
306 Permission for modification of the technical content is crucial too.
307 When people modify the software, adding or changing features, if they
308 are conscientious they will change the manual too---so they can
309 provide accurate and clear documentation for the modified program. A
310 manual that leaves you no choice but to write a new manual to document
311 a changed version of the program is not really available to our
312 community.
313
314 Some kinds of limits on the way modification is handled are
315 acceptable. For example, requirements to preserve the original
316 author's copyright notice, the distribution terms, or the list of
317 authors, are ok. It is also no problem to require modified versions
318 to include notice that they were modified. Even entire sections that
319 may not be deleted or changed are acceptable, as long as they deal
320 with nontechnical topics (like this one). These kinds of restrictions
321 are acceptable because they don't obstruct the community's normal use
322 of the manual.
323
324 However, it must be possible to modify all the @emph{technical}
325 content of the manual, and then distribute the result in all the usual
326 media, through all the usual channels. Otherwise, the restrictions
327 obstruct the use of the manual, it is not free, and we need another
328 manual to replace it.
329
330 Please spread the word about this issue. Our community continues to
331 lose manuals to proprietary publishing. If we spread the word that
332 free software needs free reference manuals and free tutorials, perhaps
333 the next person who wants to contribute by writing documentation will
334 realize, before it is too late, that only free manuals contribute to
335 the free software community.
336
337 If you are writing documentation, please insist on publishing it under
338 the GNU Free Documentation License or another free documentation
339 license. Remember that this decision requires your approval---you
340 don't have to let the publisher decide. Some commercial publishers
341 will use a free license if you insist, but they will not propose the
342 option; it is up to you to raise the issue and say firmly that this is
343 what you want. If the publisher you are dealing with refuses, please
344 try other publishers. If you're not sure whether a proposed license
345 is free, write to @email{licensing@@gnu.org}.
346
347 You can encourage commercial publishers to sell more free, copylefted
348 manuals and tutorials by buying them, and particularly by buying
349 copies from the publishers that paid for their writing or for major
350 improvements. Meanwhile, try to avoid buying non-free documentation
351 at all. Check the distribution terms of a manual before you buy it,
352 and insist that whoever seeks your business must respect your freedom.
353 Check the history of the book, and try to reward the publishers that
354 have paid or pay the authors to work on it.
355
356 The Free Software Foundation maintains a list of free documentation
357 published by other publishers, at
358 @url{http://www.fsf.org/doc/other-free-books.html}.
359
360 @node Contributors
361 @unnumberedsec Contributors to @value{GDBN}
362
363 Richard Stallman was the original author of @value{GDBN}, and of many
364 other @sc{gnu} programs. Many others have contributed to its
365 development. This section attempts to credit major contributors. One
366 of the virtues of free software is that everyone is free to contribute
367 to it; with regret, we cannot actually acknowledge everyone here. The
368 file @file{ChangeLog} in the @value{GDBN} distribution approximates a
369 blow-by-blow account.
370
371 Changes much prior to version 2.0 are lost in the mists of time.
372
373 @quotation
374 @emph{Plea:} Additions to this section are particularly welcome. If you
375 or your friends (or enemies, to be evenhanded) have been unfairly
376 omitted from this list, we would like to add your names!
377 @end quotation
378
379 So that they may not regard their many labors as thankless, we
380 particularly thank those who shepherded @value{GDBN} through major
381 releases:
382 Andrew Cagney (releases 6.3, 6.2, 6.1, 6.0, 5.3, 5.2, 5.1 and 5.0);
383 Jim Blandy (release 4.18);
384 Jason Molenda (release 4.17);
385 Stan Shebs (release 4.14);
386 Fred Fish (releases 4.16, 4.15, 4.13, 4.12, 4.11, 4.10, and 4.9);
387 Stu Grossman and John Gilmore (releases 4.8, 4.7, 4.6, 4.5, and 4.4);
388 John Gilmore (releases 4.3, 4.2, 4.1, 4.0, and 3.9);
389 Jim Kingdon (releases 3.5, 3.4, and 3.3);
390 and Randy Smith (releases 3.2, 3.1, and 3.0).
391
392 Richard Stallman, assisted at various times by Peter TerMaat, Chris
393 Hanson, and Richard Mlynarik, handled releases through 2.8.
394
395 Michael Tiemann is the author of most of the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} support
396 in @value{GDBN}, with significant additional contributions from Per
397 Bothner and Daniel Berlin. James Clark wrote the @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
398 demangler. Early work on C@t{++} was by Peter TerMaat (who also did
399 much general update work leading to release 3.0).
400
401 @value{GDBN} uses the BFD subroutine library to examine multiple
402 object-file formats; BFD was a joint project of David V.
403 Henkel-Wallace, Rich Pixley, Steve Chamberlain, and John Gilmore.
404
405 David Johnson wrote the original COFF support; Pace Willison did
406 the original support for encapsulated COFF.
407
408 Brent Benson of Harris Computer Systems contributed DWARF 2 support.
409
410 Adam de Boor and Bradley Davis contributed the ISI Optimum V support.
411 Per Bothner, Noboyuki Hikichi, and Alessandro Forin contributed MIPS
412 support.
413 Jean-Daniel Fekete contributed Sun 386i support.
414 Chris Hanson improved the HP9000 support.
415 Noboyuki Hikichi and Tomoyuki Hasei contributed Sony/News OS 3 support.
416 David Johnson contributed Encore Umax support.
417 Jyrki Kuoppala contributed Altos 3068 support.
418 Jeff Law contributed HP PA and SOM support.
419 Keith Packard contributed NS32K support.
420 Doug Rabson contributed Acorn Risc Machine support.
421 Bob Rusk contributed Harris Nighthawk CX-UX support.
422 Chris Smith contributed Convex support (and Fortran debugging).
423 Jonathan Stone contributed Pyramid support.
424 Michael Tiemann contributed SPARC support.
425 Tim Tucker contributed support for the Gould NP1 and Gould Powernode.
426 Pace Willison contributed Intel 386 support.
427 Jay Vosburgh contributed Symmetry support.
428 Marko Mlinar contributed OpenRISC 1000 support.
429
430 Andreas Schwab contributed M68K @sc{gnu}/Linux support.
431
432 Rich Schaefer and Peter Schauer helped with support of SunOS shared
433 libraries.
434
435 Jay Fenlason and Roland McGrath ensured that @value{GDBN} and GAS agree
436 about several machine instruction sets.
437
438 Patrick Duval, Ted Goldstein, Vikram Koka and Glenn Engel helped develop
439 remote debugging. Intel Corporation, Wind River Systems, AMD, and ARM
440 contributed remote debugging modules for the i960, VxWorks, A29K UDI,
441 and RDI targets, respectively.
442
443 Brian Fox is the author of the readline libraries providing
444 command-line editing and command history.
445
446 Andrew Beers of SUNY Buffalo wrote the language-switching code, the
447 Modula-2 support, and contributed the Languages chapter of this manual.
448
449 Fred Fish wrote most of the support for Unix System Vr4.
450 He also enhanced the command-completion support to cover C@t{++} overloaded
451 symbols.
452
453 Hitachi America (now Renesas America), Ltd. sponsored the support for
454 H8/300, H8/500, and Super-H processors.
455
456 NEC sponsored the support for the v850, Vr4xxx, and Vr5xxx processors.
457
458 Mitsubishi (now Renesas) sponsored the support for D10V, D30V, and M32R/D
459 processors.
460
461 Toshiba sponsored the support for the TX39 Mips processor.
462
463 Matsushita sponsored the support for the MN10200 and MN10300 processors.
464
465 Fujitsu sponsored the support for SPARClite and FR30 processors.
466
467 Kung Hsu, Jeff Law, and Rick Sladkey added support for hardware
468 watchpoints.
469
470 Michael Snyder added support for tracepoints.
471
472 Stu Grossman wrote gdbserver.
473
474 Jim Kingdon, Peter Schauer, Ian Taylor, and Stu Grossman made
475 nearly innumerable bug fixes and cleanups throughout @value{GDBN}.
476
477 The following people at the Hewlett-Packard Company contributed
478 support for the PA-RISC 2.0 architecture, HP-UX 10.20, 10.30, and 11.0
479 (narrow mode), HP's implementation of kernel threads, HP's aC@t{++}
480 compiler, and the Text User Interface (nee Terminal User Interface):
481 Ben Krepp, Richard Title, John Bishop, Susan Macchia, Kathy Mann,
482 Satish Pai, India Paul, Steve Rehrauer, and Elena Zannoni. Kim Haase
483 provided HP-specific information in this manual.
484
485 DJ Delorie ported @value{GDBN} to MS-DOS, for the DJGPP project.
486 Robert Hoehne made significant contributions to the DJGPP port.
487
488 Cygnus Solutions has sponsored @value{GDBN} maintenance and much of its
489 development since 1991. Cygnus engineers who have worked on @value{GDBN}
490 fulltime include Mark Alexander, Jim Blandy, Per Bothner, Kevin
491 Buettner, Edith Epstein, Chris Faylor, Fred Fish, Martin Hunt, Jim
492 Ingham, John Gilmore, Stu Grossman, Kung Hsu, Jim Kingdon, John Metzler,
493 Fernando Nasser, Geoffrey Noer, Dawn Perchik, Rich Pixley, Zdenek
494 Radouch, Keith Seitz, Stan Shebs, David Taylor, and Elena Zannoni. In
495 addition, Dave Brolley, Ian Carmichael, Steve Chamberlain, Nick Clifton,
496 JT Conklin, Stan Cox, DJ Delorie, Ulrich Drepper, Frank Eigler, Doug
497 Evans, Sean Fagan, David Henkel-Wallace, Richard Henderson, Jeff
498 Holcomb, Jeff Law, Jim Lemke, Tom Lord, Bob Manson, Michael Meissner,
499 Jason Merrill, Catherine Moore, Drew Moseley, Ken Raeburn, Gavin
500 Romig-Koch, Rob Savoye, Jamie Smith, Mike Stump, Ian Taylor, Angela
501 Thomas, Michael Tiemann, Tom Tromey, Ron Unrau, Jim Wilson, and David
502 Zuhn have made contributions both large and small.
503
504 Andrew Cagney, Fernando Nasser, and Elena Zannoni, while working for
505 Cygnus Solutions, implemented the original @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
506
507 Jim Blandy added support for preprocessor macros, while working for Red
508 Hat.
509
510 Andrew Cagney designed @value{GDBN}'s architecture vector. Many
511 people including Andrew Cagney, Stephane Carrez, Randolph Chung, Nick
512 Duffek, Richard Henderson, Mark Kettenis, Grace Sainsbury, Kei
513 Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Andreas Schwab, Jason
514 Thorpe, Corinna Vinschen, Ulrich Weigand, and Elena Zannoni, helped
515 with the migration of old architectures to this new framework.
516
517 Andrew Cagney completely re-designed and re-implemented @value{GDBN}'s
518 unwinder framework, this consisting of a fresh new design featuring
519 frame IDs, independent frame sniffers, and the sentinel frame. Mark
520 Kettenis implemented the @sc{dwarf 2} unwinder, Jeff Johnston the
521 libunwind unwinder, and Andrew Cagney the dummy, sentinel, tramp, and
522 trad unwinders. The architecture-specific changes, each involving a
523 complete rewrite of the architecture's frame code, were carried out by
524 Jim Blandy, Joel Brobecker, Kevin Buettner, Andrew Cagney, Stephane
525 Carrez, Randolph Chung, Orjan Friberg, Richard Henderson, Daniel
526 Jacobowitz, Jeff Johnston, Mark Kettenis, Theodore A. Roth, Kei
527 Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Corinna Vinschen, and Ulrich
528 Weigand.
529
530 Christian Zankel, Ross Morley, Bob Wilson, and Maxim Grigoriev from
531 Tensilica, Inc.@: contributed support for Xtensa processors. Others
532 who have worked on the Xtensa port of @value{GDBN} in the past include
533 Steve Tjiang, John Newlin, and Scott Foehner.
534
535 Michael Eager and staff of Xilinx, Inc., contributed support for the
536 Xilinx MicroBlaze architecture.
537
538 @node Sample Session
539 @chapter A Sample @value{GDBN} Session
540
541 You can use this manual at your leisure to read all about @value{GDBN}.
542 However, a handful of commands are enough to get started using the
543 debugger. This chapter illustrates those commands.
544
545 @iftex
546 In this sample session, we emphasize user input like this: @b{input},
547 to make it easier to pick out from the surrounding output.
548 @end iftex
549
550 @c FIXME: this example may not be appropriate for some configs, where
551 @c FIXME...primary interest is in remote use.
552
553 One of the preliminary versions of @sc{gnu} @code{m4} (a generic macro
554 processor) exhibits the following bug: sometimes, when we change its
555 quote strings from the default, the commands used to capture one macro
556 definition within another stop working. In the following short @code{m4}
557 session, we define a macro @code{foo} which expands to @code{0000}; we
558 then use the @code{m4} built-in @code{defn} to define @code{bar} as the
559 same thing. However, when we change the open quote string to
560 @code{<QUOTE>} and the close quote string to @code{<UNQUOTE>}, the same
561 procedure fails to define a new synonym @code{baz}:
562
563 @smallexample
564 $ @b{cd gnu/m4}
565 $ @b{./m4}
566 @b{define(foo,0000)}
567
568 @b{foo}
569 0000
570 @b{define(bar,defn(`foo'))}
571
572 @b{bar}
573 0000
574 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
575
576 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
577 @b{baz}
578 @b{Ctrl-d}
579 m4: End of input: 0: fatal error: EOF in string
580 @end smallexample
581
582 @noindent
583 Let us use @value{GDBN} to try to see what is going on.
584
585 @smallexample
586 $ @b{@value{GDBP} m4}
587 @c FIXME: this falsifies the exact text played out, to permit smallbook
588 @c FIXME... format to come out better.
589 @value{GDBN} is free software and you are welcome to distribute copies
590 of it under certain conditions; type "show copying" to see
591 the conditions.
592 There is absolutely no warranty for @value{GDBN}; type "show warranty"
593 for details.
594
595 @value{GDBN} @value{GDBVN}, Copyright 1999 Free Software Foundation, Inc...
596 (@value{GDBP})
597 @end smallexample
598
599 @noindent
600 @value{GDBN} reads only enough symbol data to know where to find the
601 rest when needed; as a result, the first prompt comes up very quickly.
602 We now tell @value{GDBN} to use a narrower display width than usual, so
603 that examples fit in this manual.
604
605 @smallexample
606 (@value{GDBP}) @b{set width 70}
607 @end smallexample
608
609 @noindent
610 We need to see how the @code{m4} built-in @code{changequote} works.
611 Having looked at the source, we know the relevant subroutine is
612 @code{m4_changequote}, so we set a breakpoint there with the @value{GDBN}
613 @code{break} command.
614
615 @smallexample
616 (@value{GDBP}) @b{break m4_changequote}
617 Breakpoint 1 at 0x62f4: file builtin.c, line 879.
618 @end smallexample
619
620 @noindent
621 Using the @code{run} command, we start @code{m4} running under @value{GDBN}
622 control; as long as control does not reach the @code{m4_changequote}
623 subroutine, the program runs as usual:
624
625 @smallexample
626 (@value{GDBP}) @b{run}
627 Starting program: /work/Editorial/gdb/gnu/m4/m4
628 @b{define(foo,0000)}
629
630 @b{foo}
631 0000
632 @end smallexample
633
634 @noindent
635 To trigger the breakpoint, we call @code{changequote}. @value{GDBN}
636 suspends execution of @code{m4}, displaying information about the
637 context where it stops.
638
639 @smallexample
640 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
641
642 Breakpoint 1, m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
643 at builtin.c:879
644 879 if (bad_argc(TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[0]),argc,1,3))
645 @end smallexample
646
647 @noindent
648 Now we use the command @code{n} (@code{next}) to advance execution to
649 the next line of the current function.
650
651 @smallexample
652 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
653 882 set_quotes((argc >= 2) ? TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[1])\
654 : nil,
655 @end smallexample
656
657 @noindent
658 @code{set_quotes} looks like a promising subroutine. We can go into it
659 by using the command @code{s} (@code{step}) instead of @code{next}.
660 @code{step} goes to the next line to be executed in @emph{any}
661 subroutine, so it steps into @code{set_quotes}.
662
663 @smallexample
664 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
665 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
666 at input.c:530
667 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
668 @end smallexample
669
670 @noindent
671 The display that shows the subroutine where @code{m4} is now
672 suspended (and its arguments) is called a stack frame display. It
673 shows a summary of the stack. We can use the @code{backtrace}
674 command (which can also be spelled @code{bt}), to see where we are
675 in the stack as a whole: the @code{backtrace} command displays a
676 stack frame for each active subroutine.
677
678 @smallexample
679 (@value{GDBP}) @b{bt}
680 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
681 at input.c:530
682 #1 0x6344 in m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
683 at builtin.c:882
684 #2 0x8174 in expand_macro (sym=0x33320) at macro.c:242
685 #3 0x7a88 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=209696, td=0xf7fffa30)
686 at macro.c:71
687 #4 0x79dc in expand_input () at macro.c:40
688 #5 0x2930 in main (argc=0, argv=0xf7fffb20) at m4.c:195
689 @end smallexample
690
691 @noindent
692 We step through a few more lines to see what happens. The first two
693 times, we can use @samp{s}; the next two times we use @code{n} to avoid
694 falling into the @code{xstrdup} subroutine.
695
696 @smallexample
697 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
698 0x3b5c 532 if (rquote != def_rquote)
699 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
700 0x3b80 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? \
701 def_lquote : xstrdup(lq);
702 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
703 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
704 : xstrdup(rq);
705 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
706 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
707 @end smallexample
708
709 @noindent
710 The last line displayed looks a little odd; we can examine the variables
711 @code{lquote} and @code{rquote} to see if they are in fact the new left
712 and right quotes we specified. We use the command @code{p}
713 (@code{print}) to see their values.
714
715 @smallexample
716 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p lquote}
717 $1 = 0x35d40 "<QUOTE>"
718 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p rquote}
719 $2 = 0x35d50 "<UNQUOTE>"
720 @end smallexample
721
722 @noindent
723 @code{lquote} and @code{rquote} are indeed the new left and right quotes.
724 To look at some context, we can display ten lines of source
725 surrounding the current line with the @code{l} (@code{list}) command.
726
727 @smallexample
728 (@value{GDBP}) @b{l}
729 533 xfree(rquote);
730 534
731 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? def_lquote\
732 : xstrdup (lq);
733 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
734 : xstrdup (rq);
735 537
736 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
737 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
738 540 @}
739 541
740 542 void
741 @end smallexample
742
743 @noindent
744 Let us step past the two lines that set @code{len_lquote} and
745 @code{len_rquote}, and then examine the values of those variables.
746
747 @smallexample
748 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
749 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
750 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
751 540 @}
752 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote}
753 $3 = 9
754 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote}
755 $4 = 7
756 @end smallexample
757
758 @noindent
759 That certainly looks wrong, assuming @code{len_lquote} and
760 @code{len_rquote} are meant to be the lengths of @code{lquote} and
761 @code{rquote} respectively. We can set them to better values using
762 the @code{p} command, since it can print the value of
763 any expression---and that expression can include subroutine calls and
764 assignments.
765
766 @smallexample
767 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote=strlen(lquote)}
768 $5 = 7
769 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote=strlen(rquote)}
770 $6 = 9
771 @end smallexample
772
773 @noindent
774 Is that enough to fix the problem of using the new quotes with the
775 @code{m4} built-in @code{defn}? We can allow @code{m4} to continue
776 executing with the @code{c} (@code{continue}) command, and then try the
777 example that caused trouble initially:
778
779 @smallexample
780 (@value{GDBP}) @b{c}
781 Continuing.
782
783 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
784
785 baz
786 0000
787 @end smallexample
788
789 @noindent
790 Success! The new quotes now work just as well as the default ones. The
791 problem seems to have been just the two typos defining the wrong
792 lengths. We allow @code{m4} exit by giving it an EOF as input:
793
794 @smallexample
795 @b{Ctrl-d}
796 Program exited normally.
797 @end smallexample
798
799 @noindent
800 The message @samp{Program exited normally.} is from @value{GDBN}; it
801 indicates @code{m4} has finished executing. We can end our @value{GDBN}
802 session with the @value{GDBN} @code{quit} command.
803
804 @smallexample
805 (@value{GDBP}) @b{quit}
806 @end smallexample
807
808 @node Invocation
809 @chapter Getting In and Out of @value{GDBN}
810
811 This chapter discusses how to start @value{GDBN}, and how to get out of it.
812 The essentials are:
813 @itemize @bullet
814 @item
815 type @samp{@value{GDBP}} to start @value{GDBN}.
816 @item
817 type @kbd{quit} or @kbd{Ctrl-d} to exit.
818 @end itemize
819
820 @menu
821 * Invoking GDB:: How to start @value{GDBN}
822 * Quitting GDB:: How to quit @value{GDBN}
823 * Shell Commands:: How to use shell commands inside @value{GDBN}
824 * Logging Output:: How to log @value{GDBN}'s output to a file
825 @end menu
826
827 @node Invoking GDB
828 @section Invoking @value{GDBN}
829
830 Invoke @value{GDBN} by running the program @code{@value{GDBP}}. Once started,
831 @value{GDBN} reads commands from the terminal until you tell it to exit.
832
833 You can also run @code{@value{GDBP}} with a variety of arguments and options,
834 to specify more of your debugging environment at the outset.
835
836 The command-line options described here are designed
837 to cover a variety of situations; in some environments, some of these
838 options may effectively be unavailable.
839
840 The most usual way to start @value{GDBN} is with one argument,
841 specifying an executable program:
842
843 @smallexample
844 @value{GDBP} @var{program}
845 @end smallexample
846
847 @noindent
848 You can also start with both an executable program and a core file
849 specified:
850
851 @smallexample
852 @value{GDBP} @var{program} @var{core}
853 @end smallexample
854
855 You can, instead, specify a process ID as a second argument, if you want
856 to debug a running process:
857
858 @smallexample
859 @value{GDBP} @var{program} 1234
860 @end smallexample
861
862 @noindent
863 would attach @value{GDBN} to process @code{1234} (unless you also have a file
864 named @file{1234}; @value{GDBN} does check for a core file first).
865
866 Taking advantage of the second command-line argument requires a fairly
867 complete operating system; when you use @value{GDBN} as a remote
868 debugger attached to a bare board, there may not be any notion of
869 ``process'', and there is often no way to get a core dump. @value{GDBN}
870 will warn you if it is unable to attach or to read core dumps.
871
872 You can optionally have @code{@value{GDBP}} pass any arguments after the
873 executable file to the inferior using @code{--args}. This option stops
874 option processing.
875 @smallexample
876 @value{GDBP} --args gcc -O2 -c foo.c
877 @end smallexample
878 This will cause @code{@value{GDBP}} to debug @code{gcc}, and to set
879 @code{gcc}'s command-line arguments (@pxref{Arguments}) to @samp{-O2 -c foo.c}.
880
881 You can run @code{@value{GDBP}} without printing the front material, which describes
882 @value{GDBN}'s non-warranty, by specifying @code{-silent}:
883
884 @smallexample
885 @value{GDBP} -silent
886 @end smallexample
887
888 @noindent
889 You can further control how @value{GDBN} starts up by using command-line
890 options. @value{GDBN} itself can remind you of the options available.
891
892 @noindent
893 Type
894
895 @smallexample
896 @value{GDBP} -help
897 @end smallexample
898
899 @noindent
900 to display all available options and briefly describe their use
901 (@samp{@value{GDBP} -h} is a shorter equivalent).
902
903 All options and command line arguments you give are processed
904 in sequential order. The order makes a difference when the
905 @samp{-x} option is used.
906
907
908 @menu
909 * File Options:: Choosing files
910 * Mode Options:: Choosing modes
911 * Startup:: What @value{GDBN} does during startup
912 @end menu
913
914 @node File Options
915 @subsection Choosing Files
916
917 When @value{GDBN} starts, it reads any arguments other than options as
918 specifying an executable file and core file (or process ID). This is
919 the same as if the arguments were specified by the @samp{-se} and
920 @samp{-c} (or @samp{-p}) options respectively. (@value{GDBN} reads the
921 first argument that does not have an associated option flag as
922 equivalent to the @samp{-se} option followed by that argument; and the
923 second argument that does not have an associated option flag, if any, as
924 equivalent to the @samp{-c}/@samp{-p} option followed by that argument.)
925 If the second argument begins with a decimal digit, @value{GDBN} will
926 first attempt to attach to it as a process, and if that fails, attempt
927 to open it as a corefile. If you have a corefile whose name begins with
928 a digit, you can prevent @value{GDBN} from treating it as a pid by
929 prefixing it with @file{./}, e.g.@: @file{./12345}.
930
931 If @value{GDBN} has not been configured to included core file support,
932 such as for most embedded targets, then it will complain about a second
933 argument and ignore it.
934
935 Many options have both long and short forms; both are shown in the
936 following list. @value{GDBN} also recognizes the long forms if you truncate
937 them, so long as enough of the option is present to be unambiguous.
938 (If you prefer, you can flag option arguments with @samp{--} rather
939 than @samp{-}, though we illustrate the more usual convention.)
940
941 @c NOTE: the @cindex entries here use double dashes ON PURPOSE. This
942 @c way, both those who look for -foo and --foo in the index, will find
943 @c it.
944
945 @table @code
946 @item -symbols @var{file}
947 @itemx -s @var{file}
948 @cindex @code{--symbols}
949 @cindex @code{-s}
950 Read symbol table from file @var{file}.
951
952 @item -exec @var{file}
953 @itemx -e @var{file}
954 @cindex @code{--exec}
955 @cindex @code{-e}
956 Use file @var{file} as the executable file to execute when appropriate,
957 and for examining pure data in conjunction with a core dump.
958
959 @item -se @var{file}
960 @cindex @code{--se}
961 Read symbol table from file @var{file} and use it as the executable
962 file.
963
964 @item -core @var{file}
965 @itemx -c @var{file}
966 @cindex @code{--core}
967 @cindex @code{-c}
968 Use file @var{file} as a core dump to examine.
969
970 @item -pid @var{number}
971 @itemx -p @var{number}
972 @cindex @code{--pid}
973 @cindex @code{-p}
974 Connect to process ID @var{number}, as with the @code{attach} command.
975
976 @item -command @var{file}
977 @itemx -x @var{file}
978 @cindex @code{--command}
979 @cindex @code{-x}
980 Execute commands from file @var{file}. The contents of this file is
981 evaluated exactly as the @code{source} command would.
982 @xref{Command Files,, Command files}.
983
984 @item -eval-command @var{command}
985 @itemx -ex @var{command}
986 @cindex @code{--eval-command}
987 @cindex @code{-ex}
988 Execute a single @value{GDBN} command.
989
990 This option may be used multiple times to call multiple commands. It may
991 also be interleaved with @samp{-command} as required.
992
993 @smallexample
994 @value{GDBP} -ex 'target sim' -ex 'load' \
995 -x setbreakpoints -ex 'run' a.out
996 @end smallexample
997
998 @item -init-command @var{file}
999 @itemx -ix @var{file}
1000 @cindex @code{--init-command}
1001 @cindex @code{-ix}
1002 Execute commands from file @var{file} before loading the inferior (but
1003 after loading gdbinit files).
1004 @xref{Startup}.
1005
1006 @item -init-eval-command @var{command}
1007 @itemx -iex @var{command}
1008 @cindex @code{--init-eval-command}
1009 @cindex @code{-iex}
1010 Execute a single @value{GDBN} command before loading the inferior (but
1011 after loading gdbinit files).
1012 @xref{Startup}.
1013
1014 @item -directory @var{directory}
1015 @itemx -d @var{directory}
1016 @cindex @code{--directory}
1017 @cindex @code{-d}
1018 Add @var{directory} to the path to search for source and script files.
1019
1020 @item -r
1021 @itemx -readnow
1022 @cindex @code{--readnow}
1023 @cindex @code{-r}
1024 Read each symbol file's entire symbol table immediately, rather than
1025 the default, which is to read it incrementally as it is needed.
1026 This makes startup slower, but makes future operations faster.
1027
1028 @end table
1029
1030 @node Mode Options
1031 @subsection Choosing Modes
1032
1033 You can run @value{GDBN} in various alternative modes---for example, in
1034 batch mode or quiet mode.
1035
1036 @table @code
1037 @anchor{-nx}
1038 @item -nx
1039 @itemx -n
1040 @cindex @code{--nx}
1041 @cindex @code{-n}
1042 Do not execute commands found in any initialization file.
1043 There are three init files, loaded in the following order:
1044
1045 @table @code
1046 @item @file{system.gdbinit}
1047 This is the system-wide init file.
1048 Its location is specified with the @code{--with-system-gdbinit}
1049 configure option (@pxref{System-wide configuration}).
1050 It is loaded first when @value{GDBN} starts, before command line options
1051 have been processed.
1052 @item @file{~/.gdbinit}
1053 This is the init file in your home directory.
1054 It is loaded next, after @file{system.gdbinit}, and before
1055 command options have been processed.
1056 @item @file{./.gdbinit}
1057 This is the init file in the current directory.
1058 It is loaded last, after command line options other than @code{-x} and
1059 @code{-ex} have been processed. Command line options @code{-x} and
1060 @code{-ex} are processed last, after @file{./.gdbinit} has been loaded.
1061 @end table
1062
1063 For further documentation on startup processing, @xref{Startup}.
1064 For documentation on how to write command files,
1065 @xref{Command Files,,Command Files}.
1066
1067 @anchor{-nh}
1068 @item -nh
1069 @cindex @code{--nh}
1070 Do not execute commands found in @file{~/.gdbinit}, the init file
1071 in your home directory.
1072 @xref{Startup}.
1073
1074 @item -quiet
1075 @itemx -silent
1076 @itemx -q
1077 @cindex @code{--quiet}
1078 @cindex @code{--silent}
1079 @cindex @code{-q}
1080 ``Quiet''. Do not print the introductory and copyright messages. These
1081 messages are also suppressed in batch mode.
1082
1083 @item -batch
1084 @cindex @code{--batch}
1085 Run in batch mode. Exit with status @code{0} after processing all the
1086 command files specified with @samp{-x} (and all commands from
1087 initialization files, if not inhibited with @samp{-n}). Exit with
1088 nonzero status if an error occurs in executing the @value{GDBN} commands
1089 in the command files. Batch mode also disables pagination, sets unlimited
1090 terminal width and height @pxref{Screen Size}, and acts as if @kbd{set confirm
1091 off} were in effect (@pxref{Messages/Warnings}).
1092
1093 Batch mode may be useful for running @value{GDBN} as a filter, for
1094 example to download and run a program on another computer; in order to
1095 make this more useful, the message
1096
1097 @smallexample
1098 Program exited normally.
1099 @end smallexample
1100
1101 @noindent
1102 (which is ordinarily issued whenever a program running under
1103 @value{GDBN} control terminates) is not issued when running in batch
1104 mode.
1105
1106 @item -batch-silent
1107 @cindex @code{--batch-silent}
1108 Run in batch mode exactly like @samp{-batch}, but totally silently. All
1109 @value{GDBN} output to @code{stdout} is prevented (@code{stderr} is
1110 unaffected). This is much quieter than @samp{-silent} and would be useless
1111 for an interactive session.
1112
1113 This is particularly useful when using targets that give @samp{Loading section}
1114 messages, for example.
1115
1116 Note that targets that give their output via @value{GDBN}, as opposed to
1117 writing directly to @code{stdout}, will also be made silent.
1118
1119 @item -return-child-result
1120 @cindex @code{--return-child-result}
1121 The return code from @value{GDBN} will be the return code from the child
1122 process (the process being debugged), with the following exceptions:
1123
1124 @itemize @bullet
1125 @item
1126 @value{GDBN} exits abnormally. E.g., due to an incorrect argument or an
1127 internal error. In this case the exit code is the same as it would have been
1128 without @samp{-return-child-result}.
1129 @item
1130 The user quits with an explicit value. E.g., @samp{quit 1}.
1131 @item
1132 The child process never runs, or is not allowed to terminate, in which case
1133 the exit code will be -1.
1134 @end itemize
1135
1136 This option is useful in conjunction with @samp{-batch} or @samp{-batch-silent},
1137 when @value{GDBN} is being used as a remote program loader or simulator
1138 interface.
1139
1140 @item -nowindows
1141 @itemx -nw
1142 @cindex @code{--nowindows}
1143 @cindex @code{-nw}
1144 ``No windows''. If @value{GDBN} comes with a graphical user interface
1145 (GUI) built in, then this option tells @value{GDBN} to only use the command-line
1146 interface. If no GUI is available, this option has no effect.
1147
1148 @item -windows
1149 @itemx -w
1150 @cindex @code{--windows}
1151 @cindex @code{-w}
1152 If @value{GDBN} includes a GUI, then this option requires it to be
1153 used if possible.
1154
1155 @item -cd @var{directory}
1156 @cindex @code{--cd}
1157 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its working directory,
1158 instead of the current directory.
1159
1160 @item -data-directory @var{directory}
1161 @cindex @code{--data-directory}
1162 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its data directory.
1163 The data directory is where @value{GDBN} searches for its
1164 auxiliary files. @xref{Data Files}.
1165
1166 @item -fullname
1167 @itemx -f
1168 @cindex @code{--fullname}
1169 @cindex @code{-f}
1170 @sc{gnu} Emacs sets this option when it runs @value{GDBN} as a
1171 subprocess. It tells @value{GDBN} to output the full file name and line
1172 number in a standard, recognizable fashion each time a stack frame is
1173 displayed (which includes each time your program stops). This
1174 recognizable format looks like two @samp{\032} characters, followed by
1175 the file name, line number and character position separated by colons,
1176 and a newline. The Emacs-to-@value{GDBN} interface program uses the two
1177 @samp{\032} characters as a signal to display the source code for the
1178 frame.
1179
1180 @item -annotate @var{level}
1181 @cindex @code{--annotate}
1182 This option sets the @dfn{annotation level} inside @value{GDBN}. Its
1183 effect is identical to using @samp{set annotate @var{level}}
1184 (@pxref{Annotations}). The annotation @var{level} controls how much
1185 information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt, values of
1186 expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0 is the
1187 normal, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a subprocess of
1188 @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable for programs
1189 that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 has been deprecated.
1190
1191 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
1192 (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
1193
1194 @item --args
1195 @cindex @code{--args}
1196 Change interpretation of command line so that arguments following the
1197 executable file are passed as command line arguments to the inferior.
1198 This option stops option processing.
1199
1200 @item -baud @var{bps}
1201 @itemx -b @var{bps}
1202 @cindex @code{--baud}
1203 @cindex @code{-b}
1204 Set the line speed (baud rate or bits per second) of any serial
1205 interface used by @value{GDBN} for remote debugging.
1206
1207 @item -l @var{timeout}
1208 @cindex @code{-l}
1209 Set the timeout (in seconds) of any communication used by @value{GDBN}
1210 for remote debugging.
1211
1212 @item -tty @var{device}
1213 @itemx -t @var{device}
1214 @cindex @code{--tty}
1215 @cindex @code{-t}
1216 Run using @var{device} for your program's standard input and output.
1217 @c FIXME: kingdon thinks there is more to -tty. Investigate.
1218
1219 @c resolve the situation of these eventually
1220 @item -tui
1221 @cindex @code{--tui}
1222 Activate the @dfn{Text User Interface} when starting. The Text User
1223 Interface manages several text windows on the terminal, showing
1224 source, assembly, registers and @value{GDBN} command outputs
1225 (@pxref{TUI, ,@value{GDBN} Text User Interface}). Do not use this
1226 option if you run @value{GDBN} from Emacs (@pxref{Emacs, ,
1227 Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}).
1228
1229 @c @item -xdb
1230 @c @cindex @code{--xdb}
1231 @c Run in XDB compatibility mode, allowing the use of certain XDB commands.
1232 @c For information, see the file @file{xdb_trans.html}, which is usually
1233 @c installed in the directory @code{/opt/langtools/wdb/doc} on HP-UX
1234 @c systems.
1235
1236 @item -interpreter @var{interp}
1237 @cindex @code{--interpreter}
1238 Use the interpreter @var{interp} for interface with the controlling
1239 program or device. This option is meant to be set by programs which
1240 communicate with @value{GDBN} using it as a back end.
1241 @xref{Interpreters, , Command Interpreters}.
1242
1243 @samp{--interpreter=mi} (or @samp{--interpreter=mi2}) causes
1244 @value{GDBN} to use the @dfn{@sc{gdb/mi} interface} (@pxref{GDB/MI, ,
1245 The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}) included since @value{GDBN} version 6.0. The
1246 previous @sc{gdb/mi} interface, included in @value{GDBN} version 5.3 and
1247 selected with @samp{--interpreter=mi1}, is deprecated. Earlier
1248 @sc{gdb/mi} interfaces are no longer supported.
1249
1250 @item -write
1251 @cindex @code{--write}
1252 Open the executable and core files for both reading and writing. This
1253 is equivalent to the @samp{set write on} command inside @value{GDBN}
1254 (@pxref{Patching}).
1255
1256 @item -statistics
1257 @cindex @code{--statistics}
1258 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print statistics about time and
1259 memory usage after it completes each command and returns to the prompt.
1260
1261 @item -version
1262 @cindex @code{--version}
1263 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print its version number and
1264 no-warranty blurb, and exit.
1265
1266 @end table
1267
1268 @node Startup
1269 @subsection What @value{GDBN} Does During Startup
1270 @cindex @value{GDBN} startup
1271
1272 Here's the description of what @value{GDBN} does during session startup:
1273
1274 @enumerate
1275 @item
1276 Sets up the command interpreter as specified by the command line
1277 (@pxref{Mode Options, interpreter}).
1278
1279 @item
1280 @cindex init file
1281 Reads the system-wide @dfn{init file} (if @option{--with-system-gdbinit} was
1282 used when building @value{GDBN}; @pxref{System-wide configuration,
1283 ,System-wide configuration and settings}) and executes all the commands in
1284 that file.
1285
1286 @anchor{Home Directory Init File}
1287 @item
1288 Reads the init file (if any) in your home directory@footnote{On
1289 DOS/Windows systems, the home directory is the one pointed to by the
1290 @code{HOME} environment variable.} and executes all the commands in
1291 that file.
1292
1293 @anchor{Option -init-eval-command}
1294 @item
1295 Executes commands and command files specified by the @samp{-iex} and
1296 @samp{-ix} options in their specified order. Usually you should use the
1297 @samp{-ex} and @samp{-x} options instead, but this way you can apply
1298 settings before @value{GDBN} init files get executed and before inferior
1299 gets loaded.
1300
1301 @item
1302 Processes command line options and operands.
1303
1304 @anchor{Init File in the Current Directory during Startup}
1305 @item
1306 Reads and executes the commands from init file (if any) in the current
1307 working directory as long as @samp{set auto-load local-gdbinit} is set to
1308 @samp{on} (@pxref{Init File in the Current Directory}).
1309 This is only done if the current directory is
1310 different from your home directory. Thus, you can have more than one
1311 init file, one generic in your home directory, and another, specific
1312 to the program you are debugging, in the directory where you invoke
1313 @value{GDBN}.
1314
1315 @item
1316 If the command line specified a program to debug, or a process to
1317 attach to, or a core file, @value{GDBN} loads any auto-loaded
1318 scripts provided for the program or for its loaded shared libraries.
1319 @xref{Auto-loading}.
1320
1321 If you wish to disable the auto-loading during startup,
1322 you must do something like the following:
1323
1324 @smallexample
1325 $ gdb -iex "set auto-load python-scripts off" myprogram
1326 @end smallexample
1327
1328 Option @samp{-ex} does not work because the auto-loading is then turned
1329 off too late.
1330
1331 @item
1332 Executes commands and command files specified by the @samp{-ex} and
1333 @samp{-x} options in their specified order. @xref{Command Files}, for
1334 more details about @value{GDBN} command files.
1335
1336 @item
1337 Reads the command history recorded in the @dfn{history file}.
1338 @xref{Command History}, for more details about the command history and the
1339 files where @value{GDBN} records it.
1340 @end enumerate
1341
1342 Init files use the same syntax as @dfn{command files} (@pxref{Command
1343 Files}) and are processed by @value{GDBN} in the same way. The init
1344 file in your home directory can set options (such as @samp{set
1345 complaints}) that affect subsequent processing of command line options
1346 and operands. Init files are not executed if you use the @samp{-nx}
1347 option (@pxref{Mode Options, ,Choosing Modes}).
1348
1349 To display the list of init files loaded by gdb at startup, you
1350 can use @kbd{gdb --help}.
1351
1352 @cindex init file name
1353 @cindex @file{.gdbinit}
1354 @cindex @file{gdb.ini}
1355 The @value{GDBN} init files are normally called @file{.gdbinit}.
1356 The DJGPP port of @value{GDBN} uses the name @file{gdb.ini}, due to
1357 the limitations of file names imposed by DOS filesystems. The Windows
1358 port of @value{GDBN} uses the standard name, but if it finds a
1359 @file{gdb.ini} file in your home directory, it warns you about that
1360 and suggests to rename the file to the standard name.
1361
1362
1363 @node Quitting GDB
1364 @section Quitting @value{GDBN}
1365 @cindex exiting @value{GDBN}
1366 @cindex leaving @value{GDBN}
1367
1368 @table @code
1369 @kindex quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1370 @kindex q @r{(@code{quit})}
1371 @item quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1372 @itemx q
1373 To exit @value{GDBN}, use the @code{quit} command (abbreviated
1374 @code{q}), or type an end-of-file character (usually @kbd{Ctrl-d}). If you
1375 do not supply @var{expression}, @value{GDBN} will terminate normally;
1376 otherwise it will terminate using the result of @var{expression} as the
1377 error code.
1378 @end table
1379
1380 @cindex interrupt
1381 An interrupt (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}) does not exit from @value{GDBN}, but rather
1382 terminates the action of any @value{GDBN} command that is in progress and
1383 returns to @value{GDBN} command level. It is safe to type the interrupt
1384 character at any time because @value{GDBN} does not allow it to take effect
1385 until a time when it is safe.
1386
1387 If you have been using @value{GDBN} to control an attached process or
1388 device, you can release it with the @code{detach} command
1389 (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running Process}).
1390
1391 @node Shell Commands
1392 @section Shell Commands
1393
1394 If you need to execute occasional shell commands during your
1395 debugging session, there is no need to leave or suspend @value{GDBN}; you can
1396 just use the @code{shell} command.
1397
1398 @table @code
1399 @kindex shell
1400 @kindex !
1401 @cindex shell escape
1402 @item shell @var{command-string}
1403 @itemx !@var{command-string}
1404 Invoke a standard shell to execute @var{command-string}.
1405 Note that no space is needed between @code{!} and @var{command-string}.
1406 If it exists, the environment variable @code{SHELL} determines which
1407 shell to run. Otherwise @value{GDBN} uses the default shell
1408 (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix systems, @file{COMMAND.COM} on MS-DOS, etc.).
1409 @end table
1410
1411 The utility @code{make} is often needed in development environments.
1412 You do not have to use the @code{shell} command for this purpose in
1413 @value{GDBN}:
1414
1415 @table @code
1416 @kindex make
1417 @cindex calling make
1418 @item make @var{make-args}
1419 Execute the @code{make} program with the specified
1420 arguments. This is equivalent to @samp{shell make @var{make-args}}.
1421 @end table
1422
1423 @node Logging Output
1424 @section Logging Output
1425 @cindex logging @value{GDBN} output
1426 @cindex save @value{GDBN} output to a file
1427
1428 You may want to save the output of @value{GDBN} commands to a file.
1429 There are several commands to control @value{GDBN}'s logging.
1430
1431 @table @code
1432 @kindex set logging
1433 @item set logging on
1434 Enable logging.
1435 @item set logging off
1436 Disable logging.
1437 @cindex logging file name
1438 @item set logging file @var{file}
1439 Change the name of the current logfile. The default logfile is @file{gdb.txt}.
1440 @item set logging overwrite [on|off]
1441 By default, @value{GDBN} will append to the logfile. Set @code{overwrite} if
1442 you want @code{set logging on} to overwrite the logfile instead.
1443 @item set logging redirect [on|off]
1444 By default, @value{GDBN} output will go to both the terminal and the logfile.
1445 Set @code{redirect} if you want output to go only to the log file.
1446 @kindex show logging
1447 @item show logging
1448 Show the current values of the logging settings.
1449 @end table
1450
1451 @node Commands
1452 @chapter @value{GDBN} Commands
1453
1454 You can abbreviate a @value{GDBN} command to the first few letters of the command
1455 name, if that abbreviation is unambiguous; and you can repeat certain
1456 @value{GDBN} commands by typing just @key{RET}. You can also use the @key{TAB}
1457 key to get @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest of a word in a command (or to
1458 show you the alternatives available, if there is more than one possibility).
1459
1460 @menu
1461 * Command Syntax:: How to give commands to @value{GDBN}
1462 * Completion:: Command completion
1463 * Help:: How to ask @value{GDBN} for help
1464 @end menu
1465
1466 @node Command Syntax
1467 @section Command Syntax
1468
1469 A @value{GDBN} command is a single line of input. There is no limit on
1470 how long it can be. It starts with a command name, which is followed by
1471 arguments whose meaning depends on the command name. For example, the
1472 command @code{step} accepts an argument which is the number of times to
1473 step, as in @samp{step 5}. You can also use the @code{step} command
1474 with no arguments. Some commands do not allow any arguments.
1475
1476 @cindex abbreviation
1477 @value{GDBN} command names may always be truncated if that abbreviation is
1478 unambiguous. Other possible command abbreviations are listed in the
1479 documentation for individual commands. In some cases, even ambiguous
1480 abbreviations are allowed; for example, @code{s} is specially defined as
1481 equivalent to @code{step} even though there are other commands whose
1482 names start with @code{s}. You can test abbreviations by using them as
1483 arguments to the @code{help} command.
1484
1485 @cindex repeating commands
1486 @kindex RET @r{(repeat last command)}
1487 A blank line as input to @value{GDBN} (typing just @key{RET}) means to
1488 repeat the previous command. Certain commands (for example, @code{run})
1489 will not repeat this way; these are commands whose unintentional
1490 repetition might cause trouble and which you are unlikely to want to
1491 repeat. User-defined commands can disable this feature; see
1492 @ref{Define, dont-repeat}.
1493
1494 The @code{list} and @code{x} commands, when you repeat them with
1495 @key{RET}, construct new arguments rather than repeating
1496 exactly as typed. This permits easy scanning of source or memory.
1497
1498 @value{GDBN} can also use @key{RET} in another way: to partition lengthy
1499 output, in a way similar to the common utility @code{more}
1500 (@pxref{Screen Size,,Screen Size}). Since it is easy to press one
1501 @key{RET} too many in this situation, @value{GDBN} disables command
1502 repetition after any command that generates this sort of display.
1503
1504 @kindex # @r{(a comment)}
1505 @cindex comment
1506 Any text from a @kbd{#} to the end of the line is a comment; it does
1507 nothing. This is useful mainly in command files (@pxref{Command
1508 Files,,Command Files}).
1509
1510 @cindex repeating command sequences
1511 @kindex Ctrl-o @r{(operate-and-get-next)}
1512 The @kbd{Ctrl-o} binding is useful for repeating a complex sequence of
1513 commands. This command accepts the current line, like @key{RET}, and
1514 then fetches the next line relative to the current line from the history
1515 for editing.
1516
1517 @node Completion
1518 @section Command Completion
1519
1520 @cindex completion
1521 @cindex word completion
1522 @value{GDBN} can fill in the rest of a word in a command for you, if there is
1523 only one possibility; it can also show you what the valid possibilities
1524 are for the next word in a command, at any time. This works for @value{GDBN}
1525 commands, @value{GDBN} subcommands, and the names of symbols in your program.
1526
1527 Press the @key{TAB} key whenever you want @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest
1528 of a word. If there is only one possibility, @value{GDBN} fills in the
1529 word, and waits for you to finish the command (or press @key{RET} to
1530 enter it). For example, if you type
1531
1532 @c FIXME "@key" does not distinguish its argument sufficiently to permit
1533 @c complete accuracy in these examples; space introduced for clarity.
1534 @c If texinfo enhancements make it unnecessary, it would be nice to
1535 @c replace " @key" by "@key" in the following...
1536 @smallexample
1537 (@value{GDBP}) info bre @key{TAB}
1538 @end smallexample
1539
1540 @noindent
1541 @value{GDBN} fills in the rest of the word @samp{breakpoints}, since that is
1542 the only @code{info} subcommand beginning with @samp{bre}:
1543
1544 @smallexample
1545 (@value{GDBP}) info breakpoints
1546 @end smallexample
1547
1548 @noindent
1549 You can either press @key{RET} at this point, to run the @code{info
1550 breakpoints} command, or backspace and enter something else, if
1551 @samp{breakpoints} does not look like the command you expected. (If you
1552 were sure you wanted @code{info breakpoints} in the first place, you
1553 might as well just type @key{RET} immediately after @samp{info bre},
1554 to exploit command abbreviations rather than command completion).
1555
1556 If there is more than one possibility for the next word when you press
1557 @key{TAB}, @value{GDBN} sounds a bell. You can either supply more
1558 characters and try again, or just press @key{TAB} a second time;
1559 @value{GDBN} displays all the possible completions for that word. For
1560 example, you might want to set a breakpoint on a subroutine whose name
1561 begins with @samp{make_}, but when you type @kbd{b make_@key{TAB}} @value{GDBN}
1562 just sounds the bell. Typing @key{TAB} again displays all the
1563 function names in your program that begin with those characters, for
1564 example:
1565
1566 @smallexample
1567 (@value{GDBP}) b make_ @key{TAB}
1568 @exdent @value{GDBN} sounds bell; press @key{TAB} again, to see:
1569 make_a_section_from_file make_environ
1570 make_abs_section make_function_type
1571 make_blockvector make_pointer_type
1572 make_cleanup make_reference_type
1573 make_command make_symbol_completion_list
1574 (@value{GDBP}) b make_
1575 @end smallexample
1576
1577 @noindent
1578 After displaying the available possibilities, @value{GDBN} copies your
1579 partial input (@samp{b make_} in the example) so you can finish the
1580 command.
1581
1582 If you just want to see the list of alternatives in the first place, you
1583 can press @kbd{M-?} rather than pressing @key{TAB} twice. @kbd{M-?}
1584 means @kbd{@key{META} ?}. You can type this either by holding down a
1585 key designated as the @key{META} shift on your keyboard (if there is
1586 one) while typing @kbd{?}, or as @key{ESC} followed by @kbd{?}.
1587
1588 @cindex quotes in commands
1589 @cindex completion of quoted strings
1590 Sometimes the string you need, while logically a ``word'', may contain
1591 parentheses or other characters that @value{GDBN} normally excludes from
1592 its notion of a word. To permit word completion to work in this
1593 situation, you may enclose words in @code{'} (single quote marks) in
1594 @value{GDBN} commands.
1595
1596 The most likely situation where you might need this is in typing the
1597 name of a C@t{++} function. This is because C@t{++} allows function
1598 overloading (multiple definitions of the same function, distinguished
1599 by argument type). For example, when you want to set a breakpoint you
1600 may need to distinguish whether you mean the version of @code{name}
1601 that takes an @code{int} parameter, @code{name(int)}, or the version
1602 that takes a @code{float} parameter, @code{name(float)}. To use the
1603 word-completion facilities in this situation, type a single quote
1604 @code{'} at the beginning of the function name. This alerts
1605 @value{GDBN} that it may need to consider more information than usual
1606 when you press @key{TAB} or @kbd{M-?} to request word completion:
1607
1608 @smallexample
1609 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble( @kbd{M-?}
1610 bubble(double,double) bubble(int,int)
1611 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
1612 @end smallexample
1613
1614 In some cases, @value{GDBN} can tell that completing a name requires using
1615 quotes. When this happens, @value{GDBN} inserts the quote for you (while
1616 completing as much as it can) if you do not type the quote in the first
1617 place:
1618
1619 @smallexample
1620 (@value{GDBP}) b bub @key{TAB}
1621 @exdent @value{GDBN} alters your input line to the following, and rings a bell:
1622 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
1623 @end smallexample
1624
1625 @noindent
1626 In general, @value{GDBN} can tell that a quote is needed (and inserts it) if
1627 you have not yet started typing the argument list when you ask for
1628 completion on an overloaded symbol.
1629
1630 For more information about overloaded functions, see @ref{C Plus Plus
1631 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}. You can use the command @code{set
1632 overload-resolution off} to disable overload resolution;
1633 see @ref{Debugging C Plus Plus, ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
1634
1635 @cindex completion of structure field names
1636 @cindex structure field name completion
1637 @cindex completion of union field names
1638 @cindex union field name completion
1639 When completing in an expression which looks up a field in a
1640 structure, @value{GDBN} also tries@footnote{The completer can be
1641 confused by certain kinds of invalid expressions. Also, it only
1642 examines the static type of the expression, not the dynamic type.} to
1643 limit completions to the field names available in the type of the
1644 left-hand-side:
1645
1646 @smallexample
1647 (@value{GDBP}) p gdb_stdout.@kbd{M-?}
1648 magic to_fputs to_rewind
1649 to_data to_isatty to_write
1650 to_delete to_put to_write_async_safe
1651 to_flush to_read
1652 @end smallexample
1653
1654 @noindent
1655 This is because the @code{gdb_stdout} is a variable of the type
1656 @code{struct ui_file} that is defined in @value{GDBN} sources as
1657 follows:
1658
1659 @smallexample
1660 struct ui_file
1661 @{
1662 int *magic;
1663 ui_file_flush_ftype *to_flush;
1664 ui_file_write_ftype *to_write;
1665 ui_file_write_async_safe_ftype *to_write_async_safe;
1666 ui_file_fputs_ftype *to_fputs;
1667 ui_file_read_ftype *to_read;
1668 ui_file_delete_ftype *to_delete;
1669 ui_file_isatty_ftype *to_isatty;
1670 ui_file_rewind_ftype *to_rewind;
1671 ui_file_put_ftype *to_put;
1672 void *to_data;
1673 @}
1674 @end smallexample
1675
1676
1677 @node Help
1678 @section Getting Help
1679 @cindex online documentation
1680 @kindex help
1681
1682 You can always ask @value{GDBN} itself for information on its commands,
1683 using the command @code{help}.
1684
1685 @table @code
1686 @kindex h @r{(@code{help})}
1687 @item help
1688 @itemx h
1689 You can use @code{help} (abbreviated @code{h}) with no arguments to
1690 display a short list of named classes of commands:
1691
1692 @smallexample
1693 (@value{GDBP}) help
1694 List of classes of commands:
1695
1696 aliases -- Aliases of other commands
1697 breakpoints -- Making program stop at certain points
1698 data -- Examining data
1699 files -- Specifying and examining files
1700 internals -- Maintenance commands
1701 obscure -- Obscure features
1702 running -- Running the program
1703 stack -- Examining the stack
1704 status -- Status inquiries
1705 support -- Support facilities
1706 tracepoints -- Tracing of program execution without
1707 stopping the program
1708 user-defined -- User-defined commands
1709
1710 Type "help" followed by a class name for a list of
1711 commands in that class.
1712 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1713 documentation.
1714 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1715 (@value{GDBP})
1716 @end smallexample
1717 @c the above line break eliminates huge line overfull...
1718
1719 @item help @var{class}
1720 Using one of the general help classes as an argument, you can get a
1721 list of the individual commands in that class. For example, here is the
1722 help display for the class @code{status}:
1723
1724 @smallexample
1725 (@value{GDBP}) help status
1726 Status inquiries.
1727
1728 List of commands:
1729
1730 @c Line break in "show" line falsifies real output, but needed
1731 @c to fit in smallbook page size.
1732 info -- Generic command for showing things
1733 about the program being debugged
1734 show -- Generic command for showing things
1735 about the debugger
1736
1737 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1738 documentation.
1739 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1740 (@value{GDBP})
1741 @end smallexample
1742
1743 @item help @var{command}
1744 With a command name as @code{help} argument, @value{GDBN} displays a
1745 short paragraph on how to use that command.
1746
1747 @kindex apropos
1748 @item apropos @var{args}
1749 The @code{apropos} command searches through all of the @value{GDBN}
1750 commands, and their documentation, for the regular expression specified in
1751 @var{args}. It prints out all matches found. For example:
1752
1753 @smallexample
1754 apropos alias
1755 @end smallexample
1756
1757 @noindent
1758 results in:
1759
1760 @smallexample
1761 @c @group
1762 alias -- Define a new command that is an alias of an existing command
1763 aliases -- Aliases of other commands
1764 d -- Delete some breakpoints or auto-display expressions
1765 del -- Delete some breakpoints or auto-display expressions
1766 delete -- Delete some breakpoints or auto-display expressions
1767 @c @end group
1768 @end smallexample
1769
1770 @kindex complete
1771 @item complete @var{args}
1772 The @code{complete @var{args}} command lists all the possible completions
1773 for the beginning of a command. Use @var{args} to specify the beginning of the
1774 command you want completed. For example:
1775
1776 @smallexample
1777 complete i
1778 @end smallexample
1779
1780 @noindent results in:
1781
1782 @smallexample
1783 @group
1784 if
1785 ignore
1786 info
1787 inspect
1788 @end group
1789 @end smallexample
1790
1791 @noindent This is intended for use by @sc{gnu} Emacs.
1792 @end table
1793
1794 In addition to @code{help}, you can use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{info}
1795 and @code{show} to inquire about the state of your program, or the state
1796 of @value{GDBN} itself. Each command supports many topics of inquiry; this
1797 manual introduces each of them in the appropriate context. The listings
1798 under @code{info} and under @code{show} in the Command, Variable, and
1799 Function Index point to all the sub-commands. @xref{Command and Variable
1800 Index}.
1801
1802 @c @group
1803 @table @code
1804 @kindex info
1805 @kindex i @r{(@code{info})}
1806 @item info
1807 This command (abbreviated @code{i}) is for describing the state of your
1808 program. For example, you can show the arguments passed to a function
1809 with @code{info args}, list the registers currently in use with @code{info
1810 registers}, or list the breakpoints you have set with @code{info breakpoints}.
1811 You can get a complete list of the @code{info} sub-commands with
1812 @w{@code{help info}}.
1813
1814 @kindex set
1815 @item set
1816 You can assign the result of an expression to an environment variable with
1817 @code{set}. For example, you can set the @value{GDBN} prompt to a $-sign with
1818 @code{set prompt $}.
1819
1820 @kindex show
1821 @item show
1822 In contrast to @code{info}, @code{show} is for describing the state of
1823 @value{GDBN} itself.
1824 You can change most of the things you can @code{show}, by using the
1825 related command @code{set}; for example, you can control what number
1826 system is used for displays with @code{set radix}, or simply inquire
1827 which is currently in use with @code{show radix}.
1828
1829 @kindex info set
1830 To display all the settable parameters and their current
1831 values, you can use @code{show} with no arguments; you may also use
1832 @code{info set}. Both commands produce the same display.
1833 @c FIXME: "info set" violates the rule that "info" is for state of
1834 @c FIXME...program. Ck w/ GNU: "info set" to be called something else,
1835 @c FIXME...or change desc of rule---eg "state of prog and debugging session"?
1836 @end table
1837 @c @end group
1838
1839 Here are three miscellaneous @code{show} subcommands, all of which are
1840 exceptional in lacking corresponding @code{set} commands:
1841
1842 @table @code
1843 @kindex show version
1844 @cindex @value{GDBN} version number
1845 @item show version
1846 Show what version of @value{GDBN} is running. You should include this
1847 information in @value{GDBN} bug-reports. If multiple versions of
1848 @value{GDBN} are in use at your site, you may need to determine which
1849 version of @value{GDBN} you are running; as @value{GDBN} evolves, new
1850 commands are introduced, and old ones may wither away. Also, many
1851 system vendors ship variant versions of @value{GDBN}, and there are
1852 variant versions of @value{GDBN} in @sc{gnu}/Linux distributions as well.
1853 The version number is the same as the one announced when you start
1854 @value{GDBN}.
1855
1856 @kindex show copying
1857 @kindex info copying
1858 @cindex display @value{GDBN} copyright
1859 @item show copying
1860 @itemx info copying
1861 Display information about permission for copying @value{GDBN}.
1862
1863 @kindex show warranty
1864 @kindex info warranty
1865 @item show warranty
1866 @itemx info warranty
1867 Display the @sc{gnu} ``NO WARRANTY'' statement, or a warranty,
1868 if your version of @value{GDBN} comes with one.
1869
1870 @end table
1871
1872 @node Running
1873 @chapter Running Programs Under @value{GDBN}
1874
1875 When you run a program under @value{GDBN}, you must first generate
1876 debugging information when you compile it.
1877
1878 You may start @value{GDBN} with its arguments, if any, in an environment
1879 of your choice. If you are doing native debugging, you may redirect
1880 your program's input and output, debug an already running process, or
1881 kill a child process.
1882
1883 @menu
1884 * Compilation:: Compiling for debugging
1885 * Starting:: Starting your program
1886 * Arguments:: Your program's arguments
1887 * Environment:: Your program's environment
1888
1889 * Working Directory:: Your program's working directory
1890 * Input/Output:: Your program's input and output
1891 * Attach:: Debugging an already-running process
1892 * Kill Process:: Killing the child process
1893
1894 * Inferiors and Programs:: Debugging multiple inferiors and programs
1895 * Threads:: Debugging programs with multiple threads
1896 * Forks:: Debugging forks
1897 * Checkpoint/Restart:: Setting a @emph{bookmark} to return to later
1898 @end menu
1899
1900 @node Compilation
1901 @section Compiling for Debugging
1902
1903 In order to debug a program effectively, you need to generate
1904 debugging information when you compile it. This debugging information
1905 is stored in the object file; it describes the data type of each
1906 variable or function and the correspondence between source line numbers
1907 and addresses in the executable code.
1908
1909 To request debugging information, specify the @samp{-g} option when you run
1910 the compiler.
1911
1912 Programs that are to be shipped to your customers are compiled with
1913 optimizations, using the @samp{-O} compiler option. However, some
1914 compilers are unable to handle the @samp{-g} and @samp{-O} options
1915 together. Using those compilers, you cannot generate optimized
1916 executables containing debugging information.
1917
1918 @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C/C@t{++} compiler, supports @samp{-g} with or
1919 without @samp{-O}, making it possible to debug optimized code. We
1920 recommend that you @emph{always} use @samp{-g} whenever you compile a
1921 program. You may think your program is correct, but there is no sense
1922 in pushing your luck. For more information, see @ref{Optimized Code}.
1923
1924 Older versions of the @sc{gnu} C compiler permitted a variant option
1925 @w{@samp{-gg}} for debugging information. @value{GDBN} no longer supports this
1926 format; if your @sc{gnu} C compiler has this option, do not use it.
1927
1928 @value{GDBN} knows about preprocessor macros and can show you their
1929 expansion (@pxref{Macros}). Most compilers do not include information
1930 about preprocessor macros in the debugging information if you specify
1931 the @option{-g} flag alone. Version 3.1 and later of @value{NGCC},
1932 the @sc{gnu} C compiler, provides macro information if you are using
1933 the DWARF debugging format, and specify the option @option{-g3}.
1934
1935 @xref{Debugging Options,,Options for Debugging Your Program or GCC,
1936 gcc.info, Using the @sc{gnu} Compiler Collection (GCC)}, for more
1937 information on @value{NGCC} options affecting debug information.
1938
1939 You will have the best debugging experience if you use the latest
1940 version of the DWARF debugging format that your compiler supports.
1941 DWARF is currently the most expressive and best supported debugging
1942 format in @value{GDBN}.
1943
1944 @need 2000
1945 @node Starting
1946 @section Starting your Program
1947 @cindex starting
1948 @cindex running
1949
1950 @table @code
1951 @kindex run
1952 @kindex r @r{(@code{run})}
1953 @item run
1954 @itemx r
1955 Use the @code{run} command to start your program under @value{GDBN}.
1956 You must first specify the program name (except on VxWorks) with an
1957 argument to @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Invocation, ,Getting In and Out of
1958 @value{GDBN}}), or by using the @code{file} or @code{exec-file} command
1959 (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
1960
1961 @end table
1962
1963 If you are running your program in an execution environment that
1964 supports processes, @code{run} creates an inferior process and makes
1965 that process run your program. In some environments without processes,
1966 @code{run} jumps to the start of your program. Other targets,
1967 like @samp{remote}, are always running. If you get an error
1968 message like this one:
1969
1970 @smallexample
1971 The "remote" target does not support "run".
1972 Try "help target" or "continue".
1973 @end smallexample
1974
1975 @noindent
1976 then use @code{continue} to run your program. You may need @code{load}
1977 first (@pxref{load}).
1978
1979 The execution of a program is affected by certain information it
1980 receives from its superior. @value{GDBN} provides ways to specify this
1981 information, which you must do @emph{before} starting your program. (You
1982 can change it after starting your program, but such changes only affect
1983 your program the next time you start it.) This information may be
1984 divided into four categories:
1985
1986 @table @asis
1987 @item The @emph{arguments.}
1988 Specify the arguments to give your program as the arguments of the
1989 @code{run} command. If a shell is available on your target, the shell
1990 is used to pass the arguments, so that you may use normal conventions
1991 (such as wildcard expansion or variable substitution) in describing
1992 the arguments.
1993 In Unix systems, you can control which shell is used with the
1994 @code{SHELL} environment variable.
1995 @xref{Arguments, ,Your Program's Arguments}.
1996
1997 @item The @emph{environment.}
1998 Your program normally inherits its environment from @value{GDBN}, but you can
1999 use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{set environment} and @code{unset
2000 environment} to change parts of the environment that affect
2001 your program. @xref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}.
2002
2003 @item The @emph{working directory.}
2004 Your program inherits its working directory from @value{GDBN}. You can set
2005 the @value{GDBN} working directory with the @code{cd} command in @value{GDBN}.
2006 @xref{Working Directory, ,Your Program's Working Directory}.
2007
2008 @item The @emph{standard input and output.}
2009 Your program normally uses the same device for standard input and
2010 standard output as @value{GDBN} is using. You can redirect input and output
2011 in the @code{run} command line, or you can use the @code{tty} command to
2012 set a different device for your program.
2013 @xref{Input/Output, ,Your Program's Input and Output}.
2014
2015 @cindex pipes
2016 @emph{Warning:} While input and output redirection work, you cannot use
2017 pipes to pass the output of the program you are debugging to another
2018 program; if you attempt this, @value{GDBN} is likely to wind up debugging the
2019 wrong program.
2020 @end table
2021
2022 When you issue the @code{run} command, your program begins to execute
2023 immediately. @xref{Stopping, ,Stopping and Continuing}, for discussion
2024 of how to arrange for your program to stop. Once your program has
2025 stopped, you may call functions in your program, using the @code{print}
2026 or @code{call} commands. @xref{Data, ,Examining Data}.
2027
2028 If the modification time of your symbol file has changed since the last
2029 time @value{GDBN} read its symbols, @value{GDBN} discards its symbol
2030 table, and reads it again. When it does this, @value{GDBN} tries to retain
2031 your current breakpoints.
2032
2033 @table @code
2034 @kindex start
2035 @item start
2036 @cindex run to main procedure
2037 The name of the main procedure can vary from language to language.
2038 With C or C@t{++}, the main procedure name is always @code{main}, but
2039 other languages such as Ada do not require a specific name for their
2040 main procedure. The debugger provides a convenient way to start the
2041 execution of the program and to stop at the beginning of the main
2042 procedure, depending on the language used.
2043
2044 The @samp{start} command does the equivalent of setting a temporary
2045 breakpoint at the beginning of the main procedure and then invoking
2046 the @samp{run} command.
2047
2048 @cindex elaboration phase
2049 Some programs contain an @dfn{elaboration} phase where some startup code is
2050 executed before the main procedure is called. This depends on the
2051 languages used to write your program. In C@t{++}, for instance,
2052 constructors for static and global objects are executed before
2053 @code{main} is called. It is therefore possible that the debugger stops
2054 before reaching the main procedure. However, the temporary breakpoint
2055 will remain to halt execution.
2056
2057 Specify the arguments to give to your program as arguments to the
2058 @samp{start} command. These arguments will be given verbatim to the
2059 underlying @samp{run} command. Note that the same arguments will be
2060 reused if no argument is provided during subsequent calls to
2061 @samp{start} or @samp{run}.
2062
2063 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration. In
2064 these cases, using the @code{start} command would stop the execution of
2065 your program too late, as the program would have already completed the
2066 elaboration phase. Under these circumstances, insert breakpoints in your
2067 elaboration code before running your program.
2068
2069 @kindex set exec-wrapper
2070 @item set exec-wrapper @var{wrapper}
2071 @itemx show exec-wrapper
2072 @itemx unset exec-wrapper
2073 When @samp{exec-wrapper} is set, the specified wrapper is used to
2074 launch programs for debugging. @value{GDBN} starts your program
2075 with a shell command of the form @kbd{exec @var{wrapper}
2076 @var{program}}. Quoting is added to @var{program} and its
2077 arguments, but not to @var{wrapper}, so you should add quotes if
2078 appropriate for your shell. The wrapper runs until it executes
2079 your program, and then @value{GDBN} takes control.
2080
2081 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
2082 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
2083 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
2084 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
2085
2086 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
2087 the debugged program, without setting the variable in your shell's
2088 environment:
2089
2090 @smallexample
2091 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper env 'LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so'
2092 (@value{GDBP}) run
2093 @end smallexample
2094
2095 This command is available when debugging locally on most targets, excluding
2096 @sc{djgpp}, Cygwin, MS Windows, and QNX Neutrino.
2097
2098 @kindex set disable-randomization
2099 @item set disable-randomization
2100 @itemx set disable-randomization on
2101 This option (enabled by default in @value{GDBN}) will turn off the native
2102 randomization of the virtual address space of the started program. This option
2103 is useful for multiple debugging sessions to make the execution better
2104 reproducible and memory addresses reusable across debugging sessions.
2105
2106 This feature is implemented only on certain targets, including @sc{gnu}/Linux.
2107 On @sc{gnu}/Linux you can get the same behavior using
2108
2109 @smallexample
2110 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper setarch `uname -m` -R
2111 @end smallexample
2112
2113 @item set disable-randomization off
2114 Leave the behavior of the started executable unchanged. Some bugs rear their
2115 ugly heads only when the program is loaded at certain addresses. If your bug
2116 disappears when you run the program under @value{GDBN}, that might be because
2117 @value{GDBN} by default disables the address randomization on platforms, such
2118 as @sc{gnu}/Linux, which do that for stand-alone programs. Use @kbd{set
2119 disable-randomization off} to try to reproduce such elusive bugs.
2120
2121 On targets where it is available, virtual address space randomization
2122 protects the programs against certain kinds of security attacks. In these
2123 cases the attacker needs to know the exact location of a concrete executable
2124 code. Randomizing its location makes it impossible to inject jumps misusing
2125 a code at its expected addresses.
2126
2127 Prelinking shared libraries provides a startup performance advantage but it
2128 makes addresses in these libraries predictable for privileged processes by
2129 having just unprivileged access at the target system. Reading the shared
2130 library binary gives enough information for assembling the malicious code
2131 misusing it. Still even a prelinked shared library can get loaded at a new
2132 random address just requiring the regular relocation process during the
2133 startup. Shared libraries not already prelinked are always loaded at
2134 a randomly chosen address.
2135
2136 Position independent executables (PIE) contain position independent code
2137 similar to the shared libraries and therefore such executables get loaded at
2138 a randomly chosen address upon startup. PIE executables always load even
2139 already prelinked shared libraries at a random address. You can build such
2140 executable using @command{gcc -fPIE -pie}.
2141
2142 Heap (malloc storage), stack and custom mmap areas are always placed randomly
2143 (as long as the randomization is enabled).
2144
2145 @item show disable-randomization
2146 Show the current setting of the explicit disable of the native randomization of
2147 the virtual address space of the started program.
2148
2149 @end table
2150
2151 @node Arguments
2152 @section Your Program's Arguments
2153
2154 @cindex arguments (to your program)
2155 The arguments to your program can be specified by the arguments of the
2156 @code{run} command.
2157 They are passed to a shell, which expands wildcard characters and
2158 performs redirection of I/O, and thence to your program. Your
2159 @code{SHELL} environment variable (if it exists) specifies what shell
2160 @value{GDBN} uses. If you do not define @code{SHELL}, @value{GDBN} uses
2161 the default shell (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix).
2162
2163 On non-Unix systems, the program is usually invoked directly by
2164 @value{GDBN}, which emulates I/O redirection via the appropriate system
2165 calls, and the wildcard characters are expanded by the startup code of
2166 the program, not by the shell.
2167
2168 @code{run} with no arguments uses the same arguments used by the previous
2169 @code{run}, or those set by the @code{set args} command.
2170
2171 @table @code
2172 @kindex set args
2173 @item set args
2174 Specify the arguments to be used the next time your program is run. If
2175 @code{set args} has no arguments, @code{run} executes your program
2176 with no arguments. Once you have run your program with arguments,
2177 using @code{set args} before the next @code{run} is the only way to run
2178 it again without arguments.
2179
2180 @kindex show args
2181 @item show args
2182 Show the arguments to give your program when it is started.
2183 @end table
2184
2185 @node Environment
2186 @section Your Program's Environment
2187
2188 @cindex environment (of your program)
2189 The @dfn{environment} consists of a set of environment variables and
2190 their values. Environment variables conventionally record such things as
2191 your user name, your home directory, your terminal type, and your search
2192 path for programs to run. Usually you set up environment variables with
2193 the shell and they are inherited by all the other programs you run. When
2194 debugging, it can be useful to try running your program with a modified
2195 environment without having to start @value{GDBN} over again.
2196
2197 @table @code
2198 @kindex path
2199 @item path @var{directory}
2200 Add @var{directory} to the front of the @code{PATH} environment variable
2201 (the search path for executables) that will be passed to your program.
2202 The value of @code{PATH} used by @value{GDBN} does not change.
2203 You may specify several directory names, separated by whitespace or by a
2204 system-dependent separator character (@samp{:} on Unix, @samp{;} on
2205 MS-DOS and MS-Windows). If @var{directory} is already in the path, it
2206 is moved to the front, so it is searched sooner.
2207
2208 You can use the string @samp{$cwd} to refer to whatever is the current
2209 working directory at the time @value{GDBN} searches the path. If you
2210 use @samp{.} instead, it refers to the directory where you executed the
2211 @code{path} command. @value{GDBN} replaces @samp{.} in the
2212 @var{directory} argument (with the current path) before adding
2213 @var{directory} to the search path.
2214 @c 'path' is explicitly nonrepeatable, but RMS points out it is silly to
2215 @c document that, since repeating it would be a no-op.
2216
2217 @kindex show paths
2218 @item show paths
2219 Display the list of search paths for executables (the @code{PATH}
2220 environment variable).
2221
2222 @kindex show environment
2223 @item show environment @r{[}@var{varname}@r{]}
2224 Print the value of environment variable @var{varname} to be given to
2225 your program when it starts. If you do not supply @var{varname},
2226 print the names and values of all environment variables to be given to
2227 your program. You can abbreviate @code{environment} as @code{env}.
2228
2229 @kindex set environment
2230 @item set environment @var{varname} @r{[}=@var{value}@r{]}
2231 Set environment variable @var{varname} to @var{value}. The value
2232 changes for your program only, not for @value{GDBN} itself. @var{value} may
2233 be any string; the values of environment variables are just strings, and
2234 any interpretation is supplied by your program itself. The @var{value}
2235 parameter is optional; if it is eliminated, the variable is set to a
2236 null value.
2237 @c "any string" here does not include leading, trailing
2238 @c blanks. Gnu asks: does anyone care?
2239
2240 For example, this command:
2241
2242 @smallexample
2243 set env USER = foo
2244 @end smallexample
2245
2246 @noindent
2247 tells the debugged program, when subsequently run, that its user is named
2248 @samp{foo}. (The spaces around @samp{=} are used for clarity here; they
2249 are not actually required.)
2250
2251 @kindex unset environment
2252 @item unset environment @var{varname}
2253 Remove variable @var{varname} from the environment to be passed to your
2254 program. This is different from @samp{set env @var{varname} =};
2255 @code{unset environment} removes the variable from the environment,
2256 rather than assigning it an empty value.
2257 @end table
2258
2259 @emph{Warning:} On Unix systems, @value{GDBN} runs your program using
2260 the shell indicated
2261 by your @code{SHELL} environment variable if it exists (or
2262 @code{/bin/sh} if not). If your @code{SHELL} variable names a shell
2263 that runs an initialization file---such as @file{.cshrc} for C-shell, or
2264 @file{.bashrc} for BASH---any variables you set in that file affect
2265 your program. You may wish to move setting of environment variables to
2266 files that are only run when you sign on, such as @file{.login} or
2267 @file{.profile}.
2268
2269 @node Working Directory
2270 @section Your Program's Working Directory
2271
2272 @cindex working directory (of your program)
2273 Each time you start your program with @code{run}, it inherits its
2274 working directory from the current working directory of @value{GDBN}.
2275 The @value{GDBN} working directory is initially whatever it inherited
2276 from its parent process (typically the shell), but you can specify a new
2277 working directory in @value{GDBN} with the @code{cd} command.
2278
2279 The @value{GDBN} working directory also serves as a default for the commands
2280 that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2281 Specify Files}.
2282
2283 @table @code
2284 @kindex cd
2285 @cindex change working directory
2286 @item cd @r{[}@var{directory}@r{]}
2287 Set the @value{GDBN} working directory to @var{directory}. If not
2288 given, @var{directory} uses @file{'~'}.
2289
2290 @kindex pwd
2291 @item pwd
2292 Print the @value{GDBN} working directory.
2293 @end table
2294
2295 It is generally impossible to find the current working directory of
2296 the process being debugged (since a program can change its directory
2297 during its run). If you work on a system where @value{GDBN} is
2298 configured with the @file{/proc} support, you can use the @code{info
2299 proc} command (@pxref{SVR4 Process Information}) to find out the
2300 current working directory of the debuggee.
2301
2302 @node Input/Output
2303 @section Your Program's Input and Output
2304
2305 @cindex redirection
2306 @cindex i/o
2307 @cindex terminal
2308 By default, the program you run under @value{GDBN} does input and output to
2309 the same terminal that @value{GDBN} uses. @value{GDBN} switches the terminal
2310 to its own terminal modes to interact with you, but it records the terminal
2311 modes your program was using and switches back to them when you continue
2312 running your program.
2313
2314 @table @code
2315 @kindex info terminal
2316 @item info terminal
2317 Displays information recorded by @value{GDBN} about the terminal modes your
2318 program is using.
2319 @end table
2320
2321 You can redirect your program's input and/or output using shell
2322 redirection with the @code{run} command. For example,
2323
2324 @smallexample
2325 run > outfile
2326 @end smallexample
2327
2328 @noindent
2329 starts your program, diverting its output to the file @file{outfile}.
2330
2331 @kindex tty
2332 @cindex controlling terminal
2333 Another way to specify where your program should do input and output is
2334 with the @code{tty} command. This command accepts a file name as
2335 argument, and causes this file to be the default for future @code{run}
2336 commands. It also resets the controlling terminal for the child
2337 process, for future @code{run} commands. For example,
2338
2339 @smallexample
2340 tty /dev/ttyb
2341 @end smallexample
2342
2343 @noindent
2344 directs that processes started with subsequent @code{run} commands
2345 default to do input and output on the terminal @file{/dev/ttyb} and have
2346 that as their controlling terminal.
2347
2348 An explicit redirection in @code{run} overrides the @code{tty} command's
2349 effect on the input/output device, but not its effect on the controlling
2350 terminal.
2351
2352 When you use the @code{tty} command or redirect input in the @code{run}
2353 command, only the input @emph{for your program} is affected. The input
2354 for @value{GDBN} still comes from your terminal. @code{tty} is an alias
2355 for @code{set inferior-tty}.
2356
2357 @cindex inferior tty
2358 @cindex set inferior controlling terminal
2359 You can use the @code{show inferior-tty} command to tell @value{GDBN} to
2360 display the name of the terminal that will be used for future runs of your
2361 program.
2362
2363 @table @code
2364 @item set inferior-tty /dev/ttyb
2365 @kindex set inferior-tty
2366 Set the tty for the program being debugged to /dev/ttyb.
2367
2368 @item show inferior-tty
2369 @kindex show inferior-tty
2370 Show the current tty for the program being debugged.
2371 @end table
2372
2373 @node Attach
2374 @section Debugging an Already-running Process
2375 @kindex attach
2376 @cindex attach
2377
2378 @table @code
2379 @item attach @var{process-id}
2380 This command attaches to a running process---one that was started
2381 outside @value{GDBN}. (@code{info files} shows your active
2382 targets.) The command takes as argument a process ID. The usual way to
2383 find out the @var{process-id} of a Unix process is with the @code{ps} utility,
2384 or with the @samp{jobs -l} shell command.
2385
2386 @code{attach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} a second time after
2387 executing the command.
2388 @end table
2389
2390 To use @code{attach}, your program must be running in an environment
2391 which supports processes; for example, @code{attach} does not work for
2392 programs on bare-board targets that lack an operating system. You must
2393 also have permission to send the process a signal.
2394
2395 When you use @code{attach}, the debugger finds the program running in
2396 the process first by looking in the current working directory, then (if
2397 the program is not found) by using the source file search path
2398 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}). You can also use
2399 the @code{file} command to load the program. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2400 Specify Files}.
2401
2402 The first thing @value{GDBN} does after arranging to debug the specified
2403 process is to stop it. You can examine and modify an attached process
2404 with all the @value{GDBN} commands that are ordinarily available when
2405 you start processes with @code{run}. You can insert breakpoints; you
2406 can step and continue; you can modify storage. If you would rather the
2407 process continue running, you may use the @code{continue} command after
2408 attaching @value{GDBN} to the process.
2409
2410 @table @code
2411 @kindex detach
2412 @item detach
2413 When you have finished debugging the attached process, you can use the
2414 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control. Detaching
2415 the process continues its execution. After the @code{detach} command,
2416 that process and @value{GDBN} become completely independent once more, and you
2417 are ready to @code{attach} another process or start one with @code{run}.
2418 @code{detach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
2419 executing the command.
2420 @end table
2421
2422 If you exit @value{GDBN} while you have an attached process, you detach
2423 that process. If you use the @code{run} command, you kill that process.
2424 By default, @value{GDBN} asks for confirmation if you try to do either of these
2425 things; you can control whether or not you need to confirm by using the
2426 @code{set confirm} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
2427 Messages}).
2428
2429 @node Kill Process
2430 @section Killing the Child Process
2431
2432 @table @code
2433 @kindex kill
2434 @item kill
2435 Kill the child process in which your program is running under @value{GDBN}.
2436 @end table
2437
2438 This command is useful if you wish to debug a core dump instead of a
2439 running process. @value{GDBN} ignores any core dump file while your program
2440 is running.
2441
2442 On some operating systems, a program cannot be executed outside @value{GDBN}
2443 while you have breakpoints set on it inside @value{GDBN}. You can use the
2444 @code{kill} command in this situation to permit running your program
2445 outside the debugger.
2446
2447 The @code{kill} command is also useful if you wish to recompile and
2448 relink your program, since on many systems it is impossible to modify an
2449 executable file while it is running in a process. In this case, when you
2450 next type @code{run}, @value{GDBN} notices that the file has changed, and
2451 reads the symbol table again (while trying to preserve your current
2452 breakpoint settings).
2453
2454 @node Inferiors and Programs
2455 @section Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs
2456
2457 @value{GDBN} lets you run and debug multiple programs in a single
2458 session. In addition, @value{GDBN} on some systems may let you run
2459 several programs simultaneously (otherwise you have to exit from one
2460 before starting another). In the most general case, you can have
2461 multiple threads of execution in each of multiple processes, launched
2462 from multiple executables.
2463
2464 @cindex inferior
2465 @value{GDBN} represents the state of each program execution with an
2466 object called an @dfn{inferior}. An inferior typically corresponds to
2467 a process, but is more general and applies also to targets that do not
2468 have processes. Inferiors may be created before a process runs, and
2469 may be retained after a process exits. Inferiors have unique
2470 identifiers that are different from process ids. Usually each
2471 inferior will also have its own distinct address space, although some
2472 embedded targets may have several inferiors running in different parts
2473 of a single address space. Each inferior may in turn have multiple
2474 threads running in it.
2475
2476 To find out what inferiors exist at any moment, use @w{@code{info
2477 inferiors}}:
2478
2479 @table @code
2480 @kindex info inferiors
2481 @item info inferiors
2482 Print a list of all inferiors currently being managed by @value{GDBN}.
2483
2484 @value{GDBN} displays for each inferior (in this order):
2485
2486 @enumerate
2487 @item
2488 the inferior number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2489
2490 @item
2491 the target system's inferior identifier
2492
2493 @item
2494 the name of the executable the inferior is running.
2495
2496 @end enumerate
2497
2498 @noindent
2499 An asterisk @samp{*} preceding the @value{GDBN} inferior number
2500 indicates the current inferior.
2501
2502 For example,
2503 @end table
2504 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
2505
2506 @smallexample
2507 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2508 Num Description Executable
2509 2 process 2307 hello
2510 * 1 process 3401 goodbye
2511 @end smallexample
2512
2513 To switch focus between inferiors, use the @code{inferior} command:
2514
2515 @table @code
2516 @kindex inferior @var{infno}
2517 @item inferior @var{infno}
2518 Make inferior number @var{infno} the current inferior. The argument
2519 @var{infno} is the inferior number assigned by @value{GDBN}, as shown
2520 in the first field of the @samp{info inferiors} display.
2521 @end table
2522
2523
2524 You can get multiple executables into a debugging session via the
2525 @code{add-inferior} and @w{@code{clone-inferior}} commands. On some
2526 systems @value{GDBN} can add inferiors to the debug session
2527 automatically by following calls to @code{fork} and @code{exec}. To
2528 remove inferiors from the debugging session use the
2529 @w{@code{remove-inferiors}} command.
2530
2531 @table @code
2532 @kindex add-inferior
2533 @item add-inferior [ -copies @var{n} ] [ -exec @var{executable} ]
2534 Adds @var{n} inferiors to be run using @var{executable} as the
2535 executable. @var{n} defaults to 1. If no executable is specified,
2536 the inferiors begins empty, with no program. You can still assign or
2537 change the program assigned to the inferior at any time by using the
2538 @code{file} command with the executable name as its argument.
2539
2540 @kindex clone-inferior
2541 @item clone-inferior [ -copies @var{n} ] [ @var{infno} ]
2542 Adds @var{n} inferiors ready to execute the same program as inferior
2543 @var{infno}. @var{n} defaults to 1. @var{infno} defaults to the
2544 number of the current inferior. This is a convenient command when you
2545 want to run another instance of the inferior you are debugging.
2546
2547 @smallexample
2548 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2549 Num Description Executable
2550 * 1 process 29964 helloworld
2551 (@value{GDBP}) clone-inferior
2552 Added inferior 2.
2553 1 inferiors added.
2554 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2555 Num Description Executable
2556 2 <null> helloworld
2557 * 1 process 29964 helloworld
2558 @end smallexample
2559
2560 You can now simply switch focus to inferior 2 and run it.
2561
2562 @kindex remove-inferiors
2563 @item remove-inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2564 Removes the inferior or inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}. It is not
2565 possible to remove an inferior that is running with this command. For
2566 those, use the @code{kill} or @code{detach} command first.
2567
2568 @end table
2569
2570 To quit debugging one of the running inferiors that is not the current
2571 inferior, you can either detach from it by using the @w{@code{detach
2572 inferior}} command (allowing it to run independently), or kill it
2573 using the @w{@code{kill inferiors}} command:
2574
2575 @table @code
2576 @kindex detach inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2577 @item detach inferior @var{infno}@dots{}
2578 Detach from the inferior or inferiors identified by @value{GDBN}
2579 inferior number(s) @var{infno}@dots{}. Note that the inferior's entry
2580 still stays on the list of inferiors shown by @code{info inferiors},
2581 but its Description will show @samp{<null>}.
2582
2583 @kindex kill inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2584 @item kill inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2585 Kill the inferior or inferiors identified by @value{GDBN} inferior
2586 number(s) @var{infno}@dots{}. Note that the inferior's entry still
2587 stays on the list of inferiors shown by @code{info inferiors}, but its
2588 Description will show @samp{<null>}.
2589 @end table
2590
2591 After the successful completion of a command such as @code{detach},
2592 @code{detach inferiors}, @code{kill} or @code{kill inferiors}, or after
2593 a normal process exit, the inferior is still valid and listed with
2594 @code{info inferiors}, ready to be restarted.
2595
2596
2597 To be notified when inferiors are started or exit under @value{GDBN}'s
2598 control use @w{@code{set print inferior-events}}:
2599
2600 @table @code
2601 @kindex set print inferior-events
2602 @cindex print messages on inferior start and exit
2603 @item set print inferior-events
2604 @itemx set print inferior-events on
2605 @itemx set print inferior-events off
2606 The @code{set print inferior-events} command allows you to enable or
2607 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new
2608 inferiors have started or that inferiors have exited or have been
2609 detached. By default, these messages will not be printed.
2610
2611 @kindex show print inferior-events
2612 @item show print inferior-events
2613 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that
2614 inferiors have started, exited or have been detached.
2615 @end table
2616
2617 Many commands will work the same with multiple programs as with a
2618 single program: e.g., @code{print myglobal} will simply display the
2619 value of @code{myglobal} in the current inferior.
2620
2621
2622 Occasionaly, when debugging @value{GDBN} itself, it may be useful to
2623 get more info about the relationship of inferiors, programs, address
2624 spaces in a debug session. You can do that with the @w{@code{maint
2625 info program-spaces}} command.
2626
2627 @table @code
2628 @kindex maint info program-spaces
2629 @item maint info program-spaces
2630 Print a list of all program spaces currently being managed by
2631 @value{GDBN}.
2632
2633 @value{GDBN} displays for each program space (in this order):
2634
2635 @enumerate
2636 @item
2637 the program space number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2638
2639 @item
2640 the name of the executable loaded into the program space, with e.g.,
2641 the @code{file} command.
2642
2643 @end enumerate
2644
2645 @noindent
2646 An asterisk @samp{*} preceding the @value{GDBN} program space number
2647 indicates the current program space.
2648
2649 In addition, below each program space line, @value{GDBN} prints extra
2650 information that isn't suitable to display in tabular form. For
2651 example, the list of inferiors bound to the program space.
2652
2653 @smallexample
2654 (@value{GDBP}) maint info program-spaces
2655 Id Executable
2656 2 goodbye
2657 Bound inferiors: ID 1 (process 21561)
2658 * 1 hello
2659 @end smallexample
2660
2661 Here we can see that no inferior is running the program @code{hello},
2662 while @code{process 21561} is running the program @code{goodbye}. On
2663 some targets, it is possible that multiple inferiors are bound to the
2664 same program space. The most common example is that of debugging both
2665 the parent and child processes of a @code{vfork} call. For example,
2666
2667 @smallexample
2668 (@value{GDBP}) maint info program-spaces
2669 Id Executable
2670 * 1 vfork-test
2671 Bound inferiors: ID 2 (process 18050), ID 1 (process 18045)
2672 @end smallexample
2673
2674 Here, both inferior 2 and inferior 1 are running in the same program
2675 space as a result of inferior 1 having executed a @code{vfork} call.
2676 @end table
2677
2678 @node Threads
2679 @section Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads
2680
2681 @cindex threads of execution
2682 @cindex multiple threads
2683 @cindex switching threads
2684 In some operating systems, such as HP-UX and Solaris, a single program
2685 may have more than one @dfn{thread} of execution. The precise semantics
2686 of threads differ from one operating system to another, but in general
2687 the threads of a single program are akin to multiple processes---except
2688 that they share one address space (that is, they can all examine and
2689 modify the same variables). On the other hand, each thread has its own
2690 registers and execution stack, and perhaps private memory.
2691
2692 @value{GDBN} provides these facilities for debugging multi-thread
2693 programs:
2694
2695 @itemize @bullet
2696 @item automatic notification of new threads
2697 @item @samp{thread @var{threadno}}, a command to switch among threads
2698 @item @samp{info threads}, a command to inquire about existing threads
2699 @item @samp{thread apply [@var{threadno}] [@var{all}] @var{args}},
2700 a command to apply a command to a list of threads
2701 @item thread-specific breakpoints
2702 @item @samp{set print thread-events}, which controls printing of
2703 messages on thread start and exit.
2704 @item @samp{set libthread-db-search-path @var{path}}, which lets
2705 the user specify which @code{libthread_db} to use if the default choice
2706 isn't compatible with the program.
2707 @end itemize
2708
2709 @quotation
2710 @emph{Warning:} These facilities are not yet available on every
2711 @value{GDBN} configuration where the operating system supports threads.
2712 If your @value{GDBN} does not support threads, these commands have no
2713 effect. For example, a system without thread support shows no output
2714 from @samp{info threads}, and always rejects the @code{thread} command,
2715 like this:
2716
2717 @smallexample
2718 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
2719 (@value{GDBP}) thread 1
2720 Thread ID 1 not known. Use the "info threads" command to
2721 see the IDs of currently known threads.
2722 @end smallexample
2723 @c FIXME to implementors: how hard would it be to say "sorry, this GDB
2724 @c doesn't support threads"?
2725 @end quotation
2726
2727 @cindex focus of debugging
2728 @cindex current thread
2729 The @value{GDBN} thread debugging facility allows you to observe all
2730 threads while your program runs---but whenever @value{GDBN} takes
2731 control, one thread in particular is always the focus of debugging.
2732 This thread is called the @dfn{current thread}. Debugging commands show
2733 program information from the perspective of the current thread.
2734
2735 @cindex @code{New} @var{systag} message
2736 @cindex thread identifier (system)
2737 @c FIXME-implementors!! It would be more helpful if the [New...] message
2738 @c included GDB's numeric thread handle, so you could just go to that
2739 @c thread without first checking `info threads'.
2740 Whenever @value{GDBN} detects a new thread in your program, it displays
2741 the target system's identification for the thread with a message in the
2742 form @samp{[New @var{systag}]}. @var{systag} is a thread identifier
2743 whose form varies depending on the particular system. For example, on
2744 @sc{gnu}/Linux, you might see
2745
2746 @smallexample
2747 [New Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 25582)]
2748 @end smallexample
2749
2750 @noindent
2751 when @value{GDBN} notices a new thread. In contrast, on an SGI system,
2752 the @var{systag} is simply something like @samp{process 368}, with no
2753 further qualifier.
2754
2755 @c FIXME!! (1) Does the [New...] message appear even for the very first
2756 @c thread of a program, or does it only appear for the
2757 @c second---i.e.@: when it becomes obvious we have a multithread
2758 @c program?
2759 @c (2) *Is* there necessarily a first thread always? Or do some
2760 @c multithread systems permit starting a program with multiple
2761 @c threads ab initio?
2762
2763 @cindex thread number
2764 @cindex thread identifier (GDB)
2765 For debugging purposes, @value{GDBN} associates its own thread
2766 number---always a single integer---with each thread in your program.
2767
2768 @table @code
2769 @kindex info threads
2770 @item info threads @r{[}@var{id}@dots{}@r{]}
2771 Display a summary of all threads currently in your program. Optional
2772 argument @var{id}@dots{} is one or more thread ids separated by spaces, and
2773 means to print information only about the specified thread or threads.
2774 @value{GDBN} displays for each thread (in this order):
2775
2776 @enumerate
2777 @item
2778 the thread number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2779
2780 @item
2781 the target system's thread identifier (@var{systag})
2782
2783 @item
2784 the thread's name, if one is known. A thread can either be named by
2785 the user (see @code{thread name}, below), or, in some cases, by the
2786 program itself.
2787
2788 @item
2789 the current stack frame summary for that thread
2790 @end enumerate
2791
2792 @noindent
2793 An asterisk @samp{*} to the left of the @value{GDBN} thread number
2794 indicates the current thread.
2795
2796 For example,
2797 @end table
2798 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
2799
2800 @smallexample
2801 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
2802 Id Target Id Frame
2803 3 process 35 thread 27 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2804 2 process 35 thread 23 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2805 * 1 process 35 thread 13 main (argc=1, argv=0x7ffffff8)
2806 at threadtest.c:68
2807 @end smallexample
2808
2809 On Solaris, you can display more information about user threads with a
2810 Solaris-specific command:
2811
2812 @table @code
2813 @item maint info sol-threads
2814 @kindex maint info sol-threads
2815 @cindex thread info (Solaris)
2816 Display info on Solaris user threads.
2817 @end table
2818
2819 @table @code
2820 @kindex thread @var{threadno}
2821 @item thread @var{threadno}
2822 Make thread number @var{threadno} the current thread. The command
2823 argument @var{threadno} is the internal @value{GDBN} thread number, as
2824 shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads} display.
2825 @value{GDBN} responds by displaying the system identifier of the thread
2826 you selected, and its current stack frame summary:
2827
2828 @smallexample
2829 (@value{GDBP}) thread 2
2830 [Switching to thread 2 (Thread 0xb7fdab70 (LWP 12747))]
2831 #0 some_function (ignore=0x0) at example.c:8
2832 8 printf ("hello\n");
2833 @end smallexample
2834
2835 @noindent
2836 As with the @samp{[New @dots{}]} message, the form of the text after
2837 @samp{Switching to} depends on your system's conventions for identifying
2838 threads.
2839
2840 @vindex $_thread@r{, convenience variable}
2841 The debugger convenience variable @samp{$_thread} contains the number
2842 of the current thread. You may find this useful in writing breakpoint
2843 conditional expressions, command scripts, and so forth. See
2844 @xref{Convenience Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for general
2845 information on convenience variables.
2846
2847 @kindex thread apply
2848 @cindex apply command to several threads
2849 @item thread apply [@var{threadno} | all] @var{command}
2850 The @code{thread apply} command allows you to apply the named
2851 @var{command} to one or more threads. Specify the numbers of the
2852 threads that you want affected with the command argument
2853 @var{threadno}. It can be a single thread number, one of the numbers
2854 shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads} display; or it
2855 could be a range of thread numbers, as in @code{2-4}. To apply a
2856 command to all threads, type @kbd{thread apply all @var{command}}.
2857
2858 @kindex thread name
2859 @cindex name a thread
2860 @item thread name [@var{name}]
2861 This command assigns a name to the current thread. If no argument is
2862 given, any existing user-specified name is removed. The thread name
2863 appears in the @samp{info threads} display.
2864
2865 On some systems, such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, @value{GDBN} is able to
2866 determine the name of the thread as given by the OS. On these
2867 systems, a name specified with @samp{thread name} will override the
2868 system-give name, and removing the user-specified name will cause
2869 @value{GDBN} to once again display the system-specified name.
2870
2871 @kindex thread find
2872 @cindex search for a thread
2873 @item thread find [@var{regexp}]
2874 Search for and display thread ids whose name or @var{systag}
2875 matches the supplied regular expression.
2876
2877 As well as being the complement to the @samp{thread name} command,
2878 this command also allows you to identify a thread by its target
2879 @var{systag}. For instance, on @sc{gnu}/Linux, the target @var{systag}
2880 is the LWP id.
2881
2882 @smallexample
2883 (@value{GDBN}) thread find 26688
2884 Thread 4 has target id 'Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 26688)'
2885 (@value{GDBN}) info thread 4
2886 Id Target Id Frame
2887 4 Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 26688) 0x00000031ca6cd372 in select ()
2888 @end smallexample
2889
2890 @kindex set print thread-events
2891 @cindex print messages on thread start and exit
2892 @item set print thread-events
2893 @itemx set print thread-events on
2894 @itemx set print thread-events off
2895 The @code{set print thread-events} command allows you to enable or
2896 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new threads have
2897 started or that threads have exited. By default, these messages will
2898 be printed if detection of these events is supported by the target.
2899 Note that these messages cannot be disabled on all targets.
2900
2901 @kindex show print thread-events
2902 @item show print thread-events
2903 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that threads
2904 have started and exited.
2905 @end table
2906
2907 @xref{Thread Stops,,Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs}, for
2908 more information about how @value{GDBN} behaves when you stop and start
2909 programs with multiple threads.
2910
2911 @xref{Set Watchpoints,,Setting Watchpoints}, for information about
2912 watchpoints in programs with multiple threads.
2913
2914 @anchor{set libthread-db-search-path}
2915 @table @code
2916 @kindex set libthread-db-search-path
2917 @cindex search path for @code{libthread_db}
2918 @item set libthread-db-search-path @r{[}@var{path}@r{]}
2919 If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
2920 directories @value{GDBN} will use to search for @code{libthread_db}.
2921 If you omit @var{path}, @samp{libthread-db-search-path} will be reset to
2922 its default value (@code{$sdir:$pdir} on @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris systems).
2923 Internally, the default value comes from the @code{LIBTHREAD_DB_SEARCH_PATH}
2924 macro.
2925
2926 On @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris systems, @value{GDBN} uses a ``helper''
2927 @code{libthread_db} library to obtain information about threads in the
2928 inferior process. @value{GDBN} will use @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
2929 to find @code{libthread_db}. @value{GDBN} also consults first if inferior
2930 specific thread debugging library loading is enabled
2931 by @samp{set auto-load libthread-db} (@pxref{libthread_db.so.1 file}).
2932
2933 A special entry @samp{$sdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
2934 refers to the default system directories that are
2935 normally searched for loading shared libraries. The @samp{$sdir} entry
2936 is the only kind not needing to be enabled by @samp{set auto-load libthread-db}
2937 (@pxref{libthread_db.so.1 file}).
2938
2939 A special entry @samp{$pdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
2940 refers to the directory from which @code{libpthread}
2941 was loaded in the inferior process.
2942
2943 For any @code{libthread_db} library @value{GDBN} finds in above directories,
2944 @value{GDBN} attempts to initialize it with the current inferior process.
2945 If this initialization fails (which could happen because of a version
2946 mismatch between @code{libthread_db} and @code{libpthread}), @value{GDBN}
2947 will unload @code{libthread_db}, and continue with the next directory.
2948 If none of @code{libthread_db} libraries initialize successfully,
2949 @value{GDBN} will issue a warning and thread debugging will be disabled.
2950
2951 Setting @code{libthread-db-search-path} is currently implemented
2952 only on some platforms.
2953
2954 @kindex show libthread-db-search-path
2955 @item show libthread-db-search-path
2956 Display current libthread_db search path.
2957
2958 @kindex set debug libthread-db
2959 @kindex show debug libthread-db
2960 @cindex debugging @code{libthread_db}
2961 @item set debug libthread-db
2962 @itemx show debug libthread-db
2963 Turns on or off display of @code{libthread_db}-related events.
2964 Use @code{1} to enable, @code{0} to disable.
2965 @end table
2966
2967 @node Forks
2968 @section Debugging Forks
2969
2970 @cindex fork, debugging programs which call
2971 @cindex multiple processes
2972 @cindex processes, multiple
2973 On most systems, @value{GDBN} has no special support for debugging
2974 programs which create additional processes using the @code{fork}
2975 function. When a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug the
2976 parent process and the child process will run unimpeded. If you have
2977 set a breakpoint in any code which the child then executes, the child
2978 will get a @code{SIGTRAP} signal which (unless it catches the signal)
2979 will cause it to terminate.
2980
2981 However, if you want to debug the child process there is a workaround
2982 which isn't too painful. Put a call to @code{sleep} in the code which
2983 the child process executes after the fork. It may be useful to sleep
2984 only if a certain environment variable is set, or a certain file exists,
2985 so that the delay need not occur when you don't want to run @value{GDBN}
2986 on the child. While the child is sleeping, use the @code{ps} program to
2987 get its process ID. Then tell @value{GDBN} (a new invocation of
2988 @value{GDBN} if you are also debugging the parent process) to attach to
2989 the child process (@pxref{Attach}). From that point on you can debug
2990 the child process just like any other process which you attached to.
2991
2992 On some systems, @value{GDBN} provides support for debugging programs that
2993 create additional processes using the @code{fork} or @code{vfork} functions.
2994 Currently, the only platforms with this feature are HP-UX (11.x and later
2995 only?) and @sc{gnu}/Linux (kernel version 2.5.60 and later).
2996
2997 By default, when a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug
2998 the parent process and the child process will run unimpeded.
2999
3000 If you want to follow the child process instead of the parent process,
3001 use the command @w{@code{set follow-fork-mode}}.
3002
3003 @table @code
3004 @kindex set follow-fork-mode
3005 @item set follow-fork-mode @var{mode}
3006 Set the debugger response to a program call of @code{fork} or
3007 @code{vfork}. A call to @code{fork} or @code{vfork} creates a new
3008 process. The @var{mode} argument can be:
3009
3010 @table @code
3011 @item parent
3012 The original process is debugged after a fork. The child process runs
3013 unimpeded. This is the default.
3014
3015 @item child
3016 The new process is debugged after a fork. The parent process runs
3017 unimpeded.
3018
3019 @end table
3020
3021 @kindex show follow-fork-mode
3022 @item show follow-fork-mode
3023 Display the current debugger response to a @code{fork} or @code{vfork} call.
3024 @end table
3025
3026 @cindex debugging multiple processes
3027 On Linux, if you want to debug both the parent and child processes, use the
3028 command @w{@code{set detach-on-fork}}.
3029
3030 @table @code
3031 @kindex set detach-on-fork
3032 @item set detach-on-fork @var{mode}
3033 Tells gdb whether to detach one of the processes after a fork, or
3034 retain debugger control over them both.
3035
3036 @table @code
3037 @item on
3038 The child process (or parent process, depending on the value of
3039 @code{follow-fork-mode}) will be detached and allowed to run
3040 independently. This is the default.
3041
3042 @item off
3043 Both processes will be held under the control of @value{GDBN}.
3044 One process (child or parent, depending on the value of
3045 @code{follow-fork-mode}) is debugged as usual, while the other
3046 is held suspended.
3047
3048 @end table
3049
3050 @kindex show detach-on-fork
3051 @item show detach-on-fork
3052 Show whether detach-on-fork mode is on/off.
3053 @end table
3054
3055 If you choose to set @samp{detach-on-fork} mode off, then @value{GDBN}
3056 will retain control of all forked processes (including nested forks).
3057 You can list the forked processes under the control of @value{GDBN} by
3058 using the @w{@code{info inferiors}} command, and switch from one fork
3059 to another by using the @code{inferior} command (@pxref{Inferiors and
3060 Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs}).
3061
3062 To quit debugging one of the forked processes, you can either detach
3063 from it by using the @w{@code{detach inferiors}} command (allowing it
3064 to run independently), or kill it using the @w{@code{kill inferiors}}
3065 command. @xref{Inferiors and Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors
3066 and Programs}.
3067
3068 If you ask to debug a child process and a @code{vfork} is followed by an
3069 @code{exec}, @value{GDBN} executes the new target up to the first
3070 breakpoint in the new target. If you have a breakpoint set on
3071 @code{main} in your original program, the breakpoint will also be set on
3072 the child process's @code{main}.
3073
3074 On some systems, when a child process is spawned by @code{vfork}, you
3075 cannot debug the child or parent until an @code{exec} call completes.
3076
3077 If you issue a @code{run} command to @value{GDBN} after an @code{exec}
3078 call executes, the new target restarts. To restart the parent
3079 process, use the @code{file} command with the parent executable name
3080 as its argument. By default, after an @code{exec} call executes,
3081 @value{GDBN} discards the symbols of the previous executable image.
3082 You can change this behaviour with the @w{@code{set follow-exec-mode}}
3083 command.
3084
3085 @table @code
3086 @kindex set follow-exec-mode
3087 @item set follow-exec-mode @var{mode}
3088
3089 Set debugger response to a program call of @code{exec}. An
3090 @code{exec} call replaces the program image of a process.
3091
3092 @code{follow-exec-mode} can be:
3093
3094 @table @code
3095 @item new
3096 @value{GDBN} creates a new inferior and rebinds the process to this
3097 new inferior. The program the process was running before the
3098 @code{exec} call can be restarted afterwards by restarting the
3099 original inferior.
3100
3101 For example:
3102
3103 @smallexample
3104 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3105 (gdb) info inferior
3106 Id Description Executable
3107 * 1 <null> prog1
3108 (@value{GDBP}) run
3109 process 12020 is executing new program: prog2
3110 Program exited normally.
3111 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3112 Id Description Executable
3113 * 2 <null> prog2
3114 1 <null> prog1
3115 @end smallexample
3116
3117 @item same
3118 @value{GDBN} keeps the process bound to the same inferior. The new
3119 executable image replaces the previous executable loaded in the
3120 inferior. Restarting the inferior after the @code{exec} call, with
3121 e.g., the @code{run} command, restarts the executable the process was
3122 running after the @code{exec} call. This is the default mode.
3123
3124 For example:
3125
3126 @smallexample
3127 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3128 Id Description Executable
3129 * 1 <null> prog1
3130 (@value{GDBP}) run
3131 process 12020 is executing new program: prog2
3132 Program exited normally.
3133 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3134 Id Description Executable
3135 * 1 <null> prog2
3136 @end smallexample
3137
3138 @end table
3139 @end table
3140
3141 You can use the @code{catch} command to make @value{GDBN} stop whenever
3142 a @code{fork}, @code{vfork}, or @code{exec} call is made. @xref{Set
3143 Catchpoints, ,Setting Catchpoints}.
3144
3145 @node Checkpoint/Restart
3146 @section Setting a @emph{Bookmark} to Return to Later
3147
3148 @cindex checkpoint
3149 @cindex restart
3150 @cindex bookmark
3151 @cindex snapshot of a process
3152 @cindex rewind program state
3153
3154 On certain operating systems@footnote{Currently, only
3155 @sc{gnu}/Linux.}, @value{GDBN} is able to save a @dfn{snapshot} of a
3156 program's state, called a @dfn{checkpoint}, and come back to it
3157 later.
3158
3159 Returning to a checkpoint effectively undoes everything that has
3160 happened in the program since the @code{checkpoint} was saved. This
3161 includes changes in memory, registers, and even (within some limits)
3162 system state. Effectively, it is like going back in time to the
3163 moment when the checkpoint was saved.
3164
3165 Thus, if you're stepping thru a program and you think you're
3166 getting close to the point where things go wrong, you can save
3167 a checkpoint. Then, if you accidentally go too far and miss
3168 the critical statement, instead of having to restart your program
3169 from the beginning, you can just go back to the checkpoint and
3170 start again from there.
3171
3172 This can be especially useful if it takes a lot of time or
3173 steps to reach the point where you think the bug occurs.
3174
3175 To use the @code{checkpoint}/@code{restart} method of debugging:
3176
3177 @table @code
3178 @kindex checkpoint
3179 @item checkpoint
3180 Save a snapshot of the debugged program's current execution state.
3181 The @code{checkpoint} command takes no arguments, but each checkpoint
3182 is assigned a small integer id, similar to a breakpoint id.
3183
3184 @kindex info checkpoints
3185 @item info checkpoints
3186 List the checkpoints that have been saved in the current debugging
3187 session. For each checkpoint, the following information will be
3188 listed:
3189
3190 @table @code
3191 @item Checkpoint ID
3192 @item Process ID
3193 @item Code Address
3194 @item Source line, or label
3195 @end table
3196
3197 @kindex restart @var{checkpoint-id}
3198 @item restart @var{checkpoint-id}
3199 Restore the program state that was saved as checkpoint number
3200 @var{checkpoint-id}. All program variables, registers, stack frames
3201 etc.@: will be returned to the values that they had when the checkpoint
3202 was saved. In essence, gdb will ``wind back the clock'' to the point
3203 in time when the checkpoint was saved.
3204
3205 Note that breakpoints, @value{GDBN} variables, command history etc.
3206 are not affected by restoring a checkpoint. In general, a checkpoint
3207 only restores things that reside in the program being debugged, not in
3208 the debugger.
3209
3210 @kindex delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
3211 @item delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
3212 Delete the previously-saved checkpoint identified by @var{checkpoint-id}.
3213
3214 @end table
3215
3216 Returning to a previously saved checkpoint will restore the user state
3217 of the program being debugged, plus a significant subset of the system
3218 (OS) state, including file pointers. It won't ``un-write'' data from
3219 a file, but it will rewind the file pointer to the previous location,
3220 so that the previously written data can be overwritten. For files
3221 opened in read mode, the pointer will also be restored so that the
3222 previously read data can be read again.
3223
3224 Of course, characters that have been sent to a printer (or other
3225 external device) cannot be ``snatched back'', and characters received
3226 from eg.@: a serial device can be removed from internal program buffers,
3227 but they cannot be ``pushed back'' into the serial pipeline, ready to
3228 be received again. Similarly, the actual contents of files that have
3229 been changed cannot be restored (at this time).
3230
3231 However, within those constraints, you actually can ``rewind'' your
3232 program to a previously saved point in time, and begin debugging it
3233 again --- and you can change the course of events so as to debug a
3234 different execution path this time.
3235
3236 @cindex checkpoints and process id
3237 Finally, there is one bit of internal program state that will be
3238 different when you return to a checkpoint --- the program's process
3239 id. Each checkpoint will have a unique process id (or @var{pid}),
3240 and each will be different from the program's original @var{pid}.
3241 If your program has saved a local copy of its process id, this could
3242 potentially pose a problem.
3243
3244 @subsection A Non-obvious Benefit of Using Checkpoints
3245
3246 On some systems such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, address space randomization
3247 is performed on new processes for security reasons. This makes it
3248 difficult or impossible to set a breakpoint, or watchpoint, on an
3249 absolute address if you have to restart the program, since the
3250 absolute location of a symbol will change from one execution to the
3251 next.
3252
3253 A checkpoint, however, is an @emph{identical} copy of a process.
3254 Therefore if you create a checkpoint at (eg.@:) the start of main,
3255 and simply return to that checkpoint instead of restarting the
3256 process, you can avoid the effects of address randomization and
3257 your symbols will all stay in the same place.
3258
3259 @node Stopping
3260 @chapter Stopping and Continuing
3261
3262 The principal purposes of using a debugger are so that you can stop your
3263 program before it terminates; or so that, if your program runs into
3264 trouble, you can investigate and find out why.
3265
3266 Inside @value{GDBN}, your program may stop for any of several reasons,
3267 such as a signal, a breakpoint, or reaching a new line after a
3268 @value{GDBN} command such as @code{step}. You may then examine and
3269 change variables, set new breakpoints or remove old ones, and then
3270 continue execution. Usually, the messages shown by @value{GDBN} provide
3271 ample explanation of the status of your program---but you can also
3272 explicitly request this information at any time.
3273
3274 @table @code
3275 @kindex info program
3276 @item info program
3277 Display information about the status of your program: whether it is
3278 running or not, what process it is, and why it stopped.
3279 @end table
3280
3281 @menu
3282 * Breakpoints:: Breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints
3283 * Continuing and Stepping:: Resuming execution
3284 * Skipping Over Functions and Files::
3285 Skipping over functions and files
3286 * Signals:: Signals
3287 * Thread Stops:: Stopping and starting multi-thread programs
3288 @end menu
3289
3290 @node Breakpoints
3291 @section Breakpoints, Watchpoints, and Catchpoints
3292
3293 @cindex breakpoints
3294 A @dfn{breakpoint} makes your program stop whenever a certain point in
3295 the program is reached. For each breakpoint, you can add conditions to
3296 control in finer detail whether your program stops. You can set
3297 breakpoints with the @code{break} command and its variants (@pxref{Set
3298 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}), to specify the place where your program
3299 should stop by line number, function name or exact address in the
3300 program.
3301
3302 On some systems, you can set breakpoints in shared libraries before
3303 the executable is run. There is a minor limitation on HP-UX systems:
3304 you must wait until the executable is run in order to set breakpoints
3305 in shared library routines that are not called directly by the program
3306 (for example, routines that are arguments in a @code{pthread_create}
3307 call).
3308
3309 @cindex watchpoints
3310 @cindex data breakpoints
3311 @cindex memory tracing
3312 @cindex breakpoint on memory address
3313 @cindex breakpoint on variable modification
3314 A @dfn{watchpoint} is a special breakpoint that stops your program
3315 when the value of an expression changes. The expression may be a value
3316 of a variable, or it could involve values of one or more variables
3317 combined by operators, such as @samp{a + b}. This is sometimes called
3318 @dfn{data breakpoints}. You must use a different command to set
3319 watchpoints (@pxref{Set Watchpoints, ,Setting Watchpoints}), but aside
3320 from that, you can manage a watchpoint like any other breakpoint: you
3321 enable, disable, and delete both breakpoints and watchpoints using the
3322 same commands.
3323
3324 You can arrange to have values from your program displayed automatically
3325 whenever @value{GDBN} stops at a breakpoint. @xref{Auto Display,,
3326 Automatic Display}.
3327
3328 @cindex catchpoints
3329 @cindex breakpoint on events
3330 A @dfn{catchpoint} is another special breakpoint that stops your program
3331 when a certain kind of event occurs, such as the throwing of a C@t{++}
3332 exception or the loading of a library. As with watchpoints, you use a
3333 different command to set a catchpoint (@pxref{Set Catchpoints, ,Setting
3334 Catchpoints}), but aside from that, you can manage a catchpoint like any
3335 other breakpoint. (To stop when your program receives a signal, use the
3336 @code{handle} command; see @ref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
3337
3338 @cindex breakpoint numbers
3339 @cindex numbers for breakpoints
3340 @value{GDBN} assigns a number to each breakpoint, watchpoint, or
3341 catchpoint when you create it; these numbers are successive integers
3342 starting with one. In many of the commands for controlling various
3343 features of breakpoints you use the breakpoint number to say which
3344 breakpoint you want to change. Each breakpoint may be @dfn{enabled} or
3345 @dfn{disabled}; if disabled, it has no effect on your program until you
3346 enable it again.
3347
3348 @cindex breakpoint ranges
3349 @cindex ranges of breakpoints
3350 Some @value{GDBN} commands accept a range of breakpoints on which to
3351 operate. A breakpoint range is either a single breakpoint number, like
3352 @samp{5}, or two such numbers, in increasing order, separated by a
3353 hyphen, like @samp{5-7}. When a breakpoint range is given to a command,
3354 all breakpoints in that range are operated on.
3355
3356 @menu
3357 * Set Breaks:: Setting breakpoints
3358 * Set Watchpoints:: Setting watchpoints
3359 * Set Catchpoints:: Setting catchpoints
3360 * Delete Breaks:: Deleting breakpoints
3361 * Disabling:: Disabling breakpoints
3362 * Conditions:: Break conditions
3363 * Break Commands:: Breakpoint command lists
3364 * Dynamic Printf:: Dynamic printf
3365 * Save Breakpoints:: How to save breakpoints in a file
3366 * Static Probe Points:: Listing static probe points
3367 * Error in Breakpoints:: ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
3368 * Breakpoint-related Warnings:: ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
3369 @end menu
3370
3371 @node Set Breaks
3372 @subsection Setting Breakpoints
3373
3374 @c FIXME LMB what does GDB do if no code on line of breakpt?
3375 @c consider in particular declaration with/without initialization.
3376 @c
3377 @c FIXME 2 is there stuff on this already? break at fun start, already init?
3378
3379 @kindex break
3380 @kindex b @r{(@code{break})}
3381 @vindex $bpnum@r{, convenience variable}
3382 @cindex latest breakpoint
3383 Breakpoints are set with the @code{break} command (abbreviated
3384 @code{b}). The debugger convenience variable @samp{$bpnum} records the
3385 number of the breakpoint you've set most recently; see @ref{Convenience
3386 Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for a discussion of what you can do with
3387 convenience variables.
3388
3389 @table @code
3390 @item break @var{location}
3391 Set a breakpoint at the given @var{location}, which can specify a
3392 function name, a line number, or an address of an instruction.
3393 (@xref{Specify Location}, for a list of all the possible ways to
3394 specify a @var{location}.) The breakpoint will stop your program just
3395 before it executes any of the code in the specified @var{location}.
3396
3397 When using source languages that permit overloading of symbols, such as
3398 C@t{++}, a function name may refer to more than one possible place to break.
3399 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}, for a discussion of
3400 that situation.
3401
3402 It is also possible to insert a breakpoint that will stop the program
3403 only if a specific thread (@pxref{Thread-Specific Breakpoints})
3404 or a specific task (@pxref{Ada Tasks}) hits that breakpoint.
3405
3406 @item break
3407 When called without any arguments, @code{break} sets a breakpoint at
3408 the next instruction to be executed in the selected stack frame
3409 (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the Stack}). In any selected frame but the
3410 innermost, this makes your program stop as soon as control
3411 returns to that frame. This is similar to the effect of a
3412 @code{finish} command in the frame inside the selected frame---except
3413 that @code{finish} does not leave an active breakpoint. If you use
3414 @code{break} without an argument in the innermost frame, @value{GDBN} stops
3415 the next time it reaches the current location; this may be useful
3416 inside loops.
3417
3418 @value{GDBN} normally ignores breakpoints when it resumes execution, until at
3419 least one instruction has been executed. If it did not do this, you
3420 would be unable to proceed past a breakpoint without first disabling the
3421 breakpoint. This rule applies whether or not the breakpoint already
3422 existed when your program stopped.
3423
3424 @item break @dots{} if @var{cond}
3425 Set a breakpoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
3426 @var{cond} each time the breakpoint is reached, and stop only if the
3427 value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
3428 @samp{@dots{}} stands for one of the possible arguments described
3429 above (or no argument) specifying where to break. @xref{Conditions,
3430 ,Break Conditions}, for more information on breakpoint conditions.
3431
3432 @kindex tbreak
3433 @item tbreak @var{args}
3434 Set a breakpoint enabled only for one stop. @var{args} are the
3435 same as for the @code{break} command, and the breakpoint is set in the same
3436 way, but the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the first time your
3437 program stops there. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3438
3439 @kindex hbreak
3440 @cindex hardware breakpoints
3441 @item hbreak @var{args}
3442 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint. @var{args} are the same as for the
3443 @code{break} command and the breakpoint is set in the same way, but the
3444 breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware may not
3445 have this support. The main purpose of this is EPROM/ROM code
3446 debugging, so you can set a breakpoint at an instruction without
3447 changing the instruction. This can be used with the new trap-generation
3448 provided by SPARClite DSU and most x86-based targets. These targets
3449 will generate traps when a program accesses some data or instruction
3450 address that is assigned to the debug registers. However the hardware
3451 breakpoint registers can take a limited number of breakpoints. For
3452 example, on the DSU, only two data breakpoints can be set at a time, and
3453 @value{GDBN} will reject this command if more than two are used. Delete
3454 or disable unused hardware breakpoints before setting new ones
3455 (@pxref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}).
3456 @xref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3457 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
3458 breakpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
3459 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
3460
3461 @kindex thbreak
3462 @item thbreak @var{args}
3463 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint enabled only for one stop. @var{args}
3464 are the same as for the @code{hbreak} command and the breakpoint is set in
3465 the same way. However, like the @code{tbreak} command,
3466 the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the
3467 first time your program stops there. Also, like the @code{hbreak}
3468 command, the breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware
3469 may not have this support. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3470 See also @ref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3471
3472 @kindex rbreak
3473 @cindex regular expression
3474 @cindex breakpoints at functions matching a regexp
3475 @cindex set breakpoints in many functions
3476 @item rbreak @var{regex}
3477 Set breakpoints on all functions matching the regular expression
3478 @var{regex}. This command sets an unconditional breakpoint on all
3479 matches, printing a list of all breakpoints it set. Once these
3480 breakpoints are set, they are treated just like the breakpoints set with
3481 the @code{break} command. You can delete them, disable them, or make
3482 them conditional the same way as any other breakpoint.
3483
3484 The syntax of the regular expression is the standard one used with tools
3485 like @file{grep}. Note that this is different from the syntax used by
3486 shells, so for instance @code{foo*} matches all functions that include
3487 an @code{fo} followed by zero or more @code{o}s. There is an implicit
3488 @code{.*} leading and trailing the regular expression you supply, so to
3489 match only functions that begin with @code{foo}, use @code{^foo}.
3490
3491 @cindex non-member C@t{++} functions, set breakpoint in
3492 When debugging C@t{++} programs, @code{rbreak} is useful for setting
3493 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
3494 classes.
3495
3496 @cindex set breakpoints on all functions
3497 The @code{rbreak} command can be used to set breakpoints in
3498 @strong{all} the functions in a program, like this:
3499
3500 @smallexample
3501 (@value{GDBP}) rbreak .
3502 @end smallexample
3503
3504 @item rbreak @var{file}:@var{regex}
3505 If @code{rbreak} is called with a filename qualification, it limits
3506 the search for functions matching the given regular expression to the
3507 specified @var{file}. This can be used, for example, to set breakpoints on
3508 every function in a given file:
3509
3510 @smallexample
3511 (@value{GDBP}) rbreak file.c:.
3512 @end smallexample
3513
3514 The colon separating the filename qualifier from the regex may
3515 optionally be surrounded by spaces.
3516
3517 @kindex info breakpoints
3518 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info breakpoints}
3519 @item info breakpoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
3520 @itemx info break @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
3521 Print a table of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints set and
3522 not deleted. Optional argument @var{n} means print information only
3523 about the specified breakpoint(s) (or watchpoint(s) or catchpoint(s)).
3524 For each breakpoint, following columns are printed:
3525
3526 @table @emph
3527 @item Breakpoint Numbers
3528 @item Type
3529 Breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint.
3530 @item Disposition
3531 Whether the breakpoint is marked to be disabled or deleted when hit.
3532 @item Enabled or Disabled
3533 Enabled breakpoints are marked with @samp{y}. @samp{n} marks breakpoints
3534 that are not enabled.
3535 @item Address
3536 Where the breakpoint is in your program, as a memory address. For a
3537 pending breakpoint whose address is not yet known, this field will
3538 contain @samp{<PENDING>}. Such breakpoint won't fire until a shared
3539 library that has the symbol or line referred by breakpoint is loaded.
3540 See below for details. A breakpoint with several locations will
3541 have @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in this field---see below for details.
3542 @item What
3543 Where the breakpoint is in the source for your program, as a file and
3544 line number. For a pending breakpoint, the original string passed to
3545 the breakpoint command will be listed as it cannot be resolved until
3546 the appropriate shared library is loaded in the future.
3547 @end table
3548
3549 @noindent
3550 If a breakpoint is conditional, there are two evaluation modes: ``host'' and
3551 ``target''. If mode is ``host'', breakpoint condition evaluation is done by
3552 @value{GDBN} on the host's side. If it is ``target'', then the condition
3553 is evaluated by the target. The @code{info break} command shows
3554 the condition on the line following the affected breakpoint, together with
3555 its condition evaluation mode in between parentheses.
3556
3557 Breakpoint commands, if any, are listed after that. A pending breakpoint is
3558 allowed to have a condition specified for it. The condition is not parsed for
3559 validity until a shared library is loaded that allows the pending
3560 breakpoint to resolve to a valid location.
3561
3562 @noindent
3563 @code{info break} with a breakpoint
3564 number @var{n} as argument lists only that breakpoint. The
3565 convenience variable @code{$_} and the default examining-address for
3566 the @code{x} command are set to the address of the last breakpoint
3567 listed (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}).
3568
3569 @noindent
3570 @code{info break} displays a count of the number of times the breakpoint
3571 has been hit. This is especially useful in conjunction with the
3572 @code{ignore} command. You can ignore a large number of breakpoint
3573 hits, look at the breakpoint info to see how many times the breakpoint
3574 was hit, and then run again, ignoring one less than that number. This
3575 will get you quickly to the last hit of that breakpoint.
3576
3577 @noindent
3578 For a breakpoints with an enable count (xref) greater than 1,
3579 @code{info break} also displays that count.
3580
3581 @end table
3582
3583 @value{GDBN} allows you to set any number of breakpoints at the same place in
3584 your program. There is nothing silly or meaningless about this. When
3585 the breakpoints are conditional, this is even useful
3586 (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
3587
3588 @cindex multiple locations, breakpoints
3589 @cindex breakpoints, multiple locations
3590 It is possible that a breakpoint corresponds to several locations
3591 in your program. Examples of this situation are:
3592
3593 @itemize @bullet
3594 @item
3595 Multiple functions in the program may have the same name.
3596
3597 @item
3598 For a C@t{++} constructor, the @value{NGCC} compiler generates several
3599 instances of the function body, used in different cases.
3600
3601 @item
3602 For a C@t{++} template function, a given line in the function can
3603 correspond to any number of instantiations.
3604
3605 @item
3606 For an inlined function, a given source line can correspond to
3607 several places where that function is inlined.
3608 @end itemize
3609
3610 In all those cases, @value{GDBN} will insert a breakpoint at all
3611 the relevant locations.
3612
3613 A breakpoint with multiple locations is displayed in the breakpoint
3614 table using several rows---one header row, followed by one row for
3615 each breakpoint location. The header row has @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in the
3616 address column. The rows for individual locations contain the actual
3617 addresses for locations, and show the functions to which those
3618 locations belong. The number column for a location is of the form
3619 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number}.
3620
3621 For example:
3622
3623 @smallexample
3624 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
3625 1 breakpoint keep y <MULTIPLE>
3626 stop only if i==1
3627 breakpoint already hit 1 time
3628 1.1 y 0x080486a2 in void foo<int>() at t.cc:8
3629 1.2 y 0x080486ca in void foo<double>() at t.cc:8
3630 @end smallexample
3631
3632 Each location can be individually enabled or disabled by passing
3633 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number} as argument to the
3634 @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands. Note that you cannot
3635 delete the individual locations from the list, you can only delete the
3636 entire list of locations that belong to their parent breakpoint (with
3637 the @kbd{delete @var{num}} command, where @var{num} is the number of
3638 the parent breakpoint, 1 in the above example). Disabling or enabling
3639 the parent breakpoint (@pxref{Disabling}) affects all of the locations
3640 that belong to that breakpoint.
3641
3642 @cindex pending breakpoints
3643 It's quite common to have a breakpoint inside a shared library.
3644 Shared libraries can be loaded and unloaded explicitly,
3645 and possibly repeatedly, as the program is executed. To support
3646 this use case, @value{GDBN} updates breakpoint locations whenever
3647 any shared library is loaded or unloaded. Typically, you would
3648 set a breakpoint in a shared library at the beginning of your
3649 debugging session, when the library is not loaded, and when the
3650 symbols from the library are not available. When you try to set
3651 breakpoint, @value{GDBN} will ask you if you want to set
3652 a so called @dfn{pending breakpoint}---breakpoint whose address
3653 is not yet resolved.
3654
3655 After the program is run, whenever a new shared library is loaded,
3656 @value{GDBN} reevaluates all the breakpoints. When a newly loaded
3657 shared library contains the symbol or line referred to by some
3658 pending breakpoint, that breakpoint is resolved and becomes an
3659 ordinary breakpoint. When a library is unloaded, all breakpoints
3660 that refer to its symbols or source lines become pending again.
3661
3662 This logic works for breakpoints with multiple locations, too. For
3663 example, if you have a breakpoint in a C@t{++} template function, and
3664 a newly loaded shared library has an instantiation of that template,
3665 a new location is added to the list of locations for the breakpoint.
3666
3667 Except for having unresolved address, pending breakpoints do not
3668 differ from regular breakpoints. You can set conditions or commands,
3669 enable and disable them and perform other breakpoint operations.
3670
3671 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling what
3672 happens when the @samp{break} command cannot resolve breakpoint
3673 address specification to an address:
3674
3675 @kindex set breakpoint pending
3676 @kindex show breakpoint pending
3677 @table @code
3678 @item set breakpoint pending auto
3679 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} cannot find the breakpoint
3680 location, it queries you whether a pending breakpoint should be created.
3681
3682 @item set breakpoint pending on
3683 This indicates that an unrecognized breakpoint location should automatically
3684 result in a pending breakpoint being created.
3685
3686 @item set breakpoint pending off
3687 This indicates that pending breakpoints are not to be created. Any
3688 unrecognized breakpoint location results in an error. This setting does
3689 not affect any pending breakpoints previously created.
3690
3691 @item show breakpoint pending
3692 Show the current behavior setting for creating pending breakpoints.
3693 @end table
3694
3695 The settings above only affect the @code{break} command and its
3696 variants. Once breakpoint is set, it will be automatically updated
3697 as shared libraries are loaded and unloaded.
3698
3699 @cindex automatic hardware breakpoints
3700 For some targets, @value{GDBN} can automatically decide if hardware or
3701 software breakpoints should be used, depending on whether the
3702 breakpoint address is read-only or read-write. This applies to
3703 breakpoints set with the @code{break} command as well as to internal
3704 breakpoints set by commands like @code{next} and @code{finish}. For
3705 breakpoints set with @code{hbreak}, @value{GDBN} will always use hardware
3706 breakpoints.
3707
3708 You can control this automatic behaviour with the following commands::
3709
3710 @kindex set breakpoint auto-hw
3711 @kindex show breakpoint auto-hw
3712 @table @code
3713 @item set breakpoint auto-hw on
3714 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} sets a breakpoint, it
3715 will try to use the target memory map to decide if software or hardware
3716 breakpoint must be used.
3717
3718 @item set breakpoint auto-hw off
3719 This indicates @value{GDBN} should not automatically select breakpoint
3720 type. If the target provides a memory map, @value{GDBN} will warn when
3721 trying to set software breakpoint at a read-only address.
3722 @end table
3723
3724 @value{GDBN} normally implements breakpoints by replacing the program code
3725 at the breakpoint address with a special instruction, which, when
3726 executed, given control to the debugger. By default, the program
3727 code is so modified only when the program is resumed. As soon as
3728 the program stops, @value{GDBN} restores the original instructions. This
3729 behaviour guards against leaving breakpoints inserted in the
3730 target should gdb abrubptly disconnect. However, with slow remote
3731 targets, inserting and removing breakpoint can reduce the performance.
3732 This behavior can be controlled with the following commands::
3733
3734 @kindex set breakpoint always-inserted
3735 @kindex show breakpoint always-inserted
3736 @table @code
3737 @item set breakpoint always-inserted off
3738 All breakpoints, including newly added by the user, are inserted in
3739 the target only when the target is resumed. All breakpoints are
3740 removed from the target when it stops.
3741
3742 @item set breakpoint always-inserted on
3743 Causes all breakpoints to be inserted in the target at all times. If
3744 the user adds a new breakpoint, or changes an existing breakpoint, the
3745 breakpoints in the target are updated immediately. A breakpoint is
3746 removed from the target only when breakpoint itself is removed.
3747
3748 @cindex non-stop mode, and @code{breakpoint always-inserted}
3749 @item set breakpoint always-inserted auto
3750 This is the default mode. If @value{GDBN} is controlling the inferior
3751 in non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}), gdb behaves as if
3752 @code{breakpoint always-inserted} mode is on. If @value{GDBN} is
3753 controlling the inferior in all-stop mode, @value{GDBN} behaves as if
3754 @code{breakpoint always-inserted} mode is off.
3755 @end table
3756
3757 @value{GDBN} handles conditional breakpoints by evaluating these conditions
3758 when a breakpoint breaks. If the condition is true, then the process being
3759 debugged stops, otherwise the process is resumed.
3760
3761 If the target supports evaluating conditions on its end, @value{GDBN} may
3762 download the breakpoint, together with its conditions, to it.
3763
3764 This feature can be controlled via the following commands:
3765
3766 @kindex set breakpoint condition-evaluation
3767 @kindex show breakpoint condition-evaluation
3768 @table @code
3769 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation host
3770 This option commands @value{GDBN} to evaluate the breakpoint
3771 conditions on the host's side. Unconditional breakpoints are sent to
3772 the target which in turn receives the triggers and reports them back to GDB
3773 for condition evaluation. This is the standard evaluation mode.
3774
3775 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation target
3776 This option commands @value{GDBN} to download breakpoint conditions
3777 to the target at the moment of their insertion. The target
3778 is responsible for evaluating the conditional expression and reporting
3779 breakpoint stop events back to @value{GDBN} whenever the condition
3780 is true. Due to limitations of target-side evaluation, some conditions
3781 cannot be evaluated there, e.g., conditions that depend on local data
3782 that is only known to the host. Examples include
3783 conditional expressions involving convenience variables, complex types
3784 that cannot be handled by the agent expression parser and expressions
3785 that are too long to be sent over to the target, specially when the
3786 target is a remote system. In these cases, the conditions will be
3787 evaluated by @value{GDBN}.
3788
3789 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation auto
3790 This is the default mode. If the target supports evaluating breakpoint
3791 conditions on its end, @value{GDBN} will download breakpoint conditions to
3792 the target (limitations mentioned previously apply). If the target does
3793 not support breakpoint condition evaluation, then @value{GDBN} will fallback
3794 to evaluating all these conditions on the host's side.
3795 @end table
3796
3797
3798 @cindex negative breakpoint numbers
3799 @cindex internal @value{GDBN} breakpoints
3800 @value{GDBN} itself sometimes sets breakpoints in your program for
3801 special purposes, such as proper handling of @code{longjmp} (in C
3802 programs). These internal breakpoints are assigned negative numbers,
3803 starting with @code{-1}; @samp{info breakpoints} does not display them.
3804 You can see these breakpoints with the @value{GDBN} maintenance command
3805 @samp{maint info breakpoints} (@pxref{maint info breakpoints}).
3806
3807
3808 @node Set Watchpoints
3809 @subsection Setting Watchpoints
3810
3811 @cindex setting watchpoints
3812 You can use a watchpoint to stop execution whenever the value of an
3813 expression changes, without having to predict a particular place where
3814 this may happen. (This is sometimes called a @dfn{data breakpoint}.)
3815 The expression may be as simple as the value of a single variable, or
3816 as complex as many variables combined by operators. Examples include:
3817
3818 @itemize @bullet
3819 @item
3820 A reference to the value of a single variable.
3821
3822 @item
3823 An address cast to an appropriate data type. For example,
3824 @samp{*(int *)0x12345678} will watch a 4-byte region at the specified
3825 address (assuming an @code{int} occupies 4 bytes).
3826
3827 @item
3828 An arbitrarily complex expression, such as @samp{a*b + c/d}. The
3829 expression can use any operators valid in the program's native
3830 language (@pxref{Languages}).
3831 @end itemize
3832
3833 You can set a watchpoint on an expression even if the expression can
3834 not be evaluated yet. For instance, you can set a watchpoint on
3835 @samp{*global_ptr} before @samp{global_ptr} is initialized.
3836 @value{GDBN} will stop when your program sets @samp{global_ptr} and
3837 the expression produces a valid value. If the expression becomes
3838 valid in some other way than changing a variable (e.g.@: if the memory
3839 pointed to by @samp{*global_ptr} becomes readable as the result of a
3840 @code{malloc} call), @value{GDBN} may not stop until the next time
3841 the expression changes.
3842
3843 @cindex software watchpoints
3844 @cindex hardware watchpoints
3845 Depending on your system, watchpoints may be implemented in software or
3846 hardware. @value{GDBN} does software watchpointing by single-stepping your
3847 program and testing the variable's value each time, which is hundreds of
3848 times slower than normal execution. (But this may still be worth it, to
3849 catch errors where you have no clue what part of your program is the
3850 culprit.)
3851
3852 On some systems, such as HP-UX, PowerPC, @sc{gnu}/Linux and most other
3853 x86-based targets, @value{GDBN} includes support for hardware
3854 watchpoints, which do not slow down the running of your program.
3855
3856 @table @code
3857 @kindex watch
3858 @item watch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
3859 Set a watchpoint for an expression. @value{GDBN} will break when the
3860 expression @var{expr} is written into by the program and its value
3861 changes. The simplest (and the most popular) use of this command is
3862 to watch the value of a single variable:
3863
3864 @smallexample
3865 (@value{GDBP}) watch foo
3866 @end smallexample
3867
3868 If the command includes a @code{@r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}}
3869 argument, @value{GDBN} breaks only when the thread identified by
3870 @var{threadnum} changes the value of @var{expr}. If any other threads
3871 change the value of @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} will not break. Note
3872 that watchpoints restricted to a single thread in this way only work
3873 with Hardware Watchpoints.
3874
3875 Ordinarily a watchpoint respects the scope of variables in @var{expr}
3876 (see below). The @code{-location} argument tells @value{GDBN} to
3877 instead watch the memory referred to by @var{expr}. In this case,
3878 @value{GDBN} will evaluate @var{expr}, take the address of the result,
3879 and watch the memory at that address. The type of the result is used
3880 to determine the size of the watched memory. If the expression's
3881 result does not have an address, then @value{GDBN} will print an
3882 error.
3883
3884 The @code{@r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}} argument allows creation
3885 of masked watchpoints, if the current architecture supports this
3886 feature (e.g., PowerPC Embedded architecture, see @ref{PowerPC
3887 Embedded}.) A @dfn{masked watchpoint} specifies a mask in addition
3888 to an address to watch. The mask specifies that some bits of an address
3889 (the bits which are reset in the mask) should be ignored when matching
3890 the address accessed by the inferior against the watchpoint address.
3891 Thus, a masked watchpoint watches many addresses simultaneously---those
3892 addresses whose unmasked bits are identical to the unmasked bits in the
3893 watchpoint address. The @code{mask} argument implies @code{-location}.
3894 Examples:
3895
3896 @smallexample
3897 (@value{GDBP}) watch foo mask 0xffff00ff
3898 (@value{GDBP}) watch *0xdeadbeef mask 0xffffff00
3899 @end smallexample
3900
3901 @kindex rwatch
3902 @item rwatch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
3903 Set a watchpoint that will break when the value of @var{expr} is read
3904 by the program.
3905
3906 @kindex awatch
3907 @item awatch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
3908 Set a watchpoint that will break when @var{expr} is either read from
3909 or written into by the program.
3910
3911 @kindex info watchpoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
3912 @item info watchpoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
3913 This command prints a list of watchpoints, using the same format as
3914 @code{info break} (@pxref{Set Breaks}).
3915 @end table
3916
3917 If you watch for a change in a numerically entered address you need to
3918 dereference it, as the address itself is just a constant number which will
3919 never change. @value{GDBN} refuses to create a watchpoint that watches
3920 a never-changing value:
3921
3922 @smallexample
3923 (@value{GDBP}) watch 0x600850
3924 Cannot watch constant value 0x600850.
3925 (@value{GDBP}) watch *(int *) 0x600850
3926 Watchpoint 1: *(int *) 6293584
3927 @end smallexample
3928
3929 @value{GDBN} sets a @dfn{hardware watchpoint} if possible. Hardware
3930 watchpoints execute very quickly, and the debugger reports a change in
3931 value at the exact instruction where the change occurs. If @value{GDBN}
3932 cannot set a hardware watchpoint, it sets a software watchpoint, which
3933 executes more slowly and reports the change in value at the next
3934 @emph{statement}, not the instruction, after the change occurs.
3935
3936 @cindex use only software watchpoints
3937 You can force @value{GDBN} to use only software watchpoints with the
3938 @kbd{set can-use-hw-watchpoints 0} command. With this variable set to
3939 zero, @value{GDBN} will never try to use hardware watchpoints, even if
3940 the underlying system supports them. (Note that hardware-assisted
3941 watchpoints that were set @emph{before} setting
3942 @code{can-use-hw-watchpoints} to zero will still use the hardware
3943 mechanism of watching expression values.)
3944
3945 @table @code
3946 @item set can-use-hw-watchpoints
3947 @kindex set can-use-hw-watchpoints
3948 Set whether or not to use hardware watchpoints.
3949
3950 @item show can-use-hw-watchpoints
3951 @kindex show can-use-hw-watchpoints
3952 Show the current mode of using hardware watchpoints.
3953 @end table
3954
3955 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
3956 watchpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
3957 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
3958
3959 When you issue the @code{watch} command, @value{GDBN} reports
3960
3961 @smallexample
3962 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: @var{expr}
3963 @end smallexample
3964
3965 @noindent
3966 if it was able to set a hardware watchpoint.
3967
3968 Currently, the @code{awatch} and @code{rwatch} commands can only set
3969 hardware watchpoints, because accesses to data that don't change the
3970 value of the watched expression cannot be detected without examining
3971 every instruction as it is being executed, and @value{GDBN} does not do
3972 that currently. If @value{GDBN} finds that it is unable to set a
3973 hardware breakpoint with the @code{awatch} or @code{rwatch} command, it
3974 will print a message like this:
3975
3976 @smallexample
3977 Expression cannot be implemented with read/access watchpoint.
3978 @end smallexample
3979
3980 Sometimes, @value{GDBN} cannot set a hardware watchpoint because the
3981 data type of the watched expression is wider than what a hardware
3982 watchpoint on the target machine can handle. For example, some systems
3983 can only watch regions that are up to 4 bytes wide; on such systems you
3984 cannot set hardware watchpoints for an expression that yields a
3985 double-precision floating-point number (which is typically 8 bytes
3986 wide). As a work-around, it might be possible to break the large region
3987 into a series of smaller ones and watch them with separate watchpoints.
3988
3989 If you set too many hardware watchpoints, @value{GDBN} might be unable
3990 to insert all of them when you resume the execution of your program.
3991 Since the precise number of active watchpoints is unknown until such
3992 time as the program is about to be resumed, @value{GDBN} might not be
3993 able to warn you about this when you set the watchpoints, and the
3994 warning will be printed only when the program is resumed:
3995
3996 @smallexample
3997 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: Could not insert watchpoint
3998 @end smallexample
3999
4000 @noindent
4001 If this happens, delete or disable some of the watchpoints.
4002
4003 Watching complex expressions that reference many variables can also
4004 exhaust the resources available for hardware-assisted watchpoints.
4005 That's because @value{GDBN} needs to watch every variable in the
4006 expression with separately allocated resources.
4007
4008 If you call a function interactively using @code{print} or @code{call},
4009 any watchpoints you have set will be inactive until @value{GDBN} reaches another
4010 kind of breakpoint or the call completes.
4011
4012 @value{GDBN} automatically deletes watchpoints that watch local
4013 (automatic) variables, or expressions that involve such variables, when
4014 they go out of scope, that is, when the execution leaves the block in
4015 which these variables were defined. In particular, when the program
4016 being debugged terminates, @emph{all} local variables go out of scope,
4017 and so only watchpoints that watch global variables remain set. If you
4018 rerun the program, you will need to set all such watchpoints again. One
4019 way of doing that would be to set a code breakpoint at the entry to the
4020 @code{main} function and when it breaks, set all the watchpoints.
4021
4022 @cindex watchpoints and threads
4023 @cindex threads and watchpoints
4024 In multi-threaded programs, watchpoints will detect changes to the
4025 watched expression from every thread.
4026
4027 @quotation
4028 @emph{Warning:} In multi-threaded programs, software watchpoints
4029 have only limited usefulness. If @value{GDBN} creates a software
4030 watchpoint, it can only watch the value of an expression @emph{in a
4031 single thread}. If you are confident that the expression can only
4032 change due to the current thread's activity (and if you are also
4033 confident that no other thread can become current), then you can use
4034 software watchpoints as usual. However, @value{GDBN} may not notice
4035 when a non-current thread's activity changes the expression. (Hardware
4036 watchpoints, in contrast, watch an expression in all threads.)
4037 @end quotation
4038
4039 @xref{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}.
4040
4041 @node Set Catchpoints
4042 @subsection Setting Catchpoints
4043 @cindex catchpoints, setting
4044 @cindex exception handlers
4045 @cindex event handling
4046
4047 You can use @dfn{catchpoints} to cause the debugger to stop for certain
4048 kinds of program events, such as C@t{++} exceptions or the loading of a
4049 shared library. Use the @code{catch} command to set a catchpoint.
4050
4051 @table @code
4052 @kindex catch
4053 @item catch @var{event}
4054 Stop when @var{event} occurs. @var{event} can be any of the following:
4055 @table @code
4056 @item throw
4057 @cindex stop on C@t{++} exceptions
4058 The throwing of a C@t{++} exception.
4059
4060 @item catch
4061 The catching of a C@t{++} exception.
4062
4063 @item exception
4064 @cindex Ada exception catching
4065 @cindex catch Ada exceptions
4066 An Ada exception being raised. If an exception name is specified
4067 at the end of the command (eg @code{catch exception Program_Error}),
4068 the debugger will stop only when this specific exception is raised.
4069 Otherwise, the debugger stops execution when any Ada exception is raised.
4070
4071 When inserting an exception catchpoint on a user-defined exception whose
4072 name is identical to one of the exceptions defined by the language, the
4073 fully qualified name must be used as the exception name. Otherwise,
4074 @value{GDBN} will assume that it should stop on the pre-defined exception
4075 rather than the user-defined one. For instance, assuming an exception
4076 called @code{Constraint_Error} is defined in package @code{Pck}, then
4077 the command to use to catch such exceptions is @kbd{catch exception
4078 Pck.Constraint_Error}.
4079
4080 @item exception unhandled
4081 An exception that was raised but is not handled by the program.
4082
4083 @item assert
4084 A failed Ada assertion.
4085
4086 @item exec
4087 @cindex break on fork/exec
4088 A call to @code{exec}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
4089 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
4090
4091 @item syscall
4092 @itemx syscall @r{[}@var{name} @r{|} @var{number}@r{]} @dots{}
4093 @cindex break on a system call.
4094 A call to or return from a system call, a.k.a.@: @dfn{syscall}. A
4095 syscall is a mechanism for application programs to request a service
4096 from the operating system (OS) or one of the OS system services.
4097 @value{GDBN} can catch some or all of the syscalls issued by the
4098 debuggee, and show the related information for each syscall. If no
4099 argument is specified, calls to and returns from all system calls
4100 will be caught.
4101
4102 @var{name} can be any system call name that is valid for the
4103 underlying OS. Just what syscalls are valid depends on the OS. On
4104 GNU and Unix systems, you can find the full list of valid syscall
4105 names on @file{/usr/include/asm/unistd.h}.
4106
4107 @c For MS-Windows, the syscall names and the corresponding numbers
4108 @c can be found, e.g., on this URL:
4109 @c http://www.metasploit.com/users/opcode/syscalls.html
4110 @c but we don't support Windows syscalls yet.
4111
4112 Normally, @value{GDBN} knows in advance which syscalls are valid for
4113 each OS, so you can use the @value{GDBN} command-line completion
4114 facilities (@pxref{Completion,, command completion}) to list the
4115 available choices.
4116
4117 You may also specify the system call numerically. A syscall's
4118 number is the value passed to the OS's syscall dispatcher to
4119 identify the requested service. When you specify the syscall by its
4120 name, @value{GDBN} uses its database of syscalls to convert the name
4121 into the corresponding numeric code, but using the number directly
4122 may be useful if @value{GDBN}'s database does not have the complete
4123 list of syscalls on your system (e.g., because @value{GDBN} lags
4124 behind the OS upgrades).
4125
4126 The example below illustrates how this command works if you don't provide
4127 arguments to it:
4128
4129 @smallexample
4130 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall
4131 Catchpoint 1 (syscall)
4132 (@value{GDBP}) r
4133 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4134
4135 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'close'), \
4136 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4137 (@value{GDBP}) c
4138 Continuing.
4139
4140 Catchpoint 1 (returned from syscall 'close'), \
4141 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4142 (@value{GDBP})
4143 @end smallexample
4144
4145 Here is an example of catching a system call by name:
4146
4147 @smallexample
4148 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall chroot
4149 Catchpoint 1 (syscall 'chroot' [61])
4150 (@value{GDBP}) r
4151 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4152
4153 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'chroot'), \
4154 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4155 (@value{GDBP}) c
4156 Continuing.
4157
4158 Catchpoint 1 (returned from syscall 'chroot'), \
4159 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4160 (@value{GDBP})
4161 @end smallexample
4162
4163 An example of specifying a system call numerically. In the case
4164 below, the syscall number has a corresponding entry in the XML
4165 file, so @value{GDBN} finds its name and prints it:
4166
4167 @smallexample
4168 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 252
4169 Catchpoint 1 (syscall(s) 'exit_group')
4170 (@value{GDBP}) r
4171 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4172
4173 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'exit_group'), \
4174 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4175 (@value{GDBP}) c
4176 Continuing.
4177
4178 Program exited normally.
4179 (@value{GDBP})
4180 @end smallexample
4181
4182 However, there can be situations when there is no corresponding name
4183 in XML file for that syscall number. In this case, @value{GDBN} prints
4184 a warning message saying that it was not able to find the syscall name,
4185 but the catchpoint will be set anyway. See the example below:
4186
4187 @smallexample
4188 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 764
4189 warning: The number '764' does not represent a known syscall.
4190 Catchpoint 2 (syscall 764)
4191 (@value{GDBP})
4192 @end smallexample
4193
4194 If you configure @value{GDBN} using the @samp{--without-expat} option,
4195 it will not be able to display syscall names. Also, if your
4196 architecture does not have an XML file describing its system calls,
4197 you will not be able to see the syscall names. It is important to
4198 notice that these two features are used for accessing the syscall
4199 name database. In either case, you will see a warning like this:
4200
4201 @smallexample
4202 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall
4203 warning: Could not open "syscalls/i386-linux.xml"
4204 warning: Could not load the syscall XML file 'syscalls/i386-linux.xml'.
4205 GDB will not be able to display syscall names.
4206 Catchpoint 1 (syscall)
4207 (@value{GDBP})
4208 @end smallexample
4209
4210 Of course, the file name will change depending on your architecture and system.
4211
4212 Still using the example above, you can also try to catch a syscall by its
4213 number. In this case, you would see something like:
4214
4215 @smallexample
4216 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 252
4217 Catchpoint 1 (syscall(s) 252)
4218 @end smallexample
4219
4220 Again, in this case @value{GDBN} would not be able to display syscall's names.
4221
4222 @item fork
4223 A call to @code{fork}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
4224 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
4225
4226 @item vfork
4227 A call to @code{vfork}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
4228 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
4229
4230 @item load @r{[}regexp@r{]}
4231 @itemx unload @r{[}regexp@r{]}
4232 The loading or unloading of a shared library. If @var{regexp} is
4233 given, then the catchpoint will stop only if the regular expression
4234 matches one of the affected libraries.
4235
4236 @item signal @r{[}@var{signal}@dots{} @r{|} @samp{all}@r{]}
4237 The delivery of a signal.
4238
4239 With no arguments, this catchpoint will catch any signal that is not
4240 used internally by @value{GDBN}, specifically, all signals except
4241 @samp{SIGTRAP} and @samp{SIGINT}.
4242
4243 With the argument @samp{all}, all signals, including those used by
4244 @value{GDBN}, will be caught. This argument cannot be used with other
4245 signal names.
4246
4247 Otherwise, the arguments are a list of signal names as given to
4248 @code{handle} (@pxref{Signals}). Only signals specified in this list
4249 will be caught.
4250
4251 One reason that @code{catch signal} can be more useful than
4252 @code{handle} is that you can attach commands and conditions to the
4253 catchpoint.
4254
4255 When a signal is caught by a catchpoint, the signal's @code{stop} and
4256 @code{print} settings, as specified by @code{handle}, are ignored.
4257 However, whether the signal is still delivered to the inferior depends
4258 on the @code{pass} setting; this can be changed in the catchpoint's
4259 commands.
4260
4261 @end table
4262
4263 @item tcatch @var{event}
4264 Set a catchpoint that is enabled only for one stop. The catchpoint is
4265 automatically deleted after the first time the event is caught.
4266
4267 @end table
4268
4269 Use the @code{info break} command to list the current catchpoints.
4270
4271 There are currently some limitations to C@t{++} exception handling
4272 (@code{catch throw} and @code{catch catch}) in @value{GDBN}:
4273
4274 @itemize @bullet
4275 @item
4276 If you call a function interactively, @value{GDBN} normally returns
4277 control to you when the function has finished executing. If the call
4278 raises an exception, however, the call may bypass the mechanism that
4279 returns control to you and cause your program either to abort or to
4280 simply continue running until it hits a breakpoint, catches a signal
4281 that @value{GDBN} is listening for, or exits. This is the case even if
4282 you set a catchpoint for the exception; catchpoints on exceptions are
4283 disabled within interactive calls.
4284
4285 @item
4286 You cannot raise an exception interactively.
4287
4288 @item
4289 You cannot install an exception handler interactively.
4290 @end itemize
4291
4292 @cindex raise exceptions
4293 Sometimes @code{catch} is not the best way to debug exception handling:
4294 if you need to know exactly where an exception is raised, it is better to
4295 stop @emph{before} the exception handler is called, since that way you
4296 can see the stack before any unwinding takes place. If you set a
4297 breakpoint in an exception handler instead, it may not be easy to find
4298 out where the exception was raised.
4299
4300 To stop just before an exception handler is called, you need some
4301 knowledge of the implementation. In the case of @sc{gnu} C@t{++}, exceptions are
4302 raised by calling a library function named @code{__raise_exception}
4303 which has the following ANSI C interface:
4304
4305 @smallexample
4306 /* @var{addr} is where the exception identifier is stored.
4307 @var{id} is the exception identifier. */
4308 void __raise_exception (void **addr, void *id);
4309 @end smallexample
4310
4311 @noindent
4312 To make the debugger catch all exceptions before any stack
4313 unwinding takes place, set a breakpoint on @code{__raise_exception}
4314 (@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints; Watchpoints; and Exceptions}).
4315
4316 With a conditional breakpoint (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions})
4317 that depends on the value of @var{id}, you can stop your program when
4318 a specific exception is raised. You can use multiple conditional
4319 breakpoints to stop your program when any of a number of exceptions are
4320 raised.
4321
4322
4323 @node Delete Breaks
4324 @subsection Deleting Breakpoints
4325
4326 @cindex clearing breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
4327 @cindex deleting breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
4328 It is often necessary to eliminate a breakpoint, watchpoint, or
4329 catchpoint once it has done its job and you no longer want your program
4330 to stop there. This is called @dfn{deleting} the breakpoint. A
4331 breakpoint that has been deleted no longer exists; it is forgotten.
4332
4333 With the @code{clear} command you can delete breakpoints according to
4334 where they are in your program. With the @code{delete} command you can
4335 delete individual breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints by specifying
4336 their breakpoint numbers.
4337
4338 It is not necessary to delete a breakpoint to proceed past it. @value{GDBN}
4339 automatically ignores breakpoints on the first instruction to be executed
4340 when you continue execution without changing the execution address.
4341
4342 @table @code
4343 @kindex clear
4344 @item clear
4345 Delete any breakpoints at the next instruction to be executed in the
4346 selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). When
4347 the innermost frame is selected, this is a good way to delete a
4348 breakpoint where your program just stopped.
4349
4350 @item clear @var{location}
4351 Delete any breakpoints set at the specified @var{location}.
4352 @xref{Specify Location}, for the various forms of @var{location}; the
4353 most useful ones are listed below:
4354
4355 @table @code
4356 @item clear @var{function}
4357 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{function}
4358 Delete any breakpoints set at entry to the named @var{function}.
4359
4360 @item clear @var{linenum}
4361 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
4362 Delete any breakpoints set at or within the code of the specified
4363 @var{linenum} of the specified @var{filename}.
4364 @end table
4365
4366 @cindex delete breakpoints
4367 @kindex delete
4368 @kindex d @r{(@code{delete})}
4369 @item delete @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4370 Delete the breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints of the breakpoint
4371 ranges specified as arguments. If no argument is specified, delete all
4372 breakpoints (@value{GDBN} asks confirmation, unless you have @code{set
4373 confirm off}). You can abbreviate this command as @code{d}.
4374 @end table
4375
4376 @node Disabling
4377 @subsection Disabling Breakpoints
4378
4379 @cindex enable/disable a breakpoint
4380 Rather than deleting a breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint, you might
4381 prefer to @dfn{disable} it. This makes the breakpoint inoperative as if
4382 it had been deleted, but remembers the information on the breakpoint so
4383 that you can @dfn{enable} it again later.
4384
4385 You disable and enable breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints with
4386 the @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands, optionally specifying
4387 one or more breakpoint numbers as arguments. Use @code{info break} to
4388 print a list of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints if you
4389 do not know which numbers to use.
4390
4391 Disabling and enabling a breakpoint that has multiple locations
4392 affects all of its locations.
4393
4394 A breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint can have any of several
4395 different states of enablement:
4396
4397 @itemize @bullet
4398 @item
4399 Enabled. The breakpoint stops your program. A breakpoint set
4400 with the @code{break} command starts out in this state.
4401 @item
4402 Disabled. The breakpoint has no effect on your program.
4403 @item
4404 Enabled once. The breakpoint stops your program, but then becomes
4405 disabled.
4406 @item
4407 Enabled for a count. The breakpoint stops your program for the next
4408 N times, then becomes disabled.
4409 @item
4410 Enabled for deletion. The breakpoint stops your program, but
4411 immediately after it does so it is deleted permanently. A breakpoint
4412 set with the @code{tbreak} command starts out in this state.
4413 @end itemize
4414
4415 You can use the following commands to enable or disable breakpoints,
4416 watchpoints, and catchpoints:
4417
4418 @table @code
4419 @kindex disable
4420 @kindex dis @r{(@code{disable})}
4421 @item disable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4422 Disable the specified breakpoints---or all breakpoints, if none are
4423 listed. A disabled breakpoint has no effect but is not forgotten. All
4424 options such as ignore-counts, conditions and commands are remembered in
4425 case the breakpoint is enabled again later. You may abbreviate
4426 @code{disable} as @code{dis}.
4427
4428 @kindex enable
4429 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4430 Enable the specified breakpoints (or all defined breakpoints). They
4431 become effective once again in stopping your program.
4432
4433 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} once @var{range}@dots{}
4434 Enable the specified breakpoints temporarily. @value{GDBN} disables any
4435 of these breakpoints immediately after stopping your program.
4436
4437 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} count @var{count} @var{range}@dots{}
4438 Enable the specified breakpoints temporarily. @value{GDBN} records
4439 @var{count} with each of the specified breakpoints, and decrements a
4440 breakpoint's count when it is hit. When any count reaches 0,
4441 @value{GDBN} disables that breakpoint. If a breakpoint has an ignore
4442 count (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}), that will be
4443 decremented to 0 before @var{count} is affected.
4444
4445 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} delete @var{range}@dots{}
4446 Enable the specified breakpoints to work once, then die. @value{GDBN}
4447 deletes any of these breakpoints as soon as your program stops there.
4448 Breakpoints set by the @code{tbreak} command start out in this state.
4449 @end table
4450
4451 @c FIXME: I think the following ``Except for [...] @code{tbreak}'' is
4452 @c confusing: tbreak is also initially enabled.
4453 Except for a breakpoint set with @code{tbreak} (@pxref{Set Breaks,
4454 ,Setting Breakpoints}), breakpoints that you set are initially enabled;
4455 subsequently, they become disabled or enabled only when you use one of
4456 the commands above. (The command @code{until} can set and delete a
4457 breakpoint of its own, but it does not change the state of your other
4458 breakpoints; see @ref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and
4459 Stepping}.)
4460
4461 @node Conditions
4462 @subsection Break Conditions
4463 @cindex conditional breakpoints
4464 @cindex breakpoint conditions
4465
4466 @c FIXME what is scope of break condition expr? Context where wanted?
4467 @c in particular for a watchpoint?
4468 The simplest sort of breakpoint breaks every time your program reaches a
4469 specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for a
4470 breakpoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
4471 programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A breakpoint with
4472 a condition evaluates the expression each time your program reaches it,
4473 and your program stops only if the condition is @emph{true}.
4474
4475 This is the converse of using assertions for program validation; in that
4476 situation, you want to stop when the assertion is violated---that is,
4477 when the condition is false. In C, if you want to test an assertion expressed
4478 by the condition @var{assert}, you should set the condition
4479 @samp{! @var{assert}} on the appropriate breakpoint.
4480
4481 Conditions are also accepted for watchpoints; you may not need them,
4482 since a watchpoint is inspecting the value of an expression anyhow---but
4483 it might be simpler, say, to just set a watchpoint on a variable name,
4484 and specify a condition that tests whether the new value is an interesting
4485 one.
4486
4487 Break conditions can have side effects, and may even call functions in
4488 your program. This can be useful, for example, to activate functions
4489 that log program progress, or to use your own print functions to
4490 format special data structures. The effects are completely predictable
4491 unless there is another enabled breakpoint at the same address. (In
4492 that case, @value{GDBN} might see the other breakpoint first and stop your
4493 program without checking the condition of this one.) Note that
4494 breakpoint commands are usually more convenient and flexible than break
4495 conditions for the
4496 purpose of performing side effects when a breakpoint is reached
4497 (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}).
4498
4499 Breakpoint conditions can also be evaluated on the target's side if
4500 the target supports it. Instead of evaluating the conditions locally,
4501 @value{GDBN} encodes the expression into an agent expression
4502 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}) suitable for execution on the target,
4503 independently of @value{GDBN}. Global variables become raw memory
4504 locations, locals become stack accesses, and so forth.
4505
4506 In this case, @value{GDBN} will only be notified of a breakpoint trigger
4507 when its condition evaluates to true. This mechanism may provide faster
4508 response times depending on the performance characteristics of the target
4509 since it does not need to keep @value{GDBN} informed about
4510 every breakpoint trigger, even those with false conditions.
4511
4512 Break conditions can be specified when a breakpoint is set, by using
4513 @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{break} command. @xref{Set
4514 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}. They can also be changed at any time
4515 with the @code{condition} command.
4516
4517 You can also use the @code{if} keyword with the @code{watch} command.
4518 The @code{catch} command does not recognize the @code{if} keyword;
4519 @code{condition} is the only way to impose a further condition on a
4520 catchpoint.
4521
4522 @table @code
4523 @kindex condition
4524 @item condition @var{bnum} @var{expression}
4525 Specify @var{expression} as the break condition for breakpoint,
4526 watchpoint, or catchpoint number @var{bnum}. After you set a condition,
4527 breakpoint @var{bnum} stops your program only if the value of
4528 @var{expression} is true (nonzero, in C). When you use
4529 @code{condition}, @value{GDBN} checks @var{expression} immediately for
4530 syntactic correctness, and to determine whether symbols in it have
4531 referents in the context of your breakpoint. If @var{expression} uses
4532 symbols not referenced in the context of the breakpoint, @value{GDBN}
4533 prints an error message:
4534
4535 @smallexample
4536 No symbol "foo" in current context.
4537 @end smallexample
4538
4539 @noindent
4540 @value{GDBN} does
4541 not actually evaluate @var{expression} at the time the @code{condition}
4542 command (or a command that sets a breakpoint with a condition, like
4543 @code{break if @dots{}}) is given, however. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
4544
4545 @item condition @var{bnum}
4546 Remove the condition from breakpoint number @var{bnum}. It becomes
4547 an ordinary unconditional breakpoint.
4548 @end table
4549
4550 @cindex ignore count (of breakpoint)
4551 A special case of a breakpoint condition is to stop only when the
4552 breakpoint has been reached a certain number of times. This is so
4553 useful that there is a special way to do it, using the @dfn{ignore
4554 count} of the breakpoint. Every breakpoint has an ignore count, which
4555 is an integer. Most of the time, the ignore count is zero, and
4556 therefore has no effect. But if your program reaches a breakpoint whose
4557 ignore count is positive, then instead of stopping, it just decrements
4558 the ignore count by one and continues. As a result, if the ignore count
4559 value is @var{n}, the breakpoint does not stop the next @var{n} times
4560 your program reaches it.
4561
4562 @table @code
4563 @kindex ignore
4564 @item ignore @var{bnum} @var{count}
4565 Set the ignore count of breakpoint number @var{bnum} to @var{count}.
4566 The next @var{count} times the breakpoint is reached, your program's
4567 execution does not stop; other than to decrement the ignore count, @value{GDBN}
4568 takes no action.
4569
4570 To make the breakpoint stop the next time it is reached, specify
4571 a count of zero.
4572
4573 When you use @code{continue} to resume execution of your program from a
4574 breakpoint, you can specify an ignore count directly as an argument to
4575 @code{continue}, rather than using @code{ignore}. @xref{Continuing and
4576 Stepping,,Continuing and Stepping}.
4577
4578 If a breakpoint has a positive ignore count and a condition, the
4579 condition is not checked. Once the ignore count reaches zero,
4580 @value{GDBN} resumes checking the condition.
4581
4582 You could achieve the effect of the ignore count with a condition such
4583 as @w{@samp{$foo-- <= 0}} using a debugger convenience variable that
4584 is decremented each time. @xref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
4585 Variables}.
4586 @end table
4587
4588 Ignore counts apply to breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints.
4589
4590
4591 @node Break Commands
4592 @subsection Breakpoint Command Lists
4593
4594 @cindex breakpoint commands
4595 You can give any breakpoint (or watchpoint or catchpoint) a series of
4596 commands to execute when your program stops due to that breakpoint. For
4597 example, you might want to print the values of certain expressions, or
4598 enable other breakpoints.
4599
4600 @table @code
4601 @kindex commands
4602 @kindex end@r{ (breakpoint commands)}
4603 @item commands @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4604 @itemx @dots{} @var{command-list} @dots{}
4605 @itemx end
4606 Specify a list of commands for the given breakpoints. The commands
4607 themselves appear on the following lines. Type a line containing just
4608 @code{end} to terminate the commands.
4609
4610 To remove all commands from a breakpoint, type @code{commands} and
4611 follow it immediately with @code{end}; that is, give no commands.
4612
4613 With no argument, @code{commands} refers to the last breakpoint,
4614 watchpoint, or catchpoint set (not to the breakpoint most recently
4615 encountered). If the most recent breakpoints were set with a single
4616 command, then the @code{commands} will apply to all the breakpoints
4617 set by that command. This applies to breakpoints set by
4618 @code{rbreak}, and also applies when a single @code{break} command
4619 creates multiple breakpoints (@pxref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous
4620 Expressions}).
4621 @end table
4622
4623 Pressing @key{RET} as a means of repeating the last @value{GDBN} command is
4624 disabled within a @var{command-list}.
4625
4626 You can use breakpoint commands to start your program up again. Simply
4627 use the @code{continue} command, or @code{step}, or any other command
4628 that resumes execution.
4629
4630 Any other commands in the command list, after a command that resumes
4631 execution, are ignored. This is because any time you resume execution
4632 (even with a simple @code{next} or @code{step}), you may encounter
4633 another breakpoint---which could have its own command list, leading to
4634 ambiguities about which list to execute.
4635
4636 @kindex silent
4637 If the first command you specify in a command list is @code{silent}, the
4638 usual message about stopping at a breakpoint is not printed. This may
4639 be desirable for breakpoints that are to print a specific message and
4640 then continue. If none of the remaining commands print anything, you
4641 see no sign that the breakpoint was reached. @code{silent} is
4642 meaningful only at the beginning of a breakpoint command list.
4643
4644 The commands @code{echo}, @code{output}, and @code{printf} allow you to
4645 print precisely controlled output, and are often useful in silent
4646 breakpoints. @xref{Output, ,Commands for Controlled Output}.
4647
4648 For example, here is how you could use breakpoint commands to print the
4649 value of @code{x} at entry to @code{foo} whenever @code{x} is positive.
4650
4651 @smallexample
4652 break foo if x>0
4653 commands
4654 silent
4655 printf "x is %d\n",x
4656 cont
4657 end
4658 @end smallexample
4659
4660 One application for breakpoint commands is to compensate for one bug so
4661 you can test for another. Put a breakpoint just after the erroneous line
4662 of code, give it a condition to detect the case in which something
4663 erroneous has been done, and give it commands to assign correct values
4664 to any variables that need them. End with the @code{continue} command
4665 so that your program does not stop, and start with the @code{silent}
4666 command so that no output is produced. Here is an example:
4667
4668 @smallexample
4669 break 403
4670 commands
4671 silent
4672 set x = y + 4
4673 cont
4674 end
4675 @end smallexample
4676
4677 @node Dynamic Printf
4678 @subsection Dynamic Printf
4679
4680 @cindex dynamic printf
4681 @cindex dprintf
4682 The dynamic printf command @code{dprintf} combines a breakpoint with
4683 formatted printing of your program's data to give you the effect of
4684 inserting @code{printf} calls into your program on-the-fly, without
4685 having to recompile it.
4686
4687 In its most basic form, the output goes to the GDB console. However,
4688 you can set the variable @code{dprintf-style} for alternate handling.
4689 For instance, you can ask to format the output by calling your
4690 program's @code{printf} function. This has the advantage that the
4691 characters go to the program's output device, so they can recorded in
4692 redirects to files and so forth.
4693
4694 If you are doing remote debugging with a stub or agent, you can also
4695 ask to have the printf handled by the remote agent. In addition to
4696 ensuring that the output goes to the remote program's device along
4697 with any other output the program might produce, you can also ask that
4698 the dprintf remain active even after disconnecting from the remote
4699 target. Using the stub/agent is also more efficient, as it can do
4700 everything without needing to communicate with @value{GDBN}.
4701
4702 @table @code
4703 @kindex dprintf
4704 @item dprintf @var{location},@var{template},@var{expression}[,@var{expression}@dots{}]
4705 Whenever execution reaches @var{location}, print the values of one or
4706 more @var{expressions} under the control of the string @var{template}.
4707 To print several values, separate them with commas.
4708
4709 @item set dprintf-style @var{style}
4710 Set the dprintf output to be handled in one of several different
4711 styles enumerated below. A change of style affects all existing
4712 dynamic printfs immediately. (If you need individual control over the
4713 print commands, simply define normal breakpoints with
4714 explicitly-supplied command lists.)
4715
4716 @item gdb
4717 @kindex dprintf-style gdb
4718 Handle the output using the @value{GDBN} @code{printf} command.
4719
4720 @item call
4721 @kindex dprintf-style call
4722 Handle the output by calling a function in your program (normally
4723 @code{printf}).
4724
4725 @item agent
4726 @kindex dprintf-style agent
4727 Have the remote debugging agent (such as @code{gdbserver}) handle
4728 the output itself. This style is only available for agents that
4729 support running commands on the target.
4730
4731 @item set dprintf-function @var{function}
4732 Set the function to call if the dprintf style is @code{call}. By
4733 default its value is @code{printf}. You may set it to any expression.
4734 that @value{GDBN} can evaluate to a function, as per the @code{call}
4735 command.
4736
4737 @item set dprintf-channel @var{channel}
4738 Set a ``channel'' for dprintf. If set to a non-empty value,
4739 @value{GDBN} will evaluate it as an expression and pass the result as
4740 a first argument to the @code{dprintf-function}, in the manner of
4741 @code{fprintf} and similar functions. Otherwise, the dprintf format
4742 string will be the first argument, in the manner of @code{printf}.
4743
4744 As an example, if you wanted @code{dprintf} output to go to a logfile
4745 that is a standard I/O stream assigned to the variable @code{mylog},
4746 you could do the following:
4747
4748 @example
4749 (gdb) set dprintf-style call
4750 (gdb) set dprintf-function fprintf
4751 (gdb) set dprintf-channel mylog
4752 (gdb) dprintf 25,"at line 25, glob=%d\n",glob
4753 Dprintf 1 at 0x123456: file main.c, line 25.
4754 (gdb) info break
4755 1 dprintf keep y 0x00123456 in main at main.c:25
4756 call (void) fprintf (mylog,"at line 25, glob=%d\n",glob)
4757 continue
4758 (gdb)
4759 @end example
4760
4761 Note that the @code{info break} displays the dynamic printf commands
4762 as normal breakpoint commands; you can thus easily see the effect of
4763 the variable settings.
4764
4765 @item set disconnected-dprintf on
4766 @itemx set disconnected-dprintf off
4767 @kindex set disconnected-dprintf
4768 Choose whether @code{dprintf} commands should continue to run if
4769 @value{GDBN} has disconnected from the target. This only applies
4770 if the @code{dprintf-style} is @code{agent}.
4771
4772 @item show disconnected-dprintf off
4773 @kindex show disconnected-dprintf
4774 Show the current choice for disconnected @code{dprintf}.
4775
4776 @end table
4777
4778 @value{GDBN} does not check the validity of function and channel,
4779 relying on you to supply values that are meaningful for the contexts
4780 in which they are being used. For instance, the function and channel
4781 may be the values of local variables, but if that is the case, then
4782 all enabled dynamic prints must be at locations within the scope of
4783 those locals. If evaluation fails, @value{GDBN} will report an error.
4784
4785 @node Save Breakpoints
4786 @subsection How to save breakpoints to a file
4787
4788 To save breakpoint definitions to a file use the @w{@code{save
4789 breakpoints}} command.
4790
4791 @table @code
4792 @kindex save breakpoints
4793 @cindex save breakpoints to a file for future sessions
4794 @item save breakpoints [@var{filename}]
4795 This command saves all current breakpoint definitions together with
4796 their commands and ignore counts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
4797 suitable for use in a later debugging session. This includes all
4798 types of breakpoints (breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints,
4799 tracepoints). To read the saved breakpoint definitions, use the
4800 @code{source} command (@pxref{Command Files}). Note that watchpoints
4801 with expressions involving local variables may fail to be recreated
4802 because it may not be possible to access the context where the
4803 watchpoint is valid anymore. Because the saved breakpoint definitions
4804 are simply a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands that recreate the
4805 breakpoints, you can edit the file in your favorite editing program,
4806 and remove the breakpoint definitions you're not interested in, or
4807 that can no longer be recreated.
4808 @end table
4809
4810 @node Static Probe Points
4811 @subsection Static Probe Points
4812
4813 @cindex static probe point, SystemTap
4814 @value{GDBN} supports @dfn{SDT} probes in the code. @acronym{SDT} stands
4815 for Statically Defined Tracing, and the probes are designed to have a tiny
4816 runtime code and data footprint, and no dynamic relocations. They are
4817 usable from assembly, C and C@t{++} languages. See
4818 @uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/wiki/UserSpaceProbeImplementation}
4819 for a good reference on how the @acronym{SDT} probes are implemented.
4820
4821 Currently, @code{SystemTap} (@uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/})
4822 @acronym{SDT} probes are supported on ELF-compatible systems. See
4823 @uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/wiki/AddingUserSpaceProbingToApps}
4824 for more information on how to add @code{SystemTap} @acronym{SDT} probes
4825 in your applications.
4826
4827 @cindex semaphores on static probe points
4828 Some probes have an associated semaphore variable; for instance, this
4829 happens automatically if you defined your probe using a DTrace-style
4830 @file{.d} file. If your probe has a semaphore, @value{GDBN} will
4831 automatically enable it when you specify a breakpoint using the
4832 @samp{-probe-stap} notation. But, if you put a breakpoint at a probe's
4833 location by some other method (e.g., @code{break file:line}), then
4834 @value{GDBN} will not automatically set the semaphore.
4835
4836 You can examine the available static static probes using @code{info
4837 probes}, with optional arguments:
4838
4839 @table @code
4840 @kindex info probes
4841 @item info probes stap @r{[}@var{provider} @r{[}@var{name} @r{[}@var{objfile}@r{]}@r{]}@r{]}
4842 If given, @var{provider} is a regular expression used to match against provider
4843 names when selecting which probes to list. If omitted, probes by all
4844 probes from all providers are listed.
4845
4846 If given, @var{name} is a regular expression to match against probe names
4847 when selecting which probes to list. If omitted, probe names are not
4848 considered when deciding whether to display them.
4849
4850 If given, @var{objfile} is a regular expression used to select which
4851 object files (executable or shared libraries) to examine. If not
4852 given, all object files are considered.
4853
4854 @item info probes all
4855 List the available static probes, from all types.
4856 @end table
4857
4858 @vindex $_probe_arg@r{, convenience variable}
4859 A probe may specify up to twelve arguments. These are available at the
4860 point at which the probe is defined---that is, when the current PC is
4861 at the probe's location. The arguments are available using the
4862 convenience variables (@pxref{Convenience Vars})
4863 @code{$_probe_arg0}@dots{}@code{$_probe_arg11}. Each probe argument is
4864 an integer of the appropriate size; types are not preserved. The
4865 convenience variable @code{$_probe_argc} holds the number of arguments
4866 at the current probe point.
4867
4868 These variables are always available, but attempts to access them at
4869 any location other than a probe point will cause @value{GDBN} to give
4870 an error message.
4871
4872
4873 @c @ifclear BARETARGET
4874 @node Error in Breakpoints
4875 @subsection ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
4876
4877 If you request too many active hardware-assisted breakpoints and
4878 watchpoints, you will see this error message:
4879
4880 @c FIXME: the precise wording of this message may change; the relevant
4881 @c source change is not committed yet (Sep 3, 1999).
4882 @smallexample
4883 Stopped; cannot insert breakpoints.
4884 You may have requested too many hardware breakpoints and watchpoints.
4885 @end smallexample
4886
4887 @noindent
4888 This message is printed when you attempt to resume the program, since
4889 only then @value{GDBN} knows exactly how many hardware breakpoints and
4890 watchpoints it needs to insert.
4891
4892 When this message is printed, you need to disable or remove some of the
4893 hardware-assisted breakpoints and watchpoints, and then continue.
4894
4895 @node Breakpoint-related Warnings
4896 @subsection ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
4897 @cindex breakpoint address adjusted
4898
4899 Some processor architectures place constraints on the addresses at
4900 which breakpoints may be placed. For architectures thus constrained,
4901 @value{GDBN} will attempt to adjust the breakpoint's address to comply
4902 with the constraints dictated by the architecture.
4903
4904 One example of such an architecture is the Fujitsu FR-V. The FR-V is
4905 a VLIW architecture in which a number of RISC-like instructions may be
4906 bundled together for parallel execution. The FR-V architecture
4907 constrains the location of a breakpoint instruction within such a
4908 bundle to the instruction with the lowest address. @value{GDBN}
4909 honors this constraint by adjusting a breakpoint's address to the
4910 first in the bundle.
4911
4912 It is not uncommon for optimized code to have bundles which contain
4913 instructions from different source statements, thus it may happen that
4914 a breakpoint's address will be adjusted from one source statement to
4915 another. Since this adjustment may significantly alter @value{GDBN}'s
4916 breakpoint related behavior from what the user expects, a warning is
4917 printed when the breakpoint is first set and also when the breakpoint
4918 is hit.
4919
4920 A warning like the one below is printed when setting a breakpoint
4921 that's been subject to address adjustment:
4922
4923 @smallexample
4924 warning: Breakpoint address adjusted from 0x00010414 to 0x00010410.
4925 @end smallexample
4926
4927 Such warnings are printed both for user settable and @value{GDBN}'s
4928 internal breakpoints. If you see one of these warnings, you should
4929 verify that a breakpoint set at the adjusted address will have the
4930 desired affect. If not, the breakpoint in question may be removed and
4931 other breakpoints may be set which will have the desired behavior.
4932 E.g., it may be sufficient to place the breakpoint at a later
4933 instruction. A conditional breakpoint may also be useful in some
4934 cases to prevent the breakpoint from triggering too often.
4935
4936 @value{GDBN} will also issue a warning when stopping at one of these
4937 adjusted breakpoints:
4938
4939 @smallexample
4940 warning: Breakpoint 1 address previously adjusted from 0x00010414
4941 to 0x00010410.
4942 @end smallexample
4943
4944 When this warning is encountered, it may be too late to take remedial
4945 action except in cases where the breakpoint is hit earlier or more
4946 frequently than expected.
4947
4948 @node Continuing and Stepping
4949 @section Continuing and Stepping
4950
4951 @cindex stepping
4952 @cindex continuing
4953 @cindex resuming execution
4954 @dfn{Continuing} means resuming program execution until your program
4955 completes normally. In contrast, @dfn{stepping} means executing just
4956 one more ``step'' of your program, where ``step'' may mean either one
4957 line of source code, or one machine instruction (depending on what
4958 particular command you use). Either when continuing or when stepping,
4959 your program may stop even sooner, due to a breakpoint or a signal. (If
4960 it stops due to a signal, you may want to use @code{handle}, or use
4961 @samp{signal 0} to resume execution. @xref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
4962
4963 @table @code
4964 @kindex continue
4965 @kindex c @r{(@code{continue})}
4966 @kindex fg @r{(resume foreground execution)}
4967 @item continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4968 @itemx c @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4969 @itemx fg @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4970 Resume program execution, at the address where your program last stopped;
4971 any breakpoints set at that address are bypassed. The optional argument
4972 @var{ignore-count} allows you to specify a further number of times to
4973 ignore a breakpoint at this location; its effect is like that of
4974 @code{ignore} (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
4975
4976 The argument @var{ignore-count} is meaningful only when your program
4977 stopped due to a breakpoint. At other times, the argument to
4978 @code{continue} is ignored.
4979
4980 The synonyms @code{c} and @code{fg} (for @dfn{foreground}, as the
4981 debugged program is deemed to be the foreground program) are provided
4982 purely for convenience, and have exactly the same behavior as
4983 @code{continue}.
4984 @end table
4985
4986 To resume execution at a different place, you can use @code{return}
4987 (@pxref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}) to go back to the
4988 calling function; or @code{jump} (@pxref{Jumping, ,Continuing at a
4989 Different Address}) to go to an arbitrary location in your program.
4990
4991 A typical technique for using stepping is to set a breakpoint
4992 (@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints; Watchpoints; and Catchpoints}) at the
4993 beginning of the function or the section of your program where a problem
4994 is believed to lie, run your program until it stops at that breakpoint,
4995 and then step through the suspect area, examining the variables that are
4996 interesting, until you see the problem happen.
4997
4998 @table @code
4999 @kindex step
5000 @kindex s @r{(@code{step})}
5001 @item step
5002 Continue running your program until control reaches a different source
5003 line, then stop it and return control to @value{GDBN}. This command is
5004 abbreviated @code{s}.
5005
5006 @quotation
5007 @c "without debugging information" is imprecise; actually "without line
5008 @c numbers in the debugging information". (gcc -g1 has debugging info but
5009 @c not line numbers). But it seems complex to try to make that
5010 @c distinction here.
5011 @emph{Warning:} If you use the @code{step} command while control is
5012 within a function that was compiled without debugging information,
5013 execution proceeds until control reaches a function that does have
5014 debugging information. Likewise, it will not step into a function which
5015 is compiled without debugging information. To step through functions
5016 without debugging information, use the @code{stepi} command, described
5017 below.
5018 @end quotation
5019
5020 The @code{step} command only stops at the first instruction of a source
5021 line. This prevents the multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
5022 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc. @code{step} continues
5023 to stop if a function that has debugging information is called within
5024 the line. In other words, @code{step} @emph{steps inside} any functions
5025 called within the line.
5026
5027 Also, the @code{step} command only enters a function if there is line
5028 number information for the function. Otherwise it acts like the
5029 @code{next} command. This avoids problems when using @code{cc -gl}
5030 on @acronym{MIPS} machines. Previously, @code{step} entered subroutines if there
5031 was any debugging information about the routine.
5032
5033 @item step @var{count}
5034 Continue running as in @code{step}, but do so @var{count} times. If a
5035 breakpoint is reached, or a signal not related to stepping occurs before
5036 @var{count} steps, stepping stops right away.
5037
5038 @kindex next
5039 @kindex n @r{(@code{next})}
5040 @item next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5041 Continue to the next source line in the current (innermost) stack frame.
5042 This is similar to @code{step}, but function calls that appear within
5043 the line of code are executed without stopping. Execution stops when
5044 control reaches a different line of code at the original stack level
5045 that was executing when you gave the @code{next} command. This command
5046 is abbreviated @code{n}.
5047
5048 An argument @var{count} is a repeat count, as for @code{step}.
5049
5050
5051 @c FIX ME!! Do we delete this, or is there a way it fits in with
5052 @c the following paragraph? --- Vctoria
5053 @c
5054 @c @code{next} within a function that lacks debugging information acts like
5055 @c @code{step}, but any function calls appearing within the code of the
5056 @c function are executed without stopping.
5057
5058 The @code{next} command only stops at the first instruction of a
5059 source line. This prevents multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
5060 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc.
