Add support for auto-loading scripts from .debug_gdb_scripts section.
[deliverable/binutils-gdb.git] / gdb / doc / gdb.texinfo
1 \input texinfo @c -*-texinfo-*-
2 @c Copyright (C) 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998,
3 @c 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
4 @c Free Software Foundation, Inc.
5 @c
6 @c %**start of header
7 @c makeinfo ignores cmds prev to setfilename, so its arg cannot make use
8 @c of @set vars. However, you can override filename with makeinfo -o.
9 @setfilename gdb.info
10 @c
11 @include gdb-cfg.texi
12 @c
13 @settitle Debugging with @value{GDBN}
14 @setchapternewpage odd
15 @c %**end of header
16
17 @iftex
18 @c @smallbook
19 @c @cropmarks
20 @end iftex
21
22 @finalout
23 @syncodeindex ky cp
24 @syncodeindex tp cp
25
26 @c readline appendices use @vindex, @findex and @ftable,
27 @c annotate.texi and gdbmi use @findex.
28 @syncodeindex vr cp
29 @syncodeindex fn cp
30
31 @c !!set GDB manual's edition---not the same as GDB version!
32 @c This is updated by GNU Press.
33 @set EDITION Ninth
34
35 @c !!set GDB edit command default editor
36 @set EDITOR /bin/ex
37
38 @c THIS MANUAL REQUIRES TEXINFO 4.0 OR LATER.
39
40 @c This is a dir.info fragment to support semi-automated addition of
41 @c manuals to an info tree.
42 @dircategory Software development
43 @direntry
44 * Gdb: (gdb). The GNU debugger.
45 @end direntry
46
47 @copying
48 Copyright @copyright{} 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996,
49 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
50 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
51
52 Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document
53 under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.1 or
54 any later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with the
55 Invariant Sections being ``Free Software'' and ``Free Software Needs
56 Free Documentation'', with the Front-Cover Texts being ``A GNU Manual,''
57 and with the Back-Cover Texts as in (a) below.
58
59 (a) The FSF's Back-Cover Text is: ``You are free to copy and modify
60 this GNU Manual. Buying copies from GNU Press supports the FSF in
61 developing GNU and promoting software freedom.''
62 @end copying
63
64 @ifnottex
65 This file documents the @sc{gnu} debugger @value{GDBN}.
66
67 This is the @value{EDITION} Edition, of @cite{Debugging with
68 @value{GDBN}: the @sc{gnu} Source-Level Debugger} for @value{GDBN}
69 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
70 @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
71 @end ifset
72 Version @value{GDBVN}.
73
74 @insertcopying
75 @end ifnottex
76
77 @titlepage
78 @title Debugging with @value{GDBN}
79 @subtitle The @sc{gnu} Source-Level Debugger
80 @sp 1
81 @subtitle @value{EDITION} Edition, for @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN}
82 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
83 @sp 1
84 @subtitle @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
85 @end ifset
86 @author Richard Stallman, Roland Pesch, Stan Shebs, et al.
87 @page
88 @tex
89 {\parskip=0pt
90 \hfill (Send bugs and comments on @value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.)\par
91 \hfill {\it Debugging with @value{GDBN}}\par
92 \hfill \TeX{}info \texinfoversion\par
93 }
94 @end tex
95
96 @vskip 0pt plus 1filll
97 Published by the Free Software Foundation @*
98 51 Franklin Street, Fifth Floor,
99 Boston, MA 02110-1301, USA@*
100 ISBN 1-882114-77-9 @*
101
102 @insertcopying
103 @page
104 This edition of the GDB manual is dedicated to the memory of Fred
105 Fish. Fred was a long-standing contributor to GDB and to Free
106 software in general. We will miss him.
107 @end titlepage
108 @page
109
110 @ifnottex
111 @node Top, Summary, (dir), (dir)
112
113 @top Debugging with @value{GDBN}
114
115 This file describes @value{GDBN}, the @sc{gnu} symbolic debugger.
116
117 This is the @value{EDITION} Edition, for @value{GDBN}
118 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
119 @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
120 @end ifset
121 Version @value{GDBVN}.
122
123 Copyright (C) 1988-2010 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
124
125 This edition of the GDB manual is dedicated to the memory of Fred
126 Fish. Fred was a long-standing contributor to GDB and to Free
127 software in general. We will miss him.
128
129 @menu
130 * Summary:: Summary of @value{GDBN}
131 * Sample Session:: A sample @value{GDBN} session
132
133 * Invocation:: Getting in and out of @value{GDBN}
134 * Commands:: @value{GDBN} commands
135 * Running:: Running programs under @value{GDBN}
136 * Stopping:: Stopping and continuing
137 * Reverse Execution:: Running programs backward
138 * Process Record and Replay:: Recording inferior's execution and replaying it
139 * Stack:: Examining the stack
140 * Source:: Examining source files
141 * Data:: Examining data
142 * Optimized Code:: Debugging optimized code
143 * Macros:: Preprocessor Macros
144 * Tracepoints:: Debugging remote targets non-intrusively
145 * Overlays:: Debugging programs that use overlays
146
147 * Languages:: Using @value{GDBN} with different languages
148
149 * Symbols:: Examining the symbol table
150 * Altering:: Altering execution
151 * GDB Files:: @value{GDBN} files
152 * Targets:: Specifying a debugging target
153 * Remote Debugging:: Debugging remote programs
154 * Configurations:: Configuration-specific information
155 * Controlling GDB:: Controlling @value{GDBN}
156 * Extending GDB:: Extending @value{GDBN}
157 * Interpreters:: Command Interpreters
158 * TUI:: @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
159 * Emacs:: Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
160 * GDB/MI:: @value{GDBN}'s Machine Interface.
161 * Annotations:: @value{GDBN}'s annotation interface.
162 * JIT Interface:: Using the JIT debugging interface.
163
164 * GDB Bugs:: Reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
165
166 * Command Line Editing:: Command Line Editing
167 * Using History Interactively:: Using History Interactively
168 * Formatting Documentation:: How to format and print @value{GDBN} documentation
169 * Installing GDB:: Installing GDB
170 * Maintenance Commands:: Maintenance Commands
171 * Remote Protocol:: GDB Remote Serial Protocol
172 * Agent Expressions:: The GDB Agent Expression Mechanism
173 * Target Descriptions:: How targets can describe themselves to
174 @value{GDBN}
175 * Operating System Information:: Getting additional information from
176 the operating system
177 * Trace File Format:: GDB trace file format
178 * Copying:: GNU General Public License says
179 how you can copy and share GDB
180 * GNU Free Documentation License:: The license for this documentation
181 * Index:: Index
182 @end menu
183
184 @end ifnottex
185
186 @contents
187
188 @node Summary
189 @unnumbered Summary of @value{GDBN}
190
191 The purpose of a debugger such as @value{GDBN} is to allow you to see what is
192 going on ``inside'' another program while it executes---or what another
193 program was doing at the moment it crashed.
194
195 @value{GDBN} can do four main kinds of things (plus other things in support of
196 these) to help you catch bugs in the act:
197
198 @itemize @bullet
199 @item
200 Start your program, specifying anything that might affect its behavior.
201
202 @item
203 Make your program stop on specified conditions.
204
205 @item
206 Examine what has happened, when your program has stopped.
207
208 @item
209 Change things in your program, so you can experiment with correcting the
210 effects of one bug and go on to learn about another.
211 @end itemize
212
213 You can use @value{GDBN} to debug programs written in C and C@t{++}.
214 For more information, see @ref{Supported Languages,,Supported Languages}.
215 For more information, see @ref{C,,C and C++}.
216
217 @cindex Modula-2
218 Support for Modula-2 is partial. For information on Modula-2, see
219 @ref{Modula-2,,Modula-2}.
220
221 @cindex Pascal
222 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
223 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
224 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
225 syntax.
226
227 @cindex Fortran
228 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, although
229 it may be necessary to refer to some variables with a trailing
230 underscore.
231
232 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Objective-C,
233 using either the Apple/NeXT or the GNU Objective-C runtime.
234
235 @menu
236 * Free Software:: Freely redistributable software
237 * Contributors:: Contributors to GDB
238 @end menu
239
240 @node Free Software
241 @unnumberedsec Free Software
242
243 @value{GDBN} is @dfn{free software}, protected by the @sc{gnu}
244 General Public License
245 (GPL). The GPL gives you the freedom to copy or adapt a licensed
246 program---but every person getting a copy also gets with it the
247 freedom to modify that copy (which means that they must get access to
248 the source code), and the freedom to distribute further copies.
249 Typical software companies use copyrights to limit your freedoms; the
250 Free Software Foundation uses the GPL to preserve these freedoms.
251
252 Fundamentally, the General Public License is a license which says that
253 you have these freedoms and that you cannot take these freedoms away
254 from anyone else.
255
256 @unnumberedsec Free Software Needs Free Documentation
257
258 The biggest deficiency in the free software community today is not in
259 the software---it is the lack of good free documentation that we can
260 include with the free software. Many of our most important
261 programs do not come with free reference manuals and free introductory
262 texts. Documentation is an essential part of any software package;
263 when an important free software package does not come with a free
264 manual and a free tutorial, that is a major gap. We have many such
265 gaps today.
266
267 Consider Perl, for instance. The tutorial manuals that people
268 normally use are non-free. How did this come about? Because the
269 authors of those manuals published them with restrictive terms---no
270 copying, no modification, source files not available---which exclude
271 them from the free software world.
272
273 That wasn't the first time this sort of thing happened, and it was far
274 from the last. Many times we have heard a GNU user eagerly describe a
275 manual that he is writing, his intended contribution to the community,
276 only to learn that he had ruined everything by signing a publication
277 contract to make it non-free.
278
279 Free documentation, like free software, is a matter of freedom, not
280 price. The problem with the non-free manual is not that publishers
281 charge a price for printed copies---that in itself is fine. (The Free
282 Software Foundation sells printed copies of manuals, too.) The
283 problem is the restrictions on the use of the manual. Free manuals
284 are available in source code form, and give you permission to copy and
285 modify. Non-free manuals do not allow this.
286
287 The criteria of freedom for a free manual are roughly the same as for
288 free software. Redistribution (including the normal kinds of
289 commercial redistribution) must be permitted, so that the manual can
290 accompany every copy of the program, both on-line and on paper.
291
292 Permission for modification of the technical content is crucial too.
293 When people modify the software, adding or changing features, if they
294 are conscientious they will change the manual too---so they can
295 provide accurate and clear documentation for the modified program. A
296 manual that leaves you no choice but to write a new manual to document
297 a changed version of the program is not really available to our
298 community.
299
300 Some kinds of limits on the way modification is handled are
301 acceptable. For example, requirements to preserve the original
302 author's copyright notice, the distribution terms, or the list of
303 authors, are ok. It is also no problem to require modified versions
304 to include notice that they were modified. Even entire sections that
305 may not be deleted or changed are acceptable, as long as they deal
306 with nontechnical topics (like this one). These kinds of restrictions
307 are acceptable because they don't obstruct the community's normal use
308 of the manual.
309
310 However, it must be possible to modify all the @emph{technical}
311 content of the manual, and then distribute the result in all the usual
312 media, through all the usual channels. Otherwise, the restrictions
313 obstruct the use of the manual, it is not free, and we need another
314 manual to replace it.
315
316 Please spread the word about this issue. Our community continues to
317 lose manuals to proprietary publishing. If we spread the word that
318 free software needs free reference manuals and free tutorials, perhaps
319 the next person who wants to contribute by writing documentation will
320 realize, before it is too late, that only free manuals contribute to
321 the free software community.
322
323 If you are writing documentation, please insist on publishing it under
324 the GNU Free Documentation License or another free documentation
325 license. Remember that this decision requires your approval---you
326 don't have to let the publisher decide. Some commercial publishers
327 will use a free license if you insist, but they will not propose the
328 option; it is up to you to raise the issue and say firmly that this is
329 what you want. If the publisher you are dealing with refuses, please
330 try other publishers. If you're not sure whether a proposed license
331 is free, write to @email{licensing@@gnu.org}.
332
333 You can encourage commercial publishers to sell more free, copylefted
334 manuals and tutorials by buying them, and particularly by buying
335 copies from the publishers that paid for their writing or for major
336 improvements. Meanwhile, try to avoid buying non-free documentation
337 at all. Check the distribution terms of a manual before you buy it,
338 and insist that whoever seeks your business must respect your freedom.
339 Check the history of the book, and try to reward the publishers that
340 have paid or pay the authors to work on it.
341
342 The Free Software Foundation maintains a list of free documentation
343 published by other publishers, at
344 @url{http://www.fsf.org/doc/other-free-books.html}.
345
346 @node Contributors
347 @unnumberedsec Contributors to @value{GDBN}
348
349 Richard Stallman was the original author of @value{GDBN}, and of many
350 other @sc{gnu} programs. Many others have contributed to its
351 development. This section attempts to credit major contributors. One
352 of the virtues of free software is that everyone is free to contribute
353 to it; with regret, we cannot actually acknowledge everyone here. The
354 file @file{ChangeLog} in the @value{GDBN} distribution approximates a
355 blow-by-blow account.
356
357 Changes much prior to version 2.0 are lost in the mists of time.
358
359 @quotation
360 @emph{Plea:} Additions to this section are particularly welcome. If you
361 or your friends (or enemies, to be evenhanded) have been unfairly
362 omitted from this list, we would like to add your names!
363 @end quotation
364
365 So that they may not regard their many labors as thankless, we
366 particularly thank those who shepherded @value{GDBN} through major
367 releases:
368 Andrew Cagney (releases 6.3, 6.2, 6.1, 6.0, 5.3, 5.2, 5.1 and 5.0);
369 Jim Blandy (release 4.18);
370 Jason Molenda (release 4.17);
371 Stan Shebs (release 4.14);
372 Fred Fish (releases 4.16, 4.15, 4.13, 4.12, 4.11, 4.10, and 4.9);
373 Stu Grossman and John Gilmore (releases 4.8, 4.7, 4.6, 4.5, and 4.4);
374 John Gilmore (releases 4.3, 4.2, 4.1, 4.0, and 3.9);
375 Jim Kingdon (releases 3.5, 3.4, and 3.3);
376 and Randy Smith (releases 3.2, 3.1, and 3.0).
377
378 Richard Stallman, assisted at various times by Peter TerMaat, Chris
379 Hanson, and Richard Mlynarik, handled releases through 2.8.
380
381 Michael Tiemann is the author of most of the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} support
382 in @value{GDBN}, with significant additional contributions from Per
383 Bothner and Daniel Berlin. James Clark wrote the @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
384 demangler. Early work on C@t{++} was by Peter TerMaat (who also did
385 much general update work leading to release 3.0).
386
387 @value{GDBN} uses the BFD subroutine library to examine multiple
388 object-file formats; BFD was a joint project of David V.
389 Henkel-Wallace, Rich Pixley, Steve Chamberlain, and John Gilmore.
390
391 David Johnson wrote the original COFF support; Pace Willison did
392 the original support for encapsulated COFF.
393
394 Brent Benson of Harris Computer Systems contributed DWARF 2 support.
395
396 Adam de Boor and Bradley Davis contributed the ISI Optimum V support.
397 Per Bothner, Noboyuki Hikichi, and Alessandro Forin contributed MIPS
398 support.
399 Jean-Daniel Fekete contributed Sun 386i support.
400 Chris Hanson improved the HP9000 support.
401 Noboyuki Hikichi and Tomoyuki Hasei contributed Sony/News OS 3 support.
402 David Johnson contributed Encore Umax support.
403 Jyrki Kuoppala contributed Altos 3068 support.
404 Jeff Law contributed HP PA and SOM support.
405 Keith Packard contributed NS32K support.
406 Doug Rabson contributed Acorn Risc Machine support.
407 Bob Rusk contributed Harris Nighthawk CX-UX support.
408 Chris Smith contributed Convex support (and Fortran debugging).
409 Jonathan Stone contributed Pyramid support.
410 Michael Tiemann contributed SPARC support.
411 Tim Tucker contributed support for the Gould NP1 and Gould Powernode.
412 Pace Willison contributed Intel 386 support.
413 Jay Vosburgh contributed Symmetry support.
414 Marko Mlinar contributed OpenRISC 1000 support.
415
416 Andreas Schwab contributed M68K @sc{gnu}/Linux support.
417
418 Rich Schaefer and Peter Schauer helped with support of SunOS shared
419 libraries.
420
421 Jay Fenlason and Roland McGrath ensured that @value{GDBN} and GAS agree
422 about several machine instruction sets.
423
424 Patrick Duval, Ted Goldstein, Vikram Koka and Glenn Engel helped develop
425 remote debugging. Intel Corporation, Wind River Systems, AMD, and ARM
426 contributed remote debugging modules for the i960, VxWorks, A29K UDI,
427 and RDI targets, respectively.
428
429 Brian Fox is the author of the readline libraries providing
430 command-line editing and command history.
431
432 Andrew Beers of SUNY Buffalo wrote the language-switching code, the
433 Modula-2 support, and contributed the Languages chapter of this manual.
434
435 Fred Fish wrote most of the support for Unix System Vr4.
436 He also enhanced the command-completion support to cover C@t{++} overloaded
437 symbols.
438
439 Hitachi America (now Renesas America), Ltd. sponsored the support for
440 H8/300, H8/500, and Super-H processors.
441
442 NEC sponsored the support for the v850, Vr4xxx, and Vr5xxx processors.
443
444 Mitsubishi (now Renesas) sponsored the support for D10V, D30V, and M32R/D
445 processors.
446
447 Toshiba sponsored the support for the TX39 Mips processor.
448
449 Matsushita sponsored the support for the MN10200 and MN10300 processors.
450
451 Fujitsu sponsored the support for SPARClite and FR30 processors.
452
453 Kung Hsu, Jeff Law, and Rick Sladkey added support for hardware
454 watchpoints.
455
456 Michael Snyder added support for tracepoints.
457
458 Stu Grossman wrote gdbserver.
459
460 Jim Kingdon, Peter Schauer, Ian Taylor, and Stu Grossman made
461 nearly innumerable bug fixes and cleanups throughout @value{GDBN}.
462
463 The following people at the Hewlett-Packard Company contributed
464 support for the PA-RISC 2.0 architecture, HP-UX 10.20, 10.30, and 11.0
465 (narrow mode), HP's implementation of kernel threads, HP's aC@t{++}
466 compiler, and the Text User Interface (nee Terminal User Interface):
467 Ben Krepp, Richard Title, John Bishop, Susan Macchia, Kathy Mann,
468 Satish Pai, India Paul, Steve Rehrauer, and Elena Zannoni. Kim Haase
469 provided HP-specific information in this manual.
470
471 DJ Delorie ported @value{GDBN} to MS-DOS, for the DJGPP project.
472 Robert Hoehne made significant contributions to the DJGPP port.
473
474 Cygnus Solutions has sponsored @value{GDBN} maintenance and much of its
475 development since 1991. Cygnus engineers who have worked on @value{GDBN}
476 fulltime include Mark Alexander, Jim Blandy, Per Bothner, Kevin
477 Buettner, Edith Epstein, Chris Faylor, Fred Fish, Martin Hunt, Jim
478 Ingham, John Gilmore, Stu Grossman, Kung Hsu, Jim Kingdon, John Metzler,
479 Fernando Nasser, Geoffrey Noer, Dawn Perchik, Rich Pixley, Zdenek
480 Radouch, Keith Seitz, Stan Shebs, David Taylor, and Elena Zannoni. In
481 addition, Dave Brolley, Ian Carmichael, Steve Chamberlain, Nick Clifton,
482 JT Conklin, Stan Cox, DJ Delorie, Ulrich Drepper, Frank Eigler, Doug
483 Evans, Sean Fagan, David Henkel-Wallace, Richard Henderson, Jeff
484 Holcomb, Jeff Law, Jim Lemke, Tom Lord, Bob Manson, Michael Meissner,
485 Jason Merrill, Catherine Moore, Drew Moseley, Ken Raeburn, Gavin
486 Romig-Koch, Rob Savoye, Jamie Smith, Mike Stump, Ian Taylor, Angela
487 Thomas, Michael Tiemann, Tom Tromey, Ron Unrau, Jim Wilson, and David
488 Zuhn have made contributions both large and small.
489
490 Andrew Cagney, Fernando Nasser, and Elena Zannoni, while working for
491 Cygnus Solutions, implemented the original @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
492
493 Jim Blandy added support for preprocessor macros, while working for Red
494 Hat.
495
496 Andrew Cagney designed @value{GDBN}'s architecture vector. Many
497 people including Andrew Cagney, Stephane Carrez, Randolph Chung, Nick
498 Duffek, Richard Henderson, Mark Kettenis, Grace Sainsbury, Kei
499 Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Andreas Schwab, Jason
500 Thorpe, Corinna Vinschen, Ulrich Weigand, and Elena Zannoni, helped
501 with the migration of old architectures to this new framework.
502
503 Andrew Cagney completely re-designed and re-implemented @value{GDBN}'s
504 unwinder framework, this consisting of a fresh new design featuring
505 frame IDs, independent frame sniffers, and the sentinel frame. Mark
506 Kettenis implemented the @sc{dwarf 2} unwinder, Jeff Johnston the
507 libunwind unwinder, and Andrew Cagney the dummy, sentinel, tramp, and
508 trad unwinders. The architecture-specific changes, each involving a
509 complete rewrite of the architecture's frame code, were carried out by
510 Jim Blandy, Joel Brobecker, Kevin Buettner, Andrew Cagney, Stephane
511 Carrez, Randolph Chung, Orjan Friberg, Richard Henderson, Daniel
512 Jacobowitz, Jeff Johnston, Mark Kettenis, Theodore A. Roth, Kei
513 Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Corinna Vinschen, and Ulrich
514 Weigand.
515
516 Christian Zankel, Ross Morley, Bob Wilson, and Maxim Grigoriev from
517 Tensilica, Inc.@: contributed support for Xtensa processors. Others
518 who have worked on the Xtensa port of @value{GDBN} in the past include
519 Steve Tjiang, John Newlin, and Scott Foehner.
520
521 Michael Eager and staff of Xilinx, Inc., contributed support for the
522 Xilinx MicroBlaze architecture.
523
524 @node Sample Session
525 @chapter A Sample @value{GDBN} Session
526
527 You can use this manual at your leisure to read all about @value{GDBN}.
528 However, a handful of commands are enough to get started using the
529 debugger. This chapter illustrates those commands.
530
531 @iftex
532 In this sample session, we emphasize user input like this: @b{input},
533 to make it easier to pick out from the surrounding output.
534 @end iftex
535
536 @c FIXME: this example may not be appropriate for some configs, where
537 @c FIXME...primary interest is in remote use.
538
539 One of the preliminary versions of @sc{gnu} @code{m4} (a generic macro
540 processor) exhibits the following bug: sometimes, when we change its
541 quote strings from the default, the commands used to capture one macro
542 definition within another stop working. In the following short @code{m4}
543 session, we define a macro @code{foo} which expands to @code{0000}; we
544 then use the @code{m4} built-in @code{defn} to define @code{bar} as the
545 same thing. However, when we change the open quote string to
546 @code{<QUOTE>} and the close quote string to @code{<UNQUOTE>}, the same
547 procedure fails to define a new synonym @code{baz}:
548
549 @smallexample
550 $ @b{cd gnu/m4}
551 $ @b{./m4}
552 @b{define(foo,0000)}
553
554 @b{foo}
555 0000
556 @b{define(bar,defn(`foo'))}
557
558 @b{bar}
559 0000
560 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
561
562 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
563 @b{baz}
564 @b{Ctrl-d}
565 m4: End of input: 0: fatal error: EOF in string
566 @end smallexample
567
568 @noindent
569 Let us use @value{GDBN} to try to see what is going on.
570
571 @smallexample
572 $ @b{@value{GDBP} m4}
573 @c FIXME: this falsifies the exact text played out, to permit smallbook
574 @c FIXME... format to come out better.
575 @value{GDBN} is free software and you are welcome to distribute copies
576 of it under certain conditions; type "show copying" to see
577 the conditions.
578 There is absolutely no warranty for @value{GDBN}; type "show warranty"
579 for details.
580
581 @value{GDBN} @value{GDBVN}, Copyright 1999 Free Software Foundation, Inc...
582 (@value{GDBP})
583 @end smallexample
584
585 @noindent
586 @value{GDBN} reads only enough symbol data to know where to find the
587 rest when needed; as a result, the first prompt comes up very quickly.
588 We now tell @value{GDBN} to use a narrower display width than usual, so
589 that examples fit in this manual.
590
591 @smallexample
592 (@value{GDBP}) @b{set width 70}
593 @end smallexample
594
595 @noindent
596 We need to see how the @code{m4} built-in @code{changequote} works.
597 Having looked at the source, we know the relevant subroutine is
598 @code{m4_changequote}, so we set a breakpoint there with the @value{GDBN}
599 @code{break} command.
600
601 @smallexample
602 (@value{GDBP}) @b{break m4_changequote}
603 Breakpoint 1 at 0x62f4: file builtin.c, line 879.
604 @end smallexample
605
606 @noindent
607 Using the @code{run} command, we start @code{m4} running under @value{GDBN}
608 control; as long as control does not reach the @code{m4_changequote}
609 subroutine, the program runs as usual:
610
611 @smallexample
612 (@value{GDBP}) @b{run}
613 Starting program: /work/Editorial/gdb/gnu/m4/m4
614 @b{define(foo,0000)}
615
616 @b{foo}
617 0000
618 @end smallexample
619
620 @noindent
621 To trigger the breakpoint, we call @code{changequote}. @value{GDBN}
622 suspends execution of @code{m4}, displaying information about the
623 context where it stops.
624
625 @smallexample
626 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
627
628 Breakpoint 1, m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
629 at builtin.c:879
630 879 if (bad_argc(TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[0]),argc,1,3))
631 @end smallexample
632
633 @noindent
634 Now we use the command @code{n} (@code{next}) to advance execution to
635 the next line of the current function.
636
637 @smallexample
638 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
639 882 set_quotes((argc >= 2) ? TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[1])\
640 : nil,
641 @end smallexample
642
643 @noindent
644 @code{set_quotes} looks like a promising subroutine. We can go into it
645 by using the command @code{s} (@code{step}) instead of @code{next}.
646 @code{step} goes to the next line to be executed in @emph{any}
647 subroutine, so it steps into @code{set_quotes}.
648
649 @smallexample
650 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
651 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
652 at input.c:530
653 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
654 @end smallexample
655
656 @noindent
657 The display that shows the subroutine where @code{m4} is now
658 suspended (and its arguments) is called a stack frame display. It
659 shows a summary of the stack. We can use the @code{backtrace}
660 command (which can also be spelled @code{bt}), to see where we are
661 in the stack as a whole: the @code{backtrace} command displays a
662 stack frame for each active subroutine.
663
664 @smallexample
665 (@value{GDBP}) @b{bt}
666 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
667 at input.c:530
668 #1 0x6344 in m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
669 at builtin.c:882
670 #2 0x8174 in expand_macro (sym=0x33320) at macro.c:242
671 #3 0x7a88 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=209696, td=0xf7fffa30)
672 at macro.c:71
673 #4 0x79dc in expand_input () at macro.c:40
674 #5 0x2930 in main (argc=0, argv=0xf7fffb20) at m4.c:195
675 @end smallexample
676
677 @noindent
678 We step through a few more lines to see what happens. The first two
679 times, we can use @samp{s}; the next two times we use @code{n} to avoid
680 falling into the @code{xstrdup} subroutine.
681
682 @smallexample
683 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
684 0x3b5c 532 if (rquote != def_rquote)
685 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
686 0x3b80 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? \
687 def_lquote : xstrdup(lq);
688 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
689 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
690 : xstrdup(rq);
691 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
692 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
693 @end smallexample
694
695 @noindent
696 The last line displayed looks a little odd; we can examine the variables
697 @code{lquote} and @code{rquote} to see if they are in fact the new left
698 and right quotes we specified. We use the command @code{p}
699 (@code{print}) to see their values.
700
701 @smallexample
702 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p lquote}
703 $1 = 0x35d40 "<QUOTE>"
704 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p rquote}
705 $2 = 0x35d50 "<UNQUOTE>"
706 @end smallexample
707
708 @noindent
709 @code{lquote} and @code{rquote} are indeed the new left and right quotes.
710 To look at some context, we can display ten lines of source
711 surrounding the current line with the @code{l} (@code{list}) command.
712
713 @smallexample
714 (@value{GDBP}) @b{l}
715 533 xfree(rquote);
716 534
717 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? def_lquote\
718 : xstrdup (lq);
719 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
720 : xstrdup (rq);
721 537
722 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
723 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
724 540 @}
725 541
726 542 void
727 @end smallexample
728
729 @noindent
730 Let us step past the two lines that set @code{len_lquote} and
731 @code{len_rquote}, and then examine the values of those variables.
732
733 @smallexample
734 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
735 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
736 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
737 540 @}
738 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote}
739 $3 = 9
740 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote}
741 $4 = 7
742 @end smallexample
743
744 @noindent
745 That certainly looks wrong, assuming @code{len_lquote} and
746 @code{len_rquote} are meant to be the lengths of @code{lquote} and
747 @code{rquote} respectively. We can set them to better values using
748 the @code{p} command, since it can print the value of
749 any expression---and that expression can include subroutine calls and
750 assignments.
751
752 @smallexample
753 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote=strlen(lquote)}
754 $5 = 7
755 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote=strlen(rquote)}
756 $6 = 9
757 @end smallexample
758
759 @noindent
760 Is that enough to fix the problem of using the new quotes with the
761 @code{m4} built-in @code{defn}? We can allow @code{m4} to continue
762 executing with the @code{c} (@code{continue}) command, and then try the
763 example that caused trouble initially:
764
765 @smallexample
766 (@value{GDBP}) @b{c}
767 Continuing.
768
769 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
770
771 baz
772 0000
773 @end smallexample
774
775 @noindent
776 Success! The new quotes now work just as well as the default ones. The
777 problem seems to have been just the two typos defining the wrong
778 lengths. We allow @code{m4} exit by giving it an EOF as input:
779
780 @smallexample
781 @b{Ctrl-d}
782 Program exited normally.
783 @end smallexample
784
785 @noindent
786 The message @samp{Program exited normally.} is from @value{GDBN}; it
787 indicates @code{m4} has finished executing. We can end our @value{GDBN}
788 session with the @value{GDBN} @code{quit} command.
789
790 @smallexample
791 (@value{GDBP}) @b{quit}
792 @end smallexample
793
794 @node Invocation
795 @chapter Getting In and Out of @value{GDBN}
796
797 This chapter discusses how to start @value{GDBN}, and how to get out of it.
798 The essentials are:
799 @itemize @bullet
800 @item
801 type @samp{@value{GDBP}} to start @value{GDBN}.
802 @item
803 type @kbd{quit} or @kbd{Ctrl-d} to exit.
804 @end itemize
805
806 @menu
807 * Invoking GDB:: How to start @value{GDBN}
808 * Quitting GDB:: How to quit @value{GDBN}
809 * Shell Commands:: How to use shell commands inside @value{GDBN}
810 * Logging Output:: How to log @value{GDBN}'s output to a file
811 @end menu
812
813 @node Invoking GDB
814 @section Invoking @value{GDBN}
815
816 Invoke @value{GDBN} by running the program @code{@value{GDBP}}. Once started,
817 @value{GDBN} reads commands from the terminal until you tell it to exit.
818
819 You can also run @code{@value{GDBP}} with a variety of arguments and options,
820 to specify more of your debugging environment at the outset.
821
822 The command-line options described here are designed
823 to cover a variety of situations; in some environments, some of these
824 options may effectively be unavailable.
825
826 The most usual way to start @value{GDBN} is with one argument,
827 specifying an executable program:
828
829 @smallexample
830 @value{GDBP} @var{program}
831 @end smallexample
832
833 @noindent
834 You can also start with both an executable program and a core file
835 specified:
836
837 @smallexample
838 @value{GDBP} @var{program} @var{core}
839 @end smallexample
840
841 You can, instead, specify a process ID as a second argument, if you want
842 to debug a running process:
843
844 @smallexample
845 @value{GDBP} @var{program} 1234
846 @end smallexample
847
848 @noindent
849 would attach @value{GDBN} to process @code{1234} (unless you also have a file
850 named @file{1234}; @value{GDBN} does check for a core file first).
851
852 Taking advantage of the second command-line argument requires a fairly
853 complete operating system; when you use @value{GDBN} as a remote
854 debugger attached to a bare board, there may not be any notion of
855 ``process'', and there is often no way to get a core dump. @value{GDBN}
856 will warn you if it is unable to attach or to read core dumps.
857
858 You can optionally have @code{@value{GDBP}} pass any arguments after the
859 executable file to the inferior using @code{--args}. This option stops
860 option processing.
861 @smallexample
862 @value{GDBP} --args gcc -O2 -c foo.c
863 @end smallexample
864 This will cause @code{@value{GDBP}} to debug @code{gcc}, and to set
865 @code{gcc}'s command-line arguments (@pxref{Arguments}) to @samp{-O2 -c foo.c}.
866
867 You can run @code{@value{GDBP}} without printing the front material, which describes
868 @value{GDBN}'s non-warranty, by specifying @code{-silent}:
869
870 @smallexample
871 @value{GDBP} -silent
872 @end smallexample
873
874 @noindent
875 You can further control how @value{GDBN} starts up by using command-line
876 options. @value{GDBN} itself can remind you of the options available.
877
878 @noindent
879 Type
880
881 @smallexample
882 @value{GDBP} -help
883 @end smallexample
884
885 @noindent
886 to display all available options and briefly describe their use
887 (@samp{@value{GDBP} -h} is a shorter equivalent).
888
889 All options and command line arguments you give are processed
890 in sequential order. The order makes a difference when the
891 @samp{-x} option is used.
892
893
894 @menu
895 * File Options:: Choosing files
896 * Mode Options:: Choosing modes
897 * Startup:: What @value{GDBN} does during startup
898 @end menu
899
900 @node File Options
901 @subsection Choosing Files
902
903 When @value{GDBN} starts, it reads any arguments other than options as
904 specifying an executable file and core file (or process ID). This is
905 the same as if the arguments were specified by the @samp{-se} and
906 @samp{-c} (or @samp{-p}) options respectively. (@value{GDBN} reads the
907 first argument that does not have an associated option flag as
908 equivalent to the @samp{-se} option followed by that argument; and the
909 second argument that does not have an associated option flag, if any, as
910 equivalent to the @samp{-c}/@samp{-p} option followed by that argument.)
911 If the second argument begins with a decimal digit, @value{GDBN} will
912 first attempt to attach to it as a process, and if that fails, attempt
913 to open it as a corefile. If you have a corefile whose name begins with
914 a digit, you can prevent @value{GDBN} from treating it as a pid by
915 prefixing it with @file{./}, e.g.@: @file{./12345}.
916
917 If @value{GDBN} has not been configured to included core file support,
918 such as for most embedded targets, then it will complain about a second
919 argument and ignore it.
920
921 Many options have both long and short forms; both are shown in the
922 following list. @value{GDBN} also recognizes the long forms if you truncate
923 them, so long as enough of the option is present to be unambiguous.
924 (If you prefer, you can flag option arguments with @samp{--} rather
925 than @samp{-}, though we illustrate the more usual convention.)
926
927 @c NOTE: the @cindex entries here use double dashes ON PURPOSE. This
928 @c way, both those who look for -foo and --foo in the index, will find
929 @c it.
930
931 @table @code
932 @item -symbols @var{file}
933 @itemx -s @var{file}
934 @cindex @code{--symbols}
935 @cindex @code{-s}
936 Read symbol table from file @var{file}.
937
938 @item -exec @var{file}
939 @itemx -e @var{file}
940 @cindex @code{--exec}
941 @cindex @code{-e}
942 Use file @var{file} as the executable file to execute when appropriate,
943 and for examining pure data in conjunction with a core dump.
944
945 @item -se @var{file}
946 @cindex @code{--se}
947 Read symbol table from file @var{file} and use it as the executable
948 file.
949
950 @item -core @var{file}
951 @itemx -c @var{file}
952 @cindex @code{--core}
953 @cindex @code{-c}
954 Use file @var{file} as a core dump to examine.
955
956 @item -pid @var{number}
957 @itemx -p @var{number}
958 @cindex @code{--pid}
959 @cindex @code{-p}
960 Connect to process ID @var{number}, as with the @code{attach} command.
961
962 @item -command @var{file}
963 @itemx -x @var{file}
964 @cindex @code{--command}
965 @cindex @code{-x}
966 Execute commands from file @var{file}. The contents of this file is
967 evaluated exactly as the @code{source} command would.
968 @xref{Command Files,, Command files}.
969
970 @item -eval-command @var{command}
971 @itemx -ex @var{command}
972 @cindex @code{--eval-command}
973 @cindex @code{-ex}
974 Execute a single @value{GDBN} command.
975
976 This option may be used multiple times to call multiple commands. It may
977 also be interleaved with @samp{-command} as required.
978
979 @smallexample
980 @value{GDBP} -ex 'target sim' -ex 'load' \
981 -x setbreakpoints -ex 'run' a.out
982 @end smallexample
983
984 @item -directory @var{directory}
985 @itemx -d @var{directory}
986 @cindex @code{--directory}
987 @cindex @code{-d}
988 Add @var{directory} to the path to search for source and script files.
989
990 @item -r
991 @itemx -readnow
992 @cindex @code{--readnow}
993 @cindex @code{-r}
994 Read each symbol file's entire symbol table immediately, rather than
995 the default, which is to read it incrementally as it is needed.
996 This makes startup slower, but makes future operations faster.
997
998 @end table
999
1000 @node Mode Options
1001 @subsection Choosing Modes
1002
1003 You can run @value{GDBN} in various alternative modes---for example, in
1004 batch mode or quiet mode.
1005
1006 @table @code
1007 @item -nx
1008 @itemx -n
1009 @cindex @code{--nx}
1010 @cindex @code{-n}
1011 Do not execute commands found in any initialization files. Normally,
1012 @value{GDBN} executes the commands in these files after all the command
1013 options and arguments have been processed. @xref{Command Files,,Command
1014 Files}.
1015
1016 @item -quiet
1017 @itemx -silent
1018 @itemx -q
1019 @cindex @code{--quiet}
1020 @cindex @code{--silent}
1021 @cindex @code{-q}
1022 ``Quiet''. Do not print the introductory and copyright messages. These
1023 messages are also suppressed in batch mode.
1024
1025 @item -batch
1026 @cindex @code{--batch}
1027 Run in batch mode. Exit with status @code{0} after processing all the
1028 command files specified with @samp{-x} (and all commands from
1029 initialization files, if not inhibited with @samp{-n}). Exit with
1030 nonzero status if an error occurs in executing the @value{GDBN} commands
1031 in the command files. Batch mode also disables pagination;
1032 @pxref{Screen Size} and acts as if @kbd{set confirm off} were in
1033 effect (@pxref{Messages/Warnings}).
1034
1035 Batch mode may be useful for running @value{GDBN} as a filter, for
1036 example to download and run a program on another computer; in order to
1037 make this more useful, the message
1038
1039 @smallexample
1040 Program exited normally.
1041 @end smallexample
1042
1043 @noindent
1044 (which is ordinarily issued whenever a program running under
1045 @value{GDBN} control terminates) is not issued when running in batch
1046 mode.
1047
1048 @item -batch-silent
1049 @cindex @code{--batch-silent}
1050 Run in batch mode exactly like @samp{-batch}, but totally silently. All
1051 @value{GDBN} output to @code{stdout} is prevented (@code{stderr} is
1052 unaffected). This is much quieter than @samp{-silent} and would be useless
1053 for an interactive session.
1054
1055 This is particularly useful when using targets that give @samp{Loading section}
1056 messages, for example.
1057
1058 Note that targets that give their output via @value{GDBN}, as opposed to
1059 writing directly to @code{stdout}, will also be made silent.
1060
1061 @item -return-child-result
1062 @cindex @code{--return-child-result}
1063 The return code from @value{GDBN} will be the return code from the child
1064 process (the process being debugged), with the following exceptions:
1065
1066 @itemize @bullet
1067 @item
1068 @value{GDBN} exits abnormally. E.g., due to an incorrect argument or an
1069 internal error. In this case the exit code is the same as it would have been
1070 without @samp{-return-child-result}.
1071 @item
1072 The user quits with an explicit value. E.g., @samp{quit 1}.
1073 @item
1074 The child process never runs, or is not allowed to terminate, in which case
1075 the exit code will be -1.
1076 @end itemize
1077
1078 This option is useful in conjunction with @samp{-batch} or @samp{-batch-silent},
1079 when @value{GDBN} is being used as a remote program loader or simulator
1080 interface.
1081
1082 @item -nowindows
1083 @itemx -nw
1084 @cindex @code{--nowindows}
1085 @cindex @code{-nw}
1086 ``No windows''. If @value{GDBN} comes with a graphical user interface
1087 (GUI) built in, then this option tells @value{GDBN} to only use the command-line
1088 interface. If no GUI is available, this option has no effect.
1089
1090 @item -windows
1091 @itemx -w
1092 @cindex @code{--windows}
1093 @cindex @code{-w}
1094 If @value{GDBN} includes a GUI, then this option requires it to be
1095 used if possible.
1096
1097 @item -cd @var{directory}
1098 @cindex @code{--cd}
1099 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its working directory,
1100 instead of the current directory.
1101
1102 @item -fullname
1103 @itemx -f
1104 @cindex @code{--fullname}
1105 @cindex @code{-f}
1106 @sc{gnu} Emacs sets this option when it runs @value{GDBN} as a
1107 subprocess. It tells @value{GDBN} to output the full file name and line
1108 number in a standard, recognizable fashion each time a stack frame is
1109 displayed (which includes each time your program stops). This
1110 recognizable format looks like two @samp{\032} characters, followed by
1111 the file name, line number and character position separated by colons,
1112 and a newline. The Emacs-to-@value{GDBN} interface program uses the two
1113 @samp{\032} characters as a signal to display the source code for the
1114 frame.
1115
1116 @item -epoch
1117 @cindex @code{--epoch}
1118 The Epoch Emacs-@value{GDBN} interface sets this option when it runs
1119 @value{GDBN} as a subprocess. It tells @value{GDBN} to modify its print
1120 routines so as to allow Epoch to display values of expressions in a
1121 separate window.
1122
1123 @item -annotate @var{level}
1124 @cindex @code{--annotate}
1125 This option sets the @dfn{annotation level} inside @value{GDBN}. Its
1126 effect is identical to using @samp{set annotate @var{level}}
1127 (@pxref{Annotations}). The annotation @var{level} controls how much
1128 information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt, values of
1129 expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0 is the
1130 normal, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a subprocess of
1131 @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable for programs
1132 that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 has been deprecated.
1133
1134 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
1135 (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
1136
1137 @item --args
1138 @cindex @code{--args}
1139 Change interpretation of command line so that arguments following the
1140 executable file are passed as command line arguments to the inferior.
1141 This option stops option processing.
1142
1143 @item -baud @var{bps}
1144 @itemx -b @var{bps}
1145 @cindex @code{--baud}
1146 @cindex @code{-b}
1147 Set the line speed (baud rate or bits per second) of any serial
1148 interface used by @value{GDBN} for remote debugging.
1149
1150 @item -l @var{timeout}
1151 @cindex @code{-l}
1152 Set the timeout (in seconds) of any communication used by @value{GDBN}
1153 for remote debugging.
1154
1155 @item -tty @var{device}
1156 @itemx -t @var{device}
1157 @cindex @code{--tty}
1158 @cindex @code{-t}
1159 Run using @var{device} for your program's standard input and output.
1160 @c FIXME: kingdon thinks there is more to -tty. Investigate.
1161
1162 @c resolve the situation of these eventually
1163 @item -tui
1164 @cindex @code{--tui}
1165 Activate the @dfn{Text User Interface} when starting. The Text User
1166 Interface manages several text windows on the terminal, showing
1167 source, assembly, registers and @value{GDBN} command outputs
1168 (@pxref{TUI, ,@value{GDBN} Text User Interface}). Alternatively, the
1169 Text User Interface can be enabled by invoking the program
1170 @samp{@value{GDBTUI}}. Do not use this option if you run @value{GDBN} from
1171 Emacs (@pxref{Emacs, ,Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}).
1172
1173 @c @item -xdb
1174 @c @cindex @code{--xdb}
1175 @c Run in XDB compatibility mode, allowing the use of certain XDB commands.
1176 @c For information, see the file @file{xdb_trans.html}, which is usually
1177 @c installed in the directory @code{/opt/langtools/wdb/doc} on HP-UX
1178 @c systems.
1179
1180 @item -interpreter @var{interp}
1181 @cindex @code{--interpreter}
1182 Use the interpreter @var{interp} for interface with the controlling
1183 program or device. This option is meant to be set by programs which
1184 communicate with @value{GDBN} using it as a back end.
1185 @xref{Interpreters, , Command Interpreters}.
1186
1187 @samp{--interpreter=mi} (or @samp{--interpreter=mi2}) causes
1188 @value{GDBN} to use the @dfn{@sc{gdb/mi} interface} (@pxref{GDB/MI, ,
1189 The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}) included since @value{GDBN} version 6.0. The
1190 previous @sc{gdb/mi} interface, included in @value{GDBN} version 5.3 and
1191 selected with @samp{--interpreter=mi1}, is deprecated. Earlier
1192 @sc{gdb/mi} interfaces are no longer supported.
1193
1194 @item -write
1195 @cindex @code{--write}
1196 Open the executable and core files for both reading and writing. This
1197 is equivalent to the @samp{set write on} command inside @value{GDBN}
1198 (@pxref{Patching}).
1199
1200 @item -statistics
1201 @cindex @code{--statistics}
1202 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print statistics about time and
1203 memory usage after it completes each command and returns to the prompt.
1204
1205 @item -version
1206 @cindex @code{--version}
1207 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print its version number and
1208 no-warranty blurb, and exit.
1209
1210 @end table
1211
1212 @node Startup
1213 @subsection What @value{GDBN} Does During Startup
1214 @cindex @value{GDBN} startup
1215
1216 Here's the description of what @value{GDBN} does during session startup:
1217
1218 @enumerate
1219 @item
1220 Sets up the command interpreter as specified by the command line
1221 (@pxref{Mode Options, interpreter}).
1222
1223 @item
1224 @cindex init file
1225 Reads the system-wide @dfn{init file} (if @option{--with-system-gdbinit} was
1226 used when building @value{GDBN}; @pxref{System-wide configuration,
1227 ,System-wide configuration and settings}) and executes all the commands in
1228 that file.
1229
1230 @item
1231 Reads the init file (if any) in your home directory@footnote{On
1232 DOS/Windows systems, the home directory is the one pointed to by the
1233 @code{HOME} environment variable.} and executes all the commands in
1234 that file.
1235
1236 @item
1237 Processes command line options and operands.
1238
1239 @item
1240 Reads and executes the commands from init file (if any) in the current
1241 working directory. This is only done if the current directory is
1242 different from your home directory. Thus, you can have more than one
1243 init file, one generic in your home directory, and another, specific
1244 to the program you are debugging, in the directory where you invoke
1245 @value{GDBN}.
1246
1247 @item
1248 Reads command files specified by the @samp{-x} option. @xref{Command
1249 Files}, for more details about @value{GDBN} command files.
1250
1251 @item
1252 Reads the command history recorded in the @dfn{history file}.
1253 @xref{Command History}, for more details about the command history and the
1254 files where @value{GDBN} records it.
1255 @end enumerate
1256
1257 Init files use the same syntax as @dfn{command files} (@pxref{Command
1258 Files}) and are processed by @value{GDBN} in the same way. The init
1259 file in your home directory can set options (such as @samp{set
1260 complaints}) that affect subsequent processing of command line options
1261 and operands. Init files are not executed if you use the @samp{-nx}
1262 option (@pxref{Mode Options, ,Choosing Modes}).
1263
1264 To display the list of init files loaded by gdb at startup, you
1265 can use @kbd{gdb --help}.
1266
1267 @cindex init file name
1268 @cindex @file{.gdbinit}
1269 @cindex @file{gdb.ini}
1270 The @value{GDBN} init files are normally called @file{.gdbinit}.
1271 The DJGPP port of @value{GDBN} uses the name @file{gdb.ini}, due to
1272 the limitations of file names imposed by DOS filesystems. The Windows
1273 ports of @value{GDBN} use the standard name, but if they find a
1274 @file{gdb.ini} file, they warn you about that and suggest to rename
1275 the file to the standard name.
1276
1277
1278 @node Quitting GDB
1279 @section Quitting @value{GDBN}
1280 @cindex exiting @value{GDBN}
1281 @cindex leaving @value{GDBN}
1282
1283 @table @code
1284 @kindex quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1285 @kindex q @r{(@code{quit})}
1286 @item quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1287 @itemx q
1288 To exit @value{GDBN}, use the @code{quit} command (abbreviated
1289 @code{q}), or type an end-of-file character (usually @kbd{Ctrl-d}). If you
1290 do not supply @var{expression}, @value{GDBN} will terminate normally;
1291 otherwise it will terminate using the result of @var{expression} as the
1292 error code.
1293 @end table
1294
1295 @cindex interrupt
1296 An interrupt (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}) does not exit from @value{GDBN}, but rather
1297 terminates the action of any @value{GDBN} command that is in progress and
1298 returns to @value{GDBN} command level. It is safe to type the interrupt
1299 character at any time because @value{GDBN} does not allow it to take effect
1300 until a time when it is safe.
1301
1302 If you have been using @value{GDBN} to control an attached process or
1303 device, you can release it with the @code{detach} command
1304 (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running Process}).
1305
1306 @node Shell Commands
1307 @section Shell Commands
1308
1309 If you need to execute occasional shell commands during your
1310 debugging session, there is no need to leave or suspend @value{GDBN}; you can
1311 just use the @code{shell} command.
1312
1313 @table @code
1314 @kindex shell
1315 @cindex shell escape
1316 @item shell @var{command string}
1317 Invoke a standard shell to execute @var{command string}.
1318 If it exists, the environment variable @code{SHELL} determines which
1319 shell to run. Otherwise @value{GDBN} uses the default shell
1320 (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix systems, @file{COMMAND.COM} on MS-DOS, etc.).
1321 @end table
1322
1323 The utility @code{make} is often needed in development environments.
1324 You do not have to use the @code{shell} command for this purpose in
1325 @value{GDBN}:
1326
1327 @table @code
1328 @kindex make
1329 @cindex calling make
1330 @item make @var{make-args}
1331 Execute the @code{make} program with the specified
1332 arguments. This is equivalent to @samp{shell make @var{make-args}}.
1333 @end table
1334
1335 @node Logging Output
1336 @section Logging Output
1337 @cindex logging @value{GDBN} output
1338 @cindex save @value{GDBN} output to a file
1339
1340 You may want to save the output of @value{GDBN} commands to a file.
1341 There are several commands to control @value{GDBN}'s logging.
1342
1343 @table @code
1344 @kindex set logging
1345 @item set logging on
1346 Enable logging.
1347 @item set logging off
1348 Disable logging.
1349 @cindex logging file name
1350 @item set logging file @var{file}
1351 Change the name of the current logfile. The default logfile is @file{gdb.txt}.
1352 @item set logging overwrite [on|off]
1353 By default, @value{GDBN} will append to the logfile. Set @code{overwrite} if
1354 you want @code{set logging on} to overwrite the logfile instead.
1355 @item set logging redirect [on|off]
1356 By default, @value{GDBN} output will go to both the terminal and the logfile.
1357 Set @code{redirect} if you want output to go only to the log file.
1358 @kindex show logging
1359 @item show logging
1360 Show the current values of the logging settings.
1361 @end table
1362
1363 @node Commands
1364 @chapter @value{GDBN} Commands
1365
1366 You can abbreviate a @value{GDBN} command to the first few letters of the command
1367 name, if that abbreviation is unambiguous; and you can repeat certain
1368 @value{GDBN} commands by typing just @key{RET}. You can also use the @key{TAB}
1369 key to get @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest of a word in a command (or to
1370 show you the alternatives available, if there is more than one possibility).
1371
1372 @menu
1373 * Command Syntax:: How to give commands to @value{GDBN}
1374 * Completion:: Command completion
1375 * Help:: How to ask @value{GDBN} for help
1376 @end menu
1377
1378 @node Command Syntax
1379 @section Command Syntax
1380
1381 A @value{GDBN} command is a single line of input. There is no limit on
1382 how long it can be. It starts with a command name, which is followed by
1383 arguments whose meaning depends on the command name. For example, the
1384 command @code{step} accepts an argument which is the number of times to
1385 step, as in @samp{step 5}. You can also use the @code{step} command
1386 with no arguments. Some commands do not allow any arguments.
1387
1388 @cindex abbreviation
1389 @value{GDBN} command names may always be truncated if that abbreviation is
1390 unambiguous. Other possible command abbreviations are listed in the
1391 documentation for individual commands. In some cases, even ambiguous
1392 abbreviations are allowed; for example, @code{s} is specially defined as
1393 equivalent to @code{step} even though there are other commands whose
1394 names start with @code{s}. You can test abbreviations by using them as
1395 arguments to the @code{help} command.
1396
1397 @cindex repeating commands
1398 @kindex RET @r{(repeat last command)}
1399 A blank line as input to @value{GDBN} (typing just @key{RET}) means to
1400 repeat the previous command. Certain commands (for example, @code{run})
1401 will not repeat this way; these are commands whose unintentional
1402 repetition might cause trouble and which you are unlikely to want to
1403 repeat. User-defined commands can disable this feature; see
1404 @ref{Define, dont-repeat}.
1405
1406 The @code{list} and @code{x} commands, when you repeat them with
1407 @key{RET}, construct new arguments rather than repeating
1408 exactly as typed. This permits easy scanning of source or memory.
1409
1410 @value{GDBN} can also use @key{RET} in another way: to partition lengthy
1411 output, in a way similar to the common utility @code{more}
1412 (@pxref{Screen Size,,Screen Size}). Since it is easy to press one
1413 @key{RET} too many in this situation, @value{GDBN} disables command
1414 repetition after any command that generates this sort of display.
1415
1416 @kindex # @r{(a comment)}
1417 @cindex comment
1418 Any text from a @kbd{#} to the end of the line is a comment; it does
1419 nothing. This is useful mainly in command files (@pxref{Command
1420 Files,,Command Files}).
1421
1422 @cindex repeating command sequences
1423 @kindex Ctrl-o @r{(operate-and-get-next)}
1424 The @kbd{Ctrl-o} binding is useful for repeating a complex sequence of
1425 commands. This command accepts the current line, like @key{RET}, and
1426 then fetches the next line relative to the current line from the history
1427 for editing.
1428
1429 @node Completion
1430 @section Command Completion
1431
1432 @cindex completion
1433 @cindex word completion
1434 @value{GDBN} can fill in the rest of a word in a command for you, if there is
1435 only one possibility; it can also show you what the valid possibilities
1436 are for the next word in a command, at any time. This works for @value{GDBN}
1437 commands, @value{GDBN} subcommands, and the names of symbols in your program.
1438
1439 Press the @key{TAB} key whenever you want @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest
1440 of a word. If there is only one possibility, @value{GDBN} fills in the
1441 word, and waits for you to finish the command (or press @key{RET} to
1442 enter it). For example, if you type
1443
1444 @c FIXME "@key" does not distinguish its argument sufficiently to permit
1445 @c complete accuracy in these examples; space introduced for clarity.
1446 @c If texinfo enhancements make it unnecessary, it would be nice to
1447 @c replace " @key" by "@key" in the following...
1448 @smallexample
1449 (@value{GDBP}) info bre @key{TAB}
1450 @end smallexample
1451
1452 @noindent
1453 @value{GDBN} fills in the rest of the word @samp{breakpoints}, since that is
1454 the only @code{info} subcommand beginning with @samp{bre}:
1455
1456 @smallexample
1457 (@value{GDBP}) info breakpoints
1458 @end smallexample
1459
1460 @noindent
1461 You can either press @key{RET} at this point, to run the @code{info
1462 breakpoints} command, or backspace and enter something else, if
1463 @samp{breakpoints} does not look like the command you expected. (If you
1464 were sure you wanted @code{info breakpoints} in the first place, you
1465 might as well just type @key{RET} immediately after @samp{info bre},
1466 to exploit command abbreviations rather than command completion).
1467
1468 If there is more than one possibility for the next word when you press
1469 @key{TAB}, @value{GDBN} sounds a bell. You can either supply more
1470 characters and try again, or just press @key{TAB} a second time;
1471 @value{GDBN} displays all the possible completions for that word. For
1472 example, you might want to set a breakpoint on a subroutine whose name
1473 begins with @samp{make_}, but when you type @kbd{b make_@key{TAB}} @value{GDBN}
1474 just sounds the bell. Typing @key{TAB} again displays all the
1475 function names in your program that begin with those characters, for
1476 example:
1477
1478 @smallexample
1479 (@value{GDBP}) b make_ @key{TAB}
1480 @exdent @value{GDBN} sounds bell; press @key{TAB} again, to see:
1481 make_a_section_from_file make_environ
1482 make_abs_section make_function_type
1483 make_blockvector make_pointer_type
1484 make_cleanup make_reference_type
1485 make_command make_symbol_completion_list
1486 (@value{GDBP}) b make_
1487 @end smallexample
1488
1489 @noindent
1490 After displaying the available possibilities, @value{GDBN} copies your
1491 partial input (@samp{b make_} in the example) so you can finish the
1492 command.
1493
1494 If you just want to see the list of alternatives in the first place, you
1495 can press @kbd{M-?} rather than pressing @key{TAB} twice. @kbd{M-?}
1496 means @kbd{@key{META} ?}. You can type this either by holding down a
1497 key designated as the @key{META} shift on your keyboard (if there is
1498 one) while typing @kbd{?}, or as @key{ESC} followed by @kbd{?}.
1499
1500 @cindex quotes in commands
1501 @cindex completion of quoted strings
1502 Sometimes the string you need, while logically a ``word'', may contain
1503 parentheses or other characters that @value{GDBN} normally excludes from
1504 its notion of a word. To permit word completion to work in this
1505 situation, you may enclose words in @code{'} (single quote marks) in
1506 @value{GDBN} commands.
1507
1508 The most likely situation where you might need this is in typing the
1509 name of a C@t{++} function. This is because C@t{++} allows function
1510 overloading (multiple definitions of the same function, distinguished
1511 by argument type). For example, when you want to set a breakpoint you
1512 may need to distinguish whether you mean the version of @code{name}
1513 that takes an @code{int} parameter, @code{name(int)}, or the version
1514 that takes a @code{float} parameter, @code{name(float)}. To use the
1515 word-completion facilities in this situation, type a single quote
1516 @code{'} at the beginning of the function name. This alerts
1517 @value{GDBN} that it may need to consider more information than usual
1518 when you press @key{TAB} or @kbd{M-?} to request word completion:
1519
1520 @smallexample
1521 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble( @kbd{M-?}
1522 bubble(double,double) bubble(int,int)
1523 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
1524 @end smallexample
1525
1526 In some cases, @value{GDBN} can tell that completing a name requires using
1527 quotes. When this happens, @value{GDBN} inserts the quote for you (while
1528 completing as much as it can) if you do not type the quote in the first
1529 place:
1530
1531 @smallexample
1532 (@value{GDBP}) b bub @key{TAB}
1533 @exdent @value{GDBN} alters your input line to the following, and rings a bell:
1534 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
1535 @end smallexample
1536
1537 @noindent
1538 In general, @value{GDBN} can tell that a quote is needed (and inserts it) if
1539 you have not yet started typing the argument list when you ask for
1540 completion on an overloaded symbol.
1541
1542 For more information about overloaded functions, see @ref{C Plus Plus
1543 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}. You can use the command @code{set
1544 overload-resolution off} to disable overload resolution;
1545 see @ref{Debugging C Plus Plus, ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
1546
1547 @cindex completion of structure field names
1548 @cindex structure field name completion
1549 @cindex completion of union field names
1550 @cindex union field name completion
1551 When completing in an expression which looks up a field in a
1552 structure, @value{GDBN} also tries@footnote{The completer can be
1553 confused by certain kinds of invalid expressions. Also, it only
1554 examines the static type of the expression, not the dynamic type.} to
1555 limit completions to the field names available in the type of the
1556 left-hand-side:
1557
1558 @smallexample
1559 (@value{GDBP}) p gdb_stdout.@kbd{M-?}
1560 magic to_delete to_fputs to_put to_rewind
1561 to_data to_flush to_isatty to_read to_write
1562 @end smallexample
1563
1564 @noindent
1565 This is because the @code{gdb_stdout} is a variable of the type
1566 @code{struct ui_file} that is defined in @value{GDBN} sources as
1567 follows:
1568
1569 @smallexample
1570 struct ui_file
1571 @{
1572 int *magic;
1573 ui_file_flush_ftype *to_flush;
1574 ui_file_write_ftype *to_write;
1575 ui_file_fputs_ftype *to_fputs;
1576 ui_file_read_ftype *to_read;
1577 ui_file_delete_ftype *to_delete;
1578 ui_file_isatty_ftype *to_isatty;
1579 ui_file_rewind_ftype *to_rewind;
1580 ui_file_put_ftype *to_put;
1581 void *to_data;
1582 @}
1583 @end smallexample
1584
1585
1586 @node Help
1587 @section Getting Help
1588 @cindex online documentation
1589 @kindex help
1590
1591 You can always ask @value{GDBN} itself for information on its commands,
1592 using the command @code{help}.
1593
1594 @table @code
1595 @kindex h @r{(@code{help})}
1596 @item help
1597 @itemx h
1598 You can use @code{help} (abbreviated @code{h}) with no arguments to
1599 display a short list of named classes of commands:
1600
1601 @smallexample
1602 (@value{GDBP}) help
1603 List of classes of commands:
1604
1605 aliases -- Aliases of other commands
1606 breakpoints -- Making program stop at certain points
1607 data -- Examining data
1608 files -- Specifying and examining files
1609 internals -- Maintenance commands
1610 obscure -- Obscure features
1611 running -- Running the program
1612 stack -- Examining the stack
1613 status -- Status inquiries
1614 support -- Support facilities
1615 tracepoints -- Tracing of program execution without
1616 stopping the program
1617 user-defined -- User-defined commands
1618
1619 Type "help" followed by a class name for a list of
1620 commands in that class.
1621 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1622 documentation.
1623 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1624 (@value{GDBP})
1625 @end smallexample
1626 @c the above line break eliminates huge line overfull...
1627
1628 @item help @var{class}
1629 Using one of the general help classes as an argument, you can get a
1630 list of the individual commands in that class. For example, here is the
1631 help display for the class @code{status}:
1632
1633 @smallexample
1634 (@value{GDBP}) help status
1635 Status inquiries.
1636
1637 List of commands:
1638
1639 @c Line break in "show" line falsifies real output, but needed
1640 @c to fit in smallbook page size.
1641 info -- Generic command for showing things
1642 about the program being debugged
1643 show -- Generic command for showing things
1644 about the debugger
1645
1646 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1647 documentation.
1648 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1649 (@value{GDBP})
1650 @end smallexample
1651
1652 @item help @var{command}
1653 With a command name as @code{help} argument, @value{GDBN} displays a
1654 short paragraph on how to use that command.
1655
1656 @kindex apropos
1657 @item apropos @var{args}
1658 The @code{apropos} command searches through all of the @value{GDBN}
1659 commands, and their documentation, for the regular expression specified in
1660 @var{args}. It prints out all matches found. For example:
1661
1662 @smallexample
1663 apropos reload
1664 @end smallexample
1665
1666 @noindent
1667 results in:
1668
1669 @smallexample
1670 @c @group
1671 set symbol-reloading -- Set dynamic symbol table reloading
1672 multiple times in one run
1673 show symbol-reloading -- Show dynamic symbol table reloading
1674 multiple times in one run
1675 @c @end group
1676 @end smallexample
1677
1678 @kindex complete
1679 @item complete @var{args}
1680 The @code{complete @var{args}} command lists all the possible completions
1681 for the beginning of a command. Use @var{args} to specify the beginning of the
1682 command you want completed. For example:
1683
1684 @smallexample
1685 complete i
1686 @end smallexample
1687
1688 @noindent results in:
1689
1690 @smallexample
1691 @group
1692 if
1693 ignore
1694 info
1695 inspect
1696 @end group
1697 @end smallexample
1698
1699 @noindent This is intended for use by @sc{gnu} Emacs.
1700 @end table
1701
1702 In addition to @code{help}, you can use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{info}
1703 and @code{show} to inquire about the state of your program, or the state
1704 of @value{GDBN} itself. Each command supports many topics of inquiry; this
1705 manual introduces each of them in the appropriate context. The listings
1706 under @code{info} and under @code{show} in the Index point to
1707 all the sub-commands. @xref{Index}.
1708
1709 @c @group
1710 @table @code
1711 @kindex info
1712 @kindex i @r{(@code{info})}
1713 @item info
1714 This command (abbreviated @code{i}) is for describing the state of your
1715 program. For example, you can show the arguments passed to a function
1716 with @code{info args}, list the registers currently in use with @code{info
1717 registers}, or list the breakpoints you have set with @code{info breakpoints}.
1718 You can get a complete list of the @code{info} sub-commands with
1719 @w{@code{help info}}.
1720
1721 @kindex set
1722 @item set
1723 You can assign the result of an expression to an environment variable with
1724 @code{set}. For example, you can set the @value{GDBN} prompt to a $-sign with
1725 @code{set prompt $}.
1726
1727 @kindex show
1728 @item show
1729 In contrast to @code{info}, @code{show} is for describing the state of
1730 @value{GDBN} itself.
1731 You can change most of the things you can @code{show}, by using the
1732 related command @code{set}; for example, you can control what number
1733 system is used for displays with @code{set radix}, or simply inquire
1734 which is currently in use with @code{show radix}.
1735
1736 @kindex info set
1737 To display all the settable parameters and their current
1738 values, you can use @code{show} with no arguments; you may also use
1739 @code{info set}. Both commands produce the same display.
1740 @c FIXME: "info set" violates the rule that "info" is for state of
1741 @c FIXME...program. Ck w/ GNU: "info set" to be called something else,
1742 @c FIXME...or change desc of rule---eg "state of prog and debugging session"?
1743 @end table
1744 @c @end group
1745
1746 Here are three miscellaneous @code{show} subcommands, all of which are
1747 exceptional in lacking corresponding @code{set} commands:
1748
1749 @table @code
1750 @kindex show version
1751 @cindex @value{GDBN} version number
1752 @item show version
1753 Show what version of @value{GDBN} is running. You should include this
1754 information in @value{GDBN} bug-reports. If multiple versions of
1755 @value{GDBN} are in use at your site, you may need to determine which
1756 version of @value{GDBN} you are running; as @value{GDBN} evolves, new
1757 commands are introduced, and old ones may wither away. Also, many
1758 system vendors ship variant versions of @value{GDBN}, and there are
1759 variant versions of @value{GDBN} in @sc{gnu}/Linux distributions as well.
1760 The version number is the same as the one announced when you start
1761 @value{GDBN}.
1762
1763 @kindex show copying
1764 @kindex info copying
1765 @cindex display @value{GDBN} copyright
1766 @item show copying
1767 @itemx info copying
1768 Display information about permission for copying @value{GDBN}.
1769
1770 @kindex show warranty
1771 @kindex info warranty
1772 @item show warranty
1773 @itemx info warranty
1774 Display the @sc{gnu} ``NO WARRANTY'' statement, or a warranty,
1775 if your version of @value{GDBN} comes with one.
1776
1777 @end table
1778
1779 @node Running
1780 @chapter Running Programs Under @value{GDBN}
1781
1782 When you run a program under @value{GDBN}, you must first generate
1783 debugging information when you compile it.
1784
1785 You may start @value{GDBN} with its arguments, if any, in an environment
1786 of your choice. If you are doing native debugging, you may redirect
1787 your program's input and output, debug an already running process, or
1788 kill a child process.
1789
1790 @menu
1791 * Compilation:: Compiling for debugging
1792 * Starting:: Starting your program
1793 * Arguments:: Your program's arguments
1794 * Environment:: Your program's environment
1795
1796 * Working Directory:: Your program's working directory
1797 * Input/Output:: Your program's input and output
1798 * Attach:: Debugging an already-running process
1799 * Kill Process:: Killing the child process
1800
1801 * Inferiors and Programs:: Debugging multiple inferiors and programs
1802 * Threads:: Debugging programs with multiple threads
1803 * Forks:: Debugging forks
1804 * Checkpoint/Restart:: Setting a @emph{bookmark} to return to later
1805 @end menu
1806
1807 @node Compilation
1808 @section Compiling for Debugging
1809
1810 In order to debug a program effectively, you need to generate
1811 debugging information when you compile it. This debugging information
1812 is stored in the object file; it describes the data type of each
1813 variable or function and the correspondence between source line numbers
1814 and addresses in the executable code.
1815
1816 To request debugging information, specify the @samp{-g} option when you run
1817 the compiler.
1818
1819 Programs that are to be shipped to your customers are compiled with
1820 optimizations, using the @samp{-O} compiler option. However, some
1821 compilers are unable to handle the @samp{-g} and @samp{-O} options
1822 together. Using those compilers, you cannot generate optimized
1823 executables containing debugging information.
1824
1825 @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C/C@t{++} compiler, supports @samp{-g} with or
1826 without @samp{-O}, making it possible to debug optimized code. We
1827 recommend that you @emph{always} use @samp{-g} whenever you compile a
1828 program. You may think your program is correct, but there is no sense
1829 in pushing your luck. For more information, see @ref{Optimized Code}.
1830
1831 Older versions of the @sc{gnu} C compiler permitted a variant option
1832 @w{@samp{-gg}} for debugging information. @value{GDBN} no longer supports this
1833 format; if your @sc{gnu} C compiler has this option, do not use it.
1834
1835 @value{GDBN} knows about preprocessor macros and can show you their
1836 expansion (@pxref{Macros}). Most compilers do not include information
1837 about preprocessor macros in the debugging information if you specify
1838 the @option{-g} flag alone, because this information is rather large.
1839 Version 3.1 and later of @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C compiler,
1840 provides macro information if you specify the options
1841 @option{-gdwarf-2} and @option{-g3}; the former option requests
1842 debugging information in the Dwarf 2 format, and the latter requests
1843 ``extra information''. In the future, we hope to find more compact
1844 ways to represent macro information, so that it can be included with
1845 @option{-g} alone.
1846
1847 @need 2000
1848 @node Starting
1849 @section Starting your Program
1850 @cindex starting
1851 @cindex running
1852
1853 @table @code
1854 @kindex run
1855 @kindex r @r{(@code{run})}
1856 @item run
1857 @itemx r
1858 Use the @code{run} command to start your program under @value{GDBN}.
1859 You must first specify the program name (except on VxWorks) with an
1860 argument to @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Invocation, ,Getting In and Out of
1861 @value{GDBN}}), or by using the @code{file} or @code{exec-file} command
1862 (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
1863
1864 @end table
1865
1866 If you are running your program in an execution environment that
1867 supports processes, @code{run} creates an inferior process and makes
1868 that process run your program. In some environments without processes,
1869 @code{run} jumps to the start of your program. Other targets,
1870 like @samp{remote}, are always running. If you get an error
1871 message like this one:
1872
1873 @smallexample
1874 The "remote" target does not support "run".
1875 Try "help target" or "continue".
1876 @end smallexample
1877
1878 @noindent
1879 then use @code{continue} to run your program. You may need @code{load}
1880 first (@pxref{load}).
1881
1882 The execution of a program is affected by certain information it
1883 receives from its superior. @value{GDBN} provides ways to specify this
1884 information, which you must do @emph{before} starting your program. (You
1885 can change it after starting your program, but such changes only affect
1886 your program the next time you start it.) This information may be
1887 divided into four categories:
1888
1889 @table @asis
1890 @item The @emph{arguments.}
1891 Specify the arguments to give your program as the arguments of the
1892 @code{run} command. If a shell is available on your target, the shell
1893 is used to pass the arguments, so that you may use normal conventions
1894 (such as wildcard expansion or variable substitution) in describing
1895 the arguments.
1896 In Unix systems, you can control which shell is used with the
1897 @code{SHELL} environment variable.
1898 @xref{Arguments, ,Your Program's Arguments}.
1899
1900 @item The @emph{environment.}
1901 Your program normally inherits its environment from @value{GDBN}, but you can
1902 use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{set environment} and @code{unset
1903 environment} to change parts of the environment that affect
1904 your program. @xref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}.
1905
1906 @item The @emph{working directory.}
1907 Your program inherits its working directory from @value{GDBN}. You can set
1908 the @value{GDBN} working directory with the @code{cd} command in @value{GDBN}.
1909 @xref{Working Directory, ,Your Program's Working Directory}.
1910
1911 @item The @emph{standard input and output.}
1912 Your program normally uses the same device for standard input and
1913 standard output as @value{GDBN} is using. You can redirect input and output
1914 in the @code{run} command line, or you can use the @code{tty} command to
1915 set a different device for your program.
1916 @xref{Input/Output, ,Your Program's Input and Output}.
1917
1918 @cindex pipes
1919 @emph{Warning:} While input and output redirection work, you cannot use
1920 pipes to pass the output of the program you are debugging to another
1921 program; if you attempt this, @value{GDBN} is likely to wind up debugging the
1922 wrong program.
1923 @end table
1924
1925 When you issue the @code{run} command, your program begins to execute
1926 immediately. @xref{Stopping, ,Stopping and Continuing}, for discussion
1927 of how to arrange for your program to stop. Once your program has
1928 stopped, you may call functions in your program, using the @code{print}
1929 or @code{call} commands. @xref{Data, ,Examining Data}.
1930
1931 If the modification time of your symbol file has changed since the last
1932 time @value{GDBN} read its symbols, @value{GDBN} discards its symbol
1933 table, and reads it again. When it does this, @value{GDBN} tries to retain
1934 your current breakpoints.
1935
1936 @table @code
1937 @kindex start
1938 @item start
1939 @cindex run to main procedure
1940 The name of the main procedure can vary from language to language.
1941 With C or C@t{++}, the main procedure name is always @code{main}, but
1942 other languages such as Ada do not require a specific name for their
1943 main procedure. The debugger provides a convenient way to start the
1944 execution of the program and to stop at the beginning of the main
1945 procedure, depending on the language used.
1946
1947 The @samp{start} command does the equivalent of setting a temporary
1948 breakpoint at the beginning of the main procedure and then invoking
1949 the @samp{run} command.
1950
1951 @cindex elaboration phase
1952 Some programs contain an @dfn{elaboration} phase where some startup code is
1953 executed before the main procedure is called. This depends on the
1954 languages used to write your program. In C@t{++}, for instance,
1955 constructors for static and global objects are executed before
1956 @code{main} is called. It is therefore possible that the debugger stops
1957 before reaching the main procedure. However, the temporary breakpoint
1958 will remain to halt execution.
1959
1960 Specify the arguments to give to your program as arguments to the
1961 @samp{start} command. These arguments will be given verbatim to the
1962 underlying @samp{run} command. Note that the same arguments will be
1963 reused if no argument is provided during subsequent calls to
1964 @samp{start} or @samp{run}.
1965
1966 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration. In
1967 these cases, using the @code{start} command would stop the execution of
1968 your program too late, as the program would have already completed the
1969 elaboration phase. Under these circumstances, insert breakpoints in your
1970 elaboration code before running your program.
1971
1972 @kindex set exec-wrapper
1973 @item set exec-wrapper @var{wrapper}
1974 @itemx show exec-wrapper
1975 @itemx unset exec-wrapper
1976 When @samp{exec-wrapper} is set, the specified wrapper is used to
1977 launch programs for debugging. @value{GDBN} starts your program
1978 with a shell command of the form @kbd{exec @var{wrapper}
1979 @var{program}}. Quoting is added to @var{program} and its
1980 arguments, but not to @var{wrapper}, so you should add quotes if
1981 appropriate for your shell. The wrapper runs until it executes
1982 your program, and then @value{GDBN} takes control.
1983
1984 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
1985 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
1986 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
1987 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
1988
1989 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
1990 the debugged program, without setting the variable in your shell's
1991 environment:
1992
1993 @smallexample
1994 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper env 'LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so'
1995 (@value{GDBP}) run
1996 @end smallexample
1997
1998 This command is available when debugging locally on most targets, excluding
1999 @sc{djgpp}, Cygwin, MS Windows, and QNX Neutrino.
2000
2001 @kindex set disable-randomization
2002 @item set disable-randomization
2003 @itemx set disable-randomization on
2004 This option (enabled by default in @value{GDBN}) will turn off the native
2005 randomization of the virtual address space of the started program. This option
2006 is useful for multiple debugging sessions to make the execution better
2007 reproducible and memory addresses reusable across debugging sessions.
2008
2009 This feature is implemented only on @sc{gnu}/Linux. You can get the same
2010 behavior using
2011
2012 @smallexample
2013 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper setarch `uname -m` -R
2014 @end smallexample
2015
2016 @item set disable-randomization off
2017 Leave the behavior of the started executable unchanged. Some bugs rear their
2018 ugly heads only when the program is loaded at certain addresses. If your bug
2019 disappears when you run the program under @value{GDBN}, that might be because
2020 @value{GDBN} by default disables the address randomization on platforms, such
2021 as @sc{gnu}/Linux, which do that for stand-alone programs. Use @kbd{set
2022 disable-randomization off} to try to reproduce such elusive bugs.
2023
2024 The virtual address space randomization is implemented only on @sc{gnu}/Linux.
2025 It protects the programs against some kinds of security attacks. In these
2026 cases the attacker needs to know the exact location of a concrete executable
2027 code. Randomizing its location makes it impossible to inject jumps misusing
2028 a code at its expected addresses.
2029
2030 Prelinking shared libraries provides a startup performance advantage but it
2031 makes addresses in these libraries predictable for privileged processes by
2032 having just unprivileged access at the target system. Reading the shared
2033 library binary gives enough information for assembling the malicious code
2034 misusing it. Still even a prelinked shared library can get loaded at a new
2035 random address just requiring the regular relocation process during the
2036 startup. Shared libraries not already prelinked are always loaded at
2037 a randomly chosen address.
2038
2039 Position independent executables (PIE) contain position independent code
2040 similar to the shared libraries and therefore such executables get loaded at
2041 a randomly chosen address upon startup. PIE executables always load even
2042 already prelinked shared libraries at a random address. You can build such
2043 executable using @command{gcc -fPIE -pie}.
2044
2045 Heap (malloc storage), stack and custom mmap areas are always placed randomly
2046 (as long as the randomization is enabled).
2047
2048 @item show disable-randomization
2049 Show the current setting of the explicit disable of the native randomization of
2050 the virtual address space of the started program.
2051
2052 @end table
2053
2054 @node Arguments
2055 @section Your Program's Arguments
2056
2057 @cindex arguments (to your program)
2058 The arguments to your program can be specified by the arguments of the
2059 @code{run} command.
2060 They are passed to a shell, which expands wildcard characters and
2061 performs redirection of I/O, and thence to your program. Your
2062 @code{SHELL} environment variable (if it exists) specifies what shell
2063 @value{GDBN} uses. If you do not define @code{SHELL}, @value{GDBN} uses
2064 the default shell (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix).
2065
2066 On non-Unix systems, the program is usually invoked directly by
2067 @value{GDBN}, which emulates I/O redirection via the appropriate system
2068 calls, and the wildcard characters are expanded by the startup code of
2069 the program, not by the shell.
2070
2071 @code{run} with no arguments uses the same arguments used by the previous
2072 @code{run}, or those set by the @code{set args} command.
2073
2074 @table @code
2075 @kindex set args
2076 @item set args
2077 Specify the arguments to be used the next time your program is run. If
2078 @code{set args} has no arguments, @code{run} executes your program
2079 with no arguments. Once you have run your program with arguments,
2080 using @code{set args} before the next @code{run} is the only way to run
2081 it again without arguments.
2082
2083 @kindex show args
2084 @item show args
2085 Show the arguments to give your program when it is started.
2086 @end table
2087
2088 @node Environment
2089 @section Your Program's Environment
2090
2091 @cindex environment (of your program)
2092 The @dfn{environment} consists of a set of environment variables and
2093 their values. Environment variables conventionally record such things as
2094 your user name, your home directory, your terminal type, and your search
2095 path for programs to run. Usually you set up environment variables with
2096 the shell and they are inherited by all the other programs you run. When
2097 debugging, it can be useful to try running your program with a modified
2098 environment without having to start @value{GDBN} over again.
2099
2100 @table @code
2101 @kindex path
2102 @item path @var{directory}
2103 Add @var{directory} to the front of the @code{PATH} environment variable
2104 (the search path for executables) that will be passed to your program.
2105 The value of @code{PATH} used by @value{GDBN} does not change.
2106 You may specify several directory names, separated by whitespace or by a
2107 system-dependent separator character (@samp{:} on Unix, @samp{;} on
2108 MS-DOS and MS-Windows). If @var{directory} is already in the path, it
2109 is moved to the front, so it is searched sooner.
2110
2111 You can use the string @samp{$cwd} to refer to whatever is the current
2112 working directory at the time @value{GDBN} searches the path. If you
2113 use @samp{.} instead, it refers to the directory where you executed the
2114 @code{path} command. @value{GDBN} replaces @samp{.} in the
2115 @var{directory} argument (with the current path) before adding
2116 @var{directory} to the search path.
2117 @c 'path' is explicitly nonrepeatable, but RMS points out it is silly to
2118 @c document that, since repeating it would be a no-op.
2119
2120 @kindex show paths
2121 @item show paths
2122 Display the list of search paths for executables (the @code{PATH}
2123 environment variable).
2124
2125 @kindex show environment
2126 @item show environment @r{[}@var{varname}@r{]}
2127 Print the value of environment variable @var{varname} to be given to
2128 your program when it starts. If you do not supply @var{varname},
2129 print the names and values of all environment variables to be given to
2130 your program. You can abbreviate @code{environment} as @code{env}.
2131
2132 @kindex set environment
2133 @item set environment @var{varname} @r{[}=@var{value}@r{]}
2134 Set environment variable @var{varname} to @var{value}. The value
2135 changes for your program only, not for @value{GDBN} itself. @var{value} may
2136 be any string; the values of environment variables are just strings, and
2137 any interpretation is supplied by your program itself. The @var{value}
2138 parameter is optional; if it is eliminated, the variable is set to a
2139 null value.
2140 @c "any string" here does not include leading, trailing
2141 @c blanks. Gnu asks: does anyone care?
2142
2143 For example, this command:
2144
2145 @smallexample
2146 set env USER = foo
2147 @end smallexample
2148
2149 @noindent
2150 tells the debugged program, when subsequently run, that its user is named
2151 @samp{foo}. (The spaces around @samp{=} are used for clarity here; they
2152 are not actually required.)
2153
2154 @kindex unset environment
2155 @item unset environment @var{varname}
2156 Remove variable @var{varname} from the environment to be passed to your
2157 program. This is different from @samp{set env @var{varname} =};
2158 @code{unset environment} removes the variable from the environment,
2159 rather than assigning it an empty value.
2160 @end table
2161
2162 @emph{Warning:} On Unix systems, @value{GDBN} runs your program using
2163 the shell indicated
2164 by your @code{SHELL} environment variable if it exists (or
2165 @code{/bin/sh} if not). If your @code{SHELL} variable names a shell
2166 that runs an initialization file---such as @file{.cshrc} for C-shell, or
2167 @file{.bashrc} for BASH---any variables you set in that file affect
2168 your program. You may wish to move setting of environment variables to
2169 files that are only run when you sign on, such as @file{.login} or
2170 @file{.profile}.
2171
2172 @node Working Directory
2173 @section Your Program's Working Directory
2174
2175 @cindex working directory (of your program)
2176 Each time you start your program with @code{run}, it inherits its
2177 working directory from the current working directory of @value{GDBN}.
2178 The @value{GDBN} working directory is initially whatever it inherited
2179 from its parent process (typically the shell), but you can specify a new
2180 working directory in @value{GDBN} with the @code{cd} command.
2181
2182 The @value{GDBN} working directory also serves as a default for the commands
2183 that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2184 Specify Files}.
2185
2186 @table @code
2187 @kindex cd
2188 @cindex change working directory
2189 @item cd @var{directory}
2190 Set the @value{GDBN} working directory to @var{directory}.
2191
2192 @kindex pwd
2193 @item pwd
2194 Print the @value{GDBN} working directory.
2195 @end table
2196
2197 It is generally impossible to find the current working directory of
2198 the process being debugged (since a program can change its directory
2199 during its run). If you work on a system where @value{GDBN} is
2200 configured with the @file{/proc} support, you can use the @code{info
2201 proc} command (@pxref{SVR4 Process Information}) to find out the
2202 current working directory of the debuggee.
2203
2204 @node Input/Output
2205 @section Your Program's Input and Output
2206
2207 @cindex redirection
2208 @cindex i/o
2209 @cindex terminal
2210 By default, the program you run under @value{GDBN} does input and output to
2211 the same terminal that @value{GDBN} uses. @value{GDBN} switches the terminal
2212 to its own terminal modes to interact with you, but it records the terminal
2213 modes your program was using and switches back to them when you continue
2214 running your program.
2215
2216 @table @code
2217 @kindex info terminal
2218 @item info terminal
2219 Displays information recorded by @value{GDBN} about the terminal modes your
2220 program is using.
2221 @end table
2222
2223 You can redirect your program's input and/or output using shell
2224 redirection with the @code{run} command. For example,
2225
2226 @smallexample
2227 run > outfile
2228 @end smallexample
2229
2230 @noindent
2231 starts your program, diverting its output to the file @file{outfile}.
2232
2233 @kindex tty
2234 @cindex controlling terminal
2235 Another way to specify where your program should do input and output is
2236 with the @code{tty} command. This command accepts a file name as
2237 argument, and causes this file to be the default for future @code{run}
2238 commands. It also resets the controlling terminal for the child
2239 process, for future @code{run} commands. For example,
2240
2241 @smallexample
2242 tty /dev/ttyb
2243 @end smallexample
2244
2245 @noindent
2246 directs that processes started with subsequent @code{run} commands
2247 default to do input and output on the terminal @file{/dev/ttyb} and have
2248 that as their controlling terminal.
2249
2250 An explicit redirection in @code{run} overrides the @code{tty} command's
2251 effect on the input/output device, but not its effect on the controlling
2252 terminal.
2253
2254 When you use the @code{tty} command or redirect input in the @code{run}
2255 command, only the input @emph{for your program} is affected. The input
2256 for @value{GDBN} still comes from your terminal. @code{tty} is an alias
2257 for @code{set inferior-tty}.
2258
2259 @cindex inferior tty
2260 @cindex set inferior controlling terminal
2261 You can use the @code{show inferior-tty} command to tell @value{GDBN} to
2262 display the name of the terminal that will be used for future runs of your
2263 program.
2264
2265 @table @code
2266 @item set inferior-tty /dev/ttyb
2267 @kindex set inferior-tty
2268 Set the tty for the program being debugged to /dev/ttyb.
2269
2270 @item show inferior-tty
2271 @kindex show inferior-tty
2272 Show the current tty for the program being debugged.
2273 @end table
2274
2275 @node Attach
2276 @section Debugging an Already-running Process
2277 @kindex attach
2278 @cindex attach
2279
2280 @table @code
2281 @item attach @var{process-id}
2282 This command attaches to a running process---one that was started
2283 outside @value{GDBN}. (@code{info files} shows your active
2284 targets.) The command takes as argument a process ID. The usual way to
2285 find out the @var{process-id} of a Unix process is with the @code{ps} utility,
2286 or with the @samp{jobs -l} shell command.
2287
2288 @code{attach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} a second time after
2289 executing the command.
2290 @end table
2291
2292 To use @code{attach}, your program must be running in an environment
2293 which supports processes; for example, @code{attach} does not work for
2294 programs on bare-board targets that lack an operating system. You must
2295 also have permission to send the process a signal.
2296
2297 When you use @code{attach}, the debugger finds the program running in
2298 the process first by looking in the current working directory, then (if
2299 the program is not found) by using the source file search path
2300 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}). You can also use
2301 the @code{file} command to load the program. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2302 Specify Files}.
2303
2304 The first thing @value{GDBN} does after arranging to debug the specified
2305 process is to stop it. You can examine and modify an attached process
2306 with all the @value{GDBN} commands that are ordinarily available when
2307 you start processes with @code{run}. You can insert breakpoints; you
2308 can step and continue; you can modify storage. If you would rather the
2309 process continue running, you may use the @code{continue} command after
2310 attaching @value{GDBN} to the process.
2311
2312 @table @code
2313 @kindex detach
2314 @item detach
2315 When you have finished debugging the attached process, you can use the
2316 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control. Detaching
2317 the process continues its execution. After the @code{detach} command,
2318 that process and @value{GDBN} become completely independent once more, and you
2319 are ready to @code{attach} another process or start one with @code{run}.
2320 @code{detach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
2321 executing the command.
2322 @end table
2323
2324 If you exit @value{GDBN} while you have an attached process, you detach
2325 that process. If you use the @code{run} command, you kill that process.
2326 By default, @value{GDBN} asks for confirmation if you try to do either of these
2327 things; you can control whether or not you need to confirm by using the
2328 @code{set confirm} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
2329 Messages}).
2330
2331 @node Kill Process
2332 @section Killing the Child Process
2333
2334 @table @code
2335 @kindex kill
2336 @item kill
2337 Kill the child process in which your program is running under @value{GDBN}.
2338 @end table
2339
2340 This command is useful if you wish to debug a core dump instead of a
2341 running process. @value{GDBN} ignores any core dump file while your program
2342 is running.
2343
2344 On some operating systems, a program cannot be executed outside @value{GDBN}
2345 while you have breakpoints set on it inside @value{GDBN}. You can use the
2346 @code{kill} command in this situation to permit running your program
2347 outside the debugger.
2348
2349 The @code{kill} command is also useful if you wish to recompile and
2350 relink your program, since on many systems it is impossible to modify an
2351 executable file while it is running in a process. In this case, when you
2352 next type @code{run}, @value{GDBN} notices that the file has changed, and
2353 reads the symbol table again (while trying to preserve your current
2354 breakpoint settings).
2355
2356 @node Inferiors and Programs
2357 @section Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs
2358
2359 @value{GDBN} lets you run and debug multiple programs in a single
2360 session. In addition, @value{GDBN} on some systems may let you run
2361 several programs simultaneously (otherwise you have to exit from one
2362 before starting another). In the most general case, you can have
2363 multiple threads of execution in each of multiple processes, launched
2364 from multiple executables.
2365
2366 @cindex inferior
2367 @value{GDBN} represents the state of each program execution with an
2368 object called an @dfn{inferior}. An inferior typically corresponds to
2369 a process, but is more general and applies also to targets that do not
2370 have processes. Inferiors may be created before a process runs, and
2371 may be retained after a process exits. Inferiors have unique
2372 identifiers that are different from process ids. Usually each
2373 inferior will also have its own distinct address space, although some
2374 embedded targets may have several inferiors running in different parts
2375 of a single address space. Each inferior may in turn have multiple
2376 threads running in it.
2377
2378 To find out what inferiors exist at any moment, use @w{@code{info
2379 inferiors}}:
2380
2381 @table @code
2382 @kindex info inferiors
2383 @item info inferiors
2384 Print a list of all inferiors currently being managed by @value{GDBN}.
2385
2386 @value{GDBN} displays for each inferior (in this order):
2387
2388 @enumerate
2389 @item
2390 the inferior number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2391
2392 @item
2393 the target system's inferior identifier
2394
2395 @item
2396 the name of the executable the inferior is running.
2397
2398 @end enumerate
2399
2400 @noindent
2401 An asterisk @samp{*} preceding the @value{GDBN} inferior number
2402 indicates the current inferior.
2403
2404 For example,
2405 @end table
2406 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
2407
2408 @smallexample
2409 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2410 Num Description Executable
2411 2 process 2307 hello
2412 * 1 process 3401 goodbye
2413 @end smallexample
2414
2415 To switch focus between inferiors, use the @code{inferior} command:
2416
2417 @table @code
2418 @kindex inferior @var{infno}
2419 @item inferior @var{infno}
2420 Make inferior number @var{infno} the current inferior. The argument
2421 @var{infno} is the inferior number assigned by @value{GDBN}, as shown
2422 in the first field of the @samp{info inferiors} display.
2423 @end table
2424
2425
2426 You can get multiple executables into a debugging session via the
2427 @code{add-inferior} and @w{@code{clone-inferior}} commands. On some
2428 systems @value{GDBN} can add inferiors to the debug session
2429 automatically by following calls to @code{fork} and @code{exec}. To
2430 remove inferiors from the debugging session use the
2431 @w{@code{remove-inferior}} command.
2432
2433 @table @code
2434 @kindex add-inferior
2435 @item add-inferior [ -copies @var{n} ] [ -exec @var{executable} ]
2436 Adds @var{n} inferiors to be run using @var{executable} as the
2437 executable. @var{n} defaults to 1. If no executable is specified,
2438 the inferiors begins empty, with no program. You can still assign or
2439 change the program assigned to the inferior at any time by using the
2440 @code{file} command with the executable name as its argument.
2441
2442 @kindex clone-inferior
2443 @item clone-inferior [ -copies @var{n} ] [ @var{infno} ]
2444 Adds @var{n} inferiors ready to execute the same program as inferior
2445 @var{infno}. @var{n} defaults to 1. @var{infno} defaults to the
2446 number of the current inferior. This is a convenient command when you
2447 want to run another instance of the inferior you are debugging.
2448
2449 @smallexample
2450 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2451 Num Description Executable
2452 * 1 process 29964 helloworld
2453 (@value{GDBP}) clone-inferior
2454 Added inferior 2.
2455 1 inferiors added.
2456 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2457 Num Description Executable
2458 2 <null> helloworld
2459 * 1 process 29964 helloworld
2460 @end smallexample
2461
2462 You can now simply switch focus to inferior 2 and run it.
2463
2464 @kindex remove-inferior
2465 @item remove-inferior @var{infno}
2466 Removes the inferior @var{infno}. It is not possible to remove an
2467 inferior that is running with this command. For those, use the
2468 @code{kill} or @code{detach} command first.
2469
2470 @end table
2471
2472 To quit debugging one of the running inferiors that is not the current
2473 inferior, you can either detach from it by using the @w{@code{detach
2474 inferior}} command (allowing it to run independently), or kill it
2475 using the @w{@code{kill inferior}} command:
2476
2477 @table @code
2478 @kindex detach inferior @var{infno}
2479 @item detach inferior @var{infno}
2480 Detach from the inferior identified by @value{GDBN} inferior number
2481 @var{infno}, and remove it from the inferior list.
2482
2483 @kindex kill inferior @var{infno}
2484 @item kill inferior @var{infno}
2485 Kill the inferior identified by @value{GDBN} inferior number
2486 @var{infno}, and remove it from the inferior list.
2487 @end table
2488
2489 After the successful completion of a command such as @code{detach},
2490 @code{detach inferior}, @code{kill} or @code{kill inferior}, or after
2491 a normal process exit, the inferior is still valid and listed with
2492 @code{info inferiors}, ready to be restarted.
2493
2494
2495 To be notified when inferiors are started or exit under @value{GDBN}'s
2496 control use @w{@code{set print inferior-events}}:
2497
2498 @table @code
2499 @kindex set print inferior-events
2500 @cindex print messages on inferior start and exit
2501 @item set print inferior-events
2502 @itemx set print inferior-events on
2503 @itemx set print inferior-events off
2504 The @code{set print inferior-events} command allows you to enable or
2505 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new
2506 inferiors have started or that inferiors have exited or have been
2507 detached. By default, these messages will not be printed.
2508
2509 @kindex show print inferior-events
2510 @item show print inferior-events
2511 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that
2512 inferiors have started, exited or have been detached.
2513 @end table
2514
2515 Many commands will work the same with multiple programs as with a
2516 single program: e.g., @code{print myglobal} will simply display the
2517 value of @code{myglobal} in the current inferior.
2518
2519
2520 Occasionaly, when debugging @value{GDBN} itself, it may be useful to
2521 get more info about the relationship of inferiors, programs, address
2522 spaces in a debug session. You can do that with the @w{@code{maint
2523 info program-spaces}} command.
2524
2525 @table @code
2526 @kindex maint info program-spaces
2527 @item maint info program-spaces
2528 Print a list of all program spaces currently being managed by
2529 @value{GDBN}.
2530
2531 @value{GDBN} displays for each program space (in this order):
2532
2533 @enumerate
2534 @item
2535 the program space number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2536
2537 @item
2538 the name of the executable loaded into the program space, with e.g.,
2539 the @code{file} command.