5061
5062 @kindex set step-mode
5063 @item set step-mode
5064 @cindex functions without line info, and stepping
5065 @cindex stepping into functions with no line info
5066 @itemx set step-mode on
5067 The @code{set step-mode on} command causes the @code{step} command to
5068 stop at the first instruction of a function which contains no debug line
5069 information rather than stepping over it.
5070
5071 This is useful in cases where you may be interested in inspecting the
5072 machine instructions of a function which has no symbolic info and do not
5073 want @value{GDBN} to automatically skip over this function.
5074
5075 @item set step-mode off
5076 Causes the @code{step} command to step over any functions which contains no
5077 debug information. This is the default.
5078
5079 @item show step-mode
5080 Show whether @value{GDBN} will stop in or step over functions without
5081 source line debug information.
5082
5083 @kindex finish
5084 @kindex fin @r{(@code{finish})}
5085 @item finish
5086 Continue running until just after function in the selected stack frame
5087 returns. Print the returned value (if any). This command can be
5088 abbreviated as @code{fin}.
5089
5090 Contrast this with the @code{return} command (@pxref{Returning,
5091 ,Returning from a Function}).
5092
5093 @kindex until
5094 @kindex u @r{(@code{until})}
5095 @cindex run until specified location
5096 @item until
5097 @itemx u
5098 Continue running until a source line past the current line, in the
5099 current stack frame, is reached. This command is used to avoid single
5100 stepping through a loop more than once. It is like the @code{next}
5101 command, except that when @code{until} encounters a jump, it
5102 automatically continues execution until the program counter is greater
5103 than the address of the jump.
5104
5105 This means that when you reach the end of a loop after single stepping
5106 though it, @code{until} makes your program continue execution until it
5107 exits the loop. In contrast, a @code{next} command at the end of a loop
5108 simply steps back to the beginning of the loop, which forces you to step
5109 through the next iteration.
5110
5111 @code{until} always stops your program if it attempts to exit the current
5112 stack frame.
5113
5114 @code{until} may produce somewhat counterintuitive results if the order
5115 of machine code does not match the order of the source lines. For
5116 example, in the following excerpt from a debugging session, the @code{f}
5117 (@code{frame}) command shows that execution is stopped at line
5118 @code{206}; yet when we use @code{until}, we get to line @code{195}:
5119
5120 @smallexample
5121 (@value{GDBP}) f
5122 #0 main (argc=4, argv=0xf7fffae8) at m4.c:206
5123 206 expand_input();
5124 (@value{GDBP}) until
5125 195 for ( ; argc > 0; NEXTARG) @{
5126 @end smallexample
5127
5128 This happened because, for execution efficiency, the compiler had
5129 generated code for the loop closure test at the end, rather than the
5130 start, of the loop---even though the test in a C @code{for}-loop is
5131 written before the body of the loop. The @code{until} command appeared
5132 to step back to the beginning of the loop when it advanced to this
5133 expression; however, it has not really gone to an earlier
5134 statement---not in terms of the actual machine code.
5135
5136 @code{until} with no argument works by means of single
5137 instruction stepping, and hence is slower than @code{until} with an
5138 argument.
5139
5140 @item until @var{location}
5141 @itemx u @var{location}
5142 Continue running your program until either the specified location is
5143 reached, or the current stack frame returns. @var{location} is any of
5144 the forms described in @ref{Specify Location}.
5145 This form of the command uses temporary breakpoints, and
5146 hence is quicker than @code{until} without an argument. The specified
5147 location is actually reached only if it is in the current frame. This
5148 implies that @code{until} can be used to skip over recursive function
5149 invocations. For instance in the code below, if the current location is
5150 line @code{96}, issuing @code{until 99} will execute the program up to
5151 line @code{99} in the same invocation of factorial, i.e., after the inner
5152 invocations have returned.
5153
5154 @smallexample
5155 94 int factorial (int value)
5156 95 @{
5157 96 if (value > 1) @{
5158 97 value *= factorial (value - 1);
5159 98 @}
5160 99 return (value);
5161 100 @}
5162 @end smallexample
5163
5164
5165 @kindex advance @var{location}
5166 @item advance @var{location}
5167 Continue running the program up to the given @var{location}. An argument is
5168 required, which should be of one of the forms described in
5169 @ref{Specify Location}.
5170 Execution will also stop upon exit from the current stack
5171 frame. This command is similar to @code{until}, but @code{advance} will
5172 not skip over recursive function calls, and the target location doesn't
5173 have to be in the same frame as the current one.
5174
5175
5176 @kindex stepi
5177 @kindex si @r{(@code{stepi})}
5178 @item stepi
5179 @itemx stepi @var{arg}
5180 @itemx si
5181 Execute one machine instruction, then stop and return to the debugger.
5182
5183 It is often useful to do @samp{display/i $pc} when stepping by machine
5184 instructions. This makes @value{GDBN} automatically display the next
5185 instruction to be executed, each time your program stops. @xref{Auto
5186 Display,, Automatic Display}.
5187
5188 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{step}.
5189
5190 @need 750
5191 @kindex nexti
5192 @kindex ni @r{(@code{nexti})}
5193 @item nexti
5194 @itemx nexti @var{arg}
5195 @itemx ni
5196 Execute one machine instruction, but if it is a function call,
5197 proceed until the function returns.
5198
5199 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{next}.
5200 @end table
5201
5202 @node Skipping Over Functions and Files
5203 @section Skipping Over Functions and Files
5204 @cindex skipping over functions and files
5205
5206 The program you are debugging may contain some functions which are
5207 uninteresting to debug. The @code{skip} comand lets you tell @value{GDBN} to
5208 skip a function or all functions in a file when stepping.
5209
5210 For example, consider the following C function:
5211
5212 @smallexample
5213 101 int func()
5214 102 @{
5215 103 foo(boring());
5216 104 bar(boring());
5217 105 @}
5218 @end smallexample
5219
5220 @noindent
5221 Suppose you wish to step into the functions @code{foo} and @code{bar}, but you
5222 are not interested in stepping through @code{boring}. If you run @code{step}
5223 at line 103, you'll enter @code{boring()}, but if you run @code{next}, you'll
5224 step over both @code{foo} and @code{boring}!
5225
5226 One solution is to @code{step} into @code{boring} and use the @code{finish}
5227 command to immediately exit it. But this can become tedious if @code{boring}
5228 is called from many places.
5229
5230 A more flexible solution is to execute @kbd{skip boring}. This instructs
5231 @value{GDBN} never to step into @code{boring}. Now when you execute
5232 @code{step} at line 103, you'll step over @code{boring} and directly into
5233 @code{foo}.
5234
5235 You can also instruct @value{GDBN} to skip all functions in a file, with, for
5236 example, @code{skip file boring.c}.
5237
5238 @table @code
5239 @kindex skip function
5240 @item skip @r{[}@var{linespec}@r{]}
5241 @itemx skip function @r{[}@var{linespec}@r{]}
5242 After running this command, the function named by @var{linespec} or the
5243 function containing the line named by @var{linespec} will be skipped over when
5244 stepping. @xref{Specify Location}.
5245
5246 If you do not specify @var{linespec}, the function you're currently debugging
5247 will be skipped.
5248
5249 (If you have a function called @code{file} that you want to skip, use
5250 @kbd{skip function file}.)
5251
5252 @kindex skip file
5253 @item skip file @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
5254 After running this command, any function whose source lives in @var{filename}
5255 will be skipped over when stepping.
5256
5257 If you do not specify @var{filename}, functions whose source lives in the file
5258 you're currently debugging will be skipped.
5259 @end table
5260
5261 Skips can be listed, deleted, disabled, and enabled, much like breakpoints.
5262 These are the commands for managing your list of skips:
5263
5264 @table @code
5265 @kindex info skip
5266 @item info skip @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5267 Print details about the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified,
5268 print a table with details about all functions and files marked for skipping.
5269 @code{info skip} prints the following information about each skip:
5270
5271 @table @emph
5272 @item Identifier
5273 A number identifying this skip.
5274 @item Type
5275 The type of this skip, either @samp{function} or @samp{file}.
5276 @item Enabled or Disabled
5277 Enabled skips are marked with @samp{y}. Disabled skips are marked with @samp{n}.
5278 @item Address
5279 For function skips, this column indicates the address in memory of the function
5280 being skipped. If you've set a function skip on a function which has not yet
5281 been loaded, this field will contain @samp{<PENDING>}. Once a shared library
5282 which has the function is loaded, @code{info skip} will show the function's
5283 address here.
5284 @item What
5285 For file skips, this field contains the filename being skipped. For functions
5286 skips, this field contains the function name and its line number in the file
5287 where it is defined.
5288 @end table
5289
5290 @kindex skip delete
5291 @item skip delete @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5292 Delete the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, delete all
5293 skips.
5294
5295 @kindex skip enable
5296 @item skip enable @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5297 Enable the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, enable all
5298 skips.
5299
5300 @kindex skip disable
5301 @item skip disable @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5302 Disable the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, disable all
5303 skips.
5304
5305 @end table
5306
5307 @node Signals
5308 @section Signals
5309 @cindex signals
5310
5311 A signal is an asynchronous event that can happen in a program. The
5312 operating system defines the possible kinds of signals, and gives each
5313 kind a name and a number. For example, in Unix @code{SIGINT} is the
5314 signal a program gets when you type an interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c});
5315 @code{SIGSEGV} is the signal a program gets from referencing a place in
5316 memory far away from all the areas in use; @code{SIGALRM} occurs when
5317 the alarm clock timer goes off (which happens only if your program has
5318 requested an alarm).
5319
5320 @cindex fatal signals
5321 Some signals, including @code{SIGALRM}, are a normal part of the
5322 functioning of your program. Others, such as @code{SIGSEGV}, indicate
5323 errors; these signals are @dfn{fatal} (they kill your program immediately) if the
5324 program has not specified in advance some other way to handle the signal.
5325 @code{SIGINT} does not indicate an error in your program, but it is normally
5326 fatal so it can carry out the purpose of the interrupt: to kill the program.
5327
5328 @value{GDBN} has the ability to detect any occurrence of a signal in your
5329 program. You can tell @value{GDBN} in advance what to do for each kind of
5330 signal.
5331
5332 @cindex handling signals
5333 Normally, @value{GDBN} is set up to let the non-erroneous signals like
5334 @code{SIGALRM} be silently passed to your program
5335 (so as not to interfere with their role in the program's functioning)
5336 but to stop your program immediately whenever an error signal happens.
5337 You can change these settings with the @code{handle} command.
5338
5339 @table @code
5340 @kindex info signals
5341 @kindex info handle
5342 @item info signals
5343 @itemx info handle
5344 Print a table of all the kinds of signals and how @value{GDBN} has been told to
5345 handle each one. You can use this to see the signal numbers of all
5346 the defined types of signals.
5347
5348 @item info signals @var{sig}
5349 Similar, but print information only about the specified signal number.
5350
5351 @code{info handle} is an alias for @code{info signals}.
5352
5353 @item catch signal @r{[}@var{signal}@dots{} @r{|} @samp{all}@r{]}
5354 Set a catchpoint for the indicated signals. @xref{Set Catchpoints},
5355 for details about this command.
5356
5357 @kindex handle
5358 @item handle @var{signal} @r{[}@var{keywords}@dots{}@r{]}
5359 Change the way @value{GDBN} handles signal @var{signal}. @var{signal}
5360 can be the number of a signal or its name (with or without the
5361 @samp{SIG} at the beginning); a list of signal numbers of the form
5362 @samp{@var{low}-@var{high}}; or the word @samp{all}, meaning all the
5363 known signals. Optional arguments @var{keywords}, described below,
5364 say what change to make.
5365 @end table
5366
5367 @c @group
5368 The keywords allowed by the @code{handle} command can be abbreviated.
5369 Their full names are:
5370
5371 @table @code
5372 @item nostop
5373 @value{GDBN} should not stop your program when this signal happens. It may
5374 still print a message telling you that the signal has come in.
5375
5376 @item stop
5377 @value{GDBN} should stop your program when this signal happens. This implies
5378 the @code{print} keyword as well.
5379
5380 @item print
5381 @value{GDBN} should print a message when this signal happens.
5382
5383 @item noprint
5384 @value{GDBN} should not mention the occurrence of the signal at all. This
5385 implies the @code{nostop} keyword as well.
5386
5387 @item pass
5388 @itemx noignore
5389 @value{GDBN} should allow your program to see this signal; your program
5390 can handle the signal, or else it may terminate if the signal is fatal
5391 and not handled. @code{pass} and @code{noignore} are synonyms.
5392
5393 @item nopass
5394 @itemx ignore
5395 @value{GDBN} should not allow your program to see this signal.
5396 @code{nopass} and @code{ignore} are synonyms.
5397 @end table
5398 @c @end group
5399
5400 When a signal stops your program, the signal is not visible to the
5401 program until you
5402 continue. Your program sees the signal then, if @code{pass} is in
5403 effect for the signal in question @emph{at that time}. In other words,
5404 after @value{GDBN} reports a signal, you can use the @code{handle}
5405 command with @code{pass} or @code{nopass} to control whether your
5406 program sees that signal when you continue.
5407
5408 The default is set to @code{nostop}, @code{noprint}, @code{pass} for
5409 non-erroneous signals such as @code{SIGALRM}, @code{SIGWINCH} and
5410 @code{SIGCHLD}, and to @code{stop}, @code{print}, @code{pass} for the
5411 erroneous signals.
5412
5413 You can also use the @code{signal} command to prevent your program from
5414 seeing a signal, or cause it to see a signal it normally would not see,
5415 or to give it any signal at any time. For example, if your program stopped
5416 due to some sort of memory reference error, you might store correct
5417 values into the erroneous variables and continue, hoping to see more
5418 execution; but your program would probably terminate immediately as
5419 a result of the fatal signal once it saw the signal. To prevent this,
5420 you can continue with @samp{signal 0}. @xref{Signaling, ,Giving your
5421 Program a Signal}.
5422
5423 @cindex extra signal information
5424 @anchor{extra signal information}
5425
5426 On some targets, @value{GDBN} can inspect extra signal information
5427 associated with the intercepted signal, before it is actually
5428 delivered to the program being debugged. This information is exported
5429 by the convenience variable @code{$_siginfo}, and consists of data
5430 that is passed by the kernel to the signal handler at the time of the
5431 receipt of a signal. The data type of the information itself is
5432 target dependent. You can see the data type using the @code{ptype
5433 $_siginfo} command. On Unix systems, it typically corresponds to the
5434 standard @code{siginfo_t} type, as defined in the @file{signal.h}
5435 system header.
5436
5437 Here's an example, on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, printing the stray
5438 referenced address that raised a segmentation fault.
5439
5440 @smallexample
5441 @group
5442 (@value{GDBP}) continue
5443 Program received signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault.
5444 0x0000000000400766 in main ()
5445 69 *(int *)p = 0;
5446 (@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo
5447 type = struct @{
5448 int si_signo;
5449 int si_errno;
5450 int si_code;
5451 union @{
5452 int _pad[28];
5453 struct @{...@} _kill;
5454 struct @{...@} _timer;
5455 struct @{...@} _rt;
5456 struct @{...@} _sigchld;
5457 struct @{...@} _sigfault;
5458 struct @{...@} _sigpoll;
5459 @} _sifields;
5460 @}
5461 (@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault
5462 type = struct @{
5463 void *si_addr;
5464 @}
5465 (@value{GDBP}) p $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault.si_addr
5466 $1 = (void *) 0x7ffff7ff7000
5467 @end group
5468 @end smallexample
5469
5470 Depending on target support, @code{$_siginfo} may also be writable.
5471
5472 @node Thread Stops
5473 @section Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs
5474
5475 @cindex stopped threads
5476 @cindex threads, stopped
5477
5478 @cindex continuing threads
5479 @cindex threads, continuing
5480
5481 @value{GDBN} supports debugging programs with multiple threads
5482 (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads}). There
5483 are two modes of controlling execution of your program within the
5484 debugger. In the default mode, referred to as @dfn{all-stop mode},
5485 when any thread in your program stops (for example, at a breakpoint
5486 or while being stepped), all other threads in the program are also stopped by
5487 @value{GDBN}. On some targets, @value{GDBN} also supports
5488 @dfn{non-stop mode}, in which other threads can continue to run freely while
5489 you examine the stopped thread in the debugger.
5490
5491 @menu
5492 * All-Stop Mode:: All threads stop when GDB takes control
5493 * Non-Stop Mode:: Other threads continue to execute
5494 * Background Execution:: Running your program asynchronously
5495 * Thread-Specific Breakpoints:: Controlling breakpoints
5496 * Interrupted System Calls:: GDB may interfere with system calls
5497 * Observer Mode:: GDB does not alter program behavior
5498 @end menu
5499
5500 @node All-Stop Mode
5501 @subsection All-Stop Mode
5502
5503 @cindex all-stop mode
5504
5505 In all-stop mode, whenever your program stops under @value{GDBN} for any reason,
5506 @emph{all} threads of execution stop, not just the current thread. This
5507 allows you to examine the overall state of the program, including
5508 switching between threads, without worrying that things may change
5509 underfoot.
5510
5511 Conversely, whenever you restart the program, @emph{all} threads start
5512 executing. @emph{This is true even when single-stepping} with commands
5513 like @code{step} or @code{next}.
5514
5515 In particular, @value{GDBN} cannot single-step all threads in lockstep.
5516 Since thread scheduling is up to your debugging target's operating
5517 system (not controlled by @value{GDBN}), other threads may
5518 execute more than one statement while the current thread completes a
5519 single step. Moreover, in general other threads stop in the middle of a
5520 statement, rather than at a clean statement boundary, when the program
5521 stops.
5522
5523 You might even find your program stopped in another thread after
5524 continuing or even single-stepping. This happens whenever some other
5525 thread runs into a breakpoint, a signal, or an exception before the
5526 first thread completes whatever you requested.
5527
5528 @cindex automatic thread selection
5529 @cindex switching threads automatically
5530 @cindex threads, automatic switching
5531 Whenever @value{GDBN} stops your program, due to a breakpoint or a
5532 signal, it automatically selects the thread where that breakpoint or
5533 signal happened. @value{GDBN} alerts you to the context switch with a
5534 message such as @samp{[Switching to Thread @var{n}]} to identify the
5535 thread.
5536
5537 On some OSes, you can modify @value{GDBN}'s default behavior by
5538 locking the OS scheduler to allow only a single thread to run.
5539
5540 @table @code
5541 @item set scheduler-locking @var{mode}
5542 @cindex scheduler locking mode
5543 @cindex lock scheduler
5544 Set the scheduler locking mode. If it is @code{off}, then there is no
5545 locking and any thread may run at any time. If @code{on}, then only the
5546 current thread may run when the inferior is resumed. The @code{step}
5547 mode optimizes for single-stepping; it prevents other threads
5548 from preempting the current thread while you are stepping, so that
5549 the focus of debugging does not change unexpectedly.
5550 Other threads only rarely (or never) get a chance to run
5551 when you step. They are more likely to run when you @samp{next} over a
5552 function call, and they are completely free to run when you use commands
5553 like @samp{continue}, @samp{until}, or @samp{finish}. However, unless another
5554 thread hits a breakpoint during its timeslice, @value{GDBN} does not change
5555 the current thread away from the thread that you are debugging.
5556
5557 @item show scheduler-locking
5558 Display the current scheduler locking mode.
5559 @end table
5560
5561 @cindex resume threads of multiple processes simultaneously
5562 By default, when you issue one of the execution commands such as
5563 @code{continue}, @code{next} or @code{step}, @value{GDBN} allows only
5564 threads of the current inferior to run. For example, if @value{GDBN}
5565 is attached to two inferiors, each with two threads, the
5566 @code{continue} command resumes only the two threads of the current
5567 inferior. This is useful, for example, when you debug a program that
5568 forks and you want to hold the parent stopped (so that, for instance,
5569 it doesn't run to exit), while you debug the child. In other
5570 situations, you may not be interested in inspecting the current state
5571 of any of the processes @value{GDBN} is attached to, and you may want
5572 to resume them all until some breakpoint is hit. In the latter case,
5573 you can instruct @value{GDBN} to allow all threads of all the
5574 inferiors to run with the @w{@code{set schedule-multiple}} command.
5575
5576 @table @code
5577 @kindex set schedule-multiple
5578 @item set schedule-multiple
5579 Set the mode for allowing threads of multiple processes to be resumed
5580 when an execution command is issued. When @code{on}, all threads of
5581 all processes are allowed to run. When @code{off}, only the threads
5582 of the current process are resumed. The default is @code{off}. The
5583 @code{scheduler-locking} mode takes precedence when set to @code{on},
5584 or while you are stepping and set to @code{step}.
5585
5586 @item show schedule-multiple
5587 Display the current mode for resuming the execution of threads of
5588 multiple processes.
5589 @end table
5590
5591 @node Non-Stop Mode
5592 @subsection Non-Stop Mode
5593
5594 @cindex non-stop mode
5595
5596 @c This section is really only a place-holder, and needs to be expanded
5597 @c with more details.
5598
5599 For some multi-threaded targets, @value{GDBN} supports an optional
5600 mode of operation in which you can examine stopped program threads in
5601 the debugger while other threads continue to execute freely. This
5602 minimizes intrusion when debugging live systems, such as programs
5603 where some threads have real-time constraints or must continue to
5604 respond to external events. This is referred to as @dfn{non-stop} mode.
5605
5606 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops to report a debugging event,
5607 @emph{only} that thread is stopped; @value{GDBN} does not stop other
5608 threads as well, in contrast to the all-stop mode behavior. Additionally,
5609 execution commands such as @code{continue} and @code{step} apply by default
5610 only to the current thread in non-stop mode, rather than all threads as
5611 in all-stop mode. This allows you to control threads explicitly in
5612 ways that are not possible in all-stop mode --- for example, stepping
5613 one thread while allowing others to run freely, stepping
5614 one thread while holding all others stopped, or stepping several threads
5615 independently and simultaneously.
5616
5617 To enter non-stop mode, use this sequence of commands before you run
5618 or attach to your program:
5619
5620 @smallexample
5621 # Enable the async interface.
5622 set target-async 1
5623
5624 # If using the CLI, pagination breaks non-stop.
5625 set pagination off
5626
5627 # Finally, turn it on!
5628 set non-stop on
5629 @end smallexample
5630
5631 You can use these commands to manipulate the non-stop mode setting:
5632
5633 @table @code
5634 @kindex set non-stop
5635 @item set non-stop on
5636 Enable selection of non-stop mode.
5637 @item set non-stop off
5638 Disable selection of non-stop mode.
5639 @kindex show non-stop
5640 @item show non-stop
5641 Show the current non-stop enablement setting.
5642 @end table
5643
5644 Note these commands only reflect whether non-stop mode is enabled,
5645 not whether the currently-executing program is being run in non-stop mode.
5646 In particular, the @code{set non-stop} preference is only consulted when
5647 @value{GDBN} starts or connects to the target program, and it is generally
5648 not possible to switch modes once debugging has started. Furthermore,
5649 since not all targets support non-stop mode, even when you have enabled
5650 non-stop mode, @value{GDBN} may still fall back to all-stop operation by
5651 default.
5652
5653 In non-stop mode, all execution commands apply only to the current thread
5654 by default. That is, @code{continue} only continues one thread.
5655 To continue all threads, issue @code{continue -a} or @code{c -a}.
5656
5657 You can use @value{GDBN}'s background execution commands
5658 (@pxref{Background Execution}) to run some threads in the background
5659 while you continue to examine or step others from @value{GDBN}.
5660 The MI execution commands (@pxref{GDB/MI Program Execution}) are
5661 always executed asynchronously in non-stop mode.
5662
5663 Suspending execution is done with the @code{interrupt} command when
5664 running in the background, or @kbd{Ctrl-c} during foreground execution.
5665 In all-stop mode, this stops the whole process;
5666 but in non-stop mode the interrupt applies only to the current thread.
5667 To stop the whole program, use @code{interrupt -a}.
5668
5669 Other execution commands do not currently support the @code{-a} option.
5670
5671 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops, @value{GDBN} doesn't automatically make
5672 that thread current, as it does in all-stop mode. This is because the
5673 thread stop notifications are asynchronous with respect to @value{GDBN}'s
5674 command interpreter, and it would be confusing if @value{GDBN} unexpectedly
5675 changed to a different thread just as you entered a command to operate on the
5676 previously current thread.
5677
5678 @node Background Execution
5679 @subsection Background Execution
5680
5681 @cindex foreground execution
5682 @cindex background execution
5683 @cindex asynchronous execution
5684 @cindex execution, foreground, background and asynchronous
5685
5686 @value{GDBN}'s execution commands have two variants: the normal
5687 foreground (synchronous) behavior, and a background
5688 (asynchronous) behavior. In foreground execution, @value{GDBN} waits for
5689 the program to report that some thread has stopped before prompting for
5690 another command. In background execution, @value{GDBN} immediately gives
5691 a command prompt so that you can issue other commands while your program runs.
5692
5693 You need to explicitly enable asynchronous mode before you can use
5694 background execution commands. You can use these commands to
5695 manipulate the asynchronous mode setting:
5696
5697 @table @code
5698 @kindex set target-async
5699 @item set target-async on
5700 Enable asynchronous mode.
5701 @item set target-async off
5702 Disable asynchronous mode.
5703 @kindex show target-async
5704 @item show target-async
5705 Show the current target-async setting.
5706 @end table
5707
5708 If the target doesn't support async mode, @value{GDBN} issues an error
5709 message if you attempt to use the background execution commands.
5710
5711 To specify background execution, add a @code{&} to the command. For example,
5712 the background form of the @code{continue} command is @code{continue&}, or
5713 just @code{c&}. The execution commands that accept background execution
5714 are:
5715
5716 @table @code
5717 @kindex run&
5718 @item run
5719 @xref{Starting, , Starting your Program}.
5720
5721 @item attach
5722 @kindex attach&
5723 @xref{Attach, , Debugging an Already-running Process}.
5724
5725 @item step
5726 @kindex step&
5727 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, step}.
5728
5729 @item stepi
5730 @kindex stepi&
5731 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, stepi}.
5732
5733 @item next
5734 @kindex next&
5735 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, next}.
5736
5737 @item nexti
5738 @kindex nexti&
5739 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, nexti}.
5740
5741 @item continue
5742 @kindex continue&
5743 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, continue}.
5744
5745 @item finish
5746 @kindex finish&
5747 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, finish}.
5748
5749 @item until
5750 @kindex until&
5751 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, until}.
5752
5753 @end table
5754
5755 Background execution is especially useful in conjunction with non-stop
5756 mode for debugging programs with multiple threads; see @ref{Non-Stop Mode}.
5757 However, you can also use these commands in the normal all-stop mode with
5758 the restriction that you cannot issue another execution command until the
5759 previous one finishes. Examples of commands that are valid in all-stop
5760 mode while the program is running include @code{help} and @code{info break}.
5761
5762 You can interrupt your program while it is running in the background by
5763 using the @code{interrupt} command.
5764
5765 @table @code
5766 @kindex interrupt
5767 @item interrupt
5768 @itemx interrupt -a
5769
5770 Suspend execution of the running program. In all-stop mode,
5771 @code{interrupt} stops the whole process, but in non-stop mode, it stops
5772 only the current thread. To stop the whole program in non-stop mode,
5773 use @code{interrupt -a}.
5774 @end table
5775
5776 @node Thread-Specific Breakpoints
5777 @subsection Thread-Specific Breakpoints
5778
5779 When your program has multiple threads (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging
5780 Programs with Multiple Threads}), you can choose whether to set
5781 breakpoints on all threads, or on a particular thread.
5782
5783 @table @code
5784 @cindex breakpoints and threads
5785 @cindex thread breakpoints
5786 @kindex break @dots{} thread @var{threadno}
5787 @item break @var{linespec} thread @var{threadno}
5788 @itemx break @var{linespec} thread @var{threadno} if @dots{}
5789 @var{linespec} specifies source lines; there are several ways of
5790 writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always to
5791 specify some source line.
5792
5793 Use the qualifier @samp{thread @var{threadno}} with a breakpoint command
5794 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
5795 particular thread reaches this breakpoint. @var{threadno} is one of the
5796 numeric thread identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown in the first
5797 column of the @samp{info threads} display.
5798
5799 If you do not specify @samp{thread @var{threadno}} when you set a
5800 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} threads of your
5801 program.
5802
5803 You can use the @code{thread} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
5804 well; in this case, place @samp{thread @var{threadno}} before or
5805 after the breakpoint condition, like this:
5806
5807 @smallexample
5808 (@value{GDBP}) break frik.c:13 thread 28 if bartab > lim
5809 @end smallexample
5810
5811 @end table
5812
5813 @node Interrupted System Calls
5814 @subsection Interrupted System Calls
5815
5816 @cindex thread breakpoints and system calls
5817 @cindex system calls and thread breakpoints
5818 @cindex premature return from system calls
5819 There is an unfortunate side effect when using @value{GDBN} to debug
5820 multi-threaded programs. If one thread stops for a
5821 breakpoint, or for some other reason, and another thread is blocked in a
5822 system call, then the system call may return prematurely. This is a
5823 consequence of the interaction between multiple threads and the signals
5824 that @value{GDBN} uses to implement breakpoints and other events that
5825 stop execution.
5826
5827 To handle this problem, your program should check the return value of
5828 each system call and react appropriately. This is good programming
5829 style anyways.
5830
5831 For example, do not write code like this:
5832
5833 @smallexample
5834 sleep (10);
5835 @end smallexample
5836
5837 The call to @code{sleep} will return early if a different thread stops
5838 at a breakpoint or for some other reason.
5839
5840 Instead, write this:
5841
5842 @smallexample
5843 int unslept = 10;
5844 while (unslept > 0)
5845 unslept = sleep (unslept);
5846 @end smallexample
5847
5848 A system call is allowed to return early, so the system is still
5849 conforming to its specification. But @value{GDBN} does cause your
5850 multi-threaded program to behave differently than it would without
5851 @value{GDBN}.
5852
5853 Also, @value{GDBN} uses internal breakpoints in the thread library to
5854 monitor certain events such as thread creation and thread destruction.
5855 When such an event happens, a system call in another thread may return
5856 prematurely, even though your program does not appear to stop.
5857
5858 @node Observer Mode
5859 @subsection Observer Mode
5860
5861 If you want to build on non-stop mode and observe program behavior
5862 without any chance of disruption by @value{GDBN}, you can set
5863 variables to disable all of the debugger's attempts to modify state,
5864 whether by writing memory, inserting breakpoints, etc. These operate
5865 at a low level, intercepting operations from all commands.
5866
5867 When all of these are set to @code{off}, then @value{GDBN} is said to
5868 be @dfn{observer mode}. As a convenience, the variable
5869 @code{observer} can be set to disable these, plus enable non-stop
5870 mode.
5871
5872 Note that @value{GDBN} will not prevent you from making nonsensical
5873 combinations of these settings. For instance, if you have enabled
5874 @code{may-insert-breakpoints} but disabled @code{may-write-memory},
5875 then breakpoints that work by writing trap instructions into the code
5876 stream will still not be able to be placed.
5877
5878 @table @code
5879
5880 @kindex observer
5881 @item set observer on
5882 @itemx set observer off
5883 When set to @code{on}, this disables all the permission variables
5884 below (except for @code{insert-fast-tracepoints}), plus enables
5885 non-stop debugging. Setting this to @code{off} switches back to
5886 normal debugging, though remaining in non-stop mode.
5887
5888 @item show observer
5889 Show whether observer mode is on or off.
5890
5891 @kindex may-write-registers
5892 @item set may-write-registers on
5893 @itemx set may-write-registers off
5894 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to alter the values of
5895 registers, such as with assignment expressions in @code{print}, or the
5896 @code{jump} command. It defaults to @code{on}.
5897
5898 @item show may-write-registers
5899 Show the current permission to write registers.
5900
5901 @kindex may-write-memory
5902 @item set may-write-memory on
5903 @itemx set may-write-memory off
5904 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to alter the contents
5905 of memory, such as with assignment expressions in @code{print}. It
5906 defaults to @code{on}.
5907
5908 @item show may-write-memory
5909 Show the current permission to write memory.
5910
5911 @kindex may-insert-breakpoints
5912 @item set may-insert-breakpoints on
5913 @itemx set may-insert-breakpoints off
5914 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert breakpoints.
5915 This affects all breakpoints, including internal breakpoints defined
5916 by @value{GDBN}. It defaults to @code{on}.
5917
5918 @item show may-insert-breakpoints
5919 Show the current permission to insert breakpoints.
5920
5921 @kindex may-insert-tracepoints
5922 @item set may-insert-tracepoints on
5923 @itemx set may-insert-tracepoints off
5924 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert (regular)
5925 tracepoints at the beginning of a tracing experiment. It affects only
5926 non-fast tracepoints, fast tracepoints being under the control of
5927 @code{may-insert-fast-tracepoints}. It defaults to @code{on}.
5928
5929 @item show may-insert-tracepoints
5930 Show the current permission to insert tracepoints.
5931
5932 @kindex may-insert-fast-tracepoints
5933 @item set may-insert-fast-tracepoints on
5934 @itemx set may-insert-fast-tracepoints off
5935 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert fast
5936 tracepoints at the beginning of a tracing experiment. It affects only
5937 fast tracepoints, regular (non-fast) tracepoints being under the
5938 control of @code{may-insert-tracepoints}. It defaults to @code{on}.
5939
5940 @item show may-insert-fast-tracepoints
5941 Show the current permission to insert fast tracepoints.
5942
5943 @kindex may-interrupt
5944 @item set may-interrupt on
5945 @itemx set may-interrupt off
5946 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to interrupt or stop
5947 program execution. When this variable is @code{off}, the
5948 @code{interrupt} command will have no effect, nor will
5949 @kbd{Ctrl-c}. It defaults to @code{on}.
5950
5951 @item show may-interrupt
5952 Show the current permission to interrupt or stop the program.
5953
5954 @end table
5955
5956 @node Reverse Execution
5957 @chapter Running programs backward
5958 @cindex reverse execution
5959 @cindex running programs backward
5960
5961 When you are debugging a program, it is not unusual to realize that
5962 you have gone too far, and some event of interest has already happened.
5963 If the target environment supports it, @value{GDBN} can allow you to
5964 ``rewind'' the program by running it backward.
5965
5966 A target environment that supports reverse execution should be able
5967 to ``undo'' the changes in machine state that have taken place as the
5968 program was executing normally. Variables, registers etc.@: should
5969 revert to their previous values. Obviously this requires a great
5970 deal of sophistication on the part of the target environment; not
5971 all target environments can support reverse execution.
5972
5973 When a program is executed in reverse, the instructions that
5974 have most recently been executed are ``un-executed'', in reverse
5975 order. The program counter runs backward, following the previous
5976 thread of execution in reverse. As each instruction is ``un-executed'',
5977 the values of memory and/or registers that were changed by that
5978 instruction are reverted to their previous states. After executing
5979 a piece of source code in reverse, all side effects of that code
5980 should be ``undone'', and all variables should be returned to their
5981 prior values@footnote{
5982 Note that some side effects are easier to undo than others. For instance,
5983 memory and registers are relatively easy, but device I/O is hard. Some
5984 targets may be able undo things like device I/O, and some may not.
5985
5986 The contract between @value{GDBN} and the reverse executing target
5987 requires only that the target do something reasonable when
5988 @value{GDBN} tells it to execute backwards, and then report the
5989 results back to @value{GDBN}. Whatever the target reports back to
5990 @value{GDBN}, @value{GDBN} will report back to the user. @value{GDBN}
5991 assumes that the memory and registers that the target reports are in a
5992 consistant state, but @value{GDBN} accepts whatever it is given.
5993 }.
5994
5995 If you are debugging in a target environment that supports
5996 reverse execution, @value{GDBN} provides the following commands.
5997
5998 @table @code
5999 @kindex reverse-continue
6000 @kindex rc @r{(@code{reverse-continue})}
6001 @item reverse-continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
6002 @itemx rc @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
6003 Beginning at the point where your program last stopped, start executing
6004 in reverse. Reverse execution will stop for breakpoints and synchronous
6005 exceptions (signals), just like normal execution. Behavior of
6006 asynchronous signals depends on the target environment.
6007
6008 @kindex reverse-step
6009 @kindex rs @r{(@code{step})}
6010 @item reverse-step @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6011 Run the program backward until control reaches the start of a
6012 different source line; then stop it, and return control to @value{GDBN}.
6013
6014 Like the @code{step} command, @code{reverse-step} will only stop
6015 at the beginning of a source line. It ``un-executes'' the previously
6016 executed source line. If the previous source line included calls to
6017 debuggable functions, @code{reverse-step} will step (backward) into
6018 the called function, stopping at the beginning of the @emph{last}
6019 statement in the called function (typically a return statement).
6020
6021 Also, as with the @code{step} command, if non-debuggable functions are
6022 called, @code{reverse-step} will run thru them backward without stopping.
6023
6024 @kindex reverse-stepi
6025 @kindex rsi @r{(@code{reverse-stepi})}
6026 @item reverse-stepi @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6027 Reverse-execute one machine instruction. Note that the instruction
6028 to be reverse-executed is @emph{not} the one pointed to by the program
6029 counter, but the instruction executed prior to that one. For instance,
6030 if the last instruction was a jump, @code{reverse-stepi} will take you
6031 back from the destination of the jump to the jump instruction itself.
6032
6033 @kindex reverse-next
6034 @kindex rn @r{(@code{reverse-next})}
6035 @item reverse-next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6036 Run backward to the beginning of the previous line executed in
6037 the current (innermost) stack frame. If the line contains function
6038 calls, they will be ``un-executed'' without stopping. Starting from
6039 the first line of a function, @code{reverse-next} will take you back
6040 to the caller of that function, @emph{before} the function was called,
6041 just as the normal @code{next} command would take you from the last
6042 line of a function back to its return to its caller
6043 @footnote{Unless the code is too heavily optimized.}.
6044
6045 @kindex reverse-nexti
6046 @kindex rni @r{(@code{reverse-nexti})}
6047 @item reverse-nexti @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6048 Like @code{nexti}, @code{reverse-nexti} executes a single instruction
6049 in reverse, except that called functions are ``un-executed'' atomically.
6050 That is, if the previously executed instruction was a return from
6051 another function, @code{reverse-nexti} will continue to execute
6052 in reverse until the call to that function (from the current stack
6053 frame) is reached.
6054
6055 @kindex reverse-finish
6056 @item reverse-finish
6057 Just as the @code{finish} command takes you to the point where the
6058 current function returns, @code{reverse-finish} takes you to the point
6059 where it was called. Instead of ending up at the end of the current
6060 function invocation, you end up at the beginning.
6061
6062 @kindex set exec-direction
6063 @item set exec-direction
6064 Set the direction of target execution.
6065 @item set exec-direction reverse
6066 @cindex execute forward or backward in time
6067 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in reverse, until the
6068 exec-direction mode is changed to ``forward''. Affected commands include
6069 @code{step, stepi, next, nexti, continue, and finish}. The @code{return}
6070 command cannot be used in reverse mode.
6071 @item set exec-direction forward
6072 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in the normal fashion.
6073 This is the default.
6074 @end table
6075
6076
6077 @node Process Record and Replay
6078 @chapter Recording Inferior's Execution and Replaying It
6079 @cindex process record and replay
6080 @cindex recording inferior's execution and replaying it
6081
6082 On some platforms, @value{GDBN} provides a special @dfn{process record
6083 and replay} target that can record a log of the process execution, and
6084 replay it later with both forward and reverse execution commands.
6085
6086 @cindex replay mode
6087 When this target is in use, if the execution log includes the record
6088 for the next instruction, @value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{replay
6089 mode}. In the replay mode, the inferior does not really execute code
6090 instructions. Instead, all the events that normally happen during
6091 code execution are taken from the execution log. While code is not
6092 really executed in replay mode, the values of registers (including the
6093 program counter register) and the memory of the inferior are still
6094 changed as they normally would. Their contents are taken from the
6095 execution log.
6096
6097 @cindex record mode
6098 If the record for the next instruction is not in the execution log,
6099 @value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{record mode}. In this mode, the
6100 inferior executes normally, and @value{GDBN} records the execution log
6101 for future replay.
6102
6103 The process record and replay target supports reverse execution
6104 (@pxref{Reverse Execution}), even if the platform on which the
6105 inferior runs does not. However, the reverse execution is limited in
6106 this case by the range of the instructions recorded in the execution
6107 log. In other words, reverse execution on platforms that don't
6108 support it directly can only be done in the replay mode.
6109
6110 When debugging in the reverse direction, @value{GDBN} will work in
6111 replay mode as long as the execution log includes the record for the
6112 previous instruction; otherwise, it will work in record mode, if the
6113 platform supports reverse execution, or stop if not.
6114
6115 For architecture environments that support process record and replay,
6116 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands:
6117
6118 @table @code
6119 @kindex target record
6120 @kindex record
6121 @kindex rec
6122 @item target record
6123 This command starts the process record and replay target. The process
6124 record and replay target can only debug a process that is already
6125 running. Therefore, you need first to start the process with the
6126 @kbd{run} or @kbd{start} commands, and then start the recording with
6127 the @kbd{target record} command.
6128
6129 Both @code{record} and @code{rec} are aliases of @code{target record}.
6130
6131 @cindex displaced stepping, and process record and replay
6132 Displaced stepping (@pxref{Maintenance Commands,, displaced stepping})
6133 will be automatically disabled when process record and replay target
6134 is started. That's because the process record and replay target
6135 doesn't support displaced stepping.
6136
6137 @cindex non-stop mode, and process record and replay
6138 @cindex asynchronous execution, and process record and replay
6139 If the inferior is in the non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) or in
6140 the asynchronous execution mode (@pxref{Background Execution}), the
6141 process record and replay target cannot be started because it doesn't
6142 support these two modes.
6143
6144 @kindex record stop
6145 @kindex rec s
6146 @item record stop
6147 Stop the process record and replay target. When process record and
6148 replay target stops, the entire execution log will be deleted and the
6149 inferior will either be terminated, or will remain in its final state.
6150
6151 When you stop the process record and replay target in record mode (at
6152 the end of the execution log), the inferior will be stopped at the
6153 next instruction that would have been recorded. In other words, if
6154 you record for a while and then stop recording, the inferior process
6155 will be left in the same state as if the recording never happened.
6156
6157 On the other hand, if the process record and replay target is stopped
6158 while in replay mode (that is, not at the end of the execution log,
6159 but at some earlier point), the inferior process will become ``live''
6160 at that earlier state, and it will then be possible to continue the
6161 usual ``live'' debugging of the process from that state.
6162
6163 When the inferior process exits, or @value{GDBN} detaches from it,
6164 process record and replay target will automatically stop itself.
6165
6166 @kindex record save
6167 @item record save @var{filename}
6168 Save the execution log to a file @file{@var{filename}}.
6169 Default filename is @file{gdb_record.@var{process_id}}, where
6170 @var{process_id} is the process ID of the inferior.
6171
6172 @kindex record restore
6173 @item record restore @var{filename}
6174 Restore the execution log from a file @file{@var{filename}}.
6175 File must have been created with @code{record save}.
6176
6177 @kindex set record insn-number-max
6178 @item set record insn-number-max @var{limit}
6179 Set the limit of instructions to be recorded. Default value is 200000.
6180
6181 If @var{limit} is a positive number, then @value{GDBN} will start
6182 deleting instructions from the log once the number of the record
6183 instructions becomes greater than @var{limit}. For every new recorded
6184 instruction, @value{GDBN} will delete the earliest recorded
6185 instruction to keep the number of recorded instructions at the limit.
6186 (Since deleting recorded instructions loses information, @value{GDBN}
6187 lets you control what happens when the limit is reached, by means of
6188 the @code{stop-at-limit} option, described below.)
6189
6190 If @var{limit} is zero, @value{GDBN} will never delete recorded
6191 instructions from the execution log. The number of recorded
6192 instructions is unlimited in this case.
6193
6194 @kindex show record insn-number-max
6195 @item show record insn-number-max
6196 Show the limit of instructions to be recorded.
6197
6198 @kindex set record stop-at-limit
6199 @item set record stop-at-limit
6200 Control the behavior when the number of recorded instructions reaches
6201 the limit. If ON (the default), @value{GDBN} will stop when the limit
6202 is reached for the first time and ask you whether you want to stop the
6203 inferior or continue running it and recording the execution log. If
6204 you decide to continue recording, each new recorded instruction will
6205 cause the oldest one to be deleted.
6206
6207 If this option is OFF, @value{GDBN} will automatically delete the
6208 oldest record to make room for each new one, without asking.
6209
6210 @kindex show record stop-at-limit
6211 @item show record stop-at-limit
6212 Show the current setting of @code{stop-at-limit}.
6213
6214 @kindex set record memory-query
6215 @item set record memory-query
6216 Control the behavior when @value{GDBN} is unable to record memory
6217 changes caused by an instruction. If ON, @value{GDBN} will query
6218 whether to stop the inferior in that case.
6219
6220 If this option is OFF (the default), @value{GDBN} will automatically
6221 ignore the effect of such instructions on memory. Later, when
6222 @value{GDBN} replays this execution log, it will mark the log of this
6223 instruction as not accessible, and it will not affect the replay
6224 results.
6225
6226 @kindex show record memory-query
6227 @item show record memory-query
6228 Show the current setting of @code{memory-query}.
6229
6230 @kindex info record
6231 @item info record
6232 Show various statistics about the state of process record and its
6233 in-memory execution log buffer, including:
6234
6235 @itemize @bullet
6236 @item
6237 Whether in record mode or replay mode.
6238 @item
6239 Lowest recorded instruction number (counting from when the current execution log started recording instructions).
6240 @item
6241 Highest recorded instruction number.
6242 @item
6243 Current instruction about to be replayed (if in replay mode).
6244 @item
6245 Number of instructions contained in the execution log.
6246 @item
6247 Maximum number of instructions that may be contained in the execution log.
6248 @end itemize
6249
6250 @kindex record delete
6251 @kindex rec del
6252 @item record delete
6253 When record target runs in replay mode (``in the past''), delete the
6254 subsequent execution log and begin to record a new execution log starting
6255 from the current address. This means you will abandon the previously
6256 recorded ``future'' and begin recording a new ``future''.
6257 @end table
6258
6259
6260 @node Stack
6261 @chapter Examining the Stack
6262
6263 When your program has stopped, the first thing you need to know is where it
6264 stopped and how it got there.
6265
6266 @cindex call stack
6267 Each time your program performs a function call, information about the call
6268 is generated.
6269 That information includes the location of the call in your program,
6270 the arguments of the call,
6271 and the local variables of the function being called.
6272 The information is saved in a block of data called a @dfn{stack frame}.
6273 The stack frames are allocated in a region of memory called the @dfn{call
6274 stack}.
6275
6276 When your program stops, the @value{GDBN} commands for examining the
6277 stack allow you to see all of this information.
6278
6279 @cindex selected frame
6280 One of the stack frames is @dfn{selected} by @value{GDBN} and many
6281 @value{GDBN} commands refer implicitly to the selected frame. In
6282 particular, whenever you ask @value{GDBN} for the value of a variable in
6283 your program, the value is found in the selected frame. There are
6284 special @value{GDBN} commands to select whichever frame you are
6285 interested in. @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
6286
6287 When your program stops, @value{GDBN} automatically selects the
6288 currently executing frame and describes it briefly, similar to the
6289 @code{frame} command (@pxref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}).
6290
6291 @menu
6292 * Frames:: Stack frames
6293 * Backtrace:: Backtraces
6294 * Selection:: Selecting a frame
6295 * Frame Info:: Information on a frame
6296
6297 @end menu
6298
6299 @node Frames
6300 @section Stack Frames
6301
6302 @cindex frame, definition
6303 @cindex stack frame
6304 The call stack is divided up into contiguous pieces called @dfn{stack
6305 frames}, or @dfn{frames} for short; each frame is the data associated
6306 with one call to one function. The frame contains the arguments given
6307 to the function, the function's local variables, and the address at
6308 which the function is executing.
6309
6310 @cindex initial frame
6311 @cindex outermost frame
6312 @cindex innermost frame
6313 When your program is started, the stack has only one frame, that of the
6314 function @code{main}. This is called the @dfn{initial} frame or the
6315 @dfn{outermost} frame. Each time a function is called, a new frame is
6316 made. Each time a function returns, the frame for that function invocation
6317 is eliminated. If a function is recursive, there can be many frames for
6318 the same function. The frame for the function in which execution is
6319 actually occurring is called the @dfn{innermost} frame. This is the most
6320 recently created of all the stack frames that still exist.
6321
6322 @cindex frame pointer
6323 Inside your program, stack frames are identified by their addresses. A
6324 stack frame consists of many bytes, each of which has its own address; each
6325 kind of computer has a convention for choosing one byte whose
6326 address serves as the address of the frame. Usually this address is kept
6327 in a register called the @dfn{frame pointer register}
6328 (@pxref{Registers, $fp}) while execution is going on in that frame.
6329
6330 @cindex frame number
6331 @value{GDBN} assigns numbers to all existing stack frames, starting with
6332 zero for the innermost frame, one for the frame that called it,
6333 and so on upward. These numbers do not really exist in your program;
6334 they are assigned by @value{GDBN} to give you a way of designating stack
6335 frames in @value{GDBN} commands.
6336
6337 @c The -fomit-frame-pointer below perennially causes hbox overflow
6338 @c underflow problems.
6339 @cindex frameless execution
6340 Some compilers provide a way to compile functions so that they operate
6341 without stack frames. (For example, the @value{NGCC} option
6342 @smallexample
6343 @samp{-fomit-frame-pointer}
6344 @end smallexample
6345 generates functions without a frame.)
6346 This is occasionally done with heavily used library functions to save
6347 the frame setup time. @value{GDBN} has limited facilities for dealing
6348 with these function invocations. If the innermost function invocation
6349 has no stack frame, @value{GDBN} nevertheless regards it as though
6350 it had a separate frame, which is numbered zero as usual, allowing
6351 correct tracing of the function call chain. However, @value{GDBN} has
6352 no provision for frameless functions elsewhere in the stack.
6353
6354 @table @code
6355 @kindex frame@r{, command}
6356 @cindex current stack frame
6357 @item frame @var{args}
6358 The @code{frame} command allows you to move from one stack frame to another,
6359 and to print the stack frame you select. @var{args} may be either the
6360 address of the frame or the stack frame number. Without an argument,
6361 @code{frame} prints the current stack frame.
6362
6363 @kindex select-frame
6364 @cindex selecting frame silently
6365 @item select-frame
6366 The @code{select-frame} command allows you to move from one stack frame
6367 to another without printing the frame. This is the silent version of
6368 @code{frame}.
6369 @end table
6370
6371 @node Backtrace
6372 @section Backtraces
6373
6374 @cindex traceback
6375 @cindex call stack traces
6376 A backtrace is a summary of how your program got where it is. It shows one
6377 line per frame, for many frames, starting with the currently executing
6378 frame (frame zero), followed by its caller (frame one), and on up the
6379 stack.
6380
6381 @table @code
6382 @kindex backtrace
6383 @kindex bt @r{(@code{backtrace})}
6384 @item backtrace
6385 @itemx bt
6386 Print a backtrace of the entire stack: one line per frame for all
6387 frames in the stack.
6388
6389 You can stop the backtrace at any time by typing the system interrupt
6390 character, normally @kbd{Ctrl-c}.
6391
6392 @item backtrace @var{n}
6393 @itemx bt @var{n}
6394 Similar, but print only the innermost @var{n} frames.
6395
6396 @item backtrace -@var{n}
6397 @itemx bt -@var{n}
6398 Similar, but print only the outermost @var{n} frames.
6399
6400 @item backtrace full
6401 @itemx bt full
6402 @itemx bt full @var{n}
6403 @itemx bt full -@var{n}
6404 Print the values of the local variables also. @var{n} specifies the
6405 number of frames to print, as described above.
6406 @end table
6407
6408 @kindex where
6409 @kindex info stack
6410 The names @code{where} and @code{info stack} (abbreviated @code{info s})
6411 are additional aliases for @code{backtrace}.
6412
6413 @cindex multiple threads, backtrace
6414 In a multi-threaded program, @value{GDBN} by default shows the
6415 backtrace only for the current thread. To display the backtrace for
6416 several or all of the threads, use the command @code{thread apply}
6417 (@pxref{Threads, thread apply}). For example, if you type @kbd{thread
6418 apply all backtrace}, @value{GDBN} will display the backtrace for all
6419 the threads; this is handy when you debug a core dump of a
6420 multi-threaded program.
6421
6422 Each line in the backtrace shows the frame number and the function name.
6423 The program counter value is also shown---unless you use @code{set
6424 print address off}. The backtrace also shows the source file name and
6425 line number, as well as the arguments to the function. The program
6426 counter value is omitted if it is at the beginning of the code for that
6427 line number.
6428
6429 Here is an example of a backtrace. It was made with the command
6430 @samp{bt 3}, so it shows the innermost three frames.
6431
6432 @smallexample
6433 @group
6434 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
6435 at builtin.c:993
6436 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=0x2b600, data=...) at macro.c:242
6437 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=177664, td=0xf7fffb08)
6438 at macro.c:71
6439 (More stack frames follow...)
6440 @end group
6441 @end smallexample
6442
6443 @noindent
6444 The display for frame zero does not begin with a program counter
6445 value, indicating that your program has stopped at the beginning of the
6446 code for line @code{993} of @code{builtin.c}.
6447
6448 @noindent
6449 The value of parameter @code{data} in frame 1 has been replaced by
6450 @code{@dots{}}. By default, @value{GDBN} prints the value of a parameter
6451 only if it is a scalar (integer, pointer, enumeration, etc). See command
6452 @kbd{set print frame-arguments} in @ref{Print Settings} for more details
6453 on how to configure the way function parameter values are printed.
6454
6455 @cindex optimized out, in backtrace
6456 @cindex function call arguments, optimized out
6457 If your program was compiled with optimizations, some compilers will
6458 optimize away arguments passed to functions if those arguments are
6459 never used after the call. Such optimizations generate code that
6460 passes arguments through registers, but doesn't store those arguments
6461 in the stack frame. @value{GDBN} has no way of displaying such
6462 arguments in stack frames other than the innermost one. Here's what
6463 such a backtrace might look like:
6464
6465 @smallexample
6466 @group
6467 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
6468 at builtin.c:993
6469 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=<optimized out>) at macro.c:242
6470 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=<optimized out>, td=0xf7fffb08)
6471 at macro.c:71
6472 (More stack frames follow...)
6473 @end group
6474 @end smallexample
6475
6476 @noindent
6477 The values of arguments that were not saved in their stack frames are
6478 shown as @samp{<optimized out>}.
6479
6480 If you need to display the values of such optimized-out arguments,
6481 either deduce that from other variables whose values depend on the one
6482 you are interested in, or recompile without optimizations.
6483
6484 @cindex backtrace beyond @code{main} function
6485 @cindex program entry point
6486 @cindex startup code, and backtrace
6487 Most programs have a standard user entry point---a place where system
6488 libraries and startup code transition into user code. For C this is
6489 @code{main}@footnote{
6490 Note that embedded programs (the so-called ``free-standing''
6491 environment) are not required to have a @code{main} function as the
6492 entry point. They could even have multiple entry points.}.
6493 When @value{GDBN} finds the entry function in a backtrace
6494 it will terminate the backtrace, to avoid tracing into highly
6495 system-specific (and generally uninteresting) code.
6496
6497 If you need to examine the startup code, or limit the number of levels
6498 in a backtrace, you can change this behavior:
6499
6500 @table @code
6501 @item set backtrace past-main
6502 @itemx set backtrace past-main on
6503 @kindex set backtrace
6504 Backtraces will continue past the user entry point.
6505
6506 @item set backtrace past-main off
6507 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the user entry point. This is the
6508 default.
6509
6510 @item show backtrace past-main
6511 @kindex show backtrace
6512 Display the current user entry point backtrace policy.
6513
6514 @item set backtrace past-entry
6515 @itemx set backtrace past-entry on
6516 Backtraces will continue past the internal entry point of an application.
6517 This entry point is encoded by the linker when the application is built,
6518 and is likely before the user entry point @code{main} (or equivalent) is called.
6519
6520 @item set backtrace past-entry off
6521 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the internal entry point of an
6522 application. This is the default.
6523
6524 @item show backtrace past-entry
6525 Display the current internal entry point backtrace policy.
6526
6527 @item set backtrace limit @var{n}
6528 @itemx set backtrace limit 0
6529 @cindex backtrace limit
6530 Limit the backtrace to @var{n} levels. A value of zero means
6531 unlimited.
6532
6533 @item show backtrace limit
6534 Display the current limit on backtrace levels.
6535 @end table
6536
6537 You can control how file names are displayed.
6538
6539 @table @code
6540 @item set filename-display
6541 @itemx set filename-display relative
6542 @cindex filename-display
6543 Display file names relative to the compilation directory. This is the default.
6544
6545 @item set filename-display basename
6546 Display only basename of a filename.
6547
6548 @item set filename-display absolute
6549 Display an absolute filename.
6550
6551 @item show filename-display
6552 Show the current way to display filenames.
6553 @end table
6554
6555 @node Selection
6556 @section Selecting a Frame
6557
6558 Most commands for examining the stack and other data in your program work on
6559 whichever stack frame is selected at the moment. Here are the commands for
6560 selecting a stack frame; all of them finish by printing a brief description
6561 of the stack frame just selected.
6562
6563 @table @code
6564 @kindex frame@r{, selecting}
6565 @kindex f @r{(@code{frame})}
6566 @item frame @var{n}
6567 @itemx f @var{n}
6568 Select frame number @var{n}. Recall that frame zero is the innermost
6569 (currently executing) frame, frame one is the frame that called the
6570 innermost one, and so on. The highest-numbered frame is the one for
6571 @code{main}.
6572
6573 @item frame @var{addr}
6574 @itemx f @var{addr}
6575 Select the frame at address @var{addr}. This is useful mainly if the
6576 chaining of stack frames has been damaged by a bug, making it
6577 impossible for @value{GDBN} to assign numbers properly to all frames. In
6578 addition, this can be useful when your program has multiple stacks and
6579 switches between them.
6580
6581 On the SPARC architecture, @code{frame} needs two addresses to
6582 select an arbitrary frame: a frame pointer and a stack pointer.
6583
6584 On the @acronym{MIPS} and Alpha architecture, it needs two addresses: a stack
6585 pointer and a program counter.
6586
6587 On the 29k architecture, it needs three addresses: a register stack
6588 pointer, a program counter, and a memory stack pointer.
6589
6590 @kindex up
6591 @item up @var{n}
6592 Move @var{n} frames up the stack. For positive numbers @var{n}, this
6593 advances toward the outermost frame, to higher frame numbers, to frames
6594 that have existed longer. @var{n} defaults to one.
6595
6596 @kindex down
6597 @kindex do @r{(@code{down})}
6598 @item down @var{n}
6599 Move @var{n} frames down the stack. For positive numbers @var{n}, this
6600 advances toward the innermost frame, to lower frame numbers, to frames
6601 that were created more recently. @var{n} defaults to one. You may
6602 abbreviate @code{down} as @code{do}.
6603 @end table
6604
6605 All of these commands end by printing two lines of output describing the
6606 frame. The first line shows the frame number, the function name, the
6607 arguments, and the source file and line number of execution in that
6608 frame. The second line shows the text of that source line.
6609
6610 @need 1000
6611 For example:
6612
6613 @smallexample
6614 @group
6615 (@value{GDBP}) up
6616 #1 0x22f0 in main (argc=1, argv=0xf7fffbf4, env=0xf7fffbfc)
6617 at env.c:10
6618 10 read_input_file (argv[i]);
6619 @end group
6620 @end smallexample
6621
6622 After such a printout, the @code{list} command with no arguments
6623 prints ten lines centered on the point of execution in the frame.
6624 You can also edit the program at the point of execution with your favorite
6625 editing program by typing @code{edit}.
6626 @xref{List, ,Printing Source Lines},
6627 for details.
6628
6629 @table @code
6630 @kindex down-silently
6631 @kindex up-silently
6632 @item up-silently @var{n}
6633 @itemx down-silently @var{n}
6634 These two commands are variants of @code{up} and @code{down},
6635 respectively; they differ in that they do their work silently, without
6636 causing display of the new frame. They are intended primarily for use
6637 in @value{GDBN} command scripts, where the output might be unnecessary and
6638 distracting.
6639 @end table
6640
6641 @node Frame Info
6642 @section Information About a Frame
6643
6644 There are several other commands to print information about the selected
6645 stack frame.
6646
6647 @table @code
6648 @item frame
6649 @itemx f
6650 When used without any argument, this command does not change which
6651 frame is selected, but prints a brief description of the currently
6652 selected stack frame. It can be abbreviated @code{f}. With an
6653 argument, this command is used to select a stack frame.
6654 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
6655
6656 @kindex info frame
6657 @kindex info f @r{(@code{info frame})}
6658 @item info frame
6659 @itemx info f
6660 This command prints a verbose description of the selected stack frame,
6661 including:
6662
6663 @itemize @bullet
6664 @item
6665 the address of the frame
6666 @item
6667 the address of the next frame down (called by this frame)
6668 @item
6669 the address of the next frame up (caller of this frame)
6670 @item
6671 the language in which the source code corresponding to this frame is written
6672 @item
6673 the address of the frame's arguments
6674 @item
6675 the address of the frame's local variables
6676 @item
6677 the program counter saved in it (the address of execution in the caller frame)
6678 @item
6679 which registers were saved in the frame
6680 @end itemize
6681
6682 @noindent The verbose description is useful when
6683 something has gone wrong that has made the stack format fail to fit
6684 the usual conventions.
6685
6686 @item info frame @var{addr}
6687 @itemx info f @var{addr}
6688 Print a verbose description of the frame at address @var{addr}, without
6689 selecting that frame. The selected frame remains unchanged by this
6690 command. This requires the same kind of address (more than one for some
6691 architectures) that you specify in the @code{frame} command.
6692 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
6693
6694 @kindex info args
6695 @item info args
6696 Print the arguments of the selected frame, each on a separate line.
6697
6698 @item info locals
6699 @kindex info locals
6700 Print the local variables of the selected frame, each on a separate
6701 line. These are all variables (declared either static or automatic)
6702 accessible at the point of execution of the selected frame.
6703
6704 @end table
6705
6706
6707 @node Source
6708 @chapter Examining Source Files
6709
6710 @value{GDBN} can print parts of your program's source, since the debugging
6711 information recorded in the program tells @value{GDBN} what source files were
6712 used to build it. When your program stops, @value{GDBN} spontaneously prints
6713 the line where it stopped. Likewise, when you select a stack frame
6714 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}), @value{GDBN} prints the line where
6715 execution in that frame has stopped. You can print other portions of
6716 source files by explicit command.
6717
6718 If you use @value{GDBN} through its @sc{gnu} Emacs interface, you may
6719 prefer to use Emacs facilities to view source; see @ref{Emacs, ,Using
6720 @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}.
6721
6722 @menu
6723 * List:: Printing source lines
6724 * Specify Location:: How to specify code locations
6725 * Edit:: Editing source files
6726 * Search:: Searching source files
6727 * Source Path:: Specifying source directories
6728 * Machine Code:: Source and machine code
6729 @end menu
6730
6731 @node List
6732 @section Printing Source Lines
6733
6734 @kindex list
6735 @kindex l @r{(@code{list})}
6736 To print lines from a source file, use the @code{list} command
6737 (abbreviated @code{l}). By default, ten lines are printed.
6738 There are several ways to specify what part of the file you want to
6739 print; see @ref{Specify Location}, for the full list.
6740
6741 Here are the forms of the @code{list} command most commonly used:
6742
6743 @table @code
6744 @item list @var{linenum}
6745 Print lines centered around line number @var{linenum} in the
6746 current source file.
6747
6748 @item list @var{function}
6749 Print lines centered around the beginning of function
6750 @var{function}.
6751
6752 @item list
6753 Print more lines. If the last lines printed were printed with a
6754 @code{list} command, this prints lines following the last lines
6755 printed; however, if the last line printed was a solitary line printed
6756 as part of displaying a stack frame (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the
6757 Stack}), this prints lines centered around that line.
6758
6759 @item list -
6760 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
6761 @end table
6762
6763 @cindex @code{list}, how many lines to display
6764 By default, @value{GDBN} prints ten source lines with any of these forms of
6765 the @code{list} command. You can change this using @code{set listsize}:
6766
6767 @table @code
6768 @kindex set listsize
6769 @item set listsize @var{count}
6770 Make the @code{list} command display @var{count} source lines (unless
6771 the @code{list} argument explicitly specifies some other number).
6772 Setting @var{count} to -1 means there's no limit and 0 means suppress
6773 display of source lines.
6774
6775 @kindex show listsize
6776 @item show listsize
6777 Display the number of lines that @code{list} prints.
6778 @end table
6779
6780 Repeating a @code{list} command with @key{RET} discards the argument,
6781 so it is equivalent to typing just @code{list}. This is more useful
6782 than listing the same lines again. An exception is made for an
6783 argument of @samp{-}; that argument is preserved in repetition so that
6784 each repetition moves up in the source file.
6785
6786 In general, the @code{list} command expects you to supply zero, one or two
6787 @dfn{linespecs}. Linespecs specify source lines; there are several ways
6788 of writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always
6789 to specify some source line.
6790
6791 Here is a complete description of the possible arguments for @code{list}:
6792
6793 @table @code
6794 @item list @var{linespec}
6795 Print lines centered around the line specified by @var{linespec}.
6796
6797 @item list @var{first},@var{last}
6798 Print lines from @var{first} to @var{last}. Both arguments are
6799 linespecs. When a @code{list} command has two linespecs, and the
6800 source file of the second linespec is omitted, this refers to
6801 the same source file as the first linespec.
6802
6803 @item list ,@var{last}
6804 Print lines ending with @var{last}.
6805
6806 @item list @var{first},
6807 Print lines starting with @var{first}.
6808
6809 @item list +
6810 Print lines just after the lines last printed.
6811
6812 @item list -
6813 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
6814
6815 @item list
6816 As described in the preceding table.
6817 @end table
6818
6819 @node Specify Location
6820 @section Specifying a Location
6821 @cindex specifying location
6822 @cindex linespec
6823
6824 Several @value{GDBN} commands accept arguments that specify a location
6825 of your program's code. Since @value{GDBN} is a source-level
6826 debugger, a location usually specifies some line in the source code;
6827 for that reason, locations are also known as @dfn{linespecs}.
6828
6829 Here are all the different ways of specifying a code location that
6830 @value{GDBN} understands:
6831
6832 @table @code
6833 @item @var{linenum}
6834 Specifies the line number @var{linenum} of the current source file.
6835
6836 @item -@var{offset}
6837 @itemx +@var{offset}
6838 Specifies the line @var{offset} lines before or after the @dfn{current
6839 line}. For the @code{list} command, the current line is the last one
6840 printed; for the breakpoint commands, this is the line at which
6841 execution stopped in the currently selected @dfn{stack frame}
6842 (@pxref{Frames, ,Frames}, for a description of stack frames.) When
6843 used as the second of the two linespecs in a @code{list} command,
6844 this specifies the line @var{offset} lines up or down from the first
6845 linespec.
6846
6847 @item @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
6848 Specifies the line @var{linenum} in the source file @var{filename}.
6849 If @var{filename} is a relative file name, then it will match any
6850 source file name with the same trailing components. For example, if
6851 @var{filename} is @samp{gcc/expr.c}, then it will match source file
6852 name of @file{/build/trunk/gcc/expr.c}, but not
6853 @file{/build/trunk/libcpp/expr.c} or @file{/build/trunk/gcc/x-expr.c}.
6854
6855 @item @var{function}
6856 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}.
6857 For example, in C, this is the line with the open brace.
6858
6859 @item @var{function}:@var{label}
6860 Specifies the line where @var{label} appears in @var{function}.
6861
6862 @item @var{filename}:@var{function}
6863 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}
6864 in the file @var{filename}. You only need the file name with a
6865 function name to avoid ambiguity when there are identically named
6866 functions in different source files.
6867
6868 @item @var{label}
6869 Specifies the line at which the label named @var{label} appears.
6870 @value{GDBN} searches for the label in the function corresponding to
6871 the currently selected stack frame. If there is no current selected
6872 stack frame (for instance, if the inferior is not running), then
6873 @value{GDBN} will not search for a label.
6874
6875 @item *@var{address}
6876 Specifies the program address @var{address}. For line-oriented
6877 commands, such as @code{list} and @code{edit}, this specifies a source
6878 line that contains @var{address}. For @code{break} and other
6879 breakpoint oriented commands, this can be used to set breakpoints in
6880 parts of your program which do not have debugging information or
6881 source files.
6882
6883 Here @var{address} may be any expression valid in the current working
6884 language (@pxref{Languages, working language}) that specifies a code
6885 address. In addition, as a convenience, @value{GDBN} extends the
6886 semantics of expressions used in locations to cover the situations
6887 that frequently happen during debugging. Here are the various forms
6888 of @var{address}:
6889
6890 @table @code
6891 @item @var{expression}
6892 Any expression valid in the current working language.
6893
6894 @item @var{funcaddr}
6895 An address of a function or procedure derived from its name. In C,
6896 C@t{++}, Java, Objective-C, Fortran, minimal, and assembly, this is
6897 simply the function's name @var{function} (and actually a special case
6898 of a valid expression). In Pascal and Modula-2, this is
6899 @code{&@var{function}}. In Ada, this is @code{@var{function}'Address}
6900 (although the Pascal form also works).
6901
6902 This form specifies the address of the function's first instruction,
6903 before the stack frame and arguments have been set up.
6904
6905 @item '@var{filename}'::@var{funcaddr}
6906 Like @var{funcaddr} above, but also specifies the name of the source
6907 file explicitly. This is useful if the name of the function does not
6908 specify the function unambiguously, e.g., if there are several
6909 functions with identical names in different source files.
6910 @end table
6911
6912 @cindex breakpoint at static probe point
6913 @item -pstap|-probe-stap @r{[}@var{objfile}:@r{[}@var{provider}:@r{]}@r{]}@var{name}
6914 The @sc{gnu}/Linux tool @code{SystemTap} provides a way for
6915 applications to embed static probes. @xref{Static Probe Points}, for more
6916 information on finding and using static probes. This form of linespec
6917 specifies the location of such a static probe.
6918
6919 If @var{objfile} is given, only probes coming from that shared library
6920 or executable matching @var{objfile} as a regular expression are considered.
6921 If @var{provider} is given, then only probes from that provider are considered.
6922 If several probes match the spec, @value{GDBN} will insert a breakpoint at
6923 each one of those probes.
6924
6925 @end table
6926
6927
6928 @node Edit
6929 @section Editing Source Files
6930 @cindex editing source files
6931
6932 @kindex edit
6933 @kindex e @r{(@code{edit})}
6934 To edit the lines in a source file, use the @code{edit} command.
6935 The editing program of your choice
6936 is invoked with the current line set to
6937 the active line in the program.
6938 Alternatively, there are several ways to specify what part of the file you
6939 want to print if you want to see other parts of the program:
6940
6941 @table @code
6942 @item edit @var{location}
6943 Edit the source file specified by @code{location}. Editing starts at
6944 that @var{location}, e.g., at the specified source line of the
6945 specified file. @xref{Specify Location}, for all the possible forms
6946 of the @var{location} argument; here are the forms of the @code{edit}
6947 command most commonly used:
6948
6949 @table @code
6950 @item edit @var{number}
6951 Edit the current source file with @var{number} as the active line number.
6952
6953 @item edit @var{function}
6954 Edit the file containing @var{function} at the beginning of its definition.
6955 @end table
6956
6957 @end table
6958
6959 @subsection Choosing your Editor
6960 You can customize @value{GDBN} to use any editor you want
6961 @footnote{
6962 The only restriction is that your editor (say @code{ex}), recognizes the
6963 following command-line syntax:
6964 @smallexample
6965 ex +@var{number} file
6966 @end smallexample
6967 The optional numeric value +@var{number} specifies the number of the line in
6968 the file where to start editing.}.
6969 By default, it is @file{@value{EDITOR}}, but you can change this
6970 by setting the environment variable @code{EDITOR} before using
6971 @value{GDBN}. For example, to configure @value{GDBN} to use the
6972 @code{vi} editor, you could use these commands with the @code{sh} shell:
6973 @smallexample
6974 EDITOR=/usr/bin/vi
6975 export EDITOR
6976 gdb @dots{}
6977 @end smallexample
6978 or in the @code{csh} shell,
6979 @smallexample
6980 setenv EDITOR /usr/bin/vi
6981 gdb @dots{}
6982 @end smallexample
6983
6984 @node Search
6985 @section Searching Source Files
6986 @cindex searching source files
6987
6988 There are two commands for searching through the current source file for a
6989 regular expression.
6990
6991 @table @code
6992 @kindex search
6993 @kindex forward-search
6994 @kindex fo @r{(@code{forward-search})}
6995 @item forward-search @var{regexp}
6996 @itemx search @var{regexp}
6997 The command @samp{forward-search @var{regexp}} checks each line,
6998 starting with the one following the last line listed, for a match for
6999 @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can use the
7000 synonym @samp{search @var{regexp}} or abbreviate the command name as
7001 @code{fo}.
7002
7003 @kindex reverse-search
7004 @item reverse-search @var{regexp}
7005 The command @samp{reverse-search @var{regexp}} checks each line, starting
7006 with the one before the last line listed and going backward, for a match
7007 for @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can abbreviate
7008 this command as @code{rev}.
7009 @end table
7010
7011 @node Source Path
7012 @section Specifying Source Directories
7013
7014 @cindex source path
7015 @cindex directories for source files
7016 Executable programs sometimes do not record the directories of the source
7017 files from which they were compiled, just the names. Even when they do,
7018 the directories could be moved between the compilation and your debugging
7019 session. @value{GDBN} has a list of directories to search for source files;
7020 this is called the @dfn{source path}. Each time @value{GDBN} wants a source file,
7021 it tries all the directories in the list, in the order they are present
7022 in the list, until it finds a file with the desired name.
7023
7024 For example, suppose an executable references the file
7025 @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}, and our source path is
7026 @file{/mnt/cross}. The file is first looked up literally; if this
7027 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} is tried; if this
7028 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/foo.c} is opened; if this fails, an error
7029 message is printed. @value{GDBN} does not look up the parts of the
7030 source file name, such as @file{/mnt/cross/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}.
7031 Likewise, the subdirectories of the source path are not searched: if
7032 the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the binary refers to
7033 @file{foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would not find it under
7034 @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib}.
7035
7036 Plain file names, relative file names with leading directories, file
7037 names containing dots, etc.@: are all treated as described above; for
7038 instance, if the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the source file
7039 is recorded as @file{../lib/foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would first try
7040 @file{../lib/foo.c}, then @file{/mnt/cross/../lib/foo.c}, and after
7041 that---@file{/mnt/cross/foo.c}.
7042
7043 Note that the executable search path is @emph{not} used to locate the
7044 source files.
7045
7046 Whenever you reset or rearrange the source path, @value{GDBN} clears out
7047 any information it has cached about where source files are found and where
7048 each line is in the file.
7049
7050 @kindex directory
7051 @kindex dir
7052 When you start @value{GDBN}, its source path includes only @samp{cdir}
7053 and @samp{cwd}, in that order.
7054 To add other directories, use the @code{directory} command.
7055
7056 The search path is used to find both program source files and @value{GDBN}
7057 script files (read using the @samp{-command} option and @samp{source} command).
7058
7059 In addition to the source path, @value{GDBN} provides a set of commands
7060 that manage a list of source path substitution rules. A @dfn{substitution
7061 rule} specifies how to rewrite source directories stored in the program's
7062 debug information in case the sources were moved to a different
7063 directory between compilation and debugging. A rule is made of
7064 two strings, the first specifying what needs to be rewritten in
7065 the path, and the second specifying how it should be rewritten.
7066 In @ref{set substitute-path}, we name these two parts @var{from} and
7067 @var{to} respectively. @value{GDBN} does a simple string replacement
7068 of @var{from} with @var{to} at the start of the directory part of the
7069 source file name, and uses that result instead of the original file
7070 name to look up the sources.
7071
7072 Using the previous example, suppose the @file{foo-1.0} tree has been
7073 moved from @file{/usr/src} to @file{/mnt/cross}, then you can tell
7074 @value{GDBN} to replace @file{/usr/src} in all source path names with
7075 @file{/mnt/cross}. The first lookup will then be
7076 @file{/mnt/cross/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} in place of the original location
7077 of @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}. To define a source path
7078 substitution rule, use the @code{set substitute-path} command
7079 (@pxref{set substitute-path}).
7080
7081 To avoid unexpected substitution results, a rule is applied only if the
7082 @var{from} part of the directory name ends at a directory separator.
7083 For instance, a rule substituting @file{/usr/source} into
7084 @file{/mnt/cross} will be applied to @file{/usr/source/foo-1.0} but
7085 not to @file{/usr/sourceware/foo-2.0}. And because the substitution
7086 is applied only at the beginning of the directory name, this rule will
7087 not be applied to @file{/root/usr/source/baz.c} either.
7088
7089 In many cases, you can achieve the same result using the @code{directory}
7090 command. However, @code{set substitute-path} can be more efficient in
7091 the case where the sources are organized in a complex tree with multiple
7092 subdirectories. With the @code{directory} command, you need to add each
7093 subdirectory of your project. If you moved the entire tree while
7094 preserving its internal organization, then @code{set substitute-path}
7095 allows you to direct the debugger to all the sources with one single
7096 command.
7097
7098 @code{set substitute-path} is also more than just a shortcut command.
7099 The source path is only used if the file at the original location no
7100 longer exists. On the other hand, @code{set substitute-path} modifies
7101 the debugger behavior to look at the rewritten location instead. So, if
7102 for any reason a source file that is not relevant to your executable is
7103 located at the original location, a substitution rule is the only
7104 method available to point @value{GDBN} at the new location.
7105
7106 @cindex @samp{--with-relocated-sources}
7107 @cindex default source path substitution
7108 You can configure a default source path substitution rule by
7109 configuring @value{GDBN} with the
7110 @samp{--with-relocated-sources=@var{dir}} option. The @var{dir}
7111 should be the name of a directory under @value{GDBN}'s configured
7112 prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or @samp{--exec-prefix}), and
7113 directory names in debug information under @var{dir} will be adjusted
7114 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
7115 location. This is useful if @value{GDBN}, libraries or executables
7116 with debug information and corresponding source code are being moved
7117 together.
7118
7119 @table @code
7120 @item directory @var{dirname} @dots{}
7121 @item dir @var{dirname} @dots{}
7122 Add directory @var{dirname} to the front of the source path. Several
7123 directory names may be given to this command, separated by @samp{:}
7124 (@samp{;} on MS-DOS and MS-Windows, where @samp{:} usually appears as
7125 part of absolute file names) or
7126 whitespace. You may specify a directory that is already in the source
7127 path; this moves it forward, so @value{GDBN} searches it sooner.
7128
7129 @kindex cdir
7130 @kindex cwd
7131 @vindex $cdir@r{, convenience variable}
7132 @vindex $cwd@r{, convenience variable}
7133 @cindex compilation directory
7134 @cindex current directory
7135 @cindex working directory
7136 @cindex directory, current
7137 @cindex directory, compilation
7138 You can use the string @samp{$cdir} to refer to the compilation
7139 directory (if one is recorded), and @samp{$cwd} to refer to the current
7140 working directory. @samp{$cwd} is not the same as @samp{.}---the former
7141 tracks the current working directory as it changes during your @value{GDBN}
7142 session, while the latter is immediately expanded to the current
7143 directory at the time you add an entry to the source path.
7144
7145 @item directory
7146 Reset the source path to its default value (@samp{$cdir:$cwd} on Unix systems). This requires confirmation.
7147
7148 @c RET-repeat for @code{directory} is explicitly disabled, but since
7149 @c repeating it would be a no-op we do not say that. (thanks to RMS)
7150
7151 @item set directories @var{path-list}
7152 @kindex set directories
7153 Set the source path to @var{path-list}.
7154 @samp{$cdir:$cwd} are added if missing.
7155
7156 @item show directories
7157 @kindex show directories
7158 Print the source path: show which directories it contains.
7159
7160 @anchor{set substitute-path}
7161 @item set substitute-path @var{from} @var{to}
7162 @kindex set substitute-path
7163 Define a source path substitution rule, and add it at the end of the
7164 current list of existing substitution rules. If a rule with the same
7165 @var{from} was already defined, then the old rule is also deleted.
7166
7167 For example, if the file @file{/foo/bar/baz.c} was moved to
7168 @file{/mnt/cross/baz.c}, then the command
7169
7170 @smallexample
7171 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/cross
7172 @end smallexample
7173
7174 @noindent
7175 will tell @value{GDBN} to replace @samp{/usr/src} with
7176 @samp{/mnt/cross}, which will allow @value{GDBN} to find the file
7177 @file{baz.c} even though it was moved.
7178
7179 In the case when more than one substitution rule have been defined,
7180 the rules are evaluated one by one in the order where they have been
7181 defined. The first one matching, if any, is selected to perform
7182 the substitution.
7183
7184 For instance, if we had entered the following commands:
7185
7186 @smallexample
7187 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src/include /mnt/include
7188 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/src
7189 @end smallexample
7190
7191 @noindent
7192 @value{GDBN} would then rewrite @file{/usr/src/include/defs.h} into
7193 @file{/mnt/include/defs.h} by using the first rule. However, it would
7194 use the second rule to rewrite @file{/usr/src/lib/foo.c} into
7195 @file{/mnt/src/lib/foo.c}.
7196
7197
7198 @item unset substitute-path [path]
7199 @kindex unset substitute-path
7200 If a path is specified, search the current list of substitution rules
7201 for a rule that would rewrite that path. Delete that rule if found.
7202 A warning is emitted by the debugger if no rule could be found.
7203
7204 If no path is specified, then all substitution rules are deleted.
7205
7206 @item show substitute-path [path]
7207 @kindex show substitute-path
7208 If a path is specified, then print the source path substitution rule
7209 which would rewrite that path, if any.
7210
7211 If no path is specified, then print all existing source path substitution
7212 rules.
7213
7214 @end table
7215
7216 If your source path is cluttered with directories that are no longer of
7217 interest, @value{GDBN} may sometimes cause confusion by finding the wrong
7218 versions of source. You can correct the situation as follows:
7219
7220 @enumerate
7221 @item
7222 Use @code{directory} with no argument to reset the source path to its default value.
7223
7224 @item
7225 Use @code{directory} with suitable arguments to reinstall the
7226 directories you want in the source path. You can add all the
7227 directories in one command.
7228 @end enumerate
7229
7230 @node Machine Code
7231 @section Source and Machine Code
7232 @cindex source line and its code address
7233
7234 You can use the command @code{info line} to map source lines to program
7235 addresses (and vice versa), and the command @code{disassemble} to display
7236 a range of addresses as machine instructions. You can use the command
7237 @code{set disassemble-next-line} to set whether to disassemble next
7238 source line when execution stops. When run under @sc{gnu} Emacs
7239 mode, the @code{info line} command causes the arrow to point to the
7240 line specified. Also, @code{info line} prints addresses in symbolic form as
7241 well as hex.
7242
7243 @table @code
7244 @kindex info line
7245 @item info line @var{linespec}
7246 Print the starting and ending addresses of the compiled code for
7247 source line @var{linespec}. You can specify source lines in any of
7248 the ways documented in @ref{Specify Location}.
7249 @end table
7250
7251 For example, we can use @code{info line} to discover the location of
7252 the object code for the first line of function
7253 @code{m4_changequote}:
7254
7255 @c FIXME: I think this example should also show the addresses in
7256 @c symbolic form, as they usually would be displayed.
7257 @smallexample
7258 (@value{GDBP}) info line m4_changequote
7259 Line 895 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x634c and ends at 0x6350.
7260 @end smallexample
7261
7262 @noindent
7263 @cindex code address and its source line
7264 We can also inquire (using @code{*@var{addr}} as the form for
7265 @var{linespec}) what source line covers a particular address:
7266 @smallexample
7267 (@value{GDBP}) info line *0x63ff
7268 Line 926 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x63e4 and ends at 0x6404.
7269 @end smallexample
7270
7271 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info line}
7272 @cindex @code{x} command, default address
7273 @kindex x@r{(examine), and} info line
7274 After @code{info line}, the default address for the @code{x} command
7275 is changed to the starting address of the line, so that @samp{x/i} is
7276 sufficient to begin examining the machine code (@pxref{Memory,
7277 ,Examining Memory}). Also, this address is saved as the value of the
7278 convenience variable @code{$_} (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
7279 Variables}).
7280
7281 @table @code
7282 @kindex disassemble
7283 @cindex assembly instructions
7284 @cindex instructions, assembly
7285 @cindex machine instructions
7286 @cindex listing machine instructions
7287 @item disassemble
7288 @itemx disassemble /m
7289 @itemx disassemble /r
7290 This specialized command dumps a range of memory as machine
7291 instructions. It can also print mixed source+disassembly by specifying
7292 the @code{/m} modifier and print the raw instructions in hex as well as
7293 in symbolic form by specifying the @code{/r}.
7294 The default memory range is the function surrounding the
7295 program counter of the selected frame. A single argument to this
7296 command is a program counter value; @value{GDBN} dumps the function
7297 surrounding this value. When two arguments are given, they should
7298 be separated by a comma, possibly surrounded by whitespace. The
7299 arguments specify a range of addresses to dump, in one of two forms:
7300
7301 @table @code
7302 @item @var{start},@var{end}
7303 the addresses from @var{start} (inclusive) to @var{end} (exclusive)
7304 @item @var{start},+@var{length}
7305 the addresses from @var{start} (inclusive) to
7306 @code{@var{start}+@var{length}} (exclusive).
7307 @end table
7308
7309 @noindent
7310 When 2 arguments are specified, the name of the function is also
7311 printed (since there could be several functions in the given range).
7312
7313 The argument(s) can be any expression yielding a numeric value, such as
7314 @samp{0x32c4}, @samp{&main+10} or @samp{$pc - 8}.
7315
7316 If the range of memory being disassembled contains current program counter,
7317 the instruction at that location is shown with a @code{=>} marker.
7318 @end table
7319
7320 The following example shows the disassembly of a range of addresses of
7321 HP PA-RISC 2.0 code:
7322
7323 @smallexample
7324 (@value{GDBP}) disas 0x32c4, 0x32e4
7325 Dump of assembler code from 0x32c4 to 0x32e4:
7326 0x32c4 <main+204>: addil 0,dp
7327 0x32c8 <main+208>: ldw 0x22c(sr0,r1),r26
7328 0x32cc <main+212>: ldil 0x3000,r31
7329 0x32d0 <main+216>: ble 0x3f8(sr4,r31)
7330 0x32d4 <main+220>: ldo 0(r31),rp
7331 0x32d8 <main+224>: addil -0x800,dp
7332 0x32dc <main+228>: ldo 0x588(r1),r26
7333 0x32e0 <main+232>: ldil 0x3000,r31
7334 End of assembler dump.
7335 @end smallexample
7336
7337 Here is an example showing mixed source+assembly for Intel x86, when the
7338 program is stopped just after function prologue:
7339
7340 @smallexample
7341 (@value{GDBP}) disas /m main
7342 Dump of assembler code for function main:
7343 5 @{
7344 0x08048330 <+0>: push %ebp
7345 0x08048331 <+1>: mov %esp,%ebp
7346 0x08048333 <+3>: sub $0x8,%esp
7347 0x08048336 <+6>: and $0xfffffff0,%esp
7348 0x08048339 <+9>: sub $0x10,%esp
7349
7350 6 printf ("Hello.\n");
7351 => 0x0804833c <+12>: movl $0x8048440,(%esp)
7352 0x08048343 <+19>: call 0x8048284 <puts@@plt>
7353
7354 7 return 0;
7355 8 @}
7356 0x08048348 <+24>: mov $0x0,%eax
7357 0x0804834d <+29>: leave
7358 0x0804834e <+30>: ret
7359
7360 End of assembler dump.
7361 @end smallexample
7362
7363 Here is another example showing raw instructions in hex for AMD x86-64,
7364
7365 @smallexample
7366 (gdb) disas /r 0x400281,+10
7367 Dump of assembler code from 0x400281 to 0x40028b:
7368 0x0000000000400281: 38 36 cmp %dh,(%rsi)
7369 0x0000000000400283: 2d 36 34 2e 73 sub $0x732e3436,%eax
7370 0x0000000000400288: 6f outsl %ds:(%rsi),(%dx)
7371 0x0000000000400289: 2e 32 00 xor %cs:(%rax),%al
7372 End of assembler dump.
7373 @end smallexample
7374
7375 Addresses cannot be specified as a linespec (@pxref{Specify Location}).
7376 So, for example, if you want to disassemble function @code{bar}
7377 in file @file{foo.c}, you must type @samp{disassemble 'foo.c'::bar}
7378 and not @samp{disassemble foo.c:bar}.
7379
7380 Some architectures have more than one commonly-used set of instruction
7381 mnemonics or other syntax.
7382
7383 For programs that were dynamically linked and use shared libraries,
7384 instructions that call functions or branch to locations in the shared
7385 libraries might show a seemingly bogus location---it's actually a
7386 location of the relocation table. On some architectures, @value{GDBN}
7387 might be able to resolve these to actual function names.
7388
7389 @table @code
7390 @kindex set disassembly-flavor
7391 @cindex Intel disassembly flavor
7392 @cindex AT&T disassembly flavor
7393 @item set disassembly-flavor @var{instruction-set}
7394 Select the instruction set to use when disassembling the
7395 program via the @code{disassemble} or @code{x/i} commands.
7396
7397 Currently this command is only defined for the Intel x86 family. You
7398 can set @var{instruction-set} to either @code{intel} or @code{att}.
7399 The default is @code{att}, the AT&T flavor used by default by Unix
7400 assemblers for x86-based targets.
7401
7402 @kindex show disassembly-flavor
7403 @item show disassembly-flavor
7404 Show the current setting of the disassembly flavor.
7405 @end table
7406
7407 @table @code
7408 @kindex set disassemble-next-line
7409 @kindex show disassemble-next-line
7410 @item set disassemble-next-line
7411 @itemx show disassemble-next-line
7412 Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will disassemble the next source
7413 line or instruction when execution stops. If ON, @value{GDBN} will
7414 display disassembly of the next source line when execution of the
7415 program being debugged stops. This is @emph{in addition} to
7416 displaying the source line itself, which @value{GDBN} always does if
7417 possible. If the next source line cannot be displayed for some reason
7418 (e.g., if @value{GDBN} cannot find the source file, or there's no line
7419 info in the debug info), @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of the
7420 next @emph{instruction} instead of showing the next source line. If
7421 AUTO, @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of next instruction only
7422 if the source line cannot be displayed. This setting causes
7423 @value{GDBN} to display some feedback when you step through a function
7424 with no line info or whose source file is unavailable. The default is
7425 OFF, which means never display the disassembly of the next line or
7426 instruction.
7427 @end table
7428
7429
7430 @node Data
7431 @chapter Examining Data
7432
7433 @cindex printing data
7434 @cindex examining data
7435 @kindex print
7436 @kindex inspect
7437 The usual way to examine data in your program is with the @code{print}
7438 command (abbreviated @code{p}), or its synonym @code{inspect}. It
7439 evaluates and prints the value of an expression of the language your
7440 program is written in (@pxref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with
7441 Different Languages}). It may also print the expression using a
7442 Python-based pretty-printer (@pxref{Pretty Printing}).
7443
7444 @table @code
7445 @item print @var{expr}
7446 @itemx print /@var{f} @var{expr}
7447 @var{expr} is an expression (in the source language). By default the
7448 value of @var{expr} is printed in a format appropriate to its data type;
7449 you can choose a different format by specifying @samp{/@var{f}}, where
7450 @var{f} is a letter specifying the format; see @ref{Output Formats,,Output
7451 Formats}.
7452
7453 @item print
7454 @itemx print /@var{f}
7455 @cindex reprint the last value
7456 If you omit @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} displays the last value again (from the
7457 @dfn{value history}; @pxref{Value History, ,Value History}). This allows you to
7458 conveniently inspect the same value in an alternative format.
7459 @end table
7460
7461 A more low-level way of examining data is with the @code{x} command.
7462 It examines data in memory at a specified address and prints it in a
7463 specified format. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
7464
7465 If you are interested in information about types, or about how the
7466 fields of a struct or a class are declared, use the @code{ptype @var{exp}}
7467 command rather than @code{print}. @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol
7468 Table}.
7469
7470 @cindex exploring hierarchical data structures
7471 @kindex explore
7472 Another way of examining values of expressions and type information is
7473 through the Python extension command @code{explore} (available only if
7474 the @value{GDBN} build is configured with @code{--with-python}). It
7475 offers an interactive way to start at the highest level (or, the most
7476 abstract level) of the data type of an expression (or, the data type
7477 itself) and explore all the way down to leaf scalar values/fields
7478 embedded in the higher level data types.
7479
7480 @table @code
7481 @item explore @var{arg}
7482 @var{arg} is either an expression (in the source language), or a type
7483 visible in the current context of the program being debugged.
7484 @end table
7485
7486 The working of the @code{explore} command can be illustrated with an
7487 example. If a data type @code{struct ComplexStruct} is defined in your
7488 C program as
7489
7490 @smallexample
7491 struct SimpleStruct
7492 @{
7493 int i;
7494 double d;
7495 @};
7496
7497 struct ComplexStruct
7498 @{
7499 struct SimpleStruct *ss_p;
7500 int arr[10];
7501 @};
7502 @end smallexample
7503
7504 @noindent
7505 followed by variable declarations as
7506
7507 @smallexample
7508 struct SimpleStruct ss = @{ 10, 1.11 @};
7509 struct ComplexStruct cs = @{ &ss, @{ 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 @} @};
7510 @end smallexample
7511
7512 @noindent
7513 then, the value of the variable @code{cs} can be explored using the
7514 @code{explore} command as follows.
7515
7516 @smallexample
7517 (gdb) explore cs
7518 The value of `cs' is a struct/class of type `struct ComplexStruct' with
7519 the following fields:
7520
7521 ss_p = <Enter 0 to explore this field of type `struct SimpleStruct *'>
7522 arr = <Enter 1 to explore this field of type `int [10]'>
7523
7524 Enter the field number of choice:
7525 @end smallexample
7526
7527 @noindent
7528 Since the fields of @code{cs} are not scalar values, you are being
7529 prompted to chose the field you want to explore. Let's say you choose
7530 the field @code{ss_p} by entering @code{0}. Then, since this field is a
7531 pointer, you will be asked if it is pointing to a single value. From
7532 the declaration of @code{cs} above, it is indeed pointing to a single
7533 value, hence you enter @code{y}. If you enter @code{n}, then you will
7534 be asked if it were pointing to an array of values, in which case this
7535 field will be explored as if it were an array.
7536
7537 @smallexample
7538 `cs.ss_p' is a pointer to a value of type `struct SimpleStruct'
7539 Continue exploring it as a pointer to a single value [y/n]: y
7540 The value of `*(cs.ss_p)' is a struct/class of type `struct
7541 SimpleStruct' with the following fields:
7542
7543 i = 10 .. (Value of type `int')
7544 d = 1.1100000000000001 .. (Value of type `double')
7545
7546 Press enter to return to parent value:
7547 @end smallexample
7548
7549 @noindent
7550 If the field @code{arr} of @code{cs} was chosen for exploration by
7551 entering @code{1} earlier, then since it is as array, you will be
7552 prompted to enter the index of the element in the array that you want
7553 to explore.
7554
7555 @smallexample
7556 `cs.arr' is an array of `int'.
7557 Enter the index of the element you want to explore in `cs.arr': 5
7558
7559 `(cs.arr)[5]' is a scalar value of type `int'.
7560
7561 (cs.arr)[5] = 4
7562
7563 Press enter to return to parent value:
7564 @end smallexample
7565
7566 In general, at any stage of exploration, you can go deeper towards the
7567 leaf values by responding to the prompts appropriately, or hit the
7568 return key to return to the enclosing data structure (the @i{higher}
7569 level data structure).
7570
7571 Similar to exploring values, you can use the @code{explore} command to
7572 explore types. Instead of specifying a value (which is typically a
7573 variable name or an expression valid in the current context of the
7574 program being debugged), you specify a type name. If you consider the
7575 same example as above, your can explore the type
7576 @code{struct ComplexStruct} by passing the argument
7577 @code{struct ComplexStruct} to the @code{explore} command.
7578
7579 @smallexample
7580 (gdb) explore struct ComplexStruct
7581 @end smallexample
7582
7583 @noindent
7584 By responding to the prompts appropriately in the subsequent interactive
7585 session, you can explore the type @code{struct ComplexStruct} in a
7586 manner similar to how the value @code{cs} was explored in the above
7587 example.
7588
7589 The @code{explore} command also has two sub-commands,
7590 @code{explore value} and @code{explore type}. The former sub-command is
7591 a way to explicitly specify that value exploration of the argument is
7592 being invoked, while the latter is a way to explicitly specify that type
7593 exploration of the argument is being invoked.
7594
7595 @table @code
7596 @item explore value @var{expr}
7597 @cindex explore value
7598 This sub-command of @code{explore} explores the value of the
7599 expression @var{expr} (if @var{expr} is an expression valid in the
7600 current context of the program being debugged). The behavior of this
7601 command is identical to that of the behavior of the @code{explore}
7602 command being passed the argument @var{expr}.
7603
7604 @item explore type @var{arg}
7605 @cindex explore type
7606 This sub-command of @code{explore} explores the type of @var{arg} (if
7607 @var{arg} is a type visible in the current context of program being
7608 debugged), or the type of the value/expression @var{arg} (if @var{arg}
7609 is an expression valid in the current context of the program being
7610 debugged). If @var{arg} is a type, then the behavior of this command is
7611 identical to that of the @code{explore} command being passed the
7612 argument @var{arg}. If @var{arg} is an expression, then the behavior of
7613 this command will be identical to that of the @code{explore} command
7614 being passed the type of @var{arg} as the argument.
7615 @end table
7616
7617 @menu
7618 * Expressions:: Expressions
7619 * Ambiguous Expressions:: Ambiguous Expressions
7620 * Variables:: Program variables
7621 * Arrays:: Artificial arrays
7622 * Output Formats:: Output formats
7623 * Memory:: Examining memory
7624 * Auto Display:: Automatic display
7625 * Print Settings:: Print settings
7626 * Pretty Printing:: Python pretty printing
7627 * Value History:: Value history
7628 * Convenience Vars:: Convenience variables
7629 * Convenience Funs:: Convenience functions
7630 * Registers:: Registers
7631 * Floating Point Hardware:: Floating point hardware
7632 * Vector Unit:: Vector Unit
7633 * OS Information:: Auxiliary data provided by operating system
7634 * Memory Region Attributes:: Memory region attributes
7635 * Dump/Restore Files:: Copy between memory and a file
7636 * Core File Generation:: Cause a program dump its core
7637 * Character Sets:: Debugging programs that use a different
7638 character set than GDB does
7639 * Caching Remote Data:: Data caching for remote targets
7640 * Searching Memory:: Searching memory for a sequence of bytes
7641 @end menu
7642
7643 @node Expressions
7644 @section Expressions
7645
7646 @cindex expressions
7647 @code{print} and many other @value{GDBN} commands accept an expression and
7648 compute its value. Any kind of constant, variable or operator defined
7649 by the programming language you are using is valid in an expression in
7650 @value{GDBN}. This includes conditional expressions, function calls,
7651 casts, and string constants. It also includes preprocessor macros, if
7652 you compiled your program to include this information; see
7653 @ref{Compilation}.
7654
7655 @cindex arrays in expressions
7656 @value{GDBN} supports array constants in expressions input by
7657 the user. The syntax is @{@var{element}, @var{element}@dots{}@}. For example,
7658 you can use the command @code{print @{1, 2, 3@}} to create an array
7659 of three integers. If you pass an array to a function or assign it
7660 to a program variable, @value{GDBN} copies the array to memory that
7661 is @code{malloc}ed in the target program.
7662
7663 Because C is so widespread, most of the expressions shown in examples in
7664 this manual are in C. @xref{Languages, , Using @value{GDBN} with Different
7665 Languages}, for information on how to use expressions in other
7666 languages.
7667
7668 In this section, we discuss operators that you can use in @value{GDBN}
7669 expressions regardless of your programming language.
7670
7671 @cindex casts, in expressions
7672 Casts are supported in all languages, not just in C, because it is so
7673 useful to cast a number into a pointer in order to examine a structure
7674 at that address in memory.
7675 @c FIXME: casts supported---Mod2 true?
7676
7677 @value{GDBN} supports these operators, in addition to those common
7678 to programming languages:
7679
7680 @table @code
7681 @item @@
7682 @samp{@@} is a binary operator for treating parts of memory as arrays.
7683 @xref{Arrays, ,Artificial Arrays}, for more information.
7684
7685 @item ::
7686 @samp{::} allows you to specify a variable in terms of the file or
7687 function where it is defined. @xref{Variables, ,Program Variables}.
7688
7689 @cindex @{@var{type}@}
7690 @cindex type casting memory
7691 @cindex memory, viewing as typed object
7692 @cindex casts, to view memory
7693 @item @{@var{type}@} @var{addr}
7694 Refers to an object of type @var{type} stored at address @var{addr} in
7695 memory. @var{addr} may be any expression whose value is an integer or
7696 pointer (but parentheses are required around binary operators, just as in
7697 a cast). This construct is allowed regardless of what kind of data is
7698 normally supposed to reside at @var{addr}.
7699 @end table
7700
7701 @node Ambiguous Expressions
7702 @section Ambiguous Expressions
7703 @cindex ambiguous expressions
7704
7705 Expressions can sometimes contain some ambiguous elements. For instance,
7706 some programming languages (notably Ada, C@t{++} and Objective-C) permit
7707 a single function name to be defined several times, for application in
7708 different contexts. This is called @dfn{overloading}. Another example
7709 involving Ada is generics. A @dfn{generic package} is similar to C@t{++}
7710 templates and is typically instantiated several times, resulting in
7711 the same function name being defined in different contexts.
7712
7713 In some cases and depending on the language, it is possible to adjust
7714 the expression to remove the ambiguity. For instance in C@t{++}, you
7715 can specify the signature of the function you want to break on, as in
7716 @kbd{break @var{function}(@var{types})}. In Ada, using the fully
7717 qualified name of your function often makes the expression unambiguous
7718 as well.
7719
7720 When an ambiguity that needs to be resolved is detected, the debugger
7721 has the capability to display a menu of numbered choices for each
7722 possibility, and then waits for the selection with the prompt @samp{>}.
7723 The first option is always @samp{[0] cancel}, and typing @kbd{0 @key{RET}}
7724 aborts the current command. If the command in which the expression was
7725 used allows more than one choice to be selected, the next option in the
7726 menu is @samp{[1] all}, and typing @kbd{1 @key{RET}} selects all possible
7727 choices.
7728
7729 For example, the following session excerpt shows an attempt to set a
7730 breakpoint at the overloaded symbol @code{String::after}.
7731 We choose three particular definitions of that function name:
7732
7733 @c FIXME! This is likely to change to show arg type lists, at least
7734 @smallexample
7735 @group
7736 (@value{GDBP}) b String::after
7737 [0] cancel
7738 [1] all
7739 [2] file:String.cc; line number:867
7740 [3] file:String.cc; line number:860
7741 [4] file:String.cc; line number:875
7742 [5] file:String.cc; line number:853
7743 [6] file:String.cc; line number:846
7744 [7] file:String.cc; line number:735
7745 > 2 4 6
7746 Breakpoint 1 at 0xb26c: file String.cc, line 867.
7747 Breakpoint 2 at 0xb344: file String.cc, line 875.
7748 Breakpoint 3 at 0xafcc: file String.cc, line 846.
7749 Multiple breakpoints were set.
7750 Use the "delete" command to delete unwanted
7751 breakpoints.
7752 (@value{GDBP})
7753 @end group
7754 @end smallexample
7755
7756 @table @code
7757 @kindex set multiple-symbols
7758 @item set multiple-symbols @var{mode}
7759 @cindex multiple-symbols menu
7760
7761 This option allows you to adjust the debugger behavior when an expression
7762 is ambiguous.
7763
7764 By default, @var{mode} is set to @code{all}. If the command with which
7765 the expression is used allows more than one choice, then @value{GDBN}
7766 automatically selects all possible choices. For instance, inserting
7767 a breakpoint on a function using an ambiguous name results in a breakpoint
7768 inserted on each possible match. However, if a unique choice must be made,
7769 then @value{GDBN} uses the menu to help you disambiguate the expression.
7770 For instance, printing the address of an overloaded function will result
7771 in the use of the menu.
7772
7773 When @var{mode} is set to @code{ask}, the debugger always uses the menu
7774 when an ambiguity is detected.
7775
7776 Finally, when @var{mode} is set to @code{cancel}, the debugger reports
7777 an error due to the ambiguity and the command is aborted.
7778
7779 @kindex show multiple-symbols
7780 @item show multiple-symbols
7781 Show the current value of the @code{multiple-symbols} setting.
7782 @end table
7783
7784 @node Variables
7785 @section Program Variables
7786
7787 The most common kind of expression to use is the name of a variable
7788 in your program.
7789
7790 Variables in expressions are understood in the selected stack frame
7791 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}); they must be either:
7792
7793 @itemize @bullet
7794 @item
7795 global (or file-static)
7796 @end itemize
7797
7798 @noindent or
7799
7800 @itemize @bullet
7801 @item
7802 visible according to the scope rules of the
7803 programming language from the point of execution in that frame
7804 @end itemize
7805
7806 @noindent This means that in the function
7807
7808 @smallexample
7809 foo (a)
7810 int a;
7811 @{
7812 bar (a);
7813 @{
7814 int b = test ();
7815 bar (b);
7816 @}
7817 @}
7818 @end smallexample
7819
7820 @noindent
7821 you can examine and use the variable @code{a} whenever your program is
7822 executing within the function @code{foo}, but you can only use or
7823 examine the variable @code{b} while your program is executing inside
7824 the block where @code{b} is declared.
7825
7826 @cindex variable name conflict
7827 There is an exception: you can refer to a variable or function whose
7828 scope is a single source file even if the current execution point is not
7829 in this file. But it is possible to have more than one such variable or
7830 function with the same name (in different source files). If that
7831 happens, referring to that name has unpredictable effects. If you wish,
7832 you can specify a static variable in a particular function or file by
7833 using the colon-colon (@code{::}) notation:
7834
7835 @cindex colon-colon, context for variables/functions
7836 @ifnotinfo
7837 @c info cannot cope with a :: index entry, but why deprive hard copy readers?
7838 @cindex @code{::}, context for variables/functions
7839 @end ifnotinfo
7840 @smallexample
7841 @var{file}::@var{variable}
7842 @var{function}::@var{variable}
7843 @end smallexample
7844
7845 @noindent
7846 Here @var{file} or @var{function} is the name of the context for the
7847 static @var{variable}. In the case of file names, you can use quotes to
7848 make sure @value{GDBN} parses the file name as a single word---for example,
7849 to print a global value of @code{x} defined in @file{f2.c}:
7850
7851 @smallexample
7852 (@value{GDBP}) p 'f2.c'::x
7853 @end smallexample
7854
7855 The @code{::} notation is normally used for referring to
7856 static variables, since you typically disambiguate uses of local variables
7857 in functions by selecting the appropriate frame and using the
7858 simple name of the variable. However, you may also use this notation
7859 to refer to local variables in frames enclosing the selected frame:
7860
7861 @smallexample
7862 void
7863 foo (int a)
7864 @{
7865 if (a < 10)
7866 bar (a);
7867 else
7868 process (a); /* Stop here */
7869 @}
7870
7871 int
7872 bar (int a)
7873 @{
7874 foo (a + 5);
7875 @}
7876 @end smallexample
7877
7878 @noindent
7879 For example, if there is a breakpoint at the commented line,
7880 here is what you might see
7881 when the program stops after executing the call @code{bar(0)}:
7882
7883 @smallexample
7884 (@value{GDBP}) p a
7885 $1 = 10
7886 (@value{GDBP}) p bar::a
7887 $2 = 5
7888 (@value{GDBP}) up 2
7889 #2 0x080483d0 in foo (a=5) at foobar.c:12
7890 (@value{GDBP}) p a
7891 $3 = 5
7892 (@value{GDBP}) p bar::a
7893 $4 = 0
7894 @end smallexample
7895
7896 @cindex C@t{++} scope resolution
7897 These uses of @samp{::} are very rarely in conflict with the very similar
7898 use of the same notation in C@t{++}. @value{GDBN} also supports use of the C@t{++}
7899 scope resolution operator in @value{GDBN} expressions.
7900 @c FIXME: Um, so what happens in one of those rare cases where it's in
7901 @c conflict?? --mew
7902
7903 @cindex wrong values
7904 @cindex variable values, wrong
7905 @cindex function entry/exit, wrong values of variables
7906 @cindex optimized code, wrong values of variables
7907 @quotation
7908 @emph{Warning:} Occasionally, a local variable may appear to have the
7909 wrong value at certain points in a function---just after entry to a new
7910 scope, and just before exit.
7911 @end quotation
7912 You may see this problem when you are stepping by machine instructions.
7913 This is because, on most machines, it takes more than one instruction to
7914 set up a stack frame (including local variable definitions); if you are
7915 stepping by machine instructions, variables may appear to have the wrong
7916 values until the stack frame is completely built. On exit, it usually
7917 also takes more than one machine instruction to destroy a stack frame;
7918 after you begin stepping through that group of instructions, local
7919 variable definitions may be gone.
7920
7921 This may also happen when the compiler does significant optimizations.
7922 To be sure of always seeing accurate values, turn off all optimization
7923 when compiling.
7924
7925 @cindex ``No symbol "foo" in current context''
7926 Another possible effect of compiler optimizations is to optimize
7927 unused variables out of existence, or assign variables to registers (as
7928 opposed to memory addresses). Depending on the support for such cases
7929 offered by the debug info format used by the compiler, @value{GDBN}
7930 might not be able to display values for such local variables. If that
7931 happens, @value{GDBN} will print a message like this:
7932
7933 @smallexample
7934 No symbol "foo" in current context.
7935 @end smallexample
7936
7937 To solve such problems, either recompile without optimizations, or use a
7938 different debug info format, if the compiler supports several such
7939 formats. @xref{Compilation}, for more information on choosing compiler
7940 options. @xref{C, ,C and C@t{++}}, for more information about debug
7941 info formats that are best suited to C@t{++} programs.
7942
7943 If you ask to print an object whose contents are unknown to
7944 @value{GDBN}, e.g., because its data type is not completely specified
7945 by the debug information, @value{GDBN} will say @samp{<incomplete
7946 type>}. @xref{Symbols, incomplete type}, for more about this.
7947
7948 If you append @kbd{@@entry} string to a function parameter name you get its
7949 value at the time the function got called. If the value is not available an
7950 error message is printed. Entry values are available only with some compilers.
7951 Entry values are normally also printed at the function parameter list according
7952 to @ref{set print entry-values}.
7953
7954 @smallexample
7955 Breakpoint 1, d (i=30) at gdb.base/entry-value.c:29
7956 29 i++;
7957 (gdb) next
7958 30 e (i);
7959 (gdb) print i
7960 $1 = 31
7961 (gdb) print i@@entry
7962 $2 = 30
7963 @end smallexample
7964
7965 Strings are identified as arrays of @code{char} values without specified
7966 signedness. Arrays of either @code{signed char} or @code{unsigned char} get
7967 printed as arrays of 1 byte sized integers. @code{-fsigned-char} or
7968 @code{-funsigned-char} @value{NGCC} options have no effect as @value{GDBN}
7969 defines literal string type @code{"char"} as @code{char} without a sign.
7970 For program code
7971
7972 @smallexample
7973 char var0[] = "A";
7974 signed char var1[] = "A";
7975 @end smallexample
7976
7977 You get during debugging
7978 @smallexample
7979 (gdb) print var0
7980 $1 = "A"
7981 (gdb) print var1
7982 $2 = @{65 'A', 0 '\0'@}
7983 @end smallexample
7984
7985 @node Arrays
7986 @section Artificial Arrays
7987
7988 @cindex artificial array
7989 @cindex arrays
7990 @kindex @@@r{, referencing memory as an array}
7991 It is often useful to print out several successive objects of the
7992 same type in memory; a section of an array, or an array of
7993 dynamically determined size for which only a pointer exists in the
7994 program.
7995
7996 You can do this by referring to a contiguous span of memory as an
7997 @dfn{artificial array}, using the binary operator @samp{@@}. The left
7998 operand of @samp{@@} should be the first element of the desired array
7999 and be an individual object. The right operand should be the desired length
8000 of the array. The result is an array value whose elements are all of
8001 the type of the left argument. The first element is actually the left
8002 argument; the second element comes from bytes of memory immediately
8003 following those that hold the first element, and so on. Here is an
8004 example. If a program says
8005
8006 @smallexample
8007 int *array = (int *) malloc (len * sizeof (int));
8008 @end smallexample
8009
8010 @noindent
8011 you can print the contents of @code{array} with
8012
8013 @smallexample
8014 p *array@@len
8015 @end smallexample
8016
8017 The left operand of @samp{@@} must reside in memory. Array values made
8018 with @samp{@@} in this way behave just like other arrays in terms of
8019 subscripting, and are coerced to pointers when used in expressions.
8020 Artificial arrays most often appear in expressions via the value history
8021 (@pxref{Value History, ,Value History}), after printing one out.
8022
8023 Another way to create an artificial array is to use a cast.
8024 This re-interprets a value as if it were an array.
8025 The value need not be in memory:
8026 @smallexample
8027 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[2])0x12345678
8028 $1 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
8029 @end smallexample
8030
8031 As a convenience, if you leave the array length out (as in
8032 @samp{(@var{type}[])@var{value}}) @value{GDBN} calculates the size to fill
8033 the value (as @samp{sizeof(@var{value})/sizeof(@var{type})}:
8034 @smallexample
8035 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[])0x12345678
8036 $2 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
8037 @end smallexample
8038
8039 Sometimes the artificial array mechanism is not quite enough; in
8040 moderately complex data structures, the elements of interest may not
8041 actually be adjacent---for example, if you are interested in the values
8042 of pointers in an array. One useful work-around in this situation is
8043 to use a convenience variable (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
8044 Variables}) as a counter in an expression that prints the first
8045 interesting value, and then repeat that expression via @key{RET}. For
8046 instance, suppose you have an array @code{dtab} of pointers to
8047 structures, and you are interested in the values of a field @code{fv}
8048 in each structure. Here is an example of what you might type:
8049
8050 @smallexample
8051 set $i = 0
8052 p dtab[$i++]->fv
8053 @key{RET}
8054 @key{RET}
8055 @dots{}
8056 @end smallexample
8057
8058 @node Output Formats
8059 @section Output Formats
8060
8061 @cindex formatted output
8062 @cindex output formats
8063 By default, @value{GDBN} prints a value according to its data type. Sometimes
8064 this is not what you want. For example, you might want to print a number
8065 in hex, or a pointer in decimal. Or you might want to view data in memory
8066 at a certain address as a character string or as an instruction. To do
8067 these things, specify an @dfn{output format} when you print a value.
8068
8069 The simplest use of output formats is to say how to print a value
8070 already computed. This is done by starting the arguments of the
8071 @code{print} command with a slash and a format letter. The format
8072 letters supported are:
8073
8074 @table @code
8075 @item x
8076 Regard the bits of the value as an integer, and print the integer in
8077 hexadecimal.
8078
8079 @item d
8080 Print as integer in signed decimal.
8081
8082 @item u
8083 Print as integer in unsigned decimal.
8084
8085 @item o
8086 Print as integer in octal.
8087
8088 @item t
8089 Print as integer in binary. The letter @samp{t} stands for ``two''.
8090 @footnote{@samp{b} cannot be used because these format letters are also
8091 used with the @code{x} command, where @samp{b} stands for ``byte'';
8092 see @ref{Memory,,Examining Memory}.}
8093
8094 @item a
8095 @cindex unknown address, locating
8096 @cindex locate address
8097 Print as an address, both absolute in hexadecimal and as an offset from
8098 the nearest preceding symbol. You can use this format used to discover
8099 where (in what function) an unknown address is located:
8100
8101 @smallexample
8102 (@value{GDBP}) p/a 0x54320
8103 $3 = 0x54320 <_initialize_vx+396>
8104 @end smallexample
8105
8106 @noindent
8107 The command @code{info symbol 0x54320} yields similar results.
8108 @xref{Symbols, info symbol}.
8109
8110 @item c
8111 Regard as an integer and print it as a character constant. This
8112 prints both the numerical value and its character representation. The
8113 character representation is replaced with the octal escape @samp{\nnn}
8114 for characters outside the 7-bit @sc{ascii} range.
8115
8116 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays @code{char},
8117 @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} data as character
8118 constants. Single-byte members of vectors are displayed as integer
8119 data.
8120
8121 @item f
8122 Regard the bits of the value as a floating point number and print
8123 using typical floating point syntax.
8124
8125 @item s
8126 @cindex printing strings
8127 @cindex printing byte arrays
8128 Regard as a string, if possible. With this format, pointers to single-byte
8129 data are displayed as null-terminated strings and arrays of single-byte data
8130 are displayed as fixed-length strings. Other values are displayed in their
8131 natural types.
8132
8133 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays pointers to and arrays of
8134 @code{char}, @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} as
8135 strings. Single-byte members of a vector are displayed as an integer
8136 array.
8137
8138 @item r
8139 @cindex raw printing
8140 Print using the @samp{raw} formatting. By default, @value{GDBN} will
8141 use a Python-based pretty-printer, if one is available (@pxref{Pretty
8142 Printing}). This typically results in a higher-level display of the
8143 value's contents. The @samp{r} format bypasses any Python
8144 pretty-printer which might exist.
8145 @end table
8146
8147 For example, to print the program counter in hex (@pxref{Registers}), type
8148
8149 @smallexample
8150 p/x $pc
8151 @end smallexample
8152
8153 @noindent
8154 Note that no space is required before the slash; this is because command
8155 names in @value{GDBN} cannot contain a slash.
8156
8157 To reprint the last value in the value history with a different format,
8158 you can use the @code{print} command with just a format and no
8159 expression. For example, @samp{p/x} reprints the last value in hex.
8160
8161 @node Memory
8162 @section Examining Memory
8163
8164 You can use the command @code{x} (for ``examine'') to examine memory in
8165 any of several formats, independently of your program's data types.
8166
8167 @cindex examining memory
8168 @table @code
8169 @kindex x @r{(examine memory)}
8170 @item x/@var{nfu} @var{addr}
8171 @itemx x @var{addr}
8172 @itemx x
8173 Use the @code{x} command to examine memory.
8174 @end table
8175
8176 @var{n}, @var{f}, and @var{u} are all optional parameters that specify how
8177 much memory to display and how to format it; @var{addr} is an
8178 expression giving the address where you want to start displaying memory.
8179 If you use defaults for @var{nfu}, you need not type the slash @samp{/}.
8180 Several commands set convenient defaults for @var{addr}.
8181
8182 @table @r
8183 @item @var{n}, the repeat count
8184 The repeat count is a decimal integer; the default is 1. It specifies
8185 how much memory (counting by units @var{u}) to display.
8186 @c This really is **decimal**; unaffected by 'set radix' as of GDB
8187 @c 4.1.2.
8188
8189 @item @var{f}, the display format
8190 The display format is one of the formats used by @code{print}
8191 (@samp{x}, @samp{d}, @samp{u}, @samp{o}, @samp{t}, @samp{a}, @samp{c},
8192 @samp{f}, @samp{s}), and in addition @samp{i} (for machine instructions).
8193 The default is @samp{x} (hexadecimal) initially. The default changes
8194 each time you use either @code{x} or @code{print}.
8195
8196 @item @var{u}, the unit size
8197 The unit size is any of
8198
8199 @table @code
8200 @item b
8201 Bytes.
8202 @item h
8203 Halfwords (two bytes).
8204 @item w
8205 Words (four bytes). This is the initial default.
8206 @item g
8207 Giant words (eight bytes).
8208 @end table
8209
8210 Each time you specify a unit size with @code{x}, that size becomes the
8211 default unit the next time you use @code{x}. For the @samp{i} format,
8212 the unit size is ignored and is normally not written. For the @samp{s} format,
8213 the unit size defaults to @samp{b}, unless it is explicitly given.
8214 Use @kbd{x /hs} to display 16-bit char strings and @kbd{x /ws} to display
8215 32-bit strings. The next use of @kbd{x /s} will again display 8-bit strings.
8216 Note that the results depend on the programming language of the
8217 current compilation unit. If the language is C, the @samp{s}
8218 modifier will use the UTF-16 encoding while @samp{w} will use
8219 UTF-32. The encoding is set by the programming language and cannot
8220 be altered.
8221
8222 @item @var{addr}, starting display address
8223 @var{addr} is the address where you want @value{GDBN} to begin displaying
8224 memory. The expression need not have a pointer value (though it may);
8225 it is always interpreted as an integer address of a byte of memory.
8226 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information on expressions. The default for
8227 @var{addr} is usually just after the last address examined---but several
8228 other commands also set the default address: @code{info breakpoints} (to
8229 the address of the last breakpoint listed), @code{info line} (to the
8230 starting address of a line), and @code{print} (if you use it to display
8231 a value from memory).
8232 @end table
8233
8234 For example, @samp{x/3uh 0x54320} is a request to display three halfwords
8235 (@code{h}) of memory, formatted as unsigned decimal integers (@samp{u}),
8236 starting at address @code{0x54320}. @samp{x/4xw $sp} prints the four
8237 words (@samp{w}) of memory above the stack pointer (here, @samp{$sp};
8238 @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}) in hexadecimal (@samp{x}).
8239
8240 Since the letters indicating unit sizes are all distinct from the
8241 letters specifying output formats, you do not have to remember whether
8242 unit size or format comes first; either order works. The output
8243 specifications @samp{4xw} and @samp{4wx} mean exactly the same thing.
8244 (However, the count @var{n} must come first; @samp{wx4} does not work.)
8245
8246 Even though the unit size @var{u} is ignored for the formats @samp{s}
8247 and @samp{i}, you might still want to use a count @var{n}; for example,
8248 @samp{3i} specifies that you want to see three machine instructions,
8249 including any operands. For convenience, especially when used with
8250 the @code{display} command, the @samp{i} format also prints branch delay
8251 slot instructions, if any, beyond the count specified, which immediately
8252 follow the last instruction that is within the count. The command
8253 @code{disassemble} gives an alternative way of inspecting machine
8254 instructions; see @ref{Machine Code,,Source and Machine Code}.
8255
8256 All the defaults for the arguments to @code{x} are designed to make it
8257 easy to continue scanning memory with minimal specifications each time
8258 you use @code{x}. For example, after you have inspected three machine
8259 instructions with @samp{x/3i @var{addr}}, you can inspect the next seven
8260 with just @samp{x/7}. If you use @key{RET} to repeat the @code{x} command,
8261 the repeat count @var{n} is used again; the other arguments default as
8262 for successive uses of @code{x}.
8263
8264 When examining machine instructions, the instruction at current program
8265 counter is shown with a @code{=>} marker. For example:
8266
8267 @smallexample
8268 (@value{GDBP}) x/5i $pc-6
8269 0x804837f <main+11>: mov %esp,%ebp
8270 0x8048381 <main+13>: push %ecx
8271 0x8048382 <main+14>: sub $0x4,%esp
8272 => 0x8048385 <main+17>: movl $0x8048460,(%esp)
8273 0x804838c <main+24>: call 0x80482d4 <puts@@plt>
8274 @end smallexample
8275
8276 @cindex @code{$_}, @code{$__}, and value history
8277 The addresses and contents printed by the @code{x} command are not saved
8278 in the value history because there is often too much of them and they
8279 would get in the way. Instead, @value{GDBN} makes these values available for
8280 subsequent use in expressions as values of the convenience variables
8281 @code{$_} and @code{$__}. After an @code{x} command, the last address
8282 examined is available for use in expressions in the convenience variable
8283 @code{$_}. The contents of that address, as examined, are available in
8284 the convenience variable @code{$__}.
8285
8286 If the @code{x} command has a repeat count, the address and contents saved
8287 are from the last memory unit printed; this is not the same as the last
8288 address printed if several units were printed on the last line of output.
8289
8290 @cindex remote memory comparison
8291 @cindex verify remote memory image
8292 When you are debugging a program running on a remote target machine
8293 (@pxref{Remote Debugging}), you may wish to verify the program's image in the
8294 remote machine's memory against the executable file you downloaded to
8295 the target. The @code{compare-sections} command is provided for such
8296 situations.
8297
8298 @table @code
8299 @kindex compare-sections
8300 @item compare-sections @r{[}@var{section-name}@r{]}
8301 Compare the data of a loadable section @var{section-name} in the
8302 executable file of the program being debugged with the same section in
8303 the remote machine's memory, and report any mismatches. With no
8304 arguments, compares all loadable sections. This command's
8305 availability depends on the target's support for the @code{"qCRC"}
8306 remote request.
8307 @end table
8308
8309 @node Auto Display
8310 @section Automatic Display
8311 @cindex automatic display
8312 @cindex display of expressions
8313
8314 If you find that you want to print the value of an expression frequently
8315 (to see how it changes), you might want to add it to the @dfn{automatic
8316 display list} so that @value{GDBN} prints its value each time your program stops.
8317 Each expression added to the list is given a number to identify it;
8318 to remove an expression from the list, you specify that number.
8319 The automatic display looks like this:
8320
8321 @smallexample
8322 2: foo = 38
8323 3: bar[5] = (struct hack *) 0x3804
8324 @end smallexample
8325
8326 @noindent
8327 This display shows item numbers, expressions and their current values. As with
8328 displays you request manually using @code{x} or @code{print}, you can
8329 specify the output format you prefer; in fact, @code{display} decides
8330 whether to use @code{print} or @code{x} depending your format
8331 specification---it uses @code{x} if you specify either the @samp{i}
8332 or @samp{s} format, or a unit size; otherwise it uses @code{print}.
8333
8334 @table @code
8335 @kindex display
8336 @item display @var{expr}
8337 Add the expression @var{expr} to the list of expressions to display
8338 each time your program stops. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
8339
8340 @code{display} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
8341
8342 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{expr}
8343 For @var{fmt} specifying only a display format and not a size or
8344 count, add the expression @var{expr} to the auto-display list but
8345 arrange to display it each time in the specified format @var{fmt}.
8346 @xref{Output Formats,,Output Formats}.
8347
8348 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{addr}
8349 For @var{fmt} @samp{i} or @samp{s}, or including a unit-size or a
8350 number of units, add the expression @var{addr} as a memory address to
8351 be examined each time your program stops. Examining means in effect
8352 doing @samp{x/@var{fmt} @var{addr}}. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
8353 @end table
8354
8355 For example, @samp{display/i $pc} can be helpful, to see the machine
8356 instruction about to be executed each time execution stops (@samp{$pc}
8357 is a common name for the program counter; @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
8358
8359 @table @code
8360 @kindex delete display
8361 @kindex undisplay
8362 @item undisplay @var{dnums}@dots{}
8363 @itemx delete display @var{dnums}@dots{}
8364 Remove items from the list of expressions to display. Specify the
8365 numbers of the displays that you want affected with the command
8366 argument @var{dnums}. It can be a single display number, one of the
8367 numbers shown in the first field of the @samp{info display} display;
8368 or it could be a range of display numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
8369
8370 @code{undisplay} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
8371 (Otherwise you would just get the error @samp{No display number @dots{}}.)
8372
8373 @kindex disable display
8374 @item disable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
8375 Disable the display of item numbers @var{dnums}. A disabled display
8376 item is not printed automatically, but is not forgotten. It may be
8377 enabled again later. Specify the numbers of the displays that you
8378 want affected with the command argument @var{dnums}. It can be a
8379 single display number, one of the numbers shown in the first field of
8380 the @samp{info display} display; or it could be a range of display
8381 numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
8382
8383 @kindex enable display
8384 @item enable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
8385 Enable display of item numbers @var{dnums}. It becomes effective once
8386 again in auto display of its expression, until you specify otherwise.
8387 Specify the numbers of the displays that you want affected with the
8388 command argument @var{dnums}. It can be a single display number, one
8389 of the numbers shown in the first field of the @samp{info display}
8390 display; or it could be a range of display numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
8391
8392 @item display
8393 Display the current values of the expressions on the list, just as is
8394 done when your program stops.
8395
8396 @kindex info display
8397 @item info display
8398 Print the list of expressions previously set up to display
8399 automatically, each one with its item number, but without showing the
8400 values. This includes disabled expressions, which are marked as such.
8401 It also includes expressions which would not be displayed right now
8402 because they refer to automatic variables not currently available.
8403 @end table
8404
8405 @cindex display disabled out of scope
8406 If a display expression refers to local variables, then it does not make
8407 sense outside the lexical context for which it was set up. Such an
8408 expression is disabled when execution enters a context where one of its
8409 variables is not defined. For example, if you give the command
8410 @code{display last_char} while inside a function with an argument
8411 @code{last_char}, @value{GDBN} displays this argument while your program
8412 continues to stop inside that function. When it stops elsewhere---where
8413 there is no variable @code{last_char}---the display is disabled
8414 automatically. The next time your program stops where @code{last_char}
8415 is meaningful, you can enable the display expression once again.
8416
8417 @node Print Settings
8418 @section Print Settings
8419
8420 @cindex format options
8421 @cindex print settings
8422 @value{GDBN} provides the following ways to control how arrays, structures,
8423 and symbols are printed.
8424
8425 @noindent
8426 These settings are useful for debugging programs in any language:
8427
8428 @table @code
8429 @kindex set print
8430 @item set print address
8431 @itemx set print address on
8432 @cindex print/don't print memory addresses
8433 @value{GDBN} prints memory addresses showing the location of stack
8434 traces, structure values, pointer values, breakpoints, and so forth,
8435 even when it also displays the contents of those addresses. The default
8436 is @code{on}. For example, this is what a stack frame display looks like with
8437 @code{set print address on}:
8438
8439 @smallexample
8440 @group
8441 (@value{GDBP}) f
8442 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<<", rq=0x34c88 ">>")
8443 at input.c:530
8444 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
8445 @end group
8446 @end smallexample
8447
8448 @item set print address off
8449 Do not print addresses when displaying their contents. For example,
8450 this is the same stack frame displayed with @code{set print address off}:
8451
8452 @smallexample
8453 @group
8454 (@value{GDBP}) set print addr off
8455 (@value{GDBP}) f
8456 #0 set_quotes (lq="<<", rq=">>") at input.c:530
8457 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
8458 @end group
8459 @end smallexample
8460
8461 You can use @samp{set print address off} to eliminate all machine
8462 dependent displays from the @value{GDBN} interface. For example, with
8463 @code{print address off}, you should get the same text for backtraces on
8464 all machines---whether or not they involve pointer arguments.
8465
8466 @kindex show print
8467 @item show print address
8468 Show whether or not addresses are to be printed.
8469 @end table
8470
8471 When @value{GDBN} prints a symbolic address, it normally prints the
8472 closest earlier symbol plus an offset. If that symbol does not uniquely
8473 identify the address (for example, it is a name whose scope is a single
8474 source file), you may need to clarify. One way to do this is with
8475 @code{info line}, for example @samp{info line *0x4537}. Alternately,
8476 you can set @value{GDBN} to print the source file and line number when
8477 it prints a symbolic address:
8478
8479 @table @code
8480 @item set print symbol-filename on
8481 @cindex source file and line of a symbol
8482 @cindex symbol, source file and line
8483 Tell @value{GDBN} to print the source file name and line number of a
8484 symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
8485
8486 @item set print symbol-filename off
8487 Do not print source file name and line number of a symbol. This is the
8488 default.
8489
8490 @item show print symbol-filename
8491 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} will print the source file name and
8492 line number of a symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
8493 @end table
8494
8495 Another situation where it is helpful to show symbol filenames and line
8496 numbers is when disassembling code; @value{GDBN} shows you the line
8497 number and source file that corresponds to each instruction.
8498
8499 Also, you may wish to see the symbolic form only if the address being
8500 printed is reasonably close to the closest earlier symbol:
8501
8502 @table @code
8503 @item set print max-symbolic-offset @var{max-offset}
8504 @cindex maximum value for offset of closest symbol
8505 Tell @value{GDBN} to only display the symbolic form of an address if the
8506 offset between the closest earlier symbol and the address is less than
8507 @var{max-offset}. The default is 0, which tells @value{GDBN}
8508 to always print the symbolic form of an address if any symbol precedes it.
8509
8510 @item show print max-symbolic-offset
8511 Ask how large the maximum offset is that @value{GDBN} prints in a
8512 symbolic address.
8513 @end table
8514
8515 @cindex wild pointer, interpreting
8516 @cindex pointer, finding referent
8517 If you have a pointer and you are not sure where it points, try
8518 @samp{set print symbol-filename on}. Then you can determine the name
8519 and source file location of the variable where it points, using
8520 @samp{p/a @var{pointer}}. This interprets the address in symbolic form.
8521 For example, here @value{GDBN} shows that a variable @code{ptt} points
8522 at another variable @code{t}, defined in @file{hi2.c}:
8523
8524 @smallexample
8525 (@value{GDBP}) set print symbol-filename on
8526 (@value{GDBP}) p/a ptt
8527 $4 = 0xe008 <t in hi2.c>
8528 @end smallexample
8529
8530 @quotation
8531 @emph{Warning:} For pointers that point to a local variable, @samp{p/a}
8532 does not show the symbol name and filename of the referent, even with
8533 the appropriate @code{set print} options turned on.
8534 @end quotation
8535
8536 You can also enable @samp{/a}-like formatting all the time using
8537 @samp{set print symbol on}:
8538
8539 @table @code
8540 @item set print symbol on
8541 Tell @value{GDBN} to print the symbol corresponding to an address, if
8542 one exists.
8543
8544 @item set print symbol off
8545 Tell @value{GDBN} not to print the symbol corresponding to an
8546 address. In this mode, @value{GDBN} will still print the symbol
8547 corresponding to pointers to functions. This is the default.
8548
8549 @item show print symbol
8550 Show whether @value{GDBN} will display the symbol corresponding to an
8551 address.
8552 @end table
8553
8554 Other settings control how different kinds of objects are printed:
8555
8556 @table @code
8557 @item set print array
8558 @itemx set print array on
8559 @cindex pretty print arrays
8560 Pretty print arrays. This format is more convenient to read,
8561 but uses more space. The default is off.
8562
8563 @item set print array off
8564 Return to compressed format for arrays.
8565
8566 @item show print array
8567 Show whether compressed or pretty format is selected for displaying
8568 arrays.
8569
8570 @cindex print array indexes
8571 @item set print array-indexes
8572 @itemx set print array-indexes on
8573 Print the index of each element when displaying arrays. May be more
8574 convenient to locate a given element in the array or quickly find the
8575 index of a given element in that printed array. The default is off.
8576
8577 @item set print array-indexes off
8578 Stop printing element indexes when displaying arrays.
8579
8580 @item show print array-indexes
8581 Show whether the index of each element is printed when displaying
8582 arrays.
8583
8584 @item set print elements @var{number-of-elements}
8585 @cindex number of array elements to print
8586 @cindex limit on number of printed array elements
8587 Set a limit on how many elements of an array @value{GDBN} will print.
8588 If @value{GDBN} is printing a large array, it stops printing after it has
8589 printed the number of elements set by the @code{set print elements} command.
8590 This limit also applies to the display of strings.
8591 When @value{GDBN} starts, this limit is set to 200.
8592 Setting @var{number-of-elements} to zero means that the printing is unlimited.
8593
8594 @item show print elements
8595 Display the number of elements of a large array that @value{GDBN} will print.
8596 If the number is 0, then the printing is unlimited.
8597
8598 @item set print frame-arguments @var{value}
8599 @kindex set print frame-arguments
8600 @cindex printing frame argument values
8601 @cindex print all frame argument values
8602 @cindex print frame argument values for scalars only
8603 @cindex do not print frame argument values
8604 This command allows to control how the values of arguments are printed
8605 when the debugger prints a frame (@pxref{Frames}). The possible
8606 values are:
8607
8608 @table @code
8609 @item all
8610 The values of all arguments are printed.
8611
8612 @item scalars
8613 Print the value of an argument only if it is a scalar. The value of more
8614 complex arguments such as arrays, structures, unions, etc, is replaced
8615 by @code{@dots{}}. This is the default. Here is an example where
8616 only scalar arguments are shown:
8617
8618 @smallexample
8619 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=3, s=@dots{}, ss=0xbf8d508c, u=@dots{}, e=green)
8620 at frame-args.c:23
8621 @end smallexample
8622
8623 @item none
8624 None of the argument values are printed. Instead, the value of each argument
8625 is replaced by @code{@dots{}}. In this case, the example above now becomes:
8626
8627 @smallexample
8628 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=@dots{}, s=@dots{}, ss=@dots{}, u=@dots{}, e=@dots{})
8629 at frame-args.c:23
8630 @end smallexample
8631 @end table
8632
8633 By default, only scalar arguments are printed. This command can be used
8634 to configure the debugger to print the value of all arguments, regardless
8635 of their type. However, it is often advantageous to not print the value
8636 of more complex parameters. For instance, it reduces the amount of
8637 information printed in each frame, making the backtrace more readable.
8638 Also, it improves performance when displaying Ada frames, because
8639 the computation of large arguments can sometimes be CPU-intensive,
8640 especially in large applications. Setting @code{print frame-arguments}
8641 to @code{scalars} (the default) or @code{none} avoids this computation,
8642 thus speeding up the display of each Ada frame.
8643
8644 @item show print frame-arguments
8645 Show how the value of arguments should be displayed when printing a frame.
8646
8647 @anchor{set print entry-values}
8648 @item set print entry-values @var{value}
8649 @kindex set print entry-values
8650 Set printing of frame argument values at function entry. In some cases
8651 @value{GDBN} can determine the value of function argument which was passed by
8652 the function caller, even if the value was modified inside the called function
8653 and therefore is different. With optimized code, the current value could be
8654 unavailable, but the entry value may still be known.
8655
8656 The default value is @code{default} (see below for its description). Older
8657 @value{GDBN} behaved as with the setting @code{no}. Compilers not supporting
8658 this feature will behave in the @code{default} setting the same way as with the
8659 @code{no} setting.
8660
8661 This functionality is currently supported only by DWARF 2 debugging format and
8662 the compiler has to produce @samp{DW_TAG_GNU_call_site} tags. With
8663 @value{NGCC}, you need to specify @option{-O -g} during compilation, to get
8664 this information.
8665
8666 The @var{value} parameter can be one of the following:
8667
8668 @table @code
8669 @item no
8670 Print only actual parameter values, never print values from function entry
8671 point.
8672 @smallexample
8673 #0 equal (val=5)
8674 #0 different (val=6)
8675 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>)
8676 #0 born (val=10)
8677 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
8678 @end smallexample
8679
8680 @item only
8681 Print only parameter values from function entry point. The actual parameter
8682 values are never printed.
8683 @smallexample
8684 #0 equal (val@@entry=5)
8685 #0 different (val@@entry=5)
8686 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
8687 #0 born (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
8688 #0 invalid (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
8689 @end smallexample
8690
8691 @item preferred
8692 Print only parameter values from function entry point. If value from function
8693 entry point is not known while the actual value is known, print the actual
8694 value for such parameter.
8695 @smallexample
8696 #0 equal (val@@entry=5)
8697 #0 different (val@@entry=5)
8698 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
8699 #0 born (val=10)
8700 #0 invalid (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
8701 @end smallexample
8702
8703 @item if-needed
8704 Print actual parameter values. If actual parameter value is not known while
8705 value from function entry point is known, print the entry point value for such
8706 parameter.
8707 @smallexample
8708 #0 equal (val=5)
8709 #0 different (val=6)
8710 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
8711 #0 born (val=10)
8712 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
8713 @end smallexample
8714
8715 @item both
8716 Always print both the actual parameter value and its value from function entry
8717 point, even if values of one or both are not available due to compiler
8718 optimizations.
8719 @smallexample
8720 #0 equal (val=5, val@@entry=5)
8721 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
8722 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=5)
8723 #0 born (val=10, val@@entry=<optimized out>)
8724 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=<optimized out>)
8725 @end smallexample
8726
8727 @item compact
8728 Print the actual parameter value if it is known and also its value from
8729 function entry point if it is known. If neither is known, print for the actual
8730 value @code{<optimized out>}. If not in MI mode (@pxref{GDB/MI}) and if both
8731 values are known and identical, print the shortened
8732 @code{param=param@@entry=VALUE} notation.
8733 @smallexample
8734 #0 equal (val=val@@entry=5)
8735 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
8736 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
8737 #0 born (val=10)
8738 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
8739 @end smallexample
8740
8741 @item default
8742 Always print the actual parameter value. Print also its value from function
8743 entry point, but only if it is known. If not in MI mode (@pxref{GDB/MI}) and
8744 if both values are known and identical, print the shortened
8745 @code{param=param@@entry=VALUE} notation.
8746 @smallexample
8747 #0 equal (val=val@@entry=5)
8748 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
8749 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=5)
8750 #0 born (val=10)
8751 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
8752 @end smallexample
8753 @end table
8754
8755 For analysis messages on possible failures of frame argument values at function
8756 entry resolution see @ref{set debug entry-values}.
8757
8758 @item show print entry-values
8759 Show the method being used for printing of frame argument values at function
8760 entry.
8761
8762 @item set print repeats
8763 @cindex repeated array elements
8764 Set the threshold for suppressing display of repeated array
8765 elements. When the number of consecutive identical elements of an
8766 array exceeds the threshold, @value{GDBN} prints the string
8767 @code{"<repeats @var{n} times>"}, where @var{n} is the number of
8768 identical repetitions, instead of displaying the identical elements
8769 themselves. Setting the threshold to zero will cause all elements to
8770 be individually printed. The default threshold is 10.
8771
8772 @item show print repeats
8773 Display the current threshold for printing repeated identical
8774 elements.
8775
8776 @item set print null-stop
8777 @cindex @sc{null} elements in arrays
8778 Cause @value{GDBN} to stop printing the characters of an array when the first
8779 @sc{null} is encountered. This is useful when large arrays actually
8780 contain only short strings.
8781 The default is off.
8782
8783 @item show print null-stop
8784 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops printing an array on the first
8785 @sc{null} character.
8786
8787 @item set print pretty on
8788 @cindex print structures in indented form
8789 @cindex indentation in structure display
8790 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in an indented format with one member
8791 per line, like this:
8792
8793 @smallexample
8794 @group
8795 $1 = @{
8796 next = 0x0,
8797 flags = @{
8798 sweet = 1,
8799 sour = 1
8800 @},
8801 meat = 0x54 "Pork"
8802 @}
8803 @end group
8804 @end smallexample
8805
8806 @item set print pretty off
8807 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in a compact format, like this:
8808
8809 @smallexample
8810 @group
8811 $1 = @{next = 0x0, flags = @{sweet = 1, sour = 1@}, \
8812 meat = 0x54 "Pork"@}
8813 @end group
8814 @end smallexample
8815
8816 @noindent
8817 This is the default format.
8818
8819 @item show print pretty
8820 Show which format @value{GDBN} is using to print structures.
8821
8822 @item set print sevenbit-strings on
8823 @cindex eight-bit characters in strings
8824 @cindex octal escapes in strings
8825 Print using only seven-bit characters; if this option is set,
8826 @value{GDBN} displays any eight-bit characters (in strings or
8827 character values) using the notation @code{\}@var{nnn}. This setting is
8828 best if you are working in English (@sc{ascii}) and you use the
8829 high-order bit of characters as a marker or ``meta'' bit.
8830
8831 @item set print sevenbit-strings off
8832 Print full eight-bit characters. This allows the use of more
8833 international character sets, and is the default.
8834
8835 @item show print sevenbit-strings
8836 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} is printing only seven-bit characters.
8837
8838 @item set print union on
8839 @cindex unions in structures, printing
8840 Tell @value{GDBN} to print unions which are contained in structures
8841 and other unions. This is the default setting.
8842
8843 @item set print union off
8844 Tell @value{GDBN} not to print unions which are contained in
8845 structures and other unions. @value{GDBN} will print @code{"@{...@}"}
8846 instead.
8847
8848 @item show print union
8849 Ask @value{GDBN} whether or not it will print unions which are contained in
8850 structures and other unions.
8851
8852 For example, given the declarations
8853
8854 @smallexample
8855 typedef enum @{Tree, Bug@} Species;
8856 typedef enum @{Big_tree, Acorn, Seedling@} Tree_forms;
8857 typedef enum @{Caterpillar, Cocoon, Butterfly@}
8858 Bug_forms;
8859
8860 struct thing @{
8861 Species it;
8862 union @{
8863 Tree_forms tree;
8864 Bug_forms bug;
8865 @} form;
8866 @};
8867
8868 struct thing foo = @{Tree, @{Acorn@}@};
8869 @end smallexample
8870
8871 @noindent
8872 with @code{set print union on} in effect @samp{p foo} would print
8873
8874 @smallexample
8875 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{tree = Acorn, bug = Cocoon@}@}
8876 @end smallexample
8877
8878 @noindent
8879 and with @code{set print union off} in effect it would print
8880
8881 @smallexample
8882 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{...@}@}
8883 @end smallexample
8884
8885 @noindent
8886 @code{set print union} affects programs written in C-like languages
8887 and in Pascal.
8888 @end table
8889
8890 @need 1000
8891 @noindent
8892 These settings are of interest when debugging C@t{++} programs:
8893
8894 @table @code
8895 @cindex demangling C@t{++} names
8896 @item set print demangle
8897 @itemx set print demangle on
8898 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than in the encoded
8899 (``mangled'') form passed to the assembler and linker for type-safe
8900 linkage. The default is on.
8901
8902 @item show print demangle
8903 Show whether C@t{++} names are printed in mangled or demangled form.
8904
8905 @item set print asm-demangle
8906 @itemx set print asm-demangle on
8907 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than their mangled form, even
8908 in assembler code printouts such as instruction disassemblies.
8909 The default is off.
8910
8911 @item show print asm-demangle
8912 Show whether C@t{++} names in assembly listings are printed in mangled
8913 or demangled form.
8914
8915 @cindex C@t{++} symbol decoding style
8916 @cindex symbol decoding style, C@t{++}
8917 @kindex set demangle-style
8918 @item set demangle-style @var{style}
8919 Choose among several encoding schemes used by different compilers to
8920 represent C@t{++} names. The choices for @var{style} are currently:
8921
8922 @table @code
8923 @item auto
8924 Allow @value{GDBN} to choose a decoding style by inspecting your program.
8925 This is the default.
8926
8927 @item gnu
8928 Decode based on the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler (@code{g++}) encoding algorithm.
8929
8930 @item hp
8931 Decode based on the HP ANSI C@t{++} (@code{aCC}) encoding algorithm.
8932
8933 @item lucid
8934 Decode based on the Lucid C@t{++} compiler (@code{lcc}) encoding algorithm.
8935
8936 @item arm
8937 Decode using the algorithm in the @cite{C@t{++} Annotated Reference Manual}.
8938 @strong{Warning:} this setting alone is not sufficient to allow
8939 debugging @code{cfront}-generated executables. @value{GDBN} would
8940 require further enhancement to permit that.
8941
8942 @end table
8943 If you omit @var{style}, you will see a list of possible formats.
8944
8945 @item show demangle-style
8946 Display the encoding style currently in use for decoding C@t{++} symbols.
8947
8948 @item set print object
8949 @itemx set print object on
8950 @cindex derived type of an object, printing
8951 @cindex display derived types
8952 When displaying a pointer to an object, identify the @emph{actual}
8953 (derived) type of the object rather than the @emph{declared} type, using
8954 the virtual function table. Note that the virtual function table is
8955 required---this feature can only work for objects that have run-time
8956 type identification; a single virtual method in the object's declared
8957 type is sufficient. Note that this setting is also taken into account when
8958 working with variable objects via MI (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
8959
8960 @item set print object off
8961 Display only the declared type of objects, without reference to the
8962 virtual function table. This is the default setting.
8963
8964 @item show print object
8965 Show whether actual, or declared, object types are displayed.
8966
8967 @item set print static-members
8968 @itemx set print static-members on
8969 @cindex static members of C@t{++} objects
8970 Print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object. The default is on.
8971
8972 @item set print static-members off
8973 Do not print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object.
8974
8975 @item show print static-members
8976 Show whether C@t{++} static members are printed or not.
8977
8978 @item set print pascal_static-members
8979 @itemx set print pascal_static-members on
8980 @cindex static members of Pascal objects
8981 @cindex Pascal objects, static members display
8982 Print static members when displaying a Pascal object. The default is on.
8983
8984 @item set print pascal_static-members off
8985 Do not print static members when displaying a Pascal object.
8986
8987 @item show print pascal_static-members
8988 Show whether Pascal static members are printed or not.
8989
8990 @c These don't work with HP ANSI C++ yet.
8991 @item set print vtbl
8992 @itemx set print vtbl on
8993 @cindex pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables
8994 @cindex virtual functions (C@t{++}) display
8995 @cindex VTBL display
8996 Pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables. The default is off.
8997 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
8998 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
8999
9000 @item set print vtbl off
9001 Do not pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables.
9002
9003 @item show print vtbl
9004 Show whether C@t{++} virtual function tables are pretty printed, or not.
9005 @end table
9006
9007 @node Pretty Printing
9008 @section Pretty Printing
9009
9010 @value{GDBN} provides a mechanism to allow pretty-printing of values using
9011 Python code. It greatly simplifies the display of complex objects. This
9012 mechanism works for both MI and the CLI.
9013
9014 @menu
9015 * Pretty-Printer Introduction:: Introduction to pretty-printers
9016 * Pretty-Printer Example:: An example pretty-printer
9017 * Pretty-Printer Commands:: Pretty-printer commands
9018 @end menu
9019
9020 @node Pretty-Printer Introduction
9021 @subsection Pretty-Printer Introduction
9022
9023 When @value{GDBN} prints a value, it first sees if there is a pretty-printer
9024 registered for the value. If there is then @value{GDBN} invokes the
9025 pretty-printer to print the value. Otherwise the value is printed normally.
9026
9027 Pretty-printers are normally named. This makes them easy to manage.
9028 The @samp{info pretty-printer} command will list all the installed
9029 pretty-printers with their names.
9030 If a pretty-printer can handle multiple data types, then its
9031 @dfn{subprinters} are the printers for the individual data types.
9032 Each such subprinter has its own name.
9033 The format of the name is @var{printer-name};@var{subprinter-name}.
9034
9035 Pretty-printers are installed by @dfn{registering} them with @value{GDBN}.
9036 Typically they are automatically loaded and registered when the corresponding
9037 debug information is loaded, thus making them available without having to
9038 do anything special.
9039
9040 There are three places where a pretty-printer can be registered.
9041
9042 @itemize @bullet
9043 @item
9044 Pretty-printers registered globally are available when debugging
9045 all inferiors.
9046
9047 @item
9048 Pretty-printers registered with a program space are available only
9049 when debugging that program.
9050 @xref{Progspaces In Python}, for more details on program spaces in Python.
9051
9052 @item
9053 Pretty-printers registered with an objfile are loaded and unloaded
9054 with the corresponding objfile (e.g., shared library).
9055 @xref{Objfiles In Python}, for more details on objfiles in Python.
9056 @end itemize
9057
9058 @xref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}, for further information on how
9059 pretty-printers are selected,
9060
9061 @xref{Writing a Pretty-Printer}, for implementing pretty printers
9062 for new types.
9063
9064 @node Pretty-Printer Example
9065 @subsection Pretty-Printer Example
9066
9067 Here is how a C@t{++} @code{std::string} looks without a pretty-printer:
9068
9069 @smallexample
9070 (@value{GDBP}) print s
9071 $1 = @{
9072 static npos = 4294967295,
9073 _M_dataplus = @{
9074 <std::allocator<char>> = @{
9075 <__gnu_cxx::new_allocator<char>> = @{
9076 <No data fields>@}, <No data fields>
9077 @},
9078 members of std::basic_string<char, std::char_traits<char>,
9079 std::allocator<char> >::_Alloc_hider:
9080 _M_p = 0x804a014 "abcd"
9081 @}
9082 @}
9083 @end smallexample
9084
9085 With a pretty-printer for @code{std::string} only the contents are printed:
9086
9087 @smallexample
9088 (@value{GDBP}) print s
9089 $2 = "abcd"
9090 @end smallexample
9091
9092 @node Pretty-Printer Commands
9093 @subsection Pretty-Printer Commands
9094 @cindex pretty-printer commands
9095
9096 @table @code
9097 @kindex info pretty-printer
9098 @item info pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
9099 Print the list of installed pretty-printers.
9100 This includes disabled pretty-printers, which are marked as such.
9101
9102 @var{object-regexp} is a regular expression matching the objects
9103 whose pretty-printers to list.
9104 Objects can be @code{global}, the program space's file
9105 (@pxref{Progspaces In Python}),
9106 and the object files within that program space (@pxref{Objfiles In Python}).
9107 @xref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}, for details on how @value{GDBN}
9108 looks up a printer from these three objects.
9109
9110 @var{name-regexp} is a regular expression matching the name of the printers
9111 to list.
9112
9113 @kindex disable pretty-printer
9114 @item disable pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
9115 Disable pretty-printers matching @var{object-regexp} and @var{name-regexp}.
9116 A disabled pretty-printer is not forgotten, it may be enabled again later.
9117
9118 @kindex enable pretty-printer
9119 @item enable pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
9120 Enable pretty-printers matching @var{object-regexp} and @var{name-regexp}.
9121 @end table
9122
9123 Example:
9124
9125 Suppose we have three pretty-printers installed: one from library1.so
9126 named @code{foo} that prints objects of type @code{foo}, and
9127 another from library2.so named @code{bar} that prints two types of objects,
9128 @code{bar1} and @code{bar2}.
9129
9130 @smallexample
9131 (gdb) info pretty-printer
9132 library1.so:
9133 foo
9134 library2.so:
9135 bar
9136 bar1
9137 bar2
9138 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
9139 library2.so:
9140 bar
9141 bar1
9142 bar2
9143 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library1
9144 1 printer disabled
9145 2 of 3 printers enabled
9146 (gdb) info pretty-printer
9147 library1.so:
9148 foo [disabled]
9149 library2.so:
9150 bar
9151 bar1
9152 bar2
9153 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library2 bar:bar1
9154 1 printer disabled
9155 1 of 3 printers enabled
9156 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
9157 library1.so:
9158 foo [disabled]
9159 library2.so:
9160 bar
9161 bar1 [disabled]
9162 bar2
9163 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library2 bar
9164 1 printer disabled
9165 0 of 3 printers enabled
9166 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
9167 library1.so:
9168 foo [disabled]
9169 library2.so:
9170 bar [disabled]
9171 bar1 [disabled]
9172 bar2
9173 @end smallexample
9174
9175 Note that for @code{bar} the entire printer can be disabled,
9176 as can each individual subprinter.
9177
9178 @node Value History
9179 @section Value History
9180
9181 @cindex value history
9182 @cindex history of values printed by @value{GDBN}
9183 Values printed by the @code{print} command are saved in the @value{GDBN}
9184 @dfn{value history}. This allows you to refer to them in other expressions.
9185 Values are kept until the symbol table is re-read or discarded
9186 (for example with the @code{file} or @code{symbol-file} commands).
9187 When the symbol table changes, the value history is discarded,
9188 since the values may contain pointers back to the types defined in the
9189 symbol table.
9190
9191 @cindex @code{$}
9192 @cindex @code{$$}
9193 @cindex history number
9194 The values printed are given @dfn{history numbers} by which you can
9195 refer to them. These are successive integers starting with one.
9196 @code{print} shows you the history number assigned to a value by
9197 printing @samp{$@var{num} = } before the value; here @var{num} is the
9198 history number.
9199
9200 To refer to any previous value, use @samp{$} followed by the value's
9201 history number. The way @code{print} labels its output is designed to
9202 remind you of this. Just @code{$} refers to the most recent value in
9203 the history, and @code{$$} refers to the value before that.
9204 @code{$$@var{n}} refers to the @var{n}th value from the end; @code{$$2}
9205 is the value just prior to @code{$$}, @code{$$1} is equivalent to
9206 @code{$$}, and @code{$$0} is equivalent to @code{$}.
9207
9208 For example, suppose you have just printed a pointer to a structure and
9209 want to see the contents of the structure. It suffices to type
9210
9211 @smallexample
9212 p *$
9213 @end smallexample
9214
9215 If you have a chain of structures where the component @code{next} points
9216 to the next one, you can print the contents of the next one with this:
9217
9218 @smallexample
9219 p *$.next
9220 @end smallexample
9221
9222 @noindent
9223 You can print successive links in the chain by repeating this
9224 command---which you can do by just typing @key{RET}.
9225
9226 Note that the history records values, not expressions. If the value of
9227 @code{x} is 4 and you type these commands:
9228
9229 @smallexample
9230 print x
9231 set x=5
9232 @end smallexample
9233
9234 @noindent
9235 then the value recorded in the value history by the @code{print} command
9236 remains 4 even though the value of @code{x} has changed.
9237
9238 @table @code
9239 @kindex show values
9240 @item show values
9241 Print the last ten values in the value history, with their item numbers.
9242 This is like @samp{p@ $$9} repeated ten times, except that @code{show
9243 values} does not change the history.
9244
9245 @item show values @var{n}
9246 Print ten history values centered on history item number @var{n}.
9247
9248 @item show values +
9249 Print ten history values just after the values last printed. If no more
9250 values are available, @code{show values +} produces no display.
9251 @end table
9252
9253 Pressing @key{RET} to repeat @code{show values @var{n}} has exactly the
9254 same effect as @samp{show values +}.
9255
9256 @node Convenience Vars
9257 @section Convenience Variables
9258
9259 @cindex convenience variables
9260 @cindex user-defined variables
9261 @value{GDBN} provides @dfn{convenience variables} that you can use within
9262 @value{GDBN} to hold on to a value and refer to it later. These variables
9263 exist entirely within @value{GDBN}; they are not part of your program, and
9264 setting a convenience variable has no direct effect on further execution
9265 of your program. That is why you can use them freely.
9266
9267 Convenience variables are prefixed with @samp{$}. Any name preceded by
9268 @samp{$} can be used for a convenience variable, unless it is one of
9269 the predefined machine-specific register names (@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
9270 (Value history references, in contrast, are @emph{numbers} preceded
9271 by @samp{$}. @xref{Value History, ,Value History}.)
9272
9273 You can save a value in a convenience variable with an assignment
9274 expression, just as you would set a variable in your program.
9275 For example:
9276
9277 @smallexample
9278 set $foo = *object_ptr
9279 @end smallexample
9280
9281 @noindent
9282 would save in @code{$foo} the value contained in the object pointed to by
9283 @code{object_ptr}.
9284
9285 Using a convenience variable for the first time creates it, but its
9286 value is @code{void} until you assign a new value. You can alter the
9287 value with another assignment at any time.
9288
9289 Convenience variables have no fixed types. You can assign a convenience
9290 variable any type of value, including structures and arrays, even if
9291 that variable already has a value of a different type. The convenience
9292 variable, when used as an expression, has the type of its current value.
9293
9294 @table @code
9295 @kindex show convenience
9296 @cindex show all user variables and functions
9297 @item show convenience
9298 Print a list of convenience variables used so far, and their values,
9299 as well as a list of the convenience functions.
9300 Abbreviated @code{show conv}.
9301
9302 @kindex init-if-undefined
9303 @cindex convenience variables, initializing
9304 @item init-if-undefined $@var{variable} = @var{expression}
9305 Set a convenience variable if it has not already been set. This is useful
9306 for user-defined commands that keep some state. It is similar, in concept,
9307 to using local static variables with initializers in C (except that
9308 convenience variables are global). It can also be used to allow users to
9309 override default values used in a command script.
9310
9311 If the variable is already defined then the expression is not evaluated so
9312 any side-effects do not occur.
9313 @end table
9314
9315 One of the ways to use a convenience variable is as a counter to be
9316 incremented or a pointer to be advanced. For example, to print
9317 a field from successive elements of an array of structures:
9318
9319 @smallexample
9320 set $i = 0
9321 print bar[$i++]->contents
9322 @end smallexample
9323
9324 @noindent
9325 Repeat that command by typing @key{RET}.
9326
9327 Some convenience variables are created automatically by @value{GDBN} and given
9328 values likely to be useful.
9329
9330 @table @code
9331 @vindex $_@r{, convenience variable}
9332 @item $_
9333 The variable @code{$_} is automatically set by the @code{x} command to
9334 the last address examined (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}). Other
9335 commands which provide a default address for @code{x} to examine also
9336 set @code{$_} to that address; these commands include @code{info line}
9337 and @code{info breakpoint}. The type of @code{$_} is @code{void *}
9338 except when set by the @code{x} command, in which case it is a pointer
9339 to the type of @code{$__}.
9340
9341 @vindex $__@r{, convenience variable}
9342 @item $__
9343 The variable @code{$__} is automatically set by the @code{x} command
9344 to the value found in the last address examined. Its type is chosen
9345 to match the format in which the data was printed.
9346
9347 @item $_exitcode
9348 @vindex $_exitcode@r{, convenience variable}
9349 The variable @code{$_exitcode} is automatically set to the exit code when
9350 the program being debugged terminates.
9351
9352 @item $_probe_argc
9353 @itemx $_probe_arg0@dots{}$_probe_arg11
9354 Arguments to a static probe. @xref{Static Probe Points}.
9355
9356 @item $_sdata
9357 @vindex $_sdata@r{, inspect, convenience variable}
9358 The variable @code{$_sdata} contains extra collected static tracepoint
9359 data. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}. Note that
9360 @code{$_sdata} could be empty, if not inspecting a trace buffer, or
9361 if extra static tracepoint data has not been collected.
9362
9363 @item $_siginfo
9364 @vindex $_siginfo@r{, convenience variable}
9365 The variable @code{$_siginfo} contains extra signal information
9366 (@pxref{extra signal information}). Note that @code{$_siginfo}
9367 could be empty, if the application has not yet received any signals.
9368 For example, it will be empty before you execute the @code{run} command.
9369
9370 @item $_tlb
9371 @vindex $_tlb@r{, convenience variable}
9372 The variable @code{$_tlb} is automatically set when debugging
9373 applications running on MS-Windows in native mode or connected to
9374 gdbserver that supports the @code{qGetTIBAddr} request.
9375 @xref{General Query Packets}.
9376 This variable contains the address of the thread information block.
9377
9378 @end table
9379
9380 On HP-UX systems, if you refer to a function or variable name that
9381 begins with a dollar sign, @value{GDBN} searches for a user or system
9382 name first, before it searches for a convenience variable.
9383
9384 @node Convenience Funs
9385 @section Convenience Functions
9386
9387 @cindex convenience functions
9388 @value{GDBN} also supplies some @dfn{convenience functions}. These
9389 have a syntax similar to convenience variables. A convenience
9390 function can be used in an expression just like an ordinary function;
9391 however, a convenience function is implemented internally to
9392 @value{GDBN}.
9393
9394 These functions require @value{GDBN} to be configured with
9395 @code{Python} support.
9396
9397 @table @code
9398
9399 @item $_memeq(@var{buf1}, @var{buf2}, @var{length})
9400 @findex $_memeq@r{, convenience function}
9401 Returns one if the @var{length} bytes at the addresses given by
9402 @var{buf1} and @var{buf2} are equal.
9403 Otherwise it returns zero.
9404
9405 @item $_regex(@var{str}, @var{regex})
9406 @findex $_regex@r{, convenience function}
9407 Returns one if the string @var{str} matches the regular expression
9408 @var{regex}. Otherwise it returns zero.
9409 The syntax of the regular expression is that specified by @code{Python}'s
9410 regular expression support.
9411
9412 @item $_streq(@var{str1}, @var{str2})
9413 @findex $_streq@r{, convenience function}
9414 Returns one if the strings @var{str1} and @var{str2} are equal.
9415 Otherwise it returns zero.
9416
9417 @item $_strlen(@var{str})
9418 @findex $_strlen@r{, convenience function}
9419 Returns the length of string @var{str}.
9420
9421 @end table
9422
9423 @value{GDBN} provides the ability to list and get help on
9424 convenience functions.
9425
9426 @table @code
9427 @item help function
9428 @kindex help function
9429 @cindex show all convenience functions
9430 Print a list of all convenience functions.
9431 @end table
9432
9433 @node Registers
9434 @section Registers
9435
9436 @cindex registers
9437 You can refer to machine register contents, in expressions, as variables
9438 with names starting with @samp{$}. The names of registers are different
9439 for each machine; use @code{info registers} to see the names used on
9440 your machine.
9441
9442 @table @code
9443 @kindex info registers
9444 @item info registers
9445 Print the names and values of all registers except floating-point
9446 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
9447
9448 @kindex info all-registers
9449 @cindex floating point registers
9450 @item info all-registers
9451 Print the names and values of all registers, including floating-point
9452 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
9453
9454 @item info registers @var{regname} @dots{}
9455 Print the @dfn{relativized} value of each specified register @var{regname}.
9456 As discussed in detail below, register values are normally relative to
9457 the selected stack frame. @var{regname} may be any register name valid on
9458 the machine you are using, with or without the initial @samp{$}.
9459 @end table
9460
9461 @cindex stack pointer register
9462 @cindex program counter register
9463 @cindex process status register
9464 @cindex frame pointer register
9465 @cindex standard registers
9466 @value{GDBN} has four ``standard'' register names that are available (in
9467 expressions) on most machines---whenever they do not conflict with an
9468 architecture's canonical mnemonics for registers. The register names
9469 @code{$pc} and @code{$sp} are used for the program counter register and
9470 the stack pointer. @code{$fp} is used for a register that contains a
9471 pointer to the current stack frame, and @code{$ps} is used for a
9472 register that contains the processor status. For example,
9473 you could print the program counter in hex with
9474
9475 @smallexample
9476 p/x $pc
9477 @end smallexample
9478
9479 @noindent
9480 or print the instruction to be executed next with
9481
9482 @smallexample
9483 x/i $pc
9484 @end smallexample
9485
9486 @noindent
9487 or add four to the stack pointer@footnote{This is a way of removing
9488 one word from the stack, on machines where stacks grow downward in
9489 memory (most machines, nowadays). This assumes that the innermost
9490 stack frame is selected; setting @code{$sp} is not allowed when other
9491 stack frames are selected. To pop entire frames off the stack,
9492 regardless of machine architecture, use @code{return};
9493 see @ref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}.} with
9494
9495 @smallexample
9496 set $sp += 4
9497 @end smallexample
9498
9499 Whenever possible, these four standard register names are available on
9500 your machine even though the machine has different canonical mnemonics,
9501 so long as there is no conflict. The @code{info registers} command
9502 shows the canonical names. For example, on the SPARC, @code{info
9503 registers} displays the processor status register as @code{$psr} but you
9504 can also refer to it as @code{$ps}; and on x86-based machines @code{$ps}
9505 is an alias for the @sc{eflags} register.
9506
9507 @value{GDBN} always considers the contents of an ordinary register as an
9508 integer when the register is examined in this way. Some machines have
9509 special registers which can hold nothing but floating point; these
9510 registers are considered to have floating point values. There is no way
9511 to refer to the contents of an ordinary register as floating point value
9512 (although you can @emph{print} it as a floating point value with
9513 @samp{print/f $@var{regname}}).
9514
9515 Some registers have distinct ``raw'' and ``virtual'' data formats. This
9516 means that the data format in which the register contents are saved by
9517 the operating system is not the same one that your program normally
9518 sees. For example, the registers of the 68881 floating point
9519 coprocessor are always saved in ``extended'' (raw) format, but all C
9520 programs expect to work with ``double'' (virtual) format. In such
9521 cases, @value{GDBN} normally works with the virtual format only (the format
9522 that makes sense for your program), but the @code{info registers} command
9523 prints the data in both formats.
9524
9525 @cindex SSE registers (x86)
9526 @cindex MMX registers (x86)
9527 Some machines have special registers whose contents can be interpreted
9528 in several different ways. For example, modern x86-based machines
9529 have SSE and MMX registers that can hold several values packed
9530 together in several different formats. @value{GDBN} refers to such
9531 registers in @code{struct} notation:
9532
9533 @smallexample
9534 (@value{GDBP}) print $xmm1
9535 $1 = @{
9536 v4_float = @{0, 3.43859137e-038, 1.54142831e-044, 1.821688e-044@},
9537 v2_double = @{9.92129282474342e-303, 2.7585945287983262e-313@},
9538 v16_int8 = "\000\000\000\000\3706;\001\v\000\000\000\r\000\000",
9539 v8_int16 = @{0, 0, 14072, 315, 11, 0, 13, 0@},
9540 v4_int32 = @{0, 20657912, 11, 13@},
9541 v2_int64 = @{88725056443645952, 55834574859@},
9542 uint128 = 0x0000000d0000000b013b36f800000000
9543 @}
9544 @end smallexample
9545
9546 @noindent
9547 To set values of such registers, you need to tell @value{GDBN} which
9548 view of the register you wish to change, as if you were assigning
9549 value to a @code{struct} member:
9550
9551 @smallexample
9552 (@value{GDBP}) set $xmm1.uint128 = 0x000000000000000000000000FFFFFFFF
9553 @end smallexample
9554
9555 Normally, register values are relative to the selected stack frame
9556 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). This means that you get the
9557 value that the register would contain if all stack frames farther in
9558 were exited and their saved registers restored. In order to see the
9559 true contents of hardware registers, you must select the innermost
9560 frame (with @samp{frame 0}).
9561
9562 However, @value{GDBN} must deduce where registers are saved, from the machine
9563 code generated by your compiler. If some registers are not saved, or if
9564 @value{GDBN} is unable to locate the saved registers, the selected stack
9565 frame makes no difference.
9566
9567 @node Floating Point Hardware
9568 @section Floating Point Hardware
9569 @cindex floating point
9570
9571 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give
9572 you more information about the status of the floating point hardware.
9573
9574 @table @code
9575 @kindex info float
9576 @item info float
9577 Display hardware-dependent information about the floating
9578 point unit. The exact contents and layout vary depending on the
9579 floating point chip. Currently, @samp{info float} is supported on
9580 the ARM and x86 machines.
9581 @end table
9582
9583 @node Vector Unit
9584 @section Vector Unit
9585 @cindex vector unit
9586
9587 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give you
9588 more information about the status of the vector unit.
9589
9590 @table @code
9591 @kindex info vector
9592 @item info vector
9593 Display information about the vector unit. The exact contents and
9594 layout vary depending on the hardware.
9595 @end table
9596
9597 @node OS Information
9598 @section Operating System Auxiliary Information
9599 @cindex OS information
9600
9601 @value{GDBN} provides interfaces to useful OS facilities that can help
9602 you debug your program.
9603
9604 @cindex auxiliary vector
9605 @cindex vector, auxiliary
9606 Some operating systems supply an @dfn{auxiliary vector} to programs at
9607 startup. This is akin to the arguments and environment that you
9608 specify for a program, but contains a system-dependent variety of
9609 binary values that tell system libraries important details about the
9610 hardware, operating system, and process. Each value's purpose is
9611 identified by an integer tag; the meanings are well-known but system-specific.
9612 Depending on the configuration and operating system facilities,
9613 @value{GDBN} may be able to show you this information. For remote
9614 targets, this functionality may further depend on the remote stub's
9615 support of the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet, see
9616 @ref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}.
9617
9618 @table @code
9619 @kindex info auxv
9620 @item info auxv
9621 Display the auxiliary vector of the inferior, which can be either a
9622 live process or a core dump file. @value{GDBN} prints each tag value
9623 numerically, and also shows names and text descriptions for recognized
9624 tags. Some values in the vector are numbers, some bit masks, and some
9625 pointers to strings or other data. @value{GDBN} displays each value in the
9626 most appropriate form for a recognized tag, and in hexadecimal for
9627 an unrecognized tag.
9628 @end table
9629
9630 On some targets, @value{GDBN} can access operating system-specific
9631 information and show it to you. The types of information available
9632 will differ depending on the type of operating system running on the
9633 target. The mechanism used to fetch the data is described in
9634 @ref{Operating System Information}. For remote targets, this
9635 functionality depends on the remote stub's support of the
9636 @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet, see @ref{qXfer osdata read}.
9637
9638 @table @code
9639 @kindex info os
9640 @item info os @var{infotype}
9641
9642 Display OS information of the requested type.
9643
9644 On @sc{gnu}/Linux, the following values of @var{infotype} are valid:
9645
9646 @anchor{linux info os infotypes}
9647 @table @code
9648 @kindex info os processes
9649 @item processes
9650 Display the list of processes on the target. For each process,
9651 @value{GDBN} prints the process identifier, the name of the user, the
9652 command corresponding to the process, and the list of processor cores
9653 that the process is currently running on. (To understand what these
9654 properties mean, for this and the following info types, please consult
9655 the general @sc{gnu}/Linux documentation.)
9656
9657 @kindex info os procgroups
9658 @item procgroups
9659 Display the list of process groups on the target. For each process,
9660 @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process group that it belongs
9661 to, the command corresponding to the process group leader, the process
9662 identifier, and the command line of the process. The list is sorted
9663 first by the process group identifier, then by the process identifier,
9664 so that processes belonging to the same process group are grouped together
9665 and the process group leader is listed first.
9666
9667 @kindex info os threads
9668 @item threads
9669 Display the list of threads running on the target. For each thread,
9670 @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process that the thread
9671 belongs to, the command of the process, the thread identifier, and the
9672 processor core that it is currently running on. The main thread of a
9673 process is not listed.
9674
9675 @kindex info os files
9676 @item files
9677 Display the list of open file descriptors on the target. For each
9678 file descriptor, @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process
9679 owning the descriptor, the command of the owning process, the value
9680 of the descriptor, and the target of the descriptor.
9681
9682 @kindex info os sockets
9683 @item sockets
9684 Display the list of Internet-domain sockets on the target. For each
9685 socket, @value{GDBN} prints the address and port of the local and
9686 remote endpoints, the current state of the connection, the creator of
9687 the socket, the IP address family of the socket, and the type of the
9688 connection.
9689
9690 @kindex info os shm
9691 @item shm
9692 Display the list of all System V shared-memory regions on the target.
9693 For each shared-memory region, @value{GDBN} prints the region key,
9694 the shared-memory identifier, the access permissions, the size of the
9695 region, the process that created the region, the process that last
9696 attached to or detached from the region, the current number of live
9697 attaches to the region, and the times at which the region was last
9698 attached to, detach from, and changed.
9699
9700 @kindex info os semaphores
9701 @item semaphores
9702 Display the list of all System V semaphore sets on the target. For each
9703 semaphore set, @value{GDBN} prints the semaphore set key, the semaphore
9704 set identifier, the access permissions, the number of semaphores in the
9705 set, the user and group of the owner and creator of the semaphore set,
9706 and the times at which the semaphore set was operated upon and changed.
9707
9708 @kindex info os msg
9709 @item msg
9710 Display the list of all System V message queues on the target. For each
9711 message queue, @value{GDBN} prints the message queue key, the message
9712 queue identifier, the access permissions, the current number of bytes
9713 on the queue, the current number of messages on the queue, the processes
9714 that last sent and received a message on the queue, the user and group
9715 of the owner and creator of the message queue, the times at which a
9716 message was last sent and received on the queue, and the time at which
9717 the message queue was last changed.
9718
9719 @kindex info os modules
9720 @item modules
9721 Display the list of all loaded kernel modules on the target. For each
9722 module, @value{GDBN} prints the module name, the size of the module in
9723 bytes, the number of times the module is used, the dependencies of the
9724 module, the status of the module, and the address of the loaded module
9725 in memory.
9726 @end table
9727
9728 @item info os
9729 If @var{infotype} is omitted, then list the possible values for
9730 @var{infotype} and the kind of OS information available for each
9731 @var{infotype}. If the target does not return a list of possible
9732 types, this command will report an error.
9733 @end table
9734
9735 @node Memory Region Attributes
9736 @section Memory Region Attributes
9737 @cindex memory region attributes
9738
9739 @dfn{Memory region attributes} allow you to describe special handling
9740 required by regions of your target's memory. @value{GDBN} uses
9741 attributes to determine whether to allow certain types of memory
9742 accesses; whether to use specific width accesses; and whether to cache
9743 target memory. By default the description of memory regions is
9744 fetched from the target (if the current target supports this), but the
9745 user can override the fetched regions.
9746
9747 Defined memory regions can be individually enabled and disabled. When a
9748 memory region is disabled, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when
9749 accessing memory in that region. Similarly, if no memory regions have
9750 been defined, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when accessing
9751 all memory.
9752
9753 When a memory region is defined, it is given a number to identify it;
9754 to enable, disable, or remove a memory region, you specify that number.
9755
9756 @table @code
9757 @kindex mem
9758 @item mem @var{lower} @var{upper} @var{attributes}@dots{}
9759 Define a memory region bounded by @var{lower} and @var{upper} with
9760 attributes @var{attributes}@dots{}, and add it to the list of regions
9761 monitored by @value{GDBN}. Note that @var{upper} == 0 is a special
9762 case: it is treated as the target's maximum memory address.
9763 (0xffff on 16 bit targets, 0xffffffff on 32 bit targets, etc.)
9764
9765 @item mem auto
9766 Discard any user changes to the memory regions and use target-supplied
9767 regions, if available, or no regions if the target does not support.
9768
9769 @kindex delete mem
9770 @item delete mem @var{nums}@dots{}
9771 Remove memory regions @var{nums}@dots{} from the list of regions
9772 monitored by @value{GDBN}.
9773
9774 @kindex disable mem
9775 @item disable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
9776 Disable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
9777 A disabled memory region is not forgotten.
9778 It may be enabled again later.
9779
9780 @kindex enable mem
9781 @item enable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
9782 Enable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
9783
9784 @kindex info mem
9785 @item info mem
9786 Print a table of all defined memory regions, with the following columns
9787 for each region:
9788
9789 @table @emph
9790 @item Memory Region Number
9791 @item Enabled or Disabled.
9792 Enabled memory regions are marked with @samp{y}.
9793 Disabled memory regions are marked with @samp{n}.
9794
9795 @item Lo Address
9796 The address defining the inclusive lower bound of the memory region.
9797
9798 @item Hi Address
9799 The address defining the exclusive upper bound of the memory region.
9800
9801 @item Attributes
9802 The list of attributes set for this memory region.
9803 @end table
9804 @end table
9805
9806
9807 @subsection Attributes
9808
9809 @subsubsection Memory Access Mode
9810 The access mode attributes set whether @value{GDBN} may make read or
9811 write accesses to a memory region.
9812
9813 While these attributes prevent @value{GDBN} from performing invalid
9814 memory accesses, they do nothing to prevent the target system, I/O DMA,
9815 etc.@: from accessing memory.
9816
9817 @table @code
9818 @item ro
9819 Memory is read only.
9820 @item wo
9821 Memory is write only.
9822 @item rw
9823 Memory is read/write. This is the default.
9824 @end table
9825
9826 @subsubsection Memory Access Size
9827 The access size attribute tells @value{GDBN} to use specific sized
9828 accesses in the memory region. Often memory mapped device registers
9829 require specific sized accesses. If no access size attribute is
9830 specified, @value{GDBN} may use accesses of any size.
9831
9832 @table @code
9833 @item 8
9834 Use 8 bit memory accesses.
9835 @item 16
9836 Use 16 bit memory accesses.
9837 @item 32
9838 Use 32 bit memory accesses.
9839 @item 64
9840 Use 64 bit memory accesses.
9841 @end table
9842
9843 @c @subsubsection Hardware/Software Breakpoints
9844 @c The hardware/software breakpoint attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
9845 @c will use hardware or software breakpoints for the internal breakpoints
9846 @c used by the step, next, finish, until, etc. commands.
9847 @c
9848 @c @table @code
9849 @c @item hwbreak
9850 @c Always use hardware breakpoints
9851 @c @item swbreak (default)
9852 @c @end table
9853
9854 @subsubsection Data Cache
9855 The data cache attributes set whether @value{GDBN} will cache target
9856 memory. While this generally improves performance by reducing debug
9857 protocol overhead, it can lead to incorrect results because @value{GDBN}
9858 does not know about volatile variables or memory mapped device
9859 registers.
9860
9861 @table @code
9862 @item cache
9863 Enable @value{GDBN} to cache target memory.
9864 @item nocache
9865 Disable @value{GDBN} from caching target memory. This is the default.
9866 @end table
9867
9868 @subsection Memory Access Checking
9869 @value{GDBN} can be instructed to refuse accesses to memory that is
9870 not explicitly described. This can be useful if accessing such
9871 regions has undesired effects for a specific target, or to provide
9872 better error checking. The following commands control this behaviour.
9873
9874 @table @code
9875 @kindex set mem inaccessible-by-default
9876 @item set mem inaccessible-by-default [on|off]
9877 If @code{on} is specified, make @value{GDBN} treat memory not
9878 explicitly described by the memory ranges as non-existent and refuse accesses
9879 to such memory. The checks are only performed if there's at least one
9880 memory range defined. If @code{off} is specified, make @value{GDBN}
9881 treat the memory not explicitly described by the memory ranges as RAM.
9882 The default value is @code{on}.
9883 @kindex show mem inaccessible-by-default
9884 @item show mem inaccessible-by-default
9885 Show the current handling of accesses to unknown memory.
9886 @end table
9887
9888
9889 @c @subsubsection Memory Write Verification
9890 @c The memory write verification attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
9891 @c will re-reads data after each write to verify the write was successful.
9892 @c
9893 @c @table @code
9894 @c @item verify
9895 @c @item noverify (default)
9896 @c @end table
9897
9898 @node Dump/Restore Files
9899 @section Copy Between Memory and a File
9900 @cindex dump/restore files
9901 @cindex append data to a file
9902 @cindex dump data to a file
9903 @cindex restore data from a file
9904
9905 You can use the commands @code{dump}, @code{append}, and
9906 @code{restore} to copy data between target memory and a file. The
9907 @code{dump} and @code{append} commands write data to a file, and the
9908 @code{restore} command reads data from a file back into the inferior's
9909 memory. Files may be in binary, Motorola S-record, Intel hex, or
9910 Tektronix Hex format; however, @value{GDBN} can only append to binary
9911 files.
9912
9913 @table @code
9914
9915 @kindex dump
9916 @item dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
9917 @itemx dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
9918 Dump the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
9919 or the value of @var{expr}, to @var{filename} in the given format.
9920
9921 The @var{format} parameter may be any one of:
9922 @table @code
9923 @item binary
9924 Raw binary form.
9925 @item ihex
9926 Intel hex format.
9927 @item srec
9928 Motorola S-record format.
9929 @item tekhex
9930 Tektronix Hex format.
9931 @end table
9932
9933 @value{GDBN} uses the same definitions of these formats as the
9934 @sc{gnu} binary utilities, like @samp{objdump} and @samp{objcopy}. If
9935 @var{format} is omitted, @value{GDBN} dumps the data in raw binary
9936 form.
9937
9938 @kindex append
9939 @item append @r{[}binary@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
9940 @itemx append @r{[}binary@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
9941 Append the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
9942 or the value of @var{expr}, to the file @var{filename}, in raw binary form.
9943 (@value{GDBN} can only append data to files in raw binary form.)
9944
9945 @kindex restore
9946 @item restore @var{filename} @r{[}binary@r{]} @var{bias} @var{start} @var{end}
9947 Restore the contents of file @var{filename} into memory. The
9948 @code{restore} command can automatically recognize any known @sc{bfd}
9949 file format, except for raw binary. To restore a raw binary file you
9950 must specify the optional keyword @code{binary} after the filename.
9951
9952 If @var{bias} is non-zero, its value will be added to the addresses
9953 contained in the file. Binary files always start at address zero, so
9954 they will be restored at address @var{bias}. Other bfd files have
9955 a built-in location; they will be restored at offset @var{bias}
9956 from that location.
9957
9958 If @var{start} and/or @var{end} are non-zero, then only data between
9959 file offset @var{start} and file offset @var{end} will be restored.
9960 These offsets are relative to the addresses in the file, before
9961 the @var{bias} argument is applied.
9962
9963 @end table
9964
9965 @node Core File Generation
9966 @section How to Produce a Core File from Your Program
9967 @cindex dump core from inferior
9968
9969 A @dfn{core file} or @dfn{core dump} is a file that records the memory
9970 image of a running process and its process status (register values
9971 etc.). Its primary use is post-mortem debugging of a program that
9972 crashed while it ran outside a debugger. A program that crashes
9973 automatically produces a core file, unless this feature is disabled by
9974 the user. @xref{Files}, for information on invoking @value{GDBN} in
9975 the post-mortem debugging mode.
9976
9977 Occasionally, you may wish to produce a core file of the program you
9978 are debugging in order to preserve a snapshot of its state.
9979 @value{GDBN} has a special command for that.
9980
9981 @table @code
9982 @kindex gcore
9983 @kindex generate-core-file
9984 @item generate-core-file [@var{file}]
9985 @itemx gcore [@var{file}]
9986 Produce a core dump of the inferior process. The optional argument
9987 @var{file} specifies the file name where to put the core dump. If not
9988 specified, the file name defaults to @file{core.@var{pid}}, where
9989 @var{pid} is the inferior process ID.
9990
9991 Note that this command is implemented only for some systems (as of
9992 this writing, @sc{gnu}/Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, and S390).
9993 @end table
9994
9995 @node Character Sets
9996 @section Character Sets
9997 @cindex character sets
9998 @cindex charset
9999 @cindex translating between character sets
10000 @cindex host character set
10001 @cindex target character set
10002
10003 If the program you are debugging uses a different character set to
10004 represent characters and strings than the one @value{GDBN} uses itself,
10005 @value{GDBN} can automatically translate between the character sets for
10006 you. The character set @value{GDBN} uses we call the @dfn{host
10007 character set}; the one the inferior program uses we call the
10008 @dfn{target character set}.
10009
10010 For example, if you are running @value{GDBN} on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, which
10011 uses the ISO Latin 1 character set, but you are using @value{GDBN}'s
10012 remote protocol (@pxref{Remote Debugging}) to debug a program
10013 running on an IBM mainframe, which uses the @sc{ebcdic} character set,
10014 then the host character set is Latin-1, and the target character set is
10015 @sc{ebcdic}. If you give @value{GDBN} the command @code{set
10016 target-charset EBCDIC-US}, then @value{GDBN} translates between
10017 @sc{ebcdic} and Latin 1 as you print character or string values, or use
10018 character and string literals in expressions.
10019
10020 @value{GDBN} has no way to automatically recognize which character set
10021 the inferior program uses; you must tell it, using the @code{set
10022 target-charset} command, described below.
10023
10024 Here are the commands for controlling @value{GDBN}'s character set
10025 support:
10026
10027 @table @code
10028 @item set target-charset @var{charset}
10029 @kindex set target-charset
10030 Set the current target character set to @var{charset}. To display the
10031 list of supported target character sets, type
10032 @kbd{@w{set target-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
10033
10034 @item set host-charset @var{charset}
10035 @kindex set host-charset
10036 Set the current host character set to @var{charset}.
10037
10038 By default, @value{GDBN} uses a host character set appropriate to the
10039 system it is running on; you can override that default using the
10040 @code{set host-charset} command. On some systems, @value{GDBN} cannot
10041 automatically determine the appropriate host character set. In this
10042 case, @value{GDBN} uses @samp{UTF-8}.
10043
10044 @value{GDBN} can only use certain character sets as its host character
10045 set. If you type @kbd{@w{set host-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
10046 @value{GDBN} will list the host character sets it supports.
10047
10048 @item set charset @var{charset}
10049 @kindex set charset
10050 Set the current host and target character sets to @var{charset}. As
10051 above, if you type @kbd{@w{set charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
10052 @value{GDBN} will list the names of the character sets that can be used
10053 for both host and target.
10054
10055 @item show charset
10056 @kindex show charset
10057 Show the names of the current host and target character sets.
10058
10059 @item show host-charset
10060 @kindex show host-charset
10061 Show the name of the current host character set.
10062
10063 @item show target-charset
10064 @kindex show target-charset
10065 Show the name of the current target character set.
10066
10067 @item set target-wide-charset @var{charset}
10068 @kindex set target-wide-charset
10069 Set the current target's wide character set to @var{charset}. This is
10070 the character set used by the target's @code{wchar_t} type. To
10071 display the list of supported wide character sets, type
10072 @kbd{@w{set target-wide-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
10073
10074 @item show target-wide-charset
10075 @kindex show target-wide-charset
10076 Show the name of the current target's wide character set.
10077 @end table
10078
10079 Here is an example of @value{GDBN}'s character set support in action.
10080 Assume that the following source code has been placed in the file
10081 @file{charset-test.c}:
10082
10083 @smallexample
10084 #include <stdio.h>
10085
10086 char ascii_hello[]
10087 = @{72, 101, 108, 108, 111, 44, 32, 119,
10088 111, 114, 108, 100, 33, 10, 0@};
10089 char ibm1047_hello[]
10090 = @{200, 133, 147, 147, 150, 107, 64, 166,
10091 150, 153, 147, 132, 90, 37, 0@};
10092
10093 main ()
10094 @{
10095 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
10096 @}
10097 @end smallexample
10098
10099 In this program, @code{ascii_hello} and @code{ibm1047_hello} are arrays
10100 containing the string @samp{Hello, world!} followed by a newline,
10101 encoded in the @sc{ascii} and @sc{ibm1047} character sets.
10102
10103 We compile the program, and invoke the debugger on it:
10104
10105 @smallexample
10106 $ gcc -g charset-test.c -o charset-test
10107 $ gdb -nw charset-test
10108 GNU gdb 2001-12-19-cvs
10109 Copyright 2001 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
10110 @dots{}
10111 (@value{GDBP})
10112 @end smallexample
10113
10114 We can use the @code{show charset} command to see what character sets
10115 @value{GDBN} is currently using to interpret and display characters and
10116 strings:
10117
10118 @smallexample
10119 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
10120 The current host and target character set is `ISO-8859-1'.
10121 (@value{GDBP})
10122 @end smallexample
10123
10124 For the sake of printing this manual, let's use @sc{ascii} as our
10125 initial character set:
10126 @smallexample
10127 (@value{GDBP}) set charset ASCII
10128 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
10129 The current host and target character set is `ASCII'.
10130 (@value{GDBP})
10131 @end smallexample
10132
10133 Let's assume that @sc{ascii} is indeed the correct character set for our
10134 host system --- in other words, let's assume that if @value{GDBN} prints
10135 characters using the @sc{ascii} character set, our terminal will display
10136 them properly. Since our current target character set is also
10137 @sc{ascii}, the contents of @code{ascii_hello} print legibly:
10138
10139 @smallexample
10140 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
10141 $1 = 0x401698 "Hello, world!\n"
10142 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
10143 $2 = 72 'H'
10144 (@value{GDBP})
10145 @end smallexample
10146
10147 @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and string
10148 literals you use in expressions:
10149
10150 @smallexample
10151 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
10152 $3 = 43 '+'
10153 (@value{GDBP})
10154 @end smallexample
10155
10156 The @sc{ascii} character set uses the number 43 to encode the @samp{+}
10157 character.
10158
10159 @value{GDBN} relies on the user to tell it which character set the
10160 target program uses. If we print @code{ibm1047_hello} while our target
10161 character set is still @sc{ascii}, we get jibberish:
10162
10163 @smallexample
10164 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
10165 $4 = 0x4016a8 "\310\205\223\223\226k@@\246\226\231\223\204Z%"
10166 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
10167 $5 = 200 '\310'
10168 (@value{GDBP})
10169 @end smallexample
10170
10171 If we invoke the @code{set target-charset} followed by @key{TAB}@key{TAB},
10172 @value{GDBN} tells us the character sets it supports:
10173
10174 @smallexample
10175 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
10176 ASCII EBCDIC-US IBM1047 ISO-8859-1
10177 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
10178 @end smallexample
10179
10180 We can select @sc{ibm1047} as our target character set, and examine the
10181 program's strings again. Now the @sc{ascii} string is wrong, but
10182 @value{GDBN} translates the contents of @code{ibm1047_hello} from the
10183 target character set, @sc{ibm1047}, to the host character set,
10184 @sc{ascii}, and they display correctly:
10185
10186 @smallexample
10187 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset IBM1047
10188 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
10189 The current host character set is `ASCII'.
10190 The current target character set is `IBM1047'.
10191 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
10192 $6 = 0x401698 "\110\145%%?\054\040\167?\162%\144\041\012"
10193 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
10194 $7 = 72 '\110'
10195 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
10196 $8 = 0x4016a8 "Hello, world!\n"
10197 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
10198 $9 = 200 'H'
10199 (@value{GDBP})
10200 @end smallexample
10201
10202 As above, @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and
10203 string literals you use in expressions:
10204
10205 @smallexample
10206 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
10207 $10 = 78 '+'
10208 (@value{GDBP})
10209 @end smallexample
10210
10211 The @sc{ibm1047} character set uses the number 78 to encode the @samp{+}
10212 character.
10213
10214 @node Caching Remote Data
10215 @section Caching Data of Remote Targets
10216 @cindex caching data of remote targets
10217
10218 @value{GDBN} caches data exchanged between the debugger and a
10219 remote target (@pxref{Remote Debugging}). Such caching generally improves
10220 performance, because it reduces the overhead of the remote protocol by
10221 bundling memory reads and writes into large chunks. Unfortunately, simply
10222 caching everything would lead to incorrect results, since @value{GDBN}
10223 does not necessarily know anything about volatile values, memory-mapped I/O
10224 addresses, etc. Furthermore, in non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode})
10225 memory can be changed @emph{while} a gdb command is executing.
10226 Therefore, by default, @value{GDBN} only caches data
10227 known to be on the stack@footnote{In non-stop mode, it is moderately
10228 rare for a running thread to modify the stack of a stopped thread
10229 in a way that would interfere with a backtrace, and caching of
10230 stack reads provides a significant speed up of remote backtraces.}.
10231 Other regions of memory can be explicitly marked as
10232 cacheable; see @pxref{Memory Region Attributes}.
10233
10234 @table @code
10235 @kindex set remotecache
10236 @item set remotecache on
10237 @itemx set remotecache off
10238 This option no longer does anything; it exists for compatibility
10239 with old scripts.
10240
10241 @kindex show remotecache
10242 @item show remotecache
10243 Show the current state of the obsolete remotecache flag.
10244
10245 @kindex set stack-cache
10246 @item set stack-cache on
10247 @itemx set stack-cache off
10248 Enable or disable caching of stack accesses. When @code{ON}, use
10249 caching. By default, this option is @code{ON}.
10250
10251 @kindex show stack-cache
10252 @item show stack-cache
10253 Show the current state of data caching for memory accesses.
10254
10255 @kindex info dcache
10256 @item info dcache @r{[}line@r{]}
10257 Print the information about the data cache performance. The
10258 information displayed includes the dcache width and depth, and for
10259 each cache line, its number, address, and how many times it was
10260 referenced. This command is useful for debugging the data cache
10261 operation.
10262
10263 If a line number is specified, the contents of that line will be
10264 printed in hex.
10265
10266 @item set dcache size @var{size}
10267 @cindex dcache size
10268 @kindex set dcache size
10269 Set maximum number of entries in dcache (dcache depth above).
10270
10271 @item set dcache line-size @var{line-size}
10272 @cindex dcache line-size
10273 @kindex set dcache line-size
10274 Set number of bytes each dcache entry caches (dcache width above).
10275 Must be a power of 2.
10276
10277 @item show dcache size
10278 @kindex show dcache size
10279 Show maximum number of dcache entries. See also @ref{Caching Remote Data, info dcache}.
10280
10281 @item show dcache line-size
10282 @kindex show dcache line-size
10283 Show default size of dcache lines. See also @ref{Caching Remote Data, info dcache}.
10284
10285 @end table
10286
10287 @node Searching Memory
10288 @section Search Memory
10289 @cindex searching memory
10290
10291 Memory can be searched for a particular sequence of bytes with the
10292 @code{find} command.
10293
10294 @table @code
10295 @kindex find
10296 @item find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, +@var{len}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
10297 @itemx find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, @var{end_addr}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
10298 Search memory for the sequence of bytes specified by @var{val1}, @var{val2},
10299 etc. The search begins at address @var{start_addr} and continues for either
10300 @var{len} bytes or through to @var{end_addr} inclusive.
10301 @end table
10302
10303 @var{s} and @var{n} are optional parameters.
10304 They may be specified in either order, apart or together.
10305
10306 @table @r
10307 @item @var{s}, search query size
10308 The size of each search query value.
10309
10310 @table @code
10311 @item b
10312 bytes
10313 @item h
10314 halfwords (two bytes)
10315 @item w
10316 words (four bytes)
10317 @item g
10318 giant words (eight bytes)
10319 @end table
10320
10321 All values are interpreted in the current language.
10322 This means, for example, that if the current source language is C/C@t{++}
10323 then searching for the string ``hello'' includes the trailing '\0'.
10324
10325 If the value size is not specified, it is taken from the
10326 value's type in the current language.
10327 This is useful when one wants to specify the search
10328 pattern as a mixture of types.
10329 Note that this means, for example, that in the case of C-like languages
10330 a search for an untyped 0x42 will search for @samp{(int) 0x42}
10331 which is typically four bytes.
10332
10333 @item @var{n}, maximum number of finds
10334 The maximum number of matches to print. The default is to print all finds.
10335 @end table
10336
10337 You can use strings as search values. Quote them with double-quotes
10338 (@code{"}).
10339 The string value is copied into the search pattern byte by byte,
10340 regardless of the endianness of the target and the size specification.
10341
10342 The address of each match found is printed as well as a count of the
10343 number of matches found.
10344
10345 The address of the last value found is stored in convenience variable
10346 @samp{$_}.
10347 A count of the number of matches is stored in @samp{$numfound}.
10348
10349 For example, if stopped at the @code{printf} in this function:
10350
10351 @smallexample
10352 void
10353 hello ()
10354 @{
10355 static char hello[] = "hello-hello";
10356 static struct @{ char c; short s; int i; @}
10357 __attribute__ ((packed)) mixed
10358 = @{ 'c', 0x1234, 0x87654321 @};
10359 printf ("%s\n", hello);
10360 @}
10361 @end smallexample
10362
10363 @noindent
10364 you get during debugging:
10365
10366 @smallexample
10367 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), "hello"
10368 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
10369 1 pattern found
10370 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 'e', 'l', 'l', 'o'
10371 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
10372 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
10373 2 patterns found
10374 (gdb) find /b1 &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 0x65, 'l'
10375 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
10376 1 pattern found
10377 (gdb) find &mixed, +sizeof(mixed), (char) 'c', (short) 0x1234, (int) 0x87654321
10378 0x8049560 <mixed.1625>
10379 1 pattern found
10380 (gdb) print $numfound
10381 $1 = 1
10382 (gdb) print $_
10383 $2 = (void *) 0x8049560
10384 @end smallexample
10385
10386 @node Optimized Code
10387 @chapter Debugging Optimized Code
10388 @cindex optimized code, debugging
10389 @cindex debugging optimized code
10390
10391 Almost all compilers support optimization. With optimization
10392 disabled, the compiler generates assembly code that corresponds
10393 directly to your source code, in a simplistic way. As the compiler
10394 applies more powerful optimizations, the generated assembly code
10395 diverges from your original source code. With help from debugging
10396 information generated by the compiler, @value{GDBN} can map from
10397 the running program back to constructs from your original source.
10398
10399 @value{GDBN} is more accurate with optimization disabled. If you
10400 can recompile without optimization, it is easier to follow the
10401 progress of your program during debugging. But, there are many cases
10402 where you may need to debug an optimized version.
10403
10404 When you debug a program compiled with @samp{-g -O}, remember that the
10405 optimizer has rearranged your code; the debugger shows you what is
10406 really there. Do not be too surprised when the execution path does not
10407 exactly match your source file! An extreme example: if you define a
10408 variable, but never use it, @value{GDBN} never sees that
10409 variable---because the compiler optimizes it out of existence.
10410
10411 Some things do not work as well with @samp{-g -O} as with just
10412 @samp{-g}, particularly on machines with instruction scheduling. If in
10413 doubt, recompile with @samp{-g} alone, and if this fixes the problem,
10414 please report it to us as a bug (including a test case!).
10415 @xref{Variables}, for more information about debugging optimized code.
10416
10417 @menu
10418 * Inline Functions:: How @value{GDBN} presents inlining
10419 * Tail Call Frames:: @value{GDBN} analysis of jumps to functions
10420 @end menu
10421
10422 @node Inline Functions
10423 @section Inline Functions
10424 @cindex inline functions, debugging
10425
10426 @dfn{Inlining} is an optimization that inserts a copy of the function
10427 body directly at each call site, instead of jumping to a shared
10428 routine. @value{GDBN} displays inlined functions just like
10429 non-inlined functions. They appear in backtraces. You can view their
10430 arguments and local variables, step into them with @code{step}, skip
10431 them with @code{next}, and escape from them with @code{finish}.
10432 You can check whether a function was inlined by using the
10433 @code{info frame} command.
10434
10435 For @value{GDBN} to support inlined functions, the compiler must
10436 record information about inlining in the debug information ---
10437 @value{NGCC} using the @sc{dwarf 2} format does this, and several
10438 other compilers do also. @value{GDBN} only supports inlined functions
10439 when using @sc{dwarf 2}. Versions of @value{NGCC} before 4.1
10440 do not emit two required attributes (@samp{DW_AT_call_file} and
10441 @samp{DW_AT_call_line}); @value{GDBN} does not display inlined
10442 function calls with earlier versions of @value{NGCC}. It instead
10443 displays the arguments and local variables of inlined functions as
10444 local variables in the caller.
10445
10446 The body of an inlined function is directly included at its call site;
10447 unlike a non-inlined function, there are no instructions devoted to
10448 the call. @value{GDBN} still pretends that the call site and the
10449 start of the inlined function are different instructions. Stepping to
10450 the call site shows the call site, and then stepping again shows
10451 the first line of the inlined function, even though no additional
10452 instructions are executed.
10453
10454 This makes source-level debugging much clearer; you can see both the
10455 context of the call and then the effect of the call. Only stepping by
10456 a single instruction using @code{stepi} or @code{nexti} does not do
10457 this; single instruction steps always show the inlined body.
10458
10459 There are some ways that @value{GDBN} does not pretend that inlined
10460 function calls are the same as normal calls:
10461
10462 @itemize @bullet
10463 @item
10464 Setting breakpoints at the call site of an inlined function may not
10465 work, because the call site does not contain any code. @value{GDBN}
10466 may incorrectly move the breakpoint to the next line of the enclosing
10467 function, after the call. This limitation will be removed in a future
10468 version of @value{GDBN}; until then, set a breakpoint on an earlier line
10469 or inside the inlined function instead.
10470
10471 @item
10472 @value{GDBN} cannot locate the return value of inlined calls after
10473 using the @code{finish} command. This is a limitation of compiler-generated
10474 debugging information; after @code{finish}, you can step to the next line
10475 and print a variable where your program stored the return value.
10476
10477 @end itemize
10478
10479 @node Tail Call Frames
10480 @section Tail Call Frames
10481 @cindex tail call frames, debugging
10482
10483 Function @code{B} can call function @code{C} in its very last statement. In
10484 unoptimized compilation the call of @code{C} is immediately followed by return
10485 instruction at the end of @code{B} code. Optimizing compiler may replace the
10486 call and return in function @code{B} into one jump to function @code{C}
10487 instead. Such use of a jump instruction is called @dfn{tail call}.
10488
10489 During execution of function @code{C}, there will be no indication in the
10490 function call stack frames that it was tail-called from @code{B}. If function
10491 @code{A} regularly calls function @code{B} which tail-calls function @code{C},
10492 then @value{GDBN} will see @code{A} as the caller of @code{C}. However, in
10493 some cases @value{GDBN} can determine that @code{C} was tail-called from
10494 @code{B}, and it will then create fictitious call frame for that, with the
10495 return address set up as if @code{B} called @code{C} normally.
10496
10497 This functionality is currently supported only by DWARF 2 debugging format and
10498 the compiler has to produce @samp{DW_TAG_GNU_call_site} tags. With
10499 @value{NGCC}, you need to specify @option{-O -g} during compilation, to get
10500 this information.
10501
10502 @kbd{info frame} command (@pxref{Frame Info}) will indicate the tail call frame
10503 kind by text @code{tail call frame} such as in this sample @value{GDBN} output:
10504
10505 @smallexample
10506 (gdb) x/i $pc - 2
10507 0x40066b <b(int, double)+11>: jmp 0x400640 <c(int, double)>
10508 (gdb) info frame
10509 Stack level 1, frame at 0x7fffffffda30:
10510 rip = 0x40066d in b (amd64-entry-value.cc:59); saved rip 0x4004c5
10511 tail call frame, caller of frame at 0x7fffffffda30
10512 source language c++.
10513 Arglist at unknown address.
10514 Locals at unknown address, Previous frame's sp is 0x7fffffffda30
10515 @end smallexample
10516
10517 The detection of all the possible code path executions can find them ambiguous.
10518 There is no execution history stored (possible @ref{Reverse Execution} is never
10519 used for this purpose) and the last known caller could have reached the known
10520 callee by multiple different jump sequences. In such case @value{GDBN} still
10521 tries to show at least all the unambiguous top tail callers and all the
10522 unambiguous bottom tail calees, if any.
10523
10524 @table @code
10525 @anchor{set debug entry-values}
10526 @item set debug entry-values
10527 @kindex set debug entry-values
10528 When set to on, enables printing of analysis messages for both frame argument
10529 values at function entry and tail calls. It will show all the possible valid
10530 tail calls code paths it has considered. It will also print the intersection
10531 of them with the final unambiguous (possibly partial or even empty) code path
10532 result.
10533
10534 @item show debug entry-values
10535 @kindex show debug entry-values
10536 Show the current state of analysis messages printing for both frame argument
10537 values at function entry and tail calls.
10538 @end table
10539
10540 The analysis messages for tail calls can for example show why the virtual tail
10541 call frame for function @code{c} has not been recognized (due to the indirect
10542 reference by variable @code{x}):
10543
10544 @smallexample
10545 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void);
10546 void (*x) (void) = c;
10547 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ x++; @}
10548 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void) @{ a (); @}
10549 int main (void) @{ x (); return 0; @}
10550
10551 Breakpoint 1, DW_OP_GNU_entry_value resolving cannot find
10552 DW_TAG_GNU_call_site 0x40039a in main
10553 a () at t.c:3
10554 3 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ x++; @}
10555 (gdb) bt
10556 #0 a () at t.c:3
10557 #1 0x000000000040039a in main () at t.c:5
10558 @end smallexample
10559
10560 Another possibility is an ambiguous virtual tail call frames resolution:
10561
10562 @smallexample
10563 int i;
10564 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) f (void) @{ i++; @}
10565 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) e (void) @{ f (); @}
10566 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) d (void) @{ f (); @}
10567 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void) @{ d (); @}
10568 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) b (void)
10569 @{ if (i) c (); else e (); @}
10570 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ b (); @}
10571 int main (void) @{ a (); return 0; @}
10572
10573 tailcall: initial: 0x4004d2(a) 0x4004ce(b) 0x4004b2(c) 0x4004a2(d)
10574 tailcall: compare: 0x4004d2(a) 0x4004cc(b) 0x400492(e)
10575 tailcall: reduced: 0x4004d2(a) |
10576 (gdb) bt
10577 #0 f () at t.c:2
10578 #1 0x00000000004004d2 in a () at t.c:8
10579 #2 0x0000000000400395 in main () at t.c:9
10580 @end smallexample
10581
10582 @set CALLSEQ1A @code{main@value{ARROW}a@value{ARROW}b@value{ARROW}c@value{ARROW}d@value{ARROW}f}
10583 @set CALLSEQ2A @code{main@value{ARROW}a@value{ARROW}b@value{ARROW}e@value{ARROW}f}
10584
10585 @c Convert CALLSEQ#A to CALLSEQ#B depending on HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK.
10586 @ifset HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK
10587 @set ARROW @click{}
10588 @set CALLSEQ1B @clicksequence{@value{CALLSEQ1A}}
10589 @set CALLSEQ2B @clicksequence{@value{CALLSEQ2A}}
10590 @end ifset
10591 @ifclear HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK
10592 @set ARROW ->
10593 @set CALLSEQ1B @value{CALLSEQ1A}
10594 @set CALLSEQ2B @value{CALLSEQ2A}
10595 @end ifclear
10596
10597 Frames #0 and #2 are real, #1 is a virtual tail call frame.
10598 The code can have possible execution paths @value{CALLSEQ1B} or
10599 @value{CALLSEQ2B}, @value{GDBN} cannot find which one from the inferior state.
10600
10601 @code{initial:} state shows some random possible calling sequence @value{GDBN}
10602 has found. It then finds another possible calling sequcen - that one is
10603 prefixed by @code{compare:}. The non-ambiguous intersection of these two is
10604 printed as the @code{reduced:} calling sequence. That one could have many
10605 futher @code{compare:} and @code{reduced:} statements as long as there remain
10606 any non-ambiguous sequence entries.
10607
10608 For the frame of function @code{b} in both cases there are different possible
10609 @code{$pc} values (@code{0x4004cc} or @code{0x4004ce}), therefore this frame is
10610 also ambigous. The only non-ambiguous frame is the one for function @code{a},
10611 therefore this one is displayed to the user while the ambiguous frames are
10612 omitted.
10613
10614 There can be also reasons why printing of frame argument values at function
10615 entry may fail:
10616
10617 @smallexample
10618 int v;
10619 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (int i) @{ v++; @}
10620 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (int i);
10621 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) b (int i) @{ a (i); @}
10622 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (int i)
10623 @{ if (i) b (i - 1); else c (0); @}
10624 int main (void) @{ a (5); return 0; @}
10625
10626 (gdb) bt
10627 #0 c (i=i@@entry=0) at t.c:2
10628 #1 0x0000000000400428 in a (DW_OP_GNU_entry_value resolving has found
10629 function "a" at 0x400420 can call itself via tail calls
10630 i=<optimized out>) at t.c:6
10631 #2 0x000000000040036e in main () at t.c:7
10632 @end smallexample
10633
10634 @value{GDBN} cannot find out from the inferior state if and how many times did
10635 function @code{a} call itself (via function @code{b}) as these calls would be
10636 tail calls. Such tail calls would modify thue @code{i} variable, therefore
10637 @value{GDBN} cannot be sure the value it knows would be right - @value{GDBN}
10638 prints @code{<optimized out>} instead.
10639
10640 @node Macros
10641 @chapter C Preprocessor Macros
10642
10643 Some languages, such as C and C@t{++}, provide a way to define and invoke
10644 ``preprocessor macros'' which expand into strings of tokens.
10645 @value{GDBN} can evaluate expressions containing macro invocations, show
10646 the result of macro expansion, and show a macro's definition, including
10647 where it was defined.
10648
10649 You may need to compile your program specially to provide @value{GDBN}
10650 with information about preprocessor macros. Most compilers do not
10651 include macros in their debugging information, even when you compile
10652 with the @option{-g} flag. @xref{Compilation}.
10653
10654 A program may define a macro at one point, remove that definition later,
10655 and then provide a different definition after that. Thus, at different
10656 points in the program, a macro may have different definitions, or have
10657 no definition at all. If there is a current stack frame, @value{GDBN}
10658 uses the macros in scope at that frame's source code line. Otherwise,
10659 @value{GDBN} uses the macros in scope at the current listing location;
10660 see @ref{List}.
10661
10662 Whenever @value{GDBN} evaluates an expression, it always expands any
10663 macro invocations present in the expression. @value{GDBN} also provides
10664 the following commands for working with macros explicitly.
10665
10666 @table @code
10667
10668 @kindex macro expand
10669 @cindex macro expansion, showing the results of preprocessor
10670 @cindex preprocessor macro expansion, showing the results of
10671 @cindex expanding preprocessor macros
10672 @item macro expand @var{expression}
10673 @itemx macro exp @var{expression}
10674 Show the results of expanding all preprocessor macro invocations in
10675 @var{expression}. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does
10676 not parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression;
10677 it can be any string of tokens.
10678
10679 @kindex macro exp1
10680 @item macro expand-once @var{expression}
10681 @itemx macro exp1 @var{expression}
10682 @cindex expand macro once
10683 @i{(This command is not yet implemented.)} Show the results of
10684 expanding those preprocessor macro invocations that appear explicitly in
10685 @var{expression}. Macro invocations appearing in that expansion are
10686 left unchanged. This command allows you to see the effect of a
10687 particular macro more clearly, without being confused by further
10688 expansions. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does not
10689 parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression; it
10690 can be any string of tokens.
10691
10692 @kindex info macro
10693 @cindex macro definition, showing
10694 @cindex definition of a macro, showing
10695 @cindex macros, from debug info
10696 @item info macro [-a|-all] [--] @var{macro}
10697 Show the current definition or all definitions of the named @var{macro},
10698 and describe the source location or compiler command-line where that
10699 definition was established. The optional double dash is to signify the end of
10700 argument processing and the beginning of @var{macro} for non C-like macros where
10701 the macro may begin with a hyphen.
10702
10703 @kindex info macros
10704 @item info macros @var{linespec}
10705 Show all macro definitions that are in effect at the location specified
10706 by @var{linespec}, and describe the source location or compiler
10707 command-line where those definitions were established.
10708
10709 @kindex macro define
10710 @cindex user-defined macros
10711 @cindex defining macros interactively
10712 @cindex macros, user-defined
10713 @item macro define @var{macro} @var{replacement-list}
10714 @itemx macro define @var{macro}(@var{arglist}) @var{replacement-list}
10715 Introduce a definition for a preprocessor macro named @var{macro},
10716 invocations of which are replaced by the tokens given in
10717 @var{replacement-list}. The first form of this command defines an
10718 ``object-like'' macro, which takes no arguments; the second form
10719 defines a ``function-like'' macro, which takes the arguments given in
10720 @var{arglist}.
10721
10722 A definition introduced by this command is in scope in every
10723 expression evaluated in @value{GDBN}, until it is removed with the
10724 @code{macro undef} command, described below. The definition overrides
10725 all definitions for @var{macro} present in the program being debugged,
10726 as well as any previous user-supplied definition.
10727
10728 @kindex macro undef
10729 @item macro undef @var{macro}
10730 Remove any user-supplied definition for the macro named @var{macro}.
10731 This command only affects definitions provided with the @code{macro
10732 define} command, described above; it cannot remove definitions present
10733 in the program being debugged.
10734
10735 @kindex macro list
10736 @item macro list
10737 List all the macros defined using the @code{macro define} command.
10738 @end table
10739
10740 @cindex macros, example of debugging with
10741 Here is a transcript showing the above commands in action. First, we
10742 show our source files:
10743
10744 @smallexample
10745 $ cat sample.c
10746 #include <stdio.h>
10747 #include "sample.h"
10748
10749 #define M 42
10750 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
10751
10752 main ()
10753 @{
10754 #define N 28
10755 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
10756 #undef N
10757 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
10758 #define N 1729
10759 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
10760 @}
10761 $ cat sample.h
10762 #define Q <
10763 $
10764 @end smallexample
10765
10766 Now, we compile the program using the @sc{gnu} C compiler,
10767 @value{NGCC}. We pass the @option{-gdwarf-2}@footnote{This is the
10768 minimum. Recent versions of @value{NGCC} support @option{-gdwarf-3}
10769 and @option{-gdwarf-4}; we recommend always choosing the most recent
10770 version of DWARF.} @emph{and} @option{-g3} flags to ensure the compiler
10771 includes information about preprocessor macros in the debugging
10772 information.
10773
10774 @smallexample
10775 $ gcc -gdwarf-2 -g3 sample.c -o sample
10776 $
10777 @end smallexample
10778
10779 Now, we start @value{GDBN} on our sample program:
10780
10781 @smallexample
10782 $ gdb -nw sample
10783 GNU gdb 2002-05-06-cvs
10784 Copyright 2002 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
10785 GDB is free software, @dots{}
10786 (@value{GDBP})
10787 @end smallexample
10788
10789 We can expand macros and examine their definitions, even when the
10790 program is not running. @value{GDBN} uses the current listing position
10791 to decide which macro definitions are in scope:
10792
10793 @smallexample
10794 (@value{GDBP}) list main
10795 3
10796 4 #define M 42
10797 5 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
10798 6
10799 7 main ()
10800 8 @{
10801 9 #define N 28
10802 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
10803 11 #undef N
10804 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
10805 (@value{GDBP}) info macro ADD
10806 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:5
10807 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
10808 (@value{GDBP}) info macro Q
10809 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.h:1
10810 included at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:2
10811 #define Q <
10812 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand ADD(1)
10813 expands to: (42 + 1)
10814 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand-once ADD(1)
10815 expands to: once (M + 1)
10816 (@value{GDBP})
10817 @end smallexample
10818
10819 In the example above, note that @code{macro expand-once} expands only
10820 the macro invocation explicit in the original text --- the invocation of
10821 @code{ADD} --- but does not expand the invocation of the macro @code{M},
10822 which was introduced by @code{ADD}.
10823
10824 Once the program is running, @value{GDBN} uses the macro definitions in
10825 force at the source line of the current stack frame:
10826
10827 @smallexample
10828 (@value{GDBP}) break main
10829 Breakpoint 1 at 0x8048370: file sample.c, line 10.
10830 (@value{GDBP}) run
10831 Starting program: /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample
10832
10833 Breakpoint 1, main () at sample.c:10
10834 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
10835 (@value{GDBP})
10836 @end smallexample
10837
10838 At line 10, the definition of the macro @code{N} at line 9 is in force:
10839
10840 @smallexample
10841 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
10842 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:9
10843 #define N 28
10844 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
10845 expands to: 28 < 42
10846 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
10847 $1 = 1
10848 (@value{GDBP})
10849 @end smallexample
10850
10851 As we step over directives that remove @code{N}'s definition, and then
10852 give it a new definition, @value{GDBN} finds the definition (or lack
10853 thereof) in force at each point:
10854
10855 @smallexample
10856 (@value{GDBP}) next
10857 Hello, world!
10858 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
10859 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
10860 The symbol `N' has no definition as a C/C++ preprocessor macro
10861 at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:12
10862 (@value{GDBP}) next
10863 We're so creative.
10864 14 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
10865 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
10866 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:13
10867 #define N 1729
10868 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
10869 expands to: 1729 < 42
10870 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
10871 $2 = 0
10872 (@value{GDBP})
10873 @end smallexample
10874
10875 In addition to source files, macros can be defined on the compilation command
10876 line using the @option{-D@var{name}=@var{value}} syntax. For macros defined in
10877 such a way, @value{GDBN} displays the location of their definition as line zero
10878 of the source file submitted to the compiler.
10879
10880 @smallexample
10881 (@value{GDBP}) info macro __STDC__
10882 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:0
10883 -D__STDC__=1
10884 (@value{GDBP})
10885 @end smallexample
10886
10887
10888 @node Tracepoints
10889 @chapter Tracepoints
10890 @c This chapter is based on the documentation written by Michael
10891 @c Snyder, David Taylor, Jim Blandy, and Elena Zannoni.
10892
10893 @cindex tracepoints
10894 In some applications, it is not feasible for the debugger to interrupt
10895 the program's execution long enough for the developer to learn
10896 anything helpful about its behavior. If the program's correctness
10897 depends on its real-time behavior, delays introduced by a debugger
10898 might cause the program to change its behavior drastically, or perhaps
10899 fail, even when the code itself is correct. It is useful to be able
10900 to observe the program's behavior without interrupting it.
10901
10902 Using @value{GDBN}'s @code{trace} and @code{collect} commands, you can
10903 specify locations in the program, called @dfn{tracepoints}, and
10904 arbitrary expressions to evaluate when those tracepoints are reached.
10905 Later, using the @code{tfind} command, you can examine the values
10906 those expressions had when the program hit the tracepoints. The
10907 expressions may also denote objects in memory---structures or arrays,
10908 for example---whose values @value{GDBN} should record; while visiting
10909 a particular tracepoint, you may inspect those objects as if they were
10910 in memory at that moment. However, because @value{GDBN} records these
10911 values without interacting with you, it can do so quickly and
10912 unobtrusively, hopefully not disturbing the program's behavior.
10913
10914 The tracepoint facility is currently available only for remote
10915 targets. @xref{Targets}. In addition, your remote target must know
10916 how to collect trace data. This functionality is implemented in the
10917 remote stub; however, none of the stubs distributed with @value{GDBN}
10918 support tracepoints as of this writing. The format of the remote
10919 packets used to implement tracepoints are described in @ref{Tracepoint
10920 Packets}.
10921
10922 It is also possible to get trace data from a file, in a manner reminiscent
10923 of corefiles; you specify the filename, and use @code{tfind} to search
10924 through the file. @xref{Trace Files}, for more details.
10925
10926 This chapter describes the tracepoint commands and features.
10927
10928 @menu
10929 * Set Tracepoints::
10930 * Analyze Collected Data::
10931 * Tracepoint Variables::
10932 * Trace Files::
10933 @end menu
10934
10935 @node Set Tracepoints
10936 @section Commands to Set Tracepoints
10937
10938 Before running such a @dfn{trace experiment}, an arbitrary number of
10939 tracepoints can be set. A tracepoint is actually a special type of
10940 breakpoint (@pxref{Set Breaks}), so you can manipulate it using
10941 standard breakpoint commands. For instance, as with breakpoints,
10942 tracepoint numbers are successive integers starting from one, and many
10943 of the commands associated with tracepoints take the tracepoint number
10944 as their argument, to identify which tracepoint to work on.
10945
10946 For each tracepoint, you can specify, in advance, some arbitrary set
10947 of data that you want the target to collect in the trace buffer when
10948 it hits that tracepoint. The collected data can include registers,
10949 local variables, or global data. Later, you can use @value{GDBN}
10950 commands to examine the values these data had at the time the
10951 tracepoint was hit.
10952
10953 Tracepoints do not support every breakpoint feature. Ignore counts on
10954 tracepoints have no effect, and tracepoints cannot run @value{GDBN}
10955 commands when they are hit. Tracepoints may not be thread-specific
10956 either.
10957
10958 @cindex fast tracepoints
10959 Some targets may support @dfn{fast tracepoints}, which are inserted in
10960 a different way (such as with a jump instead of a trap), that is
10961 faster but possibly restricted in where they may be installed.
10962
10963 @cindex static tracepoints
10964 @cindex markers, static tracepoints
10965 @cindex probing markers, static tracepoints
10966 Regular and fast tracepoints are dynamic tracing facilities, meaning
10967 that they can be used to insert tracepoints at (almost) any location
10968 in the target. Some targets may also support controlling @dfn{static
10969 tracepoints} from @value{GDBN}. With static tracing, a set of
10970 instrumentation points, also known as @dfn{markers}, are embedded in
10971 the target program, and can be activated or deactivated by name or
10972 address. These are usually placed at locations which facilitate
10973 investigating what the target is actually doing. @value{GDBN}'s
10974 support for static tracing includes being able to list instrumentation
10975 points, and attach them with @value{GDBN} defined high level
10976 tracepoints that expose the whole range of convenience of
10977 @value{GDBN}'s tracepoints support. Namely, support for collecting
10978 registers values and values of global or local (to the instrumentation
10979 point) variables; tracepoint conditions and trace state variables.
10980 The act of installing a @value{GDBN} static tracepoint on an
10981 instrumentation point, or marker, is referred to as @dfn{probing} a
10982 static tracepoint marker.
10983
10984 @code{gdbserver} supports tracepoints on some target systems.
10985 @xref{Server,,Tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}}.
10986
10987 This section describes commands to set tracepoints and associated
10988 conditions and actions.
10989
10990 @menu
10991 * Create and Delete Tracepoints::
10992 * Enable and Disable Tracepoints::
10993 * Tracepoint Passcounts::
10994 * Tracepoint Conditions::
10995 * Trace State Variables::
10996 * Tracepoint Actions::
10997 * Listing Tracepoints::
10998 * Listing Static Tracepoint Markers::
10999 * Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments::
11000 * Tracepoint Restrictions::
11001 @end menu
11002
11003 @node Create and Delete Tracepoints
11004 @subsection Create and Delete Tracepoints
11005
11006 @table @code
11007 @cindex set tracepoint
11008 @kindex trace
11009 @item trace @var{location}
11010 The @code{trace} command is very similar to the @code{break} command.
11011 Its argument @var{location} can be a source line, a function name, or
11012 an address in the target program. @xref{Specify Location}. The
11013 @code{trace} command defines a tracepoint, which is a point in the
11014 target program where the debugger will briefly stop, collect some
11015 data, and then allow the program to continue. Setting a tracepoint or
11016 changing its actions takes effect immediately if the remote stub
11017 supports the @samp{InstallInTrace} feature (@pxref{install tracepoint
11018 in tracing}).
11019 If remote stub doesn't support the @samp{InstallInTrace} feature, all
11020 these changes don't take effect until the next @code{tstart}
11021 command, and once a trace experiment is running, further changes will
11022 not have any effect until the next trace experiment starts. In addition,
11023 @value{GDBN} supports @dfn{pending tracepoints}---tracepoints whose
11024 address is not yet resolved. (This is similar to pending breakpoints.)
11025 Pending tracepoints are not downloaded to the target and not installed
11026 until they are resolved. The resolution of pending tracepoints requires
11027 @value{GDBN} support---when debugging with the remote target, and
11028 @value{GDBN} disconnects from the remote stub (@pxref{disconnected
11029 tracing}), pending tracepoints can not be resolved (and downloaded to
11030 the remote stub) while @value{GDBN} is disconnected.
11031
11032 Here are some examples of using the @code{trace} command:
11033
11034 @smallexample
11035 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo.c:121} // a source file and line number
11036
11037 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace +2} // 2 lines forward
11038
11039 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace my_function} // first source line of function
11040
11041 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *my_function} // EXACT start address of function
11042
11043 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *0x2117c4} // an address
11044 @end smallexample
11045
11046 @noindent
11047 You can abbreviate @code{trace} as @code{tr}.
11048
11049 @item trace @var{location} if @var{cond}
11050 Set a tracepoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
11051 @var{cond} each time the tracepoint is reached, and collect data only
11052 if the value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
11053 @xref{Tracepoint Conditions, ,Tracepoint Conditions}, for more
11054 information on tracepoint conditions.
11055
11056 @item ftrace @var{location} [ if @var{cond} ]
11057 @cindex set fast tracepoint
11058 @cindex fast tracepoints, setting
11059 @kindex ftrace
11060 The @code{ftrace} command sets a fast tracepoint. For targets that
11061 support them, fast tracepoints will use a more efficient but possibly
11062 less general technique to trigger data collection, such as a jump
11063 instruction instead of a trap, or some sort of hardware support. It
11064 may not be possible to create a fast tracepoint at the desired
11065 location, in which case the command will exit with an explanatory
11066 message.
11067
11068 @value{GDBN} handles arguments to @code{ftrace} exactly as for
11069 @code{trace}.
11070
11071 On 32-bit x86-architecture systems, fast tracepoints normally need to
11072 be placed at an instruction that is 5 bytes or longer, but can be
11073 placed at 4-byte instructions if the low 64K of memory of the target
11074 program is available to install trampolines. Some Unix-type systems,
11075 such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, exclude low addresses from the program's
11076 address space; but for instance with the Linux kernel it is possible
11077 to let @value{GDBN} use this area by doing a @command{sysctl} command
11078 to set the @code{mmap_min_addr} kernel parameter, as in
11079
11080 @example
11081 sudo sysctl -w vm.mmap_min_addr=32768
11082 @end example
11083
11084 @noindent
11085 which sets the low address to 32K, which leaves plenty of room for
11086 trampolines. The minimum address should be set to a page boundary.
11087
11088 @item strace @var{location} [ if @var{cond} ]
11089 @cindex set static tracepoint
11090 @cindex static tracepoints, setting
11091 @cindex probe static tracepoint marker
11092 @kindex strace
11093 The @code{strace} command sets a static tracepoint. For targets that
11094 support it, setting a static tracepoint probes a static
11095 instrumentation point, or marker, found at @var{location}. It may not
11096 be possible to set a static tracepoint at the desired location, in
11097 which case the command will exit with an explanatory message.
11098
11099 @value{GDBN} handles arguments to @code{strace} exactly as for
11100 @code{trace}, with the addition that the user can also specify
11101 @code{-m @var{marker}} as @var{location}. This probes the marker
11102 identified by the @var{marker} string identifier. This identifier
11103 depends on the static tracepoint backend library your program is
11104 using. You can find all the marker identifiers in the @samp{ID} field
11105 of the @code{info static-tracepoint-markers} command output.
11106 @xref{Listing Static Tracepoint Markers,,Listing Static Tracepoint
11107 Markers}. For example, in the following small program using the UST
11108 tracing engine:
11109
11110 @smallexample
11111 main ()
11112 @{
11113 trace_mark(ust, bar33, "str %s", "FOOBAZ");
11114 @}
11115 @end smallexample
11116
11117 @noindent
11118 the marker id is composed of joining the first two arguments to the
11119 @code{trace_mark} call with a slash, which translates to:
11120
11121 @smallexample
11122 (@value{GDBP}) info static-tracepoint-markers
11123 Cnt Enb ID Address What
11124 1 n ust/bar33 0x0000000000400ddc in main at stexample.c:22
11125 Data: "str %s"
11126 [etc...]
11127 @end smallexample
11128
11129 @noindent
11130 so you may probe the marker above with:
11131
11132 @smallexample
11133 (@value{GDBP}) strace -m ust/bar33
11134 @end smallexample
11135
11136 Static tracepoints accept an extra collect action --- @code{collect
11137 $_sdata}. This collects arbitrary user data passed in the probe point
11138 call to the tracing library. In the UST example above, you'll see
11139 that the third argument to @code{trace_mark} is a printf-like format
11140 string. The user data is then the result of running that formating
11141 string against the following arguments. Note that @code{info
11142 static-tracepoint-markers} command output lists that format string in
11143 the @samp{Data:} field.
11144
11145 You can inspect this data when analyzing the trace buffer, by printing
11146 the $_sdata variable like any other variable available to
11147 @value{GDBN}. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}.
11148
11149 @vindex $tpnum
11150 @cindex last tracepoint number
11151 @cindex recent tracepoint number
11152 @cindex tracepoint number
11153 The convenience variable @code{$tpnum} records the tracepoint number
11154 of the most recently set tracepoint.
11155
11156 @kindex delete tracepoint
11157 @cindex tracepoint deletion
11158 @item delete tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
11159 Permanently delete one or more tracepoints. With no argument, the
11160 default is to delete all tracepoints. Note that the regular
11161 @code{delete} command can remove tracepoints also.
11162
11163 Examples:
11164
11165 @smallexample
11166 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace 1 2 3} // remove three tracepoints
11167
11168 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace} // remove all tracepoints
11169 @end smallexample
11170
11171 @noindent
11172 You can abbreviate this command as @code{del tr}.
11173 @end table
11174
11175 @node Enable and Disable Tracepoints
11176 @subsection Enable and Disable Tracepoints
11177
11178 These commands are deprecated; they are equivalent to plain @code{disable} and @code{enable}.
11179
11180 @table @code
11181 @kindex disable tracepoint
11182 @item disable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
11183 Disable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints if no argument
11184 @var{num} is given. A disabled tracepoint will have no effect during
11185 a trace experiment, but it is not forgotten. You can re-enable
11186 a disabled tracepoint using the @code{enable tracepoint} command.
11187 If the command is issued during a trace experiment and the debug target
11188 has support for disabling tracepoints during a trace experiment, then the
11189 change will be effective immediately. Otherwise, it will be applied to the
11190 next trace experiment.
11191
11192 @kindex enable tracepoint
11193 @item enable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
11194 Enable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints. If this command is
11195 issued during a trace experiment and the debug target supports enabling
11196 tracepoints during a trace experiment, then the enabled tracepoints will
11197 become effective immediately. Otherwise, they will become effective the
11198 next time a trace experiment is run.
11199 @end table
11200
11201 @node Tracepoint Passcounts
11202 @subsection Tracepoint Passcounts
11203
11204 @table @code
11205 @kindex passcount
11206 @cindex tracepoint pass count
11207 @item passcount @r{[}@var{n} @r{[}@var{num}@r{]]}
11208 Set the @dfn{passcount} of a tracepoint. The passcount is a way to
11209 automatically stop a trace experiment. If a tracepoint's passcount is
11210 @var{n}, then the trace experiment will be automatically stopped on
11211 the @var{n}'th time that tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number
11212 @var{num} is not specified, the @code{passcount} command sets the
11213 passcount of the most recently defined tracepoint. If no passcount is
11214 given, the trace experiment will run until stopped explicitly by the
11215 user.
11216
11217 Examples:
11218
11219 @smallexample
11220 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 5 2} // Stop on the 5th execution of
11221 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// tracepoint 2}
11222
11223 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 12} // Stop on the 12th execution of the
11224 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// most recently defined tracepoint.}
11225 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
11226 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 3}
11227 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace bar}
11228 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 2}
11229 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace baz}
11230 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 1} // Stop tracing when foo has been
11231 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// executed 3 times OR when bar has}
11232 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// been executed 2 times}
11233 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// OR when baz has been executed 1 time.}
11234 @end smallexample
11235 @end table
11236
11237 @node Tracepoint Conditions
11238 @subsection Tracepoint Conditions
11239 @cindex conditional tracepoints
11240 @cindex tracepoint conditions
11241
11242 The simplest sort of tracepoint collects data every time your program
11243 reaches a specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for
11244 a tracepoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
11245 programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A
11246 tracepoint with a condition evaluates the expression each time your
11247 program reaches it, and data collection happens only if the condition
11248 is true.
11249
11250 Tracepoint conditions can be specified when a tracepoint is set, by
11251 using @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{trace} command.
11252 @xref{Create and Delete Tracepoints, ,Setting Tracepoints}. They can
11253 also be set or changed at any time with the @code{condition} command,
11254 just as with breakpoints.
11255
11256 Unlike breakpoint conditions, @value{GDBN} does not actually evaluate
11257 the conditional expression itself. Instead, @value{GDBN} encodes the
11258 expression into an agent expression (@pxref{Agent Expressions})
11259 suitable for execution on the target, independently of @value{GDBN}.
11260 Global variables become raw memory locations, locals become stack
11261 accesses, and so forth.
11262
11263 For instance, suppose you have a function that is usually called
11264 frequently, but should not be called after an error has occurred. You
11265 could use the following tracepoint command to collect data about calls
11266 of that function that happen while the error code is propagating
11267 through the program; an unconditional tracepoint could end up
11268 collecting thousands of useless trace frames that you would have to
11269 search through.
11270
11271 @smallexample
11272 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{trace normal_operation if errcode > 0}
11273 @end smallexample
11274
11275 @node Trace State Variables
11276 @subsection Trace State Variables
11277 @cindex trace state variables
11278
11279 A @dfn{trace state variable} is a special type of variable that is
11280 created and managed by target-side code. The syntax is the same as
11281 that for GDB's convenience variables (a string prefixed with ``$''),
11282 but they are stored on the target. They must be created explicitly,
11283 using a @code{tvariable} command. They are always 64-bit signed
11284 integers.
11285
11286 Trace state variables are remembered by @value{GDBN}, and downloaded
11287 to the target along with tracepoint information when the trace
11288 experiment starts. There are no intrinsic limits on the number of
11289 trace state variables, beyond memory limitations of the target.
11290
11291 @cindex convenience variables, and trace state variables
11292 Although trace state variables are managed by the target, you can use
11293 them in print commands and expressions as if they were convenience
11294 variables; @value{GDBN} will get the current value from the target
11295 while the trace experiment is running. Trace state variables share
11296 the same namespace as other ``$'' variables, which means that you
11297 cannot have trace state variables with names like @code{$23} or
11298 @code{$pc}, nor can you have a trace state variable and a convenience
11299 variable with the same name.
11300
11301 @table @code
11302
11303 @item tvariable $@var{name} [ = @var{expression} ]
11304 @kindex tvariable
11305 The @code{tvariable} command creates a new trace state variable named
11306 @code{$@var{name}}, and optionally gives it an initial value of
11307 @var{expression}. @var{expression} is evaluated when this command is
11308 entered; the result will be converted to an integer if possible,
11309 otherwise @value{GDBN} will report an error. A subsequent
11310 @code{tvariable} command specifying the same name does not create a
11311 variable, but instead assigns the supplied initial value to the
11312 existing variable of that name, overwriting any previous initial
11313 value. The default initial value is 0.
11314
11315 @item info tvariables
11316 @kindex info tvariables
11317 List all the trace state variables along with their initial values.
11318 Their current values may also be displayed, if the trace experiment is
11319 currently running.
11320
11321 @item delete tvariable @r{[} $@var{name} @dots{} @r{]}
11322 @kindex delete tvariable
11323 Delete the given trace state variables, or all of them if no arguments
11324 are specified.
11325
11326 @end table
11327
11328 @node Tracepoint Actions
11329 @subsection Tracepoint Action Lists
11330
11331 @table @code
11332 @kindex actions
11333 @cindex tracepoint actions
11334 @item actions @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
11335 This command will prompt for a list of actions to be taken when the
11336 tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number @var{num} is not
11337 specified, this command sets the actions for the one that was most
11338 recently defined (so that you can define a tracepoint and then say
11339 @code{actions} without bothering about its number). You specify the
11340 actions themselves on the following lines, one action at a time, and
11341 terminate the actions list with a line containing just @code{end}. So
11342 far, the only defined actions are @code{collect}, @code{teval}, and
11343 @code{while-stepping}.
11344
11345 @code{actions} is actually equivalent to @code{commands} (@pxref{Break
11346 Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}), except that only the defined
11347 actions are allowed; any other @value{GDBN} command is rejected.
11348
11349 @cindex remove actions from a tracepoint
11350 To remove all actions from a tracepoint, type @samp{actions @var{num}}
11351 and follow it immediately with @samp{end}.
11352
11353 @smallexample
11354 (@value{GDBP}) @b{collect @var{data}} // collect some data
11355
11356 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while-stepping 5} // single-step 5 times, collect data
11357
11358 (@value{GDBP}) @b{end} // signals the end of actions.
11359 @end smallexample
11360
11361 In the following example, the action list begins with @code{collect}
11362 commands indicating the things to be collected when the tracepoint is
11363 hit. Then, in order to single-step and collect additional data
11364 following the tracepoint, a @code{while-stepping} command is used,
11365 followed by the list of things to be collected after each step in a
11366 sequence of single steps. The @code{while-stepping} command is
11367 terminated by its own separate @code{end} command. Lastly, the action
11368 list is terminated by an @code{end} command.
11369
11370 @smallexample
11371 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
11372 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
11373 Enter actions for tracepoint 1, one per line:
11374 > collect bar,baz
11375 > collect $regs
11376 > while-stepping 12
11377 > collect $pc, arr[i]
11378 > end
11379 end
11380 @end smallexample
11381
11382 @kindex collect @r{(tracepoints)}
11383 @item collect@r{[}/@var{mods}@r{]} @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
11384 Collect values of the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit.
11385 This command accepts a comma-separated list of any valid expressions.
11386 In addition to global, static, or local variables, the following
11387 special arguments are supported:
11388
11389 @table @code
11390 @item $regs
11391 Collect all registers.
11392
11393 @item $args
11394 Collect all function arguments.
11395
11396 @item $locals
11397 Collect all local variables.
11398
11399 @item $_ret
11400 Collect the return address. This is helpful if you want to see more
11401 of a backtrace.
11402
11403 @item $_probe_argc
11404 Collects the number of arguments from the static probe at which the
11405 tracepoint is located.
11406 @xref{Static Probe Points}.
11407
11408 @item $_probe_arg@var{n}
11409 @var{n} is an integer between 0 and 11. Collects the @var{n}th argument
11410 from the static probe at which the tracepoint is located.
11411 @xref{Static Probe Points}.
11412
11413 @item $_sdata
11414 @vindex $_sdata@r{, collect}
11415 Collect static tracepoint marker specific data. Only available for
11416 static tracepoints. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action
11417 Lists}. On the UST static tracepoints library backend, an
11418 instrumentation point resembles a @code{printf} function call. The
11419 tracing library is able to collect user specified data formatted to a
11420 character string using the format provided by the programmer that
11421 instrumented the program. Other backends have similar mechanisms.
11422 Here's an example of a UST marker call:
11423
11424 @smallexample
11425 const char master_name[] = "$your_name";
11426 trace_mark(channel1, marker1, "hello %s", master_name)
11427 @end smallexample
11428
11429 In this case, collecting @code{$_sdata} collects the string
11430 @samp{hello $yourname}. When analyzing the trace buffer, you can
11431 inspect @samp{$_sdata} like any other variable available to
11432 @value{GDBN}.
11433 @end table
11434
11435 You can give several consecutive @code{collect} commands, each one
11436 with a single argument, or one @code{collect} command with several
11437 arguments separated by commas; the effect is the same.
11438
11439 The optional @var{mods} changes the usual handling of the arguments.
11440 @code{s} requests that pointers to chars be handled as strings, in
11441 particular collecting the contents of the memory being pointed at, up
11442 to the first zero. The upper bound is by default the value of the
11443 @code{print elements} variable; if @code{s} is followed by a decimal
11444 number, that is the upper bound instead. So for instance
11445 @samp{collect/s25 mystr} collects as many as 25 characters at
11446 @samp{mystr}.
11447
11448 The command @code{info scope} (@pxref{Symbols, info scope}) is
11449 particularly useful for figuring out what data to collect.
11450
11451 @kindex teval @r{(tracepoints)}
11452 @item teval @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
11453 Evaluate the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit. This
11454 command accepts a comma-separated list of expressions. The results
11455 are discarded, so this is mainly useful for assigning values to trace
11456 state variables (@pxref{Trace State Variables}) without adding those
11457 values to the trace buffer, as would be the case if the @code{collect}
11458 action were used.
11459
11460 @kindex while-stepping @r{(tracepoints)}
11461 @item while-stepping @var{n}
11462 Perform @var{n} single-step instruction traces after the tracepoint,
11463 collecting new data after each step. The @code{while-stepping}
11464 command is followed by the list of what to collect while stepping
11465 (followed by its own @code{end} command):
11466
11467 @smallexample
11468 > while-stepping 12
11469 > collect $regs, myglobal
11470 > end
11471 >
11472 @end smallexample
11473
11474 @noindent
11475 Note that @code{$pc} is not automatically collected by
11476 @code{while-stepping}; you need to explicitly collect that register if
11477 you need it. You may abbreviate @code{while-stepping} as @code{ws} or
11478 @code{stepping}.
11479
11480 @item set default-collect @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
11481 @kindex set default-collect
11482 @cindex default collection action
11483 This variable is a list of expressions to collect at each tracepoint
11484 hit. It is effectively an additional @code{collect} action prepended
11485 to every tracepoint action list. The expressions are parsed
11486 individually for each tracepoint, so for instance a variable named
11487 @code{xyz} may be interpreted as a global for one tracepoint, and a
11488 local for another, as appropriate to the tracepoint's location.
11489
11490 @item show default-collect
11491 @kindex show default-collect
11492 Show the list of expressions that are collected by default at each
11493 tracepoint hit.
11494
11495 @end table
11496
11497 @node Listing Tracepoints
11498 @subsection Listing Tracepoints
11499
11500 @table @code
11501 @kindex info tracepoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
11502 @kindex info tp @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
11503 @cindex information about tracepoints
11504 @item info tracepoints @r{[}@var{num}@dots{}@r{]}
11505 Display information about the tracepoint @var{num}. If you don't
11506 specify a tracepoint number, displays information about all the
11507 tracepoints defined so far. The format is similar to that used for
11508 @code{info breakpoints}; in fact, @code{info tracepoints} is the same
11509 command, simply restricting itself to tracepoints.
11510
11511 A tracepoint's listing may include additional information specific to
11512 tracing:
11513
11514 @itemize @bullet
11515 @item
11516 its passcount as given by the @code{passcount @var{n}} command
11517
11518 @item
11519 the state about installed on target of each location
11520 @end itemize
11521
11522 @smallexample
11523 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info trace}
11524 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
11525 1 tracepoint keep y 0x0804ab57 in foo() at main.cxx:7
11526 while-stepping 20
11527 collect globfoo, $regs
11528 end
11529 collect globfoo2
11530 end
11531 pass count 1200
11532 2 tracepoint keep y <MULTIPLE>
11533 collect $eip
11534 2.1 y 0x0804859c in func4 at change-loc.h:35
11535 installed on target
11536 2.2 y 0xb7ffc480 in func4 at change-loc.h:35
11537 installed on target
11538 2.3 y <PENDING> set_tracepoint
11539 3 tracepoint keep y 0x080485b1 in foo at change-loc.c:29
11540 not installed on target
11541 (@value{GDBP})
11542 @end smallexample
11543
11544 @noindent
11545 This command can be abbreviated @code{info tp}.
11546 @end table
11547
11548 @node Listing Static Tracepoint Markers
11549 @subsection Listing Static Tracepoint Markers
11550
11551 @table @code
11552 @kindex info static-tracepoint-markers
11553 @cindex information about static tracepoint markers
11554 @item info static-tracepoint-markers
11555 Display information about all static tracepoint markers defined in the
11556 program.
11557
11558 For each marker, the following columns are printed:
11559
11560 @table @emph
11561 @item Count
11562 An incrementing counter, output to help readability. This is not a
11563 stable identifier.
11564 @item ID
11565 The marker ID, as reported by the target.
11566 @item Enabled or Disabled
11567 Probed markers are tagged with @samp{y}. @samp{n} identifies marks
11568 that are not enabled.
11569 @item Address
11570 Where the marker is in your program, as a memory address.
11571 @item What
11572 Where the marker is in the source for your program, as a file and line
11573 number. If the debug information included in the program does not
11574 allow @value{GDBN} to locate the source of the marker, this column
11575 will be left blank.
11576 @end table
11577
11578 @noindent
11579 In addition, the following information may be printed for each marker:
11580
11581 @table @emph
11582 @item Data
11583 User data passed to the tracing library by the marker call. In the
11584 UST backend, this is the format string passed as argument to the
11585 marker call.
11586 @item Static tracepoints probing the marker
11587 The list of static tracepoints attached to the marker.
11588 @end table
11589
11590 @smallexample
11591 (@value{GDBP}) info static-tracepoint-markers
11592 Cnt ID Enb Address What
11593 1 ust/bar2 y 0x0000000000400e1a in main at stexample.c:25
11594 Data: number1 %d number2 %d
11595 Probed by static tracepoints: #2
11596 2 ust/bar33 n 0x0000000000400c87 in main at stexample.c:24
11597 Data: str %s
11598 (@value{GDBP})
11599 @end smallexample
11600 @end table
11601
11602 @node Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
11603 @subsection Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
11604
11605 @table @code
11606 @kindex tstart [ @var{notes} ]
11607 @cindex start a new trace experiment
11608 @cindex collected data discarded
11609 @item tstart
11610 This command starts the trace experiment, and begins collecting data.
11611 It has the side effect of discarding all the data collected in the
11612 trace buffer during the previous trace experiment. If any arguments
11613 are supplied, they are taken as a note and stored with the trace
11614 experiment's state. The notes may be arbitrary text, and are
11615 especially useful with disconnected tracing in a multi-user context;
11616 the notes can explain what the trace is doing, supply user contact
11617 information, and so forth.
11618
11619 @kindex tstop [ @var{notes} ]
11620 @cindex stop a running trace experiment
11621 @item tstop
11622 This command stops the trace experiment. If any arguments are
11623 supplied, they are recorded with the experiment as a note. This is
11624 useful if you are stopping a trace started by someone else, for
11625 instance if the trace is interfering with the system's behavior and
11626 needs to be stopped quickly.
11627
11628 @strong{Note}: a trace experiment and data collection may stop
11629 automatically if any tracepoint's passcount is reached
11630 (@pxref{Tracepoint Passcounts}), or if the trace buffer becomes full.
11631
11632 @kindex tstatus
11633 @cindex status of trace data collection
11634 @cindex trace experiment, status of
11635 @item tstatus
11636 This command displays the status of the current trace data
11637 collection.
11638 @end table
11639
11640 Here is an example of the commands we described so far:
11641
11642 @smallexample
11643 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace gdb_c_test}
11644 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
11645 Enter actions for tracepoint #1, one per line.
11646 > collect $regs,$locals,$args
11647 > while-stepping 11
11648 > collect $regs
11649 > end
11650 > end
11651 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
11652 [time passes @dots{}]
11653 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstop}
11654 @end smallexample
11655
11656 @anchor{disconnected tracing}
11657 @cindex disconnected tracing
11658 You can choose to continue running the trace experiment even if
11659 @value{GDBN} disconnects from the target, voluntarily or
11660 involuntarily. For commands such as @code{detach}, the debugger will
11661 ask what you want to do with the trace. But for unexpected
11662 terminations (@value{GDBN} crash, network outage), it would be
11663 unfortunate to lose hard-won trace data, so the variable
11664 @code{disconnected-tracing} lets you decide whether the trace should
11665 continue running without @value{GDBN}.
11666
11667 @table @code
11668 @item set disconnected-tracing on
11669 @itemx set disconnected-tracing off
11670 @kindex set disconnected-tracing
11671 Choose whether a tracing run should continue to run if @value{GDBN}
11672 has disconnected from the target. Note that @code{detach} or
11673 @code{quit} will ask you directly what to do about a running trace no
11674 matter what this variable's setting, so the variable is mainly useful
11675 for handling unexpected situations, such as loss of the network.
11676
11677 @item show disconnected-tracing
11678 @kindex show disconnected-tracing
11679 Show the current choice for disconnected tracing.
11680
11681 @end table
11682
11683 When you reconnect to the target, the trace experiment may or may not
11684 still be running; it might have filled the trace buffer in the
11685 meantime, or stopped for one of the other reasons. If it is running,
11686 it will continue after reconnection.
11687
11688 Upon reconnection, the target will upload information about the
11689 tracepoints in effect. @value{GDBN} will then compare that
11690 information to the set of tracepoints currently defined, and attempt
11691 to match them up, allowing for the possibility that the numbers may
11692 have changed due to creation and deletion in the meantime. If one of
11693 the target's tracepoints does not match any in @value{GDBN}, the
11694 debugger will create a new tracepoint, so that you have a number with
11695 which to specify that tracepoint. This matching-up process is
11696 necessarily heuristic, and it may result in useless tracepoints being
11697 created; you may simply delete them if they are of no use.
11698
11699 @cindex circular trace buffer
11700 If your target agent supports a @dfn{circular trace buffer}, then you
11701 can run a trace experiment indefinitely without filling the trace
11702 buffer; when space runs out, the agent deletes already-collected trace
11703 frames, oldest first, until there is enough room to continue
11704 collecting. This is especially useful if your tracepoints are being
11705 hit too often, and your trace gets terminated prematurely because the
11706 buffer is full. To ask for a circular trace buffer, simply set
11707 @samp{circular-trace-buffer} to on. You can set this at any time,
11708 including during tracing; if the agent can do it, it will change
11709 buffer handling on the fly, otherwise it will not take effect until
11710 the next run.
11711
11712 @table @code
11713 @item set circular-trace-buffer on
11714 @itemx set circular-trace-buffer off
11715 @kindex set circular-trace-buffer
11716 Choose whether a tracing run should use a linear or circular buffer
11717 for trace data. A linear buffer will not lose any trace data, but may
11718 fill up prematurely, while a circular buffer will discard old trace
11719 data, but it will have always room for the latest tracepoint hits.
11720
11721 @item show circular-trace-buffer
11722 @kindex show circular-trace-buffer
11723 Show the current choice for the trace buffer. Note that this may not
11724 match the agent's current buffer handling, nor is it guaranteed to
11725 match the setting that might have been in effect during a past run,
11726 for instance if you are looking at frames from a trace file.
11727
11728 @end table
11729
11730 @table @code
11731 @item set trace-buffer-size @var{n}
11732 @kindex set trace-buffer-size
11733 Request that the target use a trace buffer of @var{n} bytes. Not all
11734 targets will honor the request; they may have a compiled-in size for
11735 the trace buffer, or some other limitation. Set to a value of
11736 @code{-1} to let the target use whatever size it likes. This is also
11737 the default.
11738
11739 @item show trace-buffer-size
11740 @kindex show trace-buffer-size
11741 Show the current requested size for the trace buffer. Note that this
11742 will only match the actual size if the target supports size-setting,
11743 and was able to handle the requested size. For instance, if the
11744 target can only change buffer size between runs, this variable will
11745 not reflect the change until the next run starts. Use @code{tstatus}
11746 to get a report of the actual buffer size.
11747 @end table
11748
11749 @table @code
11750 @item set trace-user @var{text}
11751 @kindex set trace-user
11752
11753 @item show trace-user
11754 @kindex show trace-user
11755
11756 @item set trace-notes @var{text}
11757 @kindex set trace-notes
11758 Set the trace run's notes.
11759
11760 @item show trace-notes
11761 @kindex show trace-notes
11762 Show the trace run's notes.
11763
11764 @item set trace-stop-notes @var{text}
11765 @kindex set trace-stop-notes
11766 Set the trace run's stop notes. The handling of the note is as for
11767 @code{tstop} arguments; the set command is convenient way to fix a
11768 stop note that is mistaken or incomplete.
11769
11770 @item show trace-stop-notes
11771 @kindex show trace-stop-notes
11772 Show the trace run's stop notes.
11773
11774 @end table
11775
11776 @node Tracepoint Restrictions
11777 @subsection Tracepoint Restrictions
11778
11779 @cindex tracepoint restrictions
11780 There are a number of restrictions on the use of tracepoints. As
11781 described above, tracepoint data gathering occurs on the target
11782 without interaction from @value{GDBN}. Thus the full capabilities of
11783 the debugger are not available during data gathering, and then at data
11784 examination time, you will be limited by only having what was
11785 collected. The following items describe some common problems, but it
11786 is not exhaustive, and you may run into additional difficulties not
11787 mentioned here.
11788
11789 @itemize @bullet
11790
11791 @item
11792 Tracepoint expressions are intended to gather objects (lvalues). Thus
11793 the full flexibility of GDB's expression evaluator is not available.
11794 You cannot call functions, cast objects to aggregate types, access
11795 convenience variables or modify values (except by assignment to trace
11796 state variables). Some language features may implicitly call
11797 functions (for instance Objective-C fields with accessors), and therefore
11798 cannot be collected either.
11799
11800 @item
11801 Collection of local variables, either individually or in bulk with
11802 @code{$locals} or @code{$args}, during @code{while-stepping} may
11803 behave erratically. The stepping action may enter a new scope (for
11804 instance by stepping into a function), or the location of the variable
11805 may change (for instance it is loaded into a register). The
11806 tracepoint data recorded uses the location information for the
11807 variables that is correct for the tracepoint location. When the
11808 tracepoint is created, it is not possible, in general, to determine
11809 where the steps of a @code{while-stepping} sequence will advance the
11810 program---particularly if a conditional branch is stepped.
11811
11812 @item
11813 Collection of an incompletely-initialized or partially-destroyed object
11814 may result in something that @value{GDBN} cannot display, or displays
11815 in a misleading way.
11816
11817 @item
11818 When @value{GDBN} displays a pointer to character it automatically
11819 dereferences the pointer to also display characters of the string
11820 being pointed to. However, collecting the pointer during tracing does
11821 not automatically collect the string. You need to explicitly
11822 dereference the pointer and provide size information if you want to
11823 collect not only the pointer, but the memory pointed to. For example,
11824 @code{*ptr@@50} can be used to collect the 50 element array pointed to
11825 by @code{ptr}.
11826
11827 @item
11828 It is not possible to collect a complete stack backtrace at a
11829 tracepoint. Instead, you may collect the registers and a few hundred
11830 bytes from the stack pointer with something like @code{*(unsigned char *)$esp@@300}
11831 (adjust to use the name of the actual stack pointer register on your
11832 target architecture, and the amount of stack you wish to capture).
11833 Then the @code{backtrace} command will show a partial backtrace when
11834 using a trace frame. The number of stack frames that can be examined
11835 depends on the sizes of the frames in the collected stack. Note that
11836 if you ask for a block so large that it goes past the bottom of the
11837 stack, the target agent may report an error trying to read from an
11838 invalid address.
11839
11840 @item
11841 If you do not collect registers at a tracepoint, @value{GDBN} can
11842 infer that the value of @code{$pc} must be the same as the address of
11843 the tracepoint and use that when you are looking at a trace frame
11844 for that tracepoint. However, this cannot work if the tracepoint has
11845 multiple locations (for instance if it was set in a function that was
11846 inlined), or if it has a @code{while-stepping} loop. In those cases
11847 @value{GDBN} will warn you that it can't infer @code{$pc}, and default
11848 it to zero.
11849
11850 @end itemize
11851
11852 @node Analyze Collected Data
11853 @section Using the Collected Data
11854
11855 After the tracepoint experiment ends, you use @value{GDBN} commands
11856 for examining the trace data. The basic idea is that each tracepoint
11857 collects a trace @dfn{snapshot} every time it is hit and another
11858 snapshot every time it single-steps. All these snapshots are
11859 consecutively numbered from zero and go into a buffer, and you can
11860 examine them later. The way you examine them is to @dfn{focus} on a
11861 specific trace snapshot. When the remote stub is focused on a trace
11862 snapshot, it will respond to all @value{GDBN} requests for memory and
11863 registers by reading from the buffer which belongs to that snapshot,
11864 rather than from @emph{real} memory or registers of the program being
11865 debugged. This means that @strong{all} @value{GDBN} commands
11866 (@code{print}, @code{info registers}, @code{backtrace}, etc.) will
11867 behave as if we were currently debugging the program state as it was
11868 when the tracepoint occurred. Any requests for data that are not in
11869 the buffer will fail.
11870
11871 @menu
11872 * tfind:: How to select a trace snapshot
11873 * tdump:: How to display all data for a snapshot
11874 * save tracepoints:: How to save tracepoints for a future run
11875 @end menu
11876
11877 @node tfind
11878 @subsection @code{tfind @var{n}}
11879
11880 @kindex tfind
11881 @cindex select trace snapshot
11882 @cindex find trace snapshot
11883 The basic command for selecting a trace snapshot from the buffer is
11884 @code{tfind @var{n}}, which finds trace snapshot number @var{n},
11885 counting from zero. If no argument @var{n} is given, the next
11886 snapshot is selected.
11887
11888 Here are the various forms of using the @code{tfind} command.
11889
11890 @table @code
11891 @item tfind start
11892 Find the first snapshot in the buffer. This is a synonym for
11893 @code{tfind 0} (since 0 is the number of the first snapshot).
11894
11895 @item tfind none
11896 Stop debugging trace snapshots, resume @emph{live} debugging.
11897
11898 @item tfind end
11899 Same as @samp{tfind none}.
11900
11901 @item tfind
11902 No argument means find the next trace snapshot.
11903
11904 @item tfind -
11905 Find the previous trace snapshot before the current one. This permits
11906 retracing earlier steps.
11907
11908 @item tfind tracepoint @var{num}
11909 Find the next snapshot associated with tracepoint @var{num}. Search
11910 proceeds forward from the last examined trace snapshot. If no
11911 argument @var{num} is given, it means find the next snapshot collected
11912 for the same tracepoint as the current snapshot.
11913
11914 @item tfind pc @var{addr}
11915 Find the next snapshot associated with the value @var{addr} of the
11916 program counter. Search proceeds forward from the last examined trace
11917 snapshot. If no argument @var{addr} is given, it means find the next
11918 snapshot with the same value of PC as the current snapshot.
11919
11920 @item tfind outside @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
11921 Find the next snapshot whose PC is outside the given range of
11922 addresses (exclusive).
11923
11924 @item tfind range @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
11925 Find the next snapshot whose PC is between @var{addr1} and
11926 @var{addr2} (inclusive).
11927
11928 @item tfind line @r{[}@var{file}:@r{]}@var{n}
11929 Find the next snapshot associated with the source line @var{n}. If
11930 the optional argument @var{file} is given, refer to line @var{n} in
11931 that source file. Search proceeds forward from the last examined
11932 trace snapshot. If no argument @var{n} is given, it means find the
11933 next line other than the one currently being examined; thus saying
11934 @code{tfind line} repeatedly can appear to have the same effect as
11935 stepping from line to line in a @emph{live} debugging session.
11936 @end table
11937
11938 The default arguments for the @code{tfind} commands are specifically
11939 designed to make it easy to scan through the trace buffer. For
11940 instance, @code{tfind} with no argument selects the next trace
11941 snapshot, and @code{tfind -} with no argument selects the previous
11942 trace snapshot. So, by giving one @code{tfind} command, and then
11943 simply hitting @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine all the trace
11944 snapshots in order. Or, by saying @code{tfind -} and then hitting
11945 @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine the snapshots in reverse order.
11946 The @code{tfind line} command with no argument selects the snapshot
11947 for the next source line executed. The @code{tfind pc} command with
11948 no argument selects the next snapshot with the same program counter
11949 (PC) as the current frame. The @code{tfind tracepoint} command with
11950 no argument selects the next trace snapshot collected by the same
11951 tracepoint as the current one.
11952
11953 In addition to letting you scan through the trace buffer manually,
11954 these commands make it easy to construct @value{GDBN} scripts that
11955 scan through the trace buffer and print out whatever collected data
11956 you are interested in. Thus, if we want to examine the PC, FP, and SP
11957 registers from each trace frame in the buffer, we can say this:
11958
11959 @smallexample
11960 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
11961 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
11962 > printf "Frame %d, PC = %08X, SP = %08X, FP = %08X\n", \
11963 $trace_frame, $pc, $sp, $fp
11964 > tfind
11965 > end
11966
11967 Frame 0, PC = 0020DC64, SP = 0030BF3C, FP = 0030BF44
11968 Frame 1, PC = 0020DC6C, SP = 0030BF38, FP = 0030BF44
11969 Frame 2, PC = 0020DC70, SP = 0030BF34, FP = 0030BF44
11970 Frame 3, PC = 0020DC74, SP = 0030BF30, FP = 0030BF44
11971 Frame 4, PC = 0020DC78, SP = 0030BF2C, FP = 0030BF44
11972 Frame 5, PC = 0020DC7C, SP = 0030BF28, FP = 0030BF44
11973 Frame 6, PC = 0020DC80, SP = 0030BF24, FP = 0030BF44
11974 Frame 7, PC = 0020DC84, SP = 0030BF20, FP = 0030BF44
11975 Frame 8, PC = 0020DC88, SP = 0030BF1C, FP = 0030BF44
11976 Frame 9, PC = 0020DC8E, SP = 0030BF18, FP = 0030BF44
11977 Frame 10, PC = 00203F6C, SP = 0030BE3C, FP = 0030BF14
11978 @end smallexample
11979
11980 Or, if we want to examine the variable @code{X} at each source line in
11981 the buffer:
11982
11983 @smallexample
11984 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
11985 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
11986 > printf "Frame %d, X == %d\n", $trace_frame, X
11987 > tfind line
11988 > end
11989
11990 Frame 0, X = 1
11991 Frame 7, X = 2
11992 Frame 13, X = 255
11993 @end smallexample
11994
11995 @node tdump
11996 @subsection @code{tdump}
11997 @kindex tdump
11998 @cindex dump all data collected at tracepoint
11999 @cindex tracepoint data, display
12000
12001 This command takes no arguments. It prints all the data collected at
12002 the current trace snapshot.
12003
12004 @smallexample
12005 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace 444}
12006 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
12007 Enter actions for tracepoint #2, one per line:
12008 > collect $regs, $locals, $args, gdb_long_test
12009 > end
12010
12011 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
12012
12013 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind line 444}
12014 #0 gdb_test (p1=0x11, p2=0x22, p3=0x33, p4=0x44, p5=0x55, p6=0x66)
12015 at gdb_test.c:444
12016 444 printp( "%s: arguments = 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X\n", )
12017
12018 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tdump}
12019 Data collected at tracepoint 2, trace frame 1:
12020 d0 0xc4aa0085 -995491707
12021 d1 0x18 24
12022 d2 0x80 128
12023 d3 0x33 51
12024 d4 0x71aea3d 119204413
12025 d5 0x22 34
12026 d6 0xe0 224
12027 d7 0x380035 3670069
12028 a0 0x19e24a 1696330
12029 a1 0x3000668 50333288
12030 a2 0x100 256
12031 a3 0x322000 3284992
12032 a4 0x3000698 50333336
12033 a5 0x1ad3cc 1758156
12034 fp 0x30bf3c 0x30bf3c
12035 sp 0x30bf34 0x30bf34
12036 ps 0x0 0
12037 pc 0x20b2c8 0x20b2c8
12038 fpcontrol 0x0 0
12039 fpstatus 0x0 0
12040 fpiaddr 0x0 0
12041 p = 0x20e5b4 "gdb-test"
12042 p1 = (void *) 0x11
12043 p2 = (void *) 0x22
12044 p3 = (void *) 0x33
12045 p4 = (void *) 0x44
12046 p5 = (void *) 0x55
12047 p6 = (void *) 0x66
12048 gdb_long_test = 17 '\021'
12049
12050 (@value{GDBP})
12051 @end smallexample
12052
12053 @code{tdump} works by scanning the tracepoint's current collection
12054 actions and printing the value of each expression listed. So
12055 @code{tdump} can fail, if after a run, you change the tracepoint's
12056 actions to mention variables that were not collected during the run.
12057
12058 Also, for tracepoints with @code{while-stepping} loops, @code{tdump}
12059 uses the collected value of @code{$pc} to distinguish between trace
12060 frames that were collected at the tracepoint hit, and frames that were
12061 collected while stepping. This allows it to correctly choose whether
12062 to display the basic list of collections, or the collections from the
12063 body of the while-stepping loop. However, if @code{$pc} was not collected,
12064 then @code{tdump} will always attempt to dump using the basic collection
12065 list, and may fail if a while-stepping frame does not include all the
12066 same data that is collected at the tracepoint hit.
12067 @c This is getting pretty arcane, example would be good.
12068
12069 @node save tracepoints
12070 @subsection @code{save tracepoints @var{filename}}
12071 @kindex save tracepoints
12072 @kindex save-tracepoints
12073 @cindex save tracepoints for future sessions
12074
12075 This command saves all current tracepoint definitions together with
12076 their actions and passcounts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
12077 suitable for use in a later debugging session. To read the saved
12078 tracepoint definitions, use the @code{source} command (@pxref{Command
12079 Files}). The @w{@code{save-tracepoints}} command is a deprecated
12080 alias for @w{@code{save tracepoints}}
12081
12082 @node Tracepoint Variables
12083 @section Convenience Variables for Tracepoints
12084 @cindex tracepoint variables
12085 @cindex convenience variables for tracepoints
12086
12087 @table @code
12088 @vindex $trace_frame
12089 @item (int) $trace_frame
12090 The current trace snapshot (a.k.a.@: @dfn{frame}) number, or -1 if no
12091 snapshot is selected.
12092
12093 @vindex $tracepoint
12094 @item (int) $tracepoint
12095 The tracepoint for the current trace snapshot.
12096
12097 @vindex $trace_line
12098 @item (int) $trace_line
12099 The line number for the current trace snapshot.
12100
12101 @vindex $trace_file
12102 @item (char []) $trace_file
12103 The source file for the current trace snapshot.
12104
12105 @vindex $trace_func
12106 @item (char []) $trace_func
12107 The name of the function containing @code{$tracepoint}.
12108 @end table
12109
12110 Note: @code{$trace_file} is not suitable for use in @code{printf},
12111 use @code{output} instead.
12112
12113 Here's a simple example of using these convenience variables for
12114 stepping through all the trace snapshots and printing some of their
12115 data. Note that these are not the same as trace state variables,
12116 which are managed by the target.
12117
12118 @smallexample
12119 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
12120
12121 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while $trace_frame != -1}
12122 > output $trace_file
12123 > printf ", line %d (tracepoint #%d)\n", $trace_line, $tracepoint
12124 > tfind
12125 > end
12126 @end smallexample
12127
12128 @node Trace Files
12129 @section Using Trace Files
12130 @cindex trace files
12131
12132 In some situations, the target running a trace experiment may no
12133 longer be available; perhaps it crashed, or the hardware was needed
12134 for a different activity. To handle these cases, you can arrange to
12135 dump the trace data into a file, and later use that file as a source
12136 of trace data, via the @code{target tfile} command.
12137
12138 @table @code
12139
12140 @kindex tsave
12141 @item tsave [ -r ] @var{filename}
12142 Save the trace data to @var{filename}. By default, this command
12143 assumes that @var{filename} refers to the host filesystem, so if
12144 necessary @value{GDBN} will copy raw trace data up from the target and
12145 then save it. If the target supports it, you can also supply the
12146 optional argument @code{-r} (``remote'') to direct the target to save
12147 the data directly into @var{filename} in its own filesystem, which may be
12148 more efficient if the trace buffer is very large. (Note, however, that
12149 @code{target tfile} can only read from files accessible to the host.)
12150
12151 @kindex target tfile
12152 @kindex tfile
12153 @item target tfile @var{filename}
12154 Use the file named @var{filename} as a source of trace data. Commands
12155 that examine data work as they do with a live target, but it is not
12156 possible to run any new trace experiments. @code{tstatus} will report
12157 the state of the trace run at the moment the data was saved, as well
12158 as the current trace frame you are examining. @var{filename} must be
12159 on a filesystem accessible to the host.
12160
12161 @end table
12162
12163 @node Overlays
12164 @chapter Debugging Programs That Use Overlays
12165 @cindex overlays
12166
12167 If your program is too large to fit completely in your target system's
12168 memory, you can sometimes use @dfn{overlays} to work around this
12169 problem. @value{GDBN} provides some support for debugging programs that
12170 use overlays.
12171
12172 @menu
12173 * How Overlays Work:: A general explanation of overlays.
12174 * Overlay Commands:: Managing overlays in @value{GDBN}.
12175 * Automatic Overlay Debugging:: @value{GDBN} can find out which overlays are
12176 mapped by asking the inferior.
12177 * Overlay Sample Program:: A sample program using overlays.
12178 @end menu
12179
12180 @node How Overlays Work
12181 @section How Overlays Work
12182 @cindex mapped overlays
12183 @cindex unmapped overlays
12184 @cindex load address, overlay's
12185 @cindex mapped address
12186 @cindex overlay area
12187
12188 Suppose you have a computer whose instruction address space is only 64
12189 kilobytes long, but which has much more memory which can be accessed by
12190 other means: special instructions, segment registers, or memory
12191 management hardware, for example. Suppose further that you want to
12192 adapt a program which is larger than 64 kilobytes to run on this system.
12193
12194 One solution is to identify modules of your program which are relatively
12195 independent, and need not call each other directly; call these modules
12196 @dfn{overlays}. Separate the overlays from the main program, and place
12197 their machine code in the larger memory. Place your main program in
12198 instruction memory, but leave at least enough space there to hold the
12199 largest overlay as well.
12200
12201 Now, to call a function located in an overlay, you must first copy that
12202 overlay's machine code from the large memory into the space set aside
12203 for it in the instruction memory, and then jump to its entry point
12204 there.
12205
12206 @c NB: In the below the mapped area's size is greater or equal to the
12207 @c size of all overlays. This is intentional to remind the developer
12208 @c that overlays don't necessarily need to be the same size.
12209
12210 @smallexample
12211 @group
12212 Data Instruction Larger
12213 Address Space Address Space Address Space
12214 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+
12215 | | | | | |
12216 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+<-- overlay 1
12217 | program | | main | .----| overlay 1 | load address
12218 | variables | | program | | +-----------+
12219 | and heap | | | | | |
12220 +-----------+ | | | +-----------+<-- overlay 2
12221 | | +-----------+ | | | load address
12222 +-----------+ | | | .-| overlay 2 |
12223 | | | | | |
12224 mapped --->+-----------+ | | +-----------+
12225 address | | | | | |
12226 | overlay | <-' | | |
12227 | area | <---' +-----------+<-- overlay 3
12228 | | <---. | | load address
12229 +-----------+ `--| overlay 3 |
12230 | | | |
12231 +-----------+ | |
12232 +-----------+
12233 | |
12234 +-----------+
12235
12236 @anchor{A code overlay}A code overlay
12237 @end group
12238 @end smallexample
12239
12240 The diagram (@pxref{A code overlay}) shows a system with separate data
12241 and instruction address spaces. To map an overlay, the program copies
12242 its code from the larger address space to the instruction address space.
12243 Since the overlays shown here all use the same mapped address, only one
12244 may be mapped at a time. For a system with a single address space for
12245 data and instructions, the diagram would be similar, except that the
12246 program variables and heap would share an address space with the main
12247 program and the overlay area.
12248
12249 An overlay loaded into instruction memory and ready for use is called a
12250 @dfn{mapped} overlay; its @dfn{mapped address} is its address in the
12251 instruction memory. An overlay not present (or only partially present)
12252 in instruction memory is called @dfn{unmapped}; its @dfn{load address}
12253 is its address in the larger memory. The mapped address is also called
12254 the @dfn{virtual memory address}, or @dfn{VMA}; the load address is also
12255 called the @dfn{load memory address}, or @dfn{LMA}.
12256
12257 Unfortunately, overlays are not a completely transparent way to adapt a
12258 program to limited instruction memory. They introduce a new set of
12259 global constraints you must keep in mind as you design your program:
12260
12261 @itemize @bullet
12262
12263 @item
12264 Before calling or returning to a function in an overlay, your program
12265 must make sure that overlay is actually mapped. Otherwise, the call or
12266 return will transfer control to the right address, but in the wrong
12267 overlay, and your program will probably crash.
12268
12269 @item
12270 If the process of mapping an overlay is expensive on your system, you
12271 will need to choose your overlays carefully to minimize their effect on
12272 your program's performance.
12273
12274 @item
12275 The executable file you load onto your system must contain each
12276 overlay's instructions, appearing at the overlay's load address, not its
12277 mapped address. However, each overlay's instructions must be relocated
12278 and its symbols defined as if the overlay were at its mapped address.
12279 You can use GNU linker scripts to specify different load and relocation
12280 addresses for pieces of your program; see @ref{Overlay Description,,,
12281 ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}.
12282
12283 @item
12284 The procedure for loading executable files onto your system must be able
12285 to load their contents into the larger address space as well as the
12286 instruction and data spaces.
12287
12288 @end itemize
12289
12290 The overlay system described above is rather simple, and could be
12291 improved in many ways:
12292
12293 @itemize @bullet
12294
12295 @item
12296 If your system has suitable bank switch registers or memory management
12297 hardware, you could use those facilities to make an overlay's load area
12298 contents simply appear at their mapped address in instruction space.
12299 This would probably be faster than copying the overlay to its mapped
12300 area in the usual way.
12301
12302 @item
12303 If your overlays are small enough, you could set aside more than one
12304 overlay area, and have more than one overlay mapped at a time.
12305
12306 @item
12307 You can use overlays to manage data, as well as instructions. In
12308 general, data overlays are even less transparent to your design than
12309 code overlays: whereas code overlays only require care when you call or
12310 return to functions, data overlays require care every time you access
12311 the data. Also, if you change the contents of a data overlay, you
12312 must copy its contents back out to its load address before you can copy a
12313 different data overlay into the same mapped area.
12314
12315 @end itemize
12316
12317
12318 @node Overlay Commands
12319 @section Overlay Commands
12320
12321 To use @value{GDBN}'s overlay support, each overlay in your program must
12322 correspond to a separate section of the executable file. The section's
12323 virtual memory address and load memory address must be the overlay's
12324 mapped and load addresses. Identifying overlays with sections allows
12325 @value{GDBN} to determine the appropriate address of a function or
12326 variable, depending on whether the overlay is mapped or not.
12327
12328 @value{GDBN}'s overlay commands all start with the word @code{overlay};
12329 you can abbreviate this as @code{ov} or @code{ovly}. The commands are:
12330
12331 @table @code
12332 @item overlay off
12333 @kindex overlay
12334 Disable @value{GDBN}'s overlay support. When overlay support is
12335 disabled, @value{GDBN} assumes that all functions and variables are
12336 always present at their mapped addresses. By default, @value{GDBN}'s
12337 overlay support is disabled.
12338
12339 @item overlay manual
12340 @cindex manual overlay debugging
12341 Enable @dfn{manual} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
12342 relies on you to tell it which overlays are mapped, and which are not,
12343 using the @code{overlay map-overlay} and @code{overlay unmap-overlay}
12344 commands described below.
12345
12346 @item overlay map-overlay @var{overlay}
12347 @itemx overlay map @var{overlay}
12348 @cindex map an overlay
12349 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is now mapped; @var{overlay} must
12350 be the name of the object file section containing the overlay. When an
12351 overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the overlay's
12352 functions and variables at their mapped addresses. @value{GDBN} assumes
12353 that any other overlays whose mapped ranges overlap that of
12354 @var{overlay} are now unmapped.
12355
12356 @item overlay unmap-overlay @var{overlay}
12357 @itemx overlay unmap @var{overlay}
12358 @cindex unmap an overlay
12359 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is no longer mapped; @var{overlay}
12360 must be the name of the object file section containing the overlay.
12361 When an overlay is unmapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the
12362 overlay's functions and variables at their load addresses.
12363
12364 @item overlay auto
12365 Enable @dfn{automatic} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
12366 consults a data structure the overlay manager maintains in the inferior
12367 to see which overlays are mapped. For details, see @ref{Automatic
12368 Overlay Debugging}.
12369
12370 @item overlay load-target
12371 @itemx overlay load
12372 @cindex reloading the overlay table
12373 Re-read the overlay table from the inferior. Normally, @value{GDBN}
12374 re-reads the table @value{GDBN} automatically each time the inferior
12375 stops, so this command should only be necessary if you have changed the
12376 overlay mapping yourself using @value{GDBN}. This command is only
12377 useful when using automatic overlay debugging.
12378
12379 @item overlay list-overlays
12380 @itemx overlay list
12381 @cindex listing mapped overlays
12382 Display a list of the overlays currently mapped, along with their mapped
12383 addresses, load addresses, and sizes.
12384
12385 @end table
12386
12387 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a code address, it includes the name
12388 of the function the address falls in:
12389
12390 @smallexample
12391 (@value{GDBP}) print main
12392 $3 = @{int ()@} 0x11a0 <main>
12393 @end smallexample
12394 @noindent
12395 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} recognizes code in
12396 unmapped overlays, and prints the names of unmapped functions with
12397 asterisks around them. For example, if @code{foo} is a function in an
12398 unmapped overlay, @value{GDBN} prints it this way:
12399
12400 @smallexample
12401 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
12402 No sections are mapped.
12403 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
12404 $5 = @{int (int)@} 0x100000 <*foo*>
12405 @end smallexample
12406 @noindent
12407 When @code{foo}'s overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} prints the function's
12408 name normally:
12409
12410 @smallexample
12411 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
12412 Section .ov.foo.text, loaded at 0x100000 - 0x100034,
12413 mapped at 0x1016 - 0x104a
12414 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
12415 $6 = @{int (int)@} 0x1016 <foo>
12416 @end smallexample
12417
12418 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} can find the correct
12419 address for functions and variables in an overlay, whether or not the
12420 overlay is mapped. This allows most @value{GDBN} commands, like
12421 @code{break} and @code{disassemble}, to work normally, even on unmapped
12422 code. However, @value{GDBN}'s breakpoint support has some limitations:
12423
12424 @itemize @bullet
12425 @item
12426 @cindex breakpoints in overlays
12427 @cindex overlays, setting breakpoints in
12428 You can set breakpoints in functions in unmapped overlays, as long as
12429 @value{GDBN} can write to the overlay at its load address.
12430 @item
12431 @value{GDBN} can not set hardware or simulator-based breakpoints in
12432 unmapped overlays. However, if you set a breakpoint at the end of your
12433 overlay manager (and tell @value{GDBN} which overlays are now mapped, if
12434 you are using manual overlay management), @value{GDBN} will re-set its
12435 breakpoints properly.
12436 @end itemize
12437
12438
12439 @node Automatic Overlay Debugging
12440 @section Automatic Overlay Debugging
12441 @cindex automatic overlay debugging
12442
12443 @value{GDBN} can automatically track which overlays are mapped and which
12444 are not, given some simple co-operation from the overlay manager in the
12445 inferior. If you enable automatic overlay debugging with the
12446 @code{overlay auto} command (@pxref{Overlay Commands}), @value{GDBN}
12447 looks in the inferior's memory for certain variables describing the
12448 current state of the overlays.
12449
12450 Here are the variables your overlay manager must define to support
12451 @value{GDBN}'s automatic overlay debugging:
12452
12453 @table @asis
12454
12455 @item @code{_ovly_table}:
12456 This variable must be an array of the following structures:
12457
12458 @smallexample
12459 struct
12460 @{
12461 /* The overlay's mapped address. */
12462 unsigned long vma;
12463
12464 /* The size of the overlay, in bytes. */
12465 unsigned long size;
12466
12467 /* The overlay's load address. */
12468 unsigned long lma;
12469
12470 /* Non-zero if the overlay is currently mapped;
12471 zero otherwise. */
12472 unsigned long mapped;
12473 @}
12474 @end smallexample
12475
12476 @item @code{_novlys}:
12477 This variable must be a four-byte signed integer, holding the total
12478 number of elements in @code{_ovly_table}.
12479
12480 @end table
12481
12482 To decide whether a particular overlay is mapped or not, @value{GDBN}
12483 looks for an entry in @w{@code{_ovly_table}} whose @code{vma} and
12484 @code{lma} members equal the VMA and LMA of the overlay's section in the
12485 executable file. When @value{GDBN} finds a matching entry, it consults
12486 the entry's @code{mapped} member to determine whether the overlay is
12487 currently mapped.
12488
12489 In addition, your overlay manager may define a function called
12490 @code{_ovly_debug_event}. If this function is defined, @value{GDBN}
12491 will silently set a breakpoint there. If the overlay manager then
12492 calls this function whenever it has changed the overlay table, this
12493 will enable @value{GDBN} to accurately keep track of which overlays
12494 are in program memory, and update any breakpoints that may be set
12495 in overlays. This will allow breakpoints to work even if the
12496 overlays are kept in ROM or other non-writable memory while they
12497 are not being executed.
12498
12499 @node Overlay Sample Program
12500 @section Overlay Sample Program
12501 @cindex overlay example program
12502
12503 When linking a program which uses overlays, you must place the overlays
12504 at their load addresses, while relocating them to run at their mapped
12505 addresses. To do this, you must write a linker script (@pxref{Overlay
12506 Description,,, ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}). Unfortunately,
12507 since linker scripts are specific to a particular host system, target
12508 architecture, and target memory layout, this manual cannot provide
12509 portable sample code demonstrating @value{GDBN}'s overlay support.
12510
12511 However, the @value{GDBN} source distribution does contain an overlaid
12512 program, with linker scripts for a few systems, as part of its test
12513 suite. The program consists of the following files from
12514 @file{gdb/testsuite/gdb.base}:
12515
12516 @table @file
12517 @item overlays.c
12518 The main program file.
12519 @item ovlymgr.c
12520 A simple overlay manager, used by @file{overlays.c}.
12521 @item foo.c
12522 @itemx bar.c
12523 @itemx baz.c
12524 @itemx grbx.c
12525 Overlay modules, loaded and used by @file{overlays.c}.
12526 @item d10v.ld
12527 @itemx m32r.ld
12528 Linker scripts for linking the test program on the @code{d10v-elf}
12529 and @code{m32r-elf} targets.
12530 @end table
12531
12532 You can build the test program using the @code{d10v-elf} GCC
12533 cross-compiler like this:
12534
12535 @smallexample
12536 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c overlays.c
12537 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c ovlymgr.c
12538 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c foo.c
12539 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c bar.c
12540 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c baz.c
12541 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c grbx.c
12542 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g overlays.o ovlymgr.o foo.o bar.o \
12543 baz.o grbx.o -Wl,-Td10v.ld -o overlays
12544 @end smallexample
12545
12546 The build process is identical for any other architecture, except that
12547 you must substitute the appropriate compiler and linker script for the
12548 target system for @code{d10v-elf-gcc} and @code{d10v.ld}.
12549
12550
12551 @node Languages
12552 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages
12553 @cindex languages
12554
12555 Although programming languages generally have common aspects, they are
12556 rarely expressed in the same manner. For instance, in ANSI C,
12557 dereferencing a pointer @code{p} is accomplished by @code{*p}, but in
12558 Modula-2, it is accomplished by @code{p^}. Values can also be
12559 represented (and displayed) differently. Hex numbers in C appear as
12560 @samp{0x1ae}, while in Modula-2 they appear as @samp{1AEH}.
12561
12562 @cindex working language
12563 Language-specific information is built into @value{GDBN} for some languages,
12564 allowing you to express operations like the above in your program's
12565 native language, and allowing @value{GDBN} to output values in a manner
12566 consistent with the syntax of your program's native language. The
12567 language you use to build expressions is called the @dfn{working
12568 language}.
12569
12570 @menu
12571 * Setting:: Switching between source languages
12572 * Show:: Displaying the language
12573 * Checks:: Type and range checks
12574 * Supported Languages:: Supported languages
12575 * Unsupported Languages:: Unsupported languages
12576 @end menu
12577
12578 @node Setting
12579 @section Switching Between Source Languages
12580
12581 There are two ways to control the working language---either have @value{GDBN}
12582 set it automatically, or select it manually yourself. You can use the
12583 @code{set language} command for either purpose. On startup, @value{GDBN}
12584 defaults to setting the language automatically. The working language is
12585 used to determine how expressions you type are interpreted, how values
12586 are printed, etc.
12587
12588 In addition to the working language, every source file that
12589 @value{GDBN} knows about has its own working language. For some object
12590 file formats, the compiler might indicate which language a particular
12591 source file is in. However, most of the time @value{GDBN} infers the
12592 language from the name of the file. The language of a source file
12593 controls whether C@t{++} names are demangled---this way @code{backtrace} can
12594 show each frame appropriately for its own language. There is no way to
12595 set the language of a source file from within @value{GDBN}, but you can
12596 set the language associated with a filename extension. @xref{Show, ,
12597 Displaying the Language}.
12598
12599 This is most commonly a problem when you use a program, such
12600 as @code{cfront} or @code{f2c}, that generates C but is written in
12601 another language. In that case, make the
12602 program use @code{#line} directives in its C output; that way
12603 @value{GDBN} will know the correct language of the source code of the original
12604 program, and will display that source code, not the generated C code.
12605
12606 @menu
12607 * Filenames:: Filename extensions and languages.
12608 * Manually:: Setting the working language manually
12609 * Automatically:: Having @value{GDBN} infer the source language
12610 @end menu
12611
12612 @node Filenames
12613 @subsection List of Filename Extensions and Languages
12614
12615 If a source file name ends in one of the following extensions, then
12616 @value{GDBN} infers that its language is the one indicated.
12617
12618 @table @file
12619 @item .ada
12620 @itemx .ads
12621 @itemx .adb
12622 @itemx .a
12623 Ada source file.
12624
12625 @item .c
12626 C source file
12627
12628 @item .C
12629 @itemx .cc
12630 @itemx .cp
12631 @itemx .cpp
12632 @itemx .cxx
12633 @itemx .c++
12634 C@t{++} source file
12635
12636 @item .d
12637 D source file
12638
12639 @item .m
12640 Objective-C source file
12641
12642 @item .f
12643 @itemx .F
12644 Fortran source file
12645
12646 @item .mod
12647 Modula-2 source file
12648
12649 @item .s
12650 @itemx .S
12651 Assembler source file. This actually behaves almost like C, but
12652 @value{GDBN} does not skip over function prologues when stepping.
12653 @end table
12654
12655 In addition, you may set the language associated with a filename
12656 extension. @xref{Show, , Displaying the Language}.
12657
12658 @node Manually
12659 @subsection Setting the Working Language
12660
12661 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically,
12662 expressions are interpreted the same way in your debugging session and
12663 your program.
12664
12665 @kindex set language
12666 If you wish, you may set the language manually. To do this, issue the
12667 command @samp{set language @var{lang}}, where @var{lang} is the name of
12668 a language, such as
12669 @code{c} or @code{modula-2}.
12670 For a list of the supported languages, type @samp{set language}.
12671
12672 Setting the language manually prevents @value{GDBN} from updating the working
12673 language automatically. This can lead to confusion if you try
12674 to debug a program when the working language is not the same as the
12675 source language, when an expression is acceptable to both
12676 languages---but means different things. For instance, if the current
12677 source file were written in C, and @value{GDBN} was parsing Modula-2, a
12678 command such as:
12679
12680 @smallexample
12681 print a = b + c
12682 @end smallexample
12683
12684 @noindent
12685 might not have the effect you intended. In C, this means to add
12686 @code{b} and @code{c} and place the result in @code{a}. The result
12687 printed would be the value of @code{a}. In Modula-2, this means to compare
12688 @code{a} to the result of @code{b+c}, yielding a @code{BOOLEAN} value.
12689
12690 @node Automatically
12691 @subsection Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language
12692
12693 To have @value{GDBN} set the working language automatically, use
12694 @samp{set language local} or @samp{set language auto}. @value{GDBN}
12695 then infers the working language. That is, when your program stops in a
12696 frame (usually by encountering a breakpoint), @value{GDBN} sets the
12697 working language to the language recorded for the function in that
12698 frame. If the language for a frame is unknown (that is, if the function
12699 or block corresponding to the frame was defined in a source file that
12700 does not have a recognized extension), the current working language is
12701 not changed, and @value{GDBN} issues a warning.
12702
12703 This may not seem necessary for most programs, which are written
12704 entirely in one source language. However, program modules and libraries
12705 written in one source language can be used by a main program written in
12706 a different source language. Using @samp{set language auto} in this
12707 case frees you from having to set the working language manually.
12708
12709 @node Show
12710 @section Displaying the Language
12711
12712 The following commands help you find out which language is the
12713 working language, and also what language source files were written in.
12714
12715 @table @code
12716 @item show language
12717 @kindex show language
12718 Display the current working language. This is the
12719 language you can use with commands such as @code{print} to
12720 build and compute expressions that may involve variables in your program.
12721
12722 @item info frame
12723 @kindex info frame@r{, show the source language}
12724 Display the source language for this frame. This language becomes the
12725 working language if you use an identifier from this frame.
12726 @xref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}, to identify the other
12727 information listed here.
12728
12729 @item info source
12730 @kindex info source@r{, show the source language}
12731 Display the source language of this source file.
12732 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}, to identify the other
12733 information listed here.
12734 @end table
12735
12736 In unusual circumstances, you may have source files with extensions
12737 not in the standard list. You can then set the extension associated
12738 with a language explicitly:
12739
12740 @table @code
12741 @item set extension-language @var{ext} @var{language}
12742 @kindex set extension-language
12743 Tell @value{GDBN} that source files with extension @var{ext} are to be
12744 assumed as written in the source language @var{language}.
12745
12746 @item info extensions
12747 @kindex info extensions
12748 List all the filename extensions and the associated languages.
12749 @end table
12750
12751 @node Checks
12752 @section Type and Range Checking
12753
12754 Some languages are designed to guard you against making seemingly common
12755 errors through a series of compile- and run-time checks. These include
12756 checking the type of arguments to functions and operators and making
12757 sure mathematical overflows are caught at run time. Checks such as
12758 these help to ensure a program's correctness once it has been compiled
12759 by eliminating type mismatches and providing active checks for range
12760 errors when your program is running.
12761
12762 By default @value{GDBN} checks for these errors according to the
12763 rules of the current source language. Although @value{GDBN} does not check
12764 the statements in your program, it can check expressions entered directly
12765 into @value{GDBN} for evaluation via the @code{print} command, for example.
12766
12767 @menu
12768 * Type Checking:: An overview of type checking
12769 * Range Checking:: An overview of range checking
12770 @end menu
12771
12772 @cindex type checking
12773 @cindex checks, type
12774 @node Type Checking
12775 @subsection An Overview of Type Checking
12776
12777 Some languages, such as C and C@t{++}, are strongly typed, meaning that the
12778 arguments to operators and functions have to be of the correct type,
12779 otherwise an error occurs. These checks prevent type mismatch
12780 errors from ever causing any run-time problems. For example,
12781
12782 @smallexample
12783 int klass::my_method(char *b) @{ return b ? 1 : 2; @}
12784
12785 (@value{GDBP}) print obj.my_method (0)
12786 $1 = 2
12787 @exdent but
12788 (@value{GDBP}) print obj.my_method (0x1234)
12789 Cannot resolve method klass::my_method to any overloaded instance
12790 @end smallexample
12791
12792 The second example fails because in C@t{++} the integer constant
12793 @samp{0x1234} is not type-compatible with the pointer parameter type.
12794
12795 For the expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell
12796 @value{GDBN} to not enforce strict type checking or
12797 to treat any mismatches as errors and abandon the expression;
12798 When type checking is disabled, @value{GDBN} successfully evaluates
12799 expressions like the second example above.
12800
12801 Even if type checking is off, there may be other reasons
12802 related to type that prevent @value{GDBN} from evaluating an expression.
12803 For instance, @value{GDBN} does not know how to add an @code{int} and
12804 a @code{struct foo}. These particular type errors have nothing to do
12805 with the language in use and usually arise from expressions which make
12806 little sense to evaluate anyway.
12807
12808 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling type checking:
12809
12810 @kindex set check type
12811 @kindex show check type
12812 @table @code
12813 @item set check type on
12814 @itemx set check type off
12815 Set strict type checking on or off. If any type mismatches occur in
12816 evaluating an expression while type checking is on, @value{GDBN} prints a
12817 message and aborts evaluation of the expression.
12818
12819 @item show check type
12820 Show the current setting of type checking and whether @value{GDBN}
12821 is enforcing strict type checking rules.
12822 @end table
12823
12824 @cindex range checking
12825 @cindex checks, range
12826 @node Range Checking
12827 @subsection An Overview of Range Checking
12828
12829 In some languages (such as Modula-2), it is an error to exceed the
12830 bounds of a type; this is enforced with run-time checks. Such range
12831 checking is meant to ensure program correctness by making sure
12832 computations do not overflow, or indices on an array element access do
12833 not exceed the bounds of the array.
12834
12835 For expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell
12836 @value{GDBN} to treat range errors in one of three ways: ignore them,
12837 always treat them as errors and abandon the expression, or issue
12838 warnings but evaluate the expression anyway.
12839
12840 A range error can result from numerical overflow, from exceeding an
12841 array index bound, or when you type a constant that is not a member
12842 of any type. Some languages, however, do not treat overflows as an
12843 error. In many implementations of C, mathematical overflow causes the
12844 result to ``wrap around'' to lower values---for example, if @var{m} is
12845 the largest integer value, and @var{s} is the smallest, then
12846
12847 @smallexample
12848 @var{m} + 1 @result{} @var{s}
12849 @end smallexample
12850
12851 This, too, is specific to individual languages, and in some cases
12852 specific to individual compilers or machines. @xref{Supported Languages, ,
12853 Supported Languages}, for further details on specific languages.
12854
12855 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling the range checker:
12856
12857 @kindex set check range
12858 @kindex show check range
12859 @table @code
12860 @item set check range auto
12861 Set range checking on or off based on the current working language.
12862 @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default settings for
12863 each language.
12864
12865 @item set check range on
12866 @itemx set check range off
12867 Set range checking on or off, overriding the default setting for the
12868 current working language. A warning is issued if the setting does not
12869 match the language default. If a range error occurs and range checking is on,
12870 then a message is printed and evaluation of the expression is aborted.
12871
12872 @item set check range warn
12873 Output messages when the @value{GDBN} range checker detects a range error,
12874 but attempt to evaluate the expression anyway. Evaluating the
12875 expression may still be impossible for other reasons, such as accessing
12876 memory that the process does not own (a typical example from many Unix
12877 systems).
12878
12879 @item show range
12880 Show the current setting of the range checker, and whether or not it is
12881 being set automatically by @value{GDBN}.
12882 @end table
12883
12884 @node Supported Languages
12885 @section Supported Languages
12886
12887 @value{GDBN} supports C, C@t{++}, D, Go, Objective-C, Fortran, Java,
12888 OpenCL C, Pascal, assembly, Modula-2, and Ada.
12889 @c This is false ...
12890 Some @value{GDBN} features may be used in expressions regardless of the
12891 language you use: the @value{GDBN} @code{@@} and @code{::} operators,
12892 and the @samp{@{type@}addr} construct (@pxref{Expressions,
12893 ,Expressions}) can be used with the constructs of any supported
12894 language.
12895
12896 The following sections detail to what degree each source language is
12897 supported by @value{GDBN}. These sections are not meant to be language
12898 tutorials or references, but serve only as a reference guide to what the
12899 @value{GDBN} expression parser accepts, and what input and output
12900 formats should look like for different languages. There are many good
12901 books written on each of these languages; please look to these for a
12902 language reference or tutorial.
12903
12904 @menu
12905 * C:: C and C@t{++}
12906 * D:: D
12907 * Go:: Go
12908 * Objective-C:: Objective-C
12909 * OpenCL C:: OpenCL C
12910 * Fortran:: Fortran
12911 * Pascal:: Pascal
12912 * Modula-2:: Modula-2
12913 * Ada:: Ada
12914 @end menu
12915
12916 @node C
12917 @subsection C and C@t{++}
12918
12919 @cindex C and C@t{++}
12920 @cindex expressions in C or C@t{++}
12921
12922 Since C and C@t{++} are so closely related, many features of @value{GDBN} apply
12923 to both languages. Whenever this is the case, we discuss those languages
12924 together.
12925
12926 @cindex C@t{++}
12927 @cindex @code{g++}, @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler
12928 @cindex @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
12929 The C@t{++} debugging facilities are jointly implemented by the C@t{++}
12930 compiler and @value{GDBN}. Therefore, to debug your C@t{++} code
12931 effectively, you must compile your C@t{++} programs with a supported
12932 C@t{++} compiler, such as @sc{gnu} @code{g++}, or the HP ANSI C@t{++}
12933 compiler (@code{aCC}).
12934
12935 @menu
12936 * C Operators:: C and C@t{++} operators
12937 * C Constants:: C and C@t{++} constants
12938 * C Plus Plus Expressions:: C@t{++} expressions
12939 * C Defaults:: Default settings for C and C@t{++}
12940 * C Checks:: C and C@t{++} type and range checks
12941 * Debugging C:: @value{GDBN} and C
12942 * Debugging C Plus Plus:: @value{GDBN} features for C@t{++}
12943 * Decimal Floating Point:: Numbers in Decimal Floating Point format
12944 @end menu
12945
12946 @node C Operators
12947 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Operators
12948
12949 @cindex C and C@t{++} operators
12950
12951 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
12952 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
12953 often defined on groups of types.
12954
12955 For the purposes of C and C@t{++}, the following definitions hold:
12956
12957 @itemize @bullet
12958
12959 @item
12960 @emph{Integral types} include @code{int} with any of its storage-class
12961 specifiers; @code{char}; @code{enum}; and, for C@t{++}, @code{bool}.
12962
12963 @item
12964 @emph{Floating-point types} include @code{float}, @code{double}, and
12965 @code{long double} (if supported by the target platform).
12966
12967 @item
12968 @emph{Pointer types} include all types defined as @code{(@var{type} *)}.
12969
12970 @item
12971 @emph{Scalar types} include all of the above.
12972
12973 @end itemize
12974
12975 @noindent
12976 The following operators are supported. They are listed here
12977 in order of increasing precedence:
12978
12979 @table @code
12980 @item ,
12981 The comma or sequencing operator. Expressions in a comma-separated list
12982 are evaluated from left to right, with the result of the entire
12983 expression being the last expression evaluated.
12984
12985 @item =
12986 Assignment. The value of an assignment expression is the value
12987 assigned. Defined on scalar types.
12988
12989 @item @var{op}=
12990 Used in an expression of the form @w{@code{@var{a} @var{op}= @var{b}}},
12991 and translated to @w{@code{@var{a} = @var{a op b}}}.
12992 @w{@code{@var{op}=}} and @code{=} have the same precedence.
12993 @var{op} is any one of the operators @code{|}, @code{^}, @code{&},
12994 @code{<<}, @code{>>}, @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{%}.
12995
12996 @item ?:
12997 The ternary operator. @code{@var{a} ? @var{b} : @var{c}} can be thought
12998 of as: if @var{a} then @var{b} else @var{c}. @var{a} should be of an
12999 integral type.
13000
13001 @item ||
13002 Logical @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
13003
13004 @item &&
13005 Logical @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
13006
13007 @item |
13008 Bitwise @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
13009
13010 @item ^
13011 Bitwise exclusive-@sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
13012
13013 @item &
13014 Bitwise @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
13015
13016 @item ==@r{, }!=
13017 Equality and inequality. Defined on scalar types. The value of these
13018 expressions is 0 for false and non-zero for true.
13019
13020 @item <@r{, }>@r{, }<=@r{, }>=
13021 Less than, greater than, less than or equal, greater than or equal.
13022 Defined on scalar types. The value of these expressions is 0 for false
13023 and non-zero for true.
13024
13025 @item <<@r{, }>>
13026 left shift, and right shift. Defined on integral types.
13027
13028 @item @@
13029 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
13030
13031 @item +@r{, }-
13032 Addition and subtraction. Defined on integral types, floating-point types and
13033 pointer types.
13034
13035 @item *@r{, }/@r{, }%
13036 Multiplication, division, and modulus. Multiplication and division are
13037 defined on integral and floating-point types. Modulus is defined on
13038 integral types.
13039
13040 @item ++@r{, }--
13041 Increment and decrement. When appearing before a variable, the
13042 operation is performed before the variable is used in an expression;
13043 when appearing after it, the variable's value is used before the
13044 operation takes place.
13045
13046 @item *
13047 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types. Same precedence as
13048 @code{++}.
13049
13050 @item &
13051 Address operator. Defined on variables. Same precedence as @code{++}.
13052
13053 For debugging C@t{++}, @value{GDBN} implements a use of @samp{&} beyond what is
13054 allowed in the C@t{++} language itself: you can use @samp{&(&@var{ref})}
13055 to examine the address
13056 where a C@t{++} reference variable (declared with @samp{&@var{ref}}) is
13057 stored.
13058
13059 @item -
13060 Negative. Defined on integral and floating-point types. Same
13061 precedence as @code{++}.
13062
13063 @item !
13064 Logical negation. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
13065 @code{++}.
13066
13067 @item ~
13068 Bitwise complement operator. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
13069 @code{++}.
13070
13071
13072 @item .@r{, }->
13073 Structure member, and pointer-to-structure member. For convenience,
13074 @value{GDBN} regards the two as equivalent, choosing whether to dereference a
13075 pointer based on the stored type information.
13076 Defined on @code{struct} and @code{union} data.
13077
13078 @item .*@r{, }->*
13079 Dereferences of pointers to members.
13080
13081 @item []
13082 Array indexing. @code{@var{a}[@var{i}]} is defined as
13083 @code{*(@var{a}+@var{i})}. Same precedence as @code{->}.
13084
13085 @item ()
13086 Function parameter list. Same precedence as @code{->}.
13087
13088 @item ::
13089 C@t{++} scope resolution operator. Defined on @code{struct}, @code{union},
13090 and @code{class} types.
13091
13092 @item ::
13093 Doubled colons also represent the @value{GDBN} scope operator
13094 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). Same precedence as @code{::},
13095 above.
13096 @end table
13097
13098 If an operator is redefined in the user code, @value{GDBN} usually
13099 attempts to invoke the redefined version instead of using the operator's
13100 predefined meaning.
13101
13102 @node C Constants
13103 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Constants
13104
13105 @cindex C and C@t{++} constants
13106
13107 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of C and C@t{++} in the
13108 following ways:
13109
13110 @itemize @bullet
13111 @item
13112 Integer constants are a sequence of digits. Octal constants are
13113 specified by a leading @samp{0} (i.e.@: zero), and hexadecimal constants
13114 by a leading @samp{0x} or @samp{0X}. Constants may also end with a letter
13115 @samp{l}, specifying that the constant should be treated as a
13116 @code{long} value.
13117
13118 @item
13119 Floating point constants are a sequence of digits, followed by a decimal
13120 point, followed by a sequence of digits, and optionally followed by an
13121 exponent. An exponent is of the form:
13122 @samp{@w{e@r{[[}+@r{]|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}}, where @var{nnn} is another
13123 sequence of digits. The @samp{+} is optional for positive exponents.
13124 A floating-point constant may also end with a letter @samp{f} or
13125 @samp{F}, specifying that the constant should be treated as being of
13126 the @code{float} (as opposed to the default @code{double}) type; or with
13127 a letter @samp{l} or @samp{L}, which specifies a @code{long double}
13128 constant.
13129
13130 @item
13131 Enumerated constants consist of enumerated identifiers, or their
13132 integral equivalents.
13133
13134 @item
13135 Character constants are a single character surrounded by single quotes
13136 (@code{'}), or a number---the ordinal value of the corresponding character
13137 (usually its @sc{ascii} value). Within quotes, the single character may
13138 be represented by a letter or by @dfn{escape sequences}, which are of
13139 the form @samp{\@var{nnn}}, where @var{nnn} is the octal representation
13140 of the character's ordinal value; or of the form @samp{\@var{x}}, where
13141 @samp{@var{x}} is a predefined special character---for example,
13142 @samp{\n} for newline.
13143
13144 Wide character constants can be written by prefixing a character
13145 constant with @samp{L}, as in C. For example, @samp{L'x'} is the wide
13146 form of @samp{x}. The target wide character set is used when
13147 computing the value of this constant (@pxref{Character Sets}).
13148
13149 @item
13150 String constants are a sequence of character constants surrounded by
13151 double quotes (@code{"}). Any valid character constant (as described
13152 above) may appear. Double quotes within the string must be preceded by
13153 a backslash, so for instance @samp{"a\"b'c"} is a string of five
13154 characters.
13155
13156 Wide string constants can be written by prefixing a string constant
13157 with @samp{L}, as in C. The target wide character set is used when
13158 computing the value of this constant (@pxref{Character Sets}).
13159
13160 @item
13161 Pointer constants are an integral value. You can also write pointers
13162 to constants using the C operator @samp{&}.
13163
13164 @item
13165 Array constants are comma-separated lists surrounded by braces @samp{@{}
13166 and @samp{@}}; for example, @samp{@{1,2,3@}} is a three-element array of
13167 integers, @samp{@{@{1,2@}, @{3,4@}, @{5,6@}@}} is a three-by-two array,
13168 and @samp{@{&"hi", &"there", &"fred"@}} is a three-element array of pointers.
13169 @end itemize
13170
13171 @node C Plus Plus Expressions
13172 @subsubsection C@t{++} Expressions
13173
13174 @cindex expressions in C@t{++}
13175 @value{GDBN} expression handling can interpret most C@t{++} expressions.
13176
13177 @cindex debugging C@t{++} programs
13178 @cindex C@t{++} compilers
13179 @cindex debug formats and C@t{++}
13180 @cindex @value{NGCC} and C@t{++}
13181 @quotation
13182 @emph{Warning:} @value{GDBN} can only debug C@t{++} code if you use
13183 the proper compiler and the proper debug format. Currently,
13184 @value{GDBN} works best when debugging C@t{++} code that is compiled
13185 with the most recent version of @value{NGCC} possible. The DWARF
13186 debugging format is preferred; @value{NGCC} defaults to this on most
13187 popular platforms. Other compilers and/or debug formats are likely to
13188 work badly or not at all when using @value{GDBN} to debug C@t{++}
13189 code. @xref{Compilation}.
13190 @end quotation
13191
13192 @enumerate
13193
13194 @cindex member functions
13195 @item
13196 Member function calls are allowed; you can use expressions like
13197
13198 @smallexample
13199 count = aml->GetOriginal(x, y)
13200 @end smallexample
13201
13202 @vindex this@r{, inside C@t{++} member functions}
13203 @cindex namespace in C@t{++}
13204 @item
13205 While a member function is active (in the selected stack frame), your
13206 expressions have the same namespace available as the member function;
13207 that is, @value{GDBN} allows implicit references to the class instance
13208 pointer @code{this} following the same rules as C@t{++}. @code{using}
13209 declarations in the current scope are also respected by @value{GDBN}.
13210
13211 @cindex call overloaded functions
13212 @cindex overloaded functions, calling
13213 @cindex type conversions in C@t{++}
13214 @item
13215 You can call overloaded functions; @value{GDBN} resolves the function
13216 call to the right definition, with some restrictions. @value{GDBN} does not
13217 perform overload resolution involving user-defined type conversions,
13218 calls to constructors, or instantiations of templates that do not exist
13219 in the program. It also cannot handle ellipsis argument lists or
13220 default arguments.
13221
13222 It does perform integral conversions and promotions, floating-point
13223 promotions, arithmetic conversions, pointer conversions, conversions of
13224 class objects to base classes, and standard conversions such as those of
13225 functions or arrays to pointers; it requires an exact match on the
13226 number of function arguments.
13227
13228 Overload resolution is always performed, unless you have specified
13229 @code{set overload-resolution off}. @xref{Debugging C Plus Plus,
13230 ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
13231
13232 You must specify @code{set overload-resolution off} in order to use an
13233 explicit function signature to call an overloaded function, as in
13234 @smallexample
13235 p 'foo(char,int)'('x', 13)
13236 @end smallexample
13237
13238 The @value{GDBN} command-completion facility can simplify this;
13239 see @ref{Completion, ,Command Completion}.
13240
13241 @cindex reference declarations
13242 @item
13243 @value{GDBN} understands variables declared as C@t{++} references; you can use
13244 them in expressions just as you do in C@t{++} source---they are automatically
13245 dereferenced.
13246
13247 In the parameter list shown when @value{GDBN} displays a frame, the values of
13248 reference variables are not displayed (unlike other variables); this
13249 avoids clutter, since references are often used for large structures.
13250 The @emph{address} of a reference variable is always shown, unless
13251 you have specified @samp{set print address off}.
13252
13253 @item
13254 @value{GDBN} supports the C@t{++} name resolution operator @code{::}---your
13255 expressions can use it just as expressions in your program do. Since
13256 one scope may be defined in another, you can use @code{::} repeatedly if
13257 necessary, for example in an expression like
13258 @samp{@var{scope1}::@var{scope2}::@var{name}}. @value{GDBN} also allows
13259 resolving name scope by reference to source files, in both C and C@t{++}
13260 debugging (@pxref{Variables, ,Program Variables}).
13261
13262 @item
13263 @value{GDBN} performs argument-dependent lookup, following the C@t{++}
13264 specification.
13265 @end enumerate
13266
13267 @node C Defaults
13268 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Defaults
13269
13270 @cindex C and C@t{++} defaults
13271
13272 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set range checking automatically, it
13273 defaults to @code{off} whenever the working language changes to
13274 C or C@t{++}. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
13275 selects the working language.
13276
13277 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, it
13278 recognizes source files whose names end with @file{.c}, @file{.C}, or
13279 @file{.cc}, etc, and when @value{GDBN} enters code compiled from one of
13280 these files, it sets the working language to C or C@t{++}.
13281 @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language},
13282 for further details.
13283
13284 @node C Checks
13285 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Type and Range Checks
13286
13287 @cindex C and C@t{++} checks
13288
13289 By default, when @value{GDBN} parses C or C@t{++} expressions, strict type
13290 checking is used. However, if you turn type checking off, @value{GDBN}
13291 will allow certain non-standard conversions, such as promoting integer
13292 constants to pointers.
13293
13294 Range checking, if turned on, is done on mathematical operations. Array
13295 indices are not checked, since they are often used to index a pointer
13296 that is not itself an array.
13297
13298 @node Debugging C
13299 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and C
13300
13301 The @code{set print union} and @code{show print union} commands apply to
13302 the @code{union} type. When set to @samp{on}, any @code{union} that is
13303 inside a @code{struct} or @code{class} is also printed. Otherwise, it
13304 appears as @samp{@{...@}}.
13305
13306 The @code{@@} operator aids in the debugging of dynamic arrays, formed
13307 with pointers and a memory allocation function. @xref{Expressions,
13308 ,Expressions}.
13309
13310 @node Debugging C Plus Plus
13311 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}
13312
13313 @cindex commands for C@t{++}
13314
13315 Some @value{GDBN} commands are particularly useful with C@t{++}, and some are
13316 designed specifically for use with C@t{++}. Here is a summary:
13317
13318 @table @code
13319 @cindex break in overloaded functions
13320 @item @r{breakpoint menus}
13321 When you want a breakpoint in a function whose name is overloaded,
13322 @value{GDBN} has the capability to display a menu of possible breakpoint
13323 locations to help you specify which function definition you want.
13324 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}.
13325
13326 @cindex overloading in C@t{++}
13327 @item rbreak @var{regex}
13328 Setting breakpoints using regular expressions is helpful for setting
13329 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
13330 classes.
13331 @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
13332
13333 @cindex C@t{++} exception handling
13334 @item catch throw
13335 @itemx catch catch
13336 Debug C@t{++} exception handling using these commands. @xref{Set
13337 Catchpoints, , Setting Catchpoints}.
13338
13339 @cindex inheritance
13340 @item ptype @var{typename}
13341 Print inheritance relationships as well as other information for type
13342 @var{typename}.
13343 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}.
13344
13345 @item info vtbl @var{expression}.
13346 The @code{info vtbl} command can be used to display the virtual
13347 method tables of the object computed by @var{expression}. This shows
13348 one entry per virtual table; there may be multiple virtual tables when
13349 multiple inheritance is in use.
13350
13351 @cindex C@t{++} symbol display
13352 @item set print demangle
13353 @itemx show print demangle
13354 @itemx set print asm-demangle
13355 @itemx show print asm-demangle
13356 Control whether C@t{++} symbols display in their source form, both when
13357 displaying code as C@t{++} source and when displaying disassemblies.
13358 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
13359
13360 @item set print object
13361 @itemx show print object
13362 Choose whether to print derived (actual) or declared types of objects.
13363 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
13364
13365 @item set print vtbl
13366 @itemx show print vtbl
13367 Control the format for printing virtual function tables.
13368 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
13369 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
13370 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
13371
13372 @kindex set overload-resolution
13373 @cindex overloaded functions, overload resolution
13374 @item set overload-resolution on
13375 Enable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. The default
13376 is on. For overloaded functions, @value{GDBN} evaluates the arguments
13377 and searches for a function whose signature matches the argument types,
13378 using the standard C@t{++} conversion rules (see @ref{C Plus Plus
13379 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}, for details).
13380 If it cannot find a match, it emits a message.
13381
13382 @item set overload-resolution off
13383 Disable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. For
13384 overloaded functions that are not class member functions, @value{GDBN}
13385 chooses the first function of the specified name that it finds in the
13386 symbol table, whether or not its arguments are of the correct type. For
13387 overloaded functions that are class member functions, @value{GDBN}
13388 searches for a function whose signature @emph{exactly} matches the
13389 argument types.
13390
13391 @kindex show overload-resolution
13392 @item show overload-resolution
13393 Show the current setting of overload resolution.
13394
13395 @item @r{Overloaded symbol names}
13396 You can specify a particular definition of an overloaded symbol, using
13397 the same notation that is used to declare such symbols in C@t{++}: type
13398 @code{@var{symbol}(@var{types})} rather than just @var{symbol}. You can
13399 also use the @value{GDBN} command-line word completion facilities to list the
13400 available choices, or to finish the type list for you.
13401 @xref{Completion,, Command Completion}, for details on how to do this.
13402 @end table
13403
13404 @node Decimal Floating Point
13405 @subsubsection Decimal Floating Point format
13406 @cindex decimal floating point format
13407
13408 @value{GDBN} can examine, set and perform computations with numbers in
13409 decimal floating point format, which in the C language correspond to the
13410 @code{_Decimal32}, @code{_Decimal64} and @code{_Decimal128} types as
13411 specified by the extension to support decimal floating-point arithmetic.
13412
13413 There are two encodings in use, depending on the architecture: BID (Binary
13414 Integer Decimal) for x86 and x86-64, and DPD (Densely Packed Decimal) for
13415 PowerPC. @value{GDBN} will use the appropriate encoding for the configured
13416 target.
13417
13418 Because of a limitation in @file{libdecnumber}, the library used by @value{GDBN}
13419 to manipulate decimal floating point numbers, it is not possible to convert
13420 (using a cast, for example) integers wider than 32-bit to decimal float.
13421
13422 In addition, in order to imitate @value{GDBN}'s behaviour with binary floating
13423 point computations, error checking in decimal float operations ignores
13424 underflow, overflow and divide by zero exceptions.
13425
13426 In the PowerPC architecture, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers
13427 to inspect @code{_Decimal128} values stored in floating point registers.
13428 See @ref{PowerPC,,PowerPC} for more details.
13429
13430 @node D
13431 @subsection D
13432
13433 @cindex D
13434 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in D and compiled with
13435 GDC, LDC or DMD compilers. Currently @value{GDBN} supports only one D
13436 specific feature --- dynamic arrays.
13437
13438 @node Go
13439 @subsection Go
13440
13441 @cindex Go (programming language)
13442 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Go and compiled with
13443 @file{gccgo} or @file{6g} compilers.
13444
13445 Here is a summary of the Go-specific features and restrictions:
13446
13447 @table @code
13448 @cindex current Go package
13449 @item The current Go package
13450 The name of the current package does not need to be specified when
13451 specifying global variables and functions.
13452
13453 For example, given the program:
13454
13455 @example
13456 package main
13457 var myglob = "Shall we?"
13458 func main () @{
13459 // ...
13460 @}
13461 @end example
13462
13463 When stopped inside @code{main} either of these work:
13464
13465 @example
13466 (gdb) p myglob
13467 (gdb) p main.myglob
13468 @end example
13469
13470 @cindex builtin Go types
13471 @item Builtin Go types
13472 The @code{string} type is recognized by @value{GDBN} and is printed
13473 as a string.
13474
13475 @cindex builtin Go functions
13476 @item Builtin Go functions
13477 The @value{GDBN} expression parser recognizes the @code{unsafe.Sizeof}
13478 function and handles it internally.
13479
13480 @cindex restrictions on Go expressions
13481 @item Restrictions on Go expressions
13482 All Go operators are supported except @code{&^}.
13483 The Go @code{_} ``blank identifier'' is not supported.
13484 Automatic dereferencing of pointers is not supported.
13485 @end table
13486
13487 @node Objective-C
13488 @subsection Objective-C
13489
13490 @cindex Objective-C
13491 This section provides information about some commands and command
13492 options that are useful for debugging Objective-C code. See also
13493 @ref{Symbols, info classes}, and @ref{Symbols, info selectors}, for a
13494 few more commands specific to Objective-C support.
13495
13496 @menu
13497 * Method Names in Commands::
13498 * The Print Command with Objective-C::
13499 @end menu
13500
13501 @node Method Names in Commands
13502 @subsubsection Method Names in Commands
13503
13504 The following commands have been extended to accept Objective-C method
13505 names as line specifications:
13506
13507 @kindex clear@r{, and Objective-C}
13508 @kindex break@r{, and Objective-C}
13509 @kindex info line@r{, and Objective-C}
13510 @kindex jump@r{, and Objective-C}
13511 @kindex list@r{, and Objective-C}
13512 @itemize
13513 @item @code{clear}
13514 @item @code{break}
13515 @item @code{info line}
13516 @item @code{jump}
13517 @item @code{list}
13518 @end itemize
13519
13520 A fully qualified Objective-C method name is specified as
13521
13522 @smallexample
13523 -[@var{Class} @var{methodName}]
13524 @end smallexample
13525
13526 where the minus sign is used to indicate an instance method and a
13527 plus sign (not shown) is used to indicate a class method. The class
13528 name @var{Class} and method name @var{methodName} are enclosed in
13529 brackets, similar to the way messages are specified in Objective-C
13530 source code. For example, to set a breakpoint at the @code{create}
13531 instance method of class @code{Fruit} in the program currently being
13532 debugged, enter:
13533
13534 @smallexample
13535 break -[Fruit create]
13536 @end smallexample
13537
13538 To list ten program lines around the @code{initialize} class method,
13539 enter:
13540
13541 @smallexample
13542 list +[NSText initialize]
13543 @end smallexample
13544
13545 In the current version of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus sign is
13546 required. In future versions of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus
13547 sign will be optional, but you can use it to narrow the search. It
13548 is also possible to specify just a method name:
13549
13550 @smallexample
13551 break create
13552 @end smallexample
13553
13554 You must specify the complete method name, including any colons. If
13555 your program's source files contain more than one @code{create} method,
13556 you'll be presented with a numbered list of classes that implement that
13557 method. Indicate your choice by number, or type @samp{0} to exit if
13558 none apply.
13559
13560 As another example, to clear a breakpoint established at the
13561 @code{makeKeyAndOrderFront:} method of the @code{NSWindow} class, enter:
13562
13563 @smallexample
13564 clear -[NSWindow makeKeyAndOrderFront:]
13565 @end smallexample
13566
13567 @node The Print Command with Objective-C
13568 @subsubsection The Print Command With Objective-C
13569 @cindex Objective-C, print objects
13570 @kindex print-object
13571 @kindex po @r{(@code{print-object})}
13572
13573 The print command has also been extended to accept methods. For example:
13574
13575 @smallexample
13576 print -[@var{object} hash]
13577 @end smallexample
13578
13579 @cindex print an Objective-C object description
13580 @cindex @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, and printing Objective-C objects
13581 @noindent
13582 will tell @value{GDBN} to send the @code{hash} message to @var{object}
13583 and print the result. Also, an additional command has been added,
13584 @code{print-object} or @code{po} for short, which is meant to print
13585 the description of an object. However, this command may only work
13586 with certain Objective-C libraries that have a particular hook
13587 function, @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, defined.
13588
13589 @node OpenCL C
13590 @subsection OpenCL C
13591
13592 @cindex OpenCL C
13593 This section provides information about @value{GDBN}s OpenCL C support.
13594
13595 @menu
13596 * OpenCL C Datatypes::
13597 * OpenCL C Expressions::
13598 * OpenCL C Operators::
13599 @end menu
13600
13601 @node OpenCL C Datatypes
13602 @subsubsection OpenCL C Datatypes
13603
13604 @cindex OpenCL C Datatypes
13605 @value{GDBN} supports the builtin scalar and vector datatypes specified
13606 by OpenCL 1.1. In addition the half- and double-precision floating point
13607 data types of the @code{cl_khr_fp16} and @code{cl_khr_fp64} OpenCL
13608 extensions are also known to @value{GDBN}.
13609
13610 @node OpenCL C Expressions
13611 @subsubsection OpenCL C Expressions
13612
13613 @cindex OpenCL C Expressions
13614 @value{GDBN} supports accesses to vector components including the access as
13615 lvalue where possible. Since OpenCL C is based on C99 most C expressions
13616 supported by @value{GDBN} can be used as well.
13617
13618 @node OpenCL C Operators
13619 @subsubsection OpenCL C Operators
13620
13621 @cindex OpenCL C Operators
13622 @value{GDBN} supports the operators specified by OpenCL 1.1 for scalar and
13623 vector data types.
13624
13625 @node Fortran
13626 @subsection Fortran
13627 @cindex Fortran-specific support in @value{GDBN}
13628
13629 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, but it
13630 currently supports only the features of Fortran 77 language.
13631
13632 @cindex trailing underscore, in Fortran symbols
13633 Some Fortran compilers (@sc{gnu} Fortran 77 and Fortran 95 compilers
13634 among them) append an underscore to the names of variables and
13635 functions. When you debug programs compiled by those compilers, you
13636 will need to refer to variables and functions with a trailing
13637 underscore.
13638
13639 @menu
13640 * Fortran Operators:: Fortran operators and expressions
13641 * Fortran Defaults:: Default settings for Fortran
13642 * Special Fortran Commands:: Special @value{GDBN} commands for Fortran
13643 @end menu
13644
13645 @node Fortran Operators
13646 @subsubsection Fortran Operators and Expressions
13647
13648 @cindex Fortran operators and expressions
13649
13650 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
13651 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on characters or other non-
13652 arithmetic types. Operators are often defined on groups of types.
13653
13654 @table @code
13655 @item **
13656 The exponentiation operator. It raises the first operand to the power
13657 of the second one.
13658
13659 @item :
13660 The range operator. Normally used in the form of array(low:high) to
13661 represent a section of array.
13662
13663 @item %
13664 The access component operator. Normally used to access elements in derived
13665 types. Also suitable for unions. As unions aren't part of regular Fortran,
13666 this can only happen when accessing a register that uses a gdbarch-defined
13667 union type.
13668 @end table
13669
13670 @node Fortran Defaults
13671 @subsubsection Fortran Defaults
13672
13673 @cindex Fortran Defaults
13674
13675 Fortran symbols are usually case-insensitive, so @value{GDBN} by
13676 default uses case-insensitive matches for Fortran symbols. You can
13677 change that with the @samp{set case-insensitive} command, see
13678 @ref{Symbols}, for the details.
13679
13680 @node Special Fortran Commands
13681 @subsubsection Special Fortran Commands
13682
13683 @cindex Special Fortran commands
13684
13685 @value{GDBN} has some commands to support Fortran-specific features,
13686 such as displaying common blocks.
13687
13688 @table @code
13689 @cindex @code{COMMON} blocks, Fortran
13690 @kindex info common
13691 @item info common @r{[}@var{common-name}@r{]}
13692 This command prints the values contained in the Fortran @code{COMMON}
13693 block whose name is @var{common-name}. With no argument, the names of
13694 all @code{COMMON} blocks visible at the current program location are
13695 printed.
13696 @end table
13697
13698 @node Pascal
13699 @subsection Pascal
13700
13701 @cindex Pascal support in @value{GDBN}, limitations
13702 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
13703 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
13704 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
13705 syntax.
13706
13707 The Pascal-specific command @code{set print pascal_static-members}
13708 controls whether static members of Pascal objects are displayed.
13709 @xref{Print Settings, pascal_static-members}.
13710
13711 @node Modula-2
13712 @subsection Modula-2
13713
13714 @cindex Modula-2, @value{GDBN} support
13715
13716 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} to support Modula-2 only support
13717 output from the @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler (which is currently being
13718 developed). Other Modula-2 compilers are not currently supported, and
13719 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
13720 to give an error as @value{GDBN} reads in the executable's symbol
13721 table.
13722
13723 @cindex expressions in Modula-2
13724 @menu
13725 * M2 Operators:: Built-in operators
13726 * Built-In Func/Proc:: Built-in functions and procedures
13727 * M2 Constants:: Modula-2 constants
13728 * M2 Types:: Modula-2 types
13729 * M2 Defaults:: Default settings for Modula-2
13730 * Deviations:: Deviations from standard Modula-2
13731 * M2 Checks:: Modula-2 type and range checks
13732 * M2 Scope:: The scope operators @code{::} and @code{.}
13733 * GDB/M2:: @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
13734 @end menu
13735
13736 @node M2 Operators
13737 @subsubsection Operators
13738 @cindex Modula-2 operators
13739
13740 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
13741 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
13742 often defined on groups of types. For the purposes of Modula-2, the
13743 following definitions hold:
13744
13745 @itemize @bullet
13746
13747 @item
13748 @emph{Integral types} consist of @code{INTEGER}, @code{CARDINAL}, and
13749 their subranges.
13750
13751 @item
13752 @emph{Character types} consist of @code{CHAR} and its subranges.
13753
13754 @item
13755 @emph{Floating-point types} consist of @code{REAL}.
13756
13757 @item
13758 @emph{Pointer types} consist of anything declared as @code{POINTER TO
13759 @var{type}}.
13760
13761 @item
13762 @emph{Scalar types} consist of all of the above.
13763
13764 @item
13765 @emph{Set types} consist of @code{SET} and @code{BITSET} types.
13766
13767 @item
13768 @emph{Boolean types} consist of @code{BOOLEAN}.
13769 @end itemize
13770
13771 @noindent
13772 The following operators are supported, and appear in order of
13773 increasing precedence:
13774
13775 @table @code
13776 @item ,
13777 Function argument or array index separator.
13778
13779 @item :=
13780 Assignment. The value of @var{var} @code{:=} @var{value} is
13781 @var{value}.
13782
13783 @item <@r{, }>
13784 Less than, greater than on integral, floating-point, or enumerated
13785 types.
13786
13787 @item <=@r{, }>=
13788 Less than or equal to, greater than or equal to
13789 on integral, floating-point and enumerated types, or set inclusion on
13790 set types. Same precedence as @code{<}.
13791
13792 @item =@r{, }<>@r{, }#
13793 Equality and two ways of expressing inequality, valid on scalar types.
13794 Same precedence as @code{<}. In @value{GDBN} scripts, only @code{<>} is
13795 available for inequality, since @code{#} conflicts with the script
13796 comment character.
13797
13798 @item IN
13799 Set membership. Defined on set types and the types of their members.
13800 Same precedence as @code{<}.
13801
13802 @item OR
13803 Boolean disjunction. Defined on boolean types.
13804
13805 @item AND@r{, }&
13806 Boolean conjunction. Defined on boolean types.
13807
13808 @item @@
13809 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
13810
13811 @item +@r{, }-
13812 Addition and subtraction on integral and floating-point types, or union
13813 and difference on set types.
13814
13815 @item *
13816 Multiplication on integral and floating-point types, or set intersection
13817 on set types.
13818
13819 @item /
13820 Division on floating-point types, or symmetric set difference on set
13821 types. Same precedence as @code{*}.
13822
13823 @item DIV@r{, }MOD
13824 Integer division and remainder. Defined on integral types. Same
13825 precedence as @code{*}.
13826
13827 @item -
13828 Negative. Defined on @code{INTEGER} and @code{REAL} data.
13829
13830 @item ^
13831 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types.
13832
13833 @item NOT
13834 Boolean negation. Defined on boolean types. Same precedence as
13835 @code{^}.
13836
13837 @item .
13838 @code{RECORD} field selector. Defined on @code{RECORD} data. Same
13839 precedence as @code{^}.
13840
13841 @item []
13842 Array indexing. Defined on @code{ARRAY} data. Same precedence as @code{^}.
13843
13844 @item ()
13845 Procedure argument list. Defined on @code{PROCEDURE} objects. Same precedence
13846 as @code{^}.
13847
13848 @item ::@r{, }.
13849 @value{GDBN} and Modula-2 scope operators.
13850 @end table
13851
13852 @quotation
13853 @emph{Warning:} Set expressions and their operations are not yet supported, so @value{GDBN}
13854 treats the use of the operator @code{IN}, or the use of operators
13855 @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{=}, , @code{<>}, @code{#},
13856 @code{<=}, and @code{>=} on sets as an error.
13857 @end quotation
13858
13859
13860 @node Built-In Func/Proc
13861 @subsubsection Built-in Functions and Procedures
13862 @cindex Modula-2 built-ins
13863
13864 Modula-2 also makes available several built-in procedures and functions.
13865 In describing these, the following metavariables are used:
13866
13867 @table @var
13868
13869 @item a
13870 represents an @code{ARRAY} variable.
13871
13872 @item c
13873 represents a @code{CHAR} constant or variable.
13874
13875 @item i
13876 represents a variable or constant of integral type.
13877
13878 @item m
13879 represents an identifier that belongs to a set. Generally used in the
13880 same function with the metavariable @var{s}. The type of @var{s} should
13881 be @code{SET OF @var{mtype}} (where @var{mtype} is the type of @var{m}).
13882
13883 @item n
13884 represents a variable or constant of integral or floating-point type.
13885
13886 @item r
13887 represents a variable or constant of floating-point type.
13888
13889 @item t
13890 represents a type.
13891
13892 @item v
13893 represents a variable.
13894
13895 @item x
13896 represents a variable or constant of one of many types. See the
13897 explanation of the function for details.
13898 @end table
13899
13900 All Modula-2 built-in procedures also return a result, described below.
13901
13902 @table @code
13903 @item ABS(@var{n})
13904 Returns the absolute value of @var{n}.
13905
13906 @item CAP(@var{c})
13907 If @var{c} is a lower case letter, it returns its upper case
13908 equivalent, otherwise it returns its argument.
13909
13910 @item CHR(@var{i})
13911 Returns the character whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
13912
13913 @item DEC(@var{v})
13914 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
13915
13916 @item DEC(@var{v},@var{i})
13917 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
13918 new value.
13919
13920 @item EXCL(@var{m},@var{s})
13921 Removes the element @var{m} from the set @var{s}. Returns the new
13922 set.
13923
13924 @item FLOAT(@var{i})
13925 Returns the floating point equivalent of the integer @var{i}.
13926
13927 @item HIGH(@var{a})
13928 Returns the index of the last member of @var{a}.
13929
13930 @item INC(@var{v})
13931 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
13932
13933 @item INC(@var{v},@var{i})
13934 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
13935 new value.
13936
13937 @item INCL(@var{m},@var{s})
13938 Adds the element @var{m} to the set @var{s} if it is not already
13939 there. Returns the new set.
13940
13941 @item MAX(@var{t})
13942 Returns the maximum value of the type @var{t}.
13943
13944 @item MIN(@var{t})
13945 Returns the minimum value of the type @var{t}.
13946
13947 @item ODD(@var{i})
13948 Returns boolean TRUE if @var{i} is an odd number.
13949
13950 @item ORD(@var{x})
13951 Returns the ordinal value of its argument. For example, the ordinal
13952 value of a character is its @sc{ascii} value (on machines supporting the
13953 @sc{ascii} character set). @var{x} must be of an ordered type, which include
13954 integral, character and enumerated types.
13955
13956 @item SIZE(@var{x})
13957 Returns the size of its argument. @var{x} can be a variable or a type.
13958
13959 @item TRUNC(@var{r})
13960 Returns the integral part of @var{r}.
13961
13962 @item TSIZE(@var{x})
13963 Returns the size of its argument. @var{x} can be a variable or a type.
13964
13965 @item VAL(@var{t},@var{i})
13966 Returns the member of the type @var{t} whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
13967 @end table
13968
13969 @quotation
13970 @emph{Warning:} Sets and their operations are not yet supported, so
13971 @value{GDBN} treats the use of procedures @code{INCL} and @code{EXCL} as
13972 an error.
13973 @end quotation
13974
13975 @cindex Modula-2 constants
13976 @node M2 Constants
13977 @subsubsection Constants
13978
13979 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of Modula-2 in the following
13980 ways:
13981
13982 @itemize @bullet
13983
13984 @item
13985 Integer constants are simply a sequence of digits. When used in an
13986 expression, a constant is interpreted to be type-compatible with the
13987 rest of the expression. Hexadecimal integers are specified by a
13988 trailing @samp{H}, and octal integers by a trailing @samp{B}.
13989
13990 @item
13991 Floating point constants appear as a sequence of digits, followed by a
13992 decimal point and another sequence of digits. An optional exponent can
13993 then be specified, in the form @samp{E@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}, where
13994 @samp{@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}} is the desired exponent. All of the
13995 digits of the floating point constant must be valid decimal (base 10)
13996 digits.
13997
13998 @item
13999 Character constants consist of a single character enclosed by a pair of
14000 like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}). They may
14001 also be expressed by their ordinal value (their @sc{ascii} value, usually)
14002 followed by a @samp{C}.
14003
14004 @item
14005 String constants consist of a sequence of characters enclosed by a
14006 pair of like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}).
14007 Escape sequences in the style of C are also allowed. @xref{C
14008 Constants, ,C and C@t{++} Constants}, for a brief explanation of escape
14009 sequences.
14010
14011 @item
14012 Enumerated constants consist of an enumerated identifier.
14013
14014 @item
14015 Boolean constants consist of the identifiers @code{TRUE} and
14016 @code{FALSE}.
14017
14018 @item
14019 Pointer constants consist of integral values only.
14020
14021 @item
14022 Set constants are not yet supported.
14023 @end itemize
14024
14025 @node M2 Types
14026 @subsubsection Modula-2 Types
14027 @cindex Modula-2 types
14028
14029 Currently @value{GDBN} can print the following data types in Modula-2
14030 syntax: array types, record types, set types, pointer types, procedure
14031 types, enumerated types, subrange types and base types. You can also
14032 print the contents of variables declared using these type.
14033 This section gives a number of simple source code examples together with
14034 sample @value{GDBN} sessions.
14035
14036 The first example contains the following section of code:
14037
14038 @smallexample
14039 VAR
14040 s: SET OF CHAR ;
14041 r: [20..40] ;
14042 @end smallexample
14043
14044 @noindent
14045 and you can request @value{GDBN} to interrogate the type and value of
14046 @code{r} and @code{s}.
14047
14048 @smallexample
14049 (@value{GDBP}) print s
14050 @{'A'..'C', 'Z'@}
14051 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
14052 SET OF CHAR
14053 (@value{GDBP}) print r
14054 21
14055 (@value{GDBP}) ptype r
14056 [20..40]
14057 @end smallexample
14058
14059 @noindent
14060 Likewise if your source code declares @code{s} as:
14061
14062 @smallexample
14063 VAR
14064 s: SET ['A'..'Z'] ;
14065 @end smallexample
14066
14067 @noindent
14068 then you may query the type of @code{s} by:
14069
14070 @smallexample
14071 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
14072 type = SET ['A'..'Z']
14073 @end smallexample
14074
14075 @noindent
14076 Note that at present you cannot interactively manipulate set
14077 expressions using the debugger.
14078
14079 The following example shows how you might declare an array in Modula-2
14080 and how you can interact with @value{GDBN} to print its type and contents:
14081
14082 @smallexample
14083 VAR
14084 s: ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR ;
14085 @end smallexample
14086
14087 @smallexample
14088 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
14089 ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR
14090 @end smallexample
14091
14092 Note that the array handling is not yet complete and although the type
14093 is printed correctly, expression handling still assumes that all
14094 arrays have a lower bound of zero and not @code{-10} as in the example
14095 above.
14096
14097 Here are some more type related Modula-2 examples:
14098
14099 @smallexample
14100 TYPE
14101 colour = (blue, red, yellow, green) ;
14102 t = [blue..yellow] ;
14103 VAR
14104 s: t ;
14105 BEGIN
14106 s := blue ;
14107 @end smallexample
14108
14109 @noindent
14110 The @value{GDBN} interaction shows how you can query the data type
14111 and value of a variable.
14112
14113 @smallexample
14114 (@value{GDBP}) print s
14115 $1 = blue
14116 (@value{GDBP}) ptype t
14117 type = [blue..yellow]
14118 @end smallexample
14119
14120 @noindent
14121 In this example a Modula-2 array is declared and its contents
14122 displayed. Observe that the contents are written in the same way as
14123 their @code{C} counterparts.
14124
14125 @smallexample
14126 VAR
14127 s: ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
14128 BEGIN
14129 s[1] := 1 ;
14130 @end smallexample
14131
14132 @smallexample
14133 (@value{GDBP}) print s
14134 $1 = @{1, 0, 0, 0, 0@}
14135 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
14136 type = ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
14137 @end smallexample
14138
14139 The Modula-2 language interface to @value{GDBN} also understands
14140 pointer types as shown in this example:
14141
14142 @smallexample
14143 VAR
14144 s: POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
14145 BEGIN
14146 NEW(s) ;
14147 s^[1] := 1 ;
14148 @end smallexample
14149
14150 @noindent
14151 and you can request that @value{GDBN} describes the type of @code{s}.
14152
14153 @smallexample
14154 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
14155 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
14156 @end smallexample
14157
14158 @value{GDBN} handles compound types as we can see in this example.
14159 Here we combine array types, record types, pointer types and subrange
14160 types:
14161
14162 @smallexample
14163 TYPE
14164 foo = RECORD
14165 f1: CARDINAL ;
14166 f2: CHAR ;
14167 f3: myarray ;
14168 END ;
14169
14170 myarray = ARRAY myrange OF CARDINAL ;
14171 myrange = [-2..2] ;
14172 VAR
14173 s: POINTER TO ARRAY myrange OF foo ;
14174 @end smallexample
14175
14176 @noindent
14177 and you can ask @value{GDBN} to describe the type of @code{s} as shown
14178 below.
14179
14180 @smallexample
14181 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
14182 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [-2..2] OF foo = RECORD
14183 f1 : CARDINAL;
14184 f2 : CHAR;
14185 f3 : ARRAY [-2..2] OF CARDINAL;
14186 END
14187 @end smallexample
14188
14189 @node M2 Defaults
14190 @subsubsection Modula-2 Defaults
14191 @cindex Modula-2 defaults
14192
14193 If type and range checking are set automatically by @value{GDBN}, they
14194 both default to @code{on} whenever the working language changes to
14195 Modula-2. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
14196 selected the working language.
14197
14198 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, then entering
14199 code compiled from a file whose name ends with @file{.mod} sets the
14200 working language to Modula-2. @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN}
14201 Infer the Source Language}, for further details.
14202
14203 @node Deviations
14204 @subsubsection Deviations from Standard Modula-2
14205 @cindex Modula-2, deviations from
14206
14207 A few changes have been made to make Modula-2 programs easier to debug.
14208 This is done primarily via loosening its type strictness:
14209
14210 @itemize @bullet
14211 @item
14212 Unlike in standard Modula-2, pointer constants can be formed by
14213 integers. This allows you to modify pointer variables during
14214 debugging. (In standard Modula-2, the actual address contained in a
14215 pointer variable is hidden from you; it can only be modified
14216 through direct assignment to another pointer variable or expression that
14217 returned a pointer.)
14218
14219 @item
14220 C escape sequences can be used in strings and characters to represent
14221 non-printable characters. @value{GDBN} prints out strings with these
14222 escape sequences embedded. Single non-printable characters are
14223 printed using the @samp{CHR(@var{nnn})} format.
14224
14225 @item
14226 The assignment operator (@code{:=}) returns the value of its right-hand
14227 argument.
14228
14229 @item
14230 All built-in procedures both modify @emph{and} return their argument.
14231 @end itemize
14232
14233 @node M2 Checks
14234 @subsubsection Modula-2 Type and Range Checks
14235 @cindex Modula-2 checks
14236
14237 @quotation
14238 @emph{Warning:} in this release, @value{GDBN} does not yet perform type or
14239 range checking.
14240 @end quotation
14241 @c FIXME remove warning when type/range checks added
14242
14243 @value{GDBN} considers two Modula-2 variables type equivalent if:
14244
14245 @itemize @bullet
14246 @item
14247 They are of types that have been declared equivalent via a @code{TYPE
14248 @var{t1} = @var{t2}} statement
14249
14250 @item
14251 They have been declared on the same line. (Note: This is true of the
14252 @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler, but it may not be true of other compilers.)
14253 @end itemize
14254
14255 As long as type checking is enabled, any attempt to combine variables
14256 whose types are not equivalent is an error.
14257
14258 Range checking is done on all mathematical operations, assignment, array
14259 index bounds, and all built-in functions and procedures.
14260
14261 @node M2 Scope
14262 @subsubsection The Scope Operators @code{::} and @code{.}
14263 @cindex scope
14264 @cindex @code{.}, Modula-2 scope operator
14265 @cindex colon, doubled as scope operator
14266 @ifinfo
14267 @vindex colon-colon@r{, in Modula-2}
14268 @c Info cannot handle :: but TeX can.
14269 @end ifinfo
14270 @ifnotinfo
14271 @vindex ::@r{, in Modula-2}
14272 @end ifnotinfo
14273
14274 There are a few subtle differences between the Modula-2 scope operator
14275 (@code{.}) and the @value{GDBN} scope operator (@code{::}). The two have
14276 similar syntax:
14277
14278 @smallexample
14279
14280 @var{module} . @var{id}
14281 @var{scope} :: @var{id}
14282 @end smallexample
14283
14284 @noindent
14285 where @var{scope} is the name of a module or a procedure,
14286 @var{module} the name of a module, and @var{id} is any declared
14287 identifier within your program, except another module.
14288
14289 Using the @code{::} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the scope
14290 specified by @var{scope} for the identifier @var{id}. If it is not
14291 found in the specified scope, then @value{GDBN} searches all scopes
14292 enclosing the one specified by @var{scope}.
14293
14294 Using the @code{.} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the current scope for
14295 the identifier specified by @var{id} that was imported from the
14296 definition module specified by @var{module}. With this operator, it is
14297 an error if the identifier @var{id} was not imported from definition
14298 module @var{module}, or if @var{id} is not an identifier in
14299 @var{module}.
14300
14301 @node GDB/M2
14302 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
14303
14304 Some @value{GDBN} commands have little use when debugging Modula-2 programs.
14305 Five subcommands of @code{set print} and @code{show print} apply
14306 specifically to C and C@t{++}: @samp{vtbl}, @samp{demangle},
14307 @samp{asm-demangle}, @samp{object}, and @samp{union}. The first four
14308 apply to C@t{++}, and the last to the C @code{union} type, which has no direct
14309 analogue in Modula-2.
14310
14311 The @code{@@} operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}), while available
14312 with any language, is not useful with Modula-2. Its
14313 intent is to aid the debugging of @dfn{dynamic arrays}, which cannot be
14314 created in Modula-2 as they can in C or C@t{++}. However, because an
14315 address can be specified by an integral constant, the construct
14316 @samp{@{@var{type}@}@var{adrexp}} is still useful.
14317
14318 @cindex @code{#} in Modula-2
14319 In @value{GDBN} scripts, the Modula-2 inequality operator @code{#} is
14320 interpreted as the beginning of a comment. Use @code{<>} instead.
14321
14322 @node Ada
14323 @subsection Ada
14324 @cindex Ada
14325
14326 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} for Ada only support
14327 output from the @sc{gnu} Ada (GNAT) compiler.
14328 Other Ada compilers are not currently supported, and
14329 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
14330 to be difficult.
14331
14332
14333 @cindex expressions in Ada
14334 @menu
14335 * Ada Mode Intro:: General remarks on the Ada syntax
14336 and semantics supported by Ada mode
14337 in @value{GDBN}.
14338 * Omissions from Ada:: Restrictions on the Ada expression syntax.
14339 * Additions to Ada:: Extensions of the Ada expression syntax.
14340 * Stopping Before Main Program:: Debugging the program during elaboration.
14341 * Ada Tasks:: Listing and setting breakpoints in tasks.
14342 * Ada Tasks and Core Files:: Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
14343 * Ravenscar Profile:: Tasking Support when using the Ravenscar
14344 Profile
14345 * Ada Glitches:: Known peculiarities of Ada mode.
14346 @end menu
14347
14348 @node Ada Mode Intro
14349 @subsubsection Introduction
14350 @cindex Ada mode, general
14351
14352 The Ada mode of @value{GDBN} supports a fairly large subset of Ada expression
14353 syntax, with some extensions.
14354 The philosophy behind the design of this subset is
14355
14356 @itemize @bullet
14357 @item
14358 That @value{GDBN} should provide basic literals and access to operations for
14359 arithmetic, dereferencing, field selection, indexing, and subprogram calls,
14360 leaving more sophisticated computations to subprograms written into the
14361 program (which therefore may be called from @value{GDBN}).
14362
14363 @item
14364 That type safety and strict adherence to Ada language restrictions
14365 are not particularly important to the @value{GDBN} user.
14366
14367 @item
14368 That brevity is important to the @value{GDBN} user.
14369 @end itemize
14370
14371 Thus, for brevity, the debugger acts as if all names declared in
14372 user-written packages are directly visible, even if they are not visible
14373 according to Ada rules, thus making it unnecessary to fully qualify most
14374 names with their packages, regardless of context. Where this causes
14375 ambiguity, @value{GDBN} asks the user's intent.
14376
14377 The debugger will start in Ada mode if it detects an Ada main program.
14378 As for other languages, it will enter Ada mode when stopped in a program that
14379 was translated from an Ada source file.
14380
14381 While in Ada mode, you may use `@t{--}' for comments. This is useful
14382 mostly for documenting command files. The standard @value{GDBN} comment
14383 (@samp{#}) still works at the beginning of a line in Ada mode, but not in the
14384 middle (to allow based literals).
14385
14386 The debugger supports limited overloading. Given a subprogram call in which
14387 the function symbol has multiple definitions, it will use the number of
14388 actual parameters and some information about their types to attempt to narrow
14389 the set of definitions. It also makes very limited use of context, preferring
14390 procedures to functions in the context of the @code{call} command, and
14391 functions to procedures elsewhere.
14392
14393 @node Omissions from Ada
14394 @subsubsection Omissions from Ada
14395 @cindex Ada, omissions from
14396
14397 Here are the notable omissions from the subset:
14398
14399 @itemize @bullet
14400 @item
14401 Only a subset of the attributes are supported:
14402
14403 @itemize @minus
14404 @item
14405 @t{'First}, @t{'Last}, and @t{'Length}
14406 on array objects (not on types and subtypes).
14407
14408 @item
14409 @t{'Min} and @t{'Max}.
14410
14411 @item
14412 @t{'Pos} and @t{'Val}.
14413
14414 @item
14415 @t{'Tag}.
14416
14417 @item
14418 @t{'Range} on array objects (not subtypes), but only as the right
14419 operand of the membership (@code{in}) operator.
14420
14421 @item
14422 @t{'Access}, @t{'Unchecked_Access}, and
14423 @t{'Unrestricted_Access} (a GNAT extension).
14424
14425 @item
14426 @t{'Address}.
14427 @end itemize
14428
14429 @item
14430 The names in
14431 @code{Characters.Latin_1} are not available and
14432 concatenation is not implemented. Thus, escape characters in strings are
14433 not currently available.
14434
14435 @item
14436 Equality tests (@samp{=} and @samp{/=}) on arrays test for bitwise
14437 equality of representations. They will generally work correctly
14438 for strings and arrays whose elements have integer or enumeration types.
14439 They may not work correctly for arrays whose element
14440 types have user-defined equality, for arrays of real values
14441 (in particular, IEEE-conformant floating point, because of negative
14442 zeroes and NaNs), and for arrays whose elements contain unused bits with
14443 indeterminate values.
14444
14445 @item
14446 The other component-by-component array operations (@code{and}, @code{or},
14447 @code{xor}, @code{not}, and relational tests other than equality)
14448 are not implemented.
14449
14450 @item
14451 @cindex array aggregates (Ada)
14452 @cindex record aggregates (Ada)
14453 @cindex aggregates (Ada)
14454 There is limited support for array and record aggregates. They are
14455 permitted only on the right sides of assignments, as in these examples:
14456
14457 @smallexample
14458 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
14459 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, others => 0)
14460 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (0|4 => 1, 1..3 => 2, 5 => 6)
14461 (@value{GDBP}) set A_2D_Array := ((1, 2, 3), (4, 5, 6), (7, 8, 9))
14462 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (1, "Peter", True);
14463 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (Name => "Peter", Id => 1, Alive => True)
14464 @end smallexample
14465
14466 Changing a
14467 discriminant's value by assigning an aggregate has an
14468 undefined effect if that discriminant is used within the record.
14469 However, you can first modify discriminants by directly assigning to
14470 them (which normally would not be allowed in Ada), and then performing an
14471 aggregate assignment. For example, given a variable @code{A_Rec}
14472 declared to have a type such as:
14473
14474 @smallexample
14475 type Rec (Len : Small_Integer := 0) is record
14476 Id : Integer;
14477 Vals : IntArray (1 .. Len);
14478 end record;
14479 @end smallexample
14480
14481 you can assign a value with a different size of @code{Vals} with two
14482 assignments:
14483
14484 @smallexample
14485 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec.Len := 4
14486 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec := (Id => 42, Vals => (1, 2, 3, 4))
14487 @end smallexample
14488
14489 As this example also illustrates, @value{GDBN} is very loose about the usual
14490 rules concerning aggregates. You may leave out some of the
14491 components of an array or record aggregate (such as the @code{Len}
14492 component in the assignment to @code{A_Rec} above); they will retain their
14493 original values upon assignment. You may freely use dynamic values as
14494 indices in component associations. You may even use overlapping or
14495 redundant component associations, although which component values are
14496 assigned in such cases is not defined.
14497
14498 @item
14499 Calls to dispatching subprograms are not implemented.
14500
14501 @item
14502 The overloading algorithm is much more limited (i.e., less selective)
14503 than that of real Ada. It makes only limited use of the context in
14504 which a subexpression appears to resolve its meaning, and it is much
14505 looser in its rules for allowing type matches. As a result, some
14506 function calls will be ambiguous, and the user will be asked to choose
14507 the proper resolution.
14508
14509 @item
14510 The @code{new} operator is not implemented.
14511
14512 @item
14513 Entry calls are not implemented.
14514
14515 @item
14516 Aside from printing, arithmetic operations on the native VAX floating-point
14517 formats are not supported.
14518
14519 @item
14520 It is not possible to slice a packed array.
14521
14522 @item
14523 The names @code{True} and @code{False}, when not part of a qualified name,
14524 are interpreted as if implicitly prefixed by @code{Standard}, regardless of
14525 context.
14526 Should your program
14527 redefine these names in a package or procedure (at best a dubious practice),
14528 you will have to use fully qualified names to access their new definitions.
14529 @end itemize
14530
14531 @node Additions to Ada
14532 @subsubsection Additions to Ada
14533 @cindex Ada, deviations from
14534
14535 As it does for other languages, @value{GDBN} makes certain generic
14536 extensions to Ada (@pxref{Expressions}):
14537
14538 @itemize @bullet
14539 @item
14540 If the expression @var{E} is a variable residing in memory (typically
14541 a local variable or array element) and @var{N} is a positive integer,
14542 then @code{@var{E}@@@var{N}} displays the values of @var{E} and the
14543 @var{N}-1 adjacent variables following it in memory as an array. In
14544 Ada, this operator is generally not necessary, since its prime use is
14545 in displaying parts of an array, and slicing will usually do this in
14546 Ada. However, there are occasional uses when debugging programs in
14547 which certain debugging information has been optimized away.
14548
14549 @item
14550 @code{@var{B}::@var{var}} means ``the variable named @var{var} that
14551 appears in function or file @var{B}.'' When @var{B} is a file name,
14552 you must typically surround it in single quotes.
14553
14554 @item
14555 The expression @code{@{@var{type}@} @var{addr}} means ``the variable of type
14556 @var{type} that appears at address @var{addr}.''
14557
14558 @item
14559 A name starting with @samp{$} is a convenience variable
14560 (@pxref{Convenience Vars}) or a machine register (@pxref{Registers}).
14561 @end itemize
14562
14563 In addition, @value{GDBN} provides a few other shortcuts and outright
14564 additions specific to Ada:
14565
14566 @itemize @bullet
14567 @item
14568 The assignment statement is allowed as an expression, returning
14569 its right-hand operand as its value. Thus, you may enter
14570
14571 @smallexample
14572 (@value{GDBP}) set x := y + 3
14573 (@value{GDBP}) print A(tmp := y + 1)
14574 @end smallexample
14575
14576 @item
14577 The semicolon is allowed as an ``operator,'' returning as its value
14578 the value of its right-hand operand.
14579 This allows, for example,
14580 complex conditional breaks:
14581
14582 @smallexample
14583 (@value{GDBP}) break f
14584 (@value{GDBP}) condition 1 (report(i); k += 1; A(k) > 100)
14585 @end smallexample
14586
14587 @item
14588 Rather than use catenation and symbolic character names to introduce special
14589 characters into strings, one may instead use a special bracket notation,
14590 which is also used to print strings. A sequence of characters of the form
14591 @samp{["@var{XX}"]} within a string or character literal denotes the
14592 (single) character whose numeric encoding is @var{XX} in hexadecimal. The
14593 sequence of characters @samp{["""]} also denotes a single quotation mark
14594 in strings. For example,
14595 @smallexample
14596 "One line.["0a"]Next line.["0a"]"
14597 @end smallexample
14598 @noindent
14599 contains an ASCII newline character (@code{Ada.Characters.Latin_1.LF})
14600 after each period.
14601
14602 @item
14603 The subtype used as a prefix for the attributes @t{'Pos}, @t{'Min}, and
14604 @t{'Max} is optional (and is ignored in any case). For example, it is valid
14605 to write
14606
14607 @smallexample
14608 (@value{GDBP}) print 'max(x, y)
14609 @end smallexample
14610
14611 @item
14612 When printing arrays, @value{GDBN} uses positional notation when the
14613 array has a lower bound of 1, and uses a modified named notation otherwise.
14614 For example, a one-dimensional array of three integers with a lower bound
14615 of 3 might print as
14616
14617 @smallexample
14618 (3 => 10, 17, 1)
14619 @end smallexample
14620
14621 @noindent
14622 That is, in contrast to valid Ada, only the first component has a @code{=>}
14623 clause.
14624
14625 @item
14626 You may abbreviate attributes in expressions with any unique,
14627 multi-character subsequence of
14628 their names (an exact match gets preference).
14629 For example, you may use @t{a'len}, @t{a'gth}, or @t{a'lh}
14630 in place of @t{a'length}.
14631
14632 @item
14633 @cindex quoting Ada internal identifiers
14634 Since Ada is case-insensitive, the debugger normally maps identifiers you type
14635 to lower case. The GNAT compiler uses upper-case characters for
14636 some of its internal identifiers, which are normally of no interest to users.
14637 For the rare occasions when you actually have to look at them,
14638 enclose them in angle brackets to avoid the lower-case mapping.
14639 For example,
14640 @smallexample
14641 (@value{GDBP}) print <JMPBUF_SAVE>[0]
14642 @end smallexample
14643
14644 @item
14645 Printing an object of class-wide type or dereferencing an
14646 access-to-class-wide value will display all the components of the object's
14647 specific type (as indicated by its run-time tag). Likewise, component
14648 selection on such a value will operate on the specific type of the
14649 object.
14650
14651 @end itemize
14652
14653 @node Stopping Before Main Program
14654 @subsubsection Stopping at the Very Beginning
14655
14656 @cindex breakpointing Ada elaboration code
14657 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration, and
14658 before reaching the main procedure.
14659 As defined in the Ada Reference
14660 Manual, the elaboration code is invoked from a procedure called
14661 @code{adainit}. To run your program up to the beginning of
14662 elaboration, simply use the following two commands:
14663 @code{tbreak adainit} and @code{run}.
14664
14665 @node Ada Tasks
14666 @subsubsection Extensions for Ada Tasks
14667 @cindex Ada, tasking
14668
14669 Support for Ada tasks is analogous to that for threads (@pxref{Threads}).
14670 @value{GDBN} provides the following task-related commands:
14671
14672 @table @code
14673 @kindex info tasks
14674 @item info tasks
14675 This command shows a list of current Ada tasks, as in the following example:
14676
14677
14678 @smallexample
14679 @iftex
14680 @leftskip=0.5cm
14681 @end iftex
14682 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
14683 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
14684 1 8088000 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
14685 2 80a4000 1 15 Accept Statement b
14686 3 809a800 1 15 Child Activation Wait a
14687 * 4 80ae800 3 15 Runnable c
14688
14689 @end smallexample
14690
14691 @noindent
14692 In this listing, the asterisk before the last task indicates it to be the
14693 task currently being inspected.
14694
14695 @table @asis
14696 @item ID
14697 Represents @value{GDBN}'s internal task number.
14698
14699 @item TID
14700 The Ada task ID.
14701
14702 @item P-ID
14703 The parent's task ID (@value{GDBN}'s internal task number).
14704
14705 @item Pri
14706 The base priority of the task.
14707
14708 @item State
14709 Current state of the task.
14710
14711 @table @code
14712 @item Unactivated
14713 The task has been created but has not been activated. It cannot be
14714 executing.
14715
14716 @item Runnable
14717 The task is not blocked for any reason known to Ada. (It may be waiting
14718 for a mutex, though.) It is conceptually "executing" in normal mode.
14719
14720 @item Terminated
14721 The task is terminated, in the sense of ARM 9.3 (5). Any dependents
14722 that were waiting on terminate alternatives have been awakened and have
14723 terminated themselves.
14724
14725 @item Child Activation Wait
14726 The task is waiting for created tasks to complete activation.
14727
14728 @item Accept Statement
14729 The task is waiting on an accept or selective wait statement.
14730
14731 @item Waiting on entry call
14732 The task is waiting on an entry call.
14733
14734 @item Async Select Wait
14735 The task is waiting to start the abortable part of an asynchronous
14736 select statement.
14737
14738 @item Delay Sleep
14739 The task is waiting on a select statement with only a delay
14740 alternative open.
14741
14742 @item Child Termination Wait
14743 The task is sleeping having completed a master within itself, and is
14744 waiting for the tasks dependent on that master to become terminated or
14745 waiting on a terminate Phase.
14746
14747 @item Wait Child in Term Alt
14748 The task is sleeping waiting for tasks on terminate alternatives to
14749 finish terminating.
14750
14751 @item Accepting RV with @var{taskno}
14752 The task is accepting a rendez-vous with the task @var{taskno}.
14753 @end table
14754
14755 @item Name
14756 Name of the task in the program.
14757
14758 @end table
14759
14760 @kindex info task @var{taskno}
14761 @item info task @var{taskno}
14762 This command shows detailled informations on the specified task, as in
14763 the following example:
14764 @smallexample
14765 @iftex
14766 @leftskip=0.5cm
14767 @end iftex
14768 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
14769 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
14770 1 8077880 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
14771 * 2 807c468 1 15 Runnable task_1
14772 (@value{GDBP}) info task 2
14773 Ada Task: 0x807c468
14774 Name: task_1
14775 Thread: 0x807f378
14776 Parent: 1 (main_task)
14777 Base Priority: 15
14778 State: Runnable
14779 @end smallexample
14780
14781 @item task
14782 @kindex task@r{ (Ada)}
14783 @cindex current Ada task ID
14784 This command prints the ID of the current task.
14785
14786 @smallexample
14787 @iftex
14788 @leftskip=0.5cm
14789 @end iftex
14790 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
14791 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
14792 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
14793 * 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable t
14794 (@value{GDBP}) task
14795 [Current task is 2]
14796 @end smallexample
14797
14798 @item task @var{taskno}
14799 @cindex Ada task switching
14800 This command is like the @code{thread @var{threadno}}
14801 command (@pxref{Threads}). It switches the context of debugging
14802 from the current task to the given task.
14803
14804 @smallexample
14805 @iftex
14806 @leftskip=0.5cm
14807 @end iftex
14808 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
14809 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
14810 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
14811 * 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable t
14812 (@value{GDBP}) task 1
14813 [Switching to task 1]
14814 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
14815 (@value{GDBP}) bt
14816 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
14817 #1 0x8056714 in system.os_interface.pthread_cond_wait ()
14818 #2 0x805cb63 in system.task_primitives.operations.sleep ()
14819 #3 0x806153e in system.tasking.stages.activate_tasks ()
14820 #4 0x804aacc in un () at un.adb:5
14821 @end smallexample
14822
14823 @item break @var{linespec} task @var{taskno}
14824 @itemx break @var{linespec} task @var{taskno} if @dots{}
14825 @cindex breakpoints and tasks, in Ada
14826 @cindex task breakpoints, in Ada
14827 @kindex break @dots{} task @var{taskno}@r{ (Ada)}
14828 These commands are like the @code{break @dots{} thread @dots{}}
14829 command (@pxref{Thread Stops}).
14830 @var{linespec} specifies source lines, as described
14831 in @ref{Specify Location}.
14832
14833 Use the qualifier @samp{task @var{taskno}} with a breakpoint command
14834 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
14835 particular Ada task reaches this breakpoint. @var{taskno} is one of the
14836 numeric task identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown in the first
14837 column of the @samp{info tasks} display.
14838
14839 If you do not specify @samp{task @var{taskno}} when you set a
14840 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} tasks of your
14841 program.
14842
14843 You can use the @code{task} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
14844 well; in this case, place @samp{task @var{taskno}} before the
14845 breakpoint condition (before the @code{if}).
14846
14847 For example,
14848
14849 @smallexample
14850 @iftex
14851 @leftskip=0.5cm
14852 @end iftex
14853 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
14854 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
14855 1 140022020 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
14856 2 140045060 1 15 Accept/Select Wait t2
14857 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
14858 * 4 140056040 1 15 Runnable t3
14859 (@value{GDBP}) b 15 task 2
14860 Breakpoint 5 at 0x120044cb0: file test_task_debug.adb, line 15.
14861 (@value{GDBP}) cont
14862 Continuing.
14863 task # 1 running
14864 task # 2 running
14865
14866 Breakpoint 5, test_task_debug () at test_task_debug.adb:15
14867 15 flush;
14868 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
14869 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
14870 1 140022020 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
14871 * 2 140045060 1 15 Runnable t2
14872 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
14873 4 140056040 1 15 Delay Sleep t3
14874 @end smallexample
14875 @end table
14876
14877 @node Ada Tasks and Core Files
14878 @subsubsection Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
14879 @cindex Ada tasking and core file debugging
14880
14881 When inspecting a core file, as opposed to debugging a live program,
14882 tasking support may be limited or even unavailable, depending on
14883 the platform being used.
14884 For instance, on x86-linux, the list of tasks is available, but task
14885 switching is not supported. On Tru64, however, task switching will work
14886 as usual.
14887
14888 On certain platforms, including Tru64, the debugger needs to perform some
14889 memory writes in order to provide Ada tasking support. When inspecting
14890 a core file, this means that the core file must be opened with read-write
14891 privileges, using the command @samp{"set write on"} (@pxref{Patching}).
14892 Under these circumstances, you should make a backup copy of the core
14893 file before inspecting it with @value{GDBN}.
14894
14895 @node Ravenscar Profile
14896 @subsubsection Tasking Support when using the Ravenscar Profile
14897 @cindex Ravenscar Profile
14898
14899 The @dfn{Ravenscar Profile} is a subset of the Ada tasking features,
14900 specifically designed for systems with safety-critical real-time
14901 requirements.
14902
14903 @table @code
14904 @kindex set ravenscar task-switching on
14905 @cindex task switching with program using Ravenscar Profile
14906 @item set ravenscar task-switching on
14907 Allows task switching when debugging a program that uses the Ravenscar
14908 Profile. This is the default.
14909
14910 @kindex set ravenscar task-switching off
14911 @item set ravenscar task-switching off
14912 Turn off task switching when debugging a program that uses the Ravenscar
14913 Profile. This is mostly intended to disable the code that adds support
14914 for the Ravenscar Profile, in case a bug in either @value{GDBN} or in
14915 the Ravenscar runtime is preventing @value{GDBN} from working properly.
14916 To be effective, this command should be run before the program is started.
14917
14918 @kindex show ravenscar task-switching
14919 @item show ravenscar task-switching
14920 Show whether it is possible to switch from task to task in a program
14921 using the Ravenscar Profile.
14922
14923 @end table
14924
14925 @node Ada Glitches
14926 @subsubsection Known Peculiarities of Ada Mode
14927 @cindex Ada, problems
14928
14929 Besides the omissions listed previously (@pxref{Omissions from Ada}),
14930 we know of several problems with and limitations of Ada mode in
14931 @value{GDBN},
14932 some of which will be fixed with planned future releases of the debugger
14933 and the GNU Ada compiler.
14934
14935 @itemize @bullet
14936 @item
14937 Static constants that the compiler chooses not to materialize as objects in
14938 storage are invisible to the debugger.
14939
14940 @item
14941 Named parameter associations in function argument lists are ignored (the
14942 argument lists are treated as positional).
14943
14944 @item
14945 Many useful library packages are currently invisible to the debugger.
14946
14947 @item
14948 Fixed-point arithmetic, conversions, input, and output is carried out using
14949 floating-point arithmetic, and may give results that only approximate those on
14950 the host machine.
14951
14952 @item
14953 The GNAT compiler never generates the prefix @code{Standard} for any of
14954 the standard symbols defined by the Ada language. @value{GDBN} knows about
14955 this: it will strip the prefix from names when you use it, and will never
14956 look for a name you have so qualified among local symbols, nor match against
14957 symbols in other packages or subprograms. If you have
14958 defined entities anywhere in your program other than parameters and
14959 local variables whose simple names match names in @code{Standard},
14960 GNAT's lack of qualification here can cause confusion. When this happens,
14961 you can usually resolve the confusion
14962 by qualifying the problematic names with package
14963 @code{Standard} explicitly.
14964 @end itemize
14965
14966 Older versions of the compiler sometimes generate erroneous debugging
14967 information, resulting in the debugger incorrectly printing the value
14968 of affected entities. In some cases, the debugger is able to work
14969 around an issue automatically. In other cases, the debugger is able
14970 to work around the issue, but the work-around has to be specifically
14971 enabled.
14972
14973 @kindex set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS
14974 @kindex show ada trust-PAD-over-XVS
14975 @table @code
14976
14977 @item set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS on
14978 Configure GDB to strictly follow the GNAT encoding when computing the
14979 value of Ada entities, particularly when @code{PAD} and @code{PAD___XVS}
14980 types are involved (see @code{ada/exp_dbug.ads} in the GCC sources for
14981 a complete description of the encoding used by the GNAT compiler).
14982 This is the default.
14983
14984 @item set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS off
14985 This is related to the encoding using by the GNAT compiler. If @value{GDBN}
14986 sometimes prints the wrong value for certain entities, changing @code{ada
14987 trust-PAD-over-XVS} to @code{off} activates a work-around which may fix
14988 the issue. It is always safe to set @code{ada trust-PAD-over-XVS} to
14989 @code{off}, but this incurs a slight performance penalty, so it is
14990 recommended to leave this setting to @code{on} unless necessary.
14991
14992 @end table
14993
14994 @node Unsupported Languages
14995 @section Unsupported Languages
14996
14997 @cindex unsupported languages
14998 @cindex minimal language
14999 In addition to the other fully-supported programming languages,
15000 @value{GDBN} also provides a pseudo-language, called @code{minimal}.
15001 It does not represent a real programming language, but provides a set
15002 of capabilities close to what the C or assembly languages provide.
15003 This should allow most simple operations to be performed while debugging
15004 an application that uses a language currently not supported by @value{GDBN}.
15005
15006 If the language is set to @code{auto}, @value{GDBN} will automatically
15007 select this language if the current frame corresponds to an unsupported
15008 language.
15009
15010 @node Symbols
15011 @chapter Examining the Symbol Table
15012
15013 The commands described in this chapter allow you to inquire about the
15014 symbols (names of variables, functions and types) defined in your
15015 program. This information is inherent in the text of your program and
15016 does not change as your program executes. @value{GDBN} finds it in your
15017 program's symbol table, in the file indicated when you started @value{GDBN}
15018 (@pxref{File Options, ,Choosing Files}), or by one of the
15019 file-management commands (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
15020
15021 @cindex symbol names
15022 @cindex names of symbols
15023 @cindex quoting names
15024 Occasionally, you may need to refer to symbols that contain unusual
15025 characters, which @value{GDBN} ordinarily treats as word delimiters. The
15026 most frequent case is in referring to static variables in other
15027 source files (@pxref{Variables,,Program Variables}). File names
15028 are recorded in object files as debugging symbols, but @value{GDBN} would
15029 ordinarily parse a typical file name, like @file{foo.c}, as the three words
15030 @samp{foo} @samp{.} @samp{c}. To allow @value{GDBN} to recognize
15031 @samp{foo.c} as a single symbol, enclose it in single quotes; for example,
15032
15033 @smallexample
15034 p 'foo.c'::x
15035 @end smallexample
15036
15037 @noindent
15038 looks up the value of @code{x} in the scope of the file @file{foo.c}.
15039
15040 @table @code
15041 @cindex case-insensitive symbol names
15042 @cindex case sensitivity in symbol names
15043 @kindex set case-sensitive
15044 @item set case-sensitive on
15045 @itemx set case-sensitive off
15046 @itemx set case-sensitive auto
15047 Normally, when @value{GDBN} looks up symbols, it matches their names
15048 with case sensitivity determined by the current source language.
15049 Occasionally, you may wish to control that. The command @code{set
15050 case-sensitive} lets you do that by specifying @code{on} for
15051 case-sensitive matches or @code{off} for case-insensitive ones. If
15052 you specify @code{auto}, case sensitivity is reset to the default
15053 suitable for the source language. The default is case-sensitive
15054 matches for all languages except for Fortran, for which the default is
15055 case-insensitive matches.
15056
15057 @kindex show case-sensitive
15058 @item show case-sensitive
15059 This command shows the current setting of case sensitivity for symbols
15060 lookups.
15061
15062 @kindex set print type methods
15063 @item set print type methods
15064 @itemx set print type methods on
15065 @itemx set print type methods off
15066 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a class, it displays any methods
15067 declared in that class. You can control this behavior either by
15068 passing the appropriate flag to @code{ptype}, or using @command{set
15069 print type methods}. Specifying @code{on} will cause @value{GDBN} to
15070 display the methods; this is the default. Specifying @code{off} will
15071 cause @value{GDBN} to omit the methods.
15072
15073 @kindex show print type methods
15074 @item show print type methods
15075 This command shows the current setting of method display when printing
15076 classes.
15077
15078 @kindex set print type typedefs
15079 @item set print type typedefs
15080 @itemx set print type typedefs on
15081 @itemx set print type typedefs off
15082
15083 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a class, it displays any typedefs
15084 defined in that class. You can control this behavior either by
15085 passing the appropriate flag to @code{ptype}, or using @command{set
15086 print type typedefs}. Specifying @code{on} will cause @value{GDBN} to
15087 display the typedef definitions; this is the default. Specifying
15088 @code{off} will cause @value{GDBN} to omit the typedef definitions.
15089 Note that this controls whether the typedef definition itself is
15090 printed, not whether typedef names are substituted when printing other
15091 types.
15092
15093 @kindex show print type typedefs
15094 @item show print type typedefs
15095 This command shows the current setting of typedef display when
15096 printing classes.
15097
15098 @kindex info address
15099 @cindex address of a symbol
15100 @item info address @var{symbol}
15101 Describe where the data for @var{symbol} is stored. For a register
15102 variable, this says which register it is kept in. For a non-register
15103 local variable, this prints the stack-frame offset at which the variable
15104 is always stored.
15105
15106 Note the contrast with @samp{print &@var{symbol}}, which does not work
15107 at all for a register variable, and for a stack local variable prints
15108 the exact address of the current instantiation of the variable.
15109
15110 @kindex info symbol
15111 @cindex symbol from address
15112 @cindex closest symbol and offset for an address
15113 @item info symbol @var{addr}
15114 Print the name of a symbol which is stored at the address @var{addr}.
15115 If no symbol is stored exactly at @var{addr}, @value{GDBN} prints the
15116 nearest symbol and an offset from it:
15117
15118 @smallexample
15119 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x54320
15120 _initialize_vx + 396 in section .text
15121 @end smallexample
15122
15123 @noindent
15124 This is the opposite of the @code{info address} command. You can use
15125 it to find out the name of a variable or a function given its address.
15126
15127 For dynamically linked executables, the name of executable or shared
15128 library containing the symbol is also printed:
15129
15130 @smallexample
15131 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x400225
15132 _start + 5 in section .text of /tmp/a.out
15133 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x2aaaac2811cf
15134 __read_nocancel + 6 in section .text of /usr/lib64/libc.so.6
15135 @end smallexample
15136
15137 @kindex whatis
15138 @item whatis[/@var{flags}] [@var{arg}]
15139 Print the data type of @var{arg}, which can be either an expression
15140 or a name of a data type. With no argument, print the data type of
15141 @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
15142
15143 If @var{arg} is an expression (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}), it
15144 is not actually evaluated, and any side-effecting operations (such as
15145 assignments or function calls) inside it do not take place.