2540
2541 @end enumerate
2542
2543 @noindent
2544 An asterisk @samp{*} preceding the @value{GDBN} program space number
2545 indicates the current program space.
2546
2547 In addition, below each program space line, @value{GDBN} prints extra
2548 information that isn't suitable to display in tabular form. For
2549 example, the list of inferiors bound to the program space.
2550
2551 @smallexample
2552 (@value{GDBP}) maint info program-spaces
2553 Id Executable
2554 2 goodbye
2555 Bound inferiors: ID 1 (process 21561)
2556 * 1 hello
2557 @end smallexample
2558
2559 Here we can see that no inferior is running the program @code{hello},
2560 while @code{process 21561} is running the program @code{goodbye}. On
2561 some targets, it is possible that multiple inferiors are bound to the
2562 same program space. The most common example is that of debugging both
2563 the parent and child processes of a @code{vfork} call. For example,
2564
2565 @smallexample
2566 (@value{GDBP}) maint info program-spaces
2567 Id Executable
2568 * 1 vfork-test
2569 Bound inferiors: ID 2 (process 18050), ID 1 (process 18045)
2570 @end smallexample
2571
2572 Here, both inferior 2 and inferior 1 are running in the same program
2573 space as a result of inferior 1 having executed a @code{vfork} call.
2574 @end table
2575
2576 @node Threads
2577 @section Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads
2578
2579 @cindex threads of execution
2580 @cindex multiple threads
2581 @cindex switching threads
2582 In some operating systems, such as HP-UX and Solaris, a single program
2583 may have more than one @dfn{thread} of execution. The precise semantics
2584 of threads differ from one operating system to another, but in general
2585 the threads of a single program are akin to multiple processes---except
2586 that they share one address space (that is, they can all examine and
2587 modify the same variables). On the other hand, each thread has its own
2588 registers and execution stack, and perhaps private memory.
2589
2590 @value{GDBN} provides these facilities for debugging multi-thread
2591 programs:
2592
2593 @itemize @bullet
2594 @item automatic notification of new threads
2595 @item @samp{thread @var{threadno}}, a command to switch among threads
2596 @item @samp{info threads}, a command to inquire about existing threads
2597 @item @samp{thread apply [@var{threadno}] [@var{all}] @var{args}},
2598 a command to apply a command to a list of threads
2599 @item thread-specific breakpoints
2600 @item @samp{set print thread-events}, which controls printing of
2601 messages on thread start and exit.
2602 @item @samp{set libthread-db-search-path @var{path}}, which lets
2603 the user specify which @code{libthread_db} to use if the default choice
2604 isn't compatible with the program.
2605 @end itemize
2606
2607 @quotation
2608 @emph{Warning:} These facilities are not yet available on every
2609 @value{GDBN} configuration where the operating system supports threads.
2610 If your @value{GDBN} does not support threads, these commands have no
2611 effect. For example, a system without thread support shows no output
2612 from @samp{info threads}, and always rejects the @code{thread} command,
2613 like this:
2614
2615 @smallexample
2616 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
2617 (@value{GDBP}) thread 1
2618 Thread ID 1 not known. Use the "info threads" command to
2619 see the IDs of currently known threads.
2620 @end smallexample
2621 @c FIXME to implementors: how hard would it be to say "sorry, this GDB
2622 @c doesn't support threads"?
2623 @end quotation
2624
2625 @cindex focus of debugging
2626 @cindex current thread
2627 The @value{GDBN} thread debugging facility allows you to observe all
2628 threads while your program runs---but whenever @value{GDBN} takes
2629 control, one thread in particular is always the focus of debugging.
2630 This thread is called the @dfn{current thread}. Debugging commands show
2631 program information from the perspective of the current thread.
2632
2633 @cindex @code{New} @var{systag} message
2634 @cindex thread identifier (system)
2635 @c FIXME-implementors!! It would be more helpful if the [New...] message
2636 @c included GDB's numeric thread handle, so you could just go to that
2637 @c thread without first checking `info threads'.
2638 Whenever @value{GDBN} detects a new thread in your program, it displays
2639 the target system's identification for the thread with a message in the
2640 form @samp{[New @var{systag}]}. @var{systag} is a thread identifier
2641 whose form varies depending on the particular system. For example, on
2642 @sc{gnu}/Linux, you might see
2643
2644 @smallexample
2645 [New Thread 46912507313328 (LWP 25582)]
2646 @end smallexample
2647
2648 @noindent
2649 when @value{GDBN} notices a new thread. In contrast, on an SGI system,
2650 the @var{systag} is simply something like @samp{process 368}, with no
2651 further qualifier.
2652
2653 @c FIXME!! (1) Does the [New...] message appear even for the very first
2654 @c thread of a program, or does it only appear for the
2655 @c second---i.e.@: when it becomes obvious we have a multithread
2656 @c program?
2657 @c (2) *Is* there necessarily a first thread always? Or do some
2658 @c multithread systems permit starting a program with multiple
2659 @c threads ab initio?
2660
2661 @cindex thread number
2662 @cindex thread identifier (GDB)
2663 For debugging purposes, @value{GDBN} associates its own thread
2664 number---always a single integer---with each thread in your program.
2665
2666 @table @code
2667 @kindex info threads
2668 @item info threads
2669 Display a summary of all threads currently in your
2670 program. @value{GDBN} displays for each thread (in this order):
2671
2672 @enumerate
2673 @item
2674 the thread number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2675
2676 @item
2677 the target system's thread identifier (@var{systag})
2678
2679 @item
2680 the current stack frame summary for that thread
2681 @end enumerate
2682
2683 @noindent
2684 An asterisk @samp{*} to the left of the @value{GDBN} thread number
2685 indicates the current thread.
2686
2687 For example,
2688 @end table
2689 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
2690
2691 @smallexample
2692 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
2693 3 process 35 thread 27 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2694 2 process 35 thread 23 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2695 * 1 process 35 thread 13 main (argc=1, argv=0x7ffffff8)
2696 at threadtest.c:68
2697 @end smallexample
2698
2699 On HP-UX systems:
2700
2701 @cindex debugging multithreaded programs (on HP-UX)
2702 @cindex thread identifier (GDB), on HP-UX
2703 For debugging purposes, @value{GDBN} associates its own thread
2704 number---a small integer assigned in thread-creation order---with each
2705 thread in your program.
2706
2707 @cindex @code{New} @var{systag} message, on HP-UX
2708 @cindex thread identifier (system), on HP-UX
2709 @c FIXME-implementors!! It would be more helpful if the [New...] message
2710 @c included GDB's numeric thread handle, so you could just go to that
2711 @c thread without first checking `info threads'.
2712 Whenever @value{GDBN} detects a new thread in your program, it displays
2713 both @value{GDBN}'s thread number and the target system's identification for the thread with a message in the
2714 form @samp{[New @var{systag}]}. @var{systag} is a thread identifier
2715 whose form varies depending on the particular system. For example, on
2716 HP-UX, you see
2717
2718 @smallexample
2719 [New thread 2 (system thread 26594)]
2720 @end smallexample
2721
2722 @noindent
2723 when @value{GDBN} notices a new thread.
2724
2725 @table @code
2726 @kindex info threads (HP-UX)
2727 @item info threads
2728 Display a summary of all threads currently in your
2729 program. @value{GDBN} displays for each thread (in this order):
2730
2731 @enumerate
2732 @item the thread number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2733
2734 @item the target system's thread identifier (@var{systag})
2735
2736 @item the current stack frame summary for that thread
2737 @end enumerate
2738
2739 @noindent
2740 An asterisk @samp{*} to the left of the @value{GDBN} thread number
2741 indicates the current thread.
2742
2743 For example,
2744 @end table
2745 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
2746
2747 @smallexample
2748 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
2749 * 3 system thread 26607 worker (wptr=0x7b09c318 "@@") \@*
2750 at quicksort.c:137
2751 2 system thread 26606 0x7b0030d8 in __ksleep () \@*
2752 from /usr/lib/libc.2
2753 1 system thread 27905 0x7b003498 in _brk () \@*
2754 from /usr/lib/libc.2
2755 @end smallexample
2756
2757 On Solaris, you can display more information about user threads with a
2758 Solaris-specific command:
2759
2760 @table @code
2761 @item maint info sol-threads
2762 @kindex maint info sol-threads
2763 @cindex thread info (Solaris)
2764 Display info on Solaris user threads.
2765 @end table
2766
2767 @table @code
2768 @kindex thread @var{threadno}
2769 @item thread @var{threadno}
2770 Make thread number @var{threadno} the current thread. The command
2771 argument @var{threadno} is the internal @value{GDBN} thread number, as
2772 shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads} display.
2773 @value{GDBN} responds by displaying the system identifier of the thread
2774 you selected, and its current stack frame summary:
2775
2776 @smallexample
2777 @c FIXME!! This example made up; find a @value{GDBN} w/threads and get real one
2778 (@value{GDBP}) thread 2
2779 [Switching to process 35 thread 23]
2780 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2781 @end smallexample
2782
2783 @noindent
2784 As with the @samp{[New @dots{}]} message, the form of the text after
2785 @samp{Switching to} depends on your system's conventions for identifying
2786 threads.
2787
2788 @kindex thread apply
2789 @cindex apply command to several threads
2790 @item thread apply [@var{threadno}] [@var{all}] @var{command}
2791 The @code{thread apply} command allows you to apply the named
2792 @var{command} to one or more threads. Specify the numbers of the
2793 threads that you want affected with the command argument
2794 @var{threadno}. It can be a single thread number, one of the numbers
2795 shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads} display; or it
2796 could be a range of thread numbers, as in @code{2-4}. To apply a
2797 command to all threads, type @kbd{thread apply all @var{command}}.
2798
2799 @kindex set print thread-events
2800 @cindex print messages on thread start and exit
2801 @item set print thread-events
2802 @itemx set print thread-events on
2803 @itemx set print thread-events off
2804 The @code{set print thread-events} command allows you to enable or
2805 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new threads have
2806 started or that threads have exited. By default, these messages will
2807 be printed if detection of these events is supported by the target.
2808 Note that these messages cannot be disabled on all targets.
2809
2810 @kindex show print thread-events
2811 @item show print thread-events
2812 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that threads
2813 have started and exited.
2814 @end table
2815
2816 @xref{Thread Stops,,Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs}, for
2817 more information about how @value{GDBN} behaves when you stop and start
2818 programs with multiple threads.
2819
2820 @xref{Set Watchpoints,,Setting Watchpoints}, for information about
2821 watchpoints in programs with multiple threads.
2822
2823 @table @code
2824 @kindex set libthread-db-search-path
2825 @cindex search path for @code{libthread_db}
2826 @item set libthread-db-search-path @r{[}@var{path}@r{]}
2827 If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
2828 directories @value{GDBN} will use to search for @code{libthread_db}.
2829 If you omit @var{path}, @samp{libthread-db-search-path} will be reset to
2830 an empty list.
2831
2832 On @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris systems, @value{GDBN} uses a ``helper''
2833 @code{libthread_db} library to obtain information about threads in the
2834 inferior process. @value{GDBN} will use @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
2835 to find @code{libthread_db}. If that fails, @value{GDBN} will continue
2836 with default system shared library directories, and finally the directory
2837 from which @code{libpthread} was loaded in the inferior process.
2838
2839 For any @code{libthread_db} library @value{GDBN} finds in above directories,
2840 @value{GDBN} attempts to initialize it with the current inferior process.
2841 If this initialization fails (which could happen because of a version
2842 mismatch between @code{libthread_db} and @code{libpthread}), @value{GDBN}
2843 will unload @code{libthread_db}, and continue with the next directory.
2844 If none of @code{libthread_db} libraries initialize successfully,
2845 @value{GDBN} will issue a warning and thread debugging will be disabled.
2846
2847 Setting @code{libthread-db-search-path} is currently implemented
2848 only on some platforms.
2849
2850 @kindex show libthread-db-search-path
2851 @item show libthread-db-search-path
2852 Display current libthread_db search path.
2853 @end table
2854
2855 @node Forks
2856 @section Debugging Forks
2857
2858 @cindex fork, debugging programs which call
2859 @cindex multiple processes
2860 @cindex processes, multiple
2861 On most systems, @value{GDBN} has no special support for debugging
2862 programs which create additional processes using the @code{fork}
2863 function. When a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug the
2864 parent process and the child process will run unimpeded. If you have
2865 set a breakpoint in any code which the child then executes, the child
2866 will get a @code{SIGTRAP} signal which (unless it catches the signal)
2867 will cause it to terminate.
2868
2869 However, if you want to debug the child process there is a workaround
2870 which isn't too painful. Put a call to @code{sleep} in the code which
2871 the child process executes after the fork. It may be useful to sleep
2872 only if a certain environment variable is set, or a certain file exists,
2873 so that the delay need not occur when you don't want to run @value{GDBN}
2874 on the child. While the child is sleeping, use the @code{ps} program to
2875 get its process ID. Then tell @value{GDBN} (a new invocation of
2876 @value{GDBN} if you are also debugging the parent process) to attach to
2877 the child process (@pxref{Attach}). From that point on you can debug
2878 the child process just like any other process which you attached to.
2879
2880 On some systems, @value{GDBN} provides support for debugging programs that
2881 create additional processes using the @code{fork} or @code{vfork} functions.
2882 Currently, the only platforms with this feature are HP-UX (11.x and later
2883 only?) and @sc{gnu}/Linux (kernel version 2.5.60 and later).
2884
2885 By default, when a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug
2886 the parent process and the child process will run unimpeded.
2887
2888 If you want to follow the child process instead of the parent process,
2889 use the command @w{@code{set follow-fork-mode}}.
2890
2891 @table @code
2892 @kindex set follow-fork-mode
2893 @item set follow-fork-mode @var{mode}
2894 Set the debugger response to a program call of @code{fork} or
2895 @code{vfork}. A call to @code{fork} or @code{vfork} creates a new
2896 process. The @var{mode} argument can be:
2897
2898 @table @code
2899 @item parent
2900 The original process is debugged after a fork. The child process runs
2901 unimpeded. This is the default.
2902
2903 @item child
2904 The new process is debugged after a fork. The parent process runs
2905 unimpeded.
2906
2907 @end table
2908
2909 @kindex show follow-fork-mode
2910 @item show follow-fork-mode
2911 Display the current debugger response to a @code{fork} or @code{vfork} call.
2912 @end table
2913
2914 @cindex debugging multiple processes
2915 On Linux, if you want to debug both the parent and child processes, use the
2916 command @w{@code{set detach-on-fork}}.
2917
2918 @table @code
2919 @kindex set detach-on-fork
2920 @item set detach-on-fork @var{mode}
2921 Tells gdb whether to detach one of the processes after a fork, or
2922 retain debugger control over them both.
2923
2924 @table @code
2925 @item on
2926 The child process (or parent process, depending on the value of
2927 @code{follow-fork-mode}) will be detached and allowed to run
2928 independently. This is the default.
2929
2930 @item off
2931 Both processes will be held under the control of @value{GDBN}.
2932 One process (child or parent, depending on the value of
2933 @code{follow-fork-mode}) is debugged as usual, while the other
2934 is held suspended.
2935
2936 @end table
2937
2938 @kindex show detach-on-fork
2939 @item show detach-on-fork
2940 Show whether detach-on-fork mode is on/off.
2941 @end table
2942
2943 If you choose to set @samp{detach-on-fork} mode off, then @value{GDBN}
2944 will retain control of all forked processes (including nested forks).
2945 You can list the forked processes under the control of @value{GDBN} by
2946 using the @w{@code{info inferiors}} command, and switch from one fork
2947 to another by using the @code{inferior} command (@pxref{Inferiors and
2948 Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs}).
2949
2950 To quit debugging one of the forked processes, you can either detach
2951 from it by using the @w{@code{detach inferior}} command (allowing it
2952 to run independently), or kill it using the @w{@code{kill inferior}}
2953 command. @xref{Inferiors and Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors
2954 and Programs}.
2955
2956 If you ask to debug a child process and a @code{vfork} is followed by an
2957 @code{exec}, @value{GDBN} executes the new target up to the first
2958 breakpoint in the new target. If you have a breakpoint set on
2959 @code{main} in your original program, the breakpoint will also be set on
2960 the child process's @code{main}.
2961
2962 On some systems, when a child process is spawned by @code{vfork}, you
2963 cannot debug the child or parent until an @code{exec} call completes.
2964
2965 If you issue a @code{run} command to @value{GDBN} after an @code{exec}
2966 call executes, the new target restarts. To restart the parent
2967 process, use the @code{file} command with the parent executable name
2968 as its argument. By default, after an @code{exec} call executes,
2969 @value{GDBN} discards the symbols of the previous executable image.
2970 You can change this behaviour with the @w{@code{set follow-exec-mode}}
2971 command.
2972
2973 @table @code
2974 @kindex set follow-exec-mode
2975 @item set follow-exec-mode @var{mode}
2976
2977 Set debugger response to a program call of @code{exec}. An
2978 @code{exec} call replaces the program image of a process.
2979
2980 @code{follow-exec-mode} can be:
2981
2982 @table @code
2983 @item new
2984 @value{GDBN} creates a new inferior and rebinds the process to this
2985 new inferior. The program the process was running before the
2986 @code{exec} call can be restarted afterwards by restarting the
2987 original inferior.
2988
2989 For example:
2990
2991 @smallexample
2992 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2993 (gdb) info inferior
2994 Id Description Executable
2995 * 1 <null> prog1
2996 (@value{GDBP}) run
2997 process 12020 is executing new program: prog2
2998 Program exited normally.
2999 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3000 Id Description Executable
3001 * 2 <null> prog2
3002 1 <null> prog1
3003 @end smallexample
3004
3005 @item same
3006 @value{GDBN} keeps the process bound to the same inferior. The new
3007 executable image replaces the previous executable loaded in the
3008 inferior. Restarting the inferior after the @code{exec} call, with
3009 e.g., the @code{run} command, restarts the executable the process was
3010 running after the @code{exec} call. This is the default mode.
3011
3012 For example:
3013
3014 @smallexample
3015 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3016 Id Description Executable
3017 * 1 <null> prog1
3018 (@value{GDBP}) run
3019 process 12020 is executing new program: prog2
3020 Program exited normally.
3021 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3022 Id Description Executable
3023 * 1 <null> prog2
3024 @end smallexample
3025
3026 @end table
3027 @end table
3028
3029 You can use the @code{catch} command to make @value{GDBN} stop whenever
3030 a @code{fork}, @code{vfork}, or @code{exec} call is made. @xref{Set
3031 Catchpoints, ,Setting Catchpoints}.
3032
3033 @node Checkpoint/Restart
3034 @section Setting a @emph{Bookmark} to Return to Later
3035
3036 @cindex checkpoint
3037 @cindex restart
3038 @cindex bookmark
3039 @cindex snapshot of a process
3040 @cindex rewind program state
3041
3042 On certain operating systems@footnote{Currently, only
3043 @sc{gnu}/Linux.}, @value{GDBN} is able to save a @dfn{snapshot} of a
3044 program's state, called a @dfn{checkpoint}, and come back to it
3045 later.
3046
3047 Returning to a checkpoint effectively undoes everything that has
3048 happened in the program since the @code{checkpoint} was saved. This
3049 includes changes in memory, registers, and even (within some limits)
3050 system state. Effectively, it is like going back in time to the
3051 moment when the checkpoint was saved.
3052
3053 Thus, if you're stepping thru a program and you think you're
3054 getting close to the point where things go wrong, you can save
3055 a checkpoint. Then, if you accidentally go too far and miss
3056 the critical statement, instead of having to restart your program
3057 from the beginning, you can just go back to the checkpoint and
3058 start again from there.
3059
3060 This can be especially useful if it takes a lot of time or
3061 steps to reach the point where you think the bug occurs.
3062
3063 To use the @code{checkpoint}/@code{restart} method of debugging:
3064
3065 @table @code
3066 @kindex checkpoint
3067 @item checkpoint
3068 Save a snapshot of the debugged program's current execution state.
3069 The @code{checkpoint} command takes no arguments, but each checkpoint
3070 is assigned a small integer id, similar to a breakpoint id.
3071
3072 @kindex info checkpoints
3073 @item info checkpoints
3074 List the checkpoints that have been saved in the current debugging
3075 session. For each checkpoint, the following information will be
3076 listed:
3077
3078 @table @code
3079 @item Checkpoint ID
3080 @item Process ID
3081 @item Code Address
3082 @item Source line, or label
3083 @end table
3084
3085 @kindex restart @var{checkpoint-id}
3086 @item restart @var{checkpoint-id}
3087 Restore the program state that was saved as checkpoint number
3088 @var{checkpoint-id}. All program variables, registers, stack frames
3089 etc.@: will be returned to the values that they had when the checkpoint
3090 was saved. In essence, gdb will ``wind back the clock'' to the point
3091 in time when the checkpoint was saved.
3092
3093 Note that breakpoints, @value{GDBN} variables, command history etc.
3094 are not affected by restoring a checkpoint. In general, a checkpoint
3095 only restores things that reside in the program being debugged, not in
3096 the debugger.
3097
3098 @kindex delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
3099 @item delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
3100 Delete the previously-saved checkpoint identified by @var{checkpoint-id}.
3101
3102 @end table
3103
3104 Returning to a previously saved checkpoint will restore the user state
3105 of the program being debugged, plus a significant subset of the system
3106 (OS) state, including file pointers. It won't ``un-write'' data from
3107 a file, but it will rewind the file pointer to the previous location,
3108 so that the previously written data can be overwritten. For files
3109 opened in read mode, the pointer will also be restored so that the
3110 previously read data can be read again.
3111
3112 Of course, characters that have been sent to a printer (or other
3113 external device) cannot be ``snatched back'', and characters received
3114 from eg.@: a serial device can be removed from internal program buffers,
3115 but they cannot be ``pushed back'' into the serial pipeline, ready to
3116 be received again. Similarly, the actual contents of files that have
3117 been changed cannot be restored (at this time).
3118
3119 However, within those constraints, you actually can ``rewind'' your
3120 program to a previously saved point in time, and begin debugging it
3121 again --- and you can change the course of events so as to debug a
3122 different execution path this time.
3123
3124 @cindex checkpoints and process id
3125 Finally, there is one bit of internal program state that will be
3126 different when you return to a checkpoint --- the program's process
3127 id. Each checkpoint will have a unique process id (or @var{pid}),
3128 and each will be different from the program's original @var{pid}.
3129 If your program has saved a local copy of its process id, this could
3130 potentially pose a problem.
3131
3132 @subsection A Non-obvious Benefit of Using Checkpoints
3133
3134 On some systems such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, address space randomization
3135 is performed on new processes for security reasons. This makes it
3136 difficult or impossible to set a breakpoint, or watchpoint, on an
3137 absolute address if you have to restart the program, since the
3138 absolute location of a symbol will change from one execution to the
3139 next.
3140
3141 A checkpoint, however, is an @emph{identical} copy of a process.
3142 Therefore if you create a checkpoint at (eg.@:) the start of main,
3143 and simply return to that checkpoint instead of restarting the
3144 process, you can avoid the effects of address randomization and
3145 your symbols will all stay in the same place.
3146
3147 @node Stopping
3148 @chapter Stopping and Continuing
3149
3150 The principal purposes of using a debugger are so that you can stop your
3151 program before it terminates; or so that, if your program runs into
3152 trouble, you can investigate and find out why.
3153
3154 Inside @value{GDBN}, your program may stop for any of several reasons,
3155 such as a signal, a breakpoint, or reaching a new line after a
3156 @value{GDBN} command such as @code{step}. You may then examine and
3157 change variables, set new breakpoints or remove old ones, and then
3158 continue execution. Usually, the messages shown by @value{GDBN} provide
3159 ample explanation of the status of your program---but you can also
3160 explicitly request this information at any time.
3161
3162 @table @code
3163 @kindex info program
3164 @item info program
3165 Display information about the status of your program: whether it is
3166 running or not, what process it is, and why it stopped.
3167 @end table
3168
3169 @menu
3170 * Breakpoints:: Breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints
3171 * Continuing and Stepping:: Resuming execution
3172 * Signals:: Signals
3173 * Thread Stops:: Stopping and starting multi-thread programs
3174 @end menu
3175
3176 @node Breakpoints
3177 @section Breakpoints, Watchpoints, and Catchpoints
3178
3179 @cindex breakpoints
3180 A @dfn{breakpoint} makes your program stop whenever a certain point in
3181 the program is reached. For each breakpoint, you can add conditions to
3182 control in finer detail whether your program stops. You can set
3183 breakpoints with the @code{break} command and its variants (@pxref{Set
3184 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}), to specify the place where your program
3185 should stop by line number, function name or exact address in the
3186 program.
3187
3188 On some systems, you can set breakpoints in shared libraries before
3189 the executable is run. There is a minor limitation on HP-UX systems:
3190 you must wait until the executable is run in order to set breakpoints
3191 in shared library routines that are not called directly by the program
3192 (for example, routines that are arguments in a @code{pthread_create}
3193 call).
3194
3195 @cindex watchpoints
3196 @cindex data breakpoints
3197 @cindex memory tracing
3198 @cindex breakpoint on memory address
3199 @cindex breakpoint on variable modification
3200 A @dfn{watchpoint} is a special breakpoint that stops your program
3201 when the value of an expression changes. The expression may be a value
3202 of a variable, or it could involve values of one or more variables
3203 combined by operators, such as @samp{a + b}. This is sometimes called
3204 @dfn{data breakpoints}. You must use a different command to set
3205 watchpoints (@pxref{Set Watchpoints, ,Setting Watchpoints}), but aside
3206 from that, you can manage a watchpoint like any other breakpoint: you
3207 enable, disable, and delete both breakpoints and watchpoints using the
3208 same commands.
3209
3210 You can arrange to have values from your program displayed automatically
3211 whenever @value{GDBN} stops at a breakpoint. @xref{Auto Display,,
3212 Automatic Display}.
3213
3214 @cindex catchpoints
3215 @cindex breakpoint on events
3216 A @dfn{catchpoint} is another special breakpoint that stops your program
3217 when a certain kind of event occurs, such as the throwing of a C@t{++}
3218 exception or the loading of a library. As with watchpoints, you use a
3219 different command to set a catchpoint (@pxref{Set Catchpoints, ,Setting
3220 Catchpoints}), but aside from that, you can manage a catchpoint like any
3221 other breakpoint. (To stop when your program receives a signal, use the
3222 @code{handle} command; see @ref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
3223
3224 @cindex breakpoint numbers
3225 @cindex numbers for breakpoints
3226 @value{GDBN} assigns a number to each breakpoint, watchpoint, or
3227 catchpoint when you create it; these numbers are successive integers
3228 starting with one. In many of the commands for controlling various
3229 features of breakpoints you use the breakpoint number to say which
3230 breakpoint you want to change. Each breakpoint may be @dfn{enabled} or
3231 @dfn{disabled}; if disabled, it has no effect on your program until you
3232 enable it again.
3233
3234 @cindex breakpoint ranges
3235 @cindex ranges of breakpoints
3236 Some @value{GDBN} commands accept a range of breakpoints on which to
3237 operate. A breakpoint range is either a single breakpoint number, like
3238 @samp{5}, or two such numbers, in increasing order, separated by a
3239 hyphen, like @samp{5-7}. When a breakpoint range is given to a command,
3240 all breakpoints in that range are operated on.
3241
3242 @menu
3243 * Set Breaks:: Setting breakpoints
3244 * Set Watchpoints:: Setting watchpoints
3245 * Set Catchpoints:: Setting catchpoints
3246 * Delete Breaks:: Deleting breakpoints
3247 * Disabling:: Disabling breakpoints
3248 * Conditions:: Break conditions
3249 * Break Commands:: Breakpoint command lists
3250 * Save Breakpoints:: How to save breakpoints in a file
3251 * Error in Breakpoints:: ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
3252 * Breakpoint-related Warnings:: ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
3253 @end menu
3254
3255 @node Set Breaks
3256 @subsection Setting Breakpoints
3257
3258 @c FIXME LMB what does GDB do if no code on line of breakpt?
3259 @c consider in particular declaration with/without initialization.
3260 @c
3261 @c FIXME 2 is there stuff on this already? break at fun start, already init?
3262
3263 @kindex break
3264 @kindex b @r{(@code{break})}
3265 @vindex $bpnum@r{, convenience variable}
3266 @cindex latest breakpoint
3267 Breakpoints are set with the @code{break} command (abbreviated
3268 @code{b}). The debugger convenience variable @samp{$bpnum} records the
3269 number of the breakpoint you've set most recently; see @ref{Convenience
3270 Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for a discussion of what you can do with
3271 convenience variables.
3272
3273 @table @code
3274 @item break @var{location}
3275 Set a breakpoint at the given @var{location}, which can specify a
3276 function name, a line number, or an address of an instruction.
3277 (@xref{Specify Location}, for a list of all the possible ways to
3278 specify a @var{location}.) The breakpoint will stop your program just
3279 before it executes any of the code in the specified @var{location}.
3280
3281 When using source languages that permit overloading of symbols, such as
3282 C@t{++}, a function name may refer to more than one possible place to break.
3283 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}, for a discussion of
3284 that situation.
3285
3286 It is also possible to insert a breakpoint that will stop the program
3287 only if a specific thread (@pxref{Thread-Specific Breakpoints})
3288 or a specific task (@pxref{Ada Tasks}) hits that breakpoint.
3289
3290 @item break
3291 When called without any arguments, @code{break} sets a breakpoint at
3292 the next instruction to be executed in the selected stack frame
3293 (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the Stack}). In any selected frame but the
3294 innermost, this makes your program stop as soon as control
3295 returns to that frame. This is similar to the effect of a
3296 @code{finish} command in the frame inside the selected frame---except
3297 that @code{finish} does not leave an active breakpoint. If you use
3298 @code{break} without an argument in the innermost frame, @value{GDBN} stops
3299 the next time it reaches the current location; this may be useful
3300 inside loops.
3301
3302 @value{GDBN} normally ignores breakpoints when it resumes execution, until at
3303 least one instruction has been executed. If it did not do this, you
3304 would be unable to proceed past a breakpoint without first disabling the
3305 breakpoint. This rule applies whether or not the breakpoint already
3306 existed when your program stopped.
3307
3308 @item break @dots{} if @var{cond}
3309 Set a breakpoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
3310 @var{cond} each time the breakpoint is reached, and stop only if the
3311 value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
3312 @samp{@dots{}} stands for one of the possible arguments described
3313 above (or no argument) specifying where to break. @xref{Conditions,
3314 ,Break Conditions}, for more information on breakpoint conditions.
3315
3316 @kindex tbreak
3317 @item tbreak @var{args}
3318 Set a breakpoint enabled only for one stop. @var{args} are the
3319 same as for the @code{break} command, and the breakpoint is set in the same
3320 way, but the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the first time your
3321 program stops there. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3322
3323 @kindex hbreak
3324 @cindex hardware breakpoints
3325 @item hbreak @var{args}
3326 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint. @var{args} are the same as for the
3327 @code{break} command and the breakpoint is set in the same way, but the
3328 breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware may not
3329 have this support. The main purpose of this is EPROM/ROM code
3330 debugging, so you can set a breakpoint at an instruction without
3331 changing the instruction. This can be used with the new trap-generation
3332 provided by SPARClite DSU and most x86-based targets. These targets
3333 will generate traps when a program accesses some data or instruction
3334 address that is assigned to the debug registers. However the hardware
3335 breakpoint registers can take a limited number of breakpoints. For
3336 example, on the DSU, only two data breakpoints can be set at a time, and
3337 @value{GDBN} will reject this command if more than two are used. Delete
3338 or disable unused hardware breakpoints before setting new ones
3339 (@pxref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}).
3340 @xref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3341 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
3342 breakpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
3343 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
3344
3345 @kindex thbreak
3346 @item thbreak @var{args}
3347 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint enabled only for one stop. @var{args}
3348 are the same as for the @code{hbreak} command and the breakpoint is set in
3349 the same way. However, like the @code{tbreak} command,
3350 the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the
3351 first time your program stops there. Also, like the @code{hbreak}
3352 command, the breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware
3353 may not have this support. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3354 See also @ref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3355
3356 @kindex rbreak
3357 @cindex regular expression
3358 @cindex breakpoints at functions matching a regexp
3359 @cindex set breakpoints in many functions
3360 @item rbreak @var{regex}
3361 Set breakpoints on all functions matching the regular expression
3362 @var{regex}. This command sets an unconditional breakpoint on all
3363 matches, printing a list of all breakpoints it set. Once these
3364 breakpoints are set, they are treated just like the breakpoints set with
3365 the @code{break} command. You can delete them, disable them, or make
3366 them conditional the same way as any other breakpoint.
3367
3368 The syntax of the regular expression is the standard one used with tools
3369 like @file{grep}. Note that this is different from the syntax used by
3370 shells, so for instance @code{foo*} matches all functions that include
3371 an @code{fo} followed by zero or more @code{o}s. There is an implicit
3372 @code{.*} leading and trailing the regular expression you supply, so to
3373 match only functions that begin with @code{foo}, use @code{^foo}.
3374
3375 @cindex non-member C@t{++} functions, set breakpoint in
3376 When debugging C@t{++} programs, @code{rbreak} is useful for setting
3377 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
3378 classes.
3379
3380 @cindex set breakpoints on all functions
3381 The @code{rbreak} command can be used to set breakpoints in
3382 @strong{all} the functions in a program, like this:
3383
3384 @smallexample
3385 (@value{GDBP}) rbreak .
3386 @end smallexample
3387
3388 @item rbreak @var{file}:@var{regex}
3389 If @code{rbreak} is called with a filename qualification, it limits
3390 the search for functions matching the given regular expression to the
3391 specified @var{file}. This can be used, for example, to set breakpoints on
3392 every function in a given file:
3393
3394 @smallexample
3395 (@value{GDBP}) rbreak file.c:.
3396 @end smallexample
3397
3398 The colon separating the filename qualifier from the regex may
3399 optionally be surrounded by spaces.
3400
3401 @kindex info breakpoints
3402 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info breakpoints}
3403 @item info breakpoints @r{[}@var{n}@r{]}
3404 @itemx info break @r{[}@var{n}@r{]}
3405 Print a table of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints set and
3406 not deleted. Optional argument @var{n} means print information only
3407 about the specified breakpoint (or watchpoint or catchpoint). For
3408 each breakpoint, following columns are printed:
3409
3410 @table @emph
3411 @item Breakpoint Numbers
3412 @item Type
3413 Breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint.
3414 @item Disposition
3415 Whether the breakpoint is marked to be disabled or deleted when hit.
3416 @item Enabled or Disabled
3417 Enabled breakpoints are marked with @samp{y}. @samp{n} marks breakpoints
3418 that are not enabled.
3419 @item Address
3420 Where the breakpoint is in your program, as a memory address. For a
3421 pending breakpoint whose address is not yet known, this field will
3422 contain @samp{<PENDING>}. Such breakpoint won't fire until a shared
3423 library that has the symbol or line referred by breakpoint is loaded.
3424 See below for details. A breakpoint with several locations will
3425 have @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in this field---see below for details.
3426 @item What
3427 Where the breakpoint is in the source for your program, as a file and
3428 line number. For a pending breakpoint, the original string passed to
3429 the breakpoint command will be listed as it cannot be resolved until
3430 the appropriate shared library is loaded in the future.
3431 @end table
3432
3433 @noindent
3434 If a breakpoint is conditional, @code{info break} shows the condition on
3435 the line following the affected breakpoint; breakpoint commands, if any,
3436 are listed after that. A pending breakpoint is allowed to have a condition
3437 specified for it. The condition is not parsed for validity until a shared
3438 library is loaded that allows the pending breakpoint to resolve to a
3439 valid location.
3440
3441 @noindent
3442 @code{info break} with a breakpoint
3443 number @var{n} as argument lists only that breakpoint. The
3444 convenience variable @code{$_} and the default examining-address for
3445 the @code{x} command are set to the address of the last breakpoint
3446 listed (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}).
3447
3448 @noindent
3449 @code{info break} displays a count of the number of times the breakpoint
3450 has been hit. This is especially useful in conjunction with the
3451 @code{ignore} command. You can ignore a large number of breakpoint
3452 hits, look at the breakpoint info to see how many times the breakpoint
3453 was hit, and then run again, ignoring one less than that number. This
3454 will get you quickly to the last hit of that breakpoint.
3455 @end table
3456
3457 @value{GDBN} allows you to set any number of breakpoints at the same place in
3458 your program. There is nothing silly or meaningless about this. When
3459 the breakpoints are conditional, this is even useful
3460 (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
3461
3462 @cindex multiple locations, breakpoints
3463 @cindex breakpoints, multiple locations
3464 It is possible that a breakpoint corresponds to several locations
3465 in your program. Examples of this situation are:
3466
3467 @itemize @bullet
3468 @item
3469 For a C@t{++} constructor, the @value{NGCC} compiler generates several
3470 instances of the function body, used in different cases.
3471
3472 @item
3473 For a C@t{++} template function, a given line in the function can
3474 correspond to any number of instantiations.
3475
3476 @item
3477 For an inlined function, a given source line can correspond to
3478 several places where that function is inlined.
3479 @end itemize
3480
3481 In all those cases, @value{GDBN} will insert a breakpoint at all
3482 the relevant locations@footnote{
3483 As of this writing, multiple-location breakpoints work only if there's
3484 line number information for all the locations. This means that they
3485 will generally not work in system libraries, unless you have debug
3486 info with line numbers for them.}.
3487
3488 A breakpoint with multiple locations is displayed in the breakpoint
3489 table using several rows---one header row, followed by one row for
3490 each breakpoint location. The header row has @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in the
3491 address column. The rows for individual locations contain the actual
3492 addresses for locations, and show the functions to which those
3493 locations belong. The number column for a location is of the form
3494 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number}.
3495
3496 For example:
3497
3498 @smallexample
3499 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
3500 1 breakpoint keep y <MULTIPLE>
3501 stop only if i==1
3502 breakpoint already hit 1 time
3503 1.1 y 0x080486a2 in void foo<int>() at t.cc:8
3504 1.2 y 0x080486ca in void foo<double>() at t.cc:8
3505 @end smallexample
3506
3507 Each location can be individually enabled or disabled by passing
3508 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number} as argument to the
3509 @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands. Note that you cannot
3510 delete the individual locations from the list, you can only delete the
3511 entire list of locations that belong to their parent breakpoint (with
3512 the @kbd{delete @var{num}} command, where @var{num} is the number of
3513 the parent breakpoint, 1 in the above example). Disabling or enabling
3514 the parent breakpoint (@pxref{Disabling}) affects all of the locations
3515 that belong to that breakpoint.
3516
3517 @cindex pending breakpoints
3518 It's quite common to have a breakpoint inside a shared library.
3519 Shared libraries can be loaded and unloaded explicitly,
3520 and possibly repeatedly, as the program is executed. To support
3521 this use case, @value{GDBN} updates breakpoint locations whenever
3522 any shared library is loaded or unloaded. Typically, you would
3523 set a breakpoint in a shared library at the beginning of your
3524 debugging session, when the library is not loaded, and when the
3525 symbols from the library are not available. When you try to set
3526 breakpoint, @value{GDBN} will ask you if you want to set
3527 a so called @dfn{pending breakpoint}---breakpoint whose address
3528 is not yet resolved.
3529
3530 After the program is run, whenever a new shared library is loaded,
3531 @value{GDBN} reevaluates all the breakpoints. When a newly loaded
3532 shared library contains the symbol or line referred to by some
3533 pending breakpoint, that breakpoint is resolved and becomes an
3534 ordinary breakpoint. When a library is unloaded, all breakpoints
3535 that refer to its symbols or source lines become pending again.
3536
3537 This logic works for breakpoints with multiple locations, too. For
3538 example, if you have a breakpoint in a C@t{++} template function, and
3539 a newly loaded shared library has an instantiation of that template,
3540 a new location is added to the list of locations for the breakpoint.
3541
3542 Except for having unresolved address, pending breakpoints do not
3543 differ from regular breakpoints. You can set conditions or commands,
3544 enable and disable them and perform other breakpoint operations.
3545
3546 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling what
3547 happens when the @samp{break} command cannot resolve breakpoint
3548 address specification to an address:
3549
3550 @kindex set breakpoint pending
3551 @kindex show breakpoint pending
3552 @table @code
3553 @item set breakpoint pending auto
3554 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} cannot find the breakpoint
3555 location, it queries you whether a pending breakpoint should be created.
3556
3557 @item set breakpoint pending on
3558 This indicates that an unrecognized breakpoint location should automatically
3559 result in a pending breakpoint being created.
3560
3561 @item set breakpoint pending off
3562 This indicates that pending breakpoints are not to be created. Any
3563 unrecognized breakpoint location results in an error. This setting does
3564 not affect any pending breakpoints previously created.
3565
3566 @item show breakpoint pending
3567 Show the current behavior setting for creating pending breakpoints.
3568 @end table
3569
3570 The settings above only affect the @code{break} command and its
3571 variants. Once breakpoint is set, it will be automatically updated
3572 as shared libraries are loaded and unloaded.
3573
3574 @cindex automatic hardware breakpoints
3575 For some targets, @value{GDBN} can automatically decide if hardware or
3576 software breakpoints should be used, depending on whether the
3577 breakpoint address is read-only or read-write. This applies to
3578 breakpoints set with the @code{break} command as well as to internal
3579 breakpoints set by commands like @code{next} and @code{finish}. For
3580 breakpoints set with @code{hbreak}, @value{GDBN} will always use hardware
3581 breakpoints.
3582
3583 You can control this automatic behaviour with the following commands::
3584
3585 @kindex set breakpoint auto-hw
3586 @kindex show breakpoint auto-hw
3587 @table @code
3588 @item set breakpoint auto-hw on
3589 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} sets a breakpoint, it
3590 will try to use the target memory map to decide if software or hardware
3591 breakpoint must be used.
3592
3593 @item set breakpoint auto-hw off
3594 This indicates @value{GDBN} should not automatically select breakpoint
3595 type. If the target provides a memory map, @value{GDBN} will warn when
3596 trying to set software breakpoint at a read-only address.
3597 @end table
3598
3599 @value{GDBN} normally implements breakpoints by replacing the program code
3600 at the breakpoint address with a special instruction, which, when
3601 executed, given control to the debugger. By default, the program
3602 code is so modified only when the program is resumed. As soon as
3603 the program stops, @value{GDBN} restores the original instructions. This
3604 behaviour guards against leaving breakpoints inserted in the
3605 target should gdb abrubptly disconnect. However, with slow remote
3606 targets, inserting and removing breakpoint can reduce the performance.
3607 This behavior can be controlled with the following commands::
3608
3609 @kindex set breakpoint always-inserted
3610 @kindex show breakpoint always-inserted
3611 @table @code
3612 @item set breakpoint always-inserted off
3613 All breakpoints, including newly added by the user, are inserted in
3614 the target only when the target is resumed. All breakpoints are
3615 removed from the target when it stops.
3616
3617 @item set breakpoint always-inserted on
3618 Causes all breakpoints to be inserted in the target at all times. If
3619 the user adds a new breakpoint, or changes an existing breakpoint, the
3620 breakpoints in the target are updated immediately. A breakpoint is
3621 removed from the target only when breakpoint itself is removed.
3622
3623 @cindex non-stop mode, and @code{breakpoint always-inserted}
3624 @item set breakpoint always-inserted auto
3625 This is the default mode. If @value{GDBN} is controlling the inferior
3626 in non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}), gdb behaves as if
3627 @code{breakpoint always-inserted} mode is on. If @value{GDBN} is
3628 controlling the inferior in all-stop mode, @value{GDBN} behaves as if
3629 @code{breakpoint always-inserted} mode is off.
3630 @end table
3631
3632 @cindex negative breakpoint numbers
3633 @cindex internal @value{GDBN} breakpoints
3634 @value{GDBN} itself sometimes sets breakpoints in your program for
3635 special purposes, such as proper handling of @code{longjmp} (in C
3636 programs). These internal breakpoints are assigned negative numbers,
3637 starting with @code{-1}; @samp{info breakpoints} does not display them.
3638 You can see these breakpoints with the @value{GDBN} maintenance command
3639 @samp{maint info breakpoints} (@pxref{maint info breakpoints}).
3640
3641
3642 @node Set Watchpoints
3643 @subsection Setting Watchpoints
3644
3645 @cindex setting watchpoints
3646 You can use a watchpoint to stop execution whenever the value of an
3647 expression changes, without having to predict a particular place where
3648 this may happen. (This is sometimes called a @dfn{data breakpoint}.)
3649 The expression may be as simple as the value of a single variable, or
3650 as complex as many variables combined by operators. Examples include:
3651
3652 @itemize @bullet
3653 @item
3654 A reference to the value of a single variable.
3655
3656 @item
3657 An address cast to an appropriate data type. For example,
3658 @samp{*(int *)0x12345678} will watch a 4-byte region at the specified
3659 address (assuming an @code{int} occupies 4 bytes).
3660
3661 @item
3662 An arbitrarily complex expression, such as @samp{a*b + c/d}. The
3663 expression can use any operators valid in the program's native
3664 language (@pxref{Languages}).
3665 @end itemize
3666
3667 You can set a watchpoint on an expression even if the expression can
3668 not be evaluated yet. For instance, you can set a watchpoint on
3669 @samp{*global_ptr} before @samp{global_ptr} is initialized.
3670 @value{GDBN} will stop when your program sets @samp{global_ptr} and
3671 the expression produces a valid value. If the expression becomes
3672 valid in some other way than changing a variable (e.g.@: if the memory
3673 pointed to by @samp{*global_ptr} becomes readable as the result of a
3674 @code{malloc} call), @value{GDBN} may not stop until the next time
3675 the expression changes.
3676
3677 @cindex software watchpoints
3678 @cindex hardware watchpoints
3679 Depending on your system, watchpoints may be implemented in software or
3680 hardware. @value{GDBN} does software watchpointing by single-stepping your
3681 program and testing the variable's value each time, which is hundreds of
3682 times slower than normal execution. (But this may still be worth it, to
3683 catch errors where you have no clue what part of your program is the
3684 culprit.)
3685
3686 On some systems, such as HP-UX, PowerPC, @sc{gnu}/Linux and most other
3687 x86-based targets, @value{GDBN} includes support for hardware
3688 watchpoints, which do not slow down the running of your program.
3689
3690 @table @code
3691 @kindex watch
3692 @item watch @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}
3693 Set a watchpoint for an expression. @value{GDBN} will break when the
3694 expression @var{expr} is written into by the program and its value
3695 changes. The simplest (and the most popular) use of this command is
3696 to watch the value of a single variable:
3697
3698 @smallexample
3699 (@value{GDBP}) watch foo
3700 @end smallexample
3701
3702 If the command includes a @code{@r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}}
3703 clause, @value{GDBN} breaks only when the thread identified by
3704 @var{threadnum} changes the value of @var{expr}. If any other threads
3705 change the value of @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} will not break. Note
3706 that watchpoints restricted to a single thread in this way only work
3707 with Hardware Watchpoints.
3708
3709 @kindex rwatch
3710 @item rwatch @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}
3711 Set a watchpoint that will break when the value of @var{expr} is read
3712 by the program.
3713
3714 @kindex awatch
3715 @item awatch @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}
3716 Set a watchpoint that will break when @var{expr} is either read from
3717 or written into by the program.
3718
3719 @kindex info watchpoints @r{[}@var{n}@r{]}
3720 @item info watchpoints
3721 This command prints a list of watchpoints, using the same format as
3722 @code{info break} (@pxref{Set Breaks}).
3723 @end table
3724
3725 @value{GDBN} sets a @dfn{hardware watchpoint} if possible. Hardware
3726 watchpoints execute very quickly, and the debugger reports a change in
3727 value at the exact instruction where the change occurs. If @value{GDBN}
3728 cannot set a hardware watchpoint, it sets a software watchpoint, which
3729 executes more slowly and reports the change in value at the next
3730 @emph{statement}, not the instruction, after the change occurs.
3731
3732 @cindex use only software watchpoints
3733 You can force @value{GDBN} to use only software watchpoints with the
3734 @kbd{set can-use-hw-watchpoints 0} command. With this variable set to
3735 zero, @value{GDBN} will never try to use hardware watchpoints, even if
3736 the underlying system supports them. (Note that hardware-assisted
3737 watchpoints that were set @emph{before} setting
3738 @code{can-use-hw-watchpoints} to zero will still use the hardware
3739 mechanism of watching expression values.)
3740
3741 @table @code
3742 @item set can-use-hw-watchpoints
3743 @kindex set can-use-hw-watchpoints
3744 Set whether or not to use hardware watchpoints.
3745
3746 @item show can-use-hw-watchpoints
3747 @kindex show can-use-hw-watchpoints
3748 Show the current mode of using hardware watchpoints.
3749 @end table
3750
3751 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
3752 watchpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
3753 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
3754
3755 When you issue the @code{watch} command, @value{GDBN} reports
3756
3757 @smallexample
3758 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: @var{expr}
3759 @end smallexample
3760
3761 @noindent
3762 if it was able to set a hardware watchpoint.
3763
3764 Currently, the @code{awatch} and @code{rwatch} commands can only set
3765 hardware watchpoints, because accesses to data that don't change the
3766 value of the watched expression cannot be detected without examining
3767 every instruction as it is being executed, and @value{GDBN} does not do
3768 that currently. If @value{GDBN} finds that it is unable to set a
3769 hardware breakpoint with the @code{awatch} or @code{rwatch} command, it
3770 will print a message like this:
3771
3772 @smallexample
3773 Expression cannot be implemented with read/access watchpoint.
3774 @end smallexample
3775
3776 Sometimes, @value{GDBN} cannot set a hardware watchpoint because the
3777 data type of the watched expression is wider than what a hardware
3778 watchpoint on the target machine can handle. For example, some systems
3779 can only watch regions that are up to 4 bytes wide; on such systems you
3780 cannot set hardware watchpoints for an expression that yields a
3781 double-precision floating-point number (which is typically 8 bytes
3782 wide). As a work-around, it might be possible to break the large region
3783 into a series of smaller ones and watch them with separate watchpoints.
3784
3785 If you set too many hardware watchpoints, @value{GDBN} might be unable
3786 to insert all of them when you resume the execution of your program.
3787 Since the precise number of active watchpoints is unknown until such
3788 time as the program is about to be resumed, @value{GDBN} might not be
3789 able to warn you about this when you set the watchpoints, and the
3790 warning will be printed only when the program is resumed:
3791
3792 @smallexample
3793 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: Could not insert watchpoint
3794 @end smallexample
3795
3796 @noindent
3797 If this happens, delete or disable some of the watchpoints.
3798
3799 Watching complex expressions that reference many variables can also
3800 exhaust the resources available for hardware-assisted watchpoints.
3801 That's because @value{GDBN} needs to watch every variable in the
3802 expression with separately allocated resources.
3803
3804 If you call a function interactively using @code{print} or @code{call},
3805 any watchpoints you have set will be inactive until @value{GDBN} reaches another
3806 kind of breakpoint or the call completes.
3807
3808 @value{GDBN} automatically deletes watchpoints that watch local
3809 (automatic) variables, or expressions that involve such variables, when
3810 they go out of scope, that is, when the execution leaves the block in
3811 which these variables were defined. In particular, when the program
3812 being debugged terminates, @emph{all} local variables go out of scope,
3813 and so only watchpoints that watch global variables remain set. If you
3814 rerun the program, you will need to set all such watchpoints again. One
3815 way of doing that would be to set a code breakpoint at the entry to the
3816 @code{main} function and when it breaks, set all the watchpoints.
3817
3818 @cindex watchpoints and threads
3819 @cindex threads and watchpoints
3820 In multi-threaded programs, watchpoints will detect changes to the
3821 watched expression from every thread.
3822
3823 @quotation
3824 @emph{Warning:} In multi-threaded programs, software watchpoints
3825 have only limited usefulness. If @value{GDBN} creates a software
3826 watchpoint, it can only watch the value of an expression @emph{in a
3827 single thread}. If you are confident that the expression can only
3828 change due to the current thread's activity (and if you are also
3829 confident that no other thread can become current), then you can use
3830 software watchpoints as usual. However, @value{GDBN} may not notice
3831 when a non-current thread's activity changes the expression. (Hardware
3832 watchpoints, in contrast, watch an expression in all threads.)
3833 @end quotation
3834
3835 @xref{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}.
3836
3837 @node Set Catchpoints
3838 @subsection Setting Catchpoints
3839 @cindex catchpoints, setting
3840 @cindex exception handlers
3841 @cindex event handling
3842
3843 You can use @dfn{catchpoints} to cause the debugger to stop for certain
3844 kinds of program events, such as C@t{++} exceptions or the loading of a
3845 shared library. Use the @code{catch} command to set a catchpoint.
3846
3847 @table @code
3848 @kindex catch
3849 @item catch @var{event}
3850 Stop when @var{event} occurs. @var{event} can be any of the following:
3851 @table @code
3852 @item throw
3853 @cindex stop on C@t{++} exceptions
3854 The throwing of a C@t{++} exception.
3855
3856 @item catch
3857 The catching of a C@t{++} exception.
3858
3859 @item exception
3860 @cindex Ada exception catching
3861 @cindex catch Ada exceptions
3862 An Ada exception being raised. If an exception name is specified
3863 at the end of the command (eg @code{catch exception Program_Error}),
3864 the debugger will stop only when this specific exception is raised.
3865 Otherwise, the debugger stops execution when any Ada exception is raised.
3866
3867 When inserting an exception catchpoint on a user-defined exception whose
3868 name is identical to one of the exceptions defined by the language, the
3869 fully qualified name must be used as the exception name. Otherwise,
3870 @value{GDBN} will assume that it should stop on the pre-defined exception
3871 rather than the user-defined one. For instance, assuming an exception
3872 called @code{Constraint_Error} is defined in package @code{Pck}, then
3873 the command to use to catch such exceptions is @kbd{catch exception
3874 Pck.Constraint_Error}.
3875
3876 @item exception unhandled
3877 An exception that was raised but is not handled by the program.
3878
3879 @item assert
3880 A failed Ada assertion.
3881
3882 @item exec
3883 @cindex break on fork/exec
3884 A call to @code{exec}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
3885 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
3886
3887 @item syscall
3888 @itemx syscall @r{[}@var{name} @r{|} @var{number}@r{]} @dots{}
3889 @cindex break on a system call.
3890 A call to or return from a system call, a.k.a.@: @dfn{syscall}. A
3891 syscall is a mechanism for application programs to request a service
3892 from the operating system (OS) or one of the OS system services.
3893 @value{GDBN} can catch some or all of the syscalls issued by the
3894 debuggee, and show the related information for each syscall. If no
3895 argument is specified, calls to and returns from all system calls
3896 will be caught.
3897
3898 @var{name} can be any system call name that is valid for the
3899 underlying OS. Just what syscalls are valid depends on the OS. On
3900 GNU and Unix systems, you can find the full list of valid syscall
3901 names on @file{/usr/include/asm/unistd.h}.
3902
3903 @c For MS-Windows, the syscall names and the corresponding numbers
3904 @c can be found, e.g., on this URL:
3905 @c http://www.metasploit.com/users/opcode/syscalls.html
3906 @c but we don't support Windows syscalls yet.
3907
3908 Normally, @value{GDBN} knows in advance which syscalls are valid for
3909 each OS, so you can use the @value{GDBN} command-line completion
3910 facilities (@pxref{Completion,, command completion}) to list the
3911 available choices.
3912
3913 You may also specify the system call numerically. A syscall's
3914 number is the value passed to the OS's syscall dispatcher to
3915 identify the requested service. When you specify the syscall by its
3916 name, @value{GDBN} uses its database of syscalls to convert the name
3917 into the corresponding numeric code, but using the number directly
3918 may be useful if @value{GDBN}'s database does not have the complete
3919 list of syscalls on your system (e.g., because @value{GDBN} lags
3920 behind the OS upgrades).
3921
3922 The example below illustrates how this command works if you don't provide
3923 arguments to it:
3924
3925 @smallexample
3926 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall
3927 Catchpoint 1 (syscall)
3928 (@value{GDBP}) r
3929 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
3930
3931 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'close'), \
3932 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
3933 (@value{GDBP}) c
3934 Continuing.
3935
3936 Catchpoint 1 (returned from syscall 'close'), \
3937 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
3938 (@value{GDBP})
3939 @end smallexample
3940
3941 Here is an example of catching a system call by name:
3942
3943 @smallexample
3944 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall chroot
3945 Catchpoint 1 (syscall 'chroot' [61])
3946 (@value{GDBP}) r
3947 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
3948
3949 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'chroot'), \
3950 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
3951 (@value{GDBP}) c
3952 Continuing.
3953
3954 Catchpoint 1 (returned from syscall 'chroot'), \
3955 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
3956 (@value{GDBP})
3957 @end smallexample
3958
3959 An example of specifying a system call numerically. In the case
3960 below, the syscall number has a corresponding entry in the XML
3961 file, so @value{GDBN} finds its name and prints it:
3962
3963 @smallexample
3964 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 252
3965 Catchpoint 1 (syscall(s) 'exit_group')
3966 (@value{GDBP}) r
3967 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
3968
3969 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'exit_group'), \
3970 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
3971 (@value{GDBP}) c
3972 Continuing.
3973
3974 Program exited normally.
3975 (@value{GDBP})
3976 @end smallexample
3977
3978 However, there can be situations when there is no corresponding name
3979 in XML file for that syscall number. In this case, @value{GDBN} prints
3980 a warning message saying that it was not able to find the syscall name,
3981 but the catchpoint will be set anyway. See the example below:
3982
3983 @smallexample
3984 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 764
3985 warning: The number '764' does not represent a known syscall.
3986 Catchpoint 2 (syscall 764)
3987 (@value{GDBP})
3988 @end smallexample
3989
3990 If you configure @value{GDBN} using the @samp{--without-expat} option,
3991 it will not be able to display syscall names. Also, if your
3992 architecture does not have an XML file describing its system calls,
3993 you will not be able to see the syscall names. It is important to
3994 notice that these two features are used for accessing the syscall
3995 name database. In either case, you will see a warning like this:
3996
3997 @smallexample
3998 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall
3999 warning: Could not open "syscalls/i386-linux.xml"
4000 warning: Could not load the syscall XML file 'syscalls/i386-linux.xml'.
4001 GDB will not be able to display syscall names.
4002 Catchpoint 1 (syscall)
4003 (@value{GDBP})
4004 @end smallexample
4005
4006 Of course, the file name will change depending on your architecture and system.
4007
4008 Still using the example above, you can also try to catch a syscall by its
4009 number. In this case, you would see something like:
4010
4011 @smallexample
4012 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 252
4013 Catchpoint 1 (syscall(s) 252)
4014 @end smallexample
4015
4016 Again, in this case @value{GDBN} would not be able to display syscall's names.
4017
4018 @item fork
4019 A call to @code{fork}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
4020 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
4021
4022 @item vfork
4023 A call to @code{vfork}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
4024 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
4025
4026 @end table
4027
4028 @item tcatch @var{event}
4029 Set a catchpoint that is enabled only for one stop. The catchpoint is
4030 automatically deleted after the first time the event is caught.
4031
4032 @end table
4033
4034 Use the @code{info break} command to list the current catchpoints.
4035
4036 There are currently some limitations to C@t{++} exception handling
4037 (@code{catch throw} and @code{catch catch}) in @value{GDBN}:
4038
4039 @itemize @bullet
4040 @item
4041 If you call a function interactively, @value{GDBN} normally returns
4042 control to you when the function has finished executing. If the call
4043 raises an exception, however, the call may bypass the mechanism that
4044 returns control to you and cause your program either to abort or to
4045 simply continue running until it hits a breakpoint, catches a signal
4046 that @value{GDBN} is listening for, or exits. This is the case even if
4047 you set a catchpoint for the exception; catchpoints on exceptions are
4048 disabled within interactive calls.
4049
4050 @item
4051 You cannot raise an exception interactively.
4052
4053 @item
4054 You cannot install an exception handler interactively.
4055 @end itemize
4056
4057 @cindex raise exceptions
4058 Sometimes @code{catch} is not the best way to debug exception handling:
4059 if you need to know exactly where an exception is raised, it is better to
4060 stop @emph{before} the exception handler is called, since that way you
4061 can see the stack before any unwinding takes place. If you set a
4062 breakpoint in an exception handler instead, it may not be easy to find
4063 out where the exception was raised.
4064
4065 To stop just before an exception handler is called, you need some
4066 knowledge of the implementation. In the case of @sc{gnu} C@t{++}, exceptions are
4067 raised by calling a library function named @code{__raise_exception}
4068 which has the following ANSI C interface:
4069
4070 @smallexample
4071 /* @var{addr} is where the exception identifier is stored.
4072 @var{id} is the exception identifier. */
4073 void __raise_exception (void **addr, void *id);
4074 @end smallexample
4075
4076 @noindent
4077 To make the debugger catch all exceptions before any stack
4078 unwinding takes place, set a breakpoint on @code{__raise_exception}
4079 (@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints; Watchpoints; and Exceptions}).
4080
4081 With a conditional breakpoint (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions})
4082 that depends on the value of @var{id}, you can stop your program when
4083 a specific exception is raised. You can use multiple conditional
4084 breakpoints to stop your program when any of a number of exceptions are
4085 raised.
4086
4087
4088 @node Delete Breaks
4089 @subsection Deleting Breakpoints
4090
4091 @cindex clearing breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
4092 @cindex deleting breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
4093 It is often necessary to eliminate a breakpoint, watchpoint, or
4094 catchpoint once it has done its job and you no longer want your program
4095 to stop there. This is called @dfn{deleting} the breakpoint. A
4096 breakpoint that has been deleted no longer exists; it is forgotten.
4097
4098 With the @code{clear} command you can delete breakpoints according to
4099 where they are in your program. With the @code{delete} command you can
4100 delete individual breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints by specifying
4101 their breakpoint numbers.
4102
4103 It is not necessary to delete a breakpoint to proceed past it. @value{GDBN}
4104 automatically ignores breakpoints on the first instruction to be executed
4105 when you continue execution without changing the execution address.
4106
4107 @table @code
4108 @kindex clear
4109 @item clear
4110 Delete any breakpoints at the next instruction to be executed in the
4111 selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). When
4112 the innermost frame is selected, this is a good way to delete a
4113 breakpoint where your program just stopped.
4114
4115 @item clear @var{location}
4116 Delete any breakpoints set at the specified @var{location}.
4117 @xref{Specify Location}, for the various forms of @var{location}; the
4118 most useful ones are listed below:
4119
4120 @table @code
4121 @item clear @var{function}
4122 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{function}
4123 Delete any breakpoints set at entry to the named @var{function}.
4124
4125 @item clear @var{linenum}
4126 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
4127 Delete any breakpoints set at or within the code of the specified
4128 @var{linenum} of the specified @var{filename}.
4129 @end table
4130
4131 @cindex delete breakpoints
4132 @kindex delete
4133 @kindex d @r{(@code{delete})}
4134 @item delete @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4135 Delete the breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints of the breakpoint
4136 ranges specified as arguments. If no argument is specified, delete all
4137 breakpoints (@value{GDBN} asks confirmation, unless you have @code{set
4138 confirm off}). You can abbreviate this command as @code{d}.
4139 @end table
4140
4141 @node Disabling
4142 @subsection Disabling Breakpoints
4143
4144 @cindex enable/disable a breakpoint
4145 Rather than deleting a breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint, you might
4146 prefer to @dfn{disable} it. This makes the breakpoint inoperative as if
4147 it had been deleted, but remembers the information on the breakpoint so
4148 that you can @dfn{enable} it again later.
4149
4150 You disable and enable breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints with
4151 the @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands, optionally specifying
4152 one or more breakpoint numbers as arguments. Use @code{info break} to
4153 print a list of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints if you
4154 do not know which numbers to use.
4155
4156 Disabling and enabling a breakpoint that has multiple locations
4157 affects all of its locations.
4158
4159 A breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint can have any of four different
4160 states of enablement:
4161
4162 @itemize @bullet
4163 @item
4164 Enabled. The breakpoint stops your program. A breakpoint set
4165 with the @code{break} command starts out in this state.
4166 @item
4167 Disabled. The breakpoint has no effect on your program.
4168 @item
4169 Enabled once. The breakpoint stops your program, but then becomes
4170 disabled.
4171 @item
4172 Enabled for deletion. The breakpoint stops your program, but
4173 immediately after it does so it is deleted permanently. A breakpoint
4174 set with the @code{tbreak} command starts out in this state.
4175 @end itemize
4176
4177 You can use the following commands to enable or disable breakpoints,
4178 watchpoints, and catchpoints:
4179
4180 @table @code
4181 @kindex disable
4182 @kindex dis @r{(@code{disable})}
4183 @item disable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4184 Disable the specified breakpoints---or all breakpoints, if none are
4185 listed. A disabled breakpoint has no effect but is not forgotten. All
4186 options such as ignore-counts, conditions and commands are remembered in
4187 case the breakpoint is enabled again later. You may abbreviate
4188 @code{disable} as @code{dis}.
4189
4190 @kindex enable
4191 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4192 Enable the specified breakpoints (or all defined breakpoints). They
4193 become effective once again in stopping your program.
4194
4195 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} once @var{range}@dots{}
4196 Enable the specified breakpoints temporarily. @value{GDBN} disables any
4197 of these breakpoints immediately after stopping your program.
4198
4199 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} delete @var{range}@dots{}
4200 Enable the specified breakpoints to work once, then die. @value{GDBN}
4201 deletes any of these breakpoints as soon as your program stops there.
4202 Breakpoints set by the @code{tbreak} command start out in this state.
4203 @end table
4204
4205 @c FIXME: I think the following ``Except for [...] @code{tbreak}'' is
4206 @c confusing: tbreak is also initially enabled.
4207 Except for a breakpoint set with @code{tbreak} (@pxref{Set Breaks,
4208 ,Setting Breakpoints}), breakpoints that you set are initially enabled;
4209 subsequently, they become disabled or enabled only when you use one of
4210 the commands above. (The command @code{until} can set and delete a
4211 breakpoint of its own, but it does not change the state of your other
4212 breakpoints; see @ref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and
4213 Stepping}.)
4214
4215 @node Conditions
4216 @subsection Break Conditions
4217 @cindex conditional breakpoints
4218 @cindex breakpoint conditions
4219
4220 @c FIXME what is scope of break condition expr? Context where wanted?
4221 @c in particular for a watchpoint?
4222 The simplest sort of breakpoint breaks every time your program reaches a
4223 specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for a
4224 breakpoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
4225 programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A breakpoint with
4226 a condition evaluates the expression each time your program reaches it,
4227 and your program stops only if the condition is @emph{true}.
4228
4229 This is the converse of using assertions for program validation; in that
4230 situation, you want to stop when the assertion is violated---that is,
4231 when the condition is false. In C, if you want to test an assertion expressed
4232 by the condition @var{assert}, you should set the condition
4233 @samp{! @var{assert}} on the appropriate breakpoint.
4234
4235 Conditions are also accepted for watchpoints; you may not need them,
4236 since a watchpoint is inspecting the value of an expression anyhow---but
4237 it might be simpler, say, to just set a watchpoint on a variable name,
4238 and specify a condition that tests whether the new value is an interesting
4239 one.
4240
4241 Break conditions can have side effects, and may even call functions in
4242 your program. This can be useful, for example, to activate functions
4243 that log program progress, or to use your own print functions to
4244 format special data structures. The effects are completely predictable
4245 unless there is another enabled breakpoint at the same address. (In
4246 that case, @value{GDBN} might see the other breakpoint first and stop your
4247 program without checking the condition of this one.) Note that
4248 breakpoint commands are usually more convenient and flexible than break
4249 conditions for the
4250 purpose of performing side effects when a breakpoint is reached
4251 (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}).
4252
4253 Break conditions can be specified when a breakpoint is set, by using
4254 @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{break} command. @xref{Set
4255 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}. They can also be changed at any time
4256 with the @code{condition} command.
4257
4258 You can also use the @code{if} keyword with the @code{watch} command.
4259 The @code{catch} command does not recognize the @code{if} keyword;
4260 @code{condition} is the only way to impose a further condition on a
4261 catchpoint.
4262
4263 @table @code
4264 @kindex condition
4265 @item condition @var{bnum} @var{expression}
4266 Specify @var{expression} as the break condition for breakpoint,
4267 watchpoint, or catchpoint number @var{bnum}. After you set a condition,
4268 breakpoint @var{bnum} stops your program only if the value of
4269 @var{expression} is true (nonzero, in C). When you use
4270 @code{condition}, @value{GDBN} checks @var{expression} immediately for
4271 syntactic correctness, and to determine whether symbols in it have
4272 referents in the context of your breakpoint. If @var{expression} uses
4273 symbols not referenced in the context of the breakpoint, @value{GDBN}
4274 prints an error message:
4275
4276 @smallexample
4277 No symbol "foo" in current context.
4278 @end smallexample
4279
4280 @noindent
4281 @value{GDBN} does
4282 not actually evaluate @var{expression} at the time the @code{condition}
4283 command (or a command that sets a breakpoint with a condition, like
4284 @code{break if @dots{}}) is given, however. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
4285
4286 @item condition @var{bnum}
4287 Remove the condition from breakpoint number @var{bnum}. It becomes
4288 an ordinary unconditional breakpoint.
4289 @end table
4290
4291 @cindex ignore count (of breakpoint)
4292 A special case of a breakpoint condition is to stop only when the
4293 breakpoint has been reached a certain number of times. This is so
4294 useful that there is a special way to do it, using the @dfn{ignore
4295 count} of the breakpoint. Every breakpoint has an ignore count, which
4296 is an integer. Most of the time, the ignore count is zero, and
4297 therefore has no effect. But if your program reaches a breakpoint whose
4298 ignore count is positive, then instead of stopping, it just decrements
4299 the ignore count by one and continues. As a result, if the ignore count
4300 value is @var{n}, the breakpoint does not stop the next @var{n} times
4301 your program reaches it.
4302
4303 @table @code
4304 @kindex ignore
4305 @item ignore @var{bnum} @var{count}
4306 Set the ignore count of breakpoint number @var{bnum} to @var{count}.
4307 The next @var{count} times the breakpoint is reached, your program's
4308 execution does not stop; other than to decrement the ignore count, @value{GDBN}
4309 takes no action.
4310
4311 To make the breakpoint stop the next time it is reached, specify
4312 a count of zero.
4313
4314 When you use @code{continue} to resume execution of your program from a
4315 breakpoint, you can specify an ignore count directly as an argument to
4316 @code{continue}, rather than using @code{ignore}. @xref{Continuing and
4317 Stepping,,Continuing and Stepping}.
4318
4319 If a breakpoint has a positive ignore count and a condition, the
4320 condition is not checked. Once the ignore count reaches zero,
4321 @value{GDBN} resumes checking the condition.
4322
4323 You could achieve the effect of the ignore count with a condition such
4324 as @w{@samp{$foo-- <= 0}} using a debugger convenience variable that
4325 is decremented each time. @xref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
4326 Variables}.
4327 @end table
4328
4329 Ignore counts apply to breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints.
4330
4331
4332 @node Break Commands
4333 @subsection Breakpoint Command Lists
4334
4335 @cindex breakpoint commands
4336 You can give any breakpoint (or watchpoint or catchpoint) a series of
4337 commands to execute when your program stops due to that breakpoint. For
4338 example, you might want to print the values of certain expressions, or
4339 enable other breakpoints.
4340
4341 @table @code
4342 @kindex commands
4343 @kindex end@r{ (breakpoint commands)}
4344 @item commands @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4345 @itemx @dots{} @var{command-list} @dots{}
4346 @itemx end
4347 Specify a list of commands for the given breakpoints. The commands
4348 themselves appear on the following lines. Type a line containing just
4349 @code{end} to terminate the commands.
4350
4351 To remove all commands from a breakpoint, type @code{commands} and
4352 follow it immediately with @code{end}; that is, give no commands.
4353
4354 With no argument, @code{commands} refers to the last breakpoint,
4355 watchpoint, or catchpoint set (not to the breakpoint most recently
4356 encountered). If the most recent breakpoints were set with a single
4357 command, then the @code{commands} will apply to all the breakpoints
4358 set by that command. This applies to breakpoints set by
4359 @code{rbreak}, and also applies when a single @code{break} command
4360 creates multiple breakpoints (@pxref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous
4361 Expressions}).
4362 @end table
4363
4364 Pressing @key{RET} as a means of repeating the last @value{GDBN} command is
4365 disabled within a @var{command-list}.
4366
4367 You can use breakpoint commands to start your program up again. Simply
4368 use the @code{continue} command, or @code{step}, or any other command
4369 that resumes execution.
4370
4371 Any other commands in the command list, after a command that resumes
4372 execution, are ignored. This is because any time you resume execution
4373 (even with a simple @code{next} or @code{step}), you may encounter
4374 another breakpoint---which could have its own command list, leading to
4375 ambiguities about which list to execute.
4376
4377 @kindex silent
4378 If the first command you specify in a command list is @code{silent}, the
4379 usual message about stopping at a breakpoint is not printed. This may
4380 be desirable for breakpoints that are to print a specific message and
4381 then continue. If none of the remaining commands print anything, you
4382 see no sign that the breakpoint was reached. @code{silent} is
4383 meaningful only at the beginning of a breakpoint command list.
4384
4385 The commands @code{echo}, @code{output}, and @code{printf} allow you to
4386 print precisely controlled output, and are often useful in silent
4387 breakpoints. @xref{Output, ,Commands for Controlled Output}.
4388
4389 For example, here is how you could use breakpoint commands to print the
4390 value of @code{x} at entry to @code{foo} whenever @code{x} is positive.
4391
4392 @smallexample
4393 break foo if x>0
4394 commands
4395 silent
4396 printf "x is %d\n",x
4397 cont
4398 end
4399 @end smallexample
4400
4401 One application for breakpoint commands is to compensate for one bug so
4402 you can test for another. Put a breakpoint just after the erroneous line
4403 of code, give it a condition to detect the case in which something
4404 erroneous has been done, and give it commands to assign correct values
4405 to any variables that need them. End with the @code{continue} command
4406 so that your program does not stop, and start with the @code{silent}
4407 command so that no output is produced. Here is an example:
4408
4409 @smallexample
4410 break 403
4411 commands
4412 silent
4413 set x = y + 4
4414 cont
4415 end
4416 @end smallexample
4417
4418 @node Save Breakpoints
4419 @subsection How to save breakpoints to a file
4420
4421 To save breakpoint definitions to a file use the @w{@code{save
4422 breakpoints}} command.
4423
4424 @table @code
4425 @kindex save breakpoints
4426 @cindex save breakpoints to a file for future sessions
4427 @item save breakpoints [@var{filename}]
4428 This command saves all current breakpoint definitions together with
4429 their commands and ignore counts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
4430 suitable for use in a later debugging session. This includes all
4431 types of breakpoints (breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints,
4432 tracepoints). To read the saved breakpoint definitions, use the
4433 @code{source} command (@pxref{Command Files}). Note that watchpoints
4434 with expressions involving local variables may fail to be recreated
4435 because it may not be possible to access the context where the
4436 watchpoint is valid anymore. Because the saved breakpoint definitions
4437 are simply a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands that recreate the
4438 breakpoints, you can edit the file in your favorite editing program,
4439 and remove the breakpoint definitions you're not interested in, or
4440 that can no longer be recreated.
4441 @end table
4442
4443 @c @ifclear BARETARGET
4444 @node Error in Breakpoints
4445 @subsection ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
4446
4447 If you request too many active hardware-assisted breakpoints and
4448 watchpoints, you will see this error message:
4449
4450 @c FIXME: the precise wording of this message may change; the relevant
4451 @c source change is not committed yet (Sep 3, 1999).
4452 @smallexample
4453 Stopped; cannot insert breakpoints.
4454 You may have requested too many hardware breakpoints and watchpoints.
4455 @end smallexample
4456
4457 @noindent
4458 This message is printed when you attempt to resume the program, since
4459 only then @value{GDBN} knows exactly how many hardware breakpoints and
4460 watchpoints it needs to insert.
4461
4462 When this message is printed, you need to disable or remove some of the
4463 hardware-assisted breakpoints and watchpoints, and then continue.
4464
4465 @node Breakpoint-related Warnings
4466 @subsection ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
4467 @cindex breakpoint address adjusted
4468
4469 Some processor architectures place constraints on the addresses at
4470 which breakpoints may be placed. For architectures thus constrained,
4471 @value{GDBN} will attempt to adjust the breakpoint's address to comply
4472 with the constraints dictated by the architecture.
4473
4474 One example of such an architecture is the Fujitsu FR-V. The FR-V is
4475 a VLIW architecture in which a number of RISC-like instructions may be
4476 bundled together for parallel execution. The FR-V architecture
4477 constrains the location of a breakpoint instruction within such a
4478 bundle to the instruction with the lowest address. @value{GDBN}
4479 honors this constraint by adjusting a breakpoint's address to the
4480 first in the bundle.
4481
4482 It is not uncommon for optimized code to have bundles which contain
4483 instructions from different source statements, thus it may happen that
4484 a breakpoint's address will be adjusted from one source statement to
4485 another. Since this adjustment may significantly alter @value{GDBN}'s
4486 breakpoint related behavior from what the user expects, a warning is
4487 printed when the breakpoint is first set and also when the breakpoint
4488 is hit.
4489
4490 A warning like the one below is printed when setting a breakpoint
4491 that's been subject to address adjustment:
4492
4493 @smallexample
4494 warning: Breakpoint address adjusted from 0x00010414 to 0x00010410.
4495 @end smallexample
4496
4497 Such warnings are printed both for user settable and @value{GDBN}'s
4498 internal breakpoints. If you see one of these warnings, you should
4499 verify that a breakpoint set at the adjusted address will have the
4500 desired affect. If not, the breakpoint in question may be removed and
4501 other breakpoints may be set which will have the desired behavior.
4502 E.g., it may be sufficient to place the breakpoint at a later
4503 instruction. A conditional breakpoint may also be useful in some
4504 cases to prevent the breakpoint from triggering too often.
4505
4506 @value{GDBN} will also issue a warning when stopping at one of these
4507 adjusted breakpoints:
4508
4509 @smallexample
4510 warning: Breakpoint 1 address previously adjusted from 0x00010414
4511 to 0x00010410.
4512 @end smallexample
4513
4514 When this warning is encountered, it may be too late to take remedial
4515 action except in cases where the breakpoint is hit earlier or more
4516 frequently than expected.
4517
4518 @node Continuing and Stepping
4519 @section Continuing and Stepping
4520
4521 @cindex stepping
4522 @cindex continuing
4523 @cindex resuming execution
4524 @dfn{Continuing} means resuming program execution until your program
4525 completes normally. In contrast, @dfn{stepping} means executing just
4526 one more ``step'' of your program, where ``step'' may mean either one
4527 line of source code, or one machine instruction (depending on what
4528 particular command you use). Either when continuing or when stepping,
4529 your program may stop even sooner, due to a breakpoint or a signal. (If
4530 it stops due to a signal, you may want to use @code{handle}, or use
4531 @samp{signal 0} to resume execution. @xref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
4532
4533 @table @code
4534 @kindex continue
4535 @kindex c @r{(@code{continue})}
4536 @kindex fg @r{(resume foreground execution)}
4537 @item continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4538 @itemx c @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4539 @itemx fg @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4540 Resume program execution, at the address where your program last stopped;
4541 any breakpoints set at that address are bypassed. The optional argument
4542 @var{ignore-count} allows you to specify a further number of times to
4543 ignore a breakpoint at this location; its effect is like that of
4544 @code{ignore} (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
4545
4546 The argument @var{ignore-count} is meaningful only when your program
4547 stopped due to a breakpoint. At other times, the argument to
4548 @code{continue} is ignored.
4549
4550 The synonyms @code{c} and @code{fg} (for @dfn{foreground}, as the
4551 debugged program is deemed to be the foreground program) are provided
4552 purely for convenience, and have exactly the same behavior as
4553 @code{continue}.
4554 @end table
4555
4556 To resume execution at a different place, you can use @code{return}
4557 (@pxref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}) to go back to the
4558 calling function; or @code{jump} (@pxref{Jumping, ,Continuing at a
4559 Different Address}) to go to an arbitrary location in your program.
4560
4561 A typical technique for using stepping is to set a breakpoint
4562 (@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints; Watchpoints; and Catchpoints}) at the
4563 beginning of the function or the section of your program where a problem
4564 is believed to lie, run your program until it stops at that breakpoint,
4565 and then step through the suspect area, examining the variables that are
4566 interesting, until you see the problem happen.
4567
4568 @table @code
4569 @kindex step
4570 @kindex s @r{(@code{step})}
4571 @item step
4572 Continue running your program until control reaches a different source
4573 line, then stop it and return control to @value{GDBN}. This command is
4574 abbreviated @code{s}.
4575
4576 @quotation
4577 @c "without debugging information" is imprecise; actually "without line
4578 @c numbers in the debugging information". (gcc -g1 has debugging info but
4579 @c not line numbers). But it seems complex to try to make that
4580 @c distinction here.
4581 @emph{Warning:} If you use the @code{step} command while control is
4582 within a function that was compiled without debugging information,
4583 execution proceeds until control reaches a function that does have
4584 debugging information. Likewise, it will not step into a function which
4585 is compiled without debugging information. To step through functions
4586 without debugging information, use the @code{stepi} command, described
4587 below.
4588 @end quotation
4589
4590 The @code{step} command only stops at the first instruction of a source
4591 line. This prevents the multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
4592 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc. @code{step} continues
4593 to stop if a function that has debugging information is called within
4594 the line. In other words, @code{step} @emph{steps inside} any functions
4595 called within the line.
4596
4597 Also, the @code{step} command only enters a function if there is line
4598 number information for the function. Otherwise it acts like the
4599 @code{next} command. This avoids problems when using @code{cc -gl}
4600 on MIPS machines. Previously, @code{step} entered subroutines if there
4601 was any debugging information about the routine.
4602
4603 @item step @var{count}
4604 Continue running as in @code{step}, but do so @var{count} times. If a
4605 breakpoint is reached, or a signal not related to stepping occurs before
4606 @var{count} steps, stepping stops right away.
4607
4608 @kindex next
4609 @kindex n @r{(@code{next})}
4610 @item next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
4611 Continue to the next source line in the current (innermost) stack frame.
4612 This is similar to @code{step}, but function calls that appear within
4613 the line of code are executed without stopping. Execution stops when
4614 control reaches a different line of code at the original stack level
4615 that was executing when you gave the @code{next} command. This command
4616 is abbreviated @code{n}.
4617
4618 An argument @var{count} is a repeat count, as for @code{step}.
4619
4620
4621 @c FIX ME!! Do we delete this, or is there a way it fits in with
4622 @c the following paragraph? --- Vctoria
4623 @c
4624 @c @code{next} within a function that lacks debugging information acts like
4625 @c @code{step}, but any function calls appearing within the code of the
4626 @c function are executed without stopping.
4627
4628 The @code{next} command only stops at the first instruction of a
4629 source line. This prevents multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
4630 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc.
4631
4632 @kindex set step-mode
4633 @item set step-mode
4634 @cindex functions without line info, and stepping
4635 @cindex stepping into functions with no line info
4636 @itemx set step-mode on
4637 The @code{set step-mode on} command causes the @code{step} command to
4638 stop at the first instruction of a function which contains no debug line
4639 information rather than stepping over it.
4640
4641 This is useful in cases where you may be interested in inspecting the
4642 machine instructions of a function which has no symbolic info and do not
4643 want @value{GDBN} to automatically skip over this function.
4644
4645 @item set step-mode off
4646 Causes the @code{step} command to step over any functions which contains no
4647 debug information. This is the default.
4648
4649 @item show step-mode
4650 Show whether @value{GDBN} will stop in or step over functions without
4651 source line debug information.
4652
4653 @kindex finish
4654 @kindex fin @r{(@code{finish})}
4655 @item finish
4656 Continue running until just after function in the selected stack frame
4657 returns. Print the returned value (if any). This command can be
4658 abbreviated as @code{fin}.
4659
4660 Contrast this with the @code{return} command (@pxref{Returning,
4661 ,Returning from a Function}).
4662
4663 @kindex until
4664 @kindex u @r{(@code{until})}
4665 @cindex run until specified location
4666 @item until
4667 @itemx u
4668 Continue running until a source line past the current line, in the
4669 current stack frame, is reached. This command is used to avoid single
4670 stepping through a loop more than once. It is like the @code{next}
4671 command, except that when @code{until} encounters a jump, it
4672 automatically continues execution until the program counter is greater
4673 than the address of the jump.
4674
4675 This means that when you reach the end of a loop after single stepping
4676 though it, @code{until} makes your program continue execution until it
4677 exits the loop. In contrast, a @code{next} command at the end of a loop
4678 simply steps back to the beginning of the loop, which forces you to step
4679 through the next iteration.
4680
4681 @code{until} always stops your program if it attempts to exit the current
4682 stack frame.
4683
4684 @code{until} may produce somewhat counterintuitive results if the order
4685 of machine code does not match the order of the source lines. For
4686 example, in the following excerpt from a debugging session, the @code{f}
4687 (@code{frame}) command shows that execution is stopped at line
4688 @code{206}; yet when we use @code{until}, we get to line @code{195}:
4689
4690 @smallexample
4691 (@value{GDBP}) f
4692 #0 main (argc=4, argv=0xf7fffae8) at m4.c:206
4693 206 expand_input();
4694 (@value{GDBP}) until
4695 195 for ( ; argc > 0; NEXTARG) @{
4696 @end smallexample
4697
4698 This happened because, for execution efficiency, the compiler had
4699 generated code for the loop closure test at the end, rather than the
4700 start, of the loop---even though the test in a C @code{for}-loop is
4701 written before the body of the loop. The @code{until} command appeared
4702 to step back to the beginning of the loop when it advanced to this
4703 expression; however, it has not really gone to an earlier
4704 statement---not in terms of the actual machine code.
4705
4706 @code{until} with no argument works by means of single
4707 instruction stepping, and hence is slower than @code{until} with an
4708 argument.
4709
4710 @item until @var{location}
4711 @itemx u @var{location}
4712 Continue running your program until either the specified location is
4713 reached, or the current stack frame returns. @var{location} is any of
4714 the forms described in @ref{Specify Location}.
4715 This form of the command uses temporary breakpoints, and
4716 hence is quicker than @code{until} without an argument. The specified
4717 location is actually reached only if it is in the current frame. This
4718 implies that @code{until} can be used to skip over recursive function
4719 invocations. For instance in the code below, if the current location is
4720 line @code{96}, issuing @code{until 99} will execute the program up to
4721 line @code{99} in the same invocation of factorial, i.e., after the inner
4722 invocations have returned.
4723
4724 @smallexample
4725 94 int factorial (int value)
4726 95 @{
4727 96 if (value > 1) @{
4728 97 value *= factorial (value - 1);
4729 98 @}
4730 99 return (value);
4731 100 @}
4732 @end smallexample
4733
4734
4735 @kindex advance @var{location}
4736 @itemx advance @var{location}
4737 Continue running the program up to the given @var{location}. An argument is
4738 required, which should be of one of the forms described in
4739 @ref{Specify Location}.
4740 Execution will also stop upon exit from the current stack
4741 frame. This command is similar to @code{until}, but @code{advance} will
4742 not skip over recursive function calls, and the target location doesn't
4743 have to be in the same frame as the current one.
4744
4745
4746 @kindex stepi
4747 @kindex si @r{(@code{stepi})}
4748 @item stepi
4749 @itemx stepi @var{arg}
4750 @itemx si
4751 Execute one machine instruction, then stop and return to the debugger.
4752
4753 It is often useful to do @samp{display/i $pc} when stepping by machine
4754 instructions. This makes @value{GDBN} automatically display the next
4755 instruction to be executed, each time your program stops. @xref{Auto
4756 Display,, Automatic Display}.
4757
4758 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{step}.
4759
4760 @need 750
4761 @kindex nexti
4762 @kindex ni @r{(@code{nexti})}
4763 @item nexti
4764 @itemx nexti @var{arg}
4765 @itemx ni
4766 Execute one machine instruction, but if it is a function call,
4767 proceed until the function returns.
4768
4769 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{next}.
4770 @end table
4771
4772 @node Signals
4773 @section Signals
4774 @cindex signals
4775
4776 A signal is an asynchronous event that can happen in a program. The
4777 operating system defines the possible kinds of signals, and gives each
4778 kind a name and a number. For example, in Unix @code{SIGINT} is the
4779 signal a program gets when you type an interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c});
4780 @code{SIGSEGV} is the signal a program gets from referencing a place in
4781 memory far away from all the areas in use; @code{SIGALRM} occurs when
4782 the alarm clock timer goes off (which happens only if your program has
4783 requested an alarm).
4784
4785 @cindex fatal signals
4786 Some signals, including @code{SIGALRM}, are a normal part of the
4787 functioning of your program. Others, such as @code{SIGSEGV}, indicate
4788 errors; these signals are @dfn{fatal} (they kill your program immediately) if the
4789 program has not specified in advance some other way to handle the signal.
4790 @code{SIGINT} does not indicate an error in your program, but it is normally
4791 fatal so it can carry out the purpose of the interrupt: to kill the program.
4792
4793 @value{GDBN} has the ability to detect any occurrence of a signal in your
4794 program. You can tell @value{GDBN} in advance what to do for each kind of
4795 signal.
4796
4797 @cindex handling signals
4798 Normally, @value{GDBN} is set up to let the non-erroneous signals like
4799 @code{SIGALRM} be silently passed to your program
4800 (so as not to interfere with their role in the program's functioning)
4801 but to stop your program immediately whenever an error signal happens.
4802 You can change these settings with the @code{handle} command.
4803
4804 @table @code
4805 @kindex info signals
4806 @kindex info handle
4807 @item info signals
4808 @itemx info handle
4809 Print a table of all the kinds of signals and how @value{GDBN} has been told to
4810 handle each one. You can use this to see the signal numbers of all
4811 the defined types of signals.
4812
4813 @item info signals @var{sig}
4814 Similar, but print information only about the specified signal number.
4815
4816 @code{info handle} is an alias for @code{info signals}.
4817
4818 @kindex handle
4819 @item handle @var{signal} @r{[}@var{keywords}@dots{}@r{]}
4820 Change the way @value{GDBN} handles signal @var{signal}. @var{signal}
4821 can be the number of a signal or its name (with or without the
4822 @samp{SIG} at the beginning); a list of signal numbers of the form
4823 @samp{@var{low}-@var{high}}; or the word @samp{all}, meaning all the
4824 known signals. Optional arguments @var{keywords}, described below,
4825 say what change to make.
4826 @end table
4827
4828 @c @group
4829 The keywords allowed by the @code{handle} command can be abbreviated.
4830 Their full names are:
4831
4832 @table @code
4833 @item nostop
4834 @value{GDBN} should not stop your program when this signal happens. It may
4835 still print a message telling you that the signal has come in.
4836
4837 @item stop
4838 @value{GDBN} should stop your program when this signal happens. This implies
4839 the @code{print} keyword as well.
4840
4841 @item print
4842 @value{GDBN} should print a message when this signal happens.
4843
4844 @item noprint
4845 @value{GDBN} should not mention the occurrence of the signal at all. This
4846 implies the @code{nostop} keyword as well.
4847
4848 @item pass
4849 @itemx noignore
4850 @value{GDBN} should allow your program to see this signal; your program
4851 can handle the signal, or else it may terminate if the signal is fatal
4852 and not handled. @code{pass} and @code{noignore} are synonyms.
4853
4854 @item nopass
4855 @itemx ignore
4856 @value{GDBN} should not allow your program to see this signal.
4857 @code{nopass} and @code{ignore} are synonyms.
4858 @end table
4859 @c @end group
4860
4861 When a signal stops your program, the signal is not visible to the
4862 program until you
4863 continue. Your program sees the signal then, if @code{pass} is in
4864 effect for the signal in question @emph{at that time}. In other words,
4865 after @value{GDBN} reports a signal, you can use the @code{handle}
4866 command with @code{pass} or @code{nopass} to control whether your
4867 program sees that signal when you continue.
4868
4869 The default is set to @code{nostop}, @code{noprint}, @code{pass} for
4870 non-erroneous signals such as @code{SIGALRM}, @code{SIGWINCH} and
4871 @code{SIGCHLD}, and to @code{stop}, @code{print}, @code{pass} for the
4872 erroneous signals.
4873
4874 You can also use the @code{signal} command to prevent your program from
4875 seeing a signal, or cause it to see a signal it normally would not see,
4876 or to give it any signal at any time. For example, if your program stopped
4877 due to some sort of memory reference error, you might store correct
4878 values into the erroneous variables and continue, hoping to see more
4879 execution; but your program would probably terminate immediately as
4880 a result of the fatal signal once it saw the signal. To prevent this,
4881 you can continue with @samp{signal 0}. @xref{Signaling, ,Giving your
4882 Program a Signal}.
4883
4884 @cindex extra signal information
4885 @anchor{extra signal information}
4886
4887 On some targets, @value{GDBN} can inspect extra signal information
4888 associated with the intercepted signal, before it is actually
4889 delivered to the program being debugged. This information is exported
4890 by the convenience variable @code{$_siginfo}, and consists of data
4891 that is passed by the kernel to the signal handler at the time of the
4892 receipt of a signal. The data type of the information itself is
4893 target dependent. You can see the data type using the @code{ptype
4894 $_siginfo} command. On Unix systems, it typically corresponds to the
4895 standard @code{siginfo_t} type, as defined in the @file{signal.h}
4896 system header.
4897
4898 Here's an example, on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, printing the stray
4899 referenced address that raised a segmentation fault.
4900
4901 @smallexample
4902 @group
4903 (@value{GDBP}) continue
4904 Program received signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault.
4905 0x0000000000400766 in main ()
4906 69 *(int *)p = 0;
4907 (@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo
4908 type = struct @{
4909 int si_signo;
4910 int si_errno;
4911 int si_code;
4912 union @{
4913 int _pad[28];
4914 struct @{...@} _kill;
4915 struct @{...@} _timer;
4916 struct @{...@} _rt;
4917 struct @{...@} _sigchld;
4918 struct @{...@} _sigfault;
4919 struct @{...@} _sigpoll;
4920 @} _sifields;
4921 @}
4922 (@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault
4923 type = struct @{
4924 void *si_addr;
4925 @}
4926 (@value{GDBP}) p $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault.si_addr
4927 $1 = (void *) 0x7ffff7ff7000
4928 @end group
4929 @end smallexample
4930
4931 Depending on target support, @code{$_siginfo} may also be writable.
4932
4933 @node Thread Stops
4934 @section Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs
4935
4936 @cindex stopped threads
4937 @cindex threads, stopped
4938
4939 @cindex continuing threads
4940 @cindex threads, continuing
4941
4942 @value{GDBN} supports debugging programs with multiple threads
4943 (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads}). There
4944 are two modes of controlling execution of your program within the
4945 debugger. In the default mode, referred to as @dfn{all-stop mode},
4946 when any thread in your program stops (for example, at a breakpoint
4947 or while being stepped), all other threads in the program are also stopped by
4948 @value{GDBN}. On some targets, @value{GDBN} also supports
4949 @dfn{non-stop mode}, in which other threads can continue to run freely while
4950 you examine the stopped thread in the debugger.
4951
4952 @menu
4953 * All-Stop Mode:: All threads stop when GDB takes control
4954 * Non-Stop Mode:: Other threads continue to execute
4955 * Background Execution:: Running your program asynchronously
4956 * Thread-Specific Breakpoints:: Controlling breakpoints
4957 * Interrupted System Calls:: GDB may interfere with system calls
4958 @end menu
4959
4960 @node All-Stop Mode
4961 @subsection All-Stop Mode
4962
4963 @cindex all-stop mode
4964
4965 In all-stop mode, whenever your program stops under @value{GDBN} for any reason,
4966 @emph{all} threads of execution stop, not just the current thread. This
4967 allows you to examine the overall state of the program, including
4968 switching between threads, without worrying that things may change
4969 underfoot.
4970
4971 Conversely, whenever you restart the program, @emph{all} threads start
4972 executing. @emph{This is true even when single-stepping} with commands
4973 like @code{step} or @code{next}.
4974
4975 In particular, @value{GDBN} cannot single-step all threads in lockstep.
4976 Since thread scheduling is up to your debugging target's operating
4977 system (not controlled by @value{GDBN}), other threads may
4978 execute more than one statement while the current thread completes a
4979 single step. Moreover, in general other threads stop in the middle of a
4980 statement, rather than at a clean statement boundary, when the program
4981 stops.