15146
15147 If @var{arg} is a variable or an expression, @code{whatis} prints its
15148 literal type as it is used in the source code. If the type was
15149 defined using a @code{typedef}, @code{whatis} will @emph{not} print
15150 the data type underlying the @code{typedef}. If the type of the
15151 variable or the expression is a compound data type, such as
15152 @code{struct} or @code{class}, @code{whatis} never prints their
15153 fields or methods. It just prints the @code{struct}/@code{class}
15154 name (a.k.a.@: its @dfn{tag}). If you want to see the members of
15155 such a compound data type, use @code{ptype}.
15156
15157 If @var{arg} is a type name that was defined using @code{typedef},
15158 @code{whatis} @dfn{unrolls} only one level of that @code{typedef}.
15159 Unrolling means that @code{whatis} will show the underlying type used
15160 in the @code{typedef} declaration of @var{arg}. However, if that
15161 underlying type is also a @code{typedef}, @code{whatis} will not
15162 unroll it.
15163
15164 For C code, the type names may also have the form @samp{class
15165 @var{class-name}}, @samp{struct @var{struct-tag}}, @samp{union
15166 @var{union-tag}} or @samp{enum @var{enum-tag}}.
15167
15168 @var{flags} can be used to modify how the type is displayed.
15169 Available flags are:
15170
15171 @table @code
15172 @item r
15173 Display in ``raw'' form. Normally, @value{GDBN} substitutes template
15174 parameters and typedefs defined in a class when printing the class'
15175 members. The @code{/r} flag disables this.
15176
15177 @item m
15178 Do not print methods defined in the class.
15179
15180 @item M
15181 Print methods defined in the class. This is the default, but the flag
15182 exists in case you change the default with @command{set print type methods}.
15183
15184 @item t
15185 Do not print typedefs defined in the class. Note that this controls
15186 whether the typedef definition itself is printed, not whether typedef
15187 names are substituted when printing other types.
15188
15189 @item T
15190 Print typedefs defined in the class. This is the default, but the flag
15191 exists in case you change the default with @command{set print type typedefs}.
15192 @end table
15193
15194 @kindex ptype
15195 @item ptype[/@var{flags}] [@var{arg}]
15196 @code{ptype} accepts the same arguments as @code{whatis}, but prints a
15197 detailed description of the type, instead of just the name of the type.
15198 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
15199
15200 Contrary to @code{whatis}, @code{ptype} always unrolls any
15201 @code{typedef}s in its argument declaration, whether the argument is
15202 a variable, expression, or a data type. This means that @code{ptype}
15203 of a variable or an expression will not print literally its type as
15204 present in the source code---use @code{whatis} for that. @code{typedef}s at
15205 the pointer or reference targets are also unrolled. Only @code{typedef}s of
15206 fields, methods and inner @code{class typedef}s of @code{struct}s,
15207 @code{class}es and @code{union}s are not unrolled even with @code{ptype}.
15208
15209 For example, for this variable declaration:
15210
15211 @smallexample
15212 typedef double real_t;
15213 struct complex @{ real_t real; double imag; @};
15214 typedef struct complex complex_t;
15215 complex_t var;
15216 real_t *real_pointer_var;
15217 @end smallexample
15218
15219 @noindent
15220 the two commands give this output:
15221
15222 @smallexample
15223 @group
15224 (@value{GDBP}) whatis var
15225 type = complex_t
15226 (@value{GDBP}) ptype var
15227 type = struct complex @{
15228 real_t real;
15229 double imag;
15230 @}
15231 (@value{GDBP}) whatis complex_t
15232 type = struct complex
15233 (@value{GDBP}) whatis struct complex
15234 type = struct complex
15235 (@value{GDBP}) ptype struct complex
15236 type = struct complex @{
15237 real_t real;
15238 double imag;
15239 @}
15240 (@value{GDBP}) whatis real_pointer_var
15241 type = real_t *
15242 (@value{GDBP}) ptype real_pointer_var
15243 type = double *
15244 @end group
15245 @end smallexample
15246
15247 @noindent
15248 As with @code{whatis}, using @code{ptype} without an argument refers to
15249 the type of @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
15250
15251 @cindex incomplete type
15252 Sometimes, programs use opaque data types or incomplete specifications
15253 of complex data structure. If the debug information included in the
15254 program does not allow @value{GDBN} to display a full declaration of
15255 the data type, it will say @samp{<incomplete type>}. For example,
15256 given these declarations:
15257
15258 @smallexample
15259 struct foo;
15260 struct foo *fooptr;
15261 @end smallexample
15262
15263 @noindent
15264 but no definition for @code{struct foo} itself, @value{GDBN} will say:
15265
15266 @smallexample
15267 (@value{GDBP}) ptype foo
15268 $1 = <incomplete type>
15269 @end smallexample
15270
15271 @noindent
15272 ``Incomplete type'' is C terminology for data types that are not
15273 completely specified.
15274
15275 @kindex info types
15276 @item info types @var{regexp}
15277 @itemx info types
15278 Print a brief description of all types whose names match the regular
15279 expression @var{regexp} (or all types in your program, if you supply
15280 no argument). Each complete typename is matched as though it were a
15281 complete line; thus, @samp{i type value} gives information on all
15282 types in your program whose names include the string @code{value}, but
15283 @samp{i type ^value$} gives information only on types whose complete
15284 name is @code{value}.
15285
15286 This command differs from @code{ptype} in two ways: first, like
15287 @code{whatis}, it does not print a detailed description; second, it
15288 lists all source files where a type is defined.
15289
15290 @kindex info type-printers
15291 @item info type-printers
15292 Versions of @value{GDBN} that ship with Python scripting enabled may
15293 have ``type printers'' available. When using @command{ptype} or
15294 @command{whatis}, these printers are consulted when the name of a type
15295 is needed. @xref{Type Printing API}, for more information on writing
15296 type printers.
15297
15298 @code{info type-printers} displays all the available type printers.
15299
15300 @kindex enable type-printer
15301 @kindex disable type-printer
15302 @item enable type-printer @var{name}@dots{}
15303 @item disable type-printer @var{name}@dots{}
15304 These commands can be used to enable or disable type printers.
15305
15306 @kindex info scope
15307 @cindex local variables
15308 @item info scope @var{location}
15309 List all the variables local to a particular scope. This command
15310 accepts a @var{location} argument---a function name, a source line, or
15311 an address preceded by a @samp{*}, and prints all the variables local
15312 to the scope defined by that location. (@xref{Specify Location}, for
15313 details about supported forms of @var{location}.) For example:
15314
15315 @smallexample
15316 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info scope command_line_handler}
15317 Scope for command_line_handler:
15318 Symbol rl is an argument at stack/frame offset 8, length 4.
15319 Symbol linebuffer is in static storage at address 0x150a18, length 4.
15320 Symbol linelength is in static storage at address 0x150a1c, length 4.
15321 Symbol p is a local variable in register $esi, length 4.
15322 Symbol p1 is a local variable in register $ebx, length 4.
15323 Symbol nline is a local variable in register $edx, length 4.
15324 Symbol repeat is a local variable at frame offset -8, length 4.
15325 @end smallexample
15326
15327 @noindent
15328 This command is especially useful for determining what data to collect
15329 during a @dfn{trace experiment}, see @ref{Tracepoint Actions,
15330 collect}.
15331
15332 @kindex info source
15333 @item info source
15334 Show information about the current source file---that is, the source file for
15335 the function containing the current point of execution:
15336 @itemize @bullet
15337 @item
15338 the name of the source file, and the directory containing it,
15339 @item
15340 the directory it was compiled in,
15341 @item
15342 its length, in lines,
15343 @item
15344 which programming language it is written in,
15345 @item
15346 whether the executable includes debugging information for that file, and
15347 if so, what format the information is in (e.g., STABS, Dwarf 2, etc.), and
15348 @item
15349 whether the debugging information includes information about
15350 preprocessor macros.
15351 @end itemize
15352
15353
15354 @kindex info sources
15355 @item info sources
15356 Print the names of all source files in your program for which there is
15357 debugging information, organized into two lists: files whose symbols
15358 have already been read, and files whose symbols will be read when needed.
15359
15360 @kindex info functions
15361 @item info functions
15362 Print the names and data types of all defined functions.
15363
15364 @item info functions @var{regexp}
15365 Print the names and data types of all defined functions
15366 whose names contain a match for regular expression @var{regexp}.
15367 Thus, @samp{info fun step} finds all functions whose names
15368 include @code{step}; @samp{info fun ^step} finds those whose names
15369 start with @code{step}. If a function name contains characters
15370 that conflict with the regular expression language (e.g.@:
15371 @samp{operator*()}), they may be quoted with a backslash.
15372
15373 @kindex info variables
15374 @item info variables
15375 Print the names and data types of all variables that are defined
15376 outside of functions (i.e.@: excluding local variables).
15377
15378 @item info variables @var{regexp}
15379 Print the names and data types of all variables (except for local
15380 variables) whose names contain a match for regular expression
15381 @var{regexp}.
15382
15383 @kindex info classes
15384 @cindex Objective-C, classes and selectors
15385 @item info classes
15386 @itemx info classes @var{regexp}
15387 Display all Objective-C classes in your program, or
15388 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
15389 expression.
15390
15391 @kindex info selectors
15392 @item info selectors
15393 @itemx info selectors @var{regexp}
15394 Display all Objective-C selectors in your program, or
15395 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
15396 expression.
15397
15398 @ignore
15399 This was never implemented.
15400 @kindex info methods
15401 @item info methods
15402 @itemx info methods @var{regexp}
15403 The @code{info methods} command permits the user to examine all defined
15404 methods within C@t{++} program, or (with the @var{regexp} argument) a
15405 specific set of methods found in the various C@t{++} classes. Many
15406 C@t{++} classes provide a large number of methods. Thus, the output
15407 from the @code{ptype} command can be overwhelming and hard to use. The
15408 @code{info-methods} command filters the methods, printing only those
15409 which match the regular-expression @var{regexp}.
15410 @end ignore
15411
15412 @cindex opaque data types
15413 @kindex set opaque-type-resolution
15414 @item set opaque-type-resolution on
15415 Tell @value{GDBN} to resolve opaque types. An opaque type is a type
15416 declared as a pointer to a @code{struct}, @code{class}, or
15417 @code{union}---for example, @code{struct MyType *}---that is used in one
15418 source file although the full declaration of @code{struct MyType} is in
15419 another source file. The default is on.
15420
15421 A change in the setting of this subcommand will not take effect until
15422 the next time symbols for a file are loaded.
15423
15424 @item set opaque-type-resolution off
15425 Tell @value{GDBN} not to resolve opaque types. In this case, the type
15426 is printed as follows:
15427 @smallexample
15428 @{<no data fields>@}
15429 @end smallexample
15430
15431 @kindex show opaque-type-resolution
15432 @item show opaque-type-resolution
15433 Show whether opaque types are resolved or not.
15434
15435 @kindex maint print symbols
15436 @cindex symbol dump
15437 @kindex maint print psymbols
15438 @cindex partial symbol dump
15439 @item maint print symbols @var{filename}
15440 @itemx maint print psymbols @var{filename}
15441 @itemx maint print msymbols @var{filename}
15442 Write a dump of debugging symbol data into the file @var{filename}.
15443 These commands are used to debug the @value{GDBN} symbol-reading code. Only
15444 symbols with debugging data are included. If you use @samp{maint print
15445 symbols}, @value{GDBN} includes all the symbols for which it has already
15446 collected full details: that is, @var{filename} reflects symbols for
15447 only those files whose symbols @value{GDBN} has read. You can use the
15448 command @code{info sources} to find out which files these are. If you
15449 use @samp{maint print psymbols} instead, the dump shows information about
15450 symbols that @value{GDBN} only knows partially---that is, symbols defined in
15451 files that @value{GDBN} has skimmed, but not yet read completely. Finally,
15452 @samp{maint print msymbols} dumps just the minimal symbol information
15453 required for each object file from which @value{GDBN} has read some symbols.
15454 @xref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}, for a discussion of how
15455 @value{GDBN} reads symbols (in the description of @code{symbol-file}).
15456
15457 @kindex maint info symtabs
15458 @kindex maint info psymtabs
15459 @cindex listing @value{GDBN}'s internal symbol tables
15460 @cindex symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
15461 @cindex full symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
15462 @cindex partial symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
15463 @item maint info symtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
15464 @itemx maint info psymtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
15465
15466 List the @code{struct symtab} or @code{struct partial_symtab}
15467 structures whose names match @var{regexp}. If @var{regexp} is not
15468 given, list them all. The output includes expressions which you can
15469 copy into a @value{GDBN} debugging this one to examine a particular
15470 structure in more detail. For example:
15471
15472 @smallexample
15473 (@value{GDBP}) maint info psymtabs dwarf2read
15474 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
15475 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
15476 @{ psymtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
15477 ((struct partial_symtab *) 0x8474b10)
15478 readin no
15479 fullname (null)
15480 text addresses 0x814d3c8 -- 0x8158074
15481 globals (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x8507a08 @@ 9)
15482 statics (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x40e95b78 @@ 2882)
15483 dependencies (none)
15484 @}
15485 @}
15486 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
15487 (@value{GDBP})
15488 @end smallexample
15489 @noindent
15490 We see that there is one partial symbol table whose filename contains
15491 the string @samp{dwarf2read}, belonging to the @samp{gdb} executable;
15492 and we see that @value{GDBN} has not read in any symtabs yet at all.
15493 If we set a breakpoint on a function, that will cause @value{GDBN} to
15494 read the symtab for the compilation unit containing that function:
15495
15496 @smallexample
15497 (@value{GDBP}) break dwarf2_psymtab_to_symtab
15498 Breakpoint 1 at 0x814e5da: file /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c,
15499 line 1574.
15500 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
15501 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
15502 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
15503 @{ symtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
15504 ((struct symtab *) 0x86c1f38)
15505 dirname (null)
15506 fullname (null)
15507 blockvector ((struct blockvector *) 0x86c1bd0) (primary)
15508 linetable ((struct linetable *) 0x8370fa0)
15509 debugformat DWARF 2
15510 @}
15511 @}
15512 (@value{GDBP})
15513 @end smallexample
15514 @end table
15515
15516
15517 @node Altering
15518 @chapter Altering Execution
15519
15520 Once you think you have found an error in your program, you might want to
15521 find out for certain whether correcting the apparent error would lead to
15522 correct results in the rest of the run. You can find the answer by
15523 experiment, using the @value{GDBN} features for altering execution of the
15524 program.
15525
15526 For example, you can store new values into variables or memory
15527 locations, give your program a signal, restart it at a different
15528 address, or even return prematurely from a function.
15529
15530 @menu
15531 * Assignment:: Assignment to variables
15532 * Jumping:: Continuing at a different address
15533 * Signaling:: Giving your program a signal
15534 * Returning:: Returning from a function
15535 * Calling:: Calling your program's functions
15536 * Patching:: Patching your program
15537 @end menu
15538
15539 @node Assignment
15540 @section Assignment to Variables
15541
15542 @cindex assignment
15543 @cindex setting variables
15544 To alter the value of a variable, evaluate an assignment expression.
15545 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}. For example,
15546
15547 @smallexample
15548 print x=4
15549 @end smallexample
15550
15551 @noindent
15552 stores the value 4 into the variable @code{x}, and then prints the
15553 value of the assignment expression (which is 4).
15554 @xref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages}, for more
15555 information on operators in supported languages.
15556
15557 @kindex set variable
15558 @cindex variables, setting
15559 If you are not interested in seeing the value of the assignment, use the
15560 @code{set} command instead of the @code{print} command. @code{set} is
15561 really the same as @code{print} except that the expression's value is
15562 not printed and is not put in the value history (@pxref{Value History,
15563 ,Value History}). The expression is evaluated only for its effects.
15564
15565 If the beginning of the argument string of the @code{set} command
15566 appears identical to a @code{set} subcommand, use the @code{set
15567 variable} command instead of just @code{set}. This command is identical
15568 to @code{set} except for its lack of subcommands. For example, if your
15569 program has a variable @code{width}, you get an error if you try to set
15570 a new value with just @samp{set width=13}, because @value{GDBN} has the
15571 command @code{set width}:
15572
15573 @smallexample
15574 (@value{GDBP}) whatis width
15575 type = double
15576 (@value{GDBP}) p width
15577 $4 = 13
15578 (@value{GDBP}) set width=47
15579 Invalid syntax in expression.
15580 @end smallexample
15581
15582 @noindent
15583 The invalid expression, of course, is @samp{=47}. In
15584 order to actually set the program's variable @code{width}, use
15585
15586 @smallexample
15587 (@value{GDBP}) set var width=47
15588 @end smallexample
15589
15590 Because the @code{set} command has many subcommands that can conflict
15591 with the names of program variables, it is a good idea to use the
15592 @code{set variable} command instead of just @code{set}. For example, if
15593 your program has a variable @code{g}, you run into problems if you try
15594 to set a new value with just @samp{set g=4}, because @value{GDBN} has
15595 the command @code{set gnutarget}, abbreviated @code{set g}:
15596
15597 @smallexample
15598 @group
15599 (@value{GDBP}) whatis g
15600 type = double
15601 (@value{GDBP}) p g
15602 $1 = 1
15603 (@value{GDBP}) set g=4
15604 (@value{GDBP}) p g
15605 $2 = 1
15606 (@value{GDBP}) r
15607 The program being debugged has been started already.
15608 Start it from the beginning? (y or n) y
15609 Starting program: /home/smith/cc_progs/a.out
15610 "/home/smith/cc_progs/a.out": can't open to read symbols:
15611 Invalid bfd target.
15612 (@value{GDBP}) show g
15613 The current BFD target is "=4".
15614 @end group
15615 @end smallexample
15616
15617 @noindent
15618 The program variable @code{g} did not change, and you silently set the
15619 @code{gnutarget} to an invalid value. In order to set the variable
15620 @code{g}, use
15621
15622 @smallexample
15623 (@value{GDBP}) set var g=4
15624 @end smallexample
15625
15626 @value{GDBN} allows more implicit conversions in assignments than C; you can
15627 freely store an integer value into a pointer variable or vice versa,
15628 and you can convert any structure to any other structure that is the
15629 same length or shorter.
15630 @comment FIXME: how do structs align/pad in these conversions?
15631 @comment /doc@cygnus.com 18dec1990
15632
15633 To store values into arbitrary places in memory, use the @samp{@{@dots{}@}}
15634 construct to generate a value of specified type at a specified address
15635 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). For example, @code{@{int@}0x83040} refers
15636 to memory location @code{0x83040} as an integer (which implies a certain size
15637 and representation in memory), and
15638
15639 @smallexample
15640 set @{int@}0x83040 = 4
15641 @end smallexample
15642
15643 @noindent
15644 stores the value 4 into that memory location.
15645
15646 @node Jumping
15647 @section Continuing at a Different Address
15648
15649 Ordinarily, when you continue your program, you do so at the place where
15650 it stopped, with the @code{continue} command. You can instead continue at
15651 an address of your own choosing, with the following commands:
15652
15653 @table @code
15654 @kindex jump
15655 @kindex j @r{(@code{jump})}
15656 @item jump @var{linespec}
15657 @itemx j @var{linespec}
15658 @itemx jump @var{location}
15659 @itemx j @var{location}
15660 Resume execution at line @var{linespec} or at address given by
15661 @var{location}. Execution stops again immediately if there is a
15662 breakpoint there. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description of the
15663 different forms of @var{linespec} and @var{location}. It is common
15664 practice to use the @code{tbreak} command in conjunction with
15665 @code{jump}. @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
15666
15667 The @code{jump} command does not change the current stack frame, or
15668 the stack pointer, or the contents of any memory location or any
15669 register other than the program counter. If line @var{linespec} is in
15670 a different function from the one currently executing, the results may
15671 be bizarre if the two functions expect different patterns of arguments or
15672 of local variables. For this reason, the @code{jump} command requests
15673 confirmation if the specified line is not in the function currently
15674 executing. However, even bizarre results are predictable if you are
15675 well acquainted with the machine-language code of your program.
15676 @end table
15677
15678 @c Doesn't work on HP-UX; have to set $pcoqh and $pcoqt.
15679 On many systems, you can get much the same effect as the @code{jump}
15680 command by storing a new value into the register @code{$pc}. The
15681 difference is that this does not start your program running; it only
15682 changes the address of where it @emph{will} run when you continue. For
15683 example,
15684
15685 @smallexample
15686 set $pc = 0x485
15687 @end smallexample
15688
15689 @noindent
15690 makes the next @code{continue} command or stepping command execute at
15691 address @code{0x485}, rather than at the address where your program stopped.
15692 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}.
15693
15694 The most common occasion to use the @code{jump} command is to back
15695 up---perhaps with more breakpoints set---over a portion of a program
15696 that has already executed, in order to examine its execution in more
15697 detail.
15698
15699 @c @group
15700 @node Signaling
15701 @section Giving your Program a Signal
15702 @cindex deliver a signal to a program
15703
15704 @table @code
15705 @kindex signal
15706 @item signal @var{signal}
15707 Resume execution where your program stopped, but immediately give it the
15708 signal @var{signal}. @var{signal} can be the name or the number of a
15709 signal. For example, on many systems @code{signal 2} and @code{signal
15710 SIGINT} are both ways of sending an interrupt signal.
15711
15712 Alternatively, if @var{signal} is zero, continue execution without
15713 giving a signal. This is useful when your program stopped on account of
15714 a signal and would ordinarily see the signal when resumed with the
15715 @code{continue} command; @samp{signal 0} causes it to resume without a
15716 signal.
15717
15718 @code{signal} does not repeat when you press @key{RET} a second time
15719 after executing the command.
15720 @end table
15721 @c @end group
15722
15723 Invoking the @code{signal} command is not the same as invoking the
15724 @code{kill} utility from the shell. Sending a signal with @code{kill}
15725 causes @value{GDBN} to decide what to do with the signal depending on
15726 the signal handling tables (@pxref{Signals}). The @code{signal} command
15727 passes the signal directly to your program.
15728
15729
15730 @node Returning
15731 @section Returning from a Function
15732
15733 @table @code
15734 @cindex returning from a function
15735 @kindex return
15736 @item return
15737 @itemx return @var{expression}
15738 You can cancel execution of a function call with the @code{return}
15739 command. If you give an
15740 @var{expression} argument, its value is used as the function's return
15741 value.
15742 @end table
15743
15744 When you use @code{return}, @value{GDBN} discards the selected stack frame
15745 (and all frames within it). You can think of this as making the
15746 discarded frame return prematurely. If you wish to specify a value to
15747 be returned, give that value as the argument to @code{return}.
15748
15749 This pops the selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a
15750 Frame}), and any other frames inside of it, leaving its caller as the
15751 innermost remaining frame. That frame becomes selected. The
15752 specified value is stored in the registers used for returning values
15753 of functions.
15754
15755 The @code{return} command does not resume execution; it leaves the
15756 program stopped in the state that would exist if the function had just
15757 returned. In contrast, the @code{finish} command (@pxref{Continuing
15758 and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}) resumes execution until the
15759 selected stack frame returns naturally.
15760
15761 @value{GDBN} needs to know how the @var{expression} argument should be set for
15762 the inferior. The concrete registers assignment depends on the OS ABI and the
15763 type being returned by the selected stack frame. For example it is common for
15764 OS ABI to return floating point values in FPU registers while integer values in
15765 CPU registers. Still some ABIs return even floating point values in CPU
15766 registers. Larger integer widths (such as @code{long long int}) also have
15767 specific placement rules. @value{GDBN} already knows the OS ABI from its
15768 current target so it needs to find out also the type being returned to make the
15769 assignment into the right register(s).
15770
15771 Normally, the selected stack frame has debug info. @value{GDBN} will always
15772 use the debug info instead of the implicit type of @var{expression} when the
15773 debug info is available. For example, if you type @kbd{return -1}, and the
15774 function in the current stack frame is declared to return a @code{long long
15775 int}, @value{GDBN} transparently converts the implicit @code{int} value of -1
15776 into a @code{long long int}:
15777
15778 @smallexample
15779 Breakpoint 1, func () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:29
15780 29 return 31;
15781 (@value{GDBP}) return -1
15782 Make func return now? (y or n) y
15783 #0 0x004004f6 in main () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:43
15784 43 printf ("result=%lld\n", func ());
15785 (@value{GDBP})
15786 @end smallexample
15787
15788 However, if the selected stack frame does not have a debug info, e.g., if the
15789 function was compiled without debug info, @value{GDBN} has to find out the type
15790 to return from user. Specifying a different type by mistake may set the value
15791 in different inferior registers than the caller code expects. For example,
15792 typing @kbd{return -1} with its implicit type @code{int} would set only a part
15793 of a @code{long long int} result for a debug info less function (on 32-bit
15794 architectures). Therefore the user is required to specify the return type by
15795 an appropriate cast explicitly:
15796
15797 @smallexample
15798 Breakpoint 2, 0x0040050b in func ()
15799 (@value{GDBP}) return -1
15800 Return value type not available for selected stack frame.
15801 Please use an explicit cast of the value to return.
15802 (@value{GDBP}) return (long long int) -1
15803 Make selected stack frame return now? (y or n) y
15804 #0 0x00400526 in main ()
15805 (@value{GDBP})
15806 @end smallexample
15807
15808 @node Calling
15809 @section Calling Program Functions
15810
15811 @table @code
15812 @cindex calling functions
15813 @cindex inferior functions, calling
15814 @item print @var{expr}
15815 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} and display the resulting value.
15816 @var{expr} may include calls to functions in the program being
15817 debugged.
15818
15819 @kindex call
15820 @item call @var{expr}
15821 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} without displaying @code{void}
15822 returned values.
15823
15824 You can use this variant of the @code{print} command if you want to
15825 execute a function from your program that does not return anything
15826 (a.k.a.@: @dfn{a void function}), but without cluttering the output
15827 with @code{void} returned values that @value{GDBN} will otherwise
15828 print. If the result is not void, it is printed and saved in the
15829 value history.
15830 @end table
15831
15832 It is possible for the function you call via the @code{print} or
15833 @code{call} command to generate a signal (e.g., if there's a bug in
15834 the function, or if you passed it incorrect arguments). What happens
15835 in that case is controlled by the @code{set unwindonsignal} command.
15836
15837 Similarly, with a C@t{++} program it is possible for the function you
15838 call via the @code{print} or @code{call} command to generate an
15839 exception that is not handled due to the constraints of the dummy
15840 frame. In this case, any exception that is raised in the frame, but has
15841 an out-of-frame exception handler will not be found. GDB builds a
15842 dummy-frame for the inferior function call, and the unwinder cannot
15843 seek for exception handlers outside of this dummy-frame. What happens
15844 in that case is controlled by the
15845 @code{set unwind-on-terminating-exception} command.
15846
15847 @table @code
15848 @item set unwindonsignal
15849 @kindex set unwindonsignal
15850 @cindex unwind stack in called functions
15851 @cindex call dummy stack unwinding
15852 Set unwinding of the stack if a signal is received while in a function
15853 that @value{GDBN} called in the program being debugged. If set to on,
15854 @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack it created for the call and restores
15855 the context to what it was before the call. If set to off (the
15856 default), @value{GDBN} stops in the frame where the signal was
15857 received.
15858
15859 @item show unwindonsignal
15860 @kindex show unwindonsignal
15861 Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
15862 @value{GDBN}.
15863
15864 @item set unwind-on-terminating-exception
15865 @kindex set unwind-on-terminating-exception
15866 @cindex unwind stack in called functions with unhandled exceptions
15867 @cindex call dummy stack unwinding on unhandled exception.
15868 Set unwinding of the stack if a C@t{++} exception is raised, but left
15869 unhandled while in a function that @value{GDBN} called in the program being
15870 debugged. If set to on (the default), @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack
15871 it created for the call and restores the context to what it was before
15872 the call. If set to off, @value{GDBN} the exception is delivered to
15873 the default C@t{++} exception handler and the inferior terminated.
15874
15875 @item show unwind-on-terminating-exception
15876 @kindex show unwind-on-terminating-exception
15877 Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
15878 @value{GDBN}.
15879
15880 @end table
15881
15882 @cindex weak alias functions
15883 Sometimes, a function you wish to call is actually a @dfn{weak alias}
15884 for another function. In such case, @value{GDBN} might not pick up
15885 the type information, including the types of the function arguments,
15886 which causes @value{GDBN} to call the inferior function incorrectly.
15887 As a result, the called function will function erroneously and may
15888 even crash. A solution to that is to use the name of the aliased
15889 function instead.
15890
15891 @node Patching
15892 @section Patching Programs
15893
15894 @cindex patching binaries
15895 @cindex writing into executables
15896 @cindex writing into corefiles
15897
15898 By default, @value{GDBN} opens the file containing your program's
15899 executable code (or the corefile) read-only. This prevents accidental
15900 alterations to machine code; but it also prevents you from intentionally
15901 patching your program's binary.
15902
15903 If you'd like to be able to patch the binary, you can specify that
15904 explicitly with the @code{set write} command. For example, you might
15905 want to turn on internal debugging flags, or even to make emergency
15906 repairs.
15907
15908 @table @code
15909 @kindex set write
15910 @item set write on
15911 @itemx set write off
15912 If you specify @samp{set write on}, @value{GDBN} opens executable and
15913 core files for both reading and writing; if you specify @kbd{set write
15914 off} (the default), @value{GDBN} opens them read-only.
15915
15916 If you have already loaded a file, you must load it again (using the
15917 @code{exec-file} or @code{core-file} command) after changing @code{set
15918 write}, for your new setting to take effect.
15919
15920 @item show write
15921 @kindex show write
15922 Display whether executable files and core files are opened for writing
15923 as well as reading.
15924 @end table
15925
15926 @node GDB Files
15927 @chapter @value{GDBN} Files
15928
15929 @value{GDBN} needs to know the file name of the program to be debugged,
15930 both in order to read its symbol table and in order to start your
15931 program. To debug a core dump of a previous run, you must also tell
15932 @value{GDBN} the name of the core dump file.
15933
15934 @menu
15935 * Files:: Commands to specify files
15936 * Separate Debug Files:: Debugging information in separate files
15937 * MiniDebugInfo:: Debugging information in a special section
15938 * Index Files:: Index files speed up GDB
15939 * Symbol Errors:: Errors reading symbol files
15940 * Data Files:: GDB data files
15941 @end menu
15942
15943 @node Files
15944 @section Commands to Specify Files
15945
15946 @cindex symbol table
15947 @cindex core dump file
15948
15949 You may want to specify executable and core dump file names. The usual
15950 way to do this is at start-up time, using the arguments to
15951 @value{GDBN}'s start-up commands (@pxref{Invocation, , Getting In and
15952 Out of @value{GDBN}}).
15953
15954 Occasionally it is necessary to change to a different file during a
15955 @value{GDBN} session. Or you may run @value{GDBN} and forget to
15956 specify a file you want to use. Or you are debugging a remote target
15957 via @code{gdbserver} (@pxref{Server, file, Using the @code{gdbserver}
15958 Program}). In these situations the @value{GDBN} commands to specify
15959 new files are useful.
15960
15961 @table @code
15962 @cindex executable file
15963 @kindex file
15964 @item file @var{filename}
15965 Use @var{filename} as the program to be debugged. It is read for its
15966 symbols and for the contents of pure memory. It is also the program
15967 executed when you use the @code{run} command. If you do not specify a
15968 directory and the file is not found in the @value{GDBN} working directory,
15969 @value{GDBN} uses the environment variable @code{PATH} as a list of
15970 directories to search, just as the shell does when looking for a program
15971 to run. You can change the value of this variable, for both @value{GDBN}
15972 and your program, using the @code{path} command.
15973
15974 @cindex unlinked object files
15975 @cindex patching object files
15976 You can load unlinked object @file{.o} files into @value{GDBN} using
15977 the @code{file} command. You will not be able to ``run'' an object
15978 file, but you can disassemble functions and inspect variables. Also,
15979 if the underlying BFD functionality supports it, you could use
15980 @kbd{gdb -write} to patch object files using this technique. Note
15981 that @value{GDBN} can neither interpret nor modify relocations in this
15982 case, so branches and some initialized variables will appear to go to
15983 the wrong place. But this feature is still handy from time to time.
15984
15985 @item file
15986 @code{file} with no argument makes @value{GDBN} discard any information it
15987 has on both executable file and the symbol table.
15988
15989 @kindex exec-file
15990 @item exec-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
15991 Specify that the program to be run (but not the symbol table) is found
15992 in @var{filename}. @value{GDBN} searches the environment variable @code{PATH}
15993 if necessary to locate your program. Omitting @var{filename} means to
15994 discard information on the executable file.
15995
15996 @kindex symbol-file
15997 @item symbol-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
15998 Read symbol table information from file @var{filename}. @code{PATH} is
15999 searched when necessary. Use the @code{file} command to get both symbol
16000 table and program to run from the same file.
16001
16002 @code{symbol-file} with no argument clears out @value{GDBN} information on your
16003 program's symbol table.
16004
16005 The @code{symbol-file} command causes @value{GDBN} to forget the contents of
16006 some breakpoints and auto-display expressions. This is because they may
16007 contain pointers to the internal data recording symbols and data types,
16008 which are part of the old symbol table data being discarded inside
16009 @value{GDBN}.
16010
16011 @code{symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
16012 executing it once.
16013
16014 When @value{GDBN} is configured for a particular environment, it
16015 understands debugging information in whatever format is the standard
16016 generated for that environment; you may use either a @sc{gnu} compiler, or
16017 other compilers that adhere to the local conventions.
16018 Best results are usually obtained from @sc{gnu} compilers; for example,
16019 using @code{@value{NGCC}} you can generate debugging information for
16020 optimized code.
16021
16022 For most kinds of object files, with the exception of old SVR3 systems
16023 using COFF, the @code{symbol-file} command does not normally read the
16024 symbol table in full right away. Instead, it scans the symbol table
16025 quickly to find which source files and which symbols are present. The
16026 details are read later, one source file at a time, as they are needed.
16027
16028 The purpose of this two-stage reading strategy is to make @value{GDBN}
16029 start up faster. For the most part, it is invisible except for
16030 occasional pauses while the symbol table details for a particular source
16031 file are being read. (The @code{set verbose} command can turn these
16032 pauses into messages if desired. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional
16033 Warnings and Messages}.)
16034
16035 We have not implemented the two-stage strategy for COFF yet. When the
16036 symbol table is stored in COFF format, @code{symbol-file} reads the
16037 symbol table data in full right away. Note that ``stabs-in-COFF''
16038 still does the two-stage strategy, since the debug info is actually
16039 in stabs format.
16040
16041 @kindex readnow
16042 @cindex reading symbols immediately
16043 @cindex symbols, reading immediately
16044 @item symbol-file @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @var{filename}
16045 @itemx file @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @var{filename}
16046 You can override the @value{GDBN} two-stage strategy for reading symbol
16047 tables by using the @samp{-readnow} option with any of the commands that
16048 load symbol table information, if you want to be sure @value{GDBN} has the
16049 entire symbol table available.
16050
16051 @c FIXME: for now no mention of directories, since this seems to be in
16052 @c flux. 13mar1992 status is that in theory GDB would look either in
16053 @c current dir or in same dir as myprog; but issues like competing
16054 @c GDB's, or clutter in system dirs, mean that in practice right now
16055 @c only current dir is used. FFish says maybe a special GDB hierarchy
16056 @c (eg rooted in val of env var GDBSYMS) could exist for mappable symbol
16057 @c files.
16058
16059 @kindex core-file
16060 @item core-file @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
16061 @itemx core
16062 Specify the whereabouts of a core dump file to be used as the ``contents
16063 of memory''. Traditionally, core files contain only some parts of the
16064 address space of the process that generated them; @value{GDBN} can access the
16065 executable file itself for other parts.
16066
16067 @code{core-file} with no argument specifies that no core file is
16068 to be used.
16069
16070 Note that the core file is ignored when your program is actually running
16071 under @value{GDBN}. So, if you have been running your program and you
16072 wish to debug a core file instead, you must kill the subprocess in which
16073 the program is running. To do this, use the @code{kill} command
16074 (@pxref{Kill Process, ,Killing the Child Process}).
16075
16076 @kindex add-symbol-file
16077 @cindex dynamic linking
16078 @item add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address}
16079 @itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address} @r{[} -readnow @r{]}
16080 @itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address} -s @var{section} @var{address} @dots{}
16081 The @code{add-symbol-file} command reads additional symbol table
16082 information from the file @var{filename}. You would use this command
16083 when @var{filename} has been dynamically loaded (by some other means)
16084 into the program that is running. @var{address} should be the memory
16085 address at which the file has been loaded; @value{GDBN} cannot figure
16086 this out for itself. You can additionally specify an arbitrary number
16087 of @samp{-s @var{section} @var{address}} pairs, to give an explicit
16088 section name and base address for that section. You can specify any
16089 @var{address} as an expression.
16090
16091 The symbol table of the file @var{filename} is added to the symbol table
16092 originally read with the @code{symbol-file} command. You can use the
16093 @code{add-symbol-file} command any number of times; the new symbol data
16094 thus read keeps adding to the old. To discard all old symbol data
16095 instead, use the @code{symbol-file} command without any arguments.
16096
16097 @cindex relocatable object files, reading symbols from
16098 @cindex object files, relocatable, reading symbols from
16099 @cindex reading symbols from relocatable object files
16100 @cindex symbols, reading from relocatable object files
16101 @cindex @file{.o} files, reading symbols from
16102 Although @var{filename} is typically a shared library file, an
16103 executable file, or some other object file which has been fully
16104 relocated for loading into a process, you can also load symbolic
16105 information from relocatable @file{.o} files, as long as:
16106
16107 @itemize @bullet
16108 @item
16109 the file's symbolic information refers only to linker symbols defined in
16110 that file, not to symbols defined by other object files,
16111 @item
16112 every section the file's symbolic information refers to has actually
16113 been loaded into the inferior, as it appears in the file, and
16114 @item
16115 you can determine the address at which every section was loaded, and
16116 provide these to the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
16117 @end itemize
16118
16119 @noindent
16120 Some embedded operating systems, like Sun Chorus and VxWorks, can load
16121 relocatable files into an already running program; such systems
16122 typically make the requirements above easy to meet. However, it's
16123 important to recognize that many native systems use complex link
16124 procedures (@code{.linkonce} section factoring and C@t{++} constructor table
16125 assembly, for example) that make the requirements difficult to meet. In
16126 general, one cannot assume that using @code{add-symbol-file} to read a
16127 relocatable object file's symbolic information will have the same effect
16128 as linking the relocatable object file into the program in the normal
16129 way.
16130
16131 @code{add-symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
16132
16133 @kindex add-symbol-file-from-memory
16134 @cindex @code{syscall DSO}
16135 @cindex load symbols from memory
16136 @item add-symbol-file-from-memory @var{address}
16137 Load symbols from the given @var{address} in a dynamically loaded
16138 object file whose image is mapped directly into the inferior's memory.
16139 For example, the Linux kernel maps a @code{syscall DSO} into each
16140 process's address space; this DSO provides kernel-specific code for
16141 some system calls. The argument can be any expression whose
16142 evaluation yields the address of the file's shared object file header.
16143 For this command to work, you must have used @code{symbol-file} or
16144 @code{exec-file} commands in advance.
16145
16146 @kindex add-shared-symbol-files
16147 @kindex assf
16148 @item add-shared-symbol-files @var{library-file}
16149 @itemx assf @var{library-file}
16150 The @code{add-shared-symbol-files} command can currently be used only
16151 in the Cygwin build of @value{GDBN} on MS-Windows OS, where it is an
16152 alias for the @code{dll-symbols} command (@pxref{Cygwin Native}).
16153 @value{GDBN} automatically looks for shared libraries, however if
16154 @value{GDBN} does not find yours, you can invoke
16155 @code{add-shared-symbol-files}. It takes one argument: the shared
16156 library's file name. @code{assf} is a shorthand alias for
16157 @code{add-shared-symbol-files}.
16158
16159 @kindex section
16160 @item section @var{section} @var{addr}
16161 The @code{section} command changes the base address of the named
16162 @var{section} of the exec file to @var{addr}. This can be used if the
16163 exec file does not contain section addresses, (such as in the
16164 @code{a.out} format), or when the addresses specified in the file
16165 itself are wrong. Each section must be changed separately. The
16166 @code{info files} command, described below, lists all the sections and
16167 their addresses.
16168
16169 @kindex info files
16170 @kindex info target
16171 @item info files
16172 @itemx info target
16173 @code{info files} and @code{info target} are synonymous; both print the
16174 current target (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}),
16175 including the names of the executable and core dump files currently in
16176 use by @value{GDBN}, and the files from which symbols were loaded. The
16177 command @code{help target} lists all possible targets rather than
16178 current ones.
16179
16180 @kindex maint info sections
16181 @item maint info sections
16182 Another command that can give you extra information about program sections
16183 is @code{maint info sections}. In addition to the section information
16184 displayed by @code{info files}, this command displays the flags and file
16185 offset of each section in the executable and core dump files. In addition,
16186 @code{maint info sections} provides the following command options (which
16187 may be arbitrarily combined):
16188
16189 @table @code
16190 @item ALLOBJ
16191 Display sections for all loaded object files, including shared libraries.
16192 @item @var{sections}
16193 Display info only for named @var{sections}.
16194 @item @var{section-flags}
16195 Display info only for sections for which @var{section-flags} are true.
16196 The section flags that @value{GDBN} currently knows about are:
16197 @table @code
16198 @item ALLOC
16199 Section will have space allocated in the process when loaded.
16200 Set for all sections except those containing debug information.
16201 @item LOAD
16202 Section will be loaded from the file into the child process memory.
16203 Set for pre-initialized code and data, clear for @code{.bss} sections.
16204 @item RELOC
16205 Section needs to be relocated before loading.
16206 @item READONLY
16207 Section cannot be modified by the child process.
16208 @item CODE
16209 Section contains executable code only.
16210 @item DATA
16211 Section contains data only (no executable code).
16212 @item ROM
16213 Section will reside in ROM.
16214 @item CONSTRUCTOR
16215 Section contains data for constructor/destructor lists.
16216 @item HAS_CONTENTS
16217 Section is not empty.
16218 @item NEVER_LOAD
16219 An instruction to the linker to not output the section.
16220 @item COFF_SHARED_LIBRARY
16221 A notification to the linker that the section contains
16222 COFF shared library information.
16223 @item IS_COMMON
16224 Section contains common symbols.
16225 @end table
16226 @end table
16227 @kindex set trust-readonly-sections
16228 @cindex read-only sections
16229 @item set trust-readonly-sections on
16230 Tell @value{GDBN} that readonly sections in your object file
16231 really are read-only (i.e.@: that their contents will not change).
16232 In that case, @value{GDBN} can fetch values from these sections
16233 out of the object file, rather than from the target program.
16234 For some targets (notably embedded ones), this can be a significant
16235 enhancement to debugging performance.
16236
16237 The default is off.
16238
16239 @item set trust-readonly-sections off
16240 Tell @value{GDBN} not to trust readonly sections. This means that
16241 the contents of the section might change while the program is running,
16242 and must therefore be fetched from the target when needed.
16243
16244 @item show trust-readonly-sections
16245 Show the current setting of trusting readonly sections.
16246 @end table
16247
16248 All file-specifying commands allow both absolute and relative file names
16249 as arguments. @value{GDBN} always converts the file name to an absolute file
16250 name and remembers it that way.
16251
16252 @cindex shared libraries
16253 @anchor{Shared Libraries}
16254 @value{GDBN} supports @sc{gnu}/Linux, MS-Windows, HP-UX, SunOS, SVr4, Irix,
16255 and IBM RS/6000 AIX shared libraries.
16256
16257 On MS-Windows @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support
16258 shared libraries. @xref{Expat}.
16259
16260 @value{GDBN} automatically loads symbol definitions from shared libraries
16261 when you use the @code{run} command, or when you examine a core file.
16262 (Before you issue the @code{run} command, @value{GDBN} does not understand
16263 references to a function in a shared library, however---unless you are
16264 debugging a core file).
16265
16266 On HP-UX, if the program loads a library explicitly, @value{GDBN}
16267 automatically loads the symbols at the time of the @code{shl_load} call.
16268
16269 @c FIXME: some @value{GDBN} release may permit some refs to undef
16270 @c FIXME...symbols---eg in a break cmd---assuming they are from a shared
16271 @c FIXME...lib; check this from time to time when updating manual
16272
16273 There are times, however, when you may wish to not automatically load
16274 symbol definitions from shared libraries, such as when they are
16275 particularly large or there are many of them.
16276
16277 To control the automatic loading of shared library symbols, use the
16278 commands:
16279
16280 @table @code
16281 @kindex set auto-solib-add
16282 @item set auto-solib-add @var{mode}
16283 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, symbols from all shared object libraries
16284 will be loaded automatically when the inferior begins execution, you
16285 attach to an independently started inferior, or when the dynamic linker
16286 informs @value{GDBN} that a new library has been loaded. If @var{mode}
16287 is @code{off}, symbols must be loaded manually, using the
16288 @code{sharedlibrary} command. The default value is @code{on}.
16289
16290 @cindex memory used for symbol tables
16291 If your program uses lots of shared libraries with debug info that
16292 takes large amounts of memory, you can decrease the @value{GDBN}
16293 memory footprint by preventing it from automatically loading the
16294 symbols from shared libraries. To that end, type @kbd{set
16295 auto-solib-add off} before running the inferior, then load each
16296 library whose debug symbols you do need with @kbd{sharedlibrary
16297 @var{regexp}}, where @var{regexp} is a regular expression that matches
16298 the libraries whose symbols you want to be loaded.
16299
16300 @kindex show auto-solib-add
16301 @item show auto-solib-add
16302 Display the current autoloading mode.
16303 @end table
16304
16305 @cindex load shared library
16306 To explicitly load shared library symbols, use the @code{sharedlibrary}
16307 command:
16308
16309 @table @code
16310 @kindex info sharedlibrary
16311 @kindex info share
16312 @item info share @var{regex}
16313 @itemx info sharedlibrary @var{regex}
16314 Print the names of the shared libraries which are currently loaded
16315 that match @var{regex}. If @var{regex} is omitted then print
16316 all shared libraries that are loaded.
16317
16318 @kindex sharedlibrary
16319 @kindex share
16320 @item sharedlibrary @var{regex}
16321 @itemx share @var{regex}
16322 Load shared object library symbols for files matching a
16323 Unix regular expression.
16324 As with files loaded automatically, it only loads shared libraries
16325 required by your program for a core file or after typing @code{run}. If
16326 @var{regex} is omitted all shared libraries required by your program are
16327 loaded.
16328
16329 @item nosharedlibrary
16330 @kindex nosharedlibrary
16331 @cindex unload symbols from shared libraries
16332 Unload all shared object library symbols. This discards all symbols
16333 that have been loaded from all shared libraries. Symbols from shared
16334 libraries that were loaded by explicit user requests are not
16335 discarded.
16336 @end table
16337
16338 Sometimes you may wish that @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control
16339 when any of shared library events happen. The best way to do this is
16340 to use @code{catch load} and @code{catch unload} (@pxref{Set
16341 Catchpoints}).
16342
16343 @value{GDBN} also supports the the @code{set stop-on-solib-events}
16344 command for this. This command exists for historical reasons. It is
16345 less useful than setting a catchpoint, because it does not allow for
16346 conditions or commands as a catchpoint does.
16347
16348 @table @code
16349 @item set stop-on-solib-events
16350 @kindex set stop-on-solib-events
16351 This command controls whether @value{GDBN} should give you control
16352 when the dynamic linker notifies it about some shared library event.
16353 The most common event of interest is loading or unloading of a new
16354 shared library.
16355
16356 @item show stop-on-solib-events
16357 @kindex show stop-on-solib-events
16358 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control when shared
16359 library events happen.
16360 @end table
16361
16362 Shared libraries are also supported in many cross or remote debugging
16363 configurations. @value{GDBN} needs to have access to the target's libraries;
16364 this can be accomplished either by providing copies of the libraries
16365 on the host system, or by asking @value{GDBN} to automatically retrieve the
16366 libraries from the target. If copies of the target libraries are
16367 provided, they need to be the same as the target libraries, although the
16368 copies on the target can be stripped as long as the copies on the host are
16369 not.
16370
16371 @cindex where to look for shared libraries
16372 For remote debugging, you need to tell @value{GDBN} where the target
16373 libraries are, so that it can load the correct copies---otherwise, it
16374 may try to load the host's libraries. @value{GDBN} has two variables
16375 to specify the search directories for target libraries.
16376
16377 @table @code
16378 @cindex prefix for shared library file names
16379 @cindex system root, alternate
16380 @kindex set solib-absolute-prefix
16381 @kindex set sysroot
16382 @item set sysroot @var{path}
16383 Use @var{path} as the system root for the program being debugged. Any
16384 absolute shared library paths will be prefixed with @var{path}; many
16385 runtime loaders store the absolute paths to the shared library in the
16386 target program's memory. If you use @code{set sysroot} to find shared
16387 libraries, they need to be laid out in the same way that they are on
16388 the target, with e.g.@: a @file{/lib} and @file{/usr/lib} hierarchy
16389 under @var{path}.
16390
16391 If @var{path} starts with the sequence @file{remote:}, @value{GDBN} will
16392 retrieve the target libraries from the remote system. This is only
16393 supported when using a remote target that supports the @code{remote get}
16394 command (@pxref{File Transfer,,Sending files to a remote system}).
16395 The part of @var{path} following the initial @file{remote:}
16396 (if present) is used as system root prefix on the remote file system.
16397 @footnote{If you want to specify a local system root using a directory
16398 that happens to be named @file{remote:}, you need to use some equivalent
16399 variant of the name like @file{./remote:}.}
16400
16401 For targets with an MS-DOS based filesystem, such as MS-Windows and
16402 SymbianOS, @value{GDBN} tries prefixing a few variants of the target
16403 absolute file name with @var{path}. But first, on Unix hosts,
16404 @value{GDBN} converts all backslash directory separators into forward
16405 slashes, because the backslash is not a directory separator on Unix:
16406
16407 @smallexample
16408 c:\foo\bar.dll @result{} c:/foo/bar.dll
16409 @end smallexample
16410
16411 Then, @value{GDBN} attempts prefixing the target file name with
16412 @var{path}, and looks for the resulting file name in the host file
16413 system:
16414
16415 @smallexample
16416 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/c:/foo/bar.dll
16417 @end smallexample
16418
16419 If that does not find the shared library, @value{GDBN} tries removing
16420 the @samp{:} character from the drive spec, both for convenience, and,
16421 for the case of the host file system not supporting file names with
16422 colons:
16423
16424 @smallexample
16425 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/c/foo/bar.dll
16426 @end smallexample
16427
16428 This makes it possible to have a system root that mirrors a target
16429 with more than one drive. E.g., you may want to setup your local
16430 copies of the target system shared libraries like so (note @samp{c} vs
16431 @samp{z}):
16432
16433 @smallexample
16434 @file{/path/to/sysroot/c/sys/bin/foo.dll}
16435 @file{/path/to/sysroot/c/sys/bin/bar.dll}
16436 @file{/path/to/sysroot/z/sys/bin/bar.dll}
16437 @end smallexample
16438
16439 @noindent
16440 and point the system root at @file{/path/to/sysroot}, so that
16441 @value{GDBN} can find the correct copies of both
16442 @file{c:\sys\bin\foo.dll}, and @file{z:\sys\bin\bar.dll}.
16443
16444 If that still does not find the shared library, @value{GDBN} tries
16445 removing the whole drive spec from the target file name:
16446
16447 @smallexample
16448 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/foo/bar.dll
16449 @end smallexample
16450
16451 This last lookup makes it possible to not care about the drive name,
16452 if you don't want or need to.
16453
16454 The @code{set solib-absolute-prefix} command is an alias for @code{set
16455 sysroot}.
16456
16457 @cindex default system root
16458 @cindex @samp{--with-sysroot}
16459 You can set the default system root by using the configure-time
16460 @samp{--with-sysroot} option. If the system root is inside
16461 @value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
16462 @samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default system root will be updated
16463 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
16464 location.
16465
16466 @kindex show sysroot
16467 @item show sysroot
16468 Display the current shared library prefix.
16469
16470 @kindex set solib-search-path
16471 @item set solib-search-path @var{path}
16472 If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
16473 directories to search for shared libraries. @samp{solib-search-path}
16474 is used after @samp{sysroot} fails to locate the library, or if the
16475 path to the library is relative instead of absolute. If you want to
16476 use @samp{solib-search-path} instead of @samp{sysroot}, be sure to set
16477 @samp{sysroot} to a nonexistent directory to prevent @value{GDBN} from
16478 finding your host's libraries. @samp{sysroot} is preferred; setting
16479 it to a nonexistent directory may interfere with automatic loading
16480 of shared library symbols.
16481
16482 @kindex show solib-search-path
16483 @item show solib-search-path
16484 Display the current shared library search path.
16485
16486 @cindex DOS file-name semantics of file names.
16487 @kindex set target-file-system-kind (unix|dos-based|auto)
16488 @kindex show target-file-system-kind
16489 @item set target-file-system-kind @var{kind}
16490 Set assumed file system kind for target reported file names.
16491
16492 Shared library file names as reported by the target system may not
16493 make sense as is on the system @value{GDBN} is running on. For
16494 example, when remote debugging a target that has MS-DOS based file
16495 system semantics, from a Unix host, the target may be reporting to
16496 @value{GDBN} a list of loaded shared libraries with file names such as
16497 @file{c:\Windows\kernel32.dll}. On Unix hosts, there's no concept of
16498 drive letters, so the @samp{c:\} prefix is not normally understood as
16499 indicating an absolute file name, and neither is the backslash
16500 normally considered a directory separator character. In that case,
16501 the native file system would interpret this whole absolute file name
16502 as a relative file name with no directory components. This would make
16503 it impossible to point @value{GDBN} at a copy of the remote target's
16504 shared libraries on the host using @code{set sysroot}, and impractical
16505 with @code{set solib-search-path}. Setting
16506 @code{target-file-system-kind} to @code{dos-based} tells @value{GDBN}
16507 to interpret such file names similarly to how the target would, and to
16508 map them to file names valid on @value{GDBN}'s native file system
16509 semantics. The value of @var{kind} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition
16510 to one of the supported file system kinds. In that case, @value{GDBN}
16511 tries to determine the appropriate file system variant based on the
16512 current target's operating system (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the
16513 Current ABI}). The supported file system settings are:
16514
16515 @table @code
16516 @item unix
16517 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target file system is of Unix
16518 kind. Only file names starting the forward slash (@samp{/}) character
16519 are considered absolute, and the directory separator character is also
16520 the forward slash.
16521
16522 @item dos-based
16523 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target file system is DOS based.
16524 File names starting with either a forward slash, or a drive letter
16525 followed by a colon (e.g., @samp{c:}), are considered absolute, and
16526 both the slash (@samp{/}) and the backslash (@samp{\\}) characters are
16527 considered directory separators.
16528
16529 @item auto
16530 Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the file system kind associated with the
16531 target operating system (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the Current ABI}).
16532 This is the default.
16533 @end table
16534 @end table
16535
16536 @cindex file name canonicalization
16537 @cindex base name differences
16538 When processing file names provided by the user, @value{GDBN}
16539 frequently needs to compare them to the file names recorded in the
16540 program's debug info. Normally, @value{GDBN} compares just the
16541 @dfn{base names} of the files as strings, which is reasonably fast
16542 even for very large programs. (The base name of a file is the last
16543 portion of its name, after stripping all the leading directories.)
16544 This shortcut in comparison is based upon the assumption that files
16545 cannot have more than one base name. This is usually true, but
16546 references to files that use symlinks or similar filesystem
16547 facilities violate that assumption. If your program records files
16548 using such facilities, or if you provide file names to @value{GDBN}
16549 using symlinks etc., you can set @code{basenames-may-differ} to
16550 @code{true} to instruct @value{GDBN} to completely canonicalize each
16551 pair of file names it needs to compare. This will make file-name
16552 comparisons accurate, but at a price of a significant slowdown.
16553
16554 @table @code
16555 @item set basenames-may-differ
16556 @kindex set basenames-may-differ
16557 Set whether a source file may have multiple base names.
16558
16559 @item show basenames-may-differ
16560 @kindex show basenames-may-differ
16561 Show whether a source file may have multiple base names.
16562 @end table
16563
16564 @node Separate Debug Files
16565 @section Debugging Information in Separate Files
16566 @cindex separate debugging information files
16567 @cindex debugging information in separate files
16568 @cindex @file{.debug} subdirectories
16569 @cindex debugging information directory, global
16570 @cindex global debugging information directories
16571 @cindex build ID, and separate debugging files
16572 @cindex @file{.build-id} directory
16573
16574 @value{GDBN} allows you to put a program's debugging information in a
16575 file separate from the executable itself, in a way that allows
16576 @value{GDBN} to find and load the debugging information automatically.
16577 Since debugging information can be very large---sometimes larger
16578 than the executable code itself---some systems distribute debugging
16579 information for their executables in separate files, which users can
16580 install only when they need to debug a problem.
16581
16582 @value{GDBN} supports two ways of specifying the separate debug info
16583 file:
16584
16585 @itemize @bullet
16586 @item
16587 The executable contains a @dfn{debug link} that specifies the name of
16588 the separate debug info file. The separate debug file's name is
16589 usually @file{@var{executable}.debug}, where @var{executable} is the
16590 name of the corresponding executable file without leading directories
16591 (e.g., @file{ls.debug} for @file{/usr/bin/ls}). In addition, the
16592 debug link specifies a 32-bit @dfn{Cyclic Redundancy Check} (CRC)
16593 checksum for the debug file, which @value{GDBN} uses to validate that
16594 the executable and the debug file came from the same build.
16595
16596 @item
16597 The executable contains a @dfn{build ID}, a unique bit string that is
16598 also present in the corresponding debug info file. (This is supported
16599 only on some operating systems, notably those which use the ELF format
16600 for binary files and the @sc{gnu} Binutils.) For more details about
16601 this feature, see the description of the @option{--build-id}
16602 command-line option in @ref{Options, , Command Line Options, ld.info,
16603 The GNU Linker}. The debug info file's name is not specified
16604 explicitly by the build ID, but can be computed from the build ID, see
16605 below.
16606 @end itemize
16607
16608 Depending on the way the debug info file is specified, @value{GDBN}
16609 uses two different methods of looking for the debug file:
16610
16611 @itemize @bullet
16612 @item
16613 For the ``debug link'' method, @value{GDBN} looks up the named file in
16614 the directory of the executable file, then in a subdirectory of that
16615 directory named @file{.debug}, and finally under each one of the global debug
16616 directories, in a subdirectory whose name is identical to the leading
16617 directories of the executable's absolute file name.
16618
16619 @item
16620 For the ``build ID'' method, @value{GDBN} looks in the
16621 @file{.build-id} subdirectory of each one of the global debug directories for
16622 a file named @file{@var{nn}/@var{nnnnnnnn}.debug}, where @var{nn} are the
16623 first 2 hex characters of the build ID bit string, and @var{nnnnnnnn}
16624 are the rest of the bit string. (Real build ID strings are 32 or more
16625 hex characters, not 10.)
16626 @end itemize
16627
16628 So, for example, suppose you ask @value{GDBN} to debug
16629 @file{/usr/bin/ls}, which has a debug link that specifies the
16630 file @file{ls.debug}, and a build ID whose value in hex is
16631 @code{abcdef1234}. If the list of the global debug directories includes
16632 @file{/usr/lib/debug}, then @value{GDBN} will look for the following
16633 debug information files, in the indicated order:
16634
16635 @itemize @minus
16636 @item
16637 @file{/usr/lib/debug/.build-id/ab/cdef1234.debug}
16638 @item
16639 @file{/usr/bin/ls.debug}
16640 @item
16641 @file{/usr/bin/.debug/ls.debug}
16642 @item
16643 @file{/usr/lib/debug/usr/bin/ls.debug}.
16644 @end itemize
16645
16646 @anchor{debug-file-directory}
16647 Global debugging info directories default to what is set by @value{GDBN}
16648 configure option @option{--with-separate-debug-dir}. During @value{GDBN} run
16649 you can also set the global debugging info directories, and view the list
16650 @value{GDBN} is currently using.
16651
16652 @table @code
16653
16654 @kindex set debug-file-directory
16655 @item set debug-file-directory @var{directories}
16656 Set the directories which @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
16657 information files to @var{directory}. Multiple path components can be set
16658 concatenating them by a path separator.
16659
16660 @kindex show debug-file-directory
16661 @item show debug-file-directory
16662 Show the directories @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
16663 information files.
16664
16665 @end table
16666
16667 @cindex @code{.gnu_debuglink} sections
16668 @cindex debug link sections
16669 A debug link is a special section of the executable file named
16670 @code{.gnu_debuglink}. The section must contain:
16671
16672 @itemize
16673 @item
16674 A filename, with any leading directory components removed, followed by
16675 a zero byte,
16676 @item
16677 zero to three bytes of padding, as needed to reach the next four-byte
16678 boundary within the section, and
16679 @item
16680 a four-byte CRC checksum, stored in the same endianness used for the
16681 executable file itself. The checksum is computed on the debugging
16682 information file's full contents by the function given below, passing
16683 zero as the @var{crc} argument.
16684 @end itemize
16685
16686 Any executable file format can carry a debug link, as long as it can
16687 contain a section named @code{.gnu_debuglink} with the contents
16688 described above.
16689
16690 @cindex @code{.note.gnu.build-id} sections
16691 @cindex build ID sections
16692 The build ID is a special section in the executable file (and in other
16693 ELF binary files that @value{GDBN} may consider). This section is
16694 often named @code{.note.gnu.build-id}, but that name is not mandatory.
16695 It contains unique identification for the built files---the ID remains
16696 the same across multiple builds of the same build tree. The default
16697 algorithm SHA1 produces 160 bits (40 hexadecimal characters) of the
16698 content for the build ID string. The same section with an identical
16699 value is present in the original built binary with symbols, in its
16700 stripped variant, and in the separate debugging information file.
16701
16702 The debugging information file itself should be an ordinary
16703 executable, containing a full set of linker symbols, sections, and
16704 debugging information. The sections of the debugging information file
16705 should have the same names, addresses, and sizes as the original file,
16706 but they need not contain any data---much like a @code{.bss} section
16707 in an ordinary executable.
16708
16709 The @sc{gnu} binary utilities (Binutils) package includes the
16710 @samp{objcopy} utility that can produce
16711 the separated executable / debugging information file pairs using the
16712 following commands:
16713
16714 @smallexample
16715 @kbd{objcopy --only-keep-debug foo foo.debug}
16716 @kbd{strip -g foo}
16717 @end smallexample
16718
16719 @noindent
16720 These commands remove the debugging
16721 information from the executable file @file{foo} and place it in the file
16722 @file{foo.debug}. You can use the first, second or both methods to link the
16723 two files:
16724
16725 @itemize @bullet
16726 @item
16727 The debug link method needs the following additional command to also leave
16728 behind a debug link in @file{foo}:
16729
16730 @smallexample
16731 @kbd{objcopy --add-gnu-debuglink=foo.debug foo}
16732 @end smallexample
16733
16734 Ulrich Drepper's @file{elfutils} package, starting with version 0.53, contains
16735 a version of the @code{strip} command such that the command @kbd{strip foo -f
16736 foo.debug} has the same functionality as the two @code{objcopy} commands and
16737 the @code{ln -s} command above, together.
16738
16739 @item
16740 Build ID gets embedded into the main executable using @code{ld --build-id} or
16741 the @value{NGCC} counterpart @code{gcc -Wl,--build-id}. Build ID support plus
16742 compatibility fixes for debug files separation are present in @sc{gnu} binary
16743 utilities (Binutils) package since version 2.18.
16744 @end itemize
16745
16746 @noindent
16747
16748 @cindex CRC algorithm definition
16749 The CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink} is the CRC-32 defined in
16750 IEEE 802.3 using the polynomial:
16751
16752 @c TexInfo requires naked braces for multi-digit exponents for Tex
16753 @c output, but this causes HTML output to barf. HTML has to be set using
16754 @c raw commands. So we end up having to specify this equation in 2
16755 @c different ways!
16756 @ifhtml
16757 @display
16758 @html
16759 <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>
16760 + <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
16761 @end html
16762 @end display
16763 @end ifhtml
16764 @ifnothtml
16765 @display
16766 @math{x^{32} + x^{26} + x^{23} + x^{22} + x^{16} + x^{12} + x^{11}}
16767 @math{+ x^{10} + x^8 + x^7 + x^5 + x^4 + x^2 + x + 1}
16768 @end display
16769 @end ifnothtml
16770
16771 The function is computed byte at a time, taking the least
16772 significant bit of each byte first. The initial pattern
16773 @code{0xffffffff} is used, to ensure leading zeros affect the CRC and
16774 the final result is inverted to ensure trailing zeros also affect the
16775 CRC.
16776
16777 @emph{Note:} This is the same CRC polynomial as used in handling the
16778 @dfn{Remote Serial Protocol} @code{qCRC} packet (@pxref{Remote Protocol,
16779 , @value{GDBN} Remote Serial Protocol}). However in the
16780 case of the Remote Serial Protocol, the CRC is computed @emph{most}
16781 significant bit first, and the result is not inverted, so trailing
16782 zeros have no effect on the CRC value.
16783
16784 To complete the description, we show below the code of the function
16785 which produces the CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink}. Inverting the
16786 initially supplied @code{crc} argument means that an initial call to
16787 this function passing in zero will start computing the CRC using
16788 @code{0xffffffff}.
16789
16790 @kindex gnu_debuglink_crc32
16791 @smallexample
16792 unsigned long
16793 gnu_debuglink_crc32 (unsigned long crc,
16794 unsigned char *buf, size_t len)
16795 @{
16796 static const unsigned long crc32_table[256] =
16797 @{
16798 0x00000000, 0x77073096, 0xee0e612c, 0x990951ba, 0x076dc419,
16799 0x706af48f, 0xe963a535, 0x9e6495a3, 0x0edb8832, 0x79dcb8a4,
16800 0xe0d5e91e, 0x97d2d988, 0x09b64c2b, 0x7eb17cbd, 0xe7b82d07,
16801 0x90bf1d91, 0x1db71064, 0x6ab020f2, 0xf3b97148, 0x84be41de,
16802 0x1adad47d, 0x6ddde4eb, 0xf4d4b551, 0x83d385c7, 0x136c9856,
16803 0x646ba8c0, 0xfd62f97a, 0x8a65c9ec, 0x14015c4f, 0x63066cd9,
16804 0xfa0f3d63, 0x8d080df5, 0x3b6e20c8, 0x4c69105e, 0xd56041e4,
16805 0xa2677172, 0x3c03e4d1, 0x4b04d447, 0xd20d85fd, 0xa50ab56b,
16806 0x35b5a8fa, 0x42b2986c, 0xdbbbc9d6, 0xacbcf940, 0x32d86ce3,
16807 0x45df5c75, 0xdcd60dcf, 0xabd13d59, 0x26d930ac, 0x51de003a,
16808 0xc8d75180, 0xbfd06116, 0x21b4f4b5, 0x56b3c423, 0xcfba9599,
16809 0xb8bda50f, 0x2802b89e, 0x5f058808, 0xc60cd9b2, 0xb10be924,
16810 0x2f6f7c87, 0x58684c11, 0xc1611dab, 0xb6662d3d, 0x76dc4190,
16811 0x01db7106, 0x98d220bc, 0xefd5102a, 0x71b18589, 0x06b6b51f,
16812 0x9fbfe4a5, 0xe8b8d433, 0x7807c9a2, 0x0f00f934, 0x9609a88e,
16813 0xe10e9818, 0x7f6a0dbb, 0x086d3d2d, 0x91646c97, 0xe6635c01,
16814 0x6b6b51f4, 0x1c6c6162, 0x856530d8, 0xf262004e, 0x6c0695ed,
16815 0x1b01a57b, 0x8208f4c1, 0xf50fc457, 0x65b0d9c6, 0x12b7e950,
16816 0x8bbeb8ea, 0xfcb9887c, 0x62dd1ddf, 0x15da2d49, 0x8cd37cf3,
16817 0xfbd44c65, 0x4db26158, 0x3ab551ce, 0xa3bc0074, 0xd4bb30e2,
16818 0x4adfa541, 0x3dd895d7, 0xa4d1c46d, 0xd3d6f4fb, 0x4369e96a,
16819 0x346ed9fc, 0xad678846, 0xda60b8d0, 0x44042d73, 0x33031de5,
16820 0xaa0a4c5f, 0xdd0d7cc9, 0x5005713c, 0x270241aa, 0xbe0b1010,
16821 0xc90c2086, 0x5768b525, 0x206f85b3, 0xb966d409, 0xce61e49f,
16822 0x5edef90e, 0x29d9c998, 0xb0d09822, 0xc7d7a8b4, 0x59b33d17,
16823 0x2eb40d81, 0xb7bd5c3b, 0xc0ba6cad, 0xedb88320, 0x9abfb3b6,
16824 0x03b6e20c, 0x74b1d29a, 0xead54739, 0x9dd277af, 0x04db2615,
16825 0x73dc1683, 0xe3630b12, 0x94643b84, 0x0d6d6a3e, 0x7a6a5aa8,
16826 0xe40ecf0b, 0x9309ff9d, 0x0a00ae27, 0x7d079eb1, 0xf00f9344,
16827 0x8708a3d2, 0x1e01f268, 0x6906c2fe, 0xf762575d, 0x806567cb,
16828 0x196c3671, 0x6e6b06e7, 0xfed41b76, 0x89d32be0, 0x10da7a5a,
16829 0x67dd4acc, 0xf9b9df6f, 0x8ebeeff9, 0x17b7be43, 0x60b08ed5,
16830 0xd6d6a3e8, 0xa1d1937e, 0x38d8c2c4, 0x4fdff252, 0xd1bb67f1,
16831 0xa6bc5767, 0x3fb506dd, 0x48b2364b, 0xd80d2bda, 0xaf0a1b4c,
16832 0x36034af6, 0x41047a60, 0xdf60efc3, 0xa867df55, 0x316e8eef,
16833 0x4669be79, 0xcb61b38c, 0xbc66831a, 0x256fd2a0, 0x5268e236,
16834 0xcc0c7795, 0xbb0b4703, 0x220216b9, 0x5505262f, 0xc5ba3bbe,
16835 0xb2bd0b28, 0x2bb45a92, 0x5cb36a04, 0xc2d7ffa7, 0xb5d0cf31,
16836 0x2cd99e8b, 0x5bdeae1d, 0x9b64c2b0, 0xec63f226, 0x756aa39c,
16837 0x026d930a, 0x9c0906a9, 0xeb0e363f, 0x72076785, 0x05005713,
16838 0x95bf4a82, 0xe2b87a14, 0x7bb12bae, 0x0cb61b38, 0x92d28e9b,
16839 0xe5d5be0d, 0x7cdcefb7, 0x0bdbdf21, 0x86d3d2d4, 0xf1d4e242,
16840 0x68ddb3f8, 0x1fda836e, 0x81be16cd, 0xf6b9265b, 0x6fb077e1,
16841 0x18b74777, 0x88085ae6, 0xff0f6a70, 0x66063bca, 0x11010b5c,
16842 0x8f659eff, 0xf862ae69, 0x616bffd3, 0x166ccf45, 0xa00ae278,
16843 0xd70dd2ee, 0x4e048354, 0x3903b3c2, 0xa7672661, 0xd06016f7,
16844 0x4969474d, 0x3e6e77db, 0xaed16a4a, 0xd9d65adc, 0x40df0b66,
16845 0x37d83bf0, 0xa9bcae53, 0xdebb9ec5, 0x47b2cf7f, 0x30b5ffe9,
16846 0xbdbdf21c, 0xcabac28a, 0x53b39330, 0x24b4a3a6, 0xbad03605,
16847 0xcdd70693, 0x54de5729, 0x23d967bf, 0xb3667a2e, 0xc4614ab8,
16848 0x5d681b02, 0x2a6f2b94, 0xb40bbe37, 0xc30c8ea1, 0x5a05df1b,
16849 0x2d02ef8d
16850 @};
16851 unsigned char *end;
16852
16853 crc = ~crc & 0xffffffff;
16854 for (end = buf + len; buf < end; ++buf)
16855 crc = crc32_table[(crc ^ *buf) & 0xff] ^ (crc >> 8);
16856 return ~crc & 0xffffffff;
16857 @}
16858 @end smallexample
16859
16860 @noindent
16861 This computation does not apply to the ``build ID'' method.
16862
16863 @node MiniDebugInfo
16864 @section Debugging information in a special section
16865 @cindex separate debug sections
16866 @cindex @samp{.gnu_debugdata} section
16867
16868 Some systems ship pre-built executables and libraries that have a
16869 special @samp{.gnu_debugdata} section. This feature is called
16870 @dfn{MiniDebugInfo}. This section holds an LZMA-compressed object and
16871 is used to supply extra symbols for backtraces.
16872
16873 The intent of this section is to provide extra minimal debugging
16874 information for use in simple backtraces. It is not intended to be a
16875 replacement for full separate debugging information (@pxref{Separate
16876 Debug Files}). The example below shows the intended use; however,
16877 @value{GDBN} does not currently put restrictions on what sort of
16878 debugging information might be included in the section.
16879
16880 @value{GDBN} has support for this extension. If the section exists,
16881 then it is used provided that no other source of debugging information
16882 can be found, and that @value{GDBN} was configured with LZMA support.
16883
16884 This section can be easily created using @command{objcopy} and other
16885 standard utilities:
16886
16887 @smallexample
16888 # Extract the dynamic symbols from the main binary, there is no need
16889 # to also have these in the normal symbol table
16890 nm -D @var{binary} --format=posix --defined-only \
16891 | awk '@{ print $1 @}' | sort > dynsyms
16892
16893 # Extract all the text (i.e. function) symbols from the debuginfo .
16894 nm @var{binary} --format=posix --defined-only \
16895 | awk '@{ if ($2 == "T" || $2 == "t") print $1 @}' \
16896 | sort > funcsyms
16897
16898 # Keep all the function symbols not already in the dynamic symbol
16899 # table.
16900 comm -13 dynsyms funcsyms > keep_symbols
16901
16902 # Copy the full debuginfo, keeping only a minimal set of symbols and
16903 # removing some unnecessary sections.
16904 objcopy -S --remove-section .gdb_index --remove-section .comment \
16905 --keep-symbols=keep_symbols @var{binary} mini_debuginfo
16906
16907 # Inject the compressed data into the .gnu_debugdata section of the
16908 # original binary.
16909 xz mini_debuginfo
16910 objcopy --add-section .gnu_debugdata=mini_debuginfo.xz @var{binary}
16911 @end smallexample
16912
16913 @node Index Files
16914 @section Index Files Speed Up @value{GDBN}
16915 @cindex index files
16916 @cindex @samp{.gdb_index} section
16917
16918 When @value{GDBN} finds a symbol file, it scans the symbols in the
16919 file in order to construct an internal symbol table. This lets most
16920 @value{GDBN} operations work quickly---at the cost of a delay early
16921 on. For large programs, this delay can be quite lengthy, so
16922 @value{GDBN} provides a way to build an index, which speeds up
16923 startup.
16924
16925 The index is stored as a section in the symbol file. @value{GDBN} can
16926 write the index to a file, then you can put it into the symbol file
16927 using @command{objcopy}.
16928
16929 To create an index file, use the @code{save gdb-index} command:
16930
16931 @table @code
16932 @item save gdb-index @var{directory}
16933 @kindex save gdb-index
16934 Create an index file for each symbol file currently known by
16935 @value{GDBN}. Each file is named after its corresponding symbol file,
16936 with @samp{.gdb-index} appended, and is written into the given
16937 @var{directory}.
16938 @end table
16939
16940 Once you have created an index file you can merge it into your symbol
16941 file, here named @file{symfile}, using @command{objcopy}:
16942
16943 @smallexample
16944 $ objcopy --add-section .gdb_index=symfile.gdb-index \
16945 --set-section-flags .gdb_index=readonly symfile symfile
16946 @end smallexample
16947
16948 @value{GDBN} will normally ignore older versions of @file{.gdb_index}
16949 sections that have been deprecated. Usually they are deprecated because
16950 they are missing a new feature or have performance issues.
16951 To tell @value{GDBN} to use a deprecated index section anyway
16952 specify @code{set use-deprecated-index-sections on}.
16953 The default is @code{off}.
16954 This can speed up startup, but may result in some functionality being lost.
16955 @xref{Index Section Format}.
16956
16957 @emph{Warning:} Setting @code{use-deprecated-index-sections} to @code{on}
16958 must be done before gdb reads the file. The following will not work:
16959
16960 @smallexample
16961 $ gdb -ex "set use-deprecated-index-sections on" <program>
16962 @end smallexample
16963
16964 Instead you must do, for example,
16965
16966 @smallexample
16967 $ gdb -iex "set use-deprecated-index-sections on" <program>
16968 @end smallexample
16969
16970 There are currently some limitation on indices. They only work when
16971 for DWARF debugging information, not stabs. And, they do not
16972 currently work for programs using Ada.
16973
16974 @node Symbol Errors
16975 @section Errors Reading Symbol Files
16976
16977 While reading a symbol file, @value{GDBN} occasionally encounters problems,
16978 such as symbol types it does not recognize, or known bugs in compiler
16979 output. By default, @value{GDBN} does not notify you of such problems, since
16980 they are relatively common and primarily of interest to people
16981 debugging compilers. If you are interested in seeing information
16982 about ill-constructed symbol tables, you can either ask @value{GDBN} to print
16983 only one message about each such type of problem, no matter how many
16984 times the problem occurs; or you can ask @value{GDBN} to print more messages,
16985 to see how many times the problems occur, with the @code{set
16986 complaints} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
16987 Messages}).
16988
16989 The messages currently printed, and their meanings, include:
16990
16991 @table @code
16992 @item inner block not inside outer block in @var{symbol}
16993
16994 The symbol information shows where symbol scopes begin and end
16995 (such as at the start of a function or a block of statements). This
16996 error indicates that an inner scope block is not fully contained
16997 in its outer scope blocks.
16998
16999 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the inner block as if it had
17000 the same scope as the outer block. In the error message, @var{symbol}
17001 may be shown as ``@code{(don't know)}'' if the outer block is not a
17002 function.
17003
17004 @item block at @var{address} out of order
17005
17006 The symbol information for symbol scope blocks should occur in
17007 order of increasing addresses. This error indicates that it does not
17008 do so.
17009
17010 @value{GDBN} does not circumvent this problem, and has trouble
17011 locating symbols in the source file whose symbols it is reading. (You
17012 can often determine what source file is affected by specifying
17013 @code{set verbose on}. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
17014 Messages}.)
17015
17016 @item bad block start address patched
17017
17018 The symbol information for a symbol scope block has a start address
17019 smaller than the address of the preceding source line. This is known
17020 to occur in the SunOS 4.1.1 (and earlier) C compiler.
17021
17022 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the symbol scope block as
17023 starting on the previous source line.
17024
17025 @item bad string table offset in symbol @var{n}
17026
17027 @cindex foo
17028 Symbol number @var{n} contains a pointer into the string table which is
17029 larger than the size of the string table.
17030
17031 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by considering the symbol to have the
17032 name @code{foo}, which may cause other problems if many symbols end up
17033 with this name.
17034
17035 @item unknown symbol type @code{0x@var{nn}}
17036
17037 The symbol information contains new data types that @value{GDBN} does
17038 not yet know how to read. @code{0x@var{nn}} is the symbol type of the
17039 uncomprehended information, in hexadecimal.
17040
17041 @value{GDBN} circumvents the error by ignoring this symbol information.
17042 This usually allows you to debug your program, though certain symbols
17043 are not accessible. If you encounter such a problem and feel like
17044 debugging it, you can debug @code{@value{GDBP}} with itself, breakpoint
17045 on @code{complain}, then go up to the function @code{read_dbx_symtab}
17046 and examine @code{*bufp} to see the symbol.
17047
17048 @item stub type has NULL name
17049
17050 @value{GDBN} could not find the full definition for a struct or class.
17051
17052 @item const/volatile indicator missing (ok if using g++ v1.x), got@dots{}
17053 The symbol information for a C@t{++} member function is missing some
17054 information that recent versions of the compiler should have output for
17055 it.
17056
17057 @item info mismatch between compiler and debugger
17058
17059 @value{GDBN} could not parse a type specification output by the compiler.
17060
17061 @end table
17062
17063 @node Data Files
17064 @section GDB Data Files
17065
17066 @cindex prefix for data files
17067 @value{GDBN} will sometimes read an auxiliary data file. These files
17068 are kept in a directory known as the @dfn{data directory}.
17069
17070 You can set the data directory's name, and view the name @value{GDBN}
17071 is currently using.
17072
17073 @table @code
17074 @kindex set data-directory
17075 @item set data-directory @var{directory}
17076 Set the directory which @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files
17077 to @var{directory}.
17078
17079 @kindex show data-directory
17080 @item show data-directory
17081 Show the directory @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files.
17082 @end table
17083
17084 @cindex default data directory
17085 @cindex @samp{--with-gdb-datadir}
17086 You can set the default data directory by using the configure-time
17087 @samp{--with-gdb-datadir} option. If the data directory is inside
17088 @value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
17089 @samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default data directory will be updated
17090 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
17091 location.
17092
17093 The data directory may also be specified with the
17094 @code{--data-directory} command line option.
17095 @xref{Mode Options}.
17096
17097 @node Targets
17098 @chapter Specifying a Debugging Target
17099
17100 @cindex debugging target
17101 A @dfn{target} is the execution environment occupied by your program.
17102
17103 Often, @value{GDBN} runs in the same host environment as your program;
17104 in that case, the debugging target is specified as a side effect when
17105 you use the @code{file} or @code{core} commands. When you need more
17106 flexibility---for example, running @value{GDBN} on a physically separate
17107 host, or controlling a standalone system over a serial port or a
17108 realtime system over a TCP/IP connection---you can use the @code{target}
17109 command to specify one of the target types configured for @value{GDBN}
17110 (@pxref{Target Commands, ,Commands for Managing Targets}).
17111
17112 @cindex target architecture
17113 It is possible to build @value{GDBN} for several different @dfn{target
17114 architectures}. When @value{GDBN} is built like that, you can choose
17115 one of the available architectures with the @kbd{set architecture}
17116 command.
17117
17118 @table @code
17119 @kindex set architecture
17120 @kindex show architecture
17121 @item set architecture @var{arch}
17122 This command sets the current target architecture to @var{arch}. The
17123 value of @var{arch} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition to one of the
17124 supported architectures.
17125
17126 @item show architecture
17127 Show the current target architecture.
17128
17129 @item set processor
17130 @itemx processor
17131 @kindex set processor
17132 @kindex show processor
17133 These are alias commands for, respectively, @code{set architecture}
17134 and @code{show architecture}.
17135 @end table
17136
17137 @menu
17138 * Active Targets:: Active targets
17139 * Target Commands:: Commands for managing targets
17140 * Byte Order:: Choosing target byte order
17141 @end menu
17142
17143 @node Active Targets
17144 @section Active Targets
17145
17146 @cindex stacking targets
17147 @cindex active targets
17148 @cindex multiple targets
17149
17150 There are multiple classes of targets such as: processes, executable files or
17151 recording sessions. Core files belong to the process class, making core file
17152 and process mutually exclusive. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} can work concurrently
17153 on multiple active targets, one in each class. This allows you to (for
17154 example) start a process and inspect its activity, while still having access to
17155 the executable file after the process finishes. Or if you start process
17156 recording (@pxref{Reverse Execution}) and @code{reverse-step} there, you are
17157 presented a virtual layer of the recording target, while the process target
17158 remains stopped at the chronologically last point of the process execution.
17159
17160 Use the @code{core-file} and @code{exec-file} commands to select a new core
17161 file or executable target (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}). To
17162 specify as a target a process that is already running, use the @code{attach}
17163 command (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running Process}).
17164
17165 @node Target Commands
17166 @section Commands for Managing Targets
17167
17168 @table @code
17169 @item target @var{type} @var{parameters}
17170 Connects the @value{GDBN} host environment to a target machine or
17171 process. A target is typically a protocol for talking to debugging
17172 facilities. You use the argument @var{type} to specify the type or
17173 protocol of the target machine.
17174
17175 Further @var{parameters} are interpreted by the target protocol, but
17176 typically include things like device names or host names to connect
17177 with, process numbers, and baud rates.
17178
17179 The @code{target} command does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again
17180 after executing the command.
17181
17182 @kindex help target
17183 @item help target
17184 Displays the names of all targets available. To display targets
17185 currently selected, use either @code{info target} or @code{info files}
17186 (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
17187
17188 @item help target @var{name}
17189 Describe a particular target, including any parameters necessary to
17190 select it.
17191
17192 @kindex set gnutarget
17193 @item set gnutarget @var{args}
17194 @value{GDBN} uses its own library BFD to read your files. @value{GDBN}
17195 knows whether it is reading an @dfn{executable},
17196 a @dfn{core}, or a @dfn{.o} file; however, you can specify the file format
17197 with the @code{set gnutarget} command. Unlike most @code{target} commands,
17198 with @code{gnutarget} the @code{target} refers to a program, not a machine.
17199
17200 @quotation
17201 @emph{Warning:} To specify a file format with @code{set gnutarget},
17202 you must know the actual BFD name.
17203 @end quotation
17204
17205 @noindent
17206 @xref{Files, , Commands to Specify Files}.
17207
17208 @kindex show gnutarget
17209 @item show gnutarget
17210 Use the @code{show gnutarget} command to display what file format
17211 @code{gnutarget} is set to read. If you have not set @code{gnutarget},
17212 @value{GDBN} will determine the file format for each file automatically,
17213 and @code{show gnutarget} displays @samp{The current BFD target is "auto"}.
17214 @end table
17215
17216 @cindex common targets
17217 Here are some common targets (available, or not, depending on the GDB
17218 configuration):
17219
17220 @table @code
17221 @kindex target
17222 @item target exec @var{program}
17223 @cindex executable file target
17224 An executable file. @samp{target exec @var{program}} is the same as
17225 @samp{exec-file @var{program}}.
17226
17227 @item target core @var{filename}
17228 @cindex core dump file target
17229 A core dump file. @samp{target core @var{filename}} is the same as
17230 @samp{core-file @var{filename}}.
17231
17232 @item target remote @var{medium}
17233 @cindex remote target
17234 A remote system connected to @value{GDBN} via a serial line or network
17235 connection. This command tells @value{GDBN} to use its own remote
17236 protocol over @var{medium} for debugging. @xref{Remote Debugging}.
17237
17238 For example, if you have a board connected to @file{/dev/ttya} on the
17239 machine running @value{GDBN}, you could say:
17240
17241 @smallexample
17242 target remote /dev/ttya
17243 @end smallexample
17244
17245 @code{target remote} supports the @code{load} command. This is only
17246 useful if you have some other way of getting the stub to the target
17247 system, and you can put it somewhere in memory where it won't get
17248 clobbered by the download.
17249
17250 @item target sim @r{[}@var{simargs}@r{]} @dots{}
17251 @cindex built-in simulator target
17252 Builtin CPU simulator. @value{GDBN} includes simulators for most architectures.
17253 In general,
17254 @smallexample
17255 target sim
17256 load
17257 run
17258 @end smallexample
17259 @noindent
17260 works; however, you cannot assume that a specific memory map, device
17261 drivers, or even basic I/O is available, although some simulators do
17262 provide these. For info about any processor-specific simulator details,
17263 see the appropriate section in @ref{Embedded Processors, ,Embedded
17264 Processors}.
17265
17266 @end table
17267
17268 Some configurations may include these targets as well:
17269
17270 @table @code
17271
17272 @item target nrom @var{dev}
17273 @cindex NetROM ROM emulator target
17274 NetROM ROM emulator. This target only supports downloading.
17275
17276 @end table
17277
17278 Different targets are available on different configurations of @value{GDBN};
17279 your configuration may have more or fewer targets.
17280
17281 Many remote targets require you to download the executable's code once
17282 you've successfully established a connection. You may wish to control
17283 various aspects of this process.
17284
17285 @table @code
17286
17287 @item set hash
17288 @kindex set hash@r{, for remote monitors}
17289 @cindex hash mark while downloading
17290 This command controls whether a hash mark @samp{#} is displayed while
17291 downloading a file to the remote monitor. If on, a hash mark is
17292 displayed after each S-record is successfully downloaded to the
17293 monitor.
17294
17295 @item show hash
17296 @kindex show hash@r{, for remote monitors}
17297 Show the current status of displaying the hash mark.
17298
17299 @item set debug monitor
17300 @kindex set debug monitor
17301 @cindex display remote monitor communications
17302 Enable or disable display of communications messages between
17303 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
17304
17305 @item show debug monitor
17306 @kindex show debug monitor
17307 Show the current status of displaying communications between
17308 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
17309 @end table
17310
17311 @table @code
17312
17313 @kindex load @var{filename}
17314 @item load @var{filename}
17315 @anchor{load}
17316 Depending on what remote debugging facilities are configured into
17317 @value{GDBN}, the @code{load} command may be available. Where it exists, it
17318 is meant to make @var{filename} (an executable) available for debugging
17319 on the remote system---by downloading, or dynamic linking, for example.
17320 @code{load} also records the @var{filename} symbol table in @value{GDBN}, like
17321 the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
17322
17323 If your @value{GDBN} does not have a @code{load} command, attempting to
17324 execute it gets the error message ``@code{You can't do that when your
17325 target is @dots{}}''
17326
17327 The file is loaded at whatever address is specified in the executable.
17328 For some object file formats, you can specify the load address when you
17329 link the program; for other formats, like a.out, the object file format
17330 specifies a fixed address.
17331 @c FIXME! This would be a good place for an xref to the GNU linker doc.
17332
17333 Depending on the remote side capabilities, @value{GDBN} may be able to
17334 load programs into flash memory.
17335
17336 @code{load} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
17337 @end table
17338
17339 @node Byte Order
17340 @section Choosing Target Byte Order
17341
17342 @cindex choosing target byte order
17343 @cindex target byte order
17344
17345 Some types of processors, such as the @acronym{MIPS}, PowerPC, and Renesas SH,
17346 offer the ability to run either big-endian or little-endian byte
17347 orders. Usually the executable or symbol will include a bit to
17348 designate the endian-ness, and you will not need to worry about
17349 which to use. However, you may still find it useful to adjust
17350 @value{GDBN}'s idea of processor endian-ness manually.
17351
17352 @table @code
17353 @kindex set endian
17354 @item set endian big
17355 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is big-endian.
17356
17357 @item set endian little
17358 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is little-endian.
17359
17360 @item set endian auto
17361 Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the byte order associated with the
17362 executable.
17363
17364 @item show endian
17365 Display @value{GDBN}'s current idea of the target byte order.
17366
17367 @end table
17368
17369 Note that these commands merely adjust interpretation of symbolic
17370 data on the host, and that they have absolutely no effect on the
17371 target system.
17372
17373
17374 @node Remote Debugging
17375 @chapter Debugging Remote Programs
17376 @cindex remote debugging
17377
17378 If you are trying to debug a program running on a machine that cannot run
17379 @value{GDBN} in the usual way, it is often useful to use remote debugging.
17380 For example, you might use remote debugging on an operating system kernel,
17381 or on a small system which does not have a general purpose operating system
17382 powerful enough to run a full-featured debugger.
17383
17384 Some configurations of @value{GDBN} have special serial or TCP/IP interfaces
17385 to make this work with particular debugging targets. In addition,
17386 @value{GDBN} comes with a generic serial protocol (specific to @value{GDBN},
17387 but not specific to any particular target system) which you can use if you
17388 write the remote stubs---the code that runs on the remote system to
17389 communicate with @value{GDBN}.
17390
17391 Other remote targets may be available in your
17392 configuration of @value{GDBN}; use @code{help target} to list them.
17393
17394 @menu
17395 * Connecting:: Connecting to a remote target
17396 * File Transfer:: Sending files to a remote system
17397 * Server:: Using the gdbserver program
17398 * Remote Configuration:: Remote configuration
17399 * Remote Stub:: Implementing a remote stub
17400 @end menu
17401
17402 @node Connecting
17403 @section Connecting to a Remote Target
17404
17405 On the @value{GDBN} host machine, you will need an unstripped copy of
17406 your program, since @value{GDBN} needs symbol and debugging information.
17407 Start up @value{GDBN} as usual, using the name of the local copy of your
17408 program as the first argument.
17409
17410 @cindex @code{target remote}
17411 @value{GDBN} can communicate with the target over a serial line, or
17412 over an @acronym{IP} network using @acronym{TCP} or @acronym{UDP}. In
17413 each case, @value{GDBN} uses the same protocol for debugging your
17414 program; only the medium carrying the debugging packets varies. The
17415 @code{target remote} command establishes a connection to the target.
17416 Its arguments indicate which medium to use:
17417
17418 @table @code
17419
17420 @item target remote @var{serial-device}
17421 @cindex serial line, @code{target remote}
17422 Use @var{serial-device} to communicate with the target. For example,
17423 to use a serial line connected to the device named @file{/dev/ttyb}:
17424
17425 @smallexample
17426 target remote /dev/ttyb
17427 @end smallexample
17428
17429 If you're using a serial line, you may want to give @value{GDBN} the
17430 @w{@samp{--baud}} option, or use the @code{set remotebaud} command
17431 (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remotebaud}) before the
17432 @code{target} command.
17433
17434 @item target remote @code{@var{host}:@var{port}}
17435 @itemx target remote @code{tcp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
17436 @cindex @acronym{TCP} port, @code{target remote}
17437 Debug using a @acronym{TCP} connection to @var{port} on @var{host}.
17438 The @var{host} may be either a host name or a numeric @acronym{IP}
17439 address; @var{port} must be a decimal number. The @var{host} could be
17440 the target machine itself, if it is directly connected to the net, or
17441 it might be a terminal server which in turn has a serial line to the
17442 target.
17443
17444 For example, to connect to port 2828 on a terminal server named
17445 @code{manyfarms}:
17446
17447 @smallexample
17448 target remote manyfarms:2828
17449 @end smallexample
17450
17451 If your remote target is actually running on the same machine as your
17452 debugger session (e.g.@: a simulator for your target running on the
17453 same host), you can omit the hostname. For example, to connect to
17454 port 1234 on your local machine:
17455
17456 @smallexample
17457 target remote :1234
17458 @end smallexample
17459 @noindent
17460
17461 Note that the colon is still required here.
17462
17463 @item target remote @code{udp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
17464 @cindex @acronym{UDP} port, @code{target remote}
17465 Debug using @acronym{UDP} packets to @var{port} on @var{host}. For example, to
17466 connect to @acronym{UDP} port 2828 on a terminal server named @code{manyfarms}:
17467
17468 @smallexample
17469 target remote udp:manyfarms:2828
17470 @end smallexample
17471
17472 When using a @acronym{UDP} connection for remote debugging, you should
17473 keep in mind that the `U' stands for ``Unreliable''. @acronym{UDP}
17474 can silently drop packets on busy or unreliable networks, which will
17475 cause havoc with your debugging session.
17476
17477 @item target remote | @var{command}
17478 @cindex pipe, @code{target remote} to
17479 Run @var{command} in the background and communicate with it using a
17480 pipe. The @var{command} is a shell command, to be parsed and expanded
17481 by the system's command shell, @code{/bin/sh}; it should expect remote
17482 protocol packets on its standard input, and send replies on its
17483 standard output. You could use this to run a stand-alone simulator
17484 that speaks the remote debugging protocol, to make net connections
17485 using programs like @code{ssh}, or for other similar tricks.
17486
17487 If @var{command} closes its standard output (perhaps by exiting),
17488 @value{GDBN} will try to send it a @code{SIGTERM} signal. (If the
17489 program has already exited, this will have no effect.)
17490
17491 @end table
17492
17493 Once the connection has been established, you can use all the usual
17494 commands to examine and change data. The remote program is already
17495 running; you can use @kbd{step} and @kbd{continue}, and you do not
17496 need to use @kbd{run}.
17497
17498 @cindex interrupting remote programs
17499 @cindex remote programs, interrupting
17500 Whenever @value{GDBN} is waiting for the remote program, if you type the
17501 interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}), @value{GDBN} attempts to stop the
17502 program. This may or may not succeed, depending in part on the hardware
17503 and the serial drivers the remote system uses. If you type the
17504 interrupt character once again, @value{GDBN} displays this prompt:
17505
17506 @smallexample
17507 Interrupted while waiting for the program.
17508 Give up (and stop debugging it)? (y or n)
17509 @end smallexample
17510
17511 If you type @kbd{y}, @value{GDBN} abandons the remote debugging session.
17512 (If you decide you want to try again later, you can use @samp{target
17513 remote} again to connect once more.) If you type @kbd{n}, @value{GDBN}
17514 goes back to waiting.
17515
17516 @table @code
17517 @kindex detach (remote)
17518 @item detach
17519 When you have finished debugging the remote program, you can use the
17520 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control.
17521 Detaching from the target normally resumes its execution, but the results
17522 will depend on your particular remote stub. After the @code{detach}
17523 command, @value{GDBN} is free to connect to another target.
17524
17525 @kindex disconnect
17526 @item disconnect
17527 The @code{disconnect} command behaves like @code{detach}, except that
17528 the target is generally not resumed. It will wait for @value{GDBN}
17529 (this instance or another one) to connect and continue debugging. After
17530 the @code{disconnect} command, @value{GDBN} is again free to connect to
17531 another target.
17532
17533 @cindex send command to remote monitor
17534 @cindex extend @value{GDBN} for remote targets
17535 @cindex add new commands for external monitor
17536 @kindex monitor
17537 @item monitor @var{cmd}
17538 This command allows you to send arbitrary commands directly to the
17539 remote monitor. Since @value{GDBN} doesn't care about the commands it
17540 sends like this, this command is the way to extend @value{GDBN}---you
17541 can add new commands that only the external monitor will understand
17542 and implement.
17543 @end table
17544
17545 @node File Transfer
17546 @section Sending files to a remote system
17547 @cindex remote target, file transfer
17548 @cindex file transfer
17549 @cindex sending files to remote systems
17550
17551 Some remote targets offer the ability to transfer files over the same
17552 connection used to communicate with @value{GDBN}. This is convenient
17553 for targets accessible through other means, e.g.@: @sc{gnu}/Linux systems
17554 running @code{gdbserver} over a network interface. For other targets,
17555 e.g.@: embedded devices with only a single serial port, this may be
17556 the only way to upload or download files.
17557
17558 Not all remote targets support these commands.
17559
17560 @table @code
17561 @kindex remote put
17562 @item remote put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
17563 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
17564 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
17565
17566 @kindex remote get
17567 @item remote get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
17568 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
17569 on the host system.
17570
17571 @kindex remote delete
17572 @item remote delete @var{targetfile}
17573 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
17574
17575 @end table
17576
17577 @node Server
17578 @section Using the @code{gdbserver} Program
17579
17580 @kindex gdbserver
17581 @cindex remote connection without stubs
17582 @code{gdbserver} is a control program for Unix-like systems, which
17583 allows you to connect your program with a remote @value{GDBN} via
17584 @code{target remote}---but without linking in the usual debugging stub.
17585
17586 @code{gdbserver} is not a complete replacement for the debugging stubs,
17587 because it requires essentially the same operating-system facilities
17588 that @value{GDBN} itself does. In fact, a system that can run
17589 @code{gdbserver} to connect to a remote @value{GDBN} could also run
17590 @value{GDBN} locally! @code{gdbserver} is sometimes useful nevertheless,
17591 because it is a much smaller program than @value{GDBN} itself. It is
17592 also easier to port than all of @value{GDBN}, so you may be able to get
17593 started more quickly on a new system by using @code{gdbserver}.
17594 Finally, if you develop code for real-time systems, you may find that
17595 the tradeoffs involved in real-time operation make it more convenient to
17596 do as much development work as possible on another system, for example
17597 by cross-compiling. You can use @code{gdbserver} to make a similar
17598 choice for debugging.
17599
17600 @value{GDBN} and @code{gdbserver} communicate via either a serial line
17601 or a TCP connection, using the standard @value{GDBN} remote serial
17602 protocol.
17603
17604 @quotation
17605 @emph{Warning:} @code{gdbserver} does not have any built-in security.
17606 Do not run @code{gdbserver} connected to any public network; a
17607 @value{GDBN} connection to @code{gdbserver} provides access to the
17608 target system with the same privileges as the user running
17609 @code{gdbserver}.
17610 @end quotation
17611
17612 @subsection Running @code{gdbserver}
17613 @cindex arguments, to @code{gdbserver}
17614 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, command-line arguments
17615
17616 Run @code{gdbserver} on the target system. You need a copy of the
17617 program you want to debug, including any libraries it requires.
17618 @code{gdbserver} does not need your program's symbol table, so you can
17619 strip the program if necessary to save space. @value{GDBN} on the host
17620 system does all the symbol handling.
17621
17622 To use the server, you must tell it how to communicate with @value{GDBN};
17623 the name of your program; and the arguments for your program. The usual
17624 syntax is:
17625
17626 @smallexample
17627 target> gdbserver @var{comm} @var{program} [ @var{args} @dots{} ]
17628 @end smallexample
17629
17630 @var{comm} is either a device name (to use a serial line), or a TCP
17631 hostname and portnumber, or @code{-} or @code{stdio} to use
17632 stdin/stdout of @code{gdbserver}.
17633 For example, to debug Emacs with the argument
17634 @samp{foo.txt} and communicate with @value{GDBN} over the serial port
17635 @file{/dev/com1}:
17636
17637 @smallexample
17638 target> gdbserver /dev/com1 emacs foo.txt
17639 @end smallexample
17640
17641 @code{gdbserver} waits passively for the host @value{GDBN} to communicate
17642 with it.
17643
17644 To use a TCP connection instead of a serial line:
17645
17646 @smallexample
17647 target> gdbserver host:2345 emacs foo.txt
17648 @end smallexample
17649
17650 The only difference from the previous example is the first argument,
17651 specifying that you are communicating with the host @value{GDBN} via
17652 TCP. The @samp{host:2345} argument means that @code{gdbserver} is to
17653 expect a TCP connection from machine @samp{host} to local TCP port 2345.
17654 (Currently, the @samp{host} part is ignored.) You can choose any number
17655 you want for the port number as long as it does not conflict with any
17656 TCP ports already in use on the target system (for example, @code{23} is
17657 reserved for @code{telnet}).@footnote{If you choose a port number that
17658 conflicts with another service, @code{gdbserver} prints an error message
17659 and exits.} You must use the same port number with the host @value{GDBN}
17660 @code{target remote} command.
17661
17662 The @code{stdio} connection is useful when starting @code{gdbserver}
17663 with ssh:
17664
17665 @smallexample
17666 (gdb) target remote | ssh -T hostname gdbserver - hello
17667 @end smallexample
17668
17669 The @samp{-T} option to ssh is provided because we don't need a remote pty,
17670 and we don't want escape-character handling. Ssh does this by default when
17671 a command is provided, the flag is provided to make it explicit.
17672 You could elide it if you want to.
17673
17674 Programs started with stdio-connected gdbserver have @file{/dev/null} for
17675 @code{stdin}, and @code{stdout},@code{stderr} are sent back to gdb for
17676 display through a pipe connected to gdbserver.
17677 Both @code{stdout} and @code{stderr} use the same pipe.
17678
17679 @subsubsection Attaching to a Running Program
17680 @cindex attach to a program, @code{gdbserver}
17681 @cindex @option{--attach}, @code{gdbserver} option
17682
17683 On some targets, @code{gdbserver} can also attach to running programs.
17684 This is accomplished via the @code{--attach} argument. The syntax is:
17685
17686 @smallexample
17687 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
17688 @end smallexample
17689
17690 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't necessary
17691 to point @code{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
17692
17693 @pindex pidof
17694 You can debug processes by name instead of process ID if your target has the
17695 @code{pidof} utility:
17696
17697 @smallexample
17698 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} `pidof @var{program}`
17699 @end smallexample
17700
17701 In case more than one copy of @var{program} is running, or @var{program}
17702 has multiple threads, most versions of @code{pidof} support the
17703 @code{-s} option to only return the first process ID.
17704
17705 @subsubsection Multi-Process Mode for @code{gdbserver}
17706 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, multiple processes
17707 @cindex multiple processes with @code{gdbserver}
17708
17709 When you connect to @code{gdbserver} using @code{target remote},
17710 @code{gdbserver} debugs the specified program only once. When the
17711 program exits, or you detach from it, @value{GDBN} closes the connection
17712 and @code{gdbserver} exits.
17713
17714 If you connect using @kbd{target extended-remote}, @code{gdbserver}
17715 enters multi-process mode. When the debugged program exits, or you
17716 detach from it, @value{GDBN} stays connected to @code{gdbserver} even
17717 though no program is running. The @code{run} and @code{attach}
17718 commands instruct @code{gdbserver} to run or attach to a new program.
17719 The @code{run} command uses @code{set remote exec-file} (@pxref{set
17720 remote exec-file}) to select the program to run. Command line
17721 arguments are supported, except for wildcard expansion and I/O
17722 redirection (@pxref{Arguments}).
17723
17724 @cindex @option{--multi}, @code{gdbserver} option
17725 To start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
17726 or process ID to attach, use the @option{--multi} command line option.
17727 Then you can connect using @kbd{target extended-remote} and start
17728 the program you want to debug.
17729
17730 In multi-process mode @code{gdbserver} does not automatically exit unless you
17731 use the option @option{--once}. You can terminate it by using
17732 @code{monitor exit} (@pxref{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}). Note that the
17733 conditions under which @code{gdbserver} terminates depend on how @value{GDBN}
17734 connects to it (@kbd{target remote} or @kbd{target extended-remote}). The
17735 @option{--multi} option to @code{gdbserver} has no influence on that.
17736
17737 @subsubsection TCP port allocation lifecycle of @code{gdbserver}
17738
17739 This section applies only when @code{gdbserver} is run to listen on a TCP port.
17740
17741 @code{gdbserver} normally terminates after all of its debugged processes have
17742 terminated in @kbd{target remote} mode. On the other hand, for @kbd{target
17743 extended-remote}, @code{gdbserver} stays running even with no processes left.
17744 @value{GDBN} normally terminates the spawned debugged process on its exit,
17745 which normally also terminates @code{gdbserver} in the @kbd{target remote}
17746 mode. Therefore, when the connection drops unexpectedly, and @value{GDBN}
17747 cannot ask @code{gdbserver} to kill its debugged processes, @code{gdbserver}
17748 stays running even in the @kbd{target remote} mode.
17749
17750 When @code{gdbserver} stays running, @value{GDBN} can connect to it again later.
17751 Such reconnecting is useful for features like @ref{disconnected tracing}. For
17752 completeness, at most one @value{GDBN} can be connected at a time.
17753
17754 @cindex @option{--once}, @code{gdbserver} option
17755 By default, @code{gdbserver} keeps the listening TCP port open, so that
17756 additional connections are possible. However, if you start @code{gdbserver}
17757 with the @option{--once} option, it will stop listening for any further
17758 connection attempts after connecting to the first @value{GDBN} session. This
17759 means no further connections to @code{gdbserver} will be possible after the
17760 first one. It also means @code{gdbserver} will terminate after the first
17761 connection with remote @value{GDBN} has closed, even for unexpectedly closed
17762 connections and even in the @kbd{target extended-remote} mode. The
17763 @option{--once} option allows reusing the same port number for connecting to
17764 multiple instances of @code{gdbserver} running on the same host, since each
17765 instance closes its port after the first connection.
17766
17767 @subsubsection Other Command-Line Arguments for @code{gdbserver}
17768
17769 @cindex @option{--debug}, @code{gdbserver} option
17770 The @option{--debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display extra
17771 status information about the debugging process.
17772 @cindex @option{--remote-debug}, @code{gdbserver} option
17773 The @option{--remote-debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display
17774 remote protocol debug output. These options are intended for
17775 @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to the developers.
17776
17777 @cindex @option{--wrapper}, @code{gdbserver} option
17778 The @option{--wrapper} option specifies a wrapper to launch programs
17779 for debugging. The option should be followed by the name of the
17780 wrapper, then any command-line arguments to pass to the wrapper, then
17781 @kbd{--} indicating the end of the wrapper arguments.
17782
17783 @code{gdbserver} runs the specified wrapper program with a combined
17784 command line including the wrapper arguments, then the name of the
17785 program to debug, then any arguments to the program. The wrapper
17786 runs until it executes your program, and then @value{GDBN} gains control.
17787
17788 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
17789 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
17790 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
17791 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
17792
17793 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
17794 the debugged program, without setting the variable in @code{gdbserver}'s
17795 environment:
17796
17797 @smallexample
17798 $ gdbserver --wrapper env LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so -- :2222 ./testprog
17799 @end smallexample
17800
17801 @subsection Connecting to @code{gdbserver}
17802
17803 Run @value{GDBN} on the host system.
17804
17805 First make sure you have the necessary symbol files. Load symbols for
17806 your application using the @code{file} command before you connect. Use
17807 @code{set sysroot} to locate target libraries (unless your @value{GDBN}
17808 was compiled with the correct sysroot using @code{--with-sysroot}).
17809
17810 The symbol file and target libraries must exactly match the executable
17811 and libraries on the target, with one exception: the files on the host
17812 system should not be stripped, even if the files on the target system
17813 are. Mismatched or missing files will lead to confusing results
17814 during debugging. On @sc{gnu}/Linux targets, mismatched or missing
17815 files may also prevent @code{gdbserver} from debugging multi-threaded
17816 programs.
17817
17818 Connect to your target (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
17819 For TCP connections, you must start up @code{gdbserver} prior to using
17820 the @code{target remote} command. Otherwise you may get an error whose
17821 text depends on the host system, but which usually looks something like
17822 @samp{Connection refused}. Don't use the @code{load}
17823 command in @value{GDBN} when using @code{gdbserver}, since the program is
17824 already on the target.
17825
17826 @subsection Monitor Commands for @code{gdbserver}
17827 @cindex monitor commands, for @code{gdbserver}
17828 @anchor{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}
17829
17830 During a @value{GDBN} session using @code{gdbserver}, you can use the
17831 @code{monitor} command to send special requests to @code{gdbserver}.
17832 Here are the available commands.
17833
17834 @table @code
17835 @item monitor help
17836 List the available monitor commands.
17837
17838 @item monitor set debug 0
17839 @itemx monitor set debug 1
17840 Disable or enable general debugging messages.
17841
17842 @item monitor set remote-debug 0
17843 @itemx monitor set remote-debug 1
17844 Disable or enable specific debugging messages associated with the remote
17845 protocol (@pxref{Remote Protocol}).
17846
17847 @item monitor set libthread-db-search-path [PATH]
17848 @cindex gdbserver, search path for @code{libthread_db}
17849 When this command is issued, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
17850 directories to search for @code{libthread_db} (@pxref{Threads,,set
17851 libthread-db-search-path}). If you omit @var{path},
17852 @samp{libthread-db-search-path} will be reset to its default value.
17853
17854 The special entry @samp{$pdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path} is
17855 not supported in @code{gdbserver}.
17856
17857 @item monitor exit
17858 Tell gdbserver to exit immediately. This command should be followed by
17859 @code{disconnect} to close the debugging session. @code{gdbserver} will
17860 detach from any attached processes and kill any processes it created.
17861 Use @code{monitor exit} to terminate @code{gdbserver} at the end
17862 of a multi-process mode debug session.
17863
17864 @end table
17865
17866 @subsection Tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}
17867 @cindex tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}
17868
17869 On some targets, @code{gdbserver} supports tracepoints, fast
17870 tracepoints and static tracepoints.
17871
17872 For fast or static tracepoints to work, a special library called the
17873 @dfn{in-process agent} (IPA), must be loaded in the inferior process.
17874 This library is built and distributed as an integral part of
17875 @code{gdbserver}. In addition, support for static tracepoints
17876 requires building the in-process agent library with static tracepoints
17877 support. At present, the UST (LTTng Userspace Tracer,
17878 @url{http://lttng.org/ust}) tracing engine is supported. This support
17879 is automatically available if UST development headers are found in the
17880 standard include path when @code{gdbserver} is built, or if
17881 @code{gdbserver} was explicitly configured using @option{--with-ust}
17882 to point at such headers. You can explicitly disable the support
17883 using @option{--with-ust=no}.
17884
17885 There are several ways to load the in-process agent in your program:
17886
17887 @table @code
17888 @item Specifying it as dependency at link time
17889
17890 You can link your program dynamically with the in-process agent
17891 library. On most systems, this is accomplished by adding
17892 @code{-linproctrace} to the link command.
17893
17894 @item Using the system's preloading mechanisms
17895
17896 You can force loading the in-process agent at startup time by using
17897 your system's support for preloading shared libraries. Many Unixes
17898 support the concept of preloading user defined libraries. In most
17899 cases, you do that by specifying @code{LD_PRELOAD=libinproctrace.so}
17900 in the environment. See also the description of @code{gdbserver}'s
17901 @option{--wrapper} command line option.
17902
17903 @item Using @value{GDBN} to force loading the agent at run time
17904
17905 On some systems, you can force the inferior to load a shared library,
17906 by calling a dynamic loader function in the inferior that takes care
17907 of dynamically looking up and loading a shared library. On most Unix
17908 systems, the function is @code{dlopen}. You'll use the @code{call}
17909 command for that. For example:
17910
17911 @smallexample
17912 (@value{GDBP}) call dlopen ("libinproctrace.so", ...)
17913 @end smallexample
17914
17915 Note that on most Unix systems, for the @code{dlopen} function to be
17916 available, the program needs to be linked with @code{-ldl}.
17917 @end table
17918
17919 On systems that have a userspace dynamic loader, like most Unix
17920 systems, when you connect to @code{gdbserver} using @code{target
17921 remote}, you'll find that the program is stopped at the dynamic
17922 loader's entry point, and no shared library has been loaded in the
17923 program's address space yet, including the in-process agent. In that
17924 case, before being able to use any of the fast or static tracepoints
17925 features, you need to let the loader run and load the shared
17926 libraries. The simplest way to do that is to run the program to the
17927 main procedure. E.g., if debugging a C or C@t{++} program, start
17928 @code{gdbserver} like so:
17929
17930 @smallexample
17931 $ gdbserver :9999 myprogram
17932 @end smallexample
17933
17934 Start GDB and connect to @code{gdbserver} like so, and run to main:
17935
17936 @smallexample
17937 $ gdb myprogram
17938 (@value{GDBP}) target remote myhost:9999
17939 0x00007f215893ba60 in ?? () from /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2
17940 (@value{GDBP}) b main
17941 (@value{GDBP}) continue
17942 @end smallexample
17943
17944 The in-process tracing agent library should now be loaded into the
17945 process; you can confirm it with the @code{info sharedlibrary}
17946 command, which will list @file{libinproctrace.so} as loaded in the
17947 process. You are now ready to install fast tracepoints, list static
17948 tracepoint markers, probe static tracepoints markers, and start
17949 tracing.
17950
17951 @node Remote Configuration
17952 @section Remote Configuration
17953
17954 @kindex set remote
17955 @kindex show remote
17956 This section documents the configuration options available when
17957 debugging remote programs. For the options related to the File I/O
17958 extensions of the remote protocol, see @ref{system,
17959 system-call-allowed}.
17960
17961 @table @code
17962 @item set remoteaddresssize @var{bits}
17963 @cindex address size for remote targets
17964 @cindex bits in remote address
17965 Set the maximum size of address in a memory packet to the specified
17966 number of bits. @value{GDBN} will mask off the address bits above
17967 that number, when it passes addresses to the remote target. The
17968 default value is the number of bits in the target's address.
17969
17970 @item show remoteaddresssize
17971 Show the current value of remote address size in bits.
17972
17973 @item set remotebaud @var{n}
17974 @cindex baud rate for remote targets
17975 Set the baud rate for the remote serial I/O to @var{n} baud. The
17976 value is used to set the speed of the serial port used for debugging
17977 remote targets.
17978
17979 @item show remotebaud
17980 Show the current speed of the remote connection.
17981
17982 @item set remotebreak
17983 @cindex interrupt remote programs
17984 @cindex BREAK signal instead of Ctrl-C
17985 @anchor{set remotebreak}
17986 If set to on, @value{GDBN} sends a @code{BREAK} signal to the remote
17987 when you type @kbd{Ctrl-c} to interrupt the program running
17988 on the remote. If set to off, @value{GDBN} sends the @samp{Ctrl-C}
17989 character instead. The default is off, since most remote systems
17990 expect to see @samp{Ctrl-C} as the interrupt signal.
17991
17992 @item show remotebreak
17993 Show whether @value{GDBN} sends @code{BREAK} or @samp{Ctrl-C} to
17994 interrupt the remote program.
17995
17996 @item set remoteflow on
17997 @itemx set remoteflow off
17998 @kindex set remoteflow
17999 Enable or disable hardware flow control (@code{RTS}/@code{CTS})
18000 on the serial port used to communicate to the remote target.
18001
18002 @item show remoteflow
18003 @kindex show remoteflow
18004 Show the current setting of hardware flow control.
18005
18006 @item set remotelogbase @var{base}
18007 Set the base (a.k.a.@: radix) of logging serial protocol
18008 communications to @var{base}. Supported values of @var{base} are:
18009 @code{ascii}, @code{octal}, and @code{hex}. The default is
18010 @code{ascii}.
18011
18012 @item show remotelogbase
18013 Show the current setting of the radix for logging remote serial
18014 protocol.
18015
18016 @item set remotelogfile @var{file}
18017 @cindex record serial communications on file
18018 Record remote serial communications on the named @var{file}. The
18019 default is not to record at all.
18020
18021 @item show remotelogfile.
18022 Show the current setting of the file name on which to record the
18023 serial communications.
18024
18025 @item set remotetimeout @var{num}
18026 @cindex timeout for serial communications
18027 @cindex remote timeout
18028 Set the timeout limit to wait for the remote target to respond to
18029 @var{num} seconds. The default is 2 seconds.
18030
18031 @item show remotetimeout
18032 Show the current number of seconds to wait for the remote target
18033 responses.
18034
18035 @cindex limit hardware breakpoints and watchpoints
18036 @cindex remote target, limit break- and watchpoints
18037 @anchor{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}
18038 @anchor{set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit}
18039 @item set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit @var{limit}
18040 @itemx set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit @var{limit}
18041 Restrict @value{GDBN} to using @var{limit} remote hardware breakpoint or
18042 watchpoints. A limit of -1, the default, is treated as unlimited.
18043
18044 @cindex limit hardware watchpoints length
18045 @cindex remote target, limit watchpoints length
18046 @anchor{set remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit}
18047 @item set remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit @var{limit}
18048 Restrict @value{GDBN} to using @var{limit} bytes for the maximum length of
18049 a remote hardware watchpoint. A limit of -1, the default, is treated
18050 as unlimited.
18051
18052 @item show remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit
18053 Show the current limit (in bytes) of the maximum length of
18054 a remote hardware watchpoint.
18055
18056 @item set remote exec-file @var{filename}
18057 @itemx show remote exec-file
18058 @anchor{set remote exec-file}
18059 @cindex executable file, for remote target
18060 Select the file used for @code{run} with @code{target
18061 extended-remote}. This should be set to a filename valid on the
18062 target system. If it is not set, the target will use a default
18063 filename (e.g.@: the last program run).
18064
18065 @item set remote interrupt-sequence
18066 @cindex interrupt remote programs
18067 @cindex select Ctrl-C, BREAK or BREAK-g
18068 Allow the user to select one of @samp{Ctrl-C}, a @code{BREAK} or
18069 @samp{BREAK-g} as the
18070 sequence to the remote target in order to interrupt the execution.
18071 @samp{Ctrl-C} is a default. Some system prefers @code{BREAK} which
18072 is high level of serial line for some certain time.
18073 Linux kernel prefers @samp{BREAK-g}, a.k.a Magic SysRq g.
18074 It is @code{BREAK} signal followed by character @code{g}.
18075
18076 @item show interrupt-sequence
18077 Show which of @samp{Ctrl-C}, @code{BREAK} or @code{BREAK-g}
18078 is sent by @value{GDBN} to interrupt the remote program.
18079 @code{BREAK-g} is BREAK signal followed by @code{g} and
18080 also known as Magic SysRq g.
18081
18082 @item set remote interrupt-on-connect
18083 @cindex send interrupt-sequence on start
18084 Specify whether interrupt-sequence is sent to remote target when
18085 @value{GDBN} connects to it. This is mostly needed when you debug
18086 Linux kernel. Linux kernel expects @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g}
18087 which is known as Magic SysRq g in order to connect @value{GDBN}.
18088
18089 @item show interrupt-on-connect
18090 Show whether interrupt-sequence is sent
18091 to remote target when @value{GDBN} connects to it.
18092
18093 @kindex set tcp
18094 @kindex show tcp
18095 @item set tcp auto-retry on
18096 @cindex auto-retry, for remote TCP target
18097 Enable auto-retry for remote TCP connections. This is useful if the remote
18098 debugging agent is launched in parallel with @value{GDBN}; there is a race
18099 condition because the agent may not become ready to accept the connection
18100 before @value{GDBN} attempts to connect. When auto-retry is
18101 enabled, if the initial attempt to connect fails, @value{GDBN} reattempts
18102 to establish the connection using the timeout specified by
18103 @code{set tcp connect-timeout}.
18104
18105 @item set tcp auto-retry off
18106 Do not auto-retry failed TCP connections.
18107
18108 @item show tcp auto-retry
18109 Show the current auto-retry setting.
18110
18111 @item set tcp connect-timeout @var{seconds}
18112 @cindex connection timeout, for remote TCP target
18113 @cindex timeout, for remote target connection
18114 Set the timeout for establishing a TCP connection to the remote target to
18115 @var{seconds}. The timeout affects both polling to retry failed connections
18116 (enabled by @code{set tcp auto-retry on}) and waiting for connections
18117 that are merely slow to complete, and represents an approximate cumulative
18118 value.
18119
18120 @item show tcp connect-timeout
18121 Show the current connection timeout setting.
18122 @end table
18123
18124 @cindex remote packets, enabling and disabling
18125 The @value{GDBN} remote protocol autodetects the packets supported by
18126 your debugging stub. If you need to override the autodetection, you
18127 can use these commands to enable or disable individual packets. Each
18128 packet can be set to @samp{on} (the remote target supports this
18129 packet), @samp{off} (the remote target does not support this packet),
18130 or @samp{auto} (detect remote target support for this packet). They
18131 all default to @samp{auto}. For more information about each packet,
18132 see @ref{Remote Protocol}.
18133
18134 During normal use, you should not have to use any of these commands.
18135 If you do, that may be a bug in your remote debugging stub, or a bug
18136 in @value{GDBN}. You may want to report the problem to the
18137 @value{GDBN} developers.
18138
18139 For each packet @var{name}, the command to enable or disable the
18140 packet is @code{set remote @var{name}-packet}. The available settings
18141 are:
18142
18143 @multitable @columnfractions 0.28 0.32 0.25
18144 @item Command Name
18145 @tab Remote Packet
18146 @tab Related Features
18147
18148 @item @code{fetch-register}
18149 @tab @code{p}
18150 @tab @code{info registers}
18151
18152 @item @code{set-register}
18153 @tab @code{P}
18154 @tab @code{set}
18155
18156 @item @code{binary-download}
18157 @tab @code{X}
18158 @tab @code{load}, @code{set}
18159
18160 @item @code{read-aux-vector}
18161 @tab @code{qXfer:auxv:read}
18162 @tab @code{info auxv}
18163
18164 @item @code{symbol-lookup}
18165 @tab @code{qSymbol}
18166 @tab Detecting multiple threads
18167
18168 @item @code{attach}
18169 @tab @code{vAttach}
18170 @tab @code{attach}
18171
18172 @item @code{verbose-resume}
18173 @tab @code{vCont}
18174 @tab Stepping or resuming multiple threads
18175
18176 @item @code{run}
18177 @tab @code{vRun}
18178 @tab @code{run}
18179
18180 @item @code{software-breakpoint}
18181 @tab @code{Z0}
18182 @tab @code{break}
18183
18184 @item @code{hardware-breakpoint}
18185 @tab @code{Z1}
18186 @tab @code{hbreak}
18187
18188 @item @code{write-watchpoint}
18189 @tab @code{Z2}
18190 @tab @code{watch}
18191
18192 @item @code{read-watchpoint}
18193 @tab @code{Z3}
18194 @tab @code{rwatch}
18195
18196 @item @code{access-watchpoint}
18197 @tab @code{Z4}
18198 @tab @code{awatch}
18199
18200 @item @code{target-features}
18201 @tab @code{qXfer:features:read}
18202 @tab @code{set architecture}
18203
18204 @item @code{library-info}
18205 @tab @code{qXfer:libraries:read}
18206 @tab @code{info sharedlibrary}
18207
18208 @item @code{memory-map}
18209 @tab @code{qXfer:memory-map:read}
18210 @tab @code{info mem}
18211
18212 @item @code{read-sdata-object}
18213 @tab @code{qXfer:sdata:read}
18214 @tab @code{print $_sdata}
18215
18216 @item @code{read-spu-object}
18217 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:read}
18218 @tab @code{info spu}
18219
18220 @item @code{write-spu-object}
18221 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:write}
18222 @tab @code{info spu}
18223
18224 @item @code{read-siginfo-object}
18225 @tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:read}
18226 @tab @code{print $_siginfo}
18227
18228 @item @code{write-siginfo-object}
18229 @tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:write}
18230 @tab @code{set $_siginfo}
18231
18232 @item @code{threads}
18233 @tab @code{qXfer:threads:read}
18234 @tab @code{info threads}
18235
18236 @item @code{get-thread-local-@*storage-address}
18237 @tab @code{qGetTLSAddr}
18238 @tab Displaying @code{__thread} variables
18239
18240 @item @code{get-thread-information-block-address}
18241 @tab @code{qGetTIBAddr}
18242 @tab Display MS-Windows Thread Information Block.
18243
18244 @item @code{search-memory}
18245 @tab @code{qSearch:memory}
18246 @tab @code{find}
18247
18248 @item @code{supported-packets}
18249 @tab @code{qSupported}
18250 @tab Remote communications parameters
18251
18252 @item @code{pass-signals}
18253 @tab @code{QPassSignals}
18254 @tab @code{handle @var{signal}}
18255
18256 @item @code{program-signals}
18257 @tab @code{QProgramSignals}
18258 @tab @code{handle @var{signal}}
18259
18260 @item @code{hostio-close-packet}
18261 @tab @code{vFile:close}
18262 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
18263
18264 @item @code{hostio-open-packet}
18265 @tab @code{vFile:open}
18266 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
18267
18268 @item @code{hostio-pread-packet}
18269 @tab @code{vFile:pread}
18270 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
18271
18272 @item @code{hostio-pwrite-packet}
18273 @tab @code{vFile:pwrite}
18274 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
18275
18276 @item @code{hostio-unlink-packet}
18277 @tab @code{vFile:unlink}
18278 @tab @code{remote delete}
18279
18280 @item @code{hostio-readlink-packet}
18281 @tab @code{vFile:readlink}
18282 @tab Host I/O
18283
18284 @item @code{noack-packet}
18285 @tab @code{QStartNoAckMode}
18286 @tab Packet acknowledgment
18287
18288 @item @code{osdata}
18289 @tab @code{qXfer:osdata:read}
18290 @tab @code{info os}
18291
18292 @item @code{query-attached}
18293 @tab @code{qAttached}
18294 @tab Querying remote process attach state.
18295
18296 @item @code{traceframe-info}
18297 @tab @code{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
18298 @tab Traceframe info
18299
18300 @item @code{install-in-trace}
18301 @tab @code{InstallInTrace}
18302 @tab Install tracepoint in tracing
18303
18304 @item @code{disable-randomization}
18305 @tab @code{QDisableRandomization}
18306 @tab @code{set disable-randomization}
18307
18308 @item @code{conditional-breakpoints-packet}
18309 @tab @code{Z0 and Z1}
18310 @tab @code{Support for target-side breakpoint condition evaluation}
18311 @end multitable
18312
18313 @node Remote Stub
18314 @section Implementing a Remote Stub
18315
18316 @cindex debugging stub, example
18317 @cindex remote stub, example
18318 @cindex stub example, remote debugging
18319 The stub files provided with @value{GDBN} implement the target side of the
18320 communication protocol, and the @value{GDBN} side is implemented in the
18321 @value{GDBN} source file @file{remote.c}. Normally, you can simply allow
18322 these subroutines to communicate, and ignore the details. (If you're
18323 implementing your own stub file, you can still ignore the details: start
18324 with one of the existing stub files. @file{sparc-stub.c} is the best
18325 organized, and therefore the easiest to read.)
18326
18327 @cindex remote serial debugging, overview
18328 To debug a program running on another machine (the debugging
18329 @dfn{target} machine), you must first arrange for all the usual
18330 prerequisites for the program to run by itself. For example, for a C
18331 program, you need:
18332
18333 @enumerate
18334 @item
18335 A startup routine to set up the C runtime environment; these usually
18336 have a name like @file{crt0}. The startup routine may be supplied by
18337 your hardware supplier, or you may have to write your own.
18338
18339 @item
18340 A C subroutine library to support your program's
18341 subroutine calls, notably managing input and output.
18342
18343 @item
18344 A way of getting your program to the other machine---for example, a
18345 download program. These are often supplied by the hardware
18346 manufacturer, but you may have to write your own from hardware
18347 documentation.
18348 @end enumerate
18349
18350 The next step is to arrange for your program to use a serial port to
18351 communicate with the machine where @value{GDBN} is running (the @dfn{host}
18352 machine). In general terms, the scheme looks like this:
18353
18354 @table @emph
18355 @item On the host,
18356 @value{GDBN} already understands how to use this protocol; when everything
18357 else is set up, you can simply use the @samp{target remote} command
18358 (@pxref{Targets,,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
18359
18360 @item On the target,
18361 you must link with your program a few special-purpose subroutines that
18362 implement the @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol. The file containing these
18363 subroutines is called a @dfn{debugging stub}.
18364
18365 On certain remote targets, you can use an auxiliary program
18366 @code{gdbserver} instead of linking a stub into your program.
18367 @xref{Server,,Using the @code{gdbserver} Program}, for details.
18368 @end table
18369
18370 The debugging stub is specific to the architecture of the remote
18371 machine; for example, use @file{sparc-stub.c} to debug programs on
18372 @sc{sparc} boards.
18373
18374 @cindex remote serial stub list
18375 These working remote stubs are distributed with @value{GDBN}:
18376
18377 @table @code
18378
18379 @item i386-stub.c
18380 @cindex @file{i386-stub.c}
18381 @cindex Intel
18382 @cindex i386
18383 For Intel 386 and compatible architectures.
18384
18385 @item m68k-stub.c
18386 @cindex @file{m68k-stub.c}
18387 @cindex Motorola 680x0
18388 @cindex m680x0
18389 For Motorola 680x0 architectures.
18390
18391 @item sh-stub.c
18392 @cindex @file{sh-stub.c}
18393 @cindex Renesas
18394 @cindex SH
18395 For Renesas SH architectures.
18396
18397 @item sparc-stub.c
18398 @cindex @file{sparc-stub.c}
18399 @cindex Sparc
18400 For @sc{sparc} architectures.
18401
18402 @item sparcl-stub.c
18403 @cindex @file{sparcl-stub.c}
18404 @cindex Fujitsu
18405 @cindex SparcLite
18406 For Fujitsu @sc{sparclite} architectures.
18407
18408 @end table
18409
18410 The @file{README} file in the @value{GDBN} distribution may list other
18411 recently added stubs.
18412
18413 @menu
18414 * Stub Contents:: What the stub can do for you
18415 * Bootstrapping:: What you must do for the stub
18416 * Debug Session:: Putting it all together
18417 @end menu
18418
18419 @node Stub Contents
18420 @subsection What the Stub Can Do for You
18421
18422 @cindex remote serial stub
18423 The debugging stub for your architecture supplies these three
18424 subroutines:
18425
18426 @table @code
18427 @item set_debug_traps
18428 @findex set_debug_traps
18429 @cindex remote serial stub, initialization
18430 This routine arranges for @code{handle_exception} to run when your
18431 program stops. You must call this subroutine explicitly in your
18432 program's startup code.
18433
18434 @item handle_exception
18435 @findex handle_exception
18436 @cindex remote serial stub, main routine
18437 This is the central workhorse, but your program never calls it
18438 explicitly---the setup code arranges for @code{handle_exception} to
18439 run when a trap is triggered.
18440
18441 @code{handle_exception} takes control when your program stops during
18442 execution (for example, on a breakpoint), and mediates communications
18443 with @value{GDBN} on the host machine. This is where the communications
18444 protocol is implemented; @code{handle_exception} acts as the @value{GDBN}
18445 representative on the target machine. It begins by sending summary
18446 information on the state of your program, then continues to execute,
18447 retrieving and transmitting any information @value{GDBN} needs, until you
18448 execute a @value{GDBN} command that makes your program resume; at that point,
18449 @code{handle_exception} returns control to your own code on the target
18450 machine.
18451
18452 @item breakpoint
18453 @cindex @code{breakpoint} subroutine, remote
18454 Use this auxiliary subroutine to make your program contain a
18455 breakpoint. Depending on the particular situation, this may be the only
18456 way for @value{GDBN} to get control. For instance, if your target
18457 machine has some sort of interrupt button, you won't need to call this;
18458 pressing the interrupt button transfers control to
18459 @code{handle_exception}---in effect, to @value{GDBN}. On some machines,
18460 simply receiving characters on the serial port may also trigger a trap;
18461 again, in that situation, you don't need to call @code{breakpoint} from
18462 your own program---simply running @samp{target remote} from the host
18463 @value{GDBN} session gets control.
18464
18465 Call @code{breakpoint} if none of these is true, or if you simply want
18466 to make certain your program stops at a predetermined point for the
18467 start of your debugging session.
18468 @end table
18469
18470 @node Bootstrapping
18471 @subsection What You Must Do for the Stub
18472
18473 @cindex remote stub, support routines
18474 The debugging stubs that come with @value{GDBN} are set up for a particular
18475 chip architecture, but they have no information about the rest of your
18476 debugging target machine.
18477
18478 First of all you need to tell the stub how to communicate with the
18479 serial port.
18480
18481 @table @code
18482 @item int getDebugChar()
18483 @findex getDebugChar
18484 Write this subroutine to read a single character from the serial port.
18485 It may be identical to @code{getchar} for your target system; a
18486 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
18487
18488 @item void putDebugChar(int)
18489 @findex putDebugChar
18490 Write this subroutine to write a single character to the serial port.
18491 It may be identical to @code{putchar} for your target system; a
18492 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
18493 @end table
18494
18495 @cindex control C, and remote debugging
18496 @cindex interrupting remote targets
18497 If you want @value{GDBN} to be able to stop your program while it is
18498 running, you need to use an interrupt-driven serial driver, and arrange
18499 for it to stop when it receives a @code{^C} (@samp{\003}, the control-C
18500 character). That is the character which @value{GDBN} uses to tell the
18501 remote system to stop.
18502
18503 Getting the debugging target to return the proper status to @value{GDBN}
18504 probably requires changes to the standard stub; one quick and dirty way
18505 is to just execute a breakpoint instruction (the ``dirty'' part is that
18506 @value{GDBN} reports a @code{SIGTRAP} instead of a @code{SIGINT}).
18507
18508 Other routines you need to supply are:
18509
18510 @table @code
18511 @item void exceptionHandler (int @var{exception_number}, void *@var{exception_address})
18512 @findex exceptionHandler
18513 Write this function to install @var{exception_address} in the exception
18514 handling tables. You need to do this because the stub does not have any
18515 way of knowing what the exception handling tables on your target system
18516 are like (for example, the processor's table might be in @sc{rom},
18517 containing entries which point to a table in @sc{ram}).
18518 @var{exception_number} is the exception number which should be changed;
18519 its meaning is architecture-dependent (for example, different numbers
18520 might represent divide by zero, misaligned access, etc). When this
18521 exception occurs, control should be transferred directly to
18522 @var{exception_address}, and the processor state (stack, registers,
18523 and so on) should be just as it is when a processor exception occurs. So if
18524 you want to use a jump instruction to reach @var{exception_address}, it
18525 should be a simple jump, not a jump to subroutine.
18526
18527 For the 386, @var{exception_address} should be installed as an interrupt
18528 gate so that interrupts are masked while the handler runs. The gate
18529 should be at privilege level 0 (the most privileged level). The
18530 @sc{sparc} and 68k stubs are able to mask interrupts themselves without
18531 help from @code{exceptionHandler}.
18532
18533 @item void flush_i_cache()
18534 @findex flush_i_cache
18535 On @sc{sparc} and @sc{sparclite} only, write this subroutine to flush the
18536 instruction cache, if any, on your target machine. If there is no
18537 instruction cache, this subroutine may be a no-op.
18538
18539 On target machines that have instruction caches, @value{GDBN} requires this
18540 function to make certain that the state of your program is stable.
18541 @end table
18542
18543 @noindent
18544 You must also make sure this library routine is available:
18545
18546 @table @code
18547 @item void *memset(void *, int, int)
18548 @findex memset
18549 This is the standard library function @code{memset} that sets an area of
18550 memory to a known value. If you have one of the free versions of
18551 @code{libc.a}, @code{memset} can be found there; otherwise, you must
18552 either obtain it from your hardware manufacturer, or write your own.
18553 @end table
18554
18555 If you do not use the GNU C compiler, you may need other standard
18556 library subroutines as well; this varies from one stub to another,
18557 but in general the stubs are likely to use any of the common library
18558 subroutines which @code{@value{NGCC}} generates as inline code.
18559
18560
18561 @node Debug Session
18562 @subsection Putting it All Together
18563
18564 @cindex remote serial debugging summary
18565 In summary, when your program is ready to debug, you must follow these
18566 steps.
18567
18568 @enumerate
18569 @item
18570 Make sure you have defined the supporting low-level routines
18571 (@pxref{Bootstrapping,,What You Must Do for the Stub}):
18572 @display
18573 @code{getDebugChar}, @code{putDebugChar},
18574 @code{flush_i_cache}, @code{memset}, @code{exceptionHandler}.
18575 @end display
18576
18577 @item
18578 Insert these lines in your program's startup code, before the main
18579 procedure is called:
18580
18581 @smallexample
18582 set_debug_traps();
18583 breakpoint();
18584 @end smallexample
18585
18586 On some machines, when a breakpoint trap is raised, the hardware
18587 automatically makes the PC point to the instruction after the
18588 breakpoint. If your machine doesn't do that, you may need to adjust
18589 @code{handle_exception} to arrange for it to return to the instruction
18590 after the breakpoint on this first invocation, so that your program
18591 doesn't keep hitting the initial breakpoint instead of making
18592 progress.
18593
18594 @item
18595 For the 680x0 stub only, you need to provide a variable called
18596 @code{exceptionHook}. Normally you just use:
18597
18598 @smallexample
18599 void (*exceptionHook)() = 0;
18600 @end smallexample
18601
18602 @noindent
18603 but if before calling @code{set_debug_traps}, you set it to point to a
18604 function in your program, that function is called when
18605 @code{@value{GDBN}} continues after stopping on a trap (for example, bus
18606 error). The function indicated by @code{exceptionHook} is called with
18607 one parameter: an @code{int} which is the exception number.
18608
18609 @item
18610 Compile and link together: your program, the @value{GDBN} debugging stub for
18611 your target architecture, and the supporting subroutines.
18612
18613 @item
18614 Make sure you have a serial connection between your target machine and
18615 the @value{GDBN} host, and identify the serial port on the host.
18616
18617 @item
18618 @c The "remote" target now provides a `load' command, so we should
18619 @c document that. FIXME.
18620 Download your program to your target machine (or get it there by
18621 whatever means the manufacturer provides), and start it.
18622
18623 @item
18624 Start @value{GDBN} on the host, and connect to the target
18625 (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
18626
18627 @end enumerate
18628
18629 @node Configurations
18630 @chapter Configuration-Specific Information
18631
18632 While nearly all @value{GDBN} commands are available for all native and
18633 cross versions of the debugger, there are some exceptions. This chapter
18634 describes things that are only available in certain configurations.
18635
18636 There are three major categories of configurations: native
18637 configurations, where the host and target are the same, embedded
18638 operating system configurations, which are usually the same for several
18639 different processor architectures, and bare embedded processors, which
18640 are quite different from each other.
18641
18642 @menu
18643 * Native::
18644 * Embedded OS::
18645 * Embedded Processors::
18646 * Architectures::
18647 @end menu
18648
18649 @node Native
18650 @section Native
18651
18652 This section describes details specific to particular native
18653 configurations.
18654
18655 @menu
18656 * HP-UX:: HP-UX
18657 * BSD libkvm Interface:: Debugging BSD kernel memory images
18658 * SVR4 Process Information:: SVR4 process information
18659 * DJGPP Native:: Features specific to the DJGPP port
18660 * Cygwin Native:: Features specific to the Cygwin port
18661 * Hurd Native:: Features specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd
18662 * Darwin:: Features specific to Darwin
18663 @end menu
18664
18665 @node HP-UX
18666 @subsection HP-UX
18667
18668 On HP-UX systems, if you refer to a function or variable name that
18669 begins with a dollar sign, @value{GDBN} searches for a user or system
18670 name first, before it searches for a convenience variable.
18671
18672
18673 @node BSD libkvm Interface
18674 @subsection BSD libkvm Interface
18675
18676 @cindex libkvm
18677 @cindex kernel memory image
18678 @cindex kernel crash dump
18679
18680 BSD-derived systems (FreeBSD/NetBSD/OpenBSD) have a kernel memory
18681 interface that provides a uniform interface for accessing kernel virtual
18682 memory images, including live systems and crash dumps. @value{GDBN}
18683 uses this interface to allow you to debug live kernels and kernel crash
18684 dumps on many native BSD configurations. This is implemented as a
18685 special @code{kvm} debugging target. For debugging a live system, load
18686 the currently running kernel into @value{GDBN} and connect to the
18687 @code{kvm} target:
18688
18689 @smallexample
18690 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm}
18691 @end smallexample
18692
18693 For debugging crash dumps, provide the file name of the crash dump as an
18694 argument:
18695
18696 @smallexample
18697 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm /var/crash/bsd.0}
18698 @end smallexample
18699
18700 Once connected to the @code{kvm} target, the following commands are
18701 available:
18702
18703 @table @code
18704 @kindex kvm
18705 @item kvm pcb
18706 Set current context from the @dfn{Process Control Block} (PCB) address.
18707
18708 @item kvm proc
18709 Set current context from proc address. This command isn't available on
18710 modern FreeBSD systems.
18711 @end table
18712
18713 @node SVR4 Process Information
18714 @subsection SVR4 Process Information
18715 @cindex /proc
18716 @cindex examine process image
18717 @cindex process info via @file{/proc}
18718
18719 Many versions of SVR4 and compatible systems provide a facility called
18720 @samp{/proc} that can be used to examine the image of a running
18721 process using file-system subroutines.
18722
18723 If @value{GDBN} is configured for an operating system with this
18724 facility, the command @code{info proc} is available to report
18725 information about the process running your program, or about any
18726 process running on your system. This includes, as of this writing,
18727 @sc{gnu}/Linux, OSF/1 (Digital Unix), Solaris, and Irix, but
18728 not HP-UX, for example.
18729
18730 This command may also work on core files that were created on a system
18731 that has the @samp{/proc} facility.
18732
18733 @table @code
18734 @kindex info proc
18735 @cindex process ID
18736 @item info proc
18737 @itemx info proc @var{process-id}
18738 Summarize available information about any running process. If a
18739 process ID is specified by @var{process-id}, display information about
18740 that process; otherwise display information about the program being
18741 debugged. The summary includes the debugged process ID, the command
18742 line used to invoke it, its current working directory, and its
18743 executable file's absolute file name.
18744
18745 On some systems, @var{process-id} can be of the form
18746 @samp{[@var{pid}]/@var{tid}} which specifies a certain thread ID
18747 within a process. If the optional @var{pid} part is missing, it means
18748 a thread from the process being debugged (the leading @samp{/} still
18749 needs to be present, or else @value{GDBN} will interpret the number as
18750 a process ID rather than a thread ID).
18751
18752 @item info proc cmdline
18753 @cindex info proc cmdline
18754 Show the original command line of the process. This command is
18755 specific to @sc{gnu}/Linux.
18756
18757 @item info proc cwd
18758 @cindex info proc cwd
18759 Show the current working directory of the process. This command is
18760 specific to @sc{gnu}/Linux.
18761
18762 @item info proc exe
18763 @cindex info proc exe
18764 Show the name of executable of the process. This command is specific
18765 to @sc{gnu}/Linux.
18766
18767 @item info proc mappings
18768 @cindex memory address space mappings
18769 Report the memory address space ranges accessible in the program, with
18770 information on whether the process has read, write, or execute access
18771 rights to each range. On @sc{gnu}/Linux systems, each memory range
18772 includes the object file which is mapped to that range, instead of the
18773 memory access rights to that range.
18774
18775 @item info proc stat
18776 @itemx info proc status
18777 @cindex process detailed status information
18778 These subcommands are specific to @sc{gnu}/Linux systems. They show
18779 the process-related information, including the user ID and group ID;
18780 how many threads are there in the process; its virtual memory usage;
18781 the signals that are pending, blocked, and ignored; its TTY; its
18782 consumption of system and user time; its stack size; its @samp{nice}
18783 value; etc. For more information, see the @samp{proc} man page
18784 (type @kbd{man 5 proc} from your shell prompt).
18785
18786 @item info proc all
18787 Show all the information about the process described under all of the
18788 above @code{info proc} subcommands.
18789
18790 @ignore
18791 @comment These sub-options of 'info proc' were not included when
18792 @comment procfs.c was re-written. Keep their descriptions around
18793 @comment against the day when someone finds the time to put them back in.
18794 @kindex info proc times
18795 @item info proc times
18796 Starting time, user CPU time, and system CPU time for your program and
18797 its children.
18798
18799 @kindex info proc id
18800 @item info proc id
18801 Report on the process IDs related to your program: its own process ID,
18802 the ID of its parent, the process group ID, and the session ID.
18803 @end ignore
18804
18805 @item set procfs-trace
18806 @kindex set procfs-trace
18807 @cindex @code{procfs} API calls
18808 This command enables and disables tracing of @code{procfs} API calls.
18809
18810 @item show procfs-trace
18811 @kindex show procfs-trace
18812 Show the current state of @code{procfs} API call tracing.
18813
18814 @item set procfs-file @var{file}
18815 @kindex set procfs-file
18816 Tell @value{GDBN} to write @code{procfs} API trace to the named
18817 @var{file}. @value{GDBN} appends the trace info to the previous
18818 contents of the file. The default is to display the trace on the
18819 standard output.
18820
18821 @item show procfs-file
18822 @kindex show procfs-file
18823 Show the file to which @code{procfs} API trace is written.
18824
18825 @item proc-trace-entry
18826 @itemx proc-trace-exit
18827 @itemx proc-untrace-entry
18828 @itemx proc-untrace-exit
18829 @kindex proc-trace-entry
18830 @kindex proc-trace-exit
18831 @kindex proc-untrace-entry
18832 @kindex proc-untrace-exit
18833 These commands enable and disable tracing of entries into and exits
18834 from the @code{syscall} interface.
18835
18836 @item info pidlist
18837 @kindex info pidlist
18838 @cindex process list, QNX Neutrino
18839 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all the
18840 processes and all the threads within each process.
18841
18842 @item info meminfo
18843 @kindex info meminfo
18844 @cindex mapinfo list, QNX Neutrino
18845 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all mapinfos.
18846 @end table
18847
18848 @node DJGPP Native
18849 @subsection Features for Debugging @sc{djgpp} Programs
18850 @cindex @sc{djgpp} debugging
18851 @cindex native @sc{djgpp} debugging
18852 @cindex MS-DOS-specific commands
18853
18854 @cindex DPMI
18855 @sc{djgpp} is a port of the @sc{gnu} development tools to MS-DOS and
18856 MS-Windows. @sc{djgpp} programs are 32-bit protected-mode programs
18857 that use the @dfn{DPMI} (DOS Protected-Mode Interface) API to run on
18858 top of real-mode DOS systems and their emulations.
18859
18860 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of @sc{djgpp} programs, and
18861 defines a few commands specific to the @sc{djgpp} port. This
18862 subsection describes those commands.
18863
18864 @table @code
18865 @kindex info dos
18866 @item info dos
18867 This is a prefix of @sc{djgpp}-specific commands which print
18868 information about the target system and important OS structures.
18869
18870 @kindex sysinfo
18871 @cindex MS-DOS system info
18872 @cindex free memory information (MS-DOS)
18873 @item info dos sysinfo
18874 This command displays assorted information about the underlying
18875 platform: the CPU type and features, the OS version and flavor, the
18876 DPMI version, and the available conventional and DPMI memory.
18877
18878 @cindex GDT
18879 @cindex LDT
18880 @cindex IDT
18881 @cindex segment descriptor tables
18882 @cindex descriptor tables display
18883 @item info dos gdt
18884 @itemx info dos ldt
18885 @itemx info dos idt
18886 These 3 commands display entries from, respectively, Global, Local,
18887 and Interrupt Descriptor Tables (GDT, LDT, and IDT). The descriptor
18888 tables are data structures which store a descriptor for each segment
18889 that is currently in use. The segment's selector is an index into a
18890 descriptor table; the table entry for that index holds the
18891 descriptor's base address and limit, and its attributes and access
18892 rights.
18893
18894 A typical @sc{djgpp} program uses 3 segments: a code segment, a data
18895 segment (used for both data and the stack), and a DOS segment (which
18896 allows access to DOS/BIOS data structures and absolute addresses in
18897 conventional memory). However, the DPMI host will usually define
18898 additional segments in order to support the DPMI environment.
18899
18900 @cindex garbled pointers
18901 These commands allow to display entries from the descriptor tables.
18902 Without an argument, all entries from the specified table are
18903 displayed. An argument, which should be an integer expression, means
18904 display a single entry whose index is given by the argument. For
18905 example, here's a convenient way to display information about the
18906 debugged program's data segment:
18907
18908 @smallexample
18909 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos ldt $ds}
18910 @exdent @code{0x13f: base=0x11970000 limit=0x0009ffff 32-Bit Data (Read/Write, Exp-up)}
18911 @end smallexample
18912
18913 @noindent
18914 This comes in handy when you want to see whether a pointer is outside
18915 the data segment's limit (i.e.@: @dfn{garbled}).
18916
18917 @cindex page tables display (MS-DOS)
18918 @item info dos pde
18919 @itemx info dos pte
18920 These two commands display entries from, respectively, the Page
18921 Directory and the Page Tables. Page Directories and Page Tables are
18922 data structures which control how virtual memory addresses are mapped
18923 into physical addresses. A Page Table includes an entry for every
18924 page of memory that is mapped into the program's address space; there
18925 may be several Page Tables, each one holding up to 4096 entries. A
18926 Page Directory has up to 4096 entries, one each for every Page Table
18927 that is currently in use.
18928
18929 Without an argument, @kbd{info dos pde} displays the entire Page
18930 Directory, and @kbd{info dos pte} displays all the entries in all of
18931 the Page Tables. An argument, an integer expression, given to the
18932 @kbd{info dos pde} command means display only that entry from the Page
18933 Directory table. An argument given to the @kbd{info dos pte} command
18934 means display entries from a single Page Table, the one pointed to by
18935 the specified entry in the Page Directory.
18936
18937 @cindex direct memory access (DMA) on MS-DOS
18938 These commands are useful when your program uses @dfn{DMA} (Direct
18939 Memory Access), which needs physical addresses to program the DMA
18940 controller.
18941
18942 These commands are supported only with some DPMI servers.
18943
18944 @cindex physical address from linear address
18945 @item info dos address-pte @var{addr}
18946 This command displays the Page Table entry for a specified linear
18947 address. The argument @var{addr} is a linear address which should
18948 already have the appropriate segment's base address added to it,
18949 because this command accepts addresses which may belong to @emph{any}
18950 segment. For example, here's how to display the Page Table entry for
18951 the page where a variable @code{i} is stored:
18952
18953 @smallexample
18954 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte __djgpp_base_address + (char *)&i}
18955 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x11a00d30:}
18956 @exdent @code{Base=0x02698000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0xd30}
18957 @end smallexample
18958
18959 @noindent
18960 This says that @code{i} is stored at offset @code{0xd30} from the page
18961 whose physical base address is @code{0x02698000}, and shows all the
18962 attributes of that page.
18963
18964 Note that you must cast the addresses of variables to a @code{char *},
18965 since otherwise the value of @code{__djgpp_base_address}, the base
18966 address of all variables and functions in a @sc{djgpp} program, will
18967 be added using the rules of C pointer arithmetics: if @code{i} is
18968 declared an @code{int}, @value{GDBN} will add 4 times the value of
18969 @code{__djgpp_base_address} to the address of @code{i}.
18970
18971 Here's another example, it displays the Page Table entry for the
18972 transfer buffer:
18973
18974 @smallexample
18975 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte *((unsigned *)&_go32_info_block + 3)}
18976 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x29110:}
18977 @exdent @code{Base=0x00029000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0x110}
18978 @end smallexample
18979
18980 @noindent
18981 (The @code{+ 3} offset is because the transfer buffer's address is the
18982 3rd member of the @code{_go32_info_block} structure.) The output
18983 clearly shows that this DPMI server maps the addresses in conventional
18984 memory 1:1, i.e.@: the physical (@code{0x00029000} + @code{0x110}) and
18985 linear (@code{0x29110}) addresses are identical.
18986
18987 This command is supported only with some DPMI servers.
18988 @end table
18989
18990 @cindex DOS serial data link, remote debugging
18991 In addition to native debugging, the DJGPP port supports remote
18992 debugging via a serial data link. The following commands are specific
18993 to remote serial debugging in the DJGPP port of @value{GDBN}.
18994
18995 @table @code
18996 @kindex set com1base
18997 @kindex set com1irq
18998 @kindex set com2base
18999 @kindex set com2irq
19000 @kindex set com3base
19001 @kindex set com3irq
19002 @kindex set com4base
19003 @kindex set com4irq
19004 @item set com1base @var{addr}
19005 This command sets the base I/O port address of the @file{COM1} serial
19006 port.
19007
19008 @item set com1irq @var{irq}
19009 This command sets the @dfn{Interrupt Request} (@code{IRQ}) line to use
19010 for the @file{COM1} serial port.
19011
19012 There are similar commands @samp{set com2base}, @samp{set com3irq},
19013 etc.@: for setting the port address and the @code{IRQ} lines for the
19014 other 3 COM ports.
19015
19016 @kindex show com1base
19017 @kindex show com1irq
19018 @kindex show com2base
19019 @kindex show com2irq
19020 @kindex show com3base
19021 @kindex show com3irq
19022 @kindex show com4base
19023 @kindex show com4irq
19024 The related commands @samp{show com1base}, @samp{show com1irq} etc.@:
19025 display the current settings of the base address and the @code{IRQ}
19026 lines used by the COM ports.
19027
19028 @item info serial
19029 @kindex info serial
19030 @cindex DOS serial port status
19031 This command prints the status of the 4 DOS serial ports. For each
19032 port, it prints whether it's active or not, its I/O base address and
19033 IRQ number, whether it uses a 16550-style FIFO, its baudrate, and the
19034 counts of various errors encountered so far.
19035 @end table
19036
19037
19038 @node Cygwin Native
19039 @subsection Features for Debugging MS Windows PE Executables
19040 @cindex MS Windows debugging
19041 @cindex native Cygwin debugging
19042 @cindex Cygwin-specific commands
19043
19044 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of MS Windows programs, including
19045 DLLs with and without symbolic debugging information.
19046
19047 @cindex Ctrl-BREAK, MS-Windows
19048 @cindex interrupt debuggee on MS-Windows
19049 MS-Windows programs that call @code{SetConsoleMode} to switch off the
19050 special meaning of the @samp{Ctrl-C} keystroke cannot be interrupted
19051 by typing @kbd{C-c}. For this reason, @value{GDBN} on MS-Windows
19052 supports @kbd{C-@key{BREAK}} as an alternative interrupt key
19053 sequence, which can be used to interrupt the debuggee even if it
19054 ignores @kbd{C-c}.
19055
19056 There are various additional Cygwin-specific commands, described in
19057 this section. Working with DLLs that have no debugging symbols is
19058 described in @ref{Non-debug DLL Symbols}.
19059
19060 @table @code
19061 @kindex info w32
19062 @item info w32
19063 This is a prefix of MS Windows-specific commands which print
19064 information about the target system and important OS structures.
19065
19066 @item info w32 selector
19067 This command displays information returned by
19068 the Win32 API @code{GetThreadSelectorEntry} function.
19069 It takes an optional argument that is evaluated to
19070 a long value to give the information about this given selector.
19071 Without argument, this command displays information
19072 about the six segment registers.
19073
19074 @item info w32 thread-information-block
19075 This command displays thread specific information stored in the
19076 Thread Information Block (readable on the X86 CPU family using @code{$fs}
19077 selector for 32-bit programs and @code{$gs} for 64-bit programs).
19078
19079 @kindex info dll
19080 @item info dll
19081 This is a Cygwin-specific alias of @code{info shared}.
19082
19083 @kindex dll-symbols
19084 @item dll-symbols
19085 This command loads symbols from a dll similarly to
19086 add-sym command but without the need to specify a base address.
19087
19088 @kindex set cygwin-exceptions
19089 @cindex debugging the Cygwin DLL
19090 @cindex Cygwin DLL, debugging
19091 @item set cygwin-exceptions @var{mode}
19092 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that
19093 happen inside the Cygwin DLL. If @var{mode} is @code{off},
19094 @value{GDBN} will delay recognition of exceptions, and may ignore some
19095 exceptions which seem to be caused by internal Cygwin DLL
19096 ``bookkeeping''. This option is meant primarily for debugging the
19097 Cygwin DLL itself; the default value is @code{off} to avoid annoying
19098 @value{GDBN} users with false @code{SIGSEGV} signals.
19099
19100 @kindex show cygwin-exceptions
19101 @item show cygwin-exceptions
19102 Displays whether @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that happen
19103 inside the Cygwin DLL itself.
19104
19105 @kindex set new-console
19106 @item set new-console @var{mode}
19107 If @var{mode} is @code{on} the debuggee will
19108 be started in a new console on next start.
19109 If @var{mode} is @code{off}, the debuggee will
19110 be started in the same console as the debugger.
19111
19112 @kindex show new-console
19113 @item show new-console
19114 Displays whether a new console is used
19115 when the debuggee is started.
19116
19117 @kindex set new-group
19118 @item set new-group @var{mode}
19119 This boolean value controls whether the debuggee should
19120 start a new group or stay in the same group as the debugger.
19121 This affects the way the Windows OS handles
19122 @samp{Ctrl-C}.
19123
19124 @kindex show new-group
19125 @item show new-group
19126 Displays current value of new-group boolean.
19127
19128 @kindex set debugevents
19129 @item set debugevents
19130 This boolean value adds debug output concerning kernel events related
19131 to the debuggee seen by the debugger. This includes events that
19132 signal thread and process creation and exit, DLL loading and
19133 unloading, console interrupts, and debugging messages produced by the
19134 Windows @code{OutputDebugString} API call.
19135
19136 @kindex set debugexec
19137 @item set debugexec
19138 This boolean value adds debug output concerning execute events
19139 (such as resume thread) seen by the debugger.
19140
19141 @kindex set debugexceptions
19142 @item set debugexceptions
19143 This boolean value adds debug output concerning exceptions in the
19144 debuggee seen by the debugger.
19145
19146 @kindex set debugmemory
19147 @item set debugmemory
19148 This boolean value adds debug output concerning debuggee memory reads
19149 and writes by the debugger.
19150
19151 @kindex set shell
19152 @item set shell
19153 This boolean values specifies whether the debuggee is called
19154 via a shell or directly (default value is on).
19155
19156 @kindex show shell
19157 @item show shell
19158 Displays if the debuggee will be started with a shell.
19159
19160 @end table
19161
19162 @menu
19163 * Non-debug DLL Symbols:: Support for DLLs without debugging symbols
19164 @end menu
19165
19166 @node Non-debug DLL Symbols
19167 @subsubsection Support for DLLs without Debugging Symbols
19168 @cindex DLLs with no debugging symbols
19169 @cindex Minimal symbols and DLLs
19170
19171 Very often on windows, some of the DLLs that your program relies on do
19172 not include symbolic debugging information (for example,
19173 @file{kernel32.dll}). When @value{GDBN} doesn't recognize any debugging
19174 symbols in a DLL, it relies on the minimal amount of symbolic
19175 information contained in the DLL's export table. This section
19176 describes working with such symbols, known internally to @value{GDBN} as
19177 ``minimal symbols''.
19178
19179 Note that before the debugged program has started execution, no DLLs
19180 will have been loaded. The easiest way around this problem is simply to
19181 start the program --- either by setting a breakpoint or letting the
19182 program run once to completion. It is also possible to force
19183 @value{GDBN} to load a particular DLL before starting the executable ---
19184 see the shared library information in @ref{Files}, or the
19185 @code{dll-symbols} command in @ref{Cygwin Native}. Currently,
19186 explicitly loading symbols from a DLL with no debugging information will
19187 cause the symbol names to be duplicated in @value{GDBN}'s lookup table,
19188 which may adversely affect symbol lookup performance.
19189
19190 @subsubsection DLL Name Prefixes
19191
19192 In keeping with the naming conventions used by the Microsoft debugging
19193 tools, DLL export symbols are made available with a prefix based on the
19194 DLL name, for instance @code{KERNEL32!CreateFileA}. The plain name is
19195 also entered into the symbol table, so @code{CreateFileA} is often
19196 sufficient. In some cases there will be name clashes within a program
19197 (particularly if the executable itself includes full debugging symbols)
19198 necessitating the use of the fully qualified name when referring to the
19199 contents of the DLL. Use single-quotes around the name to avoid the
19200 exclamation mark (``!'') being interpreted as a language operator.
19201
19202 Note that the internal name of the DLL may be all upper-case, even
19203 though the file name of the DLL is lower-case, or vice-versa. Since
19204 symbols within @value{GDBN} are @emph{case-sensitive} this may cause
19205 some confusion. If in doubt, try the @code{info functions} and
19206 @code{info variables} commands or even @code{maint print msymbols}
19207 (@pxref{Symbols}). Here's an example:
19208
19209 @smallexample
19210 (@value{GDBP}) info function CreateFileA
19211 All functions matching regular expression "CreateFileA":
19212
19213 Non-debugging symbols:
19214 0x77e885f4 CreateFileA
19215 0x77e885f4 KERNEL32!CreateFileA
19216 @end smallexample
19217
19218 @smallexample
19219 (@value{GDBP}) info function !
19220 All functions matching regular expression "!":
19221
19222 Non-debugging symbols:
19223 0x6100114c cygwin1!__assert
19224 0x61004034 cygwin1!_dll_crt0@@0
19225 0x61004240 cygwin1!dll_crt0(per_process *)
19226 [etc...]
19227 @end smallexample
19228
19229 @subsubsection Working with Minimal Symbols
19230
19231 Symbols extracted from a DLL's export table do not contain very much
19232 type information. All that @value{GDBN} can do is guess whether a symbol
19233 refers to a function or variable depending on the linker section that
19234 contains the symbol. Also note that the actual contents of the memory
19235 contained in a DLL are not available unless the program is running. This
19236 means that you cannot examine the contents of a variable or disassemble
19237 a function within a DLL without a running program.
19238
19239 Variables are generally treated as pointers and dereferenced
19240 automatically. For this reason, it is often necessary to prefix a
19241 variable name with the address-of operator (``&'') and provide explicit
19242 type information in the command. Here's an example of the type of
19243 problem:
19244
19245 @smallexample
19246 (@value{GDBP}) print 'cygwin1!__argv'
19247 $1 = 268572168
19248 @end smallexample
19249
19250 @smallexample
19251 (@value{GDBP}) x 'cygwin1!__argv'
19252 0x10021610: "\230y\""
19253 @end smallexample
19254
19255 And two possible solutions:
19256
19257 @smallexample
19258 (@value{GDBP}) print ((char **)'cygwin1!__argv')[0]
19259 $2 = 0x22fd98 "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
19260 @end smallexample
19261
19262 @smallexample
19263 (@value{GDBP}) x/2x &'cygwin1!__argv'
19264 0x610c0aa8 <cygwin1!__argv>: 0x10021608 0x00000000
19265 (@value{GDBP}) x/x 0x10021608
19266 0x10021608: 0x0022fd98
19267 (@value{GDBP}) x/s 0x0022fd98
19268 0x22fd98: "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
19269 @end smallexample
19270
19271 Setting a break point within a DLL is possible even before the program
19272 starts execution. However, under these circumstances, @value{GDBN} can't
19273 examine the initial instructions of the function in order to skip the
19274 function's frame set-up code. You can work around this by using ``*&''
19275 to set the breakpoint at a raw memory address:
19276
19277 @smallexample
19278 (@value{GDBP}) break *&'python22!PyOS_Readline'
19279 Breakpoint 1 at 0x1e04eff0
19280 @end smallexample
19281
19282 The author of these extensions is not entirely convinced that setting a
19283 break point within a shared DLL like @file{kernel32.dll} is completely
19284 safe.
19285
19286 @node Hurd Native
19287 @subsection Commands Specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd Systems
19288 @cindex @sc{gnu} Hurd debugging
19289
19290 This subsection describes @value{GDBN} commands specific to the
19291 @sc{gnu} Hurd native debugging.
19292
19293 @table @code
19294 @item set signals
19295 @itemx set sigs
19296 @kindex set signals@r{, Hurd command}
19297 @kindex set sigs@r{, Hurd command}
19298 This command toggles the state of inferior signal interception by
19299 @value{GDBN}. Mach exceptions, such as breakpoint traps, are not
19300 affected by this command. @code{sigs} is a shorthand alias for
19301 @code{signals}.
19302
19303 @item show signals
19304 @itemx show sigs
19305 @kindex show signals@r{, Hurd command}
19306 @kindex show sigs@r{, Hurd command}
19307 Show the current state of intercepting inferior's signals.
19308
19309 @item set signal-thread
19310 @itemx set sigthread
19311 @kindex set signal-thread
19312 @kindex set sigthread
19313 This command tells @value{GDBN} which thread is the @code{libc} signal
19314 thread. That thread is run when a signal is delivered to a running
19315 process. @code{set sigthread} is the shorthand alias of @code{set
19316 signal-thread}.
19317
19318 @item show signal-thread
19319 @itemx show sigthread
19320 @kindex show signal-thread
19321 @kindex show sigthread
19322 These two commands show which thread will run when the inferior is
19323 delivered a signal.
19324
19325 @item set stopped
19326 @kindex set stopped@r{, Hurd command}
19327 This commands tells @value{GDBN} that the inferior process is stopped,
19328 as with the @code{SIGSTOP} signal. The stopped process can be
19329 continued by delivering a signal to it.
19330
19331 @item show stopped
19332 @kindex show stopped@r{, Hurd command}
19333 This command shows whether @value{GDBN} thinks the debuggee is
19334 stopped.
19335
19336 @item set exceptions
19337 @kindex set exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
19338 Use this command to turn off trapping of exceptions in the inferior.
19339 When exception trapping is off, neither breakpoints nor
19340 single-stepping will work. To restore the default, set exception
19341 trapping on.
19342
19343 @item show exceptions
19344 @kindex show exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
19345 Show the current state of trapping exceptions in the inferior.
19346
19347 @item set task pause
19348 @kindex set task@r{, Hurd commands}
19349 @cindex task attributes (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
19350 @cindex pause current task (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
19351 This command toggles task suspension when @value{GDBN} has control.
19352 Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the task is suspended
19353 whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to off will take
19354 effect the next time the inferior is continued. If this option is set
19355 to off, you can use @code{set thread default pause on} or @code{set
19356 thread pause on} (see below) to pause individual threads.
19357
19358 @item show task pause
19359 @kindex show task@r{, Hurd commands}
19360 Show the current state of task suspension.
19361
19362 @item set task detach-suspend-count
19363 @cindex task suspend count
19364 @cindex detach from task, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19365 This command sets the suspend count the task will be left with when
19366 @value{GDBN} detaches from it.
19367
19368 @item show task detach-suspend-count
19369 Show the suspend count the task will be left with when detaching.
19370
19371 @item set task exception-port
19372 @itemx set task excp
19373 @cindex task exception port, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19374 This command sets the task exception port to which @value{GDBN} will
19375 forward exceptions. The argument should be the value of the @dfn{send
19376 rights} of the task. @code{set task excp} is a shorthand alias.
19377
19378 @item set noninvasive
19379 @cindex noninvasive task options
19380 This command switches @value{GDBN} to a mode that is the least
19381 invasive as far as interfering with the inferior is concerned. This
19382 is the same as using @code{set task pause}, @code{set exceptions}, and
19383 @code{set signals} to values opposite to the defaults.
19384
19385 @item info send-rights
19386 @itemx info receive-rights
19387 @itemx info port-rights
19388 @itemx info port-sets
19389 @itemx info dead-names
19390 @itemx info ports
19391 @itemx info psets
19392 @cindex send rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19393 @cindex receive rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19394 @cindex port rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19395 @cindex port sets, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19396 @cindex dead names, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19397 These commands display information about, respectively, send rights,
19398 receive rights, port rights, port sets, and dead names of a task.
19399 There are also shorthand aliases: @code{info ports} for @code{info
19400 port-rights} and @code{info psets} for @code{info port-sets}.
19401
19402 @item set thread pause
19403 @kindex set thread@r{, Hurd command}
19404 @cindex thread properties, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19405 @cindex pause current thread (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
19406 This command toggles current thread suspension when @value{GDBN} has
19407 control. Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the current
19408 thread is suspended whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to
19409 off will take effect the next time the inferior is continued.
19410 Normally, this command has no effect, since when @value{GDBN} has
19411 control, the whole task is suspended. However, if you used @code{set
19412 task pause off} (see above), this command comes in handy to suspend
19413 only the current thread.
19414
19415 @item show thread pause
19416 @kindex show thread@r{, Hurd command}
19417 This command shows the state of current thread suspension.
19418
19419 @item set thread run
19420 This command sets whether the current thread is allowed to run.
19421
19422 @item show thread run
19423 Show whether the current thread is allowed to run.
19424
19425 @item set thread detach-suspend-count
19426 @cindex thread suspend count, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19427 @cindex detach from thread, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19428 This command sets the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on a
19429 thread when detaching. This number is relative to the suspend count
19430 found by @value{GDBN} when it notices the thread; use @code{set thread
19431 takeover-suspend-count} to force it to an absolute value.
19432
19433 @item show thread detach-suspend-count
19434 Show the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on the thread when
19435 detaching.
19436
19437 @item set thread exception-port
19438 @itemx set thread excp
19439 Set the thread exception port to which to forward exceptions. This
19440 overrides the port set by @code{set task exception-port} (see above).
19441 @code{set thread excp} is the shorthand alias.
19442
19443 @item set thread takeover-suspend-count
19444 Normally, @value{GDBN}'s thread suspend counts are relative to the
19445 value @value{GDBN} finds when it notices each thread. This command
19446 changes the suspend counts to be absolute instead.
19447
19448 @item set thread default
19449 @itemx show thread default
19450 @cindex thread default settings, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19451 Each of the above @code{set thread} commands has a @code{set thread
19452 default} counterpart (e.g., @code{set thread default pause}, @code{set
19453 thread default exception-port}, etc.). The @code{thread default}
19454 variety of commands sets the default thread properties for all
19455 threads; you can then change the properties of individual threads with
19456 the non-default commands.
19457 @end table
19458
19459 @node Darwin
19460 @subsection Darwin
19461 @cindex Darwin
19462
19463 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands specific to the Darwin target:
19464
19465 @table @code
19466 @item set debug darwin @var{num}
19467 @kindex set debug darwin
19468 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages specific to
19469 the Darwin support. Higher values produce more verbose output.
19470
19471 @item show debug darwin
19472 @kindex show debug darwin
19473 Show the current state of Darwin messages.
19474
19475 @item set debug mach-o @var{num}
19476 @kindex set debug mach-o
19477 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages while
19478 @value{GDBN} is reading Darwin object files. (@dfn{Mach-O} is the
19479 file format used on Darwin for object and executable files.) Higher
19480 values produce more verbose output. This is a command to diagnose
19481 problems internal to @value{GDBN} and should not be needed in normal
19482 usage.
19483
19484 @item show debug mach-o
19485 @kindex show debug mach-o
19486 Show the current state of Mach-O file messages.
19487
19488 @item set mach-exceptions on
19489 @itemx set mach-exceptions off
19490 @kindex set mach-exceptions
19491 On Darwin, faults are first reported as a Mach exception and are then
19492 mapped to a Posix signal. Use this command to turn on trapping of
19493 Mach exceptions in the inferior. This might be sometimes useful to
19494 better understand the cause of a fault. The default is off.
19495
19496 @item show mach-exceptions
19497 @kindex show mach-exceptions
19498 Show the current state of exceptions trapping.
19499 @end table
19500
19501
19502 @node Embedded OS
19503 @section Embedded Operating Systems
19504
19505 This section describes configurations involving the debugging of
19506 embedded operating systems that are available for several different
19507 architectures.
19508
19509 @menu
19510 * VxWorks:: Using @value{GDBN} with VxWorks
19511 @end menu
19512
19513 @value{GDBN} includes the ability to debug programs running on
19514 various real-time operating systems.
19515
19516 @node VxWorks
19517 @subsection Using @value{GDBN} with VxWorks
19518
19519 @cindex VxWorks
19520
19521 @table @code
19522
19523 @kindex target vxworks
19524 @item target vxworks @var{machinename}
19525 A VxWorks system, attached via TCP/IP. The argument @var{machinename}
19526 is the target system's machine name or IP address.
19527
19528 @end table
19529
19530 On VxWorks, @code{load} links @var{filename} dynamically on the
19531 current target system as well as adding its symbols in @value{GDBN}.
19532
19533 @value{GDBN} enables developers to spawn and debug tasks running on networked
19534 VxWorks targets from a Unix host. Already-running tasks spawned from
19535 the VxWorks shell can also be debugged. @value{GDBN} uses code that runs on
19536 both the Unix host and on the VxWorks target. The program
19537 @code{@value{GDBP}} is installed and executed on the Unix host. (It may be
19538 installed with the name @code{vxgdb}, to distinguish it from a
19539 @value{GDBN} for debugging programs on the host itself.)
19540
19541 @table @code
19542 @item VxWorks-timeout @var{args}
19543 @kindex vxworks-timeout
19544 All VxWorks-based targets now support the option @code{vxworks-timeout}.
19545 This option is set by the user, and @var{args} represents the number of
19546 seconds @value{GDBN} waits for responses to rpc's. You might use this if
19547 your VxWorks target is a slow software simulator or is on the far side
19548 of a thin network line.
19549 @end table
19550
19551 The following information on connecting to VxWorks was current when
19552 this manual was produced; newer releases of VxWorks may use revised
19553 procedures.
19554
19555 @findex INCLUDE_RDB
19556 To use @value{GDBN} with VxWorks, you must rebuild your VxWorks kernel
19557 to include the remote debugging interface routines in the VxWorks
19558 library @file{rdb.a}. To do this, define @code{INCLUDE_RDB} in the
19559 VxWorks configuration file @file{configAll.h} and rebuild your VxWorks
19560 kernel. The resulting kernel contains @file{rdb.a}, and spawns the
19561 source debugging task @code{tRdbTask} when VxWorks is booted. For more
19562 information on configuring and remaking VxWorks, see the manufacturer's
19563 manual.
19564 @c VxWorks, see the @cite{VxWorks Programmer's Guide}.
19565
19566 Once you have included @file{rdb.a} in your VxWorks system image and set
19567 your Unix execution search path to find @value{GDBN}, you are ready to
19568 run @value{GDBN}. From your Unix host, run @code{@value{GDBP}} (or
19569 @code{vxgdb}, depending on your installation).
19570
19571 @value{GDBN} comes up showing the prompt:
19572
19573 @smallexample
19574 (vxgdb)
19575 @end smallexample
19576
19577 @menu
19578 * VxWorks Connection:: Connecting to VxWorks
19579 * VxWorks Download:: VxWorks download
19580 * VxWorks Attach:: Running tasks
19581 @end menu
19582
19583 @node VxWorks Connection
19584 @subsubsection Connecting to VxWorks
19585
19586 The @value{GDBN} command @code{target} lets you connect to a VxWorks target on the
19587 network. To connect to a target whose host name is ``@code{tt}'', type:
19588
19589 @smallexample
19590 (vxgdb) target vxworks tt
19591 @end smallexample
19592
19593 @need 750
19594 @value{GDBN} displays messages like these:
19595
19596 @smallexample
19597 Attaching remote machine across net...
19598 Connected to tt.
19599 @end smallexample
19600
19601 @need 1000
19602 @value{GDBN} then attempts to read the symbol tables of any object modules
19603 loaded into the VxWorks target since it was last booted. @value{GDBN} locates
19604 these files by searching the directories listed in the command search
19605 path (@pxref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}); if it fails
19606 to find an object file, it displays a message such as:
19607
19608 @smallexample
19609 prog.o: No such file or directory.
19610 @end smallexample
19611
19612 When this happens, add the appropriate directory to the search path with
19613 the @value{GDBN} command @code{path}, and execute the @code{target}
19614 command again.
19615
19616 @node VxWorks Download
19617 @subsubsection VxWorks Download
19618
19619 @cindex download to VxWorks
19620 If you have connected to the VxWorks target and you want to debug an
19621 object that has not yet been loaded, you can use the @value{GDBN}
19622 @code{load} command to download a file from Unix to VxWorks
19623 incrementally. The object file given as an argument to the @code{load}
19624 command is actually opened twice: first by the VxWorks target in order
19625 to download the code, then by @value{GDBN} in order to read the symbol
19626 table. This can lead to problems if the current working directories on
19627 the two systems differ. If both systems have NFS mounted the same
19628 filesystems, you can avoid these problems by using absolute paths.
19629 Otherwise, it is simplest to set the working directory on both systems
19630 to the directory in which the object file resides, and then to reference
19631 the file by its name, without any path. For instance, a program
19632 @file{prog.o} may reside in @file{@var{vxpath}/vw/demo/rdb} in VxWorks
19633 and in @file{@var{hostpath}/vw/demo/rdb} on the host. To load this
19634 program, type this on VxWorks:
19635
19636 @smallexample
19637 -> cd "@var{vxpath}/vw/demo/rdb"
19638 @end smallexample
19639
19640 @noindent
19641 Then, in @value{GDBN}, type:
19642
19643 @smallexample
19644 (vxgdb) cd @var{hostpath}/vw/demo/rdb
19645 (vxgdb) load prog.o
19646 @end smallexample
19647
19648 @value{GDBN} displays a response similar to this:
19649
19650 @smallexample
19651 Reading symbol data from wherever/vw/demo/rdb/prog.o... done.
19652 @end smallexample
19653
19654 You can also use the @code{load} command to reload an object module
19655 after editing and recompiling the corresponding source file. Note that
19656 this makes @value{GDBN} delete all currently-defined breakpoints,
19657 auto-displays, and convenience variables, and to clear the value
19658 history. (This is necessary in order to preserve the integrity of
19659 debugger's data structures that reference the target system's symbol
19660 table.)
19661
19662 @node VxWorks Attach
19663 @subsubsection Running Tasks
19664
19665 @cindex running VxWorks tasks
19666 You can also attach to an existing task using the @code{attach} command as
19667 follows:
19668
19669 @smallexample
19670 (vxgdb) attach @var{task}
19671 @end smallexample
19672
19673 @noindent
19674 where @var{task} is the VxWorks hexadecimal task ID. The task can be running
19675 or suspended when you attach to it. Running tasks are suspended at
19676 the time of attachment.
19677
19678 @node Embedded Processors
19679 @section Embedded Processors
19680
19681 This section goes into details specific to particular embedded
19682 configurations.
19683
19684 @cindex send command to simulator
19685 Whenever a specific embedded processor has a simulator, @value{GDBN}
19686 allows to send an arbitrary command to the simulator.
19687
19688 @table @code
19689 @item sim @var{command}
19690 @kindex sim@r{, a command}
19691 Send an arbitrary @var{command} string to the simulator. Consult the
19692 documentation for the specific simulator in use for information about
19693 acceptable commands.
19694 @end table
19695
19696
19697 @menu
19698 * ARM:: ARM RDI
19699 * M32R/D:: Renesas M32R/D
19700 * M68K:: Motorola M68K
19701 * MicroBlaze:: Xilinx MicroBlaze
19702 * MIPS Embedded:: MIPS Embedded
19703 * OpenRISC 1000:: OpenRisc 1000
19704 * PowerPC Embedded:: PowerPC Embedded
19705 * PA:: HP PA Embedded
19706 * Sparclet:: Tsqware Sparclet
19707 * Sparclite:: Fujitsu Sparclite
19708 * Z8000:: Zilog Z8000
19709 * AVR:: Atmel AVR
19710 * CRIS:: CRIS
19711 * Super-H:: Renesas Super-H
19712 @end menu
19713
19714 @node ARM
19715 @subsection ARM
19716 @cindex ARM RDI
19717
19718 @table @code
19719 @kindex target rdi
19720 @item target rdi @var{dev}
19721 ARM Angel monitor, via RDI library interface to ADP protocol. You may
19722 use this target to communicate with both boards running the Angel
19723 monitor, or with the EmbeddedICE JTAG debug device.
19724
19725 @kindex target rdp
19726 @item target rdp @var{dev}
19727 ARM Demon monitor.
19728
19729 @end table
19730
19731 @value{GDBN} provides the following ARM-specific commands:
19732
19733 @table @code
19734 @item set arm disassembler
19735 @kindex set arm
19736 This commands selects from a list of disassembly styles. The
19737 @code{"std"} style is the standard style.
19738
19739 @item show arm disassembler
19740 @kindex show arm
19741 Show the current disassembly style.
19742
19743 @item set arm apcs32
19744 @cindex ARM 32-bit mode
19745 This command toggles ARM operation mode between 32-bit and 26-bit.
19746
19747 @item show arm apcs32
19748 Display the current usage of the ARM 32-bit mode.
19749
19750 @item set arm fpu @var{fputype}
19751 This command sets the ARM floating-point unit (FPU) type. The
19752 argument @var{fputype} can be one of these:
19753
19754 @table @code
19755 @item auto
19756 Determine the FPU type by querying the OS ABI.
19757 @item softfpa
19758 Software FPU, with mixed-endian doubles on little-endian ARM
19759 processors.
19760 @item fpa
19761 GCC-compiled FPA co-processor.
19762 @item softvfp
19763 Software FPU with pure-endian doubles.
19764 @item vfp
19765 VFP co-processor.
19766 @end table
19767
19768 @item show arm fpu
19769 Show the current type of the FPU.
19770
19771 @item set arm abi
19772 This command forces @value{GDBN} to use the specified ABI.
19773
19774 @item show arm abi
19775 Show the currently used ABI.
19776
19777 @item set arm fallback-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
19778 @value{GDBN} uses the symbol table, when available, to determine
19779 whether instructions are ARM or Thumb. This command controls
19780 @value{GDBN}'s default behavior when the symbol table is not
19781 available. The default is @samp{auto}, which causes @value{GDBN} to
19782 use the current execution mode (from the @code{T} bit in the @code{CPSR}
19783 register).
19784
19785 @item show arm fallback-mode
19786 Show the current fallback instruction mode.
19787
19788 @item set arm force-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
19789 This command overrides use of the symbol table to determine whether
19790 instructions are ARM or Thumb. The default is @samp{auto}, which
19791 causes @value{GDBN} to use the symbol table and then the setting
19792 of @samp{set arm fallback-mode}.
19793
19794 @item show arm force-mode
19795 Show the current forced instruction mode.
19796
19797 @item set debug arm
19798 Toggle whether to display ARM-specific debugging messages from the ARM
19799 target support subsystem.
19800
19801 @item show debug arm
19802 Show whether ARM-specific debugging messages are enabled.
19803 @end table
19804
19805 The following commands are available when an ARM target is debugged
19806 using the RDI interface:
19807
19808 @table @code
19809 @item rdilogfile @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
19810 @kindex rdilogfile
19811 @cindex ADP (Angel Debugger Protocol) logging
19812 Set the filename for the ADP (Angel Debugger Protocol) packet log.
19813 With an argument, sets the log file to the specified @var{file}. With
19814 no argument, show the current log file name. The default log file is
19815 @file{rdi.log}.
19816
19817 @item rdilogenable @r{[}@var{arg}@r{]}
19818 @kindex rdilogenable
19819 Control logging of ADP packets. With an argument of 1 or @code{"yes"}
19820 enables logging, with an argument 0 or @code{"no"} disables it. With
19821 no arguments displays the current setting. When logging is enabled,
19822 ADP packets exchanged between @value{GDBN} and the RDI target device
19823 are logged to a file.
19824
19825 @item set rdiromatzero
19826 @kindex set rdiromatzero
19827 @cindex ROM at zero address, RDI
19828 Tell @value{GDBN} whether the target has ROM at address 0. If on,
19829 vector catching is disabled, so that zero address can be used. If off
19830 (the default), vector catching is enabled. For this command to take
19831 effect, it needs to be invoked prior to the @code{target rdi} command.
19832
19833 @item show rdiromatzero
19834 @kindex show rdiromatzero
19835 Show the current setting of ROM at zero address.
19836
19837 @item set rdiheartbeat
19838 @kindex set rdiheartbeat
19839 @cindex RDI heartbeat
19840 Enable or disable RDI heartbeat packets. It is not recommended to
19841 turn on this option, since it confuses ARM and EPI JTAG interface, as
19842 well as the Angel monitor.
19843
19844 @item show rdiheartbeat
19845 @kindex show rdiheartbeat
19846 Show the setting of RDI heartbeat packets.
19847 @end table
19848
19849 @table @code
19850 @item target sim @r{[}@var{simargs}@r{]} @dots{}
19851 The @value{GDBN} ARM simulator accepts the following optional arguments.
19852
19853 @table @code
19854 @item --swi-support=@var{type}
19855 Tell the simulator which SWI interfaces to support.
19856 @var{type} may be a comma separated list of the following values.
19857 The default value is @code{all}.
19858
19859 @table @code
19860 @item none
19861 @item demon
19862 @item angel
19863 @item redboot
19864 @item all
19865 @end table
19866 @end table
19867 @end table
19868
19869 @node M32R/D
19870 @subsection Renesas M32R/D and M32R/SDI
19871
19872 @table @code
19873 @kindex target m32r
19874 @item target m32r @var{dev}
19875 Renesas M32R/D ROM monitor.
19876
19877 @kindex target m32rsdi
19878 @item target m32rsdi @var{dev}
19879 Renesas M32R SDI server, connected via parallel port to the board.
19880 @end table
19881
19882 The following @value{GDBN} commands are specific to the M32R monitor:
19883
19884 @table @code
19885 @item set download-path @var{path}
19886 @kindex set download-path
19887 @cindex find downloadable @sc{srec} files (M32R)
19888 Set the default path for finding downloadable @sc{srec} files.
19889
19890 @item show download-path
19891 @kindex show download-path
19892 Show the default path for downloadable @sc{srec} files.
19893
19894 @item set board-address @var{addr}
19895 @kindex set board-address
19896 @cindex M32-EVA target board address
19897 Set the IP address for the M32R-EVA target board.
19898
19899 @item show board-address
19900 @kindex show board-address
19901 Show the current IP address of the target board.
19902
19903 @item set server-address @var{addr}
19904 @kindex set server-address
19905 @cindex download server address (M32R)
19906 Set the IP address for the download server, which is the @value{GDBN}'s
19907 host machine.
19908
19909 @item show server-address
19910 @kindex show server-address
19911 Display the IP address of the download server.
19912
19913 @item upload @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
19914 @kindex upload@r{, M32R}
19915 Upload the specified @sc{srec} @var{file} via the monitor's Ethernet
19916 upload capability. If no @var{file} argument is given, the current
19917 executable file is uploaded.
19918
19919 @item tload @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
19920 @kindex tload@r{, M32R}
19921 Test the @code{upload} command.
19922 @end table
19923
19924 The following commands are available for M32R/SDI:
19925
19926 @table @code
19927 @item sdireset
19928 @kindex sdireset
19929 @cindex reset SDI connection, M32R
19930 This command resets the SDI connection.
19931
19932 @item sdistatus
19933 @kindex sdistatus
19934 This command shows the SDI connection status.
19935
19936 @item debug_chaos
19937 @kindex debug_chaos
19938 @cindex M32R/Chaos debugging
19939 Instructs the remote that M32R/Chaos debugging is to be used.
19940
19941 @item use_debug_dma
19942 @kindex use_debug_dma
19943 Instructs the remote to use the DEBUG_DMA method of accessing memory.
19944
19945 @item use_mon_code
19946 @kindex use_mon_code
19947 Instructs the remote to use the MON_CODE method of accessing memory.
19948
19949 @item use_ib_break
19950 @kindex use_ib_break
19951 Instructs the remote to set breakpoints by IB break.
19952
19953 @item use_dbt_break
19954 @kindex use_dbt_break
19955 Instructs the remote to set breakpoints by DBT.
19956 @end table
19957
19958 @node M68K
19959 @subsection M68k
19960
19961 The Motorola m68k configuration includes ColdFire support, and a
19962 target command for the following ROM monitor.
19963
19964 @table @code
19965
19966 @kindex target dbug
19967 @item target dbug @var{dev}
19968 dBUG ROM monitor for Motorola ColdFire.
19969
19970 @end table
19971
19972 @node MicroBlaze
19973 @subsection MicroBlaze
19974 @cindex Xilinx MicroBlaze
19975 @cindex XMD, Xilinx Microprocessor Debugger
19976
19977 The MicroBlaze is a soft-core processor supported on various Xilinx
19978 FPGAs, such as Spartan or Virtex series. Boards with these processors
19979 usually have JTAG ports which connect to a host system running the Xilinx
19980 Embedded Development Kit (EDK) or Software Development Kit (SDK).
19981 This host system is used to download the configuration bitstream to
19982 the target FPGA. The Xilinx Microprocessor Debugger (XMD) program
19983 communicates with the target board using the JTAG interface and
19984 presents a @code{gdbserver} interface to the board. By default
19985 @code{xmd} uses port @code{1234}. (While it is possible to change
19986 this default port, it requires the use of undocumented @code{xmd}
19987 commands. Contact Xilinx support if you need to do this.)
19988
19989 Use these GDB commands to connect to the MicroBlaze target processor.
19990
19991 @table @code
19992 @item target remote :1234
19993 Use this command to connect to the target if you are running @value{GDBN}
19994 on the same system as @code{xmd}.
19995
19996 @item target remote @var{xmd-host}:1234
19997 Use this command to connect to the target if it is connected to @code{xmd}
19998 running on a different system named @var{xmd-host}.
19999
20000 @item load
20001 Use this command to download a program to the MicroBlaze target.
20002
20003 @item set debug microblaze @var{n}
20004 Enable MicroBlaze-specific debugging messages if non-zero.
20005
20006 @item show debug microblaze @var{n}
20007 Show MicroBlaze-specific debugging level.
20008 @end table
20009
20010 @node MIPS Embedded
20011 @subsection @acronym{MIPS} Embedded
20012
20013 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} boards
20014 @value{GDBN} can use the @acronym{MIPS} remote debugging protocol to talk to a
20015 @acronym{MIPS} board attached to a serial line. This is available when
20016 you configure @value{GDBN} with @samp{--target=mips-elf}.
20017
20018 @need 1000
20019 Use these @value{GDBN} commands to specify the connection to your target board:
20020
20021 @table @code
20022 @item target mips @var{port}
20023 @kindex target mips @var{port}
20024 To run a program on the board, start up @code{@value{GDBP}} with the
20025 name of your program as the argument. To connect to the board, use the
20026 command @samp{target mips @var{port}}, where @var{port} is the name of
20027 the serial port connected to the board. If the program has not already
20028 been downloaded to the board, you may use the @code{load} command to
20029 download it. You can then use all the usual @value{GDBN} commands.
20030
20031 For example, this sequence connects to the target board through a serial
20032 port, and loads and runs a program called @var{prog} through the
20033 debugger:
20034
20035 @smallexample
20036 host$ @value{GDBP} @var{prog}
20037 @value{GDBN} is free software and @dots{}
20038 (@value{GDBP}) target mips /dev/ttyb
20039 (@value{GDBP}) load @var{prog}
20040 (@value{GDBP}) run
20041 @end smallexample
20042
20043 @item target mips @var{hostname}:@var{portnumber}
20044 On some @value{GDBN} host configurations, you can specify a TCP
20045 connection (for instance, to a serial line managed by a terminal
20046 concentrator) instead of a serial port, using the syntax
20047 @samp{@var{hostname}:@var{portnumber}}.
20048
20049 @item target pmon @var{port}
20050 @kindex target pmon @var{port}
20051 PMON ROM monitor.
20052
20053 @item target ddb @var{port}
20054 @kindex target ddb @var{port}
20055 NEC's DDB variant of PMON for Vr4300.
20056
20057 @item target lsi @var{port}
20058 @kindex target lsi @var{port}
20059 LSI variant of PMON.
20060
20061 @kindex target r3900
20062 @item target r3900 @var{dev}
20063 Densan DVE-R3900 ROM monitor for Toshiba R3900 Mips.
20064
20065 @kindex target array
20066 @item target array @var{dev}
20067 Array Tech LSI33K RAID controller board.
20068
20069 @end table
20070
20071
20072 @noindent
20073 @value{GDBN} also supports these special commands for @acronym{MIPS} targets:
20074
20075 @table @code
20076 @item set mipsfpu double
20077 @itemx set mipsfpu single
20078 @itemx set mipsfpu none
20079 @itemx set mipsfpu auto
20080 @itemx show mipsfpu
20081 @kindex set mipsfpu
20082 @kindex show mipsfpu
20083 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} remote floating point
20084 @cindex floating point, @acronym{MIPS} remote
20085 If your target board does not support the @acronym{MIPS} floating point
20086 coprocessor, you should use the command @samp{set mipsfpu none} (if you
20087 need this, you may wish to put the command in your @value{GDBN} init
20088 file). This tells @value{GDBN} how to find the return value of
20089 functions which return floating point values. It also allows
20090 @value{GDBN} to avoid saving the floating point registers when calling
20091 functions on the board. If you are using a floating point coprocessor
20092 with only single precision floating point support, as on the @sc{r4650}
20093 processor, use the command @samp{set mipsfpu single}. The default
20094 double precision floating point coprocessor may be selected using
20095 @samp{set mipsfpu double}.
20096
20097 In previous versions the only choices were double precision or no
20098 floating point, so @samp{set mipsfpu on} will select double precision
20099 and @samp{set mipsfpu off} will select no floating point.
20100
20101 As usual, you can inquire about the @code{mipsfpu} variable with
20102 @samp{show mipsfpu}.
20103
20104 @item set timeout @var{seconds}
20105 @itemx set retransmit-timeout @var{seconds}
20106 @itemx show timeout
20107 @itemx show retransmit-timeout
20108 @cindex @code{timeout}, @acronym{MIPS} protocol
20109 @cindex @code{retransmit-timeout}, @acronym{MIPS} protocol
20110 @kindex set timeout
20111 @kindex show timeout
20112 @kindex set retransmit-timeout
20113 @kindex show retransmit-timeout
20114 You can control the timeout used while waiting for a packet, in the @acronym{MIPS}
20115 remote protocol, with the @code{set timeout @var{seconds}} command. The
20116 default is 5 seconds. Similarly, you can control the timeout used while
20117 waiting for an acknowledgment of a packet with the @code{set
20118 retransmit-timeout @var{seconds}} command. The default is 3 seconds.
20119 You can inspect both values with @code{show timeout} and @code{show
20120 retransmit-timeout}. (These commands are @emph{only} available when
20121 @value{GDBN} is configured for @samp{--target=mips-elf}.)
20122
20123 The timeout set by @code{set timeout} does not apply when @value{GDBN}
20124 is waiting for your program to stop. In that case, @value{GDBN} waits
20125 forever because it has no way of knowing how long the program is going
20126 to run before stopping.
20127
20128 @item set syn-garbage-limit @var{num}
20129 @kindex set syn-garbage-limit@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
20130 @cindex synchronize with remote @acronym{MIPS} target
20131 Limit the maximum number of characters @value{GDBN} should ignore when
20132 it tries to synchronize with the remote target. The default is 10
20133 characters. Setting the limit to -1 means there's no limit.
20134
20135 @item show syn-garbage-limit
20136 @kindex show syn-garbage-limit@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
20137 Show the current limit on the number of characters to ignore when
20138 trying to synchronize with the remote system.
20139
20140 @item set monitor-prompt @var{prompt}
20141 @kindex set monitor-prompt@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
20142 @cindex remote monitor prompt
20143 Tell @value{GDBN} to expect the specified @var{prompt} string from the
20144 remote monitor. The default depends on the target:
20145 @table @asis
20146 @item pmon target
20147 @samp{PMON}
20148 @item ddb target
20149 @samp{NEC010}
20150 @item lsi target
20151 @samp{PMON>}
20152 @end table
20153
20154 @item show monitor-prompt
20155 @kindex show monitor-prompt@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
20156 Show the current strings @value{GDBN} expects as the prompt from the
20157 remote monitor.
20158
20159 @item set monitor-warnings
20160 @kindex set monitor-warnings@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
20161 Enable or disable monitor warnings about hardware breakpoints. This
20162 has effect only for the @code{lsi} target. When on, @value{GDBN} will
20163 display warning messages whose codes are returned by the @code{lsi}
20164 PMON monitor for breakpoint commands.
20165
20166 @item show monitor-warnings
20167 @kindex show monitor-warnings@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
20168 Show the current setting of printing monitor warnings.
20169
20170 @item pmon @var{command}
20171 @kindex pmon@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
20172 @cindex send PMON command
20173 This command allows sending an arbitrary @var{command} string to the
20174 monitor. The monitor must be in debug mode for this to work.
20175 @end table
20176
20177 @node OpenRISC 1000
20178 @subsection OpenRISC 1000
20179 @cindex OpenRISC 1000
20180
20181 @cindex or1k boards
20182 See OR1k Architecture document (@uref{www.opencores.org}) for more information
20183 about platform and commands.
20184
20185 @table @code
20186
20187 @kindex target jtag
20188 @item target jtag jtag://@var{host}:@var{port}
20189
20190 Connects to remote JTAG server.
20191 JTAG remote server can be either an or1ksim or JTAG server,
20192 connected via parallel port to the board.
20193
20194 Example: @code{target jtag jtag://localhost:9999}
20195
20196 @kindex or1ksim
20197 @item or1ksim @var{command}
20198 If connected to @code{or1ksim} OpenRISC 1000 Architectural
20199 Simulator, proprietary commands can be executed.
20200
20201 @kindex info or1k spr
20202 @item info or1k spr
20203 Displays spr groups.
20204
20205 @item info or1k spr @var{group}
20206 @itemx info or1k spr @var{groupno}
20207 Displays register names in selected group.
20208
20209 @item info or1k spr @var{group} @var{register}
20210 @itemx info or1k spr @var{register}
20211 @itemx info or1k spr @var{groupno} @var{registerno}
20212 @itemx info or1k spr @var{registerno}
20213 Shows information about specified spr register.
20214
20215 @kindex spr
20216 @item spr @var{group} @var{register} @var{value}
20217 @itemx spr @var{register @var{value}}
20218 @itemx spr @var{groupno} @var{registerno @var{value}}
20219 @itemx spr @var{registerno @var{value}}
20220 Writes @var{value} to specified spr register.
20221 @end table
20222
20223 Some implementations of OpenRISC 1000 Architecture also have hardware trace.
20224 It is very similar to @value{GDBN} trace, except it does not interfere with normal
20225 program execution and is thus much faster. Hardware breakpoints/watchpoint
20226 triggers can be set using:
20227 @table @code
20228 @item $LEA/$LDATA
20229 Load effective address/data
20230 @item $SEA/$SDATA
20231 Store effective address/data
20232 @item $AEA/$ADATA
20233 Access effective address ($SEA or $LEA) or data ($SDATA/$LDATA)
20234 @item $FETCH
20235 Fetch data
20236 @end table
20237
20238 When triggered, it can capture low level data, like: @code{PC}, @code{LSEA},
20239 @code{LDATA}, @code{SDATA}, @code{READSPR}, @code{WRITESPR}, @code{INSTR}.
20240
20241 @code{htrace} commands:
20242 @cindex OpenRISC 1000 htrace
20243 @table @code
20244 @kindex hwatch
20245 @item hwatch @var{conditional}
20246 Set hardware watchpoint on combination of Load/Store Effective Address(es)
20247 or Data. For example:
20248
20249 @code{hwatch ($LEA == my_var) && ($LDATA < 50) || ($SEA == my_var) && ($SDATA >= 50)}
20250
20251 @code{hwatch ($LEA == my_var) && ($LDATA < 50) || ($SEA == my_var) && ($SDATA >= 50)}
20252
20253 @kindex htrace
20254 @item htrace info
20255 Display information about current HW trace configuration.
20256
20257 @item htrace trigger @var{conditional}
20258 Set starting criteria for HW trace.
20259
20260 @item htrace qualifier @var{conditional}
20261 Set acquisition qualifier for HW trace.
20262
20263 @item htrace stop @var{conditional}
20264 Set HW trace stopping criteria.
20265
20266 @item htrace record [@var{data}]*
20267 Selects the data to be recorded, when qualifier is met and HW trace was
20268 triggered.
20269
20270 @item htrace enable
20271 @itemx htrace disable
20272 Enables/disables the HW trace.
20273
20274 @item htrace rewind [@var{filename}]
20275 Clears currently recorded trace data.
20276
20277 If filename is specified, new trace file is made and any newly collected data
20278 will be written there.
20279
20280 @item htrace print [@var{start} [@var{len}]]
20281 Prints trace buffer, using current record configuration.
20282
20283 @item htrace mode continuous
20284 Set continuous trace mode.
20285
20286 @item htrace mode suspend
20287 Set suspend trace mode.
20288
20289 @end table
20290
20291 @node PowerPC Embedded
20292 @subsection PowerPC Embedded
20293
20294 @cindex DVC register
20295 @value{GDBN} supports using the DVC (Data Value Compare) register to
20296 implement in hardware simple hardware watchpoint conditions of the form:
20297
20298 @smallexample
20299 (@value{GDBP}) watch @var{ADDRESS|VARIABLE} \
20300 if @var{ADDRESS|VARIABLE} == @var{CONSTANT EXPRESSION}
20301 @end smallexample
20302
20303 The DVC register will be automatically used when @value{GDBN} detects
20304 such pattern in a condition expression, and the created watchpoint uses one
20305 debug register (either the @code{exact-watchpoints} option is on and the
20306 variable is scalar, or the variable has a length of one byte). This feature
20307 is available in native @value{GDBN} running on a Linux kernel version 2.6.34
20308 or newer.
20309
20310 When running on PowerPC embedded processors, @value{GDBN} automatically uses
20311 ranged hardware watchpoints, unless the @code{exact-watchpoints} option is on,
20312 in which case watchpoints using only one debug register are created when
20313 watching variables of scalar types.
20314
20315 You can create an artificial array to watch an arbitrary memory
20316 region using one of the following commands (@pxref{Expressions}):
20317
20318 @smallexample
20319 (@value{GDBP}) watch *((char *) @var{address})@@@var{length}
20320 (@value{GDBP}) watch @{char[@var{length}]@} @var{address}
20321 @end smallexample
20322
20323 PowerPC embedded processors support masked watchpoints. See the discussion
20324 about the @code{mask} argument in @ref{Set Watchpoints}.
20325
20326 @cindex ranged breakpoint
20327 PowerPC embedded processors support hardware accelerated
20328 @dfn{ranged breakpoints}. A ranged breakpoint stops execution of
20329 the inferior whenever it executes an instruction at any address within
20330 the range it specifies. To set a ranged breakpoint in @value{GDBN},
20331 use the @code{break-range} command.
20332
20333 @value{GDBN} provides the following PowerPC-specific commands:
20334
20335 @table @code
20336 @kindex break-range
20337 @item break-range @var{start-location}, @var{end-location}
20338 Set a breakpoint for an address range.
20339 @var{start-location} and @var{end-location} can specify a function name,
20340 a line number, an offset of lines from the current line or from the start
20341 location, or an address of an instruction (see @ref{Specify Location},
20342 for a list of all the possible ways to specify a @var{location}.)
20343 The breakpoint will stop execution of the inferior whenever it
20344 executes an instruction at any address within the specified range,
20345 (including @var{start-location} and @var{end-location}.)
20346
20347 @kindex set powerpc
20348 @item set powerpc soft-float
20349 @itemx show powerpc soft-float
20350 Force @value{GDBN} to use (or not use) a software floating point calling
20351 convention. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention based
20352 on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
20353
20354 @item set powerpc vector-abi
20355 @itemx show powerpc vector-abi
20356 Force @value{GDBN} to use the specified calling convention for vector
20357 arguments and return values. The valid options are @samp{auto};
20358 @samp{generic}, to avoid vector registers even if they are present;
20359 @samp{altivec}, to use AltiVec registers; and @samp{spe} to use SPE
20360 registers. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention
20361 based on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
20362
20363 @item set powerpc exact-watchpoints
20364 @itemx show powerpc exact-watchpoints
20365 Allow @value{GDBN} to use only one debug register when watching a variable
20366 of scalar type, thus assuming that the variable is accessed through the
20367 address of its first byte.
20368
20369 @kindex target dink32
20370 @item target dink32 @var{dev}
20371 DINK32 ROM monitor.
20372
20373 @kindex target ppcbug
20374 @item target ppcbug @var{dev}
20375 @kindex target ppcbug1
20376 @item target ppcbug1 @var{dev}
20377 PPCBUG ROM monitor for PowerPC.
20378
20379 @kindex target sds
20380 @item target sds @var{dev}
20381 SDS monitor, running on a PowerPC board (such as Motorola's ADS).
20382 @end table
20383
20384 @cindex SDS protocol
20385 The following commands specific to the SDS protocol are supported
20386 by @value{GDBN}:
20387
20388 @table @code
20389 @item set sdstimeout @var{nsec}
20390 @kindex set sdstimeout
20391 Set the timeout for SDS protocol reads to be @var{nsec} seconds. The
20392 default is 2 seconds.
20393
20394 @item show sdstimeout
20395 @kindex show sdstimeout
20396 Show the current value of the SDS timeout.
20397
20398 @item sds @var{command}
20399 @kindex sds@r{, a command}
20400 Send the specified @var{command} string to the SDS monitor.
20401 @end table
20402
20403
20404 @node PA
20405 @subsection HP PA Embedded
20406
20407 @table @code
20408
20409 @kindex target op50n
20410 @item target op50n @var{dev}
20411 OP50N monitor, running on an OKI HPPA board.
20412
20413 @kindex target w89k
20414 @item target w89k @var{dev}
20415 W89K monitor, running on a Winbond HPPA board.
20416
20417 @end table
20418
20419 @node Sparclet
20420 @subsection Tsqware Sparclet
20421
20422 @cindex Sparclet
20423
20424 @value{GDBN} enables developers to debug tasks running on
20425 Sparclet targets from a Unix host.
20426 @value{GDBN} uses code that runs on
20427 both the Unix host and on the Sparclet target. The program
20428 @code{@value{GDBP}} is installed and executed on the Unix host.
20429
20430 @table @code
20431 @item remotetimeout @var{args}
20432 @kindex remotetimeout
20433 @value{GDBN} supports the option @code{remotetimeout}.
20434 This option is set by the user, and @var{args} represents the number of
20435 seconds @value{GDBN} waits for responses.
20436 @end table
20437
20438 @cindex compiling, on Sparclet
20439 When compiling for debugging, include the options @samp{-g} to get debug
20440 information and @samp{-Ttext} to relocate the program to where you wish to
20441 load it on the target. You may also want to add the options @samp{-n} or
20442 @samp{-N} in order to reduce the size of the sections. Example:
20443
20444 @smallexample
20445 sparclet-aout-gcc prog.c -Ttext 0x12010000 -g -o prog -N
20446 @end smallexample
20447
20448 You can use @code{objdump} to verify that the addresses are what you intended:
20449
20450 @smallexample
20451 sparclet-aout-objdump --headers --syms prog
20452 @end smallexample
20453
20454 @cindex running, on Sparclet
20455 Once you have set
20456 your Unix execution search path to find @value{GDBN}, you are ready to
20457 run @value{GDBN}. From your Unix host, run @code{@value{GDBP}}
20458 (or @code{sparclet-aout-gdb}, depending on your installation).
20459
20460 @value{GDBN} comes up showing the prompt:
20461
20462 @smallexample
20463 (gdbslet)
20464 @end smallexample
20465
20466 @menu
20467 * Sparclet File:: Setting the file to debug
20468 * Sparclet Connection:: Connecting to Sparclet
20469 * Sparclet Download:: Sparclet download
20470 * Sparclet Execution:: Running and debugging
20471 @end menu
20472
20473 @node Sparclet File
20474 @subsubsection Setting File to Debug
20475
20476 The @value{GDBN} command @code{file} lets you choose with program to debug.
20477
20478 @smallexample
20479 (gdbslet) file prog
20480 @end smallexample
20481
20482 @need 1000
20483 @value{GDBN} then attempts to read the symbol table of @file{prog}.
20484 @value{GDBN} locates
20485 the file by searching the directories listed in the command search
20486 path.
20487 If the file was compiled with debug information (option @samp{-g}), source
20488 files will be searched as well.
20489 @value{GDBN} locates
20490 the source files by searching the directories listed in the directory search
20491 path (@pxref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}).
20492 If it fails
20493 to find a file, it displays a message such as:
20494
20495 @smallexample
20496 prog: No such file or directory.
20497 @end smallexample
20498
20499 When this happens, add the appropriate directories to the search paths with
20500 the @value{GDBN} commands @code{path} and @code{dir}, and execute the
20501 @code{target} command again.
20502
20503 @node Sparclet Connection
20504 @subsubsection Connecting to Sparclet
20505
20506 The @value{GDBN} command @code{target} lets you connect to a Sparclet target.
20507 To connect to a target on serial port ``@code{ttya}'', type:
20508
20509 @smallexample
20510 (gdbslet) target sparclet /dev/ttya
20511 Remote target sparclet connected to /dev/ttya
20512 main () at ../prog.c:3
20513 @end smallexample
20514
20515 @need 750
20516 @value{GDBN} displays messages like these:
20517
20518 @smallexample
20519 Connected to ttya.
20520 @end smallexample
20521
20522 @node Sparclet Download
20523 @subsubsection Sparclet Download
20524
20525 @cindex download to Sparclet
20526 Once connected to the Sparclet target,
20527 you can use the @value{GDBN}
20528 @code{load} command to download the file from the host to the target.
20529 The file name and load offset should be given as arguments to the @code{load}
20530 command.
20531 Since the file format is aout, the program must be loaded to the starting
20532 address. You can use @code{objdump} to find out what this value is. The load
20533 offset is an offset which is added to the VMA (virtual memory address)
20534 of each of the file's sections.
20535 For instance, if the program
20536 @file{prog} was linked to text address 0x1201000, with data at 0x12010160
20537 and bss at 0x12010170, in @value{GDBN}, type:
20538
20539 @smallexample
20540 (gdbslet) load prog 0x12010000
20541 Loading section .text, size 0xdb0 vma 0x12010000
20542 @end smallexample
20543
20544 If the code is loaded at a different address then what the program was linked
20545 to, you may need to use the @code{section} and @code{add-symbol-file} commands
20546 to tell @value{GDBN} where to map the symbol table.
20547
20548 @node Sparclet Execution
20549 @subsubsection Running and Debugging
20550
20551 @cindex running and debugging Sparclet programs
20552 You can now begin debugging the task using @value{GDBN}'s execution control
20553 commands, @code{b}, @code{step}, @code{run}, etc. See the @value{GDBN}
20554 manual for the list of commands.
20555
20556 @smallexample
20557 (gdbslet) b main
20558 Breakpoint 1 at 0x12010000: file prog.c, line 3.
20559 (gdbslet) run
20560 Starting program: prog
20561 Breakpoint 1, main (argc=1, argv=0xeffff21c) at prog.c:3
20562 3 char *symarg = 0;
20563 (gdbslet) step
20564 4 char *execarg = "hello!";
20565 (gdbslet)
20566 @end smallexample
20567
20568 @node Sparclite
20569 @subsection Fujitsu Sparclite
20570
20571 @table @code
20572
20573 @kindex target sparclite
20574 @item target sparclite @var{dev}
20575 Fujitsu sparclite boards, used only for the purpose of loading.
20576 You must use an additional command to debug the program.
20577 For example: target remote @var{dev} using @value{GDBN} standard
20578 remote protocol.
20579
20580 @end table
20581
20582 @node Z8000
20583 @subsection Zilog Z8000
20584
20585 @cindex Z8000
20586 @cindex simulator, Z8000
20587 @cindex Zilog Z8000 simulator
20588
20589 When configured for debugging Zilog Z8000 targets, @value{GDBN} includes
20590 a Z8000 simulator.
20591
20592 For the Z8000 family, @samp{target sim} simulates either the Z8002 (the
20593 unsegmented variant of the Z8000 architecture) or the Z8001 (the
20594 segmented variant). The simulator recognizes which architecture is
20595 appropriate by inspecting the object code.
20596
20597 @table @code
20598 @item target sim @var{args}
20599 @kindex sim
20600 @kindex target sim@r{, with Z8000}
20601 Debug programs on a simulated CPU. If the simulator supports setup
20602 options, specify them via @var{args}.
20603 @end table
20604
20605 @noindent
20606 After specifying this target, you can debug programs for the simulated
20607 CPU in the same style as programs for your host computer; use the
20608 @code{file} command to load a new program image, the @code{run} command
20609 to run your program, and so on.
20610
20611 As well as making available all the usual machine registers
20612 (@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}), the Z8000 simulator provides three
20613 additional items of information as specially named registers:
20614
20615 @table @code
20616
20617 @item cycles
20618 Counts clock-ticks in the simulator.
20619
20620 @item insts
20621 Counts instructions run in the simulator.
20622
20623 @item time
20624 Execution time in 60ths of a second.
20625
20626 @end table
20627
20628 You can refer to these values in @value{GDBN} expressions with the usual
20629 conventions; for example, @w{@samp{b fputc if $cycles>5000}} sets a
20630 conditional breakpoint that suspends only after at least 5000
20631 simulated clock ticks.
20632
20633 @node AVR
20634 @subsection Atmel AVR
20635 @cindex AVR
20636
20637 When configured for debugging the Atmel AVR, @value{GDBN} supports the
20638 following AVR-specific commands:
20639
20640 @table @code
20641 @item info io_registers
20642 @kindex info io_registers@r{, AVR}
20643 @cindex I/O registers (Atmel AVR)
20644 This command displays information about the AVR I/O registers. For
20645 each register, @value{GDBN} prints its number and value.
20646 @end table
20647
20648 @node CRIS
20649 @subsection CRIS
20650 @cindex CRIS
20651
20652 When configured for debugging CRIS, @value{GDBN} provides the
20653 following CRIS-specific commands:
20654
20655 @table @code
20656 @item set cris-version @var{ver}
20657 @cindex CRIS version
20658 Set the current CRIS version to @var{ver}, either @samp{10} or @samp{32}.
20659 The CRIS version affects register names and sizes. This command is useful in
20660 case autodetection of the CRIS version fails.
20661
20662 @item show cris-version
20663 Show the current CRIS version.
20664
20665 @item set cris-dwarf2-cfi
20666 @cindex DWARF-2 CFI and CRIS
20667 Set the usage of DWARF-2 CFI for CRIS debugging. The default is @samp{on}.
20668 Change to @samp{off} when using @code{gcc-cris} whose version is below
20669 @code{R59}.
20670
20671 @item show cris-dwarf2-cfi
20672 Show the current state of using DWARF-2 CFI.
20673
20674 @item set cris-mode @var{mode}
20675 @cindex CRIS mode
20676 Set the current CRIS mode to @var{mode}. It should only be changed when
20677 debugging in guru mode, in which case it should be set to
20678 @samp{guru} (the default is @samp{normal}).
20679
20680 @item show cris-mode
20681 Show the current CRIS mode.
20682 @end table
20683
20684 @node Super-H
20685 @subsection Renesas Super-H
20686 @cindex Super-H
20687
20688 For the Renesas Super-H processor, @value{GDBN} provides these
20689 commands:
20690
20691 @table @code
20692 @item set sh calling-convention @var{convention}
20693 @kindex set sh calling-convention
20694 Set the calling-convention used when calling functions from @value{GDBN}.
20695 Allowed values are @samp{gcc}, which is the default setting, and @samp{renesas}.
20696 With the @samp{gcc} setting, functions are called using the @value{NGCC} calling
20697 convention. If the DWARF-2 information of the called function specifies
20698 that the function follows the Renesas calling convention, the function
20699 is called using the Renesas calling convention. If the calling convention
20700 is set to @samp{renesas}, the Renesas calling convention is always used,
20701 regardless of the DWARF-2 information. This can be used to override the
20702 default of @samp{gcc} if debug information is missing, or the compiler
20703 does not emit the DWARF-2 calling convention entry for a function.
20704
20705 @item show sh calling-convention
20706 @kindex show sh calling-convention
20707 Show the current calling convention setting.
20708
20709 @end table
20710
20711
20712 @node Architectures
20713 @section Architectures
20714
20715 This section describes characteristics of architectures that affect
20716 all uses of @value{GDBN} with the architecture, both native and cross.
20717
20718 @menu
20719 * AArch64::
20720 * i386::
20721 * Alpha::
20722 * MIPS::
20723 * HPPA:: HP PA architecture
20724 * SPU:: Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
20725 * PowerPC::
20726 @end menu
20727
20728 @node AArch64
20729 @subsection AArch64
20730 @cindex AArch64 support
20731
20732 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the AArch64 architecture, it provides the
20733 following special commands:
20734
20735 @table @code
20736 @item set debug aarch64
20737 @kindex set debug aarch64
20738 This command determines whether AArch64 architecture-specific debugging
20739 messages are to be displayed.
20740
20741 @item show debug aarch64
20742 Show whether AArch64 debugging messages are displayed.
20743
20744 @end table
20745
20746 @node i386
20747 @subsection x86 Architecture-specific Issues
20748
20749 @table @code
20750 @item set struct-convention @var{mode}
20751 @kindex set struct-convention
20752 @cindex struct return convention
20753 @cindex struct/union returned in registers
20754 Set the convention used by the inferior to return @code{struct}s and
20755 @code{union}s from functions to @var{mode}. Possible values of
20756 @var{mode} are @code{"pcc"}, @code{"reg"}, and @code{"default"} (the
20757 default). @code{"default"} or @code{"pcc"} means that @code{struct}s
20758 are returned on the stack, while @code{"reg"} means that a
20759 @code{struct} or a @code{union} whose size is 1, 2, 4, or 8 bytes will
20760 be returned in a register.
20761
20762 @item show struct-convention
20763 @kindex show struct-convention
20764 Show the current setting of the convention to return @code{struct}s
20765 from functions.
20766 @end table
20767
20768 @node Alpha
20769 @subsection Alpha
20770
20771 See the following section.
20772
20773 @node MIPS
20774 @subsection @acronym{MIPS}
20775
20776 @cindex stack on Alpha
20777 @cindex stack on @acronym{MIPS}
20778 @cindex Alpha stack
20779 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} stack
20780 Alpha- and @acronym{MIPS}-based computers use an unusual stack frame, which
20781 sometimes requires @value{GDBN} to search backward in the object code to
20782 find the beginning of a function.
20783
20784 @cindex response time, @acronym{MIPS} debugging
20785 To improve response time (especially for embedded applications, where
20786 @value{GDBN} may be restricted to a slow serial line for this search)
20787 you may want to limit the size of this search, using one of these
20788 commands:
20789
20790 @table @code
20791 @cindex @code{heuristic-fence-post} (Alpha, @acronym{MIPS})
20792 @item set heuristic-fence-post @var{limit}
20793 Restrict @value{GDBN} to examining at most @var{limit} bytes in its
20794 search for the beginning of a function. A value of @var{0} (the
20795 default) means there is no limit. However, except for @var{0}, the
20796 larger the limit the more bytes @code{heuristic-fence-post} must search
20797 and therefore the longer it takes to run. You should only need to use
20798 this command when debugging a stripped executable.
20799
20800 @item show heuristic-fence-post
20801 Display the current limit.
20802 @end table
20803
20804 @noindent
20805 These commands are available @emph{only} when @value{GDBN} is configured
20806 for debugging programs on Alpha or @acronym{MIPS} processors.
20807
20808 Several @acronym{MIPS}-specific commands are available when debugging @acronym{MIPS}
20809 programs:
20810
20811 @table @code
20812 @item set mips abi @var{arg}
20813 @kindex set mips abi
20814 @cindex set ABI for @acronym{MIPS}
20815 Tell @value{GDBN} which @acronym{MIPS} ABI is used by the inferior. Possible
20816 values of @var{arg} are:
20817
20818 @table @samp
20819 @item auto
20820 The default ABI associated with the current binary (this is the
20821 default).
20822 @item o32
20823 @item o64
20824 @item n32
20825 @item n64
20826 @item eabi32
20827 @item eabi64
20828 @end table
20829
20830 @item show mips abi
20831 @kindex show mips abi
20832 Show the @acronym{MIPS} ABI used by @value{GDBN} to debug the inferior.
20833
20834 @item set mips compression @var{arg}
20835 @kindex set mips compression
20836 @cindex code compression, @acronym{MIPS}
20837 Tell @value{GDBN} which @acronym{MIPS} compressed
20838 @acronym{ISA, Instruction Set Architecture} encoding is used by the
20839 inferior. @value{GDBN} uses this for code disassembly and other
20840 internal interpretation purposes. This setting is only referred to
20841 when no executable has been associated with the debugging session or
20842 the executable does not provide information about the encoding it uses.
20843 Otherwise this setting is automatically updated from information
20844 provided by the executable.
20845
20846 Possible values of @var{arg} are @samp{mips16} and @samp{micromips}.
20847 The default compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding is @samp{mips16}, as
20848 executables containing @acronym{MIPS16} code frequently are not
20849 identified as such.
20850
20851 This setting is ``sticky''; that is, it retains its value across
20852 debugging sessions until reset either explicitly with this command or
20853 implicitly from an executable.
20854
20855 The compiler and/or assembler typically add symbol table annotations to
20856 identify functions compiled for the @acronym{MIPS16} or
20857 @acronym{microMIPS} @acronym{ISA}s. If these function-scope annotations
20858 are present, @value{GDBN} uses them in preference to the global
20859 compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding setting.
20860
20861 @item show mips compression
20862 @kindex show mips compression
20863 Show the @acronym{MIPS} compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding used by
20864 @value{GDBN} to debug the inferior.
20865
20866 @item set mipsfpu
20867 @itemx show mipsfpu
20868 @xref{MIPS Embedded, set mipsfpu}.
20869
20870 @item set mips mask-address @var{arg}
20871 @kindex set mips mask-address
20872 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} addresses, masking
20873 This command determines whether the most-significant 32 bits of 64-bit
20874 @acronym{MIPS} addresses are masked off. The argument @var{arg} can be
20875 @samp{on}, @samp{off}, or @samp{auto}. The latter is the default
20876 setting, which lets @value{GDBN} determine the correct value.
20877
20878 @item show mips mask-address
20879 @kindex show mips mask-address
20880 Show whether the upper 32 bits of @acronym{MIPS} addresses are masked off or
20881 not.
20882
20883 @item set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
20884 @kindex set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
20885 This command controls compatibility with 64-bit @acronym{MIPS} targets that
20886 transfer data in 32-bit quantities. If you have an old @acronym{MIPS} 64 target
20887 that transfers 32 bits for some registers, like @sc{sr} and @sc{fsr},
20888 and 64 bits for other registers, set this option to @samp{on}.
20889
20890 @item show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
20891 @kindex show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
20892 Show the current setting of compatibility with older @acronym{MIPS} 64 targets.
20893
20894 @item set debug mips
20895 @kindex set debug mips
20896 This command turns on and off debugging messages for the @acronym{MIPS}-specific
20897 target code in @value{GDBN}.
20898
20899 @item show debug mips
20900 @kindex show debug mips
20901 Show the current setting of @acronym{MIPS} debugging messages.
20902 @end table
20903
20904
20905 @node HPPA
20906 @subsection HPPA
20907 @cindex HPPA support
20908
20909 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the HP PA architecture, it provides the
20910 following special commands:
20911
20912 @table @code
20913 @item set debug hppa
20914 @kindex set debug hppa
20915 This command determines whether HPPA architecture-specific debugging
20916 messages are to be displayed.
20917
20918 @item show debug hppa
20919 Show whether HPPA debugging messages are displayed.
20920
20921 @item maint print unwind @var{address}
20922 @kindex maint print unwind@r{, HPPA}
20923 This command displays the contents of the unwind table entry at the
20924 given @var{address}.
20925
20926 @end table
20927
20928
20929 @node SPU
20930 @subsection Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
20931 @cindex Cell Broadband Engine
20932 @cindex SPU
20933
20934 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture,
20935 it provides the following special commands:
20936
20937 @table @code
20938 @item info spu event
20939 @kindex info spu
20940 Display SPU event facility status. Shows current event mask
20941 and pending event status.
20942
20943 @item info spu signal
20944 Display SPU signal notification facility status. Shows pending
20945 signal-control word and signal notification mode of both signal
20946 notification channels.
20947
20948 @item info spu mailbox
20949 Display SPU mailbox facility status. Shows all pending entries,
20950 in order of processing, in each of the SPU Write Outbound,
20951 SPU Write Outbound Interrupt, and SPU Read Inbound mailboxes.
20952
20953 @item info spu dma
20954 Display MFC DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
20955 DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
20956 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
20957
20958 @item info spu proxydma
20959 Display MFC Proxy-DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
20960 Proxy-DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
20961 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
20962
20963 @end table
20964
20965 When @value{GDBN} is debugging a combined PowerPC/SPU application
20966 on the Cell Broadband Engine, it provides in addition the following
20967 special commands:
20968
20969 @table @code
20970 @item set spu stop-on-load @var{arg}
20971 @kindex set spu
20972 Set whether to stop for new SPE threads. When set to @code{on}, @value{GDBN}
20973 will give control to the user when a new SPE thread enters its @code{main}
20974 function. The default is @code{off}.
20975
20976 @item show spu stop-on-load
20977 @kindex show spu
20978 Show whether to stop for new SPE threads.
20979
20980 @item set spu auto-flush-cache @var{arg}
20981 Set whether to automatically flush the software-managed cache. When set to
20982 @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will automatically cause the SPE software-managed
20983 cache to be flushed whenever SPE execution stops. This provides a consistent
20984 view of PowerPC memory that is accessed via the cache. If an application
20985 does not use the software-managed cache, this option has no effect.
20986
20987 @item show spu auto-flush-cache
20988 Show whether to automatically flush the software-managed cache.
20989
20990 @end table
20991
20992 @node PowerPC
20993 @subsection PowerPC
20994 @cindex PowerPC architecture
20995
20996 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the PowerPC architecture, it provides a set of
20997 pseudo-registers to enable inspection of 128-bit wide Decimal Floating Point
20998 numbers stored in the floating point registers. These values must be stored
20999 in two consecutive registers, always starting at an even register like
21000 @code{f0} or @code{f2}.
21001
21002 The pseudo-registers go from @code{$dl0} through @code{$dl15}, and are formed
21003 by joining the even/odd register pairs @code{f0} and @code{f1} for @code{$dl0},
21004 @code{f2} and @code{f3} for @code{$dl1} and so on.
21005
21006 For POWER7 processors, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers, the 64-bit
21007 wide Extended Floating Point Registers (@samp{f32} through @samp{f63}).
21008
21009
21010 @node Controlling GDB
21011 @chapter Controlling @value{GDBN}
21012
21013 You can alter the way @value{GDBN} interacts with you by using the
21014 @code{set} command. For commands controlling how @value{GDBN} displays
21015 data, see @ref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}. Other settings are
21016 described here.
21017
21018 @menu
21019 * Prompt:: Prompt
21020 * Editing:: Command editing
21021 * Command History:: Command history
21022 * Screen Size:: Screen size
21023 * Numbers:: Numbers
21024 * ABI:: Configuring the current ABI
21025 * Auto-loading:: Automatically loading associated files
21026 * Messages/Warnings:: Optional warnings and messages
21027 * Debugging Output:: Optional messages about internal happenings
21028 * Other Misc Settings:: Other Miscellaneous Settings
21029 @end menu
21030
21031 @node Prompt
21032 @section Prompt
21033
21034 @cindex prompt
21035
21036 @value{GDBN} indicates its readiness to read a command by printing a string
21037 called the @dfn{prompt}. This string is normally @samp{(@value{GDBP})}. You
21038 can change the prompt string with the @code{set prompt} command. For
21039 instance, when debugging @value{GDBN} with @value{GDBN}, it is useful to change
21040 the prompt in one of the @value{GDBN} sessions so that you can always tell
21041 which one you are talking to.
21042
21043 @emph{Note:} @code{set prompt} does not add a space for you after the
21044 prompt you set. This allows you to set a prompt which ends in a space
21045 or a prompt that does not.
21046
21047 @table @code
21048 @kindex set prompt
21049 @item set prompt @var{newprompt}
21050 Directs @value{GDBN} to use @var{newprompt} as its prompt string henceforth.
21051
21052 @kindex show prompt
21053 @item show prompt
21054 Prints a line of the form: @samp{Gdb's prompt is: @var{your-prompt}}
21055 @end table
21056
21057 Versions of @value{GDBN} that ship with Python scripting enabled have
21058 prompt extensions. The commands for interacting with these extensions
21059 are:
21060
21061 @table @code
21062 @kindex set extended-prompt
21063 @item set extended-prompt @var{prompt}
21064 Set an extended prompt that allows for substitutions.
21065 @xref{gdb.prompt}, for a list of escape sequences that can be used for
21066 substitution. Any escape sequences specified as part of the prompt
21067 string are replaced with the corresponding strings each time the prompt
21068 is displayed.
21069
21070 For example:
21071
21072 @smallexample
21073 set extended-prompt Current working directory: \w (gdb)
21074 @end smallexample
21075
21076 Note that when an extended-prompt is set, it takes control of the
21077 @var{prompt_hook} hook. @xref{prompt_hook}, for further information.
21078
21079 @kindex show extended-prompt
21080 @item show extended-prompt
21081 Prints the extended prompt. Any escape sequences specified as part of
21082 the prompt string with @code{set extended-prompt}, are replaced with the
21083 corresponding strings each time the prompt is displayed.
21084 @end table
21085
21086 @node Editing
21087 @section Command Editing
21088 @cindex readline
21089 @cindex command line editing
21090
21091 @value{GDBN} reads its input commands via the @dfn{Readline} interface. This
21092 @sc{gnu} library provides consistent behavior for programs which provide a
21093 command line interface to the user. Advantages are @sc{gnu} Emacs-style
21094 or @dfn{vi}-style inline editing of commands, @code{csh}-like history
21095 substitution, and a storage and recall of command history across
21096 debugging sessions.
21097
21098 You may control the behavior of command line editing in @value{GDBN} with the
21099 command @code{set}.
21100
21101 @table @code
21102 @kindex set editing
21103 @cindex editing
21104 @item set editing
21105 @itemx set editing on
21106 Enable command line editing (enabled by default).
21107
21108 @item set editing off
21109 Disable command line editing.
21110
21111 @kindex show editing
21112 @item show editing
21113 Show whether command line editing is enabled.
21114 @end table
21115
21116 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
21117 @xref{Command Line Editing, , , rluserman, GNU Readline Library},
21118 @end ifset
21119 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
21120 @xref{Command Line Editing},
21121 @end ifclear
21122 for more details about the Readline
21123 interface. Users unfamiliar with @sc{gnu} Emacs or @code{vi} are
21124 encouraged to read that chapter.
21125
21126 @node Command History
21127 @section Command History
21128 @cindex command history
21129
21130 @value{GDBN} can keep track of the commands you type during your
21131 debugging sessions, so that you can be certain of precisely what
21132 happened. Use these commands to manage the @value{GDBN} command
21133 history facility.
21134
21135 @value{GDBN} uses the @sc{gnu} History library, a part of the Readline
21136 package, to provide the history facility.
21137 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
21138 @xref{Using History Interactively, , , history, GNU History Library},
21139 @end ifset
21140 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
21141 @xref{Using History Interactively},
21142 @end ifclear
21143 for the detailed description of the History library.
21144
21145 To issue a command to @value{GDBN} without affecting certain aspects of
21146 the state which is seen by users, prefix it with @samp{server }
21147 (@pxref{Server Prefix}). This
21148 means that this command will not affect the command history, nor will it
21149 affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which command to repeat if @key{RET} is
21150 pressed on a line by itself.
21151
21152 @cindex @code{server}, command prefix
21153 The server prefix does not affect the recording of values into the value
21154 history; to print a value without recording it into the value history,
21155 use the @code{output} command instead of the @code{print} command.
21156
21157 Here is the description of @value{GDBN} commands related to command
21158 history.
21159
21160 @table @code
21161 @cindex history substitution
21162 @cindex history file
21163 @kindex set history filename
21164 @cindex @env{GDBHISTFILE}, environment variable
21165 @item set history filename @var{fname}
21166 Set the name of the @value{GDBN} command history file to @var{fname}.
21167 This is the file where @value{GDBN} reads an initial command history
21168 list, and where it writes the command history from this session when it
21169 exits. You can access this list through history expansion or through
21170 the history command editing characters listed below. This file defaults
21171 to the value of the environment variable @code{GDBHISTFILE}, or to
21172 @file{./.gdb_history} (@file{./_gdb_history} on MS-DOS) if this variable
21173 is not set.
21174
21175 @cindex save command history
21176 @kindex set history save
21177 @item set history save
21178 @itemx set history save on
21179 Record command history in a file, whose name may be specified with the
21180 @code{set history filename} command. By default, this option is disabled.
21181
21182 @item set history save off
21183 Stop recording command history in a file.
21184
21185 @cindex history size
21186 @kindex set history size
21187 @cindex @env{HISTSIZE}, environment variable
21188 @item set history size @var{size}
21189 Set the number of commands which @value{GDBN} keeps in its history list.
21190 This defaults to the value of the environment variable
21191 @code{HISTSIZE}, or to 256 if this variable is not set.
21192 @end table
21193
21194 History expansion assigns special meaning to the character @kbd{!}.
21195 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
21196 @xref{Event Designators, , , history, GNU History Library},
21197 @end ifset
21198 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
21199 @xref{Event Designators},
21200 @end ifclear
21201 for more details.
21202
21203 @cindex history expansion, turn on/off
21204 Since @kbd{!} is also the logical not operator in C, history expansion
21205 is off by default. If you decide to enable history expansion with the
21206 @code{set history expansion on} command, you may sometimes need to
21207 follow @kbd{!} (when it is used as logical not, in an expression) with
21208 a space or a tab to prevent it from being expanded. The readline
21209 history facilities do not attempt substitution on the strings
21210 @kbd{!=} and @kbd{!(}, even when history expansion is enabled.
21211
21212 The commands to control history expansion are:
21213
21214 @table @code
21215 @item set history expansion on
21216 @itemx set history expansion
21217 @kindex set history expansion
21218 Enable history expansion. History expansion is off by default.
21219
21220 @item set history expansion off
21221 Disable history expansion.
21222
21223 @c @group
21224 @kindex show history
21225 @item show history
21226 @itemx show history filename
21227 @itemx show history save
21228 @itemx show history size
21229 @itemx show history expansion
21230 These commands display the state of the @value{GDBN} history parameters.
21231 @code{show history} by itself displays all four states.
21232 @c @end group
21233 @end table
21234
21235 @table @code
21236 @kindex show commands
21237 @cindex show last commands
21238 @cindex display command history
21239 @item show commands
21240 Display the last ten commands in the command history.
21241
21242 @item show commands @var{n}
21243 Print ten commands centered on command number @var{n}.
21244
21245 @item show commands +
21246 Print ten commands just after the commands last printed.
21247 @end table
21248
21249 @node Screen Size
21250 @section Screen Size
21251 @cindex size of screen
21252 @cindex pauses in output
21253
21254 Certain commands to @value{GDBN} may produce large amounts of
21255 information output to the screen. To help you read all of it,
21256 @value{GDBN} pauses and asks you for input at the end of each page of
21257 output. Type @key{RET} when you want to continue the output, or @kbd{q}
21258 to discard the remaining output. Also, the screen width setting
21259 determines when to wrap lines of output. Depending on what is being
21260 printed, @value{GDBN} tries to break the line at a readable place,
21261 rather than simply letting it overflow onto the following line.
21262
21263 Normally @value{GDBN} knows the size of the screen from the terminal
21264 driver software. For example, on Unix @value{GDBN} uses the termcap data base
21265 together with the value of the @code{TERM} environment variable and the
21266 @code{stty rows} and @code{stty cols} settings. If this is not correct,
21267 you can override it with the @code{set height} and @code{set
21268 width} commands:
21269
21270 @table @code
21271 @kindex set height
21272 @kindex set width
21273 @kindex show width
21274 @kindex show height
21275 @item set height @var{lpp}
21276 @itemx show height
21277 @itemx set width @var{cpl}
21278 @itemx show width
21279 These @code{set} commands specify a screen height of @var{lpp} lines and
21280 a screen width of @var{cpl} characters. The associated @code{show}
21281 commands display the current settings.
21282
21283 If you specify a height of zero lines, @value{GDBN} does not pause during
21284 output no matter how long the output is. This is useful if output is to a
21285 file or to an editor buffer.
21286
21287 Likewise, you can specify @samp{set width 0} to prevent @value{GDBN}
21288 from wrapping its output.
21289
21290 @item set pagination on
21291 @itemx set pagination off
21292 @kindex set pagination
21293 Turn the output pagination on or off; the default is on. Turning
21294 pagination off is the alternative to @code{set height 0}. Note that
21295 running @value{GDBN} with the @option{--batch} option (@pxref{Mode
21296 Options, -batch}) also automatically disables pagination.
21297
21298 @item show pagination
21299 @kindex show pagination
21300 Show the current pagination mode.
21301 @end table
21302
21303 @node Numbers
21304 @section Numbers
21305 @cindex number representation
21306 @cindex entering numbers
21307
21308 You can always enter numbers in octal, decimal, or hexadecimal in
21309 @value{GDBN} by the usual conventions: octal numbers begin with
21310 @samp{0}, decimal numbers end with @samp{.}, and hexadecimal numbers
21311 begin with @samp{0x}. Numbers that neither begin with @samp{0} or
21312 @samp{0x}, nor end with a @samp{.} are, by default, entered in base
21313 10; likewise, the default display for numbers---when no particular
21314 format is specified---is base 10. You can change the default base for
21315 both input and output with the commands described below.
21316
21317 @table @code
21318 @kindex set input-radix
21319 @item set input-radix @var{base}
21320 Set the default base for numeric input. Supported choices
21321 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. @var{base} must itself be
21322 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix; for
21323 example, any of
21324
21325 @smallexample
21326 set input-radix 012
21327 set input-radix 10.
21328 set input-radix 0xa
21329 @end smallexample
21330
21331 @noindent
21332 sets the input base to decimal. On the other hand, @samp{set input-radix 10}
21333 leaves the input radix unchanged, no matter what it was, since
21334 @samp{10}, being without any leading or trailing signs of its base, is
21335 interpreted in the current radix. Thus, if the current radix is 16,
21336 @samp{10} is interpreted in hex, i.e.@: as 16 decimal, which doesn't
21337 change the radix.
21338
21339 @kindex set output-radix
21340 @item set output-radix @var{base}
21341 Set the default base for numeric display. Supported choices
21342 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. @var{base} must itself be
21343 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix.
21344
21345 @kindex show input-radix
21346 @item show input-radix
21347 Display the current default base for numeric input.
21348
21349 @kindex show output-radix
21350 @item show output-radix
21351 Display the current default base for numeric display.
21352
21353 @item set radix @r{[}@var{base}@r{]}
21354 @itemx show radix
21355 @kindex set radix
21356 @kindex show radix
21357 These commands set and show the default base for both input and output
21358 of numbers. @code{set radix} sets the radix of input and output to
21359 the same base; without an argument, it resets the radix back to its
21360 default value of 10.
21361
21362 @end table
21363
21364 @node ABI
21365 @section Configuring the Current ABI
21366
21367 @value{GDBN} can determine the @dfn{ABI} (Application Binary Interface) of your
21368 application automatically. However, sometimes you need to override its
21369 conclusions. Use these commands to manage @value{GDBN}'s view of the
21370 current ABI.
21371
21372 @cindex OS ABI
21373 @kindex set osabi
21374 @kindex show osabi
21375 @cindex Newlib OS ABI and its influence on the longjmp handling
21376
21377 One @value{GDBN} configuration can debug binaries for multiple operating
21378 system targets, either via remote debugging or native emulation.
21379 @value{GDBN} will autodetect the @dfn{OS ABI} (Operating System ABI) in use,
21380 but you can override its conclusion using the @code{set osabi} command.
21381 One example where this is useful is in debugging of binaries which use
21382 an alternate C library (e.g.@: @sc{uClibc} for @sc{gnu}/Linux) which does
21383 not have the same identifying marks that the standard C library for your
21384 platform provides.
21385
21386 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the AArch64 architecture, it provides a
21387 ``Newlib'' OS ABI. This is useful for handling @code{setjmp} and
21388 @code{longjmp} when debugging binaries that use the @sc{newlib} C library.
21389 The ``Newlib'' OS ABI can be selected by @code{set osabi Newlib}.
21390
21391 @table @code
21392 @item show osabi
21393 Show the OS ABI currently in use.
21394
21395 @item set osabi
21396 With no argument, show the list of registered available OS ABI's.
21397
21398 @item set osabi @var{abi}
21399 Set the current OS ABI to @var{abi}.
21400 @end table
21401
21402 @cindex float promotion
21403
21404 Generally, the way that an argument of type @code{float} is passed to a
21405 function depends on whether the function is prototyped. For a prototyped
21406 (i.e.@: ANSI/ISO style) function, @code{float} arguments are passed unchanged,
21407 according to the architecture's convention for @code{float}. For unprototyped
21408 (i.e.@: K&R style) functions, @code{float} arguments are first promoted to type
21409 @code{double} and then passed.
21410
21411 Unfortunately, some forms of debug information do not reliably indicate whether
21412 a function is prototyped. If @value{GDBN} calls a function that is not marked
21413 as prototyped, it consults @kbd{set coerce-float-to-double}.
21414
21415 @table @code
21416 @kindex set coerce-float-to-double
21417 @item set coerce-float-to-double
21418 @itemx set coerce-float-to-double on
21419 Arguments of type @code{float} will be promoted to @code{double} when passed
21420 to an unprototyped function. This is the default setting.
21421
21422 @item set coerce-float-to-double off
21423 Arguments of type @code{float} will be passed directly to unprototyped
21424 functions.
21425
21426 @kindex show coerce-float-to-double
21427 @item show coerce-float-to-double
21428 Show the current setting of promoting @code{float} to @code{double}.
21429 @end table
21430
21431 @kindex set cp-abi
21432 @kindex show cp-abi
21433 @value{GDBN} needs to know the ABI used for your program's C@t{++}
21434 objects. The correct C@t{++} ABI depends on which C@t{++} compiler was
21435 used to build your application. @value{GDBN} only fully supports
21436 programs with a single C@t{++} ABI; if your program contains code using
21437 multiple C@t{++} ABI's or if @value{GDBN} can not identify your
21438 program's ABI correctly, you can tell @value{GDBN} which ABI to use.
21439 Currently supported ABI's include ``gnu-v2'', for @code{g++} versions
21440 before 3.0, ``gnu-v3'', for @code{g++} versions 3.0 and later, and
21441 ``hpaCC'' for the HP ANSI C@t{++} compiler. Other C@t{++} compilers may
21442 use the ``gnu-v2'' or ``gnu-v3'' ABI's as well. The default setting is
21443 ``auto''.
21444
21445 @table @code
21446 @item show cp-abi
21447 Show the C@t{++} ABI currently in use.
21448
21449 @item set cp-abi
21450 With no argument, show the list of supported C@t{++} ABI's.
21451
21452 @item set cp-abi @var{abi}
21453 @itemx set cp-abi auto
21454 Set the current C@t{++} ABI to @var{abi}, or return to automatic detection.
21455 @end table
21456
21457 @node Auto-loading
21458 @section Automatically loading associated files
21459 @cindex auto-loading
21460
21461 @value{GDBN} sometimes reads files with commands and settings automatically,
21462 without being explicitly told so by the user. We call this feature
21463 @dfn{auto-loading}. While auto-loading is useful for automatically adapting
21464 @value{GDBN} to the needs of your project, it can sometimes produce unexpected
21465 results or introduce security risks (e.g., if the file comes from untrusted
21466 sources).
21467
21468 Note that loading of these associated files (including the local @file{.gdbinit}
21469 file) requires accordingly configured @code{auto-load safe-path}
21470 (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
21471
21472 For these reasons, @value{GDBN} includes commands and options to let you
21473 control when to auto-load files and which files should be auto-loaded.
21474
21475 @table @code
21476 @anchor{set auto-load off}
21477 @kindex set auto-load off
21478 @item set auto-load off
21479 Globally disable loading of all auto-loaded files.
21480 You may want to use this command with the @samp{-iex} option
21481 (@pxref{Option -init-eval-command}) such as:
21482 @smallexample
21483 $ @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load off" untrusted-executable corefile}
21484 @end smallexample
21485
21486 Be aware that system init file (@pxref{System-wide configuration})
21487 and init files from your home directory (@pxref{Home Directory Init File})
21488 still get read (as they come from generally trusted directories).
21489 To prevent @value{GDBN} from auto-loading even those init files, use the
21490 @option{-nx} option (@pxref{Mode Options}), in addition to
21491 @code{set auto-load no}.
21492
21493 @anchor{show auto-load}
21494 @kindex show auto-load
21495 @item show auto-load
21496 Show whether auto-loading of each specific @samp{auto-load} file(s) is enabled
21497 or disabled.
21498
21499 @smallexample
21500 (gdb) show auto-load
21501 gdb-scripts: Auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts is on.
21502 libthread-db: Auto-loading of inferior specific libthread_db is on.
21503 local-gdbinit: Auto-loading of .gdbinit script from current directory
21504 is on.
21505 python-scripts: Auto-loading of Python scripts is on.
21506 safe-path: List of directories from which it is safe to auto-load files
21507 is $debugdir:$datadir/auto-load.
21508 scripts-directory: List of directories from which to load auto-loaded scripts
21509 is $debugdir:$datadir/auto-load.
21510 @end smallexample
21511
21512 @anchor{info auto-load}
21513 @kindex info auto-load
21514 @item info auto-load
21515 Print whether each specific @samp{auto-load} file(s) have been auto-loaded or
21516 not.
21517
21518 @smallexample
21519 (gdb) info auto-load
21520 gdb-scripts:
21521 Loaded Script
21522 Yes /home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.gdb
21523 libthread-db: No auto-loaded libthread-db.
21524 local-gdbinit: Local .gdbinit file "/home/user/gdb/.gdbinit" has been
21525 loaded.
21526 python-scripts:
21527 Loaded Script
21528 Yes /home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.py
21529 @end smallexample
21530 @end table
21531
21532 These are various kinds of files @value{GDBN} can automatically load:
21533
21534 @itemize @bullet
21535 @item
21536 @xref{objfile-gdb.py file}, controlled by @ref{set auto-load python-scripts}.
21537 @item
21538 @xref{objfile-gdb.gdb file}, controlled by @ref{set auto-load gdb-scripts}.
21539 @item
21540 @xref{dotdebug_gdb_scripts section},
21541 controlled by @ref{set auto-load python-scripts}.
21542 @item
21543 @xref{Init File in the Current Directory},
21544 controlled by @ref{set auto-load local-gdbinit}.
21545 @item
21546 @xref{libthread_db.so.1 file}, controlled by @ref{set auto-load libthread-db}.
21547 @end itemize
21548
21549 These are @value{GDBN} control commands for the auto-loading:
21550
21551 @multitable @columnfractions .5 .5
21552 @item @xref{set auto-load off}.
21553 @tab Disable auto-loading globally.
21554 @item @xref{show auto-load}.
21555 @tab Show setting of all kinds of files.
21556 @item @xref{info auto-load}.
21557 @tab Show state of all kinds of files.
21558 @item @xref{set auto-load gdb-scripts}.
21559 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} command scripts.
21560 @item @xref{show auto-load gdb-scripts}.
21561 @tab Show setting of @value{GDBN} command scripts.
21562 @item @xref{info auto-load gdb-scripts}.
21563 @tab Show state of @value{GDBN} command scripts.
21564 @item @xref{set auto-load python-scripts}.
21565 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
21566 @item @xref{show auto-load python-scripts}.
21567 @tab Show setting of @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
21568 @item @xref{info auto-load python-scripts}.
21569 @tab Show state of @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
21570 @item @xref{set auto-load scripts-directory}.
21571 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
21572 @item @xref{show auto-load scripts-directory}.
21573 @tab Show @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
21574 @item @xref{set auto-load local-gdbinit}.
21575 @tab Control for init file in the current directory.
21576 @item @xref{show auto-load local-gdbinit}.
21577 @tab Show setting of init file in the current directory.
21578 @item @xref{info auto-load local-gdbinit}.
21579 @tab Show state of init file in the current directory.
21580 @item @xref{set auto-load libthread-db}.
21581 @tab Control for thread debugging library.
21582 @item @xref{show auto-load libthread-db}.
21583 @tab Show setting of thread debugging library.
21584 @item @xref{info auto-load libthread-db}.
21585 @tab Show state of thread debugging library.
21586 @item @xref{set auto-load safe-path}.
21587 @tab Control directories trusted for automatic loading.
21588 @item @xref{show auto-load safe-path}.
21589 @tab Show directories trusted for automatic loading.
21590 @item @xref{add-auto-load-safe-path}.
21591 @tab Add directory trusted for automatic loading.
21592 @end multitable
21593
21594 @menu
21595 * Init File in the Current Directory:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load local-gdbinit}
21596 * libthread_db.so.1 file:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load libthread-db}
21597 * objfile-gdb.gdb file:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load gdb-script}
21598 * Auto-loading safe path:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load safe-path}
21599 * Auto-loading verbose mode:: @samp{set/show debug auto-load}
21600 @xref{Python Auto-loading}.
21601 @end menu
21602
21603 @node Init File in the Current Directory
21604 @subsection Automatically loading init file in the current directory
21605 @cindex auto-loading init file in the current directory
21606
21607 By default, @value{GDBN} reads and executes the canned sequences of commands
21608 from init file (if any) in the current working directory,
21609 see @ref{Init File in the Current Directory during Startup}.
21610
21611 Note that loading of this local @file{.gdbinit} file also requires accordingly
21612 configured @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
21613
21614 @table @code
21615 @anchor{set auto-load local-gdbinit}
21616 @kindex set auto-load local-gdbinit
21617 @item set auto-load local-gdbinit [on|off]
21618 Enable or disable the auto-loading of canned sequences of commands
21619 (@pxref{Sequences}) found in init file in the current directory.
21620
21621 @anchor{show auto-load local-gdbinit}
21622 @kindex show auto-load local-gdbinit
21623 @item show auto-load local-gdbinit
21624 Show whether auto-loading of canned sequences of commands from init file in the
21625 current directory is enabled or disabled.
21626
21627 @anchor{info auto-load local-gdbinit}
21628 @kindex info auto-load local-gdbinit
21629 @item info auto-load local-gdbinit
21630 Print whether canned sequences of commands from init file in the
21631 current directory have been auto-loaded.
21632 @end table
21633
21634 @node libthread_db.so.1 file
21635 @subsection Automatically loading thread debugging library
21636 @cindex auto-loading libthread_db.so.1
21637
21638 This feature is currently present only on @sc{gnu}/Linux native hosts.
21639
21640 @value{GDBN} reads in some cases thread debugging library from places specific
21641 to the inferior (@pxref{set libthread-db-search-path}).
21642
21643 The special @samp{libthread-db-search-path} entry @samp{$sdir} is processed
21644 without checking this @samp{set auto-load libthread-db} switch as system
21645 libraries have to be trusted in general. In all other cases of
21646 @samp{libthread-db-search-path} entries @value{GDBN} checks first if @samp{set
21647 auto-load libthread-db} is enabled before trying to open such thread debugging
21648 library.
21649
21650 Note that loading of this debugging library also requires accordingly configured
21651 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
21652
21653 @table @code
21654 @anchor{set auto-load libthread-db}
21655 @kindex set auto-load libthread-db
21656 @item set auto-load libthread-db [on|off]
21657 Enable or disable the auto-loading of inferior specific thread debugging library.
21658
21659 @anchor{show auto-load libthread-db}
21660 @kindex show auto-load libthread-db
21661 @item show auto-load libthread-db
21662 Show whether auto-loading of inferior specific thread debugging library is
21663 enabled or disabled.
21664
21665 @anchor{info auto-load libthread-db}
21666 @kindex info auto-load libthread-db
21667 @item info auto-load libthread-db
21668 Print the list of all loaded inferior specific thread debugging libraries and
21669 for each such library print list of inferior @var{pid}s using it.
21670 @end table
21671
21672 @node objfile-gdb.gdb file
21673 @subsection The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb} file
21674 @cindex auto-loading @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb}
21675
21676 @value{GDBN} tries to load an @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb} file containing
21677 canned sequences of commands (@pxref{Sequences}), as long as @samp{set
21678 auto-load gdb-scripts} is set to @samp{on}.
21679
21680 Note that loading of this script file also requires accordingly configured
21681 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
21682
21683 For more background refer to the similar Python scripts auto-loading
21684 description (@pxref{objfile-gdb.py file}).
21685
21686 @table @code
21687 @anchor{set auto-load gdb-scripts}
21688 @kindex set auto-load gdb-scripts
21689 @item set auto-load gdb-scripts [on|off]
21690 Enable or disable the auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts.
21691
21692 @anchor{show auto-load gdb-scripts}
21693 @kindex show auto-load gdb-scripts
21694 @item show auto-load gdb-scripts
21695 Show whether auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts is enabled or
21696 disabled.
21697
21698 @anchor{info auto-load gdb-scripts}
21699 @kindex info auto-load gdb-scripts
21700 @cindex print list of auto-loaded canned sequences of commands scripts
21701 @item info auto-load gdb-scripts [@var{regexp}]
21702 Print the list of all canned sequences of commands scripts that @value{GDBN}
21703 auto-loaded.
21704 @end table
21705
21706 If @var{regexp} is supplied only canned sequences of commands scripts with
21707 matching names are printed.
21708
21709 @node Auto-loading safe path
21710 @subsection Security restriction for auto-loading
21711 @cindex auto-loading safe-path
21712
21713 As the files of inferior can come from untrusted source (such as submitted by
21714 an application user) @value{GDBN} does not always load any files automatically.
21715 @value{GDBN} provides the @samp{set auto-load safe-path} setting to list
21716 directories trusted for loading files not explicitly requested by user.
21717 Each directory can also be a shell wildcard pattern.
21718
21719 If the path is not set properly you will see a warning and the file will not
21720 get loaded:
21721
21722 @smallexample
21723 $ ./gdb -q ./gdb
21724 Reading symbols from /home/user/gdb/gdb...done.
21725 warning: File "/home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.gdb" auto-loading has been
21726 declined by your `auto-load safe-path' set
21727 to "$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load".
21728 warning: File "/home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.py" auto-loading has been
21729 declined by your `auto-load safe-path' set
21730 to "$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load".
21731 @end smallexample
21732
21733 The list of trusted directories is controlled by the following commands:
21734
21735 @table @code
21736 @anchor{set auto-load safe-path}
21737 @kindex set auto-load safe-path
21738 @item set auto-load safe-path @r{[}@var{directories}@r{]}
21739 Set the list of directories (and their subdirectories) trusted for automatic
21740 loading and execution of scripts. You can also enter a specific trusted file.
21741 Each directory can also be a shell wildcard pattern; wildcards do not match
21742 directory separator - see @code{FNM_PATHNAME} for system function @code{fnmatch}
21743 (@pxref{Wildcard Matching, fnmatch, , libc, GNU C Library Reference Manual}).
21744 If you omit @var{directories}, @samp{auto-load safe-path} will be reset to
21745 its default value as specified during @value{GDBN} compilation.
21746
21747 The list of directories uses path separator (@samp{:} on GNU and Unix
21748 systems, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS) to separate directories, similarly
21749 to the @env{PATH} environment variable.
21750
21751 @anchor{show auto-load safe-path}
21752 @kindex show auto-load safe-path
21753 @item show auto-load safe-path
21754 Show the list of directories trusted for automatic loading and execution of
21755 scripts.
21756
21757 @anchor{add-auto-load-safe-path}
21758 @kindex add-auto-load-safe-path
21759 @item add-auto-load-safe-path
21760 Add an entry (or list of entries) the list of directories trusted for automatic
21761 loading and execution of scripts. Multiple entries may be delimited by the
21762 host platform path separator in use.
21763 @end table
21764
21765 This variable defaults to what @code{--with-auto-load-dir} has been configured
21766 to (@pxref{with-auto-load-dir}). @file{$debugdir} and @file{$datadir}
21767 substitution applies the same as for @ref{set auto-load scripts-directory}.
21768 The default @code{set auto-load safe-path} value can be also overriden by
21769 @value{GDBN} configuration option @option{--with-auto-load-safe-path}.
21770
21771 Setting this variable to @file{/} disables this security protection,
21772 corresponding @value{GDBN} configuration option is
21773 @option{--without-auto-load-safe-path}.
21774 This variable is supposed to be set to the system directories writable by the
21775 system superuser only. Users can add their source directories in init files in
21776 their home directories (@pxref{Home Directory Init File}). See also deprecated
21777 init file in the current directory
21778 (@pxref{Init File in the Current Directory during Startup}).
21779
21780 To force @value{GDBN} to load the files it declined to load in the previous
21781 example, you could use one of the following ways:
21782
21783 @table @asis
21784 @item @file{~/.gdbinit}: @samp{add-auto-load-safe-path ~/src/gdb}
21785 Specify this trusted directory (or a file) as additional component of the list.
21786 You have to specify also any existing directories displayed by
21787 by @samp{show auto-load safe-path} (such as @samp{/usr:/bin} in this example).
21788
21789 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load safe-path /usr:/bin:~/src/gdb" @dots{}}
21790 Specify this directory as in the previous case but just for a single
21791 @value{GDBN} session.
21792
21793 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load safe-path /" @dots{}}
21794 Disable auto-loading safety for a single @value{GDBN} session.
21795 This assumes all the files you debug during this @value{GDBN} session will come
21796 from trusted sources.
21797
21798 @item @kbd{./configure --without-auto-load-safe-path}
21799 During compilation of @value{GDBN} you may disable any auto-loading safety.
21800 This assumes all the files you will ever debug with this @value{GDBN} come from
21801 trusted sources.
21802 @end table
21803
21804 On the other hand you can also explicitly forbid automatic files loading which
21805 also suppresses any such warning messages:
21806
21807 @table @asis
21808 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load no" @dots{}}
21809 You can use @value{GDBN} command-line option for a single @value{GDBN} session.
21810
21811 @item @file{~/.gdbinit}: @samp{set auto-load no}
21812 Disable auto-loading globally for the user
21813 (@pxref{Home Directory Init File}). While it is improbable, you could also
21814 use system init file instead (@pxref{System-wide configuration}).
21815 @end table
21816
21817 This setting applies to the file names as entered by user. If no entry matches
21818 @value{GDBN} tries as a last resort to also resolve all the file names into
21819 their canonical form (typically resolving symbolic links) and compare the
21820 entries again. @value{GDBN} already canonicalizes most of the filenames on its
21821 own before starting the comparison so a canonical form of directories is
21822 recommended to be entered.
21823
21824 @node Auto-loading verbose mode
21825 @subsection Displaying files tried for auto-load
21826 @cindex auto-loading verbose mode
21827
21828 For better visibility of all the file locations where you can place scripts to
21829 be auto-loaded with inferior --- or to protect yourself against accidental
21830 execution of untrusted scripts --- @value{GDBN} provides a feature for printing
21831 all the files attempted to be loaded. Both existing and non-existing files may
21832 be printed.
21833
21834 For example the list of directories from which it is safe to auto-load files
21835 (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}) applies also to canonicalized filenames which
21836 may not be too obvious while setting it up.
21837
21838 @smallexample
21839 (gdb) set debug auto-load on
21840 (gdb) file ~/src/t/true
21841 auto-load: Loading canned sequences of commands script "/tmp/true-gdb.gdb"
21842 for objfile "/tmp/true".
21843 auto-load: Updating directories of "/usr:/opt".
21844 auto-load: Using directory "/usr".
21845 auto-load: Using directory "/opt".
21846 warning: File "/tmp/true-gdb.gdb" auto-loading has been declined
21847 by your `auto-load safe-path' set to "/usr:/opt".
21848 @end smallexample
21849
21850 @table @code
21851 @anchor{set debug auto-load}
21852 @kindex set debug auto-load
21853 @item set debug auto-load [on|off]
21854 Set whether to print the filenames attempted to be auto-loaded.
21855
21856 @anchor{show debug auto-load}
21857 @kindex show debug auto-load
21858 @item show debug auto-load
21859 Show whether printing of the filenames attempted to be auto-loaded is turned
21860 on or off.
21861 @end table
21862
21863 @node Messages/Warnings
21864 @section Optional Warnings and Messages
21865
21866 @cindex verbose operation
21867 @cindex optional warnings
21868 By default, @value{GDBN} is silent about its inner workings. If you are
21869 running on a slow machine, you may want to use the @code{set verbose}
21870 command. This makes @value{GDBN} tell you when it does a lengthy
21871 internal operation, so you will not think it has crashed.
21872
21873 Currently, the messages controlled by @code{set verbose} are those
21874 which announce that the symbol table for a source file is being read;
21875 see @code{symbol-file} in @ref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}.
21876
21877 @table @code
21878 @kindex set verbose
21879 @item set verbose on
21880 Enables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
21881
21882 @item set verbose off
21883 Disables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
21884
21885 @kindex show verbose
21886 @item show verbose
21887 Displays whether @code{set verbose} is on or off.
21888 @end table
21889
21890 By default, if @value{GDBN} encounters bugs in the symbol table of an
21891 object file, it is silent; but if you are debugging a compiler, you may
21892 find this information useful (@pxref{Symbol Errors, ,Errors Reading
21893 Symbol Files}).
21894
21895 @table @code
21896
21897 @kindex set complaints
21898 @item set complaints @var{limit}
21899 Permits @value{GDBN} to output @var{limit} complaints about each type of
21900 unusual symbols before becoming silent about the problem. Set
21901 @var{limit} to zero to suppress all complaints; set it to a large number
21902 to prevent complaints from being suppressed.
21903
21904 @kindex show complaints
21905 @item show complaints
21906 Displays how many symbol complaints @value{GDBN} is permitted to produce.
21907
21908 @end table
21909
21910 @anchor{confirmation requests}
21911 By default, @value{GDBN} is cautious, and asks what sometimes seems to be a
21912 lot of stupid questions to confirm certain commands. For example, if
21913 you try to run a program which is already running:
21914
21915 @smallexample
21916 (@value{GDBP}) run
21917 The program being debugged has been started already.
21918 Start it from the beginning? (y or n)
21919 @end smallexample
21920
21921 If you are willing to unflinchingly face the consequences of your own
21922 commands, you can disable this ``feature'':
21923
21924 @table @code
21925
21926 @kindex set confirm
21927 @cindex flinching
21928 @cindex confirmation
21929 @cindex stupid questions
21930 @item set confirm off
21931 Disables confirmation requests. Note that running @value{GDBN} with
21932 the @option{--batch} option (@pxref{Mode Options, -batch}) also
21933 automatically disables confirmation requests.
21934
21935 @item set confirm on
21936 Enables confirmation requests (the default).
21937
21938 @kindex show confirm
21939 @item show confirm
21940 Displays state of confirmation requests.
21941
21942 @end table
21943
21944 @cindex command tracing
21945 If you need to debug user-defined commands or sourced files you may find it
21946 useful to enable @dfn{command tracing}. In this mode each command will be
21947 printed as it is executed, prefixed with one or more @samp{+} symbols, the
21948 quantity denoting the call depth of each command.
21949
21950 @table @code
21951 @kindex set trace-commands
21952 @cindex command scripts, debugging
21953 @item set trace-commands on
21954 Enable command tracing.
21955 @item set trace-commands off
21956 Disable command tracing.
21957 @item show trace-commands
21958 Display the current state of command tracing.
21959 @end table
21960
21961 @node Debugging Output
21962 @section Optional Messages about Internal Happenings
21963 @cindex optional debugging messages
21964
21965 @value{GDBN} has commands that enable optional debugging messages from
21966 various @value{GDBN} subsystems; normally these commands are of
21967 interest to @value{GDBN} maintainers, or when reporting a bug. This
21968 section documents those commands.
21969
21970 @table @code
21971 @kindex set exec-done-display
21972 @item set exec-done-display
21973 Turns on or off the notification of asynchronous commands'
21974 completion. When on, @value{GDBN} will print a message when an
21975 asynchronous command finishes its execution. The default is off.
21976 @kindex show exec-done-display
21977 @item show exec-done-display
21978 Displays the current setting of asynchronous command completion
21979 notification.
21980 @kindex set debug
21981 @cindex gdbarch debugging info
21982 @cindex architecture debugging info
21983 @item set debug arch
21984 Turns on or off display of gdbarch debugging info. The default is off
21985 @kindex show debug
21986 @item show debug arch
21987 Displays the current state of displaying gdbarch debugging info.
21988 @item set debug aix-thread
21989 @cindex AIX threads
21990 Display debugging messages about inner workings of the AIX thread
21991 module.
21992 @item show debug aix-thread
21993 Show the current state of AIX thread debugging info display.
21994 @item set debug check-physname
21995 @cindex physname
21996 Check the results of the ``physname'' computation. When reading DWARF
21997 debugging information for C@t{++}, @value{GDBN} attempts to compute
21998 each entity's name. @value{GDBN} can do this computation in two
21999 different ways, depending on exactly what information is present.
22000 When enabled, this setting causes @value{GDBN} to compute the names
22001 both ways and display any discrepancies.
22002 @item show debug check-physname
22003 Show the current state of ``physname'' checking.
22004 @item set debug dwarf2-die
22005 @cindex DWARF2 DIEs
22006 Dump DWARF2 DIEs after they are read in.
22007 The value is the number of nesting levels to print.
22008 A value of zero turns off the display.
22009 @item show debug dwarf2-die
22010 Show the current state of DWARF2 DIE debugging.
22011 @item set debug dwarf2-read
22012 @cindex DWARF2 Reading
22013 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to reading
22014 DWARF debug info. The default is off.
22015 @item show debug dwarf2-read
22016 Show the current state of DWARF2 reader debugging.
22017 @item set debug displaced
22018 @cindex displaced stepping debugging info
22019 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for the
22020 displaced stepping support. The default is off.
22021 @item show debug displaced
22022 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} debugging info
22023 related to displaced stepping.
22024 @item set debug event
22025 @cindex event debugging info
22026 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} event debugging info. The
22027 default is off.
22028 @item show debug event
22029 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} event debugging
22030 info.
22031 @item set debug expression
22032 @cindex expression debugging info
22033 Turns on or off display of debugging info about @value{GDBN}
22034 expression parsing. The default is off.
22035 @item show debug expression
22036 Displays the current state of displaying debugging info about
22037 @value{GDBN} expression parsing.
22038 @item set debug frame
22039 @cindex frame debugging info
22040 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} frame debugging info. The
22041 default is off.
22042 @item show debug frame
22043 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} frame debugging
22044 info.
22045 @item set debug gnu-nat
22046 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug messages
22047 Turns on or off debugging messages from the @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug support.
22048 @item show debug gnu-nat
22049 Show the current state of @sc{gnu}/Hurd debugging messages.
22050 @item set debug infrun
22051 @cindex inferior debugging info
22052 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for running the inferior.
22053 The default is off. @file{infrun.c} contains GDB's runtime state machine used
22054 for implementing operations such as single-stepping the inferior.
22055 @item show debug infrun
22056 Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} inferior debugging.
22057 @item set debug jit
22058 @cindex just-in-time compilation, debugging messages
22059 Turns on or off debugging messages from JIT debug support.
22060 @item show debug jit
22061 Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} JIT debugging.
22062 @item set debug lin-lwp
22063 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Linux LWP debug messages
22064 @cindex Linux lightweight processes
22065 Turns on or off debugging messages from the Linux LWP debug support.
22066 @item show debug lin-lwp
22067 Show the current state of Linux LWP debugging messages.
22068 @item set debug notification
22069 @cindex remote async notification debugging info
22070 Turns on or off debugging messages about remote async notification.
22071 The default is off.
22072 @item show debug notification
22073 Displays the current state of remote async notification debugging messages.
22074 @item set debug observer
22075 @cindex observer debugging info
22076 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} observer debugging. This
22077 includes info such as the notification of observable events.
22078 @item show debug observer
22079 Displays the current state of observer debugging.
22080 @item set debug overload
22081 @cindex C@t{++} overload debugging info
22082 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload debugging
22083 info. This includes info such as ranking of functions, etc. The default
22084 is off.
22085 @item show debug overload
22086 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload
22087 debugging info.
22088 @cindex expression parser, debugging info
22089 @cindex debug expression parser
22090 @item set debug parser
22091 Turns on or off the display of expression parser debugging output.
22092 Internally, this sets the @code{yydebug} variable in the expression
22093 parser. @xref{Tracing, , Tracing Your Parser, bison, Bison}, for
22094 details. The default is off.
22095 @item show debug parser
22096 Show the current state of expression parser debugging.
22097 @cindex packets, reporting on stdout
22098 @cindex serial connections, debugging
22099 @cindex debug remote protocol
22100 @cindex remote protocol debugging
22101 @cindex display remote packets
22102 @item set debug remote
22103 Turns on or off display of reports on all packets sent back and forth across
22104 the serial line to the remote machine. The info is printed on the
22105 @value{GDBN} standard output stream. The default is off.
22106 @item show debug remote
22107 Displays the state of display of remote packets.
22108 @item set debug serial
22109 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} serial debugging info. The
22110 default is off.
22111 @item show debug serial
22112 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} serial debugging
22113 info.
22114 @item set debug solib-frv
22115 @cindex FR-V shared-library debugging
22116 Turns on or off debugging messages for FR-V shared-library code.
22117 @item show debug solib-frv
22118 Display the current state of FR-V shared-library code debugging
22119 messages.
22120 @item set debug symtab-create
22121 @cindex symbol table creation
22122 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to symbol table creation.
22123 The default is off.
22124 @item show debug symtab-create
22125 Show the current state of symbol table creation debugging.
22126 @item set debug target
22127 @cindex target debugging info
22128 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} target debugging info. This info
22129 includes what is going on at the target level of GDB, as it happens. The
22130 default is 0. Set it to 1 to track events, and to 2 to also track the
22131 value of large memory transfers. Changes to this flag do not take effect
22132 until the next time you connect to a target or use the @code{run} command.
22133 @item show debug target
22134 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} target debugging
22135 info.
22136 @item set debug timestamp
22137 @cindex timestampping debugging info
22138 Turns on or off display of timestamps with @value{GDBN} debugging info.
22139 When enabled, seconds and microseconds are displayed before each debugging
22140 message.
22141 @item show debug timestamp
22142 Displays the current state of displaying timestamps with @value{GDBN}
22143 debugging info.
22144 @item set debugvarobj
22145 @cindex variable object debugging info
22146 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} variable object debugging
22147 info. The default is off.
22148 @item show debugvarobj
22149 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} variable object
22150 debugging info.
22151 @item set debug xml
22152 @cindex XML parser debugging
22153 Turns on or off debugging messages for built-in XML parsers.
22154 @item show debug xml
22155 Displays the current state of XML debugging messages.
22156 @end table
22157
22158 @node Other Misc Settings
22159 @section Other Miscellaneous Settings
22160 @cindex miscellaneous settings
22161
22162 @table @code
22163 @kindex set interactive-mode
22164 @item set interactive-mode
22165 If @code{on}, forces @value{GDBN} to assume that GDB was started
22166 in a terminal. In practice, this means that @value{GDBN} should wait
22167 for the user to answer queries generated by commands entered at
22168 the command prompt. If @code{off}, forces @value{GDBN} to operate
22169 in the opposite mode, and it uses the default answers to all queries.
22170 If @code{auto} (the default), @value{GDBN} tries to determine whether
22171 its standard input is a terminal, and works in interactive-mode if it
22172 is, non-interactively otherwise.
22173
22174 In the vast majority of cases, the debugger should be able to guess
22175 correctly which mode should be used. But this setting can be useful
22176 in certain specific cases, such as running a MinGW @value{GDBN}
22177 inside a cygwin window.
22178
22179 @kindex show interactive-mode
22180 @item show interactive-mode
22181 Displays whether the debugger is operating in interactive mode or not.
22182 @end table
22183
22184 @node Extending GDB
22185 @chapter Extending @value{GDBN}
22186 @cindex extending GDB
22187
22188 @value{GDBN} provides three mechanisms for extension. The first is based
22189 on composition of @value{GDBN} commands, the second is based on the
22190 Python scripting language, and the third is for defining new aliases of
22191 existing commands.
22192
22193 To facilitate the use of the first two extensions, @value{GDBN} is capable
22194 of evaluating the contents of a file. When doing so, @value{GDBN}
22195 can recognize which scripting language is being used by looking at
22196 the filename extension. Files with an unrecognized filename extension
22197 are always treated as a @value{GDBN} Command Files.
22198 @xref{Command Files,, Command files}.
22199
22200 You can control how @value{GDBN} evaluates these files with the following
22201 setting:
22202
22203 @table @code
22204 @kindex set script-extension
22205 @kindex show script-extension
22206 @item set script-extension off
22207 All scripts are always evaluated as @value{GDBN} Command Files.
22208
22209 @item set script-extension soft
22210 The debugger determines the scripting language based on filename
22211 extension. If this scripting language is supported, @value{GDBN}
22212 evaluates the script using that language. Otherwise, it evaluates
22213 the file as a @value{GDBN} Command File.
22214
22215 @item set script-extension strict
22216 The debugger determines the scripting language based on filename
22217 extension, and evaluates the script using that language. If the
22218 language is not supported, then the evaluation fails.
22219
22220 @item show script-extension
22221 Display the current value of the @code{script-extension} option.
22222
22223 @end table
22224
22225 @menu
22226 * Sequences:: Canned Sequences of Commands
22227 * Python:: Scripting @value{GDBN} using Python
22228 * Aliases:: Creating new spellings of existing commands
22229 @end menu
22230
22231 @node Sequences
22232 @section Canned Sequences of Commands
22233
22234 Aside from breakpoint commands (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint
22235 Command Lists}), @value{GDBN} provides two ways to store sequences of
22236 commands for execution as a unit: user-defined commands and command
22237 files.
22238
22239 @menu
22240 * Define:: How to define your own commands
22241 * Hooks:: Hooks for user-defined commands
22242 * Command Files:: How to write scripts of commands to be stored in a file
22243 * Output:: Commands for controlled output
22244 @end menu
22245
22246 @node Define
22247 @subsection User-defined Commands
22248
22249 @cindex user-defined command
22250 @cindex arguments, to user-defined commands
22251 A @dfn{user-defined command} is a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands to
22252 which you assign a new name as a command. This is done with the
22253 @code{define} command. User commands may accept up to 10 arguments
22254 separated by whitespace. Arguments are accessed within the user command
22255 via @code{$arg0@dots{}$arg9}. A trivial example:
22256
22257 @smallexample
22258 define adder
22259 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
22260 end
22261 @end smallexample
22262
22263 @noindent
22264 To execute the command use:
22265
22266 @smallexample
22267 adder 1 2 3
22268 @end smallexample
22269
22270 @noindent
22271 This defines the command @code{adder}, which prints the sum of
22272 its three arguments. Note the arguments are text substitutions, so they may
22273 reference variables, use complex expressions, or even perform inferior
22274 functions calls.
22275
22276 @cindex argument count in user-defined commands
22277 @cindex how many arguments (user-defined commands)
22278 In addition, @code{$argc} may be used to find out how many arguments have
22279 been passed. This expands to a number in the range 0@dots{}10.
22280
22281 @smallexample
22282 define adder
22283 if $argc == 2
22284 print $arg0 + $arg1
22285 end
22286 if $argc == 3
22287 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
22288 end
22289 end
22290 @end smallexample
22291
22292 @table @code
22293
22294 @kindex define
22295 @item define @var{commandname}
22296 Define a command named @var{commandname}. If there is already a command
22297 by that name, you are asked to confirm that you want to redefine it.
22298 @var{commandname} may be a bare command name consisting of letters,
22299 numbers, dashes, and underscores. It may also start with any predefined
22300 prefix command. For example, @samp{define target my-target} creates
22301 a user-defined @samp{target my-target} command.
22302
22303 The definition of the command is made up of other @value{GDBN} command lines,
22304 which are given following the @code{define} command. The end of these
22305 commands is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
22306
22307 @kindex document
22308 @kindex end@r{ (user-defined commands)}
22309 @item document @var{commandname}
22310 Document the user-defined command @var{commandname}, so that it can be
22311 accessed by @code{help}. The command @var{commandname} must already be
22312 defined. This command reads lines of documentation just as @code{define}
22313 reads the lines of the command definition, ending with @code{end}.
22314 After the @code{document} command is finished, @code{help} on command
22315 @var{commandname} displays the documentation you have written.
22316
22317 You may use the @code{document} command again to change the
22318 documentation of a command. Redefining the command with @code{define}
22319 does not change the documentation.
22320
22321 @kindex dont-repeat
22322 @cindex don't repeat command
22323 @item dont-repeat
22324 Used inside a user-defined command, this tells @value{GDBN} that this
22325 command should not be repeated when the user hits @key{RET}
22326 (@pxref{Command Syntax, repeat last command}).
22327
22328 @kindex help user-defined
22329 @item help user-defined
22330 List all user-defined commands and all python commands defined in class
22331 COMAND_USER. The first line of the documentation or docstring is
22332 included (if any).
22333
22334 @kindex show user
22335 @item show user
22336 @itemx show user @var{commandname}
22337 Display the @value{GDBN} commands used to define @var{commandname} (but
22338 not its documentation). If no @var{commandname} is given, display the
22339 definitions for all user-defined commands.
22340 This does not work for user-defined python commands.
22341
22342 @cindex infinite recursion in user-defined commands
22343 @kindex show max-user-call-depth
22344 @kindex set max-user-call-depth
22345 @item show max-user-call-depth
22346 @itemx set max-user-call-depth
22347 The value of @code{max-user-call-depth} controls how many recursion
22348 levels are allowed in user-defined commands before @value{GDBN} suspects an
22349 infinite recursion and aborts the command.
22350 This does not apply to user-defined python commands.
22351 @end table
22352
22353 In addition to the above commands, user-defined commands frequently
22354 use control flow commands, described in @ref{Command Files}.
22355
22356 When user-defined commands are executed, the
22357 commands of the definition are not printed. An error in any command
22358 stops execution of the user-defined command.
22359
22360 If used interactively, commands that would ask for confirmation proceed
22361 without asking when used inside a user-defined command. Many @value{GDBN}
22362 commands that normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the
22363 messages when used in a user-defined command.
22364
22365 @node Hooks
22366 @subsection User-defined Command Hooks
22367 @cindex command hooks
22368 @cindex hooks, for commands
22369 @cindex hooks, pre-command
22370
22371 @kindex hook
22372 You may define @dfn{hooks}, which are a special kind of user-defined
22373 command. Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined
22374 command @samp{hook-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments)
22375 before that command.
22376
22377 @cindex hooks, post-command
22378 @kindex hookpost
22379 A hook may also be defined which is run after the command you executed.
22380 Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined command
22381 @samp{hookpost-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments) after
22382 that command. Post-execution hooks may exist simultaneously with
22383 pre-execution hooks, for the same command.
22384
22385 It is valid for a hook to call the command which it hooks. If this
22386 occurs, the hook is not re-executed, thereby avoiding infinite recursion.
22387
22388 @c It would be nice if hookpost could be passed a parameter indicating
22389 @c if the command it hooks executed properly or not. FIXME!
22390
22391 @kindex stop@r{, a pseudo-command}
22392 In addition, a pseudo-command, @samp{stop} exists. Defining
22393 (@samp{hook-stop}) makes the associated commands execute every time
22394 execution stops in your program: before breakpoint commands are run,
22395 displays are printed, or the stack frame is printed.
22396
22397 For example, to ignore @code{SIGALRM} signals while
22398 single-stepping, but treat them normally during normal execution,
22399 you could define:
22400
22401 @smallexample
22402 define hook-stop
22403 handle SIGALRM nopass
22404 end
22405
22406 define hook-run
22407 handle SIGALRM pass
22408 end
22409
22410 define hook-continue
22411 handle SIGALRM pass
22412 end
22413 @end smallexample
22414
22415 As a further example, to hook at the beginning and end of the @code{echo}
22416 command, and to add extra text to the beginning and end of the message,
22417 you could define:
22418
22419 @smallexample
22420 define hook-echo
22421 echo <<<---
22422 end
22423
22424 define hookpost-echo
22425 echo --->>>\n
22426 end
22427
22428 (@value{GDBP}) echo Hello World
22429 <<<---Hello World--->>>
22430 (@value{GDBP})
22431
22432 @end smallexample
22433
22434 You can define a hook for any single-word command in @value{GDBN}, but
22435 not for command aliases; you should define a hook for the basic command
22436 name, e.g.@: @code{backtrace} rather than @code{bt}.
22437 @c FIXME! So how does Joe User discover whether a command is an alias
22438 @c or not?
22439 You can hook a multi-word command by adding @code{hook-} or
22440 @code{hookpost-} to the last word of the command, e.g.@:
22441 @samp{define target hook-remote} to add a hook to @samp{target remote}.
22442
22443 If an error occurs during the execution of your hook, execution of
22444 @value{GDBN} commands stops and @value{GDBN} issues a prompt
22445 (before the command that you actually typed had a chance to run).
22446
22447 If you try to define a hook which does not match any known command, you
22448 get a warning from the @code{define} command.
22449
22450 @node Command Files
22451 @subsection Command Files
22452
22453 @cindex command files
22454 @cindex scripting commands
22455 A command file for @value{GDBN} is a text file made of lines that are
22456 @value{GDBN} commands. Comments (lines starting with @kbd{#}) may
22457 also be included. An empty line in a command file does nothing; it
22458 does not mean to repeat the last command, as it would from the
22459 terminal.
22460
22461 You can request the execution of a command file with the @code{source}
22462 command. Note that the @code{source} command is also used to evaluate
22463 scripts that are not Command Files. The exact behavior can be configured
22464 using the @code{script-extension} setting.
22465 @xref{Extending GDB,, Extending GDB}.
22466
22467 @table @code
22468 @kindex source
22469 @cindex execute commands from a file
22470 @item source [-s] [-v] @var{filename}
22471 Execute the command file @var{filename}.
22472 @end table
22473
22474 The lines in a command file are generally executed sequentially,
22475 unless the order of execution is changed by one of the
22476 @emph{flow-control commands} described below. The commands are not
22477 printed as they are executed. An error in any command terminates
22478 execution of the command file and control is returned to the console.
22479
22480 @value{GDBN} first searches for @var{filename} in the current directory.
22481 If the file is not found there, and @var{filename} does not specify a
22482 directory, then @value{GDBN} also looks for the file on the source search path
22483 (specified with the @samp{directory} command);
22484 except that @file{$cdir} is not searched because the compilation directory
22485 is not relevant to scripts.
22486
22487 If @code{-s} is specified, then @value{GDBN} searches for @var{filename}
22488 on the search path even if @var{filename} specifies a directory.
22489 The search is done by appending @var{filename} to each element of the
22490 search path. So, for example, if @var{filename} is @file{mylib/myscript}
22491 and the search path contains @file{/home/user} then @value{GDBN} will
22492 look for the script @file{/home/user/mylib/myscript}.
22493 The search is also done if @var{filename} is an absolute path.
22494 For example, if @var{filename} is @file{/tmp/myscript} and
22495 the search path contains @file{/home/user} then @value{GDBN} will
22496 look for the script @file{/home/user/tmp/myscript}.
22497 For DOS-like systems, if @var{filename} contains a drive specification,
22498 it is stripped before concatenation. For example, if @var{filename} is
22499 @file{d:myscript} and the search path contains @file{c:/tmp} then @value{GDBN}
22500 will look for the script @file{c:/tmp/myscript}.
22501
22502 If @code{-v}, for verbose mode, is given then @value{GDBN} displays
22503 each command as it is executed. The option must be given before
22504 @var{filename}, and is interpreted as part of the filename anywhere else.
22505
22506 Commands that would ask for confirmation if used interactively proceed
22507 without asking when used in a command file. Many @value{GDBN} commands that
22508 normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the messages
22509 when called from command files.
22510
22511 @value{GDBN} also accepts command input from standard input. In this
22512 mode, normal output goes to standard output and error output goes to
22513 standard error. Errors in a command file supplied on standard input do
22514 not terminate execution of the command file---execution continues with
22515 the next command.
22516
22517 @smallexample
22518 gdb < cmds > log 2>&1
22519 @end smallexample
22520
22521 (The syntax above will vary depending on the shell used.) This example
22522 will execute commands from the file @file{cmds}. All output and errors
22523 would be directed to @file{log}.
22524
22525 Since commands stored on command files tend to be more general than
22526 commands typed interactively, they frequently need to deal with
22527 complicated situations, such as different or unexpected values of
22528 variables and symbols, changes in how the program being debugged is
22529 built, etc. @value{GDBN} provides a set of flow-control commands to
22530 deal with these complexities. Using these commands, you can write
22531 complex scripts that loop over data structures, execute commands
22532 conditionally, etc.
22533
22534 @table @code
22535 @kindex if
22536 @kindex else
22537 @item if
22538 @itemx else
22539 This command allows to include in your script conditionally executed
22540 commands. The @code{if} command takes a single argument, which is an
22541 expression to evaluate. It is followed by a series of commands that
22542 are executed only if the expression is true (its value is nonzero).
22543 There can then optionally be an @code{else} line, followed by a series
22544 of commands that are only executed if the expression was false. The
22545 end of the list is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
22546
22547 @kindex while
22548 @item while
22549 This command allows to write loops. Its syntax is similar to
22550 @code{if}: the command takes a single argument, which is an expression
22551 to evaluate, and must be followed by the commands to execute, one per
22552 line, terminated by an @code{end}. These commands are called the
22553 @dfn{body} of the loop. The commands in the body of @code{while} are
22554 executed repeatedly as long as the expression evaluates to true.
22555
22556 @kindex loop_break
22557 @item loop_break
22558 This command exits the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included.
22559 Execution of the script continues after that @code{while}s @code{end}
22560 line.
22561
22562 @kindex loop_continue
22563 @item loop_continue
22564 This command skips the execution of the rest of the body of commands
22565 in the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included. Execution
22566 branches to the beginning of the @code{while} loop, where it evaluates
22567 the controlling expression.
22568
22569 @kindex end@r{ (if/else/while commands)}
22570 @item end
22571 Terminate the block of commands that are the body of @code{if},
22572 @code{else}, or @code{while} flow-control commands.
22573 @end table
22574
22575
22576 @node Output
22577 @subsection Commands for Controlled Output
22578
22579 During the execution of a command file or a user-defined command, normal
22580 @value{GDBN} output is suppressed; the only output that appears is what is
22581 explicitly printed by the commands in the definition. This section
22582 describes three commands useful for generating exactly the output you
22583 want.
22584
22585 @table @code
22586 @kindex echo
22587 @item echo @var{text}
22588 @c I do not consider backslash-space a standard C escape sequence
22589 @c because it is not in ANSI.
22590 Print @var{text}. Nonprinting characters can be included in
22591 @var{text} using C escape sequences, such as @samp{\n} to print a
22592 newline. @strong{No newline is printed unless you specify one.}
22593 In addition to the standard C escape sequences, a backslash followed
22594 by a space stands for a space. This is useful for displaying a
22595 string with spaces at the beginning or the end, since leading and
22596 trailing spaces are otherwise trimmed from all arguments.
22597 To print @samp{@w{ }and foo =@w{ }}, use the command
22598 @samp{echo \@w{ }and foo = \@w{ }}.
22599
22600 A backslash at the end of @var{text} can be used, as in C, to continue
22601 the command onto subsequent lines. For example,
22602
22603 @smallexample
22604 echo This is some text\n\
22605 which is continued\n\
22606 onto several lines.\n
22607 @end smallexample
22608
22609 produces the same output as
22610
22611 @smallexample
22612 echo This is some text\n
22613 echo which is continued\n
22614 echo onto several lines.\n
22615 @end smallexample
22616
22617 @kindex output
22618 @item output @var{expression}
22619 Print the value of @var{expression} and nothing but that value: no
22620 newlines, no @samp{$@var{nn} = }. The value is not entered in the
22621 value history either. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information
22622 on expressions.
22623
22624 @item output/@var{fmt} @var{expression}
22625 Print the value of @var{expression} in format @var{fmt}. You can use
22626 the same formats as for @code{print}. @xref{Output Formats,,Output
22627 Formats}, for more information.
22628
22629 @kindex printf
22630 @item printf @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
22631 Print the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
22632 the string @var{template}. To print several values, make
22633 @var{expressions} be a comma-separated list of individual expressions,
22634 which may be either numbers or pointers. Their values are printed as
22635 specified by @var{template}, exactly as a C program would do by
22636 executing the code below:
22637
22638 @smallexample
22639 printf (@var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{});
22640 @end smallexample
22641
22642 As in @code{C} @code{printf}, ordinary characters in @var{template}
22643 are printed verbatim, while @dfn{conversion specification} introduced
22644 by the @samp{%} character cause subsequent @var{expressions} to be
22645 evaluated, their values converted and formatted according to type and
22646 style information encoded in the conversion specifications, and then
22647 printed.
22648
22649 For example, you can print two values in hex like this:
22650
22651 @smallexample
22652 printf "foo, bar-foo = 0x%x, 0x%x\n", foo, bar-foo
22653 @end smallexample
22654
22655 @code{printf} supports all the standard @code{C} conversion
22656 specifications, including the flags and modifiers between the @samp{%}
22657 character and the conversion letter, with the following exceptions:
22658
22659 @itemize @bullet
22660 @item
22661 The argument-ordering modifiers, such as @samp{2$}, are not supported.
22662
22663 @item
22664 The modifier @samp{*} is not supported for specifying precision or
22665 width.
22666
22667 @item
22668 The @samp{'} flag (for separation of digits into groups according to
22669 @code{LC_NUMERIC'}) is not supported.
22670
22671 @item
22672 The type modifiers @samp{hh}, @samp{j}, @samp{t}, and @samp{z} are not
22673 supported.
22674
22675 @item
22676 The conversion letter @samp{n} (as in @samp{%n}) is not supported.
22677
22678 @item
22679 The conversion letters @samp{a} and @samp{A} are not supported.
22680 @end itemize
22681
22682 @noindent
22683 Note that the @samp{ll} type modifier is supported only if the
22684 underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} supports
22685 the @code{long long int} type, and the @samp{L} type modifier is
22686 supported only if @code{long double} type is available.
22687
22688 As in @code{C}, @code{printf} supports simple backslash-escape
22689 sequences, such as @code{\n}, @samp{\t}, @samp{\\}, @samp{\"},
22690 @samp{\a}, and @samp{\f}, that consist of backslash followed by a
22691 single character. Octal and hexadecimal escape sequences are not
22692 supported.
22693
22694 Additionally, @code{printf} supports conversion specifications for DFP
22695 (@dfn{Decimal Floating Point}) types using the following length modifiers
22696 together with a floating point specifier.
22697 letters:
22698
22699 @itemize @bullet
22700 @item
22701 @samp{H} for printing @code{Decimal32} types.
22702
22703 @item
22704 @samp{D} for printing @code{Decimal64} types.
22705
22706 @item
22707 @samp{DD} for printing @code{Decimal128} types.
22708 @end itemize
22709
22710 If the underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} has
22711 support for the three length modifiers for DFP types, other modifiers
22712 such as width and precision will also be available for @value{GDBN} to use.
22713
22714 In case there is no such @code{C} support, no additional modifiers will be
22715 available and the value will be printed in the standard way.
22716
22717 Here's an example of printing DFP types using the above conversion letters:
22718 @smallexample
22719 printf "D32: %Hf - D64: %Df - D128: %DDf\n",1.2345df,1.2E10dd,1.2E1dl
22720 @end smallexample
22721
22722 @kindex eval
22723 @item eval @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
22724 Convert the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
22725 the string @var{template} to a command line, and call it.
22726
22727 @end table
22728
22729 @node Python
22730 @section Scripting @value{GDBN} using Python
22731 @cindex python scripting
22732 @cindex scripting with python
22733
22734 You can script @value{GDBN} using the @uref{http://www.python.org/,
22735 Python programming language}. This feature is available only if
22736 @value{GDBN} was configured using @option{--with-python}.
22737
22738 @cindex python directory
22739 Python scripts used by @value{GDBN} should be installed in
22740 @file{@var{data-directory}/python}, where @var{data-directory} is
22741 the data directory as determined at @value{GDBN} startup (@pxref{Data Files}).
22742 This directory, known as the @dfn{python directory},
22743 is automatically added to the Python Search Path in order to allow
22744 the Python interpreter to locate all scripts installed at this location.
22745
22746 Additionally, @value{GDBN} commands and convenience functions which
22747 are written in Python and are located in the
22748 @file{@var{data-directory}/python/gdb/command} or
22749 @file{@var{data-directory}/python/gdb/function} directories are
22750 automatically imported when @value{GDBN} starts.
22751
22752 @menu
22753 * Python Commands:: Accessing Python from @value{GDBN}.
22754 * Python API:: Accessing @value{GDBN} from Python.
22755 * Python Auto-loading:: Automatically loading Python code.
22756 * Python modules:: Python modules provided by @value{GDBN}.
22757 @end menu
22758
22759 @node Python Commands
22760 @subsection Python Commands
22761 @cindex python commands
22762 @cindex commands to access python
22763
22764 @value{GDBN} provides two commands for accessing the Python interpreter,
22765 and one related setting:
22766
22767 @table @code
22768 @kindex python-interactive
22769 @kindex pi
22770 @item python-interactive @r{[}@var{command}@r{]}
22771 @itemx pi @r{[}@var{command}@r{]}
22772 Without an argument, the @code{python-interactive} command can be used
22773 to start an interactive Python prompt. To return to @value{GDBN},
22774 type the @code{EOF} character (e.g., @kbd{Ctrl-D} on an empty prompt).
22775
22776 Alternatively, a single-line Python command can be given as an
22777 argument and evaluated. If the command is an expression, the result
22778 will be printed; otherwise, nothing will be printed. For example:
22779
22780 @smallexample
22781 (@value{GDBP}) python-interactive 2 + 3
22782 5
22783 @end smallexample
22784
22785 @kindex python
22786 @kindex py
22787 @item python @r{[}@var{command}@r{]}
22788 @itemx py @r{[}@var{command}@r{]}
22789 The @code{python} command can be used to evaluate Python code.
22790
22791 If given an argument, the @code{python} command will evaluate the
22792 argument as a Python command. For example:
22793
22794 @smallexample
22795 (@value{GDBP}) python print 23
22796 23
22797 @end smallexample
22798
22799 If you do not provide an argument to @code{python}, it will act as a
22800 multi-line command, like @code{define}. In this case, the Python
22801 script is made up of subsequent command lines, given after the
22802 @code{python} command. This command list is terminated using a line
22803 containing @code{end}. For example:
22804
22805 @smallexample
22806 (@value{GDBP}) python
22807 Type python script
22808 End with a line saying just "end".
22809 >print 23
22810 >end
22811 23
22812 @end smallexample
22813
22814 @kindex set python print-stack
22815 @item set python print-stack
22816 By default, @value{GDBN} will print only the message component of a
22817 Python exception when an error occurs in a Python script. This can be
22818 controlled using @code{set python print-stack}: if @code{full}, then
22819 full Python stack printing is enabled; if @code{none}, then Python stack
22820 and message printing is disabled; if @code{message}, the default, only
22821 the message component of the error is printed.
22822 @end table
22823
22824 It is also possible to execute a Python script from the @value{GDBN}
22825 interpreter:
22826
22827 @table @code
22828 @item source @file{script-name}
22829 The script name must end with @samp{.py} and @value{GDBN} must be configured
22830 to recognize the script language based on filename extension using
22831 the @code{script-extension} setting. @xref{Extending GDB, ,Extending GDB}.
22832
22833 @item python execfile ("script-name")
22834 This method is based on the @code{execfile} Python built-in function,
22835 and thus is always available.
22836 @end table
22837
22838 @node Python API
22839 @subsection Python API
22840 @cindex python api
22841 @cindex programming in python
22842
22843 @cindex python stdout
22844 @cindex python pagination
22845 At startup, @value{GDBN} overrides Python's @code{sys.stdout} and
22846 @code{sys.stderr} to print using @value{GDBN}'s output-paging streams.
22847 A Python program which outputs to one of these streams may have its
22848 output interrupted by the user (@pxref{Screen Size}). In this
22849 situation, a Python @code{KeyboardInterrupt} exception is thrown.
22850
22851 @menu
22852 * Basic Python:: Basic Python Functions.
22853 * Exception Handling:: How Python exceptions are translated.
22854 * Values From Inferior:: Python representation of values.
22855 * Types In Python:: Python representation of types.
22856 * Pretty Printing API:: Pretty-printing values.
22857 * Selecting Pretty-Printers:: How GDB chooses a pretty-printer.
22858 * Writing a Pretty-Printer:: Writing a Pretty-Printer.
22859 * Type Printing API:: Pretty-printing types.
22860 * Inferiors In Python:: Python representation of inferiors (processes)
22861 * Events In Python:: Listening for events from @value{GDBN}.
22862 * Threads In Python:: Accessing inferior threads from Python.
22863 * Commands In Python:: Implementing new commands in Python.
22864 * Parameters In Python:: Adding new @value{GDBN} parameters.
22865 * Functions In Python:: Writing new convenience functions.
22866 * Progspaces In Python:: Program spaces.
22867 * Objfiles In Python:: Object files.
22868 * Frames In Python:: Accessing inferior stack frames from Python.
22869 * Blocks In Python:: Accessing frame blocks from Python.
22870 * Symbols In Python:: Python representation of symbols.
22871 * Symbol Tables In Python:: Python representation of symbol tables.
22872 * Breakpoints In Python:: Manipulating breakpoints using Python.
22873 * Finish Breakpoints in Python:: Setting Breakpoints on function return
22874 using Python.
22875 * Lazy Strings In Python:: Python representation of lazy strings.
22876 * Architectures In Python:: Python representation of architectures.
22877 @end menu
22878
22879 @node Basic Python
22880 @subsubsection Basic Python
22881
22882 @cindex python functions
22883 @cindex python module
22884 @cindex gdb module
22885 @value{GDBN} introduces a new Python module, named @code{gdb}. All
22886 methods and classes added by @value{GDBN} are placed in this module.
22887 @value{GDBN} automatically @code{import}s the @code{gdb} module for
22888 use in all scripts evaluated by the @code{python} command.
22889
22890 @findex gdb.PYTHONDIR
22891 @defvar gdb.PYTHONDIR
22892 A string containing the python directory (@pxref{Python}).
22893 @end defvar
22894
22895 @findex gdb.execute
22896 @defun gdb.execute (command @r{[}, from_tty @r{[}, to_string@r{]]})
22897 Evaluate @var{command}, a string, as a @value{GDBN} CLI command.
22898 If a GDB exception happens while @var{command} runs, it is
22899 translated as described in @ref{Exception Handling,,Exception Handling}.
22900
22901 @var{from_tty} specifies whether @value{GDBN} ought to consider this
22902 command as having originated from the user invoking it interactively.
22903 It must be a boolean value. If omitted, it defaults to @code{False}.
22904
22905 By default, any output produced by @var{command} is sent to
22906 @value{GDBN}'s standard output. If the @var{to_string} parameter is
22907 @code{True}, then output will be collected by @code{gdb.execute} and
22908 returned as a string. The default is @code{False}, in which case the
22909 return value is @code{None}. If @var{to_string} is @code{True}, the
22910 @value{GDBN} virtual terminal will be temporarily set to unlimited width
22911 and height, and its pagination will be disabled; @pxref{Screen Size}.
22912 @end defun
22913
22914 @findex gdb.breakpoints
22915 @defun gdb.breakpoints ()
22916 Return a sequence holding all of @value{GDBN}'s breakpoints.
22917 @xref{Breakpoints In Python}, for more information.
22918 @end defun
22919
22920 @findex gdb.parameter
22921 @defun gdb.parameter (parameter)
22922 Return the value of a @value{GDBN} parameter. @var{parameter} is a
22923 string naming the parameter to look up; @var{parameter} may contain
22924 spaces if the parameter has a multi-part name. For example,
22925 @samp{print object} is a valid parameter name.
22926
22927 If the named parameter does not exist, this function throws a
22928 @code{gdb.error} (@pxref{Exception Handling}). Otherwise, the
22929 parameter's value is converted to a Python value of the appropriate
22930 type, and returned.
22931 @end defun
22932
22933 @findex gdb.history
22934 @defun gdb.history (number)
22935 Return a value from @value{GDBN}'s value history (@pxref{Value
22936 History}). @var{number} indicates which history element to return.
22937 If @var{number} is negative, then @value{GDBN} will take its absolute value
22938 and count backward from the last element (i.e., the most recent element) to
22939 find the value to return. If @var{number} is zero, then @value{GDBN} will
22940 return the most recent element. If the element specified by @var{number}
22941 doesn't exist in the value history, a @code{gdb.error} exception will be
22942 raised.
22943
22944 If no exception is raised, the return value is always an instance of
22945 @code{gdb.Value} (@pxref{Values From Inferior}).
22946 @end defun
22947
22948 @findex gdb.parse_and_eval
22949 @defun gdb.parse_and_eval (expression)
22950 Parse @var{expression} as an expression in the current language,
22951 evaluate it, and return the result as a @code{gdb.Value}.
22952 @var{expression} must be a string.
22953
22954 This function can be useful when implementing a new command
22955 (@pxref{Commands In Python}), as it provides a way to parse the
22956 command's argument as an expression. It is also useful simply to
22957 compute values, for example, it is the only way to get the value of a
22958 convenience variable (@pxref{Convenience Vars}) as a @code{gdb.Value}.
22959 @end defun
22960
22961 @findex gdb.find_pc_line
22962 @defun gdb.find_pc_line (pc)
22963 Return the @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object corresponding to the
22964 @var{pc} value. @xref{Symbol Tables In Python}. If an invalid
22965 value of @var{pc} is passed as an argument, then the @code{symtab} and
22966 @code{line} attributes of the returned @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object
22967 will be @code{None} and 0 respectively.
22968 @end defun
22969
22970 @findex gdb.post_event
22971 @defun gdb.post_event (event)
22972 Put @var{event}, a callable object taking no arguments, into
22973 @value{GDBN}'s internal event queue. This callable will be invoked at
22974 some later point, during @value{GDBN}'s event processing. Events
22975 posted using @code{post_event} will be run in the order in which they
22976 were posted; however, there is no way to know when they will be
22977 processed relative to other events inside @value{GDBN}.
22978
22979 @value{GDBN} is not thread-safe. If your Python program uses multiple
22980 threads, you must be careful to only call @value{GDBN}-specific
22981 functions in the main @value{GDBN} thread. @code{post_event} ensures
22982 this. For example:
22983
22984 @smallexample
22985 (@value{GDBP}) python
22986 >import threading
22987 >
22988 >class Writer():
22989 > def __init__(self, message):
22990 > self.message = message;
22991 > def __call__(self):
22992 > gdb.write(self.message)
22993 >
22994 >class MyThread1 (threading.Thread):
22995 > def run (self):
22996 > gdb.post_event(Writer("Hello "))
22997 >
22998 >class MyThread2 (threading.Thread):
22999 > def run (self):
23000 > gdb.post_event(Writer("World\n"))
23001 >
23002 >MyThread1().start()
23003 >MyThread2().start()
23004 >end
23005 (@value{GDBP}) Hello World
23006 @end smallexample
23007 @end defun
23008
23009 @findex gdb.write
23010 @defun gdb.write (string @r{[}, stream{]})
23011 Print a string to @value{GDBN}'s paginated output stream. The
23012 optional @var{stream} determines the stream to print to. The default
23013 stream is @value{GDBN}'s standard output stream. Possible stream
23014 values are:
23015
23016 @table @code
23017 @findex STDOUT
23018 @findex gdb.STDOUT
23019 @item gdb.STDOUT
23020 @value{GDBN}'s standard output stream.
23021
23022 @findex STDERR
23023 @findex gdb.STDERR
23024 @item gdb.STDERR
23025 @value{GDBN}'s standard error stream.
23026
23027 @findex STDLOG
23028 @findex gdb.STDLOG
23029 @item gdb.STDLOG
23030 @value{GDBN}'s log stream (@pxref{Logging Output}).
23031 @end table
23032
23033 Writing to @code{sys.stdout} or @code{sys.stderr} will automatically
23034 call this function and will automatically direct the output to the
23035 relevant stream.
23036 @end defun
23037
23038 @findex gdb.flush
23039 @defun gdb.flush ()
23040 Flush the buffer of a @value{GDBN} paginated stream so that the
23041 contents are displayed immediately. @value{GDBN} will flush the
23042 contents of a stream automatically when it encounters a newline in the
23043 buffer. The optional @var{stream} determines the stream to flush. The
23044 default stream is @value{GDBN}'s standard output stream. Possible
23045 stream values are:
23046
23047 @table @code
23048 @findex STDOUT
23049 @findex gdb.STDOUT
23050 @item gdb.STDOUT
23051 @value{GDBN}'s standard output stream.
23052
23053 @findex STDERR
23054 @findex gdb.STDERR
23055 @item gdb.STDERR
23056 @value{GDBN}'s standard error stream.
23057
23058 @findex STDLOG
23059 @findex gdb.STDLOG
23060 @item gdb.STDLOG
23061 @value{GDBN}'s log stream (@pxref{Logging Output}).
23062
23063 @end table
23064
23065 Flushing @code{sys.stdout} or @code{sys.stderr} will automatically
23066 call this function for the relevant stream.
23067 @end defun
23068
23069 @findex gdb.target_charset
23070 @defun gdb.target_charset ()
23071 Return the name of the current target character set (@pxref{Character
23072 Sets}). This differs from @code{gdb.parameter('target-charset')} in
23073 that @samp{auto} is never returned.
23074 @end defun
23075
23076 @findex gdb.target_wide_charset
23077 @defun gdb.target_wide_charset ()
23078 Return the name of the current target wide character set
23079 (@pxref{Character Sets}). This differs from
23080 @code{gdb.parameter('target-wide-charset')} in that @samp{auto} is
23081 never returned.
23082 @end defun
23083
23084 @findex gdb.solib_name
23085 @defun gdb.solib_name (address)
23086 Return the name of the shared library holding the given @var{address}
23087 as a string, or @code{None}.
23088 @end defun
23089
23090 @findex gdb.decode_line
23091 @defun gdb.decode_line @r{[}expression@r{]}
23092 Return locations of the line specified by @var{expression}, or of the
23093 current line if no argument was given. This function returns a Python
23094 tuple containing two elements. The first element contains a string
23095 holding any unparsed section of @var{expression} (or @code{None} if
23096 the expression has been fully parsed). The second element contains
23097 either @code{None} or another tuple that contains all the locations
23098 that match the expression represented as @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line}
23099 objects (@pxref{Symbol Tables In Python}). If @var{expression} is
23100 provided, it is decoded the way that @value{GDBN}'s inbuilt
23101 @code{break} or @code{edit} commands do (@pxref{Specify Location}).
23102 @end defun
23103
23104 @defun gdb.prompt_hook (current_prompt)
23105 @anchor{prompt_hook}
23106
23107 If @var{prompt_hook} is callable, @value{GDBN} will call the method
23108 assigned to this operation before a prompt is displayed by
23109 @value{GDBN}.
23110
23111 The parameter @code{current_prompt} contains the current @value{GDBN}
23112 prompt. This method must return a Python string, or @code{None}. If
23113 a string is returned, the @value{GDBN} prompt will be set to that
23114 string. If @code{None} is returned, @value{GDBN} will continue to use
23115 the current prompt.
23116
23117 Some prompts cannot be substituted in @value{GDBN}. Secondary prompts
23118 such as those used by readline for command input, and annotation
23119 related prompts are prohibited from being changed.
23120 @end defun
23121
23122 @node Exception Handling
23123 @subsubsection Exception Handling
23124 @cindex python exceptions
23125 @cindex exceptions, python
23126
23127 When executing the @code{python} command, Python exceptions
23128 uncaught within the Python code are translated to calls to
23129 @value{GDBN} error-reporting mechanism. If the command that called
23130 @code{python} does not handle the error, @value{GDBN} will
23131 terminate it and print an error message containing the Python
23132 exception name, the associated value, and the Python call stack
23133 backtrace at the point where the exception was raised. Example:
23134
23135 @smallexample
23136 (@value{GDBP}) python print foo
23137 Traceback (most recent call last):
23138 File "<string>", line 1, in <module>
23139 NameError: name 'foo' is not defined
23140 @end smallexample
23141
23142 @value{GDBN} errors that happen in @value{GDBN} commands invoked by
23143 Python code are converted to Python exceptions. The type of the
23144 Python exception depends on the error.
23145
23146 @ftable @code
23147 @item gdb.error
23148 This is the base class for most exceptions generated by @value{GDBN}.
23149 It is derived from @code{RuntimeError}, for compatibility with earlier
23150 versions of @value{GDBN}.
23151
23152 If an error occurring in @value{GDBN} does not fit into some more
23153 specific category, then the generated exception will have this type.
23154
23155 @item gdb.MemoryError
23156 This is a subclass of @code{gdb.error} which is thrown when an
23157 operation tried to access invalid memory in the inferior.
23158
23159 @item KeyboardInterrupt
23160 User interrupt (via @kbd{C-c} or by typing @kbd{q} at a pagination
23161 prompt) is translated to a Python @code{KeyboardInterrupt} exception.
23162 @end ftable
23163
23164 In all cases, your exception handler will see the @value{GDBN} error
23165 message as its value and the Python call stack backtrace at the Python
23166 statement closest to where the @value{GDBN} error occured as the
23167 traceback.
23168
23169 @findex gdb.GdbError
23170 When implementing @value{GDBN} commands in Python via @code{gdb.Command},
23171 it is useful to be able to throw an exception that doesn't cause a
23172 traceback to be printed. For example, the user may have invoked the
23173 command incorrectly. Use the @code{gdb.GdbError} exception
23174 to handle this case. Example:
23175
23176 @smallexample
23177 (gdb) python
23178 >class HelloWorld (gdb.Command):
23179 > """Greet the whole world."""
23180 > def __init__ (self):
23181 > super (HelloWorld, self).__init__ ("hello-world", gdb.COMMAND_USER)
23182 > def invoke (self, args, from_tty):
23183 > argv = gdb.string_to_argv (args)
23184 > if len (argv) != 0:
23185 > raise gdb.GdbError ("hello-world takes no arguments")
23186 > print "Hello, World!"
23187 >HelloWorld ()
23188 >end
23189 (gdb) hello-world 42
23190 hello-world takes no arguments
23191 @end smallexample
23192
23193 @node Values From Inferior
23194 @subsubsection Values From Inferior
23195 @cindex values from inferior, with Python
23196 @cindex python, working with values from inferior
23197
23198 @cindex @code{gdb.Value}
23199 @value{GDBN} provides values it obtains from the inferior program in
23200 an object of type @code{gdb.Value}. @value{GDBN} uses this object
23201 for its internal bookkeeping of the inferior's values, and for
23202 fetching values when necessary.
23203
23204 Inferior values that are simple scalars can be used directly in
23205 Python expressions that are valid for the value's data type. Here's
23206 an example for an integer or floating-point value @code{some_val}:
23207
23208 @smallexample
23209 bar = some_val + 2
23210 @end smallexample
23211
23212 @noindent
23213 As result of this, @code{bar} will also be a @code{gdb.Value} object
23214 whose values are of the same type as those of @code{some_val}.
23215
23216 Inferior values that are structures or instances of some class can
23217 be accessed using the Python @dfn{dictionary syntax}. For example, if
23218 @code{some_val} is a @code{gdb.Value} instance holding a structure, you
23219 can access its @code{foo} element with:
23220
23221 @smallexample
23222 bar = some_val['foo']
23223 @end smallexample
23224
23225 Again, @code{bar} will also be a @code{gdb.Value} object.
23226
23227 A @code{gdb.Value} that represents a function can be executed via
23228 inferior function call. Any arguments provided to the call must match
23229 the function's prototype, and must be provided in the order specified
23230 by that prototype.
23231
23232 For example, @code{some_val} is a @code{gdb.Value} instance
23233 representing a function that takes two integers as arguments. To
23234 execute this function, call it like so:
23235
23236 @smallexample
23237 result = some_val (10,20)
23238 @end smallexample
23239
23240 Any values returned from a function call will be stored as a
23241 @code{gdb.Value}.
23242
23243 The following attributes are provided:
23244
23245 @defvar Value.address
23246 If this object is addressable, this read-only attribute holds a
23247 @code{gdb.Value} object representing the address. Otherwise,
23248 this attribute holds @code{None}.
23249 @end defvar
23250
23251 @cindex optimized out value in Python
23252 @defvar Value.is_optimized_out
23253 This read-only boolean attribute is true if the compiler optimized out
23254 this value, thus it is not available for fetching from the inferior.
23255 @end defvar
23256
23257 @defvar Value.type
23258 The type of this @code{gdb.Value}. The value of this attribute is a
23259 @code{gdb.Type} object (@pxref{Types In Python}).
23260 @end defvar
23261
23262 @defvar Value.dynamic_type
23263 The dynamic type of this @code{gdb.Value}. This uses C@t{++} run-time
23264 type information (@acronym{RTTI}) to determine the dynamic type of the
23265 value. If this value is of class type, it will return the class in
23266 which the value is embedded, if any. If this value is of pointer or
23267 reference to a class type, it will compute the dynamic type of the
23268 referenced object, and return a pointer or reference to that type,
23269 respectively. In all other cases, it will return the value's static
23270 type.
23271
23272 Note that this feature will only work when debugging a C@t{++} program
23273 that includes @acronym{RTTI} for the object in question. Otherwise,
23274 it will just return the static type of the value as in @kbd{ptype foo}
23275 (@pxref{Symbols, ptype}).
23276 @end defvar
23277
23278 @defvar Value.is_lazy
23279 The value of this read-only boolean attribute is @code{True} if this
23280 @code{gdb.Value} has not yet been fetched from the inferior.
23281 @value{GDBN} does not fetch values until necessary, for efficiency.
23282 For example:
23283
23284 @smallexample
23285 myval = gdb.parse_and_eval ('somevar')
23286 @end smallexample
23287
23288 The value of @code{somevar} is not fetched at this time. It will be
23289 fetched when the value is needed, or when the @code{fetch_lazy}
23290 method is invoked.
23291 @end defvar
23292
23293 The following methods are provided:
23294
23295 @defun Value.__init__ (@var{val})
23296 Many Python values can be converted directly to a @code{gdb.Value} via
23297 this object initializer. Specifically:
23298
23299 @table @asis
23300 @item Python boolean
23301 A Python boolean is converted to the boolean type from the current
23302 language.
23303
23304 @item Python integer
23305 A Python integer is converted to the C @code{long} type for the
23306 current architecture.
23307
23308 @item Python long
23309 A Python long is converted to the C @code{long long} type for the
23310 current architecture.
23311
23312 @item Python float
23313 A Python float is converted to the C @code{double} type for the
23314 current architecture.
23315
23316 @item Python string
23317 A Python string is converted to a target string, using the current
23318 target encoding.
23319
23320 @item @code{gdb.Value}
23321 If @code{val} is a @code{gdb.Value}, then a copy of the value is made.
23322
23323 @item @code{gdb.LazyString}
23324 If @code{val} is a @code{gdb.LazyString} (@pxref{Lazy Strings In
23325 Python}), then the lazy string's @code{value} method is called, and
23326 its result is used.
23327 @end table
23328 @end defun
23329
23330 @defun Value.cast (type)
23331 Return a new instance of @code{gdb.Value} that is the result of
23332 casting this instance to the type described by @var{type}, which must
23333 be a @code{gdb.Type} object. If the cast cannot be performed for some
23334 reason, this method throws an exception.
23335 @end defun
23336
23337 @defun Value.dereference ()
23338 For pointer data types, this method returns a new @code{gdb.Value} object
23339 whose contents is the object pointed to by the pointer. For example, if
23340 @code{foo} is a C pointer to an @code{int}, declared in your C program as
23341
23342 @smallexample
23343 int *foo;
23344 @end smallexample
23345
23346 @noindent
23347 then you can use the corresponding @code{gdb.Value} to access what
23348 @code{foo} points to like this:
23349
23350 @smallexample
23351 bar = foo.dereference ()
23352 @end smallexample
23353
23354 The result @code{bar} will be a @code{gdb.Value} object holding the
23355 value pointed to by @code{foo}.
23356
23357 A similar function @code{Value.referenced_value} exists which also
23358 returns @code{gdb.Value} objects corresonding to the values pointed to
23359 by pointer values (and additionally, values referenced by reference
23360 values). However, the behavior of @code{Value.dereference}
23361 differs from @code{Value.referenced_value} by the fact that the
23362 behavior of @code{Value.dereference} is identical to applying the C
23363 unary operator @code{*} on a given value. For example, consider a
23364 reference to a pointer @code{ptrref}, declared in your C@t{++} program
23365 as
23366
23367 @smallexample
23368 typedef int *intptr;
23369 ...
23370 int val = 10;
23371 intptr ptr = &val;
23372 intptr &ptrref = ptr;
23373 @end smallexample
23374
23375 Though @code{ptrref} is a reference value, one can apply the method
23376 @code{Value.dereference} to the @code{gdb.Value} object corresponding
23377 to it and obtain a @code{gdb.Value} which is identical to that
23378 corresponding to @code{val}. However, if you apply the method
23379 @code{Value.referenced_value}, the result would be a @code{gdb.Value}
23380 object identical to that corresponding to @code{ptr}.
23381
23382 @smallexample
23383 py_ptrref = gdb.parse_and_eval ("ptrref")
23384 py_val = py_ptrref.dereference ()
23385 py_ptr = py_ptrref.referenced_value ()
23386 @end smallexample
23387
23388 The @code{gdb.Value} object @code{py_val} is identical to that
23389 corresponding to @code{val}, and @code{py_ptr} is identical to that
23390 corresponding to @code{ptr}. In general, @code{Value.dereference} can
23391 be applied whenever the C unary operator @code{*} can be applied
23392 to the corresponding C value. For those cases where applying both
23393 @code{Value.dereference} and @code{Value.referenced_value} is allowed,
23394 the results obtained need not be identical (as we have seen in the above
23395 example). The results are however identical when applied on
23396 @code{gdb.Value} objects corresponding to pointers (@code{gdb.Value}
23397 objects with type code @code{TYPE_CODE_PTR}) in a C/C@t{++} program.
23398 @end defun
23399
23400 @defun Value.referenced_value ()
23401 For pointer or reference data types, this method returns a new
23402 @code{gdb.Value} object corresponding to the value referenced by the
23403 pointer/reference value. For pointer data types,
23404 @code{Value.dereference} and @code{Value.referenced_value} produce
23405 identical results. The difference between these methods is that
23406 @code{Value.dereference} cannot get the values referenced by reference
23407 values. For example, consider a reference to an @code{int}, declared
23408 in your C@t{++} program as
23409
23410 @smallexample
23411 int val = 10;
23412 int &ref = val;
23413 @end smallexample
23414
23415 @noindent
23416 then applying @code{Value.dereference} to the @code{gdb.Value} object
23417 corresponding to @code{ref} will result in an error, while applying
23418 @code{Value.referenced_value} will result in a @code{gdb.Value} object
23419 identical to that corresponding to @code{val}.
23420
23421 @smallexample
23422 py_ref = gdb.parse_and_eval ("ref")
23423 er_ref = py_ref.dereference () # Results in error
23424 py_val = py_ref.referenced_value () # Returns the referenced value
23425 @end smallexample
23426
23427 The @code{gdb.Value} object @code{py_val} is identical to that
23428 corresponding to @code{val}.
23429 @end defun
23430
23431 @defun Value.dynamic_cast (type)
23432 Like @code{Value.cast}, but works as if the C@t{++} @code{dynamic_cast}
23433 operator were used. Consult a C@t{++} reference for details.
23434 @end defun
23435
23436 @defun Value.reinterpret_cast (type)
23437 Like @code{Value.cast}, but works as if the C@t{++} @code{reinterpret_cast}
23438 operator were used. Consult a C@t{++} reference for details.
23439 @end defun
23440
23441 @defun Value.string (@r{[}encoding@r{[}, errors@r{[}, length@r{]]]})
23442 If this @code{gdb.Value} represents a string, then this method
23443 converts the contents to a Python string. Otherwise, this method will
23444 throw an exception.
23445
23446 Strings are recognized in a language-specific way; whether a given
23447 @code{gdb.Value} represents a string is determined by the current
23448 language.
23449
23450 For C-like languages, a value is a string if it is a pointer to or an
23451 array of characters or ints. The string is assumed to be terminated
23452 by a zero of the appropriate width. However if the optional length
23453 argument is given, the string will be converted to that given length,
23454 ignoring any embedded zeros that the string may contain.
23455
23456 If the optional @var{encoding} argument is given, it must be a string
23457 naming the encoding of the string in the @code{gdb.Value}, such as
23458 @code{"ascii"}, @code{"iso-8859-6"} or @code{"utf-8"}. It accepts
23459 the same encodings as the corresponding argument to Python's
23460 @code{string.decode} method, and the Python codec machinery will be used
23461 to convert the string. If @var{encoding} is not given, or if
23462 @var{encoding} is the empty string, then either the @code{target-charset}
23463 (@pxref{Character Sets}) will be used, or a language-specific encoding
23464 will be used, if the current language is able to supply one.
23465
23466 The optional @var{errors} argument is the same as the corresponding
23467 argument to Python's @code{string.decode} method.
23468
23469 If the optional @var{length} argument is given, the string will be
23470 fetched and converted to the given length.
23471 @end defun
23472
23473 @defun Value.lazy_string (@r{[}encoding @r{[}, length@r{]]})
23474 If this @code{gdb.Value} represents a string, then this method
23475 converts the contents to a @code{gdb.LazyString} (@pxref{Lazy Strings
23476 In Python}). Otherwise, this method will throw an exception.
23477
23478 If the optional @var{encoding} argument is given, it must be a string
23479 naming the encoding of the @code{gdb.LazyString}. Some examples are:
23480 @samp{ascii}, @samp{iso-8859-6} or @samp{utf-8}. If the
23481 @var{encoding} argument is an encoding that @value{GDBN} does
23482 recognize, @value{GDBN} will raise an error.
23483
23484 When a lazy string is printed, the @value{GDBN} encoding machinery is
23485 used to convert the string during printing. If the optional
23486 @var{encoding} argument is not provided, or is an empty string,
23487 @value{GDBN} will automatically select the encoding most suitable for
23488 the string type. For further information on encoding in @value{GDBN}
23489 please see @ref{Character Sets}.
23490
23491 If the optional @var{length} argument is given, the string will be
23492 fetched and encoded to the length of characters specified. If
23493 the @var{length} argument is not provided, the string will be fetched
23494 and encoded until a null of appropriate width is found.
23495 @end defun
23496
23497 @defun Value.fetch_lazy ()
23498 If the @code{gdb.Value} object is currently a lazy value
23499 (@code{gdb.Value.is_lazy} is @code{True}), then the value is
23500 fetched from the inferior. Any errors that occur in the process
23501 will produce a Python exception.
23502
23503 If the @code{gdb.Value} object is not a lazy value, this method
23504 has no effect.
23505
23506 This method does not return a value.
23507 @end defun
23508
23509
23510 @node Types In Python
23511 @subsubsection Types In Python
23512 @cindex types in Python
23513 @cindex Python, working with types
23514
23515 @tindex gdb.Type
23516 @value{GDBN} represents types from the inferior using the class
23517 @code{gdb.Type}.
23518
23519 The following type-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
23520 module:
23521
23522 @findex gdb.lookup_type
23523 @defun gdb.lookup_type (name @r{[}, block@r{]})
23524 This function looks up a type by name. @var{name} is the name of the
23525 type to look up. It must be a string.
23526
23527 If @var{block} is given, then @var{name} is looked up in that scope.
23528 Otherwise, it is searched for globally.
23529
23530 Ordinarily, this function will return an instance of @code{gdb.Type}.
23531 If the named type cannot be found, it will throw an exception.
23532 @end defun
23533
23534 If the type is a structure or class type, or an enum type, the fields
23535 of that type can be accessed using the Python @dfn{dictionary syntax}.
23536 For example, if @code{some_type} is a @code{gdb.Type} instance holding
23537 a structure type, you can access its @code{foo} field with:
23538
23539 @smallexample
23540 bar = some_type['foo']
23541 @end smallexample
23542
23543 @code{bar} will be a @code{gdb.Field} object; see below under the
23544 description of the @code{Type.fields} method for a description of the
23545 @code{gdb.Field} class.
23546
23547 An instance of @code{Type} has the following attributes:
23548
23549 @defvar Type.code
23550 The type code for this type. The type code will be one of the
23551 @code{TYPE_CODE_} constants defined below.
23552 @end defvar
23553
23554 @defvar Type.sizeof
23555 The size of this type, in target @code{char} units. Usually, a
23556 target's @code{char} type will be an 8-bit byte. However, on some
23557 unusual platforms, this type may have a different size.
23558 @end defvar
23559
23560 @defvar Type.tag
23561 The tag name for this type. The tag name is the name after
23562 @code{struct}, @code{union}, or @code{enum} in C and C@t{++}; not all
23563 languages have this concept. If this type has no tag name, then
23564 @code{None} is returned.
23565 @end defvar
23566
23567 The following methods are provided:
23568
23569 @defun Type.fields ()
23570 For structure and union types, this method returns the fields. Range
23571 types have two fields, the minimum and maximum values. Enum types
23572 have one field per enum constant. Function and method types have one
23573 field per parameter. The base types of C@t{++} classes are also
23574 represented as fields. If the type has no fields, or does not fit
23575 into one of these categories, an empty sequence will be returned.
23576
23577 Each field is a @code{gdb.Field} object, with some pre-defined attributes:
23578 @table @code
23579 @item bitpos
23580 This attribute is not available for @code{static} fields (as in
23581 C@t{++} or Java). For non-@code{static} fields, the value is the bit
23582 position of the field. For @code{enum} fields, the value is the
23583 enumeration member's integer representation.
23584
23585 @item name
23586 The name of the field, or @code{None} for anonymous fields.
23587
23588 @item artificial
23589 This is @code{True} if the field is artificial, usually meaning that
23590 it was provided by the compiler and not the user. This attribute is
23591 always provided, and is @code{False} if the field is not artificial.
23592
23593 @item is_base_class
23594 This is @code{True} if the field represents a base class of a C@t{++}
23595 structure. This attribute is always provided, and is @code{False}
23596 if the field is not a base class of the type that is the argument of
23597 @code{fields}, or if that type was not a C@t{++} class.
23598
23599 @item bitsize
23600 If the field is packed, or is a bitfield, then this will have a
23601 non-zero value, which is the size of the field in bits. Otherwise,
23602 this will be zero; in this case the field's size is given by its type.
23603
23604 @item type
23605 The type of the field. This is usually an instance of @code{Type},
23606 but it can be @code{None} in some situations.
23607 @end table
23608 @end defun
23609
23610 @defun Type.array (@var{n1} @r{[}, @var{n2}@r{]})
23611 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents an array of this
23612 type. If one argument is given, it is the inclusive upper bound of
23613 the array; in this case the lower bound is zero. If two arguments are
23614 given, the first argument is the lower bound of the array, and the
23615 second argument is the upper bound of the array. An array's length
23616 must not be negative, but the bounds can be.
23617 @end defun
23618
23619 @defun Type.vector (@var{n1} @r{[}, @var{n2}@r{]})
23620 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a vector of this
23621 type. If one argument is given, it is the inclusive upper bound of
23622 the vector; in this case the lower bound is zero. If two arguments are
23623 given, the first argument is the lower bound of the vector, and the
23624 second argument is the upper bound of the vector. A vector's length
23625 must not be negative, but the bounds can be.
23626
23627 The difference between an @code{array} and a @code{vector} is that
23628 arrays behave like in C: when used in expressions they decay to a pointer
23629 to the first element whereas vectors are treated as first class values.
23630 @end defun
23631
23632 @defun Type.const ()
23633 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a
23634 @code{const}-qualified variant of this type.
23635 @end defun
23636
23637 @defun Type.volatile ()
23638 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a
23639 @code{volatile}-qualified variant of this type.
23640 @end defun
23641
23642 @defun Type.unqualified ()
23643 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents an unqualified
23644 variant of this type. That is, the result is neither @code{const} nor
23645 @code{volatile}.
23646 @end defun
23647
23648 @defun Type.range ()
23649 Return a Python @code{Tuple} object that contains two elements: the
23650 low bound of the argument type and the high bound of that type. If
23651 the type does not have a range, @value{GDBN} will raise a
23652 @code{gdb.error} exception (@pxref{Exception Handling}).
23653 @end defun
23654
23655 @defun Type.reference ()
23656 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a reference to this
23657 type.
23658 @end defun
23659
23660 @defun Type.pointer ()
23661 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a pointer to this
23662 type.
23663 @end defun
23664
23665 @defun Type.strip_typedefs ()
23666 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} that represents the real type,
23667 after removing all layers of typedefs.
23668 @end defun
23669
23670 @defun Type.target ()
23671 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents the target type
23672 of this type.
23673
23674 For a pointer type, the target type is the type of the pointed-to
23675 object. For an array type (meaning C-like arrays), the target type is
23676 the type of the elements of the array. For a function or method type,
23677 the target type is the type of the return value. For a complex type,
23678 the target type is the type of the elements. For a typedef, the
23679 target type is the aliased type.
23680
23681 If the type does not have a target, this method will throw an
23682 exception.
23683 @end defun
23684
23685 @defun Type.template_argument (n @r{[}, block@r{]})
23686 If this @code{gdb.Type} is an instantiation of a template, this will
23687 return a new @code{gdb.Type} which represents the type of the
23688 @var{n}th template argument.
23689
23690 If this @code{gdb.Type} is not a template type, this will throw an
23691 exception. Ordinarily, only C@t{++} code will have template types.
23692
23693 If @var{block} is given, then @var{name} is looked up in that scope.
23694 Otherwise, it is searched for globally.
23695 @end defun
23696
23697
23698 Each type has a code, which indicates what category this type falls
23699 into. The available type categories are represented by constants
23700 defined in the @code{gdb} module:
23701
23702 @table @code
23703 @findex TYPE_CODE_PTR
23704 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_PTR
23705 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_PTR
23706 The type is a pointer.
23707
23708 @findex TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
23709 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
23710 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
23711 The type is an array.
23712
23713 @findex TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
23714 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
23715 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
23716 The type is a structure.
23717
23718 @findex TYPE_CODE_UNION
23719 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_UNION
23720 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_UNION
23721 The type is a union.
23722
23723 @findex TYPE_CODE_ENUM
23724 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ENUM
23725 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_ENUM
23726 The type is an enum.
23727
23728 @findex TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
23729 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
23730 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
23731 A bit flags type, used for things such as status registers.
23732
23733 @findex TYPE_CODE_FUNC
23734 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FUNC
23735 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_FUNC
23736 The type is a function.
23737
23738 @findex TYPE_CODE_INT
23739 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_INT
23740 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_INT
23741 The type is an integer type.
23742
23743 @findex TYPE_CODE_FLT
23744 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLT
23745 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLT
23746 A floating point type.
23747
23748 @findex TYPE_CODE_VOID
23749 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_VOID
23750 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_VOID
23751 The special type @code{void}.
23752
23753 @findex TYPE_CODE_SET
23754 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_SET
23755 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_SET
23756 A Pascal set type.
23757
23758 @findex TYPE_CODE_RANGE
23759 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_RANGE
23760 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_RANGE
23761 A range type, that is, an integer type with bounds.
23762
23763 @findex TYPE_CODE_STRING
23764 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRING
23765 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRING
23766 A string type. Note that this is only used for certain languages with
23767 language-defined string types; C strings are not represented this way.
23768
23769 @findex TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
23770 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
23771 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
23772 A string of bits. It is deprecated.
23773
23774 @findex TYPE_CODE_ERROR
23775 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ERROR
23776 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_ERROR
23777 An unknown or erroneous type.
23778
23779 @findex TYPE_CODE_METHOD
23780 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHOD
23781 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHOD
23782 A method type, as found in C@t{++} or Java.
23783
23784 @findex TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
23785 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
23786 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
23787 A pointer-to-member-function.
23788
23789 @findex TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
23790 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
23791 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
23792 A pointer-to-member.
23793
23794 @findex TYPE_CODE_REF
23795 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_REF
23796 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_REF
23797 A reference type.
23798
23799 @findex TYPE_CODE_CHAR
23800 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_CHAR
23801 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_CHAR
23802 A character type.
23803
23804 @findex TYPE_CODE_BOOL
23805 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_BOOL
23806 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_BOOL
23807 A boolean type.
23808
23809 @findex TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
23810 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
23811 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
23812 A complex float type.
23813
23814 @findex TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
23815 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
23816 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
23817 A typedef to some other type.
23818
23819 @findex TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
23820 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
23821 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
23822 A C@t{++} namespace.
23823
23824 @findex TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
23825 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
23826 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
23827 A decimal floating point type.
23828
23829 @findex TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
23830 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
23831 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
23832 A function internal to @value{GDBN}. This is the type used to represent
23833 convenience functions.
23834 @end table
23835
23836 Further support for types is provided in the @code{gdb.types}
23837 Python module (@pxref{gdb.types}).
23838
23839 @node Pretty Printing API
23840 @subsubsection Pretty Printing API
23841
23842 An example output is provided (@pxref{Pretty Printing}).
23843
23844 A pretty-printer is just an object that holds a value and implements a
23845 specific interface, defined here.
23846
23847 @defun pretty_printer.children (self)
23848 @value{GDBN} will call this method on a pretty-printer to compute the
23849 children of the pretty-printer's value.
23850
23851 This method must return an object conforming to the Python iterator
23852 protocol. Each item returned by the iterator must be a tuple holding
23853 two elements. The first element is the ``name'' of the child; the
23854 second element is the child's value. The value can be any Python
23855 object which is convertible to a @value{GDBN} value.
23856
23857 This method is optional. If it does not exist, @value{GDBN} will act
23858 as though the value has no children.
23859 @end defun
23860
23861 @defun pretty_printer.display_hint (self)
23862 The CLI may call this method and use its result to change the
23863 formatting of a value. The result will also be supplied to an MI
23864 consumer as a @samp{displayhint} attribute of the variable being
23865 printed.
23866
23867 This method is optional. If it does exist, this method must return a
23868 string.
23869
23870 Some display hints are predefined by @value{GDBN}:
23871
23872 @table @samp
23873 @item array
23874 Indicate that the object being printed is ``array-like''. The CLI
23875 uses this to respect parameters such as @code{set print elements} and
23876 @code{set print array}.
23877
23878 @item map
23879 Indicate that the object being printed is ``map-like'', and that the
23880 children of this value can be assumed to alternate between keys and
23881 values.
23882
23883 @item string
23884 Indicate that the object being printed is ``string-like''. If the
23885 printer's @code{to_string} method returns a Python string of some
23886 kind, then @value{GDBN} will call its internal language-specific
23887 string-printing function to format the string. For the CLI this means
23888 adding quotation marks, possibly escaping some characters, respecting
23889 @code{set print elements}, and the like.
23890 @end table
23891 @end defun
23892
23893 @defun pretty_printer.to_string (self)
23894 @value{GDBN} will call this method to display the string
23895 representation of the value passed to the object's constructor.
23896
23897 When printing from the CLI, if the @code{to_string} method exists,
23898 then @value{GDBN} will prepend its result to the values returned by
23899 @code{children}. Exactly how this formatting is done is dependent on
23900 the display hint, and may change as more hints are added. Also,
23901 depending on the print settings (@pxref{Print Settings}), the CLI may
23902 print just the result of @code{to_string} in a stack trace, omitting
23903 the result of @code{children}.
23904
23905 If this method returns a string, it is printed verbatim.
23906
23907 Otherwise, if this method returns an instance of @code{gdb.Value},
23908 then @value{GDBN} prints this value. This may result in a call to
23909 another pretty-printer.
23910
23911 If instead the method returns a Python value which is convertible to a
23912 @code{gdb.Value}, then @value{GDBN} performs the conversion and prints
23913 the resulting value. Again, this may result in a call to another
23914 pretty-printer. Python scalars (integers, floats, and booleans) and
23915 strings are convertible to @code{gdb.Value}; other types are not.
23916
23917 Finally, if this method returns @code{None} then no further operations
23918 are peformed in this method and nothing is printed.
23919
23920 If the result is not one of these types, an exception is raised.
23921 @end defun
23922
23923 @value{GDBN} provides a function which can be used to look up the
23924 default pretty-printer for a @code{gdb.Value}:
23925
23926 @findex gdb.default_visualizer
23927 @defun gdb.default_visualizer (value)
23928 This function takes a @code{gdb.Value} object as an argument. If a
23929 pretty-printer for this value exists, then it is returned. If no such
23930 printer exists, then this returns @code{None}.
23931 @end defun
23932
23933 @node Selecting Pretty-Printers
23934 @subsubsection Selecting Pretty-Printers
23935
23936 The Python list @code{gdb.pretty_printers} contains an array of
23937 functions or callable objects that have been registered via addition
23938 as a pretty-printer. Printers in this list are called @code{global}
23939 printers, they're available when debugging all inferiors.
23940 Each @code{gdb.Progspace} contains a @code{pretty_printers} attribute.
23941 Each @code{gdb.Objfile} also contains a @code{pretty_printers}
23942 attribute.
23943
23944 Each function on these lists is passed a single @code{gdb.Value}
23945 argument and should return a pretty-printer object conforming to the
23946 interface definition above (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}). If a function
23947 cannot create a pretty-printer for the value, it should return
23948 @code{None}.
23949
23950 @value{GDBN} first checks the @code{pretty_printers} attribute of each
23951 @code{gdb.Objfile} in the current program space and iteratively calls
23952 each enabled lookup routine in the list for that @code{gdb.Objfile}
23953 until it receives a pretty-printer object.
23954 If no pretty-printer is found in the objfile lists, @value{GDBN} then
23955 searches the pretty-printer list of the current program space,
23956 calling each enabled function until an object is returned.
23957 After these lists have been exhausted, it tries the global
23958 @code{gdb.pretty_printers} list, again calling each enabled function until an
23959 object is returned.
23960
23961 The order in which the objfiles are searched is not specified. For a
23962 given list, functions are always invoked from the head of the list,
23963 and iterated over sequentially until the end of the list, or a printer
23964 object is returned.
23965
23966 For various reasons a pretty-printer may not work.
23967 For example, the underlying data structure may have changed and
23968 the pretty-printer is out of date.
23969
23970 The consequences of a broken pretty-printer are severe enough that
23971 @value{GDBN} provides support for enabling and disabling individual
23972 printers. For example, if @code{print frame-arguments} is on,
23973 a backtrace can become highly illegible if any argument is printed
23974 with a broken printer.
23975
23976 Pretty-printers are enabled and disabled by attaching an @code{enabled}
23977 attribute to the registered function or callable object. If this attribute
23978 is present and its value is @code{False}, the printer is disabled, otherwise
23979 the printer is enabled.
23980
23981 @node Writing a Pretty-Printer
23982 @subsubsection Writing a Pretty-Printer
23983 @cindex writing a pretty-printer
23984
23985 A pretty-printer consists of two parts: a lookup function to detect
23986 if the type is supported, and the printer itself.
23987
23988 Here is an example showing how a @code{std::string} printer might be
23989 written. @xref{Pretty Printing API}, for details on the API this class
23990 must provide.
23991
23992 @smallexample
23993 class StdStringPrinter(object):
23994 "Print a std::string"
23995
23996 def __init__(self, val):
23997 self.val = val
23998
23999 def to_string(self):
24000 return self.val['_M_dataplus']['_M_p']
24001
24002 def display_hint(self):
24003 return 'string'
24004 @end smallexample
24005
24006 And here is an example showing how a lookup function for the printer
24007 example above might be written.
24008
24009 @smallexample
24010 def str_lookup_function(val):
24011 lookup_tag = val.type.tag
24012 if lookup_tag == None:
24013 return None
24014 regex = re.compile("^std::basic_string<char,.*>$")
24015 if regex.match(lookup_tag):
24016 return StdStringPrinter(val)
24017 return None
24018 @end smallexample
24019
24020 The example lookup function extracts the value's type, and attempts to
24021 match it to a type that it can pretty-print. If it is a type the
24022 printer can pretty-print, it will return a printer object. If not, it
24023 returns @code{None}.
24024
24025 We recommend that you put your core pretty-printers into a Python
24026 package. If your pretty-printers are for use with a library, we
24027 further recommend embedding a version number into the package name.
24028 This practice will enable @value{GDBN} to load multiple versions of
24029 your pretty-printers at the same time, because they will have
24030 different names.
24031
24032 You should write auto-loaded code (@pxref{Python Auto-loading}) such that it
24033 can be evaluated multiple times without changing its meaning. An
24034 ideal auto-load file will consist solely of @code{import}s of your
24035 printer modules, followed by a call to a register pretty-printers with
24036 the current objfile.
24037
24038 Taken as a whole, this approach will scale nicely to multiple
24039 inferiors, each potentially using a different library version.
24040 Embedding a version number in the Python package name will ensure that
24041 @value{GDBN} is able to load both sets of printers simultaneously.
24042 Then, because the search for pretty-printers is done by objfile, and
24043 because your auto-loaded code took care to register your library's
24044 printers with a specific objfile, @value{GDBN} will find the correct
24045 printers for the specific version of the library used by each
24046 inferior.
24047
24048 To continue the @code{std::string} example (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}),
24049 this code might appear in @code{gdb.libstdcxx.v6}:
24050
24051 @smallexample
24052 def register_printers(objfile):
24053 objfile.pretty_printers.append(str_lookup_function)
24054 @end smallexample
24055
24056 @noindent
24057 And then the corresponding contents of the auto-load file would be:
24058
24059 @smallexample
24060 import gdb.libstdcxx.v6
24061 gdb.libstdcxx.v6.register_printers(gdb.current_objfile())
24062 @end smallexample
24063
24064 The previous example illustrates a basic pretty-printer.
24065 There are a few things that can be improved on.
24066 The printer doesn't have a name, making it hard to identify in a
24067 list of installed printers. The lookup function has a name, but
24068 lookup functions can have arbitrary, even identical, names.
24069
24070 Second, the printer only handles one type, whereas a library typically has
24071 several types. One could install a lookup function for each desired type
24072 in the library, but one could also have a single lookup function recognize
24073 several types. The latter is the conventional way this is handled.
24074 If a pretty-printer can handle multiple data types, then its
24075 @dfn{subprinters} are the printers for the individual data types.
24076
24077 The @code{gdb.printing} module provides a formal way of solving these
24078 problems (@pxref{gdb.printing}).
24079 Here is another example that handles multiple types.
24080
24081 These are the types we are going to pretty-print:
24082
24083 @smallexample
24084 struct foo @{ int a, b; @};
24085 struct bar @{ struct foo x, y; @};
24086 @end smallexample
24087
24088 Here are the printers:
24089
24090 @smallexample
24091 class fooPrinter:
24092 """Print a foo object."""
24093
24094 def __init__(self, val):
24095 self.val = val
24096
24097 def to_string(self):
24098 return ("a=<" + str(self.val["a"]) +
24099 "> b=<" + str(self.val["b"]) + ">")
24100
24101 class barPrinter:
24102 """Print a bar object."""
24103
24104 def __init__(self, val):
24105 self.val = val
24106
24107 def to_string(self):
24108 return ("x=<" + str(self.val["x"]) +
24109 "> y=<" + str(self.val["y"]) + ">")
24110 @end smallexample
24111
24112 This example doesn't need a lookup function, that is handled by the
24113 @code{gdb.printing} module. Instead a function is provided to build up
24114 the object that handles the lookup.
24115
24116 @smallexample
24117 import gdb.printing
24118
24119 def build_pretty_printer():
24120 pp = gdb.printing.RegexpCollectionPrettyPrinter(
24121 "my_library")
24122 pp.add_printer('foo', '^foo$', fooPrinter)
24123 pp.add_printer('bar', '^bar$', barPrinter)
24124 return pp
24125 @end smallexample
24126
24127 And here is the autoload support:
24128
24129 @smallexample
24130 import gdb.printing
24131 import my_library
24132 gdb.printing.register_pretty_printer(
24133 gdb.current_objfile(),
24134 my_library.build_pretty_printer())
24135 @end smallexample
24136
24137 Finally, when this printer is loaded into @value{GDBN}, here is the
24138 corresponding output of @samp{info pretty-printer}:
24139
24140 @smallexample
24141 (gdb) info pretty-printer
24142 my_library.so:
24143 my_library
24144 foo
24145 bar
24146 @end smallexample
24147
24148 @node Type Printing API
24149 @subsubsection Type Printing API
24150 @cindex type printing API for Python
24151
24152 @value{GDBN} provides a way for Python code to customize type display.
24153 This is mainly useful for substituting canonical typedef names for
24154 types.
24155
24156 @cindex type printer
24157 A @dfn{type printer} is just a Python object conforming to a certain
24158 protocol. A simple base class implementing the protocol is provided;
24159 see @ref{gdb.types}. A type printer must supply at least:
24160
24161 @defivar type_printer enabled
24162 A boolean which is True if the printer is enabled, and False
24163 otherwise. This is manipulated by the @code{enable type-printer}
24164 and @code{disable type-printer} commands.
24165 @end defivar
24166
24167 @defivar type_printer name
24168 The name of the type printer. This must be a string. This is used by
24169 the @code{enable type-printer} and @code{disable type-printer}
24170 commands.
24171 @end defivar
24172
24173 @defmethod type_printer instantiate (self)
24174 This is called by @value{GDBN} at the start of type-printing. It is
24175 only called if the type printer is enabled. This method must return a
24176 new object that supplies a @code{recognize} method, as described below.
24177 @end defmethod
24178
24179
24180 When displaying a type, say via the @code{ptype} command, @value{GDBN}
24181 will compute a list of type recognizers. This is done by iterating
24182 first over the per-objfile type printers (@pxref{Objfiles In Python}),
24183 followed by the per-progspace type printers (@pxref{Progspaces In
24184 Python}), and finally the global type printers.
24185
24186 @value{GDBN} will call the @code{instantiate} method of each enabled
24187 type printer. If this method returns @code{None}, then the result is
24188 ignored; otherwise, it is appended to the list of recognizers.
24189
24190 Then, when @value{GDBN} is going to display a type name, it iterates
24191 over the list of recognizers. For each one, it calls the recognition
24192 function, stopping if the function returns a non-@code{None} value.
24193 The recognition function is defined as:
24194
24195 @defmethod type_recognizer recognize (self, type)
24196 If @var{type} is not recognized, return @code{None}. Otherwise,
24197 return a string which is to be printed as the name of @var{type}.
24198 @var{type} will be an instance of @code{gdb.Type} (@pxref{Types In
24199 Python}).
24200 @end defmethod
24201
24202 @value{GDBN} uses this two-pass approach so that type printers can
24203 efficiently cache information without holding on to it too long. For
24204 example, it can be convenient to look up type information in a type
24205 printer and hold it for a recognizer's lifetime; if a single pass were
24206 done then type printers would have to make use of the event system in
24207 order to avoid holding information that could become stale as the
24208 inferior changed.
24209
24210 @node Inferiors In Python
24211 @subsubsection Inferiors In Python
24212 @cindex inferiors in Python
24213
24214 @findex gdb.Inferior
24215 Programs which are being run under @value{GDBN} are called inferiors
24216 (@pxref{Inferiors and Programs}). Python scripts can access
24217 information about and manipulate inferiors controlled by @value{GDBN}
24218 via objects of the @code{gdb.Inferior} class.
24219
24220 The following inferior-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
24221 module:
24222
24223 @defun gdb.inferiors ()
24224 Return a tuple containing all inferior objects.
24225 @end defun
24226
24227 @defun gdb.selected_inferior ()
24228 Return an object representing the current inferior.
24229 @end defun
24230
24231 A @code{gdb.Inferior} object has the following attributes:
24232
24233 @defvar Inferior.num
24234 ID of inferior, as assigned by GDB.
24235 @end defvar
24236
24237 @defvar Inferior.pid
24238 Process ID of the inferior, as assigned by the underlying operating
24239 system.
24240 @end defvar
24241
24242 @defvar Inferior.was_attached
24243 Boolean signaling whether the inferior was created using `attach', or
24244 started by @value{GDBN} itself.
24245 @end defvar
24246
24247 A @code{gdb.Inferior} object has the following methods:
24248
24249 @defun Inferior.is_valid ()
24250 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Inferior} object is valid,
24251 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Inferior} object will become invalid
24252 if the inferior no longer exists within @value{GDBN}. All other
24253 @code{gdb.Inferior} methods will throw an exception if it is invalid
24254 at the time the method is called.
24255 @end defun
24256
24257 @defun Inferior.threads ()
24258 This method returns a tuple holding all the threads which are valid
24259 when it is called. If there are no valid threads, the method will
24260 return an empty tuple.
24261 @end defun
24262
24263 @findex Inferior.read_memory
24264 @defun Inferior.read_memory (address, length)
24265 Read @var{length} bytes of memory from the inferior, starting at
24266 @var{address}. Returns a buffer object, which behaves much like an array
24267 or a string. It can be modified and given to the
24268 @code{Inferior.write_memory} function. In @code{Python} 3, the return
24269 value is a @code{memoryview} object.
24270 @end defun
24271
24272 @findex Inferior.write_memory
24273 @defun Inferior.write_memory (address, buffer @r{[}, length@r{]})
24274 Write the contents of @var{buffer} to the inferior, starting at
24275 @var{address}. The @var{buffer} parameter must be a Python object
24276 which supports the buffer protocol, i.e., a string, an array or the
24277 object returned from @code{Inferior.read_memory}. If given, @var{length}
24278 determines the number of bytes from @var{buffer} to be written.
24279 @end defun
24280
24281 @findex gdb.search_memory
24282 @defun Inferior.search_memory (address, length, pattern)
24283 Search a region of the inferior memory starting at @var{address} with
24284 the given @var{length} using the search pattern supplied in
24285 @var{pattern}. The @var{pattern} parameter must be a Python object
24286 which supports the buffer protocol, i.e., a string, an array or the
24287 object returned from @code{gdb.read_memory}. Returns a Python @code{Long}
24288 containing the address where the pattern was found, or @code{None} if
24289 the pattern could not be found.
24290 @end defun
24291
24292 @node Events In Python
24293 @subsubsection Events In Python
24294 @cindex inferior events in Python
24295
24296 @value{GDBN} provides a general event facility so that Python code can be
24297 notified of various state changes, particularly changes that occur in
24298 the inferior.
24299
24300 An @dfn{event} is just an object that describes some state change. The
24301 type of the object and its attributes will vary depending on the details
24302 of the change. All the existing events are described below.
24303
24304 In order to be notified of an event, you must register an event handler
24305 with an @dfn{event registry}. An event registry is an object in the
24306 @code{gdb.events} module which dispatches particular events. A registry
24307 provides methods to register and unregister event handlers:
24308
24309 @defun EventRegistry.connect (object)
24310 Add the given callable @var{object} to the registry. This object will be
24311 called when an event corresponding to this registry occurs.
24312 @end defun
24313
24314 @defun EventRegistry.disconnect (object)
24315 Remove the given @var{object} from the registry. Once removed, the object
24316 will no longer receive notifications of events.
24317 @end defun
24318
24319 Here is an example:
24320
24321 @smallexample
24322 def exit_handler (event):
24323 print "event type: exit"
24324 print "exit code: %d" % (event.exit_code)
24325
24326 gdb.events.exited.connect (exit_handler)
24327 @end smallexample
24328
24329 In the above example we connect our handler @code{exit_handler} to the
24330 registry @code{events.exited}. Once connected, @code{exit_handler} gets
24331 called when the inferior exits. The argument @dfn{event} in this example is
24332 of type @code{gdb.ExitedEvent}. As you can see in the example the
24333 @code{ExitedEvent} object has an attribute which indicates the exit code of
24334 the inferior.
24335
24336 The following is a listing of the event registries that are available and
24337 details of the events they emit:
24338
24339 @table @code
24340
24341 @item events.cont
24342 Emits @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}.
24343
24344 Some events can be thread specific when @value{GDBN} is running in non-stop
24345 mode. When represented in Python, these events all extend
24346 @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}. Note, this event is not emitted directly; instead,
24347 events which are emitted by this or other modules might extend this event.
24348 Examples of these events are @code{gdb.BreakpointEvent} and
24349 @code{gdb.ContinueEvent}.
24350
24351 @defvar ThreadEvent.inferior_thread
24352 In non-stop mode this attribute will be set to the specific thread which was
24353 involved in the emitted event. Otherwise, it will be set to @code{None}.
24354 @end defvar
24355
24356 Emits @code{gdb.ContinueEvent} which extends @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}.
24357
24358 This event indicates that the inferior has been continued after a stop. For
24359 inherited attribute refer to @code{gdb.ThreadEvent} above.
24360
24361 @item events.exited
24362 Emits @code{events.ExitedEvent} which indicates that the inferior has exited.
24363 @code{events.ExitedEvent} has two attributes:
24364 @defvar ExitedEvent.exit_code
24365 An integer representing the exit code, if available, which the inferior
24366 has returned. (The exit code could be unavailable if, for example,
24367 @value{GDBN} detaches from the inferior.) If the exit code is unavailable,
24368 the attribute does not exist.
24369 @end defvar
24370 @defvar ExitedEvent inferior
24371 A reference to the inferior which triggered the @code{exited} event.
24372 @end defvar
24373
24374 @item events.stop
24375 Emits @code{gdb.StopEvent} which extends @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}.
24376
24377 Indicates that the inferior has stopped. All events emitted by this registry
24378 extend StopEvent. As a child of @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}, @code{gdb.StopEvent}
24379 will indicate the stopped thread when @value{GDBN} is running in non-stop
24380 mode. Refer to @code{gdb.ThreadEvent} above for more details.
24381
24382 Emits @code{gdb.SignalEvent} which extends @code{gdb.StopEvent}.
24383
24384 This event indicates that the inferior or one of its threads has received as
24385 signal. @code{gdb.SignalEvent} has the following attributes:
24386
24387 @defvar SignalEvent.stop_signal
24388 A string representing the signal received by the inferior. A list of possible
24389 signal values can be obtained by running the command @code{info signals} in
24390 the @value{GDBN} command prompt.
24391 @end defvar
24392
24393 Also emits @code{gdb.BreakpointEvent} which extends @code{gdb.StopEvent}.
24394
24395 @code{gdb.BreakpointEvent} event indicates that one or more breakpoints have
24396 been hit, and has the following attributes:
24397
24398 @defvar BreakpointEvent.breakpoints
24399 A sequence containing references to all the breakpoints (type
24400 @code{gdb.Breakpoint}) that were hit.
24401 @xref{Breakpoints In Python}, for details of the @code{gdb.Breakpoint} object.
24402 @end defvar
24403 @defvar BreakpointEvent.breakpoint
24404 A reference to the first breakpoint that was hit.
24405 This function is maintained for backward compatibility and is now deprecated
24406 in favor of the @code{gdb.BreakpointEvent.breakpoints} attribute.
24407 @end defvar
24408
24409 @item events.new_objfile
24410 Emits @code{gdb.NewObjFileEvent} which indicates that a new object file has
24411 been loaded by @value{GDBN}. @code{gdb.NewObjFileEvent} has one attribute:
24412
24413 @defvar NewObjFileEvent.new_objfile
24414 A reference to the object file (@code{gdb.Objfile}) which has been loaded.
24415 @xref{Objfiles In Python}, for details of the @code{gdb.Objfile} object.
24416 @end defvar
24417
24418 @end table
24419
24420 @node Threads In Python
24421 @subsubsection Threads In Python
24422 @cindex threads in python
24423
24424 @findex gdb.InferiorThread
24425 Python scripts can access information about, and manipulate inferior threads
24426 controlled by @value{GDBN}, via objects of the @code{gdb.InferiorThread} class.
24427
24428 The following thread-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
24429 module:
24430
24431 @findex gdb.selected_thread
24432 @defun gdb.selected_thread ()
24433 This function returns the thread object for the selected thread. If there
24434 is no selected thread, this will return @code{None}.
24435 @end defun
24436
24437 A @code{gdb.InferiorThread} object has the following attributes:
24438
24439 @defvar InferiorThread.name
24440 The name of the thread. If the user specified a name using
24441 @code{thread name}, then this returns that name. Otherwise, if an
24442 OS-supplied name is available, then it is returned. Otherwise, this
24443 returns @code{None}.
24444
24445 This attribute can be assigned to. The new value must be a string
24446 object, which sets the new name, or @code{None}, which removes any
24447 user-specified thread name.
24448 @end defvar
24449
24450 @defvar InferiorThread.num
24451 ID of the thread, as assigned by GDB.
24452 @end defvar
24453
24454 @defvar InferiorThread.ptid
24455 ID of the thread, as assigned by the operating system. This attribute is a
24456 tuple containing three integers. The first is the Process ID (PID); the second
24457 is the Lightweight Process ID (LWPID), and the third is the Thread ID (TID).
24458 Either the LWPID or TID may be 0, which indicates that the operating system
24459 does not use that identifier.
24460 @end defvar
24461
24462 A @code{gdb.InferiorThread} object has the following methods:
24463
24464 @defun InferiorThread.is_valid ()
24465 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.InferiorThread} object is valid,
24466 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.InferiorThread} object will become
24467 invalid if the thread exits, or the inferior that the thread belongs
24468 is deleted. All other @code{gdb.InferiorThread} methods will throw an
24469 exception if it is invalid at the time the method is called.
24470 @end defun
24471
24472 @defun InferiorThread.switch ()
24473 This changes @value{GDBN}'s currently selected thread to the one represented
24474 by this object.
24475 @end defun
24476
24477 @defun InferiorThread.is_stopped ()
24478 Return a Boolean indicating whether the thread is stopped.
24479 @end defun
24480
24481 @defun InferiorThread.is_running ()
24482 Return a Boolean indicating whether the thread is running.
24483 @end defun
24484
24485 @defun InferiorThread.is_exited ()
24486 Return a Boolean indicating whether the thread is exited.
24487 @end defun
24488
24489 @node Commands In Python
24490 @subsubsection Commands In Python
24491
24492 @cindex commands in python
24493 @cindex python commands
24494 You can implement new @value{GDBN} CLI commands in Python. A CLI
24495 command is implemented using an instance of the @code{gdb.Command}
24496 class, most commonly using a subclass.
24497
24498 @defun Command.__init__ (name, @var{command_class} @r{[}, @var{completer_class} @r{[}, @var{prefix}@r{]]})
24499 The object initializer for @code{Command} registers the new command
24500 with @value{GDBN}. This initializer is normally invoked from the
24501 subclass' own @code{__init__} method.
24502
24503 @var{name} is the name of the command. If @var{name} consists of
24504 multiple words, then the initial words are looked for as prefix
24505 commands. In this case, if one of the prefix commands does not exist,
24506 an exception is raised.
24507
24508 There is no support for multi-line commands.
24509
24510 @var{command_class} should be one of the @samp{COMMAND_} constants
24511 defined below. This argument tells @value{GDBN} how to categorize the
24512 new command in the help system.
24513
24514 @var{completer_class} is an optional argument. If given, it should be
24515 one of the @samp{COMPLETE_} constants defined below. This argument
24516 tells @value{GDBN} how to perform completion for this command. If not
24517 given, @value{GDBN} will attempt to complete using the object's
24518 @code{complete} method (see below); if no such method is found, an
24519 error will occur when completion is attempted.
24520
24521 @var{prefix} is an optional argument. If @code{True}, then the new
24522 command is a prefix command; sub-commands of this command may be
24523 registered.
24524
24525 The help text for the new command is taken from the Python
24526 documentation string for the command's class, if there is one. If no
24527 documentation string is provided, the default value ``This command is
24528 not documented.'' is used.
24529 @end defun
24530
24531 @cindex don't repeat Python command
24532 @defun Command.dont_repeat ()
24533 By default, a @value{GDBN} command is repeated when the user enters a
24534 blank line at the command prompt. A command can suppress this
24535 behavior by invoking the @code{dont_repeat} method. This is similar
24536 to the user command @code{dont-repeat}, see @ref{Define, dont-repeat}.
24537 @end defun
24538
24539 @defun Command.invoke (argument, from_tty)
24540 This method is called by @value{GDBN} when this command is invoked.
24541
24542 @var{argument} is a string. It is the argument to the command, after
24543 leading and trailing whitespace has been stripped.
24544
24545 @var{from_tty} is a boolean argument. When true, this means that the
24546 command was entered by the user at the terminal; when false it means
24547 that the command came from elsewhere.
24548
24549 If this method throws an exception, it is turned into a @value{GDBN}
24550 @code{error} call. Otherwise, the return value is ignored.
24551
24552 @findex gdb.string_to_argv
24553 To break @var{argument} up into an argv-like string use
24554 @code{gdb.string_to_argv}. This function behaves identically to
24555 @value{GDBN}'s internal argument lexer @code{buildargv}.
24556 It is recommended to use this for consistency.
24557 Arguments are separated by spaces and may be quoted.
24558 Example:
24559
24560 @smallexample
24561 print gdb.string_to_argv ("1 2\ \\\"3 '4 \"5' \"6 '7\"")
24562 ['1', '2 "3', '4 "5', "6 '7"]
24563 @end smallexample
24564
24565 @end defun
24566
24567 @cindex completion of Python commands
24568 @defun Command.complete (text, word)
24569 This method is called by @value{GDBN} when the user attempts
24570 completion on this command. All forms of completion are handled by
24571 this method, that is, the @key{TAB} and @key{M-?} key bindings
24572 (@pxref{Completion}), and the @code{complete} command (@pxref{Help,
24573 complete}).
24574
24575 The arguments @var{text} and @var{word} are both strings. @var{text}
24576 holds the complete command line up to the cursor's location.
24577 @var{word} holds the last word of the command line; this is computed
24578 using a word-breaking heuristic.
24579
24580 The @code{complete} method can return several values:
24581 @itemize @bullet
24582 @item
24583 If the return value is a sequence, the contents of the sequence are
24584 used as the completions. It is up to @code{complete} to ensure that the
24585 contents actually do complete the word. A zero-length sequence is
24586 allowed, it means that there were no completions available. Only
24587 string elements of the sequence are used; other elements in the
24588 sequence are ignored.
24589
24590 @item
24591 If the return value is one of the @samp{COMPLETE_} constants defined
24592 below, then the corresponding @value{GDBN}-internal completion
24593 function is invoked, and its result is used.
24594
24595 @item
24596 All other results are treated as though there were no available
24597 completions.
24598 @end itemize
24599 @end defun
24600
24601 When a new command is registered, it must be declared as a member of
24602 some general class of commands. This is used to classify top-level
24603 commands in the on-line help system; note that prefix commands are not
24604 listed under their own category but rather that of their top-level
24605 command. The available classifications are represented by constants
24606 defined in the @code{gdb} module:
24607
24608 @table @code
24609 @findex COMMAND_NONE
24610 @findex gdb.COMMAND_NONE
24611 @item gdb.COMMAND_NONE
24612 The command does not belong to any particular class. A command in
24613 this category will not be displayed in any of the help categories.
24614
24615 @findex COMMAND_RUNNING
24616 @findex gdb.COMMAND_RUNNING
24617 @item gdb.COMMAND_RUNNING
24618 The command is related to running the inferior. For example,
24619 @code{start}, @code{step}, and @code{continue} are in this category.
24620 Type @kbd{help running} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
24621 commands in this category.
24622
24623 @findex COMMAND_DATA
24624 @findex gdb.COMMAND_DATA
24625 @item gdb.COMMAND_DATA
24626 The command is related to data or variables. For example,
24627 @code{call}, @code{find}, and @code{print} are in this category. Type
24628 @kbd{help data} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands
24629 in this category.
24630
24631 @findex COMMAND_STACK
24632 @findex gdb.COMMAND_STACK
24633 @item gdb.COMMAND_STACK
24634 The command has to do with manipulation of the stack. For example,
24635 @code{backtrace}, @code{frame}, and @code{return} are in this
24636 category. Type @kbd{help stack} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a
24637 list of commands in this category.
24638
24639 @findex COMMAND_FILES
24640 @findex gdb.COMMAND_FILES
24641 @item gdb.COMMAND_FILES
24642 This class is used for file-related commands. For example,
24643 @code{file}, @code{list} and @code{section} are in this category.
24644 Type @kbd{help files} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
24645 commands in this category.
24646
24647 @findex COMMAND_SUPPORT
24648 @findex gdb.COMMAND_SUPPORT
24649 @item gdb.COMMAND_SUPPORT
24650 This should be used for ``support facilities'', generally meaning
24651 things that are useful to the user when interacting with @value{GDBN},
24652 but not related to the state of the inferior. For example,
24653 @code{help}, @code{make}, and @code{shell} are in this category. Type
24654 @kbd{help support} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
24655 commands in this category.
24656
24657 @findex COMMAND_STATUS
24658 @findex gdb.COMMAND_STATUS
24659 @item gdb.COMMAND_STATUS
24660 The command is an @samp{info}-related command, that is, related to the
24661 state of @value{GDBN} itself. For example, @code{info}, @code{macro},
24662 and @code{show} are in this category. Type @kbd{help status} at the
24663 @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in this category.
24664
24665 @findex COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
24666 @findex gdb.COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
24667 @item gdb.COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
24668 The command has to do with breakpoints. For example, @code{break},
24669 @code{clear}, and @code{delete} are in this category. Type @kbd{help
24670 breakpoints} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in
24671 this category.
24672
24673 @findex COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
24674 @findex gdb.COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
24675 @item gdb.COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
24676 The command has to do with tracepoints. For example, @code{trace},
24677 @code{actions}, and @code{tfind} are in this category. Type
24678 @kbd{help tracepoints} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
24679 commands in this category.
24680
24681 @findex COMMAND_USER
24682 @findex gdb.COMMAND_USER
24683 @item gdb.COMMAND_USER
24684 The command is a general purpose command for the user, and typically
24685 does not fit in one of the other categories.
24686 Type @kbd{help user-defined} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see
24687 a list of commands in this category, as well as the list of gdb macros
24688 (@pxref{Sequences}).
24689
24690 @findex COMMAND_OBSCURE
24691 @findex gdb.COMMAND_OBSCURE
24692 @item gdb.COMMAND_OBSCURE
24693 The command is only used in unusual circumstances, or is not of
24694 general interest to users. For example, @code{checkpoint},
24695 @code{fork}, and @code{stop} are in this category. Type @kbd{help
24696 obscure} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in this
24697 category.
24698
24699 @findex COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
24700 @findex gdb.COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
24701 @item gdb.COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
24702 The command is only useful to @value{GDBN} maintainers. The
24703 @code{maintenance} and @code{flushregs} commands are in this category.
24704 Type @kbd{help internals} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
24705 commands in this category.
24706 @end table
24707
24708 A new command can use a predefined completion function, either by
24709 specifying it via an argument at initialization, or by returning it
24710 from the @code{complete} method. These predefined completion
24711 constants are all defined in the @code{gdb} module:
24712
24713 @table @code
24714 @findex COMPLETE_NONE
24715 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_NONE
24716 @item gdb.COMPLETE_NONE
24717 This constant means that no completion should be done.
24718
24719 @findex COMPLETE_FILENAME
24720 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_FILENAME
24721 @item gdb.COMPLETE_FILENAME
24722 This constant means that filename completion should be performed.
24723
24724 @findex COMPLETE_LOCATION
24725 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_LOCATION
24726 @item gdb.COMPLETE_LOCATION
24727 This constant means that location completion should be done.
24728 @xref{Specify Location}.
24729
24730 @findex COMPLETE_COMMAND
24731 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_COMMAND
24732 @item gdb.COMPLETE_COMMAND
24733 This constant means that completion should examine @value{GDBN}
24734 command names.
24735
24736 @findex COMPLETE_SYMBOL
24737 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_SYMBOL
24738 @item gdb.COMPLETE_SYMBOL
24739 This constant means that completion should be done using symbol names
24740 as the source.
24741 @end table
24742
24743 The following code snippet shows how a trivial CLI command can be
24744 implemented in Python:
24745
24746 @smallexample
24747 class HelloWorld (gdb.Command):
24748 """Greet the whole world."""
24749
24750 def __init__ (self):
24751 super (HelloWorld, self).__init__ ("hello-world", gdb.COMMAND_USER)
24752
24753 def invoke (self, arg, from_tty):
24754 print "Hello, World!"
24755
24756 HelloWorld ()
24757 @end smallexample
24758
24759 The last line instantiates the class, and is necessary to trigger the
24760 registration of the command with @value{GDBN}. Depending on how the
24761 Python code is read into @value{GDBN}, you may need to import the
24762 @code{gdb} module explicitly.
24763
24764 @node Parameters In Python
24765 @subsubsection Parameters In Python
24766
24767 @cindex parameters in python
24768 @cindex python parameters
24769 @tindex gdb.Parameter
24770 @tindex Parameter
24771 You can implement new @value{GDBN} parameters using Python. A new
24772 parameter is implemented as an instance of the @code{gdb.Parameter}
24773 class.
24774
24775 Parameters are exposed to the user via the @code{set} and
24776 @code{show} commands. @xref{Help}.
24777
24778 There are many parameters that already exist and can be set in
24779 @value{GDBN}. Two examples are: @code{set follow fork} and
24780 @code{set charset}. Setting these parameters influences certain
24781 behavior in @value{GDBN}. Similarly, you can define parameters that
24782 can be used to influence behavior in custom Python scripts and commands.
24783
24784 @defun Parameter.__init__ (name, @var{command-class}, @var{parameter-class} @r{[}, @var{enum-sequence}@r{]})
24785 The object initializer for @code{Parameter} registers the new
24786 parameter with @value{GDBN}. This initializer is normally invoked
24787 from the subclass' own @code{__init__} method.
24788
24789 @var{name} is the name of the new parameter. If @var{name} consists
24790 of multiple words, then the initial words are looked for as prefix
24791 parameters. An example of this can be illustrated with the
24792 @code{set print} set of parameters. If @var{name} is
24793 @code{print foo}, then @code{print} will be searched as the prefix
24794 parameter. In this case the parameter can subsequently be accessed in
24795 @value{GDBN} as @code{set print foo}.
24796
24797 If @var{name} consists of multiple words, and no prefix parameter group
24798 can be found, an exception is raised.
24799
24800 @var{command-class} should be one of the @samp{COMMAND_} constants
24801 (@pxref{Commands In Python}). This argument tells @value{GDBN} how to
24802 categorize the new parameter in the help system.
24803
24804 @var{parameter-class} should be one of the @samp{PARAM_} constants
24805 defined below. This argument tells @value{GDBN} the type of the new
24806 parameter; this information is used for input validation and
24807 completion.
24808
24809 If @var{parameter-class} is @code{PARAM_ENUM}, then
24810 @var{enum-sequence} must be a sequence of strings. These strings
24811 represent the possible values for the parameter.
24812
24813 If @var{parameter-class} is not @code{PARAM_ENUM}, then the presence
24814 of a fourth argument will cause an exception to be thrown.
24815
24816 The help text for the new parameter is taken from the Python
24817 documentation string for the parameter's class, if there is one. If
24818 there is no documentation string, a default value is used.
24819 @end defun
24820
24821 @defvar Parameter.set_doc
24822 If this attribute exists, and is a string, then its value is used as
24823 the help text for this parameter's @code{set} command. The value is
24824 examined when @code{Parameter.__init__} is invoked; subsequent changes
24825 have no effect.
24826 @end defvar
24827
24828 @defvar Parameter.show_doc
24829 If this attribute exists, and is a string, then its value is used as
24830 the help text for this parameter's @code{show} command. The value is
24831 examined when @code{Parameter.__init__} is invoked; subsequent changes
24832 have no effect.
24833 @end defvar
24834
24835 @defvar Parameter.value
24836 The @code{value} attribute holds the underlying value of the
24837 parameter. It can be read and assigned to just as any other
24838 attribute. @value{GDBN} does validation when assignments are made.
24839 @end defvar
24840
24841 There are two methods that should be implemented in any
24842 @code{Parameter} class. These are:
24843
24844 @defun Parameter.get_set_string (self)
24845 @value{GDBN} will call this method when a @var{parameter}'s value has
24846 been changed via the @code{set} API (for example, @kbd{set foo off}).
24847 The @code{value} attribute has already been populated with the new
24848 value and may be used in output. This method must return a string.
24849 @end defun
24850
24851 @defun Parameter.get_show_string (self, svalue)
24852 @value{GDBN} will call this method when a @var{parameter}'s
24853 @code{show} API has been invoked (for example, @kbd{show foo}). The
24854 argument @code{svalue} receives the string representation of the
24855 current value. This method must return a string.
24856 @end defun
24857
24858 When a new parameter is defined, its type must be specified. The
24859 available types are represented by constants defined in the @code{gdb}
24860 module:
24861
24862 @table @code
24863 @findex PARAM_BOOLEAN
24864 @findex gdb.PARAM_BOOLEAN
24865 @item gdb.PARAM_BOOLEAN
24866 The value is a plain boolean. The Python boolean values, @code{True}
24867 and @code{False} are the only valid values.
24868
24869 @findex PARAM_AUTO_BOOLEAN
24870 @findex gdb.PARAM_AUTO_BOOLEAN
24871 @item gdb.PARAM_AUTO_BOOLEAN
24872 The value has three possible states: true, false, and @samp{auto}. In
24873 Python, true and false are represented using boolean constants, and
24874 @samp{auto} is represented using @code{None}.
24875
24876 @findex PARAM_UINTEGER
24877 @findex gdb.PARAM_UINTEGER
24878 @item gdb.PARAM_UINTEGER
24879 The value is an unsigned integer. The value of 0 should be
24880 interpreted to mean ``unlimited''.
24881
24882 @findex PARAM_INTEGER
24883 @findex gdb.PARAM_INTEGER
24884 @item gdb.PARAM_INTEGER
24885 The value is a signed integer. The value of 0 should be interpreted
24886 to mean ``unlimited''.