4982
4983 You might even find your program stopped in another thread after
4984 continuing or even single-stepping. This happens whenever some other
4985 thread runs into a breakpoint, a signal, or an exception before the
4986 first thread completes whatever you requested.
4987
4988 @cindex automatic thread selection
4989 @cindex switching threads automatically
4990 @cindex threads, automatic switching
4991 Whenever @value{GDBN} stops your program, due to a breakpoint or a
4992 signal, it automatically selects the thread where that breakpoint or
4993 signal happened. @value{GDBN} alerts you to the context switch with a
4994 message such as @samp{[Switching to Thread @var{n}]} to identify the
4995 thread.
4996
4997 On some OSes, you can modify @value{GDBN}'s default behavior by
4998 locking the OS scheduler to allow only a single thread to run.
4999
5000 @table @code
5001 @item set scheduler-locking @var{mode}
5002 @cindex scheduler locking mode
5003 @cindex lock scheduler
5004 Set the scheduler locking mode. If it is @code{off}, then there is no
5005 locking and any thread may run at any time. If @code{on}, then only the
5006 current thread may run when the inferior is resumed. The @code{step}
5007 mode optimizes for single-stepping; it prevents other threads
5008 from preempting the current thread while you are stepping, so that
5009 the focus of debugging does not change unexpectedly.
5010 Other threads only rarely (or never) get a chance to run
5011 when you step. They are more likely to run when you @samp{next} over a
5012 function call, and they are completely free to run when you use commands
5013 like @samp{continue}, @samp{until}, or @samp{finish}. However, unless another
5014 thread hits a breakpoint during its timeslice, @value{GDBN} does not change
5015 the current thread away from the thread that you are debugging.
5016
5017 @item show scheduler-locking
5018 Display the current scheduler locking mode.
5019 @end table
5020
5021 @cindex resume threads of multiple processes simultaneously
5022 By default, when you issue one of the execution commands such as
5023 @code{continue}, @code{next} or @code{step}, @value{GDBN} allows only
5024 threads of the current inferior to run. For example, if @value{GDBN}
5025 is attached to two inferiors, each with two threads, the
5026 @code{continue} command resumes only the two threads of the current
5027 inferior. This is useful, for example, when you debug a program that
5028 forks and you want to hold the parent stopped (so that, for instance,
5029 it doesn't run to exit), while you debug the child. In other
5030 situations, you may not be interested in inspecting the current state
5031 of any of the processes @value{GDBN} is attached to, and you may want
5032 to resume them all until some breakpoint is hit. In the latter case,
5033 you can instruct @value{GDBN} to allow all threads of all the
5034 inferiors to run with the @w{@code{set schedule-multiple}} command.
5035
5036 @table @code
5037 @kindex set schedule-multiple
5038 @item set schedule-multiple
5039 Set the mode for allowing threads of multiple processes to be resumed
5040 when an execution command is issued. When @code{on}, all threads of
5041 all processes are allowed to run. When @code{off}, only the threads
5042 of the current process are resumed. The default is @code{off}. The
5043 @code{scheduler-locking} mode takes precedence when set to @code{on},
5044 or while you are stepping and set to @code{step}.
5045
5046 @item show schedule-multiple
5047 Display the current mode for resuming the execution of threads of
5048 multiple processes.
5049 @end table
5050
5051 @node Non-Stop Mode
5052 @subsection Non-Stop Mode
5053
5054 @cindex non-stop mode
5055
5056 @c This section is really only a place-holder, and needs to be expanded
5057 @c with more details.
5058
5059 For some multi-threaded targets, @value{GDBN} supports an optional
5060 mode of operation in which you can examine stopped program threads in
5061 the debugger while other threads continue to execute freely. This
5062 minimizes intrusion when debugging live systems, such as programs
5063 where some threads have real-time constraints or must continue to
5064 respond to external events. This is referred to as @dfn{non-stop} mode.
5065
5066 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops to report a debugging event,
5067 @emph{only} that thread is stopped; @value{GDBN} does not stop other
5068 threads as well, in contrast to the all-stop mode behavior. Additionally,
5069 execution commands such as @code{continue} and @code{step} apply by default
5070 only to the current thread in non-stop mode, rather than all threads as
5071 in all-stop mode. This allows you to control threads explicitly in
5072 ways that are not possible in all-stop mode --- for example, stepping
5073 one thread while allowing others to run freely, stepping
5074 one thread while holding all others stopped, or stepping several threads
5075 independently and simultaneously.
5076
5077 To enter non-stop mode, use this sequence of commands before you run
5078 or attach to your program:
5079
5080 @smallexample
5081 # Enable the async interface.
5082 set target-async 1
5083
5084 # If using the CLI, pagination breaks non-stop.
5085 set pagination off
5086
5087 # Finally, turn it on!
5088 set non-stop on
5089 @end smallexample
5090
5091 You can use these commands to manipulate the non-stop mode setting:
5092
5093 @table @code
5094 @kindex set non-stop
5095 @item set non-stop on
5096 Enable selection of non-stop mode.
5097 @item set non-stop off
5098 Disable selection of non-stop mode.
5099 @kindex show non-stop
5100 @item show non-stop
5101 Show the current non-stop enablement setting.
5102 @end table
5103
5104 Note these commands only reflect whether non-stop mode is enabled,
5105 not whether the currently-executing program is being run in non-stop mode.
5106 In particular, the @code{set non-stop} preference is only consulted when
5107 @value{GDBN} starts or connects to the target program, and it is generally
5108 not possible to switch modes once debugging has started. Furthermore,
5109 since not all targets support non-stop mode, even when you have enabled
5110 non-stop mode, @value{GDBN} may still fall back to all-stop operation by
5111 default.
5112
5113 In non-stop mode, all execution commands apply only to the current thread
5114 by default. That is, @code{continue} only continues one thread.
5115 To continue all threads, issue @code{continue -a} or @code{c -a}.
5116
5117 You can use @value{GDBN}'s background execution commands
5118 (@pxref{Background Execution}) to run some threads in the background
5119 while you continue to examine or step others from @value{GDBN}.
5120 The MI execution commands (@pxref{GDB/MI Program Execution}) are
5121 always executed asynchronously in non-stop mode.
5122
5123 Suspending execution is done with the @code{interrupt} command when
5124 running in the background, or @kbd{Ctrl-c} during foreground execution.
5125 In all-stop mode, this stops the whole process;
5126 but in non-stop mode the interrupt applies only to the current thread.
5127 To stop the whole program, use @code{interrupt -a}.
5128
5129 Other execution commands do not currently support the @code{-a} option.
5130
5131 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops, @value{GDBN} doesn't automatically make
5132 that thread current, as it does in all-stop mode. This is because the
5133 thread stop notifications are asynchronous with respect to @value{GDBN}'s
5134 command interpreter, and it would be confusing if @value{GDBN} unexpectedly
5135 changed to a different thread just as you entered a command to operate on the
5136 previously current thread.
5137
5138 @node Background Execution
5139 @subsection Background Execution
5140
5141 @cindex foreground execution
5142 @cindex background execution
5143 @cindex asynchronous execution
5144 @cindex execution, foreground, background and asynchronous
5145
5146 @value{GDBN}'s execution commands have two variants: the normal
5147 foreground (synchronous) behavior, and a background
5148 (asynchronous) behavior. In foreground execution, @value{GDBN} waits for
5149 the program to report that some thread has stopped before prompting for
5150 another command. In background execution, @value{GDBN} immediately gives
5151 a command prompt so that you can issue other commands while your program runs.
5152
5153 You need to explicitly enable asynchronous mode before you can use
5154 background execution commands. You can use these commands to
5155 manipulate the asynchronous mode setting:
5156
5157 @table @code
5158 @kindex set target-async
5159 @item set target-async on
5160 Enable asynchronous mode.
5161 @item set target-async off
5162 Disable asynchronous mode.
5163 @kindex show target-async
5164 @item show target-async
5165 Show the current target-async setting.
5166 @end table
5167
5168 If the target doesn't support async mode, @value{GDBN} issues an error
5169 message if you attempt to use the background execution commands.
5170
5171 To specify background execution, add a @code{&} to the command. For example,
5172 the background form of the @code{continue} command is @code{continue&}, or
5173 just @code{c&}. The execution commands that accept background execution
5174 are:
5175
5176 @table @code
5177 @kindex run&
5178 @item run
5179 @xref{Starting, , Starting your Program}.
5180
5181 @item attach
5182 @kindex attach&
5183 @xref{Attach, , Debugging an Already-running Process}.
5184
5185 @item step
5186 @kindex step&
5187 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, step}.
5188
5189 @item stepi
5190 @kindex stepi&
5191 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, stepi}.
5192
5193 @item next
5194 @kindex next&
5195 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, next}.
5196
5197 @item nexti
5198 @kindex nexti&
5199 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, nexti}.
5200
5201 @item continue
5202 @kindex continue&
5203 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, continue}.
5204
5205 @item finish
5206 @kindex finish&
5207 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, finish}.
5208
5209 @item until
5210 @kindex until&
5211 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, until}.
5212
5213 @end table
5214
5215 Background execution is especially useful in conjunction with non-stop
5216 mode for debugging programs with multiple threads; see @ref{Non-Stop Mode}.
5217 However, you can also use these commands in the normal all-stop mode with
5218 the restriction that you cannot issue another execution command until the
5219 previous one finishes. Examples of commands that are valid in all-stop
5220 mode while the program is running include @code{help} and @code{info break}.
5221
5222 You can interrupt your program while it is running in the background by
5223 using the @code{interrupt} command.
5224
5225 @table @code
5226 @kindex interrupt
5227 @item interrupt
5228 @itemx interrupt -a
5229
5230 Suspend execution of the running program. In all-stop mode,
5231 @code{interrupt} stops the whole process, but in non-stop mode, it stops
5232 only the current thread. To stop the whole program in non-stop mode,
5233 use @code{interrupt -a}.
5234 @end table
5235
5236 @node Thread-Specific Breakpoints
5237 @subsection Thread-Specific Breakpoints
5238
5239 When your program has multiple threads (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging
5240 Programs with Multiple Threads}), you can choose whether to set
5241 breakpoints on all threads, or on a particular thread.
5242
5243 @table @code
5244 @cindex breakpoints and threads
5245 @cindex thread breakpoints
5246 @kindex break @dots{} thread @var{threadno}
5247 @item break @var{linespec} thread @var{threadno}
5248 @itemx break @var{linespec} thread @var{threadno} if @dots{}
5249 @var{linespec} specifies source lines; there are several ways of
5250 writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always to
5251 specify some source line.
5252
5253 Use the qualifier @samp{thread @var{threadno}} with a breakpoint command
5254 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
5255 particular thread reaches this breakpoint. @var{threadno} is one of the
5256 numeric thread identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown in the first
5257 column of the @samp{info threads} display.
5258
5259 If you do not specify @samp{thread @var{threadno}} when you set a
5260 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} threads of your
5261 program.
5262
5263 You can use the @code{thread} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
5264 well; in this case, place @samp{thread @var{threadno}} before or
5265 after the breakpoint condition, like this:
5266
5267 @smallexample
5268 (@value{GDBP}) break frik.c:13 thread 28 if bartab > lim
5269 @end smallexample
5270
5271 @end table
5272
5273 @node Interrupted System Calls
5274 @subsection Interrupted System Calls
5275
5276 @cindex thread breakpoints and system calls
5277 @cindex system calls and thread breakpoints
5278 @cindex premature return from system calls
5279 There is an unfortunate side effect when using @value{GDBN} to debug
5280 multi-threaded programs. If one thread stops for a
5281 breakpoint, or for some other reason, and another thread is blocked in a
5282 system call, then the system call may return prematurely. This is a
5283 consequence of the interaction between multiple threads and the signals
5284 that @value{GDBN} uses to implement breakpoints and other events that
5285 stop execution.
5286
5287 To handle this problem, your program should check the return value of
5288 each system call and react appropriately. This is good programming
5289 style anyways.
5290
5291 For example, do not write code like this:
5292
5293 @smallexample
5294 sleep (10);
5295 @end smallexample
5296
5297 The call to @code{sleep} will return early if a different thread stops
5298 at a breakpoint or for some other reason.
5299
5300 Instead, write this:
5301
5302 @smallexample
5303 int unslept = 10;
5304 while (unslept > 0)
5305 unslept = sleep (unslept);
5306 @end smallexample
5307
5308 A system call is allowed to return early, so the system is still
5309 conforming to its specification. But @value{GDBN} does cause your
5310 multi-threaded program to behave differently than it would without
5311 @value{GDBN}.
5312
5313 Also, @value{GDBN} uses internal breakpoints in the thread library to
5314 monitor certain events such as thread creation and thread destruction.
5315 When such an event happens, a system call in another thread may return
5316 prematurely, even though your program does not appear to stop.
5317
5318
5319 @node Reverse Execution
5320 @chapter Running programs backward
5321 @cindex reverse execution
5322 @cindex running programs backward
5323
5324 When you are debugging a program, it is not unusual to realize that
5325 you have gone too far, and some event of interest has already happened.
5326 If the target environment supports it, @value{GDBN} can allow you to
5327 ``rewind'' the program by running it backward.
5328
5329 A target environment that supports reverse execution should be able
5330 to ``undo'' the changes in machine state that have taken place as the
5331 program was executing normally. Variables, registers etc.@: should
5332 revert to their previous values. Obviously this requires a great
5333 deal of sophistication on the part of the target environment; not
5334 all target environments can support reverse execution.
5335
5336 When a program is executed in reverse, the instructions that
5337 have most recently been executed are ``un-executed'', in reverse
5338 order. The program counter runs backward, following the previous
5339 thread of execution in reverse. As each instruction is ``un-executed'',
5340 the values of memory and/or registers that were changed by that
5341 instruction are reverted to their previous states. After executing
5342 a piece of source code in reverse, all side effects of that code
5343 should be ``undone'', and all variables should be returned to their
5344 prior values@footnote{
5345 Note that some side effects are easier to undo than others. For instance,
5346 memory and registers are relatively easy, but device I/O is hard. Some
5347 targets may be able undo things like device I/O, and some may not.
5348
5349 The contract between @value{GDBN} and the reverse executing target
5350 requires only that the target do something reasonable when
5351 @value{GDBN} tells it to execute backwards, and then report the
5352 results back to @value{GDBN}. Whatever the target reports back to
5353 @value{GDBN}, @value{GDBN} will report back to the user. @value{GDBN}
5354 assumes that the memory and registers that the target reports are in a
5355 consistant state, but @value{GDBN} accepts whatever it is given.
5356 }.
5357
5358 If you are debugging in a target environment that supports
5359 reverse execution, @value{GDBN} provides the following commands.
5360
5361 @table @code
5362 @kindex reverse-continue
5363 @kindex rc @r{(@code{reverse-continue})}
5364 @item reverse-continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
5365 @itemx rc @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
5366 Beginning at the point where your program last stopped, start executing
5367 in reverse. Reverse execution will stop for breakpoints and synchronous
5368 exceptions (signals), just like normal execution. Behavior of
5369 asynchronous signals depends on the target environment.
5370
5371 @kindex reverse-step
5372 @kindex rs @r{(@code{step})}
5373 @item reverse-step @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5374 Run the program backward until control reaches the start of a
5375 different source line; then stop it, and return control to @value{GDBN}.
5376
5377 Like the @code{step} command, @code{reverse-step} will only stop
5378 at the beginning of a source line. It ``un-executes'' the previously
5379 executed source line. If the previous source line included calls to
5380 debuggable functions, @code{reverse-step} will step (backward) into
5381 the called function, stopping at the beginning of the @emph{last}
5382 statement in the called function (typically a return statement).
5383
5384 Also, as with the @code{step} command, if non-debuggable functions are
5385 called, @code{reverse-step} will run thru them backward without stopping.
5386
5387 @kindex reverse-stepi
5388 @kindex rsi @r{(@code{reverse-stepi})}
5389 @item reverse-stepi @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5390 Reverse-execute one machine instruction. Note that the instruction
5391 to be reverse-executed is @emph{not} the one pointed to by the program
5392 counter, but the instruction executed prior to that one. For instance,
5393 if the last instruction was a jump, @code{reverse-stepi} will take you
5394 back from the destination of the jump to the jump instruction itself.
5395
5396 @kindex reverse-next
5397 @kindex rn @r{(@code{reverse-next})}
5398 @item reverse-next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5399 Run backward to the beginning of the previous line executed in
5400 the current (innermost) stack frame. If the line contains function
5401 calls, they will be ``un-executed'' without stopping. Starting from
5402 the first line of a function, @code{reverse-next} will take you back
5403 to the caller of that function, @emph{before} the function was called,
5404 just as the normal @code{next} command would take you from the last
5405 line of a function back to its return to its caller
5406 @footnote{Unless the code is too heavily optimized.}.
5407
5408 @kindex reverse-nexti
5409 @kindex rni @r{(@code{reverse-nexti})}
5410 @item reverse-nexti @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5411 Like @code{nexti}, @code{reverse-nexti} executes a single instruction
5412 in reverse, except that called functions are ``un-executed'' atomically.
5413 That is, if the previously executed instruction was a return from
5414 another function, @code{reverse-nexti} will continue to execute
5415 in reverse until the call to that function (from the current stack
5416 frame) is reached.
5417
5418 @kindex reverse-finish
5419 @item reverse-finish
5420 Just as the @code{finish} command takes you to the point where the
5421 current function returns, @code{reverse-finish} takes you to the point
5422 where it was called. Instead of ending up at the end of the current
5423 function invocation, you end up at the beginning.
5424
5425 @kindex set exec-direction
5426 @item set exec-direction
5427 Set the direction of target execution.
5428 @itemx set exec-direction reverse
5429 @cindex execute forward or backward in time
5430 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in reverse, until the
5431 exec-direction mode is changed to ``forward''. Affected commands include
5432 @code{step, stepi, next, nexti, continue, and finish}. The @code{return}
5433 command cannot be used in reverse mode.
5434 @item set exec-direction forward
5435 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in the normal fashion.
5436 This is the default.
5437 @end table
5438
5439
5440 @node Process Record and Replay
5441 @chapter Recording Inferior's Execution and Replaying It
5442 @cindex process record and replay
5443 @cindex recording inferior's execution and replaying it
5444
5445 On some platforms, @value{GDBN} provides a special @dfn{process record
5446 and replay} target that can record a log of the process execution, and
5447 replay it later with both forward and reverse execution commands.
5448
5449 @cindex replay mode
5450 When this target is in use, if the execution log includes the record
5451 for the next instruction, @value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{replay
5452 mode}. In the replay mode, the inferior does not really execute code
5453 instructions. Instead, all the events that normally happen during
5454 code execution are taken from the execution log. While code is not
5455 really executed in replay mode, the values of registers (including the
5456 program counter register) and the memory of the inferior are still
5457 changed as they normally would. Their contents are taken from the
5458 execution log.
5459
5460 @cindex record mode
5461 If the record for the next instruction is not in the execution log,
5462 @value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{record mode}. In this mode, the
5463 inferior executes normally, and @value{GDBN} records the execution log
5464 for future replay.
5465
5466 The process record and replay target supports reverse execution
5467 (@pxref{Reverse Execution}), even if the platform on which the
5468 inferior runs does not. However, the reverse execution is limited in
5469 this case by the range of the instructions recorded in the execution
5470 log. In other words, reverse execution on platforms that don't
5471 support it directly can only be done in the replay mode.
5472
5473 When debugging in the reverse direction, @value{GDBN} will work in
5474 replay mode as long as the execution log includes the record for the
5475 previous instruction; otherwise, it will work in record mode, if the
5476 platform supports reverse execution, or stop if not.
5477
5478 For architecture environments that support process record and replay,
5479 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands:
5480
5481 @table @code
5482 @kindex target record
5483 @kindex record
5484 @kindex rec
5485 @item target record
5486 This command starts the process record and replay target. The process
5487 record and replay target can only debug a process that is already
5488 running. Therefore, you need first to start the process with the
5489 @kbd{run} or @kbd{start} commands, and then start the recording with
5490 the @kbd{target record} command.
5491
5492 Both @code{record} and @code{rec} are aliases of @code{target record}.
5493
5494 @cindex displaced stepping, and process record and replay
5495 Displaced stepping (@pxref{Maintenance Commands,, displaced stepping})
5496 will be automatically disabled when process record and replay target
5497 is started. That's because the process record and replay target
5498 doesn't support displaced stepping.
5499
5500 @cindex non-stop mode, and process record and replay
5501 @cindex asynchronous execution, and process record and replay
5502 If the inferior is in the non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) or in
5503 the asynchronous execution mode (@pxref{Background Execution}), the
5504 process record and replay target cannot be started because it doesn't
5505 support these two modes.
5506
5507 @kindex record stop
5508 @kindex rec s
5509 @item record stop
5510 Stop the process record and replay target. When process record and
5511 replay target stops, the entire execution log will be deleted and the
5512 inferior will either be terminated, or will remain in its final state.
5513
5514 When you stop the process record and replay target in record mode (at
5515 the end of the execution log), the inferior will be stopped at the
5516 next instruction that would have been recorded. In other words, if
5517 you record for a while and then stop recording, the inferior process
5518 will be left in the same state as if the recording never happened.
5519
5520 On the other hand, if the process record and replay target is stopped
5521 while in replay mode (that is, not at the end of the execution log,
5522 but at some earlier point), the inferior process will become ``live''
5523 at that earlier state, and it will then be possible to continue the
5524 usual ``live'' debugging of the process from that state.
5525
5526 When the inferior process exits, or @value{GDBN} detaches from it,
5527 process record and replay target will automatically stop itself.
5528
5529 @kindex set record insn-number-max
5530 @item set record insn-number-max @var{limit}
5531 Set the limit of instructions to be recorded. Default value is 200000.
5532
5533 If @var{limit} is a positive number, then @value{GDBN} will start
5534 deleting instructions from the log once the number of the record
5535 instructions becomes greater than @var{limit}. For every new recorded
5536 instruction, @value{GDBN} will delete the earliest recorded
5537 instruction to keep the number of recorded instructions at the limit.
5538 (Since deleting recorded instructions loses information, @value{GDBN}
5539 lets you control what happens when the limit is reached, by means of
5540 the @code{stop-at-limit} option, described below.)
5541
5542 If @var{limit} is zero, @value{GDBN} will never delete recorded
5543 instructions from the execution log. The number of recorded
5544 instructions is unlimited in this case.
5545
5546 @kindex show record insn-number-max
5547 @item show record insn-number-max
5548 Show the limit of instructions to be recorded.
5549
5550 @kindex set record stop-at-limit
5551 @item set record stop-at-limit
5552 Control the behavior when the number of recorded instructions reaches
5553 the limit. If ON (the default), @value{GDBN} will stop when the limit
5554 is reached for the first time and ask you whether you want to stop the
5555 inferior or continue running it and recording the execution log. If
5556 you decide to continue recording, each new recorded instruction will
5557 cause the oldest one to be deleted.
5558
5559 If this option is OFF, @value{GDBN} will automatically delete the
5560 oldest record to make room for each new one, without asking.
5561
5562 @kindex show record stop-at-limit
5563 @item show record stop-at-limit
5564 Show the current setting of @code{stop-at-limit}.
5565
5566 @kindex info record
5567 @item info record
5568 Show various statistics about the state of process record and its
5569 in-memory execution log buffer, including:
5570
5571 @itemize @bullet
5572 @item
5573 Whether in record mode or replay mode.
5574 @item
5575 Lowest recorded instruction number (counting from when the current execution log started recording instructions).
5576 @item
5577 Highest recorded instruction number.
5578 @item
5579 Current instruction about to be replayed (if in replay mode).
5580 @item
5581 Number of instructions contained in the execution log.
5582 @item
5583 Maximum number of instructions that may be contained in the execution log.
5584 @end itemize
5585
5586 @kindex record delete
5587 @kindex rec del
5588 @item record delete
5589 When record target runs in replay mode (``in the past''), delete the
5590 subsequent execution log and begin to record a new execution log starting
5591 from the current address. This means you will abandon the previously
5592 recorded ``future'' and begin recording a new ``future''.
5593 @end table
5594
5595
5596 @node Stack
5597 @chapter Examining the Stack
5598
5599 When your program has stopped, the first thing you need to know is where it
5600 stopped and how it got there.
5601
5602 @cindex call stack
5603 Each time your program performs a function call, information about the call
5604 is generated.
5605 That information includes the location of the call in your program,
5606 the arguments of the call,
5607 and the local variables of the function being called.
5608 The information is saved in a block of data called a @dfn{stack frame}.
5609 The stack frames are allocated in a region of memory called the @dfn{call
5610 stack}.
5611
5612 When your program stops, the @value{GDBN} commands for examining the
5613 stack allow you to see all of this information.
5614
5615 @cindex selected frame
5616 One of the stack frames is @dfn{selected} by @value{GDBN} and many
5617 @value{GDBN} commands refer implicitly to the selected frame. In
5618 particular, whenever you ask @value{GDBN} for the value of a variable in
5619 your program, the value is found in the selected frame. There are
5620 special @value{GDBN} commands to select whichever frame you are
5621 interested in. @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
5622
5623 When your program stops, @value{GDBN} automatically selects the
5624 currently executing frame and describes it briefly, similar to the
5625 @code{frame} command (@pxref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}).
5626
5627 @menu
5628 * Frames:: Stack frames
5629 * Backtrace:: Backtraces
5630 * Selection:: Selecting a frame
5631 * Frame Info:: Information on a frame
5632
5633 @end menu
5634
5635 @node Frames
5636 @section Stack Frames
5637
5638 @cindex frame, definition
5639 @cindex stack frame
5640 The call stack is divided up into contiguous pieces called @dfn{stack
5641 frames}, or @dfn{frames} for short; each frame is the data associated
5642 with one call to one function. The frame contains the arguments given
5643 to the function, the function's local variables, and the address at
5644 which the function is executing.
5645
5646 @cindex initial frame
5647 @cindex outermost frame
5648 @cindex innermost frame
5649 When your program is started, the stack has only one frame, that of the
5650 function @code{main}. This is called the @dfn{initial} frame or the
5651 @dfn{outermost} frame. Each time a function is called, a new frame is
5652 made. Each time a function returns, the frame for that function invocation
5653 is eliminated. If a function is recursive, there can be many frames for
5654 the same function. The frame for the function in which execution is
5655 actually occurring is called the @dfn{innermost} frame. This is the most
5656 recently created of all the stack frames that still exist.
5657
5658 @cindex frame pointer
5659 Inside your program, stack frames are identified by their addresses. A
5660 stack frame consists of many bytes, each of which has its own address; each
5661 kind of computer has a convention for choosing one byte whose
5662 address serves as the address of the frame. Usually this address is kept
5663 in a register called the @dfn{frame pointer register}
5664 (@pxref{Registers, $fp}) while execution is going on in that frame.
5665
5666 @cindex frame number
5667 @value{GDBN} assigns numbers to all existing stack frames, starting with
5668 zero for the innermost frame, one for the frame that called it,
5669 and so on upward. These numbers do not really exist in your program;
5670 they are assigned by @value{GDBN} to give you a way of designating stack
5671 frames in @value{GDBN} commands.
5672
5673 @c The -fomit-frame-pointer below perennially causes hbox overflow
5674 @c underflow problems.
5675 @cindex frameless execution
5676 Some compilers provide a way to compile functions so that they operate
5677 without stack frames. (For example, the @value{NGCC} option
5678 @smallexample
5679 @samp{-fomit-frame-pointer}
5680 @end smallexample
5681 generates functions without a frame.)
5682 This is occasionally done with heavily used library functions to save
5683 the frame setup time. @value{GDBN} has limited facilities for dealing
5684 with these function invocations. If the innermost function invocation
5685 has no stack frame, @value{GDBN} nevertheless regards it as though
5686 it had a separate frame, which is numbered zero as usual, allowing
5687 correct tracing of the function call chain. However, @value{GDBN} has
5688 no provision for frameless functions elsewhere in the stack.
5689
5690 @table @code
5691 @kindex frame@r{, command}
5692 @cindex current stack frame
5693 @item frame @var{args}
5694 The @code{frame} command allows you to move from one stack frame to another,
5695 and to print the stack frame you select. @var{args} may be either the
5696 address of the frame or the stack frame number. Without an argument,
5697 @code{frame} prints the current stack frame.
5698
5699 @kindex select-frame
5700 @cindex selecting frame silently
5701 @item select-frame
5702 The @code{select-frame} command allows you to move from one stack frame
5703 to another without printing the frame. This is the silent version of
5704 @code{frame}.
5705 @end table
5706
5707 @node Backtrace
5708 @section Backtraces
5709
5710 @cindex traceback
5711 @cindex call stack traces
5712 A backtrace is a summary of how your program got where it is. It shows one
5713 line per frame, for many frames, starting with the currently executing
5714 frame (frame zero), followed by its caller (frame one), and on up the
5715 stack.
5716
5717 @table @code
5718 @kindex backtrace
5719 @kindex bt @r{(@code{backtrace})}
5720 @item backtrace
5721 @itemx bt
5722 Print a backtrace of the entire stack: one line per frame for all
5723 frames in the stack.
5724
5725 You can stop the backtrace at any time by typing the system interrupt
5726 character, normally @kbd{Ctrl-c}.
5727
5728 @item backtrace @var{n}
5729 @itemx bt @var{n}
5730 Similar, but print only the innermost @var{n} frames.
5731
5732 @item backtrace -@var{n}
5733 @itemx bt -@var{n}
5734 Similar, but print only the outermost @var{n} frames.
5735
5736 @item backtrace full
5737 @itemx bt full
5738 @itemx bt full @var{n}
5739 @itemx bt full -@var{n}
5740 Print the values of the local variables also. @var{n} specifies the
5741 number of frames to print, as described above.
5742 @end table
5743
5744 @kindex where
5745 @kindex info stack
5746 The names @code{where} and @code{info stack} (abbreviated @code{info s})
5747 are additional aliases for @code{backtrace}.
5748
5749 @cindex multiple threads, backtrace
5750 In a multi-threaded program, @value{GDBN} by default shows the
5751 backtrace only for the current thread. To display the backtrace for
5752 several or all of the threads, use the command @code{thread apply}
5753 (@pxref{Threads, thread apply}). For example, if you type @kbd{thread
5754 apply all backtrace}, @value{GDBN} will display the backtrace for all
5755 the threads; this is handy when you debug a core dump of a
5756 multi-threaded program.
5757
5758 Each line in the backtrace shows the frame number and the function name.
5759 The program counter value is also shown---unless you use @code{set
5760 print address off}. The backtrace also shows the source file name and
5761 line number, as well as the arguments to the function. The program
5762 counter value is omitted if it is at the beginning of the code for that
5763 line number.
5764
5765 Here is an example of a backtrace. It was made with the command
5766 @samp{bt 3}, so it shows the innermost three frames.
5767
5768 @smallexample
5769 @group
5770 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
5771 at builtin.c:993
5772 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=0x2b600, data=...) at macro.c:242
5773 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=177664, td=0xf7fffb08)
5774 at macro.c:71
5775 (More stack frames follow...)
5776 @end group
5777 @end smallexample
5778
5779 @noindent
5780 The display for frame zero does not begin with a program counter
5781 value, indicating that your program has stopped at the beginning of the
5782 code for line @code{993} of @code{builtin.c}.
5783
5784 @noindent
5785 The value of parameter @code{data} in frame 1 has been replaced by
5786 @code{@dots{}}. By default, @value{GDBN} prints the value of a parameter
5787 only if it is a scalar (integer, pointer, enumeration, etc). See command
5788 @kbd{set print frame-arguments} in @ref{Print Settings} for more details
5789 on how to configure the way function parameter values are printed.
5790
5791 @cindex value optimized out, in backtrace
5792 @cindex function call arguments, optimized out
5793 If your program was compiled with optimizations, some compilers will
5794 optimize away arguments passed to functions if those arguments are
5795 never used after the call. Such optimizations generate code that
5796 passes arguments through registers, but doesn't store those arguments
5797 in the stack frame. @value{GDBN} has no way of displaying such
5798 arguments in stack frames other than the innermost one. Here's what
5799 such a backtrace might look like:
5800
5801 @smallexample
5802 @group
5803 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
5804 at builtin.c:993
5805 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=<value optimized out>) at macro.c:242
5806 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=<value optimized out>, td=0xf7fffb08)
5807 at macro.c:71
5808 (More stack frames follow...)
5809 @end group
5810 @end smallexample
5811
5812 @noindent
5813 The values of arguments that were not saved in their stack frames are
5814 shown as @samp{<value optimized out>}.
5815
5816 If you need to display the values of such optimized-out arguments,
5817 either deduce that from other variables whose values depend on the one
5818 you are interested in, or recompile without optimizations.
5819
5820 @cindex backtrace beyond @code{main} function
5821 @cindex program entry point
5822 @cindex startup code, and backtrace
5823 Most programs have a standard user entry point---a place where system
5824 libraries and startup code transition into user code. For C this is
5825 @code{main}@footnote{
5826 Note that embedded programs (the so-called ``free-standing''
5827 environment) are not required to have a @code{main} function as the
5828 entry point. They could even have multiple entry points.}.
5829 When @value{GDBN} finds the entry function in a backtrace
5830 it will terminate the backtrace, to avoid tracing into highly
5831 system-specific (and generally uninteresting) code.
5832
5833 If you need to examine the startup code, or limit the number of levels
5834 in a backtrace, you can change this behavior:
5835
5836 @table @code
5837 @item set backtrace past-main
5838 @itemx set backtrace past-main on
5839 @kindex set backtrace
5840 Backtraces will continue past the user entry point.
5841
5842 @item set backtrace past-main off
5843 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the user entry point. This is the
5844 default.
5845
5846 @item show backtrace past-main
5847 @kindex show backtrace
5848 Display the current user entry point backtrace policy.
5849
5850 @item set backtrace past-entry
5851 @itemx set backtrace past-entry on
5852 Backtraces will continue past the internal entry point of an application.
5853 This entry point is encoded by the linker when the application is built,
5854 and is likely before the user entry point @code{main} (or equivalent) is called.
5855
5856 @item set backtrace past-entry off
5857 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the internal entry point of an
5858 application. This is the default.
5859
5860 @item show backtrace past-entry
5861 Display the current internal entry point backtrace policy.
5862
5863 @item set backtrace limit @var{n}
5864 @itemx set backtrace limit 0
5865 @cindex backtrace limit
5866 Limit the backtrace to @var{n} levels. A value of zero means
5867 unlimited.
5868
5869 @item show backtrace limit
5870 Display the current limit on backtrace levels.
5871 @end table
5872
5873 @node Selection
5874 @section Selecting a Frame
5875
5876 Most commands for examining the stack and other data in your program work on
5877 whichever stack frame is selected at the moment. Here are the commands for
5878 selecting a stack frame; all of them finish by printing a brief description
5879 of the stack frame just selected.
5880
5881 @table @code
5882 @kindex frame@r{, selecting}
5883 @kindex f @r{(@code{frame})}
5884 @item frame @var{n}
5885 @itemx f @var{n}
5886 Select frame number @var{n}. Recall that frame zero is the innermost
5887 (currently executing) frame, frame one is the frame that called the
5888 innermost one, and so on. The highest-numbered frame is the one for
5889 @code{main}.
5890
5891 @item frame @var{addr}
5892 @itemx f @var{addr}
5893 Select the frame at address @var{addr}. This is useful mainly if the
5894 chaining of stack frames has been damaged by a bug, making it
5895 impossible for @value{GDBN} to assign numbers properly to all frames. In
5896 addition, this can be useful when your program has multiple stacks and
5897 switches between them.
5898
5899 On the SPARC architecture, @code{frame} needs two addresses to
5900 select an arbitrary frame: a frame pointer and a stack pointer.
5901
5902 On the MIPS and Alpha architecture, it needs two addresses: a stack
5903 pointer and a program counter.
5904
5905 On the 29k architecture, it needs three addresses: a register stack
5906 pointer, a program counter, and a memory stack pointer.
5907
5908 @kindex up
5909 @item up @var{n}
5910 Move @var{n} frames up the stack. For positive numbers @var{n}, this
5911 advances toward the outermost frame, to higher frame numbers, to frames
5912 that have existed longer. @var{n} defaults to one.
5913
5914 @kindex down
5915 @kindex do @r{(@code{down})}
5916 @item down @var{n}
5917 Move @var{n} frames down the stack. For positive numbers @var{n}, this
5918 advances toward the innermost frame, to lower frame numbers, to frames
5919 that were created more recently. @var{n} defaults to one. You may
5920 abbreviate @code{down} as @code{do}.
5921 @end table
5922
5923 All of these commands end by printing two lines of output describing the
5924 frame. The first line shows the frame number, the function name, the
5925 arguments, and the source file and line number of execution in that
5926 frame. The second line shows the text of that source line.
5927
5928 @need 1000
5929 For example:
5930
5931 @smallexample
5932 @group
5933 (@value{GDBP}) up
5934 #1 0x22f0 in main (argc=1, argv=0xf7fffbf4, env=0xf7fffbfc)
5935 at env.c:10
5936 10 read_input_file (argv[i]);
5937 @end group
5938 @end smallexample
5939
5940 After such a printout, the @code{list} command with no arguments
5941 prints ten lines centered on the point of execution in the frame.
5942 You can also edit the program at the point of execution with your favorite
5943 editing program by typing @code{edit}.
5944 @xref{List, ,Printing Source Lines},
5945 for details.
5946
5947 @table @code
5948 @kindex down-silently
5949 @kindex up-silently
5950 @item up-silently @var{n}
5951 @itemx down-silently @var{n}
5952 These two commands are variants of @code{up} and @code{down},
5953 respectively; they differ in that they do their work silently, without
5954 causing display of the new frame. They are intended primarily for use
5955 in @value{GDBN} command scripts, where the output might be unnecessary and
5956 distracting.
5957 @end table
5958
5959 @node Frame Info
5960 @section Information About a Frame
5961
5962 There are several other commands to print information about the selected
5963 stack frame.
5964
5965 @table @code
5966 @item frame
5967 @itemx f
5968 When used without any argument, this command does not change which
5969 frame is selected, but prints a brief description of the currently
5970 selected stack frame. It can be abbreviated @code{f}. With an
5971 argument, this command is used to select a stack frame.
5972 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
5973
5974 @kindex info frame
5975 @kindex info f @r{(@code{info frame})}
5976 @item info frame
5977 @itemx info f
5978 This command prints a verbose description of the selected stack frame,
5979 including:
5980
5981 @itemize @bullet
5982 @item
5983 the address of the frame
5984 @item
5985 the address of the next frame down (called by this frame)
5986 @item
5987 the address of the next frame up (caller of this frame)
5988 @item
5989 the language in which the source code corresponding to this frame is written
5990 @item
5991 the address of the frame's arguments
5992 @item
5993 the address of the frame's local variables
5994 @item
5995 the program counter saved in it (the address of execution in the caller frame)
5996 @item
5997 which registers were saved in the frame
5998 @end itemize
5999
6000 @noindent The verbose description is useful when
6001 something has gone wrong that has made the stack format fail to fit
6002 the usual conventions.
6003
6004 @item info frame @var{addr}
6005 @itemx info f @var{addr}
6006 Print a verbose description of the frame at address @var{addr}, without
6007 selecting that frame. The selected frame remains unchanged by this
6008 command. This requires the same kind of address (more than one for some
6009 architectures) that you specify in the @code{frame} command.
6010 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
6011
6012 @kindex info args
6013 @item info args
6014 Print the arguments of the selected frame, each on a separate line.
6015
6016 @item info locals
6017 @kindex info locals
6018 Print the local variables of the selected frame, each on a separate
6019 line. These are all variables (declared either static or automatic)
6020 accessible at the point of execution of the selected frame.
6021
6022 @kindex info catch
6023 @cindex catch exceptions, list active handlers
6024 @cindex exception handlers, how to list
6025 @item info catch
6026 Print a list of all the exception handlers that are active in the
6027 current stack frame at the current point of execution. To see other
6028 exception handlers, visit the associated frame (using the @code{up},
6029 @code{down}, or @code{frame} commands); then type @code{info catch}.
6030 @xref{Set Catchpoints, , Setting Catchpoints}.
6031
6032 @end table
6033
6034
6035 @node Source
6036 @chapter Examining Source Files
6037
6038 @value{GDBN} can print parts of your program's source, since the debugging
6039 information recorded in the program tells @value{GDBN} what source files were
6040 used to build it. When your program stops, @value{GDBN} spontaneously prints
6041 the line where it stopped. Likewise, when you select a stack frame
6042 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}), @value{GDBN} prints the line where
6043 execution in that frame has stopped. You can print other portions of
6044 source files by explicit command.
6045
6046 If you use @value{GDBN} through its @sc{gnu} Emacs interface, you may
6047 prefer to use Emacs facilities to view source; see @ref{Emacs, ,Using
6048 @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}.
6049
6050 @menu
6051 * List:: Printing source lines
6052 * Specify Location:: How to specify code locations
6053 * Edit:: Editing source files
6054 * Search:: Searching source files
6055 * Source Path:: Specifying source directories
6056 * Machine Code:: Source and machine code
6057 @end menu
6058
6059 @node List
6060 @section Printing Source Lines
6061
6062 @kindex list
6063 @kindex l @r{(@code{list})}
6064 To print lines from a source file, use the @code{list} command
6065 (abbreviated @code{l}). By default, ten lines are printed.
6066 There are several ways to specify what part of the file you want to
6067 print; see @ref{Specify Location}, for the full list.
6068
6069 Here are the forms of the @code{list} command most commonly used:
6070
6071 @table @code
6072 @item list @var{linenum}
6073 Print lines centered around line number @var{linenum} in the
6074 current source file.
6075
6076 @item list @var{function}
6077 Print lines centered around the beginning of function
6078 @var{function}.
6079
6080 @item list
6081 Print more lines. If the last lines printed were printed with a
6082 @code{list} command, this prints lines following the last lines
6083 printed; however, if the last line printed was a solitary line printed
6084 as part of displaying a stack frame (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the
6085 Stack}), this prints lines centered around that line.
6086
6087 @item list -
6088 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
6089 @end table
6090
6091 @cindex @code{list}, how many lines to display
6092 By default, @value{GDBN} prints ten source lines with any of these forms of
6093 the @code{list} command. You can change this using @code{set listsize}:
6094
6095 @table @code
6096 @kindex set listsize
6097 @item set listsize @var{count}
6098 Make the @code{list} command display @var{count} source lines (unless
6099 the @code{list} argument explicitly specifies some other number).
6100
6101 @kindex show listsize
6102 @item show listsize
6103 Display the number of lines that @code{list} prints.
6104 @end table
6105
6106 Repeating a @code{list} command with @key{RET} discards the argument,
6107 so it is equivalent to typing just @code{list}. This is more useful
6108 than listing the same lines again. An exception is made for an
6109 argument of @samp{-}; that argument is preserved in repetition so that
6110 each repetition moves up in the source file.
6111
6112 In general, the @code{list} command expects you to supply zero, one or two
6113 @dfn{linespecs}. Linespecs specify source lines; there are several ways
6114 of writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always
6115 to specify some source line.
6116
6117 Here is a complete description of the possible arguments for @code{list}:
6118
6119 @table @code
6120 @item list @var{linespec}
6121 Print lines centered around the line specified by @var{linespec}.
6122
6123 @item list @var{first},@var{last}
6124 Print lines from @var{first} to @var{last}. Both arguments are
6125 linespecs. When a @code{list} command has two linespecs, and the
6126 source file of the second linespec is omitted, this refers to
6127 the same source file as the first linespec.
6128
6129 @item list ,@var{last}
6130 Print lines ending with @var{last}.
6131
6132 @item list @var{first},
6133 Print lines starting with @var{first}.
6134
6135 @item list +
6136 Print lines just after the lines last printed.
6137
6138 @item list -
6139 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
6140
6141 @item list
6142 As described in the preceding table.
6143 @end table
6144
6145 @node Specify Location
6146 @section Specifying a Location
6147 @cindex specifying location
6148 @cindex linespec
6149
6150 Several @value{GDBN} commands accept arguments that specify a location
6151 of your program's code. Since @value{GDBN} is a source-level
6152 debugger, a location usually specifies some line in the source code;
6153 for that reason, locations are also known as @dfn{linespecs}.
6154
6155 Here are all the different ways of specifying a code location that
6156 @value{GDBN} understands:
6157
6158 @table @code
6159 @item @var{linenum}
6160 Specifies the line number @var{linenum} of the current source file.
6161
6162 @item -@var{offset}
6163 @itemx +@var{offset}
6164 Specifies the line @var{offset} lines before or after the @dfn{current
6165 line}. For the @code{list} command, the current line is the last one
6166 printed; for the breakpoint commands, this is the line at which
6167 execution stopped in the currently selected @dfn{stack frame}
6168 (@pxref{Frames, ,Frames}, for a description of stack frames.) When
6169 used as the second of the two linespecs in a @code{list} command,
6170 this specifies the line @var{offset} lines up or down from the first
6171 linespec.
6172
6173 @item @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
6174 Specifies the line @var{linenum} in the source file @var{filename}.
6175
6176 @item @var{function}
6177 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}.
6178 For example, in C, this is the line with the open brace.
6179
6180 @item @var{filename}:@var{function}
6181 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}
6182 in the file @var{filename}. You only need the file name with a
6183 function name to avoid ambiguity when there are identically named
6184 functions in different source files.
6185
6186 @item *@var{address}
6187 Specifies the program address @var{address}. For line-oriented
6188 commands, such as @code{list} and @code{edit}, this specifies a source
6189 line that contains @var{address}. For @code{break} and other
6190 breakpoint oriented commands, this can be used to set breakpoints in
6191 parts of your program which do not have debugging information or
6192 source files.
6193
6194 Here @var{address} may be any expression valid in the current working
6195 language (@pxref{Languages, working language}) that specifies a code
6196 address. In addition, as a convenience, @value{GDBN} extends the
6197 semantics of expressions used in locations to cover the situations
6198 that frequently happen during debugging. Here are the various forms
6199 of @var{address}:
6200
6201 @table @code
6202 @item @var{expression}
6203 Any expression valid in the current working language.
6204
6205 @item @var{funcaddr}
6206 An address of a function or procedure derived from its name. In C,
6207 C@t{++}, Java, Objective-C, Fortran, minimal, and assembly, this is
6208 simply the function's name @var{function} (and actually a special case
6209 of a valid expression). In Pascal and Modula-2, this is
6210 @code{&@var{function}}. In Ada, this is @code{@var{function}'Address}
6211 (although the Pascal form also works).
6212
6213 This form specifies the address of the function's first instruction,
6214 before the stack frame and arguments have been set up.
6215
6216 @item '@var{filename}'::@var{funcaddr}
6217 Like @var{funcaddr} above, but also specifies the name of the source
6218 file explicitly. This is useful if the name of the function does not
6219 specify the function unambiguously, e.g., if there are several
6220 functions with identical names in different source files.
6221 @end table
6222
6223 @end table
6224
6225
6226 @node Edit
6227 @section Editing Source Files
6228 @cindex editing source files
6229
6230 @kindex edit
6231 @kindex e @r{(@code{edit})}
6232 To edit the lines in a source file, use the @code{edit} command.
6233 The editing program of your choice
6234 is invoked with the current line set to
6235 the active line in the program.
6236 Alternatively, there are several ways to specify what part of the file you
6237 want to print if you want to see other parts of the program:
6238
6239 @table @code
6240 @item edit @var{location}
6241 Edit the source file specified by @code{location}. Editing starts at
6242 that @var{location}, e.g., at the specified source line of the
6243 specified file. @xref{Specify Location}, for all the possible forms
6244 of the @var{location} argument; here are the forms of the @code{edit}
6245 command most commonly used:
6246
6247 @table @code
6248 @item edit @var{number}
6249 Edit the current source file with @var{number} as the active line number.
6250
6251 @item edit @var{function}
6252 Edit the file containing @var{function} at the beginning of its definition.
6253 @end table
6254
6255 @end table
6256
6257 @subsection Choosing your Editor
6258 You can customize @value{GDBN} to use any editor you want
6259 @footnote{
6260 The only restriction is that your editor (say @code{ex}), recognizes the
6261 following command-line syntax:
6262 @smallexample
6263 ex +@var{number} file
6264 @end smallexample
6265 The optional numeric value +@var{number} specifies the number of the line in
6266 the file where to start editing.}.
6267 By default, it is @file{@value{EDITOR}}, but you can change this
6268 by setting the environment variable @code{EDITOR} before using
6269 @value{GDBN}. For example, to configure @value{GDBN} to use the
6270 @code{vi} editor, you could use these commands with the @code{sh} shell:
6271 @smallexample
6272 EDITOR=/usr/bin/vi
6273 export EDITOR
6274 gdb @dots{}
6275 @end smallexample
6276 or in the @code{csh} shell,
6277 @smallexample
6278 setenv EDITOR /usr/bin/vi
6279 gdb @dots{}
6280 @end smallexample
6281
6282 @node Search
6283 @section Searching Source Files
6284 @cindex searching source files
6285
6286 There are two commands for searching through the current source file for a
6287 regular expression.
6288
6289 @table @code
6290 @kindex search
6291 @kindex forward-search
6292 @item forward-search @var{regexp}
6293 @itemx search @var{regexp}
6294 The command @samp{forward-search @var{regexp}} checks each line,
6295 starting with the one following the last line listed, for a match for
6296 @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can use the
6297 synonym @samp{search @var{regexp}} or abbreviate the command name as
6298 @code{fo}.
6299
6300 @kindex reverse-search
6301 @item reverse-search @var{regexp}
6302 The command @samp{reverse-search @var{regexp}} checks each line, starting
6303 with the one before the last line listed and going backward, for a match
6304 for @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can abbreviate
6305 this command as @code{rev}.
6306 @end table
6307
6308 @node Source Path
6309 @section Specifying Source Directories
6310
6311 @cindex source path
6312 @cindex directories for source files
6313 Executable programs sometimes do not record the directories of the source
6314 files from which they were compiled, just the names. Even when they do,
6315 the directories could be moved between the compilation and your debugging
6316 session. @value{GDBN} has a list of directories to search for source files;
6317 this is called the @dfn{source path}. Each time @value{GDBN} wants a source file,
6318 it tries all the directories in the list, in the order they are present
6319 in the list, until it finds a file with the desired name.
6320
6321 For example, suppose an executable references the file
6322 @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}, and our source path is
6323 @file{/mnt/cross}. The file is first looked up literally; if this
6324 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} is tried; if this
6325 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/foo.c} is opened; if this fails, an error
6326 message is printed. @value{GDBN} does not look up the parts of the
6327 source file name, such as @file{/mnt/cross/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}.
6328 Likewise, the subdirectories of the source path are not searched: if
6329 the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the binary refers to
6330 @file{foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would not find it under
6331 @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib}.
6332
6333 Plain file names, relative file names with leading directories, file
6334 names containing dots, etc.@: are all treated as described above; for
6335 instance, if the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the source file
6336 is recorded as @file{../lib/foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would first try
6337 @file{../lib/foo.c}, then @file{/mnt/cross/../lib/foo.c}, and after
6338 that---@file{/mnt/cross/foo.c}.
6339
6340 Note that the executable search path is @emph{not} used to locate the
6341 source files.
6342
6343 Whenever you reset or rearrange the source path, @value{GDBN} clears out
6344 any information it has cached about where source files are found and where
6345 each line is in the file.
6346
6347 @kindex directory
6348 @kindex dir
6349 When you start @value{GDBN}, its source path includes only @samp{cdir}
6350 and @samp{cwd}, in that order.
6351 To add other directories, use the @code{directory} command.
6352
6353 The search path is used to find both program source files and @value{GDBN}
6354 script files (read using the @samp{-command} option and @samp{source} command).
6355
6356 In addition to the source path, @value{GDBN} provides a set of commands
6357 that manage a list of source path substitution rules. A @dfn{substitution
6358 rule} specifies how to rewrite source directories stored in the program's
6359 debug information in case the sources were moved to a different
6360 directory between compilation and debugging. A rule is made of
6361 two strings, the first specifying what needs to be rewritten in
6362 the path, and the second specifying how it should be rewritten.
6363 In @ref{set substitute-path}, we name these two parts @var{from} and
6364 @var{to} respectively. @value{GDBN} does a simple string replacement
6365 of @var{from} with @var{to} at the start of the directory part of the
6366 source file name, and uses that result instead of the original file
6367 name to look up the sources.
6368
6369 Using the previous example, suppose the @file{foo-1.0} tree has been
6370 moved from @file{/usr/src} to @file{/mnt/cross}, then you can tell
6371 @value{GDBN} to replace @file{/usr/src} in all source path names with
6372 @file{/mnt/cross}. The first lookup will then be
6373 @file{/mnt/cross/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} in place of the original location
6374 of @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}. To define a source path
6375 substitution rule, use the @code{set substitute-path} command
6376 (@pxref{set substitute-path}).
6377
6378 To avoid unexpected substitution results, a rule is applied only if the
6379 @var{from} part of the directory name ends at a directory separator.
6380 For instance, a rule substituting @file{/usr/source} into
6381 @file{/mnt/cross} will be applied to @file{/usr/source/foo-1.0} but
6382 not to @file{/usr/sourceware/foo-2.0}. And because the substitution
6383 is applied only at the beginning of the directory name, this rule will
6384 not be applied to @file{/root/usr/source/baz.c} either.
6385
6386 In many cases, you can achieve the same result using the @code{directory}
6387 command. However, @code{set substitute-path} can be more efficient in
6388 the case where the sources are organized in a complex tree with multiple
6389 subdirectories. With the @code{directory} command, you need to add each
6390 subdirectory of your project. If you moved the entire tree while
6391 preserving its internal organization, then @code{set substitute-path}
6392 allows you to direct the debugger to all the sources with one single
6393 command.
6394
6395 @code{set substitute-path} is also more than just a shortcut command.
6396 The source path is only used if the file at the original location no
6397 longer exists. On the other hand, @code{set substitute-path} modifies
6398 the debugger behavior to look at the rewritten location instead. So, if
6399 for any reason a source file that is not relevant to your executable is
6400 located at the original location, a substitution rule is the only
6401 method available to point @value{GDBN} at the new location.
6402
6403 @cindex @samp{--with-relocated-sources}
6404 @cindex default source path substitution
6405 You can configure a default source path substitution rule by
6406 configuring @value{GDBN} with the
6407 @samp{--with-relocated-sources=@var{dir}} option. The @var{dir}
6408 should be the name of a directory under @value{GDBN}'s configured
6409 prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or @samp{--exec-prefix}), and
6410 directory names in debug information under @var{dir} will be adjusted
6411 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
6412 location. This is useful if @value{GDBN}, libraries or executables
6413 with debug information and corresponding source code are being moved
6414 together.
6415
6416 @table @code
6417 @item directory @var{dirname} @dots{}
6418 @item dir @var{dirname} @dots{}
6419 Add directory @var{dirname} to the front of the source path. Several
6420 directory names may be given to this command, separated by @samp{:}
6421 (@samp{;} on MS-DOS and MS-Windows, where @samp{:} usually appears as
6422 part of absolute file names) or
6423 whitespace. You may specify a directory that is already in the source
6424 path; this moves it forward, so @value{GDBN} searches it sooner.
6425
6426 @kindex cdir
6427 @kindex cwd
6428 @vindex $cdir@r{, convenience variable}
6429 @vindex $cwd@r{, convenience variable}
6430 @cindex compilation directory
6431 @cindex current directory
6432 @cindex working directory
6433 @cindex directory, current
6434 @cindex directory, compilation
6435 You can use the string @samp{$cdir} to refer to the compilation
6436 directory (if one is recorded), and @samp{$cwd} to refer to the current
6437 working directory. @samp{$cwd} is not the same as @samp{.}---the former
6438 tracks the current working directory as it changes during your @value{GDBN}
6439 session, while the latter is immediately expanded to the current
6440 directory at the time you add an entry to the source path.
6441
6442 @item directory
6443 Reset the source path to its default value (@samp{$cdir:$cwd} on Unix systems). This requires confirmation.
6444
6445 @c RET-repeat for @code{directory} is explicitly disabled, but since
6446 @c repeating it would be a no-op we do not say that. (thanks to RMS)
6447
6448 @item show directories
6449 @kindex show directories
6450 Print the source path: show which directories it contains.
6451
6452 @anchor{set substitute-path}
6453 @item set substitute-path @var{from} @var{to}
6454 @kindex set substitute-path
6455 Define a source path substitution rule, and add it at the end of the
6456 current list of existing substitution rules. If a rule with the same
6457 @var{from} was already defined, then the old rule is also deleted.
6458
6459 For example, if the file @file{/foo/bar/baz.c} was moved to
6460 @file{/mnt/cross/baz.c}, then the command
6461
6462 @smallexample
6463 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/cross
6464 @end smallexample
6465
6466 @noindent
6467 will tell @value{GDBN} to replace @samp{/usr/src} with
6468 @samp{/mnt/cross}, which will allow @value{GDBN} to find the file
6469 @file{baz.c} even though it was moved.
6470
6471 In the case when more than one substitution rule have been defined,
6472 the rules are evaluated one by one in the order where they have been
6473 defined. The first one matching, if any, is selected to perform
6474 the substitution.
6475
6476 For instance, if we had entered the following commands:
6477
6478 @smallexample
6479 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src/include /mnt/include
6480 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/src
6481 @end smallexample
6482
6483 @noindent
6484 @value{GDBN} would then rewrite @file{/usr/src/include/defs.h} into
6485 @file{/mnt/include/defs.h} by using the first rule. However, it would
6486 use the second rule to rewrite @file{/usr/src/lib/foo.c} into
6487 @file{/mnt/src/lib/foo.c}.
6488
6489
6490 @item unset substitute-path [path]
6491 @kindex unset substitute-path
6492 If a path is specified, search the current list of substitution rules
6493 for a rule that would rewrite that path. Delete that rule if found.
6494 A warning is emitted by the debugger if no rule could be found.
6495
6496 If no path is specified, then all substitution rules are deleted.
6497
6498 @item show substitute-path [path]
6499 @kindex show substitute-path
6500 If a path is specified, then print the source path substitution rule
6501 which would rewrite that path, if any.
6502
6503 If no path is specified, then print all existing source path substitution
6504 rules.
6505
6506 @end table
6507
6508 If your source path is cluttered with directories that are no longer of
6509 interest, @value{GDBN} may sometimes cause confusion by finding the wrong
6510 versions of source. You can correct the situation as follows:
6511
6512 @enumerate
6513 @item
6514 Use @code{directory} with no argument to reset the source path to its default value.
6515
6516 @item
6517 Use @code{directory} with suitable arguments to reinstall the
6518 directories you want in the source path. You can add all the
6519 directories in one command.
6520 @end enumerate
6521
6522 @node Machine Code
6523 @section Source and Machine Code
6524 @cindex source line and its code address
6525
6526 You can use the command @code{info line} to map source lines to program
6527 addresses (and vice versa), and the command @code{disassemble} to display
6528 a range of addresses as machine instructions. You can use the command
6529 @code{set disassemble-next-line} to set whether to disassemble next
6530 source line when execution stops. When run under @sc{gnu} Emacs
6531 mode, the @code{info line} command causes the arrow to point to the
6532 line specified. Also, @code{info line} prints addresses in symbolic form as
6533 well as hex.
6534
6535 @table @code
6536 @kindex info line
6537 @item info line @var{linespec}
6538 Print the starting and ending addresses of the compiled code for
6539 source line @var{linespec}. You can specify source lines in any of
6540 the ways documented in @ref{Specify Location}.
6541 @end table
6542
6543 For example, we can use @code{info line} to discover the location of
6544 the object code for the first line of function
6545 @code{m4_changequote}:
6546
6547 @c FIXME: I think this example should also show the addresses in
6548 @c symbolic form, as they usually would be displayed.
6549 @smallexample
6550 (@value{GDBP}) info line m4_changequote
6551 Line 895 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x634c and ends at 0x6350.
6552 @end smallexample
6553
6554 @noindent
6555 @cindex code address and its source line
6556 We can also inquire (using @code{*@var{addr}} as the form for
6557 @var{linespec}) what source line covers a particular address:
6558 @smallexample
6559 (@value{GDBP}) info line *0x63ff
6560 Line 926 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x63e4 and ends at 0x6404.
6561 @end smallexample
6562
6563 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info line}
6564 @cindex @code{x} command, default address
6565 @kindex x@r{(examine), and} info line
6566 After @code{info line}, the default address for the @code{x} command
6567 is changed to the starting address of the line, so that @samp{x/i} is
6568 sufficient to begin examining the machine code (@pxref{Memory,
6569 ,Examining Memory}). Also, this address is saved as the value of the
6570 convenience variable @code{$_} (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
6571 Variables}).
6572
6573 @table @code
6574 @kindex disassemble
6575 @cindex assembly instructions
6576 @cindex instructions, assembly
6577 @cindex machine instructions
6578 @cindex listing machine instructions
6579 @item disassemble
6580 @itemx disassemble /m
6581 @itemx disassemble /r
6582 This specialized command dumps a range of memory as machine
6583 instructions. It can also print mixed source+disassembly by specifying
6584 the @code{/m} modifier and print the raw instructions in hex as well as
6585 in symbolic form by specifying the @code{/r}.
6586 The default memory range is the function surrounding the
6587 program counter of the selected frame. A single argument to this
6588 command is a program counter value; @value{GDBN} dumps the function
6589 surrounding this value. When two arguments are given, they should
6590 be separated by a comma, possibly surrounded by whitespace. The
6591 arguments specify a range of addresses (first inclusive, second exclusive)
6592 to dump. In that case, the name of the function is also printed (since
6593 there could be several functions in the given range).
6594
6595 The argument(s) can be any expression yielding a numeric value, such as
6596 @samp{0x32c4}, @samp{&main+10} or @samp{$pc - 8}.
6597
6598 If the range of memory being disassembled contains current program counter,
6599 the instruction at that location is shown with a @code{=>} marker.
6600 @end table
6601
6602 The following example shows the disassembly of a range of addresses of
6603 HP PA-RISC 2.0 code:
6604
6605 @smallexample
6606 (@value{GDBP}) disas 0x32c4, 0x32e4
6607 Dump of assembler code from 0x32c4 to 0x32e4:
6608 0x32c4 <main+204>: addil 0,dp
6609 0x32c8 <main+208>: ldw 0x22c(sr0,r1),r26
6610 0x32cc <main+212>: ldil 0x3000,r31
6611 0x32d0 <main+216>: ble 0x3f8(sr4,r31)
6612 0x32d4 <main+220>: ldo 0(r31),rp
6613 0x32d8 <main+224>: addil -0x800,dp
6614 0x32dc <main+228>: ldo 0x588(r1),r26
6615 0x32e0 <main+232>: ldil 0x3000,r31
6616 End of assembler dump.
6617 @end smallexample
6618
6619 Here is an example showing mixed source+assembly for Intel x86, when the
6620 program is stopped just after function prologue:
6621
6622 @smallexample
6623 (@value{GDBP}) disas /m main
6624 Dump of assembler code for function main:
6625 5 @{
6626 0x08048330 <+0>: push %ebp
6627 0x08048331 <+1>: mov %esp,%ebp
6628 0x08048333 <+3>: sub $0x8,%esp
6629 0x08048336 <+6>: and $0xfffffff0,%esp
6630 0x08048339 <+9>: sub $0x10,%esp
6631
6632 6 printf ("Hello.\n");
6633 => 0x0804833c <+12>: movl $0x8048440,(%esp)
6634 0x08048343 <+19>: call 0x8048284 <puts@@plt>
6635
6636 7 return 0;
6637 8 @}
6638 0x08048348 <+24>: mov $0x0,%eax
6639 0x0804834d <+29>: leave
6640 0x0804834e <+30>: ret
6641
6642 End of assembler dump.
6643 @end smallexample
6644
6645 Some architectures have more than one commonly-used set of instruction
6646 mnemonics or other syntax.
6647
6648 For programs that were dynamically linked and use shared libraries,
6649 instructions that call functions or branch to locations in the shared
6650 libraries might show a seemingly bogus location---it's actually a
6651 location of the relocation table. On some architectures, @value{GDBN}
6652 might be able to resolve these to actual function names.
6653
6654 @table @code
6655 @kindex set disassembly-flavor
6656 @cindex Intel disassembly flavor
6657 @cindex AT&T disassembly flavor
6658 @item set disassembly-flavor @var{instruction-set}
6659 Select the instruction set to use when disassembling the
6660 program via the @code{disassemble} or @code{x/i} commands.
6661
6662 Currently this command is only defined for the Intel x86 family. You
6663 can set @var{instruction-set} to either @code{intel} or @code{att}.
6664 The default is @code{att}, the AT&T flavor used by default by Unix
6665 assemblers for x86-based targets.
6666
6667 @kindex show disassembly-flavor
6668 @item show disassembly-flavor
6669 Show the current setting of the disassembly flavor.
6670 @end table
6671
6672 @table @code
6673 @kindex set disassemble-next-line
6674 @kindex show disassemble-next-line
6675 @item set disassemble-next-line
6676 @itemx show disassemble-next-line
6677 Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will disassemble the next source
6678 line or instruction when execution stops. If ON, @value{GDBN} will
6679 display disassembly of the next source line when execution of the
6680 program being debugged stops. This is @emph{in addition} to
6681 displaying the source line itself, which @value{GDBN} always does if
6682 possible. If the next source line cannot be displayed for some reason
6683 (e.g., if @value{GDBN} cannot find the source file, or there's no line
6684 info in the debug info), @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of the
6685 next @emph{instruction} instead of showing the next source line. If
6686 AUTO, @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of next instruction only
6687 if the source line cannot be displayed. This setting causes
6688 @value{GDBN} to display some feedback when you step through a function
6689 with no line info or whose source file is unavailable. The default is
6690 OFF, which means never display the disassembly of the next line or
6691 instruction.
6692 @end table
6693
6694
6695 @node Data
6696 @chapter Examining Data
6697
6698 @cindex printing data
6699 @cindex examining data
6700 @kindex print
6701 @kindex inspect
6702 @c "inspect" is not quite a synonym if you are using Epoch, which we do not
6703 @c document because it is nonstandard... Under Epoch it displays in a
6704 @c different window or something like that.
6705 The usual way to examine data in your program is with the @code{print}
6706 command (abbreviated @code{p}), or its synonym @code{inspect}. It
6707 evaluates and prints the value of an expression of the language your
6708 program is written in (@pxref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with
6709 Different Languages}). It may also print the expression using a
6710 Python-based pretty-printer (@pxref{Pretty Printing}).
6711
6712 @table @code
6713 @item print @var{expr}
6714 @itemx print /@var{f} @var{expr}
6715 @var{expr} is an expression (in the source language). By default the
6716 value of @var{expr} is printed in a format appropriate to its data type;
6717 you can choose a different format by specifying @samp{/@var{f}}, where
6718 @var{f} is a letter specifying the format; see @ref{Output Formats,,Output
6719 Formats}.
6720
6721 @item print
6722 @itemx print /@var{f}
6723 @cindex reprint the last value
6724 If you omit @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} displays the last value again (from the
6725 @dfn{value history}; @pxref{Value History, ,Value History}). This allows you to
6726 conveniently inspect the same value in an alternative format.
6727 @end table
6728
6729 A more low-level way of examining data is with the @code{x} command.
6730 It examines data in memory at a specified address and prints it in a
6731 specified format. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
6732
6733 If you are interested in information about types, or about how the
6734 fields of a struct or a class are declared, use the @code{ptype @var{exp}}
6735 command rather than @code{print}. @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol
6736 Table}.
6737
6738 @menu
6739 * Expressions:: Expressions
6740 * Ambiguous Expressions:: Ambiguous Expressions
6741 * Variables:: Program variables
6742 * Arrays:: Artificial arrays
6743 * Output Formats:: Output formats
6744 * Memory:: Examining memory
6745 * Auto Display:: Automatic display
6746 * Print Settings:: Print settings
6747 * Pretty Printing:: Python pretty printing
6748 * Value History:: Value history
6749 * Convenience Vars:: Convenience variables
6750 * Registers:: Registers
6751 * Floating Point Hardware:: Floating point hardware
6752 * Vector Unit:: Vector Unit
6753 * OS Information:: Auxiliary data provided by operating system
6754 * Memory Region Attributes:: Memory region attributes
6755 * Dump/Restore Files:: Copy between memory and a file
6756 * Core File Generation:: Cause a program dump its core
6757 * Character Sets:: Debugging programs that use a different
6758 character set than GDB does
6759 * Caching Remote Data:: Data caching for remote targets
6760 * Searching Memory:: Searching memory for a sequence of bytes
6761 @end menu
6762
6763 @node Expressions
6764 @section Expressions
6765
6766 @cindex expressions
6767 @code{print} and many other @value{GDBN} commands accept an expression and
6768 compute its value. Any kind of constant, variable or operator defined
6769 by the programming language you are using is valid in an expression in
6770 @value{GDBN}. This includes conditional expressions, function calls,
6771 casts, and string constants. It also includes preprocessor macros, if
6772 you compiled your program to include this information; see
6773 @ref{Compilation}.
6774
6775 @cindex arrays in expressions
6776 @value{GDBN} supports array constants in expressions input by
6777 the user. The syntax is @{@var{element}, @var{element}@dots{}@}. For example,
6778 you can use the command @code{print @{1, 2, 3@}} to create an array
6779 of three integers. If you pass an array to a function or assign it
6780 to a program variable, @value{GDBN} copies the array to memory that
6781 is @code{malloc}ed in the target program.
6782
6783 Because C is so widespread, most of the expressions shown in examples in
6784 this manual are in C. @xref{Languages, , Using @value{GDBN} with Different
6785 Languages}, for information on how to use expressions in other
6786 languages.
6787
6788 In this section, we discuss operators that you can use in @value{GDBN}
6789 expressions regardless of your programming language.
6790
6791 @cindex casts, in expressions
6792 Casts are supported in all languages, not just in C, because it is so
6793 useful to cast a number into a pointer in order to examine a structure
6794 at that address in memory.
6795 @c FIXME: casts supported---Mod2 true?
6796
6797 @value{GDBN} supports these operators, in addition to those common
6798 to programming languages:
6799
6800 @table @code
6801 @item @@
6802 @samp{@@} is a binary operator for treating parts of memory as arrays.
6803 @xref{Arrays, ,Artificial Arrays}, for more information.
6804
6805 @item ::
6806 @samp{::} allows you to specify a variable in terms of the file or
6807 function where it is defined. @xref{Variables, ,Program Variables}.
6808
6809 @cindex @{@var{type}@}
6810 @cindex type casting memory
6811 @cindex memory, viewing as typed object
6812 @cindex casts, to view memory
6813 @item @{@var{type}@} @var{addr}
6814 Refers to an object of type @var{type} stored at address @var{addr} in
6815 memory. @var{addr} may be any expression whose value is an integer or
6816 pointer (but parentheses are required around binary operators, just as in
6817 a cast). This construct is allowed regardless of what kind of data is
6818 normally supposed to reside at @var{addr}.
6819 @end table
6820
6821 @node Ambiguous Expressions
6822 @section Ambiguous Expressions
6823 @cindex ambiguous expressions
6824
6825 Expressions can sometimes contain some ambiguous elements. For instance,
6826 some programming languages (notably Ada, C@t{++} and Objective-C) permit
6827 a single function name to be defined several times, for application in
6828 different contexts. This is called @dfn{overloading}. Another example
6829 involving Ada is generics. A @dfn{generic package} is similar to C@t{++}
6830 templates and is typically instantiated several times, resulting in
6831 the same function name being defined in different contexts.
6832
6833 In some cases and depending on the language, it is possible to adjust
6834 the expression to remove the ambiguity. For instance in C@t{++}, you
6835 can specify the signature of the function you want to break on, as in
6836 @kbd{break @var{function}(@var{types})}. In Ada, using the fully
6837 qualified name of your function often makes the expression unambiguous
6838 as well.
6839
6840 When an ambiguity that needs to be resolved is detected, the debugger
6841 has the capability to display a menu of numbered choices for each
6842 possibility, and then waits for the selection with the prompt @samp{>}.
6843 The first option is always @samp{[0] cancel}, and typing @kbd{0 @key{RET}}
6844 aborts the current command. If the command in which the expression was
6845 used allows more than one choice to be selected, the next option in the
6846 menu is @samp{[1] all}, and typing @kbd{1 @key{RET}} selects all possible
6847 choices.
6848
6849 For example, the following session excerpt shows an attempt to set a
6850 breakpoint at the overloaded symbol @code{String::after}.
6851 We choose three particular definitions of that function name:
6852
6853 @c FIXME! This is likely to change to show arg type lists, at least
6854 @smallexample
6855 @group
6856 (@value{GDBP}) b String::after
6857 [0] cancel
6858 [1] all
6859 [2] file:String.cc; line number:867
6860 [3] file:String.cc; line number:860
6861 [4] file:String.cc; line number:875
6862 [5] file:String.cc; line number:853
6863 [6] file:String.cc; line number:846
6864 [7] file:String.cc; line number:735
6865 > 2 4 6
6866 Breakpoint 1 at 0xb26c: file String.cc, line 867.
6867 Breakpoint 2 at 0xb344: file String.cc, line 875.
6868 Breakpoint 3 at 0xafcc: file String.cc, line 846.
6869 Multiple breakpoints were set.
6870 Use the "delete" command to delete unwanted
6871 breakpoints.
6872 (@value{GDBP})
6873 @end group
6874 @end smallexample
6875
6876 @table @code
6877 @kindex set multiple-symbols
6878 @item set multiple-symbols @var{mode}
6879 @cindex multiple-symbols menu
6880
6881 This option allows you to adjust the debugger behavior when an expression
6882 is ambiguous.
6883
6884 By default, @var{mode} is set to @code{all}. If the command with which
6885 the expression is used allows more than one choice, then @value{GDBN}
6886 automatically selects all possible choices. For instance, inserting
6887 a breakpoint on a function using an ambiguous name results in a breakpoint
6888 inserted on each possible match. However, if a unique choice must be made,
6889 then @value{GDBN} uses the menu to help you disambiguate the expression.
6890 For instance, printing the address of an overloaded function will result
6891 in the use of the menu.
6892
6893 When @var{mode} is set to @code{ask}, the debugger always uses the menu
6894 when an ambiguity is detected.
6895
6896 Finally, when @var{mode} is set to @code{cancel}, the debugger reports
6897 an error due to the ambiguity and the command is aborted.
6898
6899 @kindex show multiple-symbols
6900 @item show multiple-symbols
6901 Show the current value of the @code{multiple-symbols} setting.
6902 @end table
6903
6904 @node Variables
6905 @section Program Variables
6906
6907 The most common kind of expression to use is the name of a variable
6908 in your program.
6909
6910 Variables in expressions are understood in the selected stack frame
6911 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}); they must be either:
6912
6913 @itemize @bullet
6914 @item
6915 global (or file-static)
6916 @end itemize
6917
6918 @noindent or
6919
6920 @itemize @bullet
6921 @item
6922 visible according to the scope rules of the
6923 programming language from the point of execution in that frame
6924 @end itemize
6925
6926 @noindent This means that in the function
6927
6928 @smallexample
6929 foo (a)
6930 int a;
6931 @{
6932 bar (a);
6933 @{
6934 int b = test ();
6935 bar (b);
6936 @}
6937 @}
6938 @end smallexample
6939
6940 @noindent
6941 you can examine and use the variable @code{a} whenever your program is
6942 executing within the function @code{foo}, but you can only use or
6943 examine the variable @code{b} while your program is executing inside
6944 the block where @code{b} is declared.
6945
6946 @cindex variable name conflict
6947 There is an exception: you can refer to a variable or function whose
6948 scope is a single source file even if the current execution point is not
6949 in this file. But it is possible to have more than one such variable or
6950 function with the same name (in different source files). If that
6951 happens, referring to that name has unpredictable effects. If you wish,
6952 you can specify a static variable in a particular function or file,
6953 using the colon-colon (@code{::}) notation:
6954
6955 @cindex colon-colon, context for variables/functions
6956 @ifnotinfo
6957 @c info cannot cope with a :: index entry, but why deprive hard copy readers?
6958 @cindex @code{::}, context for variables/functions
6959 @end ifnotinfo
6960 @smallexample
6961 @var{file}::@var{variable}
6962 @var{function}::@var{variable}
6963 @end smallexample
6964
6965 @noindent
6966 Here @var{file} or @var{function} is the name of the context for the
6967 static @var{variable}. In the case of file names, you can use quotes to
6968 make sure @value{GDBN} parses the file name as a single word---for example,
6969 to print a global value of @code{x} defined in @file{f2.c}:
6970
6971 @smallexample
6972 (@value{GDBP}) p 'f2.c'::x
6973 @end smallexample
6974
6975 @cindex C@t{++} scope resolution
6976 This use of @samp{::} is very rarely in conflict with the very similar
6977 use of the same notation in C@t{++}. @value{GDBN} also supports use of the C@t{++}
6978 scope resolution operator in @value{GDBN} expressions.
6979 @c FIXME: Um, so what happens in one of those rare cases where it's in
6980 @c conflict?? --mew
6981
6982 @cindex wrong values
6983 @cindex variable values, wrong
6984 @cindex function entry/exit, wrong values of variables
6985 @cindex optimized code, wrong values of variables
6986 @quotation
6987 @emph{Warning:} Occasionally, a local variable may appear to have the
6988 wrong value at certain points in a function---just after entry to a new
6989 scope, and just before exit.
6990 @end quotation
6991 You may see this problem when you are stepping by machine instructions.
6992 This is because, on most machines, it takes more than one instruction to
6993 set up a stack frame (including local variable definitions); if you are
6994 stepping by machine instructions, variables may appear to have the wrong
6995 values until the stack frame is completely built. On exit, it usually
6996 also takes more than one machine instruction to destroy a stack frame;
6997 after you begin stepping through that group of instructions, local
6998 variable definitions may be gone.
6999
7000 This may also happen when the compiler does significant optimizations.
7001 To be sure of always seeing accurate values, turn off all optimization
7002 when compiling.
7003
7004 @cindex ``No symbol "foo" in current context''
7005 Another possible effect of compiler optimizations is to optimize
7006 unused variables out of existence, or assign variables to registers (as
7007 opposed to memory addresses). Depending on the support for such cases
7008 offered by the debug info format used by the compiler, @value{GDBN}
7009 might not be able to display values for such local variables. If that
7010 happens, @value{GDBN} will print a message like this:
7011
7012 @smallexample
7013 No symbol "foo" in current context.
7014 @end smallexample
7015
7016 To solve such problems, either recompile without optimizations, or use a
7017 different debug info format, if the compiler supports several such
7018 formats. For example, @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C/C@t{++} compiler,
7019 usually supports the @option{-gstabs+} option. @option{-gstabs+}
7020 produces debug info in a format that is superior to formats such as
7021 COFF. You may be able to use DWARF 2 (@option{-gdwarf-2}), which is also
7022 an effective form for debug info. @xref{Debugging Options,,Options
7023 for Debugging Your Program or GCC, gcc.info, Using the @sc{gnu}
7024 Compiler Collection (GCC)}.
7025 @xref{C, ,C and C@t{++}}, for more information about debug info formats
7026 that are best suited to C@t{++} programs.
7027
7028 If you ask to print an object whose contents are unknown to
7029 @value{GDBN}, e.g., because its data type is not completely specified
7030 by the debug information, @value{GDBN} will say @samp{<incomplete
7031 type>}. @xref{Symbols, incomplete type}, for more about this.
7032
7033 Strings are identified as arrays of @code{char} values without specified
7034 signedness. Arrays of either @code{signed char} or @code{unsigned char} get
7035 printed as arrays of 1 byte sized integers. @code{-fsigned-char} or
7036 @code{-funsigned-char} @value{NGCC} options have no effect as @value{GDBN}
7037 defines literal string type @code{"char"} as @code{char} without a sign.
7038 For program code
7039
7040 @smallexample
7041 char var0[] = "A";
7042 signed char var1[] = "A";
7043 @end smallexample
7044
7045 You get during debugging
7046 @smallexample
7047 (gdb) print var0
7048 $1 = "A"
7049 (gdb) print var1
7050 $2 = @{65 'A', 0 '\0'@}
7051 @end smallexample
7052
7053 @node Arrays
7054 @section Artificial Arrays
7055
7056 @cindex artificial array
7057 @cindex arrays
7058 @kindex @@@r{, referencing memory as an array}
7059 It is often useful to print out several successive objects of the
7060 same type in memory; a section of an array, or an array of
7061 dynamically determined size for which only a pointer exists in the
7062 program.
7063
7064 You can do this by referring to a contiguous span of memory as an
7065 @dfn{artificial array}, using the binary operator @samp{@@}. The left
7066 operand of @samp{@@} should be the first element of the desired array
7067 and be an individual object. The right operand should be the desired length
7068 of the array. The result is an array value whose elements are all of
7069 the type of the left argument. The first element is actually the left
7070 argument; the second element comes from bytes of memory immediately
7071 following those that hold the first element, and so on. Here is an
7072 example. If a program says
7073
7074 @smallexample
7075 int *array = (int *) malloc (len * sizeof (int));
7076 @end smallexample
7077
7078 @noindent
7079 you can print the contents of @code{array} with
7080
7081 @smallexample
7082 p *array@@len
7083 @end smallexample
7084
7085 The left operand of @samp{@@} must reside in memory. Array values made
7086 with @samp{@@} in this way behave just like other arrays in terms of
7087 subscripting, and are coerced to pointers when used in expressions.
7088 Artificial arrays most often appear in expressions via the value history
7089 (@pxref{Value History, ,Value History}), after printing one out.
7090
7091 Another way to create an artificial array is to use a cast.
7092 This re-interprets a value as if it were an array.
7093 The value need not be in memory:
7094 @smallexample
7095 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[2])0x12345678
7096 $1 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
7097 @end smallexample
7098
7099 As a convenience, if you leave the array length out (as in
7100 @samp{(@var{type}[])@var{value}}) @value{GDBN} calculates the size to fill
7101 the value (as @samp{sizeof(@var{value})/sizeof(@var{type})}:
7102 @smallexample
7103 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[])0x12345678
7104 $2 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
7105 @end smallexample
7106
7107 Sometimes the artificial array mechanism is not quite enough; in
7108 moderately complex data structures, the elements of interest may not
7109 actually be adjacent---for example, if you are interested in the values
7110 of pointers in an array. One useful work-around in this situation is
7111 to use a convenience variable (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
7112 Variables}) as a counter in an expression that prints the first
7113 interesting value, and then repeat that expression via @key{RET}. For
7114 instance, suppose you have an array @code{dtab} of pointers to
7115 structures, and you are interested in the values of a field @code{fv}
7116 in each structure. Here is an example of what you might type:
7117
7118 @smallexample
7119 set $i = 0
7120 p dtab[$i++]->fv
7121 @key{RET}
7122 @key{RET}
7123 @dots{}
7124 @end smallexample
7125
7126 @node Output Formats
7127 @section Output Formats
7128
7129 @cindex formatted output
7130 @cindex output formats
7131 By default, @value{GDBN} prints a value according to its data type. Sometimes
7132 this is not what you want. For example, you might want to print a number
7133 in hex, or a pointer in decimal. Or you might want to view data in memory
7134 at a certain address as a character string or as an instruction. To do
7135 these things, specify an @dfn{output format} when you print a value.
7136
7137 The simplest use of output formats is to say how to print a value
7138 already computed. This is done by starting the arguments of the
7139 @code{print} command with a slash and a format letter. The format
7140 letters supported are:
7141
7142 @table @code
7143 @item x
7144 Regard the bits of the value as an integer, and print the integer in
7145 hexadecimal.
7146
7147 @item d
7148 Print as integer in signed decimal.
7149
7150 @item u
7151 Print as integer in unsigned decimal.
7152
7153 @item o
7154 Print as integer in octal.
7155
7156 @item t
7157 Print as integer in binary. The letter @samp{t} stands for ``two''.
7158 @footnote{@samp{b} cannot be used because these format letters are also
7159 used with the @code{x} command, where @samp{b} stands for ``byte'';
7160 see @ref{Memory,,Examining Memory}.}
7161
7162 @item a
7163 @cindex unknown address, locating
7164 @cindex locate address
7165 Print as an address, both absolute in hexadecimal and as an offset from
7166 the nearest preceding symbol. You can use this format used to discover
7167 where (in what function) an unknown address is located:
7168
7169 @smallexample
7170 (@value{GDBP}) p/a 0x54320
7171 $3 = 0x54320 <_initialize_vx+396>
7172 @end smallexample
7173
7174 @noindent
7175 The command @code{info symbol 0x54320} yields similar results.
7176 @xref{Symbols, info symbol}.
7177
7178 @item c
7179 Regard as an integer and print it as a character constant. This
7180 prints both the numerical value and its character representation. The
7181 character representation is replaced with the octal escape @samp{\nnn}
7182 for characters outside the 7-bit @sc{ascii} range.
7183
7184 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays @code{char},
7185 @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} data as character
7186 constants. Single-byte members of vectors are displayed as integer
7187 data.
7188
7189 @item f
7190 Regard the bits of the value as a floating point number and print
7191 using typical floating point syntax.
7192
7193 @item s
7194 @cindex printing strings
7195 @cindex printing byte arrays
7196 Regard as a string, if possible. With this format, pointers to single-byte
7197 data are displayed as null-terminated strings and arrays of single-byte data
7198 are displayed as fixed-length strings. Other values are displayed in their
7199 natural types.
7200
7201 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays pointers to and arrays of
7202 @code{char}, @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} as
7203 strings. Single-byte members of a vector are displayed as an integer
7204 array.
7205
7206 @item r
7207 @cindex raw printing
7208 Print using the @samp{raw} formatting. By default, @value{GDBN} will
7209 use a Python-based pretty-printer, if one is available (@pxref{Pretty
7210 Printing}). This typically results in a higher-level display of the
7211 value's contents. The @samp{r} format bypasses any Python
7212 pretty-printer which might exist.
7213 @end table
7214
7215 For example, to print the program counter in hex (@pxref{Registers}), type
7216
7217 @smallexample
7218 p/x $pc
7219 @end smallexample
7220
7221 @noindent
7222 Note that no space is required before the slash; this is because command
7223 names in @value{GDBN} cannot contain a slash.
7224
7225 To reprint the last value in the value history with a different format,
7226 you can use the @code{print} command with just a format and no
7227 expression. For example, @samp{p/x} reprints the last value in hex.
7228
7229 @node Memory
7230 @section Examining Memory
7231
7232 You can use the command @code{x} (for ``examine'') to examine memory in
7233 any of several formats, independently of your program's data types.
7234
7235 @cindex examining memory
7236 @table @code
7237 @kindex x @r{(examine memory)}
7238 @item x/@var{nfu} @var{addr}
7239 @itemx x @var{addr}
7240 @itemx x
7241 Use the @code{x} command to examine memory.
7242 @end table
7243
7244 @var{n}, @var{f}, and @var{u} are all optional parameters that specify how
7245 much memory to display and how to format it; @var{addr} is an
7246 expression giving the address where you want to start displaying memory.
7247 If you use defaults for @var{nfu}, you need not type the slash @samp{/}.
7248 Several commands set convenient defaults for @var{addr}.
7249
7250 @table @r
7251 @item @var{n}, the repeat count
7252 The repeat count is a decimal integer; the default is 1. It specifies
7253 how much memory (counting by units @var{u}) to display.
7254 @c This really is **decimal**; unaffected by 'set radix' as of GDB
7255 @c 4.1.2.
7256
7257 @item @var{f}, the display format
7258 The display format is one of the formats used by @code{print}
7259 (@samp{x}, @samp{d}, @samp{u}, @samp{o}, @samp{t}, @samp{a}, @samp{c},
7260 @samp{f}, @samp{s}), and in addition @samp{i} (for machine instructions).
7261 The default is @samp{x} (hexadecimal) initially. The default changes
7262 each time you use either @code{x} or @code{print}.
7263
7264 @item @var{u}, the unit size
7265 The unit size is any of
7266
7267 @table @code
7268 @item b
7269 Bytes.
7270 @item h
7271 Halfwords (two bytes).
7272 @item w
7273 Words (four bytes). This is the initial default.
7274 @item g
7275 Giant words (eight bytes).
7276 @end table
7277
7278 Each time you specify a unit size with @code{x}, that size becomes the
7279 default unit the next time you use @code{x}. For the @samp{i} format,
7280 the unit size is ignored and is normally not written. For the @samp{s} format,
7281 the unit size defaults to @samp{b}, unless it is explicitly given.
7282 Use @kbd{x /hs} to display 16-bit char strings and @kbd{x /ws} to display
7283 32-bit strings. The next use of @kbd{x /s} will again display 8-bit strings.
7284 Note that the results depend on the programming language of the
7285 current compilation unit. If the language is C, the @samp{s}
7286 modifier will use the UTF-16 encoding while @samp{w} will use
7287 UTF-32. The encoding is set by the programming language and cannot
7288 be altered.
7289
7290 @item @var{addr}, starting display address
7291 @var{addr} is the address where you want @value{GDBN} to begin displaying
7292 memory. The expression need not have a pointer value (though it may);
7293 it is always interpreted as an integer address of a byte of memory.
7294 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information on expressions. The default for
7295 @var{addr} is usually just after the last address examined---but several
7296 other commands also set the default address: @code{info breakpoints} (to
7297 the address of the last breakpoint listed), @code{info line} (to the
7298 starting address of a line), and @code{print} (if you use it to display
7299 a value from memory).
7300 @end table
7301
7302 For example, @samp{x/3uh 0x54320} is a request to display three halfwords
7303 (@code{h}) of memory, formatted as unsigned decimal integers (@samp{u}),
7304 starting at address @code{0x54320}. @samp{x/4xw $sp} prints the four
7305 words (@samp{w}) of memory above the stack pointer (here, @samp{$sp};
7306 @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}) in hexadecimal (@samp{x}).
7307
7308 Since the letters indicating unit sizes are all distinct from the
7309 letters specifying output formats, you do not have to remember whether
7310 unit size or format comes first; either order works. The output
7311 specifications @samp{4xw} and @samp{4wx} mean exactly the same thing.
7312 (However, the count @var{n} must come first; @samp{wx4} does not work.)
7313
7314 Even though the unit size @var{u} is ignored for the formats @samp{s}
7315 and @samp{i}, you might still want to use a count @var{n}; for example,
7316 @samp{3i} specifies that you want to see three machine instructions,
7317 including any operands. For convenience, especially when used with
7318 the @code{display} command, the @samp{i} format also prints branch delay
7319 slot instructions, if any, beyond the count specified, which immediately
7320 follow the last instruction that is within the count. The command
7321 @code{disassemble} gives an alternative way of inspecting machine
7322 instructions; see @ref{Machine Code,,Source and Machine Code}.
7323
7324 All the defaults for the arguments to @code{x} are designed to make it
7325 easy to continue scanning memory with minimal specifications each time
7326 you use @code{x}. For example, after you have inspected three machine
7327 instructions with @samp{x/3i @var{addr}}, you can inspect the next seven
7328 with just @samp{x/7}. If you use @key{RET} to repeat the @code{x} command,
7329 the repeat count @var{n} is used again; the other arguments default as
7330 for successive uses of @code{x}.
7331
7332 When examining machine instructions, the instruction at current program
7333 counter is shown with a @code{=>} marker. For example:
7334
7335 @smallexample
7336 (@value{GDBP}) x/5i $pc-6
7337 0x804837f <main+11>: mov %esp,%ebp
7338 0x8048381 <main+13>: push %ecx
7339 0x8048382 <main+14>: sub $0x4,%esp
7340 => 0x8048385 <main+17>: movl $0x8048460,(%esp)
7341 0x804838c <main+24>: call 0x80482d4 <puts@@plt>
7342 @end smallexample
7343
7344 @cindex @code{$_}, @code{$__}, and value history
7345 The addresses and contents printed by the @code{x} command are not saved
7346 in the value history because there is often too much of them and they
7347 would get in the way. Instead, @value{GDBN} makes these values available for
7348 subsequent use in expressions as values of the convenience variables
7349 @code{$_} and @code{$__}. After an @code{x} command, the last address
7350 examined is available for use in expressions in the convenience variable
7351 @code{$_}. The contents of that address, as examined, are available in
7352 the convenience variable @code{$__}.
7353
7354 If the @code{x} command has a repeat count, the address and contents saved
7355 are from the last memory unit printed; this is not the same as the last
7356 address printed if several units were printed on the last line of output.
7357
7358 @cindex remote memory comparison
7359 @cindex verify remote memory image
7360 When you are debugging a program running on a remote target machine
7361 (@pxref{Remote Debugging}), you may wish to verify the program's image in the
7362 remote machine's memory against the executable file you downloaded to
7363 the target. The @code{compare-sections} command is provided for such
7364 situations.
7365
7366 @table @code
7367 @kindex compare-sections
7368 @item compare-sections @r{[}@var{section-name}@r{]}
7369 Compare the data of a loadable section @var{section-name} in the
7370 executable file of the program being debugged with the same section in
7371 the remote machine's memory, and report any mismatches. With no
7372 arguments, compares all loadable sections. This command's
7373 availability depends on the target's support for the @code{"qCRC"}
7374 remote request.
7375 @end table
7376
7377 @node Auto Display
7378 @section Automatic Display
7379 @cindex automatic display
7380 @cindex display of expressions
7381
7382 If you find that you want to print the value of an expression frequently
7383 (to see how it changes), you might want to add it to the @dfn{automatic
7384 display list} so that @value{GDBN} prints its value each time your program stops.
7385 Each expression added to the list is given a number to identify it;
7386 to remove an expression from the list, you specify that number.
7387 The automatic display looks like this:
7388
7389 @smallexample
7390 2: foo = 38
7391 3: bar[5] = (struct hack *) 0x3804
7392 @end smallexample
7393
7394 @noindent
7395 This display shows item numbers, expressions and their current values. As with
7396 displays you request manually using @code{x} or @code{print}, you can
7397 specify the output format you prefer; in fact, @code{display} decides
7398 whether to use @code{print} or @code{x} depending your format
7399 specification---it uses @code{x} if you specify either the @samp{i}
7400 or @samp{s} format, or a unit size; otherwise it uses @code{print}.
7401
7402 @table @code
7403 @kindex display
7404 @item display @var{expr}
7405 Add the expression @var{expr} to the list of expressions to display
7406 each time your program stops. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
7407
7408 @code{display} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
7409
7410 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{expr}
7411 For @var{fmt} specifying only a display format and not a size or
7412 count, add the expression @var{expr} to the auto-display list but
7413 arrange to display it each time in the specified format @var{fmt}.
7414 @xref{Output Formats,,Output Formats}.
7415
7416 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{addr}
7417 For @var{fmt} @samp{i} or @samp{s}, or including a unit-size or a
7418 number of units, add the expression @var{addr} as a memory address to
7419 be examined each time your program stops. Examining means in effect
7420 doing @samp{x/@var{fmt} @var{addr}}. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
7421 @end table
7422
7423 For example, @samp{display/i $pc} can be helpful, to see the machine
7424 instruction about to be executed each time execution stops (@samp{$pc}
7425 is a common name for the program counter; @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
7426
7427 @table @code
7428 @kindex delete display
7429 @kindex undisplay
7430 @item undisplay @var{dnums}@dots{}
7431 @itemx delete display @var{dnums}@dots{}
7432 Remove item numbers @var{dnums} from the list of expressions to display.
7433
7434 @code{undisplay} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
7435 (Otherwise you would just get the error @samp{No display number @dots{}}.)
7436
7437 @kindex disable display
7438 @item disable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
7439 Disable the display of item numbers @var{dnums}. A disabled display
7440 item is not printed automatically, but is not forgotten. It may be
7441 enabled again later.
7442
7443 @kindex enable display
7444 @item enable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
7445 Enable display of item numbers @var{dnums}. It becomes effective once
7446 again in auto display of its expression, until you specify otherwise.
7447
7448 @item display
7449 Display the current values of the expressions on the list, just as is
7450 done when your program stops.
7451
7452 @kindex info display
7453 @item info display
7454 Print the list of expressions previously set up to display
7455 automatically, each one with its item number, but without showing the
7456 values. This includes disabled expressions, which are marked as such.
7457 It also includes expressions which would not be displayed right now
7458 because they refer to automatic variables not currently available.
7459 @end table
7460
7461 @cindex display disabled out of scope
7462 If a display expression refers to local variables, then it does not make
7463 sense outside the lexical context for which it was set up. Such an
7464 expression is disabled when execution enters a context where one of its
7465 variables is not defined. For example, if you give the command
7466 @code{display last_char} while inside a function with an argument
7467 @code{last_char}, @value{GDBN} displays this argument while your program
7468 continues to stop inside that function. When it stops elsewhere---where
7469 there is no variable @code{last_char}---the display is disabled
7470 automatically. The next time your program stops where @code{last_char}
7471 is meaningful, you can enable the display expression once again.