24887
24888 @findex PARAM_STRING
24889 @findex gdb.PARAM_STRING
24890 @item gdb.PARAM_STRING
24891 The value is a string. When the user modifies the string, any escape
24892 sequences, such as @samp{\t}, @samp{\f}, and octal escapes, are
24893 translated into corresponding characters and encoded into the current
24894 host charset.
24895
24896 @findex PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE
24897 @findex gdb.PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE
24898 @item gdb.PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE
24899 The value is a string. When the user modifies the string, escapes are
24900 passed through untranslated.
24901
24902 @findex PARAM_OPTIONAL_FILENAME
24903 @findex gdb.PARAM_OPTIONAL_FILENAME
24904 @item gdb.PARAM_OPTIONAL_FILENAME
24905 The value is a either a filename (a string), or @code{None}.
24906
24907 @findex PARAM_FILENAME
24908 @findex gdb.PARAM_FILENAME
24909 @item gdb.PARAM_FILENAME
24910 The value is a filename. This is just like
24911 @code{PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE}, but uses file names for completion.
24912
24913 @findex PARAM_ZINTEGER
24914 @findex gdb.PARAM_ZINTEGER
24915 @item gdb.PARAM_ZINTEGER
24916 The value is an integer. This is like @code{PARAM_INTEGER}, except 0
24917 is interpreted as itself.
24918
24919 @findex PARAM_ENUM
24920 @findex gdb.PARAM_ENUM
24921 @item gdb.PARAM_ENUM
24922 The value is a string, which must be one of a collection string
24923 constants provided when the parameter is created.
24924 @end table
24925
24926 @node Functions In Python
24927 @subsubsection Writing new convenience functions
24928
24929 @cindex writing convenience functions
24930 @cindex convenience functions in python
24931 @cindex python convenience functions
24932 @tindex gdb.Function
24933 @tindex Function
24934 You can implement new convenience functions (@pxref{Convenience Vars})
24935 in Python. A convenience function is an instance of a subclass of the
24936 class @code{gdb.Function}.
24937
24938 @defun Function.__init__ (name)
24939 The initializer for @code{Function} registers the new function with
24940 @value{GDBN}. The argument @var{name} is the name of the function,
24941 a string. The function will be visible to the user as a convenience
24942 variable of type @code{internal function}, whose name is the same as
24943 the given @var{name}.
24944
24945 The documentation for the new function is taken from the documentation
24946 string for the new class.
24947 @end defun
24948
24949 @defun Function.invoke (@var{*args})
24950 When a convenience function is evaluated, its arguments are converted
24951 to instances of @code{gdb.Value}, and then the function's
24952 @code{invoke} method is called. Note that @value{GDBN} does not
24953 predetermine the arity of convenience functions. Instead, all
24954 available arguments are passed to @code{invoke}, following the
24955 standard Python calling convention. In particular, a convenience
24956 function can have default values for parameters without ill effect.
24957
24958 The return value of this method is used as its value in the enclosing
24959 expression. If an ordinary Python value is returned, it is converted
24960 to a @code{gdb.Value} following the usual rules.
24961 @end defun
24962
24963 The following code snippet shows how a trivial convenience function can
24964 be implemented in Python:
24965
24966 @smallexample
24967 class Greet (gdb.Function):
24968 """Return string to greet someone.
24969 Takes a name as argument."""
24970
24971 def __init__ (self):
24972 super (Greet, self).__init__ ("greet")
24973
24974 def invoke (self, name):
24975 return "Hello, %s!" % name.string ()
24976
24977 Greet ()
24978 @end smallexample
24979
24980 The last line instantiates the class, and is necessary to trigger the
24981 registration of the function with @value{GDBN}. Depending on how the
24982 Python code is read into @value{GDBN}, you may need to import the
24983 @code{gdb} module explicitly.
24984
24985 Now you can use the function in an expression:
24986
24987 @smallexample
24988 (gdb) print $greet("Bob")
24989 $1 = "Hello, Bob!"
24990 @end smallexample
24991
24992 @node Progspaces In Python
24993 @subsubsection Program Spaces In Python
24994
24995 @cindex progspaces in python
24996 @tindex gdb.Progspace
24997 @tindex Progspace
24998 A program space, or @dfn{progspace}, represents a symbolic view
24999 of an address space.
25000 It consists of all of the objfiles of the program.
25001 @xref{Objfiles In Python}.
25002 @xref{Inferiors and Programs, program spaces}, for more details
25003 about program spaces.
25004
25005 The following progspace-related functions are available in the
25006 @code{gdb} module:
25007
25008 @findex gdb.current_progspace
25009 @defun gdb.current_progspace ()
25010 This function returns the program space of the currently selected inferior.
25011 @xref{Inferiors and Programs}.
25012 @end defun
25013
25014 @findex gdb.progspaces
25015 @defun gdb.progspaces ()
25016 Return a sequence of all the progspaces currently known to @value{GDBN}.
25017 @end defun
25018
25019 Each progspace is represented by an instance of the @code{gdb.Progspace}
25020 class.
25021
25022 @defvar Progspace.filename
25023 The file name of the progspace as a string.
25024 @end defvar
25025
25026 @defvar Progspace.pretty_printers
25027 The @code{pretty_printers} attribute is a list of functions. It is
25028 used to look up pretty-printers. A @code{Value} is passed to each
25029 function in order; if the function returns @code{None}, then the
25030 search continues. Otherwise, the return value should be an object
25031 which is used to format the value. @xref{Pretty Printing API}, for more
25032 information.
25033 @end defvar
25034
25035 @defvar Progspace.type_printers
25036 The @code{type_printers} attribute is a list of type printer objects.
25037 @xref{Type Printing API}, for more information.
25038 @end defvar
25039
25040 @node Objfiles In Python
25041 @subsubsection Objfiles In Python
25042
25043 @cindex objfiles in python
25044 @tindex gdb.Objfile
25045 @tindex Objfile
25046 @value{GDBN} loads symbols for an inferior from various
25047 symbol-containing files (@pxref{Files}). These include the primary
25048 executable file, any shared libraries used by the inferior, and any
25049 separate debug info files (@pxref{Separate Debug Files}).
25050 @value{GDBN} calls these symbol-containing files @dfn{objfiles}.
25051
25052 The following objfile-related functions are available in the
25053 @code{gdb} module:
25054
25055 @findex gdb.current_objfile
25056 @defun gdb.current_objfile ()
25057 When auto-loading a Python script (@pxref{Python Auto-loading}), @value{GDBN}
25058 sets the ``current objfile'' to the corresponding objfile. This
25059 function returns the current objfile. If there is no current objfile,
25060 this function returns @code{None}.
25061 @end defun
25062
25063 @findex gdb.objfiles
25064 @defun gdb.objfiles ()
25065 Return a sequence of all the objfiles current known to @value{GDBN}.
25066 @xref{Objfiles In Python}.
25067 @end defun
25068
25069 Each objfile is represented by an instance of the @code{gdb.Objfile}
25070 class.
25071
25072 @defvar Objfile.filename
25073 The file name of the objfile as a string.
25074 @end defvar
25075
25076 @defvar Objfile.pretty_printers
25077 The @code{pretty_printers} attribute is a list of functions. It is
25078 used to look up pretty-printers. A @code{Value} is passed to each
25079 function in order; if the function returns @code{None}, then the
25080 search continues. Otherwise, the return value should be an object
25081 which is used to format the value. @xref{Pretty Printing API}, for more
25082 information.
25083 @end defvar
25084
25085 @defvar Objfile.type_printers
25086 The @code{type_printers} attribute is a list of type printer objects.
25087 @xref{Type Printing API}, for more information.
25088 @end defvar
25089
25090 A @code{gdb.Objfile} object has the following methods:
25091
25092 @defun Objfile.is_valid ()
25093 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Objfile} object is valid,
25094 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Objfile} object can become invalid
25095 if the object file it refers to is not loaded in @value{GDBN} any
25096 longer. All other @code{gdb.Objfile} methods will throw an exception
25097 if it is invalid at the time the method is called.
25098 @end defun
25099
25100 @node Frames In Python
25101 @subsubsection Accessing inferior stack frames from Python.
25102
25103 @cindex frames in python
25104 When the debugged program stops, @value{GDBN} is able to analyze its call
25105 stack (@pxref{Frames,,Stack frames}). The @code{gdb.Frame} class
25106 represents a frame in the stack. A @code{gdb.Frame} object is only valid
25107 while its corresponding frame exists in the inferior's stack. If you try
25108 to use an invalid frame object, @value{GDBN} will throw a @code{gdb.error}
25109 exception (@pxref{Exception Handling}).
25110
25111 Two @code{gdb.Frame} objects can be compared for equality with the @code{==}
25112 operator, like:
25113
25114 @smallexample
25115 (@value{GDBP}) python print gdb.newest_frame() == gdb.selected_frame ()
25116 True
25117 @end smallexample
25118
25119 The following frame-related functions are available in the @code{gdb} module:
25120
25121 @findex gdb.selected_frame
25122 @defun gdb.selected_frame ()
25123 Return the selected frame object. (@pxref{Selection,,Selecting a Frame}).
25124 @end defun
25125
25126 @findex gdb.newest_frame
25127 @defun gdb.newest_frame ()
25128 Return the newest frame object for the selected thread.
25129 @end defun
25130
25131 @defun gdb.frame_stop_reason_string (reason)
25132 Return a string explaining the reason why @value{GDBN} stopped unwinding
25133 frames, as expressed by the given @var{reason} code (an integer, see the
25134 @code{unwind_stop_reason} method further down in this section).
25135 @end defun
25136
25137 A @code{gdb.Frame} object has the following methods:
25138
25139 @defun Frame.is_valid ()
25140 Returns true if the @code{gdb.Frame} object is valid, false if not.
25141 A frame object can become invalid if the frame it refers to doesn't
25142 exist anymore in the inferior. All @code{gdb.Frame} methods will throw
25143 an exception if it is invalid at the time the method is called.
25144 @end defun
25145
25146 @defun Frame.name ()
25147 Returns the function name of the frame, or @code{None} if it can't be
25148 obtained.
25149 @end defun
25150
25151 @defun Frame.architecture ()
25152 Returns the @code{gdb.Architecture} object corresponding to the frame's
25153 architecture. @xref{Architectures In Python}.
25154 @end defun
25155
25156 @defun Frame.type ()
25157 Returns the type of the frame. The value can be one of:
25158 @table @code
25159 @item gdb.NORMAL_FRAME
25160 An ordinary stack frame.
25161
25162 @item gdb.DUMMY_FRAME
25163 A fake stack frame that was created by @value{GDBN} when performing an
25164 inferior function call.
25165
25166 @item gdb.INLINE_FRAME
25167 A frame representing an inlined function. The function was inlined
25168 into a @code{gdb.NORMAL_FRAME} that is older than this one.
25169
25170 @item gdb.TAILCALL_FRAME
25171 A frame representing a tail call. @xref{Tail Call Frames}.
25172
25173 @item gdb.SIGTRAMP_FRAME
25174 A signal trampoline frame. This is the frame created by the OS when
25175 it calls into a signal handler.
25176
25177 @item gdb.ARCH_FRAME
25178 A fake stack frame representing a cross-architecture call.
25179
25180 @item gdb.SENTINEL_FRAME
25181 This is like @code{gdb.NORMAL_FRAME}, but it is only used for the
25182 newest frame.
25183 @end table
25184 @end defun
25185
25186 @defun Frame.unwind_stop_reason ()
25187 Return an integer representing the reason why it's not possible to find
25188 more frames toward the outermost frame. Use
25189 @code{gdb.frame_stop_reason_string} to convert the value returned by this
25190 function to a string. The value can be one of:
25191
25192 @table @code
25193 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_NO_REASON
25194 No particular reason (older frames should be available).
25195
25196 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_NULL_ID
25197 The previous frame's analyzer returns an invalid result.
25198
25199 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_OUTERMOST
25200 This frame is the outermost.
25201
25202 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_UNAVAILABLE
25203 Cannot unwind further, because that would require knowing the
25204 values of registers or memory that have not been collected.
25205
25206 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_INNER_ID
25207 This frame ID looks like it ought to belong to a NEXT frame,
25208 but we got it for a PREV frame. Normally, this is a sign of
25209 unwinder failure. It could also indicate stack corruption.
25210
25211 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_SAME_ID
25212 This frame has the same ID as the previous one. That means
25213 that unwinding further would almost certainly give us another
25214 frame with exactly the same ID, so break the chain. Normally,
25215 this is a sign of unwinder failure. It could also indicate
25216 stack corruption.
25217
25218 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_NO_SAVED_PC
25219 The frame unwinder did not find any saved PC, but we needed
25220 one to unwind further.
25221
25222 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_FIRST_ERROR
25223 Any stop reason greater or equal to this value indicates some kind
25224 of error. This special value facilitates writing code that tests
25225 for errors in unwinding in a way that will work correctly even if
25226 the list of the other values is modified in future @value{GDBN}
25227 versions. Using it, you could write:
25228 @smallexample
25229 reason = gdb.selected_frame().unwind_stop_reason ()
25230 reason_str = gdb.frame_stop_reason_string (reason)
25231 if reason >= gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_FIRST_ERROR:
25232 print "An error occured: %s" % reason_str
25233 @end smallexample
25234 @end table
25235
25236 @end defun
25237
25238 @defun Frame.pc ()
25239 Returns the frame's resume address.
25240 @end defun
25241
25242 @defun Frame.block ()
25243 Return the frame's code block. @xref{Blocks In Python}.
25244 @end defun
25245
25246 @defun Frame.function ()
25247 Return the symbol for the function corresponding to this frame.
25248 @xref{Symbols In Python}.
25249 @end defun
25250
25251 @defun Frame.older ()
25252 Return the frame that called this frame.
25253 @end defun
25254
25255 @defun Frame.newer ()
25256 Return the frame called by this frame.
25257 @end defun
25258
25259 @defun Frame.find_sal ()
25260 Return the frame's symtab and line object.
25261 @xref{Symbol Tables In Python}.
25262 @end defun
25263
25264 @defun Frame.read_var (variable @r{[}, block@r{]})
25265 Return the value of @var{variable} in this frame. If the optional
25266 argument @var{block} is provided, search for the variable from that
25267 block; otherwise start at the frame's current block (which is
25268 determined by the frame's current program counter). @var{variable}
25269 must be a string or a @code{gdb.Symbol} object. @var{block} must be a
25270 @code{gdb.Block} object.
25271 @end defun
25272
25273 @defun Frame.select ()
25274 Set this frame to be the selected frame. @xref{Stack, ,Examining the
25275 Stack}.
25276 @end defun
25277
25278 @node Blocks In Python
25279 @subsubsection Accessing frame blocks from Python.
25280
25281 @cindex blocks in python
25282 @tindex gdb.Block
25283
25284 Within each frame, @value{GDBN} maintains information on each block
25285 stored in that frame. These blocks are organized hierarchically, and
25286 are represented individually in Python as a @code{gdb.Block}.
25287 Please see @ref{Frames In Python}, for a more in-depth discussion on
25288 frames. Furthermore, see @ref{Stack, ,Examining the Stack}, for more
25289 detailed technical information on @value{GDBN}'s book-keeping of the
25290 stack.
25291
25292 A @code{gdb.Block} is iterable. The iterator returns the symbols
25293 (@pxref{Symbols In Python}) local to the block. Python programs
25294 should not assume that a specific block object will always contain a
25295 given symbol, since changes in @value{GDBN} features and
25296 infrastructure may cause symbols move across blocks in a symbol
25297 table.
25298
25299 The following block-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
25300 module:
25301
25302 @findex gdb.block_for_pc
25303 @defun gdb.block_for_pc (pc)
25304 Return the @code{gdb.Block} containing the given @var{pc} value. If the
25305 block cannot be found for the @var{pc} value specified, the function
25306 will return @code{None}.
25307 @end defun
25308
25309 A @code{gdb.Block} object has the following methods:
25310
25311 @defun Block.is_valid ()
25312 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Block} object is valid,
25313 @code{False} if not. A block object can become invalid if the block it
25314 refers to doesn't exist anymore in the inferior. All other
25315 @code{gdb.Block} methods will throw an exception if it is invalid at
25316 the time the method is called. The block's validity is also checked
25317 during iteration over symbols of the block.
25318 @end defun
25319
25320 A @code{gdb.Block} object has the following attributes:
25321
25322 @defvar Block.start
25323 The start address of the block. This attribute is not writable.
25324 @end defvar
25325
25326 @defvar Block.end
25327 The end address of the block. This attribute is not writable.
25328 @end defvar
25329
25330 @defvar Block.function
25331 The name of the block represented as a @code{gdb.Symbol}. If the
25332 block is not named, then this attribute holds @code{None}. This
25333 attribute is not writable.
25334 @end defvar
25335
25336 @defvar Block.superblock
25337 The block containing this block. If this parent block does not exist,
25338 this attribute holds @code{None}. This attribute is not writable.
25339 @end defvar
25340
25341 @defvar Block.global_block
25342 The global block associated with this block. This attribute is not
25343 writable.
25344 @end defvar
25345
25346 @defvar Block.static_block
25347 The static block associated with this block. This attribute is not
25348 writable.
25349 @end defvar
25350
25351 @defvar Block.is_global
25352 @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Block} object is a global block,
25353 @code{False} if not. This attribute is not
25354 writable.
25355 @end defvar
25356
25357 @defvar Block.is_static
25358 @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Block} object is a static block,
25359 @code{False} if not. This attribute is not writable.
25360 @end defvar
25361
25362 @node Symbols In Python
25363 @subsubsection Python representation of Symbols.
25364
25365 @cindex symbols in python
25366 @tindex gdb.Symbol
25367
25368 @value{GDBN} represents every variable, function and type as an
25369 entry in a symbol table. @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}.
25370 Similarly, Python represents these symbols in @value{GDBN} with the
25371 @code{gdb.Symbol} object.
25372
25373 The following symbol-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
25374 module:
25375
25376 @findex gdb.lookup_symbol
25377 @defun gdb.lookup_symbol (name @r{[}, block @r{[}, domain@r{]]})
25378 This function searches for a symbol by name. The search scope can be
25379 restricted to the parameters defined in the optional domain and block
25380 arguments.
25381
25382 @var{name} is the name of the symbol. It must be a string. The
25383 optional @var{block} argument restricts the search to symbols visible
25384 in that @var{block}. The @var{block} argument must be a
25385 @code{gdb.Block} object. If omitted, the block for the current frame
25386 is used. The optional @var{domain} argument restricts
25387 the search to the domain type. The @var{domain} argument must be a
25388 domain constant defined in the @code{gdb} module and described later
25389 in this chapter.
25390
25391 The result is a tuple of two elements.
25392 The first element is a @code{gdb.Symbol} object or @code{None} if the symbol
25393 is not found.
25394 If the symbol is found, the second element is @code{True} if the symbol
25395 is a field of a method's object (e.g., @code{this} in C@t{++}),
25396 otherwise it is @code{False}.
25397 If the symbol is not found, the second element is @code{False}.
25398 @end defun
25399
25400 @findex gdb.lookup_global_symbol
25401 @defun gdb.lookup_global_symbol (name @r{[}, domain@r{]})
25402 This function searches for a global symbol by name.
25403 The search scope can be restricted to by the domain argument.
25404
25405 @var{name} is the name of the symbol. It must be a string.
25406 The optional @var{domain} argument restricts the search to the domain type.
25407 The @var{domain} argument must be a domain constant defined in the @code{gdb}
25408 module and described later in this chapter.
25409
25410 The result is a @code{gdb.Symbol} object or @code{None} if the symbol
25411 is not found.
25412 @end defun
25413
25414 A @code{gdb.Symbol} object has the following attributes:
25415
25416 @defvar Symbol.type
25417 The type of the symbol or @code{None} if no type is recorded.
25418 This attribute is represented as a @code{gdb.Type} object.
25419 @xref{Types In Python}. This attribute is not writable.
25420 @end defvar
25421
25422 @defvar Symbol.symtab
25423 The symbol table in which the symbol appears. This attribute is
25424 represented as a @code{gdb.Symtab} object. @xref{Symbol Tables In
25425 Python}. This attribute is not writable.
25426 @end defvar
25427
25428 @defvar Symbol.line
25429 The line number in the source code at which the symbol was defined.
25430 This is an integer.
25431 @end defvar
25432
25433 @defvar Symbol.name
25434 The name of the symbol as a string. This attribute is not writable.
25435 @end defvar
25436
25437 @defvar Symbol.linkage_name
25438 The name of the symbol, as used by the linker (i.e., may be mangled).
25439 This attribute is not writable.
25440 @end defvar
25441
25442 @defvar Symbol.print_name
25443 The name of the symbol in a form suitable for output. This is either
25444 @code{name} or @code{linkage_name}, depending on whether the user
25445 asked @value{GDBN} to display demangled or mangled names.
25446 @end defvar
25447
25448 @defvar Symbol.addr_class
25449 The address class of the symbol. This classifies how to find the value
25450 of a symbol. Each address class is a constant defined in the
25451 @code{gdb} module and described later in this chapter.
25452 @end defvar
25453
25454 @defvar Symbol.needs_frame
25455 This is @code{True} if evaluating this symbol's value requires a frame
25456 (@pxref{Frames In Python}) and @code{False} otherwise. Typically,
25457 local variables will require a frame, but other symbols will not.
25458 @end defvar
25459
25460 @defvar Symbol.is_argument
25461 @code{True} if the symbol is an argument of a function.
25462 @end defvar
25463
25464 @defvar Symbol.is_constant
25465 @code{True} if the symbol is a constant.
25466 @end defvar
25467
25468 @defvar Symbol.is_function
25469 @code{True} if the symbol is a function or a method.
25470 @end defvar
25471
25472 @defvar Symbol.is_variable
25473 @code{True} if the symbol is a variable.
25474 @end defvar
25475
25476 A @code{gdb.Symbol} object has the following methods:
25477
25478 @defun Symbol.is_valid ()
25479 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Symbol} object is valid,
25480 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Symbol} object can become invalid if
25481 the symbol it refers to does not exist in @value{GDBN} any longer.
25482 All other @code{gdb.Symbol} methods will throw an exception if it is
25483 invalid at the time the method is called.
25484 @end defun
25485
25486 @defun Symbol.value (@r{[}frame@r{]})
25487 Compute the value of the symbol, as a @code{gdb.Value}. For
25488 functions, this computes the address of the function, cast to the
25489 appropriate type. If the symbol requires a frame in order to compute
25490 its value, then @var{frame} must be given. If @var{frame} is not
25491 given, or if @var{frame} is invalid, then this method will throw an
25492 exception.
25493 @end defun
25494
25495 The available domain categories in @code{gdb.Symbol} are represented
25496 as constants in the @code{gdb} module:
25497
25498 @table @code
25499 @findex SYMBOL_UNDEF_DOMAIN
25500 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_UNDEF_DOMAIN
25501 @item gdb.SYMBOL_UNDEF_DOMAIN
25502 This is used when a domain has not been discovered or none of the
25503 following domains apply. This usually indicates an error either
25504 in the symbol information or in @value{GDBN}'s handling of symbols.
25505 @findex SYMBOL_VAR_DOMAIN
25506 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_VAR_DOMAIN
25507 @item gdb.SYMBOL_VAR_DOMAIN
25508 This domain contains variables, function names, typedef names and enum
25509 type values.
25510 @findex SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN
25511 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN
25512 @item gdb.SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN
25513 This domain holds struct, union and enum type names.
25514 @findex SYMBOL_LABEL_DOMAIN
25515 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LABEL_DOMAIN
25516 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LABEL_DOMAIN
25517 This domain contains names of labels (for gotos).
25518 @findex SYMBOL_VARIABLES_DOMAIN
25519 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_VARIABLES_DOMAIN
25520 @item gdb.SYMBOL_VARIABLES_DOMAIN
25521 This domain holds a subset of the @code{SYMBOLS_VAR_DOMAIN}; it
25522 contains everything minus functions and types.
25523 @findex SYMBOL_FUNCTIONS_DOMAIN
25524 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_FUNCTIONS_DOMAIN
25525 @item gdb.SYMBOL_FUNCTION_DOMAIN
25526 This domain contains all functions.
25527 @findex SYMBOL_TYPES_DOMAIN
25528 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_TYPES_DOMAIN
25529 @item gdb.SYMBOL_TYPES_DOMAIN
25530 This domain contains all types.
25531 @end table
25532
25533 The available address class categories in @code{gdb.Symbol} are represented
25534 as constants in the @code{gdb} module:
25535
25536 @table @code
25537 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_UNDEF
25538 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_UNDEF
25539 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_UNDEF
25540 If this is returned by address class, it indicates an error either in
25541 the symbol information or in @value{GDBN}'s handling of symbols.
25542 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_CONST
25543 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_CONST
25544 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_CONST
25545 Value is constant int.
25546 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_STATIC
25547 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_STATIC
25548 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_STATIC
25549 Value is at a fixed address.
25550 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_REGISTER
25551 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REGISTER
25552 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REGISTER
25553 Value is in a register.
25554 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_ARG
25555 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_ARG
25556 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_ARG
25557 Value is an argument. This value is at the offset stored within the
25558 symbol inside the frame's argument list.
25559 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_REF_ARG
25560 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REF_ARG
25561 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REF_ARG
25562 Value address is stored in the frame's argument list. Just like
25563 @code{LOC_ARG} except that the value's address is stored at the
25564 offset, not the value itself.
25565 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_REGPARM_ADDR
25566 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REGPARM_ADDR
25567 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REGPARM_ADDR
25568 Value is a specified register. Just like @code{LOC_REGISTER} except
25569 the register holds the address of the argument instead of the argument
25570 itself.
25571 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_LOCAL
25572 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_LOCAL
25573 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_LOCAL
25574 Value is a local variable.
25575 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_TYPEDEF
25576 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_TYPEDEF
25577 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_TYPEDEF
25578 Value not used. Symbols in the domain @code{SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN} all
25579 have this class.
25580 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_BLOCK
25581 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_BLOCK
25582 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_BLOCK
25583 Value is a block.
25584 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_CONST_BYTES
25585 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_CONST_BYTES
25586 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_CONST_BYTES
25587 Value is a byte-sequence.
25588 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_UNRESOLVED
25589 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_UNRESOLVED
25590 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_UNRESOLVED
25591 Value is at a fixed address, but the address of the variable has to be
25592 determined from the minimal symbol table whenever the variable is
25593 referenced.
25594 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_OPTIMIZED_OUT
25595 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_OPTIMIZED_OUT
25596 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_OPTIMIZED_OUT
25597 The value does not actually exist in the program.
25598 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_COMPUTED
25599 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_COMPUTED
25600 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_COMPUTED
25601 The value's address is a computed location.
25602 @end table
25603
25604 @node Symbol Tables In Python
25605 @subsubsection Symbol table representation in Python.
25606
25607 @cindex symbol tables in python
25608 @tindex gdb.Symtab
25609 @tindex gdb.Symtab_and_line
25610
25611 Access to symbol table data maintained by @value{GDBN} on the inferior
25612 is exposed to Python via two objects: @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} and
25613 @code{gdb.Symtab}. Symbol table and line data for a frame is returned
25614 from the @code{find_sal} method in @code{gdb.Frame} object.
25615 @xref{Frames In Python}.
25616
25617 For more information on @value{GDBN}'s symbol table management, see
25618 @ref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}, for more information.
25619
25620 A @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object has the following attributes:
25621
25622 @defvar Symtab_and_line.symtab
25623 The symbol table object (@code{gdb.Symtab}) for this frame.
25624 This attribute is not writable.
25625 @end defvar
25626
25627 @defvar Symtab_and_line.pc
25628 Indicates the start of the address range occupied by code for the
25629 current source line. This attribute is not writable.
25630 @end defvar
25631
25632 @defvar Symtab_and_line.last
25633 Indicates the end of the address range occupied by code for the current
25634 source line. This attribute is not writable.
25635 @end defvar
25636
25637 @defvar Symtab_and_line.line
25638 Indicates the current line number for this object. This
25639 attribute is not writable.
25640 @end defvar
25641
25642 A @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object has the following methods:
25643
25644 @defun Symtab_and_line.is_valid ()
25645 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object is valid,
25646 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object can become
25647 invalid if the Symbol table and line object it refers to does not
25648 exist in @value{GDBN} any longer. All other
25649 @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} methods will throw an exception if it is
25650 invalid at the time the method is called.
25651 @end defun
25652
25653 A @code{gdb.Symtab} object has the following attributes:
25654
25655 @defvar Symtab.filename
25656 The symbol table's source filename. This attribute is not writable.
25657 @end defvar
25658
25659 @defvar Symtab.objfile
25660 The symbol table's backing object file. @xref{Objfiles In Python}.
25661 This attribute is not writable.
25662 @end defvar
25663
25664 A @code{gdb.Symtab} object has the following methods:
25665
25666 @defun Symtab.is_valid ()
25667 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Symtab} object is valid,
25668 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Symtab} object can become invalid if
25669 the symbol table it refers to does not exist in @value{GDBN} any
25670 longer. All other @code{gdb.Symtab} methods will throw an exception
25671 if it is invalid at the time the method is called.
25672 @end defun
25673
25674 @defun Symtab.fullname ()
25675 Return the symbol table's source absolute file name.
25676 @end defun
25677
25678 @defun Symtab.global_block ()
25679 Return the global block of the underlying symbol table.
25680 @xref{Blocks In Python}.
25681 @end defun
25682
25683 @defun Symtab.static_block ()
25684 Return the static block of the underlying symbol table.
25685 @xref{Blocks In Python}.
25686 @end defun
25687
25688 @node Breakpoints In Python
25689 @subsubsection Manipulating breakpoints using Python
25690
25691 @cindex breakpoints in python
25692 @tindex gdb.Breakpoint
25693
25694 Python code can manipulate breakpoints via the @code{gdb.Breakpoint}
25695 class.
25696
25697 @defun Breakpoint.__init__ (spec @r{[}, type @r{[}, wp_class @r{[},internal@r{]]]})
25698 Create a new breakpoint. @var{spec} is a string naming the
25699 location of the breakpoint, or an expression that defines a
25700 watchpoint. The contents can be any location recognized by the
25701 @code{break} command, or in the case of a watchpoint, by the @code{watch}
25702 command. The optional @var{type} denotes the breakpoint to create
25703 from the types defined later in this chapter. This argument can be
25704 either: @code{gdb.BP_BREAKPOINT} or @code{gdb.BP_WATCHPOINT}. @var{type}
25705 defaults to @code{gdb.BP_BREAKPOINT}. The optional @var{internal} argument
25706 allows the breakpoint to become invisible to the user. The breakpoint
25707 will neither be reported when created, nor will it be listed in the
25708 output from @code{info breakpoints} (but will be listed with the
25709 @code{maint info breakpoints} command). The optional @var{wp_class}
25710 argument defines the class of watchpoint to create, if @var{type} is
25711 @code{gdb.BP_WATCHPOINT}. If a watchpoint class is not provided, it is
25712 assumed to be a @code{gdb.WP_WRITE} class.
25713 @end defun
25714
25715 @defun Breakpoint.stop (self)
25716 The @code{gdb.Breakpoint} class can be sub-classed and, in
25717 particular, you may choose to implement the @code{stop} method.
25718 If this method is defined as a sub-class of @code{gdb.Breakpoint},
25719 it will be called when the inferior reaches any location of a
25720 breakpoint which instantiates that sub-class. If the method returns
25721 @code{True}, the inferior will be stopped at the location of the
25722 breakpoint, otherwise the inferior will continue.
25723
25724 If there are multiple breakpoints at the same location with a
25725 @code{stop} method, each one will be called regardless of the
25726 return status of the previous. This ensures that all @code{stop}
25727 methods have a chance to execute at that location. In this scenario
25728 if one of the methods returns @code{True} but the others return
25729 @code{False}, the inferior will still be stopped.
25730
25731 You should not alter the execution state of the inferior (i.e.@:, step,
25732 next, etc.), alter the current frame context (i.e.@:, change the current
25733 active frame), or alter, add or delete any breakpoint. As a general
25734 rule, you should not alter any data within @value{GDBN} or the inferior
25735 at this time.
25736
25737 Example @code{stop} implementation:
25738
25739 @smallexample
25740 class MyBreakpoint (gdb.Breakpoint):
25741 def stop (self):
25742 inf_val = gdb.parse_and_eval("foo")
25743 if inf_val == 3:
25744 return True
25745 return False
25746 @end smallexample
25747 @end defun
25748
25749 The available watchpoint types represented by constants are defined in the
25750 @code{gdb} module:
25751
25752 @table @code
25753 @findex WP_READ
25754 @findex gdb.WP_READ
25755 @item gdb.WP_READ
25756 Read only watchpoint.
25757
25758 @findex WP_WRITE
25759 @findex gdb.WP_WRITE
25760 @item gdb.WP_WRITE
25761 Write only watchpoint.
25762
25763 @findex WP_ACCESS
25764 @findex gdb.WP_ACCESS
25765 @item gdb.WP_ACCESS
25766 Read/Write watchpoint.
25767 @end table
25768
25769 @defun Breakpoint.is_valid ()
25770 Return @code{True} if this @code{Breakpoint} object is valid,
25771 @code{False} otherwise. A @code{Breakpoint} object can become invalid
25772 if the user deletes the breakpoint. In this case, the object still
25773 exists, but the underlying breakpoint does not. In the cases of
25774 watchpoint scope, the watchpoint remains valid even if execution of the
25775 inferior leaves the scope of that watchpoint.
25776 @end defun
25777
25778 @defun Breakpoint.delete
25779 Permanently deletes the @value{GDBN} breakpoint. This also
25780 invalidates the Python @code{Breakpoint} object. Any further access
25781 to this object's attributes or methods will raise an error.
25782 @end defun
25783
25784 @defvar Breakpoint.enabled
25785 This attribute is @code{True} if the breakpoint is enabled, and
25786 @code{False} otherwise. This attribute is writable.
25787 @end defvar
25788
25789 @defvar Breakpoint.silent
25790 This attribute is @code{True} if the breakpoint is silent, and
25791 @code{False} otherwise. This attribute is writable.
25792
25793 Note that a breakpoint can also be silent if it has commands and the
25794 first command is @code{silent}. This is not reported by the
25795 @code{silent} attribute.
25796 @end defvar
25797
25798 @defvar Breakpoint.thread
25799 If the breakpoint is thread-specific, this attribute holds the thread
25800 id. If the breakpoint is not thread-specific, this attribute is
25801 @code{None}. This attribute is writable.
25802 @end defvar
25803
25804 @defvar Breakpoint.task
25805 If the breakpoint is Ada task-specific, this attribute holds the Ada task
25806 id. If the breakpoint is not task-specific (or the underlying
25807 language is not Ada), this attribute is @code{None}. This attribute
25808 is writable.
25809 @end defvar
25810
25811 @defvar Breakpoint.ignore_count
25812 This attribute holds the ignore count for the breakpoint, an integer.
25813 This attribute is writable.
25814 @end defvar
25815
25816 @defvar Breakpoint.number
25817 This attribute holds the breakpoint's number --- the identifier used by
25818 the user to manipulate the breakpoint. This attribute is not writable.
25819 @end defvar
25820
25821 @defvar Breakpoint.type
25822 This attribute holds the breakpoint's type --- the identifier used to
25823 determine the actual breakpoint type or use-case. This attribute is not
25824 writable.
25825 @end defvar
25826
25827 @defvar Breakpoint.visible
25828 This attribute tells whether the breakpoint is visible to the user
25829 when set, or when the @samp{info breakpoints} command is run. This
25830 attribute is not writable.
25831 @end defvar
25832
25833 The available types are represented by constants defined in the @code{gdb}
25834 module:
25835
25836 @table @code
25837 @findex BP_BREAKPOINT
25838 @findex gdb.BP_BREAKPOINT
25839 @item gdb.BP_BREAKPOINT
25840 Normal code breakpoint.
25841
25842 @findex BP_WATCHPOINT
25843 @findex gdb.BP_WATCHPOINT
25844 @item gdb.BP_WATCHPOINT
25845 Watchpoint breakpoint.
25846
25847 @findex BP_HARDWARE_WATCHPOINT
25848 @findex gdb.BP_HARDWARE_WATCHPOINT
25849 @item gdb.BP_HARDWARE_WATCHPOINT
25850 Hardware assisted watchpoint.
25851
25852 @findex BP_READ_WATCHPOINT
25853 @findex gdb.BP_READ_WATCHPOINT
25854 @item gdb.BP_READ_WATCHPOINT
25855 Hardware assisted read watchpoint.
25856
25857 @findex BP_ACCESS_WATCHPOINT
25858 @findex gdb.BP_ACCESS_WATCHPOINT
25859 @item gdb.BP_ACCESS_WATCHPOINT
25860 Hardware assisted access watchpoint.
25861 @end table
25862
25863 @defvar Breakpoint.hit_count
25864 This attribute holds the hit count for the breakpoint, an integer.
25865 This attribute is writable, but currently it can only be set to zero.
25866 @end defvar
25867
25868 @defvar Breakpoint.location
25869 This attribute holds the location of the breakpoint, as specified by
25870 the user. It is a string. If the breakpoint does not have a location
25871 (that is, it is a watchpoint) the attribute's value is @code{None}. This
25872 attribute is not writable.
25873 @end defvar
25874
25875 @defvar Breakpoint.expression
25876 This attribute holds a breakpoint expression, as specified by
25877 the user. It is a string. If the breakpoint does not have an
25878 expression (the breakpoint is not a watchpoint) the attribute's value
25879 is @code{None}. This attribute is not writable.
25880 @end defvar
25881
25882 @defvar Breakpoint.condition
25883 This attribute holds the condition of the breakpoint, as specified by
25884 the user. It is a string. If there is no condition, this attribute's
25885 value is @code{None}. This attribute is writable.
25886 @end defvar
25887
25888 @defvar Breakpoint.commands
25889 This attribute holds the commands attached to the breakpoint. If
25890 there are commands, this attribute's value is a string holding all the
25891 commands, separated by newlines. If there are no commands, this
25892 attribute is @code{None}. This attribute is not writable.
25893 @end defvar
25894
25895 @node Finish Breakpoints in Python
25896 @subsubsection Finish Breakpoints
25897
25898 @cindex python finish breakpoints
25899 @tindex gdb.FinishBreakpoint
25900
25901 A finish breakpoint is a temporary breakpoint set at the return address of
25902 a frame, based on the @code{finish} command. @code{gdb.FinishBreakpoint}
25903 extends @code{gdb.Breakpoint}. The underlying breakpoint will be disabled
25904 and deleted when the execution will run out of the breakpoint scope (i.e.@:
25905 @code{Breakpoint.stop} or @code{FinishBreakpoint.out_of_scope} triggered).
25906 Finish breakpoints are thread specific and must be create with the right
25907 thread selected.
25908
25909 @defun FinishBreakpoint.__init__ (@r{[}frame@r{]} @r{[}, internal@r{]})
25910 Create a finish breakpoint at the return address of the @code{gdb.Frame}
25911 object @var{frame}. If @var{frame} is not provided, this defaults to the
25912 newest frame. The optional @var{internal} argument allows the breakpoint to
25913 become invisible to the user. @xref{Breakpoints In Python}, for further
25914 details about this argument.
25915 @end defun
25916
25917 @defun FinishBreakpoint.out_of_scope (self)
25918 In some circumstances (e.g.@: @code{longjmp}, C@t{++} exceptions, @value{GDBN}
25919 @code{return} command, @dots{}), a function may not properly terminate, and
25920 thus never hit the finish breakpoint. When @value{GDBN} notices such a
25921 situation, the @code{out_of_scope} callback will be triggered.
25922
25923 You may want to sub-class @code{gdb.FinishBreakpoint} and override this
25924 method:
25925
25926 @smallexample
25927 class MyFinishBreakpoint (gdb.FinishBreakpoint)
25928 def stop (self):
25929 print "normal finish"
25930 return True
25931
25932 def out_of_scope ():
25933 print "abnormal finish"
25934 @end smallexample
25935 @end defun
25936
25937 @defvar FinishBreakpoint.return_value
25938 When @value{GDBN} is stopped at a finish breakpoint and the frame
25939 used to build the @code{gdb.FinishBreakpoint} object had debug symbols, this
25940 attribute will contain a @code{gdb.Value} object corresponding to the return
25941 value of the function. The value will be @code{None} if the function return
25942 type is @code{void} or if the return value was not computable. This attribute
25943 is not writable.
25944 @end defvar
25945
25946 @node Lazy Strings In Python
25947 @subsubsection Python representation of lazy strings.
25948
25949 @cindex lazy strings in python
25950 @tindex gdb.LazyString
25951
25952 A @dfn{lazy string} is a string whose contents is not retrieved or
25953 encoded until it is needed.
25954
25955 A @code{gdb.LazyString} is represented in @value{GDBN} as an
25956 @code{address} that points to a region of memory, an @code{encoding}
25957 that will be used to encode that region of memory, and a @code{length}
25958 to delimit the region of memory that represents the string. The
25959 difference between a @code{gdb.LazyString} and a string wrapped within
25960 a @code{gdb.Value} is that a @code{gdb.LazyString} will be treated
25961 differently by @value{GDBN} when printing. A @code{gdb.LazyString} is
25962 retrieved and encoded during printing, while a @code{gdb.Value}
25963 wrapping a string is immediately retrieved and encoded on creation.
25964
25965 A @code{gdb.LazyString} object has the following functions:
25966
25967 @defun LazyString.value ()
25968 Convert the @code{gdb.LazyString} to a @code{gdb.Value}. This value
25969 will point to the string in memory, but will lose all the delayed
25970 retrieval, encoding and handling that @value{GDBN} applies to a
25971 @code{gdb.LazyString}.
25972 @end defun
25973
25974 @defvar LazyString.address
25975 This attribute holds the address of the string. This attribute is not
25976 writable.
25977 @end defvar
25978
25979 @defvar LazyString.length
25980 This attribute holds the length of the string in characters. If the
25981 length is -1, then the string will be fetched and encoded up to the
25982 first null of appropriate width. This attribute is not writable.
25983 @end defvar
25984
25985 @defvar LazyString.encoding
25986 This attribute holds the encoding that will be applied to the string
25987 when the string is printed by @value{GDBN}. If the encoding is not
25988 set, or contains an empty string, then @value{GDBN} will select the
25989 most appropriate encoding when the string is printed. This attribute
25990 is not writable.
25991 @end defvar
25992
25993 @defvar LazyString.type
25994 This attribute holds the type that is represented by the lazy string's
25995 type. For a lazy string this will always be a pointer type. To
25996 resolve this to the lazy string's character type, use the type's
25997 @code{target} method. @xref{Types In Python}. This attribute is not
25998 writable.
25999 @end defvar
26000
26001 @node Architectures In Python
26002 @subsubsection Python representation of architectures
26003 @cindex Python architectures
26004
26005 @value{GDBN} uses architecture specific parameters and artifacts in a
26006 number of its various computations. An architecture is represented
26007 by an instance of the @code{gdb.Architecture} class.
26008
26009 A @code{gdb.Architecture} class has the following methods:
26010
26011 @defun Architecture.name ()
26012 Return the name (string value) of the architecture.
26013 @end defun
26014
26015 @defun Architecture.disassemble (@var{start_pc} @r{[}, @var{end_pc} @r{[}, @var{count}@r{]]})
26016 Return a list of disassembled instructions starting from the memory
26017 address @var{start_pc}. The optional arguments @var{end_pc} and
26018 @var{count} determine the number of instructions in the returned list.
26019 If both the optional arguments @var{end_pc} and @var{count} are
26020 specified, then a list of at most @var{count} disassembled instructions
26021 whose start address falls in the closed memory address interval from
26022 @var{start_pc} to @var{end_pc} are returned. If @var{end_pc} is not
26023 specified, but @var{count} is specified, then @var{count} number of
26024 instructions starting from the address @var{start_pc} are returned. If
26025 @var{count} is not specified but @var{end_pc} is specified, then all
26026 instructions whose start address falls in the closed memory address
26027 interval from @var{start_pc} to @var{end_pc} are returned. If neither
26028 @var{end_pc} nor @var{count} are specified, then a single instruction at
26029 @var{start_pc} is returned. For all of these cases, each element of the
26030 returned list is a Python @code{dict} with the following string keys:
26031
26032 @table @code
26033
26034 @item addr
26035 The value corresponding to this key is a Python long integer capturing
26036 the memory address of the instruction.
26037
26038 @item asm
26039 The value corresponding to this key is a string value which represents
26040 the instruction with assembly language mnemonics. The assembly
26041 language flavor used is the same as that specified by the current CLI
26042 variable @code{disassembly-flavor}. @xref{Machine Code}.
26043
26044 @item length
26045 The value corresponding to this key is the length (integer value) of the
26046 instruction in bytes.
26047
26048 @end table
26049 @end defun
26050
26051 @node Python Auto-loading
26052 @subsection Python Auto-loading
26053 @cindex Python auto-loading
26054
26055 When a new object file is read (for example, due to the @code{file}
26056 command, or because the inferior has loaded a shared library),
26057 @value{GDBN} will look for Python support scripts in several ways:
26058 @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py} (@pxref{objfile-gdb.py file})
26059 and @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
26060 (@pxref{dotdebug_gdb_scripts section}).
26061
26062 The auto-loading feature is useful for supplying application-specific
26063 debugging commands and scripts.
26064
26065 Auto-loading can be enabled or disabled,
26066 and the list of auto-loaded scripts can be printed.
26067
26068 @table @code
26069 @anchor{set auto-load python-scripts}
26070 @kindex set auto-load python-scripts
26071 @item set auto-load python-scripts [on|off]
26072 Enable or disable the auto-loading of Python scripts.
26073
26074 @anchor{show auto-load python-scripts}
26075 @kindex show auto-load python-scripts
26076 @item show auto-load python-scripts
26077 Show whether auto-loading of Python scripts is enabled or disabled.
26078
26079 @anchor{info auto-load python-scripts}
26080 @kindex info auto-load python-scripts
26081 @cindex print list of auto-loaded Python scripts
26082 @item info auto-load python-scripts [@var{regexp}]
26083 Print the list of all Python scripts that @value{GDBN} auto-loaded.
26084
26085 Also printed is the list of Python scripts that were mentioned in
26086 the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section and were not found
26087 (@pxref{dotdebug_gdb_scripts section}).
26088 This is useful because their names are not printed when @value{GDBN}
26089 tries to load them and fails. There may be many of them, and printing
26090 an error message for each one is problematic.
26091
26092 If @var{regexp} is supplied only Python scripts with matching names are printed.
26093
26094 Example:
26095
26096 @smallexample
26097 (gdb) info auto-load python-scripts
26098 Loaded Script
26099 Yes py-section-script.py
26100 full name: /tmp/py-section-script.py
26101 No my-foo-pretty-printers.py
26102 @end smallexample
26103 @end table
26104
26105 When reading an auto-loaded file, @value{GDBN} sets the
26106 @dfn{current objfile}. This is available via the @code{gdb.current_objfile}
26107 function (@pxref{Objfiles In Python}). This can be useful for
26108 registering objfile-specific pretty-printers.
26109
26110 @menu
26111 * objfile-gdb.py file:: The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py} file
26112 * dotdebug_gdb_scripts section:: The @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
26113 * Which flavor to choose?::
26114 @end menu
26115
26116 @node objfile-gdb.py file
26117 @subsubsection The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py} file
26118 @cindex @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py}
26119
26120 When a new object file is read, @value{GDBN} looks for
26121 a file named @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py} (we call it @var{script-name} below),
26122 where @var{objfile} is the object file's real name, formed by ensuring
26123 that the file name is absolute, following all symlinks, and resolving
26124 @code{.} and @code{..} components. If this file exists and is
26125 readable, @value{GDBN} will evaluate it as a Python script.
26126
26127 If this file does not exist, then @value{GDBN} will look for
26128 @var{script-name} file in all of the directories as specified below.
26129
26130 Note that loading of this script file also requires accordingly configured
26131 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
26132
26133 For object files using @file{.exe} suffix @value{GDBN} tries to load first the
26134 scripts normally according to its @file{.exe} filename. But if no scripts are
26135 found @value{GDBN} also tries script filenames matching the object file without
26136 its @file{.exe} suffix. This @file{.exe} stripping is case insensitive and it
26137 is attempted on any platform. This makes the script filenames compatible
26138 between Unix and MS-Windows hosts.
26139
26140 @table @code
26141 @anchor{set auto-load scripts-directory}
26142 @kindex set auto-load scripts-directory
26143 @item set auto-load scripts-directory @r{[}@var{directories}@r{]}
26144 Control @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location. Multiple directory entries
26145 may be delimited by the host platform path separator in use
26146 (@samp{:} on Unix, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS).
26147
26148 Each entry here needs to be covered also by the security setting
26149 @code{set auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{set auto-load safe-path}).
26150
26151 @anchor{with-auto-load-dir}
26152 This variable defaults to @file{$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load}. The default
26153 @code{set auto-load safe-path} value can be also overriden by @value{GDBN}
26154 configuration option @option{--with-auto-load-dir}.
26155
26156 Any reference to @file{$debugdir} will get replaced by
26157 @var{debug-file-directory} value (@pxref{Separate Debug Files}) and any
26158 reference to @file{$datadir} will get replaced by @var{data-directory} which is
26159 determined at @value{GDBN} startup (@pxref{Data Files}). @file{$debugdir} and
26160 @file{$datadir} must be placed as a directory component --- either alone or
26161 delimited by @file{/} or @file{\} directory separators, depending on the host
26162 platform.
26163
26164 The list of directories uses path separator (@samp{:} on GNU and Unix
26165 systems, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS) to separate directories, similarly
26166 to the @env{PATH} environment variable.
26167
26168 @anchor{show auto-load scripts-directory}
26169 @kindex show auto-load scripts-directory
26170 @item show auto-load scripts-directory
26171 Show @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
26172 @end table
26173
26174 @value{GDBN} does not track which files it has already auto-loaded this way.
26175 @value{GDBN} will load the associated script every time the corresponding
26176 @var{objfile} is opened.
26177 So your @file{-gdb.py} file should be careful to avoid errors if it
26178 is evaluated more than once.
26179
26180 @node dotdebug_gdb_scripts section
26181 @subsubsection The @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
26182 @cindex @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
26183
26184 For systems using file formats like ELF and COFF,
26185 when @value{GDBN} loads a new object file
26186 it will look for a special section named @samp{.debug_gdb_scripts}.
26187 If this section exists, its contents is a list of names of scripts to load.
26188
26189 @value{GDBN} will look for each specified script file first in the
26190 current directory and then along the source search path
26191 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}),
26192 except that @file{$cdir} is not searched, since the compilation
26193 directory is not relevant to scripts.
26194
26195 Entries can be placed in section @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} with,
26196 for example, this GCC macro:
26197
26198 @example
26199 /* Note: The "MS" section flags are to remove duplicates. */
26200 #define DEFINE_GDB_SCRIPT(script_name) \
26201 asm("\
26202 .pushsection \".debug_gdb_scripts\", \"MS\",@@progbits,1\n\
26203 .byte 1\n\
26204 .asciz \"" script_name "\"\n\
26205 .popsection \n\
26206 ");
26207 @end example
26208
26209 @noindent
26210 Then one can reference the macro in a header or source file like this:
26211
26212 @example
26213 DEFINE_GDB_SCRIPT ("my-app-scripts.py")
26214 @end example
26215
26216 The script name may include directories if desired.
26217
26218 Note that loading of this script file also requires accordingly configured
26219 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
26220
26221 If the macro is put in a header, any application or library
26222 using this header will get a reference to the specified script.
26223
26224 @node Which flavor to choose?
26225 @subsubsection Which flavor to choose?
26226
26227 Given the multiple ways of auto-loading Python scripts, it might not always
26228 be clear which one to choose. This section provides some guidance.
26229
26230 Benefits of the @file{-gdb.py} way:
26231
26232 @itemize @bullet
26233 @item
26234 Can be used with file formats that don't support multiple sections.
26235
26236 @item
26237 Ease of finding scripts for public libraries.
26238
26239 Scripts specified in the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section are searched for
26240 in the source search path.
26241 For publicly installed libraries, e.g., @file{libstdc++}, there typically
26242 isn't a source directory in which to find the script.
26243
26244 @item
26245 Doesn't require source code additions.
26246 @end itemize
26247
26248 Benefits of the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} way:
26249
26250 @itemize @bullet
26251 @item
26252 Works with static linking.
26253
26254 Scripts for libraries done the @file{-gdb.py} way require an objfile to
26255 trigger their loading. When an application is statically linked the only
26256 objfile available is the executable, and it is cumbersome to attach all the
26257 scripts from all the input libraries to the executable's @file{-gdb.py} script.
26258
26259 @item
26260 Works with classes that are entirely inlined.
26261
26262 Some classes can be entirely inlined, and thus there may not be an associated
26263 shared library to attach a @file{-gdb.py} script to.
26264
26265 @item
26266 Scripts needn't be copied out of the source tree.
26267
26268 In some circumstances, apps can be built out of large collections of internal
26269 libraries, and the build infrastructure necessary to install the
26270 @file{-gdb.py} scripts in a place where @value{GDBN} can find them is
26271 cumbersome. It may be easier to specify the scripts in the
26272 @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section as relative paths, and add a path to the
26273 top of the source tree to the source search path.
26274 @end itemize
26275
26276 @node Python modules
26277 @subsection Python modules
26278 @cindex python modules
26279
26280 @value{GDBN} comes with several modules to assist writing Python code.
26281
26282 @menu
26283 * gdb.printing:: Building and registering pretty-printers.
26284 * gdb.types:: Utilities for working with types.
26285 * gdb.prompt:: Utilities for prompt value substitution.
26286 @end menu
26287
26288 @node gdb.printing
26289 @subsubsection gdb.printing
26290 @cindex gdb.printing
26291
26292 This module provides a collection of utilities for working with
26293 pretty-printers.
26294
26295 @table @code
26296 @item PrettyPrinter (@var{name}, @var{subprinters}=None)
26297 This class specifies the API that makes @samp{info pretty-printer},
26298 @samp{enable pretty-printer} and @samp{disable pretty-printer} work.
26299 Pretty-printers should generally inherit from this class.
26300
26301 @item SubPrettyPrinter (@var{name})
26302 For printers that handle multiple types, this class specifies the
26303 corresponding API for the subprinters.
26304
26305 @item RegexpCollectionPrettyPrinter (@var{name})
26306 Utility class for handling multiple printers, all recognized via
26307 regular expressions.
26308 @xref{Writing a Pretty-Printer}, for an example.
26309
26310 @item FlagEnumerationPrinter (@var{name})
26311 A pretty-printer which handles printing of @code{enum} values. Unlike
26312 @value{GDBN}'s built-in @code{enum} printing, this printer attempts to
26313 work properly when there is some overlap between the enumeration
26314 constants. @var{name} is the name of the printer and also the name of
26315 the @code{enum} type to look up.
26316
26317 @item register_pretty_printer (@var{obj}, @var{printer}, @var{replace}=False)
26318 Register @var{printer} with the pretty-printer list of @var{obj}.
26319 If @var{replace} is @code{True} then any existing copy of the printer
26320 is replaced. Otherwise a @code{RuntimeError} exception is raised
26321 if a printer with the same name already exists.
26322 @end table
26323
26324 @node gdb.types
26325 @subsubsection gdb.types
26326 @cindex gdb.types
26327
26328 This module provides a collection of utilities for working with
26329 @code{gdb.Type} objects.
26330
26331 @table @code
26332 @item get_basic_type (@var{type})
26333 Return @var{type} with const and volatile qualifiers stripped,
26334 and with typedefs and C@t{++} references converted to the underlying type.
26335
26336 C@t{++} example:
26337
26338 @smallexample
26339 typedef const int const_int;
26340 const_int foo (3);
26341 const_int& foo_ref (foo);
26342 int main () @{ return 0; @}
26343 @end smallexample
26344
26345 Then in gdb:
26346
26347 @smallexample
26348 (gdb) start
26349 (gdb) python import gdb.types
26350 (gdb) python foo_ref = gdb.parse_and_eval("foo_ref")
26351 (gdb) python print gdb.types.get_basic_type(foo_ref.type)
26352 int
26353 @end smallexample
26354
26355 @item has_field (@var{type}, @var{field})
26356 Return @code{True} if @var{type}, assumed to be a type with fields
26357 (e.g., a structure or union), has field @var{field}.
26358
26359 @item make_enum_dict (@var{enum_type})
26360 Return a Python @code{dictionary} type produced from @var{enum_type}.
26361
26362 @item deep_items (@var{type})
26363 Returns a Python iterator similar to the standard
26364 @code{gdb.Type.iteritems} method, except that the iterator returned
26365 by @code{deep_items} will recursively traverse anonymous struct or
26366 union fields. For example:
26367
26368 @smallexample
26369 struct A
26370 @{
26371 int a;
26372 union @{
26373 int b0;
26374 int b1;
26375 @};
26376 @};
26377 @end smallexample
26378
26379 @noindent
26380 Then in @value{GDBN}:
26381 @smallexample
26382 (@value{GDBP}) python import gdb.types
26383 (@value{GDBP}) python struct_a = gdb.lookup_type("struct A")
26384 (@value{GDBP}) python print struct_a.keys ()
26385 @{['a', '']@}
26386 (@value{GDBP}) python print [k for k,v in gdb.types.deep_items(struct_a)]
26387 @{['a', 'b0', 'b1']@}
26388 @end smallexample
26389
26390 @item get_type_recognizers ()
26391 Return a list of the enabled type recognizers for the current context.
26392 This is called by @value{GDBN} during the type-printing process
26393 (@pxref{Type Printing API}).
26394
26395 @item apply_type_recognizers (recognizers, type_obj)
26396 Apply the type recognizers, @var{recognizers}, to the type object
26397 @var{type_obj}. If any recognizer returns a string, return that
26398 string. Otherwise, return @code{None}. This is called by
26399 @value{GDBN} during the type-printing process (@pxref{Type Printing
26400 API}).
26401
26402 @item register_type_printer (locus, printer)
26403 This is a convenience function to register a type printer.
26404 @var{printer} is the type printer to register. It must implement the
26405 type printer protocol. @var{locus} is either a @code{gdb.Objfile}, in
26406 which case the printer is registered with that objfile; a
26407 @code{gdb.Progspace}, in which case the printer is registered with
26408 that progspace; or @code{None}, in which case the printer is
26409 registered globally.
26410
26411 @item TypePrinter
26412 This is a base class that implements the type printer protocol. Type
26413 printers are encouraged, but not required, to derive from this class.
26414 It defines a constructor:
26415
26416 @defmethod TypePrinter __init__ (self, name)
26417 Initialize the type printer with the given name. The new printer
26418 starts in the enabled state.
26419 @end defmethod
26420
26421 @end table
26422
26423 @node gdb.prompt
26424 @subsubsection gdb.prompt
26425 @cindex gdb.prompt
26426
26427 This module provides a method for prompt value-substitution.
26428
26429 @table @code
26430 @item substitute_prompt (@var{string})
26431 Return @var{string} with escape sequences substituted by values. Some
26432 escape sequences take arguments. You can specify arguments inside
26433 ``@{@}'' immediately following the escape sequence.
26434
26435 The escape sequences you can pass to this function are:
26436
26437 @table @code
26438 @item \\
26439 Substitute a backslash.
26440 @item \e
26441 Substitute an ESC character.
26442 @item \f
26443 Substitute the selected frame; an argument names a frame parameter.
26444 @item \n
26445 Substitute a newline.
26446 @item \p
26447 Substitute a parameter's value; the argument names the parameter.
26448 @item \r
26449 Substitute a carriage return.
26450 @item \t
26451 Substitute the selected thread; an argument names a thread parameter.
26452 @item \v
26453 Substitute the version of GDB.
26454 @item \w
26455 Substitute the current working directory.
26456 @item \[
26457 Begin a sequence of non-printing characters. These sequences are
26458 typically used with the ESC character, and are not counted in the string
26459 length. Example: ``\[\e[0;34m\](gdb)\[\e[0m\]'' will return a
26460 blue-colored ``(gdb)'' prompt where the length is five.
26461 @item \]
26462 End a sequence of non-printing characters.
26463 @end table
26464
26465 For example:
26466
26467 @smallexample
26468 substitute_prompt (``frame: \f,
26469 print arguments: \p@{print frame-arguments@}'')
26470 @end smallexample
26471
26472 @exdent will return the string:
26473
26474 @smallexample
26475 "frame: main, print arguments: scalars"
26476 @end smallexample
26477 @end table
26478
26479 @node Aliases
26480 @section Creating new spellings of existing commands
26481 @cindex aliases for commands
26482
26483 It is often useful to define alternate spellings of existing commands.
26484 For example, if a new @value{GDBN} command defined in Python has
26485 a long name to type, it is handy to have an abbreviated version of it
26486 that involves less typing.
26487
26488 @value{GDBN} itself uses aliases. For example @samp{s} is an alias
26489 of the @samp{step} command even though it is otherwise an ambiguous
26490 abbreviation of other commands like @samp{set} and @samp{show}.
26491
26492 Aliases are also used to provide shortened or more common versions
26493 of multi-word commands. For example, @value{GDBN} provides the
26494 @samp{tty} alias of the @samp{set inferior-tty} command.
26495
26496 You can define a new alias with the @samp{alias} command.
26497
26498 @table @code
26499
26500 @kindex alias
26501 @item alias [-a] [--] @var{ALIAS} = @var{COMMAND}
26502
26503 @end table
26504
26505 @var{ALIAS} specifies the name of the new alias.
26506 Each word of @var{ALIAS} must consist of letters, numbers, dashes and
26507 underscores.
26508
26509 @var{COMMAND} specifies the name of an existing command
26510 that is being aliased.
26511
26512 The @samp{-a} option specifies that the new alias is an abbreviation
26513 of the command. Abbreviations are not shown in command
26514 lists displayed by the @samp{help} command.
26515
26516 The @samp{--} option specifies the end of options,
26517 and is useful when @var{ALIAS} begins with a dash.
26518
26519 Here is a simple example showing how to make an abbreviation
26520 of a command so that there is less to type.
26521 Suppose you were tired of typing @samp{disas}, the current
26522 shortest unambiguous abbreviation of the @samp{disassemble} command
26523 and you wanted an even shorter version named @samp{di}.
26524 The following will accomplish this.
26525
26526 @smallexample
26527 (gdb) alias -a di = disas
26528 @end smallexample
26529
26530 Note that aliases are different from user-defined commands.
26531 With a user-defined command, you also need to write documentation
26532 for it with the @samp{document} command.
26533 An alias automatically picks up the documentation of the existing command.
26534
26535 Here is an example where we make @samp{elms} an abbreviation of
26536 @samp{elements} in the @samp{set print elements} command.
26537 This is to show that you can make an abbreviation of any part
26538 of a command.
26539
26540 @smallexample
26541 (gdb) alias -a set print elms = set print elements
26542 (gdb) alias -a show print elms = show print elements
26543 (gdb) set p elms 20
26544 (gdb) show p elms
26545 Limit on string chars or array elements to print is 200.
26546 @end smallexample
26547
26548 Note that if you are defining an alias of a @samp{set} command,
26549 and you want to have an alias for the corresponding @samp{show}
26550 command, then you need to define the latter separately.
26551
26552 Unambiguously abbreviated commands are allowed in @var{COMMAND} and
26553 @var{ALIAS}, just as they are normally.
26554
26555 @smallexample
26556 (gdb) alias -a set pr elms = set p ele
26557 @end smallexample
26558
26559 Finally, here is an example showing the creation of a one word
26560 alias for a more complex command.
26561 This creates alias @samp{spe} of the command @samp{set print elements}.
26562
26563 @smallexample
26564 (gdb) alias spe = set print elements
26565 (gdb) spe 20
26566 @end smallexample
26567
26568 @node Interpreters
26569 @chapter Command Interpreters
26570 @cindex command interpreters
26571
26572 @value{GDBN} supports multiple command interpreters, and some command
26573 infrastructure to allow users or user interface writers to switch
26574 between interpreters or run commands in other interpreters.
26575
26576 @value{GDBN} currently supports two command interpreters, the console
26577 interpreter (sometimes called the command-line interpreter or @sc{cli})
26578 and the machine interface interpreter (or @sc{gdb/mi}). This manual
26579 describes both of these interfaces in great detail.
26580
26581 By default, @value{GDBN} will start with the console interpreter.
26582 However, the user may choose to start @value{GDBN} with another
26583 interpreter by specifying the @option{-i} or @option{--interpreter}
26584 startup options. Defined interpreters include:
26585
26586 @table @code
26587 @item console
26588 @cindex console interpreter
26589 The traditional console or command-line interpreter. This is the most often
26590 used interpreter with @value{GDBN}. With no interpreter specified at runtime,
26591 @value{GDBN} will use this interpreter.
26592
26593 @item mi
26594 @cindex mi interpreter
26595 The newest @sc{gdb/mi} interface (currently @code{mi2}). Used primarily
26596 by programs wishing to use @value{GDBN} as a backend for a debugger GUI
26597 or an IDE. For more information, see @ref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi}
26598 Interface}.
26599
26600 @item mi2
26601 @cindex mi2 interpreter
26602 The current @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
26603
26604 @item mi1
26605 @cindex mi1 interpreter
26606 The @sc{gdb/mi} interface included in @value{GDBN} 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3.
26607
26608 @end table
26609
26610 @cindex invoke another interpreter
26611 The interpreter being used by @value{GDBN} may not be dynamically
26612 switched at runtime. Although possible, this could lead to a very
26613 precarious situation. Consider an IDE using @sc{gdb/mi}. If a user
26614 enters the command "interpreter-set console" in a console view,
26615 @value{GDBN} would switch to using the console interpreter, rendering
26616 the IDE inoperable!
26617
26618 @kindex interpreter-exec
26619 Although you may only choose a single interpreter at startup, you may execute
26620 commands in any interpreter from the current interpreter using the appropriate
26621 command. If you are running the console interpreter, simply use the
26622 @code{interpreter-exec} command:
26623
26624 @smallexample
26625 interpreter-exec mi "-data-list-register-names"
26626 @end smallexample
26627
26628 @sc{gdb/mi} has a similar command, although it is only available in versions of
26629 @value{GDBN} which support @sc{gdb/mi} version 2 (or greater).
26630
26631 @node TUI
26632 @chapter @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
26633 @cindex TUI
26634 @cindex Text User Interface
26635
26636 @menu
26637 * TUI Overview:: TUI overview
26638 * TUI Keys:: TUI key bindings
26639 * TUI Single Key Mode:: TUI single key mode
26640 * TUI Commands:: TUI-specific commands
26641 * TUI Configuration:: TUI configuration variables
26642 @end menu
26643
26644 The @value{GDBN} Text User Interface (TUI) is a terminal
26645 interface which uses the @code{curses} library to show the source
26646 file, the assembly output, the program registers and @value{GDBN}
26647 commands in separate text windows. The TUI mode is supported only
26648 on platforms where a suitable version of the @code{curses} library
26649 is available.
26650
26651 The TUI mode is enabled by default when you invoke @value{GDBN} as
26652 @samp{@value{GDBP} -tui}.
26653 You can also switch in and out of TUI mode while @value{GDBN} runs by
26654 using various TUI commands and key bindings, such as @kbd{C-x C-a}.
26655 @xref{TUI Keys, ,TUI Key Bindings}.
26656
26657 @node TUI Overview
26658 @section TUI Overview
26659
26660 In TUI mode, @value{GDBN} can display several text windows:
26661
26662 @table @emph
26663 @item command
26664 This window is the @value{GDBN} command window with the @value{GDBN}
26665 prompt and the @value{GDBN} output. The @value{GDBN} input is still
26666 managed using readline.
26667
26668 @item source
26669 The source window shows the source file of the program. The current
26670 line and active breakpoints are displayed in this window.
26671
26672 @item assembly
26673 The assembly window shows the disassembly output of the program.
26674
26675 @item register
26676 This window shows the processor registers. Registers are highlighted
26677 when their values change.
26678 @end table
26679
26680 The source and assembly windows show the current program position
26681 by highlighting the current line and marking it with a @samp{>} marker.
26682 Breakpoints are indicated with two markers. The first marker
26683 indicates the breakpoint type:
26684
26685 @table @code
26686 @item B
26687 Breakpoint which was hit at least once.
26688
26689 @item b
26690 Breakpoint which was never hit.
26691
26692 @item H
26693 Hardware breakpoint which was hit at least once.
26694
26695 @item h
26696 Hardware breakpoint which was never hit.
26697 @end table
26698
26699 The second marker indicates whether the breakpoint is enabled or not:
26700
26701 @table @code
26702 @item +
26703 Breakpoint is enabled.
26704
26705 @item -
26706 Breakpoint is disabled.
26707 @end table
26708
26709 The source, assembly and register windows are updated when the current
26710 thread changes, when the frame changes, or when the program counter
26711 changes.
26712
26713 These windows are not all visible at the same time. The command
26714 window is always visible. The others can be arranged in several
26715 layouts:
26716
26717 @itemize @bullet
26718 @item
26719 source only,
26720
26721 @item
26722 assembly only,
26723
26724 @item
26725 source and assembly,
26726
26727 @item
26728 source and registers, or
26729
26730 @item
26731 assembly and registers.
26732 @end itemize
26733
26734 A status line above the command window shows the following information:
26735
26736 @table @emph
26737 @item target
26738 Indicates the current @value{GDBN} target.
26739 (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
26740
26741 @item process
26742 Gives the current process or thread number.
26743 When no process is being debugged, this field is set to @code{No process}.
26744
26745 @item function
26746 Gives the current function name for the selected frame.
26747 The name is demangled if demangling is turned on (@pxref{Print Settings}).
26748 When there is no symbol corresponding to the current program counter,
26749 the string @code{??} is displayed.
26750
26751 @item line
26752 Indicates the current line number for the selected frame.
26753 When the current line number is not known, the string @code{??} is displayed.
26754
26755 @item pc
26756 Indicates the current program counter address.
26757 @end table
26758
26759 @node TUI Keys
26760 @section TUI Key Bindings
26761 @cindex TUI key bindings
26762
26763 The TUI installs several key bindings in the readline keymaps
26764 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
26765 (@pxref{Command Line Editing, , , rluserman, GNU Readline Library}).
26766 @end ifset
26767 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
26768 (@pxref{Command Line Editing}).
26769 @end ifclear
26770 The following key bindings are installed for both TUI mode and the
26771 @value{GDBN} standard mode.
26772
26773 @table @kbd
26774 @kindex C-x C-a
26775 @item C-x C-a
26776 @kindex C-x a
26777 @itemx C-x a
26778 @kindex C-x A
26779 @itemx C-x A
26780 Enter or leave the TUI mode. When leaving the TUI mode,
26781 the curses window management stops and @value{GDBN} operates using
26782 its standard mode, writing on the terminal directly. When reentering
26783 the TUI mode, control is given back to the curses windows.
26784 The screen is then refreshed.
26785
26786 @kindex C-x 1
26787 @item C-x 1
26788 Use a TUI layout with only one window. The layout will
26789 either be @samp{source} or @samp{assembly}. When the TUI mode
26790 is not active, it will switch to the TUI mode.
26791
26792 Think of this key binding as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 1} binding.
26793
26794 @kindex C-x 2
26795 @item C-x 2
26796 Use a TUI layout with at least two windows. When the current
26797 layout already has two windows, the next layout with two windows is used.
26798 When a new layout is chosen, one window will always be common to the
26799 previous layout and the new one.
26800
26801 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 2} binding.
26802
26803 @kindex C-x o
26804 @item C-x o
26805 Change the active window. The TUI associates several key bindings
26806 (like scrolling and arrow keys) with the active window. This command
26807 gives the focus to the next TUI window.
26808
26809 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x o} binding.
26810
26811 @kindex C-x s
26812 @item C-x s
26813 Switch in and out of the TUI SingleKey mode that binds single
26814 keys to @value{GDBN} commands (@pxref{TUI Single Key Mode}).
26815 @end table
26816
26817 The following key bindings only work in the TUI mode:
26818
26819 @table @asis
26820 @kindex PgUp
26821 @item @key{PgUp}
26822 Scroll the active window one page up.
26823
26824 @kindex PgDn
26825 @item @key{PgDn}
26826 Scroll the active window one page down.
26827
26828 @kindex Up
26829 @item @key{Up}
26830 Scroll the active window one line up.
26831
26832 @kindex Down
26833 @item @key{Down}
26834 Scroll the active window one line down.
26835
26836 @kindex Left
26837 @item @key{Left}
26838 Scroll the active window one column left.
26839
26840 @kindex Right
26841 @item @key{Right}
26842 Scroll the active window one column right.
26843
26844 @kindex C-L
26845 @item @kbd{C-L}
26846 Refresh the screen.
26847 @end table
26848
26849 Because the arrow keys scroll the active window in the TUI mode, they
26850 are not available for their normal use by readline unless the command
26851 window has the focus. When another window is active, you must use
26852 other readline key bindings such as @kbd{C-p}, @kbd{C-n}, @kbd{C-b}
26853 and @kbd{C-f} to control the command window.
26854
26855 @node TUI Single Key Mode
26856 @section TUI Single Key Mode
26857 @cindex TUI single key mode
26858
26859 The TUI also provides a @dfn{SingleKey} mode, which binds several
26860 frequently used @value{GDBN} commands to single keys. Type @kbd{C-x s} to
26861 switch into this mode, where the following key bindings are used:
26862
26863 @table @kbd
26864 @kindex c @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26865 @item c
26866 continue
26867
26868 @kindex d @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26869 @item d
26870 down
26871
26872 @kindex f @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26873 @item f
26874 finish
26875
26876 @kindex n @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26877 @item n
26878 next
26879
26880 @kindex q @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26881 @item q
26882 exit the SingleKey mode.
26883
26884 @kindex r @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26885 @item r
26886 run
26887
26888 @kindex s @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26889 @item s
26890 step
26891
26892 @kindex u @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26893 @item u
26894 up
26895
26896 @kindex v @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26897 @item v
26898 info locals
26899
26900 @kindex w @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26901 @item w
26902 where
26903 @end table
26904
26905 Other keys temporarily switch to the @value{GDBN} command prompt.
26906 The key that was pressed is inserted in the editing buffer so that
26907 it is possible to type most @value{GDBN} commands without interaction
26908 with the TUI SingleKey mode. Once the command is entered the TUI
26909 SingleKey mode is restored. The only way to permanently leave
26910 this mode is by typing @kbd{q} or @kbd{C-x s}.
26911
26912
26913 @node TUI Commands
26914 @section TUI-specific Commands
26915 @cindex TUI commands
26916
26917 The TUI has specific commands to control the text windows.
26918 These commands are always available, even when @value{GDBN} is not in
26919 the TUI mode. When @value{GDBN} is in the standard mode, most
26920 of these commands will automatically switch to the TUI mode.
26921
26922 Note that if @value{GDBN}'s @code{stdout} is not connected to a
26923 terminal, or @value{GDBN} has been started with the machine interface
26924 interpreter (@pxref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}), most of
26925 these commands will fail with an error, because it would not be
26926 possible or desirable to enable curses window management.
26927
26928 @table @code
26929 @item info win
26930 @kindex info win
26931 List and give the size of all displayed windows.
26932
26933 @item layout next
26934 @kindex layout
26935 Display the next layout.
26936
26937 @item layout prev
26938 Display the previous layout.
26939
26940 @item layout src
26941 Display the source window only.
26942
26943 @item layout asm
26944 Display the assembly window only.
26945
26946 @item layout split
26947 Display the source and assembly window.
26948
26949 @item layout regs
26950 Display the register window together with the source or assembly window.
26951
26952 @item focus next
26953 @kindex focus
26954 Make the next window active for scrolling.
26955
26956 @item focus prev
26957 Make the previous window active for scrolling.
26958
26959 @item focus src
26960 Make the source window active for scrolling.
26961
26962 @item focus asm
26963 Make the assembly window active for scrolling.
26964
26965 @item focus regs
26966 Make the register window active for scrolling.
26967
26968 @item focus cmd
26969 Make the command window active for scrolling.
26970
26971 @item refresh
26972 @kindex refresh
26973 Refresh the screen. This is similar to typing @kbd{C-L}.
26974
26975 @item tui reg float
26976 @kindex tui reg
26977 Show the floating point registers in the register window.
26978
26979 @item tui reg general
26980 Show the general registers in the register window.
26981
26982 @item tui reg next
26983 Show the next register group. The list of register groups as well as
26984 their order is target specific. The predefined register groups are the
26985 following: @code{general}, @code{float}, @code{system}, @code{vector},
26986 @code{all}, @code{save}, @code{restore}.
26987
26988 @item tui reg system
26989 Show the system registers in the register window.
26990
26991 @item update
26992 @kindex update
26993 Update the source window and the current execution point.
26994
26995 @item winheight @var{name} +@var{count}
26996 @itemx winheight @var{name} -@var{count}
26997 @kindex winheight
26998 Change the height of the window @var{name} by @var{count}
26999 lines. Positive counts increase the height, while negative counts
27000 decrease it.
27001
27002 @item tabset @var{nchars}
27003 @kindex tabset
27004 Set the width of tab stops to be @var{nchars} characters.
27005 @end table
27006
27007 @node TUI Configuration
27008 @section TUI Configuration Variables
27009 @cindex TUI configuration variables
27010
27011 Several configuration variables control the appearance of TUI windows.
27012
27013 @table @code
27014 @item set tui border-kind @var{kind}
27015 @kindex set tui border-kind
27016 Select the border appearance for the source, assembly and register windows.
27017 The possible values are the following:
27018 @table @code
27019 @item space
27020 Use a space character to draw the border.
27021
27022 @item ascii
27023 Use @sc{ascii} characters @samp{+}, @samp{-} and @samp{|} to draw the border.
27024
27025 @item acs
27026 Use the Alternate Character Set to draw the border. The border is
27027 drawn using character line graphics if the terminal supports them.
27028 @end table
27029
27030 @item set tui border-mode @var{mode}
27031 @kindex set tui border-mode
27032 @itemx set tui active-border-mode @var{mode}
27033 @kindex set tui active-border-mode
27034 Select the display attributes for the borders of the inactive windows
27035 or the active window. The @var{mode} can be one of the following:
27036 @table @code
27037 @item normal
27038 Use normal attributes to display the border.
27039
27040 @item standout
27041 Use standout mode.
27042
27043 @item reverse
27044 Use reverse video mode.
27045
27046 @item half
27047 Use half bright mode.
27048
27049 @item half-standout
27050 Use half bright and standout mode.
27051
27052 @item bold
27053 Use extra bright or bold mode.
27054
27055 @item bold-standout
27056 Use extra bright or bold and standout mode.
27057 @end table
27058 @end table
27059
27060 @node Emacs
27061 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
27062
27063 @cindex Emacs
27064 @cindex @sc{gnu} Emacs
27065 A special interface allows you to use @sc{gnu} Emacs to view (and
27066 edit) the source files for the program you are debugging with
27067 @value{GDBN}.
27068
27069 To use this interface, use the command @kbd{M-x gdb} in Emacs. Give the
27070 executable file you want to debug as an argument. This command starts
27071 @value{GDBN} as a subprocess of Emacs, with input and output through a newly
27072 created Emacs buffer.
27073 @c (Do not use the @code{-tui} option to run @value{GDBN} from Emacs.)
27074
27075 Running @value{GDBN} under Emacs can be just like running @value{GDBN} normally except for two
27076 things:
27077
27078 @itemize @bullet
27079 @item
27080 All ``terminal'' input and output goes through an Emacs buffer, called
27081 the GUD buffer.
27082
27083 This applies both to @value{GDBN} commands and their output, and to the input
27084 and output done by the program you are debugging.
27085
27086 This is useful because it means that you can copy the text of previous
27087 commands and input them again; you can even use parts of the output
27088 in this way.
27089
27090 All the facilities of Emacs' Shell mode are available for interacting
27091 with your program. In particular, you can send signals the usual
27092 way---for example, @kbd{C-c C-c} for an interrupt, @kbd{C-c C-z} for a
27093 stop.
27094
27095 @item
27096 @value{GDBN} displays source code through Emacs.
27097
27098 Each time @value{GDBN} displays a stack frame, Emacs automatically finds the
27099 source file for that frame and puts an arrow (@samp{=>}) at the
27100 left margin of the current line. Emacs uses a separate buffer for
27101 source display, and splits the screen to show both your @value{GDBN} session
27102 and the source.
27103
27104 Explicit @value{GDBN} @code{list} or search commands still produce output as
27105 usual, but you probably have no reason to use them from Emacs.
27106 @end itemize
27107
27108 We call this @dfn{text command mode}. Emacs 22.1, and later, also uses
27109 a graphical mode, enabled by default, which provides further buffers
27110 that can control the execution and describe the state of your program.
27111 @xref{GDB Graphical Interface,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}.
27112
27113 If you specify an absolute file name when prompted for the @kbd{M-x
27114 gdb} argument, then Emacs sets your current working directory to where
27115 your program resides. If you only specify the file name, then Emacs
27116 sets your current working directory to the directory associated
27117 with the previous buffer. In this case, @value{GDBN} may find your
27118 program by searching your environment's @code{PATH} variable, but on
27119 some operating systems it might not find the source. So, although the
27120 @value{GDBN} input and output session proceeds normally, the auxiliary
27121 buffer does not display the current source and line of execution.
27122
27123 The initial working directory of @value{GDBN} is printed on the top
27124 line of the GUD buffer and this serves as a default for the commands
27125 that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files,
27126 ,Commands to Specify Files}.
27127
27128 By default, @kbd{M-x gdb} calls the program called @file{gdb}. If you
27129 need to call @value{GDBN} by a different name (for example, if you
27130 keep several configurations around, with different names) you can
27131 customize the Emacs variable @code{gud-gdb-command-name} to run the
27132 one you want.
27133
27134 In the GUD buffer, you can use these special Emacs commands in
27135 addition to the standard Shell mode commands:
27136
27137 @table @kbd
27138 @item C-h m
27139 Describe the features of Emacs' GUD Mode.
27140
27141 @item C-c C-s
27142 Execute to another source line, like the @value{GDBN} @code{step} command; also
27143 update the display window to show the current file and location.
27144
27145 @item C-c C-n
27146 Execute to next source line in this function, skipping all function
27147 calls, like the @value{GDBN} @code{next} command. Then update the display window
27148 to show the current file and location.
27149
27150 @item C-c C-i
27151 Execute one instruction, like the @value{GDBN} @code{stepi} command; update
27152 display window accordingly.
27153
27154 @item C-c C-f
27155 Execute until exit from the selected stack frame, like the @value{GDBN}
27156 @code{finish} command.
27157
27158 @item C-c C-r
27159 Continue execution of your program, like the @value{GDBN} @code{continue}
27160 command.
27161
27162 @item C-c <
27163 Go up the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument
27164 (@pxref{Arguments, , Numeric Arguments, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}),
27165 like the @value{GDBN} @code{up} command.
27166
27167 @item C-c >
27168 Go down the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument, like the
27169 @value{GDBN} @code{down} command.
27170 @end table
27171
27172 In any source file, the Emacs command @kbd{C-x @key{SPC}} (@code{gud-break})
27173 tells @value{GDBN} to set a breakpoint on the source line point is on.
27174
27175 In text command mode, if you type @kbd{M-x speedbar}, Emacs displays a
27176 separate frame which shows a backtrace when the GUD buffer is current.
27177 Move point to any frame in the stack and type @key{RET} to make it
27178 become the current frame and display the associated source in the
27179 source buffer. Alternatively, click @kbd{Mouse-2} to make the
27180 selected frame become the current one. In graphical mode, the
27181 speedbar displays watch expressions.
27182
27183 If you accidentally delete the source-display buffer, an easy way to get
27184 it back is to type the command @code{f} in the @value{GDBN} buffer, to
27185 request a frame display; when you run under Emacs, this recreates
27186 the source buffer if necessary to show you the context of the current
27187 frame.
27188
27189 The source files displayed in Emacs are in ordinary Emacs buffers
27190 which are visiting the source files in the usual way. You can edit
27191 the files with these buffers if you wish; but keep in mind that @value{GDBN}
27192 communicates with Emacs in terms of line numbers. If you add or
27193 delete lines from the text, the line numbers that @value{GDBN} knows cease
27194 to correspond properly with the code.
27195
27196 A more detailed description of Emacs' interaction with @value{GDBN} is
27197 given in the Emacs manual (@pxref{Debuggers,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu}
27198 Emacs Manual}).
27199
27200 @node GDB/MI
27201 @chapter The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface
27202
27203 @unnumberedsec Function and Purpose
27204
27205 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, its purpose
27206 @sc{gdb/mi} is a line based machine oriented text interface to
27207 @value{GDBN} and is activated by specifying using the
27208 @option{--interpreter} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}). It
27209 is specifically intended to support the development of systems which
27210 use the debugger as just one small component of a larger system.
27211
27212 This chapter is a specification of the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. It is written
27213 in the form of a reference manual.
27214
27215 Note that @sc{gdb/mi} is still under construction, so some of the
27216 features described below are incomplete and subject to change
27217 (@pxref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, , @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends}).
27218
27219 @unnumberedsec Notation and Terminology
27220
27221 @cindex notational conventions, for @sc{gdb/mi}
27222 This chapter uses the following notation:
27223
27224 @itemize @bullet
27225 @item
27226 @code{|} separates two alternatives.
27227
27228 @item
27229 @code{[ @var{something} ]} indicates that @var{something} is optional:
27230 it may or may not be given.
27231
27232 @item
27233 @code{( @var{group} )*} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
27234 may repeat zero or more times.
27235
27236 @item
27237 @code{( @var{group} )+} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
27238 may repeat one or more times.
27239
27240 @item
27241 @code{"@var{string}"} means a literal @var{string}.
27242 @end itemize
27243
27244 @ignore
27245 @heading Dependencies
27246 @end ignore
27247
27248 @menu
27249 * GDB/MI General Design::
27250 * GDB/MI Command Syntax::
27251 * GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI::
27252 * GDB/MI Development and Front Ends::
27253 * GDB/MI Output Records::
27254 * GDB/MI Simple Examples::
27255 * GDB/MI Command Description Format::
27256 * GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands::
27257 * GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands::
27258 * GDB/MI Program Context::
27259 * GDB/MI Thread Commands::
27260 * GDB/MI Ada Tasking Commands::
27261 * GDB/MI Program Execution::
27262 * GDB/MI Stack Manipulation::
27263 * GDB/MI Variable Objects::
27264 * GDB/MI Data Manipulation::
27265 * GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands::
27266 * GDB/MI Symbol Query::
27267 * GDB/MI File Commands::
27268 @ignore
27269 * GDB/MI Kod Commands::
27270 * GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands::
27271 * GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands::
27272 @end ignore
27273 * GDB/MI Target Manipulation::
27274 * GDB/MI File Transfer Commands::
27275 * GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands::
27276 @end menu
27277
27278 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27279 @node GDB/MI General Design
27280 @section @sc{gdb/mi} General Design
27281 @cindex GDB/MI General Design
27282
27283 Interaction of a @sc{GDB/MI} frontend with @value{GDBN} involves three
27284 parts---commands sent to @value{GDBN}, responses to those commands
27285 and notifications. Each command results in exactly one response,
27286 indicating either successful completion of the command, or an error.
27287 For the commands that do not resume the target, the response contains the
27288 requested information. For the commands that resume the target, the
27289 response only indicates whether the target was successfully resumed.
27290 Notifications is the mechanism for reporting changes in the state of the
27291 target, or in @value{GDBN} state, that cannot conveniently be associated with
27292 a command and reported as part of that command response.
27293
27294 The important examples of notifications are:
27295 @itemize @bullet
27296
27297 @item
27298 Exec notifications. These are used to report changes in
27299 target state---when a target is resumed, or stopped. It would not
27300 be feasible to include this information in response of resuming
27301 commands, because one resume commands can result in multiple events in
27302 different threads. Also, quite some time may pass before any event
27303 happens in the target, while a frontend needs to know whether the resuming
27304 command itself was successfully executed.
27305
27306 @item
27307 Console output, and status notifications. Console output
27308 notifications are used to report output of CLI commands, as well as
27309 diagnostics for other commands. Status notifications are used to
27310 report the progress of a long-running operation. Naturally, including
27311 this information in command response would mean no output is produced
27312 until the command is finished, which is undesirable.
27313
27314 @item
27315 General notifications. Commands may have various side effects on
27316 the @value{GDBN} or target state beyond their official purpose. For example,
27317 a command may change the selected thread. Although such changes can
27318 be included in command response, using notification allows for more
27319 orthogonal frontend design.
27320
27321 @end itemize
27322
27323 There's no guarantee that whenever an MI command reports an error,
27324 @value{GDBN} or the target are in any specific state, and especially,
27325 the state is not reverted to the state before the MI command was
27326 processed. Therefore, whenever an MI command results in an error,
27327 we recommend that the frontend refreshes all the information shown in
27328 the user interface.
27329
27330
27331 @menu
27332 * Context management::
27333 * Asynchronous and non-stop modes::
27334 * Thread groups::
27335 @end menu
27336
27337 @node Context management
27338 @subsection Context management
27339
27340 In most cases when @value{GDBN} accesses the target, this access is
27341 done in context of a specific thread and frame (@pxref{Frames}).
27342 Often, even when accessing global data, the target requires that a thread
27343 be specified. The CLI interface maintains the selected thread and frame,
27344 and supplies them to target on each command. This is convenient,
27345 because a command line user would not want to specify that information
27346 explicitly on each command, and because user interacts with
27347 @value{GDBN} via a single terminal, so no confusion is possible as
27348 to what thread and frame are the current ones.
27349
27350 In the case of MI, the concept of selected thread and frame is less
27351 useful. First, a frontend can easily remember this information
27352 itself. Second, a graphical frontend can have more than one window,
27353 each one used for debugging a different thread, and the frontend might
27354 want to access additional threads for internal purposes. This
27355 increases the risk that by relying on implicitly selected thread, the
27356 frontend may be operating on a wrong one. Therefore, each MI command
27357 should explicitly specify which thread and frame to operate on. To
27358 make it possible, each MI command accepts the @samp{--thread} and
27359 @samp{--frame} options, the value to each is @value{GDBN} identifier
27360 for thread and frame to operate on.
27361
27362 Usually, each top-level window in a frontend allows the user to select
27363 a thread and a frame, and remembers the user selection for further
27364 operations. However, in some cases @value{GDBN} may suggest that the
27365 current thread be changed. For example, when stopping on a breakpoint
27366 it is reasonable to switch to the thread where breakpoint is hit. For
27367 another example, if the user issues the CLI @samp{thread} command via
27368 the frontend, it is desirable to change the frontend's selected thread to the
27369 one specified by user. @value{GDBN} communicates the suggestion to
27370 change current thread using the @samp{=thread-selected} notification.
27371 No such notification is available for the selected frame at the moment.
27372
27373 Note that historically, MI shares the selected thread with CLI, so
27374 frontends used the @code{-thread-select} to execute commands in the
27375 right context. However, getting this to work right is cumbersome. The
27376 simplest way is for frontend to emit @code{-thread-select} command
27377 before every command. This doubles the number of commands that need
27378 to be sent. The alternative approach is to suppress @code{-thread-select}
27379 if the selected thread in @value{GDBN} is supposed to be identical to the
27380 thread the frontend wants to operate on. However, getting this
27381 optimization right can be tricky. In particular, if the frontend
27382 sends several commands to @value{GDBN}, and one of the commands changes the
27383 selected thread, then the behaviour of subsequent commands will
27384 change. So, a frontend should either wait for response from such
27385 problematic commands, or explicitly add @code{-thread-select} for
27386 all subsequent commands. No frontend is known to do this exactly
27387 right, so it is suggested to just always pass the @samp{--thread} and
27388 @samp{--frame} options.
27389
27390 @node Asynchronous and non-stop modes
27391 @subsection Asynchronous command execution and non-stop mode
27392
27393 On some targets, @value{GDBN} is capable of processing MI commands
27394 even while the target is running. This is called @dfn{asynchronous
27395 command execution} (@pxref{Background Execution}). The frontend may
27396 specify a preferrence for asynchronous execution using the
27397 @code{-gdb-set target-async 1} command, which should be emitted before
27398 either running the executable or attaching to the target. After the
27399 frontend has started the executable or attached to the target, it can
27400 find if asynchronous execution is enabled using the
27401 @code{-list-target-features} command.
27402
27403 Even if @value{GDBN} can accept a command while target is running,
27404 many commands that access the target do not work when the target is
27405 running. Therefore, asynchronous command execution is most useful
27406 when combined with non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}). Then,
27407 it is possible to examine the state of one thread, while other threads
27408 are running.
27409
27410 When a given thread is running, MI commands that try to access the
27411 target in the context of that thread may not work, or may work only on
27412 some targets. In particular, commands that try to operate on thread's
27413 stack will not work, on any target. Commands that read memory, or
27414 modify breakpoints, may work or not work, depending on the target. Note
27415 that even commands that operate on global state, such as @code{print},
27416 @code{set}, and breakpoint commands, still access the target in the
27417 context of a specific thread, so frontend should try to find a
27418 stopped thread and perform the operation on that thread (using the
27419 @samp{--thread} option).
27420
27421 Which commands will work in the context of a running thread is
27422 highly target dependent. However, the two commands
27423 @code{-exec-interrupt}, to stop a thread, and @code{-thread-info},
27424 to find the state of a thread, will always work.
27425
27426 @node Thread groups
27427 @subsection Thread groups
27428 @value{GDBN} may be used to debug several processes at the same time.
27429 On some platfroms, @value{GDBN} may support debugging of several
27430 hardware systems, each one having several cores with several different
27431 processes running on each core. This section describes the MI
27432 mechanism to support such debugging scenarios.
27433
27434 The key observation is that regardless of the structure of the
27435 target, MI can have a global list of threads, because most commands that
27436 accept the @samp{--thread} option do not need to know what process that
27437 thread belongs to. Therefore, it is not necessary to introduce
27438 neither additional @samp{--process} option, nor an notion of the
27439 current process in the MI interface. The only strictly new feature
27440 that is required is the ability to find how the threads are grouped
27441 into processes.
27442
27443 To allow the user to discover such grouping, and to support arbitrary
27444 hierarchy of machines/cores/processes, MI introduces the concept of a
27445 @dfn{thread group}. Thread group is a collection of threads and other
27446 thread groups. A thread group always has a string identifier, a type,
27447 and may have additional attributes specific to the type. A new
27448 command, @code{-list-thread-groups}, returns the list of top-level
27449 thread groups, which correspond to processes that @value{GDBN} is
27450 debugging at the moment. By passing an identifier of a thread group
27451 to the @code{-list-thread-groups} command, it is possible to obtain
27452 the members of specific thread group.
27453
27454 To allow the user to easily discover processes, and other objects, he
27455 wishes to debug, a concept of @dfn{available thread group} is
27456 introduced. Available thread group is an thread group that
27457 @value{GDBN} is not debugging, but that can be attached to, using the
27458 @code{-target-attach} command. The list of available top-level thread
27459 groups can be obtained using @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}.
27460 In general, the content of a thread group may be only retrieved only
27461 after attaching to that thread group.
27462
27463 Thread groups are related to inferiors (@pxref{Inferiors and
27464 Programs}). Each inferior corresponds to a thread group of a special
27465 type @samp{process}, and some additional operations are permitted on
27466 such thread groups.
27467
27468 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27469 @node GDB/MI Command Syntax
27470 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Syntax
27471
27472 @menu
27473 * GDB/MI Input Syntax::
27474 * GDB/MI Output Syntax::
27475 @end menu
27476
27477 @node GDB/MI Input Syntax
27478 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Input Syntax
27479
27480 @cindex input syntax for @sc{gdb/mi}
27481 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, input syntax
27482 @table @code
27483 @item @var{command} @expansion{}
27484 @code{@var{cli-command} | @var{mi-command}}
27485
27486 @item @var{cli-command} @expansion{}
27487 @code{[ @var{token} ] @var{cli-command} @var{nl}}, where
27488 @var{cli-command} is any existing @value{GDBN} CLI command.
27489
27490 @item @var{mi-command} @expansion{}
27491 @code{[ @var{token} ] "-" @var{operation} ( " " @var{option} )*
27492 @code{[} " --" @code{]} ( " " @var{parameter} )* @var{nl}}
27493
27494 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
27495 "any sequence of digits"
27496
27497 @item @var{option} @expansion{}
27498 @code{"-" @var{parameter} [ " " @var{parameter} ]}
27499
27500 @item @var{parameter} @expansion{}
27501 @code{@var{non-blank-sequence} | @var{c-string}}
27502
27503 @item @var{operation} @expansion{}
27504 @emph{any of the operations described in this chapter}
27505
27506 @item @var{non-blank-sequence} @expansion{}
27507 @emph{anything, provided it doesn't contain special characters such as
27508 "-", @var{nl}, """ and of course " "}
27509
27510 @item @var{c-string} @expansion{}
27511 @code{""" @var{seven-bit-iso-c-string-content} """}
27512
27513 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
27514 @code{CR | CR-LF}
27515 @end table
27516
27517 @noindent
27518 Notes:
27519
27520 @itemize @bullet
27521 @item
27522 The CLI commands are still handled by the @sc{mi} interpreter; their
27523 output is described below.
27524
27525 @item
27526 The @code{@var{token}}, when present, is passed back when the command
27527 finishes.
27528
27529 @item
27530 Some @sc{mi} commands accept optional arguments as part of the parameter
27531 list. Each option is identified by a leading @samp{-} (dash) and may be
27532 followed by an optional argument parameter. Options occur first in the
27533 parameter list and can be delimited from normal parameters using
27534 @samp{--} (this is useful when some parameters begin with a dash).
27535 @end itemize
27536
27537 Pragmatics:
27538
27539 @itemize @bullet
27540 @item
27541 We want easy access to the existing CLI syntax (for debugging).
27542
27543 @item
27544 We want it to be easy to spot a @sc{mi} operation.
27545 @end itemize
27546
27547 @node GDB/MI Output Syntax
27548 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax
27549
27550 @cindex output syntax of @sc{gdb/mi}
27551 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, output syntax
27552 The output from @sc{gdb/mi} consists of zero or more out-of-band records
27553 followed, optionally, by a single result record. This result record
27554 is for the most recent command. The sequence of output records is
27555 terminated by @samp{(gdb)}.
27556
27557 If an input command was prefixed with a @code{@var{token}} then the
27558 corresponding output for that command will also be prefixed by that same
27559 @var{token}.
27560
27561 @table @code
27562 @item @var{output} @expansion{}
27563 @code{( @var{out-of-band-record} )* [ @var{result-record} ] "(gdb)" @var{nl}}
27564
27565 @item @var{result-record} @expansion{}
27566 @code{ [ @var{token} ] "^" @var{result-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
27567
27568 @item @var{out-of-band-record} @expansion{}
27569 @code{@var{async-record} | @var{stream-record}}
27570
27571 @item @var{async-record} @expansion{}
27572 @code{@var{exec-async-output} | @var{status-async-output} | @var{notify-async-output}}
27573
27574 @item @var{exec-async-output} @expansion{}
27575 @code{[ @var{token} ] "*" @var{async-output}}
27576
27577 @item @var{status-async-output} @expansion{}
27578 @code{[ @var{token} ] "+" @var{async-output}}
27579
27580 @item @var{notify-async-output} @expansion{}
27581 @code{[ @var{token} ] "=" @var{async-output}}
27582
27583 @item @var{async-output} @expansion{}
27584 @code{@var{async-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
27585
27586 @item @var{result-class} @expansion{}
27587 @code{"done" | "running" | "connected" | "error" | "exit"}
27588
27589 @item @var{async-class} @expansion{}
27590 @code{"stopped" | @var{others}} (where @var{others} will be added
27591 depending on the needs---this is still in development).
27592
27593 @item @var{result} @expansion{}
27594 @code{ @var{variable} "=" @var{value}}
27595
27596 @item @var{variable} @expansion{}
27597 @code{ @var{string} }
27598
27599 @item @var{value} @expansion{}
27600 @code{ @var{const} | @var{tuple} | @var{list} }
27601
27602 @item @var{const} @expansion{}
27603 @code{@var{c-string}}
27604
27605 @item @var{tuple} @expansion{}
27606 @code{ "@{@}" | "@{" @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "@}" }
27607
27608 @item @var{list} @expansion{}
27609 @code{ "[]" | "[" @var{value} ( "," @var{value} )* "]" | "["
27610 @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "]" }
27611
27612 @item @var{stream-record} @expansion{}
27613 @code{@var{console-stream-output} | @var{target-stream-output} | @var{log-stream-output}}
27614
27615 @item @var{console-stream-output} @expansion{}
27616 @code{"~" @var{c-string}}
27617
27618 @item @var{target-stream-output} @expansion{}
27619 @code{"@@" @var{c-string}}
27620
27621 @item @var{log-stream-output} @expansion{}
27622 @code{"&" @var{c-string}}
27623
27624 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
27625 @code{CR | CR-LF}
27626
27627 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
27628 @emph{any sequence of digits}.
27629 @end table
27630
27631 @noindent
27632 Notes:
27633
27634 @itemize @bullet
27635 @item
27636 All output sequences end in a single line containing a period.
27637
27638 @item
27639 The @code{@var{token}} is from the corresponding request. Note that
27640 for all async output, while the token is allowed by the grammar and
27641 may be output by future versions of @value{GDBN} for select async
27642 output messages, it is generally omitted. Frontends should treat
27643 all async output as reporting general changes in the state of the
27644 target and there should be no need to associate async output to any
27645 prior command.
27646
27647 @item
27648 @cindex status output in @sc{gdb/mi}
27649 @var{status-async-output} contains on-going status information about the
27650 progress of a slow operation. It can be discarded. All status output is
27651 prefixed by @samp{+}.
27652
27653 @item
27654 @cindex async output in @sc{gdb/mi}
27655 @var{exec-async-output} contains asynchronous state change on the target
27656 (stopped, started, disappeared). All async output is prefixed by
27657 @samp{*}.
27658
27659 @item
27660 @cindex notify output in @sc{gdb/mi}
27661 @var{notify-async-output} contains supplementary information that the
27662 client should handle (e.g., a new breakpoint information). All notify
27663 output is prefixed by @samp{=}.
27664
27665 @item
27666 @cindex console output in @sc{gdb/mi}
27667 @var{console-stream-output} is output that should be displayed as is in the
27668 console. It is the textual response to a CLI command. All the console
27669 output is prefixed by @samp{~}.
27670
27671 @item
27672 @cindex target output in @sc{gdb/mi}
27673 @var{target-stream-output} is the output produced by the target program.
27674 All the target output is prefixed by @samp{@@}.
27675
27676 @item
27677 @cindex log output in @sc{gdb/mi}
27678 @var{log-stream-output} is output text coming from @value{GDBN}'s internals, for
27679 instance messages that should be displayed as part of an error log. All
27680 the log output is prefixed by @samp{&}.
27681
27682 @item
27683 @cindex list output in @sc{gdb/mi}
27684 New @sc{gdb/mi} commands should only output @var{lists} containing
27685 @var{values}.
27686
27687
27688 @end itemize
27689
27690 @xref{GDB/MI Stream Records, , @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records}, for more
27691 details about the various output records.
27692
27693 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27694 @node GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI
27695 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Compatibility with CLI
27696
27697 @cindex compatibility, @sc{gdb/mi} and CLI
27698 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, compatibility with CLI
27699
27700 For the developers convenience CLI commands can be entered directly,
27701 but there may be some unexpected behaviour. For example, commands
27702 that query the user will behave as if the user replied yes, breakpoint
27703 command lists are not executed and some CLI commands, such as
27704 @code{if}, @code{when} and @code{define}, prompt for further input with
27705 @samp{>}, which is not valid MI output.
27706
27707 This feature may be removed at some stage in the future and it is
27708 recommended that front ends use the @code{-interpreter-exec} command
27709 (@pxref{-interpreter-exec}).
27710
27711 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27712 @node GDB/MI Development and Front Ends
27713 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends
27714 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi} development
27715
27716 The application which takes the MI output and presents the state of the
27717 program being debugged to the user is called a @dfn{front end}.
27718
27719 Although @sc{gdb/mi} is still incomplete, it is currently being used
27720 by a variety of front ends to @value{GDBN}. This makes it difficult
27721 to introduce new functionality without breaking existing usage. This
27722 section tries to minimize the problems by describing how the protocol
27723 might change.
27724
27725 Some changes in MI need not break a carefully designed front end, and
27726 for these the MI version will remain unchanged. The following is a
27727 list of changes that may occur within one level, so front ends should
27728 parse MI output in a way that can handle them:
27729
27730 @itemize @bullet
27731 @item
27732 New MI commands may be added.
27733
27734 @item
27735 New fields may be added to the output of any MI command.
27736
27737 @item
27738 The range of values for fields with specified values, e.g.,
27739 @code{in_scope} (@pxref{-var-update}) may be extended.
27740
27741 @c The format of field's content e.g type prefix, may change so parse it
27742 @c at your own risk. Yes, in general?
27743
27744 @c The order of fields may change? Shouldn't really matter but it might
27745 @c resolve inconsistencies.
27746 @end itemize
27747
27748 If the changes are likely to break front ends, the MI version level
27749 will be increased by one. This will allow the front end to parse the
27750 output according to the MI version. Apart from mi0, new versions of
27751 @value{GDBN} will not support old versions of MI and it will be the
27752 responsibility of the front end to work with the new one.
27753
27754 @c Starting with mi3, add a new command -mi-version that prints the MI
27755 @c version?
27756
27757 The best way to avoid unexpected changes in MI that might break your front
27758 end is to make your project known to @value{GDBN} developers and
27759 follow development on @email{gdb@@sourceware.org} and
27760 @email{gdb-patches@@sourceware.org}.
27761 @cindex mailing lists
27762
27763 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27764 @node GDB/MI Output Records
27765 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Output Records
27766
27767 @menu
27768 * GDB/MI Result Records::
27769 * GDB/MI Stream Records::
27770 * GDB/MI Async Records::
27771 * GDB/MI Breakpoint Information::
27772 * GDB/MI Frame Information::
27773 * GDB/MI Thread Information::
27774 * GDB/MI Ada Exception Information::
27775 @end menu
27776
27777 @node GDB/MI Result Records
27778 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Result Records
27779
27780 @cindex result records in @sc{gdb/mi}
27781 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, result records
27782 In addition to a number of out-of-band notifications, the response to a
27783 @sc{gdb/mi} command includes one of the following result indications:
27784
27785 @table @code
27786 @findex ^done
27787 @item "^done" [ "," @var{results} ]
27788 The synchronous operation was successful, @code{@var{results}} are the return
27789 values.
27790
27791 @item "^running"
27792 @findex ^running
27793 This result record is equivalent to @samp{^done}. Historically, it
27794 was output instead of @samp{^done} if the command has resumed the
27795 target. This behaviour is maintained for backward compatibility, but
27796 all frontends should treat @samp{^done} and @samp{^running}
27797 identically and rely on the @samp{*running} output record to determine
27798 which threads are resumed.
27799
27800 @item "^connected"
27801 @findex ^connected
27802 @value{GDBN} has connected to a remote target.
27803
27804 @item "^error" "," @var{c-string}
27805 @findex ^error
27806 The operation failed. The @code{@var{c-string}} contains the corresponding
27807 error message.
27808
27809 @item "^exit"
27810 @findex ^exit
27811 @value{GDBN} has terminated.
27812
27813 @end table
27814
27815 @node GDB/MI Stream Records
27816 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records
27817
27818 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, stream records
27819 @cindex stream records in @sc{gdb/mi}
27820 @value{GDBN} internally maintains a number of output streams: the console, the
27821 target, and the log. The output intended for each of these streams is
27822 funneled through the @sc{gdb/mi} interface using @dfn{stream records}.
27823
27824 Each stream record begins with a unique @dfn{prefix character} which
27825 identifies its stream (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, , @sc{gdb/mi} Output
27826 Syntax}). In addition to the prefix, each stream record contains a
27827 @code{@var{string-output}}. This is either raw text (with an implicit new
27828 line) or a quoted C string (which does not contain an implicit newline).
27829
27830 @table @code
27831 @item "~" @var{string-output}
27832 The console output stream contains text that should be displayed in the
27833 CLI console window. It contains the textual responses to CLI commands.
27834
27835 @item "@@" @var{string-output}
27836 The target output stream contains any textual output from the running
27837 target. This is only present when GDB's event loop is truly
27838 asynchronous, which is currently only the case for remote targets.
27839
27840 @item "&" @var{string-output}
27841 The log stream contains debugging messages being produced by @value{GDBN}'s
27842 internals.
27843 @end table
27844
27845 @node GDB/MI Async Records
27846 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Async Records
27847
27848 @cindex async records in @sc{gdb/mi}
27849 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, async records
27850 @dfn{Async} records are used to notify the @sc{gdb/mi} client of
27851 additional changes that have occurred. Those changes can either be a
27852 consequence of @sc{gdb/mi} commands (e.g., a breakpoint modified) or a result of
27853 target activity (e.g., target stopped).
27854
27855 The following is the list of possible async records:
27856
27857 @table @code
27858
27859 @item *running,thread-id="@var{thread}"
27860 The target is now running. The @var{thread} field tells which
27861 specific thread is now running, and can be @samp{all} if all threads
27862 are running. The frontend should assume that no interaction with a
27863 running thread is possible after this notification is produced.
27864 The frontend should not assume that this notification is output
27865 only once for any command. @value{GDBN} may emit this notification
27866 several times, either for different threads, because it cannot resume
27867 all threads together, or even for a single thread, if the thread must
27868 be stepped though some code before letting it run freely.
27869
27870 @item *stopped,reason="@var{reason}",thread-id="@var{id}",stopped-threads="@var{stopped}",core="@var{core}"
27871 The target has stopped. The @var{reason} field can have one of the
27872 following values:
27873
27874 @table @code
27875 @item breakpoint-hit
27876 A breakpoint was reached.
27877 @item watchpoint-trigger
27878 A watchpoint was triggered.
27879 @item read-watchpoint-trigger
27880 A read watchpoint was triggered.
27881 @item access-watchpoint-trigger
27882 An access watchpoint was triggered.
27883 @item function-finished
27884 An -exec-finish or similar CLI command was accomplished.
27885 @item location-reached
27886 An -exec-until or similar CLI command was accomplished.
27887 @item watchpoint-scope
27888 A watchpoint has gone out of scope.
27889 @item end-stepping-range
27890 An -exec-next, -exec-next-instruction, -exec-step, -exec-step-instruction or
27891 similar CLI command was accomplished.
27892 @item exited-signalled
27893 The inferior exited because of a signal.
27894 @item exited
27895 The inferior exited.
27896 @item exited-normally
27897 The inferior exited normally.
27898 @item signal-received
27899 A signal was received by the inferior.
27900 @item solib-event
27901 The inferior has stopped due to a library being loaded or unloaded.
27902 This can happen when @code{stop-on-solib-events} (@pxref{Files}) is
27903 set or when a @code{catch load} or @code{catch unload} catchpoint is
27904 in use (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}).
27905 @item fork
27906 The inferior has forked. This is reported when @code{catch fork}
27907 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
27908 @item vfork
27909 The inferior has vforked. This is reported in when @code{catch vfork}
27910 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
27911 @item syscall-entry
27912 The inferior entered a system call. This is reported when @code{catch
27913 syscall} (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
27914 @item syscall-entry
27915 The inferior returned from a system call. This is reported when
27916 @code{catch syscall} (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
27917 @item exec
27918 The inferior called @code{exec}. This is reported when @code{catch exec}
27919 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
27920 @end table
27921
27922 The @var{id} field identifies the thread that directly caused the stop
27923 -- for example by hitting a breakpoint. Depending on whether all-stop
27924 mode is in effect (@pxref{All-Stop Mode}), @value{GDBN} may either
27925 stop all threads, or only the thread that directly triggered the stop.
27926 If all threads are stopped, the @var{stopped} field will have the
27927 value of @code{"all"}. Otherwise, the value of the @var{stopped}
27928 field will be a list of thread identifiers. Presently, this list will
27929 always include a single thread, but frontend should be prepared to see
27930 several threads in the list. The @var{core} field reports the
27931 processor core on which the stop event has happened. This field may be absent
27932 if such information is not available.
27933
27934 @item =thread-group-added,id="@var{id}"
27935 @itemx =thread-group-removed,id="@var{id}"
27936 A thread group was either added or removed. The @var{id} field
27937 contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread group. When a thread
27938 group is added, it generally might not be associated with a running
27939 process. When a thread group is removed, its id becomes invalid and
27940 cannot be used in any way.
27941
27942 @item =thread-group-started,id="@var{id}",pid="@var{pid}"
27943 A thread group became associated with a running program,
27944 either because the program was just started or the thread group
27945 was attached to a program. The @var{id} field contains the
27946 @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread group. The @var{pid} field
27947 contains process identifier, specific to the operating system.
27948
27949 @item =thread-group-exited,id="@var{id}"[,exit-code="@var{code}"]
27950 A thread group is no longer associated with a running program,
27951 either because the program has exited, or because it was detached
27952 from. The @var{id} field contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the
27953 thread group. @var{code} is the exit code of the inferior; it exists
27954 only when the inferior exited with some code.
27955
27956 @item =thread-created,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
27957 @itemx =thread-exited,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
27958 A thread either was created, or has exited. The @var{id} field
27959 contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread. The @var{gid}
27960 field identifies the thread group this thread belongs to.
27961
27962 @item =thread-selected,id="@var{id}"
27963 Informs that the selected thread was changed as result of the last
27964 command. This notification is not emitted as result of @code{-thread-select}
27965 command but is emitted whenever an MI command that is not documented
27966 to change the selected thread actually changes it. In particular,
27967 invoking, directly or indirectly (via user-defined command), the CLI
27968 @code{thread} command, will generate this notification.
27969
27970 We suggest that in response to this notification, front ends
27971 highlight the selected thread and cause subsequent commands to apply to
27972 that thread.
27973
27974 @item =library-loaded,...
27975 Reports that a new library file was loaded by the program. This
27976 notification has 4 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name},
27977 @var{host-name}, and @var{symbols-loaded}. The @var{id} field is an
27978 opaque identifier of the library. For remote debugging case,
27979 @var{target-name} and @var{host-name} fields give the name of the
27980 library file on the target, and on the host respectively. For native
27981 debugging, both those fields have the same value. The
27982 @var{symbols-loaded} field is emitted only for backward compatibility
27983 and should not be relied on to convey any useful information. The
27984 @var{thread-group} field, if present, specifies the id of the thread
27985 group in whose context the library was loaded. If the field is
27986 absent, it means the library was loaded in the context of all present
27987 thread groups.
27988
27989 @item =library-unloaded,...
27990 Reports that a library was unloaded by the program. This notification
27991 has 3 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name} and @var{host-name} with
27992 the same meaning as for the @code{=library-loaded} notification.
27993 The @var{thread-group} field, if present, specifies the id of the
27994 thread group in whose context the library was unloaded. If the field is
27995 absent, it means the library was unloaded in the context of all present
27996 thread groups.
27997
27998 @item =traceframe-changed,num=@var{tfnum},tracepoint=@var{tpnum}
27999 @itemx =traceframe-changed,end
28000 Reports that the trace frame was changed and its new number is
28001 @var{tfnum}. The number of the tracepoint associated with this trace
28002 frame is @var{tpnum}.
28003
28004 @item =tsv-created,name=@var{name},initial=@var{initial}
28005 Reports that the new trace state variable @var{name} is created with
28006 initial value @var{initial}.
28007
28008 @item =tsv-deleted,name=@var{name}
28009 @itemx =tsv-deleted
28010 Reports that the trace state variable @var{name} is deleted or all
28011 trace state variables are deleted.
28012
28013 @item =tsv-modified,name=@var{name},initial=@var{initial}[,current=@var{current}]
28014 Reports that the trace state variable @var{name} is modified with
28015 the initial value @var{initial}. The current value @var{current} of
28016 trace state variable is optional and is reported if the current
28017 value of trace state variable is known.
28018
28019 @item =breakpoint-created,bkpt=@{...@}
28020 @itemx =breakpoint-modified,bkpt=@{...@}
28021 @itemx =breakpoint-deleted,id=@var{number}
28022 Reports that a breakpoint was created, modified, or deleted,
28023 respectively. Only user-visible breakpoints are reported to the MI
28024 user.
28025
28026 The @var{bkpt} argument is of the same form as returned by the various
28027 breakpoint commands; @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands}. The
28028 @var{number} is the ordinal number of the breakpoint.
28029
28030 Note that if a breakpoint is emitted in the result record of a
28031 command, then it will not also be emitted in an async record.
28032
28033 @item =record-started,thread-group="@var{id}"
28034 @itemx =record-stopped,thread-group="@var{id}"
28035 Execution log recording was either started or stopped on an
28036 inferior. The @var{id} is the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread
28037 group corresponding to the affected inferior.
28038
28039 @item =cmd-param-changed,param=@var{param},value=@var{value}
28040 Reports that a parameter of the command @code{set @var{param}} is
28041 changed to @var{value}. In the multi-word @code{set} command,
28042 the @var{param} is the whole parameter list to @code{set} command.
28043 For example, In command @code{set check type on}, @var{param}
28044 is @code{check type} and @var{value} is @code{on}.
28045
28046 @item =memory-changed,thread-group=@var{id},addr=@var{addr},len=@var{len}[,type="code"]
28047 Reports that bytes from @var{addr} to @var{data} + @var{len} were
28048 written in an inferior. The @var{id} is the identifier of the
28049 thread group corresponding to the affected inferior. The optional
28050 @code{type="code"} part is reported if the memory written to holds
28051 executable code.
28052 @end table
28053
28054 @node GDB/MI Breakpoint Information
28055 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Breakpoint Information
28056
28057 When @value{GDBN} reports information about a breakpoint, a
28058 tracepoint, a watchpoint, or a catchpoint, it uses a tuple with the
28059 following fields:
28060
28061 @table @code
28062 @item number
28063 The breakpoint number. For a breakpoint that represents one location
28064 of a multi-location breakpoint, this will be a dotted pair, like
28065 @samp{1.2}.
28066
28067 @item type
28068 The type of the breakpoint. For ordinary breakpoints this will be
28069 @samp{breakpoint}, but many values are possible.
28070
28071 @item catch-type
28072 If the type of the breakpoint is @samp{catchpoint}, then this
28073 indicates the exact type of catchpoint.
28074
28075 @item disp
28076 This is the breakpoint disposition---either @samp{del}, meaning that
28077 the breakpoint will be deleted at the next stop, or @samp{keep},
28078 meaning that the breakpoint will not be deleted.
28079
28080 @item enabled
28081 This indicates whether the breakpoint is enabled, in which case the
28082 value is @samp{y}, or disabled, in which case the value is @samp{n}.
28083 Note that this is not the same as the field @code{enable}.
28084
28085 @item addr
28086 The address of the breakpoint. This may be a hexidecimal number,
28087 giving the address; or the string @samp{<PENDING>}, for a pending
28088 breakpoint; or the string @samp{<MULTIPLE>}, for a breakpoint with
28089 multiple locations. This field will not be present if no address can
28090 be determined. For example, a watchpoint does not have an address.
28091
28092 @item func
28093 If known, the function in which the breakpoint appears.
28094 If not known, this field is not present.
28095
28096 @item filename
28097 The name of the source file which contains this function, if known.
28098 If not known, this field is not present.
28099
28100 @item fullname
28101 The full file name of the source file which contains this function, if
28102 known. If not known, this field is not present.
28103
28104 @item line
28105 The line number at which this breakpoint appears, if known.
28106 If not known, this field is not present.
28107
28108 @item at
28109 If the source file is not known, this field may be provided. If
28110 provided, this holds the address of the breakpoint, possibly followed
28111 by a symbol name.
28112
28113 @item pending
28114 If this breakpoint is pending, this field is present and holds the
28115 text used to set the breakpoint, as entered by the user.
28116
28117 @item evaluated-by
28118 Where this breakpoint's condition is evaluated, either @samp{host} or
28119 @samp{target}.
28120
28121 @item thread
28122 If this is a thread-specific breakpoint, then this identifies the
28123 thread in which the breakpoint can trigger.
28124
28125 @item task
28126 If this breakpoint is restricted to a particular Ada task, then this
28127 field will hold the task identifier.
28128
28129 @item cond
28130 If the breakpoint is conditional, this is the condition expression.
28131
28132 @item ignore
28133 The ignore count of the breakpoint.
28134
28135 @item enable
28136 The enable count of the breakpoint.
28137
28138 @item traceframe-usage
28139 FIXME.
28140
28141 @item static-tracepoint-marker-string-id
28142 For a static tracepoint, the name of the static tracepoint marker.
28143
28144 @item mask
28145 For a masked watchpoint, this is the mask.
28146
28147 @item pass
28148 A tracepoint's pass count.
28149
28150 @item original-location
28151 The location of the breakpoint as originally specified by the user.
28152 This field is optional.
28153
28154 @item times
28155 The number of times the breakpoint has been hit.
28156
28157 @item installed
28158 This field is only given for tracepoints. This is either @samp{y},
28159 meaning that the tracepoint is installed, or @samp{n}, meaning that it
28160 is not.
28161
28162 @item what
28163 Some extra data, the exact contents of which are type-dependent.
28164
28165 @end table
28166
28167 For example, here is what the output of @code{-break-insert}
28168 (@pxref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands}) might be:
28169
28170 @smallexample
28171 -> -break-insert main
28172 <- ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
28173 enabled="y",addr="0x08048564",func="main",file="myprog.c",
28174 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68",thread-groups=["i1"],
28175 times="0"@}
28176 <- (gdb)
28177 @end smallexample
28178
28179 @node GDB/MI Frame Information
28180 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Frame Information
28181
28182 Response from many MI commands includes an information about stack
28183 frame. This information is a tuple that may have the following
28184 fields:
28185
28186 @table @code
28187 @item level
28188 The level of the stack frame. The innermost frame has the level of
28189 zero. This field is always present.
28190
28191 @item func
28192 The name of the function corresponding to the frame. This field may
28193 be absent if @value{GDBN} is unable to determine the function name.
28194
28195 @item addr
28196 The code address for the frame. This field is always present.
28197
28198 @item file
28199 The name of the source files that correspond to the frame's code
28200 address. This field may be absent.
28201
28202 @item line
28203 The source line corresponding to the frames' code address. This field
28204 may be absent.
28205
28206 @item from
28207 The name of the binary file (either executable or shared library) the
28208 corresponds to the frame's code address. This field may be absent.
28209
28210 @end table
28211
28212 @node GDB/MI Thread Information
28213 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Information
28214
28215 Whenever @value{GDBN} has to report an information about a thread, it
28216 uses a tuple with the following fields:
28217
28218 @table @code
28219 @item id
28220 The numeric id assigned to the thread by @value{GDBN}. This field is
28221 always present.
28222
28223 @item target-id
28224 Target-specific string identifying the thread. This field is always present.
28225
28226 @item details
28227 Additional information about the thread provided by the target.
28228 It is supposed to be human-readable and not interpreted by the
28229 frontend. This field is optional.
28230
28231 @item state
28232 Either @samp{stopped} or @samp{running}, depending on whether the
28233 thread is presently running. This field is always present.
28234
28235 @item core
28236 The value of this field is an integer number of the processor core the
28237 thread was last seen on. This field is optional.
28238 @end table
28239
28240 @node GDB/MI Ada Exception Information
28241 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Ada Exception Information
28242
28243 Whenever a @code{*stopped} record is emitted because the program
28244 stopped after hitting an exception catchpoint (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}),
28245 @value{GDBN} provides the name of the exception that was raised via
28246 the @code{exception-name} field.
28247
28248 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28249 @node GDB/MI Simple Examples
28250 @section Simple Examples of @sc{gdb/mi} Interaction
28251 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, simple examples
28252
28253 This subsection presents several simple examples of interaction using
28254 the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. In these examples, @samp{->} means that the
28255 following line is passed to @sc{gdb/mi} as input, while @samp{<-} means
28256 the output received from @sc{gdb/mi}.
28257
28258 Note the line breaks shown in the examples are here only for
28259 readability, they don't appear in the real output.
28260
28261 @subheading Setting a Breakpoint
28262
28263 Setting a breakpoint generates synchronous output which contains detailed
28264 information of the breakpoint.
28265
28266 @smallexample
28267 -> -break-insert main
28268 <- ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
28269 enabled="y",addr="0x08048564",func="main",file="myprog.c",
28270 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68",thread-groups=["i1"],
28271 times="0"@}
28272 <- (gdb)
28273 @end smallexample
28274
28275 @subheading Program Execution
28276
28277 Program execution generates asynchronous records and MI gives the
28278 reason that execution stopped.
28279
28280 @smallexample
28281 -> -exec-run
28282 <- ^running
28283 <- (gdb)
28284 <- *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
28285 frame=@{addr="0x08048564",func="main",
28286 args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},@{name="argv",value="0xbfc4d4d4"@}],
28287 file="myprog.c",fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68"@}
28288 <- (gdb)
28289 -> -exec-continue
28290 <- ^running
28291 <- (gdb)
28292 <- *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
28293 <- (gdb)
28294 @end smallexample
28295
28296 @subheading Quitting @value{GDBN}
28297
28298 Quitting @value{GDBN} just prints the result class @samp{^exit}.
28299
28300 @smallexample
28301 -> (gdb)
28302 <- -gdb-exit
28303 <- ^exit
28304 @end smallexample
28305
28306 Please note that @samp{^exit} is printed immediately, but it might
28307 take some time for @value{GDBN} to actually exit. During that time, @value{GDBN}
28308 performs necessary cleanups, including killing programs being debugged
28309 or disconnecting from debug hardware, so the frontend should wait till
28310 @value{GDBN} exits and should only forcibly kill @value{GDBN} if it
28311 fails to exit in reasonable time.
28312
28313 @subheading A Bad Command
28314
28315 Here's what happens if you pass a non-existent command:
28316
28317 @smallexample
28318 -> -rubbish
28319 <- ^error,msg="Undefined MI command: rubbish"
28320 <- (gdb)
28321 @end smallexample
28322
28323
28324 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28325 @node GDB/MI Command Description Format
28326 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Description Format
28327
28328 The remaining sections describe blocks of commands. Each block of
28329 commands is laid out in a fashion similar to this section.
28330
28331 @subheading Motivation
28332
28333 The motivation for this collection of commands.
28334
28335 @subheading Introduction
28336
28337 A brief introduction to this collection of commands as a whole.
28338
28339 @subheading Commands
28340
28341 For each command in the block, the following is described:
28342
28343 @subsubheading Synopsis
28344
28345 @smallexample
28346 -command @var{args}@dots{}
28347 @end smallexample
28348
28349 @subsubheading Result
28350
28351 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28352
28353 The corresponding @value{GDBN} CLI command(s), if any.
28354
28355 @subsubheading Example
28356
28357 Example(s) formatted for readability. Some of the described commands have
28358 not been implemented yet and these are labeled N.A.@: (not available).
28359
28360
28361 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28362 @node GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands
28363 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Breakpoint Commands
28364
28365 @cindex breakpoint commands for @sc{gdb/mi}
28366 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, breakpoint commands
28367 This section documents @sc{gdb/mi} commands for manipulating
28368 breakpoints.
28369
28370 @subheading The @code{-break-after} Command
28371 @findex -break-after
28372
28373 @subsubheading Synopsis
28374
28375 @smallexample
28376 -break-after @var{number} @var{count}
28377 @end smallexample
28378
28379 The breakpoint number @var{number} is not in effect until it has been
28380 hit @var{count} times. To see how this is reflected in the output of
28381 the @samp{-break-list} command, see the description of the
28382 @samp{-break-list} command below.
28383
28384 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28385
28386 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ignore}.
28387
28388 @subsubheading Example
28389
28390 @smallexample
28391 (gdb)
28392 -break-insert main
28393 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
28394 enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
28395 fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],
28396 times="0"@}
28397 (gdb)
28398 -break-after 1 3
28399 ~
28400 ^done
28401 (gdb)
28402 -break-list
28403 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
28404 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28405 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28406 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28407 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28408 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28409 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28410 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28411 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
28412 line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
28413 (gdb)
28414 @end smallexample
28415
28416 @ignore
28417 @subheading The @code{-break-catch} Command
28418 @findex -break-catch
28419 @end ignore
28420
28421 @subheading The @code{-break-commands} Command
28422 @findex -break-commands
28423
28424 @subsubheading Synopsis
28425
28426 @smallexample
28427 -break-commands @var{number} [ @var{command1} ... @var{commandN} ]
28428 @end smallexample
28429
28430 Specifies the CLI commands that should be executed when breakpoint
28431 @var{number} is hit. The parameters @var{command1} to @var{commandN}
28432 are the commands. If no command is specified, any previously-set
28433 commands are cleared. @xref{Break Commands}. Typical use of this
28434 functionality is tracing a program, that is, printing of values of
28435 some variables whenever breakpoint is hit and then continuing.
28436
28437 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28438
28439 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{commands}.
28440
28441 @subsubheading Example
28442
28443 @smallexample
28444 (gdb)
28445 -break-insert main
28446 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
28447 enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
28448 fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],
28449 times="0"@}
28450 (gdb)
28451 -break-commands 1 "print v" "continue"
28452 ^done
28453 (gdb)
28454 @end smallexample
28455
28456 @subheading The @code{-break-condition} Command
28457 @findex -break-condition
28458
28459 @subsubheading Synopsis
28460
28461 @smallexample
28462 -break-condition @var{number} @var{expr}
28463 @end smallexample
28464
28465 Breakpoint @var{number} will stop the program only if the condition in
28466 @var{expr} is true. The condition becomes part of the
28467 @samp{-break-list} output (see the description of the @samp{-break-list}
28468 command below).
28469
28470 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28471
28472 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{condition}.
28473
28474 @subsubheading Example
28475
28476 @smallexample
28477 (gdb)
28478 -break-condition 1 1
28479 ^done
28480 (gdb)
28481 -break-list
28482 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
28483 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28484 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28485 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28486 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28487 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28488 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28489 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28490 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
28491 line="5",cond="1",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
28492 (gdb)
28493 @end smallexample
28494
28495 @subheading The @code{-break-delete} Command
28496 @findex -break-delete
28497
28498 @subsubheading Synopsis
28499
28500 @smallexample
28501 -break-delete ( @var{breakpoint} )+
28502 @end smallexample
28503
28504 Delete the breakpoint(s) whose number(s) are specified in the argument
28505 list. This is obviously reflected in the breakpoint list.
28506
28507 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28508
28509 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{delete}.
28510
28511 @subsubheading Example
28512
28513 @smallexample
28514 (gdb)
28515 -break-delete 1
28516 ^done
28517 (gdb)
28518 -break-list
28519 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
28520 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28521 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28522 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28523 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28524 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28525 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28526 body=[]@}
28527 (gdb)
28528 @end smallexample
28529
28530 @subheading The @code{-break-disable} Command
28531 @findex -break-disable
28532
28533 @subsubheading Synopsis
28534
28535 @smallexample
28536 -break-disable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
28537 @end smallexample
28538
28539 Disable the named @var{breakpoint}(s). The field @samp{enabled} in the
28540 break list is now set to @samp{n} for the named @var{breakpoint}(s).
28541
28542 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28543
28544 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disable}.
28545
28546 @subsubheading Example
28547
28548 @smallexample
28549 (gdb)
28550 -break-disable 2
28551 ^done
28552 (gdb)
28553 -break-list
28554 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
28555 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28556 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28557 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28558 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28559 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28560 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28561 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="n",
28562 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
28563 line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
28564 (gdb)
28565 @end smallexample
28566
28567 @subheading The @code{-break-enable} Command
28568 @findex -break-enable
28569
28570 @subsubheading Synopsis
28571
28572 @smallexample
28573 -break-enable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
28574 @end smallexample
28575
28576 Enable (previously disabled) @var{breakpoint}(s).
28577
28578 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28579
28580 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{enable}.
28581
28582 @subsubheading Example
28583
28584 @smallexample
28585 (gdb)
28586 -break-enable 2
28587 ^done
28588 (gdb)
28589 -break-list
28590 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
28591 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28592 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28593 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28594 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28595 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28596 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28597 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28598 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
28599 line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
28600 (gdb)
28601 @end smallexample
28602
28603 @subheading The @code{-break-info} Command
28604 @findex -break-info
28605
28606 @subsubheading Synopsis
28607
28608 @smallexample
28609 -break-info @var{breakpoint}
28610 @end smallexample
28611
28612 @c REDUNDANT???
28613 Get information about a single breakpoint.
28614
28615 The result is a table of breakpoints. @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint
28616 Information}, for details on the format of each breakpoint in the
28617 table.
28618
28619 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28620
28621 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break @var{breakpoint}}.
28622
28623 @subsubheading Example
28624 N.A.
28625
28626 @subheading The @code{-break-insert} Command
28627 @findex -break-insert
28628
28629 @subsubheading Synopsis
28630
28631 @smallexample
28632 -break-insert [ -t ] [ -h ] [ -f ] [ -d ] [ -a ]
28633 [ -c @var{condition} ] [ -i @var{ignore-count} ]
28634 [ -p @var{thread-id} ] [ @var{location} ]
28635 @end smallexample
28636
28637 @noindent
28638 If specified, @var{location}, can be one of:
28639
28640 @itemize @bullet
28641 @item function
28642 @c @item +offset
28643 @c @item -offset
28644 @c @item linenum
28645 @item filename:linenum
28646 @item filename:function
28647 @item *address
28648 @end itemize
28649
28650 The possible optional parameters of this command are:
28651
28652 @table @samp
28653 @item -t
28654 Insert a temporary breakpoint.
28655 @item -h
28656 Insert a hardware breakpoint.
28657 @item -f
28658 If @var{location} cannot be parsed (for example if it
28659 refers to unknown files or functions), create a pending
28660 breakpoint. Without this flag, @value{GDBN} will report
28661 an error, and won't create a breakpoint, if @var{location}
28662 cannot be parsed.
28663 @item -d
28664 Create a disabled breakpoint.
28665 @item -a
28666 Create a tracepoint. @xref{Tracepoints}. When this parameter
28667 is used together with @samp{-h}, a fast tracepoint is created.
28668 @item -c @var{condition}
28669 Make the breakpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
28670 @item -i @var{ignore-count}
28671 Initialize the @var{ignore-count}.
28672 @item -p @var{thread-id}
28673 Restrict the breakpoint to the specified @var{thread-id}.
28674 @end table
28675
28676 @subsubheading Result
28677
28678 @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Information}, for details on the format of the
28679 resulting breakpoint.
28680
28681 Note: this format is open to change.
28682 @c An out-of-band breakpoint instead of part of the result?
28683
28684 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28685
28686 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{break}, @samp{tbreak},
28687 @samp{hbreak}, and @samp{thbreak}. @c and @samp{rbreak}.
28688
28689 @subsubheading Example
28690
28691 @smallexample
28692 (gdb)
28693 -break-insert main
28694 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",
28695 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="4",thread-groups=["i1"],
28696 times="0"@}
28697 (gdb)
28698 -break-insert -t foo
28699 ^done,bkpt=@{number="2",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c",
28700 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="11",thread-groups=["i1"],
28701 times="0"@}
28702 (gdb)
28703 -break-list
28704 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
28705 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28706 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28707 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28708 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28709 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28710 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28711 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28712 addr="0x0001072c", func="main",file="recursive2.c",
28713 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,"line="4",thread-groups=["i1"],
28714 times="0"@},
28715 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="del",enabled="y",
28716 addr="0x00010774",func="foo",file="recursive2.c",
28717 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",thread-groups=["i1"],
28718 times="0"@}]@}
28719 (gdb)
28720 @c -break-insert -r foo.*
28721 @c ~int foo(int, int);
28722 @c ^done,bkpt=@{number="3",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c,
28723 @c "fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",thread-groups=["i1"],
28724 @c times="0"@}
28725 @c (gdb)
28726 @end smallexample
28727
28728 @subheading The @code{-break-list} Command
28729 @findex -break-list
28730
28731 @subsubheading Synopsis
28732
28733 @smallexample
28734 -break-list
28735 @end smallexample
28736
28737 Displays the list of inserted breakpoints, showing the following fields:
28738
28739 @table @samp
28740 @item Number
28741 number of the breakpoint
28742 @item Type
28743 type of the breakpoint: @samp{breakpoint} or @samp{watchpoint}
28744 @item Disposition
28745 should the breakpoint be deleted or disabled when it is hit: @samp{keep}
28746 or @samp{nokeep}
28747 @item Enabled
28748 is the breakpoint enabled or no: @samp{y} or @samp{n}
28749 @item Address
28750 memory location at which the breakpoint is set
28751 @item What
28752 logical location of the breakpoint, expressed by function name, file
28753 name, line number
28754 @item Thread-groups
28755 list of thread groups to which this breakpoint applies
28756 @item Times
28757 number of times the breakpoint has been hit
28758 @end table
28759
28760 If there are no breakpoints or watchpoints, the @code{BreakpointTable}
28761 @code{body} field is an empty list.
28762
28763 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28764
28765 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break}.
28766
28767 @subsubheading Example
28768
28769 @smallexample
28770 (gdb)
28771 -break-list
28772 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
28773 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28774 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28775 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28776 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28777 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28778 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28779 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28780 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],
28781 times="0"@},
28782 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28783 addr="0x00010114",func="foo",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
28784 line="13",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
28785 (gdb)
28786 @end smallexample
28787
28788 Here's an example of the result when there are no breakpoints:
28789
28790 @smallexample
28791 (gdb)
28792 -break-list
28793 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
28794 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28795 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28796 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28797 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28798 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28799 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28800 body=[]@}
28801 (gdb)
28802 @end smallexample
28803
28804 @subheading The @code{-break-passcount} Command
28805 @findex -break-passcount
28806
28807 @subsubheading Synopsis
28808
28809 @smallexample
28810 -break-passcount @var{tracepoint-number} @var{passcount}
28811 @end smallexample
28812
28813 Set the passcount for tracepoint @var{tracepoint-number} to
28814 @var{passcount}. If the breakpoint referred to by @var{tracepoint-number}
28815 is not a tracepoint, error is emitted. This corresponds to CLI
28816 command @samp{passcount}.
28817
28818 @subheading The @code{-break-watch} Command
28819 @findex -break-watch
28820
28821 @subsubheading Synopsis
28822
28823 @smallexample
28824 -break-watch [ -a | -r ]
28825 @end smallexample
28826
28827 Create a watchpoint. With the @samp{-a} option it will create an
28828 @dfn{access} watchpoint, i.e., a watchpoint that triggers either on a
28829 read from or on a write to the memory location. With the @samp{-r}
28830 option, the watchpoint created is a @dfn{read} watchpoint, i.e., it will
28831 trigger only when the memory location is accessed for reading. Without
28832 either of the options, the watchpoint created is a regular watchpoint,
28833 i.e., it will trigger when the memory location is accessed for writing.
28834 @xref{Set Watchpoints, , Setting Watchpoints}.
28835
28836 Note that @samp{-break-list} will report a single list of watchpoints and
28837 breakpoints inserted.
28838
28839 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28840
28841 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{watch}, @samp{awatch}, and
28842 @samp{rwatch}.
28843
28844 @subsubheading Example
28845
28846 Setting a watchpoint on a variable in the @code{main} function:
28847
28848 @smallexample
28849 (gdb)
28850 -break-watch x
28851 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@}
28852 (gdb)
28853 -exec-continue
28854 ^running
28855 (gdb)
28856 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@},
28857 value=@{old="-268439212",new="55"@},
28858 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
28859 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="5"@}
28860 (gdb)
28861 @end smallexample
28862
28863 Setting a watchpoint on a variable local to a function. @value{GDBN} will stop
28864 the program execution twice: first for the variable changing value, then
28865 for the watchpoint going out of scope.
28866
28867 @smallexample
28868 (gdb)
28869 -break-watch C
28870 ^done,wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@}
28871 (gdb)
28872 -exec-continue
28873 ^running
28874 (gdb)
28875 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",
28876 wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@},value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
28877 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
28878 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28879 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
28880 (gdb)
28881 -exec-continue
28882 ^running
28883 (gdb)
28884 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="5",
28885 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
28886 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
28887 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28888 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
28889 (gdb)
28890 @end smallexample
28891
28892 Listing breakpoints and watchpoints, at different points in the program
28893 execution. Note that once the watchpoint goes out of scope, it is
28894 deleted.
28895
28896 @smallexample
28897 (gdb)
28898 -break-watch C
28899 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@}
28900 (gdb)
28901 -break-list
28902 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
28903 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28904 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28905 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28906 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28907 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28908 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28909 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28910 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
28911 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28912 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c"line="8",thread-groups=["i1"],
28913 times="1"@},
28914 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
28915 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
28916 (gdb)
28917 -exec-continue
28918 ^running
28919 (gdb)
28920 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@},
28921 value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
28922 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
28923 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28924 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
28925 (gdb)
28926 -break-list
28927 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
28928 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28929 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28930 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28931 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28932 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28933 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28934 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28935 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
28936 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28937 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",thread-groups=["i1"],
28938 times="1"@},
28939 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
28940 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",thread-groups=["i1"],times="-5"@}]@}
28941 (gdb)
28942 -exec-continue
28943 ^running
28944 ^done,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="2",
28945 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
28946 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
28947 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28948 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
28949 (gdb)
28950 -break-list
28951 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
28952 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28953 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28954 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28955 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28956 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28957 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28958 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28959 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
28960 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28961 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",
28962 thread-groups=["i1"],times="1"@}]@}
28963 (gdb)
28964 @end smallexample
28965
28966
28967 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28968 @node GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands
28969 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Catchpoint Commands
28970
28971 This section documents @sc{gdb/mi} commands for manipulating
28972 catchpoints.
28973
28974 @subheading The @code{-catch-load} Command
28975 @findex -catch-load
28976
28977 @subsubheading Synopsis
28978
28979 @smallexample
28980 -catch-load [ -t ] [ -d ] @var{regexp}
28981 @end smallexample
28982
28983 Add a catchpoint for library load events. If the @samp{-t} option is used,
28984 the catchpoint is a temporary one (@pxref{Set Breaks, ,Setting
28985 Breakpoints}). If the @samp{-d} option is used, the catchpoint is created
28986 in a disabled state. The @samp{regexp} argument is a regular
28987 expression used to match the name of the loaded library.
28988
28989
28990 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28991
28992 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{catch load}.
28993
28994 @subsubheading Example
28995
28996 @smallexample
28997 -catch-load -t foo.so
28998 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="catchpoint",disp="del",enabled="y",
28999 what="load of library matching foo.so",catch-type="load",times="0"@}
29000 (gdb)
29001 @end smallexample
29002
29003
29004 @subheading The @code{-catch-unload} Command
29005 @findex -catch-unload
29006
29007 @subsubheading Synopsis
29008
29009 @smallexample
29010 -catch-unload [ -t ] [ -d ] @var{regexp}
29011 @end smallexample
29012
29013 Add a catchpoint for library unload events. If the @samp{-t} option is
29014 used, the catchpoint is a temporary one (@pxref{Set Breaks, ,Setting
29015 Breakpoints}). If the @samp{-d} option is used, the catchpoint is
29016 created in a disabled state. The @samp{regexp} argument is a regular
29017 expression used to match the name of the unloaded library.
29018
29019 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29020
29021 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{catch unload}.
29022
29023 @subsubheading Example
29024
29025 @smallexample
29026 -catch-unload -d bar.so
29027 ^done,bkpt=@{number="2",type="catchpoint",disp="keep",enabled="n",
29028 what="load of library matching bar.so",catch-type="unload",times="0"@}
29029 (gdb)
29030 @end smallexample
29031
29032
29033 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29034 @node GDB/MI Program Context
29035 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Context
29036
29037 @subheading The @code{-exec-arguments} Command
29038 @findex -exec-arguments
29039
29040
29041 @subsubheading Synopsis
29042
29043 @smallexample
29044 -exec-arguments @var{args}
29045 @end smallexample
29046
29047 Set the inferior program arguments, to be used in the next
29048 @samp{-exec-run}.
29049
29050 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29051
29052 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set args}.
29053
29054 @subsubheading Example
29055
29056 @smallexample
29057 (gdb)
29058 -exec-arguments -v word
29059 ^done
29060 (gdb)
29061 @end smallexample
29062
29063
29064 @ignore
29065 @subheading The @code{-exec-show-arguments} Command
29066 @findex -exec-show-arguments
29067
29068 @subsubheading Synopsis
29069
29070 @smallexample
29071 -exec-show-arguments
29072 @end smallexample
29073
29074 Print the arguments of the program.
29075
29076 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29077
29078 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show args}.
29079
29080 @subsubheading Example
29081 N.A.
29082 @end ignore
29083
29084
29085 @subheading The @code{-environment-cd} Command
29086 @findex -environment-cd
29087
29088 @subsubheading Synopsis
29089
29090 @smallexample
29091 -environment-cd @var{pathdir}
29092 @end smallexample
29093
29094 Set @value{GDBN}'s working directory.
29095
29096 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29097
29098 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{cd}.
29099
29100 @subsubheading Example
29101
29102 @smallexample
29103 (gdb)
29104 -environment-cd /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
29105 ^done
29106 (gdb)
29107 @end smallexample
29108
29109
29110 @subheading The @code{-environment-directory} Command
29111 @findex -environment-directory
29112
29113 @subsubheading Synopsis
29114
29115 @smallexample
29116 -environment-directory [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
29117 @end smallexample
29118
29119 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for source files.
29120 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the default
29121 search path. If directories @var{pathdir} are supplied in addition to the
29122 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
29123 occurs as normal.
29124 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
29125 multiple directories in a single command
29126 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
29127 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
29128 If blanks are needed as
29129 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
29130 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
29131 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
29132 character must not be used
29133 in any directory name.
29134 If no directories are specified, the current search path is displayed.
29135
29136 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29137
29138 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{dir}.
29139
29140 @subsubheading Example
29141
29142 @smallexample
29143 (gdb)
29144 -environment-directory /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
29145 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
29146 (gdb)
29147 -environment-directory ""
29148 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
29149 (gdb)
29150 -environment-directory -r /home/jjohnstn/src/gdb /usr/src
29151 ^done,source-path="/home/jjohnstn/src/gdb:/usr/src:$cdir:$cwd"
29152 (gdb)
29153 -environment-directory -r
29154 ^done,source-path="$cdir:$cwd"
29155 (gdb)
29156 @end smallexample
29157
29158
29159 @subheading The @code{-environment-path} Command
29160 @findex -environment-path
29161
29162 @subsubheading Synopsis
29163
29164 @smallexample
29165 -environment-path [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
29166 @end smallexample
29167
29168 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for object files.
29169 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the original
29170 search path that existed at gdb start-up. If directories @var{pathdir} are
29171 supplied in addition to the
29172 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
29173 occurs as normal.
29174 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
29175 multiple directories in a single command
29176 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
29177 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
29178 If blanks are needed as
29179 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
29180 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
29181 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
29182 character must not be used
29183 in any directory name.
29184 If no directories are specified, the current path is displayed.
29185
29186
29187 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29188
29189 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{path}.
29190
29191 @subsubheading Example
29192
29193 @smallexample
29194 (gdb)
29195 -environment-path
29196 ^done,path="/usr/bin"
29197 (gdb)
29198 -environment-path /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb /bin
29199 ^done,path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb:/bin:/usr/bin"
29200 (gdb)
29201 -environment-path -r /usr/local/bin
29202 ^done,path="/usr/local/bin:/usr/bin"
29203 (gdb)
29204 @end smallexample
29205
29206
29207 @subheading The @code{-environment-pwd} Command
29208 @findex -environment-pwd
29209
29210 @subsubheading Synopsis
29211
29212 @smallexample
29213 -environment-pwd
29214 @end smallexample
29215
29216 Show the current working directory.
29217
29218 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29219
29220 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{pwd}.
29221
29222 @subsubheading Example
29223
29224 @smallexample
29225 (gdb)
29226 -environment-pwd
29227 ^done,cwd="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb"
29228 (gdb)
29229 @end smallexample
29230
29231 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29232 @node GDB/MI Thread Commands
29233 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Commands
29234
29235
29236 @subheading The @code{-thread-info} Command
29237 @findex -thread-info
29238
29239 @subsubheading Synopsis
29240
29241 @smallexample
29242 -thread-info [ @var{thread-id} ]
29243 @end smallexample
29244
29245 Reports information about either a specific thread, if
29246 the @var{thread-id} parameter is present, or about all
29247 threads. When printing information about all threads,
29248 also reports the current thread.
29249
29250 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29251
29252 The @samp{info thread} command prints the same information
29253 about all threads.
29254
29255 @subsubheading Result
29256
29257 The result is a list of threads. The following attributes are
29258 defined for a given thread:
29259
29260 @table @samp
29261 @item current
29262 This field exists only for the current thread. It has the value @samp{*}.
29263
29264 @item id
29265 The identifier that @value{GDBN} uses to refer to the thread.
29266
29267 @item target-id
29268 The identifier that the target uses to refer to the thread.
29269
29270 @item details
29271 Extra information about the thread, in a target-specific format. This
29272 field is optional.
29273
29274 @item name
29275 The name of the thread. If the user specified a name using the
29276 @code{thread name} command, then this name is given. Otherwise, if
29277 @value{GDBN} can extract the thread name from the target, then that
29278 name is given. If @value{GDBN} cannot find the thread name, then this
29279 field is omitted.
29280
29281 @item frame
29282 The stack frame currently executing in the thread.
29283
29284 @item state
29285 The thread's state. The @samp{state} field may have the following
29286 values:
29287
29288 @table @code
29289 @item stopped
29290 The thread is stopped. Frame information is available for stopped
29291 threads.
29292
29293 @item running
29294 The thread is running. There's no frame information for running
29295 threads.
29296
29297 @end table
29298
29299 @item core
29300 If @value{GDBN} can find the CPU core on which this thread is running,
29301 then this field is the core identifier. This field is optional.
29302
29303 @end table
29304
29305 @subsubheading Example
29306
29307 @smallexample
29308 -thread-info
29309 ^done,threads=[
29310 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
29311 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",
29312 args=[]@},state="running"@},
29313 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
29314 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",
29315 args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
29316 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},
29317 state="running"@}],
29318 current-thread-id="1"
29319 (gdb)
29320 @end smallexample
29321
29322 @subheading The @code{-thread-list-ids} Command
29323 @findex -thread-list-ids
29324
29325 @subsubheading Synopsis
29326
29327 @smallexample
29328 -thread-list-ids
29329 @end smallexample
29330
29331 Produces a list of the currently known @value{GDBN} thread ids. At the
29332 end of the list it also prints the total number of such threads.
29333
29334 This command is retained for historical reasons, the
29335 @code{-thread-info} command should be used instead.
29336
29337 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29338
29339 Part of @samp{info threads} supplies the same information.
29340
29341 @subsubheading Example
29342
29343 @smallexample
29344 (gdb)
29345 -thread-list-ids
29346 ^done,thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
29347 current-thread-id="1",number-of-threads="3"
29348 (gdb)
29349 @end smallexample
29350
29351
29352 @subheading The @code{-thread-select} Command
29353 @findex -thread-select
29354
29355 @subsubheading Synopsis
29356
29357 @smallexample
29358 -thread-select @var{threadnum}
29359 @end smallexample
29360
29361 Make @var{threadnum} the current thread. It prints the number of the new
29362 current thread, and the topmost frame for that thread.
29363
29364 This command is deprecated in favor of explicitly using the
29365 @samp{--thread} option to each command.
29366
29367 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29368
29369 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{thread}.
29370
29371 @subsubheading Example
29372
29373 @smallexample
29374 (gdb)
29375 -exec-next
29376 ^running
29377 (gdb)
29378 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",thread-id="2",line="187",
29379 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.threads/linux-dp.c"
29380 (gdb)
29381 -thread-list-ids
29382 ^done,
29383 thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
29384 number-of-threads="3"
29385 (gdb)
29386 -thread-select 3
29387 ^done,new-thread-id="3",
29388 frame=@{level="0",func="vprintf",
29389 args=[@{name="format",value="0x8048e9c \"%*s%c %d %c\\n\""@},
29390 @{name="arg",value="0x2"@}],file="vprintf.c",line="31"@}
29391 (gdb)
29392 @end smallexample
29393
29394 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29395 @node GDB/MI Ada Tasking Commands
29396 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Ada Tasking Commands
29397
29398 @subheading The @code{-ada-task-info} Command
29399 @findex -ada-task-info
29400
29401 @subsubheading Synopsis
29402
29403 @smallexample
29404 -ada-task-info [ @var{task-id} ]
29405 @end smallexample
29406
29407 Reports information about either a specific Ada task, if the
29408 @var{task-id} parameter is present, or about all Ada tasks.
29409
29410 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29411
29412 The @samp{info tasks} command prints the same information
29413 about all Ada tasks (@pxref{Ada Tasks}).
29414
29415 @subsubheading Result
29416
29417 The result is a table of Ada tasks. The following columns are
29418 defined for each Ada task:
29419
29420 @table @samp
29421 @item current
29422 This field exists only for the current thread. It has the value @samp{*}.
29423
29424 @item id
29425 The identifier that @value{GDBN} uses to refer to the Ada task.
29426
29427 @item task-id
29428 The identifier that the target uses to refer to the Ada task.
29429
29430 @item thread-id
29431 The identifier of the thread corresponding to the Ada task.
29432
29433 This field should always exist, as Ada tasks are always implemented
29434 on top of a thread. But if @value{GDBN} cannot find this corresponding
29435 thread for any reason, the field is omitted.
29436
29437 @item parent-id
29438 This field exists only when the task was created by another task.
29439 In this case, it provides the ID of the parent task.
29440
29441 @item priority
29442 The base priority of the task.
29443
29444 @item state
29445 The current state of the task. For a detailed description of the
29446 possible states, see @ref{Ada Tasks}.
29447
29448 @item name
29449 The name of the task.
29450
29451 @end table
29452
29453 @subsubheading Example
29454
29455 @smallexample
29456 -ada-task-info
29457 ^done,tasks=@{nr_rows="3",nr_cols="8",
29458 hdr=[@{width="1",alignment="-1",col_name="current",colhdr=""@},
29459 @{width="3",alignment="1",col_name="id",colhdr="ID"@},
29460 @{width="9",alignment="1",col_name="task-id",colhdr="TID"@},
29461 @{width="4",alignment="1",col_name="thread-id",colhdr=""@},
29462 @{width="4",alignment="1",col_name="parent-id",colhdr="P-ID"@},
29463 @{width="3",alignment="1",col_name="priority",colhdr="Pri"@},
29464 @{width="22",alignment="-1",col_name="state",colhdr="State"@},
29465 @{width="1",alignment="2",col_name="name",colhdr="Name"@}],
29466 body=[@{current="*",id="1",task-id=" 644010",thread-id="1",priority="48",
29467 state="Child Termination Wait",name="main_task"@}]@}
29468 (gdb)
29469 @end smallexample
29470
29471 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29472 @node GDB/MI Program Execution
29473 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Execution
29474
29475 These are the asynchronous commands which generate the out-of-band
29476 record @samp{*stopped}. Currently @value{GDBN} only really executes
29477 asynchronously with remote targets and this interaction is mimicked in
29478 other cases.
29479
29480 @subheading The @code{-exec-continue} Command
29481 @findex -exec-continue
29482
29483 @subsubheading Synopsis
29484
29485 @smallexample
29486 -exec-continue [--reverse] [--all|--thread-group N]
29487 @end smallexample
29488
29489 Resumes the execution of the inferior program, which will continue
29490 to execute until it reaches a debugger stop event. If the
29491 @samp{--reverse} option is specified, execution resumes in reverse until
29492 it reaches a stop event. Stop events may include
29493 @itemize @bullet
29494 @item
29495 breakpoints or watchpoints
29496 @item
29497 signals or exceptions
29498 @item
29499 the end of the process (or its beginning under @samp{--reverse})
29500 @item
29501 the end or beginning of a replay log if one is being used.
29502 @end itemize
29503 In all-stop mode (@pxref{All-Stop
29504 Mode}), may resume only one thread, or all threads, depending on the
29505 value of the @samp{scheduler-locking} variable. If @samp{--all} is
29506 specified, all threads (in all inferiors) will be resumed. The @samp{--all} option is
29507 ignored in all-stop mode. If the @samp{--thread-group} options is
29508 specified, then all threads in that thread group are resumed.
29509
29510 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29511
29512 The corresponding @value{GDBN} corresponding is @samp{continue}.
29513
29514 @subsubheading Example
29515
29516 @smallexample
29517 -exec-continue
29518 ^running
29519 (gdb)
29520 @@Hello world
29521 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="2",frame=@{
29522 func="foo",args=[],file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",
29523 line="13"@}
29524 (gdb)
29525 @end smallexample
29526
29527
29528 @subheading The @code{-exec-finish} Command
29529 @findex -exec-finish
29530
29531 @subsubheading Synopsis
29532
29533 @smallexample
29534 -exec-finish [--reverse]
29535 @end smallexample
29536
29537 Resumes the execution of the inferior program until the current
29538 function is exited. Displays the results returned by the function.
29539 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes the reverse
29540 execution of the inferior program until the point where current
29541 function was called.
29542
29543 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29544
29545 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{finish}.
29546
29547 @subsubheading Example
29548
29549 Function returning @code{void}.
29550
29551 @smallexample
29552 -exec-finish
29553 ^running
29554 (gdb)
29555 @@hello from foo
29556 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
29557 file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",line="7"@}
29558 (gdb)
29559 @end smallexample
29560
29561 Function returning other than @code{void}. The name of the internal
29562 @value{GDBN} variable storing the result is printed, together with the
29563 value itself.
29564
29565 @smallexample
29566 -exec-finish
29567 ^running
29568 (gdb)
29569 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{addr="0x000107b0",func="foo",
29570 args=[@{name="a",value="1"],@{name="b",value="9"@}@},
29571 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29572 gdb-result-var="$1",return-value="0"
29573 (gdb)
29574 @end smallexample
29575
29576
29577 @subheading The @code{-exec-interrupt} Command
29578 @findex -exec-interrupt
29579
29580 @subsubheading Synopsis
29581
29582 @smallexample
29583 -exec-interrupt [--all|--thread-group N]
29584 @end smallexample
29585
29586 Interrupts the background execution of the target. Note how the token
29587 associated with the stop message is the one for the execution command
29588 that has been interrupted. The token for the interrupt itself only
29589 appears in the @samp{^done} output. If the user is trying to
29590 interrupt a non-running program, an error message will be printed.
29591
29592 Note that when asynchronous execution is enabled, this command is
29593 asynchronous just like other execution commands. That is, first the
29594 @samp{^done} response will be printed, and the target stop will be
29595 reported after that using the @samp{*stopped} notification.
29596
29597 In non-stop mode, only the context thread is interrupted by default.
29598 All threads (in all inferiors) will be interrupted if the
29599 @samp{--all} option is specified. If the @samp{--thread-group}
29600 option is specified, all threads in that group will be interrupted.
29601
29602 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29603
29604 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interrupt}.
29605
29606 @subsubheading Example
29607
29608 @smallexample
29609 (gdb)
29610 111-exec-continue
29611 111^running
29612
29613 (gdb)
29614 222-exec-interrupt
29615 222^done
29616 (gdb)
29617 111*stopped,signal-name="SIGINT",signal-meaning="Interrupt",
29618 frame=@{addr="0x00010140",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
29619 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="13"@}
29620 (gdb)
29621
29622 (gdb)
29623 -exec-interrupt
29624 ^error,msg="mi_cmd_exec_interrupt: Inferior not executing."
29625 (gdb)
29626 @end smallexample
29627
29628 @subheading The @code{-exec-jump} Command
29629 @findex -exec-jump
29630
29631 @subsubheading Synopsis
29632
29633 @smallexample
29634 -exec-jump @var{location}
29635 @end smallexample
29636
29637 Resumes execution of the inferior program at the location specified by
29638 parameter. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description of the
29639 different forms of @var{location}.
29640
29641 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29642
29643 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{jump}.
29644
29645 @subsubheading Example
29646
29647 @smallexample
29648 -exec-jump foo.c:10
29649 *running,thread-id="all"
29650 ^running
29651 @end smallexample
29652
29653
29654 @subheading The @code{-exec-next} Command
29655 @findex -exec-next
29656
29657 @subsubheading Synopsis
29658
29659 @smallexample
29660 -exec-next [--reverse]
29661 @end smallexample
29662
29663 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
29664 of the next source line is reached.
29665
29666 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution
29667 of the inferior program, stopping at the beginning of the previous
29668 source line. If you issue this command on the first line of a
29669 function, it will take you back to the caller of that function, to the
29670 source line where the function was called.
29671
29672
29673 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29674
29675 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{next}.
29676
29677 @subsubheading Example
29678
29679 @smallexample
29680 -exec-next
29681 ^running
29682 (gdb)
29683 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="8",file="hello.c"
29684 (gdb)
29685 @end smallexample
29686
29687
29688 @subheading The @code{-exec-next-instruction} Command
29689 @findex -exec-next-instruction
29690
29691 @subsubheading Synopsis
29692
29693 @smallexample
29694 -exec-next-instruction [--reverse]
29695 @end smallexample
29696
29697 Executes one machine instruction. If the instruction is a function
29698 call, continues until the function returns. If the program stops at an
29699 instruction in the middle of a source line, the address will be
29700 printed as well.
29701
29702 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution
29703 of the inferior program, stopping at the previous instruction. If the
29704 previously executed instruction was a return from another function,
29705 it will continue to execute in reverse until the call to that function
29706 (from the current stack frame) is reached.
29707
29708 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29709
29710 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{nexti}.
29711
29712 @subsubheading Example
29713
29714 @smallexample
29715 (gdb)
29716 -exec-next-instruction
29717 ^running
29718
29719 (gdb)
29720 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
29721 addr="0x000100d4",line="5",file="hello.c"
29722 (gdb)
29723 @end smallexample
29724
29725
29726 @subheading The @code{-exec-return} Command
29727 @findex -exec-return
29728
29729 @subsubheading Synopsis
29730
29731 @smallexample
29732 -exec-return
29733 @end smallexample
29734
29735 Makes current function return immediately. Doesn't execute the inferior.
29736 Displays the new current frame.
29737
29738 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29739
29740 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{return}.
29741
29742 @subsubheading Example
29743
29744 @smallexample
29745 (gdb)
29746 200-break-insert callee4
29747 200^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x00010734",
29748 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
29749 (gdb)
29750 000-exec-run
29751 000^running
29752 (gdb)
29753 000*stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
29754 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
29755 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29756 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
29757 (gdb)
29758 205-break-delete
29759 205^done
29760 (gdb)
29761 111-exec-return
29762 111^done,frame=@{level="0",func="callee3",
29763 args=[@{name="strarg",
29764 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
29765 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29766 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
29767 (gdb)
29768 @end smallexample
29769
29770
29771 @subheading The @code{-exec-run} Command
29772 @findex -exec-run
29773
29774 @subsubheading Synopsis
29775
29776 @smallexample
29777 -exec-run [--all | --thread-group N]
29778 @end smallexample
29779
29780 Starts execution of the inferior from the beginning. The inferior
29781 executes until either a breakpoint is encountered or the program
29782 exits. In the latter case the output will include an exit code, if
29783 the program has exited exceptionally.
29784
29785 When no option is specified, the current inferior is started. If the
29786 @samp{--thread-group} option is specified, it should refer to a thread
29787 group of type @samp{process}, and that thread group will be started.
29788 If the @samp{--all} option is specified, then all inferiors will be started.
29789
29790 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29791
29792 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{run}.
29793
29794 @subsubheading Examples
29795
29796 @smallexample
29797 (gdb)
29798 -break-insert main
29799 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",line="4"@}
29800 (gdb)
29801 -exec-run
29802 ^running
29803 (gdb)
29804 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
29805 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
29806 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}
29807 (gdb)
29808 @end smallexample
29809
29810 @noindent
29811 Program exited normally:
29812
29813 @smallexample
29814 (gdb)
29815 -exec-run
29816 ^running
29817 (gdb)
29818 x = 55
29819 *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
29820 (gdb)
29821 @end smallexample
29822
29823 @noindent
29824 Program exited exceptionally:
29825
29826 @smallexample
29827 (gdb)
29828 -exec-run
29829 ^running
29830 (gdb)
29831 x = 55
29832 *stopped,reason="exited",exit-code="01"
29833 (gdb)
29834 @end smallexample
29835
29836 Another way the program can terminate is if it receives a signal such as
29837 @code{SIGINT}. In this case, @sc{gdb/mi} displays this:
29838
29839 @smallexample
29840 (gdb)
29841 *stopped,reason="exited-signalled",signal-name="SIGINT",
29842 signal-meaning="Interrupt"
29843 @end smallexample
29844
29845
29846 @c @subheading -exec-signal
29847
29848
29849 @subheading The @code{-exec-step} Command
29850 @findex -exec-step
29851
29852 @subsubheading Synopsis
29853
29854 @smallexample
29855 -exec-step [--reverse]
29856 @end smallexample
29857
29858 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
29859 of the next source line is reached, if the next source line is not a
29860 function call. If it is, stop at the first instruction of the called
29861 function. If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse
29862 execution of the inferior program, stopping at the beginning of the
29863 previously executed source line.
29864
29865 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29866
29867 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{step}.
29868
29869 @subsubheading Example
29870
29871 Stepping into a function:
29872
29873 @smallexample
29874 -exec-step
29875 ^running
29876 (gdb)
29877 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
29878 frame=@{func="foo",args=[@{name="a",value="10"@},
29879 @{name="b",value="0"@}],file="recursive2.c",
29880 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@}
29881 (gdb)
29882 @end smallexample
29883
29884 Regular stepping:
29885
29886 @smallexample
29887 -exec-step
29888 ^running
29889 (gdb)
29890 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="14",file="recursive2.c"
29891 (gdb)
29892 @end smallexample
29893
29894
29895 @subheading The @code{-exec-step-instruction} Command
29896 @findex -exec-step-instruction
29897
29898 @subsubheading Synopsis
29899
29900 @smallexample
29901 -exec-step-instruction [--reverse]
29902 @end smallexample
29903
29904 Resumes the inferior which executes one machine instruction. If the
29905 @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution of the
29906 inferior program, stopping at the previously executed instruction.
29907 The output, once @value{GDBN} has stopped, will vary depending on
29908 whether we have stopped in the middle of a source line or not. In the
29909 former case, the address at which the program stopped will be printed
29910 as well.
29911
29912 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29913
29914 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{stepi}.
29915
29916 @subsubheading Example
29917
29918 @smallexample
29919 (gdb)
29920 -exec-step-instruction
29921 ^running
29922
29923 (gdb)
29924 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
29925 frame=@{func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
29926 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
29927 (gdb)
29928 -exec-step-instruction
29929 ^running
29930
29931 (gdb)
29932 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
29933 frame=@{addr="0x000100f4",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
29934 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
29935 (gdb)
29936 @end smallexample
29937
29938
29939 @subheading The @code{-exec-until} Command
29940 @findex -exec-until
29941
29942 @subsubheading Synopsis
29943
29944 @smallexample
29945 -exec-until [ @var{location} ]
29946 @end smallexample
29947
29948 Executes the inferior until the @var{location} specified in the
29949 argument is reached. If there is no argument, the inferior executes
29950 until a source line greater than the current one is reached. The
29951 reason for stopping in this case will be @samp{location-reached}.
29952
29953 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29954
29955 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{until}.
29956
29957 @subsubheading Example
29958
29959 @smallexample
29960 (gdb)
29961 -exec-until recursive2.c:6
29962 ^running
29963 (gdb)
29964 x = 55
29965 *stopped,reason="location-reached",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
29966 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="6"@}
29967 (gdb)
29968 @end smallexample
29969
29970 @ignore
29971 @subheading -file-clear
29972 Is this going away????
29973 @end ignore
29974
29975 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29976 @node GDB/MI Stack Manipulation
29977 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Stack Manipulation Commands
29978
29979
29980 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-frame} Command
29981 @findex -stack-info-frame
29982
29983 @subsubheading Synopsis
29984
29985 @smallexample
29986 -stack-info-frame
29987 @end smallexample
29988
29989 Get info on the selected frame.
29990
29991 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29992
29993 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info frame} or @samp{frame}
29994 (without arguments).
29995
29996 @subsubheading Example
29997
29998 @smallexample
29999 (gdb)
30000 -stack-info-frame
30001 ^done,frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
30002 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30003 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@}
30004 (gdb)
30005 @end smallexample
30006
30007 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-depth} Command
30008 @findex -stack-info-depth
30009
30010 @subsubheading Synopsis
30011
30012 @smallexample
30013 -stack-info-depth [ @var{max-depth} ]
30014 @end smallexample
30015
30016 Return the depth of the stack. If the integer argument @var{max-depth}
30017 is specified, do not count beyond @var{max-depth} frames.
30018
30019 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30020
30021 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
30022
30023 @subsubheading Example
30024
30025 For a stack with frame levels 0 through 11:
30026
30027 @smallexample
30028 (gdb)
30029 -stack-info-depth
30030 ^done,depth="12"
30031 (gdb)
30032 -stack-info-depth 4
30033 ^done,depth="4"
30034 (gdb)
30035 -stack-info-depth 12
30036 ^done,depth="12"
30037 (gdb)
30038 -stack-info-depth 11
30039 ^done,depth="11"
30040 (gdb)
30041 -stack-info-depth 13
30042 ^done,depth="12"
30043 (gdb)
30044 @end smallexample
30045
30046 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-arguments} Command
30047 @findex -stack-list-arguments
30048
30049 @subsubheading Synopsis
30050
30051 @smallexample
30052 -stack-list-arguments @var{print-values}
30053 [ @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
30054 @end smallexample
30055
30056 Display a list of the arguments for the frames between @var{low-frame}
30057 and @var{high-frame} (inclusive). If @var{low-frame} and
30058 @var{high-frame} are not provided, list the arguments for the whole
30059 call stack. If the two arguments are equal, show the single frame
30060 at the corresponding level. It is an error if @var{low-frame} is
30061 larger than the actual number of frames. On the other hand,
30062 @var{high-frame} may be larger than the actual number of frames, in
30063 which case only existing frames will be returned.
30064
30065 If @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
30066 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
30067 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
30068 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
30069 structures and unions.
30070
30071 Use of this command to obtain arguments in a single frame is
30072 deprecated in favor of the @samp{-stack-list-variables} command.
30073
30074 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30075
30076 @value{GDBN} does not have an equivalent command. @code{gdbtk} has a
30077 @samp{gdb_get_args} command which partially overlaps with the
30078 functionality of @samp{-stack-list-arguments}.
30079
30080 @subsubheading Example
30081
30082 @smallexample
30083 (gdb)
30084 -stack-list-frames
30085 ^done,
30086 stack=[
30087 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
30088 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30089 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@},
30090 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
30091 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30092 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@},
30093 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x0001078c",func="callee2",
30094 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30095 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="22"@},
30096 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107b4",func="callee1",
30097 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30098 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="27"@},
30099 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107e0",func="main",
30100 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30101 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="32"@}]
30102 (gdb)
30103 -stack-list-arguments 0
30104 ^done,
30105 stack-args=[
30106 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
30107 frame=@{level="1",args=[name="strarg"]@},
30108 frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@},
30109 frame=@{level="3",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg",name="fltarg"]@},
30110 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
30111 (gdb)
30112 -stack-list-arguments 1
30113 ^done,
30114 stack-args=[
30115 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
30116 frame=@{level="1",
30117 args=[@{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
30118 frame=@{level="2",args=[
30119 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
30120 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
30121 @{frame=@{level="3",args=[
30122 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
30123 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@},
30124 @{name="fltarg",value="3.5"@}]@},
30125 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
30126 (gdb)
30127 -stack-list-arguments 0 2 2
30128 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@}]
30129 (gdb)
30130 -stack-list-arguments 1 2 2
30131 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",
30132 args=[@{name="intarg",value="2"@},
30133 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@}]
30134 (gdb)
30135 @end smallexample
30136
30137 @c @subheading -stack-list-exception-handlers
30138
30139
30140 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-frames} Command
30141 @findex -stack-list-frames
30142
30143 @subsubheading Synopsis
30144
30145 @smallexample
30146 -stack-list-frames [ @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
30147 @end smallexample
30148
30149 List the frames currently on the stack. For each frame it displays the
30150 following info:
30151
30152 @table @samp
30153 @item @var{level}
30154 The frame number, 0 being the topmost frame, i.e., the innermost function.
30155 @item @var{addr}
30156 The @code{$pc} value for that frame.
30157 @item @var{func}
30158 Function name.
30159 @item @var{file}
30160 File name of the source file where the function lives.
30161 @item @var{fullname}
30162 The full file name of the source file where the function lives.
30163 @item @var{line}
30164 Line number corresponding to the @code{$pc}.
30165 @item @var{from}
30166 The shared library where this function is defined. This is only given
30167 if the frame's function is not known.
30168 @end table
30169
30170 If invoked without arguments, this command prints a backtrace for the
30171 whole stack. If given two integer arguments, it shows the frames whose
30172 levels are between the two arguments (inclusive). If the two arguments
30173 are equal, it shows the single frame at the corresponding level. It is
30174 an error if @var{low-frame} is larger than the actual number of
30175 frames. On the other hand, @var{high-frame} may be larger than the
30176 actual number of frames, in which case only existing frames will be returned.
30177
30178 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30179
30180 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{backtrace} and @samp{where}.
30181
30182 @subsubheading Example
30183
30184 Full stack backtrace:
30185
30186 @smallexample
30187 (gdb)
30188 -stack-list-frames
30189 ^done,stack=
30190 [frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0001076c",func="foo",
30191 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@},
30192 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30193 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
30194 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30195 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
30196 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30197 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
30198 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30199 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
30200 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30201 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
30202 frame=@{level="6",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30203 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
30204 frame=@{level="7",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30205 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
30206 frame=@{level="8",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30207 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
30208 frame=@{level="9",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30209 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
30210 frame=@{level="10",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30211 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
30212 frame=@{level="11",addr="0x00010738",func="main",
30213 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}]
30214 (gdb)
30215 @end smallexample
30216
30217 Show frames between @var{low_frame} and @var{high_frame}:
30218
30219 @smallexample
30220 (gdb)
30221 -stack-list-frames 3 5
30222 ^done,stack=
30223 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30224 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
30225 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30226 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
30227 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30228 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
30229 (gdb)
30230 @end smallexample
30231
30232 Show a single frame:
30233
30234 @smallexample
30235 (gdb)
30236 -stack-list-frames 3 3
30237 ^done,stack=
30238 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30239 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
30240 (gdb)
30241 @end smallexample
30242
30243
30244 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-locals} Command
30245 @findex -stack-list-locals
30246
30247 @subsubheading Synopsis
30248
30249 @smallexample
30250 -stack-list-locals @var{print-values}
30251 @end smallexample
30252
30253 Display the local variable names for the selected frame. If
30254 @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
30255 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
30256 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
30257 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
30258 structures and unions. In this last case, a frontend can immediately
30259 display the value of simple data types and create variable objects for
30260 other data types when the user wishes to explore their values in
30261 more detail.
30262
30263 This command is deprecated in favor of the
30264 @samp{-stack-list-variables} command.
30265
30266 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30267
30268 @samp{info locals} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_get_locals} in @code{gdbtk}.
30269
30270 @subsubheading Example
30271
30272 @smallexample
30273 (gdb)
30274 -stack-list-locals 0
30275 ^done,locals=[name="A",name="B",name="C"]
30276 (gdb)
30277 -stack-list-locals --all-values
30278 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",value="1"@},@{name="B",value="2"@},
30279 @{name="C",value="@{1, 2, 3@}"@}]
30280 -stack-list-locals --simple-values
30281 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",type="int",value="1"@},
30282 @{name="B",type="int",value="2"@},@{name="C",type="int [3]"@}]
30283 (gdb)
30284 @end smallexample
30285
30286 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-variables} Command
30287 @findex -stack-list-variables
30288
30289 @subsubheading Synopsis
30290
30291 @smallexample
30292 -stack-list-variables @var{print-values}
30293 @end smallexample
30294
30295 Display the names of local variables and function arguments for the selected frame. If
30296 @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
30297 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
30298 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
30299 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
30300 structures and unions.
30301
30302 @subsubheading Example
30303
30304 @smallexample
30305 (gdb)
30306 -stack-list-variables --thread 1 --frame 0 --all-values
30307 ^done,variables=[@{name="x",value="11"@},@{name="s",value="@{a = 1, b = 2@}"@}]
30308 (gdb)
30309 @end smallexample
30310
30311
30312 @subheading The @code{-stack-select-frame} Command
30313 @findex -stack-select-frame
30314
30315 @subsubheading Synopsis
30316
30317 @smallexample
30318 -stack-select-frame @var{framenum}
30319 @end smallexample
30320
30321 Change the selected frame. Select a different frame @var{framenum} on
30322 the stack.
30323
30324 This command in deprecated in favor of passing the @samp{--frame}
30325 option to every command.
30326
30327 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30328
30329 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{frame}, @samp{up},
30330 @samp{down}, @samp{select-frame}, @samp{up-silent}, and @samp{down-silent}.
30331
30332 @subsubheading Example
30333
30334 @smallexample
30335 (gdb)
30336 -stack-select-frame 2
30337 ^done
30338 (gdb)
30339 @end smallexample
30340
30341 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
30342 @node GDB/MI Variable Objects
30343 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Variable Objects
30344
30345 @ignore
30346
30347 @subheading Motivation for Variable Objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
30348
30349 For the implementation of a variable debugger window (locals, watched
30350 expressions, etc.), we are proposing the adaptation of the existing code
30351 used by @code{Insight}.
30352
30353 The two main reasons for that are:
30354
30355 @enumerate 1
30356 @item
30357 It has been proven in practice (it is already on its second generation).
30358
30359 @item
30360 It will shorten development time (needless to say how important it is
30361 now).
30362 @end enumerate
30363
30364 The original interface was designed to be used by Tcl code, so it was
30365 slightly changed so it could be used through @sc{gdb/mi}. This section
30366 describes the @sc{gdb/mi} operations that will be available and gives some
30367 hints about their use.
30368
30369 @emph{Note}: In addition to the set of operations described here, we
30370 expect the @sc{gui} implementation of a variable window to require, at
30371 least, the following operations:
30372
30373 @itemize @bullet
30374 @item @code{-gdb-show} @code{output-radix}
30375 @item @code{-stack-list-arguments}
30376 @item @code{-stack-list-locals}
30377 @item @code{-stack-select-frame}
30378 @end itemize
30379
30380 @end ignore
30381
30382 @subheading Introduction to Variable Objects
30383
30384 @cindex variable objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
30385
30386 Variable objects are "object-oriented" MI interface for examining and
30387 changing values of expressions. Unlike some other MI interfaces that
30388 work with expressions, variable objects are specifically designed for
30389 simple and efficient presentation in the frontend. A variable object
30390 is identified by string name. When a variable object is created, the
30391 frontend specifies the expression for that variable object. The
30392 expression can be a simple variable, or it can be an arbitrary complex
30393 expression, and can even involve CPU registers. After creating a
30394 variable object, the frontend can invoke other variable object
30395 operations---for example to obtain or change the value of a variable
30396 object, or to change display format.
30397
30398 Variable objects have hierarchical tree structure. Any variable object
30399 that corresponds to a composite type, such as structure in C, has
30400 a number of child variable objects, for example corresponding to each
30401 element of a structure. A child variable object can itself have
30402 children, recursively. Recursion ends when we reach
30403 leaf variable objects, which always have built-in types. Child variable
30404 objects are created only by explicit request, so if a frontend
30405 is not interested in the children of a particular variable object, no
30406 child will be created.
30407
30408 For a leaf variable object it is possible to obtain its value as a
30409 string, or set the value from a string. String value can be also
30410 obtained for a non-leaf variable object, but it's generally a string
30411 that only indicates the type of the object, and does not list its
30412 contents. Assignment to a non-leaf variable object is not allowed.
30413
30414 A frontend does not need to read the values of all variable objects each time
30415 the program stops. Instead, MI provides an update command that lists all
30416 variable objects whose values has changed since the last update
30417 operation. This considerably reduces the amount of data that must
30418 be transferred to the frontend. As noted above, children variable
30419 objects are created on demand, and only leaf variable objects have a
30420 real value. As result, gdb will read target memory only for leaf
30421 variables that frontend has created.
30422
30423 The automatic update is not always desirable. For example, a frontend
30424 might want to keep a value of some expression for future reference,
30425 and never update it. For another example, fetching memory is
30426 relatively slow for embedded targets, so a frontend might want
30427 to disable automatic update for the variables that are either not
30428 visible on the screen, or ``closed''. This is possible using so
30429 called ``frozen variable objects''. Such variable objects are never
30430 implicitly updated.
30431
30432 Variable objects can be either @dfn{fixed} or @dfn{floating}. For the
30433 fixed variable object, the expression is parsed when the variable
30434 object is created, including associating identifiers to specific
30435 variables. The meaning of expression never changes. For a floating
30436 variable object the values of variables whose names appear in the
30437 expressions are re-evaluated every time in the context of the current
30438 frame. Consider this example:
30439
30440 @smallexample
30441 void do_work(...)
30442 @{
30443 struct work_state state;
30444
30445 if (...)
30446 do_work(...);
30447 @}
30448 @end smallexample
30449
30450 If a fixed variable object for the @code{state} variable is created in
30451 this function, and we enter the recursive call, the variable
30452 object will report the value of @code{state} in the top-level
30453 @code{do_work} invocation. On the other hand, a floating variable
30454 object will report the value of @code{state} in the current frame.
30455
30456 If an expression specified when creating a fixed variable object
30457 refers to a local variable, the variable object becomes bound to the
30458 thread and frame in which the variable object is created. When such
30459 variable object is updated, @value{GDBN} makes sure that the
30460 thread/frame combination the variable object is bound to still exists,
30461 and re-evaluates the variable object in context of that thread/frame.
30462
30463 The following is the complete set of @sc{gdb/mi} operations defined to
30464 access this functionality:
30465
30466 @multitable @columnfractions .4 .6
30467 @item @strong{Operation}
30468 @tab @strong{Description}
30469
30470 @item @code{-enable-pretty-printing}
30471 @tab enable Python-based pretty-printing
30472 @item @code{-var-create}
30473 @tab create a variable object
30474 @item @code{-var-delete}
30475 @tab delete the variable object and/or its children
30476 @item @code{-var-set-format}
30477 @tab set the display format of this variable
30478 @item @code{-var-show-format}
30479 @tab show the display format of this variable
30480 @item @code{-var-info-num-children}
30481 @tab tells how many children this object has
30482 @item @code{-var-list-children}
30483 @tab return a list of the object's children
30484 @item @code{-var-info-type}
30485 @tab show the type of this variable object
30486 @item @code{-var-info-expression}
30487 @tab print parent-relative expression that this variable object represents
30488 @item @code{-var-info-path-expression}
30489 @tab print full expression that this variable object represents
30490 @item @code{-var-show-attributes}
30491 @tab is this variable editable? does it exist here?
30492 @item @code{-var-evaluate-expression}
30493 @tab get the value of this variable
30494 @item @code{-var-assign}
30495 @tab set the value of this variable
30496 @item @code{-var-update}
30497 @tab update the variable and its children
30498 @item @code{-var-set-frozen}
30499 @tab set frozeness attribute
30500 @item @code{-var-set-update-range}
30501 @tab set range of children to display on update
30502 @end multitable
30503
30504 In the next subsection we describe each operation in detail and suggest
30505 how it can be used.
30506
30507 @subheading Description And Use of Operations on Variable Objects
30508
30509 @subheading The @code{-enable-pretty-printing} Command
30510 @findex -enable-pretty-printing
30511
30512 @smallexample
30513 -enable-pretty-printing
30514 @end smallexample
30515
30516 @value{GDBN} allows Python-based visualizers to affect the output of the
30517 MI variable object commands. However, because there was no way to
30518 implement this in a fully backward-compatible way, a front end must
30519 request that this functionality be enabled.
30520
30521 Once enabled, this feature cannot be disabled.
30522
30523 Note that if Python support has not been compiled into @value{GDBN},
30524 this command will still succeed (and do nothing).
30525
30526 This feature is currently (as of @value{GDBN} 7.0) experimental, and
30527 may work differently in future versions of @value{GDBN}.
30528
30529 @subheading The @code{-var-create} Command
30530 @findex -var-create
30531
30532 @subsubheading Synopsis
30533
30534 @smallexample
30535 -var-create @{@var{name} | "-"@}
30536 @{@var{frame-addr} | "*" | "@@"@} @var{expression}
30537 @end smallexample
30538
30539 This operation creates a variable object, which allows the monitoring of
30540 a variable, the result of an expression, a memory cell or a CPU
30541 register.
30542
30543 The @var{name} parameter is the string by which the object can be
30544 referenced. It must be unique. If @samp{-} is specified, the varobj
30545 system will generate a string ``varNNNNNN'' automatically. It will be
30546 unique provided that one does not specify @var{name} of that format.
30547 The command fails if a duplicate name is found.
30548
30549 The frame under which the expression should be evaluated can be
30550 specified by @var{frame-addr}. A @samp{*} indicates that the current
30551 frame should be used. A @samp{@@} indicates that a floating variable
30552 object must be created.
30553
30554 @var{expression} is any expression valid on the current language set (must not
30555 begin with a @samp{*}), or one of the following:
30556
30557 @itemize @bullet
30558 @item
30559 @samp{*@var{addr}}, where @var{addr} is the address of a memory cell
30560
30561 @item
30562 @samp{*@var{addr}-@var{addr}} --- a memory address range (TBD)
30563
30564 @item
30565 @samp{$@var{regname}} --- a CPU register name
30566 @end itemize
30567
30568 @cindex dynamic varobj
30569 A varobj's contents may be provided by a Python-based pretty-printer. In this
30570 case the varobj is known as a @dfn{dynamic varobj}. Dynamic varobjs
30571 have slightly different semantics in some cases. If the
30572 @code{-enable-pretty-printing} command is not sent, then @value{GDBN}
30573 will never create a dynamic varobj. This ensures backward
30574 compatibility for existing clients.
30575
30576 @subsubheading Result
30577
30578 This operation returns attributes of the newly-created varobj. These
30579 are:
30580
30581 @table @samp
30582 @item name
30583 The name of the varobj.
30584
30585 @item numchild
30586 The number of children of the varobj. This number is not necessarily
30587 reliable for a dynamic varobj. Instead, you must examine the
30588 @samp{has_more} attribute.
30589
30590 @item value
30591 The varobj's scalar value. For a varobj whose type is some sort of
30592 aggregate (e.g., a @code{struct}), or for a dynamic varobj, this value
30593 will not be interesting.
30594
30595 @item type
30596 The varobj's type. This is a string representation of the type, as
30597 would be printed by the @value{GDBN} CLI. If @samp{print object}
30598 (@pxref{Print Settings, set print object}) is set to @code{on}, the
30599 @emph{actual} (derived) type of the object is shown rather than the
30600 @emph{declared} one.
30601
30602 @item thread-id
30603 If a variable object is bound to a specific thread, then this is the
30604 thread's identifier.
30605
30606 @item has_more
30607 For a dynamic varobj, this indicates whether there appear to be any
30608 children available. For a non-dynamic varobj, this will be 0.
30609
30610 @item dynamic
30611 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
30612 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
30613 then this attribute will not be present.
30614
30615 @item displayhint
30616 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
30617 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
30618 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
30619 @end table
30620
30621 Typical output will look like this:
30622
30623 @smallexample
30624 name="@var{name}",numchild="@var{N}",type="@var{type}",thread-id="@var{M}",
30625 has_more="@var{has_more}"
30626 @end smallexample
30627
30628
30629 @subheading The @code{-var-delete} Command
30630 @findex -var-delete
30631
30632 @subsubheading Synopsis
30633
30634 @smallexample
30635 -var-delete [ -c ] @var{name}
30636 @end smallexample
30637
30638 Deletes a previously created variable object and all of its children.
30639 With the @samp{-c} option, just deletes the children.
30640
30641 Returns an error if the object @var{name} is not found.
30642
30643
30644 @subheading The @code{-var-set-format} Command
30645 @findex -var-set-format
30646
30647 @subsubheading Synopsis
30648
30649 @smallexample
30650 -var-set-format @var{name} @var{format-spec}
30651 @end smallexample
30652
30653 Sets the output format for the value of the object @var{name} to be
30654 @var{format-spec}.
30655
30656 @anchor{-var-set-format}
30657 The syntax for the @var{format-spec} is as follows:
30658
30659 @smallexample
30660 @var{format-spec} @expansion{}
30661 @{binary | decimal | hexadecimal | octal | natural@}
30662 @end smallexample
30663
30664 The natural format is the default format choosen automatically
30665 based on the variable type (like decimal for an @code{int}, hex
30666 for pointers, etc.).
30667
30668 For a variable with children, the format is set only on the
30669 variable itself, and the children are not affected.
30670
30671 @subheading The @code{-var-show-format} Command
30672 @findex -var-show-format
30673
30674 @subsubheading Synopsis
30675
30676 @smallexample
30677 -var-show-format @var{name}
30678 @end smallexample
30679
30680 Returns the format used to display the value of the object @var{name}.
30681
30682 @smallexample
30683 @var{format} @expansion{}
30684 @var{format-spec}
30685 @end smallexample
30686
30687
30688 @subheading The @code{-var-info-num-children} Command
30689 @findex -var-info-num-children
30690
30691 @subsubheading Synopsis
30692
30693 @smallexample
30694 -var-info-num-children @var{name}
30695 @end smallexample
30696
30697 Returns the number of children of a variable object @var{name}:
30698
30699 @smallexample
30700 numchild=@var{n}
30701 @end smallexample
30702
30703 Note that this number is not completely reliable for a dynamic varobj.
30704 It will return the current number of children, but more children may
30705 be available.
30706
30707
30708 @subheading The @code{-var-list-children} Command
30709 @findex -var-list-children
30710
30711 @subsubheading Synopsis
30712
30713 @smallexample
30714 -var-list-children [@var{print-values}] @var{name} [@var{from} @var{to}]
30715 @end smallexample
30716 @anchor{-var-list-children}
30717
30718 Return a list of the children of the specified variable object and
30719 create variable objects for them, if they do not already exist. With
30720 a single argument or if @var{print-values} has a value of 0 or
30721 @code{--no-values}, print only the names of the variables; if
30722 @var{print-values} is 1 or @code{--all-values}, also print their
30723 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values} print the name and
30724 value for simple data types and just the name for arrays, structures
30725 and unions.
30726
30727 @var{from} and @var{to}, if specified, indicate the range of children
30728 to report. If @var{from} or @var{to} is less than zero, the range is
30729 reset and all children will be reported. Otherwise, children starting
30730 at @var{from} (zero-based) and up to and excluding @var{to} will be
30731 reported.
30732
30733 If a child range is requested, it will only affect the current call to
30734 @code{-var-list-children}, but not future calls to @code{-var-update}.
30735 For this, you must instead use @code{-var-set-update-range}. The
30736 intent of this approach is to enable a front end to implement any
30737 update approach it likes; for example, scrolling a view may cause the
30738 front end to request more children with @code{-var-list-children}, and
30739 then the front end could call @code{-var-set-update-range} with a
30740 different range to ensure that future updates are restricted to just
30741 the visible items.
30742
30743 For each child the following results are returned:
30744
30745 @table @var
30746
30747 @item name
30748 Name of the variable object created for this child.
30749
30750 @item exp
30751 The expression to be shown to the user by the front end to designate this child.
30752 For example this may be the name of a structure member.
30753
30754 For a dynamic varobj, this value cannot be used to form an
30755 expression. There is no way to do this at all with a dynamic varobj.
30756
30757 For C/C@t{++} structures there are several pseudo children returned to
30758 designate access qualifiers. For these pseudo children @var{exp} is
30759 @samp{public}, @samp{private}, or @samp{protected}. In this case the
30760 type and value are not present.
30761
30762 A dynamic varobj will not report the access qualifying
30763 pseudo-children, regardless of the language. This information is not
30764 available at all with a dynamic varobj.
30765
30766 @item numchild
30767 Number of children this child has. For a dynamic varobj, this will be
30768 0.
30769
30770 @item type
30771 The type of the child. If @samp{print object}
30772 (@pxref{Print Settings, set print object}) is set to @code{on}, the
30773 @emph{actual} (derived) type of the object is shown rather than the
30774 @emph{declared} one.
30775
30776 @item value
30777 If values were requested, this is the value.
30778
30779 @item thread-id
30780 If this variable object is associated with a thread, this is the thread id.
30781 Otherwise this result is not present.
30782
30783 @item frozen
30784 If the variable object is frozen, this variable will be present with a value of 1.
30785 @end table
30786
30787 The result may have its own attributes:
30788
30789 @table @samp
30790 @item displayhint
30791 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
30792 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
30793 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
30794
30795 @item has_more
30796 This is an integer attribute which is nonzero if there are children
30797 remaining after the end of the selected range.
30798 @end table
30799
30800 @subsubheading Example
30801
30802 @smallexample
30803 (gdb)
30804 -var-list-children n
30805 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
30806 numchild=@var{n},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
30807 (gdb)
30808 -var-list-children --all-values n
30809 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
30810 numchild=@var{n},value=@var{value},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
30811 @end smallexample
30812
30813
30814 @subheading The @code{-var-info-type} Command
30815 @findex -var-info-type
30816
30817 @subsubheading Synopsis
30818
30819 @smallexample
30820 -var-info-type @var{name}
30821 @end smallexample
30822
30823 Returns the type of the specified variable @var{name}. The type is
30824 returned as a string in the same format as it is output by the
30825 @value{GDBN} CLI:
30826
30827 @smallexample
30828 type=@var{typename}
30829 @end smallexample
30830
30831
30832 @subheading The @code{-var-info-expression} Command
30833 @findex -var-info-expression
30834
30835 @subsubheading Synopsis
30836
30837 @smallexample
30838 -var-info-expression @var{name}
30839 @end smallexample
30840
30841 Returns a string that is suitable for presenting this
30842 variable object in user interface. The string is generally
30843 not valid expression in the current language, and cannot be evaluated.
30844
30845 For example, if @code{a} is an array, and variable object
30846 @code{A} was created for @code{a}, then we'll get this output:
30847
30848 @smallexample
30849 (gdb) -var-info-expression A.1
30850 ^done,lang="C",exp="1"
30851 @end smallexample
30852
30853 @noindent
30854 Here, the values of @code{lang} can be @code{@{"C" | "C++" | "Java"@}}.
30855
30856 Note that the output of the @code{-var-list-children} command also
30857 includes those expressions, so the @code{-var-info-expression} command
30858 is of limited use.
30859
30860 @subheading The @code{-var-info-path-expression} Command
30861 @findex -var-info-path-expression
30862
30863 @subsubheading Synopsis
30864
30865 @smallexample
30866 -var-info-path-expression @var{name}
30867 @end smallexample
30868
30869 Returns an expression that can be evaluated in the current
30870 context and will yield the same value that a variable object has.
30871 Compare this with the @code{-var-info-expression} command, which
30872 result can be used only for UI presentation. Typical use of
30873 the @code{-var-info-path-expression} command is creating a
30874 watchpoint from a variable object.
30875
30876 This command is currently not valid for children of a dynamic varobj,
30877 and will give an error when invoked on one.
30878
30879 For example, suppose @code{C} is a C@t{++} class, derived from class
30880 @code{Base}, and that the @code{Base} class has a member called
30881 @code{m_size}. Assume a variable @code{c} is has the type of
30882 @code{C} and a variable object @code{C} was created for variable
30883 @code{c}. Then, we'll get this output:
30884 @smallexample
30885 (gdb) -var-info-path-expression C.Base.public.m_size
30886 ^done,path_expr=((Base)c).m_size)
30887 @end smallexample
30888
30889 @subheading The @code{-var-show-attributes} Command
30890 @findex -var-show-attributes
30891
30892 @subsubheading Synopsis
30893
30894 @smallexample
30895 -var-show-attributes @var{name}
30896 @end smallexample
30897
30898 List attributes of the specified variable object @var{name}:
30899
30900 @smallexample
30901 status=@var{attr} [ ( ,@var{attr} )* ]
30902 @end smallexample
30903
30904 @noindent
30905 where @var{attr} is @code{@{ @{ editable | noneditable @} | TBD @}}.
30906
30907 @subheading The @code{-var-evaluate-expression} Command
30908 @findex -var-evaluate-expression
30909
30910 @subsubheading Synopsis
30911
30912 @smallexample
30913 -var-evaluate-expression [-f @var{format-spec}] @var{name}
30914 @end smallexample
30915
30916 Evaluates the expression that is represented by the specified variable
30917 object and returns its value as a string. The format of the string
30918 can be specified with the @samp{-f} option. The possible values of
30919 this option are the same as for @code{-var-set-format}
30920 (@pxref{-var-set-format}). If the @samp{-f} option is not specified,
30921 the current display format will be used. The current display format
30922 can be changed using the @code{-var-set-format} command.
30923
30924 @smallexample
30925 value=@var{value}
30926 @end smallexample
30927
30928 Note that one must invoke @code{-var-list-children} for a variable
30929 before the value of a child variable can be evaluated.
30930
30931 @subheading The @code{-var-assign} Command
30932 @findex -var-assign
30933
30934 @subsubheading Synopsis
30935
30936 @smallexample
30937 -var-assign @var{name} @var{expression}
30938 @end smallexample
30939
30940 Assigns the value of @var{expression} to the variable object specified
30941 by @var{name}. The object must be @samp{editable}. If the variable's
30942 value is altered by the assign, the variable will show up in any
30943 subsequent @code{-var-update} list.
30944
30945 @subsubheading Example
30946
30947 @smallexample
30948 (gdb)
30949 -var-assign var1 3
30950 ^done,value="3"
30951 (gdb)
30952 -var-update *
30953 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",in_scope="true",type_changed="false"@}]
30954 (gdb)
30955 @end smallexample
30956
30957 @subheading The @code{-var-update} Command
30958 @findex -var-update
30959
30960 @subsubheading Synopsis
30961
30962 @smallexample
30963 -var-update [@var{print-values}] @{@var{name} | "*"@}
30964 @end smallexample
30965
30966 Reevaluate the expressions corresponding to the variable object
30967 @var{name} and all its direct and indirect children, and return the
30968 list of variable objects whose values have changed; @var{name} must
30969 be a root variable object. Here, ``changed'' means that the result of
30970 @code{-var-evaluate-expression} before and after the
30971 @code{-var-update} is different. If @samp{*} is used as the variable
30972 object names, all existing variable objects are updated, except
30973 for frozen ones (@pxref{-var-set-frozen}). The option
30974 @var{print-values} determines whether both names and values, or just
30975 names are printed. The possible values of this option are the same
30976 as for @code{-var-list-children} (@pxref{-var-list-children}). It is
30977 recommended to use the @samp{--all-values} option, to reduce the
30978 number of MI commands needed on each program stop.
30979
30980 With the @samp{*} parameter, if a variable object is bound to a
30981 currently running thread, it will not be updated, without any
30982 diagnostic.
30983
30984 If @code{-var-set-update-range} was previously used on a varobj, then
30985 only the selected range of children will be reported.
30986
30987 @code{-var-update} reports all the changed varobjs in a tuple named
30988 @samp{changelist}.
30989
30990 Each item in the change list is itself a tuple holding:
30991
30992 @table @samp
30993 @item name
30994 The name of the varobj.
30995
30996 @item value
30997 If values were requested for this update, then this field will be
30998 present and will hold the value of the varobj.
30999
31000 @item in_scope
31001 @anchor{-var-update}
31002 This field is a string which may take one of three values:
31003
31004 @table @code
31005 @item "true"
31006 The variable object's current value is valid.
31007
31008 @item "false"
31009 The variable object does not currently hold a valid value but it may
31010 hold one in the future if its associated expression comes back into
31011 scope.
31012
31013 @item "invalid"
31014 The variable object no longer holds a valid value.
31015 This can occur when the executable file being debugged has changed,
31016 either through recompilation or by using the @value{GDBN} @code{file}
31017 command. The front end should normally choose to delete these variable
31018 objects.
31019 @end table
31020
31021 In the future new values may be added to this list so the front should
31022 be prepared for this possibility. @xref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, ,@sc{GDB/MI} Development and Front Ends}.
31023
31024 @item type_changed
31025 This is only present if the varobj is still valid. If the type
31026 changed, then this will be the string @samp{true}; otherwise it will
31027 be @samp{false}.
31028
31029 When a varobj's type changes, its children are also likely to have
31030 become incorrect. Therefore, the varobj's children are automatically
31031 deleted when this attribute is @samp{true}. Also, the varobj's update
31032 range, when set using the @code{-var-set-update-range} command, is
31033 unset.
31034
31035 @item new_type
31036 If the varobj's type changed, then this field will be present and will
31037 hold the new type.
31038
31039 @item new_num_children
31040 For a dynamic varobj, if the number of children changed, or if the
31041 type changed, this will be the new number of children.
31042
31043 The @samp{numchild} field in other varobj responses is generally not
31044 valid for a dynamic varobj -- it will show the number of children that
31045 @value{GDBN} knows about, but because dynamic varobjs lazily
31046 instantiate their children, this will not reflect the number of
31047 children which may be available.
31048
31049 The @samp{new_num_children} attribute only reports changes to the
31050 number of children known by @value{GDBN}. This is the only way to
31051 detect whether an update has removed children (which necessarily can
31052 only happen at the end of the update range).
31053
31054 @item displayhint
31055 The display hint, if any.
31056
31057 @item has_more
31058 This is an integer value, which will be 1 if there are more children
31059 available outside the varobj's update range.
31060
31061 @item dynamic
31062 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
31063 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
31064 then this attribute will not be present.
31065
31066 @item new_children
31067 If new children were added to a dynamic varobj within the selected
31068 update range (as set by @code{-var-set-update-range}), then they will
31069 be listed in this attribute.
31070 @end table
31071
31072 @subsubheading Example
31073
31074 @smallexample
31075 (gdb)
31076 -var-assign var1 3
31077 ^done,value="3"
31078 (gdb)
31079 -var-update --all-values var1
31080 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",value="3",in_scope="true",
31081 type_changed="false"@}]
31082 (gdb)
31083 @end smallexample
31084
31085 @subheading The @code{-var-set-frozen} Command
31086 @findex -var-set-frozen
31087 @anchor{-var-set-frozen}
31088
31089 @subsubheading Synopsis
31090
31091 @smallexample
31092 -var-set-frozen @var{name} @var{flag}
31093 @end smallexample
31094
31095 Set the frozenness flag on the variable object @var{name}. The
31096 @var{flag} parameter should be either @samp{1} to make the variable
31097 frozen or @samp{0} to make it unfrozen. If a variable object is
31098 frozen, then neither itself, nor any of its children, are
31099 implicitly updated by @code{-var-update} of
31100 a parent variable or by @code{-var-update *}. Only
31101 @code{-var-update} of the variable itself will update its value and
31102 values of its children. After a variable object is unfrozen, it is
31103 implicitly updated by all subsequent @code{-var-update} operations.
31104 Unfreezing a variable does not update it, only subsequent
31105 @code{-var-update} does.
31106
31107 @subsubheading Example
31108
31109 @smallexample
31110 (gdb)
31111 -var-set-frozen V 1
31112 ^done
31113 (gdb)
31114 @end smallexample
31115
31116 @subheading The @code{-var-set-update-range} command
31117 @findex -var-set-update-range
31118 @anchor{-var-set-update-range}
31119
31120 @subsubheading Synopsis
31121
31122 @smallexample
31123 -var-set-update-range @var{name} @var{from} @var{to}
31124 @end smallexample
31125
31126 Set the range of children to be returned by future invocations of
31127 @code{-var-update}.
31128
31129 @var{from} and @var{to} indicate the range of children to report. If
31130 @var{from} or @var{to} is less than zero, the range is reset and all
31131 children will be reported. Otherwise, children starting at @var{from}
31132 (zero-based) and up to and excluding @var{to} will be reported.
31133
31134 @subsubheading Example
31135
31136 @smallexample
31137 (gdb)
31138 -var-set-update-range V 1 2
31139 ^done
31140 @end smallexample
31141
31142 @subheading The @code{-var-set-visualizer} command
31143 @findex -var-set-visualizer
31144 @anchor{-var-set-visualizer}
31145
31146 @subsubheading Synopsis
31147
31148 @smallexample
31149 -var-set-visualizer @var{name} @var{visualizer}
31150 @end smallexample
31151
31152 Set a visualizer for the variable object @var{name}.
31153
31154 @var{visualizer} is the visualizer to use. The special value
31155 @samp{None} means to disable any visualizer in use.
31156
31157 If not @samp{None}, @var{visualizer} must be a Python expression.
31158 This expression must evaluate to a callable object which accepts a
31159 single argument. @value{GDBN} will call this object with the value of
31160 the varobj @var{name} as an argument (this is done so that the same
31161 Python pretty-printing code can be used for both the CLI and MI).
31162 When called, this object must return an object which conforms to the
31163 pretty-printing interface (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}).
31164
31165 The pre-defined function @code{gdb.default_visualizer} may be used to
31166 select a visualizer by following the built-in process
31167 (@pxref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}). This is done automatically when
31168 a varobj is created, and so ordinarily is not needed.
31169
31170 This feature is only available if Python support is enabled. The MI
31171 command @code{-list-features} (@pxref{GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands})
31172 can be used to check this.
31173
31174 @subsubheading Example
31175
31176 Resetting the visualizer:
31177
31178 @smallexample
31179 (gdb)
31180 -var-set-visualizer V None
31181 ^done
31182 @end smallexample
31183
31184 Reselecting the default (type-based) visualizer:
31185
31186 @smallexample
31187 (gdb)
31188 -var-set-visualizer V gdb.default_visualizer
31189 ^done
31190 @end smallexample
31191
31192 Suppose @code{SomeClass} is a visualizer class. A lambda expression
31193 can be used to instantiate this class for a varobj:
31194
31195 @smallexample
31196 (gdb)
31197 -var-set-visualizer V "lambda val: SomeClass()"
31198 ^done
31199 @end smallexample
31200
31201 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31202 @node GDB/MI Data Manipulation
31203 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Data Manipulation
31204
31205 @cindex data manipulation, in @sc{gdb/mi}
31206 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, data manipulation
31207 This section describes the @sc{gdb/mi} commands that manipulate data:
31208 examine memory and registers, evaluate expressions, etc.
31209
31210 @c REMOVED FROM THE INTERFACE.
31211 @c @subheading -data-assign
31212 @c Change the value of a program variable. Plenty of side effects.
31213 @c @subsubheading GDB Command
31214 @c set variable
31215 @c @subsubheading Example
31216 @c N.A.
31217
31218 @subheading The @code{-data-disassemble} Command
31219 @findex -data-disassemble
31220
31221 @subsubheading Synopsis
31222
31223 @smallexample
31224 -data-disassemble
31225 [ -s @var{start-addr} -e @var{end-addr} ]
31226 | [ -f @var{filename} -l @var{linenum} [ -n @var{lines} ] ]
31227 -- @var{mode}
31228 @end smallexample
31229
31230 @noindent
31231 Where:
31232
31233 @table @samp
31234 @item @var{start-addr}
31235 is the beginning address (or @code{$pc})
31236 @item @var{end-addr}
31237 is the end address
31238 @item @var{filename}
31239 is the name of the file to disassemble
31240 @item @var{linenum}
31241 is the line number to disassemble around
31242 @item @var{lines}
31243 is the number of disassembly lines to be produced. If it is -1,
31244 the whole function will be disassembled, in case no @var{end-addr} is
31245 specified. If @var{end-addr} is specified as a non-zero value, and
31246 @var{lines} is lower than the number of disassembly lines between
31247 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only @var{lines} lines are
31248 displayed; if @var{lines} is higher than the number of lines between
31249 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only the lines up to @var{end-addr}
31250 are displayed.
31251 @item @var{mode}
31252 is either 0 (meaning only disassembly), 1 (meaning mixed source and
31253 disassembly), 2 (meaning disassembly with raw opcodes), or 3 (meaning
31254 mixed source and disassembly with raw opcodes).
31255 @end table
31256
31257 @subsubheading Result
31258
31259 The result of the @code{-data-disassemble} command will be a list named
31260 @samp{asm_insns}, the contents of this list depend on the @var{mode}
31261 used with the @code{-data-disassemble} command.
31262
31263 For modes 0 and 2 the @samp{asm_insns} list contains tuples with the
31264 following fields:
31265
31266 @table @code
31267 @item address
31268 The address at which this instruction was disassembled.
31269
31270 @item func-name
31271 The name of the function this instruction is within.
31272
31273 @item offset
31274 The decimal offset in bytes from the start of @samp{func-name}.
31275
31276 @item inst
31277 The text disassembly for this @samp{address}.
31278
31279 @item opcodes
31280 This field is only present for mode 2. This contains the raw opcode
31281 bytes for the @samp{inst} field.
31282
31283 @end table
31284
31285 For modes 1 and 3 the @samp{asm_insns} list contains tuples named
31286 @samp{src_and_asm_line}, each of which has the following fields:
31287
31288 @table @code
31289 @item line
31290 The line number within @samp{file}.
31291
31292 @item file
31293 The file name from the compilation unit. This might be an absolute
31294 file name or a relative file name depending on the compile command
31295 used.
31296
31297 @item fullname
31298 Absolute file name of @samp{file}. It is converted to a canonical form
31299 using the source file search path
31300 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories})
31301 and after resolving all the symbolic links.
31302
31303 If the source file is not found this field will contain the path as
31304 present in the debug information.
31305
31306 @item line_asm_insn
31307 This is a list of tuples containing the disassembly for @samp{line} in
31308 @samp{file}. The fields of each tuple are the same as for
31309 @code{-data-disassemble} in @var{mode} 0 and 2, so @samp{address},
31310 @samp{func-name}, @samp{offset}, @samp{inst}, and optionally
31311 @samp{opcodes}.
31312
31313 @end table
31314
31315 Note that whatever included in the @samp{inst} field, is not
31316 manipulated directly by @sc{gdb/mi}, i.e., it is not possible to
31317 adjust its format.
31318
31319 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31320
31321 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disassemble}.
31322
31323 @subsubheading Example
31324
31325 Disassemble from the current value of @code{$pc} to @code{$pc + 20}:
31326
31327 @smallexample
31328 (gdb)
31329 -data-disassemble -s $pc -e "$pc + 20" -- 0
31330 ^done,
31331 asm_insns=[
31332 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
31333 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
31334 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
31335 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
31336 @{address="0x000107c8",func-name="main",offset="12",
31337 inst="or %o2, 0x140, %o1\t! 0x11940 <_lib_version+8>"@},
31338 @{address="0x000107cc",func-name="main",offset="16",
31339 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
31340 @{address="0x000107d0",func-name="main",offset="20",
31341 inst="or %o2, 0x168, %o4\t! 0x11968 <_lib_version+48>"@}]
31342 (gdb)
31343 @end smallexample
31344
31345 Disassemble the whole @code{main} function. Line 32 is part of
31346 @code{main}.
31347
31348 @smallexample
31349 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -- 0
31350 ^done,asm_insns=[
31351 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
31352 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
31353 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
31354 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
31355 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
31356 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
31357 [@dots{}]
31358 @{address="0x0001081c",func-name="main",offset="96",inst="ret "@},
31359 @{address="0x00010820",func-name="main",offset="100",inst="restore "@}]
31360 (gdb)
31361 @end smallexample
31362
31363 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main}:
31364
31365 @smallexample
31366 (gdb)
31367 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 0
31368 ^done,asm_insns=[
31369 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
31370 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
31371 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
31372 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
31373 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
31374 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]
31375 (gdb)
31376 @end smallexample
31377
31378 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main} in mixed mode:
31379
31380 @smallexample
31381 (gdb)
31382 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 1
31383 ^done,asm_insns=[
31384 src_and_asm_line=@{line="31",
31385 file="../../../src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
31386 fullname="/absolute/path/to/src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
31387 line_asm_insn=[@{address="0x000107bc",
31388 func-name="main",offset="0",inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@}]@},
31389 src_and_asm_line=@{line="32",
31390 file="../../../src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
31391 fullname="/absolute/path/to/src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
31392 line_asm_insn=[@{address="0x000107c0",
31393 func-name="main",offset="4",inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
31394 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
31395 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]@}]
31396 (gdb)
31397 @end smallexample
31398
31399
31400 @subheading The @code{-data-evaluate-expression} Command
31401 @findex -data-evaluate-expression
31402
31403 @subsubheading Synopsis
31404
31405 @smallexample
31406 -data-evaluate-expression @var{expr}
31407 @end smallexample
31408
31409 Evaluate @var{expr} as an expression. The expression could contain an
31410 inferior function call. The function call will execute synchronously.
31411 If the expression contains spaces, it must be enclosed in double quotes.
31412
31413 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31414
31415 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{print}, @samp{output}, and
31416 @samp{call}. In @code{gdbtk} only, there's a corresponding
31417 @samp{gdb_eval} command.
31418
31419 @subsubheading Example
31420
31421 In the following example, the numbers that precede the commands are the
31422 @dfn{tokens} described in @ref{GDB/MI Command Syntax, ,@sc{gdb/mi}
31423 Command Syntax}. Notice how @sc{gdb/mi} returns the same tokens in its
31424 output.
31425
31426 @smallexample
31427 211-data-evaluate-expression A
31428 211^done,value="1"
31429 (gdb)
31430 311-data-evaluate-expression &A
31431 311^done,value="0xefffeb7c"
31432 (gdb)
31433 411-data-evaluate-expression A+3
31434 411^done,value="4"
31435 (gdb)
31436 511-data-evaluate-expression "A + 3"
31437 511^done,value="4"
31438 (gdb)
31439 @end smallexample
31440
31441
31442 @subheading The @code{-data-list-changed-registers} Command
31443 @findex -data-list-changed-registers
31444
31445 @subsubheading Synopsis
31446
31447 @smallexample
31448 -data-list-changed-registers
31449 @end smallexample
31450
31451 Display a list of the registers that have changed.
31452
31453 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31454
31455 @value{GDBN} doesn't have a direct analog for this command; @code{gdbtk}
31456 has the corresponding command @samp{gdb_changed_register_list}.
31457
31458 @subsubheading Example
31459
31460 On a PPC MBX board:
31461
31462 @smallexample
31463 (gdb)
31464 -exec-continue
31465 ^running
31466
31467 (gdb)
31468 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",frame=@{
31469 func="main",args=[],file="try.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",
31470 line="5"@}
31471 (gdb)
31472 -data-list-changed-registers
31473 ^done,changed-registers=["0","1","2","4","5","6","7","8","9",
31474 "10","11","13","14","15","16","17","18","19","20","21","22","23",
31475 "24","25","26","27","28","30","31","64","65","66","67","69"]
31476 (gdb)
31477 @end smallexample
31478
31479
31480 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-names} Command
31481 @findex -data-list-register-names
31482
31483 @subsubheading Synopsis
31484
31485 @smallexample
31486 -data-list-register-names [ ( @var{regno} )+ ]
31487 @end smallexample
31488
31489 Show a list of register names for the current target. If no arguments
31490 are given, it shows a list of the names of all the registers. If
31491 integer numbers are given as arguments, it will print a list of the
31492 names of the registers corresponding to the arguments. To ensure
31493 consistency between a register name and its number, the output list may
31494 include empty register names.
31495
31496 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31497
31498 @value{GDBN} does not have a command which corresponds to
31499 @samp{-data-list-register-names}. In @code{gdbtk} there is a
31500 corresponding command @samp{gdb_regnames}.
31501
31502 @subsubheading Example
31503
31504 For the PPC MBX board:
31505 @smallexample
31506 (gdb)
31507 -data-list-register-names
31508 ^done,register-names=["r0","r1","r2","r3","r4","r5","r6","r7",
31509 "r8","r9","r10","r11","r12","r13","r14","r15","r16","r17","r18",
31510 "r19","r20","r21","r22","r23","r24","r25","r26","r27","r28","r29",
31511 "r30","r31","f0","f1","f2","f3","f4","f5","f6","f7","f8","f9",
31512 "f10","f11","f12","f13","f14","f15","f16","f17","f18","f19","f20",
31513 "f21","f22","f23","f24","f25","f26","f27","f28","f29","f30","f31",
31514 "", "pc","ps","cr","lr","ctr","xer"]
31515 (gdb)
31516 -data-list-register-names 1 2 3
31517 ^done,register-names=["r1","r2","r3"]
31518 (gdb)
31519 @end smallexample
31520
31521 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-values} Command
31522 @findex -data-list-register-values
31523
31524 @subsubheading Synopsis
31525
31526 @smallexample
31527 -data-list-register-values @var{fmt} [ ( @var{regno} )*]
31528 @end smallexample
31529
31530 Display the registers' contents. @var{fmt} is the format according to
31531 which the registers' contents are to be returned, followed by an optional
31532 list of numbers specifying the registers to display. A missing list of
31533 numbers indicates that the contents of all the registers must be returned.
31534
31535 Allowed formats for @var{fmt} are:
31536
31537 @table @code
31538 @item x
31539 Hexadecimal
31540 @item o
31541 Octal
31542 @item t
31543 Binary
31544 @item d
31545 Decimal
31546 @item r
31547 Raw
31548 @item N
31549 Natural
31550 @end table
31551
31552 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31553
31554 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{info reg}, @samp{info
31555 all-reg}, and (in @code{gdbtk}) @samp{gdb_fetch_registers}.
31556
31557 @subsubheading Example
31558
31559 For a PPC MBX board (note: line breaks are for readability only, they
31560 don't appear in the actual output):
31561
31562 @smallexample
31563 (gdb)
31564 -data-list-register-values r 64 65
31565 ^done,register-values=[@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
31566 @{number="65",value="0x00029002"@}]
31567 (gdb)
31568 -data-list-register-values x
31569 ^done,register-values=[@{number="0",value="0xfe0043c8"@},
31570 @{number="1",value="0x3fff88"@},@{number="2",value="0xfffffffe"@},
31571 @{number="3",value="0x0"@},@{number="4",value="0xa"@},
31572 @{number="5",value="0x3fff68"@},@{number="6",value="0x3fff58"@},
31573 @{number="7",value="0xfe011e98"@},@{number="8",value="0x2"@},
31574 @{number="9",value="0xfa202820"@},@{number="10",value="0xfa202808"@},
31575 @{number="11",value="0x1"@},@{number="12",value="0x0"@},
31576 @{number="13",value="0x4544"@},@{number="14",value="0xffdfffff"@},
31577 @{number="15",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="16",value="0xfffffeff"@},
31578 @{number="17",value="0xefffffed"@},@{number="18",value="0xfffffffe"@},
31579 @{number="19",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="20",value="0xffffffff"@},
31580 @{number="21",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="22",value="0xfffffff7"@},
31581 @{number="23",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="24",value="0xffffffff"@},
31582 @{number="25",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="26",value="0xfffffffb"@},
31583 @{number="27",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="28",value="0xf7bfffff"@},
31584 @{number="29",value="0x0"@},@{number="30",value="0xfe010000"@},
31585 @{number="31",value="0x0"@},@{number="32",value="0x0"@},
31586 @{number="33",value="0x0"@},@{number="34",value="0x0"@},
31587 @{number="35",value="0x0"@},@{number="36",value="0x0"@},
31588 @{number="37",value="0x0"@},@{number="38",value="0x0"@},
31589 @{number="39",value="0x0"@},@{number="40",value="0x0"@},
31590 @{number="41",value="0x0"@},@{number="42",value="0x0"@},
31591 @{number="43",value="0x0"@},@{number="44",value="0x0"@},
31592 @{number="45",value="0x0"@},@{number="46",value="0x0"@},
31593 @{number="47",value="0x0"@},@{number="48",value="0x0"@},
31594 @{number="49",value="0x0"@},@{number="50",value="0x0"@},
31595 @{number="51",value="0x0"@},@{number="52",value="0x0"@},
31596 @{number="53",value="0x0"@},@{number="54",value="0x0"@},
31597 @{number="55",value="0x0"@},@{number="56",value="0x0"@},
31598 @{number="57",value="0x0"@},@{number="58",value="0x0"@},
31599 @{number="59",value="0x0"@},@{number="60",value="0x0"@},
31600 @{number="61",value="0x0"@},@{number="62",value="0x0"@},
31601 @{number="63",value="0x0"@},@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
31602 @{number="65",value="0x29002"@},@{number="66",value="0x202f04b5"@},
31603 @{number="67",value="0xfe0043b0"@},@{number="68",value="0xfe00b3e4"@},
31604 @{number="69",value="0x20002b03"@}]
31605 (gdb)
31606 @end smallexample
31607
31608
31609 @subheading The @code{-data-read-memory} Command
31610 @findex -data-read-memory
31611
31612 This command is deprecated, use @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} instead.
31613
31614 @subsubheading Synopsis
31615
31616 @smallexample
31617 -data-read-memory [ -o @var{byte-offset} ]
31618 @var{address} @var{word-format} @var{word-size}
31619 @var{nr-rows} @var{nr-cols} [ @var{aschar} ]
31620 @end smallexample
31621
31622 @noindent
31623 where:
31624
31625 @table @samp
31626 @item @var{address}
31627 An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
31628 read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
31629 quoted using the C convention.
31630
31631 @item @var{word-format}
31632 The format to be used to print the memory words. The notation is the
31633 same as for @value{GDBN}'s @code{print} command (@pxref{Output Formats,
31634 ,Output Formats}).
31635
31636 @item @var{word-size}
31637 The size of each memory word in bytes.
31638
31639 @item @var{nr-rows}
31640 The number of rows in the output table.
31641
31642 @item @var{nr-cols}
31643 The number of columns in the output table.
31644
31645 @item @var{aschar}
31646 If present, indicates that each row should include an @sc{ascii} dump. The
31647 value of @var{aschar} is used as a padding character when a byte is not a
31648 member of the printable @sc{ascii} character set (printable @sc{ascii}
31649 characters are those whose code is between 32 and 126, inclusively).
31650
31651 @item @var{byte-offset}
31652 An offset to add to the @var{address} before fetching memory.
31653 @end table
31654
31655 This command displays memory contents as a table of @var{nr-rows} by
31656 @var{nr-cols} words, each word being @var{word-size} bytes. In total,
31657 @code{@var{nr-rows} * @var{nr-cols} * @var{word-size}} bytes are read
31658 (returned as @samp{total-bytes}). Should less than the requested number
31659 of bytes be returned by the target, the missing words are identified
31660 using @samp{N/A}. The number of bytes read from the target is returned
31661 in @samp{nr-bytes} and the starting address used to read memory in
31662 @samp{addr}.
31663
31664 The address of the next/previous row or page is available in
31665 @samp{next-row} and @samp{prev-row}, @samp{next-page} and
31666 @samp{prev-page}.
31667
31668 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31669
31670 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}. @code{gdbtk} has
31671 @samp{gdb_get_mem} memory read command.
31672
31673 @subsubheading Example
31674
31675 Read six bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+6} but then offset by
31676 @code{-6} bytes. Format as three rows of two columns. One byte per
31677 word. Display each word in hex.
31678
31679 @smallexample
31680 (gdb)
31681 9-data-read-memory -o -6 -- bytes+6 x 1 3 2
31682 9^done,addr="0x00001390",nr-bytes="6",total-bytes="6",
31683 next-row="0x00001396",prev-row="0x0000138e",next-page="0x00001396",
31684 prev-page="0x0000138a",memory=[
31685 @{addr="0x00001390",data=["0x00","0x01"]@},
31686 @{addr="0x00001392",data=["0x02","0x03"]@},
31687 @{addr="0x00001394",data=["0x04","0x05"]@}]
31688 (gdb)
31689 @end smallexample
31690
31691 Read two bytes of memory starting at address @code{shorts + 64} and
31692 display as a single word formatted in decimal.
31693
31694 @smallexample
31695 (gdb)
31696 5-data-read-memory shorts+64 d 2 1 1
31697 5^done,addr="0x00001510",nr-bytes="2",total-bytes="2",
31698 next-row="0x00001512",prev-row="0x0000150e",
31699 next-page="0x00001512",prev-page="0x0000150e",memory=[
31700 @{addr="0x00001510",data=["128"]@}]
31701 (gdb)
31702 @end smallexample
31703
31704 Read thirty two bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+16} and format
31705 as eight rows of four columns. Include a string encoding with @samp{x}
31706 used as the non-printable character.
31707
31708 @smallexample
31709 (gdb)
31710 4-data-read-memory bytes+16 x 1 8 4 x
31711 4^done,addr="0x000013a0",nr-bytes="32",total-bytes="32",
31712 next-row="0x000013c0",prev-row="0x0000139c",
31713 next-page="0x000013c0",prev-page="0x00001380",memory=[
31714 @{addr="0x000013a0",data=["0x10","0x11","0x12","0x13"],ascii="xxxx"@},
31715 @{addr="0x000013a4",data=["0x14","0x15","0x16","0x17"],ascii="xxxx"@},
31716 @{addr="0x000013a8",data=["0x18","0x19","0x1a","0x1b"],ascii="xxxx"@},
31717 @{addr="0x000013ac",data=["0x1c","0x1d","0x1e","0x1f"],ascii="xxxx"@},
31718 @{addr="0x000013b0",data=["0x20","0x21","0x22","0x23"],ascii=" !\"#"@},
31719 @{addr="0x000013b4",data=["0x24","0x25","0x26","0x27"],ascii="$%&'"@},
31720 @{addr="0x000013b8",data=["0x28","0x29","0x2a","0x2b"],ascii="()*+"@},
31721 @{addr="0x000013bc",data=["0x2c","0x2d","0x2e","0x2f"],ascii=",-./"@}]
31722 (gdb)
31723 @end smallexample
31724
31725 @subheading The @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} Command
31726 @findex -data-read-memory-bytes
31727
31728 @subsubheading Synopsis
31729
31730 @smallexample
31731 -data-read-memory-bytes [ -o @var{byte-offset} ]
31732 @var{address} @var{count}
31733 @end smallexample
31734
31735 @noindent
31736 where:
31737
31738 @table @samp
31739 @item @var{address}
31740 An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
31741 read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
31742 quoted using the C convention.
31743
31744 @item @var{count}
31745 The number of bytes to read. This should be an integer literal.
31746
31747 @item @var{byte-offset}
31748 The offsets in bytes relative to @var{address} at which to start
31749 reading. This should be an integer literal. This option is provided
31750 so that a frontend is not required to first evaluate address and then
31751 perform address arithmetics itself.
31752
31753 @end table
31754
31755 This command attempts to read all accessible memory regions in the
31756 specified range. First, all regions marked as unreadable in the memory
31757 map (if one is defined) will be skipped. @xref{Memory Region
31758 Attributes}. Second, @value{GDBN} will attempt to read the remaining
31759 regions. For each one, if reading full region results in an errors,
31760 @value{GDBN} will try to read a subset of the region.
31761
31762 In general, every single byte in the region may be readable or not,
31763 and the only way to read every readable byte is to try a read at
31764 every address, which is not practical. Therefore, @value{GDBN} will
31765 attempt to read all accessible bytes at either beginning or the end
31766 of the region, using a binary division scheme. This heuristic works
31767 well for reading accross a memory map boundary. Note that if a region
31768 has a readable range that is neither at the beginning or the end,
31769 @value{GDBN} will not read it.
31770
31771 The result record (@pxref{GDB/MI Result Records}) that is output of
31772 the command includes a field named @samp{memory} whose content is a
31773 list of tuples. Each tuple represent a successfully read memory block
31774 and has the following fields:
31775
31776 @table @code
31777 @item begin
31778 The start address of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal.
31779
31780 @item end
31781 The end address of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal.
31782
31783 @item offset
31784 The offset of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal, relative to
31785 the start address passed to @code{-data-read-memory-bytes}.
31786
31787 @item contents
31788 The contents of the memory block, in hex.
31789
31790 @end table
31791
31792
31793
31794 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31795
31796 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}.
31797
31798 @subsubheading Example
31799
31800 @smallexample
31801 (gdb)
31802 -data-read-memory-bytes &a 10
31803 ^done,memory=[@{begin="0xbffff154",offset="0x00000000",
31804 end="0xbffff15e",
31805 contents="01000000020000000300"@}]
31806 (gdb)
31807 @end smallexample
31808
31809
31810 @subheading The @code{-data-write-memory-bytes} Command
31811 @findex -data-write-memory-bytes
31812
31813 @subsubheading Synopsis
31814
31815 @smallexample
31816 -data-write-memory-bytes @var{address} @var{contents}
31817 -data-write-memory-bytes @var{address} @var{contents} @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
31818 @end smallexample
31819
31820 @noindent
31821 where:
31822
31823 @table @samp
31824 @item @var{address}
31825 An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
31826 read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
31827 quoted using the C convention.
31828
31829 @item @var{contents}
31830 The hex-encoded bytes to write.
31831
31832 @item @var{count}
31833 Optional argument indicating the number of bytes to be written. If @var{count}
31834 is greater than @var{contents}' length, @value{GDBN} will repeatedly
31835 write @var{contents} until it fills @var{count} bytes.
31836
31837 @end table
31838
31839 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31840
31841 There's no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
31842
31843 @subsubheading Example
31844
31845 @smallexample
31846 (gdb)
31847 -data-write-memory-bytes &a "aabbccdd"
31848 ^done
31849 (gdb)
31850 @end smallexample
31851
31852 @smallexample
31853 (gdb)
31854 -data-write-memory-bytes &a "aabbccdd" 16e
31855 ^done
31856 (gdb)
31857 @end smallexample
31858
31859 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31860 @node GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands
31861 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Tracepoint Commands
31862
31863 The commands defined in this section implement MI support for
31864 tracepoints. For detailed introduction, see @ref{Tracepoints}.
31865
31866 @subheading The @code{-trace-find} Command
31867 @findex -trace-find
31868
31869 @subsubheading Synopsis
31870
31871 @smallexample
31872 -trace-find @var{mode} [@var{parameters}@dots{}]
31873 @end smallexample
31874
31875 Find a trace frame using criteria defined by @var{mode} and
31876 @var{parameters}. The following table lists permissible
31877 modes and their parameters. For details of operation, see @ref{tfind}.
31878
31879 @table @samp
31880
31881 @item none
31882 No parameters are required. Stops examining trace frames.
31883
31884 @item frame-number
31885 An integer is required as parameter. Selects tracepoint frame with
31886 that index.
31887
31888 @item tracepoint-number
31889 An integer is required as parameter. Finds next
31890 trace frame that corresponds to tracepoint with the specified number.
31891
31892 @item pc
31893 An address is required as parameter. Finds
31894 next trace frame that corresponds to any tracepoint at the specified
31895 address.
31896
31897 @item pc-inside-range
31898 Two addresses are required as parameters. Finds next trace
31899 frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at an address inside the
31900 specified range. Both bounds are considered to be inside the range.
31901
31902 @item pc-outside-range
31903 Two addresses are required as parameters. Finds
31904 next trace frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at an address outside
31905 the specified range. Both bounds are considered to be inside the range.
31906
31907 @item line
31908 Line specification is required as parameter. @xref{Specify Location}.
31909 Finds next trace frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at
31910 the specified location.
31911
31912 @end table
31913
31914 If @samp{none} was passed as @var{mode}, the response does not
31915 have fields. Otherwise, the response may have the following fields:
31916
31917 @table @samp
31918 @item found
31919 This field has either @samp{0} or @samp{1} as the value, depending
31920 on whether a matching tracepoint was found.
31921
31922 @item traceframe
31923 The index of the found traceframe. This field is present iff
31924 the @samp{found} field has value of @samp{1}.
31925
31926 @item tracepoint
31927 The index of the found tracepoint. This field is present iff
31928 the @samp{found} field has value of @samp{1}.
31929
31930 @item frame
31931 The information about the frame corresponding to the found trace
31932 frame. This field is present only if a trace frame was found.
31933 @xref{GDB/MI Frame Information}, for description of this field.
31934
31935 @end table
31936
31937 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31938
31939 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tfind}.
31940
31941 @subheading -trace-define-variable
31942 @findex -trace-define-variable
31943
31944 @subsubheading Synopsis
31945
31946 @smallexample
31947 -trace-define-variable @var{name} [ @var{value} ]
31948 @end smallexample
31949
31950 Create trace variable @var{name} if it does not exist. If
31951 @var{value} is specified, sets the initial value of the specified
31952 trace variable to that value. Note that the @var{name} should start
31953 with the @samp{$} character.
31954
31955 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31956
31957 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tvariable}.
31958
31959 @subheading -trace-list-variables
31960 @findex -trace-list-variables
31961
31962 @subsubheading Synopsis
31963
31964 @smallexample
31965 -trace-list-variables
31966 @end smallexample
31967
31968 Return a table of all defined trace variables. Each element of the
31969 table has the following fields:
31970
31971 @table @samp
31972 @item name
31973 The name of the trace variable. This field is always present.
31974
31975 @item initial
31976 The initial value. This is a 64-bit signed integer. This
31977 field is always present.
31978
31979 @item current
31980 The value the trace variable has at the moment. This is a 64-bit
31981 signed integer. This field is absent iff current value is
31982 not defined, for example if the trace was never run, or is
31983 presently running.
31984
31985 @end table
31986
31987 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31988
31989 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tvariables}.
31990
31991 @subsubheading Example
31992
31993 @smallexample
31994 (gdb)
31995 -trace-list-variables
31996 ^done,trace-variables=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="3",
31997 hdr=[@{width="15",alignment="-1",col_name="name",colhdr="Name"@},
31998 @{width="11",alignment="-1",col_name="initial",colhdr="Initial"@},
31999 @{width="11",alignment="-1",col_name="current",colhdr="Current"@}],
32000 body=[variable=@{name="$trace_timestamp",initial="0"@}
32001 variable=@{name="$foo",initial="10",current="15"@}]@}
32002 (gdb)
32003 @end smallexample
32004
32005 @subheading -trace-save
32006 @findex -trace-save
32007
32008 @subsubheading Synopsis
32009
32010 @smallexample
32011 -trace-save [-r ] @var{filename}
32012 @end smallexample
32013
32014 Saves the collected trace data to @var{filename}. Without the
32015 @samp{-r} option, the data is downloaded from the target and saved
32016 in a local file. With the @samp{-r} option the target is asked
32017 to perform the save.
32018
32019 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32020
32021 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tsave}.
32022
32023
32024 @subheading -trace-start
32025 @findex -trace-start
32026
32027 @subsubheading Synopsis
32028
32029 @smallexample
32030 -trace-start
32031 @end smallexample
32032
32033 Starts a tracing experiments. The result of this command does not
32034 have any fields.
32035
32036 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32037
32038 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstart}.
32039
32040 @subheading -trace-status
32041 @findex -trace-status
32042
32043 @subsubheading Synopsis
32044
32045 @smallexample
32046 -trace-status
32047 @end smallexample
32048
32049 Obtains the status of a tracing experiment. The result may include
32050 the following fields:
32051
32052 @table @samp
32053
32054 @item supported
32055 May have a value of either @samp{0}, when no tracing operations are
32056 supported, @samp{1}, when all tracing operations are supported, or
32057 @samp{file} when examining trace file. In the latter case, examining
32058 of trace frame is possible but new tracing experiement cannot be
32059 started. This field is always present.
32060
32061 @item running
32062 May have a value of either @samp{0} or @samp{1} depending on whether
32063 tracing experiement is in progress on target. This field is present
32064 if @samp{supported} field is not @samp{0}.
32065
32066 @item stop-reason
32067 Report the reason why the tracing was stopped last time. This field
32068 may be absent iff tracing was never stopped on target yet. The
32069 value of @samp{request} means the tracing was stopped as result of
32070 the @code{-trace-stop} command. The value of @samp{overflow} means
32071 the tracing buffer is full. The value of @samp{disconnection} means
32072 tracing was automatically stopped when @value{GDBN} has disconnected.
32073 The value of @samp{passcount} means tracing was stopped when a
32074 tracepoint was passed a maximal number of times for that tracepoint.
32075 This field is present if @samp{supported} field is not @samp{0}.
32076
32077 @item stopping-tracepoint
32078 The number of tracepoint whose passcount as exceeded. This field is
32079 present iff the @samp{stop-reason} field has the value of
32080 @samp{passcount}.
32081
32082 @item frames
32083 @itemx frames-created
32084 The @samp{frames} field is a count of the total number of trace frames
32085 in the trace buffer, while @samp{frames-created} is the total created
32086 during the run, including ones that were discarded, such as when a
32087 circular trace buffer filled up. Both fields are optional.
32088
32089 @item buffer-size
32090 @itemx buffer-free
32091 These fields tell the current size of the tracing buffer and the
32092 remaining space. These fields are optional.
32093
32094 @item circular
32095 The value of the circular trace buffer flag. @code{1} means that the
32096 trace buffer is circular and old trace frames will be discarded if
32097 necessary to make room, @code{0} means that the trace buffer is linear
32098 and may fill up.
32099
32100 @item disconnected
32101 The value of the disconnected tracing flag. @code{1} means that
32102 tracing will continue after @value{GDBN} disconnects, @code{0} means
32103 that the trace run will stop.
32104
32105 @item trace-file
32106 The filename of the trace file being examined. This field is
32107 optional, and only present when examining a trace file.
32108
32109 @end table
32110
32111 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32112
32113 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstatus}.
32114
32115 @subheading -trace-stop
32116 @findex -trace-stop
32117
32118 @subsubheading Synopsis
32119
32120 @smallexample
32121 -trace-stop
32122 @end smallexample
32123
32124 Stops a tracing experiment. The result of this command has the same
32125 fields as @code{-trace-status}, except that the @samp{supported} and
32126 @samp{running} fields are not output.
32127
32128 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32129
32130 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstop}.
32131
32132
32133 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32134 @node GDB/MI Symbol Query
32135 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Symbol Query Commands
32136
32137
32138 @ignore
32139 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-address} Command
32140 @findex -symbol-info-address
32141
32142 @subsubheading Synopsis
32143
32144 @smallexample
32145 -symbol-info-address @var{symbol}
32146 @end smallexample
32147
32148 Describe where @var{symbol} is stored.
32149
32150 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32151
32152 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info address}.
32153
32154 @subsubheading Example
32155 N.A.
32156
32157
32158 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-file} Command
32159 @findex -symbol-info-file
32160
32161 @subsubheading Synopsis
32162
32163 @smallexample
32164 -symbol-info-file
32165 @end smallexample
32166
32167 Show the file for the symbol.
32168
32169 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32170
32171 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command. @code{gdbtk} has
32172 @samp{gdb_find_file}.
32173
32174 @subsubheading Example
32175 N.A.
32176
32177
32178 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-function} Command
32179 @findex -symbol-info-function
32180
32181 @subsubheading Synopsis
32182
32183 @smallexample
32184 -symbol-info-function
32185 @end smallexample
32186
32187 Show which function the symbol lives in.
32188
32189 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32190
32191 @samp{gdb_get_function} in @code{gdbtk}.
32192
32193 @subsubheading Example
32194 N.A.
32195
32196
32197 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-line} Command
32198 @findex -symbol-info-line
32199
32200 @subsubheading Synopsis
32201
32202 @smallexample
32203 -symbol-info-line
32204 @end smallexample
32205
32206 Show the core addresses of the code for a source line.
32207
32208 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32209
32210 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info line}.
32211 @code{gdbtk} has the @samp{gdb_get_line} and @samp{gdb_get_file} commands.
32212
32213 @subsubheading Example
32214 N.A.
32215
32216
32217 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-symbol} Command
32218 @findex -symbol-info-symbol
32219
32220 @subsubheading Synopsis
32221
32222 @smallexample
32223 -symbol-info-symbol @var{addr}
32224 @end smallexample
32225
32226 Describe what symbol is at location @var{addr}.
32227
32228 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32229
32230 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info symbol}.
32231
32232 @subsubheading Example
32233 N.A.
32234
32235
32236 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-functions} Command
32237 @findex -symbol-list-functions
32238
32239 @subsubheading Synopsis
32240
32241 @smallexample
32242 -symbol-list-functions
32243 @end smallexample
32244
32245 List the functions in the executable.
32246
32247 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32248
32249 @samp{info functions} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_listfunc} and
32250 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
32251
32252 @subsubheading Example
32253 N.A.
32254 @end ignore
32255
32256
32257 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-lines} Command
32258 @findex -symbol-list-lines
32259
32260 @subsubheading Synopsis
32261
32262 @smallexample
32263 -symbol-list-lines @var{filename}
32264 @end smallexample
32265
32266 Print the list of lines that contain code and their associated program
32267 addresses for the given source filename. The entries are sorted in
32268 ascending PC order.
32269
32270 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32271
32272 There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
32273
32274 @subsubheading Example
32275 @smallexample
32276 (gdb)
32277 -symbol-list-lines basics.c
32278 ^done,lines=[@{pc="0x08048554",line="7"@},@{pc="0x0804855a",line="8"@}]
32279 (gdb)
32280 @end smallexample
32281
32282
32283 @ignore
32284 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-types} Command
32285 @findex -symbol-list-types
32286
32287 @subsubheading Synopsis
32288
32289 @smallexample
32290 -symbol-list-types
32291 @end smallexample
32292
32293 List all the type names.
32294
32295 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32296
32297 The corresponding commands are @samp{info types} in @value{GDBN},
32298 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
32299
32300 @subsubheading Example
32301 N.A.
32302
32303
32304 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-variables} Command
32305 @findex -symbol-list-variables
32306
32307 @subsubheading Synopsis
32308
32309 @smallexample
32310 -symbol-list-variables
32311 @end smallexample
32312
32313 List all the global and static variable names.
32314
32315 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32316
32317 @samp{info variables} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
32318
32319 @subsubheading Example
32320 N.A.
32321
32322
32323 @subheading The @code{-symbol-locate} Command
32324 @findex -symbol-locate
32325
32326 @subsubheading Synopsis
32327
32328 @smallexample
32329 -symbol-locate
32330 @end smallexample
32331
32332 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32333
32334 @samp{gdb_loc} in @code{gdbtk}.
32335
32336 @subsubheading Example
32337 N.A.
32338
32339
32340 @subheading The @code{-symbol-type} Command
32341 @findex -symbol-type
32342
32343 @subsubheading Synopsis
32344
32345 @smallexample
32346 -symbol-type @var{variable}
32347 @end smallexample
32348
32349 Show type of @var{variable}.
32350
32351 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32352
32353 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ptype}, @code{gdbtk} has
32354 @samp{gdb_obj_variable}.
32355
32356 @subsubheading Example
32357 N.A.
32358 @end ignore
32359
32360
32361 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32362 @node GDB/MI File Commands
32363 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Commands
32364
32365 This section describes the GDB/MI commands to specify executable file names
32366 and to read in and obtain symbol table information.
32367
32368 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-and-symbols} Command
32369 @findex -file-exec-and-symbols
32370
32371 @subsubheading Synopsis
32372
32373 @smallexample
32374 -file-exec-and-symbols @var{file}
32375 @end smallexample
32376
32377 Specify the executable file to be debugged. This file is the one from
32378 which the symbol table is also read. If no file is specified, the
32379 command clears the executable and symbol information. If breakpoints
32380 are set when using this command with no arguments, @value{GDBN} will produce
32381 error messages. Otherwise, no output is produced, except a completion
32382 notification.
32383
32384 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32385
32386 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{file}.
32387
32388 @subsubheading Example
32389
32390 @smallexample
32391 (gdb)
32392 -file-exec-and-symbols /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
32393 ^done
32394 (gdb)
32395 @end smallexample
32396
32397
32398 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-file} Command
32399 @findex -file-exec-file
32400
32401 @subsubheading Synopsis
32402
32403 @smallexample
32404 -file-exec-file @var{file}
32405 @end smallexample
32406
32407 Specify the executable file to be debugged. Unlike
32408 @samp{-file-exec-and-symbols}, the symbol table is @emph{not} read
32409 from this file. If used without argument, @value{GDBN} clears the information
32410 about the executable file. No output is produced, except a completion
32411 notification.
32412
32413 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32414
32415 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{exec-file}.
32416
32417 @subsubheading Example
32418
32419 @smallexample
32420 (gdb)
32421 -file-exec-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
32422 ^done
32423 (gdb)
32424 @end smallexample
32425
32426
32427 @ignore
32428 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-sections} Command
32429 @findex -file-list-exec-sections
32430
32431 @subsubheading Synopsis
32432
32433 @smallexample
32434 -file-list-exec-sections
32435 @end smallexample
32436
32437 List the sections of the current executable file.
32438
32439 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32440
32441 The @value{GDBN} command @samp{info file} shows, among the rest, the same
32442 information as this command. @code{gdbtk} has a corresponding command
32443 @samp{gdb_load_info}.
32444
32445 @subsubheading Example
32446 N.A.
32447 @end ignore
32448
32449
32450 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-file} Command
32451 @findex -file-list-exec-source-file
32452
32453 @subsubheading Synopsis
32454
32455 @smallexample
32456 -file-list-exec-source-file
32457 @end smallexample
32458
32459 List the line number, the current source file, and the absolute path
32460 to the current source file for the current executable. The macro
32461 information field has a value of @samp{1} or @samp{0} depending on
32462 whether or not the file includes preprocessor macro information.
32463
32464 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32465
32466 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info source}
32467
32468 @subsubheading Example
32469
32470 @smallexample
32471 (gdb)
32472 123-file-list-exec-source-file
32473 123^done,line="1",file="foo.c",fullname="/home/bar/foo.c,macro-info="1"
32474 (gdb)
32475 @end smallexample
32476
32477
32478 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-files} Command
32479 @findex -file-list-exec-source-files
32480
32481 @subsubheading Synopsis
32482
32483 @smallexample
32484 -file-list-exec-source-files
32485 @end smallexample
32486
32487 List the source files for the current executable.
32488
32489 It will always output both the filename and fullname (absolute file
32490 name) of a source file.
32491
32492 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32493
32494 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info sources}.
32495 @code{gdbtk} has an analogous command @samp{gdb_listfiles}.
32496
32497 @subsubheading Example
32498 @smallexample
32499 (gdb)
32500 -file-list-exec-source-files
32501 ^done,files=[
32502 @{file=foo.c,fullname=/home/foo.c@},
32503 @{file=/home/bar.c,fullname=/home/bar.c@},
32504 @{file=gdb_could_not_find_fullpath.c@}]
32505 (gdb)
32506 @end smallexample
32507
32508 @ignore
32509 @subheading The @code{-file-list-shared-libraries} Command
32510 @findex -file-list-shared-libraries
32511
32512 @subsubheading Synopsis
32513
32514 @smallexample
32515 -file-list-shared-libraries
32516 @end smallexample
32517
32518 List the shared libraries in the program.
32519
32520 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32521
32522 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info shared}.
32523
32524 @subsubheading Example
32525 N.A.
32526
32527
32528 @subheading The @code{-file-list-symbol-files} Command
32529 @findex -file-list-symbol-files
32530
32531 @subsubheading Synopsis
32532
32533 @smallexample
32534 -file-list-symbol-files
32535 @end smallexample
32536
32537 List symbol files.
32538
32539 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32540
32541 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info file} (part of it).
32542
32543 @subsubheading Example
32544 N.A.
32545 @end ignore
32546
32547
32548 @subheading The @code{-file-symbol-file} Command
32549 @findex -file-symbol-file
32550
32551 @subsubheading Synopsis
32552
32553 @smallexample
32554 -file-symbol-file @var{file}
32555 @end smallexample
32556
32557 Read symbol table info from the specified @var{file} argument. When
32558 used without arguments, clears @value{GDBN}'s symbol table info. No output is
32559 produced, except for a completion notification.
32560
32561 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32562
32563 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{symbol-file}.
32564
32565 @subsubheading Example
32566
32567 @smallexample
32568 (gdb)
32569 -file-symbol-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
32570 ^done
32571 (gdb)
32572 @end smallexample
32573
32574 @ignore
32575 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32576 @node GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands
32577 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Memory Overlay Commands
32578
32579 The memory overlay commands are not implemented.
32580
32581 @c @subheading -overlay-auto
32582
32583 @c @subheading -overlay-list-mapping-state
32584
32585 @c @subheading -overlay-list-overlays
32586
32587 @c @subheading -overlay-map
32588
32589 @c @subheading -overlay-off
32590
32591 @c @subheading -overlay-on
32592
32593 @c @subheading -overlay-unmap
32594
32595 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32596 @node GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands
32597 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Signal Handling Commands
32598
32599 Signal handling commands are not implemented.
32600
32601 @c @subheading -signal-handle
32602
32603 @c @subheading -signal-list-handle-actions
32604
32605 @c @subheading -signal-list-signal-types
32606 @end ignore
32607
32608
32609 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32610 @node GDB/MI Target Manipulation
32611 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Target Manipulation Commands
32612
32613
32614 @subheading The @code{-target-attach} Command
32615 @findex -target-attach
32616
32617 @subsubheading Synopsis
32618
32619 @smallexample
32620 -target-attach @var{pid} | @var{gid} | @var{file}
32621 @end smallexample
32622
32623 Attach to a process @var{pid} or a file @var{file} outside of
32624 @value{GDBN}, or a thread group @var{gid}. If attaching to a thread
32625 group, the id previously returned by
32626 @samp{-list-thread-groups --available} must be used.
32627
32628 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32629
32630 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{attach}.
32631
32632 @subsubheading Example
32633 @smallexample
32634 (gdb)
32635 -target-attach 34
32636 =thread-created,id="1"
32637 *stopped,thread-id="1",frame=@{addr="0xb7f7e410",func="bar",args=[]@}
32638 ^done
32639 (gdb)
32640 @end smallexample
32641
32642 @ignore
32643 @subheading The @code{-target-compare-sections} Command
32644 @findex -target-compare-sections
32645
32646 @subsubheading Synopsis
32647
32648 @smallexample
32649 -target-compare-sections [ @var{section} ]
32650 @end smallexample
32651
32652 Compare data of section @var{section} on target to the exec file.
32653 Without the argument, all sections are compared.
32654
32655 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32656
32657 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{compare-sections}.
32658
32659 @subsubheading Example
32660 N.A.
32661 @end ignore
32662
32663
32664 @subheading The @code{-target-detach} Command
32665 @findex -target-detach
32666
32667 @subsubheading Synopsis
32668
32669 @smallexample
32670 -target-detach [ @var{pid} | @var{gid} ]
32671 @end smallexample
32672
32673 Detach from the remote target which normally resumes its execution.
32674 If either @var{pid} or @var{gid} is specified, detaches from either
32675 the specified process, or specified thread group. There's no output.
32676
32677 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32678
32679 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{detach}.
32680
32681 @subsubheading Example
32682
32683 @smallexample
32684 (gdb)
32685 -target-detach
32686 ^done
32687 (gdb)
32688 @end smallexample
32689
32690
32691 @subheading The @code{-target-disconnect} Command
32692 @findex -target-disconnect
32693
32694 @subsubheading Synopsis
32695
32696 @smallexample
32697 -target-disconnect
32698 @end smallexample
32699
32700 Disconnect from the remote target. There's no output and the target is
32701 generally not resumed.
32702
32703 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32704
32705 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disconnect}.
32706
32707 @subsubheading Example
32708
32709 @smallexample
32710 (gdb)
32711 -target-disconnect
32712 ^done
32713 (gdb)
32714 @end smallexample
32715
32716
32717 @subheading The @code{-target-download} Command
32718 @findex -target-download
32719
32720 @subsubheading Synopsis
32721
32722 @smallexample
32723 -target-download
32724 @end smallexample
32725
32726 Loads the executable onto the remote target.
32727 It prints out an update message every half second, which includes the fields:
32728
32729 @table @samp
32730 @item section
32731 The name of the section.
32732 @item section-sent
32733 The size of what has been sent so far for that section.
32734 @item section-size
32735 The size of the section.
32736 @item total-sent
32737 The total size of what was sent so far (the current and the previous sections).
32738 @item total-size
32739 The size of the overall executable to download.
32740 @end table
32741
32742 @noindent
32743 Each message is sent as status record (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, ,
32744 @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax}).
32745
32746 In addition, it prints the name and size of the sections, as they are
32747 downloaded. These messages include the following fields:
32748
32749 @table @samp
32750 @item section
32751 The name of the section.
32752 @item section-size
32753 The size of the section.
32754 @item total-size
32755 The size of the overall executable to download.
32756 @end table
32757
32758 @noindent
32759 At the end, a summary is printed.
32760
32761 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32762
32763 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{load}.
32764
32765 @subsubheading Example
32766
32767 Note: each status message appears on a single line. Here the messages
32768 have been broken down so that they can fit onto a page.
32769
32770 @smallexample
32771 (gdb)
32772 -target-download
32773 +download,@{section=".text",section-size="6668",total-size="9880"@}
32774 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="512",section-size="6668",
32775 total-sent="512",total-size="9880"@}
32776 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1024",section-size="6668",
32777 total-sent="1024",total-size="9880"@}
32778 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1536",section-size="6668",
32779 total-sent="1536",total-size="9880"@}
32780 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2048",section-size="6668",
32781 total-sent="2048",total-size="9880"@}
32782 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2560",section-size="6668",
32783 total-sent="2560",total-size="9880"@}
32784 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3072",section-size="6668",
32785 total-sent="3072",total-size="9880"@}
32786 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3584",section-size="6668",
32787 total-sent="3584",total-size="9880"@}
32788 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4096",section-size="6668",
32789 total-sent="4096",total-size="9880"@}
32790 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4608",section-size="6668",
32791 total-sent="4608",total-size="9880"@}
32792 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5120",section-size="6668",
32793 total-sent="5120",total-size="9880"@}
32794 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5632",section-size="6668",
32795 total-sent="5632",total-size="9880"@}
32796 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6144",section-size="6668",
32797 total-sent="6144",total-size="9880"@}
32798 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6656",section-size="6668",
32799 total-sent="6656",total-size="9880"@}
32800 +download,@{section=".init",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
32801 +download,@{section=".fini",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
32802 +download,@{section=".data",section-size="3156",total-size="9880"@}
32803 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="512",section-size="3156",
32804 total-sent="7236",total-size="9880"@}
32805 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1024",section-size="3156",
32806 total-sent="7748",total-size="9880"@}
32807 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1536",section-size="3156",
32808 total-sent="8260",total-size="9880"@}
32809 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2048",section-size="3156",
32810 total-sent="8772",total-size="9880"@}
32811 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2560",section-size="3156",
32812 total-sent="9284",total-size="9880"@}
32813 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="3072",section-size="3156",
32814 total-sent="9796",total-size="9880"@}
32815 ^done,address="0x10004",load-size="9880",transfer-rate="6586",
32816 write-rate="429"
32817 (gdb)
32818 @end smallexample
32819
32820
32821 @ignore
32822 @subheading The @code{-target-exec-status} Command
32823 @findex -target-exec-status
32824
32825 @subsubheading Synopsis
32826
32827 @smallexample
32828 -target-exec-status
32829 @end smallexample
32830
32831 Provide information on the state of the target (whether it is running or
32832 not, for instance).
32833
32834 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32835
32836 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
32837
32838 @subsubheading Example
32839 N.A.
32840
32841
32842 @subheading The @code{-target-list-available-targets} Command
32843 @findex -target-list-available-targets
32844
32845 @subsubheading Synopsis
32846
32847 @smallexample
32848 -target-list-available-targets
32849 @end smallexample
32850
32851 List the possible targets to connect to.
32852
32853 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32854
32855 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{help target}.
32856
32857 @subsubheading Example
32858 N.A.
32859
32860
32861 @subheading The @code{-target-list-current-targets} Command
32862 @findex -target-list-current-targets
32863
32864 @subsubheading Synopsis
32865
32866 @smallexample
32867 -target-list-current-targets
32868 @end smallexample
32869
32870 Describe the current target.
32871
32872 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32873
32874 The corresponding information is printed by @samp{info file} (among
32875 other things).
32876
32877 @subsubheading Example
32878 N.A.
32879
32880
32881 @subheading The @code{-target-list-parameters} Command
32882 @findex -target-list-parameters
32883
32884 @subsubheading Synopsis
32885
32886 @smallexample
32887 -target-list-parameters
32888 @end smallexample
32889
32890 @c ????
32891 @end ignore
32892
32893 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32894
32895 No equivalent.
32896
32897 @subsubheading Example
32898 N.A.
32899
32900
32901 @subheading The @code{-target-select} Command
32902 @findex -target-select
32903
32904 @subsubheading Synopsis
32905
32906 @smallexample
32907 -target-select @var{type} @var{parameters @dots{}}
32908 @end smallexample
32909
32910 Connect @value{GDBN} to the remote target. This command takes two args:
32911
32912 @table @samp
32913 @item @var{type}
32914 The type of target, for instance @samp{remote}, etc.
32915 @item @var{parameters}
32916 Device names, host names and the like. @xref{Target Commands, ,
32917 Commands for Managing Targets}, for more details.
32918 @end table
32919
32920 The output is a connection notification, followed by the address at
32921 which the target program is, in the following form:
32922
32923 @smallexample
32924 ^connected,addr="@var{address}",func="@var{function name}",
32925 args=[@var{arg list}]
32926 @end smallexample
32927
32928 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32929
32930 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{target}.
32931
32932 @subsubheading Example
32933
32934 @smallexample
32935 (gdb)
32936 -target-select remote /dev/ttya
32937 ^connected,addr="0xfe00a300",func="??",args=[]
32938 (gdb)
32939 @end smallexample
32940
32941 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32942 @node GDB/MI File Transfer Commands
32943 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Transfer Commands
32944
32945
32946 @subheading The @code{-target-file-put} Command
32947 @findex -target-file-put
32948
32949 @subsubheading Synopsis
32950
32951 @smallexample
32952 -target-file-put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
32953 @end smallexample
32954
32955 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
32956 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
32957
32958 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32959
32960 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote put}.
32961
32962 @subsubheading Example
32963
32964 @smallexample
32965 (gdb)
32966 -target-file-put localfile remotefile
32967 ^done
32968 (gdb)
32969 @end smallexample
32970
32971
32972 @subheading The @code{-target-file-get} Command
32973 @findex -target-file-get
32974
32975 @subsubheading Synopsis
32976
32977 @smallexample
32978 -target-file-get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
32979 @end smallexample
32980
32981 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
32982 on the host system.
32983
32984 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32985
32986 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote get}.
32987
32988 @subsubheading Example
32989
32990 @smallexample
32991 (gdb)
32992 -target-file-get remotefile localfile
32993 ^done
32994 (gdb)
32995 @end smallexample
32996
32997
32998 @subheading The @code{-target-file-delete} Command
32999 @findex -target-file-delete
33000
33001 @subsubheading Synopsis
33002
33003 @smallexample
33004 -target-file-delete @var{targetfile}
33005 @end smallexample
33006
33007 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
33008
33009 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33010
33011 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote delete}.
33012
33013 @subsubheading Example
33014
33015 @smallexample
33016 (gdb)
33017 -target-file-delete remotefile
33018 ^done
33019 (gdb)
33020 @end smallexample
33021
33022
33023 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
33024 @node GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands
33025 @section Miscellaneous @sc{gdb/mi} Commands
33026
33027 @c @subheading -gdb-complete
33028
33029 @subheading The @code{-gdb-exit} Command
33030 @findex -gdb-exit
33031
33032 @subsubheading Synopsis
33033
33034 @smallexample
33035 -gdb-exit
33036 @end smallexample
33037
33038 Exit @value{GDBN} immediately.
33039
33040 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33041
33042 Approximately corresponds to @samp{quit}.
33043
33044 @subsubheading Example
33045
33046 @smallexample
33047 (gdb)
33048 -gdb-exit
33049 ^exit
33050 @end smallexample
33051
33052
33053 @ignore
33054 @subheading The @code{-exec-abort} Command
33055 @findex -exec-abort
33056
33057 @subsubheading Synopsis
33058
33059 @smallexample
33060 -exec-abort
33061 @end smallexample
33062
33063 Kill the inferior running program.
33064
33065 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33066
33067 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{kill}.
33068
33069 @subsubheading Example
33070 N.A.
33071 @end ignore
33072
33073
33074 @subheading The @code{-gdb-set} Command
33075 @findex -gdb-set
33076
33077 @subsubheading Synopsis
33078
33079 @smallexample
33080 -gdb-set
33081 @end smallexample
33082
33083 Set an internal @value{GDBN} variable.
33084 @c IS THIS A DOLLAR VARIABLE? OR SOMETHING LIKE ANNOTATE ?????
33085
33086 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33087
33088 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set}.
33089
33090 @subsubheading Example
33091
33092 @smallexample
33093 (gdb)
33094 -gdb-set $foo=3
33095 ^done
33096 (gdb)
33097 @end smallexample
33098
33099
33100 @subheading The @code{-gdb-show} Command
33101 @findex -gdb-show
33102
33103 @subsubheading Synopsis
33104
33105 @smallexample
33106 -gdb-show
33107 @end smallexample
33108
33109 Show the current value of a @value{GDBN} variable.
33110
33111 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33112
33113 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show}.
33114
33115 @subsubheading Example
33116
33117 @smallexample
33118 (gdb)
33119 -gdb-show annotate
33120 ^done,value="0"
33121 (gdb)
33122 @end smallexample
33123
33124 @c @subheading -gdb-source
33125
33126
33127 @subheading The @code{-gdb-version} Command
33128 @findex -gdb-version
33129
33130 @subsubheading Synopsis
33131
33132 @smallexample
33133 -gdb-version
33134 @end smallexample
33135
33136 Show version information for @value{GDBN}. Used mostly in testing.
33137
33138 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33139
33140 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{show version}. @value{GDBN} by
33141 default shows this information when you start an interactive session.
33142
33143 @subsubheading Example
33144
33145 @c This example modifies the actual output from GDB to avoid overfull
33146 @c box in TeX.
33147 @smallexample
33148 (gdb)
33149 -gdb-version
33150 ~GNU gdb 5.2.1
33151 ~Copyright 2000 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
33152 ~GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License, and
33153 ~you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it under
33154 ~ certain conditions.
33155 ~Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
33156 ~There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty" for
33157 ~ details.
33158 ~This GDB was configured as
33159 "--host=sparc-sun-solaris2.5.1 --target=ppc-eabi".
33160 ^done
33161 (gdb)
33162 @end smallexample
33163
33164 @subheading The @code{-list-features} Command
33165 @findex -list-features
33166
33167 Returns a list of particular features of the MI protocol that
33168 this version of gdb implements. A feature can be a command,
33169 or a new field in an output of some command, or even an
33170 important bugfix. While a frontend can sometimes detect presence
33171 of a feature at runtime, it is easier to perform detection at debugger
33172 startup.
33173
33174 The command returns a list of strings, with each string naming an
33175 available feature. Each returned string is just a name, it does not
33176 have any internal structure. The list of possible feature names
33177 is given below.
33178
33179 Example output:
33180
33181 @smallexample
33182 (gdb) -list-features
33183 ^done,result=["feature1","feature2"]
33184 @end smallexample
33185
33186 The current list of features is:
33187
33188 @table @samp
33189 @item frozen-varobjs
33190 Indicates support for the @code{-var-set-frozen} command, as well
33191 as possible presense of the @code{frozen} field in the output
33192 of @code{-varobj-create}.
33193 @item pending-breakpoints
33194 Indicates support for the @option{-f} option to the @code{-break-insert}
33195 command.
33196 @item python
33197 Indicates Python scripting support, Python-based
33198 pretty-printing commands, and possible presence of the
33199 @samp{display_hint} field in the output of @code{-var-list-children}
33200 @item thread-info
33201 Indicates support for the @code{-thread-info} command.
33202 @item data-read-memory-bytes
33203 Indicates support for the @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} and the
33204 @code{-data-write-memory-bytes} commands.
33205 @item breakpoint-notifications
33206 Indicates that changes to breakpoints and breakpoints created via the
33207 CLI will be announced via async records.
33208 @item ada-task-info
33209 Indicates support for the @code{-ada-task-info} command.
33210 @end table
33211
33212 @subheading The @code{-list-target-features} Command
33213 @findex -list-target-features
33214
33215 Returns a list of particular features that are supported by the
33216 target. Those features affect the permitted MI commands, but
33217 unlike the features reported by the @code{-list-features} command, the
33218 features depend on which target GDB is using at the moment. Whenever
33219 a target can change, due to commands such as @code{-target-select},
33220 @code{-target-attach} or @code{-exec-run}, the list of target features
33221 may change, and the frontend should obtain it again.
33222 Example output:
33223
33224 @smallexample
33225 (gdb) -list-features
33226 ^done,result=["async"]
33227 @end smallexample
33228
33229 The current list of features is:
33230
33231 @table @samp
33232 @item async
33233 Indicates that the target is capable of asynchronous command
33234 execution, which means that @value{GDBN} will accept further commands
33235 while the target is running.
33236
33237 @item reverse
33238 Indicates that the target is capable of reverse execution.
33239 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
33240
33241 @end table
33242
33243 @subheading The @code{-list-thread-groups} Command
33244 @findex -list-thread-groups
33245
33246 @subheading Synopsis
33247
33248 @smallexample
33249 -list-thread-groups [ --available ] [ --recurse 1 ] [ @var{group} ... ]
33250 @end smallexample
33251
33252 Lists thread groups (@pxref{Thread groups}). When a single thread
33253 group is passed as the argument, lists the children of that group.
33254 When several thread group are passed, lists information about those
33255 thread groups. Without any parameters, lists information about all
33256 top-level thread groups.
33257
33258 Normally, thread groups that are being debugged are reported.
33259 With the @samp{--available} option, @value{GDBN} reports thread groups
33260 available on the target.
33261
33262 The output of this command may have either a @samp{threads} result or
33263 a @samp{groups} result. The @samp{thread} result has a list of tuples
33264 as value, with each tuple describing a thread (@pxref{GDB/MI Thread
33265 Information}). The @samp{groups} result has a list of tuples as value,
33266 each tuple describing a thread group. If top-level groups are
33267 requested (that is, no parameter is passed), or when several groups
33268 are passed, the output always has a @samp{groups} result. The format
33269 of the @samp{group} result is described below.
33270
33271 To reduce the number of roundtrips it's possible to list thread groups
33272 together with their children, by passing the @samp{--recurse} option
33273 and the recursion depth. Presently, only recursion depth of 1 is
33274 permitted. If this option is present, then every reported thread group
33275 will also include its children, either as @samp{group} or
33276 @samp{threads} field.
33277
33278 In general, any combination of option and parameters is permitted, with
33279 the following caveats:
33280
33281 @itemize @bullet
33282 @item
33283 When a single thread group is passed, the output will typically
33284 be the @samp{threads} result. Because threads may not contain
33285 anything, the @samp{recurse} option will be ignored.
33286
33287 @item
33288 When the @samp{--available} option is passed, limited information may
33289 be available. In particular, the list of threads of a process might
33290 be inaccessible. Further, specifying specific thread groups might
33291 not give any performance advantage over listing all thread groups.
33292 The frontend should assume that @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}
33293 is always an expensive operation and cache the results.
33294
33295 @end itemize
33296
33297 The @samp{groups} result is a list of tuples, where each tuple may
33298 have the following fields:
33299
33300 @table @code
33301 @item id
33302 Identifier of the thread group. This field is always present.
33303 The identifier is an opaque string; frontends should not try to
33304 convert it to an integer, even though it might look like one.
33305
33306 @item type
33307 The type of the thread group. At present, only @samp{process} is a
33308 valid type.
33309
33310 @item pid
33311 The target-specific process identifier. This field is only present
33312 for thread groups of type @samp{process} and only if the process exists.
33313
33314 @item num_children
33315 The number of children this thread group has. This field may be
33316 absent for an available thread group.
33317
33318 @item threads
33319 This field has a list of tuples as value, each tuple describing a
33320 thread. It may be present if the @samp{--recurse} option is
33321 specified, and it's actually possible to obtain the threads.
33322
33323 @item cores
33324 This field is a list of integers, each identifying a core that one
33325 thread of the group is running on. This field may be absent if
33326 such information is not available.
33327
33328 @item executable
33329 The name of the executable file that corresponds to this thread group.
33330 The field is only present for thread groups of type @samp{process},
33331 and only if there is a corresponding executable file.
33332
33333 @end table
33334
33335 @subheading Example
33336
33337 @smallexample
33338 @value{GDBP}
33339 -list-thread-groups
33340 ^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2"@}]
33341 -list-thread-groups 17
33342 ^done,threads=[@{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
33343 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",args=[]@},state="running"@},
33344 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
33345 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
33346 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},state="running"@}]]
33347 -list-thread-groups --available
33348 ^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2]@}]
33349 -list-thread-groups --available --recurse 1
33350 ^done,groups=[@{id="17", types="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2],
33351 threads=[@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[1]@},
33352 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[2]@}]@},..]
33353 -list-thread-groups --available --recurse 1 17 18
33354 ^done,groups=[@{id="17", types="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2],
33355 threads=[@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[1]@},
33356 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[2]@}]@},...]
33357 @end smallexample
33358
33359 @subheading The @code{-info-os} Command
33360 @findex -info-os
33361
33362 @subsubheading Synopsis
33363
33364 @smallexample
33365 -info-os [ @var{type} ]
33366 @end smallexample
33367
33368 If no argument is supplied, the command returns a table of available
33369 operating-system-specific information types. If one of these types is
33370 supplied as an argument @var{type}, then the command returns a table
33371 of data of that type.
33372
33373 The types of information available depend on the target operating
33374 system.
33375
33376 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33377
33378 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info os}.
33379
33380 @subsubheading Example
33381
33382 When run on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, the output will look something
33383 like this:
33384
33385 @smallexample
33386 @value{GDBP}
33387 -info-os
33388 ^done,OSDataTable=@{nr_rows="9",nr_cols="3",
33389 hdr=[@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col0",colhdr="Type"@},
33390 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col1",colhdr="Description"@},
33391 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col2",colhdr="Title"@}],
33392 body=[item=@{col0="processes",col1="Listing of all processes",
33393 col2="Processes"@},
33394 item=@{col0="procgroups",col1="Listing of all process groups",
33395 col2="Process groups"@},
33396 item=@{col0="threads",col1="Listing of all threads",
33397 col2="Threads"@},
33398 item=@{col0="files",col1="Listing of all file descriptors",
33399 col2="File descriptors"@},
33400 item=@{col0="sockets",col1="Listing of all internet-domain sockets",
33401 col2="Sockets"@},
33402 item=@{col0="shm",col1="Listing of all shared-memory regions",
33403 col2="Shared-memory regions"@},
33404 item=@{col0="semaphores",col1="Listing of all semaphores",
33405 col2="Semaphores"@},
33406 item=@{col0="msg",col1="Listing of all message queues",
33407 col2="Message queues"@},
33408 item=@{col0="modules",col1="Listing of all loaded kernel modules",
33409 col2="Kernel modules"@}]@}
33410 @value{GDBP}
33411 -info-os processes
33412 ^done,OSDataTable=@{nr_rows="190",nr_cols="4",
33413 hdr=[@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col0",colhdr="pid"@},
33414 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col1",colhdr="user"@},
33415 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col2",colhdr="command"@},
33416 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col3",colhdr="cores"@}],
33417 body=[item=@{col0="1",col1="root",col2="/sbin/init",col3="0"@},
33418 item=@{col0="2",col1="root",col2="[kthreadd]",col3="1"@},
33419 item=@{col0="3",col1="root",col2="[ksoftirqd/0]",col3="0"@},
33420 ...
33421 item=@{col0="26446",col1="stan",col2="bash",col3="0"@},
33422 item=@{col0="28152",col1="stan",col2="bash",col3="1"@}]@}
33423 (gdb)
33424 @end smallexample
33425
33426 (Note that the MI output here includes a @code{"Title"} column that
33427 does not appear in command-line @code{info os}; this column is useful
33428 for MI clients that want to enumerate the types of data, such as in a
33429 popup menu, but is needless clutter on the command line, and
33430 @code{info os} omits it.)
33431
33432 @subheading The @code{-add-inferior} Command
33433 @findex -add-inferior
33434
33435 @subheading Synopsis
33436
33437 @smallexample
33438 -add-inferior
33439 @end smallexample
33440
33441 Creates a new inferior (@pxref{Inferiors and Programs}). The created
33442 inferior is not associated with any executable. Such association may
33443 be established with the @samp{-file-exec-and-symbols} command
33444 (@pxref{GDB/MI File Commands}). The command response has a single
33445 field, @samp{thread-group}, whose value is the identifier of the
33446 thread group corresponding to the new inferior.
33447
33448 @subheading Example
33449
33450 @smallexample
33451 @value{GDBP}
33452 -add-inferior
33453 ^done,thread-group="i3"
33454 @end smallexample
33455
33456 @subheading The @code{-interpreter-exec} Command
33457 @findex -interpreter-exec
33458
33459 @subheading Synopsis
33460
33461 @smallexample
33462 -interpreter-exec @var{interpreter} @var{command}
33463 @end smallexample
33464 @anchor{-interpreter-exec}
33465
33466 Execute the specified @var{command} in the given @var{interpreter}.
33467
33468 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
33469
33470 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interpreter-exec}.
33471
33472 @subheading Example
33473
33474 @smallexample
33475 (gdb)
33476 -interpreter-exec console "break main"
33477 &"During symbol reading, couldn't parse type; debugger out of date?.\n"
33478 &"During symbol reading, bad structure-type format.\n"
33479 ~"Breakpoint 1 at 0x8074fc6: file ../../src/gdb/main.c, line 743.\n"
33480 ^done
33481 (gdb)
33482 @end smallexample
33483
33484 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-set} Command
33485 @findex -inferior-tty-set
33486
33487 @subheading Synopsis
33488
33489 @smallexample
33490 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
33491 @end smallexample
33492
33493 Set terminal for future runs of the program being debugged.
33494
33495 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
33496
33497 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set inferior-tty} /dev/pts/1.
33498
33499 @subheading Example
33500
33501 @smallexample
33502 (gdb)
33503 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
33504 ^done
33505 (gdb)
33506 @end smallexample
33507
33508 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-show} Command
33509 @findex -inferior-tty-show
33510
33511 @subheading Synopsis
33512
33513 @smallexample
33514 -inferior-tty-show
33515 @end smallexample
33516
33517 Show terminal for future runs of program being debugged.
33518
33519 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
33520
33521 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show inferior-tty}.
33522
33523 @subheading Example
33524
33525 @smallexample
33526 (gdb)
33527 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
33528 ^done
33529 (gdb)
33530 -inferior-tty-show
33531 ^done,inferior_tty_terminal="/dev/pts/1"
33532 (gdb)
33533 @end smallexample
33534
33535 @subheading The @code{-enable-timings} Command
33536 @findex -enable-timings
33537
33538 @subheading Synopsis
33539
33540 @smallexample
33541 -enable-timings [yes | no]
33542 @end smallexample
33543
33544 Toggle the printing of the wallclock, user and system times for an MI
33545 command as a field in its output. This command is to help frontend
33546 developers optimize the performance of their code. No argument is
33547 equivalent to @samp{yes}.
33548
33549 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
33550
33551 No equivalent.
33552
33553 @subheading Example
33554
33555 @smallexample
33556 (gdb)
33557 -enable-timings
33558 ^done
33559 (gdb)
33560 -break-insert main
33561 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
33562 addr="0x080484ed",func="main",file="myprog.c",
33563 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73",thread-groups=["i1"],
33564 times="0"@},
33565 time=@{wallclock="0.05185",user="0.00800",system="0.00000"@}
33566 (gdb)
33567 -enable-timings no
33568 ^done
33569 (gdb)
33570 -exec-run
33571 ^running
33572 (gdb)
33573 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
33574 frame=@{addr="0x080484ed",func="main",args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},
33575 @{name="argv",value="0xbfb60364"@}],file="myprog.c",
33576 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73"@}
33577 (gdb)
33578 @end smallexample
33579
33580 @node Annotations
33581 @chapter @value{GDBN} Annotations
33582
33583 This chapter describes annotations in @value{GDBN}. Annotations were
33584 designed to interface @value{GDBN} to graphical user interfaces or other
33585 similar programs which want to interact with @value{GDBN} at a
33586 relatively high level.
33587
33588 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
33589 (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
33590
33591 @ignore
33592 This is Edition @value{EDITION}, @value{DATE}.
33593 @end ignore
33594
33595 @menu
33596 * Annotations Overview:: What annotations are; the general syntax.
33597 * Server Prefix:: Issuing a command without affecting user state.
33598 * Prompting:: Annotations marking @value{GDBN}'s need for input.
33599 * Errors:: Annotations for error messages.
33600 * Invalidation:: Some annotations describe things now invalid.
33601 * Annotations for Running::
33602 Whether the program is running, how it stopped, etc.
33603 * Source Annotations:: Annotations describing source code.
33604 @end menu
33605
33606 @node Annotations Overview
33607 @section What is an Annotation?
33608 @cindex annotations
33609
33610 Annotations start with a newline character, two @samp{control-z}
33611 characters, and the name of the annotation. If there is no additional
33612 information associated with this annotation, the name of the annotation
33613 is followed immediately by a newline. If there is additional
33614 information, the name of the annotation is followed by a space, the
33615 additional information, and a newline. The additional information
33616 cannot contain newline characters.
33617
33618 Any output not beginning with a newline and two @samp{control-z}
33619 characters denotes literal output from @value{GDBN}. Currently there is
33620 no need for @value{GDBN} to output a newline followed by two
33621 @samp{control-z} characters, but if there was such a need, the
33622 annotations could be extended with an @samp{escape} annotation which
33623 means those three characters as output.
33624
33625 The annotation @var{level}, which is specified using the
33626 @option{--annotate} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}), controls
33627 how much information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt,
33628 values of expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0
33629 is for no annotations, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a
33630 subprocess of @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable
33631 for programs that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 annotations have
33632 been made obsolete (@pxref{Limitations, , Limitations of the Annotation
33633 Interface, annotate, GDB's Obsolete Annotations}).
33634
33635 @table @code
33636 @kindex set annotate
33637 @item set annotate @var{level}
33638 The @value{GDBN} command @code{set annotate} sets the level of
33639 annotations to the specified @var{level}.
33640
33641 @item show annotate
33642 @kindex show annotate
33643 Show the current annotation level.
33644 @end table
33645
33646 This chapter describes level 3 annotations.
33647
33648 A simple example of starting up @value{GDBN} with annotations is:
33649
33650 @smallexample
33651 $ @kbd{gdb --annotate=3}
33652 GNU gdb 6.0
33653 Copyright 2003 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
33654 GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License,
33655 and you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it
33656 under certain conditions.
33657 Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
33658 There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty"
33659 for details.
33660 This GDB was configured as "i386-pc-linux-gnu"
33661
33662 ^Z^Zpre-prompt
33663 (@value{GDBP})
33664 ^Z^Zprompt
33665 @kbd{quit}
33666
33667 ^Z^Zpost-prompt
33668 $
33669 @end smallexample
33670
33671 Here @samp{quit} is input to @value{GDBN}; the rest is output from
33672 @value{GDBN}. The three lines beginning @samp{^Z^Z} (where @samp{^Z}
33673 denotes a @samp{control-z} character) are annotations; the rest is
33674 output from @value{GDBN}.
33675
33676 @node Server Prefix
33677 @section The Server Prefix
33678 @cindex server prefix
33679
33680 If you prefix a command with @samp{server } then it will not affect
33681 the command history, nor will it affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which
33682 command to repeat if @key{RET} is pressed on a line by itself. This
33683 means that commands can be run behind a user's back by a front-end in
33684 a transparent manner.
33685
33686 The @code{server } prefix does not affect the recording of values into
33687 the value history; to print a value without recording it into the
33688 value history, use the @code{output} command instead of the
33689 @code{print} command.
33690
33691 Using this prefix also disables confirmation requests
33692 (@pxref{confirmation requests}).
33693
33694 @node Prompting
33695 @section Annotation for @value{GDBN} Input
33696
33697 @cindex annotations for prompts
33698 When @value{GDBN} prompts for input, it annotates this fact so it is possible
33699 to know when to send output, when the output from a given command is
33700 over, etc.
33701
33702 Different kinds of input each have a different @dfn{input type}. Each
33703 input type has three annotations: a @code{pre-} annotation, which
33704 denotes the beginning of any prompt which is being output, a plain
33705 annotation, which denotes the end of the prompt, and then a @code{post-}
33706 annotation which denotes the end of any echo which may (or may not) be
33707 associated with the input. For example, the @code{prompt} input type
33708 features the following annotations:
33709
33710 @smallexample
33711 ^Z^Zpre-prompt
33712 ^Z^Zprompt
33713 ^Z^Zpost-prompt
33714 @end smallexample
33715
33716 The input types are
33717
33718 @table @code
33719 @findex pre-prompt annotation
33720 @findex prompt annotation
33721 @findex post-prompt annotation
33722 @item prompt
33723 When @value{GDBN} is prompting for a command (the main @value{GDBN} prompt).
33724
33725 @findex pre-commands annotation
33726 @findex commands annotation
33727 @findex post-commands annotation
33728 @item commands
33729 When @value{GDBN} prompts for a set of commands, like in the @code{commands}
33730 command. The annotations are repeated for each command which is input.
33731
33732 @findex pre-overload-choice annotation
33733 @findex overload-choice annotation
33734 @findex post-overload-choice annotation
33735 @item overload-choice
33736 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to select between various overloaded functions.
33737
33738 @findex pre-query annotation
33739 @findex query annotation
33740 @findex post-query annotation
33741 @item query
33742 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to confirm a potentially dangerous operation.
33743
33744 @findex pre-prompt-for-continue annotation
33745 @findex prompt-for-continue annotation
33746 @findex post-prompt-for-continue annotation
33747 @item prompt-for-continue
33748 When @value{GDBN} is asking the user to press return to continue. Note: Don't
33749 expect this to work well; instead use @code{set height 0} to disable
33750 prompting. This is because the counting of lines is buggy in the
33751 presence of annotations.
33752 @end table
33753
33754 @node Errors
33755 @section Errors
33756 @cindex annotations for errors, warnings and interrupts
33757
33758 @findex quit annotation
33759 @smallexample
33760 ^Z^Zquit
33761 @end smallexample
33762
33763 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an interrupt.
33764
33765 @findex error annotation
33766 @smallexample
33767 ^Z^Zerror
33768 @end smallexample
33769
33770 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an error.
33771
33772 Quit and error annotations indicate that any annotations which @value{GDBN} was
33773 in the middle of may end abruptly. For example, if a
33774 @code{value-history-begin} annotation is followed by a @code{error}, one
33775 cannot expect to receive the matching @code{value-history-end}. One
33776 cannot expect not to receive it either, however; an error annotation
33777 does not necessarily mean that @value{GDBN} is immediately returning all the way
33778 to the top level.
33779
33780 @findex error-begin annotation
33781 A quit or error annotation may be preceded by
33782
33783 @smallexample
33784 ^Z^Zerror-begin
33785 @end smallexample
33786
33787 Any output between that and the quit or error annotation is the error
33788 message.
33789
33790 Warning messages are not yet annotated.
33791 @c If we want to change that, need to fix warning(), type_error(),
33792 @c range_error(), and possibly other places.
33793
33794 @node Invalidation
33795 @section Invalidation Notices
33796
33797 @cindex annotations for invalidation messages
33798 The following annotations say that certain pieces of state may have
33799 changed.
33800
33801 @table @code
33802 @findex frames-invalid annotation
33803 @item ^Z^Zframes-invalid
33804
33805 The frames (for example, output from the @code{backtrace} command) may
33806 have changed.
33807
33808 @findex breakpoints-invalid annotation
33809 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoints-invalid
33810
33811 The breakpoints may have changed. For example, the user just added or
33812 deleted a breakpoint.
33813 @end table
33814
33815 @node Annotations for Running
33816 @section Running the Program
33817 @cindex annotations for running programs
33818
33819 @findex starting annotation
33820 @findex stopping annotation
33821 When the program starts executing due to a @value{GDBN} command such as
33822 @code{step} or @code{continue},
33823
33824 @smallexample
33825 ^Z^Zstarting
33826 @end smallexample
33827
33828 is output. When the program stops,
33829
33830 @smallexample
33831 ^Z^Zstopped
33832 @end smallexample
33833
33834 is output. Before the @code{stopped} annotation, a variety of
33835 annotations describe how the program stopped.
33836
33837 @table @code
33838 @findex exited annotation
33839 @item ^Z^Zexited @var{exit-status}
33840 The program exited, and @var{exit-status} is the exit status (zero for
33841 successful exit, otherwise nonzero).
33842
33843 @findex signalled annotation
33844 @findex signal-name annotation
33845 @findex signal-name-end annotation
33846 @findex signal-string annotation
33847 @findex signal-string-end annotation
33848 @item ^Z^Zsignalled
33849 The program exited with a signal. After the @code{^Z^Zsignalled}, the
33850 annotation continues:
33851
33852 @smallexample
33853 @var{intro-text}
33854 ^Z^Zsignal-name
33855 @var{name}
33856 ^Z^Zsignal-name-end
33857 @var{middle-text}
33858 ^Z^Zsignal-string
33859 @var{string}
33860 ^Z^Zsignal-string-end
33861 @var{end-text}
33862 @end smallexample
33863
33864 @noindent
33865 where @var{name} is the name of the signal, such as @code{SIGILL} or
33866 @code{SIGSEGV}, and @var{string} is the explanation of the signal, such
33867 as @code{Illegal Instruction} or @code{Segmentation fault}.
33868 @var{intro-text}, @var{middle-text}, and @var{end-text} are for the
33869 user's benefit and have no particular format.
33870
33871 @findex signal annotation
33872 @item ^Z^Zsignal
33873 The syntax of this annotation is just like @code{signalled}, but @value{GDBN} is
33874 just saying that the program received the signal, not that it was
33875 terminated with it.
33876
33877 @findex breakpoint annotation
33878 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoint @var{number}
33879 The program hit breakpoint number @var{number}.
33880
33881 @findex watchpoint annotation
33882 @item ^Z^Zwatchpoint @var{number}
33883 The program hit watchpoint number @var{number}.
33884 @end table
33885
33886 @node Source Annotations
33887 @section Displaying Source
33888 @cindex annotations for source display
33889
33890 @findex source annotation
33891 The following annotation is used instead of displaying source code:
33892
33893 @smallexample
33894 ^Z^Zsource @var{filename}:@var{line}:@var{character}:@var{middle}:@var{addr}
33895 @end smallexample
33896
33897 where @var{filename} is an absolute file name indicating which source
33898 file, @var{line} is the line number within that file (where 1 is the
33899 first line in the file), @var{character} is the character position
33900 within the file (where 0 is the first character in the file) (for most
33901 debug formats this will necessarily point to the beginning of a line),
33902 @var{middle} is @samp{middle} if @var{addr} is in the middle of the
33903 line, or @samp{beg} if @var{addr} is at the beginning of the line, and
33904 @var{addr} is the address in the target program associated with the
33905 source which is being displayed. @var{addr} is in the form @samp{0x}
33906 followed by one or more lowercase hex digits (note that this does not
33907 depend on the language).
33908
33909 @node JIT Interface
33910 @chapter JIT Compilation Interface
33911 @cindex just-in-time compilation
33912 @cindex JIT compilation interface
33913
33914 This chapter documents @value{GDBN}'s @dfn{just-in-time} (JIT) compilation
33915 interface. A JIT compiler is a program or library that generates native
33916 executable code at runtime and executes it, usually in order to achieve good
33917 performance while maintaining platform independence.
33918
33919 Programs that use JIT compilation are normally difficult to debug because
33920 portions of their code are generated at runtime, instead of being loaded from
33921 object files, which is where @value{GDBN} normally finds the program's symbols
33922 and debug information. In order to debug programs that use JIT compilation,
33923 @value{GDBN} has an interface that allows the program to register in-memory
33924 symbol files with @value{GDBN} at runtime.
33925
33926 If you are using @value{GDBN} to debug a program that uses this interface, then
33927 it should work transparently so long as you have not stripped the binary. If
33928 you are developing a JIT compiler, then the interface is documented in the rest
33929 of this chapter. At this time, the only known client of this interface is the
33930 LLVM JIT.
33931
33932 Broadly speaking, the JIT interface mirrors the dynamic loader interface. The
33933 JIT compiler communicates with @value{GDBN} by writing data into a global
33934 variable and calling a fuction at a well-known symbol. When @value{GDBN}
33935 attaches, it reads a linked list of symbol files from the global variable to
33936 find existing code, and puts a breakpoint in the function so that it can find
33937 out about additional code.
33938
33939 @menu
33940 * Declarations:: Relevant C struct declarations
33941 * Registering Code:: Steps to register code
33942 * Unregistering Code:: Steps to unregister code
33943 * Custom Debug Info:: Emit debug information in a custom format
33944 @end menu
33945
33946 @node Declarations
33947 @section JIT Declarations
33948
33949 These are the relevant struct declarations that a C program should include to
33950 implement the interface:
33951
33952 @smallexample
33953 typedef enum
33954 @{
33955 JIT_NOACTION = 0,
33956 JIT_REGISTER_FN,
33957 JIT_UNREGISTER_FN
33958 @} jit_actions_t;
33959
33960 struct jit_code_entry
33961 @{
33962 struct jit_code_entry *next_entry;
33963 struct jit_code_entry *prev_entry;
33964 const char *symfile_addr;
33965 uint64_t symfile_size;
33966 @};
33967
33968 struct jit_descriptor
33969 @{
33970 uint32_t version;
33971 /* This type should be jit_actions_t, but we use uint32_t
33972 to be explicit about the bitwidth. */
33973 uint32_t action_flag;
33974 struct jit_code_entry *relevant_entry;
33975 struct jit_code_entry *first_entry;
33976 @};
33977
33978 /* GDB puts a breakpoint in this function. */
33979 void __attribute__((noinline)) __jit_debug_register_code() @{ @};
33980
33981 /* Make sure to specify the version statically, because the
33982 debugger may check the version before we can set it. */
33983 struct jit_descriptor __jit_debug_descriptor = @{ 1, 0, 0, 0 @};
33984 @end smallexample
33985
33986 If the JIT is multi-threaded, then it is important that the JIT synchronize any
33987 modifications to this global data properly, which can easily be done by putting
33988 a global mutex around modifications to these structures.
33989
33990 @node Registering Code
33991 @section Registering Code
33992
33993 To register code with @value{GDBN}, the JIT should follow this protocol:
33994
33995 @itemize @bullet
33996 @item
33997 Generate an object file in memory with symbols and other desired debug
33998 information. The file must include the virtual addresses of the sections.
33999
34000 @item
34001 Create a code entry for the file, which gives the start and size of the symbol
34002 file.
34003
34004 @item
34005 Add it to the linked list in the JIT descriptor.
34006
34007 @item
34008 Point the relevant_entry field of the descriptor at the entry.
34009
34010 @item
34011 Set @code{action_flag} to @code{JIT_REGISTER} and call
34012 @code{__jit_debug_register_code}.
34013 @end itemize
34014
34015 When @value{GDBN} is attached and the breakpoint fires, @value{GDBN} uses the
34016 @code{relevant_entry} pointer so it doesn't have to walk the list looking for
34017 new code. However, the linked list must still be maintained in order to allow
34018 @value{GDBN} to attach to a running process and still find the symbol files.
34019
34020 @node Unregistering Code
34021 @section Unregistering Code
34022
34023 If code is freed, then the JIT should use the following protocol:
34024
34025 @itemize @bullet
34026 @item
34027 Remove the code entry corresponding to the code from the linked list.
34028
34029 @item
34030 Point the @code{relevant_entry} field of the descriptor at the code entry.
34031
34032 @item
34033 Set @code{action_flag} to @code{JIT_UNREGISTER} and call
34034 @code{__jit_debug_register_code}.
34035 @end itemize
34036
34037 If the JIT frees or recompiles code without unregistering it, then @value{GDBN}
34038 and the JIT will leak the memory used for the associated symbol files.
34039
34040 @node Custom Debug Info
34041 @section Custom Debug Info
34042 @cindex custom JIT debug info
34043 @cindex JIT debug info reader
34044
34045 Generating debug information in platform-native file formats (like ELF
34046 or COFF) may be an overkill for JIT compilers; especially if all the
34047 debug info is used for is displaying a meaningful backtrace. The
34048 issue can be resolved by having the JIT writers decide on a debug info
34049 format and also provide a reader that parses the debug info generated
34050 by the JIT compiler. This section gives a brief overview on writing
34051 such a parser. More specific details can be found in the source file
34052 @file{gdb/jit-reader.in}, which is also installed as a header at
34053 @file{@var{includedir}/gdb/jit-reader.h} for easy inclusion.
34054
34055 The reader is implemented as a shared object (so this functionality is
34056 not available on platforms which don't allow loading shared objects at
34057 runtime). Two @value{GDBN} commands, @code{jit-reader-load} and
34058 @code{jit-reader-unload} are provided, to be used to load and unload
34059 the readers from a preconfigured directory. Once loaded, the shared
34060 object is used the parse the debug information emitted by the JIT
34061 compiler.
34062
34063 @menu
34064 * Using JIT Debug Info Readers:: How to use supplied readers correctly
34065 * Writing JIT Debug Info Readers:: Creating a debug-info reader
34066 @end menu
34067
34068 @node Using JIT Debug Info Readers
34069 @subsection Using JIT Debug Info Readers
34070 @kindex jit-reader-load
34071 @kindex jit-reader-unload
34072
34073 Readers can be loaded and unloaded using the @code{jit-reader-load}
34074 and @code{jit-reader-unload} commands.
34075
34076 @table @code
34077 @item jit-reader-load @var{reader}
34078 Load the JIT reader named @var{reader}. @var{reader} is a shared
34079 object specified as either an absolute or a relative file name. In
34080 the latter case, @value{GDBN} will try to load the reader from a
34081 pre-configured directory, usually @file{@var{libdir}/gdb/} on a UNIX
34082 system (here @var{libdir} is the system library directory, often
34083 @file{/usr/local/lib}).
34084
34085 Only one reader can be active at a time; trying to load a second
34086 reader when one is already loaded will result in @value{GDBN}
34087 reporting an error. A new JIT reader can be loaded by first unloading
34088 the current one using @code{jit-reader-unload} and then invoking
34089 @code{jit-reader-load}.
34090
34091 @item jit-reader-unload
34092 Unload the currently loaded JIT reader.
34093
34094 @end table
34095
34096 @node Writing JIT Debug Info Readers
34097 @subsection Writing JIT Debug Info Readers
34098 @cindex writing JIT debug info readers
34099
34100 As mentioned, a reader is essentially a shared object conforming to a
34101 certain ABI. This ABI is described in @file{jit-reader.h}.
34102
34103 @file{jit-reader.h} defines the structures, macros and functions
34104 required to write a reader. It is installed (along with
34105 @value{GDBN}), in @file{@var{includedir}/gdb} where @var{includedir} is
34106 the system include directory.
34107
34108 Readers need to be released under a GPL compatible license. A reader
34109 can be declared as released under such a license by placing the macro
34110 @code{GDB_DECLARE_GPL_COMPATIBLE_READER} in a source file.
34111
34112 The entry point for readers is the symbol @code{gdb_init_reader},
34113 which is expected to be a function with the prototype
34114
34115 @findex gdb_init_reader
34116 @smallexample
34117 extern struct gdb_reader_funcs *gdb_init_reader (void);
34118 @end smallexample
34119
34120 @cindex @code{struct gdb_reader_funcs}
34121
34122 @code{struct gdb_reader_funcs} contains a set of pointers to callback
34123 functions. These functions are executed to read the debug info
34124 generated by the JIT compiler (@code{read}), to unwind stack frames
34125 (@code{unwind}) and to create canonical frame IDs
34126 (@code{get_Frame_id}). It also has a callback that is called when the
34127 reader is being unloaded (@code{destroy}). The struct looks like this
34128
34129 @smallexample
34130 struct gdb_reader_funcs
34131 @{
34132 /* Must be set to GDB_READER_INTERFACE_VERSION. */
34133 int reader_version;
34134
34135 /* For use by the reader. */
34136 void *priv_data;
34137
34138 gdb_read_debug_info *read;
34139 gdb_unwind_frame *unwind;
34140 gdb_get_frame_id *get_frame_id;
34141 gdb_destroy_reader *destroy;
34142 @};
34143 @end smallexample
34144
34145 @cindex @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks}
34146 @cindex @code{struct gdb_unwind_callbacks}
34147
34148 The callbacks are provided with another set of callbacks by
34149 @value{GDBN} to do their job. For @code{read}, these callbacks are
34150 passed in a @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks} and for @code{unwind}
34151 and @code{get_frame_id}, in a @code{struct gdb_unwind_callbacks}.
34152 @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks} has callbacks to create new object
34153 files and new symbol tables inside those object files. @code{struct
34154 gdb_unwind_callbacks} has callbacks to read registers off the current
34155 frame and to write out the values of the registers in the previous
34156 frame. Both have a callback (@code{target_read}) to read bytes off the
34157 target's address space.
34158
34159 @node In-Process Agent
34160 @chapter In-Process Agent
34161 @cindex debugging agent
34162 The traditional debugging model is conceptually low-speed, but works fine,
34163 because most bugs can be reproduced in debugging-mode execution. However,
34164 as multi-core or many-core processors are becoming mainstream, and
34165 multi-threaded programs become more and more popular, there should be more
34166 and more bugs that only manifest themselves at normal-mode execution, for
34167 example, thread races, because debugger's interference with the program's
34168 timing may conceal the bugs. On the other hand, in some applications,
34169 it is not feasible for the debugger to interrupt the program's execution
34170 long enough for the developer to learn anything helpful about its behavior.
34171 If the program's correctness depends on its real-time behavior, delays
34172 introduced by a debugger might cause the program to fail, even when the
34173 code itself is correct. It is useful to be able to observe the program's
34174 behavior without interrupting it.
34175
34176 Therefore, traditional debugging model is too intrusive to reproduce
34177 some bugs. In order to reduce the interference with the program, we can
34178 reduce the number of operations performed by debugger. The
34179 @dfn{In-Process Agent}, a shared library, is running within the same
34180 process with inferior, and is able to perform some debugging operations
34181 itself. As a result, debugger is only involved when necessary, and
34182 performance of debugging can be improved accordingly. Note that
34183 interference with program can be reduced but can't be removed completely,
34184 because the in-process agent will still stop or slow down the program.
34185
34186 The in-process agent can interpret and execute Agent Expressions
34187 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}) during performing debugging operations. The
34188 agent expressions can be used for different purposes, such as collecting
34189 data in tracepoints, and condition evaluation in breakpoints.
34190
34191 @anchor{Control Agent}
34192 You can control whether the in-process agent is used as an aid for
34193 debugging with the following commands:
34194
34195 @table @code
34196 @kindex set agent on
34197 @item set agent on
34198 Causes the in-process agent to perform some operations on behalf of the
34199 debugger. Just which operations requested by the user will be done
34200 by the in-process agent depends on the its capabilities. For example,
34201 if you request to evaluate breakpoint conditions in the in-process agent,
34202 and the in-process agent has such capability as well, then breakpoint
34203 conditions will be evaluated in the in-process agent.
34204
34205 @kindex set agent off
34206 @item set agent off
34207 Disables execution of debugging operations by the in-process agent. All
34208 of the operations will be performed by @value{GDBN}.
34209
34210 @kindex show agent
34211 @item show agent
34212 Display the current setting of execution of debugging operations by
34213 the in-process agent.
34214 @end table
34215
34216 @menu
34217 * In-Process Agent Protocol::
34218 @end menu
34219
34220 @node In-Process Agent Protocol
34221 @section In-Process Agent Protocol
34222 @cindex in-process agent protocol
34223
34224 The in-process agent is able to communicate with both @value{GDBN} and
34225 GDBserver (@pxref{In-Process Agent}). This section documents the protocol
34226 used for communications between @value{GDBN} or GDBserver and the IPA.
34227 In general, @value{GDBN} or GDBserver sends commands
34228 (@pxref{IPA Protocol Commands}) and data to in-process agent, and then
34229 in-process agent replies back with the return result of the command, or
34230 some other information. The data sent to in-process agent is composed
34231 of primitive data types, such as 4-byte or 8-byte type, and composite
34232 types, which are called objects (@pxref{IPA Protocol Objects}).
34233
34234 @menu
34235 * IPA Protocol Objects::
34236 * IPA Protocol Commands::
34237 @end menu
34238
34239 @node IPA Protocol Objects
34240 @subsection IPA Protocol Objects
34241 @cindex ipa protocol objects
34242
34243 The commands sent to and results received from agent may contain some
34244 complex data types called @dfn{objects}.
34245
34246 The in-process agent is running on the same machine with @value{GDBN}
34247 or GDBserver, so it doesn't have to handle as much differences between
34248 two ends as remote protocol (@pxref{Remote Protocol}) tries to handle.
34249 However, there are still some differences of two ends in two processes:
34250
34251 @enumerate
34252 @item
34253 word size. On some 64-bit machines, @value{GDBN} or GDBserver can be
34254 compiled as a 64-bit executable, while in-process agent is a 32-bit one.
34255 @item
34256 ABI. Some machines may have multiple types of ABI, @value{GDBN} or
34257 GDBserver is compiled with one, and in-process agent is compiled with
34258 the other one.
34259 @end enumerate
34260
34261 Here are the IPA Protocol Objects:
34262
34263 @enumerate
34264 @item
34265 agent expression object. It represents an agent expression
34266 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}).
34267 @anchor{agent expression object}
34268 @item
34269 tracepoint action object. It represents a tracepoint action
34270 (@pxref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}) to collect registers,
34271 memory, static trace data and to evaluate expression.
34272 @anchor{tracepoint action object}
34273 @item
34274 tracepoint object. It represents a tracepoint (@pxref{Tracepoints}).
34275 @anchor{tracepoint object}
34276
34277 @end enumerate
34278
34279 The following table describes important attributes of each IPA protocol
34280 object:
34281
34282 @multitable @columnfractions .30 .20 .50
34283 @headitem Name @tab Size @tab Description
34284 @item @emph{agent expression object} @tab @tab
34285 @item length @tab 4 @tab length of bytes code
34286 @item byte code @tab @var{length} @tab contents of byte code
34287 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting memory} @tab @tab
34288 @item 'M' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
34289 @item addr @tab 8 @tab if @var{basereg} is @samp{-1}, @var{addr} is the
34290 address of the lowest byte to collect, otherwise @var{addr} is the offset
34291 of @var{basereg} for memory collecting.
34292 @item len @tab 8 @tab length of memory for collecting
34293 @item basereg @tab 4 @tab the register number containing the starting
34294 memory address for collecting.
34295 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting registers} @tab @tab
34296 @item 'R' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
34297 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting static trace data} @tab @tab
34298 @item 'L' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
34299 @item @emph{tracepoint action for expression evaluation} @tab @tab
34300 @item 'X' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
34301 @item agent expression @tab length of @tab @ref{agent expression object}
34302 @item @emph{tracepoint object} @tab @tab
34303 @item number @tab 4 @tab number of tracepoint
34304 @item address @tab 8 @tab address of tracepoint inserted on
34305 @item type @tab 4 @tab type of tracepoint
34306 @item enabled @tab 1 @tab enable or disable of tracepoint
34307 @item step_count @tab 8 @tab step
34308 @item pass_count @tab 8 @tab pass
34309 @item numactions @tab 4 @tab number of tracepoint actions
34310 @item hit count @tab 8 @tab hit count
34311 @item trace frame usage @tab 8 @tab trace frame usage
34312 @item compiled_cond @tab 8 @tab compiled condition
34313 @item orig_size @tab 8 @tab orig size
34314 @item condition @tab 4 if condition is NULL otherwise length of
34315 @ref{agent expression object}
34316 @tab zero if condition is NULL, otherwise is
34317 @ref{agent expression object}
34318 @item actions @tab variable
34319 @tab numactions number of @ref{tracepoint action object}
34320 @end multitable
34321
34322 @node IPA Protocol Commands
34323 @subsection IPA Protocol Commands
34324 @cindex ipa protocol commands
34325
34326 The spaces in each command are delimiters to ease reading this commands
34327 specification. They don't exist in real commands.
34328
34329 @table @samp
34330
34331 @item FastTrace:@var{tracepoint_object} @var{gdb_jump_pad_head}
34332 Installs a new fast tracepoint described by @var{tracepoint_object}
34333 (@pxref{tracepoint object}). @var{gdb_jump_pad_head}, 8-byte long, is the
34334 head of @dfn{jumppad}, which is used to jump to data collection routine
34335 in IPA finally.
34336
34337 Replies:
34338 @table @samp
34339 @item OK @var{target_address} @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} @var{fjump_size} @var{fjump}
34340 @var{target_address} is address of tracepoint in the inferior.
34341 @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} is updated head of jumppad. Both of
34342 @var{target_address} and @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} are 8-byte long.
34343 @var{fjump} contains a sequence of instructions jump to jumppad entry.
34344 @var{fjump_size}, 4-byte long, is the size of @var{fjump}.
34345 @item E @var{NN}
34346 for an error
34347
34348 @end table
34349
34350 @item close
34351 Closes the in-process agent. This command is sent when @value{GDBN} or GDBserver
34352 is about to kill inferiors.
34353
34354 @item qTfSTM
34355 @xref{qTfSTM}.
34356 @item qTsSTM
34357 @xref{qTsSTM}.
34358 @item qTSTMat
34359 @xref{qTSTMat}.
34360 @item probe_marker_at:@var{address}
34361 Asks in-process agent to probe the marker at @var{address}.
34362
34363 Replies:
34364 @table @samp
34365 @item E @var{NN}
34366 for an error
34367 @end table
34368 @item unprobe_marker_at:@var{address}
34369 Asks in-process agent to unprobe the marker at @var{address}.
34370 @end table
34371
34372 @node GDB Bugs
34373 @chapter Reporting Bugs in @value{GDBN}
34374 @cindex bugs in @value{GDBN}
34375 @cindex reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
34376
34377 Your bug reports play an essential role in making @value{GDBN} reliable.
34378
34379 Reporting a bug may help you by bringing a solution to your problem, or it
34380 may not. But in any case the principal function of a bug report is to help
34381 the entire community by making the next version of @value{GDBN} work better. Bug
34382 reports are your contribution to the maintenance of @value{GDBN}.
34383
34384 In order for a bug report to serve its purpose, you must include the
34385 information that enables us to fix the bug.
34386
34387 @menu
34388 * Bug Criteria:: Have you found a bug?
34389 * Bug Reporting:: How to report bugs
34390 @end menu
34391
34392 @node Bug Criteria
34393 @section Have You Found a Bug?
34394 @cindex bug criteria
34395
34396 If you are not sure whether you have found a bug, here are some guidelines:
34397
34398 @itemize @bullet
34399 @cindex fatal signal
34400 @cindex debugger crash
34401 @cindex crash of debugger
34402 @item
34403 If the debugger gets a fatal signal, for any input whatever, that is a
34404 @value{GDBN} bug. Reliable debuggers never crash.
34405
34406 @cindex error on valid input
34407 @item
34408 If @value{GDBN} produces an error message for valid input, that is a
34409 bug. (Note that if you're cross debugging, the problem may also be
34410 somewhere in the connection to the target.)
34411
34412 @cindex invalid input
34413 @item
34414 If @value{GDBN} does not produce an error message for invalid input,
34415 that is a bug. However, you should note that your idea of
34416 ``invalid input'' might be our idea of ``an extension'' or ``support
34417 for traditional practice''.
34418
34419 @item
34420 If you are an experienced user of debugging tools, your suggestions
34421 for improvement of @value{GDBN} are welcome in any case.
34422 @end itemize
34423
34424 @node Bug Reporting
34425 @section How to Report Bugs
34426 @cindex bug reports
34427 @cindex @value{GDBN} bugs, reporting
34428
34429 A number of companies and individuals offer support for @sc{gnu} products.
34430 If you obtained @value{GDBN} from a support organization, we recommend you
34431 contact that organization first.
34432
34433 You can find contact information for many support companies and
34434 individuals in the file @file{etc/SERVICE} in the @sc{gnu} Emacs
34435 distribution.
34436 @c should add a web page ref...
34437
34438 @ifset BUGURL
34439 @ifset BUGURL_DEFAULT
34440 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
34441 @value{GDBN}. The preferred method is to submit them directly using
34442 @uref{http://www.gnu.org/software/gdb/bugs/, @value{GDBN}'s Bugs web
34443 page}. Alternatively, the @email{bug-gdb@@gnu.org, e-mail gateway} can
34444 be used.
34445
34446 @strong{Do not send bug reports to @samp{info-gdb}, or to
34447 @samp{help-gdb}, or to any newsgroups.} Most users of @value{GDBN} do
34448 not want to receive bug reports. Those that do have arranged to receive
34449 @samp{bug-gdb}.
34450
34451 The mailing list @samp{bug-gdb} has a newsgroup @samp{gnu.gdb.bug} which
34452 serves as a repeater. The mailing list and the newsgroup carry exactly
34453 the same messages. Often people think of posting bug reports to the
34454 newsgroup instead of mailing them. This appears to work, but it has one
34455 problem which can be crucial: a newsgroup posting often lacks a mail
34456 path back to the sender. Thus, if we need to ask for more information,
34457 we may be unable to reach you. For this reason, it is better to send
34458 bug reports to the mailing list.
34459 @end ifset
34460 @ifclear BUGURL_DEFAULT
34461 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
34462 @value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.
34463 @end ifclear
34464 @end ifset
34465
34466 The fundamental principle of reporting bugs usefully is this:
34467 @strong{report all the facts}. If you are not sure whether to state a
34468 fact or leave it out, state it!
34469
34470 Often people omit facts because they think they know what causes the
34471 problem and assume that some details do not matter. Thus, you might
34472 assume that the name of the variable you use in an example does not matter.
34473 Well, probably it does not, but one cannot be sure. Perhaps the bug is a
34474 stray memory reference which happens to fetch from the location where that
34475 name is stored in memory; perhaps, if the name were different, the contents
34476 of that location would fool the debugger into doing the right thing despite
34477 the bug. Play it safe and give a specific, complete example. That is the
34478 easiest thing for you to do, and the most helpful.
34479
34480 Keep in mind that the purpose of a bug report is to enable us to fix the
34481 bug. It may be that the bug has been reported previously, but neither
34482 you nor we can know that unless your bug report is complete and
34483 self-contained.
34484
34485 Sometimes people give a few sketchy facts and ask, ``Does this ring a
34486 bell?'' Those bug reports are useless, and we urge everyone to
34487 @emph{refuse to respond to them} except to chide the sender to report
34488 bugs properly.
34489
34490 To enable us to fix the bug, you should include all these things:
34491
34492 @itemize @bullet
34493 @item
34494 The version of @value{GDBN}. @value{GDBN} announces it if you start
34495 with no arguments; you can also print it at any time using @code{show
34496 version}.
34497
34498 Without this, we will not know whether there is any point in looking for
34499 the bug in the current version of @value{GDBN}.
34500
34501 @item
34502 The type of machine you are using, and the operating system name and
34503 version number.
34504
34505 @item
34506 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile @value{GDBN}---e.g.@:
34507 ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1''.
34508
34509 @item
34510 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile the program you are
34511 debugging---e.g.@: ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1'', or ``HP92453-01 A.10.32.03 HP
34512 C Compiler''. For @value{NGCC}, you can say @kbd{@value{GCC} --version}
34513 to get this information; for other compilers, see the documentation for
34514 those compilers.
34515
34516 @item
34517 The command arguments you gave the compiler to compile your example and
34518 observe the bug. For example, did you use @samp{-O}? To guarantee
34519 you will not omit something important, list them all. A copy of the
34520 Makefile (or the output from make) is sufficient.
34521
34522 If we were to try to guess the arguments, we would probably guess wrong
34523 and then we might not encounter the bug.
34524
34525 @item
34526 A complete input script, and all necessary source files, that will
34527 reproduce the bug.
34528
34529 @item
34530 A description of what behavior you observe that you believe is
34531 incorrect. For example, ``It gets a fatal signal.''
34532
34533 Of course, if the bug is that @value{GDBN} gets a fatal signal, then we
34534 will certainly notice it. But if the bug is incorrect output, we might
34535 not notice unless it is glaringly wrong. You might as well not give us
34536 a chance to make a mistake.
34537
34538 Even if the problem you experience is a fatal signal, you should still
34539 say so explicitly. Suppose something strange is going on, such as, your
34540 copy of @value{GDBN} is out of synch, or you have encountered a bug in
34541 the C library on your system. (This has happened!) Your copy might
34542 crash and ours would not. If you told us to expect a crash, then when
34543 ours fails to crash, we would know that the bug was not happening for
34544 us. If you had not told us to expect a crash, then we would not be able
34545 to draw any conclusion from our observations.
34546
34547 @pindex script
34548 @cindex recording a session script
34549 To collect all this information, you can use a session recording program
34550 such as @command{script}, which is available on many Unix systems.
34551 Just run your @value{GDBN} session inside @command{script} and then
34552 include the @file{typescript} file with your bug report.
34553
34554 Another way to record a @value{GDBN} session is to run @value{GDBN}
34555 inside Emacs and then save the entire buffer to a file.
34556
34557 @item
34558 If you wish to suggest changes to the @value{GDBN} source, send us context
34559 diffs. If you even discuss something in the @value{GDBN} source, refer to
34560 it by context, not by line number.
34561
34562 The line numbers in our development sources will not match those in your
34563 sources. Your line numbers would convey no useful information to us.
34564
34565 @end itemize
34566
34567 Here are some things that are not necessary:
34568
34569 @itemize @bullet
34570 @item
34571 A description of the envelope of the bug.
34572
34573 Often people who encounter a bug spend a lot of time investigating
34574 which changes to the input file will make the bug go away and which
34575 changes will not affect it.
34576
34577 This is often time consuming and not very useful, because the way we
34578 will find the bug is by running a single example under the debugger
34579 with breakpoints, not by pure deduction from a series of examples.
34580 We recommend that you save your time for something else.
34581
34582 Of course, if you can find a simpler example to report @emph{instead}
34583 of the original one, that is a convenience for us. Errors in the
34584 output will be easier to spot, running under the debugger will take
34585 less time, and so on.
34586
34587 However, simplification is not vital; if you do not want to do this,
34588 report the bug anyway and send us the entire test case you used.
34589
34590 @item
34591 A patch for the bug.
34592
34593 A patch for the bug does help us if it is a good one. But do not omit
34594 the necessary information, such as the test case, on the assumption that
34595 a patch is all we need. We might see problems with your patch and decide
34596 to fix the problem another way, or we might not understand it at all.
34597
34598 Sometimes with a program as complicated as @value{GDBN} it is very hard to
34599 construct an example that will make the program follow a certain path
34600 through the code. If you do not send us the example, we will not be able
34601 to construct one, so we will not be able to verify that the bug is fixed.
34602
34603 And if we cannot understand what bug you are trying to fix, or why your
34604 patch should be an improvement, we will not install it. A test case will
34605 help us to understand.
34606
34607 @item
34608 A guess about what the bug is or what it depends on.
34609
34610 Such guesses are usually wrong. Even we cannot guess right about such
34611 things without first using the debugger to find the facts.
34612 @end itemize
34613
34614 @c The readline documentation is distributed with the readline code
34615 @c and consists of the two following files:
34616 @c rluser.texi
34617 @c hsuser.texi
34618 @c Use -I with makeinfo to point to the appropriate directory,
34619 @c environment var TEXINPUTS with TeX.
34620 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
34621 @include rluser.texi
34622 @include hsuser.texi
34623 @end ifclear
34624
34625 @node In Memoriam
34626 @appendix In Memoriam
34627
34628 The @value{GDBN} project mourns the loss of the following long-time
34629 contributors:
34630
34631 @table @code
34632 @item Fred Fish
34633 Fred was a long-standing contributor to @value{GDBN} (1991-2006), and
34634 to Free Software in general. Outside of @value{GDBN}, he was known in
34635 the Amiga world for his series of Fish Disks, and the GeekGadget project.
34636
34637 @item Michael Snyder
34638 Michael was one of the Global Maintainers of the @value{GDBN} project,
34639 with contributions recorded as early as 1996, until 2011. In addition
34640 to his day to day participation, he was a large driving force behind
34641 adding Reverse Debugging to @value{GDBN}.
34642 @end table
34643
34644 Beyond their technical contributions to the project, they were also
34645 enjoyable members of the Free Software Community. We will miss them.
34646
34647 @node Formatting Documentation
34648 @appendix Formatting Documentation
34649
34650 @cindex @value{GDBN} reference card
34651 @cindex reference card
34652 The @value{GDBN} 4 release includes an already-formatted reference card, ready
34653 for printing with PostScript or Ghostscript, in the @file{gdb}
34654 subdirectory of the main source directory@footnote{In
34655 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/refcard.ps} of the version @value{GDBVN}
34656 release.}. If you can use PostScript or Ghostscript with your printer,
34657 you can print the reference card immediately with @file{refcard.ps}.
34658
34659 The release also includes the source for the reference card. You
34660 can format it, using @TeX{}, by typing:
34661
34662 @smallexample
34663 make refcard.dvi
34664 @end smallexample
34665
34666 The @value{GDBN} reference card is designed to print in @dfn{landscape}
34667 mode on US ``letter'' size paper;
34668 that is, on a sheet 11 inches wide by 8.5 inches
34669 high. You will need to specify this form of printing as an option to
34670 your @sc{dvi} output program.
34671
34672 @cindex documentation
34673
34674 All the documentation for @value{GDBN} comes as part of the machine-readable
34675 distribution. The documentation is written in Texinfo format, which is
34676 a documentation system that uses a single source file to produce both
34677 on-line information and a printed manual. You can use one of the Info
34678 formatting commands to create the on-line version of the documentation
34679 and @TeX{} (or @code{texi2roff}) to typeset the printed version.
34680
34681 @value{GDBN} includes an already formatted copy of the on-line Info
34682 version of this manual in the @file{gdb} subdirectory. The main Info
34683 file is @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/gdb.info}, and it refers to
34684 subordinate files matching @samp{gdb.info*} in the same directory. If
34685 necessary, you can print out these files, or read them with any editor;
34686 but they are easier to read using the @code{info} subsystem in @sc{gnu}
34687 Emacs or the standalone @code{info} program, available as part of the
34688 @sc{gnu} Texinfo distribution.
34689
34690 If you want to format these Info files yourself, you need one of the
34691 Info formatting programs, such as @code{texinfo-format-buffer} or
34692 @code{makeinfo}.
34693
34694 If you have @code{makeinfo} installed, and are in the top level
34695 @value{GDBN} source directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, in the case of
34696 version @value{GDBVN}), you can make the Info file by typing:
34697
34698 @smallexample
34699 cd gdb
34700 make gdb.info
34701 @end smallexample
34702
34703 If you want to typeset and print copies of this manual, you need @TeX{},
34704 a program to print its @sc{dvi} output files, and @file{texinfo.tex}, the
34705 Texinfo definitions file.
34706
34707 @TeX{} is a typesetting program; it does not print files directly, but
34708 produces output files called @sc{dvi} files. To print a typeset
34709 document, you need a program to print @sc{dvi} files. If your system
34710 has @TeX{} installed, chances are it has such a program. The precise
34711 command to use depends on your system; @kbd{lpr -d} is common; another
34712 (for PostScript devices) is @kbd{dvips}. The @sc{dvi} print command may
34713 require a file name without any extension or a @samp{.dvi} extension.
34714
34715 @TeX{} also requires a macro definitions file called
34716 @file{texinfo.tex}. This file tells @TeX{} how to typeset a document
34717 written in Texinfo format. On its own, @TeX{} cannot either read or
34718 typeset a Texinfo file. @file{texinfo.tex} is distributed with GDB
34719 and is located in the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}/texinfo}
34720 directory.
34721
34722 If you have @TeX{} and a @sc{dvi} printer program installed, you can
34723 typeset and print this manual. First switch to the @file{gdb}
34724 subdirectory of the main source directory (for example, to
34725 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb}) and type:
34726
34727 @smallexample
34728 make gdb.dvi
34729 @end smallexample
34730
34731 Then give @file{gdb.dvi} to your @sc{dvi} printing program.
34732
34733 @node Installing GDB
34734 @appendix Installing @value{GDBN}
34735 @cindex installation
34736
34737 @menu
34738 * Requirements:: Requirements for building @value{GDBN}
34739 * Running Configure:: Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} script
34740 * Separate Objdir:: Compiling @value{GDBN} in another directory
34741 * Config Names:: Specifying names for hosts and targets
34742 * Configure Options:: Summary of options for configure
34743 * System-wide configuration:: Having a system-wide init file
34744 @end menu
34745
34746 @node Requirements
34747 @section Requirements for Building @value{GDBN}
34748 @cindex building @value{GDBN}, requirements for
34749
34750 Building @value{GDBN} requires various tools and packages to be available.
34751 Other packages will be used only if they are found.
34752
34753 @heading Tools/Packages Necessary for Building @value{GDBN}
34754 @table @asis
34755 @item ISO C90 compiler
34756 @value{GDBN} is written in ISO C90. It should be buildable with any
34757 working C90 compiler, e.g.@: GCC.
34758
34759 @end table
34760
34761 @heading Tools/Packages Optional for Building @value{GDBN}
34762 @table @asis
34763 @item Expat
34764 @anchor{Expat}
34765 @value{GDBN} can use the Expat XML parsing library. This library may be
34766 included with your operating system distribution; if it is not, you
34767 can get the latest version from @url{http://expat.sourceforge.net}.
34768 The @file{configure} script will search for this library in several
34769 standard locations; if it is installed in an unusual path, you can
34770 use the @option{--with-libexpat-prefix} option to specify its location.
34771
34772 Expat is used for:
34773
34774 @itemize @bullet
34775 @item
34776 Remote protocol memory maps (@pxref{Memory Map Format})
34777 @item
34778 Target descriptions (@pxref{Target Descriptions})
34779 @item
34780 Remote shared library lists (@xref{Library List Format},
34781 or alternatively @pxref{Library List Format for SVR4 Targets})
34782 @item
34783 MS-Windows shared libraries (@pxref{Shared Libraries})
34784 @item
34785 Traceframe info (@pxref{Traceframe Info Format})
34786 @item
34787 Branch trace (@pxref{Branch Trace Format})
34788 @end itemize
34789
34790 @item zlib
34791 @cindex compressed debug sections
34792 @value{GDBN} will use the @samp{zlib} library, if available, to read
34793 compressed debug sections. Some linkers, such as GNU gold, are capable
34794 of producing binaries with compressed debug sections. If @value{GDBN}
34795 is compiled with @samp{zlib}, it will be able to read the debug
34796 information in such binaries.
34797
34798 The @samp{zlib} library is likely included with your operating system
34799 distribution; if it is not, you can get the latest version from
34800 @url{http://zlib.net}.
34801
34802 @item iconv
34803 @value{GDBN}'s features related to character sets (@pxref{Character
34804 Sets}) require a functioning @code{iconv} implementation. If you are
34805 on a GNU system, then this is provided by the GNU C Library. Some
34806 other systems also provide a working @code{iconv}.
34807
34808 If @value{GDBN} is using the @code{iconv} program which is installed
34809 in a non-standard place, you will need to tell @value{GDBN} where to find it.
34810 This is done with @option{--with-iconv-bin} which specifies the
34811 directory that contains the @code{iconv} program.
34812
34813 On systems without @code{iconv}, you can install GNU Libiconv. If you
34814 have previously installed Libiconv, you can use the
34815 @option{--with-libiconv-prefix} option to configure.
34816
34817 @value{GDBN}'s top-level @file{configure} and @file{Makefile} will
34818 arrange to build Libiconv if a directory named @file{libiconv} appears
34819 in the top-most source directory. If Libiconv is built this way, and
34820 if the operating system does not provide a suitable @code{iconv}
34821 implementation, then the just-built library will automatically be used
34822 by @value{GDBN}. One easy way to set this up is to download GNU
34823 Libiconv, unpack it, and then rename the directory holding the
34824 Libiconv source code to @samp{libiconv}.
34825 @end table
34826
34827 @node Running Configure
34828 @section Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} Script
34829 @cindex configuring @value{GDBN}
34830 @value{GDBN} comes with a @file{configure} script that automates the process
34831 of preparing @value{GDBN} for installation; you can then use @code{make} to
34832 build the @code{gdb} program.
34833 @iftex
34834 @c irrelevant in info file; it's as current as the code it lives with.
34835 @footnote{If you have a more recent version of @value{GDBN} than @value{GDBVN},
34836 look at the @file{README} file in the sources; we may have improved the
34837 installation procedures since publishing this manual.}
34838 @end iftex
34839
34840 The @value{GDBN} distribution includes all the source code you need for
34841 @value{GDBN} in a single directory, whose name is usually composed by
34842 appending the version number to @samp{gdb}.
34843
34844 For example, the @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN} distribution is in the
34845 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory. That directory contains:
34846
34847 @table @code
34848 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure @r{(and supporting files)}
34849 script for configuring @value{GDBN} and all its supporting libraries
34850
34851 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb
34852 the source specific to @value{GDBN} itself
34853
34854 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/bfd
34855 source for the Binary File Descriptor library
34856
34857 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/include
34858 @sc{gnu} include files
34859
34860 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/libiberty
34861 source for the @samp{-liberty} free software library
34862
34863 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/opcodes
34864 source for the library of opcode tables and disassemblers
34865
34866 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/readline
34867 source for the @sc{gnu} command-line interface
34868
34869 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/glob
34870 source for the @sc{gnu} filename pattern-matching subroutine
34871
34872 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/mmalloc
34873 source for the @sc{gnu} memory-mapped malloc package
34874 @end table
34875
34876 The simplest way to configure and build @value{GDBN} is to run @file{configure}
34877 from the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory, which in
34878 this example is the @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory.
34879
34880 First switch to the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory
34881 if you are not already in it; then run @file{configure}. Pass the
34882 identifier for the platform on which @value{GDBN} will run as an
34883 argument.
34884
34885 For example:
34886
34887 @smallexample
34888 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
34889 ./configure @var{host}
34890 make
34891 @end smallexample
34892
34893 @noindent
34894 where @var{host} is an identifier such as @samp{sun4} or
34895 @samp{decstation}, that identifies the platform where @value{GDBN} will run.
34896 (You can often leave off @var{host}; @file{configure} tries to guess the
34897 correct value by examining your system.)
34898
34899 Running @samp{configure @var{host}} and then running @code{make} builds the
34900 @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, @file{mmalloc}, and @file{libiberty}
34901 libraries, then @code{gdb} itself. The configured source files, and the
34902 binaries, are left in the corresponding source directories.
34903
34904 @need 750
34905 @file{configure} is a Bourne-shell (@code{/bin/sh}) script; if your
34906 system does not recognize this automatically when you run a different
34907 shell, you may need to run @code{sh} on it explicitly:
34908
34909 @smallexample
34910 sh configure @var{host}
34911 @end smallexample
34912
34913 If you run @file{configure} from a directory that contains source
34914 directories for multiple libraries or programs, such as the
34915 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} source directory for version @value{GDBVN},
34916 @file{configure}
34917 creates configuration files for every directory level underneath (unless
34918 you tell it not to, with the @samp{--norecursion} option).
34919
34920 You should run the @file{configure} script from the top directory in the
34921 source tree, the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory. If you run
34922 @file{configure} from one of the subdirectories, you will configure only
34923 that subdirectory. That is usually not what you want. In particular,
34924 if you run the first @file{configure} from the @file{gdb} subdirectory
34925 of the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory, you will omit the
34926 configuration of @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, and other sibling
34927 directories of the @file{gdb} subdirectory. This leads to build errors
34928 about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
34929
34930 You can install @code{@value{GDBP}} anywhere; it has no hardwired paths.
34931 However, you should make sure that the shell on your path (named by
34932 the @samp{SHELL} environment variable) is publicly readable. Remember
34933 that @value{GDBN} uses the shell to start your program---some systems refuse to
34934 let @value{GDBN} debug child processes whose programs are not readable.
34935
34936 @node Separate Objdir
34937 @section Compiling @value{GDBN} in Another Directory
34938
34939 If you want to run @value{GDBN} versions for several host or target machines,
34940 you need a different @code{gdb} compiled for each combination of
34941 host and target. @file{configure} is designed to make this easy by
34942 allowing you to generate each configuration in a separate subdirectory,
34943 rather than in the source directory. If your @code{make} program
34944 handles the @samp{VPATH} feature (@sc{gnu} @code{make} does), running
34945 @code{make} in each of these directories builds the @code{gdb}
34946 program specified there.
34947
34948 To build @code{gdb} in a separate directory, run @file{configure}
34949 with the @samp{--srcdir} option to specify where to find the source.
34950 (You also need to specify a path to find @file{configure}
34951 itself from your working directory. If the path to @file{configure}
34952 would be the same as the argument to @samp{--srcdir}, you can leave out
34953 the @samp{--srcdir} option; it is assumed.)
34954
34955 For example, with version @value{GDBVN}, you can build @value{GDBN} in a
34956 separate directory for a Sun 4 like this:
34957
34958 @smallexample
34959 @group
34960 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
34961 mkdir ../gdb-sun4
34962 cd ../gdb-sun4
34963 ../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure sun4
34964 make
34965 @end group
34966 @end smallexample
34967
34968 When @file{configure} builds a configuration using a remote source
34969 directory, it creates a tree for the binaries with the same structure
34970 (and using the same names) as the tree under the source directory. In
34971 the example, you'd find the Sun 4 library @file{libiberty.a} in the
34972 directory @file{gdb-sun4/libiberty}, and @value{GDBN} itself in
34973 @file{gdb-sun4/gdb}.
34974
34975 Make sure that your path to the @file{configure} script has just one
34976 instance of @file{gdb} in it. If your path to @file{configure} looks
34977 like @file{../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/configure}, you are configuring only
34978 one subdirectory of @value{GDBN}, not the whole package. This leads to
34979 build errors about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
34980
34981 One popular reason to build several @value{GDBN} configurations in separate
34982 directories is to configure @value{GDBN} for cross-compiling (where
34983 @value{GDBN} runs on one machine---the @dfn{host}---while debugging
34984 programs that run on another machine---the @dfn{target}).
34985 You specify a cross-debugging target by
34986 giving the @samp{--target=@var{target}} option to @file{configure}.
34987
34988 When you run @code{make} to build a program or library, you must run
34989 it in a configured directory---whatever directory you were in when you
34990 called @file{configure} (or one of its subdirectories).
34991
34992 The @code{Makefile} that @file{configure} generates in each source
34993 directory also runs recursively. If you type @code{make} in a source
34994 directory such as @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} (or in a separate configured
34995 directory configured with @samp{--srcdir=@var{dirname}/gdb-@value{GDBVN}}), you
34996 will build all the required libraries, and then build GDB.
34997
34998 When you have multiple hosts or targets configured in separate
34999 directories, you can run @code{make} on them in parallel (for example,
35000 if they are NFS-mounted on each of the hosts); they will not interfere
35001 with each other.
35002
35003 @node Config Names
35004 @section Specifying Names for Hosts and Targets
35005
35006 The specifications used for hosts and targets in the @file{configure}
35007 script are based on a three-part naming scheme, but some short predefined
35008 aliases are also supported. The full naming scheme encodes three pieces
35009 of information in the following pattern:
35010
35011 @smallexample
35012 @var{architecture}-@var{vendor}-@var{os}
35013 @end smallexample
35014
35015 For example, you can use the alias @code{sun4} as a @var{host} argument,
35016 or as the value for @var{target} in a @code{--target=@var{target}}
35017 option. The equivalent full name is @samp{sparc-sun-sunos4}.
35018
35019 The @file{configure} script accompanying @value{GDBN} does not provide
35020 any query facility to list all supported host and target names or
35021 aliases. @file{configure} calls the Bourne shell script
35022 @code{config.sub} to map abbreviations to full names; you can read the
35023 script, if you wish, or you can use it to test your guesses on
35024 abbreviations---for example:
35025
35026 @smallexample
35027 % sh config.sub i386-linux
35028 i386-pc-linux-gnu
35029 % sh config.sub alpha-linux
35030 alpha-unknown-linux-gnu
35031 % sh config.sub hp9k700
35032 hppa1.1-hp-hpux
35033 % sh config.sub sun4
35034 sparc-sun-sunos4.1.1
35035 % sh config.sub sun3
35036 m68k-sun-sunos4.1.1
35037 % sh config.sub i986v
35038 Invalid configuration `i986v': machine `i986v' not recognized
35039 @end smallexample
35040
35041 @noindent
35042 @code{config.sub} is also distributed in the @value{GDBN} source
35043 directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, for version @value{GDBVN}).
35044
35045 @node Configure Options
35046 @section @file{configure} Options
35047
35048 Here is a summary of the @file{configure} options and arguments that
35049 are most often useful for building @value{GDBN}. @file{configure} also has
35050 several other options not listed here. @inforef{What Configure
35051 Does,,configure.info}, for a full explanation of @file{configure}.
35052
35053 @smallexample
35054 configure @r{[}--help@r{]}
35055 @r{[}--prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
35056 @r{[}--exec-prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
35057 @r{[}--srcdir=@var{dirname}@r{]}
35058 @r{[}--norecursion@r{]} @r{[}--rm@r{]}
35059 @r{[}--target=@var{target}@r{]}
35060 @var{host}
35061 @end smallexample
35062
35063 @noindent
35064 You may introduce options with a single @samp{-} rather than
35065 @samp{--} if you prefer; but you may abbreviate option names if you use
35066 @samp{--}.
35067
35068 @table @code
35069 @item --help
35070 Display a quick summary of how to invoke @file{configure}.
35071
35072 @item --prefix=@var{dir}
35073 Configure the source to install programs and files under directory
35074 @file{@var{dir}}.
35075
35076 @item --exec-prefix=@var{dir}
35077 Configure the source to install programs under directory
35078 @file{@var{dir}}.
35079
35080 @c avoid splitting the warning from the explanation:
35081 @need 2000
35082 @item --srcdir=@var{dirname}
35083 @strong{Warning: using this option requires @sc{gnu} @code{make}, or another
35084 @code{make} that implements the @code{VPATH} feature.}@*
35085 Use this option to make configurations in directories separate from the
35086 @value{GDBN} source directories. Among other things, you can use this to
35087 build (or maintain) several configurations simultaneously, in separate
35088 directories. @file{configure} writes configuration-specific files in
35089 the current directory, but arranges for them to use the source in the
35090 directory @var{dirname}. @file{configure} creates directories under
35091 the working directory in parallel to the source directories below
35092 @var{dirname}.
35093
35094 @item --norecursion
35095 Configure only the directory level where @file{configure} is executed; do not
35096 propagate configuration to subdirectories.
35097
35098 @item --target=@var{target}
35099 Configure @value{GDBN} for cross-debugging programs running on the specified
35100 @var{target}. Without this option, @value{GDBN} is configured to debug
35101 programs that run on the same machine (@var{host}) as @value{GDBN} itself.
35102
35103 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available targets.
35104
35105 @item @var{host} @dots{}
35106 Configure @value{GDBN} to run on the specified @var{host}.
35107
35108 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available hosts.
35109 @end table
35110
35111 There are many other options available as well, but they are generally
35112 needed for special purposes only.
35113
35114 @node System-wide configuration
35115 @section System-wide configuration and settings
35116 @cindex system-wide init file
35117
35118 @value{GDBN} can be configured to have a system-wide init file;
35119 this file will be read and executed at startup (@pxref{Startup, , What
35120 @value{GDBN} does during startup}).
35121
35122 Here is the corresponding configure option:
35123
35124 @table @code
35125 @item --with-system-gdbinit=@var{file}
35126 Specify that the default location of the system-wide init file is
35127 @var{file}.
35128 @end table
35129
35130 If @value{GDBN} has been configured with the option @option{--prefix=$prefix},
35131 it may be subject to relocation. Two possible cases:
35132
35133 @itemize @bullet
35134 @item
35135 If the default location of this init file contains @file{$prefix},
35136 it will be subject to relocation. Suppose that the configure options
35137 are @option{--prefix=$prefix --with-system-gdbinit=$prefix/etc/gdbinit};
35138 if @value{GDBN} is moved from @file{$prefix} to @file{$install}, the system
35139 init file is looked for as @file{$install/etc/gdbinit} instead of
35140 @file{$prefix/etc/gdbinit}.
35141
35142 @item
35143 By contrast, if the default location does not contain the prefix,
35144 it will not be relocated. E.g.@: if @value{GDBN} has been configured with
35145 @option{--prefix=/usr/local --with-system-gdbinit=/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
35146 then @value{GDBN} will always look for @file{/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
35147 wherever @value{GDBN} is installed.
35148 @end itemize
35149
35150 If the configured location of the system-wide init file (as given by the
35151 @option{--with-system-gdbinit} option at configure time) is in the
35152 data-directory (as specified by @option{--with-gdb-datadir} at configure
35153 time) or in one of its subdirectories, then @value{GDBN} will look for the
35154 system-wide init file in the directory specified by the
35155 @option{--data-directory} command-line option.
35156 Note that the system-wide init file is only read once, during @value{GDBN}
35157 initialization. If the data-directory is changed after @value{GDBN} has
35158 started with the @code{set data-directory} command, the file will not be
35159 reread.
35160
35161 @node Maintenance Commands
35162 @appendix Maintenance Commands
35163 @cindex maintenance commands
35164 @cindex internal commands
35165
35166 In addition to commands intended for @value{GDBN} users, @value{GDBN}
35167 includes a number of commands intended for @value{GDBN} developers,
35168 that are not documented elsewhere in this manual. These commands are
35169 provided here for reference. (For commands that turn on debugging
35170 messages, see @ref{Debugging Output}.)
35171
35172 @table @code
35173 @kindex maint agent
35174 @kindex maint agent-eval
35175 @item maint agent @r{[}-at @var{location}@r{,}@r{]} @var{expression}
35176 @itemx maint agent-eval @r{[}-at @var{location}@r{,}@r{]} @var{expression}
35177 Translate the given @var{expression} into remote agent bytecodes.
35178 This command is useful for debugging the Agent Expression mechanism
35179 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}). The @samp{agent} version produces an
35180 expression useful for data collection, such as by tracepoints, while
35181 @samp{maint agent-eval} produces an expression that evaluates directly
35182 to a result. For instance, a collection expression for @code{globa +
35183 globb} will include bytecodes to record four bytes of memory at each
35184 of the addresses of @code{globa} and @code{globb}, while discarding
35185 the result of the addition, while an evaluation expression will do the
35186 addition and return the sum.
35187 If @code{-at} is given, generate remote agent bytecode for @var{location}.
35188 If not, generate remote agent bytecode for current frame PC address.
35189
35190 @kindex maint agent-printf
35191 @item maint agent-printf @var{format},@var{expr},...
35192 Translate the given format string and list of argument expressions
35193 into remote agent bytecodes and display them as a disassembled list.
35194 This command is useful for debugging the agent version of dynamic
35195 printf (@pxref{Dynamic Printf}.
35196
35197 @kindex maint info breakpoints
35198 @item @anchor{maint info breakpoints}maint info breakpoints
35199 Using the same format as @samp{info breakpoints}, display both the
35200 breakpoints you've set explicitly, and those @value{GDBN} is using for
35201 internal purposes. Internal breakpoints are shown with negative
35202 breakpoint numbers. The type column identifies what kind of breakpoint
35203 is shown:
35204
35205 @table @code
35206 @item breakpoint
35207 Normal, explicitly set breakpoint.
35208
35209 @item watchpoint
35210 Normal, explicitly set watchpoint.
35211
35212 @item longjmp
35213 Internal breakpoint, used to handle correctly stepping through
35214 @code{longjmp} calls.
35215
35216 @item longjmp resume
35217 Internal breakpoint at the target of a @code{longjmp}.
35218
35219 @item until
35220 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{until} command.
35221
35222 @item finish
35223 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{finish} command.
35224
35225 @item shlib events
35226 Shared library events.
35227
35228 @end table
35229
35230 @kindex maint info bfds
35231 @item maint info bfds
35232 This prints information about each @code{bfd} object that is known to
35233 @value{GDBN}. @xref{Top, , BFD, bfd, The Binary File Descriptor Library}.
35234
35235 @kindex set displaced-stepping
35236 @kindex show displaced-stepping
35237 @cindex displaced stepping support
35238 @cindex out-of-line single-stepping
35239 @item set displaced-stepping
35240 @itemx show displaced-stepping
35241 Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will do @dfn{displaced stepping}
35242 if the target supports it. Displaced stepping is a way to single-step
35243 over breakpoints without removing them from the inferior, by executing
35244 an out-of-line copy of the instruction that was originally at the
35245 breakpoint location. It is also known as out-of-line single-stepping.
35246
35247 @table @code
35248 @item set displaced-stepping on
35249 If the target architecture supports it, @value{GDBN} will use
35250 displaced stepping to step over breakpoints.
35251
35252 @item set displaced-stepping off
35253 @value{GDBN} will not use displaced stepping to step over breakpoints,
35254 even if such is supported by the target architecture.
35255
35256 @cindex non-stop mode, and @samp{set displaced-stepping}
35257 @item set displaced-stepping auto
35258 This is the default mode. @value{GDBN} will use displaced stepping
35259 only if non-stop mode is active (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) and the target
35260 architecture supports displaced stepping.
35261 @end table
35262
35263 @kindex maint check-symtabs
35264 @item maint check-symtabs
35265 Check the consistency of psymtabs and symtabs.
35266
35267 @kindex maint cplus first_component
35268 @item maint cplus first_component @var{name}
35269 Print the first C@t{++} class/namespace component of @var{name}.
35270
35271 @kindex maint cplus namespace
35272 @item maint cplus namespace
35273 Print the list of possible C@t{++} namespaces.
35274
35275 @kindex maint demangle
35276 @item maint demangle @var{name}
35277 Demangle a C@t{++} or Objective-C mangled @var{name}.
35278
35279 @kindex maint deprecate
35280 @kindex maint undeprecate
35281 @cindex deprecated commands
35282 @item maint deprecate @var{command} @r{[}@var{replacement}@r{]}
35283 @itemx maint undeprecate @var{command}
35284 Deprecate or undeprecate the named @var{command}. Deprecated commands
35285 cause @value{GDBN} to issue a warning when you use them. The optional
35286 argument @var{replacement} says which newer command should be used in
35287 favor of the deprecated one; if it is given, @value{GDBN} will mention
35288 the replacement as part of the warning.
35289
35290 @kindex maint dump-me
35291 @item maint dump-me
35292 @cindex @code{SIGQUIT} signal, dump core of @value{GDBN}
35293 Cause a fatal signal in the debugger and force it to dump its core.
35294 This is supported only on systems which support aborting a program
35295 with the @code{SIGQUIT} signal.
35296
35297 @kindex maint internal-error
35298 @kindex maint internal-warning
35299 @item maint internal-error @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
35300 @itemx maint internal-warning @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
35301 Cause @value{GDBN} to call the internal function @code{internal_error}
35302 or @code{internal_warning} and hence behave as though an internal error
35303 or internal warning has been detected. In addition to reporting the
35304 internal problem, these functions give the user the opportunity to
35305 either quit @value{GDBN} or create a core file of the current
35306 @value{GDBN} session.
35307
35308 These commands take an optional parameter @var{message-text} that is
35309 used as the text of the error or warning message.
35310
35311 Here's an example of using @code{internal-error}:
35312
35313 @smallexample
35314 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint internal-error testing, 1, 2}
35315 @dots{}/maint.c:121: internal-error: testing, 1, 2
35316 A problem internal to GDB has been detected. Further
35317 debugging may prove unreliable.
35318 Quit this debugging session? (y or n) @kbd{n}
35319 Create a core file? (y or n) @kbd{n}
35320 (@value{GDBP})
35321 @end smallexample
35322
35323 @cindex @value{GDBN} internal error
35324 @cindex internal errors, control of @value{GDBN} behavior
35325
35326 @kindex maint set internal-error
35327 @kindex maint show internal-error
35328 @kindex maint set internal-warning
35329 @kindex maint show internal-warning
35330 @item maint set internal-error @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
35331 @itemx maint show internal-error @var{action}
35332 @itemx maint set internal-warning @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
35333 @itemx maint show internal-warning @var{action}
35334 When @value{GDBN} reports an internal problem (error or warning) it
35335 gives the user the opportunity to both quit @value{GDBN} and create a
35336 core file of the current @value{GDBN} session. These commands let you
35337 override the default behaviour for each particular @var{action},
35338 described in the table below.
35339
35340 @table @samp
35341 @item quit
35342 You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
35343 quit. The default is to ask the user what to do.
35344
35345 @item corefile
35346 You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
35347 create a core file. The default is to ask the user what to do.
35348 @end table
35349
35350 @kindex maint packet
35351 @item maint packet @var{text}
35352 If @value{GDBN} is talking to an inferior via the serial protocol,
35353 then this command sends the string @var{text} to the inferior, and
35354 displays the response packet. @value{GDBN} supplies the initial
35355 @samp{$} character, the terminating @samp{#} character, and the
35356 checksum.
35357
35358 @kindex maint print architecture
35359 @item maint print architecture @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
35360 Print the entire architecture configuration. The optional argument
35361 @var{file} names the file where the output goes.
35362
35363 @kindex maint print c-tdesc
35364 @item maint print c-tdesc
35365 Print the current target description (@pxref{Target Descriptions}) as
35366 a C source file. The created source file can be used in @value{GDBN}
35367 when an XML parser is not available to parse the description.
35368
35369 @kindex maint print dummy-frames
35370 @item maint print dummy-frames
35371 Prints the contents of @value{GDBN}'s internal dummy-frame stack.
35372
35373 @smallexample
35374 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{b add}
35375 @dots{}
35376 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{print add(2,3)}
35377 Breakpoint 2, add (a=2, b=3) at @dots{}
35378 58 return (a + b);
35379 The program being debugged stopped while in a function called from GDB.
35380 @dots{}
35381 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print dummy-frames}
35382 0x1a57c80: pc=0x01014068 fp=0x0200bddc sp=0x0200bdd6
35383 top=0x0200bdd4 id=@{stack=0x200bddc,code=0x101405c@}
35384 call_lo=0x01014000 call_hi=0x01014001
35385 (@value{GDBP})
35386 @end smallexample
35387
35388 Takes an optional file parameter.
35389
35390 @kindex maint print registers
35391 @kindex maint print raw-registers
35392 @kindex maint print cooked-registers
35393 @kindex maint print register-groups
35394 @kindex maint print remote-registers
35395 @item maint print registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
35396 @itemx maint print raw-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
35397 @itemx maint print cooked-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
35398 @itemx maint print register-groups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
35399 @itemx maint print remote-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
35400 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register data structures.
35401
35402 The command @code{maint print raw-registers} includes the contents of
35403 the raw register cache; the command @code{maint print
35404 cooked-registers} includes the (cooked) value of all registers,
35405 including registers which aren't available on the target nor visible
35406 to user; the command @code{maint print register-groups} includes the
35407 groups that each register is a member of; and the command @code{maint
35408 print remote-registers} includes the remote target's register numbers
35409 and offsets in the `G' packets. @xref{Registers,, Registers, gdbint,
35410 @value{GDBN} Internals}.
35411
35412 These commands take an optional parameter, a file name to which to
35413 write the information.
35414
35415 @kindex maint print reggroups
35416 @item maint print reggroups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
35417 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register group data structures. The
35418 optional argument @var{file} tells to what file to write the
35419 information.
35420
35421 The register groups info looks like this:
35422
35423 @smallexample
35424 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print reggroups}
35425 Group Type
35426 general user
35427 float user
35428 all user
35429 vector user
35430 system user
35431 save internal
35432 restore internal
35433 @end smallexample
35434
35435 @kindex flushregs
35436 @item flushregs
35437 This command forces @value{GDBN} to flush its internal register cache.
35438
35439 @kindex maint print objfiles
35440 @cindex info for known object files
35441 @item maint print objfiles
35442 Print a dump of all known object files. For each object file, this
35443 command prints its name, address in memory, and all of its psymtabs
35444 and symtabs.
35445
35446 @kindex maint print section-scripts
35447 @cindex info for known .debug_gdb_scripts-loaded scripts
35448 @item maint print section-scripts [@var{regexp}]
35449 Print a dump of scripts specified in the @code{.debug_gdb_section} section.
35450 If @var{regexp} is specified, only print scripts loaded by object files
35451 matching @var{regexp}.
35452 For each script, this command prints its name as specified in the objfile,
35453 and the full path if known.
35454 @xref{dotdebug_gdb_scripts section}.
35455
35456 @kindex maint print statistics
35457 @cindex bcache statistics
35458 @item maint print statistics
35459 This command prints, for each object file in the program, various data
35460 about that object file followed by the byte cache (@dfn{bcache})
35461 statistics for the object file. The objfile data includes the number
35462 of minimal, partial, full, and stabs symbols, the number of types
35463 defined by the objfile, the number of as yet unexpanded psym tables,
35464 the number of line tables and string tables, and the amount of memory
35465 used by the various tables. The bcache statistics include the counts,
35466 sizes, and counts of duplicates of all and unique objects, max,
35467 average, and median entry size, total memory used and its overhead and
35468 savings, and various measures of the hash table size and chain
35469 lengths.
35470
35471 @kindex maint print target-stack
35472 @cindex target stack description
35473 @item maint print target-stack
35474 A @dfn{target} is an interface between the debugger and a particular
35475 kind of file or process. Targets can be stacked in @dfn{strata},
35476 so that more than one target can potentially respond to a request.
35477 In particular, memory accesses will walk down the stack of targets
35478 until they find a target that is interested in handling that particular
35479 address.
35480
35481 This command prints a short description of each layer that was pushed on
35482 the @dfn{target stack}, starting from the top layer down to the bottom one.
35483
35484 @kindex maint print type
35485 @cindex type chain of a data type
35486 @item maint print type @var{expr}
35487 Print the type chain for a type specified by @var{expr}. The argument
35488 can be either a type name or a symbol. If it is a symbol, the type of
35489 that symbol is described. The type chain produced by this command is
35490 a recursive definition of the data type as stored in @value{GDBN}'s
35491 data structures, including its flags and contained types.
35492
35493 @kindex maint set dwarf2 always-disassemble
35494 @kindex maint show dwarf2 always-disassemble
35495 @item maint set dwarf2 always-disassemble
35496 @item maint show dwarf2 always-disassemble
35497 Control the behavior of @code{info address} when using DWARF debugging
35498 information.
35499
35500 The default is @code{off}, which means that @value{GDBN} should try to
35501 describe a variable's location in an easily readable format. When
35502 @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will instead display the DWARF location
35503 expression in an assembly-like format. Note that some locations are
35504 too complex for @value{GDBN} to describe simply; in this case you will
35505 always see the disassembly form.
35506
35507 Here is an example of the resulting disassembly:
35508
35509 @smallexample
35510 (gdb) info addr argc
35511 Symbol "argc" is a complex DWARF expression:
35512 1: DW_OP_fbreg 0
35513 @end smallexample
35514
35515 For more information on these expressions, see
35516 @uref{http://www.dwarfstd.org/, the DWARF standard}.
35517
35518 @kindex maint set dwarf2 max-cache-age
35519 @kindex maint show dwarf2 max-cache-age
35520 @item maint set dwarf2 max-cache-age
35521 @itemx maint show dwarf2 max-cache-age
35522 Control the DWARF 2 compilation unit cache.
35523
35524 @cindex DWARF 2 compilation units cache
35525 In object files with inter-compilation-unit references, such as those
35526 produced by the GCC option @samp{-feliminate-dwarf2-dups}, the DWARF 2
35527 reader needs to frequently refer to previously read compilation units.
35528 This setting controls how long a compilation unit will remain in the
35529 cache if it is not referenced. A higher limit means that cached
35530 compilation units will be stored in memory longer, and more total
35531 memory will be used. Setting it to zero disables caching, which will
35532 slow down @value{GDBN} startup, but reduce memory consumption.
35533
35534 @kindex maint set profile
35535 @kindex maint show profile
35536 @cindex profiling GDB
35537 @item maint set profile
35538 @itemx maint show profile
35539 Control profiling of @value{GDBN}.
35540
35541 Profiling will be disabled until you use the @samp{maint set profile}
35542 command to enable it. When you enable profiling, the system will begin
35543 collecting timing and execution count data; when you disable profiling or
35544 exit @value{GDBN}, the results will be written to a log file. Remember that
35545 if you use profiling, @value{GDBN} will overwrite the profiling log file
35546 (often called @file{gmon.out}). If you have a record of important profiling
35547 data in a @file{gmon.out} file, be sure to move it to a safe location.
35548
35549 Configuring with @samp{--enable-profiling} arranges for @value{GDBN} to be
35550 compiled with the @samp{-pg} compiler option.
35551
35552 @kindex maint set show-debug-regs
35553 @kindex maint show show-debug-regs
35554 @cindex hardware debug registers
35555 @item maint set show-debug-regs
35556 @itemx maint show show-debug-regs
35557 Control whether to show variables that mirror the hardware debug
35558 registers. Use @code{ON} to enable, @code{OFF} to disable. If
35559 enabled, the debug registers values are shown when @value{GDBN} inserts or
35560 removes a hardware breakpoint or watchpoint, and when the inferior
35561 triggers a hardware-assisted breakpoint or watchpoint.
35562
35563 @kindex maint set show-all-tib
35564 @kindex maint show show-all-tib
35565 @item maint set show-all-tib
35566 @itemx maint show show-all-tib
35567 Control whether to show all non zero areas within a 1k block starting
35568 at thread local base, when using the @samp{info w32 thread-information-block}
35569 command.
35570
35571 @kindex maint space
35572 @cindex memory used by commands
35573 @item maint space
35574 Control whether to display memory usage for each command. If set to a
35575 nonzero value, @value{GDBN} will display how much memory each command
35576 took, following the command's own output. This can also be requested
35577 by invoking @value{GDBN} with the @option{--statistics} command-line
35578 switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
35579
35580 @kindex maint time
35581 @cindex time of command execution
35582 @item maint time
35583 Control whether to display the execution time of @value{GDBN} for each command.
35584 If set to a nonzero value, @value{GDBN} will display how much time it
35585 took to execute each command, following the command's own output.
35586 Both CPU time and wallclock time are printed.
35587 Printing both is useful when trying to determine whether the cost is
35588 CPU or, e.g., disk/network, latency.
35589 Note that the CPU time printed is for @value{GDBN} only, it does not include
35590 the execution time of the inferior because there's no mechanism currently
35591 to compute how much time was spent by @value{GDBN} and how much time was
35592 spent by the program been debugged.
35593 This can also be requested by invoking @value{GDBN} with the
35594 @option{--statistics} command-line switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
35595
35596 @kindex maint translate-address
35597 @item maint translate-address @r{[}@var{section}@r{]} @var{addr}
35598 Find the symbol stored at the location specified by the address
35599 @var{addr} and an optional section name @var{section}. If found,
35600 @value{GDBN} prints the name of the closest symbol and an offset from
35601 the symbol's location to the specified address. This is similar to
35602 the @code{info address} command (@pxref{Symbols}), except that this
35603 command also allows to find symbols in other sections.
35604
35605 If section was not specified, the section in which the symbol was found
35606 is also printed. For dynamically linked executables, the name of
35607 executable or shared library containing the symbol is printed as well.
35608
35609 @end table
35610
35611 The following command is useful for non-interactive invocations of
35612 @value{GDBN}, such as in the test suite.
35613
35614 @table @code
35615 @item set watchdog @var{nsec}
35616 @kindex set watchdog
35617 @cindex watchdog timer
35618 @cindex timeout for commands
35619 Set the maximum number of seconds @value{GDBN} will wait for the
35620 target operation to finish. If this time expires, @value{GDBN}
35621 reports and error and the command is aborted.
35622
35623 @item show watchdog
35624 Show the current setting of the target wait timeout.
35625 @end table
35626
35627 @node Remote Protocol
35628 @appendix @value{GDBN} Remote Serial Protocol
35629
35630 @menu
35631 * Overview::
35632 * Packets::
35633 * Stop Reply Packets::
35634 * General Query Packets::
35635 * Architecture-Specific Protocol Details::
35636 * Tracepoint Packets::
35637 * Host I/O Packets::
35638 * Interrupts::
35639 * Notification Packets::
35640 * Remote Non-Stop::
35641 * Packet Acknowledgment::
35642 * Examples::
35643 * File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension::
35644 * Library List Format::
35645 * Library List Format for SVR4 Targets::
35646 * Memory Map Format::
35647 * Thread List Format::
35648 * Traceframe Info Format::
35649 * Branch Trace Format::
35650 @end menu
35651
35652 @node Overview
35653 @section Overview
35654
35655 There may be occasions when you need to know something about the
35656 protocol---for example, if there is only one serial port to your target
35657 machine, you might want your program to do something special if it
35658 recognizes a packet meant for @value{GDBN}.
35659
35660 In the examples below, @samp{->} and @samp{<-} are used to indicate
35661 transmitted and received data, respectively.
35662
35663 @cindex protocol, @value{GDBN} remote serial
35664 @cindex serial protocol, @value{GDBN} remote
35665 @cindex remote serial protocol
35666 All @value{GDBN} commands and responses (other than acknowledgments
35667 and notifications, see @ref{Notification Packets}) are sent as a
35668 @var{packet}. A @var{packet} is introduced with the character
35669 @samp{$}, the actual @var{packet-data}, and the terminating character
35670 @samp{#} followed by a two-digit @var{checksum}:
35671
35672 @smallexample
35673 @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
35674 @end smallexample
35675 @noindent
35676
35677 @cindex checksum, for @value{GDBN} remote
35678 @noindent
35679 The two-digit @var{checksum} is computed as the modulo 256 sum of all
35680 characters between the leading @samp{$} and the trailing @samp{#} (an
35681 eight bit unsigned checksum).
35682
35683 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0 the protocol
35684 specification also included an optional two-digit @var{sequence-id}:
35685
35686 @smallexample
35687 @code{$}@var{sequence-id}@code{:}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
35688 @end smallexample
35689
35690 @cindex sequence-id, for @value{GDBN} remote
35691 @noindent
35692 That @var{sequence-id} was appended to the acknowledgment. @value{GDBN}
35693 has never output @var{sequence-id}s. Stubs that handle packets added
35694 since @value{GDBN} 5.0 must not accept @var{sequence-id}.
35695
35696 When either the host or the target machine receives a packet, the first
35697 response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
35698 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request
35699 retransmission):
35700
35701 @smallexample
35702 -> @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
35703 <- @code{+}
35704 @end smallexample
35705 @noindent
35706
35707 The @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments can be disabled
35708 once a connection is established.
35709 @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}, for details.
35710
35711 The host (@value{GDBN}) sends @var{command}s, and the target (the
35712 debugging stub incorporated in your program) sends a @var{response}. In
35713 the case of step and continue @var{command}s, the response is only sent
35714 when the operation has completed, and the target has again stopped all
35715 threads in all attached processes. This is the default all-stop mode
35716 behavior, but the remote protocol also supports @value{GDBN}'s non-stop
35717 execution mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}, for details.
35718
35719 @var{packet-data} consists of a sequence of characters with the
35720 exception of @samp{#} and @samp{$} (see @samp{X} packet for additional
35721 exceptions).
35722
35723 @cindex remote protocol, field separator
35724 Fields within the packet should be separated using @samp{,} @samp{;} or
35725 @samp{:}. Except where otherwise noted all numbers are represented in
35726 @sc{hex} with leading zeros suppressed.
35727
35728 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0, the character
35729 @samp{:} could not appear as the third character in a packet (as it
35730 would potentially conflict with the @var{sequence-id}).
35731
35732 @cindex remote protocol, binary data
35733 @anchor{Binary Data}
35734 Binary data in most packets is encoded either as two hexadecimal
35735 digits per byte of binary data. This allowed the traditional remote
35736 protocol to work over connections which were only seven-bit clean.
35737 Some packets designed more recently assume an eight-bit clean
35738 connection, and use a more efficient encoding to send and receive
35739 binary data.
35740
35741 The binary data representation uses @code{7d} (@sc{ascii} @samp{@}})
35742 as an escape character. Any escaped byte is transmitted as the escape
35743 character followed by the original character XORed with @code{0x20}.
35744 For example, the byte @code{0x7d} would be transmitted as the two
35745 bytes @code{0x7d 0x5d}. The bytes @code{0x23} (@sc{ascii} @samp{#}),
35746 @code{0x24} (@sc{ascii} @samp{$}), and @code{0x7d} (@sc{ascii}
35747 @samp{@}}) must always be escaped. Responses sent by the stub
35748 must also escape @code{0x2a} (@sc{ascii} @samp{*}), so that it
35749 is not interpreted as the start of a run-length encoded sequence
35750 (described next).
35751
35752 Response @var{data} can be run-length encoded to save space.
35753 Run-length encoding replaces runs of identical characters with one
35754 instance of the repeated character, followed by a @samp{*} and a
35755 repeat count. The repeat count is itself sent encoded, to avoid
35756 binary characters in @var{data}: a value of @var{n} is sent as
35757 @code{@var{n}+29}. For a repeat count greater or equal to 3, this
35758 produces a printable @sc{ascii} character, e.g.@: a space (@sc{ascii}
35759 code 32) for a repeat count of 3. (This is because run-length
35760 encoding starts to win for counts 3 or more.) Thus, for example,
35761 @samp{0* } is a run-length encoding of ``0000'': the space character
35762 after @samp{*} means repeat the leading @code{0} @w{@code{32 - 29 =
35763 3}} more times.
35764
35765 The printable characters @samp{#} and @samp{$} or with a numeric value
35766 greater than 126 must not be used. Runs of six repeats (@samp{#}) or
35767 seven repeats (@samp{$}) can be expanded using a repeat count of only
35768 five (@samp{"}). For example, @samp{00000000} can be encoded as
35769 @samp{0*"00}.
35770
35771 The error response returned for some packets includes a two character
35772 error number. That number is not well defined.
35773
35774 @cindex empty response, for unsupported packets
35775 For any @var{command} not supported by the stub, an empty response
35776 (@samp{$#00}) should be returned. That way it is possible to extend the
35777 protocol. A newer @value{GDBN} can tell if a packet is supported based
35778 on that response.
35779
35780 At a minimum, a stub is required to support the @samp{g} and @samp{G}
35781 commands for register access, and the @samp{m} and @samp{M} commands
35782 for memory access. Stubs that only control single-threaded targets
35783 can implement run control with the @samp{c} (continue), and @samp{s}
35784 (step) commands. Stubs that support multi-threading targets should
35785 support the @samp{vCont} command. All other commands are optional.
35786
35787 @node Packets
35788 @section Packets
35789
35790 The following table provides a complete list of all currently defined
35791 @var{command}s and their corresponding response @var{data}.
35792 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for details about the File
35793 I/O extension of the remote protocol.
35794
35795 Each packet's description has a template showing the packet's overall
35796 syntax, followed by an explanation of the packet's meaning. We
35797 include spaces in some of the templates for clarity; these are not
35798 part of the packet's syntax. No @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to
35799 separate its components. For example, a template like @samp{foo
35800 @var{bar} @var{baz}} describes a packet beginning with the three ASCII
35801 bytes @samp{foo}, followed by a @var{bar}, followed directly by a
35802 @var{baz}. @value{GDBN} does not transmit a space character between the
35803 @samp{foo} and the @var{bar}, or between the @var{bar} and the
35804 @var{baz}.
35805
35806 @cindex @var{thread-id}, in remote protocol
35807 @anchor{thread-id syntax}
35808 Several packets and replies include a @var{thread-id} field to identify
35809 a thread. Normally these are positive numbers with a target-specific
35810 interpretation, formatted as big-endian hex strings. A @var{thread-id}
35811 can also be a literal @samp{-1} to indicate all threads, or @samp{0} to
35812 pick any thread.
35813
35814 In addition, the remote protocol supports a multiprocess feature in
35815 which the @var{thread-id} syntax is extended to optionally include both
35816 process and thread ID fields, as @samp{p@var{pid}.@var{tid}}.
35817 The @var{pid} (process) and @var{tid} (thread) components each have the
35818 format described above: a positive number with target-specific
35819 interpretation formatted as a big-endian hex string, literal @samp{-1}
35820 to indicate all processes or threads (respectively), or @samp{0} to
35821 indicate an arbitrary process or thread. Specifying just a process, as
35822 @samp{p@var{pid}}, is equivalent to @samp{p@var{pid}.-1}. It is an
35823 error to specify all processes but a specific thread, such as
35824 @samp{p-1.@var{tid}}. Note that the @samp{p} prefix is @emph{not} used
35825 for those packets and replies explicitly documented to include a process
35826 ID, rather than a @var{thread-id}.
35827
35828 The multiprocess @var{thread-id} syntax extensions are only used if both
35829 @value{GDBN} and the stub report support for the @samp{multiprocess}
35830 feature using @samp{qSupported}. @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for
35831 more information.
35832
35833 Note that all packet forms beginning with an upper- or lower-case
35834 letter, other than those described here, are reserved for future use.
35835
35836 Here are the packet descriptions.
35837
35838 @table @samp
35839
35840 @item !
35841 @cindex @samp{!} packet
35842 @anchor{extended mode}
35843 Enable extended mode. In extended mode, the remote server is made
35844 persistent. The @samp{R} packet is used to restart the program being
35845 debugged.
35846
35847 Reply:
35848 @table @samp
35849 @item OK
35850 The remote target both supports and has enabled extended mode.
35851 @end table
35852
35853 @item ?
35854 @cindex @samp{?} packet
35855 Indicate the reason the target halted. The reply is the same as for
35856 step and continue. This packet has a special interpretation when the
35857 target is in non-stop mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}.
35858
35859 Reply:
35860 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35861
35862 @item A @var{arglen},@var{argnum},@var{arg},@dots{}
35863 @cindex @samp{A} packet
35864 Initialized @code{argv[]} array passed into program. @var{arglen}
35865 specifies the number of bytes in the hex encoded byte stream
35866 @var{arg}. See @code{gdbserver} for more details.
35867
35868 Reply:
35869 @table @samp
35870 @item OK
35871 The arguments were set.
35872 @item E @var{NN}
35873 An error occurred.
35874 @end table
35875
35876 @item b @var{baud}
35877 @cindex @samp{b} packet
35878 (Don't use this packet; its behavior is not well-defined.)
35879 Change the serial line speed to @var{baud}.
35880
35881 JTC: @emph{When does the transport layer state change? When it's
35882 received, or after the ACK is transmitted. In either case, there are
35883 problems if the command or the acknowledgment packet is dropped.}
35884
35885 Stan: @emph{If people really wanted to add something like this, and get
35886 it working for the first time, they ought to modify ser-unix.c to send
35887 some kind of out-of-band message to a specially-setup stub and have the
35888 switch happen "in between" packets, so that from remote protocol's point
35889 of view, nothing actually happened.}
35890
35891 @item B @var{addr},@var{mode}
35892 @cindex @samp{B} packet
35893 Set (@var{mode} is @samp{S}) or clear (@var{mode} is @samp{C}) a
35894 breakpoint at @var{addr}.
35895
35896 Don't use this packet. Use the @samp{Z} and @samp{z} packets instead
35897 (@pxref{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}).
35898
35899 @cindex @samp{bc} packet
35900 @anchor{bc}
35901 @item bc
35902 Backward continue. Execute the target system in reverse. No parameter.
35903 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
35904
35905 Reply:
35906 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35907
35908 @cindex @samp{bs} packet
35909 @anchor{bs}
35910 @item bs
35911 Backward single step. Execute one instruction in reverse. No parameter.
35912 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
35913
35914 Reply:
35915 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35916
35917 @item c @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
35918 @cindex @samp{c} packet
35919 Continue. @var{addr} is address to resume. If @var{addr} is omitted,
35920 resume at current address.
35921
35922 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
35923 packet}.
35924
35925 Reply:
35926 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35927
35928 @item C @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
35929 @cindex @samp{C} packet
35930 Continue with signal @var{sig} (hex signal number). If
35931 @samp{;@var{addr}} is omitted, resume at same address.
35932
35933 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
35934 packet}.
35935
35936 Reply:
35937 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35938
35939 @item d
35940 @cindex @samp{d} packet
35941 Toggle debug flag.
35942
35943 Don't use this packet; instead, define a general set packet
35944 (@pxref{General Query Packets}).
35945
35946 @item D
35947 @itemx D;@var{pid}
35948 @cindex @samp{D} packet
35949 The first form of the packet is used to detach @value{GDBN} from the
35950 remote system. It is sent to the remote target
35951 before @value{GDBN} disconnects via the @code{detach} command.
35952
35953 The second form, including a process ID, is used when multiprocess
35954 protocol extensions are enabled (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}), to
35955 detach only a specific process. The @var{pid} is specified as a
35956 big-endian hex string.
35957
35958 Reply:
35959 @table @samp
35960 @item OK
35961 for success
35962 @item E @var{NN}
35963 for an error
35964 @end table
35965
35966 @item F @var{RC},@var{EE},@var{CF};@var{XX}
35967 @cindex @samp{F} packet
35968 A reply from @value{GDBN} to an @samp{F} packet sent by the target.
35969 This is part of the File-I/O protocol extension. @xref{File-I/O
35970 Remote Protocol Extension}, for the specification.
35971
35972 @item g
35973 @anchor{read registers packet}
35974 @cindex @samp{g} packet
35975 Read general registers.
35976
35977 Reply:
35978 @table @samp
35979 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
35980 Each byte of register data is described by two hex digits. The bytes
35981 with the register are transmitted in target byte order. The size of
35982 each register and their position within the @samp{g} packet are
35983 determined by the @value{GDBN} internal gdbarch functions
35984 @code{DEPRECATED_REGISTER_RAW_SIZE} and @code{gdbarch_register_name}. The
35985 specification of several standard @samp{g} packets is specified below.
35986
35987 When reading registers from a trace frame (@pxref{Analyze Collected
35988 Data,,Using the Collected Data}), the stub may also return a string of
35989 literal @samp{x}'s in place of the register data digits, to indicate
35990 that the corresponding register has not been collected, thus its value
35991 is unavailable. For example, for an architecture with 4 registers of
35992 4 bytes each, the following reply indicates to @value{GDBN} that
35993 registers 0 and 2 have not been collected, while registers 1 and 3
35994 have been collected, and both have zero value:
35995
35996 @smallexample
35997 -> @code{g}
35998 <- @code{xxxxxxxx00000000xxxxxxxx00000000}
35999 @end smallexample
36000
36001 @item E @var{NN}
36002 for an error.
36003 @end table
36004
36005 @item G @var{XX@dots{}}
36006 @cindex @samp{G} packet
36007 Write general registers. @xref{read registers packet}, for a
36008 description of the @var{XX@dots{}} data.
36009
36010 Reply:
36011 @table @samp
36012 @item OK
36013 for success
36014 @item E @var{NN}
36015 for an error
36016 @end table
36017
36018 @item H @var{op} @var{thread-id}
36019 @cindex @samp{H} packet
36020 Set thread for subsequent operations (@samp{m}, @samp{M}, @samp{g},
36021 @samp{G}, et.al.). @var{op} depends on the operation to be performed:
36022 it should be @samp{c} for step and continue operations (note that this
36023 is deprecated, supporting the @samp{vCont} command is a better
36024 option), @samp{g} for other operations. The thread designator
36025 @var{thread-id} has the format and interpretation described in
36026 @ref{thread-id syntax}.
36027
36028 Reply:
36029 @table @samp
36030 @item OK
36031 for success
36032 @item E @var{NN}
36033 for an error
36034 @end table
36035
36036 @c FIXME: JTC:
36037 @c 'H': How restrictive (or permissive) is the thread model. If a
36038 @c thread is selected and stopped, are other threads allowed
36039 @c to continue to execute? As I mentioned above, I think the
36040 @c semantics of each command when a thread is selected must be
36041 @c described. For example:
36042 @c
36043 @c 'g': If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
36044 @c selected, returns the register block from that thread;
36045 @c otherwise returns current registers.
36046 @c
36047 @c 'G' If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
36048 @c selected, sets the registers of the register block of
36049 @c that thread; otherwise sets current registers.
36050
36051 @item i @r{[}@var{addr}@r{[},@var{nnn}@r{]]}
36052 @anchor{cycle step packet}
36053 @cindex @samp{i} packet
36054 Step the remote target by a single clock cycle. If @samp{,@var{nnn}} is
36055 present, cycle step @var{nnn} cycles. If @var{addr} is present, cycle
36056 step starting at that address.
36057
36058 @item I
36059 @cindex @samp{I} packet
36060 Signal, then cycle step. @xref{step with signal packet}. @xref{cycle
36061 step packet}.
36062
36063 @item k
36064 @cindex @samp{k} packet
36065 Kill request.
36066
36067 FIXME: @emph{There is no description of how to operate when a specific
36068 thread context has been selected (i.e.@: does 'k' kill only that
36069 thread?)}.
36070
36071 @item m @var{addr},@var{length}
36072 @cindex @samp{m} packet
36073 Read @var{length} bytes of memory starting at address @var{addr}.
36074 Note that @var{addr} may not be aligned to any particular boundary.
36075
36076 The stub need not use any particular size or alignment when gathering
36077 data from memory for the response; even if @var{addr} is word-aligned
36078 and @var{length} is a multiple of the word size, the stub is free to
36079 use byte accesses, or not. For this reason, this packet may not be
36080 suitable for accessing memory-mapped I/O devices.
36081 @cindex alignment of remote memory accesses
36082 @cindex size of remote memory accesses
36083 @cindex memory, alignment and size of remote accesses
36084
36085 Reply:
36086 @table @samp
36087 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
36088 Memory contents; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit hexadecimal
36089 number. The reply may contain fewer bytes than requested if the
36090 server was able to read only part of the region of memory.
36091 @item E @var{NN}
36092 @var{NN} is errno
36093 @end table
36094
36095 @item M @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
36096 @cindex @samp{M} packet
36097 Write @var{length} bytes of memory starting at address @var{addr}.
36098 @var{XX@dots{}} is the data; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit
36099 hexadecimal number.
36100
36101 Reply:
36102 @table @samp
36103 @item OK
36104 for success
36105 @item E @var{NN}
36106 for an error (this includes the case where only part of the data was
36107 written).
36108 @end table
36109
36110 @item p @var{n}
36111 @cindex @samp{p} packet
36112 Read the value of register @var{n}; @var{n} is in hex.
36113 @xref{read registers packet}, for a description of how the returned
36114 register value is encoded.
36115
36116 Reply:
36117 @table @samp
36118 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
36119 the register's value
36120 @item E @var{NN}
36121 for an error
36122 @item @w{}
36123 Indicating an unrecognized @var{query}.
36124 @end table
36125
36126 @item P @var{n@dots{}}=@var{r@dots{}}
36127 @anchor{write register packet}
36128 @cindex @samp{P} packet
36129 Write register @var{n@dots{}} with value @var{r@dots{}}. The register
36130 number @var{n} is in hexadecimal, and @var{r@dots{}} contains two hex
36131 digits for each byte in the register (target byte order).
36132
36133 Reply:
36134 @table @samp
36135 @item OK
36136 for success
36137 @item E @var{NN}
36138 for an error
36139 @end table
36140
36141 @item q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
36142 @itemx Q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
36143 @cindex @samp{q} packet
36144 @cindex @samp{Q} packet
36145 General query (@samp{q}) and set (@samp{Q}). These packets are
36146 described fully in @ref{General Query Packets}.
36147
36148 @item r
36149 @cindex @samp{r} packet
36150 Reset the entire system.
36151
36152 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{R} packet instead.