7472
7473 @node Print Settings
7474 @section Print Settings
7475
7476 @cindex format options
7477 @cindex print settings
7478 @value{GDBN} provides the following ways to control how arrays, structures,
7479 and symbols are printed.
7480
7481 @noindent
7482 These settings are useful for debugging programs in any language:
7483
7484 @table @code
7485 @kindex set print
7486 @item set print address
7487 @itemx set print address on
7488 @cindex print/don't print memory addresses
7489 @value{GDBN} prints memory addresses showing the location of stack
7490 traces, structure values, pointer values, breakpoints, and so forth,
7491 even when it also displays the contents of those addresses. The default
7492 is @code{on}. For example, this is what a stack frame display looks like with
7493 @code{set print address on}:
7494
7495 @smallexample
7496 @group
7497 (@value{GDBP}) f
7498 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<<", rq=0x34c88 ">>")
7499 at input.c:530
7500 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
7501 @end group
7502 @end smallexample
7503
7504 @item set print address off
7505 Do not print addresses when displaying their contents. For example,
7506 this is the same stack frame displayed with @code{set print address off}:
7507
7508 @smallexample
7509 @group
7510 (@value{GDBP}) set print addr off
7511 (@value{GDBP}) f
7512 #0 set_quotes (lq="<<", rq=">>") at input.c:530
7513 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
7514 @end group
7515 @end smallexample
7516
7517 You can use @samp{set print address off} to eliminate all machine
7518 dependent displays from the @value{GDBN} interface. For example, with
7519 @code{print address off}, you should get the same text for backtraces on
7520 all machines---whether or not they involve pointer arguments.
7521
7522 @kindex show print
7523 @item show print address
7524 Show whether or not addresses are to be printed.
7525 @end table
7526
7527 When @value{GDBN} prints a symbolic address, it normally prints the
7528 closest earlier symbol plus an offset. If that symbol does not uniquely
7529 identify the address (for example, it is a name whose scope is a single
7530 source file), you may need to clarify. One way to do this is with
7531 @code{info line}, for example @samp{info line *0x4537}. Alternately,
7532 you can set @value{GDBN} to print the source file and line number when
7533 it prints a symbolic address:
7534
7535 @table @code
7536 @item set print symbol-filename on
7537 @cindex source file and line of a symbol
7538 @cindex symbol, source file and line
7539 Tell @value{GDBN} to print the source file name and line number of a
7540 symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
7541
7542 @item set print symbol-filename off
7543 Do not print source file name and line number of a symbol. This is the
7544 default.
7545
7546 @item show print symbol-filename
7547 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} will print the source file name and
7548 line number of a symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
7549 @end table
7550
7551 Another situation where it is helpful to show symbol filenames and line
7552 numbers is when disassembling code; @value{GDBN} shows you the line
7553 number and source file that corresponds to each instruction.
7554
7555 Also, you may wish to see the symbolic form only if the address being
7556 printed is reasonably close to the closest earlier symbol:
7557
7558 @table @code
7559 @item set print max-symbolic-offset @var{max-offset}
7560 @cindex maximum value for offset of closest symbol
7561 Tell @value{GDBN} to only display the symbolic form of an address if the
7562 offset between the closest earlier symbol and the address is less than
7563 @var{max-offset}. The default is 0, which tells @value{GDBN}
7564 to always print the symbolic form of an address if any symbol precedes it.
7565
7566 @item show print max-symbolic-offset
7567 Ask how large the maximum offset is that @value{GDBN} prints in a
7568 symbolic address.
7569 @end table
7570
7571 @cindex wild pointer, interpreting
7572 @cindex pointer, finding referent
7573 If you have a pointer and you are not sure where it points, try
7574 @samp{set print symbol-filename on}. Then you can determine the name
7575 and source file location of the variable where it points, using
7576 @samp{p/a @var{pointer}}. This interprets the address in symbolic form.
7577 For example, here @value{GDBN} shows that a variable @code{ptt} points
7578 at another variable @code{t}, defined in @file{hi2.c}:
7579
7580 @smallexample
7581 (@value{GDBP}) set print symbol-filename on
7582 (@value{GDBP}) p/a ptt
7583 $4 = 0xe008 <t in hi2.c>
7584 @end smallexample
7585
7586 @quotation
7587 @emph{Warning:} For pointers that point to a local variable, @samp{p/a}
7588 does not show the symbol name and filename of the referent, even with
7589 the appropriate @code{set print} options turned on.
7590 @end quotation
7591
7592 Other settings control how different kinds of objects are printed:
7593
7594 @table @code
7595 @item set print array
7596 @itemx set print array on
7597 @cindex pretty print arrays
7598 Pretty print arrays. This format is more convenient to read,
7599 but uses more space. The default is off.
7600
7601 @item set print array off
7602 Return to compressed format for arrays.
7603
7604 @item show print array
7605 Show whether compressed or pretty format is selected for displaying
7606 arrays.
7607
7608 @cindex print array indexes
7609 @item set print array-indexes
7610 @itemx set print array-indexes on
7611 Print the index of each element when displaying arrays. May be more
7612 convenient to locate a given element in the array or quickly find the
7613 index of a given element in that printed array. The default is off.
7614
7615 @item set print array-indexes off
7616 Stop printing element indexes when displaying arrays.
7617
7618 @item show print array-indexes
7619 Show whether the index of each element is printed when displaying
7620 arrays.
7621
7622 @item set print elements @var{number-of-elements}
7623 @cindex number of array elements to print
7624 @cindex limit on number of printed array elements
7625 Set a limit on how many elements of an array @value{GDBN} will print.
7626 If @value{GDBN} is printing a large array, it stops printing after it has
7627 printed the number of elements set by the @code{set print elements} command.
7628 This limit also applies to the display of strings.
7629 When @value{GDBN} starts, this limit is set to 200.
7630 Setting @var{number-of-elements} to zero means that the printing is unlimited.
7631
7632 @item show print elements
7633 Display the number of elements of a large array that @value{GDBN} will print.
7634 If the number is 0, then the printing is unlimited.
7635
7636 @item set print frame-arguments @var{value}
7637 @kindex set print frame-arguments
7638 @cindex printing frame argument values
7639 @cindex print all frame argument values
7640 @cindex print frame argument values for scalars only
7641 @cindex do not print frame argument values
7642 This command allows to control how the values of arguments are printed
7643 when the debugger prints a frame (@pxref{Frames}). The possible
7644 values are:
7645
7646 @table @code
7647 @item all
7648 The values of all arguments are printed.
7649
7650 @item scalars
7651 Print the value of an argument only if it is a scalar. The value of more
7652 complex arguments such as arrays, structures, unions, etc, is replaced
7653 by @code{@dots{}}. This is the default. Here is an example where
7654 only scalar arguments are shown:
7655
7656 @smallexample
7657 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=3, s=@dots{}, ss=0xbf8d508c, u=@dots{}, e=green)
7658 at frame-args.c:23
7659 @end smallexample
7660
7661 @item none
7662 None of the argument values are printed. Instead, the value of each argument
7663 is replaced by @code{@dots{}}. In this case, the example above now becomes:
7664
7665 @smallexample
7666 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=@dots{}, s=@dots{}, ss=@dots{}, u=@dots{}, e=@dots{})
7667 at frame-args.c:23
7668 @end smallexample
7669 @end table
7670
7671 By default, only scalar arguments are printed. This command can be used
7672 to configure the debugger to print the value of all arguments, regardless
7673 of their type. However, it is often advantageous to not print the value
7674 of more complex parameters. For instance, it reduces the amount of
7675 information printed in each frame, making the backtrace more readable.
7676 Also, it improves performance when displaying Ada frames, because
7677 the computation of large arguments can sometimes be CPU-intensive,
7678 especially in large applications. Setting @code{print frame-arguments}
7679 to @code{scalars} (the default) or @code{none} avoids this computation,
7680 thus speeding up the display of each Ada frame.
7681
7682 @item show print frame-arguments
7683 Show how the value of arguments should be displayed when printing a frame.
7684
7685 @item set print repeats
7686 @cindex repeated array elements
7687 Set the threshold for suppressing display of repeated array
7688 elements. When the number of consecutive identical elements of an
7689 array exceeds the threshold, @value{GDBN} prints the string
7690 @code{"<repeats @var{n} times>"}, where @var{n} is the number of
7691 identical repetitions, instead of displaying the identical elements
7692 themselves. Setting the threshold to zero will cause all elements to
7693 be individually printed. The default threshold is 10.
7694
7695 @item show print repeats
7696 Display the current threshold for printing repeated identical
7697 elements.
7698
7699 @item set print null-stop
7700 @cindex @sc{null} elements in arrays
7701 Cause @value{GDBN} to stop printing the characters of an array when the first
7702 @sc{null} is encountered. This is useful when large arrays actually
7703 contain only short strings.
7704 The default is off.
7705
7706 @item show print null-stop
7707 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops printing an array on the first
7708 @sc{null} character.
7709
7710 @item set print pretty on
7711 @cindex print structures in indented form
7712 @cindex indentation in structure display
7713 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in an indented format with one member
7714 per line, like this:
7715
7716 @smallexample
7717 @group
7718 $1 = @{
7719 next = 0x0,
7720 flags = @{
7721 sweet = 1,
7722 sour = 1
7723 @},
7724 meat = 0x54 "Pork"
7725 @}
7726 @end group
7727 @end smallexample
7728
7729 @item set print pretty off
7730 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in a compact format, like this:
7731
7732 @smallexample
7733 @group
7734 $1 = @{next = 0x0, flags = @{sweet = 1, sour = 1@}, \
7735 meat = 0x54 "Pork"@}
7736 @end group
7737 @end smallexample
7738
7739 @noindent
7740 This is the default format.
7741
7742 @item show print pretty
7743 Show which format @value{GDBN} is using to print structures.
7744
7745 @item set print sevenbit-strings on
7746 @cindex eight-bit characters in strings
7747 @cindex octal escapes in strings
7748 Print using only seven-bit characters; if this option is set,
7749 @value{GDBN} displays any eight-bit characters (in strings or
7750 character values) using the notation @code{\}@var{nnn}. This setting is
7751 best if you are working in English (@sc{ascii}) and you use the
7752 high-order bit of characters as a marker or ``meta'' bit.
7753
7754 @item set print sevenbit-strings off
7755 Print full eight-bit characters. This allows the use of more
7756 international character sets, and is the default.
7757
7758 @item show print sevenbit-strings
7759 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} is printing only seven-bit characters.
7760
7761 @item set print union on
7762 @cindex unions in structures, printing
7763 Tell @value{GDBN} to print unions which are contained in structures
7764 and other unions. This is the default setting.
7765
7766 @item set print union off
7767 Tell @value{GDBN} not to print unions which are contained in
7768 structures and other unions. @value{GDBN} will print @code{"@{...@}"}
7769 instead.
7770
7771 @item show print union
7772 Ask @value{GDBN} whether or not it will print unions which are contained in
7773 structures and other unions.
7774
7775 For example, given the declarations
7776
7777 @smallexample
7778 typedef enum @{Tree, Bug@} Species;
7779 typedef enum @{Big_tree, Acorn, Seedling@} Tree_forms;
7780 typedef enum @{Caterpillar, Cocoon, Butterfly@}
7781 Bug_forms;
7782
7783 struct thing @{
7784 Species it;
7785 union @{
7786 Tree_forms tree;
7787 Bug_forms bug;
7788 @} form;
7789 @};
7790
7791 struct thing foo = @{Tree, @{Acorn@}@};
7792 @end smallexample
7793
7794 @noindent
7795 with @code{set print union on} in effect @samp{p foo} would print
7796
7797 @smallexample
7798 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{tree = Acorn, bug = Cocoon@}@}
7799 @end smallexample
7800
7801 @noindent
7802 and with @code{set print union off} in effect it would print
7803
7804 @smallexample
7805 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{...@}@}
7806 @end smallexample
7807
7808 @noindent
7809 @code{set print union} affects programs written in C-like languages
7810 and in Pascal.
7811 @end table
7812
7813 @need 1000
7814 @noindent
7815 These settings are of interest when debugging C@t{++} programs:
7816
7817 @table @code
7818 @cindex demangling C@t{++} names
7819 @item set print demangle
7820 @itemx set print demangle on
7821 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than in the encoded
7822 (``mangled'') form passed to the assembler and linker for type-safe
7823 linkage. The default is on.
7824
7825 @item show print demangle
7826 Show whether C@t{++} names are printed in mangled or demangled form.
7827
7828 @item set print asm-demangle
7829 @itemx set print asm-demangle on
7830 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than their mangled form, even
7831 in assembler code printouts such as instruction disassemblies.
7832 The default is off.
7833
7834 @item show print asm-demangle
7835 Show whether C@t{++} names in assembly listings are printed in mangled
7836 or demangled form.
7837
7838 @cindex C@t{++} symbol decoding style
7839 @cindex symbol decoding style, C@t{++}
7840 @kindex set demangle-style
7841 @item set demangle-style @var{style}
7842 Choose among several encoding schemes used by different compilers to
7843 represent C@t{++} names. The choices for @var{style} are currently:
7844
7845 @table @code
7846 @item auto
7847 Allow @value{GDBN} to choose a decoding style by inspecting your program.
7848
7849 @item gnu
7850 Decode based on the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler (@code{g++}) encoding algorithm.
7851 This is the default.
7852
7853 @item hp
7854 Decode based on the HP ANSI C@t{++} (@code{aCC}) encoding algorithm.
7855
7856 @item lucid
7857 Decode based on the Lucid C@t{++} compiler (@code{lcc}) encoding algorithm.
7858
7859 @item arm
7860 Decode using the algorithm in the @cite{C@t{++} Annotated Reference Manual}.
7861 @strong{Warning:} this setting alone is not sufficient to allow
7862 debugging @code{cfront}-generated executables. @value{GDBN} would
7863 require further enhancement to permit that.
7864
7865 @end table
7866 If you omit @var{style}, you will see a list of possible formats.
7867
7868 @item show demangle-style
7869 Display the encoding style currently in use for decoding C@t{++} symbols.
7870
7871 @item set print object
7872 @itemx set print object on
7873 @cindex derived type of an object, printing
7874 @cindex display derived types
7875 When displaying a pointer to an object, identify the @emph{actual}
7876 (derived) type of the object rather than the @emph{declared} type, using
7877 the virtual function table.
7878
7879 @item set print object off
7880 Display only the declared type of objects, without reference to the
7881 virtual function table. This is the default setting.
7882
7883 @item show print object
7884 Show whether actual, or declared, object types are displayed.
7885
7886 @item set print static-members
7887 @itemx set print static-members on
7888 @cindex static members of C@t{++} objects
7889 Print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object. The default is on.
7890
7891 @item set print static-members off
7892 Do not print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object.
7893
7894 @item show print static-members
7895 Show whether C@t{++} static members are printed or not.
7896
7897 @item set print pascal_static-members
7898 @itemx set print pascal_static-members on
7899 @cindex static members of Pascal objects
7900 @cindex Pascal objects, static members display
7901 Print static members when displaying a Pascal object. The default is on.
7902
7903 @item set print pascal_static-members off
7904 Do not print static members when displaying a Pascal object.
7905
7906 @item show print pascal_static-members
7907 Show whether Pascal static members are printed or not.
7908
7909 @c These don't work with HP ANSI C++ yet.
7910 @item set print vtbl
7911 @itemx set print vtbl on
7912 @cindex pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables
7913 @cindex virtual functions (C@t{++}) display
7914 @cindex VTBL display
7915 Pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables. The default is off.
7916 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
7917 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
7918
7919 @item set print vtbl off
7920 Do not pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables.
7921
7922 @item show print vtbl
7923 Show whether C@t{++} virtual function tables are pretty printed, or not.
7924 @end table
7925
7926 @node Pretty Printing
7927 @section Pretty Printing
7928
7929 @value{GDBN} provides a mechanism to allow pretty-printing of values using
7930 Python code. It greatly simplifies the display of complex objects. This
7931 mechanism works for both MI and the CLI.
7932
7933 For example, here is how a C@t{++} @code{std::string} looks without a
7934 pretty-printer:
7935
7936 @smallexample
7937 (@value{GDBP}) print s
7938 $1 = @{
7939 static npos = 4294967295,
7940 _M_dataplus = @{
7941 <std::allocator<char>> = @{
7942 <__gnu_cxx::new_allocator<char>> = @{
7943 <No data fields>@}, <No data fields>
7944 @},
7945 members of std::basic_string<char, std::char_traits<char>,
7946 std::allocator<char> >::_Alloc_hider:
7947 _M_p = 0x804a014 "abcd"
7948 @}
7949 @}
7950 @end smallexample
7951
7952 With a pretty-printer for @code{std::string} only the contents are printed:
7953
7954 @smallexample
7955 (@value{GDBP}) print s
7956 $2 = "abcd"
7957 @end smallexample
7958
7959 For implementing pretty printers for new types you should read the Python API
7960 details (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}).
7961
7962 @node Value History
7963 @section Value History
7964
7965 @cindex value history
7966 @cindex history of values printed by @value{GDBN}
7967 Values printed by the @code{print} command are saved in the @value{GDBN}
7968 @dfn{value history}. This allows you to refer to them in other expressions.
7969 Values are kept until the symbol table is re-read or discarded
7970 (for example with the @code{file} or @code{symbol-file} commands).
7971 When the symbol table changes, the value history is discarded,
7972 since the values may contain pointers back to the types defined in the
7973 symbol table.
7974
7975 @cindex @code{$}
7976 @cindex @code{$$}
7977 @cindex history number
7978 The values printed are given @dfn{history numbers} by which you can
7979 refer to them. These are successive integers starting with one.
7980 @code{print} shows you the history number assigned to a value by
7981 printing @samp{$@var{num} = } before the value; here @var{num} is the
7982 history number.
7983
7984 To refer to any previous value, use @samp{$} followed by the value's
7985 history number. The way @code{print} labels its output is designed to
7986 remind you of this. Just @code{$} refers to the most recent value in
7987 the history, and @code{$$} refers to the value before that.
7988 @code{$$@var{n}} refers to the @var{n}th value from the end; @code{$$2}
7989 is the value just prior to @code{$$}, @code{$$1} is equivalent to
7990 @code{$$}, and @code{$$0} is equivalent to @code{$}.
7991
7992 For example, suppose you have just printed a pointer to a structure and
7993 want to see the contents of the structure. It suffices to type
7994
7995 @smallexample
7996 p *$
7997 @end smallexample
7998
7999 If you have a chain of structures where the component @code{next} points
8000 to the next one, you can print the contents of the next one with this:
8001
8002 @smallexample
8003 p *$.next
8004 @end smallexample
8005
8006 @noindent
8007 You can print successive links in the chain by repeating this
8008 command---which you can do by just typing @key{RET}.
8009
8010 Note that the history records values, not expressions. If the value of
8011 @code{x} is 4 and you type these commands:
8012
8013 @smallexample
8014 print x
8015 set x=5
8016 @end smallexample
8017
8018 @noindent
8019 then the value recorded in the value history by the @code{print} command
8020 remains 4 even though the value of @code{x} has changed.
8021
8022 @table @code
8023 @kindex show values
8024 @item show values
8025 Print the last ten values in the value history, with their item numbers.
8026 This is like @samp{p@ $$9} repeated ten times, except that @code{show
8027 values} does not change the history.
8028
8029 @item show values @var{n}
8030 Print ten history values centered on history item number @var{n}.
8031
8032 @item show values +
8033 Print ten history values just after the values last printed. If no more
8034 values are available, @code{show values +} produces no display.
8035 @end table
8036
8037 Pressing @key{RET} to repeat @code{show values @var{n}} has exactly the
8038 same effect as @samp{show values +}.
8039
8040 @node Convenience Vars
8041 @section Convenience Variables
8042
8043 @cindex convenience variables
8044 @cindex user-defined variables
8045 @value{GDBN} provides @dfn{convenience variables} that you can use within
8046 @value{GDBN} to hold on to a value and refer to it later. These variables
8047 exist entirely within @value{GDBN}; they are not part of your program, and
8048 setting a convenience variable has no direct effect on further execution
8049 of your program. That is why you can use them freely.
8050
8051 Convenience variables are prefixed with @samp{$}. Any name preceded by
8052 @samp{$} can be used for a convenience variable, unless it is one of
8053 the predefined machine-specific register names (@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
8054 (Value history references, in contrast, are @emph{numbers} preceded
8055 by @samp{$}. @xref{Value History, ,Value History}.)
8056
8057 You can save a value in a convenience variable with an assignment
8058 expression, just as you would set a variable in your program.
8059 For example:
8060
8061 @smallexample
8062 set $foo = *object_ptr
8063 @end smallexample
8064
8065 @noindent
8066 would save in @code{$foo} the value contained in the object pointed to by
8067 @code{object_ptr}.
8068
8069 Using a convenience variable for the first time creates it, but its
8070 value is @code{void} until you assign a new value. You can alter the
8071 value with another assignment at any time.
8072
8073 Convenience variables have no fixed types. You can assign a convenience
8074 variable any type of value, including structures and arrays, even if
8075 that variable already has a value of a different type. The convenience
8076 variable, when used as an expression, has the type of its current value.
8077
8078 @table @code
8079 @kindex show convenience
8080 @cindex show all user variables
8081 @item show convenience
8082 Print a list of convenience variables used so far, and their values.
8083 Abbreviated @code{show conv}.
8084
8085 @kindex init-if-undefined
8086 @cindex convenience variables, initializing
8087 @item init-if-undefined $@var{variable} = @var{expression}
8088 Set a convenience variable if it has not already been set. This is useful
8089 for user-defined commands that keep some state. It is similar, in concept,
8090 to using local static variables with initializers in C (except that
8091 convenience variables are global). It can also be used to allow users to
8092 override default values used in a command script.
8093
8094 If the variable is already defined then the expression is not evaluated so
8095 any side-effects do not occur.
8096 @end table
8097
8098 One of the ways to use a convenience variable is as a counter to be
8099 incremented or a pointer to be advanced. For example, to print
8100 a field from successive elements of an array of structures:
8101
8102 @smallexample
8103 set $i = 0
8104 print bar[$i++]->contents
8105 @end smallexample
8106
8107 @noindent
8108 Repeat that command by typing @key{RET}.
8109
8110 Some convenience variables are created automatically by @value{GDBN} and given
8111 values likely to be useful.
8112
8113 @table @code
8114 @vindex $_@r{, convenience variable}
8115 @item $_
8116 The variable @code{$_} is automatically set by the @code{x} command to
8117 the last address examined (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}). Other
8118 commands which provide a default address for @code{x} to examine also
8119 set @code{$_} to that address; these commands include @code{info line}
8120 and @code{info breakpoint}. The type of @code{$_} is @code{void *}
8121 except when set by the @code{x} command, in which case it is a pointer
8122 to the type of @code{$__}.
8123
8124 @vindex $__@r{, convenience variable}
8125 @item $__
8126 The variable @code{$__} is automatically set by the @code{x} command
8127 to the value found in the last address examined. Its type is chosen
8128 to match the format in which the data was printed.
8129
8130 @item $_exitcode
8131 @vindex $_exitcode@r{, convenience variable}
8132 The variable @code{$_exitcode} is automatically set to the exit code when
8133 the program being debugged terminates.
8134
8135 @item $_siginfo
8136 @vindex $_siginfo@r{, convenience variable}
8137 The variable @code{$_siginfo} contains extra signal information
8138 (@pxref{extra signal information}). Note that @code{$_siginfo}
8139 could be empty, if the application has not yet received any signals.
8140 For example, it will be empty before you execute the @code{run} command.
8141
8142 @item $_tlb
8143 @vindex $_tlb@r{, convenience variable}
8144 The variable @code{$_tlb} is automatically set when debugging
8145 applications running on MS-Windows in native mode or connected to
8146 gdbserver that supports the @code{qGetTIBAddr} request.
8147 @xref{General Query Packets}.
8148 This variable contains the address of the thread information block.
8149
8150 @end table
8151
8152 On HP-UX systems, if you refer to a function or variable name that
8153 begins with a dollar sign, @value{GDBN} searches for a user or system
8154 name first, before it searches for a convenience variable.
8155
8156 @cindex convenience functions
8157 @value{GDBN} also supplies some @dfn{convenience functions}. These
8158 have a syntax similar to convenience variables. A convenience
8159 function can be used in an expression just like an ordinary function;
8160 however, a convenience function is implemented internally to
8161 @value{GDBN}.
8162
8163 @table @code
8164 @item help function
8165 @kindex help function
8166 @cindex show all convenience functions
8167 Print a list of all convenience functions.
8168 @end table
8169
8170 @node Registers
8171 @section Registers
8172
8173 @cindex registers
8174 You can refer to machine register contents, in expressions, as variables
8175 with names starting with @samp{$}. The names of registers are different
8176 for each machine; use @code{info registers} to see the names used on
8177 your machine.
8178
8179 @table @code
8180 @kindex info registers
8181 @item info registers
8182 Print the names and values of all registers except floating-point
8183 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
8184
8185 @kindex info all-registers
8186 @cindex floating point registers
8187 @item info all-registers
8188 Print the names and values of all registers, including floating-point
8189 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
8190
8191 @item info registers @var{regname} @dots{}
8192 Print the @dfn{relativized} value of each specified register @var{regname}.
8193 As discussed in detail below, register values are normally relative to
8194 the selected stack frame. @var{regname} may be any register name valid on
8195 the machine you are using, with or without the initial @samp{$}.
8196 @end table
8197
8198 @cindex stack pointer register
8199 @cindex program counter register
8200 @cindex process status register
8201 @cindex frame pointer register
8202 @cindex standard registers
8203 @value{GDBN} has four ``standard'' register names that are available (in
8204 expressions) on most machines---whenever they do not conflict with an
8205 architecture's canonical mnemonics for registers. The register names
8206 @code{$pc} and @code{$sp} are used for the program counter register and
8207 the stack pointer. @code{$fp} is used for a register that contains a
8208 pointer to the current stack frame, and @code{$ps} is used for a
8209 register that contains the processor status. For example,
8210 you could print the program counter in hex with
8211
8212 @smallexample
8213 p/x $pc
8214 @end smallexample
8215
8216 @noindent
8217 or print the instruction to be executed next with
8218
8219 @smallexample
8220 x/i $pc
8221 @end smallexample
8222
8223 @noindent
8224 or add four to the stack pointer@footnote{This is a way of removing
8225 one word from the stack, on machines where stacks grow downward in
8226 memory (most machines, nowadays). This assumes that the innermost
8227 stack frame is selected; setting @code{$sp} is not allowed when other
8228 stack frames are selected. To pop entire frames off the stack,
8229 regardless of machine architecture, use @code{return};
8230 see @ref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}.} with
8231
8232 @smallexample
8233 set $sp += 4
8234 @end smallexample
8235
8236 Whenever possible, these four standard register names are available on
8237 your machine even though the machine has different canonical mnemonics,
8238 so long as there is no conflict. The @code{info registers} command
8239 shows the canonical names. For example, on the SPARC, @code{info
8240 registers} displays the processor status register as @code{$psr} but you
8241 can also refer to it as @code{$ps}; and on x86-based machines @code{$ps}
8242 is an alias for the @sc{eflags} register.
8243
8244 @value{GDBN} always considers the contents of an ordinary register as an
8245 integer when the register is examined in this way. Some machines have
8246 special registers which can hold nothing but floating point; these
8247 registers are considered to have floating point values. There is no way
8248 to refer to the contents of an ordinary register as floating point value
8249 (although you can @emph{print} it as a floating point value with
8250 @samp{print/f $@var{regname}}).
8251
8252 Some registers have distinct ``raw'' and ``virtual'' data formats. This
8253 means that the data format in which the register contents are saved by
8254 the operating system is not the same one that your program normally
8255 sees. For example, the registers of the 68881 floating point
8256 coprocessor are always saved in ``extended'' (raw) format, but all C
8257 programs expect to work with ``double'' (virtual) format. In such
8258 cases, @value{GDBN} normally works with the virtual format only (the format
8259 that makes sense for your program), but the @code{info registers} command
8260 prints the data in both formats.
8261
8262 @cindex SSE registers (x86)
8263 @cindex MMX registers (x86)
8264 Some machines have special registers whose contents can be interpreted
8265 in several different ways. For example, modern x86-based machines
8266 have SSE and MMX registers that can hold several values packed
8267 together in several different formats. @value{GDBN} refers to such
8268 registers in @code{struct} notation:
8269
8270 @smallexample
8271 (@value{GDBP}) print $xmm1
8272 $1 = @{
8273 v4_float = @{0, 3.43859137e-038, 1.54142831e-044, 1.821688e-044@},
8274 v2_double = @{9.92129282474342e-303, 2.7585945287983262e-313@},
8275 v16_int8 = "\000\000\000\000\3706;\001\v\000\000\000\r\000\000",
8276 v8_int16 = @{0, 0, 14072, 315, 11, 0, 13, 0@},
8277 v4_int32 = @{0, 20657912, 11, 13@},
8278 v2_int64 = @{88725056443645952, 55834574859@},
8279 uint128 = 0x0000000d0000000b013b36f800000000
8280 @}
8281 @end smallexample
8282
8283 @noindent
8284 To set values of such registers, you need to tell @value{GDBN} which
8285 view of the register you wish to change, as if you were assigning
8286 value to a @code{struct} member:
8287
8288 @smallexample
8289 (@value{GDBP}) set $xmm1.uint128 = 0x000000000000000000000000FFFFFFFF
8290 @end smallexample
8291
8292 Normally, register values are relative to the selected stack frame
8293 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). This means that you get the
8294 value that the register would contain if all stack frames farther in
8295 were exited and their saved registers restored. In order to see the
8296 true contents of hardware registers, you must select the innermost
8297 frame (with @samp{frame 0}).
8298
8299 However, @value{GDBN} must deduce where registers are saved, from the machine
8300 code generated by your compiler. If some registers are not saved, or if
8301 @value{GDBN} is unable to locate the saved registers, the selected stack
8302 frame makes no difference.
8303
8304 @node Floating Point Hardware
8305 @section Floating Point Hardware
8306 @cindex floating point
8307
8308 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give
8309 you more information about the status of the floating point hardware.
8310
8311 @table @code
8312 @kindex info float
8313 @item info float
8314 Display hardware-dependent information about the floating
8315 point unit. The exact contents and layout vary depending on the
8316 floating point chip. Currently, @samp{info float} is supported on
8317 the ARM and x86 machines.
8318 @end table
8319
8320 @node Vector Unit
8321 @section Vector Unit
8322 @cindex vector unit
8323
8324 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give you
8325 more information about the status of the vector unit.
8326
8327 @table @code
8328 @kindex info vector
8329 @item info vector
8330 Display information about the vector unit. The exact contents and
8331 layout vary depending on the hardware.
8332 @end table
8333
8334 @node OS Information
8335 @section Operating System Auxiliary Information
8336 @cindex OS information
8337
8338 @value{GDBN} provides interfaces to useful OS facilities that can help
8339 you debug your program.
8340
8341 @cindex @code{ptrace} system call
8342 @cindex @code{struct user} contents
8343 When @value{GDBN} runs on a @dfn{Posix system} (such as GNU or Unix
8344 machines), it interfaces with the inferior via the @code{ptrace}
8345 system call. The operating system creates a special sata structure,
8346 called @code{struct user}, for this interface. You can use the
8347 command @code{info udot} to display the contents of this data
8348 structure.
8349
8350 @table @code
8351 @item info udot
8352 @kindex info udot
8353 Display the contents of the @code{struct user} maintained by the OS
8354 kernel for the program being debugged. @value{GDBN} displays the
8355 contents of @code{struct user} as a list of hex numbers, similar to
8356 the @code{examine} command.
8357 @end table
8358
8359 @cindex auxiliary vector
8360 @cindex vector, auxiliary
8361 Some operating systems supply an @dfn{auxiliary vector} to programs at
8362 startup. This is akin to the arguments and environment that you
8363 specify for a program, but contains a system-dependent variety of
8364 binary values that tell system libraries important details about the
8365 hardware, operating system, and process. Each value's purpose is
8366 identified by an integer tag; the meanings are well-known but system-specific.
8367 Depending on the configuration and operating system facilities,
8368 @value{GDBN} may be able to show you this information. For remote
8369 targets, this functionality may further depend on the remote stub's
8370 support of the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet, see
8371 @ref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}.
8372
8373 @table @code
8374 @kindex info auxv
8375 @item info auxv
8376 Display the auxiliary vector of the inferior, which can be either a
8377 live process or a core dump file. @value{GDBN} prints each tag value
8378 numerically, and also shows names and text descriptions for recognized
8379 tags. Some values in the vector are numbers, some bit masks, and some
8380 pointers to strings or other data. @value{GDBN} displays each value in the
8381 most appropriate form for a recognized tag, and in hexadecimal for
8382 an unrecognized tag.
8383 @end table
8384
8385 On some targets, @value{GDBN} can access operating-system-specific information
8386 and display it to user, without interpretation. For remote targets,
8387 this functionality depends on the remote stub's support of the
8388 @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet, see @ref{qXfer osdata read}.
8389
8390 @table @code
8391 @kindex info os processes
8392 @item info os processes
8393 Display the list of processes on the target. For each process,
8394 @value{GDBN} prints the process identifier, the name of the user, and
8395 the command corresponding to the process.
8396 @end table
8397
8398 @node Memory Region Attributes
8399 @section Memory Region Attributes
8400 @cindex memory region attributes
8401
8402 @dfn{Memory region attributes} allow you to describe special handling
8403 required by regions of your target's memory. @value{GDBN} uses
8404 attributes to determine whether to allow certain types of memory
8405 accesses; whether to use specific width accesses; and whether to cache
8406 target memory. By default the description of memory regions is
8407 fetched from the target (if the current target supports this), but the
8408 user can override the fetched regions.
8409
8410 Defined memory regions can be individually enabled and disabled. When a
8411 memory region is disabled, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when
8412 accessing memory in that region. Similarly, if no memory regions have
8413 been defined, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when accessing
8414 all memory.
8415
8416 When a memory region is defined, it is given a number to identify it;
8417 to enable, disable, or remove a memory region, you specify that number.
8418
8419 @table @code
8420 @kindex mem
8421 @item mem @var{lower} @var{upper} @var{attributes}@dots{}
8422 Define a memory region bounded by @var{lower} and @var{upper} with
8423 attributes @var{attributes}@dots{}, and add it to the list of regions
8424 monitored by @value{GDBN}. Note that @var{upper} == 0 is a special
8425 case: it is treated as the target's maximum memory address.
8426 (0xffff on 16 bit targets, 0xffffffff on 32 bit targets, etc.)
8427
8428 @item mem auto
8429 Discard any user changes to the memory regions and use target-supplied
8430 regions, if available, or no regions if the target does not support.
8431
8432 @kindex delete mem
8433 @item delete mem @var{nums}@dots{}
8434 Remove memory regions @var{nums}@dots{} from the list of regions
8435 monitored by @value{GDBN}.
8436
8437 @kindex disable mem
8438 @item disable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
8439 Disable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
8440 A disabled memory region is not forgotten.
8441 It may be enabled again later.
8442
8443 @kindex enable mem
8444 @item enable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
8445 Enable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
8446
8447 @kindex info mem
8448 @item info mem
8449 Print a table of all defined memory regions, with the following columns
8450 for each region:
8451
8452 @table @emph
8453 @item Memory Region Number
8454 @item Enabled or Disabled.
8455 Enabled memory regions are marked with @samp{y}.
8456 Disabled memory regions are marked with @samp{n}.
8457
8458 @item Lo Address
8459 The address defining the inclusive lower bound of the memory region.
8460
8461 @item Hi Address
8462 The address defining the exclusive upper bound of the memory region.
8463
8464 @item Attributes
8465 The list of attributes set for this memory region.
8466 @end table
8467 @end table
8468
8469
8470 @subsection Attributes
8471
8472 @subsubsection Memory Access Mode
8473 The access mode attributes set whether @value{GDBN} may make read or
8474 write accesses to a memory region.
8475
8476 While these attributes prevent @value{GDBN} from performing invalid
8477 memory accesses, they do nothing to prevent the target system, I/O DMA,
8478 etc.@: from accessing memory.
8479
8480 @table @code
8481 @item ro
8482 Memory is read only.
8483 @item wo
8484 Memory is write only.
8485 @item rw
8486 Memory is read/write. This is the default.
8487 @end table
8488
8489 @subsubsection Memory Access Size
8490 The access size attribute tells @value{GDBN} to use specific sized
8491 accesses in the memory region. Often memory mapped device registers
8492 require specific sized accesses. If no access size attribute is
8493 specified, @value{GDBN} may use accesses of any size.
8494
8495 @table @code
8496 @item 8
8497 Use 8 bit memory accesses.
8498 @item 16
8499 Use 16 bit memory accesses.
8500 @item 32
8501 Use 32 bit memory accesses.
8502 @item 64
8503 Use 64 bit memory accesses.
8504 @end table
8505
8506 @c @subsubsection Hardware/Software Breakpoints
8507 @c The hardware/software breakpoint attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
8508 @c will use hardware or software breakpoints for the internal breakpoints
8509 @c used by the step, next, finish, until, etc. commands.
8510 @c
8511 @c @table @code
8512 @c @item hwbreak
8513 @c Always use hardware breakpoints
8514 @c @item swbreak (default)
8515 @c @end table
8516
8517 @subsubsection Data Cache
8518 The data cache attributes set whether @value{GDBN} will cache target
8519 memory. While this generally improves performance by reducing debug
8520 protocol overhead, it can lead to incorrect results because @value{GDBN}
8521 does not know about volatile variables or memory mapped device
8522 registers.
8523
8524 @table @code
8525 @item cache
8526 Enable @value{GDBN} to cache target memory.
8527 @item nocache
8528 Disable @value{GDBN} from caching target memory. This is the default.
8529 @end table
8530
8531 @subsection Memory Access Checking
8532 @value{GDBN} can be instructed to refuse accesses to memory that is
8533 not explicitly described. This can be useful if accessing such
8534 regions has undesired effects for a specific target, or to provide
8535 better error checking. The following commands control this behaviour.
8536
8537 @table @code
8538 @kindex set mem inaccessible-by-default
8539 @item set mem inaccessible-by-default [on|off]
8540 If @code{on} is specified, make @value{GDBN} treat memory not
8541 explicitly described by the memory ranges as non-existent and refuse accesses
8542 to such memory. The checks are only performed if there's at least one
8543 memory range defined. If @code{off} is specified, make @value{GDBN}
8544 treat the memory not explicitly described by the memory ranges as RAM.
8545 The default value is @code{on}.
8546 @kindex show mem inaccessible-by-default
8547 @item show mem inaccessible-by-default
8548 Show the current handling of accesses to unknown memory.
8549 @end table
8550
8551
8552 @c @subsubsection Memory Write Verification
8553 @c The memory write verification attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
8554 @c will re-reads data after each write to verify the write was successful.
8555 @c
8556 @c @table @code
8557 @c @item verify
8558 @c @item noverify (default)
8559 @c @end table
8560
8561 @node Dump/Restore Files
8562 @section Copy Between Memory and a File
8563 @cindex dump/restore files
8564 @cindex append data to a file
8565 @cindex dump data to a file
8566 @cindex restore data from a file
8567
8568 You can use the commands @code{dump}, @code{append}, and
8569 @code{restore} to copy data between target memory and a file. The
8570 @code{dump} and @code{append} commands write data to a file, and the
8571 @code{restore} command reads data from a file back into the inferior's
8572 memory. Files may be in binary, Motorola S-record, Intel hex, or
8573 Tektronix Hex format; however, @value{GDBN} can only append to binary
8574 files.
8575
8576 @table @code
8577
8578 @kindex dump
8579 @item dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
8580 @itemx dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
8581 Dump the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
8582 or the value of @var{expr}, to @var{filename} in the given format.
8583
8584 The @var{format} parameter may be any one of:
8585 @table @code
8586 @item binary
8587 Raw binary form.
8588 @item ihex
8589 Intel hex format.
8590 @item srec
8591 Motorola S-record format.
8592 @item tekhex
8593 Tektronix Hex format.
8594 @end table
8595
8596 @value{GDBN} uses the same definitions of these formats as the
8597 @sc{gnu} binary utilities, like @samp{objdump} and @samp{objcopy}. If
8598 @var{format} is omitted, @value{GDBN} dumps the data in raw binary
8599 form.
8600
8601 @kindex append
8602 @item append @r{[}binary@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
8603 @itemx append @r{[}binary@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
8604 Append the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
8605 or the value of @var{expr}, to the file @var{filename}, in raw binary form.
8606 (@value{GDBN} can only append data to files in raw binary form.)
8607
8608 @kindex restore
8609 @item restore @var{filename} @r{[}binary@r{]} @var{bias} @var{start} @var{end}
8610 Restore the contents of file @var{filename} into memory. The
8611 @code{restore} command can automatically recognize any known @sc{bfd}
8612 file format, except for raw binary. To restore a raw binary file you
8613 must specify the optional keyword @code{binary} after the filename.
8614
8615 If @var{bias} is non-zero, its value will be added to the addresses
8616 contained in the file. Binary files always start at address zero, so
8617 they will be restored at address @var{bias}. Other bfd files have
8618 a built-in location; they will be restored at offset @var{bias}
8619 from that location.
8620
8621 If @var{start} and/or @var{end} are non-zero, then only data between
8622 file offset @var{start} and file offset @var{end} will be restored.
8623 These offsets are relative to the addresses in the file, before
8624 the @var{bias} argument is applied.
8625
8626 @end table
8627
8628 @node Core File Generation
8629 @section How to Produce a Core File from Your Program
8630 @cindex dump core from inferior
8631
8632 A @dfn{core file} or @dfn{core dump} is a file that records the memory
8633 image of a running process and its process status (register values
8634 etc.). Its primary use is post-mortem debugging of a program that
8635 crashed while it ran outside a debugger. A program that crashes
8636 automatically produces a core file, unless this feature is disabled by
8637 the user. @xref{Files}, for information on invoking @value{GDBN} in
8638 the post-mortem debugging mode.
8639
8640 Occasionally, you may wish to produce a core file of the program you
8641 are debugging in order to preserve a snapshot of its state.
8642 @value{GDBN} has a special command for that.
8643
8644 @table @code
8645 @kindex gcore
8646 @kindex generate-core-file
8647 @item generate-core-file [@var{file}]
8648 @itemx gcore [@var{file}]
8649 Produce a core dump of the inferior process. The optional argument
8650 @var{file} specifies the file name where to put the core dump. If not
8651 specified, the file name defaults to @file{core.@var{pid}}, where
8652 @var{pid} is the inferior process ID.
8653
8654 Note that this command is implemented only for some systems (as of
8655 this writing, @sc{gnu}/Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, Unixware, and S390).
8656 @end table
8657
8658 @node Character Sets
8659 @section Character Sets
8660 @cindex character sets
8661 @cindex charset
8662 @cindex translating between character sets
8663 @cindex host character set
8664 @cindex target character set
8665
8666 If the program you are debugging uses a different character set to
8667 represent characters and strings than the one @value{GDBN} uses itself,
8668 @value{GDBN} can automatically translate between the character sets for
8669 you. The character set @value{GDBN} uses we call the @dfn{host
8670 character set}; the one the inferior program uses we call the
8671 @dfn{target character set}.
8672
8673 For example, if you are running @value{GDBN} on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, which
8674 uses the ISO Latin 1 character set, but you are using @value{GDBN}'s
8675 remote protocol (@pxref{Remote Debugging}) to debug a program
8676 running on an IBM mainframe, which uses the @sc{ebcdic} character set,
8677 then the host character set is Latin-1, and the target character set is
8678 @sc{ebcdic}. If you give @value{GDBN} the command @code{set
8679 target-charset EBCDIC-US}, then @value{GDBN} translates between
8680 @sc{ebcdic} and Latin 1 as you print character or string values, or use
8681 character and string literals in expressions.
8682
8683 @value{GDBN} has no way to automatically recognize which character set
8684 the inferior program uses; you must tell it, using the @code{set
8685 target-charset} command, described below.
8686
8687 Here are the commands for controlling @value{GDBN}'s character set
8688 support:
8689
8690 @table @code
8691 @item set target-charset @var{charset}
8692 @kindex set target-charset
8693 Set the current target character set to @var{charset}. To display the
8694 list of supported target character sets, type
8695 @kbd{@w{set target-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
8696
8697 @item set host-charset @var{charset}
8698 @kindex set host-charset
8699 Set the current host character set to @var{charset}.
8700
8701 By default, @value{GDBN} uses a host character set appropriate to the
8702 system it is running on; you can override that default using the
8703 @code{set host-charset} command. On some systems, @value{GDBN} cannot
8704 automatically determine the appropriate host character set. In this
8705 case, @value{GDBN} uses @samp{UTF-8}.
8706
8707 @value{GDBN} can only use certain character sets as its host character
8708 set. If you type @kbd{@w{set target-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
8709 @value{GDBN} will list the host character sets it supports.
8710
8711 @item set charset @var{charset}
8712 @kindex set charset
8713 Set the current host and target character sets to @var{charset}. As
8714 above, if you type @kbd{@w{set charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
8715 @value{GDBN} will list the names of the character sets that can be used
8716 for both host and target.
8717
8718 @item show charset
8719 @kindex show charset
8720 Show the names of the current host and target character sets.
8721
8722 @item show host-charset
8723 @kindex show host-charset
8724 Show the name of the current host character set.
8725
8726 @item show target-charset
8727 @kindex show target-charset
8728 Show the name of the current target character set.
8729
8730 @item set target-wide-charset @var{charset}
8731 @kindex set target-wide-charset
8732 Set the current target's wide character set to @var{charset}. This is
8733 the character set used by the target's @code{wchar_t} type. To
8734 display the list of supported wide character sets, type
8735 @kbd{@w{set target-wide-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
8736
8737 @item show target-wide-charset
8738 @kindex show target-wide-charset
8739 Show the name of the current target's wide character set.
8740 @end table
8741
8742 Here is an example of @value{GDBN}'s character set support in action.
8743 Assume that the following source code has been placed in the file
8744 @file{charset-test.c}:
8745
8746 @smallexample
8747 #include <stdio.h>
8748
8749 char ascii_hello[]
8750 = @{72, 101, 108, 108, 111, 44, 32, 119,
8751 111, 114, 108, 100, 33, 10, 0@};
8752 char ibm1047_hello[]
8753 = @{200, 133, 147, 147, 150, 107, 64, 166,
8754 150, 153, 147, 132, 90, 37, 0@};
8755
8756 main ()
8757 @{
8758 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
8759 @}
8760 @end smallexample
8761
8762 In this program, @code{ascii_hello} and @code{ibm1047_hello} are arrays
8763 containing the string @samp{Hello, world!} followed by a newline,
8764 encoded in the @sc{ascii} and @sc{ibm1047} character sets.
8765
8766 We compile the program, and invoke the debugger on it:
8767
8768 @smallexample
8769 $ gcc -g charset-test.c -o charset-test
8770 $ gdb -nw charset-test
8771 GNU gdb 2001-12-19-cvs
8772 Copyright 2001 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
8773 @dots{}
8774 (@value{GDBP})
8775 @end smallexample
8776
8777 We can use the @code{show charset} command to see what character sets
8778 @value{GDBN} is currently using to interpret and display characters and
8779 strings:
8780
8781 @smallexample
8782 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
8783 The current host and target character set is `ISO-8859-1'.
8784 (@value{GDBP})
8785 @end smallexample
8786
8787 For the sake of printing this manual, let's use @sc{ascii} as our
8788 initial character set:
8789 @smallexample
8790 (@value{GDBP}) set charset ASCII
8791 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
8792 The current host and target character set is `ASCII'.
8793 (@value{GDBP})
8794 @end smallexample
8795
8796 Let's assume that @sc{ascii} is indeed the correct character set for our
8797 host system --- in other words, let's assume that if @value{GDBN} prints
8798 characters using the @sc{ascii} character set, our terminal will display
8799 them properly. Since our current target character set is also
8800 @sc{ascii}, the contents of @code{ascii_hello} print legibly:
8801
8802 @smallexample
8803 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
8804 $1 = 0x401698 "Hello, world!\n"
8805 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
8806 $2 = 72 'H'
8807 (@value{GDBP})
8808 @end smallexample
8809
8810 @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and string
8811 literals you use in expressions:
8812
8813 @smallexample
8814 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
8815 $3 = 43 '+'
8816 (@value{GDBP})
8817 @end smallexample
8818
8819 The @sc{ascii} character set uses the number 43 to encode the @samp{+}
8820 character.
8821
8822 @value{GDBN} relies on the user to tell it which character set the
8823 target program uses. If we print @code{ibm1047_hello} while our target
8824 character set is still @sc{ascii}, we get jibberish:
8825
8826 @smallexample
8827 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
8828 $4 = 0x4016a8 "\310\205\223\223\226k@@\246\226\231\223\204Z%"
8829 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
8830 $5 = 200 '\310'
8831 (@value{GDBP})
8832 @end smallexample
8833
8834 If we invoke the @code{set target-charset} followed by @key{TAB}@key{TAB},
8835 @value{GDBN} tells us the character sets it supports:
8836
8837 @smallexample
8838 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
8839 ASCII EBCDIC-US IBM1047 ISO-8859-1
8840 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
8841 @end smallexample
8842
8843 We can select @sc{ibm1047} as our target character set, and examine the
8844 program's strings again. Now the @sc{ascii} string is wrong, but
8845 @value{GDBN} translates the contents of @code{ibm1047_hello} from the
8846 target character set, @sc{ibm1047}, to the host character set,
8847 @sc{ascii}, and they display correctly:
8848
8849 @smallexample
8850 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset IBM1047
8851 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
8852 The current host character set is `ASCII'.
8853 The current target character set is `IBM1047'.
8854 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
8855 $6 = 0x401698 "\110\145%%?\054\040\167?\162%\144\041\012"
8856 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
8857 $7 = 72 '\110'
8858 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
8859 $8 = 0x4016a8 "Hello, world!\n"
8860 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
8861 $9 = 200 'H'
8862 (@value{GDBP})
8863 @end smallexample
8864
8865 As above, @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and
8866 string literals you use in expressions:
8867
8868 @smallexample
8869 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
8870 $10 = 78 '+'
8871 (@value{GDBP})
8872 @end smallexample
8873
8874 The @sc{ibm1047} character set uses the number 78 to encode the @samp{+}
8875 character.
8876
8877 @node Caching Remote Data
8878 @section Caching Data of Remote Targets
8879 @cindex caching data of remote targets
8880
8881 @value{GDBN} caches data exchanged between the debugger and a
8882 remote target (@pxref{Remote Debugging}). Such caching generally improves
8883 performance, because it reduces the overhead of the remote protocol by
8884 bundling memory reads and writes into large chunks. Unfortunately, simply
8885 caching everything would lead to incorrect results, since @value{GDBN}
8886 does not necessarily know anything about volatile values, memory-mapped I/O
8887 addresses, etc. Furthermore, in non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode})
8888 memory can be changed @emph{while} a gdb command is executing.
8889 Therefore, by default, @value{GDBN} only caches data
8890 known to be on the stack@footnote{In non-stop mode, it is moderately
8891 rare for a running thread to modify the stack of a stopped thread
8892 in a way that would interfere with a backtrace, and caching of
8893 stack reads provides a significant speed up of remote backtraces.}.
8894 Other regions of memory can be explicitly marked as
8895 cacheable; see @pxref{Memory Region Attributes}.
8896
8897 @table @code
8898 @kindex set remotecache
8899 @item set remotecache on
8900 @itemx set remotecache off
8901 This option no longer does anything; it exists for compatibility
8902 with old scripts.
8903
8904 @kindex show remotecache
8905 @item show remotecache
8906 Show the current state of the obsolete remotecache flag.
8907
8908 @kindex set stack-cache
8909 @item set stack-cache on
8910 @itemx set stack-cache off
8911 Enable or disable caching of stack accesses. When @code{ON}, use
8912 caching. By default, this option is @code{ON}.
8913
8914 @kindex show stack-cache
8915 @item show stack-cache
8916 Show the current state of data caching for memory accesses.
8917
8918 @kindex info dcache
8919 @item info dcache @r{[}line@r{]}
8920 Print the information about the data cache performance. The
8921 information displayed includes the dcache width and depth, and for
8922 each cache line, its number, address, and how many times it was
8923 referenced. This command is useful for debugging the data cache
8924 operation.
8925
8926 If a line number is specified, the contents of that line will be
8927 printed in hex.
8928 @end table
8929
8930 @node Searching Memory
8931 @section Search Memory
8932 @cindex searching memory
8933
8934 Memory can be searched for a particular sequence of bytes with the
8935 @code{find} command.
8936
8937 @table @code
8938 @kindex find
8939 @item find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, +@var{len}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
8940 @itemx find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, @var{end_addr}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
8941 Search memory for the sequence of bytes specified by @var{val1}, @var{val2},
8942 etc. The search begins at address @var{start_addr} and continues for either
8943 @var{len} bytes or through to @var{end_addr} inclusive.
8944 @end table
8945
8946 @var{s} and @var{n} are optional parameters.
8947 They may be specified in either order, apart or together.
8948
8949 @table @r
8950 @item @var{s}, search query size
8951 The size of each search query value.
8952
8953 @table @code
8954 @item b
8955 bytes
8956 @item h
8957 halfwords (two bytes)
8958 @item w
8959 words (four bytes)
8960 @item g
8961 giant words (eight bytes)
8962 @end table
8963
8964 All values are interpreted in the current language.
8965 This means, for example, that if the current source language is C/C@t{++}
8966 then searching for the string ``hello'' includes the trailing '\0'.
8967
8968 If the value size is not specified, it is taken from the
8969 value's type in the current language.
8970 This is useful when one wants to specify the search
8971 pattern as a mixture of types.
8972 Note that this means, for example, that in the case of C-like languages
8973 a search for an untyped 0x42 will search for @samp{(int) 0x42}
8974 which is typically four bytes.
8975
8976 @item @var{n}, maximum number of finds
8977 The maximum number of matches to print. The default is to print all finds.
8978 @end table
8979
8980 You can use strings as search values. Quote them with double-quotes
8981 (@code{"}).
8982 The string value is copied into the search pattern byte by byte,
8983 regardless of the endianness of the target and the size specification.
8984
8985 The address of each match found is printed as well as a count of the
8986 number of matches found.
8987
8988 The address of the last value found is stored in convenience variable
8989 @samp{$_}.
8990 A count of the number of matches is stored in @samp{$numfound}.
8991
8992 For example, if stopped at the @code{printf} in this function:
8993
8994 @smallexample
8995 void
8996 hello ()
8997 @{
8998 static char hello[] = "hello-hello";
8999 static struct @{ char c; short s; int i; @}
9000 __attribute__ ((packed)) mixed
9001 = @{ 'c', 0x1234, 0x87654321 @};
9002 printf ("%s\n", hello);
9003 @}
9004 @end smallexample
9005
9006 @noindent
9007 you get during debugging:
9008
9009 @smallexample
9010 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), "hello"
9011 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
9012 1 pattern found
9013 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 'e', 'l', 'l', 'o'
9014 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
9015 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
9016 2 patterns found
9017 (gdb) find /b1 &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 0x65, 'l'
9018 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
9019 1 pattern found
9020 (gdb) find &mixed, +sizeof(mixed), (char) 'c', (short) 0x1234, (int) 0x87654321
9021 0x8049560 <mixed.1625>
9022 1 pattern found
9023 (gdb) print $numfound
9024 $1 = 1
9025 (gdb) print $_
9026 $2 = (void *) 0x8049560
9027 @end smallexample
9028
9029 @node Optimized Code
9030 @chapter Debugging Optimized Code
9031 @cindex optimized code, debugging
9032 @cindex debugging optimized code
9033
9034 Almost all compilers support optimization. With optimization
9035 disabled, the compiler generates assembly code that corresponds
9036 directly to your source code, in a simplistic way. As the compiler
9037 applies more powerful optimizations, the generated assembly code
9038 diverges from your original source code. With help from debugging
9039 information generated by the compiler, @value{GDBN} can map from
9040 the running program back to constructs from your original source.
9041
9042 @value{GDBN} is more accurate with optimization disabled. If you
9043 can recompile without optimization, it is easier to follow the
9044 progress of your program during debugging. But, there are many cases
9045 where you may need to debug an optimized version.
9046
9047 When you debug a program compiled with @samp{-g -O}, remember that the
9048 optimizer has rearranged your code; the debugger shows you what is
9049 really there. Do not be too surprised when the execution path does not
9050 exactly match your source file! An extreme example: if you define a
9051 variable, but never use it, @value{GDBN} never sees that
9052 variable---because the compiler optimizes it out of existence.
9053
9054 Some things do not work as well with @samp{-g -O} as with just
9055 @samp{-g}, particularly on machines with instruction scheduling. If in
9056 doubt, recompile with @samp{-g} alone, and if this fixes the problem,
9057 please report it to us as a bug (including a test case!).
9058 @xref{Variables}, for more information about debugging optimized code.
9059
9060 @menu
9061 * Inline Functions:: How @value{GDBN} presents inlining
9062 @end menu
9063
9064 @node Inline Functions
9065 @section Inline Functions
9066 @cindex inline functions, debugging
9067
9068 @dfn{Inlining} is an optimization that inserts a copy of the function
9069 body directly at each call site, instead of jumping to a shared
9070 routine. @value{GDBN} displays inlined functions just like
9071 non-inlined functions. They appear in backtraces. You can view their
9072 arguments and local variables, step into them with @code{step}, skip
9073 them with @code{next}, and escape from them with @code{finish}.
9074 You can check whether a function was inlined by using the
9075 @code{info frame} command.
9076
9077 For @value{GDBN} to support inlined functions, the compiler must
9078 record information about inlining in the debug information ---
9079 @value{NGCC} using the @sc{dwarf 2} format does this, and several
9080 other compilers do also. @value{GDBN} only supports inlined functions
9081 when using @sc{dwarf 2}. Versions of @value{NGCC} before 4.1
9082 do not emit two required attributes (@samp{DW_AT_call_file} and
9083 @samp{DW_AT_call_line}); @value{GDBN} does not display inlined
9084 function calls with earlier versions of @value{NGCC}. It instead
9085 displays the arguments and local variables of inlined functions as
9086 local variables in the caller.
9087
9088 The body of an inlined function is directly included at its call site;
9089 unlike a non-inlined function, there are no instructions devoted to
9090 the call. @value{GDBN} still pretends that the call site and the
9091 start of the inlined function are different instructions. Stepping to
9092 the call site shows the call site, and then stepping again shows
9093 the first line of the inlined function, even though no additional
9094 instructions are executed.
9095
9096 This makes source-level debugging much clearer; you can see both the
9097 context of the call and then the effect of the call. Only stepping by
9098 a single instruction using @code{stepi} or @code{nexti} does not do
9099 this; single instruction steps always show the inlined body.
9100
9101 There are some ways that @value{GDBN} does not pretend that inlined
9102 function calls are the same as normal calls:
9103
9104 @itemize @bullet
9105 @item
9106 You cannot set breakpoints on inlined functions. @value{GDBN}
9107 either reports that there is no symbol with that name, or else sets the
9108 breakpoint only on non-inlined copies of the function. This limitation
9109 will be removed in a future version of @value{GDBN}; until then,
9110 set a breakpoint by line number on the first line of the inlined
9111 function instead.
9112
9113 @item
9114 Setting breakpoints at the call site of an inlined function may not
9115 work, because the call site does not contain any code. @value{GDBN}
9116 may incorrectly move the breakpoint to the next line of the enclosing
9117 function, after the call. This limitation will be removed in a future
9118 version of @value{GDBN}; until then, set a breakpoint on an earlier line
9119 or inside the inlined function instead.
9120
9121 @item
9122 @value{GDBN} cannot locate the return value of inlined calls after
9123 using the @code{finish} command. This is a limitation of compiler-generated
9124 debugging information; after @code{finish}, you can step to the next line
9125 and print a variable where your program stored the return value.
9126
9127 @end itemize
9128
9129
9130 @node Macros
9131 @chapter C Preprocessor Macros
9132
9133 Some languages, such as C and C@t{++}, provide a way to define and invoke
9134 ``preprocessor macros'' which expand into strings of tokens.
9135 @value{GDBN} can evaluate expressions containing macro invocations, show
9136 the result of macro expansion, and show a macro's definition, including
9137 where it was defined.
9138
9139 You may need to compile your program specially to provide @value{GDBN}
9140 with information about preprocessor macros. Most compilers do not
9141 include macros in their debugging information, even when you compile
9142 with the @option{-g} flag. @xref{Compilation}.
9143
9144 A program may define a macro at one point, remove that definition later,
9145 and then provide a different definition after that. Thus, at different
9146 points in the program, a macro may have different definitions, or have
9147 no definition at all. If there is a current stack frame, @value{GDBN}
9148 uses the macros in scope at that frame's source code line. Otherwise,
9149 @value{GDBN} uses the macros in scope at the current listing location;
9150 see @ref{List}.
9151
9152 Whenever @value{GDBN} evaluates an expression, it always expands any
9153 macro invocations present in the expression. @value{GDBN} also provides
9154 the following commands for working with macros explicitly.
9155
9156 @table @code
9157
9158 @kindex macro expand
9159 @cindex macro expansion, showing the results of preprocessor
9160 @cindex preprocessor macro expansion, showing the results of
9161 @cindex expanding preprocessor macros
9162 @item macro expand @var{expression}
9163 @itemx macro exp @var{expression}
9164 Show the results of expanding all preprocessor macro invocations in
9165 @var{expression}. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does
9166 not parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression;
9167 it can be any string of tokens.
9168
9169 @kindex macro exp1
9170 @item macro expand-once @var{expression}
9171 @itemx macro exp1 @var{expression}
9172 @cindex expand macro once
9173 @i{(This command is not yet implemented.)} Show the results of
9174 expanding those preprocessor macro invocations that appear explicitly in
9175 @var{expression}. Macro invocations appearing in that expansion are
9176 left unchanged. This command allows you to see the effect of a
9177 particular macro more clearly, without being confused by further
9178 expansions. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does not
9179 parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression; it
9180 can be any string of tokens.
9181
9182 @kindex info macro
9183 @cindex macro definition, showing
9184 @cindex definition, showing a macro's
9185 @item info macro @var{macro}
9186 Show the definition of the macro named @var{macro}, and describe the
9187 source location or compiler command-line where that definition was established.
9188
9189 @kindex macro define
9190 @cindex user-defined macros
9191 @cindex defining macros interactively
9192 @cindex macros, user-defined
9193 @item macro define @var{macro} @var{replacement-list}
9194 @itemx macro define @var{macro}(@var{arglist}) @var{replacement-list}
9195 Introduce a definition for a preprocessor macro named @var{macro},
9196 invocations of which are replaced by the tokens given in
9197 @var{replacement-list}. The first form of this command defines an
9198 ``object-like'' macro, which takes no arguments; the second form
9199 defines a ``function-like'' macro, which takes the arguments given in
9200 @var{arglist}.
9201
9202 A definition introduced by this command is in scope in every
9203 expression evaluated in @value{GDBN}, until it is removed with the
9204 @code{macro undef} command, described below. The definition overrides
9205 all definitions for @var{macro} present in the program being debugged,
9206 as well as any previous user-supplied definition.
9207
9208 @kindex macro undef
9209 @item macro undef @var{macro}
9210 Remove any user-supplied definition for the macro named @var{macro}.
9211 This command only affects definitions provided with the @code{macro
9212 define} command, described above; it cannot remove definitions present
9213 in the program being debugged.
9214
9215 @kindex macro list
9216 @item macro list
9217 List all the macros defined using the @code{macro define} command.
9218 @end table
9219
9220 @cindex macros, example of debugging with
9221 Here is a transcript showing the above commands in action. First, we
9222 show our source files:
9223
9224 @smallexample
9225 $ cat sample.c
9226 #include <stdio.h>
9227 #include "sample.h"
9228
9229 #define M 42
9230 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
9231
9232 main ()
9233 @{
9234 #define N 28
9235 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
9236 #undef N
9237 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
9238 #define N 1729
9239 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
9240 @}
9241 $ cat sample.h
9242 #define Q <
9243 $
9244 @end smallexample
9245
9246 Now, we compile the program using the @sc{gnu} C compiler, @value{NGCC}.
9247 We pass the @option{-gdwarf-2} and @option{-g3} flags to ensure the
9248 compiler includes information about preprocessor macros in the debugging
9249 information.
9250
9251 @smallexample
9252 $ gcc -gdwarf-2 -g3 sample.c -o sample
9253 $
9254 @end smallexample
9255
9256 Now, we start @value{GDBN} on our sample program:
9257
9258 @smallexample
9259 $ gdb -nw sample
9260 GNU gdb 2002-05-06-cvs
9261 Copyright 2002 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
9262 GDB is free software, @dots{}
9263 (@value{GDBP})
9264 @end smallexample
9265
9266 We can expand macros and examine their definitions, even when the
9267 program is not running. @value{GDBN} uses the current listing position
9268 to decide which macro definitions are in scope:
9269
9270 @smallexample
9271 (@value{GDBP}) list main
9272 3
9273 4 #define M 42
9274 5 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
9275 6
9276 7 main ()
9277 8 @{
9278 9 #define N 28
9279 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
9280 11 #undef N
9281 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
9282 (@value{GDBP}) info macro ADD
9283 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:5
9284 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
9285 (@value{GDBP}) info macro Q
9286 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.h:1
9287 included at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:2
9288 #define Q <
9289 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand ADD(1)
9290 expands to: (42 + 1)
9291 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand-once ADD(1)
9292 expands to: once (M + 1)
9293 (@value{GDBP})
9294 @end smallexample
9295
9296 In the example above, note that @code{macro expand-once} expands only
9297 the macro invocation explicit in the original text --- the invocation of
9298 @code{ADD} --- but does not expand the invocation of the macro @code{M},
9299 which was introduced by @code{ADD}.
9300
9301 Once the program is running, @value{GDBN} uses the macro definitions in
9302 force at the source line of the current stack frame:
9303
9304 @smallexample
9305 (@value{GDBP}) break main
9306 Breakpoint 1 at 0x8048370: file sample.c, line 10.
9307 (@value{GDBP}) run
9308 Starting program: /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample
9309
9310 Breakpoint 1, main () at sample.c:10
9311 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
9312 (@value{GDBP})
9313 @end smallexample
9314
9315 At line 10, the definition of the macro @code{N} at line 9 is in force:
9316
9317 @smallexample
9318 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
9319 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:9
9320 #define N 28
9321 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
9322 expands to: 28 < 42
9323 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
9324 $1 = 1
9325 (@value{GDBP})
9326 @end smallexample
9327
9328 As we step over directives that remove @code{N}'s definition, and then
9329 give it a new definition, @value{GDBN} finds the definition (or lack
9330 thereof) in force at each point:
9331
9332 @smallexample
9333 (@value{GDBP}) next
9334 Hello, world!
9335 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
9336 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
9337 The symbol `N' has no definition as a C/C++ preprocessor macro
9338 at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:12
9339 (@value{GDBP}) next
9340 We're so creative.
9341 14 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
9342 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
9343 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:13
9344 #define N 1729
9345 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
9346 expands to: 1729 < 42
9347 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
9348 $2 = 0
9349 (@value{GDBP})
9350 @end smallexample
9351
9352 In addition to source files, macros can be defined on the compilation command
9353 line using the @option{-D@var{name}=@var{value}} syntax. For macros defined in
9354 such a way, @value{GDBN} displays the location of their definition as line zero
9355 of the source file submitted to the compiler.
9356
9357 @smallexample
9358 (@value{GDBP}) info macro __STDC__
9359 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:0
9360 -D__STDC__=1
9361 (@value{GDBP})
9362 @end smallexample
9363
9364
9365 @node Tracepoints
9366 @chapter Tracepoints
9367 @c This chapter is based on the documentation written by Michael
9368 @c Snyder, David Taylor, Jim Blandy, and Elena Zannoni.
9369
9370 @cindex tracepoints
9371 In some applications, it is not feasible for the debugger to interrupt
9372 the program's execution long enough for the developer to learn
9373 anything helpful about its behavior. If the program's correctness
9374 depends on its real-time behavior, delays introduced by a debugger
9375 might cause the program to change its behavior drastically, or perhaps
9376 fail, even when the code itself is correct. It is useful to be able
9377 to observe the program's behavior without interrupting it.
9378
9379 Using @value{GDBN}'s @code{trace} and @code{collect} commands, you can
9380 specify locations in the program, called @dfn{tracepoints}, and
9381 arbitrary expressions to evaluate when those tracepoints are reached.
9382 Later, using the @code{tfind} command, you can examine the values
9383 those expressions had when the program hit the tracepoints. The
9384 expressions may also denote objects in memory---structures or arrays,
9385 for example---whose values @value{GDBN} should record; while visiting
9386 a particular tracepoint, you may inspect those objects as if they were
9387 in memory at that moment. However, because @value{GDBN} records these
9388 values without interacting with you, it can do so quickly and
9389 unobtrusively, hopefully not disturbing the program's behavior.
9390
9391 The tracepoint facility is currently available only for remote
9392 targets. @xref{Targets}. In addition, your remote target must know
9393 how to collect trace data. This functionality is implemented in the
9394 remote stub; however, none of the stubs distributed with @value{GDBN}
9395 support tracepoints as of this writing. The format of the remote
9396 packets used to implement tracepoints are described in @ref{Tracepoint
9397 Packets}.
9398
9399 It is also possible to get trace data from a file, in a manner reminiscent
9400 of corefiles; you specify the filename, and use @code{tfind} to search
9401 through the file. @xref{Trace Files}, for more details.
9402
9403 This chapter describes the tracepoint commands and features.
9404
9405 @menu
9406 * Set Tracepoints::
9407 * Analyze Collected Data::
9408 * Tracepoint Variables::
9409 * Trace Files::
9410 @end menu
9411
9412 @node Set Tracepoints
9413 @section Commands to Set Tracepoints
9414
9415 Before running such a @dfn{trace experiment}, an arbitrary number of
9416 tracepoints can be set. A tracepoint is actually a special type of
9417 breakpoint (@pxref{Set Breaks}), so you can manipulate it using
9418 standard breakpoint commands. For instance, as with breakpoints,
9419 tracepoint numbers are successive integers starting from one, and many
9420 of the commands associated with tracepoints take the tracepoint number
9421 as their argument, to identify which tracepoint to work on.
9422
9423 For each tracepoint, you can specify, in advance, some arbitrary set
9424 of data that you want the target to collect in the trace buffer when
9425 it hits that tracepoint. The collected data can include registers,
9426 local variables, or global data. Later, you can use @value{GDBN}
9427 commands to examine the values these data had at the time the
9428 tracepoint was hit.
9429
9430 Tracepoints do not support every breakpoint feature. Ignore counts on
9431 tracepoints have no effect, and tracepoints cannot run @value{GDBN}
9432 commands when they are hit. Tracepoints may not be thread-specific
9433 either.
9434
9435 @cindex fast tracepoints
9436 Some targets may support @dfn{fast tracepoints}, which are inserted in
9437 a different way (such as with a jump instead of a trap), that is
9438 faster but possibly restricted in where they may be installed.
9439
9440 This section describes commands to set tracepoints and associated
9441 conditions and actions.
9442
9443 @menu
9444 * Create and Delete Tracepoints::
9445 * Enable and Disable Tracepoints::
9446 * Tracepoint Passcounts::
9447 * Tracepoint Conditions::
9448 * Trace State Variables::
9449 * Tracepoint Actions::
9450 * Listing Tracepoints::
9451 * Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments::
9452 * Tracepoint Restrictions::
9453 @end menu
9454
9455 @node Create and Delete Tracepoints
9456 @subsection Create and Delete Tracepoints
9457
9458 @table @code
9459 @cindex set tracepoint
9460 @kindex trace
9461 @item trace @var{location}
9462 The @code{trace} command is very similar to the @code{break} command.
9463 Its argument @var{location} can be a source line, a function name, or
9464 an address in the target program. @xref{Specify Location}. The
9465 @code{trace} command defines a tracepoint, which is a point in the
9466 target program where the debugger will briefly stop, collect some
9467 data, and then allow the program to continue. Setting a tracepoint or
9468 changing its actions doesn't take effect until the next @code{tstart}
9469 command, and once a trace experiment is running, further changes will
9470 not have any effect until the next trace experiment starts.
9471
9472 Here are some examples of using the @code{trace} command:
9473
9474 @smallexample
9475 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo.c:121} // a source file and line number
9476
9477 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace +2} // 2 lines forward
9478
9479 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace my_function} // first source line of function
9480
9481 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *my_function} // EXACT start address of function
9482
9483 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *0x2117c4} // an address
9484 @end smallexample
9485
9486 @noindent
9487 You can abbreviate @code{trace} as @code{tr}.
9488
9489 @item trace @var{location} if @var{cond}
9490 Set a tracepoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
9491 @var{cond} each time the tracepoint is reached, and collect data only
9492 if the value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
9493 @xref{Tracepoint Conditions, ,Tracepoint Conditions}, for more
9494 information on tracepoint conditions.
9495
9496 @item ftrace @var{location} [ if @var{cond} ]
9497 @cindex set fast tracepoint
9498 @kindex ftrace
9499 The @code{ftrace} command sets a fast tracepoint. For targets that
9500 support them, fast tracepoints will use a more efficient but possibly
9501 less general technique to trigger data collection, such as a jump
9502 instruction instead of a trap, or some sort of hardware support. It
9503 may not be possible to create a fast tracepoint at the desired
9504 location, in which case the command will exit with an explanatory
9505 message.
9506
9507 @value{GDBN} handles arguments to @code{ftrace} exactly as for
9508 @code{trace}.
9509
9510 @vindex $tpnum
9511 @cindex last tracepoint number
9512 @cindex recent tracepoint number
9513 @cindex tracepoint number
9514 The convenience variable @code{$tpnum} records the tracepoint number
9515 of the most recently set tracepoint.
9516
9517 @kindex delete tracepoint
9518 @cindex tracepoint deletion
9519 @item delete tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
9520 Permanently delete one or more tracepoints. With no argument, the
9521 default is to delete all tracepoints. Note that the regular
9522 @code{delete} command can remove tracepoints also.
9523
9524 Examples:
9525
9526 @smallexample
9527 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace 1 2 3} // remove three tracepoints
9528
9529 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace} // remove all tracepoints
9530 @end smallexample
9531
9532 @noindent
9533 You can abbreviate this command as @code{del tr}.
9534 @end table
9535
9536 @node Enable and Disable Tracepoints
9537 @subsection Enable and Disable Tracepoints
9538
9539 These commands are deprecated; they are equivalent to plain @code{disable} and @code{enable}.
9540
9541 @table @code
9542 @kindex disable tracepoint
9543 @item disable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
9544 Disable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints if no argument
9545 @var{num} is given. A disabled tracepoint will have no effect during
9546 the next trace experiment, but it is not forgotten. You can re-enable
9547 a disabled tracepoint using the @code{enable tracepoint} command.
9548
9549 @kindex enable tracepoint
9550 @item enable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
9551 Enable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints. The enabled
9552 tracepoints will become effective the next time a trace experiment is
9553 run.
9554 @end table
9555
9556 @node Tracepoint Passcounts
9557 @subsection Tracepoint Passcounts
9558
9559 @table @code
9560 @kindex passcount
9561 @cindex tracepoint pass count
9562 @item passcount @r{[}@var{n} @r{[}@var{num}@r{]]}
9563 Set the @dfn{passcount} of a tracepoint. The passcount is a way to
9564 automatically stop a trace experiment. If a tracepoint's passcount is
9565 @var{n}, then the trace experiment will be automatically stopped on
9566 the @var{n}'th time that tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number
9567 @var{num} is not specified, the @code{passcount} command sets the
9568 passcount of the most recently defined tracepoint. If no passcount is
9569 given, the trace experiment will run until stopped explicitly by the
9570 user.
9571
9572 Examples:
9573
9574 @smallexample
9575 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 5 2} // Stop on the 5th execution of
9576 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// tracepoint 2}
9577
9578 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 12} // Stop on the 12th execution of the
9579 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// most recently defined tracepoint.}
9580 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
9581 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 3}
9582 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace bar}
9583 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 2}
9584 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace baz}
9585 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 1} // Stop tracing when foo has been
9586 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// executed 3 times OR when bar has}
9587 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// been executed 2 times}
9588 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// OR when baz has been executed 1 time.}
9589 @end smallexample
9590 @end table
9591
9592 @node Tracepoint Conditions
9593 @subsection Tracepoint Conditions
9594 @cindex conditional tracepoints
9595 @cindex tracepoint conditions
9596
9597 The simplest sort of tracepoint collects data every time your program
9598 reaches a specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for
9599 a tracepoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
9600 programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A
9601 tracepoint with a condition evaluates the expression each time your
9602 program reaches it, and data collection happens only if the condition
9603 is true.
9604
9605 Tracepoint conditions can be specified when a tracepoint is set, by
9606 using @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{trace} command.
9607 @xref{Create and Delete Tracepoints, ,Setting Tracepoints}. They can
9608 also be set or changed at any time with the @code{condition} command,
9609 just as with breakpoints.
9610
9611 Unlike breakpoint conditions, @value{GDBN} does not actually evaluate
9612 the conditional expression itself. Instead, @value{GDBN} encodes the
9613 expression into an agent expression (@pxref{Agent Expressions}
9614 suitable for execution on the target, independently of @value{GDBN}.
9615 Global variables become raw memory locations, locals become stack
9616 accesses, and so forth.
9617
9618 For instance, suppose you have a function that is usually called
9619 frequently, but should not be called after an error has occurred. You
9620 could use the following tracepoint command to collect data about calls
9621 of that function that happen while the error code is propagating
9622 through the program; an unconditional tracepoint could end up
9623 collecting thousands of useless trace frames that you would have to
9624 search through.
9625
9626 @smallexample
9627 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{trace normal_operation if errcode > 0}
9628 @end smallexample
9629
9630 @node Trace State Variables
9631 @subsection Trace State Variables
9632 @cindex trace state variables
9633
9634 A @dfn{trace state variable} is a special type of variable that is
9635 created and managed by target-side code. The syntax is the same as
9636 that for GDB's convenience variables (a string prefixed with ``$''),
9637 but they are stored on the target. They must be created explicitly,
9638 using a @code{tvariable} command. They are always 64-bit signed
9639 integers.
9640
9641 Trace state variables are remembered by @value{GDBN}, and downloaded
9642 to the target along with tracepoint information when the trace
9643 experiment starts. There are no intrinsic limits on the number of
9644 trace state variables, beyond memory limitations of the target.
9645
9646 @cindex convenience variables, and trace state variables
9647 Although trace state variables are managed by the target, you can use
9648 them in print commands and expressions as if they were convenience
9649 variables; @value{GDBN} will get the current value from the target
9650 while the trace experiment is running. Trace state variables share
9651 the same namespace as other ``$'' variables, which means that you
9652 cannot have trace state variables with names like @code{$23} or
9653 @code{$pc}, nor can you have a trace state variable and a convenience
9654 variable with the same name.
9655
9656 @table @code
9657
9658 @item tvariable $@var{name} [ = @var{expression} ]
9659 @kindex tvariable
9660 The @code{tvariable} command creates a new trace state variable named
9661 @code{$@var{name}}, and optionally gives it an initial value of
9662 @var{expression}. @var{expression} is evaluated when this command is
9663 entered; the result will be converted to an integer if possible,
9664 otherwise @value{GDBN} will report an error. A subsequent
9665 @code{tvariable} command specifying the same name does not create a
9666 variable, but instead assigns the supplied initial value to the
9667 existing variable of that name, overwriting any previous initial
9668 value. The default initial value is 0.
9669
9670 @item info tvariables
9671 @kindex info tvariables
9672 List all the trace state variables along with their initial values.
9673 Their current values may also be displayed, if the trace experiment is
9674 currently running.
9675
9676 @item delete tvariable @r{[} $@var{name} @dots{} @r{]}
9677 @kindex delete tvariable
9678 Delete the given trace state variables, or all of them if no arguments
9679 are specified.
9680
9681 @end table
9682
9683 @node Tracepoint Actions
9684 @subsection Tracepoint Action Lists
9685
9686 @table @code
9687 @kindex actions
9688 @cindex tracepoint actions
9689 @item actions @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
9690 This command will prompt for a list of actions to be taken when the
9691 tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number @var{num} is not
9692 specified, this command sets the actions for the one that was most
9693 recently defined (so that you can define a tracepoint and then say
9694 @code{actions} without bothering about its number). You specify the
9695 actions themselves on the following lines, one action at a time, and
9696 terminate the actions list with a line containing just @code{end}. So
9697 far, the only defined actions are @code{collect}, @code{teval}, and
9698 @code{while-stepping}.
9699
9700 @code{actions} is actually equivalent to @code{commands} (@pxref{Break
9701 Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}), except that only the defined
9702 actions are allowed; any other @value{GDBN} command is rejected.
9703
9704 @cindex remove actions from a tracepoint
9705 To remove all actions from a tracepoint, type @samp{actions @var{num}}
9706 and follow it immediately with @samp{end}.
9707
9708 @smallexample
9709 (@value{GDBP}) @b{collect @var{data}} // collect some data
9710
9711 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while-stepping 5} // single-step 5 times, collect data
9712
9713 (@value{GDBP}) @b{end} // signals the end of actions.
9714 @end smallexample
9715
9716 In the following example, the action list begins with @code{collect}
9717 commands indicating the things to be collected when the tracepoint is
9718 hit. Then, in order to single-step and collect additional data
9719 following the tracepoint, a @code{while-stepping} command is used,
9720 followed by the list of things to be collected after each step in a
9721 sequence of single steps. The @code{while-stepping} command is
9722 terminated by its own separate @code{end} command. Lastly, the action
9723 list is terminated by an @code{end} command.
9724
9725 @smallexample
9726 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
9727 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
9728 Enter actions for tracepoint 1, one per line:
9729 > collect bar,baz
9730 > collect $regs
9731 > while-stepping 12
9732 > collect $pc, arr[i]
9733 > end
9734 end
9735 @end smallexample
9736
9737 @kindex collect @r{(tracepoints)}
9738 @item collect @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
9739 Collect values of the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit.
9740 This command accepts a comma-separated list of any valid expressions.
9741 In addition to global, static, or local variables, the following
9742 special arguments are supported:
9743
9744 @table @code
9745 @item $regs
9746 collect all registers
9747
9748 @item $args
9749 collect all function arguments
9750
9751 @item $locals
9752 collect all local variables.
9753 @end table
9754
9755 You can give several consecutive @code{collect} commands, each one
9756 with a single argument, or one @code{collect} command with several
9757 arguments separated by commas; the effect is the same.
9758
9759 The command @code{info scope} (@pxref{Symbols, info scope}) is
9760 particularly useful for figuring out what data to collect.
9761
9762 @kindex teval @r{(tracepoints)}
9763 @item teval @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
9764 Evaluate the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit. This
9765 command accepts a comma-separated list of expressions. The results
9766 are discarded, so this is mainly useful for assigning values to trace
9767 state variables (@pxref{Trace State Variables}) without adding those
9768 values to the trace buffer, as would be the case if the @code{collect}
9769 action were used.
9770
9771 @kindex while-stepping @r{(tracepoints)}
9772 @item while-stepping @var{n}
9773 Perform @var{n} single-step instruction traces after the tracepoint,
9774 collecting new data after each step. The @code{while-stepping}
9775 command is followed by the list of what to collect while stepping
9776 (followed by its own @code{end} command):
9777
9778 @smallexample
9779 > while-stepping 12
9780 > collect $regs, myglobal
9781 > end
9782 >
9783 @end smallexample
9784
9785 @noindent
9786 Note that @code{$pc} is not automatically collected by
9787 @code{while-stepping}; you need to explicitly collect that register if
9788 you need it. You may abbreviate @code{while-stepping} as @code{ws} or
9789 @code{stepping}.
9790
9791 @item set default-collect @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
9792 @kindex set default-collect
9793 @cindex default collection action
9794 This variable is a list of expressions to collect at each tracepoint
9795 hit. It is effectively an additional @code{collect} action prepended
9796 to every tracepoint action list. The expressions are parsed
9797 individually for each tracepoint, so for instance a variable named
9798 @code{xyz} may be interpreted as a global for one tracepoint, and a
9799 local for another, as appropriate to the tracepoint's location.
9800
9801 @item show default-collect
9802 @kindex show default-collect
9803 Show the list of expressions that are collected by default at each
9804 tracepoint hit.
9805
9806 @end table
9807
9808 @node Listing Tracepoints
9809 @subsection Listing Tracepoints
9810
9811 @table @code
9812 @kindex info tracepoints
9813 @kindex info tp
9814 @cindex information about tracepoints
9815 @item info tracepoints @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
9816 Display information about the tracepoint @var{num}. If you don't
9817 specify a tracepoint number, displays information about all the
9818 tracepoints defined so far. The format is similar to that used for
9819 @code{info breakpoints}; in fact, @code{info tracepoints} is the same
9820 command, simply restricting itself to tracepoints.
9821
9822 A tracepoint's listing may include additional information specific to
9823 tracing:
9824
9825 @itemize @bullet
9826 @item
9827 its passcount as given by the @code{passcount @var{n}} command
9828 @end itemize
9829
9830 @smallexample
9831 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info trace}
9832 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
9833 1 tracepoint keep y 0x0804ab57 in foo() at main.cxx:7
9834 while-stepping 20
9835 collect globfoo, $regs
9836 end
9837 collect globfoo2
9838 end
9839 pass count 1200
9840 (@value{GDBP})
9841 @end smallexample
9842
9843 @noindent
9844 This command can be abbreviated @code{info tp}.
9845 @end table
9846
9847 @node Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
9848 @subsection Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
9849
9850 @table @code
9851 @kindex tstart
9852 @cindex start a new trace experiment
9853 @cindex collected data discarded
9854 @item tstart
9855 This command takes no arguments. It starts the trace experiment, and
9856 begins collecting data. This has the side effect of discarding all
9857 the data collected in the trace buffer during the previous trace
9858 experiment.
9859
9860 @kindex tstop
9861 @cindex stop a running trace experiment
9862 @item tstop
9863 This command takes no arguments. It ends the trace experiment, and
9864 stops collecting data.
9865
9866 @strong{Note}: a trace experiment and data collection may stop
9867 automatically if any tracepoint's passcount is reached
9868 (@pxref{Tracepoint Passcounts}), or if the trace buffer becomes full.
9869
9870 @kindex tstatus
9871 @cindex status of trace data collection
9872 @cindex trace experiment, status of
9873 @item tstatus
9874 This command displays the status of the current trace data
9875 collection.
9876 @end table
9877
9878 Here is an example of the commands we described so far:
9879
9880 @smallexample
9881 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace gdb_c_test}
9882 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
9883 Enter actions for tracepoint #1, one per line.
9884 > collect $regs,$locals,$args
9885 > while-stepping 11
9886 > collect $regs
9887 > end
9888 > end
9889 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
9890 [time passes @dots{}]
9891 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstop}
9892 @end smallexample
9893
9894 @cindex disconnected tracing
9895 You can choose to continue running the trace experiment even if
9896 @value{GDBN} disconnects from the target, voluntarily or
9897 involuntarily. For commands such as @code{detach}, the debugger will
9898 ask what you want to do with the trace. But for unexpected
9899 terminations (@value{GDBN} crash, network outage), it would be
9900 unfortunate to lose hard-won trace data, so the variable
9901 @code{disconnected-tracing} lets you decide whether the trace should
9902 continue running without @value{GDBN}.
9903
9904 @table @code
9905 @item set disconnected-tracing on
9906 @itemx set disconnected-tracing off
9907 @kindex set disconnected-tracing
9908 Choose whether a tracing run should continue to run if @value{GDBN}
9909 has disconnected from the target. Note that @code{detach} or
9910 @code{quit} will ask you directly what to do about a running trace no
9911 matter what this variable's setting, so the variable is mainly useful
9912 for handling unexpected situations, such as loss of the network.
9913
9914 @item show disconnected-tracing
9915 @kindex show disconnected-tracing
9916 Show the current choice for disconnected tracing.
9917
9918 @end table
9919
9920 When you reconnect to the target, the trace experiment may or may not
9921 still be running; it might have filled the trace buffer in the
9922 meantime, or stopped for one of the other reasons. If it is running,
9923 it will continue after reconnection.
9924
9925 Upon reconnection, the target will upload information about the
9926 tracepoints in effect. @value{GDBN} will then compare that
9927 information to the set of tracepoints currently defined, and attempt
9928 to match them up, allowing for the possibility that the numbers may
9929 have changed due to creation and deletion in the meantime. If one of
9930 the target's tracepoints does not match any in @value{GDBN}, the
9931 debugger will create a new tracepoint, so that you have a number with
9932 which to specify that tracepoint. This matching-up process is
9933 necessarily heuristic, and it may result in useless tracepoints being
9934 created; you may simply delete them if they are of no use.
9935
9936 @cindex circular trace buffer
9937 If your target agent supports a @dfn{circular trace buffer}, then you
9938 can run a trace experiment indefinitely without filling the trace
9939 buffer; when space runs out, the agent deletes already-collected trace
9940 frames, oldest first, until there is enough room to continue
9941 collecting. This is especially useful if your tracepoints are being
9942 hit too often, and your trace gets terminated prematurely because the
9943 buffer is full. To ask for a circular trace buffer, simply set
9944 @samp{circular_trace_buffer} to on. You can set this at any time,
9945 including during tracing; if the agent can do it, it will change
9946 buffer handling on the fly, otherwise it will not take effect until
9947 the next run.
9948
9949 @table @code
9950 @item set circular-trace-buffer on
9951 @itemx set circular-trace-buffer off
9952 @kindex set circular-trace-buffer
9953 Choose whether a tracing run should use a linear or circular buffer
9954 for trace data. A linear buffer will not lose any trace data, but may
9955 fill up prematurely, while a circular buffer will discard old trace
9956 data, but it will have always room for the latest tracepoint hits.
9957
9958 @item show circular-trace-buffer
9959 @kindex show circular-trace-buffer
9960 Show the current choice for the trace buffer. Note that this may not
9961 match the agent's current buffer handling, nor is it guaranteed to
9962 match the setting that might have been in effect during a past run,
9963 for instance if you are looking at frames from a trace file.
9964
9965 @end table
9966
9967 @node Tracepoint Restrictions
9968 @subsection Tracepoint Restrictions
9969
9970 @cindex tracepoint restrictions
9971 There are a number of restrictions on the use of tracepoints. As
9972 described above, tracepoint data gathering occurs on the target
9973 without interaction from @value{GDBN}. Thus the full capabilities of
9974 the debugger are not available during data gathering, and then at data
9975 examination time, you will be limited by only having what was
9976 collected. The following items describe some common problems, but it
9977 is not exhaustive, and you may run into additional difficulties not
9978 mentioned here.
9979
9980 @itemize @bullet
9981
9982 @item
9983 Tracepoint expressions are intended to gather objects (lvalues). Thus
9984 the full flexibility of GDB's expression evaluator is not available.
9985 You cannot call functions, cast objects to aggregate types, access
9986 convenience variables or modify values (except by assignment to trace
9987 state variables). Some language features may implicitly call
9988 functions (for instance Objective-C fields with accessors), and therefore
9989 cannot be collected either.
9990
9991 @item
9992 Collection of local variables, either individually or in bulk with
9993 @code{$locals} or @code{$args}, during @code{while-stepping} may
9994 behave erratically. The stepping action may enter a new scope (for
9995 instance by stepping into a function), or the location of the variable
9996 may change (for instance it is loaded into a register). The
9997 tracepoint data recorded uses the location information for the
9998 variables that is correct for the tracepoint location. When the
9999 tracepoint is created, it is not possible, in general, to determine
10000 where the steps of a @code{while-stepping} sequence will advance the
10001 program---particularly if a conditional branch is stepped.
10002
10003 @item
10004 Collection of an incompletely-initialized or partially-destroyed object
10005 may result in something that @value{GDBN} cannot display, or displays
10006 in a misleading way.
10007
10008 @item
10009 When @value{GDBN} displays a pointer to character it automatically
10010 dereferences the pointer to also display characters of the string
10011 being pointed to. However, collecting the pointer during tracing does
10012 not automatically collect the string. You need to explicitly
10013 dereference the pointer and provide size information if you want to
10014 collect not only the pointer, but the memory pointed to. For example,
10015 @code{*ptr@@50} can be used to collect the 50 element array pointed to
10016 by @code{ptr}.
10017
10018 @item
10019 It is not possible to collect a complete stack backtrace at a
10020 tracepoint. Instead, you may collect the registers and a few hundred
10021 bytes from the stack pointer with something like @code{*$esp@@300}
10022 (adjust to use the name of the actual stack pointer register on your
10023 target architecture, and the amount of stack you wish to capture).
10024 Then the @code{backtrace} command will show a partial backtrace when
10025 using a trace frame. The number of stack frames that can be examined
10026 depends on the sizes of the frames in the collected stack. Note that
10027 if you ask for a block so large that it goes past the bottom of the
10028 stack, the target agent may report an error trying to read from an
10029 invalid address.
10030
10031 @item
10032 If you do not collect registers at a tracepoint, @value{GDBN} can
10033 infer that the value of @code{$pc} must be the same as the address of
10034 the tracepoint and use that when you are looking at a trace frame
10035 for that tracepoint. However, this cannot work if the tracepoint has
10036 multiple locations (for instance if it was set in a function that was
10037 inlined), or if it has a @code{while-stepping} loop. In those cases
10038 @value{GDBN} will warn you that it can't infer @code{$pc}, and default
10039 it to zero.
10040
10041 @end itemize
10042
10043 @node Analyze Collected Data
10044 @section Using the Collected Data
10045
10046 After the tracepoint experiment ends, you use @value{GDBN} commands
10047 for examining the trace data. The basic idea is that each tracepoint
10048 collects a trace @dfn{snapshot} every time it is hit and another
10049 snapshot every time it single-steps. All these snapshots are
10050 consecutively numbered from zero and go into a buffer, and you can
10051 examine them later. The way you examine them is to @dfn{focus} on a
10052 specific trace snapshot. When the remote stub is focused on a trace
10053 snapshot, it will respond to all @value{GDBN} requests for memory and
10054 registers by reading from the buffer which belongs to that snapshot,
10055 rather than from @emph{real} memory or registers of the program being
10056 debugged. This means that @strong{all} @value{GDBN} commands
10057 (@code{print}, @code{info registers}, @code{backtrace}, etc.) will
10058 behave as if we were currently debugging the program state as it was
10059 when the tracepoint occurred. Any requests for data that are not in
10060 the buffer will fail.
10061
10062 @menu
10063 * tfind:: How to select a trace snapshot
10064 * tdump:: How to display all data for a snapshot
10065 * save tracepoints:: How to save tracepoints for a future run
10066 @end menu
10067
10068 @node tfind
10069 @subsection @code{tfind @var{n}}
10070
10071 @kindex tfind
10072 @cindex select trace snapshot
10073 @cindex find trace snapshot
10074 The basic command for selecting a trace snapshot from the buffer is
10075 @code{tfind @var{n}}, which finds trace snapshot number @var{n},
10076 counting from zero. If no argument @var{n} is given, the next
10077 snapshot is selected.
10078
10079 Here are the various forms of using the @code{tfind} command.
10080
10081 @table @code
10082 @item tfind start
10083 Find the first snapshot in the buffer. This is a synonym for
10084 @code{tfind 0} (since 0 is the number of the first snapshot).
10085
10086 @item tfind none
10087 Stop debugging trace snapshots, resume @emph{live} debugging.
10088
10089 @item tfind end
10090 Same as @samp{tfind none}.
10091
10092 @item tfind
10093 No argument means find the next trace snapshot.
10094
10095 @item tfind -
10096 Find the previous trace snapshot before the current one. This permits
10097 retracing earlier steps.
10098
10099 @item tfind tracepoint @var{num}
10100 Find the next snapshot associated with tracepoint @var{num}. Search
10101 proceeds forward from the last examined trace snapshot. If no
10102 argument @var{num} is given, it means find the next snapshot collected
10103 for the same tracepoint as the current snapshot.
10104
10105 @item tfind pc @var{addr}
10106 Find the next snapshot associated with the value @var{addr} of the
10107 program counter. Search proceeds forward from the last examined trace
10108 snapshot. If no argument @var{addr} is given, it means find the next
10109 snapshot with the same value of PC as the current snapshot.
10110
10111 @item tfind outside @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
10112 Find the next snapshot whose PC is outside the given range of
10113 addresses (exclusive).
10114
10115 @item tfind range @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
10116 Find the next snapshot whose PC is between @var{addr1} and
10117 @var{addr2} (inclusive).
10118
10119 @item tfind line @r{[}@var{file}:@r{]}@var{n}
10120 Find the next snapshot associated with the source line @var{n}. If
10121 the optional argument @var{file} is given, refer to line @var{n} in
10122 that source file. Search proceeds forward from the last examined
10123 trace snapshot. If no argument @var{n} is given, it means find the
10124 next line other than the one currently being examined; thus saying
10125 @code{tfind line} repeatedly can appear to have the same effect as
10126 stepping from line to line in a @emph{live} debugging session.
10127 @end table
10128
10129 The default arguments for the @code{tfind} commands are specifically
10130 designed to make it easy to scan through the trace buffer. For
10131 instance, @code{tfind} with no argument selects the next trace
10132 snapshot, and @code{tfind -} with no argument selects the previous
10133 trace snapshot. So, by giving one @code{tfind} command, and then
10134 simply hitting @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine all the trace
10135 snapshots in order. Or, by saying @code{tfind -} and then hitting
10136 @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine the snapshots in reverse order.
10137 The @code{tfind line} command with no argument selects the snapshot
10138 for the next source line executed. The @code{tfind pc} command with
10139 no argument selects the next snapshot with the same program counter
10140 (PC) as the current frame. The @code{tfind tracepoint} command with
10141 no argument selects the next trace snapshot collected by the same
10142 tracepoint as the current one.
10143
10144 In addition to letting you scan through the trace buffer manually,
10145 these commands make it easy to construct @value{GDBN} scripts that
10146 scan through the trace buffer and print out whatever collected data
10147 you are interested in. Thus, if we want to examine the PC, FP, and SP
10148 registers from each trace frame in the buffer, we can say this:
10149
10150 @smallexample
10151 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
10152 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
10153 > printf "Frame %d, PC = %08X, SP = %08X, FP = %08X\n", \
10154 $trace_frame, $pc, $sp, $fp
10155 > tfind
10156 > end
10157
10158 Frame 0, PC = 0020DC64, SP = 0030BF3C, FP = 0030BF44
10159 Frame 1, PC = 0020DC6C, SP = 0030BF38, FP = 0030BF44
10160 Frame 2, PC = 0020DC70, SP = 0030BF34, FP = 0030BF44
10161 Frame 3, PC = 0020DC74, SP = 0030BF30, FP = 0030BF44
10162 Frame 4, PC = 0020DC78, SP = 0030BF2C, FP = 0030BF44
10163 Frame 5, PC = 0020DC7C, SP = 0030BF28, FP = 0030BF44
10164 Frame 6, PC = 0020DC80, SP = 0030BF24, FP = 0030BF44
10165 Frame 7, PC = 0020DC84, SP = 0030BF20, FP = 0030BF44
10166 Frame 8, PC = 0020DC88, SP = 0030BF1C, FP = 0030BF44
10167 Frame 9, PC = 0020DC8E, SP = 0030BF18, FP = 0030BF44
10168 Frame 10, PC = 00203F6C, SP = 0030BE3C, FP = 0030BF14
10169 @end smallexample
10170
10171 Or, if we want to examine the variable @code{X} at each source line in
10172 the buffer:
10173
10174 @smallexample
10175 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
10176 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
10177 > printf "Frame %d, X == %d\n", $trace_frame, X
10178 > tfind line
10179 > end
10180
10181 Frame 0, X = 1
10182 Frame 7, X = 2
10183 Frame 13, X = 255
10184 @end smallexample
10185
10186 @node tdump
10187 @subsection @code{tdump}
10188 @kindex tdump
10189 @cindex dump all data collected at tracepoint
10190 @cindex tracepoint data, display
10191
10192 This command takes no arguments. It prints all the data collected at
10193 the current trace snapshot.
10194
10195 @smallexample
10196 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace 444}
10197 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
10198 Enter actions for tracepoint #2, one per line:
10199 > collect $regs, $locals, $args, gdb_long_test
10200 > end
10201
10202 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
10203
10204 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind line 444}
10205 #0 gdb_test (p1=0x11, p2=0x22, p3=0x33, p4=0x44, p5=0x55, p6=0x66)
10206 at gdb_test.c:444
10207 444 printp( "%s: arguments = 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X\n", )
10208
10209 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tdump}
10210 Data collected at tracepoint 2, trace frame 1:
10211 d0 0xc4aa0085 -995491707
10212 d1 0x18 24
10213 d2 0x80 128
10214 d3 0x33 51
10215 d4 0x71aea3d 119204413
10216 d5 0x22 34
10217 d6 0xe0 224
10218 d7 0x380035 3670069
10219 a0 0x19e24a 1696330
10220 a1 0x3000668 50333288
10221 a2 0x100 256
10222 a3 0x322000 3284992
10223 a4 0x3000698 50333336
10224 a5 0x1ad3cc 1758156
10225 fp 0x30bf3c 0x30bf3c
10226 sp 0x30bf34 0x30bf34
10227 ps 0x0 0
10228 pc 0x20b2c8 0x20b2c8
10229 fpcontrol 0x0 0
10230 fpstatus 0x0 0
10231 fpiaddr 0x0 0
10232 p = 0x20e5b4 "gdb-test"
10233 p1 = (void *) 0x11
10234 p2 = (void *) 0x22
10235 p3 = (void *) 0x33
10236 p4 = (void *) 0x44
10237 p5 = (void *) 0x55
10238 p6 = (void *) 0x66
10239 gdb_long_test = 17 '\021'
10240
10241 (@value{GDBP})
10242 @end smallexample
10243
10244 @code{tdump} works by scanning the tracepoint's current collection
10245 actions and printing the value of each expression listed. So
10246 @code{tdump} can fail, if after a run, you change the tracepoint's
10247 actions to mention variables that were not collected during the run.
10248
10249 Also, for tracepoints with @code{while-stepping} loops, @code{tdump}
10250 uses the collected value of @code{$pc} to distinguish between trace
10251 frames that were collected at the tracepoint hit, and frames that were
10252 collected while stepping. This allows it to correctly choose whether
10253 to display the basic list of collections, or the collections from the
10254 body of the while-stepping loop. However, if @code{$pc} was not collected,
10255 then @code{tdump} will always attempt to dump using the basic collection
10256 list, and may fail if a while-stepping frame does not include all the
10257 same data that is collected at the tracepoint hit.
10258 @c This is getting pretty arcane, example would be good.
10259
10260 @node save tracepoints
10261 @subsection @code{save tracepoints @var{filename}}
10262 @kindex save tracepoints
10263 @kindex save-tracepoints
10264 @cindex save tracepoints for future sessions
10265
10266 This command saves all current tracepoint definitions together with
10267 their actions and passcounts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
10268 suitable for use in a later debugging session. To read the saved
10269 tracepoint definitions, use the @code{source} command (@pxref{Command
10270 Files}). The @w{@code{save-tracepoints}} command is a deprecated
10271 alias for @w{@code{save tracepoints}}
10272
10273 @node Tracepoint Variables
10274 @section Convenience Variables for Tracepoints
10275 @cindex tracepoint variables
10276 @cindex convenience variables for tracepoints
10277
10278 @table @code
10279 @vindex $trace_frame
10280 @item (int) $trace_frame
10281 The current trace snapshot (a.k.a.@: @dfn{frame}) number, or -1 if no
10282 snapshot is selected.
10283
10284 @vindex $tracepoint
10285 @item (int) $tracepoint
10286 The tracepoint for the current trace snapshot.
10287
10288 @vindex $trace_line
10289 @item (int) $trace_line
10290 The line number for the current trace snapshot.
10291
10292 @vindex $trace_file
10293 @item (char []) $trace_file
10294 The source file for the current trace snapshot.
10295
10296 @vindex $trace_func
10297 @item (char []) $trace_func
10298 The name of the function containing @code{$tracepoint}.
10299 @end table
10300
10301 Note: @code{$trace_file} is not suitable for use in @code{printf},
10302 use @code{output} instead.
10303
10304 Here's a simple example of using these convenience variables for
10305 stepping through all the trace snapshots and printing some of their
10306 data. Note that these are not the same as trace state variables,
10307 which are managed by the target.
10308
10309 @smallexample
10310 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
10311
10312 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while $trace_frame != -1}
10313 > output $trace_file
10314 > printf ", line %d (tracepoint #%d)\n", $trace_line, $tracepoint
10315 > tfind
10316 > end
10317 @end smallexample
10318
10319 @node Trace Files
10320 @section Using Trace Files
10321 @cindex trace files
10322
10323 In some situations, the target running a trace experiment may no
10324 longer be available; perhaps it crashed, or the hardware was needed
10325 for a different activity. To handle these cases, you can arrange to
10326 dump the trace data into a file, and later use that file as a source
10327 of trace data, via the @code{target tfile} command.
10328
10329 @table @code
10330
10331 @kindex tsave
10332 @item tsave [ -r ] @var{filename}
10333 Save the trace data to @var{filename}. By default, this command
10334 assumes that @var{filename} refers to the host filesystem, so if
10335 necessary @value{GDBN} will copy raw trace data up from the target and
10336 then save it. If the target supports it, you can also supply the
10337 optional argument @code{-r} (``remote'') to direct the target to save
10338 the data directly into @var{filename} in its own filesystem, which may be
10339 more efficient if the trace buffer is very large. (Note, however, that
10340 @code{target tfile} can only read from files accessible to the host.)
10341
10342 @kindex target tfile
10343 @kindex tfile
10344 @item target tfile @var{filename}
10345 Use the file named @var{filename} as a source of trace data. Commands
10346 that examine data work as they do with a live target, but it is not
10347 possible to run any new trace experiments. @code{tstatus} will report
10348 the state of the trace run at the moment the data was saved, as well
10349 as the current trace frame you are examining. @var{filename} must be
10350 on a filesystem accessible to the host.
10351
10352 @end table
10353
10354 @node Overlays
10355 @chapter Debugging Programs That Use Overlays
10356 @cindex overlays
10357
10358 If your program is too large to fit completely in your target system's
10359 memory, you can sometimes use @dfn{overlays} to work around this
10360 problem. @value{GDBN} provides some support for debugging programs that
10361 use overlays.
10362
10363 @menu
10364 * How Overlays Work:: A general explanation of overlays.
10365 * Overlay Commands:: Managing overlays in @value{GDBN}.
10366 * Automatic Overlay Debugging:: @value{GDBN} can find out which overlays are
10367 mapped by asking the inferior.
10368 * Overlay Sample Program:: A sample program using overlays.
10369 @end menu
10370
10371 @node How Overlays Work
10372 @section How Overlays Work
10373 @cindex mapped overlays
10374 @cindex unmapped overlays
10375 @cindex load address, overlay's
10376 @cindex mapped address
10377 @cindex overlay area
10378
10379 Suppose you have a computer whose instruction address space is only 64
10380 kilobytes long, but which has much more memory which can be accessed by
10381 other means: special instructions, segment registers, or memory
10382 management hardware, for example. Suppose further that you want to
10383 adapt a program which is larger than 64 kilobytes to run on this system.
10384
10385 One solution is to identify modules of your program which are relatively
10386 independent, and need not call each other directly; call these modules
10387 @dfn{overlays}. Separate the overlays from the main program, and place
10388 their machine code in the larger memory. Place your main program in
10389 instruction memory, but leave at least enough space there to hold the
10390 largest overlay as well.
10391
10392 Now, to call a function located in an overlay, you must first copy that
10393 overlay's machine code from the large memory into the space set aside
10394 for it in the instruction memory, and then jump to its entry point
10395 there.
10396
10397 @c NB: In the below the mapped area's size is greater or equal to the
10398 @c size of all overlays. This is intentional to remind the developer
10399 @c that overlays don't necessarily need to be the same size.
10400
10401 @smallexample
10402 @group
10403 Data Instruction Larger
10404 Address Space Address Space Address Space
10405 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+
10406 | | | | | |
10407 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+<-- overlay 1
10408 | program | | main | .----| overlay 1 | load address
10409 | variables | | program | | +-----------+
10410 | and heap | | | | | |
10411 +-----------+ | | | +-----------+<-- overlay 2
10412 | | +-----------+ | | | load address
10413 +-----------+ | | | .-| overlay 2 |
10414 | | | | | |
10415 mapped --->+-----------+ | | +-----------+
10416 address | | | | | |
10417 | overlay | <-' | | |
10418 | area | <---' +-----------+<-- overlay 3
10419 | | <---. | | load address
10420 +-----------+ `--| overlay 3 |
10421 | | | |
10422 +-----------+ | |
10423 +-----------+
10424 | |
10425 +-----------+
10426
10427 @anchor{A code overlay}A code overlay
10428 @end group
10429 @end smallexample
10430
10431 The diagram (@pxref{A code overlay}) shows a system with separate data
10432 and instruction address spaces. To map an overlay, the program copies
10433 its code from the larger address space to the instruction address space.
10434 Since the overlays shown here all use the same mapped address, only one
10435 may be mapped at a time. For a system with a single address space for
10436 data and instructions, the diagram would be similar, except that the
10437 program variables and heap would share an address space with the main
10438 program and the overlay area.
10439
10440 An overlay loaded into instruction memory and ready for use is called a
10441 @dfn{mapped} overlay; its @dfn{mapped address} is its address in the
10442 instruction memory. An overlay not present (or only partially present)
10443 in instruction memory is called @dfn{unmapped}; its @dfn{load address}
10444 is its address in the larger memory. The mapped address is also called
10445 the @dfn{virtual memory address}, or @dfn{VMA}; the load address is also
10446 called the @dfn{load memory address}, or @dfn{LMA}.
10447
10448 Unfortunately, overlays are not a completely transparent way to adapt a
10449 program to limited instruction memory. They introduce a new set of
10450 global constraints you must keep in mind as you design your program:
10451
10452 @itemize @bullet
10453
10454 @item
10455 Before calling or returning to a function in an overlay, your program
10456 must make sure that overlay is actually mapped. Otherwise, the call or
10457 return will transfer control to the right address, but in the wrong
10458 overlay, and your program will probably crash.
10459
10460 @item
10461 If the process of mapping an overlay is expensive on your system, you
10462 will need to choose your overlays carefully to minimize their effect on
10463 your program's performance.
10464
10465 @item
10466 The executable file you load onto your system must contain each
10467 overlay's instructions, appearing at the overlay's load address, not its
10468 mapped address. However, each overlay's instructions must be relocated
10469 and its symbols defined as if the overlay were at its mapped address.
10470 You can use GNU linker scripts to specify different load and relocation
10471 addresses for pieces of your program; see @ref{Overlay Description,,,
10472 ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}.
10473
10474 @item
10475 The procedure for loading executable files onto your system must be able
10476 to load their contents into the larger address space as well as the
10477 instruction and data spaces.
10478
10479 @end itemize
10480
10481 The overlay system described above is rather simple, and could be
10482 improved in many ways:
10483
10484 @itemize @bullet
10485
10486 @item
10487 If your system has suitable bank switch registers or memory management
10488 hardware, you could use those facilities to make an overlay's load area
10489 contents simply appear at their mapped address in instruction space.
10490 This would probably be faster than copying the overlay to its mapped
10491 area in the usual way.
10492
10493 @item
10494 If your overlays are small enough, you could set aside more than one
10495 overlay area, and have more than one overlay mapped at a time.
10496
10497 @item
10498 You can use overlays to manage data, as well as instructions. In
10499 general, data overlays are even less transparent to your design than
10500 code overlays: whereas code overlays only require care when you call or
10501 return to functions, data overlays require care every time you access
10502 the data. Also, if you change the contents of a data overlay, you
10503 must copy its contents back out to its load address before you can copy a
10504 different data overlay into the same mapped area.
10505
10506 @end itemize
10507
10508
10509 @node Overlay Commands
10510 @section Overlay Commands
10511
10512 To use @value{GDBN}'s overlay support, each overlay in your program must
10513 correspond to a separate section of the executable file. The section's
10514 virtual memory address and load memory address must be the overlay's
10515 mapped and load addresses. Identifying overlays with sections allows
10516 @value{GDBN} to determine the appropriate address of a function or
10517 variable, depending on whether the overlay is mapped or not.
10518
10519 @value{GDBN}'s overlay commands all start with the word @code{overlay};
10520 you can abbreviate this as @code{ov} or @code{ovly}. The commands are:
10521
10522 @table @code
10523 @item overlay off
10524 @kindex overlay
10525 Disable @value{GDBN}'s overlay support. When overlay support is
10526 disabled, @value{GDBN} assumes that all functions and variables are
10527 always present at their mapped addresses. By default, @value{GDBN}'s
10528 overlay support is disabled.
10529
10530 @item overlay manual
10531 @cindex manual overlay debugging
10532 Enable @dfn{manual} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
10533 relies on you to tell it which overlays are mapped, and which are not,
10534 using the @code{overlay map-overlay} and @code{overlay unmap-overlay}
10535 commands described below.
10536
10537 @item overlay map-overlay @var{overlay}
10538 @itemx overlay map @var{overlay}
10539 @cindex map an overlay
10540 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is now mapped; @var{overlay} must
10541 be the name of the object file section containing the overlay. When an
10542 overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the overlay's
10543 functions and variables at their mapped addresses. @value{GDBN} assumes
10544 that any other overlays whose mapped ranges overlap that of
10545 @var{overlay} are now unmapped.
10546
10547 @item overlay unmap-overlay @var{overlay}
10548 @itemx overlay unmap @var{overlay}
10549 @cindex unmap an overlay
10550 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is no longer mapped; @var{overlay}
10551 must be the name of the object file section containing the overlay.
10552 When an overlay is unmapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the
10553 overlay's functions and variables at their load addresses.
10554
10555 @item overlay auto
10556 Enable @dfn{automatic} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
10557 consults a data structure the overlay manager maintains in the inferior
10558 to see which overlays are mapped. For details, see @ref{Automatic
10559 Overlay Debugging}.
10560
10561 @item overlay load-target
10562 @itemx overlay load
10563 @cindex reloading the overlay table
10564 Re-read the overlay table from the inferior. Normally, @value{GDBN}
10565 re-reads the table @value{GDBN} automatically each time the inferior
10566 stops, so this command should only be necessary if you have changed the
10567 overlay mapping yourself using @value{GDBN}. This command is only
10568 useful when using automatic overlay debugging.
10569
10570 @item overlay list-overlays
10571 @itemx overlay list
10572 @cindex listing mapped overlays
10573 Display a list of the overlays currently mapped, along with their mapped
10574 addresses, load addresses, and sizes.
10575
10576 @end table
10577
10578 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a code address, it includes the name
10579 of the function the address falls in:
10580
10581 @smallexample
10582 (@value{GDBP}) print main
10583 $3 = @{int ()@} 0x11a0 <main>
10584 @end smallexample
10585 @noindent
10586 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} recognizes code in
10587 unmapped overlays, and prints the names of unmapped functions with
10588 asterisks around them. For example, if @code{foo} is a function in an
10589 unmapped overlay, @value{GDBN} prints it this way:
10590
10591 @smallexample
10592 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
10593 No sections are mapped.
10594 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
10595 $5 = @{int (int)@} 0x100000 <*foo*>
10596 @end smallexample
10597 @noindent
10598 When @code{foo}'s overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} prints the function's
10599 name normally:
10600
10601 @smallexample
10602 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
10603 Section .ov.foo.text, loaded at 0x100000 - 0x100034,
10604 mapped at 0x1016 - 0x104a
10605 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
10606 $6 = @{int (int)@} 0x1016 <foo>
10607 @end smallexample
10608
10609 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} can find the correct
10610 address for functions and variables in an overlay, whether or not the
10611 overlay is mapped. This allows most @value{GDBN} commands, like
10612 @code{break} and @code{disassemble}, to work normally, even on unmapped
10613 code. However, @value{GDBN}'s breakpoint support has some limitations:
10614
10615 @itemize @bullet
10616 @item
10617 @cindex breakpoints in overlays
10618 @cindex overlays, setting breakpoints in
10619 You can set breakpoints in functions in unmapped overlays, as long as
10620 @value{GDBN} can write to the overlay at its load address.
10621 @item
10622 @value{GDBN} can not set hardware or simulator-based breakpoints in
10623 unmapped overlays. However, if you set a breakpoint at the end of your
10624 overlay manager (and tell @value{GDBN} which overlays are now mapped, if
10625 you are using manual overlay management), @value{GDBN} will re-set its
10626 breakpoints properly.
10627 @end itemize
10628
10629
10630 @node Automatic Overlay Debugging
10631 @section Automatic Overlay Debugging
10632 @cindex automatic overlay debugging
10633
10634 @value{GDBN} can automatically track which overlays are mapped and which
10635 are not, given some simple co-operation from the overlay manager in the
10636 inferior. If you enable automatic overlay debugging with the
10637 @code{overlay auto} command (@pxref{Overlay Commands}), @value{GDBN}
10638 looks in the inferior's memory for certain variables describing the
10639 current state of the overlays.
10640
10641 Here are the variables your overlay manager must define to support
10642 @value{GDBN}'s automatic overlay debugging:
10643
10644 @table @asis
10645
10646 @item @code{_ovly_table}:
10647 This variable must be an array of the following structures:
10648
10649 @smallexample
10650 struct
10651 @{
10652 /* The overlay's mapped address. */
10653 unsigned long vma;
10654
10655 /* The size of the overlay, in bytes. */
10656 unsigned long size;
10657
10658 /* The overlay's load address. */
10659 unsigned long lma;
10660
10661 /* Non-zero if the overlay is currently mapped;
10662 zero otherwise. */
10663 unsigned long mapped;
10664 @}
10665 @end smallexample
10666
10667 @item @code{_novlys}:
10668 This variable must be a four-byte signed integer, holding the total
10669 number of elements in @code{_ovly_table}.
10670
10671 @end table
10672
10673 To decide whether a particular overlay is mapped or not, @value{GDBN}
10674 looks for an entry in @w{@code{_ovly_table}} whose @code{vma} and
10675 @code{lma} members equal the VMA and LMA of the overlay's section in the
10676 executable file. When @value{GDBN} finds a matching entry, it consults
10677 the entry's @code{mapped} member to determine whether the overlay is
10678 currently mapped.
10679
10680 In addition, your overlay manager may define a function called
10681 @code{_ovly_debug_event}. If this function is defined, @value{GDBN}
10682 will silently set a breakpoint there. If the overlay manager then
10683 calls this function whenever it has changed the overlay table, this
10684 will enable @value{GDBN} to accurately keep track of which overlays
10685 are in program memory, and update any breakpoints that may be set
10686 in overlays. This will allow breakpoints to work even if the
10687 overlays are kept in ROM or other non-writable memory while they
10688 are not being executed.
10689
10690 @node Overlay Sample Program
10691 @section Overlay Sample Program
10692 @cindex overlay example program
10693
10694 When linking a program which uses overlays, you must place the overlays
10695 at their load addresses, while relocating them to run at their mapped
10696 addresses. To do this, you must write a linker script (@pxref{Overlay
10697 Description,,, ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}). Unfortunately,
10698 since linker scripts are specific to a particular host system, target
10699 architecture, and target memory layout, this manual cannot provide
10700 portable sample code demonstrating @value{GDBN}'s overlay support.
10701
10702 However, the @value{GDBN} source distribution does contain an overlaid
10703 program, with linker scripts for a few systems, as part of its test
10704 suite. The program consists of the following files from
10705 @file{gdb/testsuite/gdb.base}:
10706
10707 @table @file
10708 @item overlays.c
10709 The main program file.
10710 @item ovlymgr.c
10711 A simple overlay manager, used by @file{overlays.c}.
10712 @item foo.c
10713 @itemx bar.c
10714 @itemx baz.c
10715 @itemx grbx.c
10716 Overlay modules, loaded and used by @file{overlays.c}.
10717 @item d10v.ld
10718 @itemx m32r.ld
10719 Linker scripts for linking the test program on the @code{d10v-elf}
10720 and @code{m32r-elf} targets.
10721 @end table
10722
10723 You can build the test program using the @code{d10v-elf} GCC
10724 cross-compiler like this:
10725
10726 @smallexample
10727 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c overlays.c
10728 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c ovlymgr.c
10729 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c foo.c
10730 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c bar.c
10731 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c baz.c
10732 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c grbx.c
10733 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g overlays.o ovlymgr.o foo.o bar.o \
10734 baz.o grbx.o -Wl,-Td10v.ld -o overlays
10735 @end smallexample
10736
10737 The build process is identical for any other architecture, except that
10738 you must substitute the appropriate compiler and linker script for the
10739 target system for @code{d10v-elf-gcc} and @code{d10v.ld}.
10740
10741
10742 @node Languages
10743 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages
10744 @cindex languages
10745
10746 Although programming languages generally have common aspects, they are
10747 rarely expressed in the same manner. For instance, in ANSI C,
10748 dereferencing a pointer @code{p} is accomplished by @code{*p}, but in
10749 Modula-2, it is accomplished by @code{p^}. Values can also be
10750 represented (and displayed) differently. Hex numbers in C appear as
10751 @samp{0x1ae}, while in Modula-2 they appear as @samp{1AEH}.
10752
10753 @cindex working language
10754 Language-specific information is built into @value{GDBN} for some languages,
10755 allowing you to express operations like the above in your program's
10756 native language, and allowing @value{GDBN} to output values in a manner
10757 consistent with the syntax of your program's native language. The
10758 language you use to build expressions is called the @dfn{working
10759 language}.
10760
10761 @menu
10762 * Setting:: Switching between source languages
10763 * Show:: Displaying the language
10764 * Checks:: Type and range checks
10765 * Supported Languages:: Supported languages
10766 * Unsupported Languages:: Unsupported languages
10767 @end menu
10768
10769 @node Setting
10770 @section Switching Between Source Languages
10771
10772 There are two ways to control the working language---either have @value{GDBN}
10773 set it automatically, or select it manually yourself. You can use the
10774 @code{set language} command for either purpose. On startup, @value{GDBN}
10775 defaults to setting the language automatically. The working language is
10776 used to determine how expressions you type are interpreted, how values
10777 are printed, etc.
10778
10779 In addition to the working language, every source file that
10780 @value{GDBN} knows about has its own working language. For some object
10781 file formats, the compiler might indicate which language a particular
10782 source file is in. However, most of the time @value{GDBN} infers the
10783 language from the name of the file. The language of a source file
10784 controls whether C@t{++} names are demangled---this way @code{backtrace} can
10785 show each frame appropriately for its own language. There is no way to
10786 set the language of a source file from within @value{GDBN}, but you can
10787 set the language associated with a filename extension. @xref{Show, ,
10788 Displaying the Language}.
10789
10790 This is most commonly a problem when you use a program, such
10791 as @code{cfront} or @code{f2c}, that generates C but is written in
10792 another language. In that case, make the
10793 program use @code{#line} directives in its C output; that way
10794 @value{GDBN} will know the correct language of the source code of the original
10795 program, and will display that source code, not the generated C code.
10796
10797 @menu
10798 * Filenames:: Filename extensions and languages.
10799 * Manually:: Setting the working language manually
10800 * Automatically:: Having @value{GDBN} infer the source language
10801 @end menu
10802
10803 @node Filenames
10804 @subsection List of Filename Extensions and Languages
10805
10806 If a source file name ends in one of the following extensions, then
10807 @value{GDBN} infers that its language is the one indicated.
10808
10809 @table @file
10810 @item .ada
10811 @itemx .ads
10812 @itemx .adb
10813 @itemx .a
10814 Ada source file.
10815
10816 @item .c
10817 C source file
10818
10819 @item .C
10820 @itemx .cc
10821 @itemx .cp
10822 @itemx .cpp
10823 @itemx .cxx
10824 @itemx .c++
10825 C@t{++} source file
10826
10827 @item .m
10828 Objective-C source file
10829
10830 @item .f
10831 @itemx .F
10832 Fortran source file
10833
10834 @item .mod
10835 Modula-2 source file
10836
10837 @item .s
10838 @itemx .S
10839 Assembler source file. This actually behaves almost like C, but
10840 @value{GDBN} does not skip over function prologues when stepping.
10841 @end table
10842
10843 In addition, you may set the language associated with a filename
10844 extension. @xref{Show, , Displaying the Language}.
10845
10846 @node Manually
10847 @subsection Setting the Working Language
10848
10849 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically,
10850 expressions are interpreted the same way in your debugging session and
10851 your program.
10852
10853 @kindex set language
10854 If you wish, you may set the language manually. To do this, issue the
10855 command @samp{set language @var{lang}}, where @var{lang} is the name of
10856 a language, such as
10857 @code{c} or @code{modula-2}.
10858 For a list of the supported languages, type @samp{set language}.
10859
10860 Setting the language manually prevents @value{GDBN} from updating the working
10861 language automatically. This can lead to confusion if you try
10862 to debug a program when the working language is not the same as the
10863 source language, when an expression is acceptable to both
10864 languages---but means different things. For instance, if the current
10865 source file were written in C, and @value{GDBN} was parsing Modula-2, a
10866 command such as:
10867
10868 @smallexample
10869 print a = b + c
10870 @end smallexample
10871
10872 @noindent
10873 might not have the effect you intended. In C, this means to add
10874 @code{b} and @code{c} and place the result in @code{a}. The result
10875 printed would be the value of @code{a}. In Modula-2, this means to compare
10876 @code{a} to the result of @code{b+c}, yielding a @code{BOOLEAN} value.
10877
10878 @node Automatically
10879 @subsection Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language
10880
10881 To have @value{GDBN} set the working language automatically, use
10882 @samp{set language local} or @samp{set language auto}. @value{GDBN}
10883 then infers the working language. That is, when your program stops in a
10884 frame (usually by encountering a breakpoint), @value{GDBN} sets the
10885 working language to the language recorded for the function in that
10886 frame. If the language for a frame is unknown (that is, if the function
10887 or block corresponding to the frame was defined in a source file that
10888 does not have a recognized extension), the current working language is
10889 not changed, and @value{GDBN} issues a warning.
10890
10891 This may not seem necessary for most programs, which are written
10892 entirely in one source language. However, program modules and libraries
10893 written in one source language can be used by a main program written in
10894 a different source language. Using @samp{set language auto} in this
10895 case frees you from having to set the working language manually.
10896
10897 @node Show
10898 @section Displaying the Language
10899
10900 The following commands help you find out which language is the
10901 working language, and also what language source files were written in.
10902
10903 @table @code
10904 @item show language
10905 @kindex show language
10906 Display the current working language. This is the
10907 language you can use with commands such as @code{print} to
10908 build and compute expressions that may involve variables in your program.
10909
10910 @item info frame
10911 @kindex info frame@r{, show the source language}
10912 Display the source language for this frame. This language becomes the
10913 working language if you use an identifier from this frame.
10914 @xref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}, to identify the other
10915 information listed here.
10916
10917 @item info source
10918 @kindex info source@r{, show the source language}
10919 Display the source language of this source file.
10920 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}, to identify the other
10921 information listed here.
10922 @end table
10923
10924 In unusual circumstances, you may have source files with extensions
10925 not in the standard list. You can then set the extension associated
10926 with a language explicitly:
10927
10928 @table @code
10929 @item set extension-language @var{ext} @var{language}
10930 @kindex set extension-language
10931 Tell @value{GDBN} that source files with extension @var{ext} are to be
10932 assumed as written in the source language @var{language}.
10933
10934 @item info extensions
10935 @kindex info extensions
10936 List all the filename extensions and the associated languages.
10937 @end table
10938
10939 @node Checks
10940 @section Type and Range Checking
10941
10942 @quotation
10943 @emph{Warning:} In this release, the @value{GDBN} commands for type and range
10944 checking are included, but they do not yet have any effect. This
10945 section documents the intended facilities.
10946 @end quotation
10947 @c FIXME remove warning when type/range code added
10948
10949 Some languages are designed to guard you against making seemingly common
10950 errors through a series of compile- and run-time checks. These include
10951 checking the type of arguments to functions and operators, and making
10952 sure mathematical overflows are caught at run time. Checks such as
10953 these help to ensure a program's correctness once it has been compiled
10954 by eliminating type mismatches, and providing active checks for range
10955 errors when your program is running.
10956
10957 @value{GDBN} can check for conditions like the above if you wish.
10958 Although @value{GDBN} does not check the statements in your program,
10959 it can check expressions entered directly into @value{GDBN} for
10960 evaluation via the @code{print} command, for example. As with the
10961 working language, @value{GDBN} can also decide whether or not to check
10962 automatically based on your program's source language.
10963 @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default
10964 settings of supported languages.
10965
10966 @menu
10967 * Type Checking:: An overview of type checking
10968 * Range Checking:: An overview of range checking
10969 @end menu
10970
10971 @cindex type checking
10972 @cindex checks, type
10973 @node Type Checking
10974 @subsection An Overview of Type Checking
10975
10976 Some languages, such as Modula-2, are strongly typed, meaning that the
10977 arguments to operators and functions have to be of the correct type,
10978 otherwise an error occurs. These checks prevent type mismatch
10979 errors from ever causing any run-time problems. For example,
10980
10981 @smallexample
10982 1 + 2 @result{} 3
10983 @exdent but
10984 @error{} 1 + 2.3
10985 @end smallexample
10986
10987 The second example fails because the @code{CARDINAL} 1 is not
10988 type-compatible with the @code{REAL} 2.3.
10989
10990 For the expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell the
10991 @value{GDBN} type checker to skip checking;
10992 to treat any mismatches as errors and abandon the expression;
10993 or to only issue warnings when type mismatches occur,
10994 but evaluate the expression anyway. When you choose the last of
10995 these, @value{GDBN} evaluates expressions like the second example above, but
10996 also issues a warning.
10997
10998 Even if you turn type checking off, there may be other reasons
10999 related to type that prevent @value{GDBN} from evaluating an expression.
11000 For instance, @value{GDBN} does not know how to add an @code{int} and
11001 a @code{struct foo}. These particular type errors have nothing to do
11002 with the language in use, and usually arise from expressions, such as
11003 the one described above, which make little sense to evaluate anyway.
11004
11005 Each language defines to what degree it is strict about type. For
11006 instance, both Modula-2 and C require the arguments to arithmetical
11007 operators to be numbers. In C, enumerated types and pointers can be
11008 represented as numbers, so that they are valid arguments to mathematical
11009 operators. @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for further
11010 details on specific languages.
11011
11012 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling the type checker:
11013
11014 @kindex set check type
11015 @kindex show check type
11016 @table @code
11017 @item set check type auto
11018 Set type checking on or off based on the current working language.
11019 @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default settings for
11020 each language.
11021
11022 @item set check type on
11023 @itemx set check type off
11024 Set type checking on or off, overriding the default setting for the
11025 current working language. Issue a warning if the setting does not
11026 match the language default. If any type mismatches occur in
11027 evaluating an expression while type checking is on, @value{GDBN} prints a
11028 message and aborts evaluation of the expression.
11029
11030 @item set check type warn
11031 Cause the type checker to issue warnings, but to always attempt to
11032 evaluate the expression. Evaluating the expression may still
11033 be impossible for other reasons. For example, @value{GDBN} cannot add
11034 numbers and structures.
11035
11036 @item show type
11037 Show the current setting of the type checker, and whether or not @value{GDBN}
11038 is setting it automatically.
11039 @end table
11040
11041 @cindex range checking
11042 @cindex checks, range
11043 @node Range Checking
11044 @subsection An Overview of Range Checking
11045
11046 In some languages (such as Modula-2), it is an error to exceed the
11047 bounds of a type; this is enforced with run-time checks. Such range
11048 checking is meant to ensure program correctness by making sure
11049 computations do not overflow, or indices on an array element access do
11050 not exceed the bounds of the array.
11051
11052 For expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell
11053 @value{GDBN} to treat range errors in one of three ways: ignore them,
11054 always treat them as errors and abandon the expression, or issue
11055 warnings but evaluate the expression anyway.
11056
11057 A range error can result from numerical overflow, from exceeding an
11058 array index bound, or when you type a constant that is not a member
11059 of any type. Some languages, however, do not treat overflows as an
11060 error. In many implementations of C, mathematical overflow causes the
11061 result to ``wrap around'' to lower values---for example, if @var{m} is
11062 the largest integer value, and @var{s} is the smallest, then
11063
11064 @smallexample
11065 @var{m} + 1 @result{} @var{s}
11066 @end smallexample
11067
11068 This, too, is specific to individual languages, and in some cases
11069 specific to individual compilers or machines. @xref{Supported Languages, ,
11070 Supported Languages}, for further details on specific languages.
11071
11072 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling the range checker:
11073
11074 @kindex set check range
11075 @kindex show check range
11076 @table @code
11077 @item set check range auto
11078 Set range checking on or off based on the current working language.
11079 @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default settings for
11080 each language.
11081
11082 @item set check range on
11083 @itemx set check range off
11084 Set range checking on or off, overriding the default setting for the
11085 current working language. A warning is issued if the setting does not
11086 match the language default. If a range error occurs and range checking is on,
11087 then a message is printed and evaluation of the expression is aborted.
11088
11089 @item set check range warn
11090 Output messages when the @value{GDBN} range checker detects a range error,
11091 but attempt to evaluate the expression anyway. Evaluating the
11092 expression may still be impossible for other reasons, such as accessing
11093 memory that the process does not own (a typical example from many Unix
11094 systems).
11095
11096 @item show range
11097 Show the current setting of the range checker, and whether or not it is
11098 being set automatically by @value{GDBN}.
11099 @end table
11100
11101 @node Supported Languages
11102 @section Supported Languages
11103
11104 @value{GDBN} supports C, C@t{++}, Objective-C, Fortran, Java, Pascal,
11105 assembly, Modula-2, and Ada.
11106 @c This is false ...
11107 Some @value{GDBN} features may be used in expressions regardless of the
11108 language you use: the @value{GDBN} @code{@@} and @code{::} operators,
11109 and the @samp{@{type@}addr} construct (@pxref{Expressions,
11110 ,Expressions}) can be used with the constructs of any supported
11111 language.
11112
11113 The following sections detail to what degree each source language is
11114 supported by @value{GDBN}. These sections are not meant to be language
11115 tutorials or references, but serve only as a reference guide to what the
11116 @value{GDBN} expression parser accepts, and what input and output
11117 formats should look like for different languages. There are many good
11118 books written on each of these languages; please look to these for a
11119 language reference or tutorial.
11120
11121 @menu
11122 * C:: C and C@t{++}
11123 * Objective-C:: Objective-C
11124 * Fortran:: Fortran
11125 * Pascal:: Pascal
11126 * Modula-2:: Modula-2
11127 * Ada:: Ada
11128 @end menu
11129
11130 @node C
11131 @subsection C and C@t{++}
11132
11133 @cindex C and C@t{++}
11134 @cindex expressions in C or C@t{++}
11135
11136 Since C and C@t{++} are so closely related, many features of @value{GDBN} apply
11137 to both languages. Whenever this is the case, we discuss those languages
11138 together.
11139
11140 @cindex C@t{++}
11141 @cindex @code{g++}, @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler
11142 @cindex @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
11143 The C@t{++} debugging facilities are jointly implemented by the C@t{++}
11144 compiler and @value{GDBN}. Therefore, to debug your C@t{++} code
11145 effectively, you must compile your C@t{++} programs with a supported
11146 C@t{++} compiler, such as @sc{gnu} @code{g++}, or the HP ANSI C@t{++}
11147 compiler (@code{aCC}).
11148
11149 For best results when using @sc{gnu} C@t{++}, use the DWARF 2 debugging
11150 format; if it doesn't work on your system, try the stabs+ debugging
11151 format. You can select those formats explicitly with the @code{g++}
11152 command-line options @option{-gdwarf-2} and @option{-gstabs+}.
11153 @xref{Debugging Options,,Options for Debugging Your Program or GCC,
11154 gcc.info, Using the @sc{gnu} Compiler Collection (GCC)}.
11155
11156 @menu
11157 * C Operators:: C and C@t{++} operators
11158 * C Constants:: C and C@t{++} constants
11159 * C Plus Plus Expressions:: C@t{++} expressions
11160 * C Defaults:: Default settings for C and C@t{++}
11161 * C Checks:: C and C@t{++} type and range checks
11162 * Debugging C:: @value{GDBN} and C
11163 * Debugging C Plus Plus:: @value{GDBN} features for C@t{++}
11164 * Decimal Floating Point:: Numbers in Decimal Floating Point format
11165 @end menu
11166
11167 @node C Operators
11168 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Operators
11169
11170 @cindex C and C@t{++} operators
11171
11172 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
11173 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
11174 often defined on groups of types.
11175
11176 For the purposes of C and C@t{++}, the following definitions hold:
11177
11178 @itemize @bullet
11179
11180 @item
11181 @emph{Integral types} include @code{int} with any of its storage-class
11182 specifiers; @code{char}; @code{enum}; and, for C@t{++}, @code{bool}.
11183
11184 @item
11185 @emph{Floating-point types} include @code{float}, @code{double}, and
11186 @code{long double} (if supported by the target platform).
11187
11188 @item
11189 @emph{Pointer types} include all types defined as @code{(@var{type} *)}.
11190
11191 @item
11192 @emph{Scalar types} include all of the above.
11193
11194 @end itemize
11195
11196 @noindent
11197 The following operators are supported. They are listed here
11198 in order of increasing precedence:
11199
11200 @table @code
11201 @item ,
11202 The comma or sequencing operator. Expressions in a comma-separated list
11203 are evaluated from left to right, with the result of the entire
11204 expression being the last expression evaluated.
11205
11206 @item =
11207 Assignment. The value of an assignment expression is the value
11208 assigned. Defined on scalar types.
11209
11210 @item @var{op}=
11211 Used in an expression of the form @w{@code{@var{a} @var{op}= @var{b}}},
11212 and translated to @w{@code{@var{a} = @var{a op b}}}.
11213 @w{@code{@var{op}=}} and @code{=} have the same precedence.
11214 @var{op} is any one of the operators @code{|}, @code{^}, @code{&},
11215 @code{<<}, @code{>>}, @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{%}.
11216
11217 @item ?:
11218 The ternary operator. @code{@var{a} ? @var{b} : @var{c}} can be thought
11219 of as: if @var{a} then @var{b} else @var{c}. @var{a} should be of an
11220 integral type.
11221
11222 @item ||
11223 Logical @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
11224
11225 @item &&
11226 Logical @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
11227
11228 @item |
11229 Bitwise @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
11230
11231 @item ^
11232 Bitwise exclusive-@sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
11233
11234 @item &
11235 Bitwise @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
11236
11237 @item ==@r{, }!=
11238 Equality and inequality. Defined on scalar types. The value of these
11239 expressions is 0 for false and non-zero for true.
11240
11241 @item <@r{, }>@r{, }<=@r{, }>=
11242 Less than, greater than, less than or equal, greater than or equal.
11243 Defined on scalar types. The value of these expressions is 0 for false
11244 and non-zero for true.
11245
11246 @item <<@r{, }>>
11247 left shift, and right shift. Defined on integral types.
11248
11249 @item @@
11250 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
11251
11252 @item +@r{, }-
11253 Addition and subtraction. Defined on integral types, floating-point types and
11254 pointer types.
11255
11256 @item *@r{, }/@r{, }%
11257 Multiplication, division, and modulus. Multiplication and division are
11258 defined on integral and floating-point types. Modulus is defined on
11259 integral types.
11260
11261 @item ++@r{, }--
11262 Increment and decrement. When appearing before a variable, the
11263 operation is performed before the variable is used in an expression;
11264 when appearing after it, the variable's value is used before the
11265 operation takes place.
11266
11267 @item *
11268 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types. Same precedence as
11269 @code{++}.
11270
11271 @item &
11272 Address operator. Defined on variables. Same precedence as @code{++}.
11273
11274 For debugging C@t{++}, @value{GDBN} implements a use of @samp{&} beyond what is
11275 allowed in the C@t{++} language itself: you can use @samp{&(&@var{ref})}
11276 to examine the address
11277 where a C@t{++} reference variable (declared with @samp{&@var{ref}}) is
11278 stored.
11279
11280 @item -
11281 Negative. Defined on integral and floating-point types. Same
11282 precedence as @code{++}.
11283
11284 @item !
11285 Logical negation. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
11286 @code{++}.
11287
11288 @item ~
11289 Bitwise complement operator. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
11290 @code{++}.
11291
11292
11293 @item .@r{, }->
11294 Structure member, and pointer-to-structure member. For convenience,
11295 @value{GDBN} regards the two as equivalent, choosing whether to dereference a
11296 pointer based on the stored type information.
11297 Defined on @code{struct} and @code{union} data.
11298
11299 @item .*@r{, }->*
11300 Dereferences of pointers to members.
11301
11302 @item []
11303 Array indexing. @code{@var{a}[@var{i}]} is defined as
11304 @code{*(@var{a}+@var{i})}. Same precedence as @code{->}.
11305
11306 @item ()
11307 Function parameter list. Same precedence as @code{->}.
11308
11309 @item ::
11310 C@t{++} scope resolution operator. Defined on @code{struct}, @code{union},
11311 and @code{class} types.
11312
11313 @item ::
11314 Doubled colons also represent the @value{GDBN} scope operator
11315 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). Same precedence as @code{::},
11316 above.
11317 @end table
11318
11319 If an operator is redefined in the user code, @value{GDBN} usually
11320 attempts to invoke the redefined version instead of using the operator's
11321 predefined meaning.
11322
11323 @node C Constants
11324 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Constants
11325
11326 @cindex C and C@t{++} constants
11327
11328 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of C and C@t{++} in the
11329 following ways:
11330
11331 @itemize @bullet
11332 @item
11333 Integer constants are a sequence of digits. Octal constants are
11334 specified by a leading @samp{0} (i.e.@: zero), and hexadecimal constants
11335 by a leading @samp{0x} or @samp{0X}. Constants may also end with a letter
11336 @samp{l}, specifying that the constant should be treated as a
11337 @code{long} value.
11338
11339 @item
11340 Floating point constants are a sequence of digits, followed by a decimal
11341 point, followed by a sequence of digits, and optionally followed by an
11342 exponent. An exponent is of the form:
11343 @samp{@w{e@r{[[}+@r{]|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}}, where @var{nnn} is another
11344 sequence of digits. The @samp{+} is optional for positive exponents.
11345 A floating-point constant may also end with a letter @samp{f} or
11346 @samp{F}, specifying that the constant should be treated as being of
11347 the @code{float} (as opposed to the default @code{double}) type; or with
11348 a letter @samp{l} or @samp{L}, which specifies a @code{long double}
11349 constant.
11350
11351 @item
11352 Enumerated constants consist of enumerated identifiers, or their
11353 integral equivalents.
11354
11355 @item
11356 Character constants are a single character surrounded by single quotes
11357 (@code{'}), or a number---the ordinal value of the corresponding character
11358 (usually its @sc{ascii} value). Within quotes, the single character may
11359 be represented by a letter or by @dfn{escape sequences}, which are of
11360 the form @samp{\@var{nnn}}, where @var{nnn} is the octal representation
11361 of the character's ordinal value; or of the form @samp{\@var{x}}, where
11362 @samp{@var{x}} is a predefined special character---for example,
11363 @samp{\n} for newline.
11364
11365 @item
11366 String constants are a sequence of character constants surrounded by
11367 double quotes (@code{"}). Any valid character constant (as described
11368 above) may appear. Double quotes within the string must be preceded by
11369 a backslash, so for instance @samp{"a\"b'c"} is a string of five
11370 characters.
11371
11372 @item
11373 Pointer constants are an integral value. You can also write pointers
11374 to constants using the C operator @samp{&}.
11375
11376 @item
11377 Array constants are comma-separated lists surrounded by braces @samp{@{}
11378 and @samp{@}}; for example, @samp{@{1,2,3@}} is a three-element array of
11379 integers, @samp{@{@{1,2@}, @{3,4@}, @{5,6@}@}} is a three-by-two array,
11380 and @samp{@{&"hi", &"there", &"fred"@}} is a three-element array of pointers.
11381 @end itemize
11382
11383 @node C Plus Plus Expressions
11384 @subsubsection C@t{++} Expressions
11385
11386 @cindex expressions in C@t{++}
11387 @value{GDBN} expression handling can interpret most C@t{++} expressions.
11388
11389 @cindex debugging C@t{++} programs
11390 @cindex C@t{++} compilers
11391 @cindex debug formats and C@t{++}
11392 @cindex @value{NGCC} and C@t{++}
11393 @quotation
11394 @emph{Warning:} @value{GDBN} can only debug C@t{++} code if you use the
11395 proper compiler and the proper debug format. Currently, @value{GDBN}
11396 works best when debugging C@t{++} code that is compiled with
11397 @value{NGCC} 2.95.3 or with @value{NGCC} 3.1 or newer, using the options
11398 @option{-gdwarf-2} or @option{-gstabs+}. DWARF 2 is preferred over
11399 stabs+. Most configurations of @value{NGCC} emit either DWARF 2 or
11400 stabs+ as their default debug format, so you usually don't need to
11401 specify a debug format explicitly. Other compilers and/or debug formats
11402 are likely to work badly or not at all when using @value{GDBN} to debug
11403 C@t{++} code.
11404 @end quotation
11405
11406 @enumerate
11407
11408 @cindex member functions
11409 @item
11410 Member function calls are allowed; you can use expressions like
11411
11412 @smallexample
11413 count = aml->GetOriginal(x, y)
11414 @end smallexample
11415
11416 @vindex this@r{, inside C@t{++} member functions}
11417 @cindex namespace in C@t{++}
11418 @item
11419 While a member function is active (in the selected stack frame), your
11420 expressions have the same namespace available as the member function;
11421 that is, @value{GDBN} allows implicit references to the class instance
11422 pointer @code{this} following the same rules as C@t{++}.
11423
11424 @cindex call overloaded functions
11425 @cindex overloaded functions, calling
11426 @cindex type conversions in C@t{++}
11427 @item
11428 You can call overloaded functions; @value{GDBN} resolves the function
11429 call to the right definition, with some restrictions. @value{GDBN} does not
11430 perform overload resolution involving user-defined type conversions,
11431 calls to constructors, or instantiations of templates that do not exist
11432 in the program. It also cannot handle ellipsis argument lists or
11433 default arguments.
11434
11435 It does perform integral conversions and promotions, floating-point
11436 promotions, arithmetic conversions, pointer conversions, conversions of
11437 class objects to base classes, and standard conversions such as those of
11438 functions or arrays to pointers; it requires an exact match on the
11439 number of function arguments.
11440
11441 Overload resolution is always performed, unless you have specified
11442 @code{set overload-resolution off}. @xref{Debugging C Plus Plus,
11443 ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
11444
11445 You must specify @code{set overload-resolution off} in order to use an
11446 explicit function signature to call an overloaded function, as in
11447 @smallexample
11448 p 'foo(char,int)'('x', 13)
11449 @end smallexample
11450
11451 The @value{GDBN} command-completion facility can simplify this;
11452 see @ref{Completion, ,Command Completion}.
11453
11454 @cindex reference declarations
11455 @item
11456 @value{GDBN} understands variables declared as C@t{++} references; you can use
11457 them in expressions just as you do in C@t{++} source---they are automatically
11458 dereferenced.
11459
11460 In the parameter list shown when @value{GDBN} displays a frame, the values of
11461 reference variables are not displayed (unlike other variables); this
11462 avoids clutter, since references are often used for large structures.
11463 The @emph{address} of a reference variable is always shown, unless
11464 you have specified @samp{set print address off}.
11465
11466 @item
11467 @value{GDBN} supports the C@t{++} name resolution operator @code{::}---your
11468 expressions can use it just as expressions in your program do. Since
11469 one scope may be defined in another, you can use @code{::} repeatedly if
11470 necessary, for example in an expression like
11471 @samp{@var{scope1}::@var{scope2}::@var{name}}. @value{GDBN} also allows
11472 resolving name scope by reference to source files, in both C and C@t{++}
11473 debugging (@pxref{Variables, ,Program Variables}).
11474 @end enumerate
11475
11476 In addition, when used with HP's C@t{++} compiler, @value{GDBN} supports
11477 calling virtual functions correctly, printing out virtual bases of
11478 objects, calling functions in a base subobject, casting objects, and
11479 invoking user-defined operators.
11480
11481 @node C Defaults
11482 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Defaults
11483
11484 @cindex C and C@t{++} defaults
11485
11486 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set type and range checking automatically, they
11487 both default to @code{off} whenever the working language changes to
11488 C or C@t{++}. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
11489 selects the working language.
11490
11491 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, it
11492 recognizes source files whose names end with @file{.c}, @file{.C}, or
11493 @file{.cc}, etc, and when @value{GDBN} enters code compiled from one of
11494 these files, it sets the working language to C or C@t{++}.
11495 @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language},
11496 for further details.
11497
11498 @c Type checking is (a) primarily motivated by Modula-2, and (b)
11499 @c unimplemented. If (b) changes, it might make sense to let this node
11500 @c appear even if Mod-2 does not, but meanwhile ignore it. roland 16jul93.
11501
11502 @node C Checks
11503 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Type and Range Checks
11504
11505 @cindex C and C@t{++} checks
11506
11507 By default, when @value{GDBN} parses C or C@t{++} expressions, type checking
11508 is not used. However, if you turn type checking on, @value{GDBN}
11509 considers two variables type equivalent if:
11510
11511 @itemize @bullet
11512 @item
11513 The two variables are structured and have the same structure, union, or
11514 enumerated tag.
11515
11516 @item
11517 The two variables have the same type name, or types that have been
11518 declared equivalent through @code{typedef}.
11519
11520 @ignore
11521 @c leaving this out because neither J Gilmore nor R Pesch understand it.
11522 @c FIXME--beers?
11523 @item
11524 The two @code{struct}, @code{union}, or @code{enum} variables are
11525 declared in the same declaration. (Note: this may not be true for all C
11526 compilers.)
11527 @end ignore
11528 @end itemize
11529
11530 Range checking, if turned on, is done on mathematical operations. Array
11531 indices are not checked, since they are often used to index a pointer
11532 that is not itself an array.
11533
11534 @node Debugging C
11535 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and C
11536
11537 The @code{set print union} and @code{show print union} commands apply to
11538 the @code{union} type. When set to @samp{on}, any @code{union} that is
11539 inside a @code{struct} or @code{class} is also printed. Otherwise, it
11540 appears as @samp{@{...@}}.
11541
11542 The @code{@@} operator aids in the debugging of dynamic arrays, formed
11543 with pointers and a memory allocation function. @xref{Expressions,
11544 ,Expressions}.
11545
11546 @node Debugging C Plus Plus
11547 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}
11548
11549 @cindex commands for C@t{++}
11550
11551 Some @value{GDBN} commands are particularly useful with C@t{++}, and some are
11552 designed specifically for use with C@t{++}. Here is a summary:
11553
11554 @table @code
11555 @cindex break in overloaded functions
11556 @item @r{breakpoint menus}
11557 When you want a breakpoint in a function whose name is overloaded,
11558 @value{GDBN} has the capability to display a menu of possible breakpoint
11559 locations to help you specify which function definition you want.
11560 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}.
11561
11562 @cindex overloading in C@t{++}
11563 @item rbreak @var{regex}
11564 Setting breakpoints using regular expressions is helpful for setting
11565 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
11566 classes.
11567 @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
11568
11569 @cindex C@t{++} exception handling
11570 @item catch throw
11571 @itemx catch catch
11572 Debug C@t{++} exception handling using these commands. @xref{Set
11573 Catchpoints, , Setting Catchpoints}.
11574
11575 @cindex inheritance
11576 @item ptype @var{typename}
11577 Print inheritance relationships as well as other information for type
11578 @var{typename}.
11579 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}.
11580
11581 @cindex C@t{++} symbol display
11582 @item set print demangle
11583 @itemx show print demangle
11584 @itemx set print asm-demangle
11585 @itemx show print asm-demangle
11586 Control whether C@t{++} symbols display in their source form, both when
11587 displaying code as C@t{++} source and when displaying disassemblies.
11588 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
11589
11590 @item set print object
11591 @itemx show print object
11592 Choose whether to print derived (actual) or declared types of objects.
11593 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
11594
11595 @item set print vtbl
11596 @itemx show print vtbl
11597 Control the format for printing virtual function tables.
11598 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
11599 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
11600 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
11601
11602 @kindex set overload-resolution
11603 @cindex overloaded functions, overload resolution
11604 @item set overload-resolution on
11605 Enable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. The default
11606 is on. For overloaded functions, @value{GDBN} evaluates the arguments
11607 and searches for a function whose signature matches the argument types,
11608 using the standard C@t{++} conversion rules (see @ref{C Plus Plus
11609 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}, for details).
11610 If it cannot find a match, it emits a message.
11611
11612 @item set overload-resolution off
11613 Disable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. For
11614 overloaded functions that are not class member functions, @value{GDBN}
11615 chooses the first function of the specified name that it finds in the
11616 symbol table, whether or not its arguments are of the correct type. For
11617 overloaded functions that are class member functions, @value{GDBN}
11618 searches for a function whose signature @emph{exactly} matches the
11619 argument types.
11620
11621 @kindex show overload-resolution
11622 @item show overload-resolution
11623 Show the current setting of overload resolution.
11624
11625 @item @r{Overloaded symbol names}
11626 You can specify a particular definition of an overloaded symbol, using
11627 the same notation that is used to declare such symbols in C@t{++}: type
11628 @code{@var{symbol}(@var{types})} rather than just @var{symbol}. You can
11629 also use the @value{GDBN} command-line word completion facilities to list the
11630 available choices, or to finish the type list for you.
11631 @xref{Completion,, Command Completion}, for details on how to do this.
11632 @end table
11633
11634 @node Decimal Floating Point
11635 @subsubsection Decimal Floating Point format
11636 @cindex decimal floating point format
11637
11638 @value{GDBN} can examine, set and perform computations with numbers in
11639 decimal floating point format, which in the C language correspond to the
11640 @code{_Decimal32}, @code{_Decimal64} and @code{_Decimal128} types as
11641 specified by the extension to support decimal floating-point arithmetic.
11642
11643 There are two encodings in use, depending on the architecture: BID (Binary
11644 Integer Decimal) for x86 and x86-64, and DPD (Densely Packed Decimal) for
11645 PowerPC. @value{GDBN} will use the appropriate encoding for the configured
11646 target.
11647
11648 Because of a limitation in @file{libdecnumber}, the library used by @value{GDBN}
11649 to manipulate decimal floating point numbers, it is not possible to convert
11650 (using a cast, for example) integers wider than 32-bit to decimal float.
11651
11652 In addition, in order to imitate @value{GDBN}'s behaviour with binary floating
11653 point computations, error checking in decimal float operations ignores
11654 underflow, overflow and divide by zero exceptions.
11655
11656 In the PowerPC architecture, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers
11657 to inspect @code{_Decimal128} values stored in floating point registers.
11658 See @ref{PowerPC,,PowerPC} for more details.
11659
11660 @node Objective-C
11661 @subsection Objective-C
11662
11663 @cindex Objective-C
11664 This section provides information about some commands and command
11665 options that are useful for debugging Objective-C code. See also
11666 @ref{Symbols, info classes}, and @ref{Symbols, info selectors}, for a
11667 few more commands specific to Objective-C support.
11668
11669 @menu
11670 * Method Names in Commands::
11671 * The Print Command with Objective-C::
11672 @end menu
11673
11674 @node Method Names in Commands
11675 @subsubsection Method Names in Commands
11676
11677 The following commands have been extended to accept Objective-C method
11678 names as line specifications:
11679
11680 @kindex clear@r{, and Objective-C}
11681 @kindex break@r{, and Objective-C}
11682 @kindex info line@r{, and Objective-C}
11683 @kindex jump@r{, and Objective-C}
11684 @kindex list@r{, and Objective-C}
11685 @itemize
11686 @item @code{clear}
11687 @item @code{break}
11688 @item @code{info line}
11689 @item @code{jump}
11690 @item @code{list}
11691 @end itemize
11692
11693 A fully qualified Objective-C method name is specified as
11694
11695 @smallexample
11696 -[@var{Class} @var{methodName}]
11697 @end smallexample
11698
11699 where the minus sign is used to indicate an instance method and a
11700 plus sign (not shown) is used to indicate a class method. The class
11701 name @var{Class} and method name @var{methodName} are enclosed in
11702 brackets, similar to the way messages are specified in Objective-C
11703 source code. For example, to set a breakpoint at the @code{create}
11704 instance method of class @code{Fruit} in the program currently being
11705 debugged, enter:
11706
11707 @smallexample
11708 break -[Fruit create]
11709 @end smallexample
11710
11711 To list ten program lines around the @code{initialize} class method,
11712 enter:
11713
11714 @smallexample
11715 list +[NSText initialize]
11716 @end smallexample
11717
11718 In the current version of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus sign is
11719 required. In future versions of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus
11720 sign will be optional, but you can use it to narrow the search. It
11721 is also possible to specify just a method name:
11722
11723 @smallexample
11724 break create
11725 @end smallexample
11726
11727 You must specify the complete method name, including any colons. If
11728 your program's source files contain more than one @code{create} method,
11729 you'll be presented with a numbered list of classes that implement that
11730 method. Indicate your choice by number, or type @samp{0} to exit if
11731 none apply.
11732
11733 As another example, to clear a breakpoint established at the
11734 @code{makeKeyAndOrderFront:} method of the @code{NSWindow} class, enter:
11735
11736 @smallexample
11737 clear -[NSWindow makeKeyAndOrderFront:]
11738 @end smallexample
11739
11740 @node The Print Command with Objective-C
11741 @subsubsection The Print Command With Objective-C
11742 @cindex Objective-C, print objects
11743 @kindex print-object
11744 @kindex po @r{(@code{print-object})}
11745
11746 The print command has also been extended to accept methods. For example:
11747
11748 @smallexample
11749 print -[@var{object} hash]
11750 @end smallexample
11751
11752 @cindex print an Objective-C object description
11753 @cindex @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, and printing Objective-C objects
11754 @noindent
11755 will tell @value{GDBN} to send the @code{hash} message to @var{object}
11756 and print the result. Also, an additional command has been added,
11757 @code{print-object} or @code{po} for short, which is meant to print
11758 the description of an object. However, this command may only work
11759 with certain Objective-C libraries that have a particular hook
11760 function, @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, defined.
11761
11762 @node Fortran
11763 @subsection Fortran
11764 @cindex Fortran-specific support in @value{GDBN}
11765
11766 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, but it
11767 currently supports only the features of Fortran 77 language.
11768
11769 @cindex trailing underscore, in Fortran symbols
11770 Some Fortran compilers (@sc{gnu} Fortran 77 and Fortran 95 compilers
11771 among them) append an underscore to the names of variables and
11772 functions. When you debug programs compiled by those compilers, you
11773 will need to refer to variables and functions with a trailing
11774 underscore.
11775
11776 @menu
11777 * Fortran Operators:: Fortran operators and expressions
11778 * Fortran Defaults:: Default settings for Fortran
11779 * Special Fortran Commands:: Special @value{GDBN} commands for Fortran
11780 @end menu
11781
11782 @node Fortran Operators
11783 @subsubsection Fortran Operators and Expressions
11784
11785 @cindex Fortran operators and expressions
11786
11787 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
11788 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on characters or other non-
11789 arithmetic types. Operators are often defined on groups of types.
11790
11791 @table @code
11792 @item **
11793 The exponentiation operator. It raises the first operand to the power
11794 of the second one.
11795
11796 @item :
11797 The range operator. Normally used in the form of array(low:high) to
11798 represent a section of array.
11799
11800 @item %
11801 The access component operator. Normally used to access elements in derived
11802 types. Also suitable for unions. As unions aren't part of regular Fortran,
11803 this can only happen when accessing a register that uses a gdbarch-defined
11804 union type.
11805 @end table
11806
11807 @node Fortran Defaults
11808 @subsubsection Fortran Defaults
11809
11810 @cindex Fortran Defaults
11811
11812 Fortran symbols are usually case-insensitive, so @value{GDBN} by
11813 default uses case-insensitive matches for Fortran symbols. You can
11814 change that with the @samp{set case-insensitive} command, see
11815 @ref{Symbols}, for the details.
11816
11817 @node Special Fortran Commands
11818 @subsubsection Special Fortran Commands
11819
11820 @cindex Special Fortran commands
11821
11822 @value{GDBN} has some commands to support Fortran-specific features,
11823 such as displaying common blocks.
11824
11825 @table @code
11826 @cindex @code{COMMON} blocks, Fortran
11827 @kindex info common
11828 @item info common @r{[}@var{common-name}@r{]}
11829 This command prints the values contained in the Fortran @code{COMMON}
11830 block whose name is @var{common-name}. With no argument, the names of
11831 all @code{COMMON} blocks visible at the current program location are
11832 printed.
11833 @end table
11834
11835 @node Pascal
11836 @subsection Pascal
11837
11838 @cindex Pascal support in @value{GDBN}, limitations
11839 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
11840 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
11841 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
11842 syntax.
11843
11844 The Pascal-specific command @code{set print pascal_static-members}
11845 controls whether static members of Pascal objects are displayed.
11846 @xref{Print Settings, pascal_static-members}.
11847
11848 @node Modula-2
11849 @subsection Modula-2
11850
11851 @cindex Modula-2, @value{GDBN} support
11852
11853 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} to support Modula-2 only support
11854 output from the @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler (which is currently being
11855 developed). Other Modula-2 compilers are not currently supported, and
11856 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
11857 to give an error as @value{GDBN} reads in the executable's symbol
11858 table.
11859
11860 @cindex expressions in Modula-2
11861 @menu
11862 * M2 Operators:: Built-in operators
11863 * Built-In Func/Proc:: Built-in functions and procedures
11864 * M2 Constants:: Modula-2 constants
11865 * M2 Types:: Modula-2 types
11866 * M2 Defaults:: Default settings for Modula-2
11867 * Deviations:: Deviations from standard Modula-2
11868 * M2 Checks:: Modula-2 type and range checks
11869 * M2 Scope:: The scope operators @code{::} and @code{.}
11870 * GDB/M2:: @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
11871 @end menu
11872
11873 @node M2 Operators
11874 @subsubsection Operators
11875 @cindex Modula-2 operators
11876
11877 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
11878 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
11879 often defined on groups of types. For the purposes of Modula-2, the
11880 following definitions hold:
11881
11882 @itemize @bullet
11883
11884 @item
11885 @emph{Integral types} consist of @code{INTEGER}, @code{CARDINAL}, and
11886 their subranges.
11887
11888 @item
11889 @emph{Character types} consist of @code{CHAR} and its subranges.
11890
11891 @item
11892 @emph{Floating-point types} consist of @code{REAL}.
11893
11894 @item
11895 @emph{Pointer types} consist of anything declared as @code{POINTER TO
11896 @var{type}}.
11897
11898 @item
11899 @emph{Scalar types} consist of all of the above.
11900
11901 @item
11902 @emph{Set types} consist of @code{SET} and @code{BITSET} types.
11903
11904 @item
11905 @emph{Boolean types} consist of @code{BOOLEAN}.
11906 @end itemize
11907
11908 @noindent
11909 The following operators are supported, and appear in order of
11910 increasing precedence:
11911
11912 @table @code
11913 @item ,
11914 Function argument or array index separator.
11915
11916 @item :=
11917 Assignment. The value of @var{var} @code{:=} @var{value} is
11918 @var{value}.
11919
11920 @item <@r{, }>
11921 Less than, greater than on integral, floating-point, or enumerated
11922 types.
11923
11924 @item <=@r{, }>=
11925 Less than or equal to, greater than or equal to
11926 on integral, floating-point and enumerated types, or set inclusion on
11927 set types. Same precedence as @code{<}.
11928
11929 @item =@r{, }<>@r{, }#
11930 Equality and two ways of expressing inequality, valid on scalar types.
11931 Same precedence as @code{<}. In @value{GDBN} scripts, only @code{<>} is
11932 available for inequality, since @code{#} conflicts with the script
11933 comment character.
11934
11935 @item IN
11936 Set membership. Defined on set types and the types of their members.
11937 Same precedence as @code{<}.
11938
11939 @item OR
11940 Boolean disjunction. Defined on boolean types.
11941
11942 @item AND@r{, }&
11943 Boolean conjunction. Defined on boolean types.
11944
11945 @item @@
11946 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
11947
11948 @item +@r{, }-
11949 Addition and subtraction on integral and floating-point types, or union
11950 and difference on set types.
11951
11952 @item *
11953 Multiplication on integral and floating-point types, or set intersection
11954 on set types.
11955
11956 @item /
11957 Division on floating-point types, or symmetric set difference on set
11958 types. Same precedence as @code{*}.
11959
11960 @item DIV@r{, }MOD
11961 Integer division and remainder. Defined on integral types. Same
11962 precedence as @code{*}.
11963
11964 @item -
11965 Negative. Defined on @code{INTEGER} and @code{REAL} data.
11966
11967 @item ^
11968 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types.
11969
11970 @item NOT
11971 Boolean negation. Defined on boolean types. Same precedence as
11972 @code{^}.
11973
11974 @item .
11975 @code{RECORD} field selector. Defined on @code{RECORD} data. Same
11976 precedence as @code{^}.
11977
11978 @item []
11979 Array indexing. Defined on @code{ARRAY} data. Same precedence as @code{^}.
11980
11981 @item ()
11982 Procedure argument list. Defined on @code{PROCEDURE} objects. Same precedence
11983 as @code{^}.
11984
11985 @item ::@r{, }.
11986 @value{GDBN} and Modula-2 scope operators.
11987 @end table
11988
11989 @quotation
11990 @emph{Warning:} Set expressions and their operations are not yet supported, so @value{GDBN}
11991 treats the use of the operator @code{IN}, or the use of operators
11992 @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{=}, , @code{<>}, @code{#},
11993 @code{<=}, and @code{>=} on sets as an error.
11994 @end quotation
11995
11996
11997 @node Built-In Func/Proc
11998 @subsubsection Built-in Functions and Procedures
11999 @cindex Modula-2 built-ins
12000
12001 Modula-2 also makes available several built-in procedures and functions.
12002 In describing these, the following metavariables are used:
12003
12004 @table @var
12005
12006 @item a
12007 represents an @code{ARRAY} variable.
12008
12009 @item c
12010 represents a @code{CHAR} constant or variable.
12011
12012 @item i
12013 represents a variable or constant of integral type.
12014
12015 @item m
12016 represents an identifier that belongs to a set. Generally used in the
12017 same function with the metavariable @var{s}. The type of @var{s} should
12018 be @code{SET OF @var{mtype}} (where @var{mtype} is the type of @var{m}).
12019
12020 @item n
12021 represents a variable or constant of integral or floating-point type.
12022
12023 @item r
12024 represents a variable or constant of floating-point type.
12025
12026 @item t
12027 represents a type.
12028
12029 @item v
12030 represents a variable.
12031
12032 @item x
12033 represents a variable or constant of one of many types. See the
12034 explanation of the function for details.
12035 @end table
12036
12037 All Modula-2 built-in procedures also return a result, described below.
12038
12039 @table @code
12040 @item ABS(@var{n})
12041 Returns the absolute value of @var{n}.
12042
12043 @item CAP(@var{c})
12044 If @var{c} is a lower case letter, it returns its upper case
12045 equivalent, otherwise it returns its argument.
12046
12047 @item CHR(@var{i})
12048 Returns the character whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
12049
12050 @item DEC(@var{v})
12051 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
12052
12053 @item DEC(@var{v},@var{i})
12054 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
12055 new value.
12056
12057 @item EXCL(@var{m},@var{s})
12058 Removes the element @var{m} from the set @var{s}. Returns the new
12059 set.
12060
12061 @item FLOAT(@var{i})
12062 Returns the floating point equivalent of the integer @var{i}.
12063
12064 @item HIGH(@var{a})
12065 Returns the index of the last member of @var{a}.
12066
12067 @item INC(@var{v})
12068 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
12069
12070 @item INC(@var{v},@var{i})
12071 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
12072 new value.
12073
12074 @item INCL(@var{m},@var{s})
12075 Adds the element @var{m} to the set @var{s} if it is not already
12076 there. Returns the new set.
12077
12078 @item MAX(@var{t})
12079 Returns the maximum value of the type @var{t}.
12080
12081 @item MIN(@var{t})
12082 Returns the minimum value of the type @var{t}.
12083
12084 @item ODD(@var{i})
12085 Returns boolean TRUE if @var{i} is an odd number.
12086
12087 @item ORD(@var{x})
12088 Returns the ordinal value of its argument. For example, the ordinal
12089 value of a character is its @sc{ascii} value (on machines supporting the
12090 @sc{ascii} character set). @var{x} must be of an ordered type, which include
12091 integral, character and enumerated types.
12092
12093 @item SIZE(@var{x})
12094 Returns the size of its argument. @var{x} can be a variable or a type.
12095
12096 @item TRUNC(@var{r})
12097 Returns the integral part of @var{r}.
12098
12099 @item TSIZE(@var{x})
12100 Returns the size of its argument. @var{x} can be a variable or a type.
12101
12102 @item VAL(@var{t},@var{i})
12103 Returns the member of the type @var{t} whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
12104 @end table
12105
12106 @quotation
12107 @emph{Warning:} Sets and their operations are not yet supported, so
12108 @value{GDBN} treats the use of procedures @code{INCL} and @code{EXCL} as
12109 an error.
12110 @end quotation
12111
12112 @cindex Modula-2 constants
12113 @node M2 Constants
12114 @subsubsection Constants
12115
12116 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of Modula-2 in the following
12117 ways:
12118
12119 @itemize @bullet
12120
12121 @item
12122 Integer constants are simply a sequence of digits. When used in an
12123 expression, a constant is interpreted to be type-compatible with the
12124 rest of the expression. Hexadecimal integers are specified by a
12125 trailing @samp{H}, and octal integers by a trailing @samp{B}.
12126
12127 @item
12128 Floating point constants appear as a sequence of digits, followed by a
12129 decimal point and another sequence of digits. An optional exponent can
12130 then be specified, in the form @samp{E@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}, where
12131 @samp{@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}} is the desired exponent. All of the
12132 digits of the floating point constant must be valid decimal (base 10)
12133 digits.
12134
12135 @item
12136 Character constants consist of a single character enclosed by a pair of
12137 like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}). They may
12138 also be expressed by their ordinal value (their @sc{ascii} value, usually)
12139 followed by a @samp{C}.
12140
12141 @item
12142 String constants consist of a sequence of characters enclosed by a
12143 pair of like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}).
12144 Escape sequences in the style of C are also allowed. @xref{C
12145 Constants, ,C and C@t{++} Constants}, for a brief explanation of escape
12146 sequences.
12147
12148 @item
12149 Enumerated constants consist of an enumerated identifier.
12150
12151 @item
12152 Boolean constants consist of the identifiers @code{TRUE} and
12153 @code{FALSE}.
12154
12155 @item
12156 Pointer constants consist of integral values only.
12157
12158 @item
12159 Set constants are not yet supported.
12160 @end itemize
12161
12162 @node M2 Types
12163 @subsubsection Modula-2 Types
12164 @cindex Modula-2 types
12165
12166 Currently @value{GDBN} can print the following data types in Modula-2
12167 syntax: array types, record types, set types, pointer types, procedure
12168 types, enumerated types, subrange types and base types. You can also
12169 print the contents of variables declared using these type.
12170 This section gives a number of simple source code examples together with
12171 sample @value{GDBN} sessions.
12172
12173 The first example contains the following section of code:
12174
12175 @smallexample
12176 VAR
12177 s: SET OF CHAR ;
12178 r: [20..40] ;
12179 @end smallexample
12180
12181 @noindent
12182 and you can request @value{GDBN} to interrogate the type and value of
12183 @code{r} and @code{s}.
12184
12185 @smallexample
12186 (@value{GDBP}) print s
12187 @{'A'..'C', 'Z'@}
12188 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
12189 SET OF CHAR
12190 (@value{GDBP}) print r
12191 21
12192 (@value{GDBP}) ptype r
12193 [20..40]
12194 @end smallexample
12195
12196 @noindent
12197 Likewise if your source code declares @code{s} as:
12198
12199 @smallexample
12200 VAR
12201 s: SET ['A'..'Z'] ;
12202 @end smallexample
12203
12204 @noindent
12205 then you may query the type of @code{s} by:
12206
12207 @smallexample
12208 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
12209 type = SET ['A'..'Z']
12210 @end smallexample
12211
12212 @noindent
12213 Note that at present you cannot interactively manipulate set
12214 expressions using the debugger.
12215
12216 The following example shows how you might declare an array in Modula-2
12217 and how you can interact with @value{GDBN} to print its type and contents:
12218
12219 @smallexample
12220 VAR
12221 s: ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR ;
12222 @end smallexample
12223
12224 @smallexample
12225 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
12226 ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR
12227 @end smallexample
12228
12229 Note that the array handling is not yet complete and although the type
12230 is printed correctly, expression handling still assumes that all
12231 arrays have a lower bound of zero and not @code{-10} as in the example
12232 above.
12233
12234 Here are some more type related Modula-2 examples:
12235
12236 @smallexample
12237 TYPE
12238 colour = (blue, red, yellow, green) ;
12239 t = [blue..yellow] ;
12240 VAR
12241 s: t ;
12242 BEGIN
12243 s := blue ;
12244 @end smallexample
12245
12246 @noindent
12247 The @value{GDBN} interaction shows how you can query the data type
12248 and value of a variable.
12249
12250 @smallexample
12251 (@value{GDBP}) print s
12252 $1 = blue
12253 (@value{GDBP}) ptype t
12254 type = [blue..yellow]
12255 @end smallexample
12256
12257 @noindent
12258 In this example a Modula-2 array is declared and its contents
12259 displayed. Observe that the contents are written in the same way as
12260 their @code{C} counterparts.
12261
12262 @smallexample
12263 VAR
12264 s: ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
12265 BEGIN
12266 s[1] := 1 ;
12267 @end smallexample
12268
12269 @smallexample
12270 (@value{GDBP}) print s
12271 $1 = @{1, 0, 0, 0, 0@}
12272 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
12273 type = ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
12274 @end smallexample
12275
12276 The Modula-2 language interface to @value{GDBN} also understands
12277 pointer types as shown in this example:
12278
12279 @smallexample
12280 VAR
12281 s: POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
12282 BEGIN
12283 NEW(s) ;
12284 s^[1] := 1 ;
12285 @end smallexample
12286
12287 @noindent
12288 and you can request that @value{GDBN} describes the type of @code{s}.
12289
12290 @smallexample
12291 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
12292 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
12293 @end smallexample
12294
12295 @value{GDBN} handles compound types as we can see in this example.
12296 Here we combine array types, record types, pointer types and subrange
12297 types:
12298
12299 @smallexample
12300 TYPE
12301 foo = RECORD
12302 f1: CARDINAL ;
12303 f2: CHAR ;
12304 f3: myarray ;
12305 END ;
12306
12307 myarray = ARRAY myrange OF CARDINAL ;
12308 myrange = [-2..2] ;
12309 VAR
12310 s: POINTER TO ARRAY myrange OF foo ;
12311 @end smallexample
12312
12313 @noindent
12314 and you can ask @value{GDBN} to describe the type of @code{s} as shown
12315 below.
12316
12317 @smallexample
12318 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
12319 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [-2..2] OF foo = RECORD
12320 f1 : CARDINAL;
12321 f2 : CHAR;
12322 f3 : ARRAY [-2..2] OF CARDINAL;
12323 END
12324 @end smallexample
12325
12326 @node M2 Defaults
12327 @subsubsection Modula-2 Defaults
12328 @cindex Modula-2 defaults
12329
12330 If type and range checking are set automatically by @value{GDBN}, they
12331 both default to @code{on} whenever the working language changes to
12332 Modula-2. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
12333 selected the working language.
12334
12335 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, then entering
12336 code compiled from a file whose name ends with @file{.mod} sets the
12337 working language to Modula-2. @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN}
12338 Infer the Source Language}, for further details.
12339
12340 @node Deviations
12341 @subsubsection Deviations from Standard Modula-2
12342 @cindex Modula-2, deviations from
12343
12344 A few changes have been made to make Modula-2 programs easier to debug.
12345 This is done primarily via loosening its type strictness:
12346
12347 @itemize @bullet
12348 @item
12349 Unlike in standard Modula-2, pointer constants can be formed by
12350 integers. This allows you to modify pointer variables during
12351 debugging. (In standard Modula-2, the actual address contained in a
12352 pointer variable is hidden from you; it can only be modified
12353 through direct assignment to another pointer variable or expression that
12354 returned a pointer.)
12355
12356 @item
12357 C escape sequences can be used in strings and characters to represent
12358 non-printable characters. @value{GDBN} prints out strings with these
12359 escape sequences embedded. Single non-printable characters are
12360 printed using the @samp{CHR(@var{nnn})} format.
12361
12362 @item
12363 The assignment operator (@code{:=}) returns the value of its right-hand
12364 argument.
12365
12366 @item
12367 All built-in procedures both modify @emph{and} return their argument.
12368 @end itemize
12369
12370 @node M2 Checks
12371 @subsubsection Modula-2 Type and Range Checks
12372 @cindex Modula-2 checks
12373
12374 @quotation
12375 @emph{Warning:} in this release, @value{GDBN} does not yet perform type or
12376 range checking.
12377 @end quotation
12378 @c FIXME remove warning when type/range checks added
12379
12380 @value{GDBN} considers two Modula-2 variables type equivalent if:
12381
12382 @itemize @bullet
12383 @item
12384 They are of types that have been declared equivalent via a @code{TYPE
12385 @var{t1} = @var{t2}} statement
12386
12387 @item
12388 They have been declared on the same line. (Note: This is true of the
12389 @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler, but it may not be true of other compilers.)
12390 @end itemize
12391
12392 As long as type checking is enabled, any attempt to combine variables
12393 whose types are not equivalent is an error.
12394
12395 Range checking is done on all mathematical operations, assignment, array
12396 index bounds, and all built-in functions and procedures.
12397
12398 @node M2 Scope
12399 @subsubsection The Scope Operators @code{::} and @code{.}
12400 @cindex scope
12401 @cindex @code{.}, Modula-2 scope operator
12402 @cindex colon, doubled as scope operator
12403 @ifinfo
12404 @vindex colon-colon@r{, in Modula-2}
12405 @c Info cannot handle :: but TeX can.
12406 @end ifinfo
12407 @ifnotinfo
12408 @vindex ::@r{, in Modula-2}
12409 @end ifnotinfo
12410
12411 There are a few subtle differences between the Modula-2 scope operator
12412 (@code{.}) and the @value{GDBN} scope operator (@code{::}). The two have
12413 similar syntax:
12414
12415 @smallexample
12416
12417 @var{module} . @var{id}
12418 @var{scope} :: @var{id}
12419 @end smallexample
12420
12421 @noindent
12422 where @var{scope} is the name of a module or a procedure,
12423 @var{module} the name of a module, and @var{id} is any declared
12424 identifier within your program, except another module.
12425
12426 Using the @code{::} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the scope
12427 specified by @var{scope} for the identifier @var{id}. If it is not
12428 found in the specified scope, then @value{GDBN} searches all scopes
12429 enclosing the one specified by @var{scope}.
12430
12431 Using the @code{.} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the current scope for
12432 the identifier specified by @var{id} that was imported from the
12433 definition module specified by @var{module}. With this operator, it is
12434 an error if the identifier @var{id} was not imported from definition
12435 module @var{module}, or if @var{id} is not an identifier in
12436 @var{module}.
12437
12438 @node GDB/M2
12439 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
12440
12441 Some @value{GDBN} commands have little use when debugging Modula-2 programs.
12442 Five subcommands of @code{set print} and @code{show print} apply
12443 specifically to C and C@t{++}: @samp{vtbl}, @samp{demangle},
12444 @samp{asm-demangle}, @samp{object}, and @samp{union}. The first four
12445 apply to C@t{++}, and the last to the C @code{union} type, which has no direct
12446 analogue in Modula-2.
12447
12448 The @code{@@} operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}), while available
12449 with any language, is not useful with Modula-2. Its
12450 intent is to aid the debugging of @dfn{dynamic arrays}, which cannot be
12451 created in Modula-2 as they can in C or C@t{++}. However, because an
12452 address can be specified by an integral constant, the construct
12453 @samp{@{@var{type}@}@var{adrexp}} is still useful.
12454
12455 @cindex @code{#} in Modula-2
12456 In @value{GDBN} scripts, the Modula-2 inequality operator @code{#} is
12457 interpreted as the beginning of a comment. Use @code{<>} instead.
12458
12459 @node Ada
12460 @subsection Ada
12461 @cindex Ada
12462
12463 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} for Ada only support
12464 output from the @sc{gnu} Ada (GNAT) compiler.
12465 Other Ada compilers are not currently supported, and
12466 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
12467 to be difficult.
12468
12469
12470 @cindex expressions in Ada
12471 @menu
12472 * Ada Mode Intro:: General remarks on the Ada syntax
12473 and semantics supported by Ada mode
12474 in @value{GDBN}.
12475 * Omissions from Ada:: Restrictions on the Ada expression syntax.
12476 * Additions to Ada:: Extensions of the Ada expression syntax.
12477 * Stopping Before Main Program:: Debugging the program during elaboration.
12478 * Ada Tasks:: Listing and setting breakpoints in tasks.
12479 * Ada Tasks and Core Files:: Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
12480 * Ada Glitches:: Known peculiarities of Ada mode.
12481 @end menu
12482
12483 @node Ada Mode Intro
12484 @subsubsection Introduction
12485 @cindex Ada mode, general
12486
12487 The Ada mode of @value{GDBN} supports a fairly large subset of Ada expression
12488 syntax, with some extensions.
12489 The philosophy behind the design of this subset is
12490
12491 @itemize @bullet
12492 @item
12493 That @value{GDBN} should provide basic literals and access to operations for
12494 arithmetic, dereferencing, field selection, indexing, and subprogram calls,
12495 leaving more sophisticated computations to subprograms written into the
12496 program (which therefore may be called from @value{GDBN}).
12497
12498 @item
12499 That type safety and strict adherence to Ada language restrictions
12500 are not particularly important to the @value{GDBN} user.
12501
12502 @item
12503 That brevity is important to the @value{GDBN} user.
12504 @end itemize
12505
12506 Thus, for brevity, the debugger acts as if all names declared in
12507 user-written packages are directly visible, even if they are not visible
12508 according to Ada rules, thus making it unnecessary to fully qualify most
12509 names with their packages, regardless of context. Where this causes
12510 ambiguity, @value{GDBN} asks the user's intent.
12511
12512 The debugger will start in Ada mode if it detects an Ada main program.
12513 As for other languages, it will enter Ada mode when stopped in a program that
12514 was translated from an Ada source file.
12515
12516 While in Ada mode, you may use `@t{--}' for comments. This is useful
12517 mostly for documenting command files. The standard @value{GDBN} comment
12518 (@samp{#}) still works at the beginning of a line in Ada mode, but not in the
12519 middle (to allow based literals).
12520
12521 The debugger supports limited overloading. Given a subprogram call in which
12522 the function symbol has multiple definitions, it will use the number of
12523 actual parameters and some information about their types to attempt to narrow
12524 the set of definitions. It also makes very limited use of context, preferring
12525 procedures to functions in the context of the @code{call} command, and
12526 functions to procedures elsewhere.
12527
12528 @node Omissions from Ada
12529 @subsubsection Omissions from Ada
12530 @cindex Ada, omissions from
12531
12532 Here are the notable omissions from the subset:
12533
12534 @itemize @bullet
12535 @item
12536 Only a subset of the attributes are supported:
12537
12538 @itemize @minus
12539 @item
12540 @t{'First}, @t{'Last}, and @t{'Length}
12541 on array objects (not on types and subtypes).
12542
12543 @item
12544 @t{'Min} and @t{'Max}.
12545
12546 @item
12547 @t{'Pos} and @t{'Val}.
12548
12549 @item
12550 @t{'Tag}.
12551
12552 @item
12553 @t{'Range} on array objects (not subtypes), but only as the right
12554 operand of the membership (@code{in}) operator.
12555
12556 @item
12557 @t{'Access}, @t{'Unchecked_Access}, and
12558 @t{'Unrestricted_Access} (a GNAT extension).
12559
12560 @item
12561 @t{'Address}.
12562 @end itemize
12563
12564 @item
12565 The names in
12566 @code{Characters.Latin_1} are not available and
12567 concatenation is not implemented. Thus, escape characters in strings are
12568 not currently available.
12569
12570 @item
12571 Equality tests (@samp{=} and @samp{/=}) on arrays test for bitwise
12572 equality of representations. They will generally work correctly
12573 for strings and arrays whose elements have integer or enumeration types.
12574 They may not work correctly for arrays whose element
12575 types have user-defined equality, for arrays of real values
12576 (in particular, IEEE-conformant floating point, because of negative
12577 zeroes and NaNs), and for arrays whose elements contain unused bits with
12578 indeterminate values.
12579
12580 @item
12581 The other component-by-component array operations (@code{and}, @code{or},
12582 @code{xor}, @code{not}, and relational tests other than equality)
12583 are not implemented.
12584
12585 @item
12586 @cindex array aggregates (Ada)
12587 @cindex record aggregates (Ada)
12588 @cindex aggregates (Ada)
12589 There is limited support for array and record aggregates. They are
12590 permitted only on the right sides of assignments, as in these examples:
12591
12592 @smallexample
12593 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
12594 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, others => 0)
12595 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (0|4 => 1, 1..3 => 2, 5 => 6)
12596 (@value{GDBP}) set A_2D_Array := ((1, 2, 3), (4, 5, 6), (7, 8, 9))
12597 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (1, "Peter", True);
12598 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (Name => "Peter", Id => 1, Alive => True)
12599 @end smallexample
12600
12601 Changing a
12602 discriminant's value by assigning an aggregate has an
12603 undefined effect if that discriminant is used within the record.
12604 However, you can first modify discriminants by directly assigning to
12605 them (which normally would not be allowed in Ada), and then performing an
12606 aggregate assignment. For example, given a variable @code{A_Rec}
12607 declared to have a type such as:
12608
12609 @smallexample
12610 type Rec (Len : Small_Integer := 0) is record
12611 Id : Integer;
12612 Vals : IntArray (1 .. Len);
12613 end record;
12614 @end smallexample
12615
12616 you can assign a value with a different size of @code{Vals} with two
12617 assignments:
12618
12619 @smallexample
12620 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec.Len := 4
12621 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec := (Id => 42, Vals => (1, 2, 3, 4))
12622 @end smallexample
12623
12624 As this example also illustrates, @value{GDBN} is very loose about the usual
12625 rules concerning aggregates. You may leave out some of the
12626 components of an array or record aggregate (such as the @code{Len}
12627 component in the assignment to @code{A_Rec} above); they will retain their
12628 original values upon assignment. You may freely use dynamic values as
12629 indices in component associations. You may even use overlapping or
12630 redundant component associations, although which component values are
12631 assigned in such cases is not defined.
12632
12633 @item
12634 Calls to dispatching subprograms are not implemented.
12635
12636 @item
12637 The overloading algorithm is much more limited (i.e., less selective)
12638 than that of real Ada. It makes only limited use of the context in
12639 which a subexpression appears to resolve its meaning, and it is much
12640 looser in its rules for allowing type matches. As a result, some
12641 function calls will be ambiguous, and the user will be asked to choose
12642 the proper resolution.
12643
12644 @item
12645 The @code{new} operator is not implemented.
12646
12647 @item
12648 Entry calls are not implemented.
12649
12650 @item
12651 Aside from printing, arithmetic operations on the native VAX floating-point
12652 formats are not supported.
12653
12654 @item
12655 It is not possible to slice a packed array.
12656
12657 @item
12658 The names @code{True} and @code{False}, when not part of a qualified name,
12659 are interpreted as if implicitly prefixed by @code{Standard}, regardless of
12660 context.
12661 Should your program
12662 redefine these names in a package or procedure (at best a dubious practice),
12663 you will have to use fully qualified names to access their new definitions.
12664 @end itemize
12665
12666 @node Additions to Ada
12667 @subsubsection Additions to Ada
12668 @cindex Ada, deviations from
12669
12670 As it does for other languages, @value{GDBN} makes certain generic
12671 extensions to Ada (@pxref{Expressions}):
12672
12673 @itemize @bullet
12674 @item
12675 If the expression @var{E} is a variable residing in memory (typically
12676 a local variable or array element) and @var{N} is a positive integer,
12677 then @code{@var{E}@@@var{N}} displays the values of @var{E} and the
12678 @var{N}-1 adjacent variables following it in memory as an array. In
12679 Ada, this operator is generally not necessary, since its prime use is
12680 in displaying parts of an array, and slicing will usually do this in
12681 Ada. However, there are occasional uses when debugging programs in
12682 which certain debugging information has been optimized away.
12683
12684 @item
12685 @code{@var{B}::@var{var}} means ``the variable named @var{var} that
12686 appears in function or file @var{B}.'' When @var{B} is a file name,
12687 you must typically surround it in single quotes.
12688
12689 @item
12690 The expression @code{@{@var{type}@} @var{addr}} means ``the variable of type
12691 @var{type} that appears at address @var{addr}.''
12692
12693 @item
12694 A name starting with @samp{$} is a convenience variable
12695 (@pxref{Convenience Vars}) or a machine register (@pxref{Registers}).
12696 @end itemize
12697
12698 In addition, @value{GDBN} provides a few other shortcuts and outright
12699 additions specific to Ada:
12700
12701 @itemize @bullet
12702 @item
12703 The assignment statement is allowed as an expression, returning
12704 its right-hand operand as its value. Thus, you may enter
12705
12706 @smallexample
12707 (@value{GDBP}) set x := y + 3
12708 (@value{GDBP}) print A(tmp := y + 1)
12709 @end smallexample
12710
12711 @item
12712 The semicolon is allowed as an ``operator,'' returning as its value
12713 the value of its right-hand operand.
12714 This allows, for example,
12715 complex conditional breaks:
12716
12717 @smallexample
12718 (@value{GDBP}) break f
12719 (@value{GDBP}) condition 1 (report(i); k += 1; A(k) > 100)
12720 @end smallexample
12721
12722 @item
12723 Rather than use catenation and symbolic character names to introduce special
12724 characters into strings, one may instead use a special bracket notation,
12725 which is also used to print strings. A sequence of characters of the form
12726 @samp{["@var{XX}"]} within a string or character literal denotes the
12727 (single) character whose numeric encoding is @var{XX} in hexadecimal. The
12728 sequence of characters @samp{["""]} also denotes a single quotation mark
12729 in strings. For example,
12730 @smallexample
12731 "One line.["0a"]Next line.["0a"]"
12732 @end smallexample
12733 @noindent
12734 contains an ASCII newline character (@code{Ada.Characters.Latin_1.LF})
12735 after each period.
12736
12737 @item
12738 The subtype used as a prefix for the attributes @t{'Pos}, @t{'Min}, and
12739 @t{'Max} is optional (and is ignored in any case). For example, it is valid
12740 to write
12741
12742 @smallexample
12743 (@value{GDBP}) print 'max(x, y)
12744 @end smallexample
12745
12746 @item
12747 When printing arrays, @value{GDBN} uses positional notation when the
12748 array has a lower bound of 1, and uses a modified named notation otherwise.
12749 For example, a one-dimensional array of three integers with a lower bound
12750 of 3 might print as
12751
12752 @smallexample
12753 (3 => 10, 17, 1)
12754 @end smallexample
12755
12756 @noindent
12757 That is, in contrast to valid Ada, only the first component has a @code{=>}
12758 clause.
12759
12760 @item
12761 You may abbreviate attributes in expressions with any unique,
12762 multi-character subsequence of
12763 their names (an exact match gets preference).
12764 For example, you may use @t{a'len}, @t{a'gth}, or @t{a'lh}
12765 in place of @t{a'length}.
12766
12767 @item
12768 @cindex quoting Ada internal identifiers
12769 Since Ada is case-insensitive, the debugger normally maps identifiers you type
12770 to lower case. The GNAT compiler uses upper-case characters for
12771 some of its internal identifiers, which are normally of no interest to users.
12772 For the rare occasions when you actually have to look at them,
12773 enclose them in angle brackets to avoid the lower-case mapping.
12774 For example,
12775 @smallexample
12776 (@value{GDBP}) print <JMPBUF_SAVE>[0]
12777 @end smallexample
12778
12779 @item
12780 Printing an object of class-wide type or dereferencing an
12781 access-to-class-wide value will display all the components of the object's
12782 specific type (as indicated by its run-time tag). Likewise, component
12783 selection on such a value will operate on the specific type of the
12784 object.
12785
12786 @end itemize
12787
12788 @node Stopping Before Main Program
12789 @subsubsection Stopping at the Very Beginning
12790
12791 @cindex breakpointing Ada elaboration code
12792 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration, and
12793 before reaching the main procedure.