36153
36154 @item R @var{XX}
36155 @cindex @samp{R} packet
36156 Restart the program being debugged. @var{XX}, while needed, is ignored.
36157 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
36158
36159 The @samp{R} packet has no reply.
36160
36161 @item s @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
36162 @cindex @samp{s} packet
36163 Single step. @var{addr} is the address at which to resume. If
36164 @var{addr} is omitted, resume at same address.
36165
36166 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
36167 packet}.
36168
36169 Reply:
36170 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
36171
36172 @item S @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
36173 @anchor{step with signal packet}
36174 @cindex @samp{S} packet
36175 Step with signal. This is analogous to the @samp{C} packet, but
36176 requests a single-step, rather than a normal resumption of execution.
36177
36178 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
36179 packet}.
36180
36181 Reply:
36182 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
36183
36184 @item t @var{addr}:@var{PP},@var{MM}
36185 @cindex @samp{t} packet
36186 Search backwards starting at address @var{addr} for a match with pattern
36187 @var{PP} and mask @var{MM}. @var{PP} and @var{MM} are 4 bytes.
36188 @var{addr} must be at least 3 digits.
36189
36190 @item T @var{thread-id}
36191 @cindex @samp{T} packet
36192 Find out if the thread @var{thread-id} is alive. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
36193
36194 Reply:
36195 @table @samp
36196 @item OK
36197 thread is still alive
36198 @item E @var{NN}
36199 thread is dead
36200 @end table
36201
36202 @item v
36203 Packets starting with @samp{v} are identified by a multi-letter name,
36204 up to the first @samp{;} or @samp{?} (or the end of the packet).
36205
36206 @item vAttach;@var{pid}
36207 @cindex @samp{vAttach} packet
36208 Attach to a new process with the specified process ID @var{pid}.
36209 The process ID is a
36210 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. In all-stop mode, all
36211 threads in the attached process are stopped; in non-stop mode, it may be
36212 attached without being stopped if that is supported by the target.
36213
36214 @c In non-stop mode, on a successful vAttach, the stub should set the
36215 @c current thread to a thread of the newly-attached process. After
36216 @c attaching, GDB queries for the attached process's thread ID with qC.
36217 @c Also note that, from a user perspective, whether or not the
36218 @c target is stopped on attach in non-stop mode depends on whether you
36219 @c use the foreground or background version of the attach command, not
36220 @c on what vAttach does; GDB does the right thing with respect to either
36221 @c stopping or restarting threads.
36222
36223 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
36224
36225 Reply:
36226 @table @samp
36227 @item E @var{nn}
36228 for an error
36229 @item @r{Any stop packet}
36230 for success in all-stop mode (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
36231 @item OK
36232 for success in non-stop mode (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop})
36233 @end table
36234
36235 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@r{[}:@var{thread-id}@r{]]}@dots{}
36236 @cindex @samp{vCont} packet
36237 @anchor{vCont packet}
36238 Resume the inferior, specifying different actions for each thread.
36239 If an action is specified with no @var{thread-id}, then it is applied to any
36240 threads that don't have a specific action specified; if no default action is
36241 specified then other threads should remain stopped in all-stop mode and
36242 in their current state in non-stop mode.
36243 Specifying multiple
36244 default actions is an error; specifying no actions is also an error.
36245 Thread IDs are specified using the syntax described in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
36246
36247 Currently supported actions are:
36248
36249 @table @samp
36250 @item c
36251 Continue.
36252 @item C @var{sig}
36253 Continue with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
36254 @item s
36255 Step.
36256 @item S @var{sig}
36257 Step with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
36258 @item t
36259 Stop.
36260 @end table
36261
36262 The optional argument @var{addr} normally associated with the
36263 @samp{c}, @samp{C}, @samp{s}, and @samp{S} packets is
36264 not supported in @samp{vCont}.
36265
36266 The @samp{t} action is only relevant in non-stop mode
36267 (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop}) and may be ignored by the stub otherwise.
36268 A stop reply should be generated for any affected thread not already stopped.
36269 When a thread is stopped by means of a @samp{t} action,
36270 the corresponding stop reply should indicate that the thread has stopped with
36271 signal @samp{0}, regardless of whether the target uses some other signal
36272 as an implementation detail.
36273
36274 The stub must support @samp{vCont} if it reports support for
36275 multiprocess extensions (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}). Note that in
36276 this case @samp{vCont} actions can be specified to apply to all threads
36277 in a process by using the @samp{p@var{pid}.-1} form of the
36278 @var{thread-id}.
36279
36280 Reply:
36281 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
36282
36283 @item vCont?
36284 @cindex @samp{vCont?} packet
36285 Request a list of actions supported by the @samp{vCont} packet.
36286
36287 Reply:
36288 @table @samp
36289 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@dots{}@r{]}
36290 The @samp{vCont} packet is supported. Each @var{action} is a supported
36291 command in the @samp{vCont} packet.
36292 @item @w{}
36293 The @samp{vCont} packet is not supported.
36294 @end table
36295
36296 @item vFile:@var{operation}:@var{parameter}@dots{}
36297 @cindex @samp{vFile} packet
36298 Perform a file operation on the target system. For details,
36299 see @ref{Host I/O Packets}.
36300
36301 @item vFlashErase:@var{addr},@var{length}
36302 @cindex @samp{vFlashErase} packet
36303 Direct the stub to erase @var{length} bytes of flash starting at
36304 @var{addr}. The region may enclose any number of flash blocks, but
36305 its start and end must fall on block boundaries, as indicated by the
36306 flash block size appearing in the memory map (@pxref{Memory Map
36307 Format}). @value{GDBN} groups flash memory programming operations
36308 together, and sends a @samp{vFlashDone} request after each group; the
36309 stub is allowed to delay erase operation until the @samp{vFlashDone}
36310 packet is received.
36311
36312 Reply:
36313 @table @samp
36314 @item OK
36315 for success
36316 @item E @var{NN}
36317 for an error
36318 @end table
36319
36320 @item vFlashWrite:@var{addr}:@var{XX@dots{}}
36321 @cindex @samp{vFlashWrite} packet
36322 Direct the stub to write data to flash address @var{addr}. The data
36323 is passed in binary form using the same encoding as for the @samp{X}
36324 packet (@pxref{Binary Data}). The memory ranges specified by
36325 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets preceding a @samp{vFlashDone} packet must
36326 not overlap, and must appear in order of increasing addresses
36327 (although @samp{vFlashErase} packets for higher addresses may already
36328 have been received; the ordering is guaranteed only between
36329 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets). If a packet writes to an address that was
36330 neither erased by a preceding @samp{vFlashErase} packet nor by some other
36331 target-specific method, the results are unpredictable.
36332
36333
36334 Reply:
36335 @table @samp
36336 @item OK
36337 for success
36338 @item E.memtype
36339 for vFlashWrite addressing non-flash memory
36340 @item E @var{NN}
36341 for an error
36342 @end table
36343
36344 @item vFlashDone
36345 @cindex @samp{vFlashDone} packet
36346 Indicate to the stub that flash programming operation is finished.
36347 The stub is permitted to delay or batch the effects of a group of
36348 @samp{vFlashErase} and @samp{vFlashWrite} packets until a
36349 @samp{vFlashDone} packet is received. The contents of the affected
36350 regions of flash memory are unpredictable until the @samp{vFlashDone}
36351 request is completed.
36352
36353 @item vKill;@var{pid}
36354 @cindex @samp{vKill} packet
36355 Kill the process with the specified process ID. @var{pid} is a
36356 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. This packet is used in
36357 preference to @samp{k} when multiprocess protocol extensions are
36358 supported; see @ref{multiprocess extensions}.
36359
36360 Reply:
36361 @table @samp
36362 @item E @var{nn}
36363 for an error
36364 @item OK
36365 for success
36366 @end table
36367
36368 @item vRun;@var{filename}@r{[};@var{argument}@r{]}@dots{}
36369 @cindex @samp{vRun} packet
36370 Run the program @var{filename}, passing it each @var{argument} on its
36371 command line. The file and arguments are hex-encoded strings. If
36372 @var{filename} is an empty string, the stub may use a default program
36373 (e.g.@: the last program run). The program is created in the stopped
36374 state.
36375
36376 @c FIXME: What about non-stop mode?
36377
36378 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
36379
36380 Reply:
36381 @table @samp
36382 @item E @var{nn}
36383 for an error
36384 @item @r{Any stop packet}
36385 for success (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
36386 @end table
36387
36388 @item vStopped
36389 @cindex @samp{vStopped} packet
36390 @xref{Notification Packets}.
36391
36392 @item X @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
36393 @anchor{X packet}
36394 @cindex @samp{X} packet
36395 Write data to memory, where the data is transmitted in binary.
36396 @var{addr} is address, @var{length} is number of bytes,
36397 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
36398
36399 Reply:
36400 @table @samp
36401 @item OK
36402 for success
36403 @item E @var{NN}
36404 for an error
36405 @end table
36406
36407 @item z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{kind}
36408 @itemx Z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{kind}
36409 @anchor{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}
36410 @cindex @samp{z} packet
36411 @cindex @samp{Z} packets
36412 Insert (@samp{Z}) or remove (@samp{z}) a @var{type} breakpoint or
36413 watchpoint starting at address @var{address} of kind @var{kind}.
36414
36415 Each breakpoint and watchpoint packet @var{type} is documented
36416 separately.
36417
36418 @emph{Implementation notes: A remote target shall return an empty string
36419 for an unrecognized breakpoint or watchpoint packet @var{type}. A
36420 remote target shall support either both or neither of a given
36421 @samp{Z@var{type}@dots{}} and @samp{z@var{type}@dots{}} packet pair. To
36422 avoid potential problems with duplicate packets, the operations should
36423 be implemented in an idempotent way.}
36424
36425 @item z0,@var{addr},@var{kind}
36426 @itemx Z0,@var{addr},@var{kind}@r{[};@var{cond_list}@dots{}@r{]}@r{[};cmds:@var{persist},@var{cmd_list}@dots{}@r{]}
36427 @cindex @samp{z0} packet
36428 @cindex @samp{Z0} packet
36429 Insert (@samp{Z0}) or remove (@samp{z0}) a memory breakpoint at address
36430 @var{addr} of type @var{kind}.
36431
36432 A memory breakpoint is implemented by replacing the instruction at
36433 @var{addr} with a software breakpoint or trap instruction. The
36434 @var{kind} is target-specific and typically indicates the size of
36435 the breakpoint in bytes that should be inserted. E.g., the @sc{arm}
36436 and @sc{mips} can insert either a 2 or 4 byte breakpoint. Some
36437 architectures have additional meanings for @var{kind};
36438 @var{cond_list} is an optional list of conditional expressions in bytecode
36439 form that should be evaluated on the target's side. These are the
36440 conditions that should be taken into consideration when deciding if
36441 the breakpoint trigger should be reported back to @var{GDBN}.
36442
36443 The @var{cond_list} parameter is comprised of a series of expressions,
36444 concatenated without separators. Each expression has the following form:
36445
36446 @table @samp
36447
36448 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
36449 @var{len} is the length of the bytecode expression and @var{expr} is the
36450 actual conditional expression in bytecode form.
36451
36452 @end table
36453
36454 The optional @var{cmd_list} parameter introduces commands that may be
36455 run on the target, rather than being reported back to @value{GDBN}.
36456 The parameter starts with a numeric flag @var{persist}; if the flag is
36457 nonzero, then the breakpoint may remain active and the commands
36458 continue to be run even when @value{GDBN} disconnects from the target.
36459 Following this flag is a series of expressions concatenated with no
36460 separators. Each expression has the following form:
36461
36462 @table @samp
36463
36464 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
36465 @var{len} is the length of the bytecode expression and @var{expr} is the
36466 actual conditional expression in bytecode form.
36467
36468 @end table
36469
36470 see @ref{Architecture-Specific Protocol Details}.
36471
36472 @emph{Implementation note: It is possible for a target to copy or move
36473 code that contains memory breakpoints (e.g., when implementing
36474 overlays). The behavior of this packet, in the presence of such a
36475 target, is not defined.}
36476
36477 Reply:
36478 @table @samp
36479 @item OK
36480 success
36481 @item @w{}
36482 not supported
36483 @item E @var{NN}
36484 for an error
36485 @end table
36486
36487 @item z1,@var{addr},@var{kind}
36488 @itemx Z1,@var{addr},@var{kind}@r{[};@var{cond_list}@dots{}@r{]}
36489 @cindex @samp{z1} packet
36490 @cindex @samp{Z1} packet
36491 Insert (@samp{Z1}) or remove (@samp{z1}) a hardware breakpoint at
36492 address @var{addr}.
36493
36494 A hardware breakpoint is implemented using a mechanism that is not
36495 dependant on being able to modify the target's memory. @var{kind}
36496 and @var{cond_list} have the same meaning as in @samp{Z0} packets.
36497
36498 @emph{Implementation note: A hardware breakpoint is not affected by code
36499 movement.}
36500
36501 Reply:
36502 @table @samp
36503 @item OK
36504 success
36505 @item @w{}
36506 not supported
36507 @item E @var{NN}
36508 for an error
36509 @end table
36510
36511 @item z2,@var{addr},@var{kind}
36512 @itemx Z2,@var{addr},@var{kind}
36513 @cindex @samp{z2} packet
36514 @cindex @samp{Z2} packet
36515 Insert (@samp{Z2}) or remove (@samp{z2}) a write watchpoint at @var{addr}.
36516 @var{kind} is interpreted as the number of bytes to watch.
36517
36518 Reply:
36519 @table @samp
36520 @item OK
36521 success
36522 @item @w{}
36523 not supported
36524 @item E @var{NN}
36525 for an error
36526 @end table
36527
36528 @item z3,@var{addr},@var{kind}
36529 @itemx Z3,@var{addr},@var{kind}
36530 @cindex @samp{z3} packet
36531 @cindex @samp{Z3} packet
36532 Insert (@samp{Z3}) or remove (@samp{z3}) a read watchpoint at @var{addr}.
36533 @var{kind} is interpreted as the number of bytes to watch.
36534
36535 Reply:
36536 @table @samp
36537 @item OK
36538 success
36539 @item @w{}
36540 not supported
36541 @item E @var{NN}
36542 for an error
36543 @end table
36544
36545 @item z4,@var{addr},@var{kind}
36546 @itemx Z4,@var{addr},@var{kind}
36547 @cindex @samp{z4} packet
36548 @cindex @samp{Z4} packet
36549 Insert (@samp{Z4}) or remove (@samp{z4}) an access watchpoint at @var{addr}.
36550 @var{kind} is interpreted as the number of bytes to watch.
36551
36552 Reply:
36553 @table @samp
36554 @item OK
36555 success
36556 @item @w{}
36557 not supported
36558 @item E @var{NN}
36559 for an error
36560 @end table
36561
36562 @end table
36563
36564 @node Stop Reply Packets
36565 @section Stop Reply Packets
36566 @cindex stop reply packets
36567
36568 The @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}, @samp{s}, @samp{vCont},
36569 @samp{vAttach}, @samp{vRun}, @samp{vStopped}, and @samp{?} packets can
36570 receive any of the below as a reply. Except for @samp{?}
36571 and @samp{vStopped}, that reply is only returned
36572 when the target halts. In the below the exact meaning of @dfn{signal
36573 number} is defined by the header @file{include/gdb/signals.h} in the
36574 @value{GDBN} source code.
36575
36576 As in the description of request packets, we include spaces in the
36577 reply templates for clarity; these are not part of the reply packet's
36578 syntax. No @value{GDBN} stop reply packet uses spaces to separate its
36579 components.
36580
36581 @table @samp
36582
36583 @item S @var{AA}
36584 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
36585 number). This is equivalent to a @samp{T} response with no
36586 @var{n}:@var{r} pairs.
36587
36588 @item T @var{AA} @var{n1}:@var{r1};@var{n2}:@var{r2};@dots{}
36589 @cindex @samp{T} packet reply
36590 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
36591 number). This is equivalent to an @samp{S} response, except that the
36592 @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pairs can carry values of important registers
36593 and other information directly in the stop reply packet, reducing
36594 round-trip latency. Single-step and breakpoint traps are reported
36595 this way. Each @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair is interpreted as follows:
36596
36597 @itemize @bullet
36598 @item
36599 If @var{n} is a hexadecimal number, it is a register number, and the
36600 corresponding @var{r} gives that register's value. @var{r} is a
36601 series of bytes in target byte order, with each byte given by a
36602 two-digit hex number.
36603
36604 @item
36605 If @var{n} is @samp{thread}, then @var{r} is the @var{thread-id} of
36606 the stopped thread, as specified in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
36607
36608 @item
36609 If @var{n} is @samp{core}, then @var{r} is the hexadecimal number of
36610 the core on which the stop event was detected.
36611
36612 @item
36613 If @var{n} is a recognized @dfn{stop reason}, it describes a more
36614 specific event that stopped the target. The currently defined stop
36615 reasons are listed below. @var{aa} should be @samp{05}, the trap
36616 signal. At most one stop reason should be present.
36617
36618 @item
36619 Otherwise, @value{GDBN} should ignore this @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair
36620 and go on to the next; this allows us to extend the protocol in the
36621 future.
36622 @end itemize
36623
36624 The currently defined stop reasons are:
36625
36626 @table @samp
36627 @item watch
36628 @itemx rwatch
36629 @itemx awatch
36630 The packet indicates a watchpoint hit, and @var{r} is the data address, in
36631 hex.
36632
36633 @cindex shared library events, remote reply
36634 @item library
36635 The packet indicates that the loaded libraries have changed.
36636 @value{GDBN} should use @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} to fetch a new
36637 list of loaded libraries. @var{r} is ignored.
36638
36639 @cindex replay log events, remote reply
36640 @item replaylog
36641 The packet indicates that the target cannot continue replaying
36642 logged execution events, because it has reached the end (or the
36643 beginning when executing backward) of the log. The value of @var{r}
36644 will be either @samp{begin} or @samp{end}. @xref{Reverse Execution},
36645 for more information.
36646 @end table
36647
36648 @item W @var{AA}
36649 @itemx W @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
36650 The process exited, and @var{AA} is the exit status. This is only
36651 applicable to certain targets.
36652
36653 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the exited
36654 process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported support for
36655 multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess extensions}.
36656 The @var{pid} is formatted as a big-endian hex string.
36657
36658 @item X @var{AA}
36659 @itemx X @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
36660 The process terminated with signal @var{AA}.
36661
36662 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the
36663 terminated process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported
36664 support for multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess
36665 extensions}. The @var{pid} is formatted as a big-endian hex string.
36666
36667 @item O @var{XX}@dots{}
36668 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data, to be
36669 written as the program's console output. This can happen at any time
36670 while the program is running and the debugger should continue to wait
36671 for @samp{W}, @samp{T}, etc. This reply is not permitted in non-stop mode.
36672
36673 @item F @var{call-id},@var{parameter}@dots{}
36674 @var{call-id} is the identifier which says which host system call should
36675 be called. This is just the name of the function. Translation into the
36676 correct system call is only applicable as it's defined in @value{GDBN}.
36677 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for a list of implemented
36678 system calls.
36679
36680 @samp{@var{parameter}@dots{}} is a list of parameters as defined for
36681 this very system call.
36682
36683 The target replies with this packet when it expects @value{GDBN} to
36684 call a host system call on behalf of the target. @value{GDBN} replies
36685 with an appropriate @samp{F} packet and keeps up waiting for the next
36686 reply packet from the target. The latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
36687 or @samp{s} action is expected to be continued. @xref{File-I/O Remote
36688 Protocol Extension}, for more details.
36689
36690 @end table
36691
36692 @node General Query Packets
36693 @section General Query Packets
36694 @cindex remote query requests
36695
36696 Packets starting with @samp{q} are @dfn{general query packets};
36697 packets starting with @samp{Q} are @dfn{general set packets}. General
36698 query and set packets are a semi-unified form for retrieving and
36699 sending information to and from the stub.
36700
36701 The initial letter of a query or set packet is followed by a name
36702 indicating what sort of thing the packet applies to. For example,
36703 @value{GDBN} may use a @samp{qSymbol} packet to exchange symbol
36704 definitions with the stub. These packet names follow some
36705 conventions:
36706
36707 @itemize @bullet
36708 @item
36709 The name must not contain commas, colons or semicolons.
36710 @item
36711 Most @value{GDBN} query and set packets have a leading upper case
36712 letter.
36713 @item
36714 The names of custom vendor packets should use a company prefix, in
36715 lower case, followed by a period. For example, packets designed at
36716 the Acme Corporation might begin with @samp{qacme.foo} (for querying
36717 foos) or @samp{Qacme.bar} (for setting bars).
36718 @end itemize
36719
36720 The name of a query or set packet should be separated from any
36721 parameters by a @samp{:}; the parameters themselves should be
36722 separated by @samp{,} or @samp{;}. Stubs must be careful to match the
36723 full packet name, and check for a separator or the end of the packet,
36724 in case two packet names share a common prefix. New packets should not begin
36725 with @samp{qC}, @samp{qP}, or @samp{qL}@footnote{The @samp{qP} and @samp{qL}
36726 packets predate these conventions, and have arguments without any terminator
36727 for the packet name; we suspect they are in widespread use in places that
36728 are difficult to upgrade. The @samp{qC} packet has no arguments, but some
36729 existing stubs (e.g.@: RedBoot) are known to not check for the end of the
36730 packet.}.
36731
36732 Like the descriptions of the other packets, each description here
36733 has a template showing the packet's overall syntax, followed by an
36734 explanation of the packet's meaning. We include spaces in some of the
36735 templates for clarity; these are not part of the packet's syntax. No
36736 @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to separate its components.
36737
36738 Here are the currently defined query and set packets:
36739
36740 @table @samp
36741
36742 @item QAgent:1
36743 @itemx QAgent:0
36744 Turn on or off the agent as a helper to perform some debugging operations
36745 delegated from @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Control Agent}).
36746
36747 @item QAllow:@var{op}:@var{val}@dots{}
36748 @cindex @samp{QAllow} packet
36749 Specify which operations @value{GDBN} expects to request of the
36750 target, as a semicolon-separated list of operation name and value
36751 pairs. Possible values for @var{op} include @samp{WriteReg},
36752 @samp{WriteMem}, @samp{InsertBreak}, @samp{InsertTrace},
36753 @samp{InsertFastTrace}, and @samp{Stop}. @var{val} is either 0,
36754 indicating that @value{GDBN} will not request the operation, or 1,
36755 indicating that it may. (The target can then use this to set up its
36756 own internals optimally, for instance if the debugger never expects to
36757 insert breakpoints, it may not need to install its own trap handler.)
36758
36759 @item qC
36760 @cindex current thread, remote request
36761 @cindex @samp{qC} packet
36762 Return the current thread ID.
36763
36764 Reply:
36765 @table @samp
36766 @item QC @var{thread-id}
36767 Where @var{thread-id} is a thread ID as documented in
36768 @ref{thread-id syntax}.
36769 @item @r{(anything else)}
36770 Any other reply implies the old thread ID.
36771 @end table
36772
36773 @item qCRC:@var{addr},@var{length}
36774 @cindex CRC of memory block, remote request
36775 @cindex @samp{qCRC} packet
36776 Compute the CRC checksum of a block of memory using CRC-32 defined in
36777 IEEE 802.3. The CRC is computed byte at a time, taking the most
36778 significant bit of each byte first. The initial pattern code
36779 @code{0xffffffff} is used to ensure leading zeros affect the CRC.
36780
36781 @emph{Note:} This is the same CRC used in validating separate debug
36782 files (@pxref{Separate Debug Files, , Debugging Information in Separate
36783 Files}). However the algorithm is slightly different. When validating
36784 separate debug files, the CRC is computed taking the @emph{least}
36785 significant bit of each byte first, and the final result is inverted to
36786 detect trailing zeros.
36787
36788 Reply:
36789 @table @samp
36790 @item E @var{NN}
36791 An error (such as memory fault)
36792 @item C @var{crc32}
36793 The specified memory region's checksum is @var{crc32}.
36794 @end table
36795
36796 @item QDisableRandomization:@var{value}
36797 @cindex disable address space randomization, remote request
36798 @cindex @samp{QDisableRandomization} packet
36799 Some target operating systems will randomize the virtual address space
36800 of the inferior process as a security feature, but provide a feature
36801 to disable such randomization, e.g.@: to allow for a more deterministic
36802 debugging experience. On such systems, this packet with a @var{value}
36803 of 1 directs the target to disable address space randomization for
36804 processes subsequently started via @samp{vRun} packets, while a packet
36805 with a @var{value} of 0 tells the target to enable address space
36806 randomization.
36807
36808 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
36809
36810 Reply:
36811 @table @samp
36812 @item OK
36813 The request succeeded.
36814
36815 @item E @var{nn}
36816 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
36817
36818 @item @w{}
36819 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QDisableRandomization} is not supported
36820 by the stub.
36821 @end table
36822
36823 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
36824 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
36825 This should only be done on targets that actually support disabling
36826 address space randomization.
36827
36828 @item qfThreadInfo
36829 @itemx qsThreadInfo
36830 @cindex list active threads, remote request
36831 @cindex @samp{qfThreadInfo} packet
36832 @cindex @samp{qsThreadInfo} packet
36833 Obtain a list of all active thread IDs from the target (OS). Since there
36834 may be too many active threads to fit into one reply packet, this query
36835 works iteratively: it may require more than one query/reply sequence to
36836 obtain the entire list of threads. The first query of the sequence will
36837 be the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query; subsequent queries in the
36838 sequence will be the @samp{qsThreadInfo} query.
36839
36840 NOTE: This packet replaces the @samp{qL} query (see below).
36841
36842 Reply:
36843 @table @samp
36844 @item m @var{thread-id}
36845 A single thread ID
36846 @item m @var{thread-id},@var{thread-id}@dots{}
36847 a comma-separated list of thread IDs
36848 @item l
36849 (lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
36850 @end table
36851
36852 In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
36853 more thread IDs, separated by commas.
36854 @value{GDBN} will respond to each reply with a request for more thread
36855 ids (using the @samp{qs} form of the query), until the target responds
36856 with @samp{l} (lower-case ell, for @dfn{last}).
36857 Refer to @ref{thread-id syntax}, for the format of the @var{thread-id}
36858 fields.
36859
36860 @item qGetTLSAddr:@var{thread-id},@var{offset},@var{lm}
36861 @cindex get thread-local storage address, remote request
36862 @cindex @samp{qGetTLSAddr} packet
36863 Fetch the address associated with thread local storage specified
36864 by @var{thread-id}, @var{offset}, and @var{lm}.
36865
36866 @var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the
36867 thread for which to fetch the TLS address. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
36868
36869 @var{offset} is the (big endian, hex encoded) offset associated with the
36870 thread local variable. (This offset is obtained from the debug
36871 information associated with the variable.)
36872
36873 @var{lm} is the (big endian, hex encoded) OS/ABI-specific encoding of the
36874 load module associated with the thread local storage. For example,
36875 a @sc{gnu}/Linux system will pass the link map address of the shared
36876 object associated with the thread local storage under consideration.
36877 Other operating environments may choose to represent the load module
36878 differently, so the precise meaning of this parameter will vary.
36879
36880 Reply:
36881 @table @samp
36882 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
36883 Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the address of the thread
36884 local storage requested.
36885
36886 @item E @var{nn}
36887 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
36888
36889 @item @w{}
36890 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTLSAddr} is not supported by the stub.
36891 @end table
36892
36893 @item qGetTIBAddr:@var{thread-id}
36894 @cindex get thread information block address
36895 @cindex @samp{qGetTIBAddr} packet
36896 Fetch address of the Windows OS specific Thread Information Block.
36897
36898 @var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the thread.
36899
36900 Reply:
36901 @table @samp
36902 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
36903 Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the linear address of the
36904 thread information block.
36905
36906 @item E @var{nn}
36907 An error occured. This means that either the thread was not found, or the
36908 address could not be retrieved.
36909
36910 @item @w{}
36911 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTIBAddr} is not supported by the stub.
36912 @end table
36913
36914 @item qL @var{startflag} @var{threadcount} @var{nextthread}
36915 Obtain thread information from RTOS. Where: @var{startflag} (one hex
36916 digit) is one to indicate the first query and zero to indicate a
36917 subsequent query; @var{threadcount} (two hex digits) is the maximum
36918 number of threads the response packet can contain; and @var{nextthread}
36919 (eight hex digits), for subsequent queries (@var{startflag} is zero), is
36920 returned in the response as @var{argthread}.
36921
36922 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query instead (see above).
36923
36924 Reply:
36925 @table @samp
36926 @item qM @var{count} @var{done} @var{argthread} @var{thread}@dots{}
36927 Where: @var{count} (two hex digits) is the number of threads being
36928 returned; @var{done} (one hex digit) is zero to indicate more threads
36929 and one indicates no further threads; @var{argthreadid} (eight hex
36930 digits) is @var{nextthread} from the request packet; @var{thread}@dots{}
36931 is a sequence of thread IDs from the target. @var{threadid} (eight hex
36932 digits). See @code{remote.c:parse_threadlist_response()}.
36933 @end table
36934
36935 @item qOffsets
36936 @cindex section offsets, remote request
36937 @cindex @samp{qOffsets} packet
36938 Get section offsets that the target used when relocating the downloaded
36939 image.
36940
36941 Reply:
36942 @table @samp
36943 @item Text=@var{xxx};Data=@var{yyy}@r{[};Bss=@var{zzz}@r{]}
36944 Relocate the @code{Text} section by @var{xxx} from its original address.
36945 Relocate the @code{Data} section by @var{yyy} from its original address.
36946 If the object file format provides segment information (e.g.@: @sc{elf}
36947 @samp{PT_LOAD} program headers), @value{GDBN} will relocate entire
36948 segments by the supplied offsets.
36949
36950 @emph{Note: while a @code{Bss} offset may be included in the response,
36951 @value{GDBN} ignores this and instead applies the @code{Data} offset
36952 to the @code{Bss} section.}
36953
36954 @item TextSeg=@var{xxx}@r{[};DataSeg=@var{yyy}@r{]}
36955 Relocate the first segment of the object file, which conventionally
36956 contains program code, to a starting address of @var{xxx}. If
36957 @samp{DataSeg} is specified, relocate the second segment, which
36958 conventionally contains modifiable data, to a starting address of
36959 @var{yyy}. @value{GDBN} will report an error if the object file
36960 does not contain segment information, or does not contain at least
36961 as many segments as mentioned in the reply. Extra segments are
36962 kept at fixed offsets relative to the last relocated segment.
36963 @end table
36964
36965 @item qP @var{mode} @var{thread-id}
36966 @cindex thread information, remote request
36967 @cindex @samp{qP} packet
36968 Returns information on @var{thread-id}. Where: @var{mode} is a hex
36969 encoded 32 bit mode; @var{thread-id} is a thread ID
36970 (@pxref{thread-id syntax}).
36971
36972 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} query instead
36973 (see below).
36974
36975 Reply: see @code{remote.c:remote_unpack_thread_info_response()}.
36976
36977 @item QNonStop:1
36978 @itemx QNonStop:0
36979 @cindex non-stop mode, remote request
36980 @cindex @samp{QNonStop} packet
36981 @anchor{QNonStop}
36982 Enter non-stop (@samp{QNonStop:1}) or all-stop (@samp{QNonStop:0}) mode.
36983 @xref{Remote Non-Stop}, for more information.
36984
36985 Reply:
36986 @table @samp
36987 @item OK
36988 The request succeeded.
36989
36990 @item E @var{nn}
36991 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
36992
36993 @item @w{}
36994 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QNonStop} is not supported by
36995 the stub.
36996 @end table
36997
36998 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
36999 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37000 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set non-stop} command;
37001 @pxref{Non-Stop Mode}.
37002
37003 @item QPassSignals: @var{signal} @r{[};@var{signal}@r{]}@dots{}
37004 @cindex pass signals to inferior, remote request
37005 @cindex @samp{QPassSignals} packet
37006 @anchor{QPassSignals}
37007 Each listed @var{signal} should be passed directly to the inferior process.
37008 Signals are numbered identically to continue packets and stop replies
37009 (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}). Each @var{signal} list item should be
37010 strictly greater than the previous item. These signals do not need to stop
37011 the inferior, or be reported to @value{GDBN}. All other signals should be
37012 reported to @value{GDBN}. Multiple @samp{QPassSignals} packets do not
37013 combine; any earlier @samp{QPassSignals} list is completely replaced by the
37014 new list. This packet improves performance when using @samp{handle
37015 @var{signal} nostop noprint pass}.
37016
37017 Reply:
37018 @table @samp
37019 @item OK
37020 The request succeeded.
37021
37022 @item E @var{nn}
37023 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
37024
37025 @item @w{}
37026 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QPassSignals} is not supported by
37027 the stub.
37028 @end table
37029
37030 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote pass-signals}
37031 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote pass-signals}).
37032 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37033 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37034
37035 @item QProgramSignals: @var{signal} @r{[};@var{signal}@r{]}@dots{}
37036 @cindex signals the inferior may see, remote request
37037 @cindex @samp{QProgramSignals} packet
37038 @anchor{QProgramSignals}
37039 Each listed @var{signal} may be delivered to the inferior process.
37040 Others should be silently discarded.
37041
37042 In some cases, the remote stub may need to decide whether to deliver a
37043 signal to the program or not without @value{GDBN} involvement. One
37044 example of that is while detaching --- the program's threads may have
37045 stopped for signals that haven't yet had a chance of being reported to
37046 @value{GDBN}, and so the remote stub can use the signal list specified
37047 by this packet to know whether to deliver or ignore those pending
37048 signals.
37049
37050 This does not influence whether to deliver a signal as requested by a
37051 resumption packet (@pxref{vCont packet}).
37052
37053 Signals are numbered identically to continue packets and stop replies
37054 (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}). Each @var{signal} list item should be
37055 strictly greater than the previous item. Multiple
37056 @samp{QProgramSignals} packets do not combine; any earlier
37057 @samp{QProgramSignals} list is completely replaced by the new list.
37058
37059 Reply:
37060 @table @samp
37061 @item OK
37062 The request succeeded.
37063
37064 @item E @var{nn}
37065 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
37066
37067 @item @w{}
37068 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QProgramSignals} is not supported
37069 by the stub.
37070 @end table
37071
37072 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote program-signals}
37073 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote program-signals}).
37074 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37075 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37076
37077 @item qRcmd,@var{command}
37078 @cindex execute remote command, remote request
37079 @cindex @samp{qRcmd} packet
37080 @var{command} (hex encoded) is passed to the local interpreter for
37081 execution. Invalid commands should be reported using the output
37082 string. Before the final result packet, the target may also respond
37083 with a number of intermediate @samp{O@var{output}} console output
37084 packets. @emph{Implementors should note that providing access to a
37085 stubs's interpreter may have security implications}.
37086
37087 Reply:
37088 @table @samp
37089 @item OK
37090 A command response with no output.
37091 @item @var{OUTPUT}
37092 A command response with the hex encoded output string @var{OUTPUT}.
37093 @item E @var{NN}
37094 Indicate a badly formed request.
37095 @item @w{}
37096 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qRcmd} is not recognized.
37097 @end table
37098
37099 (Note that the @code{qRcmd} packet's name is separated from the
37100 command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
37101 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
37102 packets.)
37103
37104 @item qSearch:memory:@var{address};@var{length};@var{search-pattern}
37105 @cindex searching memory, in remote debugging
37106 @cindex @samp{qSearch:memory} packet
37107 @anchor{qSearch memory}
37108 Search @var{length} bytes at @var{address} for @var{search-pattern}.
37109 @var{address} and @var{length} are encoded in hex.
37110 @var{search-pattern} is a sequence of bytes, hex encoded.
37111
37112 Reply:
37113 @table @samp
37114 @item 0
37115 The pattern was not found.
37116 @item 1,address
37117 The pattern was found at @var{address}.
37118 @item E @var{NN}
37119 A badly formed request or an error was encountered while searching memory.
37120 @item @w{}
37121 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSearch:memory} is not recognized.
37122 @end table
37123
37124 @item QStartNoAckMode
37125 @cindex @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet
37126 @anchor{QStartNoAckMode}
37127 Request that the remote stub disable the normal @samp{+}/@samp{-}
37128 protocol acknowledgments (@pxref{Packet Acknowledgment}).
37129
37130 Reply:
37131 @table @samp
37132 @item OK
37133 The stub has switched to no-acknowledgment mode.
37134 @value{GDBN} acknowledges this reponse,
37135 but neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or expect further
37136 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments in the current connection.
37137 @item @w{}
37138 An empty reply indicates that the stub does not support no-acknowledgment mode.
37139 @end table
37140
37141 @item qSupported @r{[}:@var{gdbfeature} @r{[};@var{gdbfeature}@r{]}@dots{} @r{]}
37142 @cindex supported packets, remote query
37143 @cindex features of the remote protocol
37144 @cindex @samp{qSupported} packet
37145 @anchor{qSupported}
37146 Tell the remote stub about features supported by @value{GDBN}, and
37147 query the stub for features it supports. This packet allows
37148 @value{GDBN} and the remote stub to take advantage of each others'
37149 features. @samp{qSupported} also consolidates multiple feature probes
37150 at startup, to improve @value{GDBN} performance---a single larger
37151 packet performs better than multiple smaller probe packets on
37152 high-latency links. Some features may enable behavior which must not
37153 be on by default, e.g.@: because it would confuse older clients or
37154 stubs. Other features may describe packets which could be
37155 automatically probed for, but are not. These features must be
37156 reported before @value{GDBN} will use them. This ``default
37157 unsupported'' behavior is not appropriate for all packets, but it
37158 helps to keep the initial connection time under control with new
37159 versions of @value{GDBN} which support increasing numbers of packets.
37160
37161 Reply:
37162 @table @samp
37163 @item @var{stubfeature} @r{[};@var{stubfeature}@r{]}@dots{}
37164 The stub supports or does not support each returned @var{stubfeature},
37165 depending on the form of each @var{stubfeature} (see below for the
37166 possible forms).
37167 @item @w{}
37168 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSupported} is not recognized,
37169 or that no features needed to be reported to @value{GDBN}.
37170 @end table
37171
37172 The allowed forms for each feature (either a @var{gdbfeature} in the
37173 @samp{qSupported} packet, or a @var{stubfeature} in the response)
37174 are:
37175
37176 @table @samp
37177 @item @var{name}=@var{value}
37178 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and associated
37179 with the specified @var{value}. The format of @var{value} depends
37180 on the feature, but it must not include a semicolon.
37181 @item @var{name}+
37182 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and does not
37183 need an associated value.
37184 @item @var{name}-
37185 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is not supported.
37186 @item @var{name}?
37187 The remote protocol feature @var{name} may be supported, and
37188 @value{GDBN} should auto-detect support in some other way when it is
37189 needed. This form will not be used for @var{gdbfeature} notifications,
37190 but may be used for @var{stubfeature} responses.
37191 @end table
37192
37193 Whenever the stub receives a @samp{qSupported} request, the
37194 supplied set of @value{GDBN} features should override any previous
37195 request. This allows @value{GDBN} to put the stub in a known
37196 state, even if the stub had previously been communicating with
37197 a different version of @value{GDBN}.
37198
37199 The following values of @var{gdbfeature} (for the packet sent by @value{GDBN})
37200 are defined:
37201
37202 @table @samp
37203 @item multiprocess
37204 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports multiprocess
37205 extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
37206 extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
37207 including @samp{multiprocess+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
37208 @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for details.
37209
37210 @item xmlRegisters
37211 This feature indicates that @value{GDBN} supports the XML target
37212 description. If the stub sees @samp{xmlRegisters=} with target
37213 specific strings separated by a comma, it will report register
37214 description.
37215
37216 @item qRelocInsn
37217 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports the
37218 @samp{qRelocInsn} packet (@pxref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate
37219 instruction reply packet}).
37220 @end table
37221
37222 Stubs should ignore any unknown values for
37223 @var{gdbfeature}. Any @value{GDBN} which sends a @samp{qSupported}
37224 packet supports receiving packets of unlimited length (earlier
37225 versions of @value{GDBN} may reject overly long responses). Additional values
37226 for @var{gdbfeature} may be defined in the future to let the stub take
37227 advantage of new features in @value{GDBN}, e.g.@: incompatible
37228 improvements in the remote protocol---the @samp{multiprocess} feature is
37229 an example of such a feature. The stub's reply should be independent
37230 of the @var{gdbfeature} entries sent by @value{GDBN}; first @value{GDBN}
37231 describes all the features it supports, and then the stub replies with
37232 all the features it supports.
37233
37234 Similarly, @value{GDBN} will silently ignore unrecognized stub feature
37235 responses, as long as each response uses one of the standard forms.
37236
37237 Some features are flags. A stub which supports a flag feature
37238 should respond with a @samp{+} form response. Other features
37239 require values, and the stub should respond with an @samp{=}
37240 form response.
37241
37242 Each feature has a default value, which @value{GDBN} will use if
37243 @samp{qSupported} is not available or if the feature is not mentioned
37244 in the @samp{qSupported} response. The default values are fixed; a
37245 stub is free to omit any feature responses that match the defaults.
37246
37247 Not all features can be probed, but for those which can, the probing
37248 mechanism is useful: in some cases, a stub's internal
37249 architecture may not allow the protocol layer to know some information
37250 about the underlying target in advance. This is especially common in
37251 stubs which may be configured for multiple targets.
37252
37253 These are the currently defined stub features and their properties:
37254
37255 @multitable @columnfractions 0.35 0.2 0.12 0.2
37256 @c NOTE: The first row should be @headitem, but we do not yet require
37257 @c a new enough version of Texinfo (4.7) to use @headitem.
37258 @item Feature Name
37259 @tab Value Required
37260 @tab Default
37261 @tab Probe Allowed
37262
37263 @item @samp{PacketSize}
37264 @tab Yes
37265 @tab @samp{-}
37266 @tab No
37267
37268 @item @samp{qXfer:auxv:read}
37269 @tab No
37270 @tab @samp{-}
37271 @tab Yes
37272
37273 @item @samp{qXfer:btrace:read}
37274 @tab No
37275 @tab @samp{-}
37276 @tab Yes
37277
37278 @item @samp{qXfer:features:read}
37279 @tab No
37280 @tab @samp{-}
37281 @tab Yes
37282
37283 @item @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
37284 @tab No
37285 @tab @samp{-}
37286 @tab Yes
37287
37288 @item @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
37289 @tab No
37290 @tab @samp{-}
37291 @tab Yes
37292
37293 @item @samp{qXfer:sdata:read}
37294 @tab No
37295 @tab @samp{-}
37296 @tab Yes
37297
37298 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:read}
37299 @tab No
37300 @tab @samp{-}
37301 @tab Yes
37302
37303 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:write}
37304 @tab No
37305 @tab @samp{-}
37306 @tab Yes
37307
37308 @item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read}
37309 @tab No
37310 @tab @samp{-}
37311 @tab Yes
37312
37313 @item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write}
37314 @tab No
37315 @tab @samp{-}
37316 @tab Yes
37317
37318 @item @samp{qXfer:threads:read}
37319 @tab No
37320 @tab @samp{-}
37321 @tab Yes
37322
37323 @item @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
37324 @tab No
37325 @tab @samp{-}
37326 @tab Yes
37327
37328 @item @samp{qXfer:uib:read}
37329 @tab No
37330 @tab @samp{-}
37331 @tab Yes
37332
37333 @item @samp{qXfer:fdpic:read}
37334 @tab No
37335 @tab @samp{-}
37336 @tab Yes
37337
37338 @item @samp{Qbtrace:off}
37339 @tab Yes
37340 @tab @samp{-}
37341 @tab Yes
37342
37343 @item @samp{Qbtrace:bts}
37344 @tab Yes
37345 @tab @samp{-}
37346 @tab Yes
37347
37348 @item @samp{QNonStop}
37349 @tab No
37350 @tab @samp{-}
37351 @tab Yes
37352
37353 @item @samp{QPassSignals}
37354 @tab No
37355 @tab @samp{-}
37356 @tab Yes
37357
37358 @item @samp{QStartNoAckMode}
37359 @tab No
37360 @tab @samp{-}
37361 @tab Yes
37362
37363 @item @samp{multiprocess}
37364 @tab No
37365 @tab @samp{-}
37366 @tab No
37367
37368 @item @samp{ConditionalBreakpoints}
37369 @tab No
37370 @tab @samp{-}
37371 @tab No
37372
37373 @item @samp{ConditionalTracepoints}
37374 @tab No
37375 @tab @samp{-}
37376 @tab No
37377
37378 @item @samp{ReverseContinue}
37379 @tab No
37380 @tab @samp{-}
37381 @tab No
37382
37383 @item @samp{ReverseStep}
37384 @tab No
37385 @tab @samp{-}
37386 @tab No
37387
37388 @item @samp{TracepointSource}
37389 @tab No
37390 @tab @samp{-}
37391 @tab No
37392
37393 @item @samp{QAgent}
37394 @tab No
37395 @tab @samp{-}
37396 @tab No
37397
37398 @item @samp{QAllow}
37399 @tab No
37400 @tab @samp{-}
37401 @tab No
37402
37403 @item @samp{QDisableRandomization}
37404 @tab No
37405 @tab @samp{-}
37406 @tab No
37407
37408 @item @samp{EnableDisableTracepoints}
37409 @tab No
37410 @tab @samp{-}
37411 @tab No
37412
37413 @item @samp{QTBuffer:size}
37414 @tab No
37415 @tab @samp{-}
37416 @tab No
37417
37418 @item @samp{tracenz}
37419 @tab No
37420 @tab @samp{-}
37421 @tab No
37422
37423 @item @samp{BreakpointCommands}
37424 @tab No
37425 @tab @samp{-}
37426 @tab No
37427
37428 @end multitable
37429
37430 These are the currently defined stub features, in more detail:
37431
37432 @table @samp
37433 @cindex packet size, remote protocol
37434 @item PacketSize=@var{bytes}
37435 The remote stub can accept packets up to at least @var{bytes} in
37436 length. @value{GDBN} will send packets up to this size for bulk
37437 transfers, and will never send larger packets. This is a limit on the
37438 data characters in the packet, including the frame and checksum.
37439 There is no trailing NUL byte in a remote protocol packet; if the stub
37440 stores packets in a NUL-terminated format, it should allow an extra
37441 byte in its buffer for the NUL. If this stub feature is not supported,
37442 @value{GDBN} guesses based on the size of the @samp{g} packet response.
37443
37444 @item qXfer:auxv:read
37445 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet
37446 (@pxref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}).
37447
37448 @item qXfer:btrace:read
37449 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:btrace:read}
37450 packet (@pxref{qXfer btrace read}).
37451
37452 @item qXfer:features:read
37453 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:features:read} packet
37454 (@pxref{qXfer target description read}).
37455
37456 @item qXfer:libraries:read
37457 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet
37458 (@pxref{qXfer library list read}).
37459
37460 @item qXfer:libraries-svr4:read
37461 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read} packet
37462 (@pxref{qXfer svr4 library list read}).
37463
37464 @item qXfer:memory-map:read
37465 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read} packet
37466 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}).
37467
37468 @item qXfer:sdata:read
37469 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:sdata:read} packet
37470 (@pxref{qXfer sdata read}).
37471
37472 @item qXfer:spu:read
37473 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:read} packet
37474 (@pxref{qXfer spu read}).
37475
37476 @item qXfer:spu:write
37477 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:write} packet
37478 (@pxref{qXfer spu write}).
37479
37480 @item qXfer:siginfo:read
37481 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read} packet
37482 (@pxref{qXfer siginfo read}).
37483
37484 @item qXfer:siginfo:write
37485 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write} packet
37486 (@pxref{qXfer siginfo write}).
37487
37488 @item qXfer:threads:read
37489 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:threads:read} packet
37490 (@pxref{qXfer threads read}).
37491
37492 @item qXfer:traceframe-info:read
37493 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
37494 packet (@pxref{qXfer traceframe info read}).
37495
37496 @item qXfer:uib:read
37497 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:uib:read}
37498 packet (@pxref{qXfer unwind info block}).
37499
37500 @item qXfer:fdpic:read
37501 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:fdpic:read}
37502 packet (@pxref{qXfer fdpic loadmap read}).
37503
37504 @item QNonStop
37505 The remote stub understands the @samp{QNonStop} packet
37506 (@pxref{QNonStop}).
37507
37508 @item QPassSignals
37509 The remote stub understands the @samp{QPassSignals} packet
37510 (@pxref{QPassSignals}).
37511
37512 @item QStartNoAckMode
37513 The remote stub understands the @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet and
37514 prefers to operate in no-acknowledgment mode. @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}.
37515
37516 @item multiprocess
37517 @anchor{multiprocess extensions}
37518 @cindex multiprocess extensions, in remote protocol
37519 The remote stub understands the multiprocess extensions to the remote
37520 protocol syntax. The multiprocess extensions affect the syntax of
37521 thread IDs in both packets and replies (@pxref{thread-id syntax}), and
37522 add process IDs to the @samp{D} packet and @samp{W} and @samp{X}
37523 replies. Note that reporting this feature indicates support for the
37524 syntactic extensions only, not that the stub necessarily supports
37525 debugging of more than one process at a time. The stub must not use
37526 multiprocess extensions in packet replies unless @value{GDBN} has also
37527 indicated it supports them in its @samp{qSupported} request.
37528
37529 @item qXfer:osdata:read
37530 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet
37531 ((@pxref{qXfer osdata read}).
37532
37533 @item ConditionalBreakpoints
37534 The target accepts and implements evaluation of conditional expressions
37535 defined for breakpoints. The target will only report breakpoint triggers
37536 when such conditions are true (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
37537
37538 @item ConditionalTracepoints
37539 The remote stub accepts and implements conditional expressions defined
37540 for tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoint Conditions}).
37541
37542 @item ReverseContinue
37543 The remote stub accepts and implements the reverse continue packet
37544 (@pxref{bc}).
37545
37546 @item ReverseStep
37547 The remote stub accepts and implements the reverse step packet
37548 (@pxref{bs}).
37549
37550 @item TracepointSource
37551 The remote stub understands the @samp{QTDPsrc} packet that supplies
37552 the source form of tracepoint definitions.
37553
37554 @item QAgent
37555 The remote stub understands the @samp{QAgent} packet.
37556
37557 @item QAllow
37558 The remote stub understands the @samp{QAllow} packet.
37559
37560 @item QDisableRandomization
37561 The remote stub understands the @samp{QDisableRandomization} packet.
37562
37563 @item StaticTracepoint
37564 @cindex static tracepoints, in remote protocol
37565 The remote stub supports static tracepoints.
37566
37567 @item InstallInTrace
37568 @anchor{install tracepoint in tracing}
37569 The remote stub supports installing tracepoint in tracing.
37570
37571 @item EnableDisableTracepoints
37572 The remote stub supports the @samp{QTEnable} (@pxref{QTEnable}) and
37573 @samp{QTDisable} (@pxref{QTDisable}) packets that allow tracepoints
37574 to be enabled and disabled while a trace experiment is running.
37575
37576 @item QTBuffer:size
37577 The remote stub supports the @samp{QTBuffer:size} (@pxref{QTBuffer-size})
37578 packet that allows to change the size of the trace buffer.
37579
37580 @item tracenz
37581 @cindex string tracing, in remote protocol
37582 The remote stub supports the @samp{tracenz} bytecode for collecting strings.
37583 See @ref{Bytecode Descriptions} for details about the bytecode.
37584
37585 @item BreakpointCommands
37586 @cindex breakpoint commands, in remote protocol
37587 The remote stub supports running a breakpoint's command list itself,
37588 rather than reporting the hit to @value{GDBN}.
37589
37590 @item Qbtrace:off
37591 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace:off} packet.
37592
37593 @item Qbtrace:bts
37594 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace:bts} packet.
37595
37596 @end table
37597
37598 @item qSymbol::
37599 @cindex symbol lookup, remote request
37600 @cindex @samp{qSymbol} packet
37601 Notify the target that @value{GDBN} is prepared to serve symbol lookup
37602 requests. Accept requests from the target for the values of symbols.
37603
37604 Reply:
37605 @table @samp
37606 @item OK
37607 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
37608 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
37609 The target requests the value of symbol @var{sym_name} (hex encoded).
37610 @value{GDBN} may provide the value by using the
37611 @samp{qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}} message, described
37612 below.
37613 @end table
37614
37615 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}
37616 Set the value of @var{sym_name} to @var{sym_value}.
37617
37618 @var{sym_name} (hex encoded) is the name of a symbol whose value the
37619 target has previously requested.
37620
37621 @var{sym_value} (hex) is the value for symbol @var{sym_name}. If
37622 @value{GDBN} cannot supply a value for @var{sym_name}, then this field
37623 will be empty.
37624
37625 Reply:
37626 @table @samp
37627 @item OK
37628 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
37629 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
37630 The target requests the value of a new symbol @var{sym_name} (hex
37631 encoded). @value{GDBN} will continue to supply the values of symbols
37632 (if available), until the target ceases to request them.
37633 @end table
37634
37635 @item qTBuffer
37636 @itemx QTBuffer
37637 @itemx QTDisconnected
37638 @itemx QTDP
37639 @itemx QTDPsrc
37640 @itemx QTDV
37641 @itemx qTfP
37642 @itemx qTfV
37643 @itemx QTFrame
37644 @itemx qTMinFTPILen
37645
37646 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
37647
37648 @item qThreadExtraInfo,@var{thread-id}
37649 @cindex thread attributes info, remote request
37650 @cindex @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} packet
37651 Obtain a printable string description of a thread's attributes from
37652 the target OS. @var{thread-id} is a thread ID;
37653 see @ref{thread-id syntax}. This
37654 string may contain anything that the target OS thinks is interesting
37655 for @value{GDBN} to tell the user about the thread. The string is
37656 displayed in @value{GDBN}'s @code{info threads} display. Some
37657 examples of possible thread extra info strings are @samp{Runnable}, or
37658 @samp{Blocked on Mutex}.
37659
37660 Reply:
37661 @table @samp
37662 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
37663 Where @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is a hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data,
37664 comprising the printable string containing the extra information about
37665 the thread's attributes.
37666 @end table
37667
37668 (Note that the @code{qThreadExtraInfo} packet's name is separated from
37669 the command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
37670 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
37671 packets.)
37672
37673 @item QTNotes
37674 @itemx qTP
37675 @itemx QTSave
37676 @itemx qTsP
37677 @itemx qTsV
37678 @itemx QTStart
37679 @itemx QTStop
37680 @itemx QTEnable
37681 @itemx QTDisable
37682 @itemx QTinit
37683 @itemx QTro
37684 @itemx qTStatus
37685 @itemx qTV
37686 @itemx qTfSTM
37687 @itemx qTsSTM
37688 @itemx qTSTMat
37689 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
37690
37691 @item qXfer:@var{object}:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
37692 @cindex read special object, remote request
37693 @cindex @samp{qXfer} packet
37694 @anchor{qXfer read}
37695 Read uninterpreted bytes from the target's special data area
37696 identified by the keyword @var{object}. Request @var{length} bytes
37697 starting at @var{offset} bytes into the data. The content and
37698 encoding of @var{annex} is specific to @var{object}; it can supply
37699 additional details about what data to access.
37700
37701 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All
37702 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:read:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
37703 formats, listed below.
37704
37705 @table @samp
37706 @item qXfer:auxv:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
37707 @anchor{qXfer auxiliary vector read}
37708 Access the target's @dfn{auxiliary vector}. @xref{OS Information,
37709 auxiliary vector}. Note @var{annex} must be empty.
37710
37711 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37712 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37713
37714 @item qXfer:btrace:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
37715 @anchor{qXfer btrace read}
37716
37717 Return a description of the current branch trace.
37718 @xref{Branch Trace Format}. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer}
37719 packet may have one of the following values:
37720
37721 @table @code
37722 @item all
37723 Returns all available branch trace.
37724
37725 @item new
37726 Returns all available branch trace if the branch trace changed since
37727 the last read request.
37728 @end table
37729
37730 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it
37731 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37732
37733 @item qXfer:features:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
37734 @anchor{qXfer target description read}
37735 Access the @dfn{target description}. @xref{Target Descriptions}. The
37736 annex specifies which XML document to access. The main description is
37737 always loaded from the @samp{target.xml} annex.
37738
37739 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37740 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37741
37742 @item qXfer:libraries:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
37743 @anchor{qXfer library list read}
37744 Access the target's list of loaded libraries. @xref{Library List Format}.
37745 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
37746 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
37747
37748 Targets which maintain a list of libraries in the program's memory do
37749 not need to implement this packet; it is designed for platforms where
37750 the operating system manages the list of loaded libraries.
37751
37752 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37753 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37754
37755 @item qXfer:libraries-svr4:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
37756 @anchor{qXfer svr4 library list read}
37757 Access the target's list of loaded libraries when the target is an SVR4
37758 platform. @xref{Library List Format for SVR4 Targets}. The annex part
37759 of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
37760
37761 This packet is optional for better performance on SVR4 targets.
37762 @value{GDBN} uses memory read packets to read the SVR4 library list otherwise.
37763
37764 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37765 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37766
37767 @item qXfer:memory-map:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
37768 @anchor{qXfer memory map read}
37769 Access the target's @dfn{memory-map}. @xref{Memory Map Format}. The
37770 annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
37771 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
37772
37773 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37774 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37775
37776 @item qXfer:sdata:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
37777 @anchor{qXfer sdata read}
37778
37779 Read contents of the extra collected static tracepoint marker
37780 information. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must
37781 be empty (@pxref{qXfer read}). @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint
37782 Action Lists}.
37783
37784 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37785 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
37786 (@pxref{qSupported}).
37787
37788 @item qXfer:siginfo:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
37789 @anchor{qXfer siginfo read}
37790 Read contents of the extra signal information on the target
37791 system. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
37792 empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
37793
37794 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37795 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
37796 (@pxref{qSupported}).
37797
37798 @item qXfer:spu:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
37799 @anchor{qXfer spu read}
37800 Read contents of an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
37801 annex specifies which file to read; it must be of the form
37802 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
37803 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
37804 in that context to be accessed.
37805
37806 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37807 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
37808 (@pxref{qSupported}).
37809
37810 @item qXfer:threads:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
37811 @anchor{qXfer threads read}
37812 Access the list of threads on target. @xref{Thread List Format}. The
37813 annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
37814 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
37815
37816 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37817 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37818
37819 @item qXfer:traceframe-info:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
37820 @anchor{qXfer traceframe info read}
37821
37822 Return a description of the current traceframe's contents.
37823 @xref{Traceframe Info Format}. The annex part of the generic
37824 @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
37825
37826 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37827 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37828
37829 @item qXfer:uib:read:@var{pc}:@var{offset},@var{length}
37830 @anchor{qXfer unwind info block}
37831
37832 Return the unwind information block for @var{pc}. This packet is used
37833 on OpenVMS/ia64 to ask the kernel unwind information.
37834
37835 This packet is not probed by default.
37836
37837 @item qXfer:fdpic:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
37838 @anchor{qXfer fdpic loadmap read}
37839 Read contents of @code{loadmap}s on the target system. The
37840 annex, either @samp{exec} or @samp{interp}, specifies which @code{loadmap},
37841 executable @code{loadmap} or interpreter @code{loadmap} to read.
37842
37843 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37844 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37845
37846 @item qXfer:osdata:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
37847 @anchor{qXfer osdata read}
37848 Access the target's @dfn{operating system information}.
37849 @xref{Operating System Information}.
37850
37851 @end table
37852
37853 Reply:
37854 @table @samp
37855 @item m @var{data}
37856 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the
37857 target. There may be more data at a higher address (although
37858 it is permitted to return @samp{m} even for the last valid
37859 block of data, as long as at least one byte of data was read).
37860 @var{data} may have fewer bytes than the @var{length} in the
37861 request.
37862
37863 @item l @var{data}
37864 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the target.
37865 There is no more data to be read. @var{data} may have fewer bytes
37866 than the @var{length} in the request.
37867
37868 @item l
37869 The @var{offset} in the request is at the end of the data.
37870 There is no more data to be read.
37871
37872 @item E00
37873 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
37874
37875 @item E @var{nn}
37876 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered reading the data.
37877 @var{nn} is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
37878
37879 @item @w{}
37880 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not recognized by
37881 the stub, or that the object does not support reading.
37882 @end table
37883
37884 @item qXfer:@var{object}:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
37885 @cindex write data into object, remote request
37886 @anchor{qXfer write}
37887 Write uninterpreted bytes into the target's special data area
37888 identified by the keyword @var{object}, starting at @var{offset} bytes
37889 into the data. @var{data}@dots{} is the binary-encoded data
37890 (@pxref{Binary Data}) to be written. The content and encoding of @var{annex}
37891 is specific to @var{object}; it can supply additional details about what data
37892 to access.
37893
37894 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All
37895 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:write:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
37896 formats, listed below.
37897
37898 @table @samp
37899 @item qXfer:siginfo:write::@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
37900 @anchor{qXfer siginfo write}
37901 Write @var{data} to the extra signal information on the target system.
37902 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
37903 empty (@pxref{qXfer write}).
37904
37905 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37906 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
37907 (@pxref{qSupported}).
37908
37909 @item qXfer:spu:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
37910 @anchor{qXfer spu write}
37911 Write @var{data} to an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
37912 annex specifies which file to write; it must be of the form
37913 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
37914 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
37915 in that context to be accessed.
37916
37917 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37918 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37919 @end table
37920
37921 Reply:
37922 @table @samp
37923 @item @var{nn}
37924 @var{nn} (hex encoded) is the number of bytes written.
37925 This may be fewer bytes than supplied in the request.
37926
37927 @item E00
37928 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
37929
37930 @item E @var{nn}
37931 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered writing the data.
37932 @var{nn} is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
37933
37934 @item @w{}
37935 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not
37936 recognized by the stub, or that the object does not support writing.
37937 @end table
37938
37939 @item qXfer:@var{object}:@var{operation}:@dots{}
37940 Requests of this form may be added in the future. When a stub does
37941 not recognize the @var{object} keyword, or its support for
37942 @var{object} does not recognize the @var{operation} keyword, the stub
37943 must respond with an empty packet.
37944
37945 @item qAttached:@var{pid}
37946 @cindex query attached, remote request
37947 @cindex @samp{qAttached} packet
37948 Return an indication of whether the remote server attached to an
37949 existing process or created a new process. When the multiprocess
37950 protocol extensions are supported (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}),
37951 @var{pid} is an integer in hexadecimal format identifying the target
37952 process. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} will omit the @var{pid} field and
37953 the query packet will be simplified as @samp{qAttached}.
37954
37955 This query is used, for example, to know whether the remote process
37956 should be detached or killed when a @value{GDBN} session is ended with
37957 the @code{quit} command.
37958
37959 Reply:
37960 @table @samp
37961 @item 1
37962 The remote server attached to an existing process.
37963 @item 0
37964 The remote server created a new process.
37965 @item E @var{NN}
37966 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
37967 @end table
37968
37969 @item Qbtrace:bts
37970 Enable branch tracing for the current thread using bts tracing.
37971
37972 Reply:
37973 @table @samp
37974 @item OK
37975 Branch tracing has been enabled.
37976 @item E.errtext
37977 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
37978 @end table
37979
37980 @item Qbtrace:off
37981 Disable branch tracing for the current thread.
37982
37983 Reply:
37984 @table @samp
37985 @item OK
37986 Branch tracing has been disabled.
37987 @item E.errtext
37988 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
37989 @end table
37990
37991 @end table
37992
37993 @node Architecture-Specific Protocol Details
37994 @section Architecture-Specific Protocol Details
37995
37996 This section describes how the remote protocol is applied to specific
37997 target architectures. Also see @ref{Standard Target Features}, for
37998 details of XML target descriptions for each architecture.
37999
38000 @menu
38001 * ARM-Specific Protocol Details::
38002 * MIPS-Specific Protocol Details::
38003 @end menu
38004
38005 @node ARM-Specific Protocol Details
38006 @subsection @acronym{ARM}-specific Protocol Details
38007
38008 @menu
38009 * ARM Breakpoint Kinds::
38010 @end menu
38011
38012 @node ARM Breakpoint Kinds
38013 @subsubsection @acronym{ARM} Breakpoint Kinds
38014 @cindex breakpoint kinds, @acronym{ARM}
38015
38016 These breakpoint kinds are defined for the @samp{Z0} and @samp{Z1} packets.
38017
38018 @table @r
38019
38020 @item 2
38021 16-bit Thumb mode breakpoint.
38022
38023 @item 3
38024 32-bit Thumb mode (Thumb-2) breakpoint.
38025
38026 @item 4
38027 32-bit @acronym{ARM} mode breakpoint.
38028
38029 @end table
38030
38031 @node MIPS-Specific Protocol Details
38032 @subsection @acronym{MIPS}-specific Protocol Details
38033
38034 @menu
38035 * MIPS Register packet Format::
38036 * MIPS Breakpoint Kinds::
38037 @end menu
38038
38039 @node MIPS Register packet Format
38040 @subsubsection @acronym{MIPS} Register Packet Format
38041 @cindex register packet format, @acronym{MIPS}
38042
38043 The following @code{g}/@code{G} packets have previously been defined.
38044 In the below, some thirty-two bit registers are transferred as
38045 sixty-four bits. Those registers should be zero/sign extended (which?)
38046 to fill the space allocated. Register bytes are transferred in target
38047 byte order. The two nibbles within a register byte are transferred
38048 most-significant -- least-significant.
38049
38050 @table @r
38051
38052 @item MIPS32
38053 All registers are transferred as thirty-two bit quantities in the order:
38054 32 general-purpose; sr; lo; hi; bad; cause; pc; 32 floating-point
38055 registers; fsr; fir; fp.
38056
38057 @item MIPS64
38058 All registers are transferred as sixty-four bit quantities (including
38059 thirty-two bit registers such as @code{sr}). The ordering is the same
38060 as @code{MIPS32}.
38061
38062 @end table
38063
38064 @node MIPS Breakpoint Kinds
38065 @subsubsection @acronym{MIPS} Breakpoint Kinds
38066 @cindex breakpoint kinds, @acronym{MIPS}
38067
38068 These breakpoint kinds are defined for the @samp{Z0} and @samp{Z1} packets.
38069
38070 @table @r
38071
38072 @item 2
38073 16-bit @acronym{MIPS16} mode breakpoint.
38074
38075 @item 3
38076 16-bit @acronym{microMIPS} mode breakpoint.
38077
38078 @item 4
38079 32-bit standard @acronym{MIPS} mode breakpoint.
38080
38081 @item 5
38082 32-bit @acronym{microMIPS} mode breakpoint.
38083
38084 @end table
38085
38086 @node Tracepoint Packets
38087 @section Tracepoint Packets
38088 @cindex tracepoint packets
38089 @cindex packets, tracepoint
38090
38091 Here we describe the packets @value{GDBN} uses to implement
38092 tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoints}).
38093
38094 @table @samp
38095
38096 @item QTDP:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{ena}:@var{step}:@var{pass}[:F@var{flen}][:X@var{len},@var{bytes}]@r{[}-@r{]}
38097 @cindex @samp{QTDP} packet
38098 Create a new tracepoint, number @var{n}, at @var{addr}. If @var{ena}
38099 is @samp{E}, then the tracepoint is enabled; if it is @samp{D}, then
38100 the tracepoint is disabled. @var{step} is the tracepoint's step
38101 count, and @var{pass} is its pass count. If an @samp{F} is present,
38102 then the tracepoint is to be a fast tracepoint, and the @var{flen} is
38103 the number of bytes that the target should copy elsewhere to make room
38104 for the tracepoint. If an @samp{X} is present, it introduces a
38105 tracepoint condition, which consists of a hexadecimal length, followed
38106 by a comma and hex-encoded bytes, in a manner similar to action
38107 encodings as described below. If the trailing @samp{-} is present,
38108 further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow to specify this tracepoint's
38109 actions.
38110
38111 Replies:
38112 @table @samp
38113 @item OK
38114 The packet was understood and carried out.
38115 @item qRelocInsn
38116 @xref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate instruction reply packet}.
38117 @item @w{}
38118 The packet was not recognized.
38119 @end table
38120
38121 @item QTDP:-@var{n}:@var{addr}:@r{[}S@r{]}@var{action}@dots{}@r{[}-@r{]}
38122 Define actions to be taken when a tracepoint is hit. @var{n} and
38123 @var{addr} must be the same as in the initial @samp{QTDP} packet for
38124 this tracepoint. This packet may only be sent immediately after
38125 another @samp{QTDP} packet that ended with a @samp{-}. If the
38126 trailing @samp{-} is present, further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow,
38127 specifying more actions for this tracepoint.
38128
38129 In the series of action packets for a given tracepoint, at most one
38130 can have an @samp{S} before its first @var{action}. If such a packet
38131 is sent, it and the following packets define ``while-stepping''
38132 actions. Any prior packets define ordinary actions --- that is, those
38133 taken when the tracepoint is first hit. If no action packet has an
38134 @samp{S}, then all the packets in the series specify ordinary
38135 tracepoint actions.
38136
38137 The @samp{@var{action}@dots{}} portion of the packet is a series of
38138 actions, concatenated without separators. Each action has one of the
38139 following forms:
38140
38141 @table @samp
38142
38143 @item R @var{mask}
38144 Collect the registers whose bits are set in @var{mask}. @var{mask} is
38145 a hexadecimal number whose @var{i}'th bit is set if register number
38146 @var{i} should be collected. (The least significant bit is numbered
38147 zero.) Note that @var{mask} may be any number of digits long; it may
38148 not fit in a 32-bit word.
38149
38150 @item M @var{basereg},@var{offset},@var{len}
38151 Collect @var{len} bytes of memory starting at the address in register
38152 number @var{basereg}, plus @var{offset}. If @var{basereg} is
38153 @samp{-1}, then the range has a fixed address: @var{offset} is the
38154 address of the lowest byte to collect. The @var{basereg},
38155 @var{offset}, and @var{len} parameters are all unsigned hexadecimal
38156 values (the @samp{-1} value for @var{basereg} is a special case).
38157
38158 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
38159 Evaluate @var{expr}, whose length is @var{len}, and collect memory as
38160 it directs. @var{expr} is an agent expression, as described in
38161 @ref{Agent Expressions}. Each byte of the expression is encoded as a
38162 two-digit hex number in the packet; @var{len} is the number of bytes
38163 in the expression (and thus one-half the number of hex digits in the
38164 packet).
38165
38166 @end table
38167
38168 Any number of actions may be packed together in a single @samp{QTDP}
38169 packet, as long as the packet does not exceed the maximum packet
38170 length (400 bytes, for many stubs). There may be only one @samp{R}
38171 action per tracepoint, and it must precede any @samp{M} or @samp{X}
38172 actions. Any registers referred to by @samp{M} and @samp{X} actions
38173 must be collected by a preceding @samp{R} action. (The
38174 ``while-stepping'' actions are treated as if they were attached to a
38175 separate tracepoint, as far as these restrictions are concerned.)
38176
38177 Replies:
38178 @table @samp
38179 @item OK
38180 The packet was understood and carried out.
38181 @item qRelocInsn
38182 @xref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate instruction reply packet}.
38183 @item @w{}
38184 The packet was not recognized.
38185 @end table
38186
38187 @item QTDPsrc:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{type}:@var{start}:@var{slen}:@var{bytes}
38188 @cindex @samp{QTDPsrc} packet
38189 Specify a source string of tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr}.
38190 This is useful to get accurate reproduction of the tracepoints
38191 originally downloaded at the beginning of the trace run. @var{type}
38192 is the name of the tracepoint part, such as @samp{cond} for the
38193 tracepoint's conditional expression (see below for a list of types), while
38194 @var{bytes} is the string, encoded in hexadecimal.
38195
38196 @var{start} is the offset of the @var{bytes} within the overall source
38197 string, while @var{slen} is the total length of the source string.
38198 This is intended for handling source strings that are longer than will
38199 fit in a single packet.
38200 @c Add detailed example when this info is moved into a dedicated
38201 @c tracepoint descriptions section.
38202
38203 The available string types are @samp{at} for the location,
38204 @samp{cond} for the conditional, and @samp{cmd} for an action command.
38205 @value{GDBN} sends a separate packet for each command in the action
38206 list, in the same order in which the commands are stored in the list.
38207
38208 The target does not need to do anything with source strings except
38209 report them back as part of the replies to the @samp{qTfP}/@samp{qTsP}
38210 query packets.
38211
38212 Although this packet is optional, and @value{GDBN} will only send it
38213 if the target replies with @samp{TracepointSource} @xref{General
38214 Query Packets}, it makes both disconnected tracing and trace files
38215 much easier to use. Otherwise the user must be careful that the
38216 tracepoints in effect while looking at trace frames are identical to
38217 the ones in effect during the trace run; even a small discrepancy
38218 could cause @samp{tdump} not to work, or a particular trace frame not
38219 be found.
38220
38221 @item QTDV:@var{n}:@var{value}
38222 @cindex define trace state variable, remote request
38223 @cindex @samp{QTDV} packet
38224 Create a new trace state variable, number @var{n}, with an initial
38225 value of @var{value}, which is a 64-bit signed integer. Both @var{n}
38226 and @var{value} are encoded as hexadecimal values. @value{GDBN} has
38227 the option of not using this packet for initial values of zero; the
38228 target should simply create the trace state variables as they are
38229 mentioned in expressions.
38230
38231 @item QTFrame:@var{n}
38232 @cindex @samp{QTFrame} packet
38233 Select the @var{n}'th tracepoint frame from the buffer, and use the
38234 register and memory contents recorded there to answer subsequent
38235 request packets from @value{GDBN}.
38236
38237 A successful reply from the stub indicates that the stub has found the
38238 requested frame. The response is a series of parts, concatenated
38239 without separators, describing the frame we selected. Each part has
38240 one of the following forms:
38241
38242 @table @samp
38243 @item F @var{f}
38244 The selected frame is number @var{n} in the trace frame buffer;
38245 @var{f} is a hexadecimal number. If @var{f} is @samp{-1}, then there
38246 was no frame matching the criteria in the request packet.
38247
38248 @item T @var{t}
38249 The selected trace frame records a hit of tracepoint number @var{t};
38250 @var{t} is a hexadecimal number.
38251
38252 @end table
38253
38254 @item QTFrame:pc:@var{addr}
38255 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
38256 currently selected frame whose PC is @var{addr};
38257 @var{addr} is a hexadecimal number.
38258
38259 @item QTFrame:tdp:@var{t}
38260 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
38261 currently selected frame that is a hit of tracepoint @var{t}; @var{t}
38262 is a hexadecimal number.
38263
38264 @item QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}
38265 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
38266 currently selected frame whose PC is between @var{start} (inclusive)
38267 and @var{end} (inclusive); @var{start} and @var{end} are hexadecimal
38268 numbers.
38269
38270 @item QTFrame:outside:@var{start}:@var{end}
38271 Like @samp{QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}}, but select the first
38272 frame @emph{outside} the given range of addresses (exclusive).
38273
38274 @item qTMinFTPILen
38275 @cindex @samp{qTMinFTPILen} packet
38276 This packet requests the minimum length of instruction at which a fast
38277 tracepoint (@pxref{Set Tracepoints}) may be placed. For instance, on
38278 the 32-bit x86 architecture, it is possible to use a 4-byte jump, but
38279 it depends on the target system being able to create trampolines in
38280 the first 64K of memory, which might or might not be possible for that
38281 system. So the reply to this packet will be 4 if it is able to
38282 arrange for that.
38283
38284 Replies:
38285
38286 @table @samp
38287 @item 0
38288 The minimum instruction length is currently unknown.
38289 @item @var{length}
38290 The minimum instruction length is @var{length}, where @var{length} is greater
38291 or equal to 1. @var{length} is a hexadecimal number. A reply of 1 means
38292 that a fast tracepoint may be placed on any instruction regardless of size.
38293 @item E
38294 An error has occurred.
38295 @item @w{}
38296 An empty reply indicates that the request is not supported by the stub.
38297 @end table
38298
38299 @item QTStart
38300 @cindex @samp{QTStart} packet
38301 Begin the tracepoint experiment. Begin collecting data from
38302 tracepoint hits in the trace frame buffer. This packet supports the
38303 @samp{qRelocInsn} reply (@pxref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate
38304 instruction reply packet}).
38305
38306 @item QTStop
38307 @cindex @samp{QTStop} packet
38308 End the tracepoint experiment. Stop collecting trace frames.
38309
38310 @item QTEnable:@var{n}:@var{addr}
38311 @anchor{QTEnable}
38312 @cindex @samp{QTEnable} packet
38313 Enable tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr} in a started tracepoint
38314 experiment. If the tracepoint was previously disabled, then collection
38315 of data from it will resume.
38316
38317 @item QTDisable:@var{n}:@var{addr}
38318 @anchor{QTDisable}
38319 @cindex @samp{QTDisable} packet
38320 Disable tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr} in a started tracepoint
38321 experiment. No more data will be collected from the tracepoint unless
38322 @samp{QTEnable:@var{n}:@var{addr}} is subsequently issued.
38323
38324 @item QTinit
38325 @cindex @samp{QTinit} packet
38326 Clear the table of tracepoints, and empty the trace frame buffer.
38327
38328 @item QTro:@var{start1},@var{end1}:@var{start2},@var{end2}:@dots{}
38329 @cindex @samp{QTro} packet
38330 Establish the given ranges of memory as ``transparent''. The stub
38331 will answer requests for these ranges from memory's current contents,
38332 if they were not collected as part of the tracepoint hit.
38333
38334 @value{GDBN} uses this to mark read-only regions of memory, like those
38335 containing program code. Since these areas never change, they should
38336 still have the same contents they did when the tracepoint was hit, so
38337 there's no reason for the stub to refuse to provide their contents.
38338
38339 @item QTDisconnected:@var{value}
38340 @cindex @samp{QTDisconnected} packet
38341 Set the choice to what to do with the tracing run when @value{GDBN}
38342 disconnects from the target. A @var{value} of 1 directs the target to
38343 continue the tracing run, while 0 tells the target to stop tracing if
38344 @value{GDBN} is no longer in the picture.
38345
38346 @item qTStatus
38347 @cindex @samp{qTStatus} packet
38348 Ask the stub if there is a trace experiment running right now.
38349
38350 The reply has the form:
38351
38352 @table @samp
38353
38354 @item T@var{running}@r{[};@var{field}@r{]}@dots{}
38355 @var{running} is a single digit @code{1} if the trace is presently
38356 running, or @code{0} if not. It is followed by semicolon-separated
38357 optional fields that an agent may use to report additional status.
38358
38359 @end table
38360
38361 If the trace is not running, the agent may report any of several
38362 explanations as one of the optional fields:
38363
38364 @table @samp
38365
38366 @item tnotrun:0
38367 No trace has been run yet.
38368
38369 @item tstop[:@var{text}]:0
38370 The trace was stopped by a user-originated stop command. The optional
38371 @var{text} field is a user-supplied string supplied as part of the
38372 stop command (for instance, an explanation of why the trace was
38373 stopped manually). It is hex-encoded.
38374
38375 @item tfull:0
38376 The trace stopped because the trace buffer filled up.
38377
38378 @item tdisconnected:0
38379 The trace stopped because @value{GDBN} disconnected from the target.
38380
38381 @item tpasscount:@var{tpnum}
38382 The trace stopped because tracepoint @var{tpnum} exceeded its pass count.
38383
38384 @item terror:@var{text}:@var{tpnum}
38385 The trace stopped because tracepoint @var{tpnum} had an error. The
38386 string @var{text} is available to describe the nature of the error
38387 (for instance, a divide by zero in the condition expression).
38388 @var{text} is hex encoded.
38389
38390 @item tunknown:0
38391 The trace stopped for some other reason.
38392
38393 @end table
38394
38395 Additional optional fields supply statistical and other information.
38396 Although not required, they are extremely useful for users monitoring
38397 the progress of a trace run. If a trace has stopped, and these
38398 numbers are reported, they must reflect the state of the just-stopped
38399 trace.
38400
38401 @table @samp
38402
38403 @item tframes:@var{n}
38404 The number of trace frames in the buffer.
38405
38406 @item tcreated:@var{n}
38407 The total number of trace frames created during the run. This may
38408 be larger than the trace frame count, if the buffer is circular.
38409
38410 @item tsize:@var{n}
38411 The total size of the trace buffer, in bytes.
38412
38413 @item tfree:@var{n}
38414 The number of bytes still unused in the buffer.
38415
38416 @item circular:@var{n}
38417 The value of the circular trace buffer flag. @code{1} means that the
38418 trace buffer is circular and old trace frames will be discarded if
38419 necessary to make room, @code{0} means that the trace buffer is linear
38420 and may fill up.
38421
38422 @item disconn:@var{n}
38423 The value of the disconnected tracing flag. @code{1} means that
38424 tracing will continue after @value{GDBN} disconnects, @code{0} means
38425 that the trace run will stop.
38426
38427 @end table
38428
38429 @item qTP:@var{tp}:@var{addr}
38430 @cindex tracepoint status, remote request
38431 @cindex @samp{qTP} packet
38432 Ask the stub for the current state of tracepoint number @var{tp} at
38433 address @var{addr}.
38434
38435 Replies:
38436 @table @samp
38437 @item V@var{hits}:@var{usage}
38438 The tracepoint has been hit @var{hits} times so far during the trace
38439 run, and accounts for @var{usage} in the trace buffer. Note that
38440 @code{while-stepping} steps are not counted as separate hits, but the
38441 steps' space consumption is added into the usage number.
38442
38443 @end table
38444
38445 @item qTV:@var{var}
38446 @cindex trace state variable value, remote request
38447 @cindex @samp{qTV} packet
38448 Ask the stub for the value of the trace state variable number @var{var}.
38449
38450 Replies:
38451 @table @samp
38452 @item V@var{value}
38453 The value of the variable is @var{value}. This will be the current
38454 value of the variable if the user is examining a running target, or a
38455 saved value if the variable was collected in the trace frame that the
38456 user is looking at. Note that multiple requests may result in
38457 different reply values, such as when requesting values while the
38458 program is running.
38459
38460 @item U
38461 The value of the variable is unknown. This would occur, for example,
38462 if the user is examining a trace frame in which the requested variable
38463 was not collected.
38464 @end table
38465
38466 @item qTfP
38467 @cindex @samp{qTfP} packet
38468 @itemx qTsP
38469 @cindex @samp{qTsP} packet
38470 These packets request data about tracepoints that are being used by
38471 the target. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfP} to get the first piece
38472 of data, and multiple @code{qTsP} to get additional pieces. Replies
38473 to these packets generally take the form of the @code{QTDP} packets
38474 that define tracepoints. (FIXME add detailed syntax)
38475
38476 @item qTfV
38477 @cindex @samp{qTfV} packet
38478 @itemx qTsV
38479 @cindex @samp{qTsV} packet
38480 These packets request data about trace state variables that are on the
38481 target. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfV} to get the first vari of data,
38482 and multiple @code{qTsV} to get additional variables. Replies to
38483 these packets follow the syntax of the @code{QTDV} packets that define
38484 trace state variables.
38485
38486 @item qTfSTM
38487 @itemx qTsSTM
38488 @anchor{qTfSTM}
38489 @anchor{qTsSTM}
38490 @cindex @samp{qTfSTM} packet
38491 @cindex @samp{qTsSTM} packet
38492 These packets request data about static tracepoint markers that exist
38493 in the target program. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfSTM} to get the
38494 first piece of data, and multiple @code{qTsSTM} to get additional
38495 pieces. Replies to these packets take the following form:
38496
38497 Reply:
38498 @table @samp
38499 @item m @var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra}
38500 A single marker
38501 @item m @var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra},@var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra}@dots{}
38502 a comma-separated list of markers
38503 @item l
38504 (lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
38505 @item E @var{nn}
38506 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
38507 @item @w{}
38508 An empty reply indicates that the request is not supported by the
38509 stub.
38510 @end table
38511
38512 @var{address} is encoded in hex.
38513 @var{id} and @var{extra} are strings encoded in hex.
38514
38515 In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
38516 more markers, separated by commas. @value{GDBN} will respond to each
38517 reply with a request for more markers (using the @samp{qs} form of the
38518 query), until the target responds with @samp{l} (lower-case ell, for
38519 @dfn{last}).
38520
38521 @item qTSTMat:@var{address}
38522 @anchor{qTSTMat}
38523 @cindex @samp{qTSTMat} packet
38524 This packets requests data about static tracepoint markers in the
38525 target program at @var{address}. Replies to this packet follow the
38526 syntax of the @samp{qTfSTM} and @code{qTsSTM} packets that list static
38527 tracepoint markers.
38528
38529 @item QTSave:@var{filename}
38530 @cindex @samp{QTSave} packet
38531 This packet directs the target to save trace data to the file name
38532 @var{filename} in the target's filesystem. @var{filename} is encoded
38533 as a hex string; the interpretation of the file name (relative vs
38534 absolute, wild cards, etc) is up to the target.
38535
38536 @item qTBuffer:@var{offset},@var{len}
38537 @cindex @samp{qTBuffer} packet
38538 Return up to @var{len} bytes of the current contents of trace buffer,
38539 starting at @var{offset}. The trace buffer is treated as if it were
38540 a contiguous collection of traceframes, as per the trace file format.
38541 The reply consists as many hex-encoded bytes as the target can deliver
38542 in a packet; it is not an error to return fewer than were asked for.
38543 A reply consisting of just @code{l} indicates that no bytes are
38544 available.
38545
38546 @item QTBuffer:circular:@var{value}
38547 This packet directs the target to use a circular trace buffer if
38548 @var{value} is 1, or a linear buffer if the value is 0.
38549
38550 @item QTBuffer:size:@var{size}
38551 @anchor{QTBuffer-size}
38552 @cindex @samp{QTBuffer size} packet
38553 This packet directs the target to make the trace buffer be of size
38554 @var{size} if possible. A value of @code{-1} tells the target to
38555 use whatever size it prefers.
38556
38557 @item QTNotes:@r{[}@var{type}:@var{text}@r{]}@r{[};@var{type}:@var{text}@r{]}@dots{}
38558 @cindex @samp{QTNotes} packet
38559 This packet adds optional textual notes to the trace run. Allowable
38560 types include @code{user}, @code{notes}, and @code{tstop}, the
38561 @var{text} fields are arbitrary strings, hex-encoded.
38562
38563 @end table
38564
38565 @subsection Relocate instruction reply packet
38566 When installing fast tracepoints in memory, the target may need to
38567 relocate the instruction currently at the tracepoint address to a
38568 different address in memory. For most instructions, a simple copy is
38569 enough, but, for example, call instructions that implicitly push the
38570 return address on the stack, and relative branches or other
38571 PC-relative instructions require offset adjustment, so that the effect
38572 of executing the instruction at a different address is the same as if
38573 it had executed in the original location.
38574
38575 In response to several of the tracepoint packets, the target may also
38576 respond with a number of intermediate @samp{qRelocInsn} request
38577 packets before the final result packet, to have @value{GDBN} handle
38578 this relocation operation. If a packet supports this mechanism, its
38579 documentation will explicitly say so. See for example the above
38580 descriptions for the @samp{QTStart} and @samp{QTDP} packets. The
38581 format of the request is:
38582
38583 @table @samp
38584 @item qRelocInsn:@var{from};@var{to}
38585
38586 This requests @value{GDBN} to copy instruction at address @var{from}
38587 to address @var{to}, possibly adjusted so that executing the
38588 instruction at @var{to} has the same effect as executing it at
38589 @var{from}. @value{GDBN} writes the adjusted instruction to target
38590 memory starting at @var{to}.
38591 @end table
38592
38593 Replies:
38594 @table @samp
38595 @item qRelocInsn:@var{adjusted_size}
38596 Informs the stub the relocation is complete. @var{adjusted_size} is
38597 the length in bytes of resulting relocated instruction sequence.
38598 @item E @var{NN}
38599 A badly formed request was detected, or an error was encountered while
38600 relocating the instruction.
38601 @end table
38602
38603 @node Host I/O Packets
38604 @section Host I/O Packets
38605 @cindex Host I/O, remote protocol
38606 @cindex file transfer, remote protocol
38607
38608 The @dfn{Host I/O} packets allow @value{GDBN} to perform I/O
38609 operations on the far side of a remote link. For example, Host I/O is
38610 used to upload and download files to a remote target with its own
38611 filesystem. Host I/O uses the same constant values and data structure
38612 layout as the target-initiated File-I/O protocol. However, the
38613 Host I/O packets are structured differently. The target-initiated
38614 protocol relies on target memory to store parameters and buffers.
38615 Host I/O requests are initiated by @value{GDBN}, and the
38616 target's memory is not involved. @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol
38617 Extension}, for more details on the target-initiated protocol.
38618
38619 The Host I/O request packets all encode a single operation along with
38620 its arguments. They have this format:
38621
38622 @table @samp
38623
38624 @item vFile:@var{operation}: @var{parameter}@dots{}
38625 @var{operation} is the name of the particular request; the target
38626 should compare the entire packet name up to the second colon when checking
38627 for a supported operation. The format of @var{parameter} depends on
38628 the operation. Numbers are always passed in hexadecimal. Negative
38629 numbers have an explicit minus sign (i.e.@: two's complement is not
38630 used). Strings (e.g.@: filenames) are encoded as a series of
38631 hexadecimal bytes. The last argument to a system call may be a
38632 buffer of escaped binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
38633
38634 @end table
38635
38636 The valid responses to Host I/O packets are:
38637
38638 @table @samp
38639
38640 @item F @var{result} [, @var{errno}] [; @var{attachment}]
38641 @var{result} is the integer value returned by this operation, usually
38642 non-negative for success and -1 for errors. If an error has occured,
38643 @var{errno} will be included in the result. @var{errno} will have a
38644 value defined by the File-I/O protocol (@pxref{Errno Values}). For
38645 operations which return data, @var{attachment} supplies the data as a
38646 binary buffer. Binary buffers in response packets are escaped in the
38647 normal way (@pxref{Binary Data}). See the individual packet
38648 documentation for the interpretation of @var{result} and
38649 @var{attachment}.
38650
38651 @item @w{}
38652 An empty response indicates that this operation is not recognized.
38653
38654 @end table
38655
38656 These are the supported Host I/O operations:
38657
38658 @table @samp
38659 @item vFile:open: @var{pathname}, @var{flags}, @var{mode}
38660 Open a file at @var{pathname} and return a file descriptor for it, or
38661 return -1 if an error occurs. @var{pathname} is a string,
38662 @var{flags} is an integer indicating a mask of open flags
38663 (@pxref{Open Flags}), and @var{mode} is an integer indicating a mask
38664 of mode bits to use if the file is created (@pxref{mode_t Values}).
38665 @xref{open}, for details of the open flags and mode values.
38666
38667 @item vFile:close: @var{fd}
38668 Close the open file corresponding to @var{fd} and return 0, or
38669 -1 if an error occurs.
38670
38671 @item vFile:pread: @var{fd}, @var{count}, @var{offset}
38672 Read data from the open file corresponding to @var{fd}. Up to
38673 @var{count} bytes will be read from the file, starting at @var{offset}
38674 relative to the start of the file. The target may read fewer bytes;
38675 common reasons include packet size limits and an end-of-file
38676 condition. The number of bytes read is returned. Zero should only be
38677 returned for a successful read at the end of the file, or if
38678 @var{count} was zero.
38679
38680 The data read should be returned as a binary attachment on success.
38681 If zero bytes were read, the response should include an empty binary
38682 attachment (i.e.@: a trailing semicolon). The return value is the
38683 number of target bytes read; the binary attachment may be longer if
38684 some characters were escaped.
38685
38686 @item vFile:pwrite: @var{fd}, @var{offset}, @var{data}
38687 Write @var{data} (a binary buffer) to the open file corresponding
38688 to @var{fd}. Start the write at @var{offset} from the start of the
38689 file. Unlike many @code{write} system calls, there is no
38690 separate @var{count} argument; the length of @var{data} in the
38691 packet is used. @samp{vFile:write} returns the number of bytes written,
38692 which may be shorter than the length of @var{data}, or -1 if an
38693 error occurred.
38694
38695 @item vFile:unlink: @var{pathname}
38696 Delete the file at @var{pathname} on the target. Return 0,
38697 or -1 if an error occurs. @var{pathname} is a string.
38698
38699 @item vFile:readlink: @var{filename}
38700 Read value of symbolic link @var{filename} on the target. Return
38701 the number of bytes read, or -1 if an error occurs.
38702
38703 The data read should be returned as a binary attachment on success.
38704 If zero bytes were read, the response should include an empty binary
38705 attachment (i.e.@: a trailing semicolon). The return value is the
38706 number of target bytes read; the binary attachment may be longer if
38707 some characters were escaped.
38708
38709 @end table
38710
38711 @node Interrupts
38712 @section Interrupts
38713 @cindex interrupts (remote protocol)
38714
38715 When a program on the remote target is running, @value{GDBN} may
38716 attempt to interrupt it by sending a @samp{Ctrl-C}, @code{BREAK} or
38717 a @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g},
38718 control of which is specified via @value{GDBN}'s @samp{interrupt-sequence}.
38719
38720 The precise meaning of @code{BREAK} is defined by the transport
38721 mechanism and may, in fact, be undefined. @value{GDBN} does not
38722 currently define a @code{BREAK} mechanism for any of the network
38723 interfaces except for TCP, in which case @value{GDBN} sends the
38724 @code{telnet} BREAK sequence.
38725
38726 @samp{Ctrl-C}, on the other hand, is defined and implemented for all
38727 transport mechanisms. It is represented by sending the single byte
38728 @code{0x03} without any of the usual packet overhead described in
38729 the Overview section (@pxref{Overview}). When a @code{0x03} byte is
38730 transmitted as part of a packet, it is considered to be packet data
38731 and does @emph{not} represent an interrupt. E.g., an @samp{X} packet
38732 (@pxref{X packet}), used for binary downloads, may include an unescaped
38733 @code{0x03} as part of its packet.
38734
38735 @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g} is also known as Magic SysRq g.
38736 When Linux kernel receives this sequence from serial port,
38737 it stops execution and connects to gdb.
38738
38739 Stubs are not required to recognize these interrupt mechanisms and the
38740 precise meaning associated with receipt of the interrupt is
38741 implementation defined. If the target supports debugging of multiple
38742 threads and/or processes, it should attempt to interrupt all
38743 currently-executing threads and processes.
38744 If the stub is successful at interrupting the
38745 running program, it should send one of the stop
38746 reply packets (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}) to @value{GDBN} as a result
38747 of successfully stopping the program in all-stop mode, and a stop reply
38748 for each stopped thread in non-stop mode.
38749 Interrupts received while the
38750 program is stopped are discarded.
38751
38752 @node Notification Packets
38753 @section Notification Packets
38754 @cindex notification packets
38755 @cindex packets, notification
38756
38757 The @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol includes @dfn{notifications},
38758 packets that require no acknowledgment. Both the GDB and the stub
38759 may send notifications (although the only notifications defined at
38760 present are sent by the stub). Notifications carry information
38761 without incurring the round-trip latency of an acknowledgment, and so
38762 are useful for low-impact communications where occasional packet loss
38763 is not a problem.
38764
38765 A notification packet has the form @samp{% @var{data} #
38766 @var{checksum}}, where @var{data} is the content of the notification,
38767 and @var{checksum} is a checksum of @var{data}, computed and formatted
38768 as for ordinary @value{GDBN} packets. A notification's @var{data}
38769 never contains @samp{$}, @samp{%} or @samp{#} characters. Upon
38770 receiving a notification, the recipient sends no @samp{+} or @samp{-}
38771 to acknowledge the notification's receipt or to report its corruption.
38772
38773 Every notification's @var{data} begins with a name, which contains no
38774 colon characters, followed by a colon character.
38775
38776 Recipients should silently ignore corrupted notifications and
38777 notifications they do not understand. Recipients should restart
38778 timeout periods on receipt of a well-formed notification, whether or
38779 not they understand it.
38780
38781 Senders should only send the notifications described here when this
38782 protocol description specifies that they are permitted. In the
38783 future, we may extend the protocol to permit existing notifications in
38784 new contexts; this rule helps older senders avoid confusing newer
38785 recipients.
38786
38787 (Older versions of @value{GDBN} ignore bytes received until they see
38788 the @samp{$} byte that begins an ordinary packet, so new stubs may
38789 transmit notifications without fear of confusing older clients. There
38790 are no notifications defined for @value{GDBN} to send at the moment, but we
38791 assume that most older stubs would ignore them, as well.)
38792
38793 Each notification is comprised of three parts:
38794 @table @samp
38795 @item @var{name}:@var{event}
38796 The notification packet is sent by the side that initiates the
38797 exchange (currently, only the stub does that), with @var{event}
38798 carrying the specific information about the notification.
38799 @var{name} is the name of the notification.
38800 @item @var{ack}
38801 The acknowledge sent by the other side, usually @value{GDBN}, to
38802 acknowledge the exchange and request the event.
38803 @end table
38804
38805 The purpose of an asynchronous notification mechanism is to report to
38806 @value{GDBN} that something interesting happened in the remote stub.
38807
38808 The remote stub may send notification @var{name}:@var{event}
38809 at any time, but @value{GDBN} acknowledges the notification when
38810 appropriate. The notification event is pending before @value{GDBN}
38811 acknowledges. Only one notification at a time may be pending; if
38812 additional events occur before @value{GDBN} has acknowledged the
38813 previous notification, they must be queued by the stub for later
38814 synchronous transmission in response to @var{ack} packets from
38815 @value{GDBN}. Because the notification mechanism is unreliable,
38816 the stub is permitted to resend a notification if it believes
38817 @value{GDBN} may not have received it.
38818
38819 Specifically, notifications may appear when @value{GDBN} is not
38820 otherwise reading input from the stub, or when @value{GDBN} is
38821 expecting to read a normal synchronous response or a
38822 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgment to a packet it has sent.
38823 Notification packets are distinct from any other communication from
38824 the stub so there is no ambiguity.
38825
38826 After receiving a notification, @value{GDBN} shall acknowledge it by
38827 sending a @var{ack} packet as a regular, synchronous request to the
38828 stub. Such acknowledgment is not required to happen immediately, as
38829 @value{GDBN} is permitted to send other, unrelated packets to the
38830 stub first, which the stub should process normally.
38831
38832 Upon receiving a @var{ack} packet, if the stub has other queued
38833 events to report to @value{GDBN}, it shall respond by sending a
38834 normal @var{event}. @value{GDBN} shall then send another @var{ack}
38835 packet to solicit further responses; again, it is permitted to send
38836 other, unrelated packets as well which the stub should process
38837 normally.
38838
38839 If the stub receives a @var{ack} packet and there are no additional
38840 @var{event} to report, the stub shall return an @samp{OK} response.
38841 At this point, @value{GDBN} has finished processing a notification
38842 and the stub has completed sending any queued events. @value{GDBN}
38843 won't accept any new notifications until the final @samp{OK} is
38844 received . If further notification events occur, the stub shall send
38845 a new notification, @value{GDBN} shall accept the notification, and
38846 the process shall be repeated.
38847
38848 The process of asynchronous notification can be illustrated by the
38849 following example:
38850 @smallexample
38851 <- @code{%%Stop:T0505:98e7ffbf;04:4ce6ffbf;08:b1b6e54c;thread:p7526.7526;core:0;}
38852 @code{...}
38853 -> @code{vStopped}
38854 <- @code{T0505:68f37db7;04:40f37db7;08:63850408;thread:p7526.7528;core:0;}
38855 -> @code{vStopped}
38856 <- @code{T0505:68e3fdb6;04:40e3fdb6;08:63850408;thread:p7526.7529;core:0;}
38857 -> @code{vStopped}
38858 <- @code{OK}
38859 @end smallexample
38860
38861 The following notifications are defined:
38862 @multitable @columnfractions 0.12 0.12 0.38 0.38
38863
38864 @item Notification
38865 @tab Ack
38866 @tab Event
38867 @tab Description
38868
38869 @item Stop
38870 @tab vStopped
38871 @tab @var{reply}. The @var{reply} has the form of a stop reply, as
38872 described in @ref{Stop Reply Packets}. Refer to @ref{Remote Non-Stop},
38873 for information on how these notifications are acknowledged by
38874 @value{GDBN}.
38875 @tab Report an asynchronous stop event in non-stop mode.
38876
38877 @end multitable
38878
38879 @node Remote Non-Stop
38880 @section Remote Protocol Support for Non-Stop Mode
38881
38882 @value{GDBN}'s remote protocol supports non-stop debugging of
38883 multi-threaded programs, as described in @ref{Non-Stop Mode}. If the stub
38884 supports non-stop mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN} by including
38885 @samp{QNonStop+} in its @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38886
38887 @value{GDBN} typically sends a @samp{QNonStop} packet only when
38888 establishing a new connection with the stub. Entering non-stop mode
38889 does not alter the state of any currently-running threads, but targets
38890 must stop all threads in any already-attached processes when entering
38891 all-stop mode. @value{GDBN} uses the @samp{?} packet as necessary to
38892 probe the target state after a mode change.
38893
38894 In non-stop mode, when an attached process encounters an event that
38895 would otherwise be reported with a stop reply, it uses the
38896 asynchronous notification mechanism (@pxref{Notification Packets}) to
38897 inform @value{GDBN}. In contrast to all-stop mode, where all threads
38898 in all processes are stopped when a stop reply is sent, in non-stop
38899 mode only the thread reporting the stop event is stopped. That is,
38900 when reporting a @samp{S} or @samp{T} response to indicate completion
38901 of a step operation, hitting a breakpoint, or a fault, only the
38902 affected thread is stopped; any other still-running threads continue
38903 to run. When reporting a @samp{W} or @samp{X} response, all running
38904 threads belonging to other attached processes continue to run.
38905
38906 In non-stop mode, the target shall respond to the @samp{?} packet as
38907 follows. First, any incomplete stop reply notification/@samp{vStopped}
38908 sequence in progress is abandoned. The target must begin a new
38909 sequence reporting stop events for all stopped threads, whether or not
38910 it has previously reported those events to @value{GDBN}. The first
38911 stop reply is sent as a synchronous reply to the @samp{?} packet, and
38912 subsequent stop replies are sent as responses to @samp{vStopped} packets
38913 using the mechanism described above. The target must not send
38914 asynchronous stop reply notifications until the sequence is complete.
38915 If all threads are running when the target receives the @samp{?} packet,
38916 or if the target is not attached to any process, it shall respond
38917 @samp{OK}.
38918
38919 @node Packet Acknowledgment
38920 @section Packet Acknowledgment
38921
38922 @cindex acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
38923 @cindex packet acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
38924 By default, when either the host or the target machine receives a packet,
38925 the first response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
38926 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request retransmission).
38927 This mechanism allows the @value{GDBN} remote protocol to operate over
38928 unreliable transport mechanisms, such as a serial line.
38929
38930 In cases where the transport mechanism is itself reliable (such as a pipe or
38931 TCP connection), the @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are redundant.
38932 It may be desirable to disable them in that case to reduce communication
38933 overhead, or for other reasons. This can be accomplished by means of the
38934 @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet; @pxref{QStartNoAckMode}.
38935
38936 When in no-acknowledgment mode, neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or
38937 expect @samp{+}/@samp{-} protocol acknowledgments. The packet
38938 and response format still includes the normal checksum, as described in
38939 @ref{Overview}, but the checksum may be ignored by the receiver.
38940
38941 If the stub supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and prefers to operate in
38942 no-acknowledgment mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN}
38943 by including @samp{QStartNoAckMode+} in its response to @samp{qSupported};
38944 @pxref{qSupported}.
38945 If @value{GDBN} also supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and it has not been
38946 disabled via the @code{set remote noack-packet off} command
38947 (@pxref{Remote Configuration}),
38948 @value{GDBN} may then send a @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet to the stub.
38949 Only then may the stub actually turn off packet acknowledgments.
38950 @value{GDBN} sends a final @samp{+} acknowledgment of the stub's @samp{OK}
38951 response, which can be safely ignored by the stub.
38952
38953 Note that @code{set remote noack-packet} command only affects negotiation
38954 between @value{GDBN} and the stub when subsequent connections are made;
38955 it does not affect the protocol acknowledgment state for any current
38956 connection.
38957 Since @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are enabled by default when a
38958 new connection is established,
38959 there is also no protocol request to re-enable the acknowledgments
38960 for the current connection, once disabled.
38961
38962 @node Examples
38963 @section Examples
38964
38965 Example sequence of a target being re-started. Notice how the restart
38966 does not get any direct output:
38967
38968 @smallexample
38969 -> @code{R00}
38970 <- @code{+}
38971 @emph{target restarts}
38972 -> @code{?}
38973 <- @code{+}
38974 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
38975 -> @code{+}
38976 @end smallexample
38977
38978 Example sequence of a target being stepped by a single instruction:
38979
38980 @smallexample
38981 -> @code{G1445@dots{}}
38982 <- @code{+}
38983 -> @code{s}
38984 <- @code{+}
38985 @emph{time passes}
38986 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
38987 -> @code{+}
38988 -> @code{g}
38989 <- @code{+}
38990 <- @code{1455@dots{}}
38991 -> @code{+}
38992 @end smallexample
38993
38994 @node File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
38995 @section File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
38996 @cindex File-I/O remote protocol extension
38997
38998 @menu
38999 * File-I/O Overview::
39000 * Protocol Basics::
39001 * The F Request Packet::
39002 * The F Reply Packet::
39003 * The Ctrl-C Message::
39004 * Console I/O::
39005 * List of Supported Calls::
39006 * Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes::
39007 * Constants::
39008 * File-I/O Examples::
39009 @end menu
39010
39011 @node File-I/O Overview
39012 @subsection File-I/O Overview
39013 @cindex file-i/o overview
39014
39015 The @dfn{File I/O remote protocol extension} (short: File-I/O) allows the
39016 target to use the host's file system and console I/O to perform various
39017 system calls. System calls on the target system are translated into a
39018 remote protocol packet to the host system, which then performs the needed
39019 actions and returns a response packet to the target system.
39020 This simulates file system operations even on targets that lack file systems.
39021
39022 The protocol is defined to be independent of both the host and target systems.
39023 It uses its own internal representation of datatypes and values. Both
39024 @value{GDBN} and the target's @value{GDBN} stub are responsible for
39025 translating the system-dependent value representations into the internal
39026 protocol representations when data is transmitted.
39027
39028 The communication is synchronous. A system call is possible only when
39029 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
39030 or @samp{s} packets. While @value{GDBN} handles the request for a system call,
39031 the target is stopped to allow deterministic access to the target's
39032 memory. Therefore File-I/O is not interruptible by target signals. On
39033 the other hand, it is possible to interrupt File-I/O by a user interrupt
39034 (@samp{Ctrl-C}) within @value{GDBN}.
39035
39036 The target's request to perform a host system call does not finish
39037 the latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} action. That means,
39038 after finishing the system call, the target returns to continuing the
39039 previous activity (continue, step). No additional continue or step
39040 request from @value{GDBN} is required.
39041
39042 @smallexample
39043 (@value{GDBP}) continue
39044 <- target requests 'system call X'
39045 target is stopped, @value{GDBN} executes system call
39046 -> @value{GDBN} returns result
39047 ... target continues, @value{GDBN} returns to wait for the target
39048 <- target hits breakpoint and sends a Txx packet
39049 @end smallexample
39050
39051 The protocol only supports I/O on the console and to regular files on
39052 the host file system. Character or block special devices, pipes,
39053 named pipes, sockets or any other communication method on the host
39054 system are not supported by this protocol.
39055
39056 File I/O is not supported in non-stop mode.
39057
39058 @node Protocol Basics
39059 @subsection Protocol Basics
39060 @cindex protocol basics, file-i/o
39061
39062 The File-I/O protocol uses the @code{F} packet as the request as well
39063 as reply packet. Since a File-I/O system call can only occur when
39064 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the continuing or stepping target,
39065 the File-I/O request is a reply that @value{GDBN} has to expect as a result
39066 of a previous @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} packet.
39067 This @code{F} packet contains all information needed to allow @value{GDBN}
39068 to call the appropriate host system call:
39069
39070 @itemize @bullet
39071 @item
39072 A unique identifier for the requested system call.
39073
39074 @item
39075 All parameters to the system call. Pointers are given as addresses
39076 in the target memory address space. Pointers to strings are given as
39077 pointer/length pair. Numerical values are given as they are.
39078 Numerical control flags are given in a protocol-specific representation.
39079
39080 @end itemize
39081
39082 At this point, @value{GDBN} has to perform the following actions.
39083
39084 @itemize @bullet
39085 @item
39086 If the parameters include pointer values to data needed as input to a
39087 system call, @value{GDBN} requests this data from the target with a
39088 standard @code{m} packet request. This additional communication has to be
39089 expected by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{m}
39090 packet.
39091
39092 @item
39093 @value{GDBN} translates all value from protocol representation to host
39094 representation as needed. Datatypes are coerced into the host types.
39095
39096 @item
39097 @value{GDBN} calls the system call.
39098
39099 @item
39100 It then coerces datatypes back to protocol representation.
39101
39102 @item
39103 If the system call is expected to return data in buffer space specified
39104 by pointer parameters to the call, the data is transmitted to the
39105 target using a @code{M} or @code{X} packet. This packet has to be expected
39106 by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{M} or @code{X}
39107 packet.
39108
39109 @end itemize
39110
39111 Eventually @value{GDBN} replies with another @code{F} packet which contains all
39112 necessary information for the target to continue. This at least contains
39113
39114 @itemize @bullet
39115 @item
39116 Return value.
39117
39118 @item
39119 @code{errno}, if has been changed by the system call.
39120
39121 @item
39122 ``Ctrl-C'' flag.
39123
39124 @end itemize
39125
39126 After having done the needed type and value coercion, the target continues
39127 the latest continue or step action.
39128
39129 @node The F Request Packet
39130 @subsection The @code{F} Request Packet
39131 @cindex file-i/o request packet
39132 @cindex @code{F} request packet
39133
39134 The @code{F} request packet has the following format:
39135
39136 @table @samp
39137 @item F@var{call-id},@var{parameter@dots{}}
39138
39139 @var{call-id} is the identifier to indicate the host system call to be called.
39140 This is just the name of the function.
39141
39142 @var{parameter@dots{}} are the parameters to the system call.
39143 Parameters are hexadecimal integer values, either the actual values in case
39144 of scalar datatypes, pointers to target buffer space in case of compound
39145 datatypes and unspecified memory areas, or pointer/length pairs in case
39146 of string parameters. These are appended to the @var{call-id} as a
39147 comma-delimited list. All values are transmitted in ASCII
39148 string representation, pointer/length pairs separated by a slash.
39149
39150 @end table
39151
39152
39153
39154 @node The F Reply Packet
39155 @subsection The @code{F} Reply Packet
39156 @cindex file-i/o reply packet
39157 @cindex @code{F} reply packet
39158
39159 The @code{F} reply packet has the following format:
39160
39161 @table @samp
39162
39163 @item F@var{retcode},@var{errno},@var{Ctrl-C flag};@var{call-specific attachment}
39164
39165 @var{retcode} is the return code of the system call as hexadecimal value.
39166
39167 @var{errno} is the @code{errno} set by the call, in protocol-specific
39168 representation.
39169 This parameter can be omitted if the call was successful.
39170
39171 @var{Ctrl-C flag} is only sent if the user requested a break. In this
39172 case, @var{errno} must be sent as well, even if the call was successful.
39173 The @var{Ctrl-C flag} itself consists of the character @samp{C}:
39174
39175 @smallexample
39176 F0,0,C
39177 @end smallexample
39178
39179 @noindent
39180 or, if the call was interrupted before the host call has been performed:
39181
39182 @smallexample
39183 F-1,4,C
39184 @end smallexample
39185
39186 @noindent
39187 assuming 4 is the protocol-specific representation of @code{EINTR}.
39188
39189 @end table
39190
39191
39192 @node The Ctrl-C Message
39193 @subsection The @samp{Ctrl-C} Message
39194 @cindex ctrl-c message, in file-i/o protocol
39195
39196 If the @samp{Ctrl-C} flag is set in the @value{GDBN}
39197 reply packet (@pxref{The F Reply Packet}),
39198 the target should behave as if it had
39199 gotten a break message. The meaning for the target is ``system call
39200 interrupted by @code{SIGINT}''. Consequentially, the target should actually stop
39201 (as with a break message) and return to @value{GDBN} with a @code{T02}
39202 packet.
39203
39204 It's important for the target to know in which
39205 state the system call was interrupted. There are two possible cases:
39206
39207 @itemize @bullet
39208 @item
39209 The system call hasn't been performed on the host yet.
39210
39211 @item
39212 The system call on the host has been finished.
39213
39214 @end itemize
39215
39216 These two states can be distinguished by the target by the value of the
39217 returned @code{errno}. If it's the protocol representation of @code{EINTR}, the system
39218 call hasn't been performed. This is equivalent to the @code{EINTR} handling
39219 on POSIX systems. In any other case, the target may presume that the
39220 system call has been finished --- successfully or not --- and should behave
39221 as if the break message arrived right after the system call.
39222
39223 @value{GDBN} must behave reliably. If the system call has not been called
39224 yet, @value{GDBN} may send the @code{F} reply immediately, setting @code{EINTR} as
39225 @code{errno} in the packet. If the system call on the host has been finished
39226 before the user requests a break, the full action must be finished by
39227 @value{GDBN}. This requires sending @code{M} or @code{X} packets as necessary.
39228 The @code{F} packet may only be sent when either nothing has happened
39229 or the full action has been completed.
39230
39231 @node Console I/O
39232 @subsection Console I/O
39233 @cindex console i/o as part of file-i/o
39234
39235 By default and if not explicitly closed by the target system, the file
39236 descriptors 0, 1 and 2 are connected to the @value{GDBN} console. Output
39237 on the @value{GDBN} console is handled as any other file output operation
39238 (@code{write(1, @dots{})} or @code{write(2, @dots{})}). Console input is handled
39239 by @value{GDBN} so that after the target read request from file descriptor
39240 0 all following typing is buffered until either one of the following
39241 conditions is met:
39242
39243 @itemize @bullet
39244 @item
39245 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-c}. The behaviour is as explained above, and the
39246 @code{read}
39247 system call is treated as finished.
39248
39249 @item
39250 The user presses @key{RET}. This is treated as end of input with a trailing
39251 newline.
39252
39253 @item
39254 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-d}. This is treated as end of input. No trailing
39255 character (neither newline nor @samp{Ctrl-D}) is appended to the input.
39256
39257 @end itemize
39258
39259 If the user has typed more characters than fit in the buffer given to
39260 the @code{read} call, the trailing characters are buffered in @value{GDBN} until
39261 either another @code{read(0, @dots{})} is requested by the target, or debugging
39262 is stopped at the user's request.
39263
39264
39265 @node List of Supported Calls
39266 @subsection List of Supported Calls
39267 @cindex list of supported file-i/o calls
39268
39269 @menu
39270 * open::
39271 * close::
39272 * read::
39273 * write::
39274 * lseek::
39275 * rename::
39276 * unlink::
39277 * stat/fstat::
39278 * gettimeofday::
39279 * isatty::
39280 * system::
39281 @end menu
39282
39283 @node open
39284 @unnumberedsubsubsec open
39285 @cindex open, file-i/o system call
39286
39287 @table @asis
39288 @item Synopsis:
39289 @smallexample
39290 int open(const char *pathname, int flags);
39291 int open(const char *pathname, int flags, mode_t mode);
39292 @end smallexample
39293
39294 @item Request:
39295 @samp{Fopen,@var{pathptr}/@var{len},@var{flags},@var{mode}}
39296
39297 @noindent
39298 @var{flags} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
39299
39300 @table @code
39301 @item O_CREAT
39302 If the file does not exist it will be created. The host
39303 rules apply as far as file ownership and time stamps
39304 are concerned.
39305
39306 @item O_EXCL
39307 When used with @code{O_CREAT}, if the file already exists it is
39308 an error and open() fails.
39309
39310 @item O_TRUNC
39311 If the file already exists and the open mode allows
39312 writing (@code{O_RDWR} or @code{O_WRONLY} is given) it will be
39313 truncated to zero length.
39314
39315 @item O_APPEND
39316 The file is opened in append mode.
39317
39318 @item O_RDONLY
39319 The file is opened for reading only.
39320
39321 @item O_WRONLY
39322 The file is opened for writing only.
39323
39324 @item O_RDWR
39325 The file is opened for reading and writing.
39326 @end table
39327
39328 @noindent
39329 Other bits are silently ignored.
39330
39331
39332 @noindent
39333 @var{mode} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
39334
39335 @table @code
39336 @item S_IRUSR
39337 User has read permission.
39338
39339 @item S_IWUSR
39340 User has write permission.
39341
39342 @item S_IRGRP
39343 Group has read permission.
39344
39345 @item S_IWGRP
39346 Group has write permission.
39347
39348 @item S_IROTH
39349 Others have read permission.
39350
39351 @item S_IWOTH
39352 Others have write permission.
39353 @end table
39354
39355 @noindent
39356 Other bits are silently ignored.
39357
39358
39359 @item Return value:
39360 @code{open} returns the new file descriptor or -1 if an error
39361 occurred.
39362
39363 @item Errors:
39364
39365 @table @code
39366 @item EEXIST
39367 @var{pathname} already exists and @code{O_CREAT} and @code{O_EXCL} were used.
39368
39369 @item EISDIR
39370 @var{pathname} refers to a directory.
39371
39372 @item EACCES
39373 The requested access is not allowed.
39374
39375 @item ENAMETOOLONG
39376 @var{pathname} was too long.
39377
39378 @item ENOENT
39379 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
39380
39381 @item ENODEV
39382 @var{pathname} refers to a device, pipe, named pipe or socket.
39383
39384 @item EROFS
39385 @var{pathname} refers to a file on a read-only filesystem and
39386 write access was requested.
39387
39388 @item EFAULT
39389 @var{pathname} is an invalid pointer value.
39390
39391 @item ENOSPC
39392 No space on device to create the file.
39393
39394 @item EMFILE
39395 The process already has the maximum number of files open.
39396
39397 @item ENFILE
39398 The limit on the total number of files open on the system
39399 has been reached.
39400
39401 @item EINTR
39402 The call was interrupted by the user.
39403 @end table
39404
39405 @end table
39406
39407 @node close
39408 @unnumberedsubsubsec close
39409 @cindex close, file-i/o system call
39410
39411 @table @asis
39412 @item Synopsis:
39413 @smallexample
39414 int close(int fd);
39415 @end smallexample
39416
39417 @item Request:
39418 @samp{Fclose,@var{fd}}
39419
39420 @item Return value:
39421 @code{close} returns zero on success, or -1 if an error occurred.
39422
39423 @item Errors:
39424
39425 @table @code
39426 @item EBADF
39427 @var{fd} isn't a valid open file descriptor.
39428
39429 @item EINTR
39430 The call was interrupted by the user.
39431 @end table
39432
39433 @end table
39434
39435 @node read
39436 @unnumberedsubsubsec read
39437 @cindex read, file-i/o system call
39438
39439 @table @asis
39440 @item Synopsis:
39441 @smallexample
39442 int read(int fd, void *buf, unsigned int count);
39443 @end smallexample
39444
39445 @item Request:
39446 @samp{Fread,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
39447
39448 @item Return value:
39449 On success, the number of bytes read is returned.
39450 Zero indicates end of file. If count is zero, read
39451 returns zero as well. On error, -1 is returned.
39452
39453 @item Errors:
39454
39455 @table @code
39456 @item EBADF
39457 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
39458 reading.
39459
39460 @item EFAULT
39461 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
39462
39463 @item EINTR
39464 The call was interrupted by the user.
39465 @end table
39466
39467 @end table
39468
39469 @node write
39470 @unnumberedsubsubsec write
39471 @cindex write, file-i/o system call
39472
39473 @table @asis
39474 @item Synopsis:
39475 @smallexample
39476 int write(int fd, const void *buf, unsigned int count);
39477 @end smallexample
39478
39479 @item Request:
39480 @samp{Fwrite,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
39481
39482 @item Return value:
39483 On success, the number of bytes written are returned.
39484 Zero indicates nothing was written. On error, -1
39485 is returned.
39486
39487 @item Errors:
39488
39489 @table @code
39490 @item EBADF
39491 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
39492 writing.
39493
39494 @item EFAULT
39495 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
39496
39497 @item EFBIG
39498 An attempt was made to write a file that exceeds the
39499 host-specific maximum file size allowed.
39500
39501 @item ENOSPC
39502 No space on device to write the data.
39503
39504 @item EINTR
39505 The call was interrupted by the user.
39506 @end table
39507
39508 @end table
39509
39510 @node lseek
39511 @unnumberedsubsubsec lseek
39512 @cindex lseek, file-i/o system call
39513
39514 @table @asis
39515 @item Synopsis:
39516 @smallexample
39517 long lseek (int fd, long offset, int flag);
39518 @end smallexample
39519
39520 @item Request:
39521 @samp{Flseek,@var{fd},@var{offset},@var{flag}}
39522
39523 @var{flag} is one of:
39524
39525 @table @code
39526 @item SEEK_SET
39527 The offset is set to @var{offset} bytes.
39528
39529 @item SEEK_CUR
39530 The offset is set to its current location plus @var{offset}
39531 bytes.
39532
39533 @item SEEK_END
39534 The offset is set to the size of the file plus @var{offset}
39535 bytes.
39536 @end table
39537
39538 @item Return value:
39539 On success, the resulting unsigned offset in bytes from
39540 the beginning of the file is returned. Otherwise, a
39541 value of -1 is returned.
39542
39543 @item Errors:
39544
39545 @table @code
39546 @item EBADF
39547 @var{fd} is not a valid open file descriptor.
39548
39549 @item ESPIPE
39550 @var{fd} is associated with the @value{GDBN} console.
39551
39552 @item EINVAL
39553 @var{flag} is not a proper value.
39554
39555 @item EINTR
39556 The call was interrupted by the user.
39557 @end table
39558
39559 @end table
39560
39561 @node rename
39562 @unnumberedsubsubsec rename
39563 @cindex rename, file-i/o system call
39564
39565 @table @asis
39566 @item Synopsis:
39567 @smallexample
39568 int rename(const char *oldpath, const char *newpath);
39569 @end smallexample
39570
39571 @item Request:
39572 @samp{Frename,@var{oldpathptr}/@var{len},@var{newpathptr}/@var{len}}
39573
39574 @item Return value:
39575 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
39576
39577 @item Errors:
39578
39579 @table @code
39580 @item EISDIR
39581 @var{newpath} is an existing directory, but @var{oldpath} is not a
39582 directory.
39583
39584 @item EEXIST
39585 @var{newpath} is a non-empty directory.
39586
39587 @item EBUSY
39588 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} is a directory that is in use by some
39589 process.
39590
39591 @item EINVAL
39592 An attempt was made to make a directory a subdirectory
39593 of itself.
39594
39595 @item ENOTDIR
39596 A component used as a directory in @var{oldpath} or new
39597 path is not a directory. Or @var{oldpath} is a directory
39598 and @var{newpath} exists but is not a directory.
39599
39600 @item EFAULT
39601 @var{oldpathptr} or @var{newpathptr} are invalid pointer values.
39602
39603 @item EACCES
39604 No access to the file or the path of the file.
39605
39606 @item ENAMETOOLONG
39607
39608 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} was too long.
39609
39610 @item ENOENT
39611 A directory component in @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} does not exist.
39612
39613 @item EROFS
39614 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
39615
39616 @item ENOSPC
39617 The device containing the file has no room for the new
39618 directory entry.
39619
39620 @item EINTR
39621 The call was interrupted by the user.
39622 @end table
39623
39624 @end table
39625
39626 @node unlink
39627 @unnumberedsubsubsec unlink
39628 @cindex unlink, file-i/o system call
39629
39630 @table @asis
39631 @item Synopsis:
39632 @smallexample
39633 int unlink(const char *pathname);
39634 @end smallexample
39635
39636 @item Request:
39637 @samp{Funlink,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len}}
39638
39639 @item Return value:
39640 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
39641
39642 @item Errors:
39643
39644 @table @code
39645 @item EACCES
39646 No access to the file or the path of the file.
39647
39648 @item EPERM
39649 The system does not allow unlinking of directories.
39650
39651 @item EBUSY
39652 The file @var{pathname} cannot be unlinked because it's
39653 being used by another process.
39654
39655 @item EFAULT
39656 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
39657
39658 @item ENAMETOOLONG
39659 @var{pathname} was too long.
39660
39661 @item ENOENT
39662 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
39663
39664 @item ENOTDIR
39665 A component of the path is not a directory.
39666
39667 @item EROFS
39668 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
39669
39670 @item EINTR
39671 The call was interrupted by the user.
39672 @end table
39673
39674 @end table
39675
39676 @node stat/fstat
39677 @unnumberedsubsubsec stat/fstat
39678 @cindex fstat, file-i/o system call
39679 @cindex stat, file-i/o system call
39680
39681 @table @asis
39682 @item Synopsis:
39683 @smallexample
39684 int stat(const char *pathname, struct stat *buf);
39685 int fstat(int fd, struct stat *buf);
39686 @end smallexample
39687
39688 @item Request:
39689 @samp{Fstat,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len},@var{bufptr}}@*
39690 @samp{Ffstat,@var{fd},@var{bufptr}}
39691
39692 @item Return value:
39693 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
39694
39695 @item Errors:
39696
39697 @table @code
39698 @item EBADF
39699 @var{fd} is not a valid open file.
39700
39701 @item ENOENT
39702 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist or the
39703 path is an empty string.
39704
39705 @item ENOTDIR
39706 A component of the path is not a directory.
39707
39708 @item EFAULT
39709 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
39710
39711 @item EACCES
39712 No access to the file or the path of the file.
39713
39714 @item ENAMETOOLONG
39715 @var{pathname} was too long.
39716
39717 @item EINTR
39718 The call was interrupted by the user.
39719 @end table
39720
39721 @end table
39722
39723 @node gettimeofday
39724 @unnumberedsubsubsec gettimeofday
39725 @cindex gettimeofday, file-i/o system call
39726
39727 @table @asis
39728 @item Synopsis:
39729 @smallexample
39730 int gettimeofday(struct timeval *tv, void *tz);
39731 @end smallexample
39732
39733 @item Request:
39734 @samp{Fgettimeofday,@var{tvptr},@var{tzptr}}
39735
39736 @item Return value:
39737 On success, 0 is returned, -1 otherwise.
39738
39739 @item Errors:
39740
39741 @table @code
39742 @item EINVAL
39743 @var{tz} is a non-NULL pointer.
39744
39745 @item EFAULT
39746 @var{tvptr} and/or @var{tzptr} is an invalid pointer value.
39747 @end table
39748
39749 @end table
39750
39751 @node isatty
39752 @unnumberedsubsubsec isatty
39753 @cindex isatty, file-i/o system call
39754
39755 @table @asis
39756 @item Synopsis:
39757 @smallexample
39758 int isatty(int fd);
39759 @end smallexample
39760
39761 @item Request:
39762 @samp{Fisatty,@var{fd}}
39763
39764 @item Return value:
39765 Returns 1 if @var{fd} refers to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise.
39766
39767 @item Errors:
39768
39769 @table @code
39770 @item EINTR
39771 The call was interrupted by the user.
39772 @end table
39773
39774 @end table
39775
39776 Note that the @code{isatty} call is treated as a special case: it returns
39777 1 to the target if the file descriptor is attached
39778 to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise. Implementing through system calls
39779 would require implementing @code{ioctl} and would be more complex than
39780 needed.
39781
39782
39783 @node system
39784 @unnumberedsubsubsec system
39785 @cindex system, file-i/o system call
39786
39787 @table @asis
39788 @item Synopsis:
39789 @smallexample
39790 int system(const char *command);
39791 @end smallexample
39792
39793 @item Request:
39794 @samp{Fsystem,@var{commandptr}/@var{len}}
39795
39796 @item Return value:
39797 If @var{len} is zero, the return value indicates whether a shell is
39798 available. A zero return value indicates a shell is not available.
39799 For non-zero @var{len}, the value returned is -1 on error and the
39800 return status of the command otherwise. Only the exit status of the
39801 command is returned, which is extracted from the host's @code{system}
39802 return value by calling @code{WEXITSTATUS(retval)}. In case
39803 @file{/bin/sh} could not be executed, 127 is returned.
39804
39805 @item Errors:
39806
39807 @table @code
39808 @item EINTR
39809 The call was interrupted by the user.
39810 @end table
39811
39812 @end table
39813
39814 @value{GDBN} takes over the full task of calling the necessary host calls
39815 to perform the @code{system} call. The return value of @code{system} on
39816 the host is simplified before it's returned
39817 to the target. Any termination signal information from the child process
39818 is discarded, and the return value consists
39819 entirely of the exit status of the called command.
39820
39821 Due to security concerns, the @code{system} call is by default refused
39822 by @value{GDBN}. The user has to allow this call explicitly with the
39823 @code{set remote system-call-allowed 1} command.
39824
39825 @table @code
39826 @item set remote system-call-allowed
39827 @kindex set remote system-call-allowed
39828 Control whether to allow the @code{system} calls in the File I/O
39829 protocol for the remote target. The default is zero (disabled).
39830
39831 @item show remote system-call-allowed
39832 @kindex show remote system-call-allowed
39833 Show whether the @code{system} calls are allowed in the File I/O
39834 protocol.
39835 @end table
39836
39837 @node Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
39838 @subsection Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
39839 @cindex protocol-specific representation of datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
39840
39841 @menu
39842 * Integral Datatypes::
39843 * Pointer Values::
39844 * Memory Transfer::
39845 * struct stat::
39846 * struct timeval::
39847 @end menu
39848
39849 @node Integral Datatypes
39850 @unnumberedsubsubsec Integral Datatypes
39851 @cindex integral datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
39852
39853 The integral datatypes used in the system calls are @code{int},
39854 @code{unsigned int}, @code{long}, @code{unsigned long},
39855 @code{mode_t}, and @code{time_t}.
39856
39857 @code{int}, @code{unsigned int}, @code{mode_t} and @code{time_t} are
39858 implemented as 32 bit values in this protocol.
39859
39860 @code{long} and @code{unsigned long} are implemented as 64 bit types.
39861
39862 @xref{Limits}, for corresponding MIN and MAX values (similar to those
39863 in @file{limits.h}) to allow range checking on host and target.
39864
39865 @code{time_t} datatypes are defined as seconds since the Epoch.
39866
39867 All integral datatypes transferred as part of a memory read or write of a
39868 structured datatype e.g.@: a @code{struct stat} have to be given in big endian
39869 byte order.
39870
39871 @node Pointer Values
39872 @unnumberedsubsubsec Pointer Values
39873 @cindex pointer values, in file-i/o protocol
39874
39875 Pointers to target data are transmitted as they are. An exception
39876 is made for pointers to buffers for which the length isn't
39877 transmitted as part of the function call, namely strings. Strings
39878 are transmitted as a pointer/length pair, both as hex values, e.g.@:
39879
39880 @smallexample
39881 @code{1aaf/12}
39882 @end smallexample
39883
39884 @noindent
39885 which is a pointer to data of length 18 bytes at position 0x1aaf.
39886 The length is defined as the full string length in bytes, including
39887 the trailing null byte. For example, the string @code{"hello world"}
39888 at address 0x123456 is transmitted as
39889
39890 @smallexample
39891 @code{123456/d}
39892 @end smallexample
39893
39894 @node Memory Transfer
39895 @unnumberedsubsubsec Memory Transfer
39896 @cindex memory transfer, in file-i/o protocol
39897
39898 Structured data which is transferred using a memory read or write (for
39899 example, a @code{struct stat}) is expected to be in a protocol-specific format
39900 with all scalar multibyte datatypes being big endian. Translation to
39901 this representation needs to be done both by the target before the @code{F}
39902 packet is sent, and by @value{GDBN} before
39903 it transfers memory to the target. Transferred pointers to structured
39904 data should point to the already-coerced data at any time.
39905
39906
39907 @node struct stat
39908 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct stat
39909 @cindex struct stat, in file-i/o protocol
39910
39911 The buffer of type @code{struct stat} used by the target and @value{GDBN}
39912 is defined as follows:
39913
39914 @smallexample
39915 struct stat @{
39916 unsigned int st_dev; /* device */
39917 unsigned int st_ino; /* inode */
39918 mode_t st_mode; /* protection */
39919 unsigned int st_nlink; /* number of hard links */
39920 unsigned int st_uid; /* user ID of owner */
39921 unsigned int st_gid; /* group ID of owner */
39922 unsigned int st_rdev; /* device type (if inode device) */
39923 unsigned long st_size; /* total size, in bytes */
39924 unsigned long st_blksize; /* blocksize for filesystem I/O */
39925 unsigned long st_blocks; /* number of blocks allocated */
39926 time_t st_atime; /* time of last access */
39927 time_t st_mtime; /* time of last modification */
39928 time_t st_ctime; /* time of last change */
39929 @};
39930 @end smallexample
39931
39932 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
39933 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
39934 structure is of size 64 bytes.
39935
39936 The values of several fields have a restricted meaning and/or
39937 range of values.
39938
39939 @table @code
39940
39941 @item st_dev
39942 A value of 0 represents a file, 1 the console.
39943
39944 @item st_ino
39945 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
39946
39947 @item st_mode
39948 Valid mode bits are described in @ref{Constants}. Any other
39949 bits have currently no meaning for the target.
39950
39951 @item st_uid
39952 @itemx st_gid
39953 @itemx st_rdev
39954 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
39955
39956 @item st_atime
39957 @itemx st_mtime
39958 @itemx st_ctime
39959 These values have a host and file system dependent
39960 accuracy. Especially on Windows hosts, the file system may not
39961 support exact timing values.
39962 @end table
39963
39964 The target gets a @code{struct stat} of the above representation and is
39965 responsible for coercing it to the target representation before
39966 continuing.
39967
39968 Note that due to size differences between the host, target, and protocol
39969 representations of @code{struct stat} members, these members could eventually
39970 get truncated on the target.
39971
39972 @node struct timeval
39973 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct timeval
39974 @cindex struct timeval, in file-i/o protocol
39975
39976 The buffer of type @code{struct timeval} used by the File-I/O protocol
39977 is defined as follows:
39978
39979 @smallexample
39980 struct timeval @{
39981 time_t tv_sec; /* second */
39982 long tv_usec; /* microsecond */
39983 @};
39984 @end smallexample
39985
39986 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
39987 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
39988 structure is of size 8 bytes.
39989
39990 @node Constants
39991 @subsection Constants
39992 @cindex constants, in file-i/o protocol
39993
39994 The following values are used for the constants inside of the
39995 protocol. @value{GDBN} and target are responsible for translating these
39996 values before and after the call as needed.
39997
39998 @menu
39999 * Open Flags::
40000 * mode_t Values::
40001 * Errno Values::
40002 * Lseek Flags::
40003 * Limits::
40004 @end menu
40005
40006 @node Open Flags
40007 @unnumberedsubsubsec Open Flags
40008 @cindex open flags, in file-i/o protocol
40009
40010 All values are given in hexadecimal representation.
40011
40012 @smallexample
40013 O_RDONLY 0x0
40014 O_WRONLY 0x1
40015 O_RDWR 0x2
40016 O_APPEND 0x8
40017 O_CREAT 0x200
40018 O_TRUNC 0x400
40019 O_EXCL 0x800
40020 @end smallexample
40021
40022 @node mode_t Values
40023 @unnumberedsubsubsec mode_t Values
40024 @cindex mode_t values, in file-i/o protocol
40025
40026 All values are given in octal representation.
40027
40028 @smallexample
40029 S_IFREG 0100000
40030 S_IFDIR 040000
40031 S_IRUSR 0400
40032 S_IWUSR 0200
40033 S_IXUSR 0100
40034 S_IRGRP 040
40035 S_IWGRP 020
40036 S_IXGRP 010
40037 S_IROTH 04
40038 S_IWOTH 02
40039 S_IXOTH 01
40040 @end smallexample
40041
40042 @node Errno Values
40043 @unnumberedsubsubsec Errno Values
40044 @cindex errno values, in file-i/o protocol
40045
40046 All values are given in decimal representation.
40047
40048 @smallexample
40049 EPERM 1
40050 ENOENT 2
40051 EINTR 4
40052 EBADF 9
40053 EACCES 13
40054 EFAULT 14
40055 EBUSY 16
40056 EEXIST 17
40057 ENODEV 19
40058 ENOTDIR 20
40059 EISDIR 21
40060 EINVAL 22
40061 ENFILE 23
40062 EMFILE 24
40063 EFBIG 27
40064 ENOSPC 28
40065 ESPIPE 29
40066 EROFS 30
40067 ENAMETOOLONG 91
40068 EUNKNOWN 9999
40069 @end smallexample
40070
40071 @code{EUNKNOWN} is used as a fallback error value if a host system returns
40072 any error value not in the list of supported error numbers.
40073
40074 @node Lseek Flags
40075 @unnumberedsubsubsec Lseek Flags
40076 @cindex lseek flags, in file-i/o protocol
40077
40078 @smallexample
40079 SEEK_SET 0
40080 SEEK_CUR 1
40081 SEEK_END 2
40082 @end smallexample
40083
40084 @node Limits
40085 @unnumberedsubsubsec Limits
40086 @cindex limits, in file-i/o protocol
40087
40088 All values are given in decimal representation.
40089
40090 @smallexample
40091 INT_MIN -2147483648
40092 INT_MAX 2147483647
40093 UINT_MAX 4294967295
40094 LONG_MIN -9223372036854775808
40095 LONG_MAX 9223372036854775807
40096 ULONG_MAX 18446744073709551615
40097 @end smallexample
40098
40099 @node File-I/O Examples
40100 @subsection File-I/O Examples
40101 @cindex file-i/o examples
40102
40103 Example sequence of a write call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
40104 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be written:
40105
40106 @smallexample
40107 <- @code{Fwrite,3,1234,6}
40108 @emph{request memory read from target}
40109 -> @code{m1234,6}
40110 <- XXXXXX
40111 @emph{return "6 bytes written"}
40112 -> @code{F6}
40113 @end smallexample
40114
40115 Example sequence of a read call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
40116 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be read:
40117
40118 @smallexample
40119 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
40120 @emph{request memory write to target}
40121 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
40122 @emph{return "6 bytes read"}
40123 -> @code{F6}
40124 @end smallexample
40125
40126 Example sequence of a read call, call fails on the host due to invalid
40127 file descriptor (@code{EBADF}):
40128
40129 @smallexample
40130 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
40131 -> @code{F-1,9}
40132 @end smallexample
40133
40134 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} before syscall on
40135 host is called:
40136
40137 @smallexample
40138 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
40139 -> @code{F-1,4,C}
40140 <- @code{T02}
40141 @end smallexample
40142
40143 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} after syscall on
40144 host is called:
40145
40146 @smallexample
40147 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
40148 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
40149 <- @code{T02}
40150 @end smallexample
40151
40152 @node Library List Format
40153 @section Library List Format
40154 @cindex library list format, remote protocol
40155
40156 On some platforms, a dynamic loader (e.g.@: @file{ld.so}) runs in the
40157 same process as your application to manage libraries. In this case,
40158 @value{GDBN} can use the loader's symbol table and normal memory
40159 operations to maintain a list of shared libraries. On other
40160 platforms, the operating system manages loaded libraries.
40161 @value{GDBN} can not retrieve the list of currently loaded libraries
40162 through memory operations, so it uses the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
40163 packet (@pxref{qXfer library list read}) instead. The remote stub
40164 queries the target's operating system and reports which libraries
40165 are loaded.
40166
40167 The @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet returns an XML document which
40168 lists loaded libraries and their offsets. Each library has an
40169 associated name and one or more segment or section base addresses,
40170 which report where the library was loaded in memory.
40171
40172 For the common case of libraries that are fully linked binaries, the
40173 library should have a list of segments. If the target supports
40174 dynamic linking of a relocatable object file, its library XML element
40175 should instead include a list of allocated sections. The segment or
40176 section bases are start addresses, not relocation offsets; they do not
40177 depend on the library's link-time base addresses.
40178
40179 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
40180 library lists. @xref{Expat}.
40181
40182 A simple memory map, with one loaded library relocated by a single
40183 offset, looks like this:
40184
40185 @smallexample
40186 <library-list>
40187 <library name="/lib/libc.so.6">
40188 <segment address="0x10000000"/>
40189 </library>
40190 </library-list>
40191 @end smallexample
40192
40193 Another simple memory map, with one loaded library with three
40194 allocated sections (.text, .data, .bss), looks like this:
40195
40196 @smallexample
40197 <library-list>
40198 <library name="sharedlib.o">
40199 <section address="0x10000000"/>
40200 <section address="0x20000000"/>
40201 <section address="0x30000000"/>
40202 </library>
40203 </library-list>
40204 @end smallexample
40205
40206 The format of a library list is described by this DTD:
40207
40208 @smallexample
40209 <!-- library-list: Root element with versioning -->
40210 <!ELEMENT library-list (library)*>
40211 <!ATTLIST library-list version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
40212 <!ELEMENT library (segment*, section*)>
40213 <!ATTLIST library name CDATA #REQUIRED>
40214 <!ELEMENT segment EMPTY>
40215 <!ATTLIST segment address CDATA #REQUIRED>
40216 <!ELEMENT section EMPTY>
40217 <!ATTLIST section address CDATA #REQUIRED>
40218 @end smallexample
40219
40220 In addition, segments and section descriptors cannot be mixed within a
40221 single library element, and you must supply at least one segment or
40222 section for each library.
40223
40224 @node Library List Format for SVR4 Targets
40225 @section Library List Format for SVR4 Targets
40226 @cindex library list format, remote protocol
40227
40228 On SVR4 platforms @value{GDBN} can use the symbol table of a dynamic loader
40229 (e.g.@: @file{ld.so}) and normal memory operations to maintain a list of
40230 shared libraries. Still a special library list provided by this packet is
40231 more efficient for the @value{GDBN} remote protocol.
40232
40233 The @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read} packet returns an XML document which lists
40234 loaded libraries and their SVR4 linker parameters. For each library on SVR4
40235 target, the following parameters are reported:
40236
40237 @itemize @minus
40238 @item
40239 @code{name}, the absolute file name from the @code{l_name} field of
40240 @code{struct link_map}.
40241 @item
40242 @code{lm} with address of @code{struct link_map} used for TLS
40243 (Thread Local Storage) access.
40244 @item
40245 @code{l_addr}, the displacement as read from the field @code{l_addr} of
40246 @code{struct link_map}. For prelinked libraries this is not an absolute
40247 memory address. It is a displacement of absolute memory address against
40248 address the file was prelinked to during the library load.
40249 @item
40250 @code{l_ld}, which is memory address of the @code{PT_DYNAMIC} segment
40251 @end itemize
40252
40253 Additionally the single @code{main-lm} attribute specifies address of
40254 @code{struct link_map} used for the main executable. This parameter is used
40255 for TLS access and its presence is optional.
40256
40257 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
40258 SVR4 library lists. @xref{Expat}.
40259
40260 A simple memory map, with two loaded libraries (which do not use prelink),
40261 looks like this:
40262
40263 @smallexample
40264 <library-list-svr4 version="1.0" main-lm="0xe4f8f8">
40265 <library name="/lib/ld-linux.so.2" lm="0xe4f51c" l_addr="0xe2d000"
40266 l_ld="0xe4eefc"/>
40267 <library name="/lib/libc.so.6" lm="0xe4fbe8" l_addr="0x154000"
40268 l_ld="0x152350"/>
40269 </library-list-svr>
40270 @end smallexample
40271
40272 The format of an SVR4 library list is described by this DTD:
40273
40274 @smallexample
40275 <!-- library-list-svr4: Root element with versioning -->
40276 <!ELEMENT library-list-svr4 (library)*>
40277 <!ATTLIST library-list-svr4 version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
40278 <!ATTLIST library-list-svr4 main-lm CDATA #IMPLIED>
40279 <!ELEMENT library EMPTY>
40280 <!ATTLIST library name CDATA #REQUIRED>
40281 <!ATTLIST library lm CDATA #REQUIRED>
40282 <!ATTLIST library l_addr CDATA #REQUIRED>
40283 <!ATTLIST library l_ld CDATA #REQUIRED>
40284 @end smallexample
40285
40286 @node Memory Map Format
40287 @section Memory Map Format
40288 @cindex memory map format
40289
40290 To be able to write into flash memory, @value{GDBN} needs to obtain a
40291 memory map from the target. This section describes the format of the
40292 memory map.
40293
40294 The memory map is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
40295 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}) packet and is an XML document that
40296 lists memory regions.
40297
40298 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
40299 memory maps. @xref{Expat}.
40300
40301 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
40302
40303 @smallexample
40304 <?xml version="1.0"?>
40305 <!DOCTYPE memory-map
40306 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Memory Map V1.0//EN"
40307 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-memory-map.dtd">
40308 <memory-map>
40309 region...
40310 </memory-map>
40311 @end smallexample
40312
40313 Each region can be either:
40314
40315 @itemize
40316
40317 @item
40318 A region of RAM starting at @var{addr} and extending for @var{length}
40319 bytes from there:
40320
40321 @smallexample
40322 <memory type="ram" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
40323 @end smallexample
40324
40325
40326 @item
40327 A region of read-only memory:
40328
40329 @smallexample
40330 <memory type="rom" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
40331 @end smallexample
40332
40333
40334 @item
40335 A region of flash memory, with erasure blocks @var{blocksize}
40336 bytes in length:
40337
40338 @smallexample
40339 <memory type="flash" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}">
40340 <property name="blocksize">@var{blocksize}</property>
40341 </memory>
40342 @end smallexample
40343
40344 @end itemize
40345
40346 Regions must not overlap. @value{GDBN} assumes that areas of memory not covered
40347 by the memory map are RAM, and uses the ordinary @samp{M} and @samp{X}
40348 packets to write to addresses in such ranges.
40349
40350 The formal DTD for memory map format is given below:
40351
40352 @smallexample
40353 <!-- ................................................... -->
40354 <!-- Memory Map XML DTD ................................ -->
40355 <!-- File: memory-map.dtd .............................. -->
40356 <!-- .................................... .............. -->
40357 <!-- memory-map.dtd -->
40358 <!-- memory-map: Root element with versioning -->
40359 <!ELEMENT memory-map (memory | property)>
40360 <!ATTLIST memory-map version CDATA #FIXED "1.0.0">
40361 <!ELEMENT memory (property)>
40362 <!-- memory: Specifies a memory region,
40363 and its type, or device. -->
40364 <!ATTLIST memory type CDATA #REQUIRED
40365 start CDATA #REQUIRED
40366 length CDATA #REQUIRED
40367 device CDATA #IMPLIED>
40368 <!-- property: Generic attribute tag -->
40369 <!ELEMENT property (#PCDATA | property)*>
40370 <!ATTLIST property name CDATA #REQUIRED>
40371 @end smallexample
40372
40373 @node Thread List Format
40374 @section Thread List Format
40375 @cindex thread list format
40376
40377 To efficiently update the list of threads and their attributes,
40378 @value{GDBN} issues the @samp{qXfer:threads:read} packet
40379 (@pxref{qXfer threads read}) and obtains the XML document with
40380 the following structure:
40381
40382 @smallexample
40383 <?xml version="1.0"?>
40384 <threads>
40385 <thread id="id" core="0">
40386 ... description ...
40387 </thread>
40388 </threads>
40389 @end smallexample
40390
40391 Each @samp{thread} element must have the @samp{id} attribute that
40392 identifies the thread (@pxref{thread-id syntax}). The
40393 @samp{core} attribute, if present, specifies which processor core
40394 the thread was last executing on. The content of the of @samp{thread}
40395 element is interpreted as human-readable auxilliary information.
40396
40397 @node Traceframe Info Format
40398 @section Traceframe Info Format
40399 @cindex traceframe info format
40400
40401 To be able to know which objects in the inferior can be examined when
40402 inspecting a tracepoint hit, @value{GDBN} needs to obtain the list of
40403 memory ranges, registers and trace state variables that have been
40404 collected in a traceframe.
40405
40406 This list is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
40407 (@pxref{qXfer traceframe info read}) packet and is an XML document.
40408
40409 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
40410 traceframe info discovery. @xref{Expat}.
40411
40412 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
40413
40414 @smallexample
40415 <?xml version="1.0"?>
40416 <!DOCTYPE traceframe-info
40417 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Memory Map V1.0//EN"
40418 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-traceframe-info.dtd">
40419 <traceframe-info>
40420 block...
40421 </traceframe-info>
40422 @end smallexample
40423
40424 Each traceframe block can be either:
40425
40426 @itemize
40427
40428 @item
40429 A region of collected memory starting at @var{addr} and extending for
40430 @var{length} bytes from there:
40431
40432 @smallexample
40433 <memory start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
40434 @end smallexample
40435
40436 @end itemize
40437
40438 The formal DTD for the traceframe info format is given below:
40439
40440 @smallexample
40441 <!ELEMENT traceframe-info (memory)* >
40442 <!ATTLIST traceframe-info version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
40443
40444 <!ELEMENT memory EMPTY>
40445 <!ATTLIST memory start CDATA #REQUIRED
40446 length CDATA #REQUIRED>
40447 @end smallexample
40448
40449 @node Branch Trace Format
40450 @section Branch Trace Format
40451 @cindex branch trace format
40452
40453 In order to display the branch trace of an inferior thread,
40454 @value{GDBN} needs to obtain the list of branches. This list is
40455 represented as list of sequential code blocks that are connected via
40456 branches. The code in each block has been executed sequentially.
40457
40458 This list is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:btrace:read}
40459 (@pxref{qXfer btrace read}) packet and is an XML document.
40460
40461 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
40462 traceframe info discovery. @xref{Expat}.
40463
40464 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
40465
40466 @smallexample
40467 <?xml version="1.0"?>
40468 <!DOCTYPE btrace
40469 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Branch Trace V1.0//EN"
40470 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-btrace.dtd">
40471 <btrace>
40472 block...
40473 </btrace>
40474 @end smallexample
40475
40476 @itemize
40477
40478 @item
40479 A block of sequentially executed instructions starting at @var{begin}
40480 and ending at @var{end}:
40481
40482 @smallexample
40483 <block begin="@var{begin}" end="@var{end}"/>
40484 @end smallexample
40485
40486 @end itemize
40487
40488 The formal DTD for the branch trace format is given below:
40489
40490 @smallexample
40491 <!ELEMENT btrace (block)* >
40492 <!ATTLIST btrace version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
40493
40494 <!ELEMENT block EMPTY>
40495 <!ATTLIST block begin CDATA #REQUIRED
40496 end CDATA #REQUIRED>
40497 @end smallexample
40498
40499 @include agentexpr.texi
40500
40501 @node Target Descriptions
40502 @appendix Target Descriptions
40503 @cindex target descriptions
40504
40505 One of the challenges of using @value{GDBN} to debug embedded systems
40506 is that there are so many minor variants of each processor
40507 architecture in use. It is common practice for vendors to start with
40508 a standard processor core --- ARM, PowerPC, or @acronym{MIPS}, for example ---
40509 and then make changes to adapt it to a particular market niche. Some
40510 architectures have hundreds of variants, available from dozens of
40511 vendors. This leads to a number of problems:
40512
40513 @itemize @bullet
40514 @item
40515 With so many different customized processors, it is difficult for
40516 the @value{GDBN} maintainers to keep up with the changes.
40517 @item
40518 Since individual variants may have short lifetimes or limited
40519 audiences, it may not be worthwhile to carry information about every
40520 variant in the @value{GDBN} source tree.
40521 @item
40522 When @value{GDBN} does support the architecture of the embedded system
40523 at hand, the task of finding the correct architecture name to give the
40524 @command{set architecture} command can be error-prone.
40525 @end itemize
40526
40527 To address these problems, the @value{GDBN} remote protocol allows a
40528 target system to not only identify itself to @value{GDBN}, but to
40529 actually describe its own features. This lets @value{GDBN} support
40530 processor variants it has never seen before --- to the extent that the
40531 descriptions are accurate, and that @value{GDBN} understands them.
40532
40533 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
40534 target descriptions. @xref{Expat}.
40535
40536 @menu
40537 * Retrieving Descriptions:: How descriptions are fetched from a target.
40538 * Target Description Format:: The contents of a target description.
40539 * Predefined Target Types:: Standard types available for target
40540 descriptions.
40541 * Standard Target Features:: Features @value{GDBN} knows about.
40542 @end menu
40543
40544 @node Retrieving Descriptions
40545 @section Retrieving Descriptions
40546
40547 Target descriptions can be read from the target automatically, or
40548 specified by the user manually. The default behavior is to read the
40549 description from the target. @value{GDBN} retrieves it via the remote
40550 protocol using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{General Query Packets,
40551 qXfer}). The @var{annex} in the @samp{qXfer} packet will be
40552 @samp{target.xml}. The contents of the @samp{target.xml} annex are an
40553 XML document, of the form described in @ref{Target Description
40554 Format}.
40555
40556 Alternatively, you can specify a file to read for the target description.
40557 If a file is set, the target will not be queried. The commands to
40558 specify a file are:
40559
40560 @table @code
40561 @cindex set tdesc filename
40562 @item set tdesc filename @var{path}
40563 Read the target description from @var{path}.
40564
40565 @cindex unset tdesc filename
40566 @item unset tdesc filename
40567 Do not read the XML target description from a file. @value{GDBN}
40568 will use the description supplied by the current target.
40569
40570 @cindex show tdesc filename
40571 @item show tdesc filename
40572 Show the filename to read for a target description, if any.
40573 @end table
40574
40575
40576 @node Target Description Format
40577 @section Target Description Format
40578 @cindex target descriptions, XML format
40579
40580 A target description annex is an @uref{http://www.w3.org/XML/, XML}
40581 document which complies with the Document Type Definition provided in
40582 the @value{GDBN} sources in @file{gdb/features/gdb-target.dtd}. This
40583 means you can use generally available tools like @command{xmllint} to
40584 check that your feature descriptions are well-formed and valid.
40585 However, to help people unfamiliar with XML write descriptions for
40586 their targets, we also describe the grammar here.
40587
40588 Target descriptions can identify the architecture of the remote target
40589 and (for some architectures) provide information about custom register
40590 sets. They can also identify the OS ABI of the remote target.
40591 @value{GDBN} can use this information to autoconfigure for your
40592 target, or to warn you if you connect to an unsupported target.
40593
40594 Here is a simple target description:
40595
40596 @smallexample
40597 <target version="1.0">
40598 <architecture>i386:x86-64</architecture>
40599 </target>
40600 @end smallexample
40601
40602 @noindent
40603 This minimal description only says that the target uses
40604 the x86-64 architecture.
40605
40606 A target description has the following overall form, with [ ] marking
40607 optional elements and @dots{} marking repeatable elements. The elements
40608 are explained further below.
40609
40610 @smallexample
40611 <?xml version="1.0"?>
40612 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "gdb-target.dtd">
40613 <target version="1.0">
40614 @r{[}@var{architecture}@r{]}
40615 @r{[}@var{osabi}@r{]}
40616 @r{[}@var{compatible}@r{]}
40617 @r{[}@var{feature}@dots{}@r{]}
40618 </target>
40619 @end smallexample
40620
40621 @noindent
40622 The description is generally insensitive to whitespace and line
40623 breaks, under the usual common-sense rules. The XML version
40624 declaration and document type declaration can generally be omitted
40625 (@value{GDBN} does not require them), but specifying them may be
40626 useful for XML validation tools. The @samp{version} attribute for
40627 @samp{<target>} may also be omitted, but we recommend
40628 including it; if future versions of @value{GDBN} use an incompatible
40629 revision of @file{gdb-target.dtd}, they will detect and report
40630 the version mismatch.
40631
40632 @subsection Inclusion
40633 @cindex target descriptions, inclusion
40634 @cindex XInclude
40635 @ifnotinfo
40636 @cindex <xi:include>
40637 @end ifnotinfo
40638
40639 It can sometimes be valuable to split a target description up into
40640 several different annexes, either for organizational purposes, or to
40641 share files between different possible target descriptions. You can
40642 divide a description into multiple files by replacing any element of
40643 the target description with an inclusion directive of the form:
40644
40645 @smallexample
40646 <xi:include href="@var{document}"/>
40647 @end smallexample
40648
40649 @noindent
40650 When @value{GDBN} encounters an element of this form, it will retrieve
40651 the named XML @var{document}, and replace the inclusion directive with
40652 the contents of that document. If the current description was read
40653 using @samp{qXfer}, then so will be the included document;
40654 @var{document} will be interpreted as the name of an annex. If the
40655 current description was read from a file, @value{GDBN} will look for
40656 @var{document} as a file in the same directory where it found the
40657 original description.
40658
40659 @subsection Architecture
40660 @cindex <architecture>
40661
40662 An @samp{<architecture>} element has this form:
40663
40664 @smallexample
40665 <architecture>@var{arch}</architecture>
40666 @end smallexample
40667
40668 @var{arch} is one of the architectures from the set accepted by
40669 @code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
40670
40671 @subsection OS ABI
40672 @cindex @code{<osabi>}
40673
40674 This optional field was introduced in @value{GDBN} version 7.0.
40675 Previous versions of @value{GDBN} ignore it.
40676
40677 An @samp{<osabi>} element has this form:
40678
40679 @smallexample
40680 <osabi>@var{abi-name}</osabi>
40681 @end smallexample
40682
40683 @var{abi-name} is an OS ABI name from the same selection accepted by
40684 @w{@code{set osabi}} (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the Current ABI}).
40685
40686 @subsection Compatible Architecture
40687 @cindex @code{<compatible>}
40688
40689 This optional field was introduced in @value{GDBN} version 7.0.
40690 Previous versions of @value{GDBN} ignore it.
40691
40692 A @samp{<compatible>} element has this form:
40693
40694 @smallexample
40695 <compatible>@var{arch}</compatible>
40696 @end smallexample
40697
40698 @var{arch} is one of the architectures from the set accepted by
40699 @code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
40700
40701 A @samp{<compatible>} element is used to specify that the target
40702 is able to run binaries in some other than the main target architecture
40703 given by the @samp{<architecture>} element. For example, on the
40704 Cell Broadband Engine, the main architecture is @code{powerpc:common}
40705 or @code{powerpc:common64}, but the system is able to run binaries
40706 in the @code{spu} architecture as well. The way to describe this
40707 capability with @samp{<compatible>} is as follows:
40708
40709 @smallexample
40710 <architecture>powerpc:common</architecture>
40711 <compatible>spu</compatible>
40712 @end smallexample
40713
40714 @subsection Features
40715 @cindex <feature>
40716
40717 Each @samp{<feature>} describes some logical portion of the target
40718 system. Features are currently used to describe available CPU
40719 registers and the types of their contents. A @samp{<feature>} element
40720 has this form:
40721
40722 @smallexample
40723 <feature name="@var{name}">
40724 @r{[}@var{type}@dots{}@r{]}
40725 @var{reg}@dots{}
40726 </feature>
40727 @end smallexample
40728
40729 @noindent
40730 Each feature's name should be unique within the description. The name
40731 of a feature does not matter unless @value{GDBN} has some special
40732 knowledge of the contents of that feature; if it does, the feature
40733 should have its standard name. @xref{Standard Target Features}.
40734
40735 @subsection Types
40736
40737 Any register's value is a collection of bits which @value{GDBN} must
40738 interpret. The default interpretation is a two's complement integer,
40739 but other types can be requested by name in the register description.
40740 Some predefined types are provided by @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Predefined
40741 Target Types}), and the description can define additional composite types.
40742
40743 Each type element must have an @samp{id} attribute, which gives
40744 a unique (within the containing @samp{<feature>}) name to the type.
40745 Types must be defined before they are used.
40746
40747 @cindex <vector>
40748 Some targets offer vector registers, which can be treated as arrays
40749 of scalar elements. These types are written as @samp{<vector>} elements,
40750 specifying the array element type, @var{type}, and the number of elements,
40751 @var{count}:
40752
40753 @smallexample
40754 <vector id="@var{id}" type="@var{type}" count="@var{count}"/>
40755 @end smallexample
40756
40757 @cindex <union>
40758 If a register's value is usefully viewed in multiple ways, define it
40759 with a union type containing the useful representations. The
40760 @samp{<union>} element contains one or more @samp{<field>} elements,
40761 each of which has a @var{name} and a @var{type}:
40762
40763 @smallexample
40764 <union id="@var{id}">
40765 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
40766 @dots{}
40767 </union>
40768 @end smallexample
40769
40770 @cindex <struct>
40771 If a register's value is composed from several separate values, define
40772 it with a structure type. There are two forms of the @samp{<struct>}
40773 element; a @samp{<struct>} element must either contain only bitfields
40774 or contain no bitfields. If the structure contains only bitfields,
40775 its total size in bytes must be specified, each bitfield must have an
40776 explicit start and end, and bitfields are automatically assigned an
40777 integer type. The field's @var{start} should be less than or
40778 equal to its @var{end}, and zero represents the least significant bit.
40779
40780 @smallexample
40781 <struct id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
40782 <field name="@var{name}" start="@var{start}" end="@var{end}"/>
40783 @dots{}
40784 </struct>
40785 @end smallexample
40786
40787 If the structure contains no bitfields, then each field has an
40788 explicit type, and no implicit padding is added.
40789
40790 @smallexample
40791 <struct id="@var{id}">
40792 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
40793 @dots{}
40794 </struct>
40795 @end smallexample
40796
40797 @cindex <flags>
40798 If a register's value is a series of single-bit flags, define it with
40799 a flags type. The @samp{<flags>} element has an explicit @var{size}
40800 and contains one or more @samp{<field>} elements. Each field has a
40801 @var{name}, a @var{start}, and an @var{end}. Only single-bit flags
40802 are supported.
40803
40804 @smallexample
40805 <flags id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
40806 <field name="@var{name}" start="@var{start}" end="@var{end}"/>
40807 @dots{}
40808 </flags>
40809 @end smallexample
40810
40811 @subsection Registers
40812 @cindex <reg>
40813
40814 Each register is represented as an element with this form:
40815
40816 @smallexample
40817 <reg name="@var{name}"
40818 bitsize="@var{size}"
40819 @r{[}regnum="@var{num}"@r{]}
40820 @r{[}save-restore="@var{save-restore}"@r{]}
40821 @r{[}type="@var{type}"@r{]}
40822 @r{[}group="@var{group}"@r{]}/>
40823 @end smallexample
40824
40825 @noindent
40826 The components are as follows:
40827
40828 @table @var
40829
40830 @item name
40831 The register's name; it must be unique within the target description.
40832
40833 @item bitsize
40834 The register's size, in bits.
40835
40836 @item regnum
40837 The register's number. If omitted, a register's number is one greater
40838 than that of the previous register (either in the current feature or in
40839 a preceding feature); the first register in the target description
40840 defaults to zero. This register number is used to read or write
40841 the register; e.g.@: it is used in the remote @code{p} and @code{P}
40842 packets, and registers appear in the @code{g} and @code{G} packets
40843 in order of increasing register number.
40844
40845 @item save-restore
40846 Whether the register should be preserved across inferior function
40847 calls; this must be either @code{yes} or @code{no}. The default is
40848 @code{yes}, which is appropriate for most registers except for
40849 some system control registers; this is not related to the target's
40850 ABI.
40851
40852 @item type
40853 The type of the register. @var{type} may be a predefined type, a type
40854 defined in the current feature, or one of the special types @code{int}
40855 and @code{float}. @code{int} is an integer type of the correct size
40856 for @var{bitsize}, and @code{float} is a floating point type (in the
40857 architecture's normal floating point format) of the correct size for
40858 @var{bitsize}. The default is @code{int}.
40859
40860 @item group
40861 The register group to which this register belongs. @var{group} must
40862 be either @code{general}, @code{float}, or @code{vector}. If no
40863 @var{group} is specified, @value{GDBN} will not display the register
40864 in @code{info registers}.
40865
40866 @end table
40867
40868 @node Predefined Target Types
40869 @section Predefined Target Types
40870 @cindex target descriptions, predefined types
40871
40872 Type definitions in the self-description can build up composite types
40873 from basic building blocks, but can not define fundamental types. Instead,
40874 standard identifiers are provided by @value{GDBN} for the fundamental
40875 types. The currently supported types are:
40876
40877 @table @code
40878
40879 @item int8
40880 @itemx int16
40881 @itemx int32
40882 @itemx int64
40883 @itemx int128
40884 Signed integer types holding the specified number of bits.
40885
40886 @item uint8
40887 @itemx uint16
40888 @itemx uint32
40889 @itemx uint64
40890 @itemx uint128
40891 Unsigned integer types holding the specified number of bits.
40892
40893 @item code_ptr
40894 @itemx data_ptr
40895 Pointers to unspecified code and data. The program counter and
40896 any dedicated return address register may be marked as code
40897 pointers; printing a code pointer converts it into a symbolic
40898 address. The stack pointer and any dedicated address registers
40899 may be marked as data pointers.
40900
40901 @item ieee_single
40902 Single precision IEEE floating point.
40903
40904 @item ieee_double
40905 Double precision IEEE floating point.
40906
40907 @item arm_fpa_ext
40908 The 12-byte extended precision format used by ARM FPA registers.
40909
40910 @item i387_ext
40911 The 10-byte extended precision format used by x87 registers.
40912
40913 @item i386_eflags
40914 32bit @sc{eflags} register used by x86.
40915
40916 @item i386_mxcsr
40917 32bit @sc{mxcsr} register used by x86.
40918
40919 @end table
40920
40921 @node Standard Target Features
40922 @section Standard Target Features
40923 @cindex target descriptions, standard features
40924
40925 A target description must contain either no registers or all the
40926 target's registers. If the description contains no registers, then
40927 @value{GDBN} will assume a default register layout, selected based on
40928 the architecture. If the description contains any registers, the
40929 default layout will not be used; the standard registers must be
40930 described in the target description, in such a way that @value{GDBN}
40931 can recognize them.
40932
40933 This is accomplished by giving specific names to feature elements
40934 which contain standard registers. @value{GDBN} will look for features
40935 with those names and verify that they contain the expected registers;
40936 if any known feature is missing required registers, or if any required
40937 feature is missing, @value{GDBN} will reject the target
40938 description. You can add additional registers to any of the
40939 standard features --- @value{GDBN} will display them just as if
40940 they were added to an unrecognized feature.
40941
40942 This section lists the known features and their expected contents.
40943 Sample XML documents for these features are included in the
40944 @value{GDBN} source tree, in the directory @file{gdb/features}.
40945
40946 Names recognized by @value{GDBN} should include the name of the
40947 company or organization which selected the name, and the overall
40948 architecture to which the feature applies; so e.g.@: the feature
40949 containing ARM core registers is named @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}.
40950
40951 The names of registers are not case sensitive for the purpose
40952 of recognizing standard features, but @value{GDBN} will only display
40953 registers using the capitalization used in the description.
40954
40955 @menu
40956 * AArch64 Features::
40957 * ARM Features::
40958 * i386 Features::
40959 * MIPS Features::
40960 * M68K Features::
40961 * PowerPC Features::
40962 * TIC6x Features::
40963 @end menu
40964
40965
40966 @node AArch64 Features
40967 @subsection AArch64 Features
40968 @cindex target descriptions, AArch64 features
40969
40970 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.aarch64.core} feature is required for AArch64
40971 targets. It should contain registers @samp{x0} through @samp{x30},
40972 @samp{sp}, @samp{pc}, and @samp{cpsr}.
40973
40974 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.aarch64.fpu} feature is optional. If present,
40975 it should contain registers @samp{v0} through @samp{v31}, @samp{fpsr},
40976 and @samp{fpcr}.
40977
40978 @node ARM Features
40979 @subsection ARM Features
40980 @cindex target descriptions, ARM features
40981
40982 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core} feature is required for non-M-profile
40983 ARM targets.
40984 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp},
40985 @samp{lr}, @samp{pc}, and @samp{cpsr}.
40986
40987 For M-profile targets (e.g. Cortex-M3), the @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}
40988 feature is replaced by @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.m-profile}. It should contain
40989 registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp}, @samp{lr}, @samp{pc},
40990 and @samp{xpsr}.
40991
40992 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.fpa} feature is optional. If present, it
40993 should contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f7} and @samp{fps}.
40994
40995 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.xscale.iwmmxt} feature is optional. If present,
40996 it should contain at least registers @samp{wR0} through @samp{wR15} and
40997 @samp{wCGR0} through @samp{wCGR3}. The @samp{wCID}, @samp{wCon},
40998 @samp{wCSSF}, and @samp{wCASF} registers are optional.
40999
41000 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.vfp} feature is optional. If present, it
41001 should contain at least registers @samp{d0} through @samp{d15}. If
41002 they are present, @samp{d16} through @samp{d31} should also be included.
41003 @value{GDBN} will synthesize the single-precision registers from
41004 halves of the double-precision registers.
41005
41006 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.neon} feature is optional. It does not
41007 need to contain registers; it instructs @value{GDBN} to display the
41008 VFP double-precision registers as vectors and to synthesize the
41009 quad-precision registers from pairs of double-precision registers.
41010 If this feature is present, @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.vfp} must also
41011 be present and include 32 double-precision registers.
41012
41013 @node i386 Features
41014 @subsection i386 Features
41015 @cindex target descriptions, i386 features
41016
41017 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.core} feature is required for i386/amd64
41018 targets. It should describe the following registers:
41019
41020 @itemize @minus
41021 @item
41022 @samp{eax} through @samp{edi} plus @samp{eip} for i386
41023 @item
41024 @samp{rax} through @samp{r15} plus @samp{rip} for amd64
41025 @item
41026 @samp{eflags}, @samp{cs}, @samp{ss}, @samp{ds}, @samp{es},
41027 @samp{fs}, @samp{gs}
41028 @item
41029 @samp{st0} through @samp{st7}
41030 @item
41031 @samp{fctrl}, @samp{fstat}, @samp{ftag}, @samp{fiseg}, @samp{fioff},
41032 @samp{foseg}, @samp{fooff} and @samp{fop}
41033 @end itemize
41034
41035 The register sets may be different, depending on the target.
41036
41037 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.sse} feature is optional. It should
41038 describe registers:
41039
41040 @itemize @minus
41041 @item
41042 @samp{xmm0} through @samp{xmm7} for i386
41043 @item
41044 @samp{xmm0} through @samp{xmm15} for amd64
41045 @item
41046 @samp{mxcsr}
41047 @end itemize
41048
41049 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.avx} feature is optional and requires the
41050 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.sse} feature. It should
41051 describe the upper 128 bits of @sc{ymm} registers:
41052
41053 @itemize @minus
41054 @item
41055 @samp{ymm0h} through @samp{ymm7h} for i386
41056 @item
41057 @samp{ymm0h} through @samp{ymm15h} for amd64
41058 @end itemize
41059
41060 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.linux} feature is optional. It should
41061 describe a single register, @samp{orig_eax}.
41062
41063 @node MIPS Features
41064 @subsection @acronym{MIPS} Features
41065 @cindex target descriptions, @acronym{MIPS} features
41066
41067 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cpu} feature is required for @acronym{MIPS} targets.
41068 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31}, @samp{lo},
41069 @samp{hi}, and @samp{pc}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending
41070 on the target.
41071
41072 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cp0} feature is also required. It should
41073 contain at least the @samp{status}, @samp{badvaddr}, and @samp{cause}
41074 registers. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
41075
41076 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.fpu} feature is currently required, though
41077 it may be optional in a future version of @value{GDBN}. It should
41078 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31}, @samp{fcsr}, and
41079 @samp{fir}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
41080
41081 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.dsp} feature is optional. It should
41082 contain registers @samp{hi1} through @samp{hi3}, @samp{lo1} through
41083 @samp{lo3}, and @samp{dspctl}. The @samp{dspctl} register should
41084 be 32-bit and the rest may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
41085
41086 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.linux} feature is optional. It should
41087 contain a single register, @samp{restart}, which is used by the
41088 Linux kernel to control restartable syscalls.
41089
41090 @node M68K Features
41091 @subsection M68K Features
41092 @cindex target descriptions, M68K features
41093
41094 @table @code
41095 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.m68k.core}
41096 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.core}
41097 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.fido.core}
41098 One of those features must be always present.
41099 The feature that is present determines which flavor of m68k is
41100 used. The feature that is present should contain registers
41101 @samp{d0} through @samp{d7}, @samp{a0} through @samp{a5}, @samp{fp},
41102 @samp{sp}, @samp{ps} and @samp{pc}.
41103
41104 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.fp}
41105 This feature is optional. If present, it should contain registers
41106 @samp{fp0} through @samp{fp7}, @samp{fpcontrol}, @samp{fpstatus} and
41107 @samp{fpiaddr}.
41108 @end table
41109
41110 @node PowerPC Features
41111 @subsection PowerPC Features
41112 @cindex target descriptions, PowerPC features
41113
41114 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} feature is required for PowerPC
41115 targets. It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31},
41116 @samp{pc}, @samp{msr}, @samp{cr}, @samp{lr}, @samp{ctr}, and
41117 @samp{xer}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
41118
41119 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.fpu} feature is optional. It should
41120 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31} and @samp{fpscr}.
41121
41122 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.altivec} feature is optional. It should
41123 contain registers @samp{vr0} through @samp{vr31}, @samp{vscr},
41124 and @samp{vrsave}.
41125
41126 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.vsx} feature is optional. It should
41127 contain registers @samp{vs0h} through @samp{vs31h}. @value{GDBN}
41128 will combine these registers with the floating point registers
41129 (@samp{f0} through @samp{f31}) and the altivec registers (@samp{vr0}
41130 through @samp{vr31}) to present the 128-bit wide registers @samp{vs0}
41131 through @samp{vs63}, the set of vector registers for POWER7.
41132
41133 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.spe} feature is optional. It should
41134 contain registers @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}, @samp{acc}, and
41135 @samp{spefscr}. SPE targets should provide 32-bit registers in
41136 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} and provide the upper halves in
41137 @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}. @value{GDBN} will combine
41138 these to present registers @samp{ev0} through @samp{ev31} to the
41139 user.
41140
41141 @node TIC6x Features
41142 @subsection TMS320C6x Features
41143 @cindex target descriptions, TIC6x features
41144 @cindex target descriptions, TMS320C6x features
41145 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.core} feature is required for TMS320C6x
41146 targets. It should contain registers @samp{A0} through @samp{A15},
41147 registers @samp{B0} through @samp{B15}, @samp{CSR} and @samp{PC}.
41148
41149 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.gp} feature is optional. It should
41150 contain registers @samp{A16} through @samp{A31} and @samp{B16}
41151 through @samp{B31}.
41152
41153 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.c6xp} feature is optional. It should
41154 contain registers @samp{TSR}, @samp{ILC} and @samp{RILC}.
41155
41156 @node Operating System Information
41157 @appendix Operating System Information
41158 @cindex operating system information
41159
41160 @menu
41161 * Process list::
41162 @end menu
41163
41164 Users of @value{GDBN} often wish to obtain information about the state of
41165 the operating system running on the target---for example the list of
41166 processes, or the list of open files. This section describes the
41167 mechanism that makes it possible. This mechanism is similar to the
41168 target features mechanism (@pxref{Target Descriptions}), but focuses
41169 on a different aspect of target.
41170
41171 Operating system information is retrived from the target via the
41172 remote protocol, using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{qXfer osdata
41173 read}). The object name in the request should be @samp{osdata}, and
41174 the @var{annex} identifies the data to be fetched.
41175
41176 @node Process list
41177 @appendixsection Process list
41178 @cindex operating system information, process list
41179
41180 When requesting the process list, the @var{annex} field in the
41181 @samp{qXfer} request should be @samp{processes}. The returned data is
41182 an XML document. The formal syntax of this document is defined in
41183 @file{gdb/features/osdata.dtd}.
41184
41185 An example document is:
41186
41187 @smallexample
41188 <?xml version="1.0"?>
41189 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "osdata.dtd">
41190 <osdata type="processes">
41191 <item>
41192 <column name="pid">1</column>
41193 <column name="user">root</column>
41194 <column name="command">/sbin/init</column>
41195 <column name="cores">1,2,3</column>
41196 </item>
41197 </osdata>
41198 @end smallexample
41199
41200 Each item should include a column whose name is @samp{pid}. The value
41201 of that column should identify the process on the target. The
41202 @samp{user} and @samp{command} columns are optional, and will be
41203 displayed by @value{GDBN}. The @samp{cores} column, if present,
41204 should contain a comma-separated list of cores that this process
41205 is running on. Target may provide additional columns,
41206 which @value{GDBN} currently ignores.
41207
41208 @node Trace File Format
41209 @appendix Trace File Format
41210 @cindex trace file format
41211
41212 The trace file comes in three parts: a header, a textual description
41213 section, and a trace frame section with binary data.
41214
41215 The header has the form @code{\x7fTRACE0\n}. The first byte is
41216 @code{0x7f} so as to indicate that the file contains binary data,
41217 while the @code{0} is a version number that may have different values
41218 in the future.
41219
41220 The description section consists of multiple lines of @sc{ascii} text
41221 separated by newline characters (@code{0xa}). The lines may include a
41222 variety of optional descriptive or context-setting information, such
41223 as tracepoint definitions or register set size. @value{GDBN} will
41224 ignore any line that it does not recognize. An empty line marks the end
41225 of this section.
41226
41227 @c FIXME add some specific types of data
41228
41229 The trace frame section consists of a number of consecutive frames.
41230 Each frame begins with a two-byte tracepoint number, followed by a
41231 four-byte size giving the amount of data in the frame. The data in
41232 the frame consists of a number of blocks, each introduced by a
41233 character indicating its type (at least register, memory, and trace
41234 state variable). The data in this section is raw binary, not a
41235 hexadecimal or other encoding; its endianness matches the target's
41236 endianness.
41237
41238 @c FIXME bi-arch may require endianness/arch info in description section
41239
41240 @table @code
41241 @item R @var{bytes}
41242 Register block. The number and ordering of bytes matches that of a
41243 @code{g} packet in the remote protocol. Note that these are the
41244 actual bytes, in target order and @value{GDBN} register order, not a
41245 hexadecimal encoding.
41246
41247 @item M @var{address} @var{length} @var{bytes}...
41248 Memory block. This is a contiguous block of memory, at the 8-byte
41249 address @var{address}, with a 2-byte length @var{length}, followed by
41250 @var{length} bytes.
41251
41252 @item V @var{number} @var{value}
41253 Trace state variable block. This records the 8-byte signed value
41254 @var{value} of trace state variable numbered @var{number}.
41255
41256 @end table
41257
41258 Future enhancements of the trace file format may include additional types
41259 of blocks.
41260
41261 @node Index Section Format
41262 @appendix @code{.gdb_index} section format
41263 @cindex .gdb_index section format
41264 @cindex index section format
41265
41266 This section documents the index section that is created by @code{save
41267 gdb-index} (@pxref{Index Files}). The index section is
41268 DWARF-specific; some knowledge of DWARF is assumed in this
41269 description.
41270
41271 The mapped index file format is designed to be directly
41272 @code{mmap}able on any architecture. In most cases, a datum is
41273 represented using a little-endian 32-bit integer value, called an
41274 @code{offset_type}. Big endian machines must byte-swap the values
41275 before using them. Exceptions to this rule are noted. The data is
41276 laid out such that alignment is always respected.
41277
41278 A mapped index consists of several areas, laid out in order.
41279
41280 @enumerate
41281 @item
41282 The file header. This is a sequence of values, of @code{offset_type}
41283 unless otherwise noted:
41284
41285 @enumerate
41286 @item
41287 The version number, currently 8. Versions 1, 2 and 3 are obsolete.
41288 Version 4 uses a different hashing function from versions 5 and 6.
41289 Version 6 includes symbols for inlined functions, whereas versions 4
41290 and 5 do not. Version 7 adds attributes to the CU indices in the
41291 symbol table. Version 8 specifies that symbols from DWARF type units
41292 (@samp{DW_TAG_type_unit}) refer to the type unit's symbol table and not the
41293 compilation unit (@samp{DW_TAG_comp_unit}) using the type.
41294
41295 @value{GDBN} will only read version 4, 5, or 6 indices
41296 by specifying @code{set use-deprecated-index-sections on}.
41297 GDB has a workaround for potentially broken version 7 indices so it is
41298 currently not flagged as deprecated.
41299
41300 @item
41301 The offset, from the start of the file, of the CU list.
41302
41303 @item
41304 The offset, from the start of the file, of the types CU list. Note
41305 that this area can be empty, in which case this offset will be equal
41306 to the next offset.
41307
41308 @item
41309 The offset, from the start of the file, of the address area.
41310
41311 @item
41312 The offset, from the start of the file, of the symbol table.
41313
41314 @item
41315 The offset, from the start of the file, of the constant pool.
41316 @end enumerate
41317
41318 @item
41319 The CU list. This is a sequence of pairs of 64-bit little-endian
41320 values, sorted by the CU offset. The first element in each pair is
41321 the offset of a CU in the @code{.debug_info} section. The second
41322 element in each pair is the length of that CU. References to a CU
41323 elsewhere in the map are done using a CU index, which is just the
41324 0-based index into this table. Note that if there are type CUs, then
41325 conceptually CUs and type CUs form a single list for the purposes of
41326 CU indices.
41327
41328 @item
41329 The types CU list. This is a sequence of triplets of 64-bit
41330 little-endian values. In a triplet, the first value is the CU offset,
41331 the second value is the type offset in the CU, and the third value is
41332 the type signature. The types CU list is not sorted.
41333
41334 @item
41335 The address area. The address area consists of a sequence of address
41336 entries. Each address entry has three elements:
41337
41338 @enumerate
41339 @item
41340 The low address. This is a 64-bit little-endian value.
41341
41342 @item
41343 The high address. This is a 64-bit little-endian value. Like
41344 @code{DW_AT_high_pc}, the value is one byte beyond the end.
41345
41346 @item
41347 The CU index. This is an @code{offset_type} value.
41348 @end enumerate
41349
41350 @item
41351 The symbol table. This is an open-addressed hash table. The size of
41352 the hash table is always a power of 2.
41353
41354 Each slot in the hash table consists of a pair of @code{offset_type}
41355 values. The first value is the offset of the symbol's name in the
41356 constant pool. The second value is the offset of the CU vector in the
41357 constant pool.
41358
41359 If both values are 0, then this slot in the hash table is empty. This
41360 is ok because while 0 is a valid constant pool index, it cannot be a
41361 valid index for both a string and a CU vector.
41362
41363 The hash value for a table entry is computed by applying an
41364 iterative hash function to the symbol's name. Starting with an
41365 initial value of @code{r = 0}, each (unsigned) character @samp{c} in
41366 the string is incorporated into the hash using the formula depending on the
41367 index version:
41368
41369 @table @asis
41370 @item Version 4
41371 The formula is @code{r = r * 67 + c - 113}.
41372
41373 @item Versions 5 to 7
41374 The formula is @code{r = r * 67 + tolower (c) - 113}.
41375 @end table
41376
41377 The terminating @samp{\0} is not incorporated into the hash.
41378
41379 The step size used in the hash table is computed via
41380 @code{((hash * 17) & (size - 1)) | 1}, where @samp{hash} is the hash
41381 value, and @samp{size} is the size of the hash table. The step size
41382 is used to find the next candidate slot when handling a hash
41383 collision.
41384
41385 The names of C@t{++} symbols in the hash table are canonicalized. We
41386 don't currently have a simple description of the canonicalization
41387 algorithm; if you intend to create new index sections, you must read
41388 the code.
41389
41390 @item
41391 The constant pool. This is simply a bunch of bytes. It is organized
41392 so that alignment is correct: CU vectors are stored first, followed by
41393 strings.
41394
41395 A CU vector in the constant pool is a sequence of @code{offset_type}
41396 values. The first value is the number of CU indices in the vector.
41397 Each subsequent value is the index and symbol attributes of a CU in
41398 the CU list. This element in the hash table is used to indicate which
41399 CUs define the symbol and how the symbol is used.
41400 See below for the format of each CU index+attributes entry.
41401
41402 A string in the constant pool is zero-terminated.
41403 @end enumerate
41404
41405 Attributes were added to CU index values in @code{.gdb_index} version 7.
41406 If a symbol has multiple uses within a CU then there is one
41407 CU index+attributes value for each use.
41408
41409 The format of each CU index+attributes entry is as follows
41410 (bit 0 = LSB):
41411
41412 @table @asis
41413
41414 @item Bits 0-23
41415 This is the index of the CU in the CU list.
41416 @item Bits 24-27
41417 These bits are reserved for future purposes and must be zero.
41418 @item Bits 28-30
41419 The kind of the symbol in the CU.
41420
41421 @table @asis
41422 @item 0
41423 This value is reserved and should not be used.
41424 By reserving zero the full @code{offset_type} value is backwards compatible
41425 with previous versions of the index.
41426 @item 1
41427 The symbol is a type.
41428 @item 2
41429 The symbol is a variable or an enum value.
41430 @item 3
41431 The symbol is a function.
41432 @item 4
41433 Any other kind of symbol.
41434 @item 5,6,7
41435 These values are reserved.
41436 @end table
41437
41438 @item Bit 31
41439 This bit is zero if the value is global and one if it is static.
41440
41441 The determination of whether a symbol is global or static is complicated.
41442 The authorative reference is the file @file{dwarf2read.c} in
41443 @value{GDBN} sources.
41444
41445 @end table
41446
41447 This pseudo-code describes the computation of a symbol's kind and
41448 global/static attributes in the index.
41449
41450 @smallexample
41451 is_external = get_attribute (die, DW_AT_external);
41452 language = get_attribute (cu_die, DW_AT_language);
41453 switch (die->tag)
41454 @{
41455 case DW_TAG_typedef:
41456 case DW_TAG_base_type:
41457 case DW_TAG_subrange_type:
41458 kind = TYPE;
41459 is_static = 1;
41460 break;
41461 case DW_TAG_enumerator:
41462 kind = VARIABLE;
41463 is_static = (language != CPLUS && language != JAVA);
41464 break;
41465 case DW_TAG_subprogram:
41466 kind = FUNCTION;
41467 is_static = ! (is_external || language == ADA);
41468 break;
41469 case DW_TAG_constant:
41470 kind = VARIABLE;
41471 is_static = ! is_external;
41472 break;
41473 case DW_TAG_variable:
41474 kind = VARIABLE;
41475 is_static = ! is_external;
41476 break;
41477 case DW_TAG_namespace:
41478 kind = TYPE;
41479 is_static = 0;
41480 break;
41481 case DW_TAG_class_type:
41482 case DW_TAG_interface_type:
41483 case DW_TAG_structure_type:
41484 case DW_TAG_union_type:
41485 case DW_TAG_enumeration_type:
41486 kind = TYPE;
41487 is_static = (language != CPLUS && language != JAVA);
41488 break;
41489 default:
41490 assert (0);
41491 @}
41492 @end smallexample
41493
41494 @include gpl.texi
41495
41496 @node GNU Free Documentation License
41497 @appendix GNU Free Documentation License
41498 @include fdl.texi
41499
41500 @node Concept Index
41501 @unnumbered Concept Index
41502
41503 @printindex cp
41504
41505 @node Command and Variable Index
41506 @unnumbered Command, Variable, and Function Index
41507
41508 @printindex fn
41509
41510 @tex
41511 % I think something like @@colophon should be in texinfo. In the
41512 % meantime:
41513 \long\def\colophon{\hbox to0pt{}\vfill
41514 \centerline{The body of this manual is set in}
41515 \centerline{\fontname\tenrm,}
41516 \centerline{with headings in {\bf\fontname\tenbf}}
41517 \centerline{and examples in {\tt\fontname\tentt}.}
41518 \centerline{{\it\fontname\tenit\/},}
41519 \centerline{{\bf\fontname\tenbf}, and}
41520 \centerline{{\sl\fontname\tensl\/}}
41521 \centerline{are used for emphasis.}\vfill}
41522 \page\colophon
41523 % Blame: doc@@cygnus.com, 1991.
41524 @end tex
41525
41526 @bye
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