12794 As defined in the Ada Reference
12795 Manual, the elaboration code is invoked from a procedure called
12796 @code{adainit}. To run your program up to the beginning of
12797 elaboration, simply use the following two commands:
12798 @code{tbreak adainit} and @code{run}.
12799
12800 @node Ada Tasks
12801 @subsubsection Extensions for Ada Tasks
12802 @cindex Ada, tasking
12803
12804 Support for Ada tasks is analogous to that for threads (@pxref{Threads}).
12805 @value{GDBN} provides the following task-related commands:
12806
12807 @table @code
12808 @kindex info tasks
12809 @item info tasks
12810 This command shows a list of current Ada tasks, as in the following example:
12811
12812
12813 @smallexample
12814 @iftex
12815 @leftskip=0.5cm
12816 @end iftex
12817 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
12818 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
12819 1 8088000 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
12820 2 80a4000 1 15 Accept Statement b
12821 3 809a800 1 15 Child Activation Wait a
12822 * 4 80ae800 3 15 Runnable c
12823
12824 @end smallexample
12825
12826 @noindent
12827 In this listing, the asterisk before the last task indicates it to be the
12828 task currently being inspected.
12829
12830 @table @asis
12831 @item ID
12832 Represents @value{GDBN}'s internal task number.
12833
12834 @item TID
12835 The Ada task ID.
12836
12837 @item P-ID
12838 The parent's task ID (@value{GDBN}'s internal task number).
12839
12840 @item Pri
12841 The base priority of the task.
12842
12843 @item State
12844 Current state of the task.
12845
12846 @table @code
12847 @item Unactivated
12848 The task has been created but has not been activated. It cannot be
12849 executing.
12850
12851 @item Runnable
12852 The task is not blocked for any reason known to Ada. (It may be waiting
12853 for a mutex, though.) It is conceptually "executing" in normal mode.
12854
12855 @item Terminated
12856 The task is terminated, in the sense of ARM 9.3 (5). Any dependents
12857 that were waiting on terminate alternatives have been awakened and have
12858 terminated themselves.
12859
12860 @item Child Activation Wait
12861 The task is waiting for created tasks to complete activation.
12862
12863 @item Accept Statement
12864 The task is waiting on an accept or selective wait statement.
12865
12866 @item Waiting on entry call
12867 The task is waiting on an entry call.
12868
12869 @item Async Select Wait
12870 The task is waiting to start the abortable part of an asynchronous
12871 select statement.
12872
12873 @item Delay Sleep
12874 The task is waiting on a select statement with only a delay
12875 alternative open.
12876
12877 @item Child Termination Wait
12878 The task is sleeping having completed a master within itself, and is
12879 waiting for the tasks dependent on that master to become terminated or
12880 waiting on a terminate Phase.
12881
12882 @item Wait Child in Term Alt
12883 The task is sleeping waiting for tasks on terminate alternatives to
12884 finish terminating.
12885
12886 @item Accepting RV with @var{taskno}
12887 The task is accepting a rendez-vous with the task @var{taskno}.
12888 @end table
12889
12890 @item Name
12891 Name of the task in the program.
12892
12893 @end table
12894
12895 @kindex info task @var{taskno}
12896 @item info task @var{taskno}
12897 This command shows detailled informations on the specified task, as in
12898 the following example:
12899 @smallexample
12900 @iftex
12901 @leftskip=0.5cm
12902 @end iftex
12903 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
12904 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
12905 1 8077880 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
12906 * 2 807c468 1 15 Runnable task_1
12907 (@value{GDBP}) info task 2
12908 Ada Task: 0x807c468
12909 Name: task_1
12910 Thread: 0x807f378
12911 Parent: 1 (main_task)
12912 Base Priority: 15
12913 State: Runnable
12914 @end smallexample
12915
12916 @item task
12917 @kindex task@r{ (Ada)}
12918 @cindex current Ada task ID
12919 This command prints the ID of the current task.
12920
12921 @smallexample
12922 @iftex
12923 @leftskip=0.5cm
12924 @end iftex
12925 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
12926 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
12927 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
12928 * 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable t
12929 (@value{GDBP}) task
12930 [Current task is 2]
12931 @end smallexample
12932
12933 @item task @var{taskno}
12934 @cindex Ada task switching
12935 This command is like the @code{thread @var{threadno}}
12936 command (@pxref{Threads}). It switches the context of debugging
12937 from the current task to the given task.
12938
12939 @smallexample
12940 @iftex
12941 @leftskip=0.5cm
12942 @end iftex
12943 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
12944 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
12945 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
12946 * 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable t
12947 (@value{GDBP}) task 1
12948 [Switching to task 1]
12949 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
12950 (@value{GDBP}) bt
12951 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
12952 #1 0x8056714 in system.os_interface.pthread_cond_wait ()
12953 #2 0x805cb63 in system.task_primitives.operations.sleep ()
12954 #3 0x806153e in system.tasking.stages.activate_tasks ()
12955 #4 0x804aacc in un () at un.adb:5
12956 @end smallexample
12957
12958 @item break @var{linespec} task @var{taskno}
12959 @itemx break @var{linespec} task @var{taskno} if @dots{}
12960 @cindex breakpoints and tasks, in Ada
12961 @cindex task breakpoints, in Ada
12962 @kindex break @dots{} task @var{taskno}@r{ (Ada)}
12963 These commands are like the @code{break @dots{} thread @dots{}}
12964 command (@pxref{Thread Stops}).
12965 @var{linespec} specifies source lines, as described
12966 in @ref{Specify Location}.
12967
12968 Use the qualifier @samp{task @var{taskno}} with a breakpoint command
12969 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
12970 particular Ada task reaches this breakpoint. @var{taskno} is one of the
12971 numeric task identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown in the first
12972 column of the @samp{info tasks} display.
12973
12974 If you do not specify @samp{task @var{taskno}} when you set a
12975 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} tasks of your
12976 program.
12977
12978 You can use the @code{task} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
12979 well; in this case, place @samp{task @var{taskno}} before the
12980 breakpoint condition (before the @code{if}).
12981
12982 For example,
12983
12984 @smallexample
12985 @iftex
12986 @leftskip=0.5cm
12987 @end iftex
12988 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
12989 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
12990 1 140022020 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
12991 2 140045060 1 15 Accept/Select Wait t2
12992 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
12993 * 4 140056040 1 15 Runnable t3
12994 (@value{GDBP}) b 15 task 2
12995 Breakpoint 5 at 0x120044cb0: file test_task_debug.adb, line 15.
12996 (@value{GDBP}) cont
12997 Continuing.
12998 task # 1 running
12999 task # 2 running
13000
13001 Breakpoint 5, test_task_debug () at test_task_debug.adb:15
13002 15 flush;
13003 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
13004 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
13005 1 140022020 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
13006 * 2 140045060 1 15 Runnable t2
13007 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
13008 4 140056040 1 15 Delay Sleep t3
13009 @end smallexample
13010 @end table
13011
13012 @node Ada Tasks and Core Files
13013 @subsubsection Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
13014 @cindex Ada tasking and core file debugging
13015
13016 When inspecting a core file, as opposed to debugging a live program,
13017 tasking support may be limited or even unavailable, depending on
13018 the platform being used.
13019 For instance, on x86-linux, the list of tasks is available, but task
13020 switching is not supported. On Tru64, however, task switching will work
13021 as usual.
13022
13023 On certain platforms, including Tru64, the debugger needs to perform some
13024 memory writes in order to provide Ada tasking support. When inspecting
13025 a core file, this means that the core file must be opened with read-write
13026 privileges, using the command @samp{"set write on"} (@pxref{Patching}).
13027 Under these circumstances, you should make a backup copy of the core
13028 file before inspecting it with @value{GDBN}.
13029
13030 @node Ada Glitches
13031 @subsubsection Known Peculiarities of Ada Mode
13032 @cindex Ada, problems
13033
13034 Besides the omissions listed previously (@pxref{Omissions from Ada}),
13035 we know of several problems with and limitations of Ada mode in
13036 @value{GDBN},
13037 some of which will be fixed with planned future releases of the debugger
13038 and the GNU Ada compiler.
13039
13040 @itemize @bullet
13041 @item
13042 Currently, the debugger
13043 has insufficient information to determine whether certain pointers represent
13044 pointers to objects or the objects themselves.
13045 Thus, the user may have to tack an extra @code{.all} after an expression
13046 to get it printed properly.
13047
13048 @item
13049 Static constants that the compiler chooses not to materialize as objects in
13050 storage are invisible to the debugger.
13051
13052 @item
13053 Named parameter associations in function argument lists are ignored (the
13054 argument lists are treated as positional).
13055
13056 @item
13057 Many useful library packages are currently invisible to the debugger.
13058
13059 @item
13060 Fixed-point arithmetic, conversions, input, and output is carried out using
13061 floating-point arithmetic, and may give results that only approximate those on
13062 the host machine.
13063
13064 @item
13065 The GNAT compiler never generates the prefix @code{Standard} for any of
13066 the standard symbols defined by the Ada language. @value{GDBN} knows about
13067 this: it will strip the prefix from names when you use it, and will never
13068 look for a name you have so qualified among local symbols, nor match against
13069 symbols in other packages or subprograms. If you have
13070 defined entities anywhere in your program other than parameters and
13071 local variables whose simple names match names in @code{Standard},
13072 GNAT's lack of qualification here can cause confusion. When this happens,
13073 you can usually resolve the confusion
13074 by qualifying the problematic names with package
13075 @code{Standard} explicitly.
13076 @end itemize
13077
13078 Older versions of the compiler sometimes generate erroneous debugging
13079 information, resulting in the debugger incorrectly printing the value
13080 of affected entities. In some cases, the debugger is able to work
13081 around an issue automatically. In other cases, the debugger is able
13082 to work around the issue, but the work-around has to be specifically
13083 enabled.
13084
13085 @kindex set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS
13086 @kindex show ada trust-PAD-over-XVS
13087 @table @code
13088
13089 @item set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS on
13090 Configure GDB to strictly follow the GNAT encoding when computing the
13091 value of Ada entities, particularly when @code{PAD} and @code{PAD___XVS}
13092 types are involved (see @code{ada/exp_dbug.ads} in the GCC sources for
13093 a complete description of the encoding used by the GNAT compiler).
13094 This is the default.
13095
13096 @item set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS off
13097 This is related to the encoding using by the GNAT compiler. If @value{GDBN}
13098 sometimes prints the wrong value for certain entities, changing @code{ada
13099 trust-PAD-over-XVS} to @code{off} activates a work-around which may fix
13100 the issue. It is always safe to set @code{ada trust-PAD-over-XVS} to
13101 @code{off}, but this incurs a slight performance penalty, so it is
13102 recommended to leave this setting to @code{on} unless necessary.
13103
13104 @end table
13105
13106 @node Unsupported Languages
13107 @section Unsupported Languages
13108
13109 @cindex unsupported languages
13110 @cindex minimal language
13111 In addition to the other fully-supported programming languages,
13112 @value{GDBN} also provides a pseudo-language, called @code{minimal}.
13113 It does not represent a real programming language, but provides a set
13114 of capabilities close to what the C or assembly languages provide.
13115 This should allow most simple operations to be performed while debugging
13116 an application that uses a language currently not supported by @value{GDBN}.
13117
13118 If the language is set to @code{auto}, @value{GDBN} will automatically
13119 select this language if the current frame corresponds to an unsupported
13120 language.
13121
13122 @node Symbols
13123 @chapter Examining the Symbol Table
13124
13125 The commands described in this chapter allow you to inquire about the
13126 symbols (names of variables, functions and types) defined in your
13127 program. This information is inherent in the text of your program and
13128 does not change as your program executes. @value{GDBN} finds it in your
13129 program's symbol table, in the file indicated when you started @value{GDBN}
13130 (@pxref{File Options, ,Choosing Files}), or by one of the
13131 file-management commands (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
13132
13133 @cindex symbol names
13134 @cindex names of symbols
13135 @cindex quoting names
13136 Occasionally, you may need to refer to symbols that contain unusual
13137 characters, which @value{GDBN} ordinarily treats as word delimiters. The
13138 most frequent case is in referring to static variables in other
13139 source files (@pxref{Variables,,Program Variables}). File names
13140 are recorded in object files as debugging symbols, but @value{GDBN} would
13141 ordinarily parse a typical file name, like @file{foo.c}, as the three words
13142 @samp{foo} @samp{.} @samp{c}. To allow @value{GDBN} to recognize
13143 @samp{foo.c} as a single symbol, enclose it in single quotes; for example,
13144
13145 @smallexample
13146 p 'foo.c'::x
13147 @end smallexample
13148
13149 @noindent
13150 looks up the value of @code{x} in the scope of the file @file{foo.c}.
13151
13152 @table @code
13153 @cindex case-insensitive symbol names
13154 @cindex case sensitivity in symbol names
13155 @kindex set case-sensitive
13156 @item set case-sensitive on
13157 @itemx set case-sensitive off
13158 @itemx set case-sensitive auto
13159 Normally, when @value{GDBN} looks up symbols, it matches their names
13160 with case sensitivity determined by the current source language.
13161 Occasionally, you may wish to control that. The command @code{set
13162 case-sensitive} lets you do that by specifying @code{on} for
13163 case-sensitive matches or @code{off} for case-insensitive ones. If
13164 you specify @code{auto}, case sensitivity is reset to the default
13165 suitable for the source language. The default is case-sensitive
13166 matches for all languages except for Fortran, for which the default is
13167 case-insensitive matches.
13168
13169 @kindex show case-sensitive
13170 @item show case-sensitive
13171 This command shows the current setting of case sensitivity for symbols
13172 lookups.
13173
13174 @kindex info address
13175 @cindex address of a symbol
13176 @item info address @var{symbol}
13177 Describe where the data for @var{symbol} is stored. For a register
13178 variable, this says which register it is kept in. For a non-register
13179 local variable, this prints the stack-frame offset at which the variable
13180 is always stored.
13181
13182 Note the contrast with @samp{print &@var{symbol}}, which does not work
13183 at all for a register variable, and for a stack local variable prints
13184 the exact address of the current instantiation of the variable.
13185
13186 @kindex info symbol
13187 @cindex symbol from address
13188 @cindex closest symbol and offset for an address
13189 @item info symbol @var{addr}
13190 Print the name of a symbol which is stored at the address @var{addr}.
13191 If no symbol is stored exactly at @var{addr}, @value{GDBN} prints the
13192 nearest symbol and an offset from it:
13193
13194 @smallexample
13195 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x54320
13196 _initialize_vx + 396 in section .text
13197 @end smallexample
13198
13199 @noindent
13200 This is the opposite of the @code{info address} command. You can use
13201 it to find out the name of a variable or a function given its address.
13202
13203 For dynamically linked executables, the name of executable or shared
13204 library containing the symbol is also printed:
13205
13206 @smallexample
13207 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x400225
13208 _start + 5 in section .text of /tmp/a.out
13209 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x2aaaac2811cf
13210 __read_nocancel + 6 in section .text of /usr/lib64/libc.so.6
13211 @end smallexample
13212
13213 @kindex whatis
13214 @item whatis [@var{arg}]
13215 Print the data type of @var{arg}, which can be either an expression or
13216 a data type. With no argument, print the data type of @code{$}, the
13217 last value in the value history. If @var{arg} is an expression, it is
13218 not actually evaluated, and any side-effecting operations (such as
13219 assignments or function calls) inside it do not take place. If
13220 @var{arg} is a type name, it may be the name of a type or typedef, or
13221 for C code it may have the form @samp{class @var{class-name}},
13222 @samp{struct @var{struct-tag}}, @samp{union @var{union-tag}} or
13223 @samp{enum @var{enum-tag}}.
13224 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
13225
13226 @kindex ptype
13227 @item ptype [@var{arg}]
13228 @code{ptype} accepts the same arguments as @code{whatis}, but prints a
13229 detailed description of the type, instead of just the name of the type.
13230 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
13231
13232 For example, for this variable declaration:
13233
13234 @smallexample
13235 struct complex @{double real; double imag;@} v;
13236 @end smallexample
13237
13238 @noindent
13239 the two commands give this output:
13240
13241 @smallexample
13242 @group
13243 (@value{GDBP}) whatis v
13244 type = struct complex
13245 (@value{GDBP}) ptype v
13246 type = struct complex @{
13247 double real;
13248 double imag;
13249 @}
13250 @end group
13251 @end smallexample
13252
13253 @noindent
13254 As with @code{whatis}, using @code{ptype} without an argument refers to
13255 the type of @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
13256
13257 @cindex incomplete type
13258 Sometimes, programs use opaque data types or incomplete specifications
13259 of complex data structure. If the debug information included in the
13260 program does not allow @value{GDBN} to display a full declaration of
13261 the data type, it will say @samp{<incomplete type>}. For example,
13262 given these declarations:
13263
13264 @smallexample
13265 struct foo;
13266 struct foo *fooptr;
13267 @end smallexample
13268
13269 @noindent
13270 but no definition for @code{struct foo} itself, @value{GDBN} will say:
13271
13272 @smallexample
13273 (@value{GDBP}) ptype foo
13274 $1 = <incomplete type>
13275 @end smallexample
13276
13277 @noindent
13278 ``Incomplete type'' is C terminology for data types that are not
13279 completely specified.
13280
13281 @kindex info types
13282 @item info types @var{regexp}
13283 @itemx info types
13284 Print a brief description of all types whose names match the regular
13285 expression @var{regexp} (or all types in your program, if you supply
13286 no argument). Each complete typename is matched as though it were a
13287 complete line; thus, @samp{i type value} gives information on all
13288 types in your program whose names include the string @code{value}, but
13289 @samp{i type ^value$} gives information only on types whose complete
13290 name is @code{value}.
13291
13292 This command differs from @code{ptype} in two ways: first, like
13293 @code{whatis}, it does not print a detailed description; second, it
13294 lists all source files where a type is defined.
13295
13296 @kindex info scope
13297 @cindex local variables
13298 @item info scope @var{location}
13299 List all the variables local to a particular scope. This command
13300 accepts a @var{location} argument---a function name, a source line, or
13301 an address preceded by a @samp{*}, and prints all the variables local
13302 to the scope defined by that location. (@xref{Specify Location}, for
13303 details about supported forms of @var{location}.) For example:
13304
13305 @smallexample
13306 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info scope command_line_handler}
13307 Scope for command_line_handler:
13308 Symbol rl is an argument at stack/frame offset 8, length 4.
13309 Symbol linebuffer is in static storage at address 0x150a18, length 4.
13310 Symbol linelength is in static storage at address 0x150a1c, length 4.
13311 Symbol p is a local variable in register $esi, length 4.
13312 Symbol p1 is a local variable in register $ebx, length 4.
13313 Symbol nline is a local variable in register $edx, length 4.
13314 Symbol repeat is a local variable at frame offset -8, length 4.
13315 @end smallexample
13316
13317 @noindent
13318 This command is especially useful for determining what data to collect
13319 during a @dfn{trace experiment}, see @ref{Tracepoint Actions,
13320 collect}.
13321
13322 @kindex info source
13323 @item info source
13324 Show information about the current source file---that is, the source file for
13325 the function containing the current point of execution:
13326 @itemize @bullet
13327 @item
13328 the name of the source file, and the directory containing it,
13329 @item
13330 the directory it was compiled in,
13331 @item
13332 its length, in lines,
13333 @item
13334 which programming language it is written in,
13335 @item
13336 whether the executable includes debugging information for that file, and
13337 if so, what format the information is in (e.g., STABS, Dwarf 2, etc.), and
13338 @item
13339 whether the debugging information includes information about
13340 preprocessor macros.
13341 @end itemize
13342
13343
13344 @kindex info sources
13345 @item info sources
13346 Print the names of all source files in your program for which there is
13347 debugging information, organized into two lists: files whose symbols
13348 have already been read, and files whose symbols will be read when needed.
13349
13350 @kindex info functions
13351 @item info functions
13352 Print the names and data types of all defined functions.
13353
13354 @item info functions @var{regexp}
13355 Print the names and data types of all defined functions
13356 whose names contain a match for regular expression @var{regexp}.
13357 Thus, @samp{info fun step} finds all functions whose names
13358 include @code{step}; @samp{info fun ^step} finds those whose names
13359 start with @code{step}. If a function name contains characters
13360 that conflict with the regular expression language (e.g.@:
13361 @samp{operator*()}), they may be quoted with a backslash.
13362
13363 @kindex info variables
13364 @item info variables
13365 Print the names and data types of all variables that are defined
13366 outside of functions (i.e.@: excluding local variables).
13367
13368 @item info variables @var{regexp}
13369 Print the names and data types of all variables (except for local
13370 variables) whose names contain a match for regular expression
13371 @var{regexp}.
13372
13373 @kindex info classes
13374 @cindex Objective-C, classes and selectors
13375 @item info classes
13376 @itemx info classes @var{regexp}
13377 Display all Objective-C classes in your program, or
13378 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
13379 expression.
13380
13381 @kindex info selectors
13382 @item info selectors
13383 @itemx info selectors @var{regexp}
13384 Display all Objective-C selectors in your program, or
13385 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
13386 expression.
13387
13388 @ignore
13389 This was never implemented.
13390 @kindex info methods
13391 @item info methods
13392 @itemx info methods @var{regexp}
13393 The @code{info methods} command permits the user to examine all defined
13394 methods within C@t{++} program, or (with the @var{regexp} argument) a
13395 specific set of methods found in the various C@t{++} classes. Many
13396 C@t{++} classes provide a large number of methods. Thus, the output
13397 from the @code{ptype} command can be overwhelming and hard to use. The
13398 @code{info-methods} command filters the methods, printing only those
13399 which match the regular-expression @var{regexp}.
13400 @end ignore
13401
13402 @cindex reloading symbols
13403 Some systems allow individual object files that make up your program to
13404 be replaced without stopping and restarting your program. For example,
13405 in VxWorks you can simply recompile a defective object file and keep on
13406 running. If you are running on one of these systems, you can allow
13407 @value{GDBN} to reload the symbols for automatically relinked modules:
13408
13409 @table @code
13410 @kindex set symbol-reloading
13411 @item set symbol-reloading on
13412 Replace symbol definitions for the corresponding source file when an
13413 object file with a particular name is seen again.
13414
13415 @item set symbol-reloading off
13416 Do not replace symbol definitions when encountering object files of the
13417 same name more than once. This is the default state; if you are not
13418 running on a system that permits automatic relinking of modules, you
13419 should leave @code{symbol-reloading} off, since otherwise @value{GDBN}
13420 may discard symbols when linking large programs, that may contain
13421 several modules (from different directories or libraries) with the same
13422 name.
13423
13424 @kindex show symbol-reloading
13425 @item show symbol-reloading
13426 Show the current @code{on} or @code{off} setting.
13427 @end table
13428
13429 @cindex opaque data types
13430 @kindex set opaque-type-resolution
13431 @item set opaque-type-resolution on
13432 Tell @value{GDBN} to resolve opaque types. An opaque type is a type
13433 declared as a pointer to a @code{struct}, @code{class}, or
13434 @code{union}---for example, @code{struct MyType *}---that is used in one
13435 source file although the full declaration of @code{struct MyType} is in
13436 another source file. The default is on.
13437
13438 A change in the setting of this subcommand will not take effect until
13439 the next time symbols for a file are loaded.
13440
13441 @item set opaque-type-resolution off
13442 Tell @value{GDBN} not to resolve opaque types. In this case, the type
13443 is printed as follows:
13444 @smallexample
13445 @{<no data fields>@}
13446 @end smallexample
13447
13448 @kindex show opaque-type-resolution
13449 @item show opaque-type-resolution
13450 Show whether opaque types are resolved or not.
13451
13452 @kindex maint print symbols
13453 @cindex symbol dump
13454 @kindex maint print psymbols
13455 @cindex partial symbol dump
13456 @item maint print symbols @var{filename}
13457 @itemx maint print psymbols @var{filename}
13458 @itemx maint print msymbols @var{filename}
13459 Write a dump of debugging symbol data into the file @var{filename}.
13460 These commands are used to debug the @value{GDBN} symbol-reading code. Only
13461 symbols with debugging data are included. If you use @samp{maint print
13462 symbols}, @value{GDBN} includes all the symbols for which it has already
13463 collected full details: that is, @var{filename} reflects symbols for
13464 only those files whose symbols @value{GDBN} has read. You can use the
13465 command @code{info sources} to find out which files these are. If you
13466 use @samp{maint print psymbols} instead, the dump shows information about
13467 symbols that @value{GDBN} only knows partially---that is, symbols defined in
13468 files that @value{GDBN} has skimmed, but not yet read completely. Finally,
13469 @samp{maint print msymbols} dumps just the minimal symbol information
13470 required for each object file from which @value{GDBN} has read some symbols.
13471 @xref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}, for a discussion of how
13472 @value{GDBN} reads symbols (in the description of @code{symbol-file}).
13473
13474 @kindex maint info symtabs
13475 @kindex maint info psymtabs
13476 @cindex listing @value{GDBN}'s internal symbol tables
13477 @cindex symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
13478 @cindex full symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
13479 @cindex partial symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
13480 @item maint info symtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
13481 @itemx maint info psymtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
13482
13483 List the @code{struct symtab} or @code{struct partial_symtab}
13484 structures whose names match @var{regexp}. If @var{regexp} is not
13485 given, list them all. The output includes expressions which you can
13486 copy into a @value{GDBN} debugging this one to examine a particular
13487 structure in more detail. For example:
13488
13489 @smallexample
13490 (@value{GDBP}) maint info psymtabs dwarf2read
13491 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
13492 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
13493 @{ psymtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
13494 ((struct partial_symtab *) 0x8474b10)
13495 readin no
13496 fullname (null)
13497 text addresses 0x814d3c8 -- 0x8158074
13498 globals (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x8507a08 @@ 9)
13499 statics (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x40e95b78 @@ 2882)
13500 dependencies (none)
13501 @}
13502 @}
13503 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
13504 (@value{GDBP})
13505 @end smallexample
13506 @noindent
13507 We see that there is one partial symbol table whose filename contains
13508 the string @samp{dwarf2read}, belonging to the @samp{gdb} executable;
13509 and we see that @value{GDBN} has not read in any symtabs yet at all.
13510 If we set a breakpoint on a function, that will cause @value{GDBN} to
13511 read the symtab for the compilation unit containing that function:
13512
13513 @smallexample
13514 (@value{GDBP}) break dwarf2_psymtab_to_symtab
13515 Breakpoint 1 at 0x814e5da: file /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c,
13516 line 1574.
13517 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
13518 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
13519 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
13520 @{ symtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
13521 ((struct symtab *) 0x86c1f38)
13522 dirname (null)
13523 fullname (null)
13524 blockvector ((struct blockvector *) 0x86c1bd0) (primary)
13525 linetable ((struct linetable *) 0x8370fa0)
13526 debugformat DWARF 2
13527 @}
13528 @}
13529 (@value{GDBP})
13530 @end smallexample
13531 @end table
13532
13533
13534 @node Altering
13535 @chapter Altering Execution
13536
13537 Once you think you have found an error in your program, you might want to
13538 find out for certain whether correcting the apparent error would lead to
13539 correct results in the rest of the run. You can find the answer by
13540 experiment, using the @value{GDBN} features for altering execution of the
13541 program.
13542
13543 For example, you can store new values into variables or memory
13544 locations, give your program a signal, restart it at a different
13545 address, or even return prematurely from a function.
13546
13547 @menu
13548 * Assignment:: Assignment to variables
13549 * Jumping:: Continuing at a different address
13550 * Signaling:: Giving your program a signal
13551 * Returning:: Returning from a function
13552 * Calling:: Calling your program's functions
13553 * Patching:: Patching your program
13554 @end menu
13555
13556 @node Assignment
13557 @section Assignment to Variables
13558
13559 @cindex assignment
13560 @cindex setting variables
13561 To alter the value of a variable, evaluate an assignment expression.
13562 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}. For example,
13563
13564 @smallexample
13565 print x=4
13566 @end smallexample
13567
13568 @noindent
13569 stores the value 4 into the variable @code{x}, and then prints the
13570 value of the assignment expression (which is 4).
13571 @xref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages}, for more
13572 information on operators in supported languages.
13573
13574 @kindex set variable
13575 @cindex variables, setting
13576 If you are not interested in seeing the value of the assignment, use the
13577 @code{set} command instead of the @code{print} command. @code{set} is
13578 really the same as @code{print} except that the expression's value is
13579 not printed and is not put in the value history (@pxref{Value History,
13580 ,Value History}). The expression is evaluated only for its effects.
13581
13582 If the beginning of the argument string of the @code{set} command
13583 appears identical to a @code{set} subcommand, use the @code{set
13584 variable} command instead of just @code{set}. This command is identical
13585 to @code{set} except for its lack of subcommands. For example, if your
13586 program has a variable @code{width}, you get an error if you try to set
13587 a new value with just @samp{set width=13}, because @value{GDBN} has the
13588 command @code{set width}:
13589
13590 @smallexample
13591 (@value{GDBP}) whatis width
13592 type = double
13593 (@value{GDBP}) p width
13594 $4 = 13
13595 (@value{GDBP}) set width=47
13596 Invalid syntax in expression.
13597 @end smallexample
13598
13599 @noindent
13600 The invalid expression, of course, is @samp{=47}. In
13601 order to actually set the program's variable @code{width}, use
13602
13603 @smallexample
13604 (@value{GDBP}) set var width=47
13605 @end smallexample
13606
13607 Because the @code{set} command has many subcommands that can conflict
13608 with the names of program variables, it is a good idea to use the
13609 @code{set variable} command instead of just @code{set}. For example, if
13610 your program has a variable @code{g}, you run into problems if you try
13611 to set a new value with just @samp{set g=4}, because @value{GDBN} has
13612 the command @code{set gnutarget}, abbreviated @code{set g}:
13613
13614 @smallexample
13615 @group
13616 (@value{GDBP}) whatis g
13617 type = double
13618 (@value{GDBP}) p g
13619 $1 = 1
13620 (@value{GDBP}) set g=4
13621 (@value{GDBP}) p g
13622 $2 = 1
13623 (@value{GDBP}) r
13624 The program being debugged has been started already.
13625 Start it from the beginning? (y or n) y
13626 Starting program: /home/smith/cc_progs/a.out
13627 "/home/smith/cc_progs/a.out": can't open to read symbols:
13628 Invalid bfd target.
13629 (@value{GDBP}) show g
13630 The current BFD target is "=4".
13631 @end group
13632 @end smallexample
13633
13634 @noindent
13635 The program variable @code{g} did not change, and you silently set the
13636 @code{gnutarget} to an invalid value. In order to set the variable
13637 @code{g}, use
13638
13639 @smallexample
13640 (@value{GDBP}) set var g=4
13641 @end smallexample
13642
13643 @value{GDBN} allows more implicit conversions in assignments than C; you can
13644 freely store an integer value into a pointer variable or vice versa,
13645 and you can convert any structure to any other structure that is the
13646 same length or shorter.
13647 @comment FIXME: how do structs align/pad in these conversions?
13648 @comment /doc@cygnus.com 18dec1990
13649
13650 To store values into arbitrary places in memory, use the @samp{@{@dots{}@}}
13651 construct to generate a value of specified type at a specified address
13652 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). For example, @code{@{int@}0x83040} refers
13653 to memory location @code{0x83040} as an integer (which implies a certain size
13654 and representation in memory), and
13655
13656 @smallexample
13657 set @{int@}0x83040 = 4
13658 @end smallexample
13659
13660 @noindent
13661 stores the value 4 into that memory location.
13662
13663 @node Jumping
13664 @section Continuing at a Different Address
13665
13666 Ordinarily, when you continue your program, you do so at the place where
13667 it stopped, with the @code{continue} command. You can instead continue at
13668 an address of your own choosing, with the following commands:
13669
13670 @table @code
13671 @kindex jump
13672 @item jump @var{linespec}
13673 @itemx jump @var{location}
13674 Resume execution at line @var{linespec} or at address given by
13675 @var{location}. Execution stops again immediately if there is a
13676 breakpoint there. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description of the
13677 different forms of @var{linespec} and @var{location}. It is common
13678 practice to use the @code{tbreak} command in conjunction with
13679 @code{jump}. @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
13680
13681 The @code{jump} command does not change the current stack frame, or
13682 the stack pointer, or the contents of any memory location or any
13683 register other than the program counter. If line @var{linespec} is in
13684 a different function from the one currently executing, the results may
13685 be bizarre if the two functions expect different patterns of arguments or
13686 of local variables. For this reason, the @code{jump} command requests
13687 confirmation if the specified line is not in the function currently
13688 executing. However, even bizarre results are predictable if you are
13689 well acquainted with the machine-language code of your program.
13690 @end table
13691
13692 @c Doesn't work on HP-UX; have to set $pcoqh and $pcoqt.
13693 On many systems, you can get much the same effect as the @code{jump}
13694 command by storing a new value into the register @code{$pc}. The
13695 difference is that this does not start your program running; it only
13696 changes the address of where it @emph{will} run when you continue. For
13697 example,
13698
13699 @smallexample
13700 set $pc = 0x485
13701 @end smallexample
13702
13703 @noindent
13704 makes the next @code{continue} command or stepping command execute at
13705 address @code{0x485}, rather than at the address where your program stopped.
13706 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}.
13707
13708 The most common occasion to use the @code{jump} command is to back
13709 up---perhaps with more breakpoints set---over a portion of a program
13710 that has already executed, in order to examine its execution in more
13711 detail.
13712
13713 @c @group
13714 @node Signaling
13715 @section Giving your Program a Signal
13716 @cindex deliver a signal to a program
13717
13718 @table @code
13719 @kindex signal
13720 @item signal @var{signal}
13721 Resume execution where your program stopped, but immediately give it the
13722 signal @var{signal}. @var{signal} can be the name or the number of a
13723 signal. For example, on many systems @code{signal 2} and @code{signal
13724 SIGINT} are both ways of sending an interrupt signal.
13725
13726 Alternatively, if @var{signal} is zero, continue execution without
13727 giving a signal. This is useful when your program stopped on account of
13728 a signal and would ordinary see the signal when resumed with the
13729 @code{continue} command; @samp{signal 0} causes it to resume without a
13730 signal.
13731
13732 @code{signal} does not repeat when you press @key{RET} a second time
13733 after executing the command.
13734 @end table
13735 @c @end group
13736
13737 Invoking the @code{signal} command is not the same as invoking the
13738 @code{kill} utility from the shell. Sending a signal with @code{kill}
13739 causes @value{GDBN} to decide what to do with the signal depending on
13740 the signal handling tables (@pxref{Signals}). The @code{signal} command
13741 passes the signal directly to your program.
13742
13743
13744 @node Returning
13745 @section Returning from a Function
13746
13747 @table @code
13748 @cindex returning from a function
13749 @kindex return
13750 @item return
13751 @itemx return @var{expression}
13752 You can cancel execution of a function call with the @code{return}
13753 command. If you give an
13754 @var{expression} argument, its value is used as the function's return
13755 value.
13756 @end table
13757
13758 When you use @code{return}, @value{GDBN} discards the selected stack frame
13759 (and all frames within it). You can think of this as making the
13760 discarded frame return prematurely. If you wish to specify a value to
13761 be returned, give that value as the argument to @code{return}.
13762
13763 This pops the selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a
13764 Frame}), and any other frames inside of it, leaving its caller as the
13765 innermost remaining frame. That frame becomes selected. The
13766 specified value is stored in the registers used for returning values
13767 of functions.
13768
13769 The @code{return} command does not resume execution; it leaves the
13770 program stopped in the state that would exist if the function had just
13771 returned. In contrast, the @code{finish} command (@pxref{Continuing
13772 and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}) resumes execution until the
13773 selected stack frame returns naturally.
13774
13775 @value{GDBN} needs to know how the @var{expression} argument should be set for
13776 the inferior. The concrete registers assignment depends on the OS ABI and the
13777 type being returned by the selected stack frame. For example it is common for
13778 OS ABI to return floating point values in FPU registers while integer values in
13779 CPU registers. Still some ABIs return even floating point values in CPU
13780 registers. Larger integer widths (such as @code{long long int}) also have
13781 specific placement rules. @value{GDBN} already knows the OS ABI from its
13782 current target so it needs to find out also the type being returned to make the
13783 assignment into the right register(s).
13784
13785 Normally, the selected stack frame has debug info. @value{GDBN} will always
13786 use the debug info instead of the implicit type of @var{expression} when the
13787 debug info is available. For example, if you type @kbd{return -1}, and the
13788 function in the current stack frame is declared to return a @code{long long
13789 int}, @value{GDBN} transparently converts the implicit @code{int} value of -1
13790 into a @code{long long int}:
13791
13792 @smallexample
13793 Breakpoint 1, func () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:29
13794 29 return 31;
13795 (@value{GDBP}) return -1
13796 Make func return now? (y or n) y
13797 #0 0x004004f6 in main () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:43
13798 43 printf ("result=%lld\n", func ());
13799 (@value{GDBP})
13800 @end smallexample
13801
13802 However, if the selected stack frame does not have a debug info, e.g., if the
13803 function was compiled without debug info, @value{GDBN} has to find out the type
13804 to return from user. Specifying a different type by mistake may set the value
13805 in different inferior registers than the caller code expects. For example,
13806 typing @kbd{return -1} with its implicit type @code{int} would set only a part
13807 of a @code{long long int} result for a debug info less function (on 32-bit
13808 architectures). Therefore the user is required to specify the return type by
13809 an appropriate cast explicitly:
13810
13811 @smallexample
13812 Breakpoint 2, 0x0040050b in func ()
13813 (@value{GDBP}) return -1
13814 Return value type not available for selected stack frame.
13815 Please use an explicit cast of the value to return.
13816 (@value{GDBP}) return (long long int) -1
13817 Make selected stack frame return now? (y or n) y
13818 #0 0x00400526 in main ()
13819 (@value{GDBP})
13820 @end smallexample
13821
13822 @node Calling
13823 @section Calling Program Functions
13824
13825 @table @code
13826 @cindex calling functions
13827 @cindex inferior functions, calling
13828 @item print @var{expr}
13829 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} and display the resulting value.
13830 @var{expr} may include calls to functions in the program being
13831 debugged.
13832
13833 @kindex call
13834 @item call @var{expr}
13835 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} without displaying @code{void}
13836 returned values.
13837
13838 You can use this variant of the @code{print} command if you want to
13839 execute a function from your program that does not return anything
13840 (a.k.a.@: @dfn{a void function}), but without cluttering the output
13841 with @code{void} returned values that @value{GDBN} will otherwise
13842 print. If the result is not void, it is printed and saved in the
13843 value history.
13844 @end table
13845
13846 It is possible for the function you call via the @code{print} or
13847 @code{call} command to generate a signal (e.g., if there's a bug in
13848 the function, or if you passed it incorrect arguments). What happens
13849 in that case is controlled by the @code{set unwindonsignal} command.
13850
13851 Similarly, with a C@t{++} program it is possible for the function you
13852 call via the @code{print} or @code{call} command to generate an
13853 exception that is not handled due to the constraints of the dummy
13854 frame. In this case, any exception that is raised in the frame, but has
13855 an out-of-frame exception handler will not be found. GDB builds a
13856 dummy-frame for the inferior function call, and the unwinder cannot
13857 seek for exception handlers outside of this dummy-frame. What happens
13858 in that case is controlled by the
13859 @code{set unwind-on-terminating-exception} command.
13860
13861 @table @code
13862 @item set unwindonsignal
13863 @kindex set unwindonsignal
13864 @cindex unwind stack in called functions
13865 @cindex call dummy stack unwinding
13866 Set unwinding of the stack if a signal is received while in a function
13867 that @value{GDBN} called in the program being debugged. If set to on,
13868 @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack it created for the call and restores
13869 the context to what it was before the call. If set to off (the
13870 default), @value{GDBN} stops in the frame where the signal was
13871 received.
13872
13873 @item show unwindonsignal
13874 @kindex show unwindonsignal
13875 Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
13876 @value{GDBN}.
13877
13878 @item set unwind-on-terminating-exception
13879 @kindex set unwind-on-terminating-exception
13880 @cindex unwind stack in called functions with unhandled exceptions
13881 @cindex call dummy stack unwinding on unhandled exception.
13882 Set unwinding of the stack if a C@t{++} exception is raised, but left
13883 unhandled while in a function that @value{GDBN} called in the program being
13884 debugged. If set to on (the default), @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack
13885 it created for the call and restores the context to what it was before
13886 the call. If set to off, @value{GDBN} the exception is delivered to
13887 the default C@t{++} exception handler and the inferior terminated.
13888
13889 @item show unwind-on-terminating-exception
13890 @kindex show unwind-on-terminating-exception
13891 Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
13892 @value{GDBN}.
13893
13894 @end table
13895
13896 @cindex weak alias functions
13897 Sometimes, a function you wish to call is actually a @dfn{weak alias}
13898 for another function. In such case, @value{GDBN} might not pick up
13899 the type information, including the types of the function arguments,
13900 which causes @value{GDBN} to call the inferior function incorrectly.
13901 As a result, the called function will function erroneously and may
13902 even crash. A solution to that is to use the name of the aliased
13903 function instead.
13904
13905 @node Patching
13906 @section Patching Programs
13907
13908 @cindex patching binaries
13909 @cindex writing into executables
13910 @cindex writing into corefiles
13911
13912 By default, @value{GDBN} opens the file containing your program's
13913 executable code (or the corefile) read-only. This prevents accidental
13914 alterations to machine code; but it also prevents you from intentionally
13915 patching your program's binary.
13916
13917 If you'd like to be able to patch the binary, you can specify that
13918 explicitly with the @code{set write} command. For example, you might
13919 want to turn on internal debugging flags, or even to make emergency
13920 repairs.
13921
13922 @table @code
13923 @kindex set write
13924 @item set write on
13925 @itemx set write off
13926 If you specify @samp{set write on}, @value{GDBN} opens executable and
13927 core files for both reading and writing; if you specify @kbd{set write
13928 off} (the default), @value{GDBN} opens them read-only.
13929
13930 If you have already loaded a file, you must load it again (using the
13931 @code{exec-file} or @code{core-file} command) after changing @code{set
13932 write}, for your new setting to take effect.
13933
13934 @item show write
13935 @kindex show write
13936 Display whether executable files and core files are opened for writing
13937 as well as reading.
13938 @end table
13939
13940 @node GDB Files
13941 @chapter @value{GDBN} Files
13942
13943 @value{GDBN} needs to know the file name of the program to be debugged,
13944 both in order to read its symbol table and in order to start your
13945 program. To debug a core dump of a previous run, you must also tell
13946 @value{GDBN} the name of the core dump file.
13947
13948 @menu
13949 * Files:: Commands to specify files
13950 * Separate Debug Files:: Debugging information in separate files
13951 * Symbol Errors:: Errors reading symbol files
13952 * Data Files:: GDB data files
13953 @end menu
13954
13955 @node Files
13956 @section Commands to Specify Files
13957
13958 @cindex symbol table
13959 @cindex core dump file
13960
13961 You may want to specify executable and core dump file names. The usual
13962 way to do this is at start-up time, using the arguments to
13963 @value{GDBN}'s start-up commands (@pxref{Invocation, , Getting In and
13964 Out of @value{GDBN}}).
13965
13966 Occasionally it is necessary to change to a different file during a
13967 @value{GDBN} session. Or you may run @value{GDBN} and forget to
13968 specify a file you want to use. Or you are debugging a remote target
13969 via @code{gdbserver} (@pxref{Server, file, Using the @code{gdbserver}
13970 Program}). In these situations the @value{GDBN} commands to specify
13971 new files are useful.
13972
13973 @table @code
13974 @cindex executable file
13975 @kindex file
13976 @item file @var{filename}
13977 Use @var{filename} as the program to be debugged. It is read for its
13978 symbols and for the contents of pure memory. It is also the program
13979 executed when you use the @code{run} command. If you do not specify a
13980 directory and the file is not found in the @value{GDBN} working directory,
13981 @value{GDBN} uses the environment variable @code{PATH} as a list of
13982 directories to search, just as the shell does when looking for a program
13983 to run. You can change the value of this variable, for both @value{GDBN}
13984 and your program, using the @code{path} command.
13985
13986 @cindex unlinked object files
13987 @cindex patching object files
13988 You can load unlinked object @file{.o} files into @value{GDBN} using
13989 the @code{file} command. You will not be able to ``run'' an object
13990 file, but you can disassemble functions and inspect variables. Also,
13991 if the underlying BFD functionality supports it, you could use
13992 @kbd{gdb -write} to patch object files using this technique. Note
13993 that @value{GDBN} can neither interpret nor modify relocations in this
13994 case, so branches and some initialized variables will appear to go to
13995 the wrong place. But this feature is still handy from time to time.
13996
13997 @item file
13998 @code{file} with no argument makes @value{GDBN} discard any information it
13999 has on both executable file and the symbol table.
14000
14001 @kindex exec-file
14002 @item exec-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
14003 Specify that the program to be run (but not the symbol table) is found
14004 in @var{filename}. @value{GDBN} searches the environment variable @code{PATH}
14005 if necessary to locate your program. Omitting @var{filename} means to
14006 discard information on the executable file.
14007
14008 @kindex symbol-file
14009 @item symbol-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
14010 Read symbol table information from file @var{filename}. @code{PATH} is
14011 searched when necessary. Use the @code{file} command to get both symbol
14012 table and program to run from the same file.
14013
14014 @code{symbol-file} with no argument clears out @value{GDBN} information on your
14015 program's symbol table.
14016
14017 The @code{symbol-file} command causes @value{GDBN} to forget the contents of
14018 some breakpoints and auto-display expressions. This is because they may
14019 contain pointers to the internal data recording symbols and data types,
14020 which are part of the old symbol table data being discarded inside
14021 @value{GDBN}.
14022
14023 @code{symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
14024 executing it once.
14025
14026 When @value{GDBN} is configured for a particular environment, it
14027 understands debugging information in whatever format is the standard
14028 generated for that environment; you may use either a @sc{gnu} compiler, or
14029 other compilers that adhere to the local conventions.
14030 Best results are usually obtained from @sc{gnu} compilers; for example,
14031 using @code{@value{NGCC}} you can generate debugging information for
14032 optimized code.
14033
14034 For most kinds of object files, with the exception of old SVR3 systems
14035 using COFF, the @code{symbol-file} command does not normally read the
14036 symbol table in full right away. Instead, it scans the symbol table
14037 quickly to find which source files and which symbols are present. The
14038 details are read later, one source file at a time, as they are needed.
14039
14040 The purpose of this two-stage reading strategy is to make @value{GDBN}
14041 start up faster. For the most part, it is invisible except for
14042 occasional pauses while the symbol table details for a particular source
14043 file are being read. (The @code{set verbose} command can turn these
14044 pauses into messages if desired. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional
14045 Warnings and Messages}.)
14046
14047 We have not implemented the two-stage strategy for COFF yet. When the
14048 symbol table is stored in COFF format, @code{symbol-file} reads the
14049 symbol table data in full right away. Note that ``stabs-in-COFF''
14050 still does the two-stage strategy, since the debug info is actually
14051 in stabs format.
14052
14053 @kindex readnow
14054 @cindex reading symbols immediately
14055 @cindex symbols, reading immediately
14056 @item symbol-file @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @var{filename}
14057 @itemx file @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @var{filename}
14058 You can override the @value{GDBN} two-stage strategy for reading symbol
14059 tables by using the @samp{-readnow} option with any of the commands that
14060 load symbol table information, if you want to be sure @value{GDBN} has the
14061 entire symbol table available.
14062
14063 @c FIXME: for now no mention of directories, since this seems to be in
14064 @c flux. 13mar1992 status is that in theory GDB would look either in
14065 @c current dir or in same dir as myprog; but issues like competing
14066 @c GDB's, or clutter in system dirs, mean that in practice right now
14067 @c only current dir is used. FFish says maybe a special GDB hierarchy
14068 @c (eg rooted in val of env var GDBSYMS) could exist for mappable symbol
14069 @c files.
14070
14071 @kindex core-file
14072 @item core-file @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
14073 @itemx core
14074 Specify the whereabouts of a core dump file to be used as the ``contents
14075 of memory''. Traditionally, core files contain only some parts of the
14076 address space of the process that generated them; @value{GDBN} can access the
14077 executable file itself for other parts.
14078
14079 @code{core-file} with no argument specifies that no core file is
14080 to be used.
14081
14082 Note that the core file is ignored when your program is actually running
14083 under @value{GDBN}. So, if you have been running your program and you
14084 wish to debug a core file instead, you must kill the subprocess in which
14085 the program is running. To do this, use the @code{kill} command
14086 (@pxref{Kill Process, ,Killing the Child Process}).
14087
14088 @kindex add-symbol-file
14089 @cindex dynamic linking
14090 @item add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address}
14091 @itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address} @r{[} -readnow @r{]}
14092 @itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @r{-s}@var{section} @var{address} @dots{}
14093 The @code{add-symbol-file} command reads additional symbol table
14094 information from the file @var{filename}. You would use this command
14095 when @var{filename} has been dynamically loaded (by some other means)
14096 into the program that is running. @var{address} should be the memory
14097 address at which the file has been loaded; @value{GDBN} cannot figure
14098 this out for itself. You can additionally specify an arbitrary number
14099 of @samp{@r{-s}@var{section} @var{address}} pairs, to give an explicit
14100 section name and base address for that section. You can specify any
14101 @var{address} as an expression.
14102
14103 The symbol table of the file @var{filename} is added to the symbol table
14104 originally read with the @code{symbol-file} command. You can use the
14105 @code{add-symbol-file} command any number of times; the new symbol data
14106 thus read keeps adding to the old. To discard all old symbol data
14107 instead, use the @code{symbol-file} command without any arguments.
14108
14109 @cindex relocatable object files, reading symbols from
14110 @cindex object files, relocatable, reading symbols from
14111 @cindex reading symbols from relocatable object files
14112 @cindex symbols, reading from relocatable object files
14113 @cindex @file{.o} files, reading symbols from
14114 Although @var{filename} is typically a shared library file, an
14115 executable file, or some other object file which has been fully
14116 relocated for loading into a process, you can also load symbolic
14117 information from relocatable @file{.o} files, as long as:
14118
14119 @itemize @bullet
14120 @item
14121 the file's symbolic information refers only to linker symbols defined in
14122 that file, not to symbols defined by other object files,
14123 @item
14124 every section the file's symbolic information refers to has actually
14125 been loaded into the inferior, as it appears in the file, and
14126 @item
14127 you can determine the address at which every section was loaded, and
14128 provide these to the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
14129 @end itemize
14130
14131 @noindent
14132 Some embedded operating systems, like Sun Chorus and VxWorks, can load
14133 relocatable files into an already running program; such systems
14134 typically make the requirements above easy to meet. However, it's
14135 important to recognize that many native systems use complex link
14136 procedures (@code{.linkonce} section factoring and C@t{++} constructor table
14137 assembly, for example) that make the requirements difficult to meet. In
14138 general, one cannot assume that using @code{add-symbol-file} to read a
14139 relocatable object file's symbolic information will have the same effect
14140 as linking the relocatable object file into the program in the normal
14141 way.
14142
14143 @code{add-symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
14144
14145 @kindex add-symbol-file-from-memory
14146 @cindex @code{syscall DSO}
14147 @cindex load symbols from memory
14148 @item add-symbol-file-from-memory @var{address}
14149 Load symbols from the given @var{address} in a dynamically loaded
14150 object file whose image is mapped directly into the inferior's memory.
14151 For example, the Linux kernel maps a @code{syscall DSO} into each
14152 process's address space; this DSO provides kernel-specific code for
14153 some system calls. The argument can be any expression whose
14154 evaluation yields the address of the file's shared object file header.
14155 For this command to work, you must have used @code{symbol-file} or
14156 @code{exec-file} commands in advance.
14157
14158 @kindex add-shared-symbol-files
14159 @kindex assf
14160 @item add-shared-symbol-files @var{library-file}
14161 @itemx assf @var{library-file}
14162 The @code{add-shared-symbol-files} command can currently be used only
14163 in the Cygwin build of @value{GDBN} on MS-Windows OS, where it is an
14164 alias for the @code{dll-symbols} command (@pxref{Cygwin Native}).
14165 @value{GDBN} automatically looks for shared libraries, however if
14166 @value{GDBN} does not find yours, you can invoke
14167 @code{add-shared-symbol-files}. It takes one argument: the shared
14168 library's file name. @code{assf} is a shorthand alias for
14169 @code{add-shared-symbol-files}.
14170
14171 @kindex section
14172 @item section @var{section} @var{addr}
14173 The @code{section} command changes the base address of the named
14174 @var{section} of the exec file to @var{addr}. This can be used if the
14175 exec file does not contain section addresses, (such as in the
14176 @code{a.out} format), or when the addresses specified in the file
14177 itself are wrong. Each section must be changed separately. The
14178 @code{info files} command, described below, lists all the sections and
14179 their addresses.
14180
14181 @kindex info files
14182 @kindex info target
14183 @item info files
14184 @itemx info target
14185 @code{info files} and @code{info target} are synonymous; both print the
14186 current target (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}),
14187 including the names of the executable and core dump files currently in
14188 use by @value{GDBN}, and the files from which symbols were loaded. The
14189 command @code{help target} lists all possible targets rather than
14190 current ones.
14191
14192 @kindex maint info sections
14193 @item maint info sections
14194 Another command that can give you extra information about program sections
14195 is @code{maint info sections}. In addition to the section information
14196 displayed by @code{info files}, this command displays the flags and file
14197 offset of each section in the executable and core dump files. In addition,
14198 @code{maint info sections} provides the following command options (which
14199 may be arbitrarily combined):
14200
14201 @table @code
14202 @item ALLOBJ
14203 Display sections for all loaded object files, including shared libraries.
14204 @item @var{sections}
14205 Display info only for named @var{sections}.
14206 @item @var{section-flags}
14207 Display info only for sections for which @var{section-flags} are true.
14208 The section flags that @value{GDBN} currently knows about are:
14209 @table @code
14210 @item ALLOC
14211 Section will have space allocated in the process when loaded.
14212 Set for all sections except those containing debug information.
14213 @item LOAD
14214 Section will be loaded from the file into the child process memory.
14215 Set for pre-initialized code and data, clear for @code{.bss} sections.
14216 @item RELOC
14217 Section needs to be relocated before loading.
14218 @item READONLY
14219 Section cannot be modified by the child process.
14220 @item CODE
14221 Section contains executable code only.
14222 @item DATA
14223 Section contains data only (no executable code).
14224 @item ROM
14225 Section will reside in ROM.
14226 @item CONSTRUCTOR
14227 Section contains data for constructor/destructor lists.
14228 @item HAS_CONTENTS
14229 Section is not empty.
14230 @item NEVER_LOAD
14231 An instruction to the linker to not output the section.
14232 @item COFF_SHARED_LIBRARY
14233 A notification to the linker that the section contains
14234 COFF shared library information.
14235 @item IS_COMMON
14236 Section contains common symbols.
14237 @end table
14238 @end table
14239 @kindex set trust-readonly-sections
14240 @cindex read-only sections
14241 @item set trust-readonly-sections on
14242 Tell @value{GDBN} that readonly sections in your object file
14243 really are read-only (i.e.@: that their contents will not change).
14244 In that case, @value{GDBN} can fetch values from these sections
14245 out of the object file, rather than from the target program.
14246 For some targets (notably embedded ones), this can be a significant
14247 enhancement to debugging performance.
14248
14249 The default is off.
14250
14251 @item set trust-readonly-sections off
14252 Tell @value{GDBN} not to trust readonly sections. This means that
14253 the contents of the section might change while the program is running,
14254 and must therefore be fetched from the target when needed.
14255
14256 @item show trust-readonly-sections
14257 Show the current setting of trusting readonly sections.
14258 @end table
14259
14260 All file-specifying commands allow both absolute and relative file names
14261 as arguments. @value{GDBN} always converts the file name to an absolute file
14262 name and remembers it that way.
14263
14264 @cindex shared libraries
14265 @anchor{Shared Libraries}
14266 @value{GDBN} supports @sc{gnu}/Linux, MS-Windows, HP-UX, SunOS, SVr4, Irix,
14267 and IBM RS/6000 AIX shared libraries.
14268
14269 On MS-Windows @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support
14270 shared libraries. @xref{Expat}.
14271
14272 @value{GDBN} automatically loads symbol definitions from shared libraries
14273 when you use the @code{run} command, or when you examine a core file.
14274 (Before you issue the @code{run} command, @value{GDBN} does not understand
14275 references to a function in a shared library, however---unless you are
14276 debugging a core file).
14277
14278 On HP-UX, if the program loads a library explicitly, @value{GDBN}
14279 automatically loads the symbols at the time of the @code{shl_load} call.
14280
14281 @c FIXME: some @value{GDBN} release may permit some refs to undef
14282 @c FIXME...symbols---eg in a break cmd---assuming they are from a shared
14283 @c FIXME...lib; check this from time to time when updating manual
14284
14285 There are times, however, when you may wish to not automatically load
14286 symbol definitions from shared libraries, such as when they are
14287 particularly large or there are many of them.
14288
14289 To control the automatic loading of shared library symbols, use the
14290 commands:
14291
14292 @table @code
14293 @kindex set auto-solib-add
14294 @item set auto-solib-add @var{mode}
14295 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, symbols from all shared object libraries
14296 will be loaded automatically when the inferior begins execution, you
14297 attach to an independently started inferior, or when the dynamic linker
14298 informs @value{GDBN} that a new library has been loaded. If @var{mode}
14299 is @code{off}, symbols must be loaded manually, using the
14300 @code{sharedlibrary} command. The default value is @code{on}.
14301
14302 @cindex memory used for symbol tables
14303 If your program uses lots of shared libraries with debug info that
14304 takes large amounts of memory, you can decrease the @value{GDBN}
14305 memory footprint by preventing it from automatically loading the
14306 symbols from shared libraries. To that end, type @kbd{set
14307 auto-solib-add off} before running the inferior, then load each
14308 library whose debug symbols you do need with @kbd{sharedlibrary
14309 @var{regexp}}, where @var{regexp} is a regular expression that matches
14310 the libraries whose symbols you want to be loaded.
14311
14312 @kindex show auto-solib-add
14313 @item show auto-solib-add
14314 Display the current autoloading mode.
14315 @end table
14316
14317 @cindex load shared library
14318 To explicitly load shared library symbols, use the @code{sharedlibrary}
14319 command:
14320
14321 @table @code
14322 @kindex info sharedlibrary
14323 @kindex info share
14324 @item info share @var{regex}
14325 @itemx info sharedlibrary @var{regex}
14326 Print the names of the shared libraries which are currently loaded
14327 that match @var{regex}. If @var{regex} is omitted then print
14328 all shared libraries that are loaded.
14329
14330 @kindex sharedlibrary
14331 @kindex share
14332 @item sharedlibrary @var{regex}
14333 @itemx share @var{regex}
14334 Load shared object library symbols for files matching a
14335 Unix regular expression.
14336 As with files loaded automatically, it only loads shared libraries
14337 required by your program for a core file or after typing @code{run}. If
14338 @var{regex} is omitted all shared libraries required by your program are
14339 loaded.
14340
14341 @item nosharedlibrary
14342 @kindex nosharedlibrary
14343 @cindex unload symbols from shared libraries
14344 Unload all shared object library symbols. This discards all symbols
14345 that have been loaded from all shared libraries. Symbols from shared
14346 libraries that were loaded by explicit user requests are not
14347 discarded.
14348 @end table
14349
14350 Sometimes you may wish that @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control
14351 when any of shared library events happen. Use the @code{set
14352 stop-on-solib-events} command for this:
14353
14354 @table @code
14355 @item set stop-on-solib-events
14356 @kindex set stop-on-solib-events
14357 This command controls whether @value{GDBN} should give you control
14358 when the dynamic linker notifies it about some shared library event.
14359 The most common event of interest is loading or unloading of a new
14360 shared library.
14361
14362 @item show stop-on-solib-events
14363 @kindex show stop-on-solib-events
14364 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control when shared
14365 library events happen.
14366 @end table
14367
14368 Shared libraries are also supported in many cross or remote debugging
14369 configurations. @value{GDBN} needs to have access to the target's libraries;
14370 this can be accomplished either by providing copies of the libraries
14371 on the host system, or by asking @value{GDBN} to automatically retrieve the
14372 libraries from the target. If copies of the target libraries are
14373 provided, they need to be the same as the target libraries, although the
14374 copies on the target can be stripped as long as the copies on the host are
14375 not.
14376
14377 @cindex where to look for shared libraries
14378 For remote debugging, you need to tell @value{GDBN} where the target
14379 libraries are, so that it can load the correct copies---otherwise, it
14380 may try to load the host's libraries. @value{GDBN} has two variables
14381 to specify the search directories for target libraries.
14382
14383 @table @code
14384 @cindex prefix for shared library file names
14385 @cindex system root, alternate
14386 @kindex set solib-absolute-prefix
14387 @kindex set sysroot
14388 @item set sysroot @var{path}
14389 Use @var{path} as the system root for the program being debugged. Any
14390 absolute shared library paths will be prefixed with @var{path}; many
14391 runtime loaders store the absolute paths to the shared library in the
14392 target program's memory. If you use @code{set sysroot} to find shared
14393 libraries, they need to be laid out in the same way that they are on
14394 the target, with e.g.@: a @file{/lib} and @file{/usr/lib} hierarchy
14395 under @var{path}.
14396
14397 If @var{path} starts with the sequence @file{remote:}, @value{GDBN} will
14398 retrieve the target libraries from the remote system. This is only
14399 supported when using a remote target that supports the @code{remote get}
14400 command (@pxref{File Transfer,,Sending files to a remote system}).
14401 The part of @var{path} following the initial @file{remote:}
14402 (if present) is used as system root prefix on the remote file system.
14403 @footnote{If you want to specify a local system root using a directory
14404 that happens to be named @file{remote:}, you need to use some equivalent
14405 variant of the name like @file{./remote:}.}
14406
14407 The @code{set solib-absolute-prefix} command is an alias for @code{set
14408 sysroot}.
14409
14410 @cindex default system root
14411 @cindex @samp{--with-sysroot}
14412 You can set the default system root by using the configure-time
14413 @samp{--with-sysroot} option. If the system root is inside
14414 @value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
14415 @samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default system root will be updated
14416 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
14417 location.
14418
14419 @kindex show sysroot
14420 @item show sysroot
14421 Display the current shared library prefix.
14422
14423 @kindex set solib-search-path
14424 @item set solib-search-path @var{path}
14425 If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
14426 directories to search for shared libraries. @samp{solib-search-path}
14427 is used after @samp{sysroot} fails to locate the library, or if the
14428 path to the library is relative instead of absolute. If you want to
14429 use @samp{solib-search-path} instead of @samp{sysroot}, be sure to set
14430 @samp{sysroot} to a nonexistent directory to prevent @value{GDBN} from
14431 finding your host's libraries. @samp{sysroot} is preferred; setting
14432 it to a nonexistent directory may interfere with automatic loading
14433 of shared library symbols.
14434
14435 @kindex show solib-search-path
14436 @item show solib-search-path
14437 Display the current shared library search path.
14438 @end table
14439
14440
14441 @node Separate Debug Files
14442 @section Debugging Information in Separate Files
14443 @cindex separate debugging information files
14444 @cindex debugging information in separate files
14445 @cindex @file{.debug} subdirectories
14446 @cindex debugging information directory, global
14447 @cindex global debugging information directory
14448 @cindex build ID, and separate debugging files
14449 @cindex @file{.build-id} directory
14450
14451 @value{GDBN} allows you to put a program's debugging information in a
14452 file separate from the executable itself, in a way that allows
14453 @value{GDBN} to find and load the debugging information automatically.
14454 Since debugging information can be very large---sometimes larger
14455 than the executable code itself---some systems distribute debugging
14456 information for their executables in separate files, which users can
14457 install only when they need to debug a problem.
14458
14459 @value{GDBN} supports two ways of specifying the separate debug info
14460 file:
14461
14462 @itemize @bullet
14463 @item
14464 The executable contains a @dfn{debug link} that specifies the name of
14465 the separate debug info file. The separate debug file's name is
14466 usually @file{@var{executable}.debug}, where @var{executable} is the
14467 name of the corresponding executable file without leading directories
14468 (e.g., @file{ls.debug} for @file{/usr/bin/ls}). In addition, the
14469 debug link specifies a 32-bit @dfn{Cyclic Redundancy Check} (CRC)
14470 checksum for the debug file, which @value{GDBN} uses to validate that
14471 the executable and the debug file came from the same build.
14472
14473 @item
14474 The executable contains a @dfn{build ID}, a unique bit string that is
14475 also present in the corresponding debug info file. (This is supported
14476 only on some operating systems, notably those which use the ELF format
14477 for binary files and the @sc{gnu} Binutils.) For more details about
14478 this feature, see the description of the @option{--build-id}
14479 command-line option in @ref{Options, , Command Line Options, ld.info,
14480 The GNU Linker}. The debug info file's name is not specified
14481 explicitly by the build ID, but can be computed from the build ID, see
14482 below.
14483 @end itemize
14484
14485 Depending on the way the debug info file is specified, @value{GDBN}
14486 uses two different methods of looking for the debug file:
14487
14488 @itemize @bullet
14489 @item
14490 For the ``debug link'' method, @value{GDBN} looks up the named file in
14491 the directory of the executable file, then in a subdirectory of that
14492 directory named @file{.debug}, and finally under the global debug
14493 directory, in a subdirectory whose name is identical to the leading
14494 directories of the executable's absolute file name.
14495
14496 @item
14497 For the ``build ID'' method, @value{GDBN} looks in the
14498 @file{.build-id} subdirectory of the global debug directory for a file
14499 named @file{@var{nn}/@var{nnnnnnnn}.debug}, where @var{nn} are the
14500 first 2 hex characters of the build ID bit string, and @var{nnnnnnnn}
14501 are the rest of the bit string. (Real build ID strings are 32 or more
14502 hex characters, not 10.)
14503 @end itemize
14504
14505 So, for example, suppose you ask @value{GDBN} to debug
14506 @file{/usr/bin/ls}, which has a debug link that specifies the
14507 file @file{ls.debug}, and a build ID whose value in hex is
14508 @code{abcdef1234}. If the global debug directory is
14509 @file{/usr/lib/debug}, then @value{GDBN} will look for the following
14510 debug information files, in the indicated order:
14511
14512 @itemize @minus
14513 @item
14514 @file{/usr/lib/debug/.build-id/ab/cdef1234.debug}
14515 @item
14516 @file{/usr/bin/ls.debug}
14517 @item
14518 @file{/usr/bin/.debug/ls.debug}
14519 @item
14520 @file{/usr/lib/debug/usr/bin/ls.debug}.
14521 @end itemize
14522
14523 You can set the global debugging info directory's name, and view the
14524 name @value{GDBN} is currently using.
14525
14526 @table @code
14527
14528 @kindex set debug-file-directory
14529 @item set debug-file-directory @var{directories}
14530 Set the directories which @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
14531 information files to @var{directory}. Multiple directory components can be set
14532 concatenating them by a directory separator.
14533
14534 @kindex show debug-file-directory
14535 @item show debug-file-directory
14536 Show the directories @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
14537 information files.
14538
14539 @end table
14540
14541 @cindex @code{.gnu_debuglink} sections
14542 @cindex debug link sections
14543 A debug link is a special section of the executable file named
14544 @code{.gnu_debuglink}. The section must contain:
14545
14546 @itemize
14547 @item
14548 A filename, with any leading directory components removed, followed by
14549 a zero byte,
14550 @item
14551 zero to three bytes of padding, as needed to reach the next four-byte
14552 boundary within the section, and
14553 @item
14554 a four-byte CRC checksum, stored in the same endianness used for the
14555 executable file itself. The checksum is computed on the debugging
14556 information file's full contents by the function given below, passing
14557 zero as the @var{crc} argument.
14558 @end itemize
14559
14560 Any executable file format can carry a debug link, as long as it can
14561 contain a section named @code{.gnu_debuglink} with the contents
14562 described above.
14563
14564 @cindex @code{.note.gnu.build-id} sections
14565 @cindex build ID sections
14566 The build ID is a special section in the executable file (and in other
14567 ELF binary files that @value{GDBN} may consider). This section is
14568 often named @code{.note.gnu.build-id}, but that name is not mandatory.
14569 It contains unique identification for the built files---the ID remains
14570 the same across multiple builds of the same build tree. The default
14571 algorithm SHA1 produces 160 bits (40 hexadecimal characters) of the
14572 content for the build ID string. The same section with an identical
14573 value is present in the original built binary with symbols, in its
14574 stripped variant, and in the separate debugging information file.
14575
14576 The debugging information file itself should be an ordinary
14577 executable, containing a full set of linker symbols, sections, and
14578 debugging information. The sections of the debugging information file
14579 should have the same names, addresses, and sizes as the original file,
14580 but they need not contain any data---much like a @code{.bss} section
14581 in an ordinary executable.
14582
14583 The @sc{gnu} binary utilities (Binutils) package includes the
14584 @samp{objcopy} utility that can produce
14585 the separated executable / debugging information file pairs using the
14586 following commands:
14587
14588 @smallexample
14589 @kbd{objcopy --only-keep-debug foo foo.debug}
14590 @kbd{strip -g foo}
14591 @end smallexample
14592
14593 @noindent
14594 These commands remove the debugging
14595 information from the executable file @file{foo} and place it in the file
14596 @file{foo.debug}. You can use the first, second or both methods to link the
14597 two files:
14598
14599 @itemize @bullet
14600 @item
14601 The debug link method needs the following additional command to also leave
14602 behind a debug link in @file{foo}:
14603
14604 @smallexample
14605 @kbd{objcopy --add-gnu-debuglink=foo.debug foo}
14606 @end smallexample
14607
14608 Ulrich Drepper's @file{elfutils} package, starting with version 0.53, contains
14609 a version of the @code{strip} command such that the command @kbd{strip foo -f
14610 foo.debug} has the same functionality as the two @code{objcopy} commands and
14611 the @code{ln -s} command above, together.
14612
14613 @item
14614 Build ID gets embedded into the main executable using @code{ld --build-id} or
14615 the @value{NGCC} counterpart @code{gcc -Wl,--build-id}. Build ID support plus
14616 compatibility fixes for debug files separation are present in @sc{gnu} binary
14617 utilities (Binutils) package since version 2.18.
14618 @end itemize
14619
14620 @noindent
14621
14622 @cindex CRC algorithm definition
14623 The CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink} is the CRC-32 defined in
14624 IEEE 802.3 using the polynomial:
14625
14626 @c TexInfo requires naked braces for multi-digit exponents for Tex
14627 @c output, but this causes HTML output to barf. HTML has to be set using
14628 @c raw commands. So we end up having to specify this equation in 2
14629 @c different ways!
14630 @ifhtml
14631 @display
14632 @html
14633 <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>
14634 + <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
14635 @end html
14636 @end display
14637 @end ifhtml
14638 @ifnothtml
14639 @display
14640 @math{x^{32} + x^{26} + x^{23} + x^{22} + x^{16} + x^{12} + x^{11}}
14641 @math{+ x^{10} + x^8 + x^7 + x^5 + x^4 + x^2 + x + 1}
14642 @end display
14643 @end ifnothtml
14644
14645 The function is computed byte at a time, taking the least
14646 significant bit of each byte first. The initial pattern
14647 @code{0xffffffff} is used, to ensure leading zeros affect the CRC and
14648 the final result is inverted to ensure trailing zeros also affect the
14649 CRC.
14650
14651 @emph{Note:} This is the same CRC polynomial as used in handling the
14652 @dfn{Remote Serial Protocol} @code{qCRC} packet (@pxref{Remote Protocol,
14653 , @value{GDBN} Remote Serial Protocol}). However in the
14654 case of the Remote Serial Protocol, the CRC is computed @emph{most}
14655 significant bit first, and the result is not inverted, so trailing
14656 zeros have no effect on the CRC value.
14657
14658 To complete the description, we show below the code of the function
14659 which produces the CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink}. Inverting the
14660 initially supplied @code{crc} argument means that an initial call to
14661 this function passing in zero will start computing the CRC using
14662 @code{0xffffffff}.
14663
14664 @kindex gnu_debuglink_crc32
14665 @smallexample
14666 unsigned long
14667 gnu_debuglink_crc32 (unsigned long crc,
14668 unsigned char *buf, size_t len)
14669 @{
14670 static const unsigned long crc32_table[256] =
14671 @{
14672 0x00000000, 0x77073096, 0xee0e612c, 0x990951ba, 0x076dc419,
14673 0x706af48f, 0xe963a535, 0x9e6495a3, 0x0edb8832, 0x79dcb8a4,
14674 0xe0d5e91e, 0x97d2d988, 0x09b64c2b, 0x7eb17cbd, 0xe7b82d07,
14675 0x90bf1d91, 0x1db71064, 0x6ab020f2, 0xf3b97148, 0x84be41de,
14676 0x1adad47d, 0x6ddde4eb, 0xf4d4b551, 0x83d385c7, 0x136c9856,
14677 0x646ba8c0, 0xfd62f97a, 0x8a65c9ec, 0x14015c4f, 0x63066cd9,
14678 0xfa0f3d63, 0x8d080df5, 0x3b6e20c8, 0x4c69105e, 0xd56041e4,
14679 0xa2677172, 0x3c03e4d1, 0x4b04d447, 0xd20d85fd, 0xa50ab56b,
14680 0x35b5a8fa, 0x42b2986c, 0xdbbbc9d6, 0xacbcf940, 0x32d86ce3,
14681 0x45df5c75, 0xdcd60dcf, 0xabd13d59, 0x26d930ac, 0x51de003a,
14682 0xc8d75180, 0xbfd06116, 0x21b4f4b5, 0x56b3c423, 0xcfba9599,
14683 0xb8bda50f, 0x2802b89e, 0x5f058808, 0xc60cd9b2, 0xb10be924,
14684 0x2f6f7c87, 0x58684c11, 0xc1611dab, 0xb6662d3d, 0x76dc4190,
14685 0x01db7106, 0x98d220bc, 0xefd5102a, 0x71b18589, 0x06b6b51f,
14686 0x9fbfe4a5, 0xe8b8d433, 0x7807c9a2, 0x0f00f934, 0x9609a88e,
14687 0xe10e9818, 0x7f6a0dbb, 0x086d3d2d, 0x91646c97, 0xe6635c01,
14688 0x6b6b51f4, 0x1c6c6162, 0x856530d8, 0xf262004e, 0x6c0695ed,
14689 0x1b01a57b, 0x8208f4c1, 0xf50fc457, 0x65b0d9c6, 0x12b7e950,
14690 0x8bbeb8ea, 0xfcb9887c, 0x62dd1ddf, 0x15da2d49, 0x8cd37cf3,
14691 0xfbd44c65, 0x4db26158, 0x3ab551ce, 0xa3bc0074, 0xd4bb30e2,
14692 0x4adfa541, 0x3dd895d7, 0xa4d1c46d, 0xd3d6f4fb, 0x4369e96a,
14693 0x346ed9fc, 0xad678846, 0xda60b8d0, 0x44042d73, 0x33031de5,
14694 0xaa0a4c5f, 0xdd0d7cc9, 0x5005713c, 0x270241aa, 0xbe0b1010,
14695 0xc90c2086, 0x5768b525, 0x206f85b3, 0xb966d409, 0xce61e49f,
14696 0x5edef90e, 0x29d9c998, 0xb0d09822, 0xc7d7a8b4, 0x59b33d17,
14697 0x2eb40d81, 0xb7bd5c3b, 0xc0ba6cad, 0xedb88320, 0x9abfb3b6,
14698 0x03b6e20c, 0x74b1d29a, 0xead54739, 0x9dd277af, 0x04db2615,
14699 0x73dc1683, 0xe3630b12, 0x94643b84, 0x0d6d6a3e, 0x7a6a5aa8,
14700 0xe40ecf0b, 0x9309ff9d, 0x0a00ae27, 0x7d079eb1, 0xf00f9344,
14701 0x8708a3d2, 0x1e01f268, 0x6906c2fe, 0xf762575d, 0x806567cb,
14702 0x196c3671, 0x6e6b06e7, 0xfed41b76, 0x89d32be0, 0x10da7a5a,
14703 0x67dd4acc, 0xf9b9df6f, 0x8ebeeff9, 0x17b7be43, 0x60b08ed5,
14704 0xd6d6a3e8, 0xa1d1937e, 0x38d8c2c4, 0x4fdff252, 0xd1bb67f1,
14705 0xa6bc5767, 0x3fb506dd, 0x48b2364b, 0xd80d2bda, 0xaf0a1b4c,
14706 0x36034af6, 0x41047a60, 0xdf60efc3, 0xa867df55, 0x316e8eef,
14707 0x4669be79, 0xcb61b38c, 0xbc66831a, 0x256fd2a0, 0x5268e236,
14708 0xcc0c7795, 0xbb0b4703, 0x220216b9, 0x5505262f, 0xc5ba3bbe,
14709 0xb2bd0b28, 0x2bb45a92, 0x5cb36a04, 0xc2d7ffa7, 0xb5d0cf31,
14710 0x2cd99e8b, 0x5bdeae1d, 0x9b64c2b0, 0xec63f226, 0x756aa39c,
14711 0x026d930a, 0x9c0906a9, 0xeb0e363f, 0x72076785, 0x05005713,
14712 0x95bf4a82, 0xe2b87a14, 0x7bb12bae, 0x0cb61b38, 0x92d28e9b,
14713 0xe5d5be0d, 0x7cdcefb7, 0x0bdbdf21, 0x86d3d2d4, 0xf1d4e242,
14714 0x68ddb3f8, 0x1fda836e, 0x81be16cd, 0xf6b9265b, 0x6fb077e1,
14715 0x18b74777, 0x88085ae6, 0xff0f6a70, 0x66063bca, 0x11010b5c,
14716 0x8f659eff, 0xf862ae69, 0x616bffd3, 0x166ccf45, 0xa00ae278,
14717 0xd70dd2ee, 0x4e048354, 0x3903b3c2, 0xa7672661, 0xd06016f7,
14718 0x4969474d, 0x3e6e77db, 0xaed16a4a, 0xd9d65adc, 0x40df0b66,
14719 0x37d83bf0, 0xa9bcae53, 0xdebb9ec5, 0x47b2cf7f, 0x30b5ffe9,
14720 0xbdbdf21c, 0xcabac28a, 0x53b39330, 0x24b4a3a6, 0xbad03605,
14721 0xcdd70693, 0x54de5729, 0x23d967bf, 0xb3667a2e, 0xc4614ab8,
14722 0x5d681b02, 0x2a6f2b94, 0xb40bbe37, 0xc30c8ea1, 0x5a05df1b,
14723 0x2d02ef8d
14724 @};
14725 unsigned char *end;
14726
14727 crc = ~crc & 0xffffffff;
14728 for (end = buf + len; buf < end; ++buf)
14729 crc = crc32_table[(crc ^ *buf) & 0xff] ^ (crc >> 8);
14730 return ~crc & 0xffffffff;
14731 @}
14732 @end smallexample
14733
14734 @noindent
14735 This computation does not apply to the ``build ID'' method.
14736
14737
14738 @node Symbol Errors
14739 @section Errors Reading Symbol Files
14740
14741 While reading a symbol file, @value{GDBN} occasionally encounters problems,
14742 such as symbol types it does not recognize, or known bugs in compiler
14743 output. By default, @value{GDBN} does not notify you of such problems, since
14744 they are relatively common and primarily of interest to people
14745 debugging compilers. If you are interested in seeing information
14746 about ill-constructed symbol tables, you can either ask @value{GDBN} to print
14747 only one message about each such type of problem, no matter how many
14748 times the problem occurs; or you can ask @value{GDBN} to print more messages,
14749 to see how many times the problems occur, with the @code{set
14750 complaints} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
14751 Messages}).
14752
14753 The messages currently printed, and their meanings, include:
14754
14755 @table @code
14756 @item inner block not inside outer block in @var{symbol}
14757
14758 The symbol information shows where symbol scopes begin and end
14759 (such as at the start of a function or a block of statements). This
14760 error indicates that an inner scope block is not fully contained
14761 in its outer scope blocks.
14762
14763 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the inner block as if it had
14764 the same scope as the outer block. In the error message, @var{symbol}
14765 may be shown as ``@code{(don't know)}'' if the outer block is not a
14766 function.
14767
14768 @item block at @var{address} out of order
14769
14770 The symbol information for symbol scope blocks should occur in
14771 order of increasing addresses. This error indicates that it does not
14772 do so.
14773
14774 @value{GDBN} does not circumvent this problem, and has trouble
14775 locating symbols in the source file whose symbols it is reading. (You
14776 can often determine what source file is affected by specifying
14777 @code{set verbose on}. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
14778 Messages}.)
14779
14780 @item bad block start address patched
14781
14782 The symbol information for a symbol scope block has a start address
14783 smaller than the address of the preceding source line. This is known
14784 to occur in the SunOS 4.1.1 (and earlier) C compiler.
14785
14786 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the symbol scope block as
14787 starting on the previous source line.
14788
14789 @item bad string table offset in symbol @var{n}
14790
14791 @cindex foo
14792 Symbol number @var{n} contains a pointer into the string table which is
14793 larger than the size of the string table.
14794
14795 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by considering the symbol to have the
14796 name @code{foo}, which may cause other problems if many symbols end up
14797 with this name.
14798
14799 @item unknown symbol type @code{0x@var{nn}}
14800
14801 The symbol information contains new data types that @value{GDBN} does
14802 not yet know how to read. @code{0x@var{nn}} is the symbol type of the
14803 uncomprehended information, in hexadecimal.
14804
14805 @value{GDBN} circumvents the error by ignoring this symbol information.
14806 This usually allows you to debug your program, though certain symbols
14807 are not accessible. If you encounter such a problem and feel like
14808 debugging it, you can debug @code{@value{GDBP}} with itself, breakpoint
14809 on @code{complain}, then go up to the function @code{read_dbx_symtab}
14810 and examine @code{*bufp} to see the symbol.
14811
14812 @item stub type has NULL name
14813
14814 @value{GDBN} could not find the full definition for a struct or class.
14815
14816 @item const/volatile indicator missing (ok if using g++ v1.x), got@dots{}
14817 The symbol information for a C@t{++} member function is missing some
14818 information that recent versions of the compiler should have output for
14819 it.
14820
14821 @item info mismatch between compiler and debugger
14822
14823 @value{GDBN} could not parse a type specification output by the compiler.
14824
14825 @end table
14826
14827 @node Data Files
14828 @section GDB Data Files
14829
14830 @cindex prefix for data files
14831 @value{GDBN} will sometimes read an auxiliary data file. These files
14832 are kept in a directory known as the @dfn{data directory}.
14833
14834 You can set the data directory's name, and view the name @value{GDBN}
14835 is currently using.
14836
14837 @table @code
14838 @kindex set data-directory
14839 @item set data-directory @var{directory}
14840 Set the directory which @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files
14841 to @var{directory}.
14842
14843 @kindex show data-directory
14844 @item show data-directory
14845 Show the directory @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files.
14846 @end table
14847
14848 @cindex default data directory
14849 @cindex @samp{--with-gdb-datadir}
14850 You can set the default data directory by using the configure-time
14851 @samp{--with-gdb-datadir} option. If the data directory is inside
14852 @value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
14853 @samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default data directory will be updated
14854 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
14855 location.
14856
14857 @node Targets
14858 @chapter Specifying a Debugging Target
14859
14860 @cindex debugging target
14861 A @dfn{target} is the execution environment occupied by your program.
14862
14863 Often, @value{GDBN} runs in the same host environment as your program;
14864 in that case, the debugging target is specified as a side effect when
14865 you use the @code{file} or @code{core} commands. When you need more
14866 flexibility---for example, running @value{GDBN} on a physically separate
14867 host, or controlling a standalone system over a serial port or a
14868 realtime system over a TCP/IP connection---you can use the @code{target}
14869 command to specify one of the target types configured for @value{GDBN}
14870 (@pxref{Target Commands, ,Commands for Managing Targets}).
14871
14872 @cindex target architecture
14873 It is possible to build @value{GDBN} for several different @dfn{target
14874 architectures}. When @value{GDBN} is built like that, you can choose
14875 one of the available architectures with the @kbd{set architecture}
14876 command.
14877
14878 @table @code
14879 @kindex set architecture
14880 @kindex show architecture
14881 @item set architecture @var{arch}
14882 This command sets the current target architecture to @var{arch}. The
14883 value of @var{arch} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition to one of the
14884 supported architectures.
14885
14886 @item show architecture
14887 Show the current target architecture.
14888
14889 @item set processor
14890 @itemx processor
14891 @kindex set processor
14892 @kindex show processor
14893 These are alias commands for, respectively, @code{set architecture}
14894 and @code{show architecture}.
14895 @end table
14896
14897 @menu
14898 * Active Targets:: Active targets
14899 * Target Commands:: Commands for managing targets
14900 * Byte Order:: Choosing target byte order
14901 @end menu
14902
14903 @node Active Targets
14904 @section Active Targets
14905
14906 @cindex stacking targets
14907 @cindex active targets
14908 @cindex multiple targets
14909
14910 There are three classes of targets: processes, core files, and
14911 executable files. @value{GDBN} can work concurrently on up to three
14912 active targets, one in each class. This allows you to (for example)
14913 start a process and inspect its activity without abandoning your work on
14914 a core file.
14915
14916 For example, if you execute @samp{gdb a.out}, then the executable file
14917 @code{a.out} is the only active target. If you designate a core file as
14918 well---presumably from a prior run that crashed and coredumped---then
14919 @value{GDBN} has two active targets and uses them in tandem, looking
14920 first in the corefile target, then in the executable file, to satisfy
14921 requests for memory addresses. (Typically, these two classes of target
14922 are complementary, since core files contain only a program's
14923 read-write memory---variables and so on---plus machine status, while
14924 executable files contain only the program text and initialized data.)
14925
14926 When you type @code{run}, your executable file becomes an active process
14927 target as well. When a process target is active, all @value{GDBN}
14928 commands requesting memory addresses refer to that target; addresses in
14929 an active core file or executable file target are obscured while the
14930 process target is active.
14931
14932 Use the @code{core-file} and @code{exec-file} commands to select a new
14933 core file or executable target (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify
14934 Files}). To specify as a target a process that is already running, use
14935 the @code{attach} command (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running
14936 Process}).
14937
14938 @node Target Commands
14939 @section Commands for Managing Targets
14940
14941 @table @code
14942 @item target @var{type} @var{parameters}
14943 Connects the @value{GDBN} host environment to a target machine or
14944 process. A target is typically a protocol for talking to debugging
14945 facilities. You use the argument @var{type} to specify the type or
14946 protocol of the target machine.
14947
14948 Further @var{parameters} are interpreted by the target protocol, but
14949 typically include things like device names or host names to connect
14950 with, process numbers, and baud rates.
14951
14952 The @code{target} command does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again
14953 after executing the command.
14954
14955 @kindex help target
14956 @item help target
14957 Displays the names of all targets available. To display targets
14958 currently selected, use either @code{info target} or @code{info files}
14959 (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
14960
14961 @item help target @var{name}
14962 Describe a particular target, including any parameters necessary to
14963 select it.
14964
14965 @kindex set gnutarget
14966 @item set gnutarget @var{args}
14967 @value{GDBN} uses its own library BFD to read your files. @value{GDBN}
14968 knows whether it is reading an @dfn{executable},
14969 a @dfn{core}, or a @dfn{.o} file; however, you can specify the file format
14970 with the @code{set gnutarget} command. Unlike most @code{target} commands,
14971 with @code{gnutarget} the @code{target} refers to a program, not a machine.
14972
14973 @quotation
14974 @emph{Warning:} To specify a file format with @code{set gnutarget},
14975 you must know the actual BFD name.
14976 @end quotation
14977
14978 @noindent
14979 @xref{Files, , Commands to Specify Files}.
14980
14981 @kindex show gnutarget
14982 @item show gnutarget
14983 Use the @code{show gnutarget} command to display what file format
14984 @code{gnutarget} is set to read. If you have not set @code{gnutarget},
14985 @value{GDBN} will determine the file format for each file automatically,
14986 and @code{show gnutarget} displays @samp{The current BDF target is "auto"}.
14987 @end table
14988
14989 @cindex common targets
14990 Here are some common targets (available, or not, depending on the GDB
14991 configuration):
14992
14993 @table @code
14994 @kindex target
14995 @item target exec @var{program}
14996 @cindex executable file target
14997 An executable file. @samp{target exec @var{program}} is the same as
14998 @samp{exec-file @var{program}}.
14999
15000 @item target core @var{filename}
15001 @cindex core dump file target
15002 A core dump file. @samp{target core @var{filename}} is the same as
15003 @samp{core-file @var{filename}}.
15004
15005 @item target remote @var{medium}
15006 @cindex remote target
15007 A remote system connected to @value{GDBN} via a serial line or network
15008 connection. This command tells @value{GDBN} to use its own remote
15009 protocol over @var{medium} for debugging. @xref{Remote Debugging}.
15010
15011 For example, if you have a board connected to @file{/dev/ttya} on the
15012 machine running @value{GDBN}, you could say:
15013
15014 @smallexample
15015 target remote /dev/ttya
15016 @end smallexample
15017
15018 @code{target remote} supports the @code{load} command. This is only
15019 useful if you have some other way of getting the stub to the target
15020 system, and you can put it somewhere in memory where it won't get
15021 clobbered by the download.
15022
15023 @item target sim @r{[}@var{simargs}@r{]} @dots{}
15024 @cindex built-in simulator target
15025 Builtin CPU simulator. @value{GDBN} includes simulators for most architectures.
15026 In general,
15027 @smallexample
15028 target sim
15029 load
15030 run
15031 @end smallexample
15032 @noindent
15033 works; however, you cannot assume that a specific memory map, device
15034 drivers, or even basic I/O is available, although some simulators do
15035 provide these. For info about any processor-specific simulator details,
15036 see the appropriate section in @ref{Embedded Processors, ,Embedded
15037 Processors}.
15038
15039 @end table
15040
15041 Some configurations may include these targets as well:
15042
15043 @table @code
15044
15045 @item target nrom @var{dev}
15046 @cindex NetROM ROM emulator target
15047 NetROM ROM emulator. This target only supports downloading.
15048
15049 @end table
15050
15051 Different targets are available on different configurations of @value{GDBN};
15052 your configuration may have more or fewer targets.
15053
15054 Many remote targets require you to download the executable's code once
15055 you've successfully established a connection. You may wish to control
15056 various aspects of this process.
15057
15058 @table @code
15059
15060 @item set hash
15061 @kindex set hash@r{, for remote monitors}
15062 @cindex hash mark while downloading
15063 This command controls whether a hash mark @samp{#} is displayed while
15064 downloading a file to the remote monitor. If on, a hash mark is
15065 displayed after each S-record is successfully downloaded to the
15066 monitor.
15067
15068 @item show hash
15069 @kindex show hash@r{, for remote monitors}
15070 Show the current status of displaying the hash mark.
15071
15072 @item set debug monitor
15073 @kindex set debug monitor
15074 @cindex display remote monitor communications
15075 Enable or disable display of communications messages between
15076 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
15077
15078 @item show debug monitor
15079 @kindex show debug monitor
15080 Show the current status of displaying communications between
15081 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
15082 @end table
15083
15084 @table @code
15085
15086 @kindex load @var{filename}
15087 @item load @var{filename}
15088 @anchor{load}
15089 Depending on what remote debugging facilities are configured into
15090 @value{GDBN}, the @code{load} command may be available. Where it exists, it
15091 is meant to make @var{filename} (an executable) available for debugging
15092 on the remote system---by downloading, or dynamic linking, for example.
15093 @code{load} also records the @var{filename} symbol table in @value{GDBN}, like
15094 the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
15095
15096 If your @value{GDBN} does not have a @code{load} command, attempting to
15097 execute it gets the error message ``@code{You can't do that when your
15098 target is @dots{}}''
15099
15100 The file is loaded at whatever address is specified in the executable.
15101 For some object file formats, you can specify the load address when you
15102 link the program; for other formats, like a.out, the object file format
15103 specifies a fixed address.
15104 @c FIXME! This would be a good place for an xref to the GNU linker doc.
15105
15106 Depending on the remote side capabilities, @value{GDBN} may be able to
15107 load programs into flash memory.
15108
15109 @code{load} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
15110 @end table
15111
15112 @node Byte Order
15113 @section Choosing Target Byte Order
15114
15115 @cindex choosing target byte order
15116 @cindex target byte order
15117
15118 Some types of processors, such as the MIPS, PowerPC, and Renesas SH,
15119 offer the ability to run either big-endian or little-endian byte
15120 orders. Usually the executable or symbol will include a bit to
15121 designate the endian-ness, and you will not need to worry about
15122 which to use. However, you may still find it useful to adjust
15123 @value{GDBN}'s idea of processor endian-ness manually.
15124
15125 @table @code
15126 @kindex set endian
15127 @item set endian big
15128 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is big-endian.
15129
15130 @item set endian little
15131 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is little-endian.
15132
15133 @item set endian auto
15134 Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the byte order associated with the
15135 executable.
15136
15137 @item show endian
15138 Display @value{GDBN}'s current idea of the target byte order.
15139
15140 @end table
15141
15142 Note that these commands merely adjust interpretation of symbolic
15143 data on the host, and that they have absolutely no effect on the
15144 target system.
15145
15146
15147 @node Remote Debugging
15148 @chapter Debugging Remote Programs
15149 @cindex remote debugging
15150
15151 If you are trying to debug a program running on a machine that cannot run
15152 @value{GDBN} in the usual way, it is often useful to use remote debugging.
15153 For example, you might use remote debugging on an operating system kernel,
15154 or on a small system which does not have a general purpose operating system
15155 powerful enough to run a full-featured debugger.
15156
15157 Some configurations of @value{GDBN} have special serial or TCP/IP interfaces
15158 to make this work with particular debugging targets. In addition,
15159 @value{GDBN} comes with a generic serial protocol (specific to @value{GDBN},
15160 but not specific to any particular target system) which you can use if you
15161 write the remote stubs---the code that runs on the remote system to
15162 communicate with @value{GDBN}.
15163
15164 Other remote targets may be available in your
15165 configuration of @value{GDBN}; use @code{help target} to list them.
15166
15167 @menu
15168 * Connecting:: Connecting to a remote target
15169 * File Transfer:: Sending files to a remote system
15170 * Server:: Using the gdbserver program
15171 * Remote Configuration:: Remote configuration
15172 * Remote Stub:: Implementing a remote stub
15173 @end menu
15174
15175 @node Connecting
15176 @section Connecting to a Remote Target
15177
15178 On the @value{GDBN} host machine, you will need an unstripped copy of
15179 your program, since @value{GDBN} needs symbol and debugging information.
15180 Start up @value{GDBN} as usual, using the name of the local copy of your
15181 program as the first argument.
15182
15183 @cindex @code{target remote}
15184 @value{GDBN} can communicate with the target over a serial line, or
15185 over an @acronym{IP} network using @acronym{TCP} or @acronym{UDP}. In
15186 each case, @value{GDBN} uses the same protocol for debugging your
15187 program; only the medium carrying the debugging packets varies. The
15188 @code{target remote} command establishes a connection to the target.
15189 Its arguments indicate which medium to use:
15190
15191 @table @code
15192
15193 @item target remote @var{serial-device}
15194 @cindex serial line, @code{target remote}
15195 Use @var{serial-device} to communicate with the target. For example,
15196 to use a serial line connected to the device named @file{/dev/ttyb}:
15197
15198 @smallexample
15199 target remote /dev/ttyb
15200 @end smallexample
15201
15202 If you're using a serial line, you may want to give @value{GDBN} the
15203 @w{@samp{--baud}} option, or use the @code{set remotebaud} command
15204 (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remotebaud}) before the
15205 @code{target} command.
15206
15207 @item target remote @code{@var{host}:@var{port}}
15208 @itemx target remote @code{tcp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
15209 @cindex @acronym{TCP} port, @code{target remote}
15210 Debug using a @acronym{TCP} connection to @var{port} on @var{host}.
15211 The @var{host} may be either a host name or a numeric @acronym{IP}
15212 address; @var{port} must be a decimal number. The @var{host} could be
15213 the target machine itself, if it is directly connected to the net, or
15214 it might be a terminal server which in turn has a serial line to the
15215 target.
15216
15217 For example, to connect to port 2828 on a terminal server named
15218 @code{manyfarms}:
15219
15220 @smallexample
15221 target remote manyfarms:2828
15222 @end smallexample
15223
15224 If your remote target is actually running on the same machine as your
15225 debugger session (e.g.@: a simulator for your target running on the
15226 same host), you can omit the hostname. For example, to connect to
15227 port 1234 on your local machine:
15228
15229 @smallexample
15230 target remote :1234
15231 @end smallexample
15232 @noindent
15233
15234 Note that the colon is still required here.
15235
15236 @item target remote @code{udp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
15237 @cindex @acronym{UDP} port, @code{target remote}
15238 Debug using @acronym{UDP} packets to @var{port} on @var{host}. For example, to
15239 connect to @acronym{UDP} port 2828 on a terminal server named @code{manyfarms}:
15240
15241 @smallexample
15242 target remote udp:manyfarms:2828
15243 @end smallexample
15244
15245 When using a @acronym{UDP} connection for remote debugging, you should
15246 keep in mind that the `U' stands for ``Unreliable''. @acronym{UDP}
15247 can silently drop packets on busy or unreliable networks, which will
15248 cause havoc with your debugging session.
15249
15250 @item target remote | @var{command}
15251 @cindex pipe, @code{target remote} to
15252 Run @var{command} in the background and communicate with it using a
15253 pipe. The @var{command} is a shell command, to be parsed and expanded
15254 by the system's command shell, @code{/bin/sh}; it should expect remote
15255 protocol packets on its standard input, and send replies on its
15256 standard output. You could use this to run a stand-alone simulator
15257 that speaks the remote debugging protocol, to make net connections
15258 using programs like @code{ssh}, or for other similar tricks.
15259
15260 If @var{command} closes its standard output (perhaps by exiting),
15261 @value{GDBN} will try to send it a @code{SIGTERM} signal. (If the
15262 program has already exited, this will have no effect.)
15263
15264 @end table
15265
15266 Once the connection has been established, you can use all the usual
15267 commands to examine and change data. The remote program is already
15268 running; you can use @kbd{step} and @kbd{continue}, and you do not
15269 need to use @kbd{run}.
15270
15271 @cindex interrupting remote programs
15272 @cindex remote programs, interrupting
15273 Whenever @value{GDBN} is waiting for the remote program, if you type the
15274 interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}), @value{GDBN} attempts to stop the
15275 program. This may or may not succeed, depending in part on the hardware
15276 and the serial drivers the remote system uses. If you type the
15277 interrupt character once again, @value{GDBN} displays this prompt:
15278
15279 @smallexample
15280 Interrupted while waiting for the program.
15281 Give up (and stop debugging it)? (y or n)
15282 @end smallexample
15283
15284 If you type @kbd{y}, @value{GDBN} abandons the remote debugging session.
15285 (If you decide you want to try again later, you can use @samp{target
15286 remote} again to connect once more.) If you type @kbd{n}, @value{GDBN}
15287 goes back to waiting.
15288
15289 @table @code
15290 @kindex detach (remote)
15291 @item detach
15292 When you have finished debugging the remote program, you can use the
15293 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control.
15294 Detaching from the target normally resumes its execution, but the results
15295 will depend on your particular remote stub. After the @code{detach}
15296 command, @value{GDBN} is free to connect to another target.
15297
15298 @kindex disconnect
15299 @item disconnect
15300 The @code{disconnect} command behaves like @code{detach}, except that
15301 the target is generally not resumed. It will wait for @value{GDBN}
15302 (this instance or another one) to connect and continue debugging. After
15303 the @code{disconnect} command, @value{GDBN} is again free to connect to
15304 another target.
15305
15306 @cindex send command to remote monitor
15307 @cindex extend @value{GDBN} for remote targets
15308 @cindex add new commands for external monitor
15309 @kindex monitor
15310 @item monitor @var{cmd}
15311 This command allows you to send arbitrary commands directly to the
15312 remote monitor. Since @value{GDBN} doesn't care about the commands it
15313 sends like this, this command is the way to extend @value{GDBN}---you
15314 can add new commands that only the external monitor will understand
15315 and implement.
15316 @end table
15317
15318 @node File Transfer
15319 @section Sending files to a remote system
15320 @cindex remote target, file transfer
15321 @cindex file transfer
15322 @cindex sending files to remote systems
15323
15324 Some remote targets offer the ability to transfer files over the same
15325 connection used to communicate with @value{GDBN}. This is convenient
15326 for targets accessible through other means, e.g.@: @sc{gnu}/Linux systems
15327 running @code{gdbserver} over a network interface. For other targets,
15328 e.g.@: embedded devices with only a single serial port, this may be
15329 the only way to upload or download files.
15330
15331 Not all remote targets support these commands.
15332
15333 @table @code
15334 @kindex remote put
15335 @item remote put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
15336 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
15337 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
15338
15339 @kindex remote get
15340 @item remote get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
15341 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
15342 on the host system.
15343
15344 @kindex remote delete
15345 @item remote delete @var{targetfile}
15346 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
15347
15348 @end table
15349
15350 @node Server
15351 @section Using the @code{gdbserver} Program
15352
15353 @kindex gdbserver
15354 @cindex remote connection without stubs
15355 @code{gdbserver} is a control program for Unix-like systems, which
15356 allows you to connect your program with a remote @value{GDBN} via
15357 @code{target remote}---but without linking in the usual debugging stub.
15358
15359 @code{gdbserver} is not a complete replacement for the debugging stubs,
15360 because it requires essentially the same operating-system facilities
15361 that @value{GDBN} itself does. In fact, a system that can run
15362 @code{gdbserver} to connect to a remote @value{GDBN} could also run
15363 @value{GDBN} locally! @code{gdbserver} is sometimes useful nevertheless,
15364 because it is a much smaller program than @value{GDBN} itself. It is
15365 also easier to port than all of @value{GDBN}, so you may be able to get
15366 started more quickly on a new system by using @code{gdbserver}.
15367 Finally, if you develop code for real-time systems, you may find that
15368 the tradeoffs involved in real-time operation make it more convenient to
15369 do as much development work as possible on another system, for example
15370 by cross-compiling. You can use @code{gdbserver} to make a similar
15371 choice for debugging.
15372
15373 @value{GDBN} and @code{gdbserver} communicate via either a serial line
15374 or a TCP connection, using the standard @value{GDBN} remote serial
15375 protocol.
15376
15377 @quotation
15378 @emph{Warning:} @code{gdbserver} does not have any built-in security.
15379 Do not run @code{gdbserver} connected to any public network; a
15380 @value{GDBN} connection to @code{gdbserver} provides access to the
15381 target system with the same privileges as the user running
15382 @code{gdbserver}.
15383 @end quotation
15384
15385 @subsection Running @code{gdbserver}
15386 @cindex arguments, to @code{gdbserver}
15387
15388 Run @code{gdbserver} on the target system. You need a copy of the
15389 program you want to debug, including any libraries it requires.
15390 @code{gdbserver} does not need your program's symbol table, so you can
15391 strip the program if necessary to save space. @value{GDBN} on the host
15392 system does all the symbol handling.
15393
15394 To use the server, you must tell it how to communicate with @value{GDBN};
15395 the name of your program; and the arguments for your program. The usual
15396 syntax is:
15397
15398 @smallexample
15399 target> gdbserver @var{comm} @var{program} [ @var{args} @dots{} ]
15400 @end smallexample
15401
15402 @var{comm} is either a device name (to use a serial line) or a TCP
15403 hostname and portnumber. For example, to debug Emacs with the argument
15404 @samp{foo.txt} and communicate with @value{GDBN} over the serial port
15405 @file{/dev/com1}:
15406
15407 @smallexample
15408 target> gdbserver /dev/com1 emacs foo.txt
15409 @end smallexample
15410
15411 @code{gdbserver} waits passively for the host @value{GDBN} to communicate
15412 with it.
15413
15414 To use a TCP connection instead of a serial line:
15415
15416 @smallexample
15417 target> gdbserver host:2345 emacs foo.txt
15418 @end smallexample
15419
15420 The only difference from the previous example is the first argument,
15421 specifying that you are communicating with the host @value{GDBN} via
15422 TCP. The @samp{host:2345} argument means that @code{gdbserver} is to
15423 expect a TCP connection from machine @samp{host} to local TCP port 2345.
15424 (Currently, the @samp{host} part is ignored.) You can choose any number
15425 you want for the port number as long as it does not conflict with any
15426 TCP ports already in use on the target system (for example, @code{23} is
15427 reserved for @code{telnet}).@footnote{If you choose a port number that
15428 conflicts with another service, @code{gdbserver} prints an error message
15429 and exits.} You must use the same port number with the host @value{GDBN}
15430 @code{target remote} command.
15431
15432 @subsubsection Attaching to a Running Program
15433
15434 On some targets, @code{gdbserver} can also attach to running programs.
15435 This is accomplished via the @code{--attach} argument. The syntax is:
15436
15437 @smallexample
15438 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
15439 @end smallexample
15440
15441 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't necessary
15442 to point @code{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
15443
15444 @pindex pidof
15445 @cindex attach to a program by name
15446 You can debug processes by name instead of process ID if your target has the
15447 @code{pidof} utility:
15448
15449 @smallexample
15450 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} `pidof @var{program}`
15451 @end smallexample
15452
15453 In case more than one copy of @var{program} is running, or @var{program}
15454 has multiple threads, most versions of @code{pidof} support the
15455 @code{-s} option to only return the first process ID.
15456
15457 @subsubsection Multi-Process Mode for @code{gdbserver}
15458 @cindex gdbserver, multiple processes
15459 @cindex multiple processes with gdbserver
15460
15461 When you connect to @code{gdbserver} using @code{target remote},
15462 @code{gdbserver} debugs the specified program only once. When the
15463 program exits, or you detach from it, @value{GDBN} closes the connection
15464 and @code{gdbserver} exits.
15465
15466 If you connect using @kbd{target extended-remote}, @code{gdbserver}
15467 enters multi-process mode. When the debugged program exits, or you
15468 detach from it, @value{GDBN} stays connected to @code{gdbserver} even
15469 though no program is running. The @code{run} and @code{attach}
15470 commands instruct @code{gdbserver} to run or attach to a new program.
15471 The @code{run} command uses @code{set remote exec-file} (@pxref{set
15472 remote exec-file}) to select the program to run. Command line
15473 arguments are supported, except for wildcard expansion and I/O
15474 redirection (@pxref{Arguments}).
15475
15476 To start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
15477 or process ID to attach, use the @option{--multi} command line option.
15478 Then you can connect using @kbd{target extended-remote} and start
15479 the program you want to debug.
15480
15481 @code{gdbserver} does not automatically exit in multi-process mode.
15482 You can terminate it by using @code{monitor exit}
15483 (@pxref{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}).
15484
15485 @subsubsection Other Command-Line Arguments for @code{gdbserver}
15486
15487 The @option{--debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display extra
15488 status information about the debugging process. The
15489 @option{--remote-debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display
15490 remote protocol debug output. These options are intended for
15491 @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to the developers.
15492
15493 The @option{--wrapper} option specifies a wrapper to launch programs
15494 for debugging. The option should be followed by the name of the
15495 wrapper, then any command-line arguments to pass to the wrapper, then
15496 @kbd{--} indicating the end of the wrapper arguments.
15497
15498 @code{gdbserver} runs the specified wrapper program with a combined
15499 command line including the wrapper arguments, then the name of the
15500 program to debug, then any arguments to the program. The wrapper
15501 runs until it executes your program, and then @value{GDBN} gains control.
15502
15503 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
15504 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
15505 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
15506 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
15507
15508 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
15509 the debugged program, without setting the variable in @code{gdbserver}'s
15510 environment:
15511
15512 @smallexample
15513 $ gdbserver --wrapper env LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so -- :2222 ./testprog
15514 @end smallexample
15515
15516 @subsection Connecting to @code{gdbserver}
15517
15518 Run @value{GDBN} on the host system.
15519
15520 First make sure you have the necessary symbol files. Load symbols for
15521 your application using the @code{file} command before you connect. Use
15522 @code{set sysroot} to locate target libraries (unless your @value{GDBN}
15523 was compiled with the correct sysroot using @code{--with-sysroot}).
15524
15525 The symbol file and target libraries must exactly match the executable
15526 and libraries on the target, with one exception: the files on the host
15527 system should not be stripped, even if the files on the target system
15528 are. Mismatched or missing files will lead to confusing results
15529 during debugging. On @sc{gnu}/Linux targets, mismatched or missing
15530 files may also prevent @code{gdbserver} from debugging multi-threaded
15531 programs.
15532
15533 Connect to your target (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
15534 For TCP connections, you must start up @code{gdbserver} prior to using
15535 the @code{target remote} command. Otherwise you may get an error whose
15536 text depends on the host system, but which usually looks something like
15537 @samp{Connection refused}. Don't use the @code{load}
15538 command in @value{GDBN} when using @code{gdbserver}, since the program is
15539 already on the target.
15540
15541 @subsection Monitor Commands for @code{gdbserver}
15542 @cindex monitor commands, for @code{gdbserver}
15543 @anchor{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}
15544
15545 During a @value{GDBN} session using @code{gdbserver}, you can use the
15546 @code{monitor} command to send special requests to @code{gdbserver}.
15547 Here are the available commands.
15548
15549 @table @code
15550 @item monitor help
15551 List the available monitor commands.
15552
15553 @item monitor set debug 0
15554 @itemx monitor set debug 1
15555 Disable or enable general debugging messages.
15556
15557 @item monitor set remote-debug 0
15558 @itemx monitor set remote-debug 1
15559 Disable or enable specific debugging messages associated with the remote
15560 protocol (@pxref{Remote Protocol}).
15561
15562 @item monitor set libthread-db-search-path [PATH]
15563 @cindex gdbserver, search path for @code{libthread_db}
15564 When this command is issued, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
15565 directories to search for @code{libthread_db} (@pxref{Threads,,set
15566 libthread-db-search-path}). If you omit @var{path},
15567 @samp{libthread-db-search-path} will be reset to an empty list.
15568
15569 @item monitor exit
15570 Tell gdbserver to exit immediately. This command should be followed by
15571 @code{disconnect} to close the debugging session. @code{gdbserver} will
15572 detach from any attached processes and kill any processes it created.
15573 Use @code{monitor exit} to terminate @code{gdbserver} at the end
15574 of a multi-process mode debug session.
15575
15576 @end table
15577
15578 @node Remote Configuration
15579 @section Remote Configuration
15580
15581 @kindex set remote
15582 @kindex show remote
15583 This section documents the configuration options available when
15584 debugging remote programs. For the options related to the File I/O
15585 extensions of the remote protocol, see @ref{system,
15586 system-call-allowed}.
15587
15588 @table @code
15589 @item set remoteaddresssize @var{bits}
15590 @cindex address size for remote targets
15591 @cindex bits in remote address
15592 Set the maximum size of address in a memory packet to the specified
15593 number of bits. @value{GDBN} will mask off the address bits above
15594 that number, when it passes addresses to the remote target. The
15595 default value is the number of bits in the target's address.
15596
15597 @item show remoteaddresssize
15598 Show the current value of remote address size in bits.
15599
15600 @item set remotebaud @var{n}
15601 @cindex baud rate for remote targets
15602 Set the baud rate for the remote serial I/O to @var{n} baud. The
15603 value is used to set the speed of the serial port used for debugging
15604 remote targets.
15605
15606 @item show remotebaud
15607 Show the current speed of the remote connection.
15608
15609 @item set remotebreak
15610 @cindex interrupt remote programs
15611 @cindex BREAK signal instead of Ctrl-C
15612 @anchor{set remotebreak}
15613 If set to on, @value{GDBN} sends a @code{BREAK} signal to the remote
15614 when you type @kbd{Ctrl-c} to interrupt the program running
15615 on the remote. If set to off, @value{GDBN} sends the @samp{Ctrl-C}
15616 character instead. The default is off, since most remote systems
15617 expect to see @samp{Ctrl-C} as the interrupt signal.
15618
15619 @item show remotebreak
15620 Show whether @value{GDBN} sends @code{BREAK} or @samp{Ctrl-C} to
15621 interrupt the remote program.
15622
15623 @item set remoteflow on
15624 @itemx set remoteflow off
15625 @kindex set remoteflow
15626 Enable or disable hardware flow control (@code{RTS}/@code{CTS})
15627 on the serial port used to communicate to the remote target.
15628
15629 @item show remoteflow
15630 @kindex show remoteflow
15631 Show the current setting of hardware flow control.
15632
15633 @item set remotelogbase @var{base}
15634 Set the base (a.k.a.@: radix) of logging serial protocol
15635 communications to @var{base}. Supported values of @var{base} are:
15636 @code{ascii}, @code{octal}, and @code{hex}. The default is
15637 @code{ascii}.
15638
15639 @item show remotelogbase
15640 Show the current setting of the radix for logging remote serial
15641 protocol.
15642
15643 @item set remotelogfile @var{file}
15644 @cindex record serial communications on file
15645 Record remote serial communications on the named @var{file}. The
15646 default is not to record at all.
15647
15648 @item show remotelogfile.
15649 Show the current setting of the file name on which to record the
15650 serial communications.
15651
15652 @item set remotetimeout @var{num}
15653 @cindex timeout for serial communications
15654 @cindex remote timeout
15655 Set the timeout limit to wait for the remote target to respond to
15656 @var{num} seconds. The default is 2 seconds.
15657
15658 @item show remotetimeout
15659 Show the current number of seconds to wait for the remote target
15660 responses.
15661
15662 @cindex limit hardware breakpoints and watchpoints
15663 @cindex remote target, limit break- and watchpoints
15664 @anchor{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}
15665 @anchor{set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit}
15666 @item set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit @var{limit}
15667 @itemx set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit @var{limit}
15668 Restrict @value{GDBN} to using @var{limit} remote hardware breakpoint or
15669 watchpoints. A limit of -1, the default, is treated as unlimited.
15670
15671 @item set remote exec-file @var{filename}
15672 @itemx show remote exec-file
15673 @anchor{set remote exec-file}
15674 @cindex executable file, for remote target
15675 Select the file used for @code{run} with @code{target
15676 extended-remote}. This should be set to a filename valid on the
15677 target system. If it is not set, the target will use a default
15678 filename (e.g.@: the last program run).
15679
15680 @item set remote interrupt-sequence
15681 @cindex interrupt remote programs
15682 @cindex select Ctrl-C, BREAK or BREAK-g
15683 Allow the user to select one of @samp{Ctrl-C}, a @code{BREAK} or
15684 @samp{BREAK-g} as the
15685 sequence to the remote target in order to interrupt the execution.
15686 @samp{Ctrl-C} is a default. Some system prefers @code{BREAK} which
15687 is high level of serial line for some certain time.
15688 Linux kernel prefers @samp{BREAK-g}, a.k.a Magic SysRq g.
15689 It is @code{BREAK} signal followed by character @code{g}.
15690
15691 @item show interrupt-sequence
15692 Show which of @samp{Ctrl-C}, @code{BREAK} or @code{BREAK-g}
15693 is sent by @value{GDBN} to interrupt the remote program.
15694 @code{BREAK-g} is BREAK signal followed by @code{g} and
15695 also known as Magic SysRq g.
15696
15697 @item set remote interrupt-on-connect
15698 @cindex send interrupt-sequence on start
15699 Specify whether interrupt-sequence is sent to remote target when
15700 @value{GDBN} connects to it. This is mostly needed when you debug
15701 Linux kernel. Linux kernel expects @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g}
15702 which is known as Magic SysRq g in order to connect @value{GDBN}.
15703
15704 @item show interrupt-on-connect
15705 Show whether interrupt-sequence is sent
15706 to remote target when @value{GDBN} connects to it.
15707
15708 @kindex set tcp
15709 @kindex show tcp
15710 @item set tcp auto-retry on
15711 @cindex auto-retry, for remote TCP target
15712 Enable auto-retry for remote TCP connections. This is useful if the remote
15713 debugging agent is launched in parallel with @value{GDBN}; there is a race
15714 condition because the agent may not become ready to accept the connection
15715 before @value{GDBN} attempts to connect. When auto-retry is
15716 enabled, if the initial attempt to connect fails, @value{GDBN} reattempts
15717 to establish the connection using the timeout specified by
15718 @code{set tcp connect-timeout}.
15719
15720 @item set tcp auto-retry off
15721 Do not auto-retry failed TCP connections.
15722
15723 @item show tcp auto-retry
15724 Show the current auto-retry setting.
15725
15726 @item set tcp connect-timeout @var{seconds}
15727 @cindex connection timeout, for remote TCP target
15728 @cindex timeout, for remote target connection
15729 Set the timeout for establishing a TCP connection to the remote target to
15730 @var{seconds}. The timeout affects both polling to retry failed connections
15731 (enabled by @code{set tcp auto-retry on}) and waiting for connections
15732 that are merely slow to complete, and represents an approximate cumulative
15733 value.
15734
15735 @item show tcp connect-timeout
15736 Show the current connection timeout setting.
15737 @end table
15738
15739 @cindex remote packets, enabling and disabling
15740 The @value{GDBN} remote protocol autodetects the packets supported by
15741 your debugging stub. If you need to override the autodetection, you
15742 can use these commands to enable or disable individual packets. Each
15743 packet can be set to @samp{on} (the remote target supports this
15744 packet), @samp{off} (the remote target does not support this packet),
15745 or @samp{auto} (detect remote target support for this packet). They
15746 all default to @samp{auto}. For more information about each packet,
15747 see @ref{Remote Protocol}.
15748
15749 During normal use, you should not have to use any of these commands.
15750 If you do, that may be a bug in your remote debugging stub, or a bug
15751 in @value{GDBN}. You may want to report the problem to the
15752 @value{GDBN} developers.
15753
15754 For each packet @var{name}, the command to enable or disable the
15755 packet is @code{set remote @var{name}-packet}. The available settings
15756 are:
15757
15758 @multitable @columnfractions 0.28 0.32 0.25
15759 @item Command Name
15760 @tab Remote Packet
15761 @tab Related Features
15762
15763 @item @code{fetch-register}
15764 @tab @code{p}
15765 @tab @code{info registers}
15766
15767 @item @code{set-register}
15768 @tab @code{P}
15769 @tab @code{set}
15770
15771 @item @code{binary-download}
15772 @tab @code{X}
15773 @tab @code{load}, @code{set}
15774
15775 @item @code{read-aux-vector}
15776 @tab @code{qXfer:auxv:read}
15777 @tab @code{info auxv}
15778
15779 @item @code{symbol-lookup}
15780 @tab @code{qSymbol}
15781 @tab Detecting multiple threads
15782
15783 @item @code{attach}
15784 @tab @code{vAttach}
15785 @tab @code{attach}
15786
15787 @item @code{verbose-resume}
15788 @tab @code{vCont}
15789 @tab Stepping or resuming multiple threads
15790
15791 @item @code{run}
15792 @tab @code{vRun}
15793 @tab @code{run}
15794
15795 @item @code{software-breakpoint}
15796 @tab @code{Z0}
15797 @tab @code{break}
15798
15799 @item @code{hardware-breakpoint}
15800 @tab @code{Z1}
15801 @tab @code{hbreak}
15802
15803 @item @code{write-watchpoint}
15804 @tab @code{Z2}
15805 @tab @code{watch}
15806
15807 @item @code{read-watchpoint}
15808 @tab @code{Z3}
15809 @tab @code{rwatch}
15810
15811 @item @code{access-watchpoint}
15812 @tab @code{Z4}
15813 @tab @code{awatch}
15814
15815 @item @code{target-features}
15816 @tab @code{qXfer:features:read}
15817 @tab @code{set architecture}
15818
15819 @item @code{library-info}
15820 @tab @code{qXfer:libraries:read}
15821 @tab @code{info sharedlibrary}
15822
15823 @item @code{memory-map}
15824 @tab @code{qXfer:memory-map:read}
15825 @tab @code{info mem}
15826
15827 @item @code{read-spu-object}
15828 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:read}
15829 @tab @code{info spu}
15830
15831 @item @code{write-spu-object}
15832 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:write}
15833 @tab @code{info spu}
15834
15835 @item @code{read-siginfo-object}
15836 @tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:read}
15837 @tab @code{print $_siginfo}
15838
15839 @item @code{write-siginfo-object}
15840 @tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:write}
15841 @tab @code{set $_siginfo}
15842
15843 @item @code{threads}
15844 @tab @code{qXfer:threads:read}
15845 @tab @code{info threads}
15846
15847 @item @code{get-thread-local-@*storage-address}
15848 @tab @code{qGetTLSAddr}
15849 @tab Displaying @code{__thread} variables
15850
15851 @item @code{get-thread-information-block-address}
15852 @tab @code{qGetTIBAddr}
15853 @tab Display MS-Windows Thread Information Block.
15854
15855 @item @code{search-memory}
15856 @tab @code{qSearch:memory}
15857 @tab @code{find}
15858
15859 @item @code{supported-packets}
15860 @tab @code{qSupported}
15861 @tab Remote communications parameters
15862
15863 @item @code{pass-signals}
15864 @tab @code{QPassSignals}
15865 @tab @code{handle @var{signal}}
15866
15867 @item @code{hostio-close-packet}
15868 @tab @code{vFile:close}
15869 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
15870
15871 @item @code{hostio-open-packet}
15872 @tab @code{vFile:open}
15873 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
15874
15875 @item @code{hostio-pread-packet}
15876 @tab @code{vFile:pread}
15877 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
15878
15879 @item @code{hostio-pwrite-packet}
15880 @tab @code{vFile:pwrite}
15881 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
15882
15883 @item @code{hostio-unlink-packet}
15884 @tab @code{vFile:unlink}
15885 @tab @code{remote delete}
15886
15887 @item @code{noack-packet}
15888 @tab @code{QStartNoAckMode}
15889 @tab Packet acknowledgment
15890
15891 @item @code{osdata}
15892 @tab @code{qXfer:osdata:read}
15893 @tab @code{info os}
15894
15895 @item @code{query-attached}
15896 @tab @code{qAttached}
15897 @tab Querying remote process attach state.
15898 @end multitable
15899
15900 @node Remote Stub
15901 @section Implementing a Remote Stub
15902
15903 @cindex debugging stub, example
15904 @cindex remote stub, example
15905 @cindex stub example, remote debugging
15906 The stub files provided with @value{GDBN} implement the target side of the
15907 communication protocol, and the @value{GDBN} side is implemented in the
15908 @value{GDBN} source file @file{remote.c}. Normally, you can simply allow
15909 these subroutines to communicate, and ignore the details. (If you're
15910 implementing your own stub file, you can still ignore the details: start
15911 with one of the existing stub files. @file{sparc-stub.c} is the best
15912 organized, and therefore the easiest to read.)
15913
15914 @cindex remote serial debugging, overview
15915 To debug a program running on another machine (the debugging
15916 @dfn{target} machine), you must first arrange for all the usual
15917 prerequisites for the program to run by itself. For example, for a C
15918 program, you need:
15919
15920 @enumerate
15921 @item
15922 A startup routine to set up the C runtime environment; these usually
15923 have a name like @file{crt0}. The startup routine may be supplied by
15924 your hardware supplier, or you may have to write your own.
15925
15926 @item
15927 A C subroutine library to support your program's
15928 subroutine calls, notably managing input and output.
15929
15930 @item
15931 A way of getting your program to the other machine---for example, a
15932 download program. These are often supplied by the hardware
15933 manufacturer, but you may have to write your own from hardware
15934 documentation.
15935 @end enumerate
15936
15937 The next step is to arrange for your program to use a serial port to
15938 communicate with the machine where @value{GDBN} is running (the @dfn{host}
15939 machine). In general terms, the scheme looks like this:
15940
15941 @table @emph
15942 @item On the host,
15943 @value{GDBN} already understands how to use this protocol; when everything
15944 else is set up, you can simply use the @samp{target remote} command
15945 (@pxref{Targets,,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
15946
15947 @item On the target,
15948 you must link with your program a few special-purpose subroutines that
15949 implement the @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol. The file containing these
15950 subroutines is called a @dfn{debugging stub}.
15951
15952 On certain remote targets, you can use an auxiliary program
15953 @code{gdbserver} instead of linking a stub into your program.
15954 @xref{Server,,Using the @code{gdbserver} Program}, for details.
15955 @end table
15956
15957 The debugging stub is specific to the architecture of the remote
15958 machine; for example, use @file{sparc-stub.c} to debug programs on
15959 @sc{sparc} boards.
15960
15961 @cindex remote serial stub list
15962 These working remote stubs are distributed with @value{GDBN}:
15963
15964 @table @code
15965
15966 @item i386-stub.c
15967 @cindex @file{i386-stub.c}
15968 @cindex Intel
15969 @cindex i386
15970 For Intel 386 and compatible architectures.
15971
15972 @item m68k-stub.c
15973 @cindex @file{m68k-stub.c}
15974 @cindex Motorola 680x0
15975 @cindex m680x0
15976 For Motorola 680x0 architectures.
15977
15978 @item sh-stub.c
15979 @cindex @file{sh-stub.c}
15980 @cindex Renesas
15981 @cindex SH
15982 For Renesas SH architectures.
15983
15984 @item sparc-stub.c
15985 @cindex @file{sparc-stub.c}
15986 @cindex Sparc
15987 For @sc{sparc} architectures.
15988
15989 @item sparcl-stub.c
15990 @cindex @file{sparcl-stub.c}
15991 @cindex Fujitsu
15992 @cindex SparcLite
15993 For Fujitsu @sc{sparclite} architectures.
15994
15995 @end table
15996
15997 The @file{README} file in the @value{GDBN} distribution may list other
15998 recently added stubs.
15999
16000 @menu
16001 * Stub Contents:: What the stub can do for you
16002 * Bootstrapping:: What you must do for the stub
16003 * Debug Session:: Putting it all together
16004 @end menu
16005
16006 @node Stub Contents
16007 @subsection What the Stub Can Do for You
16008
16009 @cindex remote serial stub
16010 The debugging stub for your architecture supplies these three
16011 subroutines:
16012
16013 @table @code
16014 @item set_debug_traps
16015 @findex set_debug_traps
16016 @cindex remote serial stub, initialization
16017 This routine arranges for @code{handle_exception} to run when your
16018 program stops. You must call this subroutine explicitly near the
16019 beginning of your program.
16020
16021 @item handle_exception
16022 @findex handle_exception
16023 @cindex remote serial stub, main routine
16024 This is the central workhorse, but your program never calls it
16025 explicitly---the setup code arranges for @code{handle_exception} to
16026 run when a trap is triggered.
16027
16028 @code{handle_exception} takes control when your program stops during
16029 execution (for example, on a breakpoint), and mediates communications
16030 with @value{GDBN} on the host machine. This is where the communications
16031 protocol is implemented; @code{handle_exception} acts as the @value{GDBN}
16032 representative on the target machine. It begins by sending summary
16033 information on the state of your program, then continues to execute,
16034 retrieving and transmitting any information @value{GDBN} needs, until you
16035 execute a @value{GDBN} command that makes your program resume; at that point,
16036 @code{handle_exception} returns control to your own code on the target
16037 machine.
16038
16039 @item breakpoint
16040 @cindex @code{breakpoint} subroutine, remote
16041 Use this auxiliary subroutine to make your program contain a
16042 breakpoint. Depending on the particular situation, this may be the only
16043 way for @value{GDBN} to get control. For instance, if your target
16044 machine has some sort of interrupt button, you won't need to call this;
16045 pressing the interrupt button transfers control to
16046 @code{handle_exception}---in effect, to @value{GDBN}. On some machines,
16047 simply receiving characters on the serial port may also trigger a trap;
16048 again, in that situation, you don't need to call @code{breakpoint} from
16049 your own program---simply running @samp{target remote} from the host
16050 @value{GDBN} session gets control.
16051
16052 Call @code{breakpoint} if none of these is true, or if you simply want
16053 to make certain your program stops at a predetermined point for the
16054 start of your debugging session.
16055 @end table
16056
16057 @node Bootstrapping
16058 @subsection What You Must Do for the Stub
16059
16060 @cindex remote stub, support routines
16061 The debugging stubs that come with @value{GDBN} are set up for a particular
16062 chip architecture, but they have no information about the rest of your
16063 debugging target machine.
16064
16065 First of all you need to tell the stub how to communicate with the
16066 serial port.
16067
16068 @table @code
16069 @item int getDebugChar()
16070 @findex getDebugChar
16071 Write this subroutine to read a single character from the serial port.
16072 It may be identical to @code{getchar} for your target system; a
16073 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
16074
16075 @item void putDebugChar(int)
16076 @findex putDebugChar
16077 Write this subroutine to write a single character to the serial port.
16078 It may be identical to @code{putchar} for your target system; a
16079 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
16080 @end table
16081
16082 @cindex control C, and remote debugging
16083 @cindex interrupting remote targets
16084 If you want @value{GDBN} to be able to stop your program while it is
16085 running, you need to use an interrupt-driven serial driver, and arrange
16086 for it to stop when it receives a @code{^C} (@samp{\003}, the control-C
16087 character). That is the character which @value{GDBN} uses to tell the
16088 remote system to stop.
16089
16090 Getting the debugging target to return the proper status to @value{GDBN}
16091 probably requires changes to the standard stub; one quick and dirty way
16092 is to just execute a breakpoint instruction (the ``dirty'' part is that
16093 @value{GDBN} reports a @code{SIGTRAP} instead of a @code{SIGINT}).
16094
16095 Other routines you need to supply are:
16096
16097 @table @code
16098 @item void exceptionHandler (int @var{exception_number}, void *@var{exception_address})
16099 @findex exceptionHandler
16100 Write this function to install @var{exception_address} in the exception
16101 handling tables. You need to do this because the stub does not have any
16102 way of knowing what the exception handling tables on your target system
16103 are like (for example, the processor's table might be in @sc{rom},
16104 containing entries which point to a table in @sc{ram}).
16105 @var{exception_number} is the exception number which should be changed;
16106 its meaning is architecture-dependent (for example, different numbers
16107 might represent divide by zero, misaligned access, etc). When this
16108 exception occurs, control should be transferred directly to
16109 @var{exception_address}, and the processor state (stack, registers,
16110 and so on) should be just as it is when a processor exception occurs. So if
16111 you want to use a jump instruction to reach @var{exception_address}, it
16112 should be a simple jump, not a jump to subroutine.
16113
16114 For the 386, @var{exception_address} should be installed as an interrupt
16115 gate so that interrupts are masked while the handler runs. The gate
16116 should be at privilege level 0 (the most privileged level). The
16117 @sc{sparc} and 68k stubs are able to mask interrupts themselves without
16118 help from @code{exceptionHandler}.
16119
16120 @item void flush_i_cache()
16121 @findex flush_i_cache
16122 On @sc{sparc} and @sc{sparclite} only, write this subroutine to flush the
16123 instruction cache, if any, on your target machine. If there is no
16124 instruction cache, this subroutine may be a no-op.
16125
16126 On target machines that have instruction caches, @value{GDBN} requires this
16127 function to make certain that the state of your program is stable.
16128 @end table
16129
16130 @noindent
16131 You must also make sure this library routine is available:
16132
16133 @table @code
16134 @item void *memset(void *, int, int)
16135 @findex memset
16136 This is the standard library function @code{memset} that sets an area of
16137 memory to a known value. If you have one of the free versions of
16138 @code{libc.a}, @code{memset} can be found there; otherwise, you must
16139 either obtain it from your hardware manufacturer, or write your own.
16140 @end table
16141
16142 If you do not use the GNU C compiler, you may need other standard
16143 library subroutines as well; this varies from one stub to another,
16144 but in general the stubs are likely to use any of the common library
16145 subroutines which @code{@value{NGCC}} generates as inline code.
16146
16147
16148 @node Debug Session
16149 @subsection Putting it All Together
16150
16151 @cindex remote serial debugging summary
16152 In summary, when your program is ready to debug, you must follow these
16153 steps.
16154
16155 @enumerate
16156 @item
16157 Make sure you have defined the supporting low-level routines
16158 (@pxref{Bootstrapping,,What You Must Do for the Stub}):
16159 @display
16160 @code{getDebugChar}, @code{putDebugChar},
16161 @code{flush_i_cache}, @code{memset}, @code{exceptionHandler}.
16162 @end display
16163
16164 @item
16165 Insert these lines near the top of your program:
16166
16167 @smallexample
16168 set_debug_traps();
16169 breakpoint();
16170 @end smallexample
16171
16172 @item
16173 For the 680x0 stub only, you need to provide a variable called
16174 @code{exceptionHook}. Normally you just use:
16175
16176 @smallexample
16177 void (*exceptionHook)() = 0;
16178 @end smallexample
16179
16180 @noindent
16181 but if before calling @code{set_debug_traps}, you set it to point to a
16182 function in your program, that function is called when
16183 @code{@value{GDBN}} continues after stopping on a trap (for example, bus
16184 error). The function indicated by @code{exceptionHook} is called with
16185 one parameter: an @code{int} which is the exception number.
16186
16187 @item
16188 Compile and link together: your program, the @value{GDBN} debugging stub for
16189 your target architecture, and the supporting subroutines.
16190
16191 @item
16192 Make sure you have a serial connection between your target machine and
16193 the @value{GDBN} host, and identify the serial port on the host.
16194
16195 @item
16196 @c The "remote" target now provides a `load' command, so we should
16197 @c document that. FIXME.
16198 Download your program to your target machine (or get it there by
16199 whatever means the manufacturer provides), and start it.
16200
16201 @item
16202 Start @value{GDBN} on the host, and connect to the target
16203 (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
16204
16205 @end enumerate
16206
16207 @node Configurations
16208 @chapter Configuration-Specific Information
16209
16210 While nearly all @value{GDBN} commands are available for all native and
16211 cross versions of the debugger, there are some exceptions. This chapter
16212 describes things that are only available in certain configurations.
16213
16214 There are three major categories of configurations: native
16215 configurations, where the host and target are the same, embedded
16216 operating system configurations, which are usually the same for several
16217 different processor architectures, and bare embedded processors, which
16218 are quite different from each other.
16219
16220 @menu
16221 * Native::
16222 * Embedded OS::
16223 * Embedded Processors::
16224 * Architectures::
16225 @end menu
16226
16227 @node Native
16228 @section Native
16229
16230 This section describes details specific to particular native
16231 configurations.
16232
16233 @menu
16234 * HP-UX:: HP-UX
16235 * BSD libkvm Interface:: Debugging BSD kernel memory images
16236 * SVR4 Process Information:: SVR4 process information
16237 * DJGPP Native:: Features specific to the DJGPP port
16238 * Cygwin Native:: Features specific to the Cygwin port
16239 * Hurd Native:: Features specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd
16240 * Neutrino:: Features specific to QNX Neutrino
16241 * Darwin:: Features specific to Darwin
16242 @end menu
16243
16244 @node HP-UX
16245 @subsection HP-UX
16246
16247 On HP-UX systems, if you refer to a function or variable name that
16248 begins with a dollar sign, @value{GDBN} searches for a user or system
16249 name first, before it searches for a convenience variable.
16250
16251
16252 @node BSD libkvm Interface
16253 @subsection BSD libkvm Interface
16254
16255 @cindex libkvm
16256 @cindex kernel memory image
16257 @cindex kernel crash dump
16258
16259 BSD-derived systems (FreeBSD/NetBSD/OpenBSD) have a kernel memory
16260 interface that provides a uniform interface for accessing kernel virtual
16261 memory images, including live systems and crash dumps. @value{GDBN}
16262 uses this interface to allow you to debug live kernels and kernel crash
16263 dumps on many native BSD configurations. This is implemented as a
16264 special @code{kvm} debugging target. For debugging a live system, load
16265 the currently running kernel into @value{GDBN} and connect to the
16266 @code{kvm} target:
16267
16268 @smallexample
16269 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm}
16270 @end smallexample
16271
16272 For debugging crash dumps, provide the file name of the crash dump as an
16273 argument:
16274
16275 @smallexample
16276 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm /var/crash/bsd.0}
16277 @end smallexample
16278
16279 Once connected to the @code{kvm} target, the following commands are
16280 available:
16281
16282 @table @code
16283 @kindex kvm
16284 @item kvm pcb
16285 Set current context from the @dfn{Process Control Block} (PCB) address.
16286
16287 @item kvm proc
16288 Set current context from proc address. This command isn't available on
16289 modern FreeBSD systems.
16290 @end table
16291
16292 @node SVR4 Process Information
16293 @subsection SVR4 Process Information
16294 @cindex /proc
16295 @cindex examine process image
16296 @cindex process info via @file{/proc}
16297
16298 Many versions of SVR4 and compatible systems provide a facility called
16299 @samp{/proc} that can be used to examine the image of a running
16300 process using file-system subroutines. If @value{GDBN} is configured
16301 for an operating system with this facility, the command @code{info
16302 proc} is available to report information about the process running
16303 your program, or about any process running on your system. @code{info
16304 proc} works only on SVR4 systems that include the @code{procfs} code.
16305 This includes, as of this writing, @sc{gnu}/Linux, OSF/1 (Digital
16306 Unix), Solaris, Irix, and Unixware, but not HP-UX, for example.
16307
16308 @table @code
16309 @kindex info proc
16310 @cindex process ID
16311 @item info proc
16312 @itemx info proc @var{process-id}
16313 Summarize available information about any running process. If a
16314 process ID is specified by @var{process-id}, display information about
16315 that process; otherwise display information about the program being
16316 debugged. The summary includes the debugged process ID, the command
16317 line used to invoke it, its current working directory, and its
16318 executable file's absolute file name.
16319
16320 On some systems, @var{process-id} can be of the form
16321 @samp{[@var{pid}]/@var{tid}} which specifies a certain thread ID
16322 within a process. If the optional @var{pid} part is missing, it means
16323 a thread from the process being debugged (the leading @samp{/} still
16324 needs to be present, or else @value{GDBN} will interpret the number as
16325 a process ID rather than a thread ID).
16326
16327 @item info proc mappings
16328 @cindex memory address space mappings
16329 Report the memory address space ranges accessible in the program, with
16330 information on whether the process has read, write, or execute access
16331 rights to each range. On @sc{gnu}/Linux systems, each memory range
16332 includes the object file which is mapped to that range, instead of the
16333 memory access rights to that range.
16334
16335 @item info proc stat
16336 @itemx info proc status
16337 @cindex process detailed status information
16338 These subcommands are specific to @sc{gnu}/Linux systems. They show
16339 the process-related information, including the user ID and group ID;
16340 how many threads are there in the process; its virtual memory usage;
16341 the signals that are pending, blocked, and ignored; its TTY; its
16342 consumption of system and user time; its stack size; its @samp{nice}
16343 value; etc. For more information, see the @samp{proc} man page
16344 (type @kbd{man 5 proc} from your shell prompt).
16345
16346 @item info proc all
16347 Show all the information about the process described under all of the
16348 above @code{info proc} subcommands.
16349
16350 @ignore
16351 @comment These sub-options of 'info proc' were not included when
16352 @comment procfs.c was re-written. Keep their descriptions around
16353 @comment against the day when someone finds the time to put them back in.
16354 @kindex info proc times
16355 @item info proc times
16356 Starting time, user CPU time, and system CPU time for your program and
16357 its children.
16358
16359 @kindex info proc id
16360 @item info proc id
16361 Report on the process IDs related to your program: its own process ID,
16362 the ID of its parent, the process group ID, and the session ID.
16363 @end ignore
16364
16365 @item set procfs-trace
16366 @kindex set procfs-trace
16367 @cindex @code{procfs} API calls
16368 This command enables and disables tracing of @code{procfs} API calls.
16369
16370 @item show procfs-trace
16371 @kindex show procfs-trace
16372 Show the current state of @code{procfs} API call tracing.
16373
16374 @item set procfs-file @var{file}
16375 @kindex set procfs-file
16376 Tell @value{GDBN} to write @code{procfs} API trace to the named
16377 @var{file}. @value{GDBN} appends the trace info to the previous
16378 contents of the file. The default is to display the trace on the
16379 standard output.
16380
16381 @item show procfs-file
16382 @kindex show procfs-file
16383 Show the file to which @code{procfs} API trace is written.
16384
16385 @item proc-trace-entry
16386 @itemx proc-trace-exit
16387 @itemx proc-untrace-entry
16388 @itemx proc-untrace-exit
16389 @kindex proc-trace-entry
16390 @kindex proc-trace-exit
16391 @kindex proc-untrace-entry
16392 @kindex proc-untrace-exit
16393 These commands enable and disable tracing of entries into and exits
16394 from the @code{syscall} interface.
16395
16396 @item info pidlist
16397 @kindex info pidlist
16398 @cindex process list, QNX Neutrino
16399 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all the
16400 processes and all the threads within each process.
16401
16402 @item info meminfo
16403 @kindex info meminfo
16404 @cindex mapinfo list, QNX Neutrino
16405 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all mapinfos.
16406 @end table
16407
16408 @node DJGPP Native
16409 @subsection Features for Debugging @sc{djgpp} Programs
16410 @cindex @sc{djgpp} debugging
16411 @cindex native @sc{djgpp} debugging
16412 @cindex MS-DOS-specific commands
16413
16414 @cindex DPMI
16415 @sc{djgpp} is a port of the @sc{gnu} development tools to MS-DOS and
16416 MS-Windows. @sc{djgpp} programs are 32-bit protected-mode programs
16417 that use the @dfn{DPMI} (DOS Protected-Mode Interface) API to run on
16418 top of real-mode DOS systems and their emulations.
16419
16420 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of @sc{djgpp} programs, and
16421 defines a few commands specific to the @sc{djgpp} port. This
16422 subsection describes those commands.
16423
16424 @table @code
16425 @kindex info dos
16426 @item info dos
16427 This is a prefix of @sc{djgpp}-specific commands which print
16428 information about the target system and important OS structures.
16429
16430 @kindex sysinfo
16431 @cindex MS-DOS system info
16432 @cindex free memory information (MS-DOS)
16433 @item info dos sysinfo
16434 This command displays assorted information about the underlying
16435 platform: the CPU type and features, the OS version and flavor, the
16436 DPMI version, and the available conventional and DPMI memory.
16437
16438 @cindex GDT
16439 @cindex LDT
16440 @cindex IDT
16441 @cindex segment descriptor tables
16442 @cindex descriptor tables display
16443 @item info dos gdt
16444 @itemx info dos ldt
16445 @itemx info dos idt
16446 These 3 commands display entries from, respectively, Global, Local,
16447 and Interrupt Descriptor Tables (GDT, LDT, and IDT). The descriptor
16448 tables are data structures which store a descriptor for each segment
16449 that is currently in use. The segment's selector is an index into a
16450 descriptor table; the table entry for that index holds the
16451 descriptor's base address and limit, and its attributes and access
16452 rights.
16453
16454 A typical @sc{djgpp} program uses 3 segments: a code segment, a data
16455 segment (used for both data and the stack), and a DOS segment (which
16456 allows access to DOS/BIOS data structures and absolute addresses in
16457 conventional memory). However, the DPMI host will usually define
16458 additional segments in order to support the DPMI environment.
16459
16460 @cindex garbled pointers
16461 These commands allow to display entries from the descriptor tables.
16462 Without an argument, all entries from the specified table are
16463 displayed. An argument, which should be an integer expression, means
16464 display a single entry whose index is given by the argument. For
16465 example, here's a convenient way to display information about the
16466 debugged program's data segment:
16467
16468 @smallexample
16469 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos ldt $ds}
16470 @exdent @code{0x13f: base=0x11970000 limit=0x0009ffff 32-Bit Data (Read/Write, Exp-up)}
16471 @end smallexample
16472
16473 @noindent
16474 This comes in handy when you want to see whether a pointer is outside
16475 the data segment's limit (i.e.@: @dfn{garbled}).
16476
16477 @cindex page tables display (MS-DOS)
16478 @item info dos pde
16479 @itemx info dos pte
16480 These two commands display entries from, respectively, the Page
16481 Directory and the Page Tables. Page Directories and Page Tables are
16482 data structures which control how virtual memory addresses are mapped
16483 into physical addresses. A Page Table includes an entry for every
16484 page of memory that is mapped into the program's address space; there
16485 may be several Page Tables, each one holding up to 4096 entries. A
16486 Page Directory has up to 4096 entries, one each for every Page Table
16487 that is currently in use.
16488
16489 Without an argument, @kbd{info dos pde} displays the entire Page
16490 Directory, and @kbd{info dos pte} displays all the entries in all of
16491 the Page Tables. An argument, an integer expression, given to the
16492 @kbd{info dos pde} command means display only that entry from the Page
16493 Directory table. An argument given to the @kbd{info dos pte} command
16494 means display entries from a single Page Table, the one pointed to by
16495 the specified entry in the Page Directory.
16496
16497 @cindex direct memory access (DMA) on MS-DOS
16498 These commands are useful when your program uses @dfn{DMA} (Direct
16499 Memory Access), which needs physical addresses to program the DMA
16500 controller.
16501
16502 These commands are supported only with some DPMI servers.
16503
16504 @cindex physical address from linear address
16505 @item info dos address-pte @var{addr}
16506 This command displays the Page Table entry for a specified linear
16507 address. The argument @var{addr} is a linear address which should
16508 already have the appropriate segment's base address added to it,
16509 because this command accepts addresses which may belong to @emph{any}
16510 segment. For example, here's how to display the Page Table entry for
16511 the page where a variable @code{i} is stored:
16512
16513 @smallexample
16514 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte __djgpp_base_address + (char *)&i}
16515 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x11a00d30:}
16516 @exdent @code{Base=0x02698000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0xd30}
16517 @end smallexample
16518
16519 @noindent
16520 This says that @code{i} is stored at offset @code{0xd30} from the page
16521 whose physical base address is @code{0x02698000}, and shows all the
16522 attributes of that page.
16523
16524 Note that you must cast the addresses of variables to a @code{char *},
16525 since otherwise the value of @code{__djgpp_base_address}, the base
16526 address of all variables and functions in a @sc{djgpp} program, will
16527 be added using the rules of C pointer arithmetics: if @code{i} is
16528 declared an @code{int}, @value{GDBN} will add 4 times the value of
16529 @code{__djgpp_base_address} to the address of @code{i}.
16530
16531 Here's another example, it displays the Page Table entry for the
16532 transfer buffer:
16533
16534 @smallexample
16535 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte *((unsigned *)&_go32_info_block + 3)}
16536 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x29110:}
16537 @exdent @code{Base=0x00029000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0x110}
16538 @end smallexample
16539
16540 @noindent
16541 (The @code{+ 3} offset is because the transfer buffer's address is the
16542 3rd member of the @code{_go32_info_block} structure.) The output
16543 clearly shows that this DPMI server maps the addresses in conventional
16544 memory 1:1, i.e.@: the physical (@code{0x00029000} + @code{0x110}) and
16545 linear (@code{0x29110}) addresses are identical.
16546
16547 This command is supported only with some DPMI servers.
16548 @end table
16549
16550 @cindex DOS serial data link, remote debugging
16551 In addition to native debugging, the DJGPP port supports remote
16552 debugging via a serial data link. The following commands are specific
16553 to remote serial debugging in the DJGPP port of @value{GDBN}.
16554
16555 @table @code
16556 @kindex set com1base
16557 @kindex set com1irq
16558 @kindex set com2base
16559 @kindex set com2irq
16560 @kindex set com3base
16561 @kindex set com3irq
16562 @kindex set com4base
16563 @kindex set com4irq
16564 @item set com1base @var{addr}
16565 This command sets the base I/O port address of the @file{COM1} serial
16566 port.
16567
16568 @item set com1irq @var{irq}
16569 This command sets the @dfn{Interrupt Request} (@code{IRQ}) line to use
16570 for the @file{COM1} serial port.
16571
16572 There are similar commands @samp{set com2base}, @samp{set com3irq},
16573 etc.@: for setting the port address and the @code{IRQ} lines for the
16574 other 3 COM ports.
16575
16576 @kindex show com1base
16577 @kindex show com1irq
16578 @kindex show com2base
16579 @kindex show com2irq
16580 @kindex show com3base
16581 @kindex show com3irq
16582 @kindex show com4base
16583 @kindex show com4irq
16584 The related commands @samp{show com1base}, @samp{show com1irq} etc.@:
16585 display the current settings of the base address and the @code{IRQ}
16586 lines used by the COM ports.
16587
16588 @item info serial
16589 @kindex info serial
16590 @cindex DOS serial port status
16591 This command prints the status of the 4 DOS serial ports. For each
16592 port, it prints whether it's active or not, its I/O base address and
16593 IRQ number, whether it uses a 16550-style FIFO, its baudrate, and the
16594 counts of various errors encountered so far.
16595 @end table
16596
16597
16598 @node Cygwin Native
16599 @subsection Features for Debugging MS Windows PE Executables
16600 @cindex MS Windows debugging
16601 @cindex native Cygwin debugging
16602 @cindex Cygwin-specific commands
16603
16604 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of MS Windows programs, including
16605 DLLs with and without symbolic debugging information.
16606
16607 @cindex Ctrl-BREAK, MS-Windows
16608 @cindex interrupt debuggee on MS-Windows
16609 MS-Windows programs that call @code{SetConsoleMode} to switch off the
16610 special meaning of the @samp{Ctrl-C} keystroke cannot be interrupted
16611 by typing @kbd{C-c}. For this reason, @value{GDBN} on MS-Windows
16612 supports @kbd{C-@key{BREAK}} as an alternative interrupt key
16613 sequence, which can be used to interrupt the debuggee even if it
16614 ignores @kbd{C-c}.
16615
16616 There are various additional Cygwin-specific commands, described in
16617 this section. Working with DLLs that have no debugging symbols is
16618 described in @ref{Non-debug DLL Symbols}.
16619
16620 @table @code
16621 @kindex info w32
16622 @item info w32
16623 This is a prefix of MS Windows-specific commands which print
16624 information about the target system and important OS structures.
16625
16626 @item info w32 selector
16627 This command displays information returned by
16628 the Win32 API @code{GetThreadSelectorEntry} function.
16629 It takes an optional argument that is evaluated to
16630 a long value to give the information about this given selector.
16631 Without argument, this command displays information
16632 about the six segment registers.
16633
16634 @item info w32 thread-information-block
16635 This command displays thread specific information stored in the
16636 Thread Information Block (readable on the X86 CPU family using @code{$fs}
16637 selector for 32-bit programs and @code{$gs} for 64-bit programs).
16638
16639 @kindex info dll
16640 @item info dll
16641 This is a Cygwin-specific alias of @code{info shared}.
16642
16643 @kindex dll-symbols
16644 @item dll-symbols
16645 This command loads symbols from a dll similarly to
16646 add-sym command but without the need to specify a base address.
16647
16648 @kindex set cygwin-exceptions
16649 @cindex debugging the Cygwin DLL
16650 @cindex Cygwin DLL, debugging
16651 @item set cygwin-exceptions @var{mode}
16652 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that
16653 happen inside the Cygwin DLL. If @var{mode} is @code{off},
16654 @value{GDBN} will delay recognition of exceptions, and may ignore some
16655 exceptions which seem to be caused by internal Cygwin DLL
16656 ``bookkeeping''. This option is meant primarily for debugging the
16657 Cygwin DLL itself; the default value is @code{off} to avoid annoying
16658 @value{GDBN} users with false @code{SIGSEGV} signals.
16659
16660 @kindex show cygwin-exceptions
16661 @item show cygwin-exceptions
16662 Displays whether @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that happen
16663 inside the Cygwin DLL itself.
16664
16665 @kindex set new-console
16666 @item set new-console @var{mode}
16667 If @var{mode} is @code{on} the debuggee will
16668 be started in a new console on next start.
16669 If @var{mode} is @code{off}, the debuggee will
16670 be started in the same console as the debugger.
16671
16672 @kindex show new-console
16673 @item show new-console
16674 Displays whether a new console is used
16675 when the debuggee is started.
16676
16677 @kindex set new-group
16678 @item set new-group @var{mode}
16679 This boolean value controls whether the debuggee should
16680 start a new group or stay in the same group as the debugger.
16681 This affects the way the Windows OS handles
16682 @samp{Ctrl-C}.
16683
16684 @kindex show new-group
16685 @item show new-group
16686 Displays current value of new-group boolean.
16687
16688 @kindex set debugevents
16689 @item set debugevents
16690 This boolean value adds debug output concerning kernel events related
16691 to the debuggee seen by the debugger. This includes events that
16692 signal thread and process creation and exit, DLL loading and
16693 unloading, console interrupts, and debugging messages produced by the
16694 Windows @code{OutputDebugString} API call.
16695
16696 @kindex set debugexec
16697 @item set debugexec
16698 This boolean value adds debug output concerning execute events
16699 (such as resume thread) seen by the debugger.
16700
16701 @kindex set debugexceptions
16702 @item set debugexceptions
16703 This boolean value adds debug output concerning exceptions in the
16704 debuggee seen by the debugger.
16705
16706 @kindex set debugmemory
16707 @item set debugmemory
16708 This boolean value adds debug output concerning debuggee memory reads
16709 and writes by the debugger.
16710
16711 @kindex set shell
16712 @item set shell
16713 This boolean values specifies whether the debuggee is called
16714 via a shell or directly (default value is on).
16715
16716 @kindex show shell
16717 @item show shell
16718 Displays if the debuggee will be started with a shell.
16719
16720 @end table
16721
16722 @menu
16723 * Non-debug DLL Symbols:: Support for DLLs without debugging symbols
16724 @end menu
16725
16726 @node Non-debug DLL Symbols
16727 @subsubsection Support for DLLs without Debugging Symbols
16728 @cindex DLLs with no debugging symbols
16729 @cindex Minimal symbols and DLLs
16730
16731 Very often on windows, some of the DLLs that your program relies on do
16732 not include symbolic debugging information (for example,
16733 @file{kernel32.dll}). When @value{GDBN} doesn't recognize any debugging
16734 symbols in a DLL, it relies on the minimal amount of symbolic
16735 information contained in the DLL's export table. This section
16736 describes working with such symbols, known internally to @value{GDBN} as
16737 ``minimal symbols''.
16738
16739 Note that before the debugged program has started execution, no DLLs
16740 will have been loaded. The easiest way around this problem is simply to
16741 start the program --- either by setting a breakpoint or letting the
16742 program run once to completion. It is also possible to force
16743 @value{GDBN} to load a particular DLL before starting the executable ---
16744 see the shared library information in @ref{Files}, or the
16745 @code{dll-symbols} command in @ref{Cygwin Native}. Currently,
16746 explicitly loading symbols from a DLL with no debugging information will
16747 cause the symbol names to be duplicated in @value{GDBN}'s lookup table,
16748 which may adversely affect symbol lookup performance.
16749
16750 @subsubsection DLL Name Prefixes
16751
16752 In keeping with the naming conventions used by the Microsoft debugging
16753 tools, DLL export symbols are made available with a prefix based on the
16754 DLL name, for instance @code{KERNEL32!CreateFileA}. The plain name is
16755 also entered into the symbol table, so @code{CreateFileA} is often
16756 sufficient. In some cases there will be name clashes within a program
16757 (particularly if the executable itself includes full debugging symbols)
16758 necessitating the use of the fully qualified name when referring to the
16759 contents of the DLL. Use single-quotes around the name to avoid the
16760 exclamation mark (``!'') being interpreted as a language operator.
16761
16762 Note that the internal name of the DLL may be all upper-case, even
16763 though the file name of the DLL is lower-case, or vice-versa. Since
16764 symbols within @value{GDBN} are @emph{case-sensitive} this may cause
16765 some confusion. If in doubt, try the @code{info functions} and
16766 @code{info variables} commands or even @code{maint print msymbols}
16767 (@pxref{Symbols}). Here's an example:
16768
16769 @smallexample
16770 (@value{GDBP}) info function CreateFileA
16771 All functions matching regular expression "CreateFileA":
16772
16773 Non-debugging symbols:
16774 0x77e885f4 CreateFileA
16775 0x77e885f4 KERNEL32!CreateFileA
16776 @end smallexample
16777
16778 @smallexample
16779 (@value{GDBP}) info function !
16780 All functions matching regular expression "!":
16781
16782 Non-debugging symbols:
16783 0x6100114c cygwin1!__assert
16784 0x61004034 cygwin1!_dll_crt0@@0
16785 0x61004240 cygwin1!dll_crt0(per_process *)
16786 [etc...]
16787 @end smallexample
16788
16789 @subsubsection Working with Minimal Symbols
16790
16791 Symbols extracted from a DLL's export table do not contain very much
16792 type information. All that @value{GDBN} can do is guess whether a symbol
16793 refers to a function or variable depending on the linker section that
16794 contains the symbol. Also note that the actual contents of the memory
16795 contained in a DLL are not available unless the program is running. This
16796 means that you cannot examine the contents of a variable or disassemble
16797 a function within a DLL without a running program.
16798
16799 Variables are generally treated as pointers and dereferenced
16800 automatically. For this reason, it is often necessary to prefix a
16801 variable name with the address-of operator (``&'') and provide explicit
16802 type information in the command. Here's an example of the type of
16803 problem:
16804
16805 @smallexample
16806 (@value{GDBP}) print 'cygwin1!__argv'
16807 $1 = 268572168
16808 @end smallexample
16809
16810 @smallexample
16811 (@value{GDBP}) x 'cygwin1!__argv'
16812 0x10021610: "\230y\""
16813 @end smallexample
16814
16815 And two possible solutions:
16816
16817 @smallexample
16818 (@value{GDBP}) print ((char **)'cygwin1!__argv')[0]
16819 $2 = 0x22fd98 "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
16820 @end smallexample
16821
16822 @smallexample
16823 (@value{GDBP}) x/2x &'cygwin1!__argv'
16824 0x610c0aa8 <cygwin1!__argv>: 0x10021608 0x00000000
16825 (@value{GDBP}) x/x 0x10021608
16826 0x10021608: 0x0022fd98
16827 (@value{GDBP}) x/s 0x0022fd98
16828 0x22fd98: "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
16829 @end smallexample
16830
16831 Setting a break point within a DLL is possible even before the program
16832 starts execution. However, under these circumstances, @value{GDBN} can't
16833 examine the initial instructions of the function in order to skip the
16834 function's frame set-up code. You can work around this by using ``*&''
16835 to set the breakpoint at a raw memory address:
16836
16837 @smallexample
16838 (@value{GDBP}) break *&'python22!PyOS_Readline'
16839 Breakpoint 1 at 0x1e04eff0
16840 @end smallexample
16841
16842 The author of these extensions is not entirely convinced that setting a
16843 break point within a shared DLL like @file{kernel32.dll} is completely
16844 safe.
16845
16846 @node Hurd Native
16847 @subsection Commands Specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd Systems
16848 @cindex @sc{gnu} Hurd debugging
16849
16850 This subsection describes @value{GDBN} commands specific to the
16851 @sc{gnu} Hurd native debugging.
16852
16853 @table @code
16854 @item set signals
16855 @itemx set sigs
16856 @kindex set signals@r{, Hurd command}
16857 @kindex set sigs@r{, Hurd command}
16858 This command toggles the state of inferior signal interception by
16859 @value{GDBN}. Mach exceptions, such as breakpoint traps, are not
16860 affected by this command. @code{sigs} is a shorthand alias for
16861 @code{signals}.
16862
16863 @item show signals
16864 @itemx show sigs
16865 @kindex show signals@r{, Hurd command}
16866 @kindex show sigs@r{, Hurd command}
16867 Show the current state of intercepting inferior's signals.
16868
16869 @item set signal-thread
16870 @itemx set sigthread
16871 @kindex set signal-thread
16872 @kindex set sigthread
16873 This command tells @value{GDBN} which thread is the @code{libc} signal
16874 thread. That thread is run when a signal is delivered to a running
16875 process. @code{set sigthread} is the shorthand alias of @code{set
16876 signal-thread}.
16877
16878 @item show signal-thread
16879 @itemx show sigthread
16880 @kindex show signal-thread
16881 @kindex show sigthread
16882 These two commands show which thread will run when the inferior is
16883 delivered a signal.
16884
16885 @item set stopped
16886 @kindex set stopped@r{, Hurd command}
16887 This commands tells @value{GDBN} that the inferior process is stopped,
16888 as with the @code{SIGSTOP} signal. The stopped process can be
16889 continued by delivering a signal to it.
16890
16891 @item show stopped
16892 @kindex show stopped@r{, Hurd command}
16893 This command shows whether @value{GDBN} thinks the debuggee is
16894 stopped.
16895
16896 @item set exceptions
16897 @kindex set exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
16898 Use this command to turn off trapping of exceptions in the inferior.
16899 When exception trapping is off, neither breakpoints nor
16900 single-stepping will work. To restore the default, set exception
16901 trapping on.
16902
16903 @item show exceptions
16904 @kindex show exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
16905 Show the current state of trapping exceptions in the inferior.
16906
16907 @item set task pause
16908 @kindex set task@r{, Hurd commands}
16909 @cindex task attributes (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
16910 @cindex pause current task (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
16911 This command toggles task suspension when @value{GDBN} has control.
16912 Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the task is suspended
16913 whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to off will take
16914 effect the next time the inferior is continued. If this option is set
16915 to off, you can use @code{set thread default pause on} or @code{set
16916 thread pause on} (see below) to pause individual threads.
16917
16918 @item show task pause
16919 @kindex show task@r{, Hurd commands}
16920 Show the current state of task suspension.
16921
16922 @item set task detach-suspend-count
16923 @cindex task suspend count
16924 @cindex detach from task, @sc{gnu} Hurd
16925 This command sets the suspend count the task will be left with when
16926 @value{GDBN} detaches from it.
16927
16928 @item show task detach-suspend-count
16929 Show the suspend count the task will be left with when detaching.
16930
16931 @item set task exception-port
16932 @itemx set task excp
16933 @cindex task exception port, @sc{gnu} Hurd
16934 This command sets the task exception port to which @value{GDBN} will
16935 forward exceptions. The argument should be the value of the @dfn{send
16936 rights} of the task. @code{set task excp} is a shorthand alias.
16937
16938 @item set noninvasive
16939 @cindex noninvasive task options
16940 This command switches @value{GDBN} to a mode that is the least
16941 invasive as far as interfering with the inferior is concerned. This
16942 is the same as using @code{set task pause}, @code{set exceptions}, and
16943 @code{set signals} to values opposite to the defaults.
16944
16945 @item info send-rights
16946 @itemx info receive-rights
16947 @itemx info port-rights
16948 @itemx info port-sets
16949 @itemx info dead-names
16950 @itemx info ports
16951 @itemx info psets
16952 @cindex send rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
16953 @cindex receive rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
16954 @cindex port rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
16955 @cindex port sets, @sc{gnu} Hurd
16956 @cindex dead names, @sc{gnu} Hurd
16957 These commands display information about, respectively, send rights,
16958 receive rights, port rights, port sets, and dead names of a task.
16959 There are also shorthand aliases: @code{info ports} for @code{info
16960 port-rights} and @code{info psets} for @code{info port-sets}.
16961
16962 @item set thread pause
16963 @kindex set thread@r{, Hurd command}
16964 @cindex thread properties, @sc{gnu} Hurd
16965 @cindex pause current thread (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
16966 This command toggles current thread suspension when @value{GDBN} has
16967 control. Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the current
16968 thread is suspended whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to
16969 off will take effect the next time the inferior is continued.
16970 Normally, this command has no effect, since when @value{GDBN} has
16971 control, the whole task is suspended. However, if you used @code{set
16972 task pause off} (see above), this command comes in handy to suspend
16973 only the current thread.
16974
16975 @item show thread pause
16976 @kindex show thread@r{, Hurd command}
16977 This command shows the state of current thread suspension.
16978
16979 @item set thread run
16980 This command sets whether the current thread is allowed to run.
16981
16982 @item show thread run
16983 Show whether the current thread is allowed to run.
16984
16985 @item set thread detach-suspend-count
16986 @cindex thread suspend count, @sc{gnu} Hurd
16987 @cindex detach from thread, @sc{gnu} Hurd
16988 This command sets the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on a
16989 thread when detaching. This number is relative to the suspend count
16990 found by @value{GDBN} when it notices the thread; use @code{set thread
16991 takeover-suspend-count} to force it to an absolute value.
16992
16993 @item show thread detach-suspend-count
16994 Show the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on the thread when
16995 detaching.
16996
16997 @item set thread exception-port
16998 @itemx set thread excp
16999 Set the thread exception port to which to forward exceptions. This
17000 overrides the port set by @code{set task exception-port} (see above).
17001 @code{set thread excp} is the shorthand alias.
17002
17003 @item set thread takeover-suspend-count
17004 Normally, @value{GDBN}'s thread suspend counts are relative to the
17005 value @value{GDBN} finds when it notices each thread. This command
17006 changes the suspend counts to be absolute instead.
17007
17008 @item set thread default
17009 @itemx show thread default
17010 @cindex thread default settings, @sc{gnu} Hurd
17011 Each of the above @code{set thread} commands has a @code{set thread
17012 default} counterpart (e.g., @code{set thread default pause}, @code{set
17013 thread default exception-port}, etc.). The @code{thread default}
17014 variety of commands sets the default thread properties for all
17015 threads; you can then change the properties of individual threads with
17016 the non-default commands.
17017 @end table
17018
17019
17020 @node Neutrino
17021 @subsection QNX Neutrino
17022 @cindex QNX Neutrino
17023
17024 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands specific to the QNX
17025 Neutrino target:
17026
17027 @table @code
17028 @item set debug nto-debug
17029 @kindex set debug nto-debug
17030 When set to on, enables debugging messages specific to the QNX
17031 Neutrino support.
17032
17033 @item show debug nto-debug
17034 @kindex show debug nto-debug
17035 Show the current state of QNX Neutrino messages.
17036 @end table
17037
17038 @node Darwin
17039 @subsection Darwin
17040 @cindex Darwin
17041
17042 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands specific to the Darwin target:
17043
17044 @table @code
17045 @item set debug darwin @var{num}
17046 @kindex set debug darwin
17047 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages specific to
17048 the Darwin support. Higher values produce more verbose output.
17049
17050 @item show debug darwin
17051 @kindex show debug darwin
17052 Show the current state of Darwin messages.
17053
17054 @item set debug mach-o @var{num}
17055 @kindex set debug mach-o
17056 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages while
17057 @value{GDBN} is reading Darwin object files. (@dfn{Mach-O} is the
17058 file format used on Darwin for object and executable files.) Higher
17059 values produce more verbose output. This is a command to diagnose
17060 problems internal to @value{GDBN} and should not be needed in normal
17061 usage.
17062
17063 @item show debug mach-o
17064 @kindex show debug mach-o
17065 Show the current state of Mach-O file messages.
17066
17067 @item set mach-exceptions on
17068 @itemx set mach-exceptions off
17069 @kindex set mach-exceptions
17070 On Darwin, faults are first reported as a Mach exception and are then
17071 mapped to a Posix signal. Use this command to turn on trapping of
17072 Mach exceptions in the inferior. This might be sometimes useful to
17073 better understand the cause of a fault. The default is off.
17074
17075 @item show mach-exceptions
17076 @kindex show mach-exceptions
17077 Show the current state of exceptions trapping.
17078 @end table
17079
17080
17081 @node Embedded OS
17082 @section Embedded Operating Systems
17083
17084 This section describes configurations involving the debugging of
17085 embedded operating systems that are available for several different
17086 architectures.
17087
17088 @menu
17089 * VxWorks:: Using @value{GDBN} with VxWorks
17090 @end menu
17091
17092 @value{GDBN} includes the ability to debug programs running on
17093 various real-time operating systems.
17094
17095 @node VxWorks
17096 @subsection Using @value{GDBN} with VxWorks
17097
17098 @cindex VxWorks
17099
17100 @table @code
17101
17102 @kindex target vxworks
17103 @item target vxworks @var{machinename}
17104 A VxWorks system, attached via TCP/IP. The argument @var{machinename}
17105 is the target system's machine name or IP address.
17106
17107 @end table
17108
17109 On VxWorks, @code{load} links @var{filename} dynamically on the
17110 current target system as well as adding its symbols in @value{GDBN}.
17111
17112 @value{GDBN} enables developers to spawn and debug tasks running on networked
17113 VxWorks targets from a Unix host. Already-running tasks spawned from
17114 the VxWorks shell can also be debugged. @value{GDBN} uses code that runs on
17115 both the Unix host and on the VxWorks target. The program
17116 @code{@value{GDBP}} is installed and executed on the Unix host. (It may be
17117 installed with the name @code{vxgdb}, to distinguish it from a
17118 @value{GDBN} for debugging programs on the host itself.)
17119
17120 @table @code
17121 @item VxWorks-timeout @var{args}
17122 @kindex vxworks-timeout
17123 All VxWorks-based targets now support the option @code{vxworks-timeout}.
17124 This option is set by the user, and @var{args} represents the number of
17125 seconds @value{GDBN} waits for responses to rpc's. You might use this if
17126 your VxWorks target is a slow software simulator or is on the far side
17127 of a thin network line.
17128 @end table
17129
17130 The following information on connecting to VxWorks was current when
17131 this manual was produced; newer releases of VxWorks may use revised
17132 procedures.
17133
17134 @findex INCLUDE_RDB
17135 To use @value{GDBN} with VxWorks, you must rebuild your VxWorks kernel
17136 to include the remote debugging interface routines in the VxWorks
17137 library @file{rdb.a}. To do this, define @code{INCLUDE_RDB} in the
17138 VxWorks configuration file @file{configAll.h} and rebuild your VxWorks
17139 kernel. The resulting kernel contains @file{rdb.a}, and spawns the
17140 source debugging task @code{tRdbTask} when VxWorks is booted. For more
17141 information on configuring and remaking VxWorks, see the manufacturer's
17142 manual.
17143 @c VxWorks, see the @cite{VxWorks Programmer's Guide}.
17144
17145 Once you have included @file{rdb.a} in your VxWorks system image and set
17146 your Unix execution search path to find @value{GDBN}, you are ready to
17147 run @value{GDBN}. From your Unix host, run @code{@value{GDBP}} (or
17148 @code{vxgdb}, depending on your installation).
17149
17150 @value{GDBN} comes up showing the prompt:
17151
17152 @smallexample
17153 (vxgdb)
17154 @end smallexample
17155
17156 @menu
17157 * VxWorks Connection:: Connecting to VxWorks
17158 * VxWorks Download:: VxWorks download
17159 * VxWorks Attach:: Running tasks
17160 @end menu
17161
17162 @node VxWorks Connection
17163 @subsubsection Connecting to VxWorks
17164
17165 The @value{GDBN} command @code{target} lets you connect to a VxWorks target on the
17166 network. To connect to a target whose host name is ``@code{tt}'', type:
17167
17168 @smallexample
17169 (vxgdb) target vxworks tt
17170 @end smallexample
17171
17172 @need 750
17173 @value{GDBN} displays messages like these:
17174
17175 @smallexample
17176 Attaching remote machine across net...
17177 Connected to tt.
17178 @end smallexample
17179
17180 @need 1000
17181 @value{GDBN} then attempts to read the symbol tables of any object modules
17182 loaded into the VxWorks target since it was last booted. @value{GDBN} locates
17183 these files by searching the directories listed in the command search
17184 path (@pxref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}); if it fails
17185 to find an object file, it displays a message such as:
17186
17187 @smallexample
17188 prog.o: No such file or directory.
17189 @end smallexample
17190
17191 When this happens, add the appropriate directory to the search path with
17192 the @value{GDBN} command @code{path}, and execute the @code{target}
17193 command again.
17194
17195 @node VxWorks Download
17196 @subsubsection VxWorks Download
17197
17198 @cindex download to VxWorks
17199 If you have connected to the VxWorks target and you want to debug an
17200 object that has not yet been loaded, you can use the @value{GDBN}
17201 @code{load} command to download a file from Unix to VxWorks
17202 incrementally. The object file given as an argument to the @code{load}
17203 command is actually opened twice: first by the VxWorks target in order
17204 to download the code, then by @value{GDBN} in order to read the symbol
17205 table. This can lead to problems if the current working directories on
17206 the two systems differ. If both systems have NFS mounted the same
17207 filesystems, you can avoid these problems by using absolute paths.
17208 Otherwise, it is simplest to set the working directory on both systems
17209 to the directory in which the object file resides, and then to reference
17210 the file by its name, without any path. For instance, a program
17211 @file{prog.o} may reside in @file{@var{vxpath}/vw/demo/rdb} in VxWorks
17212 and in @file{@var{hostpath}/vw/demo/rdb} on the host. To load this
17213 program, type this on VxWorks:
17214
17215 @smallexample
17216 -> cd "@var{vxpath}/vw/demo/rdb"
17217 @end smallexample
17218
17219 @noindent
17220 Then, in @value{GDBN}, type:
17221
17222 @smallexample
17223 (vxgdb) cd @var{hostpath}/vw/demo/rdb
17224 (vxgdb) load prog.o
17225 @end smallexample
17226
17227 @value{GDBN} displays a response similar to this:
17228
17229 @smallexample
17230 Reading symbol data from wherever/vw/demo/rdb/prog.o... done.
17231 @end smallexample
17232
17233 You can also use the @code{load} command to reload an object module
17234 after editing and recompiling the corresponding source file. Note that
17235 this makes @value{GDBN} delete all currently-defined breakpoints,
17236 auto-displays, and convenience variables, and to clear the value
17237 history. (This is necessary in order to preserve the integrity of
17238 debugger's data structures that reference the target system's symbol
17239 table.)
17240
17241 @node VxWorks Attach
17242 @subsubsection Running Tasks
17243
17244 @cindex running VxWorks tasks
17245 You can also attach to an existing task using the @code{attach} command as
17246 follows:
17247
17248 @smallexample
17249 (vxgdb) attach @var{task}
17250 @end smallexample
17251
17252 @noindent
17253 where @var{task} is the VxWorks hexadecimal task ID. The task can be running
17254 or suspended when you attach to it. Running tasks are suspended at
17255 the time of attachment.
17256
17257 @node Embedded Processors
17258 @section Embedded Processors
17259
17260 This section goes into details specific to particular embedded
17261 configurations.
17262
17263 @cindex send command to simulator
17264 Whenever a specific embedded processor has a simulator, @value{GDBN}
17265 allows to send an arbitrary command to the simulator.
17266
17267 @table @code
17268 @item sim @var{command}
17269 @kindex sim@r{, a command}
17270 Send an arbitrary @var{command} string to the simulator. Consult the
17271 documentation for the specific simulator in use for information about
17272 acceptable commands.
17273 @end table
17274
17275
17276 @menu
17277 * ARM:: ARM RDI
17278 * M32R/D:: Renesas M32R/D
17279 * M68K:: Motorola M68K
17280 * MicroBlaze:: Xilinx MicroBlaze
17281 * MIPS Embedded:: MIPS Embedded
17282 * OpenRISC 1000:: OpenRisc 1000
17283 * PA:: HP PA Embedded
17284 * PowerPC Embedded:: PowerPC Embedded
17285 * Sparclet:: Tsqware Sparclet
17286 * Sparclite:: Fujitsu Sparclite
17287 * Z8000:: Zilog Z8000
17288 * AVR:: Atmel AVR
17289 * CRIS:: CRIS
17290 * Super-H:: Renesas Super-H
17291 @end menu
17292
17293 @node ARM
17294 @subsection ARM
17295 @cindex ARM RDI
17296
17297 @table @code
17298 @kindex target rdi
17299 @item target rdi @var{dev}
17300 ARM Angel monitor, via RDI library interface to ADP protocol. You may
17301 use this target to communicate with both boards running the Angel
17302 monitor, or with the EmbeddedICE JTAG debug device.
17303
17304 @kindex target rdp
17305 @item target rdp @var{dev}
17306 ARM Demon monitor.
17307
17308 @end table
17309
17310 @value{GDBN} provides the following ARM-specific commands:
17311
17312 @table @code
17313 @item set arm disassembler
17314 @kindex set arm
17315 This commands selects from a list of disassembly styles. The
17316 @code{"std"} style is the standard style.
17317
17318 @item show arm disassembler
17319 @kindex show arm
17320 Show the current disassembly style.
17321
17322 @item set arm apcs32
17323 @cindex ARM 32-bit mode
17324 This command toggles ARM operation mode between 32-bit and 26-bit.
17325
17326 @item show arm apcs32
17327 Display the current usage of the ARM 32-bit mode.
17328
17329 @item set arm fpu @var{fputype}
17330 This command sets the ARM floating-point unit (FPU) type. The
17331 argument @var{fputype} can be one of these:
17332
17333 @table @code
17334 @item auto
17335 Determine the FPU type by querying the OS ABI.
17336 @item softfpa
17337 Software FPU, with mixed-endian doubles on little-endian ARM
17338 processors.
17339 @item fpa
17340 GCC-compiled FPA co-processor.
17341 @item softvfp
17342 Software FPU with pure-endian doubles.
17343 @item vfp
17344 VFP co-processor.
17345 @end table
17346
17347 @item show arm fpu
17348 Show the current type of the FPU.
17349
17350 @item set arm abi
17351 This command forces @value{GDBN} to use the specified ABI.
17352
17353 @item show arm abi
17354 Show the currently used ABI.
17355
17356 @item set arm fallback-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
17357 @value{GDBN} uses the symbol table, when available, to determine
17358 whether instructions are ARM or Thumb. This command controls
17359 @value{GDBN}'s default behavior when the symbol table is not
17360 available. The default is @samp{auto}, which causes @value{GDBN} to
17361 use the current execution mode (from the @code{T} bit in the @code{CPSR}
17362 register).
17363
17364 @item show arm fallback-mode
17365 Show the current fallback instruction mode.
17366
17367 @item set arm force-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
17368 This command overrides use of the symbol table to determine whether
17369 instructions are ARM or Thumb. The default is @samp{auto}, which
17370 causes @value{GDBN} to use the symbol table and then the setting
17371 of @samp{set arm fallback-mode}.
17372
17373 @item show arm force-mode
17374 Show the current forced instruction mode.
17375
17376 @item set debug arm
17377 Toggle whether to display ARM-specific debugging messages from the ARM
17378 target support subsystem.
17379
17380 @item show debug arm
17381 Show whether ARM-specific debugging messages are enabled.
17382 @end table
17383
17384 The following commands are available when an ARM target is debugged
17385 using the RDI interface:
17386
17387 @table @code
17388 @item rdilogfile @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
17389 @kindex rdilogfile
17390 @cindex ADP (Angel Debugger Protocol) logging
17391 Set the filename for the ADP (Angel Debugger Protocol) packet log.
17392 With an argument, sets the log file to the specified @var{file}. With
17393 no argument, show the current log file name. The default log file is
17394 @file{rdi.log}.
17395
17396 @item rdilogenable @r{[}@var{arg}@r{]}
17397 @kindex rdilogenable
17398 Control logging of ADP packets. With an argument of 1 or @code{"yes"}
17399 enables logging, with an argument 0 or @code{"no"} disables it. With
17400 no arguments displays the current setting. When logging is enabled,
17401 ADP packets exchanged between @value{GDBN} and the RDI target device
17402 are logged to a file.
17403
17404 @item set rdiromatzero
17405 @kindex set rdiromatzero
17406 @cindex ROM at zero address, RDI
17407 Tell @value{GDBN} whether the target has ROM at address 0. If on,
17408 vector catching is disabled, so that zero address can be used. If off
17409 (the default), vector catching is enabled. For this command to take
17410 effect, it needs to be invoked prior to the @code{target rdi} command.
17411
17412 @item show rdiromatzero
17413 @kindex show rdiromatzero
17414 Show the current setting of ROM at zero address.
17415
17416 @item set rdiheartbeat
17417 @kindex set rdiheartbeat
17418 @cindex RDI heartbeat
17419 Enable or disable RDI heartbeat packets. It is not recommended to
17420 turn on this option, since it confuses ARM and EPI JTAG interface, as
17421 well as the Angel monitor.
17422
17423 @item show rdiheartbeat
17424 @kindex show rdiheartbeat
17425 Show the setting of RDI heartbeat packets.
17426 @end table
17427
17428 @table @code
17429 @item target sim @r{[}@var{simargs}@r{]} @dots{}
17430 The @value{GDBN} ARM simulator accepts the following optional arguments.
17431
17432 @table @code
17433 @item --swi-support=@var{type}
17434 Tell the simulator which SWI interfaces to support.
17435 @var{type} may be a comma separated list of the following values.
17436 The default value is @code{all}.
17437
17438 @table @code
17439 @item none
17440 @item demon
17441 @item angel
17442 @item redboot
17443 @item all
17444 @end table
17445 @end table
17446 @end table
17447
17448 @node M32R/D
17449 @subsection Renesas M32R/D and M32R/SDI
17450
17451 @table @code
17452 @kindex target m32r
17453 @item target m32r @var{dev}
17454 Renesas M32R/D ROM monitor.
17455
17456 @kindex target m32rsdi
17457 @item target m32rsdi @var{dev}
17458 Renesas M32R SDI server, connected via parallel port to the board.
17459 @end table
17460
17461 The following @value{GDBN} commands are specific to the M32R monitor:
17462
17463 @table @code
17464 @item set download-path @var{path}
17465 @kindex set download-path
17466 @cindex find downloadable @sc{srec} files (M32R)
17467 Set the default path for finding downloadable @sc{srec} files.
17468
17469 @item show download-path
17470 @kindex show download-path
17471 Show the default path for downloadable @sc{srec} files.
17472
17473 @item set board-address @var{addr}
17474 @kindex set board-address
17475 @cindex M32-EVA target board address
17476 Set the IP address for the M32R-EVA target board.
17477
17478 @item show board-address
17479 @kindex show board-address
17480 Show the current IP address of the target board.
17481
17482 @item set server-address @var{addr}
17483 @kindex set server-address
17484 @cindex download server address (M32R)
17485 Set the IP address for the download server, which is the @value{GDBN}'s
17486 host machine.
17487
17488 @item show server-address
17489 @kindex show server-address
17490 Display the IP address of the download server.
17491
17492 @item upload @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
17493 @kindex upload@r{, M32R}
17494 Upload the specified @sc{srec} @var{file} via the monitor's Ethernet
17495 upload capability. If no @var{file} argument is given, the current
17496 executable file is uploaded.
17497
17498 @item tload @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
17499 @kindex tload@r{, M32R}
17500 Test the @code{upload} command.
17501 @end table
17502
17503 The following commands are available for M32R/SDI:
17504
17505 @table @code
17506 @item sdireset
17507 @kindex sdireset
17508 @cindex reset SDI connection, M32R
17509 This command resets the SDI connection.
17510
17511 @item sdistatus
17512 @kindex sdistatus
17513 This command shows the SDI connection status.
17514
17515 @item debug_chaos
17516 @kindex debug_chaos
17517 @cindex M32R/Chaos debugging
17518 Instructs the remote that M32R/Chaos debugging is to be used.
17519
17520 @item use_debug_dma
17521 @kindex use_debug_dma
17522 Instructs the remote to use the DEBUG_DMA method of accessing memory.
17523
17524 @item use_mon_code
17525 @kindex use_mon_code
17526 Instructs the remote to use the MON_CODE method of accessing memory.
17527
17528 @item use_ib_break
17529 @kindex use_ib_break
17530 Instructs the remote to set breakpoints by IB break.
17531
17532 @item use_dbt_break
17533 @kindex use_dbt_break
17534 Instructs the remote to set breakpoints by DBT.
17535 @end table
17536
17537 @node M68K
17538 @subsection M68k
17539
17540 The Motorola m68k configuration includes ColdFire support, and a
17541 target command for the following ROM monitor.
17542
17543 @table @code
17544
17545 @kindex target dbug
17546 @item target dbug @var{dev}
17547 dBUG ROM monitor for Motorola ColdFire.
17548
17549 @end table
17550
17551 @node MicroBlaze
17552 @subsection MicroBlaze
17553 @cindex Xilinx MicroBlaze
17554 @cindex XMD, Xilinx Microprocessor Debugger
17555
17556 The MicroBlaze is a soft-core processor supported on various Xilinx
17557 FPGAs, such as Spartan or Virtex series. Boards with these processors
17558 usually have JTAG ports which connect to a host system running the Xilinx
17559 Embedded Development Kit (EDK) or Software Development Kit (SDK).
17560 This host system is used to download the configuration bitstream to
17561 the target FPGA. The Xilinx Microprocessor Debugger (XMD) program
17562 communicates with the target board using the JTAG interface and
17563 presents a @code{gdbserver} interface to the board. By default
17564 @code{xmd} uses port @code{1234}. (While it is possible to change
17565 this default port, it requires the use of undocumented @code{xmd}
17566 commands. Contact Xilinx support if you need to do this.)
17567
17568 Use these GDB commands to connect to the MicroBlaze target processor.
17569
17570 @table @code
17571 @item target remote :1234
17572 Use this command to connect to the target if you are running @value{GDBN}
17573 on the same system as @code{xmd}.
17574
17575 @item target remote @var{xmd-host}:1234
17576 Use this command to connect to the target if it is connected to @code{xmd}
17577 running on a different system named @var{xmd-host}.
17578
17579 @item load
17580 Use this command to download a program to the MicroBlaze target.
17581
17582 @item set debug microblaze @var{n}
17583 Enable MicroBlaze-specific debugging messages if non-zero.
17584
17585 @item show debug microblaze @var{n}
17586 Show MicroBlaze-specific debugging level.
17587 @end table
17588
17589 @node MIPS Embedded
17590 @subsection MIPS Embedded
17591
17592 @cindex MIPS boards
17593 @value{GDBN} can use the MIPS remote debugging protocol to talk to a
17594 MIPS board attached to a serial line. This is available when
17595 you configure @value{GDBN} with @samp{--target=mips-idt-ecoff}.
17596
17597 @need 1000
17598 Use these @value{GDBN} commands to specify the connection to your target board:
17599
17600 @table @code
17601 @item target mips @var{port}
17602 @kindex target mips @var{port}
17603 To run a program on the board, start up @code{@value{GDBP}} with the
17604 name of your program as the argument. To connect to the board, use the
17605 command @samp{target mips @var{port}}, where @var{port} is the name of
17606 the serial port connected to the board. If the program has not already
17607 been downloaded to the board, you may use the @code{load} command to
17608 download it. You can then use all the usual @value{GDBN} commands.
17609
17610 For example, this sequence connects to the target board through a serial
17611 port, and loads and runs a program called @var{prog} through the
17612 debugger:
17613
17614 @smallexample
17615 host$ @value{GDBP} @var{prog}
17616 @value{GDBN} is free software and @dots{}
17617 (@value{GDBP}) target mips /dev/ttyb
17618 (@value{GDBP}) load @var{prog}
17619 (@value{GDBP}) run
17620 @end smallexample
17621
17622 @item target mips @var{hostname}:@var{portnumber}
17623 On some @value{GDBN} host configurations, you can specify a TCP
17624 connection (for instance, to a serial line managed by a terminal
17625 concentrator) instead of a serial port, using the syntax
17626 @samp{@var{hostname}:@var{portnumber}}.
17627
17628 @item target pmon @var{port}
17629 @kindex target pmon @var{port}
17630 PMON ROM monitor.
17631
17632 @item target ddb @var{port}
17633 @kindex target ddb @var{port}
17634 NEC's DDB variant of PMON for Vr4300.
17635
17636 @item target lsi @var{port}
17637 @kindex target lsi @var{port}
17638 LSI variant of PMON.
17639
17640 @kindex target r3900
17641 @item target r3900 @var{dev}
17642 Densan DVE-R3900 ROM monitor for Toshiba R3900 Mips.
17643
17644 @kindex target array
17645 @item target array @var{dev}
17646 Array Tech LSI33K RAID controller board.
17647
17648 @end table
17649
17650
17651 @noindent
17652 @value{GDBN} also supports these special commands for MIPS targets:
17653
17654 @table @code
17655 @item set mipsfpu double
17656 @itemx set mipsfpu single
17657 @itemx set mipsfpu none
17658 @itemx set mipsfpu auto
17659 @itemx show mipsfpu
17660 @kindex set mipsfpu
17661 @kindex show mipsfpu
17662 @cindex MIPS remote floating point
17663 @cindex floating point, MIPS remote
17664 If your target board does not support the MIPS floating point
17665 coprocessor, you should use the command @samp{set mipsfpu none} (if you
17666 need this, you may wish to put the command in your @value{GDBN} init
17667 file). This tells @value{GDBN} how to find the return value of
17668 functions which return floating point values. It also allows
17669 @value{GDBN} to avoid saving the floating point registers when calling
17670 functions on the board. If you are using a floating point coprocessor
17671 with only single precision floating point support, as on the @sc{r4650}
17672 processor, use the command @samp{set mipsfpu single}. The default
17673 double precision floating point coprocessor may be selected using
17674 @samp{set mipsfpu double}.
17675
17676 In previous versions the only choices were double precision or no
17677 floating point, so @samp{set mipsfpu on} will select double precision
17678 and @samp{set mipsfpu off} will select no floating point.
17679
17680 As usual, you can inquire about the @code{mipsfpu} variable with
17681 @samp{show mipsfpu}.
17682
17683 @item set timeout @var{seconds}
17684 @itemx set retransmit-timeout @var{seconds}
17685 @itemx show timeout
17686 @itemx show retransmit-timeout
17687 @cindex @code{timeout}, MIPS protocol
17688 @cindex @code{retransmit-timeout}, MIPS protocol
17689 @kindex set timeout
17690 @kindex show timeout
17691 @kindex set retransmit-timeout
17692 @kindex show retransmit-timeout
17693 You can control the timeout used while waiting for a packet, in the MIPS
17694 remote protocol, with the @code{set timeout @var{seconds}} command. The
17695 default is 5 seconds. Similarly, you can control the timeout used while
17696 waiting for an acknowledgment of a packet with the @code{set
17697 retransmit-timeout @var{seconds}} command. The default is 3 seconds.
17698 You can inspect both values with @code{show timeout} and @code{show
17699 retransmit-timeout}. (These commands are @emph{only} available when
17700 @value{GDBN} is configured for @samp{--target=mips-idt-ecoff}.)
17701
17702 The timeout set by @code{set timeout} does not apply when @value{GDBN}
17703 is waiting for your program to stop. In that case, @value{GDBN} waits
17704 forever because it has no way of knowing how long the program is going
17705 to run before stopping.
17706
17707 @item set syn-garbage-limit @var{num}
17708 @kindex set syn-garbage-limit@r{, MIPS remote}
17709 @cindex synchronize with remote MIPS target
17710 Limit the maximum number of characters @value{GDBN} should ignore when
17711 it tries to synchronize with the remote target. The default is 10
17712 characters. Setting the limit to -1 means there's no limit.
17713
17714 @item show syn-garbage-limit
17715 @kindex show syn-garbage-limit@r{, MIPS remote}
17716 Show the current limit on the number of characters to ignore when
17717 trying to synchronize with the remote system.
17718
17719 @item set monitor-prompt @var{prompt}
17720 @kindex set monitor-prompt@r{, MIPS remote}
17721 @cindex remote monitor prompt
17722 Tell @value{GDBN} to expect the specified @var{prompt} string from the
17723 remote monitor. The default depends on the target:
17724 @table @asis
17725 @item pmon target
17726 @samp{PMON}
17727 @item ddb target
17728 @samp{NEC010}
17729 @item lsi target
17730 @samp{PMON>}
17731 @end table
17732
17733 @item show monitor-prompt
17734 @kindex show monitor-prompt@r{, MIPS remote}
17735 Show the current strings @value{GDBN} expects as the prompt from the
17736 remote monitor.
17737
17738 @item set monitor-warnings
17739 @kindex set monitor-warnings@r{, MIPS remote}
17740 Enable or disable monitor warnings about hardware breakpoints. This
17741 has effect only for the @code{lsi} target. When on, @value{GDBN} will
17742 display warning messages whose codes are returned by the @code{lsi}
17743 PMON monitor for breakpoint commands.
17744
17745 @item show monitor-warnings
17746 @kindex show monitor-warnings@r{, MIPS remote}
17747 Show the current setting of printing monitor warnings.
17748
17749 @item pmon @var{command}
17750 @kindex pmon@r{, MIPS remote}
17751 @cindex send PMON command
17752 This command allows sending an arbitrary @var{command} string to the
17753 monitor. The monitor must be in debug mode for this to work.
17754 @end table
17755
17756 @node OpenRISC 1000
17757 @subsection OpenRISC 1000
17758 @cindex OpenRISC 1000
17759
17760 @cindex or1k boards
17761 See OR1k Architecture document (@uref{www.opencores.org}) for more information
17762 about platform and commands.
17763
17764 @table @code
17765
17766 @kindex target jtag
17767 @item target jtag jtag://@var{host}:@var{port}
17768
17769 Connects to remote JTAG server.
17770 JTAG remote server can be either an or1ksim or JTAG server,
17771 connected via parallel port to the board.
17772
17773 Example: @code{target jtag jtag://localhost:9999}
17774
17775 @kindex or1ksim
17776 @item or1ksim @var{command}
17777 If connected to @code{or1ksim} OpenRISC 1000 Architectural
17778 Simulator, proprietary commands can be executed.
17779
17780 @kindex info or1k spr
17781 @item info or1k spr
17782 Displays spr groups.
17783
17784 @item info or1k spr @var{group}
17785 @itemx info or1k spr @var{groupno}
17786 Displays register names in selected group.
17787
17788 @item info or1k spr @var{group} @var{register}
17789 @itemx info or1k spr @var{register}
17790 @itemx info or1k spr @var{groupno} @var{registerno}
17791 @itemx info or1k spr @var{registerno}
17792 Shows information about specified spr register.
17793
17794 @kindex spr
17795 @item spr @var{group} @var{register} @var{value}
17796 @itemx spr @var{register @var{value}}
17797 @itemx spr @var{groupno} @var{registerno @var{value}}
17798 @itemx spr @var{registerno @var{value}}
17799 Writes @var{value} to specified spr register.
17800 @end table
17801
17802 Some implementations of OpenRISC 1000 Architecture also have hardware trace.
17803 It is very similar to @value{GDBN} trace, except it does not interfere with normal
17804 program execution and is thus much faster. Hardware breakpoints/watchpoint
17805 triggers can be set using:
17806 @table @code
17807 @item $LEA/$LDATA
17808 Load effective address/data
17809 @item $SEA/$SDATA
17810 Store effective address/data
17811 @item $AEA/$ADATA
17812 Access effective address ($SEA or $LEA) or data ($SDATA/$LDATA)
17813 @item $FETCH
17814 Fetch data
17815 @end table
17816
17817 When triggered, it can capture low level data, like: @code{PC}, @code{LSEA},
17818 @code{LDATA}, @code{SDATA}, @code{READSPR}, @code{WRITESPR}, @code{INSTR}.
17819
17820 @code{htrace} commands:
17821 @cindex OpenRISC 1000 htrace
17822 @table @code
17823 @kindex hwatch
17824 @item hwatch @var{conditional}
17825 Set hardware watchpoint on combination of Load/Store Effective Address(es)
17826 or Data. For example:
17827
17828 @code{hwatch ($LEA == my_var) && ($LDATA < 50) || ($SEA == my_var) && ($SDATA >= 50)}
17829
17830 @code{hwatch ($LEA == my_var) && ($LDATA < 50) || ($SEA == my_var) && ($SDATA >= 50)}
17831
17832 @kindex htrace
17833 @item htrace info
17834 Display information about current HW trace configuration.
17835
17836 @item htrace trigger @var{conditional}
17837 Set starting criteria for HW trace.
17838
17839 @item htrace qualifier @var{conditional}
17840 Set acquisition qualifier for HW trace.
17841
17842 @item htrace stop @var{conditional}
17843 Set HW trace stopping criteria.
17844
17845 @item htrace record [@var{data}]*
17846 Selects the data to be recorded, when qualifier is met and HW trace was
17847 triggered.
17848
17849 @item htrace enable
17850 @itemx htrace disable
17851 Enables/disables the HW trace.
17852
17853 @item htrace rewind [@var{filename}]
17854 Clears currently recorded trace data.
17855
17856 If filename is specified, new trace file is made and any newly collected data
17857 will be written there.
17858
17859 @item htrace print [@var{start} [@var{len}]]
17860 Prints trace buffer, using current record configuration.
17861
17862 @item htrace mode continuous
17863 Set continuous trace mode.
17864
17865 @item htrace mode suspend
17866 Set suspend trace mode.
17867
17868 @end table
17869
17870 @node PowerPC Embedded
17871 @subsection PowerPC Embedded
17872
17873 @value{GDBN} provides the following PowerPC-specific commands:
17874
17875 @table @code
17876 @kindex set powerpc
17877 @item set powerpc soft-float
17878 @itemx show powerpc soft-float
17879 Force @value{GDBN} to use (or not use) a software floating point calling
17880 convention. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention based
17881 on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
17882
17883 @item set powerpc vector-abi
17884 @itemx show powerpc vector-abi
17885 Force @value{GDBN} to use the specified calling convention for vector
17886 arguments and return values. The valid options are @samp{auto};
17887 @samp{generic}, to avoid vector registers even if they are present;
17888 @samp{altivec}, to use AltiVec registers; and @samp{spe} to use SPE
17889 registers. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention
17890 based on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
17891
17892 @kindex target dink32
17893 @item target dink32 @var{dev}
17894 DINK32 ROM monitor.
17895
17896 @kindex target ppcbug
17897 @item target ppcbug @var{dev}
17898 @kindex target ppcbug1
17899 @item target ppcbug1 @var{dev}
17900 PPCBUG ROM monitor for PowerPC.
17901
17902 @kindex target sds
17903 @item target sds @var{dev}
17904 SDS monitor, running on a PowerPC board (such as Motorola's ADS).
17905 @end table
17906
17907 @cindex SDS protocol
17908 The following commands specific to the SDS protocol are supported
17909 by @value{GDBN}:
17910
17911 @table @code
17912 @item set sdstimeout @var{nsec}
17913 @kindex set sdstimeout
17914 Set the timeout for SDS protocol reads to be @var{nsec} seconds. The
17915 default is 2 seconds.
17916
17917 @item show sdstimeout
17918 @kindex show sdstimeout
17919 Show the current value of the SDS timeout.
17920
17921 @item sds @var{command}
17922 @kindex sds@r{, a command}
17923 Send the specified @var{command} string to the SDS monitor.
17924 @end table
17925
17926
17927 @node PA
17928 @subsection HP PA Embedded
17929
17930 @table @code
17931
17932 @kindex target op50n
17933 @item target op50n @var{dev}
17934 OP50N monitor, running on an OKI HPPA board.
17935
17936 @kindex target w89k
17937 @item target w89k @var{dev}
17938 W89K monitor, running on a Winbond HPPA board.
17939
17940 @end table
17941
17942 @node Sparclet
17943 @subsection Tsqware Sparclet
17944
17945 @cindex Sparclet
17946
17947 @value{GDBN} enables developers to debug tasks running on
17948 Sparclet targets from a Unix host.
17949 @value{GDBN} uses code that runs on
17950 both the Unix host and on the Sparclet target. The program
17951 @code{@value{GDBP}} is installed and executed on the Unix host.
17952
17953 @table @code
17954 @item remotetimeout @var{args}
17955 @kindex remotetimeout
17956 @value{GDBN} supports the option @code{remotetimeout}.
17957 This option is set by the user, and @var{args} represents the number of
17958 seconds @value{GDBN} waits for responses.
17959 @end table
17960
17961 @cindex compiling, on Sparclet
17962 When compiling for debugging, include the options @samp{-g} to get debug
17963 information and @samp{-Ttext} to relocate the program to where you wish to
17964 load it on the target. You may also want to add the options @samp{-n} or
17965 @samp{-N} in order to reduce the size of the sections. Example:
17966
17967 @smallexample
17968 sparclet-aout-gcc prog.c -Ttext 0x12010000 -g -o prog -N
17969 @end smallexample
17970
17971 You can use @code{objdump} to verify that the addresses are what you intended:
17972
17973 @smallexample
17974 sparclet-aout-objdump --headers --syms prog
17975 @end smallexample
17976
17977 @cindex running, on Sparclet
17978 Once you have set
17979 your Unix execution search path to find @value{GDBN}, you are ready to
17980 run @value{GDBN}. From your Unix host, run @code{@value{GDBP}}
17981 (or @code{sparclet-aout-gdb}, depending on your installation).
17982
17983 @value{GDBN} comes up showing the prompt:
17984
17985 @smallexample
17986 (gdbslet)
17987 @end smallexample
17988
17989 @menu
17990 * Sparclet File:: Setting the file to debug
17991 * Sparclet Connection:: Connecting to Sparclet
17992 * Sparclet Download:: Sparclet download
17993 * Sparclet Execution:: Running and debugging
17994 @end menu
17995
17996 @node Sparclet File
17997 @subsubsection Setting File to Debug
17998
17999 The @value{GDBN} command @code{file} lets you choose with program to debug.
18000
18001 @smallexample
18002 (gdbslet) file prog
18003 @end smallexample
18004
18005 @need 1000
18006 @value{GDBN} then attempts to read the symbol table of @file{prog}.
18007 @value{GDBN} locates
18008 the file by searching the directories listed in the command search
18009 path.
18010 If the file was compiled with debug information (option @samp{-g}), source
18011 files will be searched as well.
18012 @value{GDBN} locates
18013 the source files by searching the directories listed in the directory search
18014 path (@pxref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}).
18015 If it fails
18016 to find a file, it displays a message such as:
18017
18018 @smallexample
18019 prog: No such file or directory.
18020 @end smallexample
18021
18022 When this happens, add the appropriate directories to the search paths with
18023 the @value{GDBN} commands @code{path} and @code{dir}, and execute the
18024 @code{target} command again.
18025
18026 @node Sparclet Connection
18027 @subsubsection Connecting to Sparclet
18028
18029 The @value{GDBN} command @code{target} lets you connect to a Sparclet target.
18030 To connect to a target on serial port ``@code{ttya}'', type:
18031
18032 @smallexample
18033 (gdbslet) target sparclet /dev/ttya
18034 Remote target sparclet connected to /dev/ttya
18035 main () at ../prog.c:3
18036 @end smallexample
18037
18038 @need 750
18039 @value{GDBN} displays messages like these:
18040
18041 @smallexample
18042 Connected to ttya.
18043 @end smallexample
18044
18045 @node Sparclet Download
18046 @subsubsection Sparclet Download
18047
18048 @cindex download to Sparclet
18049 Once connected to the Sparclet target,
18050 you can use the @value{GDBN}
18051 @code{load} command to download the file from the host to the target.
18052 The file name and load offset should be given as arguments to the @code{load}
18053 command.
18054 Since the file format is aout, the program must be loaded to the starting
18055 address. You can use @code{objdump} to find out what this value is. The load
18056 offset is an offset which is added to the VMA (virtual memory address)
18057 of each of the file's sections.
18058 For instance, if the program
18059 @file{prog} was linked to text address 0x1201000, with data at 0x12010160
18060 and bss at 0x12010170, in @value{GDBN}, type:
18061
18062 @smallexample
18063 (gdbslet) load prog 0x12010000
18064 Loading section .text, size 0xdb0 vma 0x12010000
18065 @end smallexample
18066
18067 If the code is loaded at a different address then what the program was linked
18068 to, you may need to use the @code{section} and @code{add-symbol-file} commands
18069 to tell @value{GDBN} where to map the symbol table.
18070
18071 @node Sparclet Execution
18072 @subsubsection Running and Debugging
18073
18074 @cindex running and debugging Sparclet programs
18075 You can now begin debugging the task using @value{GDBN}'s execution control
18076 commands, @code{b}, @code{step}, @code{run}, etc. See the @value{GDBN}
18077 manual for the list of commands.
18078
18079 @smallexample
18080 (gdbslet) b main
18081 Breakpoint 1 at 0x12010000: file prog.c, line 3.
18082 (gdbslet) run
18083 Starting program: prog
18084 Breakpoint 1, main (argc=1, argv=0xeffff21c) at prog.c:3
18085 3 char *symarg = 0;
18086 (gdbslet) step
18087 4 char *execarg = "hello!";
18088 (gdbslet)
18089 @end smallexample
18090
18091 @node Sparclite
18092 @subsection Fujitsu Sparclite
18093
18094 @table @code
18095
18096 @kindex target sparclite
18097 @item target sparclite @var{dev}
18098 Fujitsu sparclite boards, used only for the purpose of loading.
18099 You must use an additional command to debug the program.
18100 For example: target remote @var{dev} using @value{GDBN} standard
18101 remote protocol.
18102
18103 @end table
18104
18105 @node Z8000
18106 @subsection Zilog Z8000
18107
18108 @cindex Z8000
18109 @cindex simulator, Z8000
18110 @cindex Zilog Z8000 simulator
18111
18112 When configured for debugging Zilog Z8000 targets, @value{GDBN} includes
18113 a Z8000 simulator.
18114
18115 For the Z8000 family, @samp{target sim} simulates either the Z8002 (the
18116 unsegmented variant of the Z8000 architecture) or the Z8001 (the
18117 segmented variant). The simulator recognizes which architecture is
18118 appropriate by inspecting the object code.
18119
18120 @table @code
18121 @item target sim @var{args}
18122 @kindex sim
18123 @kindex target sim@r{, with Z8000}
18124 Debug programs on a simulated CPU. If the simulator supports setup
18125 options, specify them via @var{args}.
18126 @end table
18127
18128 @noindent
18129 After specifying this target, you can debug programs for the simulated
18130 CPU in the same style as programs for your host computer; use the
18131 @code{file} command to load a new program image, the @code{run} command
18132 to run your program, and so on.
18133
18134 As well as making available all the usual machine registers
18135 (@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}), the Z8000 simulator provides three
18136 additional items of information as specially named registers:
18137
18138 @table @code
18139
18140 @item cycles
18141 Counts clock-ticks in the simulator.
18142
18143 @item insts
18144 Counts instructions run in the simulator.
18145
18146 @item time
18147 Execution time in 60ths of a second.
18148
18149 @end table
18150
18151 You can refer to these values in @value{GDBN} expressions with the usual
18152 conventions; for example, @w{@samp{b fputc if $cycles>5000}} sets a
18153 conditional breakpoint that suspends only after at least 5000
18154 simulated clock ticks.
18155
18156 @node AVR
18157 @subsection Atmel AVR
18158 @cindex AVR
18159
18160 When configured for debugging the Atmel AVR, @value{GDBN} supports the
18161 following AVR-specific commands:
18162
18163 @table @code
18164 @item info io_registers
18165 @kindex info io_registers@r{, AVR}
18166 @cindex I/O registers (Atmel AVR)
18167 This command displays information about the AVR I/O registers. For
18168 each register, @value{GDBN} prints its number and value.
18169 @end table
18170
18171 @node CRIS
18172 @subsection CRIS
18173 @cindex CRIS
18174
18175 When configured for debugging CRIS, @value{GDBN} provides the
18176 following CRIS-specific commands:
18177
18178 @table @code
18179 @item set cris-version @var{ver}
18180 @cindex CRIS version
18181 Set the current CRIS version to @var{ver}, either @samp{10} or @samp{32}.
18182 The CRIS version affects register names and sizes. This command is useful in
18183 case autodetection of the CRIS version fails.
18184
18185 @item show cris-version
18186 Show the current CRIS version.
18187
18188 @item set cris-dwarf2-cfi
18189 @cindex DWARF-2 CFI and CRIS
18190 Set the usage of DWARF-2 CFI for CRIS debugging. The default is @samp{on}.
18191 Change to @samp{off} when using @code{gcc-cris} whose version is below
18192 @code{R59}.
18193
18194 @item show cris-dwarf2-cfi
18195 Show the current state of using DWARF-2 CFI.
18196
18197 @item set cris-mode @var{mode}
18198 @cindex CRIS mode
18199 Set the current CRIS mode to @var{mode}. It should only be changed when
18200 debugging in guru mode, in which case it should be set to
18201 @samp{guru} (the default is @samp{normal}).
18202
18203 @item show cris-mode
18204 Show the current CRIS mode.
18205 @end table
18206
18207 @node Super-H
18208 @subsection Renesas Super-H
18209 @cindex Super-H
18210
18211 For the Renesas Super-H processor, @value{GDBN} provides these
18212 commands:
18213
18214 @table @code
18215 @item regs
18216 @kindex regs@r{, Super-H}
18217 Show the values of all Super-H registers.
18218
18219 @item set sh calling-convention @var{convention}
18220 @kindex set sh calling-convention
18221 Set the calling-convention used when calling functions from @value{GDBN}.
18222 Allowed values are @samp{gcc}, which is the default setting, and @samp{renesas}.
18223 With the @samp{gcc} setting, functions are called using the @value{NGCC} calling
18224 convention. If the DWARF-2 information of the called function specifies
18225 that the function follows the Renesas calling convention, the function
18226 is called using the Renesas calling convention. If the calling convention
18227 is set to @samp{renesas}, the Renesas calling convention is always used,
18228 regardless of the DWARF-2 information. This can be used to override the
18229 default of @samp{gcc} if debug information is missing, or the compiler
18230 does not emit the DWARF-2 calling convention entry for a function.
18231
18232 @item show sh calling-convention
18233 @kindex show sh calling-convention
18234 Show the current calling convention setting.
18235
18236 @end table
18237
18238
18239 @node Architectures
18240 @section Architectures
18241
18242 This section describes characteristics of architectures that affect
18243 all uses of @value{GDBN} with the architecture, both native and cross.
18244
18245 @menu
18246 * i386::
18247 * A29K::
18248 * Alpha::
18249 * MIPS::
18250 * HPPA:: HP PA architecture
18251 * SPU:: Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
18252 * PowerPC::
18253 @end menu
18254
18255 @node i386
18256 @subsection x86 Architecture-specific Issues
18257
18258 @table @code
18259 @item set struct-convention @var{mode}
18260 @kindex set struct-convention
18261 @cindex struct return convention
18262 @cindex struct/union returned in registers
18263 Set the convention used by the inferior to return @code{struct}s and
18264 @code{union}s from functions to @var{mode}. Possible values of
18265 @var{mode} are @code{"pcc"}, @code{"reg"}, and @code{"default"} (the
18266 default). @code{"default"} or @code{"pcc"} means that @code{struct}s
18267 are returned on the stack, while @code{"reg"} means that a
18268 @code{struct} or a @code{union} whose size is 1, 2, 4, or 8 bytes will
18269 be returned in a register.
18270
18271 @item show struct-convention
18272 @kindex show struct-convention
18273 Show the current setting of the convention to return @code{struct}s
18274 from functions.
18275 @end table
18276
18277 @node A29K
18278 @subsection A29K
18279
18280 @table @code
18281
18282 @kindex set rstack_high_address
18283 @cindex AMD 29K register stack
18284 @cindex register stack, AMD29K
18285 @item set rstack_high_address @var{address}
18286 On AMD 29000 family processors, registers are saved in a separate
18287 @dfn{register stack}. There is no way for @value{GDBN} to determine the
18288 extent of this stack. Normally, @value{GDBN} just assumes that the
18289 stack is ``large enough''. This may result in @value{GDBN} referencing
18290 memory locations that do not exist. If necessary, you can get around
18291 this problem by specifying the ending address of the register stack with
18292 the @code{set rstack_high_address} command. The argument should be an
18293 address, which you probably want to precede with @samp{0x} to specify in
18294 hexadecimal.
18295
18296 @kindex show rstack_high_address
18297 @item show rstack_high_address
18298 Display the current limit of the register stack, on AMD 29000 family
18299 processors.
18300
18301 @end table
18302
18303 @node Alpha
18304 @subsection Alpha
18305
18306 See the following section.
18307
18308 @node MIPS
18309 @subsection MIPS
18310
18311 @cindex stack on Alpha
18312 @cindex stack on MIPS
18313 @cindex Alpha stack
18314 @cindex MIPS stack
18315 Alpha- and MIPS-based computers use an unusual stack frame, which
18316 sometimes requires @value{GDBN} to search backward in the object code to
18317 find the beginning of a function.
18318
18319 @cindex response time, MIPS debugging
18320 To improve response time (especially for embedded applications, where
18321 @value{GDBN} may be restricted to a slow serial line for this search)
18322 you may want to limit the size of this search, using one of these
18323 commands:
18324
18325 @table @code
18326 @cindex @code{heuristic-fence-post} (Alpha, MIPS)
18327 @item set heuristic-fence-post @var{limit}
18328 Restrict @value{GDBN} to examining at most @var{limit} bytes in its
18329 search for the beginning of a function. A value of @var{0} (the
18330 default) means there is no limit. However, except for @var{0}, the
18331 larger the limit the more bytes @code{heuristic-fence-post} must search
18332 and therefore the longer it takes to run. You should only need to use
18333 this command when debugging a stripped executable.
18334
18335 @item show heuristic-fence-post
18336 Display the current limit.
18337 @end table
18338
18339 @noindent
18340 These commands are available @emph{only} when @value{GDBN} is configured
18341 for debugging programs on Alpha or MIPS processors.
18342
18343 Several MIPS-specific commands are available when debugging MIPS
18344 programs:
18345
18346 @table @code
18347 @item set mips abi @var{arg}
18348 @kindex set mips abi
18349 @cindex set ABI for MIPS
18350 Tell @value{GDBN} which MIPS ABI is used by the inferior. Possible
18351 values of @var{arg} are:
18352
18353 @table @samp
18354 @item auto
18355 The default ABI associated with the current binary (this is the
18356 default).
18357 @item o32
18358 @item o64
18359 @item n32
18360 @item n64
18361 @item eabi32
18362 @item eabi64
18363 @item auto
18364 @end table
18365
18366 @item show mips abi
18367 @kindex show mips abi
18368 Show the MIPS ABI used by @value{GDBN} to debug the inferior.
18369
18370 @item set mipsfpu
18371 @itemx show mipsfpu
18372 @xref{MIPS Embedded, set mipsfpu}.
18373
18374 @item set mips mask-address @var{arg}
18375 @kindex set mips mask-address
18376 @cindex MIPS addresses, masking
18377 This command determines whether the most-significant 32 bits of 64-bit
18378 MIPS addresses are masked off. The argument @var{arg} can be
18379 @samp{on}, @samp{off}, or @samp{auto}. The latter is the default
18380 setting, which lets @value{GDBN} determine the correct value.
18381
18382 @item show mips mask-address
18383 @kindex show mips mask-address
18384 Show whether the upper 32 bits of MIPS addresses are masked off or
18385 not.
18386
18387 @item set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
18388 @kindex set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
18389 This command controls compatibility with 64-bit MIPS targets that
18390 transfer data in 32-bit quantities. If you have an old MIPS 64 target
18391 that transfers 32 bits for some registers, like @sc{sr} and @sc{fsr},
18392 and 64 bits for other registers, set this option to @samp{on}.
18393
18394 @item show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
18395 @kindex show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
18396 Show the current setting of compatibility with older MIPS 64 targets.
18397
18398 @item set debug mips
18399 @kindex set debug mips
18400 This command turns on and off debugging messages for the MIPS-specific
18401 target code in @value{GDBN}.
18402
18403 @item show debug mips
18404 @kindex show debug mips
18405 Show the current setting of MIPS debugging messages.
18406 @end table
18407
18408
18409 @node HPPA
18410 @subsection HPPA
18411 @cindex HPPA support
18412
18413 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the HP PA architecture, it provides the
18414 following special commands:
18415
18416 @table @code
18417 @item set debug hppa
18418 @kindex set debug hppa
18419 This command determines whether HPPA architecture-specific debugging
18420 messages are to be displayed.
18421
18422 @item show debug hppa
18423 Show whether HPPA debugging messages are displayed.
18424
18425 @item maint print unwind @var{address}
18426 @kindex maint print unwind@r{, HPPA}
18427 This command displays the contents of the unwind table entry at the
18428 given @var{address}.
18429
18430 @end table
18431
18432
18433 @node SPU
18434 @subsection Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
18435 @cindex Cell Broadband Engine
18436 @cindex SPU
18437
18438 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture,
18439 it provides the following special commands:
18440
18441 @table @code
18442 @item info spu event
18443 @kindex info spu
18444 Display SPU event facility status. Shows current event mask
18445 and pending event status.
18446
18447 @item info spu signal
18448 Display SPU signal notification facility status. Shows pending
18449 signal-control word and signal notification mode of both signal
18450 notification channels.
18451
18452 @item info spu mailbox
18453 Display SPU mailbox facility status. Shows all pending entries,
18454 in order of processing, in each of the SPU Write Outbound,
18455 SPU Write Outbound Interrupt, and SPU Read Inbound mailboxes.
18456
18457 @item info spu dma
18458 Display MFC DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
18459 DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
18460 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
18461
18462 @item info spu proxydma
18463 Display MFC Proxy-DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
18464 Proxy-DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
18465 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
18466
18467 @end table
18468
18469 When @value{GDBN} is debugging a combined PowerPC/SPU application
18470 on the Cell Broadband Engine, it provides in addition the following
18471 special commands:
18472
18473 @table @code
18474 @item set spu stop-on-load @var{arg}
18475 @kindex set spu
18476 Set whether to stop for new SPE threads. When set to @code{on}, @value{GDBN}
18477 will give control to the user when a new SPE thread enters its @code{main}
18478 function. The default is @code{off}.
18479
18480 @item show spu stop-on-load
18481 @kindex show spu
18482 Show whether to stop for new SPE threads.
18483
18484 @item set spu auto-flush-cache @var{arg}
18485 Set whether to automatically flush the software-managed cache. When set to
18486 @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will automatically cause the SPE software-managed
18487 cache to be flushed whenever SPE execution stops. This provides a consistent
18488 view of PowerPC memory that is accessed via the cache. If an application
18489 does not use the software-managed cache, this option has no effect.
18490
18491 @item show spu auto-flush-cache
18492 Show whether to automatically flush the software-managed cache.
18493
18494 @end table
18495
18496 @node PowerPC
18497 @subsection PowerPC
18498 @cindex PowerPC architecture
18499
18500 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the PowerPC architecture, it provides a set of
18501 pseudo-registers to enable inspection of 128-bit wide Decimal Floating Point
18502 numbers stored in the floating point registers. These values must be stored
18503 in two consecutive registers, always starting at an even register like
18504 @code{f0} or @code{f2}.
18505
18506 The pseudo-registers go from @code{$dl0} through @code{$dl15}, and are formed
18507 by joining the even/odd register pairs @code{f0} and @code{f1} for @code{$dl0},
18508 @code{f2} and @code{f3} for @code{$dl1} and so on.
18509
18510 For POWER7 processors, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers, the 64-bit
18511 wide Extended Floating Point Registers (@samp{f32} through @samp{f63}).
18512
18513
18514 @node Controlling GDB
18515 @chapter Controlling @value{GDBN}
18516
18517 You can alter the way @value{GDBN} interacts with you by using the
18518 @code{set} command. For commands controlling how @value{GDBN} displays
18519 data, see @ref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}. Other settings are
18520 described here.
18521
18522 @menu
18523 * Prompt:: Prompt
18524 * Editing:: Command editing
18525 * Command History:: Command history
18526 * Screen Size:: Screen size
18527 * Numbers:: Numbers
18528 * ABI:: Configuring the current ABI
18529 * Messages/Warnings:: Optional warnings and messages
18530 * Debugging Output:: Optional messages about internal happenings
18531 * Other Misc Settings:: Other Miscellaneous Settings
18532 @end menu
18533
18534 @node Prompt
18535 @section Prompt
18536
18537 @cindex prompt
18538
18539 @value{GDBN} indicates its readiness to read a command by printing a string
18540 called the @dfn{prompt}. This string is normally @samp{(@value{GDBP})}. You
18541 can change the prompt string with the @code{set prompt} command. For
18542 instance, when debugging @value{GDBN} with @value{GDBN}, it is useful to change
18543 the prompt in one of the @value{GDBN} sessions so that you can always tell
18544 which one you are talking to.
18545
18546 @emph{Note:} @code{set prompt} does not add a space for you after the
18547 prompt you set. This allows you to set a prompt which ends in a space
18548 or a prompt that does not.
18549
18550 @table @code
18551 @kindex set prompt
18552 @item set prompt @var{newprompt}
18553 Directs @value{GDBN} to use @var{newprompt} as its prompt string henceforth.
18554
18555 @kindex show prompt
18556 @item show prompt
18557 Prints a line of the form: @samp{Gdb's prompt is: @var{your-prompt}}
18558 @end table
18559
18560 @node Editing
18561 @section Command Editing
18562 @cindex readline
18563 @cindex command line editing
18564
18565 @value{GDBN} reads its input commands via the @dfn{Readline} interface. This
18566 @sc{gnu} library provides consistent behavior for programs which provide a
18567 command line interface to the user. Advantages are @sc{gnu} Emacs-style
18568 or @dfn{vi}-style inline editing of commands, @code{csh}-like history
18569 substitution, and a storage and recall of command history across
18570 debugging sessions.
18571
18572 You may control the behavior of command line editing in @value{GDBN} with the
18573 command @code{set}.
18574
18575 @table @code
18576 @kindex set editing
18577 @cindex editing
18578 @item set editing
18579 @itemx set editing on
18580 Enable command line editing (enabled by default).
18581
18582 @item set editing off
18583 Disable command line editing.
18584
18585 @kindex show editing
18586 @item show editing
18587 Show whether command line editing is enabled.
18588 @end table
18589
18590 @xref{Command Line Editing}, for more details about the Readline
18591 interface. Users unfamiliar with @sc{gnu} Emacs or @code{vi} are
18592 encouraged to read that chapter.
18593
18594 @node Command History
18595 @section Command History
18596 @cindex command history
18597
18598 @value{GDBN} can keep track of the commands you type during your
18599 debugging sessions, so that you can be certain of precisely what
18600 happened. Use these commands to manage the @value{GDBN} command
18601 history facility.
18602
18603 @value{GDBN} uses the @sc{gnu} History library, a part of the Readline
18604 package, to provide the history facility. @xref{Using History
18605 Interactively}, for the detailed description of the History library.
18606
18607 To issue a command to @value{GDBN} without affecting certain aspects of
18608 the state which is seen by users, prefix it with @samp{server }
18609 (@pxref{Server Prefix}). This
18610 means that this command will not affect the command history, nor will it
18611 affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which command to repeat if @key{RET} is
18612 pressed on a line by itself.
18613
18614 @cindex @code{server}, command prefix
18615 The server prefix does not affect the recording of values into the value
18616 history; to print a value without recording it into the value history,
18617 use the @code{output} command instead of the @code{print} command.
18618
18619 Here is the description of @value{GDBN} commands related to command
18620 history.
18621
18622 @table @code
18623 @cindex history substitution
18624 @cindex history file
18625 @kindex set history filename
18626 @cindex @env{GDBHISTFILE}, environment variable
18627 @item set history filename @var{fname}
18628 Set the name of the @value{GDBN} command history file to @var{fname}.
18629 This is the file where @value{GDBN} reads an initial command history
18630 list, and where it writes the command history from this session when it
18631 exits. You can access this list through history expansion or through
18632 the history command editing characters listed below. This file defaults
18633 to the value of the environment variable @code{GDBHISTFILE}, or to
18634 @file{./.gdb_history} (@file{./_gdb_history} on MS-DOS) if this variable
18635 is not set.
18636
18637 @cindex save command history
18638 @kindex set history save
18639 @item set history save
18640 @itemx set history save on
18641 Record command history in a file, whose name may be specified with the
18642 @code{set history filename} command. By default, this option is disabled.
18643
18644 @item set history save off
18645 Stop recording command history in a file.
18646
18647 @cindex history size
18648 @kindex set history size
18649 @cindex @env{HISTSIZE}, environment variable
18650 @item set history size @var{size}
18651 Set the number of commands which @value{GDBN} keeps in its history list.
18652 This defaults to the value of the environment variable
18653 @code{HISTSIZE}, or to 256 if this variable is not set.
18654 @end table
18655
18656 History expansion assigns special meaning to the character @kbd{!}.
18657 @xref{Event Designators}, for more details.
18658
18659 @cindex history expansion, turn on/off
18660 Since @kbd{!} is also the logical not operator in C, history expansion
18661 is off by default. If you decide to enable history expansion with the
18662 @code{set history expansion on} command, you may sometimes need to
18663 follow @kbd{!} (when it is used as logical not, in an expression) with
18664 a space or a tab to prevent it from being expanded. The readline
18665 history facilities do not attempt substitution on the strings
18666 @kbd{!=} and @kbd{!(}, even when history expansion is enabled.
18667
18668 The commands to control history expansion are:
18669
18670 @table @code
18671 @item set history expansion on
18672 @itemx set history expansion
18673 @kindex set history expansion
18674 Enable history expansion. History expansion is off by default.
18675
18676 @item set history expansion off
18677 Disable history expansion.
18678
18679 @c @group
18680 @kindex show history
18681 @item show history
18682 @itemx show history filename
18683 @itemx show history save
18684 @itemx show history size
18685 @itemx show history expansion
18686 These commands display the state of the @value{GDBN} history parameters.
18687 @code{show history} by itself displays all four states.
18688 @c @end group
18689 @end table
18690
18691 @table @code
18692 @kindex show commands
18693 @cindex show last commands
18694 @cindex display command history
18695 @item show commands
18696 Display the last ten commands in the command history.
18697
18698 @item show commands @var{n}
18699 Print ten commands centered on command number @var{n}.
18700
18701 @item show commands +
18702 Print ten commands just after the commands last printed.
18703 @end table
18704
18705 @node Screen Size
18706 @section Screen Size
18707 @cindex size of screen
18708 @cindex pauses in output
18709
18710 Certain commands to @value{GDBN} may produce large amounts of
18711 information output to the screen. To help you read all of it,
18712 @value{GDBN} pauses and asks you for input at the end of each page of
18713 output. Type @key{RET} when you want to continue the output, or @kbd{q}
18714 to discard the remaining output. Also, the screen width setting
18715 determines when to wrap lines of output. Depending on what is being
18716 printed, @value{GDBN} tries to break the line at a readable place,
18717 rather than simply letting it overflow onto the following line.
18718
18719 Normally @value{GDBN} knows the size of the screen from the terminal
18720 driver software. For example, on Unix @value{GDBN} uses the termcap data base
18721 together with the value of the @code{TERM} environment variable and the
18722 @code{stty rows} and @code{stty cols} settings. If this is not correct,
18723 you can override it with the @code{set height} and @code{set
18724 width} commands:
18725
18726 @table @code
18727 @kindex set height
18728 @kindex set width
18729 @kindex show width
18730 @kindex show height
18731 @item set height @var{lpp}
18732 @itemx show height
18733 @itemx set width @var{cpl}
18734 @itemx show width
18735 These @code{set} commands specify a screen height of @var{lpp} lines and
18736 a screen width of @var{cpl} characters. The associated @code{show}
18737 commands display the current settings.
18738
18739 If you specify a height of zero lines, @value{GDBN} does not pause during
18740 output no matter how long the output is. This is useful if output is to a
18741 file or to an editor buffer.
18742
18743 Likewise, you can specify @samp{set width 0} to prevent @value{GDBN}
18744 from wrapping its output.
18745
18746 @item set pagination on
18747 @itemx set pagination off
18748 @kindex set pagination
18749 Turn the output pagination on or off; the default is on. Turning
18750 pagination off is the alternative to @code{set height 0}. Note that
18751 running @value{GDBN} with the @option{--batch} option (@pxref{Mode
18752 Options, -batch}) also automatically disables pagination.
18753
18754 @item show pagination
18755 @kindex show pagination
18756 Show the current pagination mode.
18757 @end table
18758
18759 @node Numbers
18760 @section Numbers
18761 @cindex number representation
18762 @cindex entering numbers
18763
18764 You can always enter numbers in octal, decimal, or hexadecimal in
18765 @value{GDBN} by the usual conventions: octal numbers begin with
18766 @samp{0}, decimal numbers end with @samp{.}, and hexadecimal numbers
18767 begin with @samp{0x}. Numbers that neither begin with @samp{0} or
18768 @samp{0x}, nor end with a @samp{.} are, by default, entered in base
18769 10; likewise, the default display for numbers---when no particular
18770 format is specified---is base 10. You can change the default base for
18771 both input and output with the commands described below.
18772
18773 @table @code
18774 @kindex set input-radix
18775 @item set input-radix @var{base}
18776 Set the default base for numeric input. Supported choices
18777 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. @var{base} must itself be
18778 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix; for
18779 example, any of
18780
18781 @smallexample
18782 set input-radix 012
18783 set input-radix 10.
18784 set input-radix 0xa
18785 @end smallexample
18786
18787 @noindent
18788 sets the input base to decimal. On the other hand, @samp{set input-radix 10}
18789 leaves the input radix unchanged, no matter what it was, since
18790 @samp{10}, being without any leading or trailing signs of its base, is
18791 interpreted in the current radix. Thus, if the current radix is 16,
18792 @samp{10} is interpreted in hex, i.e.@: as 16 decimal, which doesn't
18793 change the radix.
18794
18795 @kindex set output-radix
18796 @item set output-radix @var{base}
18797 Set the default base for numeric display. Supported choices
18798 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. @var{base} must itself be
18799 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix.
18800
18801 @kindex show input-radix
18802 @item show input-radix
18803 Display the current default base for numeric input.
18804
18805 @kindex show output-radix
18806 @item show output-radix
18807 Display the current default base for numeric display.
18808
18809 @item set radix @r{[}@var{base}@r{]}
18810 @itemx show radix
18811 @kindex set radix
18812 @kindex show radix
18813 These commands set and show the default base for both input and output
18814 of numbers. @code{set radix} sets the radix of input and output to
18815 the same base; without an argument, it resets the radix back to its
18816 default value of 10.
18817
18818 @end table
18819
18820 @node ABI
18821 @section Configuring the Current ABI
18822
18823 @value{GDBN} can determine the @dfn{ABI} (Application Binary Interface) of your
18824 application automatically. However, sometimes you need to override its
18825 conclusions. Use these commands to manage @value{GDBN}'s view of the
18826 current ABI.
18827
18828 @cindex OS ABI
18829 @kindex set osabi
18830 @kindex show osabi
18831
18832 One @value{GDBN} configuration can debug binaries for multiple operating
18833 system targets, either via remote debugging or native emulation.
18834 @value{GDBN} will autodetect the @dfn{OS ABI} (Operating System ABI) in use,
18835 but you can override its conclusion using the @code{set osabi} command.
18836 One example where this is useful is in debugging of binaries which use
18837 an alternate C library (e.g.@: @sc{uClibc} for @sc{gnu}/Linux) which does
18838 not have the same identifying marks that the standard C library for your
18839 platform provides.
18840
18841 @table @code
18842 @item show osabi
18843 Show the OS ABI currently in use.
18844
18845 @item set osabi
18846 With no argument, show the list of registered available OS ABI's.
18847
18848 @item set osabi @var{abi}
18849 Set the current OS ABI to @var{abi}.
18850 @end table
18851
18852 @cindex float promotion
18853
18854 Generally, the way that an argument of type @code{float} is passed to a
18855 function depends on whether the function is prototyped. For a prototyped
18856 (i.e.@: ANSI/ISO style) function, @code{float} arguments are passed unchanged,
18857 according to the architecture's convention for @code{float}. For unprototyped
18858 (i.e.@: K&R style) functions, @code{float} arguments are first promoted to type
18859 @code{double} and then passed.
18860
18861 Unfortunately, some forms of debug information do not reliably indicate whether
18862 a function is prototyped. If @value{GDBN} calls a function that is not marked
18863 as prototyped, it consults @kbd{set coerce-float-to-double}.
18864
18865 @table @code
18866 @kindex set coerce-float-to-double
18867 @item set coerce-float-to-double
18868 @itemx set coerce-float-to-double on
18869 Arguments of type @code{float} will be promoted to @code{double} when passed
18870 to an unprototyped function. This is the default setting.
18871
18872 @item set coerce-float-to-double off
18873 Arguments of type @code{float} will be passed directly to unprototyped
18874 functions.
18875
18876 @kindex show coerce-float-to-double
18877 @item show coerce-float-to-double
18878 Show the current setting of promoting @code{float} to @code{double}.
18879 @end table
18880
18881 @kindex set cp-abi
18882 @kindex show cp-abi
18883 @value{GDBN} needs to know the ABI used for your program's C@t{++}
18884 objects. The correct C@t{++} ABI depends on which C@t{++} compiler was
18885 used to build your application. @value{GDBN} only fully supports
18886 programs with a single C@t{++} ABI; if your program contains code using
18887 multiple C@t{++} ABI's or if @value{GDBN} can not identify your
18888 program's ABI correctly, you can tell @value{GDBN} which ABI to use.
18889 Currently supported ABI's include ``gnu-v2'', for @code{g++} versions
18890 before 3.0, ``gnu-v3'', for @code{g++} versions 3.0 and later, and
18891 ``hpaCC'' for the HP ANSI C@t{++} compiler. Other C@t{++} compilers may
18892 use the ``gnu-v2'' or ``gnu-v3'' ABI's as well. The default setting is
18893 ``auto''.
18894
18895 @table @code
18896 @item show cp-abi
18897 Show the C@t{++} ABI currently in use.
18898
18899 @item set cp-abi
18900 With no argument, show the list of supported C@t{++} ABI's.
18901
18902 @item set cp-abi @var{abi}
18903 @itemx set cp-abi auto
18904 Set the current C@t{++} ABI to @var{abi}, or return to automatic detection.
18905 @end table
18906
18907 @node Messages/Warnings
18908 @section Optional Warnings and Messages
18909
18910 @cindex verbose operation
18911 @cindex optional warnings
18912 By default, @value{GDBN} is silent about its inner workings. If you are
18913 running on a slow machine, you may want to use the @code{set verbose}
18914 command. This makes @value{GDBN} tell you when it does a lengthy
18915 internal operation, so you will not think it has crashed.
18916
18917 Currently, the messages controlled by @code{set verbose} are those
18918 which announce that the symbol table for a source file is being read;
18919 see @code{symbol-file} in @ref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}.
18920
18921 @table @code
18922 @kindex set verbose
18923 @item set verbose on
18924 Enables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
18925
18926 @item set verbose off
18927 Disables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
18928
18929 @kindex show verbose
18930 @item show verbose
18931 Displays whether @code{set verbose} is on or off.
18932 @end table
18933
18934 By default, if @value{GDBN} encounters bugs in the symbol table of an
18935 object file, it is silent; but if you are debugging a compiler, you may
18936 find this information useful (@pxref{Symbol Errors, ,Errors Reading
18937 Symbol Files}).
18938
18939 @table @code
18940
18941 @kindex set complaints
18942 @item set complaints @var{limit}
18943 Permits @value{GDBN} to output @var{limit} complaints about each type of
18944 unusual symbols before becoming silent about the problem. Set
18945 @var{limit} to zero to suppress all complaints; set it to a large number
18946 to prevent complaints from being suppressed.
18947
18948 @kindex show complaints
18949 @item show complaints
18950 Displays how many symbol complaints @value{GDBN} is permitted to produce.
18951
18952 @end table
18953
18954 @anchor{confirmation requests}
18955 By default, @value{GDBN} is cautious, and asks what sometimes seems to be a
18956 lot of stupid questions to confirm certain commands. For example, if
18957 you try to run a program which is already running:
18958
18959 @smallexample
18960 (@value{GDBP}) run
18961 The program being debugged has been started already.
18962 Start it from the beginning? (y or n)
18963 @end smallexample
18964
18965 If you are willing to unflinchingly face the consequences of your own
18966 commands, you can disable this ``feature'':
18967
18968 @table @code
18969
18970 @kindex set confirm
18971 @cindex flinching
18972 @cindex confirmation
18973 @cindex stupid questions
18974 @item set confirm off
18975 Disables confirmation requests. Note that running @value{GDBN} with
18976 the @option{--batch} option (@pxref{Mode Options, -batch}) also
18977 automatically disables confirmation requests.
18978
18979 @item set confirm on
18980 Enables confirmation requests (the default).
18981
18982 @kindex show confirm
18983 @item show confirm
18984 Displays state of confirmation requests.
18985
18986 @end table
18987
18988 @cindex command tracing
18989 If you need to debug user-defined commands or sourced files you may find it
18990 useful to enable @dfn{command tracing}. In this mode each command will be
18991 printed as it is executed, prefixed with one or more @samp{+} symbols, the
18992 quantity denoting the call depth of each command.
18993
18994 @table @code
18995 @kindex set trace-commands
18996 @cindex command scripts, debugging
18997 @item set trace-commands on
18998 Enable command tracing.
18999 @item set trace-commands off
19000 Disable command tracing.
19001 @item show trace-commands
19002 Display the current state of command tracing.
19003 @end table
19004
19005 @node Debugging Output
19006 @section Optional Messages about Internal Happenings
19007 @cindex optional debugging messages
19008
19009 @value{GDBN} has commands that enable optional debugging messages from
19010 various @value{GDBN} subsystems; normally these commands are of
19011 interest to @value{GDBN} maintainers, or when reporting a bug. This
19012 section documents those commands.
19013
19014 @table @code
19015 @kindex set exec-done-display
19016 @item set exec-done-display
19017 Turns on or off the notification of asynchronous commands'
19018 completion. When on, @value{GDBN} will print a message when an
19019 asynchronous command finishes its execution. The default is off.
19020 @kindex show exec-done-display
19021 @item show exec-done-display
19022 Displays the current setting of asynchronous command completion
19023 notification.
19024 @kindex set debug
19025 @cindex gdbarch debugging info
19026 @cindex architecture debugging info
19027 @item set debug arch
19028 Turns on or off display of gdbarch debugging info. The default is off
19029 @kindex show debug
19030 @item show debug arch
19031 Displays the current state of displaying gdbarch debugging info.
19032 @item set debug aix-thread
19033 @cindex AIX threads
19034 Display debugging messages about inner workings of the AIX thread
19035 module.
19036 @item show debug aix-thread
19037 Show the current state of AIX thread debugging info display.
19038 @item set debug dwarf2-die
19039 @cindex DWARF2 DIEs
19040 Dump DWARF2 DIEs after they are read in.
19041 The value is the number of nesting levels to print.
19042 A value of zero turns off the display.
19043 @item show debug dwarf2-die
19044 Show the current state of DWARF2 DIE debugging.
19045 @item set debug displaced
19046 @cindex displaced stepping debugging info
19047 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for the
19048 displaced stepping support. The default is off.
19049 @item show debug displaced
19050 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} debugging info
19051 related to displaced stepping.
19052 @item set debug event
19053 @cindex event debugging info
19054 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} event debugging info. The
19055 default is off.
19056 @item show debug event
19057 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} event debugging
19058 info.
19059 @item set debug expression
19060 @cindex expression debugging info
19061 Turns on or off display of debugging info about @value{GDBN}
19062 expression parsing. The default is off.
19063 @item show debug expression
19064 Displays the current state of displaying debugging info about
19065 @value{GDBN} expression parsing.
19066 @item set debug frame
19067 @cindex frame debugging info
19068 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} frame debugging info. The
19069 default is off.
19070 @item show debug frame
19071 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} frame debugging
19072 info.
19073 @item set debug gnu-nat
19074 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug messages
19075 Turns on or off debugging messages from the @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug support.
19076 @item show debug gnu-nat
19077 Show the current state of @sc{gnu}/Hurd debugging messages.
19078 @item set debug infrun
19079 @cindex inferior debugging info
19080 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for running the inferior.
19081 The default is off. @file{infrun.c} contains GDB's runtime state machine used
19082 for implementing operations such as single-stepping the inferior.
19083 @item show debug infrun
19084 Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} inferior debugging.
19085 @item set debug lin-lwp
19086 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Linux LWP debug messages
19087 @cindex Linux lightweight processes
19088 Turns on or off debugging messages from the Linux LWP debug support.
19089 @item show debug lin-lwp
19090 Show the current state of Linux LWP debugging messages.
19091 @item set debug lin-lwp-async
19092 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Linux LWP async debug messages
19093 @cindex Linux lightweight processes
19094 Turns on or off debugging messages from the Linux LWP async debug support.
19095 @item show debug lin-lwp-async
19096 Show the current state of Linux LWP async debugging messages.
19097 @item set debug observer
19098 @cindex observer debugging info
19099 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} observer debugging. This
19100 includes info such as the notification of observable events.
19101 @item show debug observer
19102 Displays the current state of observer debugging.
19103 @item set debug overload
19104 @cindex C@t{++} overload debugging info
19105 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload debugging
19106 info. This includes info such as ranking of functions, etc. The default
19107 is off.
19108 @item show debug overload
19109 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload
19110 debugging info.
19111 @cindex expression parser, debugging info
19112 @cindex debug expression parser
19113 @item set debug parser
19114 Turns on or off the display of expression parser debugging output.
19115 Internally, this sets the @code{yydebug} variable in the expression
19116 parser. @xref{Tracing, , Tracing Your Parser, bison, Bison}, for
19117 details. The default is off.
19118 @item show debug parser
19119 Show the current state of expression parser debugging.
19120 @cindex packets, reporting on stdout
19121 @cindex serial connections, debugging
19122 @cindex debug remote protocol
19123 @cindex remote protocol debugging
19124 @cindex display remote packets
19125 @item set debug remote
19126 Turns on or off display of reports on all packets sent back and forth across
19127 the serial line to the remote machine. The info is printed on the
19128 @value{GDBN} standard output stream. The default is off.
19129 @item show debug remote
19130 Displays the state of display of remote packets.
19131 @item set debug serial
19132 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} serial debugging info. The
19133 default is off.
19134 @item show debug serial
19135 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} serial debugging
19136 info.
19137 @item set debug solib-frv
19138 @cindex FR-V shared-library debugging
19139 Turns on or off debugging messages for FR-V shared-library code.
19140 @item show debug solib-frv
19141 Display the current state of FR-V shared-library code debugging
19142 messages.
19143 @item set debug target
19144 @cindex target debugging info
19145 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} target debugging info. This info
19146 includes what is going on at the target level of GDB, as it happens. The
19147 default is 0. Set it to 1 to track events, and to 2 to also track the
19148 value of large memory transfers. Changes to this flag do not take effect
19149 until the next time you connect to a target or use the @code{run} command.
19150 @item show debug target
19151 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} target debugging
19152 info.
19153 @item set debug timestamp
19154 @cindex timestampping debugging info
19155 Turns on or off display of timestamps with @value{GDBN} debugging info.
19156 When enabled, seconds and microseconds are displayed before each debugging
19157 message.
19158 @item show debug timestamp
19159 Displays the current state of displaying timestamps with @value{GDBN}
19160 debugging info.
19161 @item set debugvarobj
19162 @cindex variable object debugging info
19163 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} variable object debugging
19164 info. The default is off.
19165 @item show debugvarobj
19166 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} variable object
19167 debugging info.
19168 @item set debug xml
19169 @cindex XML parser debugging
19170 Turns on or off debugging messages for built-in XML parsers.
19171 @item show debug xml
19172 Displays the current state of XML debugging messages.
19173 @end table
19174
19175 @node Other Misc Settings
19176 @section Other Miscellaneous Settings
19177 @cindex miscellaneous settings
19178
19179 @table @code
19180 @kindex set interactive-mode
19181 @item set interactive-mode
19182 If @code{on}, forces @value{GDBN} to operate interactively.
19183 If @code{off}, forces @value{GDBN} to operate non-interactively,
19184 If @code{auto} (the default), @value{GDBN} guesses which mode to use,
19185 based on whether the debugger was started in a terminal or not.
19186
19187 In the vast majority of cases, the debugger should be able to guess
19188 correctly which mode should be used. But this setting can be useful
19189 in certain specific cases, such as running a MinGW @value{GDBN}
19190 inside a cygwin window.
19191
19192 @kindex show interactive-mode
19193 @item show interactive-mode
19194 Displays whether the debugger is operating in interactive mode or not.
19195 @end table
19196
19197 @node Extending GDB
19198 @chapter Extending @value{GDBN}
19199 @cindex extending GDB
19200
19201 @value{GDBN} provides two mechanisms for extension. The first is based
19202 on composition of @value{GDBN} commands, and the second is based on the
19203 Python scripting language.
19204
19205 To facilitate the use of these extensions, @value{GDBN} is capable
19206 of evaluating the contents of a file. When doing so, @value{GDBN}
19207 can recognize which scripting language is being used by looking at
19208 the filename extension. Files with an unrecognized filename extension
19209 are always treated as a @value{GDBN} Command Files.
19210 @xref{Command Files,, Command files}.
19211
19212 You can control how @value{GDBN} evaluates these files with the following
19213 setting:
19214
19215 @table @code
19216 @kindex set script-extension
19217 @kindex show script-extension
19218 @item set script-extension off
19219 All scripts are always evaluated as @value{GDBN} Command Files.
19220
19221 @item set script-extension soft
19222 The debugger determines the scripting language based on filename
19223 extension. If this scripting language is supported, @value{GDBN}
19224 evaluates the script using that language. Otherwise, it evaluates
19225 the file as a @value{GDBN} Command File.
19226
19227 @item set script-extension strict
19228 The debugger determines the scripting language based on filename
19229 extension, and evaluates the script using that language. If the
19230 language is not supported, then the evaluation fails.
19231
19232 @item show script-extension
19233 Display the current value of the @code{script-extension} option.
19234
19235 @end table
19236
19237 @menu
19238 * Sequences:: Canned Sequences of Commands
19239 * Python:: Scripting @value{GDBN} using Python
19240 @end menu
19241
19242 @node Sequences
19243 @section Canned Sequences of Commands
19244
19245 Aside from breakpoint commands (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint
19246 Command Lists}), @value{GDBN} provides two ways to store sequences of
19247 commands for execution as a unit: user-defined commands and command
19248 files.
19249
19250 @menu
19251 * Define:: How to define your own commands
19252 * Hooks:: Hooks for user-defined commands
19253 * Command Files:: How to write scripts of commands to be stored in a file
19254 * Output:: Commands for controlled output
19255 @end menu
19256
19257 @node Define
19258 @subsection User-defined Commands
19259
19260 @cindex user-defined command
19261 @cindex arguments, to user-defined commands
19262 A @dfn{user-defined command} is a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands to
19263 which you assign a new name as a command. This is done with the
19264 @code{define} command. User commands may accept up to 10 arguments
19265 separated by whitespace. Arguments are accessed within the user command
19266 via @code{$arg0@dots{}$arg9}. A trivial example:
19267
19268 @smallexample
19269 define adder
19270 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
19271 end
19272 @end smallexample
19273
19274 @noindent
19275 To execute the command use:
19276
19277 @smallexample
19278 adder 1 2 3
19279 @end smallexample
19280
19281 @noindent
19282 This defines the command @code{adder}, which prints the sum of
19283 its three arguments. Note the arguments are text substitutions, so they may
19284 reference variables, use complex expressions, or even perform inferior
19285 functions calls.
19286
19287 @cindex argument count in user-defined commands
19288 @cindex how many arguments (user-defined commands)
19289 In addition, @code{$argc} may be used to find out how many arguments have
19290 been passed. This expands to a number in the range 0@dots{}10.
19291
19292 @smallexample
19293 define adder
19294 if $argc == 2
19295 print $arg0 + $arg1
19296 end
19297 if $argc == 3
19298 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
19299 end
19300 end
19301 @end smallexample
19302
19303 @table @code
19304
19305 @kindex define
19306 @item define @var{commandname}
19307 Define a command named @var{commandname}. If there is already a command
19308 by that name, you are asked to confirm that you want to redefine it.
19309 @var{commandname} may be a bare command name consisting of letters,
19310 numbers, dashes, and underscores. It may also start with any predefined
19311 prefix command. For example, @samp{define target my-target} creates
19312 a user-defined @samp{target my-target} command.
19313
19314 The definition of the command is made up of other @value{GDBN} command lines,
19315 which are given following the @code{define} command. The end of these
19316 commands is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
19317
19318 @kindex document
19319 @kindex end@r{ (user-defined commands)}
19320 @item document @var{commandname}
19321 Document the user-defined command @var{commandname}, so that it can be
19322 accessed by @code{help}. The command @var{commandname} must already be
19323 defined. This command reads lines of documentation just as @code{define}
19324 reads the lines of the command definition, ending with @code{end}.
19325 After the @code{document} command is finished, @code{help} on command
19326 @var{commandname} displays the documentation you have written.
19327
19328 You may use the @code{document} command again to change the
19329 documentation of a command. Redefining the command with @code{define}
19330 does not change the documentation.
19331
19332 @kindex dont-repeat
19333 @cindex don't repeat command
19334 @item dont-repeat
19335 Used inside a user-defined command, this tells @value{GDBN} that this
19336 command should not be repeated when the user hits @key{RET}
19337 (@pxref{Command Syntax, repeat last command}).
19338
19339 @kindex help user-defined
19340 @item help user-defined
19341 List all user-defined commands, with the first line of the documentation
19342 (if any) for each.
19343
19344 @kindex show user
19345 @item show user
19346 @itemx show user @var{commandname}
19347 Display the @value{GDBN} commands used to define @var{commandname} (but
19348 not its documentation). If no @var{commandname} is given, display the
19349 definitions for all user-defined commands.
19350
19351 @cindex infinite recursion in user-defined commands
19352 @kindex show max-user-call-depth
19353 @kindex set max-user-call-depth
19354 @item show max-user-call-depth
19355 @itemx set max-user-call-depth
19356 The value of @code{max-user-call-depth} controls how many recursion
19357 levels are allowed in user-defined commands before @value{GDBN} suspects an
19358 infinite recursion and aborts the command.
19359 @end table
19360
19361 In addition to the above commands, user-defined commands frequently
19362 use control flow commands, described in @ref{Command Files}.
19363
19364 When user-defined commands are executed, the
19365 commands of the definition are not printed. An error in any command
19366 stops execution of the user-defined command.
19367
19368 If used interactively, commands that would ask for confirmation proceed
19369 without asking when used inside a user-defined command. Many @value{GDBN}
19370 commands that normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the
19371 messages when used in a user-defined command.
19372
19373 @node Hooks
19374 @subsection User-defined Command Hooks
19375 @cindex command hooks
19376 @cindex hooks, for commands
19377 @cindex hooks, pre-command
19378
19379 @kindex hook
19380 You may define @dfn{hooks}, which are a special kind of user-defined
19381 command. Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined
19382 command @samp{hook-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments)
19383 before that command.
19384
19385 @cindex hooks, post-command
19386 @kindex hookpost
19387 A hook may also be defined which is run after the command you executed.
19388 Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined command
19389 @samp{hookpost-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments) after
19390 that command. Post-execution hooks may exist simultaneously with
19391 pre-execution hooks, for the same command.
19392
19393 It is valid for a hook to call the command which it hooks. If this
19394 occurs, the hook is not re-executed, thereby avoiding infinite recursion.
19395
19396 @c It would be nice if hookpost could be passed a parameter indicating
19397 @c if the command it hooks executed properly or not. FIXME!
19398
19399 @kindex stop@r{, a pseudo-command}
19400 In addition, a pseudo-command, @samp{stop} exists. Defining
19401 (@samp{hook-stop}) makes the associated commands execute every time
19402 execution stops in your program: before breakpoint commands are run,
19403 displays are printed, or the stack frame is printed.
19404
19405 For example, to ignore @code{SIGALRM} signals while
19406 single-stepping, but treat them normally during normal execution,
19407 you could define:
19408
19409 @smallexample
19410 define hook-stop
19411 handle SIGALRM nopass
19412 end
19413
19414 define hook-run
19415 handle SIGALRM pass
19416 end
19417
19418 define hook-continue
19419 handle SIGALRM pass
19420 end
19421 @end smallexample
19422
19423 As a further example, to hook at the beginning and end of the @code{echo}
19424 command, and to add extra text to the beginning and end of the message,
19425 you could define:
19426
19427 @smallexample
19428 define hook-echo
19429 echo <<<---
19430 end
19431
19432 define hookpost-echo
19433 echo --->>>\n
19434 end
19435
19436 (@value{GDBP}) echo Hello World
19437 <<<---Hello World--->>>
19438 (@value{GDBP})
19439
19440 @end smallexample
19441
19442 You can define a hook for any single-word command in @value{GDBN}, but
19443 not for command aliases; you should define a hook for the basic command
19444 name, e.g.@: @code{backtrace} rather than @code{bt}.
19445 @c FIXME! So how does Joe User discover whether a command is an alias
19446 @c or not?
19447 You can hook a multi-word command by adding @code{hook-} or
19448 @code{hookpost-} to the last word of the command, e.g.@:
19449 @samp{define target hook-remote} to add a hook to @samp{target remote}.
19450
19451 If an error occurs during the execution of your hook, execution of
19452 @value{GDBN} commands stops and @value{GDBN} issues a prompt
19453 (before the command that you actually typed had a chance to run).
19454
19455 If you try to define a hook which does not match any known command, you
19456 get a warning from the @code{define} command.
19457
19458 @node Command Files
19459 @subsection Command Files
19460
19461 @cindex command files
19462 @cindex scripting commands
19463 A command file for @value{GDBN} is a text file made of lines that are
19464 @value{GDBN} commands. Comments (lines starting with @kbd{#}) may
19465 also be included. An empty line in a command file does nothing; it
19466 does not mean to repeat the last command, as it would from the
19467 terminal.
19468
19469 You can request the execution of a command file with the @code{source}
19470 command. Note that the @code{source} command is also used to evaluate
19471 scripts that are not Command Files. The exact behavior can be configured
19472 using the @code{script-extension} setting.
19473 @xref{Extending GDB,, Extending GDB}.
19474
19475 @table @code
19476 @kindex source
19477 @cindex execute commands from a file
19478 @item source [-s] [-v] @var{filename}
19479 Execute the command file @var{filename}.
19480 @end table
19481
19482 The lines in a command file are generally executed sequentially,
19483 unless the order of execution is changed by one of the
19484 @emph{flow-control commands} described below. The commands are not
19485 printed as they are executed. An error in any command terminates
19486 execution of the command file and control is returned to the console.
19487
19488 @value{GDBN} first searches for @var{filename} in the current directory.
19489 If the file is not found there, and @var{filename} does not specify a
19490 directory, then @value{GDBN} also looks for the file on the source search path
19491 (specified with the @samp{directory} command);
19492 except that @file{$cdir} is not searched because the compilation directory
19493 is not relevant to scripts.
19494
19495 If @code{-s} is specified, then @value{GDBN} searches for @var{filename}
19496 on the search path even if @var{filename} specifies a directory.
19497 The search is done by appending @var{filename} to each element of the
19498 search path. So, for example, if @var{filename} is @file{mylib/myscript}
19499 and the search path contains @file{/home/user} then @value{GDBN} will
19500 look for the script @file{/home/user/mylib/myscript}.
19501 The search is also done if @var{filename} is an absolute path.
19502 For example, if @var{filename} is @file{/tmp/myscript} and
19503 the search path contains @file{/home/user} then @value{GDBN} will
19504 look for the script @file{/home/user/tmp/myscript}.
19505 For DOS-like systems, if @var{filename} contains a drive specification,
19506 it is stripped before concatenation. For example, if @var{filename} is
19507 @file{d:myscript} and the search path contains @file{c:/tmp} then @value{GDBN}
19508 will look for the script @file{c:/tmp/myscript}.
19509
19510 If @code{-v}, for verbose mode, is given then @value{GDBN} displays
19511 each command as it is executed. The option must be given before
19512 @var{filename}, and is interpreted as part of the filename anywhere else.
19513
19514 Commands that would ask for confirmation if used interactively proceed
19515 without asking when used in a command file. Many @value{GDBN} commands that
19516 normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the messages
19517 when called from command files.
19518
19519 @value{GDBN} also accepts command input from standard input. In this
19520 mode, normal output goes to standard output and error output goes to
19521 standard error. Errors in a command file supplied on standard input do
19522 not terminate execution of the command file---execution continues with
19523 the next command.
19524
19525 @smallexample
19526 gdb < cmds > log 2>&1
19527 @end smallexample
19528
19529 (The syntax above will vary depending on the shell used.) This example
19530 will execute commands from the file @file{cmds}. All output and errors
19531 would be directed to @file{log}.
19532
19533 Since commands stored on command files tend to be more general than
19534 commands typed interactively, they frequently need to deal with
19535 complicated situations, such as different or unexpected values of
19536 variables and symbols, changes in how the program being debugged is
19537 built, etc. @value{GDBN} provides a set of flow-control commands to
19538 deal with these complexities. Using these commands, you can write
19539 complex scripts that loop over data structures, execute commands
19540 conditionally, etc.
19541
19542 @table @code
19543 @kindex if
19544 @kindex else
19545 @item if
19546 @itemx else
19547 This command allows to include in your script conditionally executed
19548 commands. The @code{if} command takes a single argument, which is an
19549 expression to evaluate. It is followed by a series of commands that
19550 are executed only if the expression is true (its value is nonzero).
19551 There can then optionally be an @code{else} line, followed by a series
19552 of commands that are only executed if the expression was false. The
19553 end of the list is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
19554
19555 @kindex while
19556 @item while
19557 This command allows to write loops. Its syntax is similar to
19558 @code{if}: the command takes a single argument, which is an expression
19559 to evaluate, and must be followed by the commands to execute, one per
19560 line, terminated by an @code{end}. These commands are called the
19561 @dfn{body} of the loop. The commands in the body of @code{while} are
19562 executed repeatedly as long as the expression evaluates to true.
19563
19564 @kindex loop_break
19565 @item loop_break
19566 This command exits the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included.
19567 Execution of the script continues after that @code{while}s @code{end}
19568 line.
19569
19570 @kindex loop_continue
19571 @item loop_continue
19572 This command skips the execution of the rest of the body of commands
19573 in the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included. Execution
19574 branches to the beginning of the @code{while} loop, where it evaluates
19575 the controlling expression.
19576
19577 @kindex end@r{ (if/else/while commands)}
19578 @item end
19579 Terminate the block of commands that are the body of @code{if},
19580 @code{else}, or @code{while} flow-control commands.
19581 @end table
19582
19583
19584 @node Output
19585 @subsection Commands for Controlled Output
19586
19587 During the execution of a command file or a user-defined command, normal
19588 @value{GDBN} output is suppressed; the only output that appears is what is
19589 explicitly printed by the commands in the definition. This section
19590 describes three commands useful for generating exactly the output you
19591 want.
19592
19593 @table @code
19594 @kindex echo
19595 @item echo @var{text}
19596 @c I do not consider backslash-space a standard C escape sequence
19597 @c because it is not in ANSI.
19598 Print @var{text}. Nonprinting characters can be included in
19599 @var{text} using C escape sequences, such as @samp{\n} to print a
19600 newline. @strong{No newline is printed unless you specify one.}
19601 In addition to the standard C escape sequences, a backslash followed
19602 by a space stands for a space. This is useful for displaying a
19603 string with spaces at the beginning or the end, since leading and
19604 trailing spaces are otherwise trimmed from all arguments.
19605 To print @samp{@w{ }and foo =@w{ }}, use the command
19606 @samp{echo \@w{ }and foo = \@w{ }}.
19607
19608 A backslash at the end of @var{text} can be used, as in C, to continue
19609 the command onto subsequent lines. For example,
19610
19611 @smallexample
19612 echo This is some text\n\
19613 which is continued\n\
19614 onto several lines.\n
19615 @end smallexample
19616
19617 produces the same output as
19618
19619 @smallexample
19620 echo This is some text\n
19621 echo which is continued\n
19622 echo onto several lines.\n
19623 @end smallexample
19624
19625 @kindex output
19626 @item output @var{expression}
19627 Print the value of @var{expression} and nothing but that value: no
19628 newlines, no @samp{$@var{nn} = }. The value is not entered in the
19629 value history either. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information
19630 on expressions.
19631
19632 @item output/@var{fmt} @var{expression}
19633 Print the value of @var{expression} in format @var{fmt}. You can use
19634 the same formats as for @code{print}. @xref{Output Formats,,Output
19635 Formats}, for more information.
19636
19637 @kindex printf
19638 @item printf @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
19639 Print the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
19640 the string @var{template}. To print several values, make
19641 @var{expressions} be a comma-separated list of individual expressions,
19642 which may be either numbers or pointers. Their values are printed as
19643 specified by @var{template}, exactly as a C program would do by
19644 executing the code below:
19645
19646 @smallexample
19647 printf (@var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{});
19648 @end smallexample
19649
19650 As in @code{C} @code{printf}, ordinary characters in @var{template}
19651 are printed verbatim, while @dfn{conversion specification} introduced
19652 by the @samp{%} character cause subsequent @var{expressions} to be
19653 evaluated, their values converted and formatted according to type and
19654 style information encoded in the conversion specifications, and then
19655 printed.
19656
19657 For example, you can print two values in hex like this:
19658
19659 @smallexample
19660 printf "foo, bar-foo = 0x%x, 0x%x\n", foo, bar-foo
19661 @end smallexample
19662
19663 @code{printf} supports all the standard @code{C} conversion
19664 specifications, including the flags and modifiers between the @samp{%}
19665 character and the conversion letter, with the following exceptions:
19666
19667 @itemize @bullet
19668 @item
19669 The argument-ordering modifiers, such as @samp{2$}, are not supported.
19670
19671 @item
19672 The modifier @samp{*} is not supported for specifying precision or
19673 width.
19674
19675 @item
19676 The @samp{'} flag (for separation of digits into groups according to
19677 @code{LC_NUMERIC'}) is not supported.
19678
19679 @item
19680 The type modifiers @samp{hh}, @samp{j}, @samp{t}, and @samp{z} are not
19681 supported.
19682
19683 @item
19684 The conversion letter @samp{n} (as in @samp{%n}) is not supported.
19685
19686 @item
19687 The conversion letters @samp{a} and @samp{A} are not supported.
19688 @end itemize
19689
19690 @noindent
19691 Note that the @samp{ll} type modifier is supported only if the
19692 underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} supports
19693 the @code{long long int} type, and the @samp{L} type modifier is
19694 supported only if @code{long double} type is available.
19695
19696 As in @code{C}, @code{printf} supports simple backslash-escape
19697 sequences, such as @code{\n}, @samp{\t}, @samp{\\}, @samp{\"},
19698 @samp{\a}, and @samp{\f}, that consist of backslash followed by a
19699 single character. Octal and hexadecimal escape sequences are not
19700 supported.
19701
19702 Additionally, @code{printf} supports conversion specifications for DFP
19703 (@dfn{Decimal Floating Point}) types using the following length modifiers
19704 together with a floating point specifier.
19705 letters:
19706
19707 @itemize @bullet
19708 @item
19709 @samp{H} for printing @code{Decimal32} types.
19710
19711 @item
19712 @samp{D} for printing @code{Decimal64} types.
19713
19714 @item
19715 @samp{DD} for printing @code{Decimal128} types.
19716 @end itemize
19717
19718 If the underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} has
19719 support for the three length modifiers for DFP types, other modifiers
19720 such as width and precision will also be available for @value{GDBN} to use.
19721
19722 In case there is no such @code{C} support, no additional modifiers will be
19723 available and the value will be printed in the standard way.
19724
19725 Here's an example of printing DFP types using the above conversion letters:
19726 @smallexample
19727 printf "D32: %Hf - D64: %Df - D128: %DDf\n",1.2345df,1.2E10dd,1.2E1dl
19728 @end smallexample
19729
19730 @end table
19731
19732 @node Python
19733 @section Scripting @value{GDBN} using Python
19734 @cindex python scripting
19735 @cindex scripting with python
19736
19737 You can script @value{GDBN} using the @uref{http://www.python.org/,
19738 Python programming language}. This feature is available only if
19739 @value{GDBN} was configured using @option{--with-python}.
19740
19741 @menu
19742 * Python Commands:: Accessing Python from @value{GDBN}.
19743 * Python API:: Accessing @value{GDBN} from Python.
19744 * Auto-loading:: Automatically loading Python code.
19745 @end menu
19746
19747 @node Python Commands
19748 @subsection Python Commands
19749 @cindex python commands
19750 @cindex commands to access python
19751
19752 @value{GDBN} provides one command for accessing the Python interpreter,
19753 and one related setting:
19754
19755 @table @code
19756 @kindex python
19757 @item python @r{[}@var{code}@r{]}
19758 The @code{python} command can be used to evaluate Python code.
19759
19760 If given an argument, the @code{python} command will evaluate the
19761 argument as a Python command. For example:
19762
19763 @smallexample
19764 (@value{GDBP}) python print 23
19765 23
19766 @end smallexample
19767
19768 If you do not provide an argument to @code{python}, it will act as a
19769 multi-line command, like @code{define}. In this case, the Python
19770 script is made up of subsequent command lines, given after the
19771 @code{python} command. This command list is terminated using a line
19772 containing @code{end}. For example:
19773
19774 @smallexample
19775 (@value{GDBP}) python
19776 Type python script
19777 End with a line saying just "end".
19778 >print 23
19779 >end
19780 23
19781 @end smallexample
19782
19783 @kindex maint set python print-stack
19784 @item maint set python print-stack
19785 By default, @value{GDBN} will print a stack trace when an error occurs
19786 in a Python script. This can be controlled using @code{maint set
19787 python print-stack}: if @code{on}, the default, then Python stack
19788 printing is enabled; if @code{off}, then Python stack printing is
19789 disabled.
19790 @end table
19791
19792 It is also possible to execute a Python script from the @value{GDBN}
19793 interpreter:
19794
19795 @table @code
19796 @item source @file{script-name}
19797 The script name must end with @samp{.py} and @value{GDBN} must be configured
19798 to recognize the script language based on filename extension using
19799 the @code{script-extension} setting. @xref{Extending GDB, ,Extending GDB}.
19800
19801 @item python execfile ("script-name")
19802 This method is based on the @code{execfile} Python built-in function,
19803 and thus is always available.
19804 @end table
19805
19806 @node Python API
19807 @subsection Python API
19808 @cindex python api
19809 @cindex programming in python
19810
19811 @cindex python stdout
19812 @cindex python pagination
19813 At startup, @value{GDBN} overrides Python's @code{sys.stdout} and
19814 @code{sys.stderr} to print using @value{GDBN}'s output-paging streams.
19815 A Python program which outputs to one of these streams may have its
19816 output interrupted by the user (@pxref{Screen Size}). In this
19817 situation, a Python @code{KeyboardInterrupt} exception is thrown.
19818
19819 @menu
19820 * Basic Python:: Basic Python Functions.
19821 * Exception Handling::
19822 * Values From Inferior::
19823 * Types In Python:: Python representation of types.
19824 * Pretty Printing API:: Pretty-printing values.
19825 * Selecting Pretty-Printers:: How GDB chooses a pretty-printer.
19826 * Commands In Python:: Implementing new commands in Python.
19827 * Functions In Python:: Writing new convenience functions.
19828 * Progspaces In Python:: Program spaces.
19829 * Objfiles In Python:: Object files.
19830 * Frames In Python:: Accessing inferior stack frames from Python.
19831 * Blocks In Python:: Accessing frame blocks from Python.
19832 * Symbols In Python:: Python representation of symbols.
19833 * Symbol Tables In Python:: Python representation of symbol tables.
19834 * Lazy Strings In Python:: Python representation of lazy strings.
19835 * Breakpoints In Python:: Manipulating breakpoints using Python.
19836 @end menu
19837
19838 @node Basic Python
19839 @subsubsection Basic Python
19840
19841 @cindex python functions
19842 @cindex python module
19843 @cindex gdb module
19844 @value{GDBN} introduces a new Python module, named @code{gdb}. All
19845 methods and classes added by @value{GDBN} are placed in this module.
19846 @value{GDBN} automatically @code{import}s the @code{gdb} module for
19847 use in all scripts evaluated by the @code{python} command.
19848
19849 @findex gdb.execute
19850 @defun execute command [from_tty]
19851 Evaluate @var{command}, a string, as a @value{GDBN} CLI command.
19852 If a GDB exception happens while @var{command} runs, it is
19853 translated as described in @ref{Exception Handling,,Exception Handling}.
19854 If no exceptions occur, this function returns @code{None}.
19855
19856 @var{from_tty} specifies whether @value{GDBN} ought to consider this
19857 command as having originated from the user invoking it interactively.
19858 It must be a boolean value. If omitted, it defaults to @code{False}.
19859 @end defun
19860
19861 @findex gdb.breakpoints
19862 @defun breakpoints
19863 Return a sequence holding all of @value{GDBN}'s breakpoints.
19864 @xref{Breakpoints In Python}, for more information.
19865 @end defun
19866
19867 @findex gdb.parameter
19868 @defun parameter parameter
19869 Return the value of a @value{GDBN} parameter. @var{parameter} is a
19870 string naming the parameter to look up; @var{parameter} may contain
19871 spaces if the parameter has a multi-part name. For example,
19872 @samp{print object} is a valid parameter name.
19873
19874 If the named parameter does not exist, this function throws a
19875 @code{RuntimeError}. Otherwise, the parameter's value is converted to
19876 a Python value of the appropriate type, and returned.
19877 @end defun
19878
19879 @findex gdb.history
19880 @defun history number
19881 Return a value from @value{GDBN}'s value history (@pxref{Value
19882 History}). @var{number} indicates which history element to return.
19883 If @var{number} is negative, then @value{GDBN} will take its absolute value
19884 and count backward from the last element (i.e., the most recent element) to
19885 find the value to return. If @var{number} is zero, then @value{GDBN} will
19886 return the most recent element. If the element specified by @var{number}
19887 doesn't exist in the value history, a @code{RuntimeError} exception will be
19888 raised.
19889
19890 If no exception is raised, the return value is always an instance of
19891 @code{gdb.Value} (@pxref{Values From Inferior}).
19892 @end defun
19893
19894 @findex gdb.parse_and_eval
19895 @defun parse_and_eval expression
19896 Parse @var{expression} as an expression in the current language,
19897 evaluate it, and return the result as a @code{gdb.Value}.
19898 @var{expression} must be a string.
19899
19900 This function can be useful when implementing a new command
19901 (@pxref{Commands In Python}), as it provides a way to parse the
19902 command's argument as an expression. It is also useful simply to
19903 compute values, for example, it is the only way to get the value of a
19904 convenience variable (@pxref{Convenience Vars}) as a @code{gdb.Value}.
19905 @end defun
19906
19907 @findex gdb.write
19908 @defun write string
19909 Print a string to @value{GDBN}'s paginated standard output stream.
19910 Writing to @code{sys.stdout} or @code{sys.stderr} will automatically
19911 call this function.
19912 @end defun
19913
19914 @findex gdb.flush
19915 @defun flush
19916 Flush @value{GDBN}'s paginated standard output stream. Flushing
19917 @code{sys.stdout} or @code{sys.stderr} will automatically call this
19918 function.
19919 @end defun
19920
19921 @findex gdb.target_charset
19922 @defun target_charset
19923 Return the name of the current target character set (@pxref{Character
19924 Sets}). This differs from @code{gdb.parameter('target-charset')} in
19925 that @samp{auto} is never returned.
19926 @end defun
19927
19928 @findex gdb.target_wide_charset
19929 @defun target_wide_charset
19930 Return the name of the current target wide character set
19931 (@pxref{Character Sets}). This differs from
19932 @code{gdb.parameter('target-wide-charset')} in that @samp{auto} is
19933 never returned.
19934 @end defun
19935
19936 @node Exception Handling
19937 @subsubsection Exception Handling
19938 @cindex python exceptions
19939 @cindex exceptions, python
19940
19941 When executing the @code{python} command, Python exceptions
19942 uncaught within the Python code are translated to calls to
19943 @value{GDBN} error-reporting mechanism. If the command that called
19944 @code{python} does not handle the error, @value{GDBN} will
19945 terminate it and print an error message containing the Python
19946 exception name, the associated value, and the Python call stack
19947 backtrace at the point where the exception was raised. Example:
19948
19949 @smallexample
19950 (@value{GDBP}) python print foo
19951 Traceback (most recent call last):
19952 File "<string>", line 1, in <module>
19953 NameError: name 'foo' is not defined
19954 @end smallexample
19955
19956 @value{GDBN} errors that happen in @value{GDBN} commands invoked by Python
19957 code are converted to Python @code{RuntimeError} exceptions. User
19958 interrupt (via @kbd{C-c} or by typing @kbd{q} at a pagination
19959 prompt) is translated to a Python @code{KeyboardInterrupt}
19960 exception. If you catch these exceptions in your Python code, your
19961 exception handler will see @code{RuntimeError} or
19962 @code{KeyboardInterrupt} as the exception type, the @value{GDBN} error
19963 message as its value, and the Python call stack backtrace at the
19964 Python statement closest to where the @value{GDBN} error occured as the
19965 traceback.
19966
19967 @node Values From Inferior
19968 @subsubsection Values From Inferior
19969 @cindex values from inferior, with Python
19970 @cindex python, working with values from inferior
19971
19972 @cindex @code{gdb.Value}
19973 @value{GDBN} provides values it obtains from the inferior program in
19974 an object of type @code{gdb.Value}. @value{GDBN} uses this object
19975 for its internal bookkeeping of the inferior's values, and for
19976 fetching values when necessary.
19977
19978 Inferior values that are simple scalars can be used directly in
19979 Python expressions that are valid for the value's data type. Here's
19980 an example for an integer or floating-point value @code{some_val}:
19981
19982 @smallexample
19983 bar = some_val + 2
19984 @end smallexample
19985
19986 @noindent
19987 As result of this, @code{bar} will also be a @code{gdb.Value} object
19988 whose values are of the same type as those of @code{some_val}.
19989
19990 Inferior values that are structures or instances of some class can
19991 be accessed using the Python @dfn{dictionary syntax}. For example, if
19992 @code{some_val} is a @code{gdb.Value} instance holding a structure, you
19993 can access its @code{foo} element with:
19994
19995 @smallexample
19996 bar = some_val['foo']
19997 @end smallexample
19998
19999 Again, @code{bar} will also be a @code{gdb.Value} object.
20000
20001 The following attributes are provided:
20002
20003 @table @code
20004 @defivar Value address
20005 If this object is addressable, this read-only attribute holds a
20006 @code{gdb.Value} object representing the address. Otherwise,
20007 this attribute holds @code{None}.
20008 @end defivar
20009
20010 @cindex optimized out value in Python
20011 @defivar Value is_optimized_out
20012 This read-only boolean attribute is true if the compiler optimized out
20013 this value, thus it is not available for fetching from the inferior.
20014 @end defivar
20015
20016 @defivar Value type
20017 The type of this @code{gdb.Value}. The value of this attribute is a
20018 @code{gdb.Type} object.
20019 @end defivar
20020 @end table
20021
20022 The following methods are provided:
20023
20024 @table @code
20025 @defmethod Value cast type
20026 Return a new instance of @code{gdb.Value} that is the result of
20027 casting this instance to the type described by @var{type}, which must
20028 be a @code{gdb.Type} object. If the cast cannot be performed for some
20029 reason, this method throws an exception.
20030 @end defmethod
20031
20032 @defmethod Value dereference
20033 For pointer data types, this method returns a new @code{gdb.Value} object
20034 whose contents is the object pointed to by the pointer. For example, if
20035 @code{foo} is a C pointer to an @code{int}, declared in your C program as
20036
20037 @smallexample
20038 int *foo;
20039 @end smallexample
20040
20041 @noindent
20042 then you can use the corresponding @code{gdb.Value} to access what
20043 @code{foo} points to like this:
20044
20045 @smallexample
20046 bar = foo.dereference ()
20047 @end smallexample
20048
20049 The result @code{bar} will be a @code{gdb.Value} object holding the
20050 value pointed to by @code{foo}.
20051 @end defmethod
20052
20053 @defmethod Value string @r{[}encoding@r{]} @r{[}errors@r{]} @r{[}length@r{]}
20054 If this @code{gdb.Value} represents a string, then this method
20055 converts the contents to a Python string. Otherwise, this method will
20056 throw an exception.
20057
20058 Strings are recognized in a language-specific way; whether a given
20059 @code{gdb.Value} represents a string is determined by the current
20060 language.
20061
20062 For C-like languages, a value is a string if it is a pointer to or an
20063 array of characters or ints. The string is assumed to be terminated
20064 by a zero of the appropriate width. However if the optional length
20065 argument is given, the string will be converted to that given length,
20066 ignoring any embedded zeros that the string may contain.
20067
20068 If the optional @var{encoding} argument is given, it must be a string
20069 naming the encoding of the string in the @code{gdb.Value}, such as
20070 @code{"ascii"}, @code{"iso-8859-6"} or @code{"utf-8"}. It accepts
20071 the same encodings as the corresponding argument to Python's
20072 @code{string.decode} method, and the Python codec machinery will be used
20073 to convert the string. If @var{encoding} is not given, or if
20074 @var{encoding} is the empty string, then either the @code{target-charset}
20075 (@pxref{Character Sets}) will be used, or a language-specific encoding
20076 will be used, if the current language is able to supply one.
20077
20078 The optional @var{errors} argument is the same as the corresponding
20079 argument to Python's @code{string.decode} method.
20080
20081 If the optional @var{length} argument is given, the string will be
20082 fetched and converted to the given length.
20083 @end defmethod
20084
20085 @defmethod Value lazy_string @r{[}encoding@r{]} @r{[}length@r{]}
20086 If this @code{gdb.Value} represents a string, then this method
20087 converts the contents to a @code{gdb.LazyString} (@pxref{Lazy Strings
20088 In Python}). Otherwise, this method will throw an exception.
20089
20090 If the optional @var{encoding} argument is given, it must be a string
20091 naming the encoding of the @code{gdb.LazyString}. Some examples are:
20092 @samp{ascii}, @samp{iso-8859-6} or @samp{utf-8}. If the
20093 @var{encoding} argument is an encoding that @value{GDBN} does
20094 recognize, @value{GDBN} will raise an error.
20095
20096 When a lazy string is printed, the @value{GDBN} encoding machinery is
20097 used to convert the string during printing. If the optional
20098 @var{encoding} argument is not provided, or is an empty string,
20099 @value{GDBN} will automatically select the encoding most suitable for
20100 the string type. For further information on encoding in @value{GDBN}
20101 please see @ref{Character Sets}.
20102
20103 If the optional @var{length} argument is given, the string will be
20104 fetched and encoded to the length of characters specified. If
20105 the @var{length} argument is not provided, the string will be fetched
20106 and encoded until a null of appropriate width is found.
20107 @end defmethod
20108 @end table
20109
20110 @node Types In Python
20111 @subsubsection Types In Python
20112 @cindex types in Python
20113 @cindex Python, working with types
20114
20115 @tindex gdb.Type
20116 @value{GDBN} represents types from the inferior using the class
20117 @code{gdb.Type}.
20118
20119 The following type-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
20120 module:
20121
20122 @findex gdb.lookup_type
20123 @defun lookup_type name [block]
20124 This function looks up a type by name. @var{name} is the name of the
20125 type to look up. It must be a string.
20126
20127 If @var{block} is given, then @var{name} is looked up in that scope.
20128 Otherwise, it is searched for globally.
20129
20130 Ordinarily, this function will return an instance of @code{gdb.Type}.
20131 If the named type cannot be found, it will throw an exception.
20132 @end defun
20133
20134 An instance of @code{Type} has the following attributes:
20135
20136 @table @code
20137 @defivar Type code
20138 The type code for this type. The type code will be one of the
20139 @code{TYPE_CODE_} constants defined below.
20140 @end defivar
20141
20142 @defivar Type sizeof
20143 The size of this type, in target @code{char} units. Usually, a
20144 target's @code{char} type will be an 8-bit byte. However, on some
20145 unusual platforms, this type may have a different size.
20146 @end defivar
20147
20148 @defivar Type tag
20149 The tag name for this type. The tag name is the name after
20150 @code{struct}, @code{union}, or @code{enum} in C and C@t{++}; not all
20151 languages have this concept. If this type has no tag name, then
20152 @code{None} is returned.
20153 @end defivar
20154 @end table
20155
20156 The following methods are provided:
20157
20158 @table @code
20159 @defmethod Type fields
20160 For structure and union types, this method returns the fields. Range
20161 types have two fields, the minimum and maximum values. Enum types
20162 have one field per enum constant. Function and method types have one
20163 field per parameter. The base types of C@t{++} classes are also
20164 represented as fields. If the type has no fields, or does not fit
20165 into one of these categories, an empty sequence will be returned.
20166
20167 Each field is an object, with some pre-defined attributes:
20168 @table @code
20169 @item bitpos
20170 This attribute is not available for @code{static} fields (as in
20171 C@t{++} or Java). For non-@code{static} fields, the value is the bit
20172 position of the field.
20173
20174 @item name
20175 The name of the field, or @code{None} for anonymous fields.
20176
20177 @item artificial
20178 This is @code{True} if the field is artificial, usually meaning that
20179 it was provided by the compiler and not the user. This attribute is
20180 always provided, and is @code{False} if the field is not artificial.
20181
20182 @item is_base_class
20183 This is @code{True} if the field represents a base class of a C@t{++}
20184 structure. This attribute is always provided, and is @code{False}
20185 if the field is not a base class of the type that is the argument of
20186 @code{fields}, or if that type was not a C@t{++} class.
20187
20188 @item bitsize
20189 If the field is packed, or is a bitfield, then this will have a
20190 non-zero value, which is the size of the field in bits. Otherwise,
20191 this will be zero; in this case the field's size is given by its type.
20192
20193 @item type
20194 The type of the field. This is usually an instance of @code{Type},
20195 but it can be @code{None} in some situations.
20196 @end table
20197 @end defmethod
20198
20199 @defmethod Type const
20200 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a
20201 @code{const}-qualified variant of this type.
20202 @end defmethod
20203
20204 @defmethod Type volatile
20205 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a
20206 @code{volatile}-qualified variant of this type.
20207 @end defmethod
20208
20209 @defmethod Type unqualified
20210 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents an unqualified
20211 variant of this type. That is, the result is neither @code{const} nor
20212 @code{volatile}.
20213 @end defmethod
20214
20215 @defmethod Type range
20216 Return a Python @code{Tuple} object that contains two elements: the
20217 low bound of the argument type and the high bound of that type. If
20218 the type does not have a range, @value{GDBN} will raise a
20219 @code{RuntimeError} exception.
20220 @end defmethod
20221
20222 @defmethod Type reference
20223 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a reference to this
20224 type.
20225 @end defmethod
20226
20227 @defmethod Type pointer
20228 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a pointer to this
20229 type.
20230 @end defmethod
20231
20232 @defmethod Type strip_typedefs
20233 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} that represents the real type,
20234 after removing all layers of typedefs.
20235 @end defmethod
20236
20237 @defmethod Type target
20238 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents the target type
20239 of this type.
20240
20241 For a pointer type, the target type is the type of the pointed-to
20242 object. For an array type (meaning C-like arrays), the target type is
20243 the type of the elements of the array. For a function or method type,
20244 the target type is the type of the return value. For a complex type,
20245 the target type is the type of the elements. For a typedef, the
20246 target type is the aliased type.
20247
20248 If the type does not have a target, this method will throw an
20249 exception.
20250 @end defmethod
20251
20252 @defmethod Type template_argument n [block]
20253 If this @code{gdb.Type} is an instantiation of a template, this will
20254 return a new @code{gdb.Type} which represents the type of the
20255 @var{n}th template argument.
20256
20257 If this @code{gdb.Type} is not a template type, this will throw an
20258 exception. Ordinarily, only C@t{++} code will have template types.
20259
20260 If @var{block} is given, then @var{name} is looked up in that scope.
20261 Otherwise, it is searched for globally.
20262 @end defmethod
20263 @end table
20264
20265
20266 Each type has a code, which indicates what category this type falls
20267 into. The available type categories are represented by constants
20268 defined in the @code{gdb} module:
20269
20270 @table @code
20271 @findex TYPE_CODE_PTR
20272 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_PTR
20273 @item TYPE_CODE_PTR
20274 The type is a pointer.
20275
20276 @findex TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
20277 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
20278 @item TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
20279 The type is an array.
20280
20281 @findex TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
20282 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
20283 @item TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
20284 The type is a structure.
20285
20286 @findex TYPE_CODE_UNION
20287 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_UNION
20288 @item TYPE_CODE_UNION
20289 The type is a union.
20290
20291 @findex TYPE_CODE_ENUM
20292 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ENUM
20293 @item TYPE_CODE_ENUM
20294 The type is an enum.
20295
20296 @findex TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
20297 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
20298 @item TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
20299 A bit flags type, used for things such as status registers.
20300
20301 @findex TYPE_CODE_FUNC
20302 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FUNC
20303 @item TYPE_CODE_FUNC
20304 The type is a function.
20305
20306 @findex TYPE_CODE_INT
20307 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_INT
20308 @item TYPE_CODE_INT
20309 The type is an integer type.
20310
20311 @findex TYPE_CODE_FLT
20312 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLT
20313 @item TYPE_CODE_FLT
20314 A floating point type.
20315
20316 @findex TYPE_CODE_VOID
20317 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_VOID
20318 @item TYPE_CODE_VOID
20319 The special type @code{void}.
20320
20321 @findex TYPE_CODE_SET
20322 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_SET
20323 @item TYPE_CODE_SET
20324 A Pascal set type.
20325
20326 @findex TYPE_CODE_RANGE
20327 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_RANGE
20328 @item TYPE_CODE_RANGE
20329 A range type, that is, an integer type with bounds.
20330
20331 @findex TYPE_CODE_STRING
20332 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRING
20333 @item TYPE_CODE_STRING
20334 A string type. Note that this is only used for certain languages with
20335 language-defined string types; C strings are not represented this way.
20336
20337 @findex TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
20338 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
20339 @item TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
20340 A string of bits.
20341
20342 @findex TYPE_CODE_ERROR
20343 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ERROR
20344 @item TYPE_CODE_ERROR
20345 An unknown or erroneous type.
20346
20347 @findex TYPE_CODE_METHOD
20348 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHOD
20349 @item TYPE_CODE_METHOD
20350 A method type, as found in C@t{++} or Java.
20351
20352 @findex TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
20353 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
20354 @item TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
20355 A pointer-to-member-function.
20356
20357 @findex TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
20358 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
20359 @item TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
20360 A pointer-to-member.
20361
20362 @findex TYPE_CODE_REF
20363 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_REF
20364 @item TYPE_CODE_REF
20365 A reference type.
20366
20367 @findex TYPE_CODE_CHAR
20368 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_CHAR
20369 @item TYPE_CODE_CHAR
20370 A character type.
20371
20372 @findex TYPE_CODE_BOOL
20373 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_BOOL
20374 @item TYPE_CODE_BOOL
20375 A boolean type.
20376
20377 @findex TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
20378 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
20379 @item TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
20380 A complex float type.
20381
20382 @findex TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
20383 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
20384 @item TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
20385 A typedef to some other type.
20386
20387 @findex TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
20388 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
20389 @item TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
20390 A C@t{++} namespace.
20391
20392 @findex TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
20393 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
20394 @item TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
20395 A decimal floating point type.
20396
20397 @findex TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
20398 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
20399 @item TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
20400 A function internal to @value{GDBN}. This is the type used to represent
20401 convenience functions.
20402 @end table
20403
20404 @node Pretty Printing API
20405 @subsubsection Pretty Printing API
20406
20407 An example output is provided (@pxref{Pretty Printing}).
20408
20409 A pretty-printer is just an object that holds a value and implements a
20410 specific interface, defined here.
20411
20412 @defop Operation {pretty printer} children (self)
20413 @value{GDBN} will call this method on a pretty-printer to compute the
20414 children of the pretty-printer's value.
20415
20416 This method must return an object conforming to the Python iterator
20417 protocol. Each item returned by the iterator must be a tuple holding
20418 two elements. The first element is the ``name'' of the child; the
20419 second element is the child's value. The value can be any Python
20420 object which is convertible to a @value{GDBN} value.
20421
20422 This method is optional. If it does not exist, @value{GDBN} will act
20423 as though the value has no children.
20424 @end defop
20425
20426 @defop Operation {pretty printer} display_hint (self)
20427 The CLI may call this method and use its result to change the
20428 formatting of a value. The result will also be supplied to an MI
20429 consumer as a @samp{displayhint} attribute of the variable being
20430 printed.
20431
20432 This method is optional. If it does exist, this method must return a
20433 string.
20434
20435 Some display hints are predefined by @value{GDBN}:
20436
20437 @table @samp
20438 @item array
20439 Indicate that the object being printed is ``array-like''. The CLI
20440 uses this to respect parameters such as @code{set print elements} and
20441 @code{set print array}.
20442
20443 @item map
20444 Indicate that the object being printed is ``map-like'', and that the
20445 children of this value can be assumed to alternate between keys and
20446 values.
20447
20448 @item string
20449 Indicate that the object being printed is ``string-like''. If the
20450 printer's @code{to_string} method returns a Python string of some
20451 kind, then @value{GDBN} will call its internal language-specific
20452 string-printing function to format the string. For the CLI this means
20453 adding quotation marks, possibly escaping some characters, respecting
20454 @code{set print elements}, and the like.
20455 @end table
20456 @end defop
20457
20458 @defop Operation {pretty printer} to_string (self)
20459 @value{GDBN} will call this method to display the string
20460 representation of the value passed to the object's constructor.
20461
20462 When printing from the CLI, if the @code{to_string} method exists,
20463 then @value{GDBN} will prepend its result to the values returned by
20464 @code{children}. Exactly how this formatting is done is dependent on
20465 the display hint, and may change as more hints are added. Also,
20466 depending on the print settings (@pxref{Print Settings}), the CLI may
20467 print just the result of @code{to_string} in a stack trace, omitting
20468 the result of @code{children}.
20469
20470 If this method returns a string, it is printed verbatim.
20471
20472 Otherwise, if this method returns an instance of @code{gdb.Value},
20473 then @value{GDBN} prints this value. This may result in a call to
20474 another pretty-printer.
20475
20476 If instead the method returns a Python value which is convertible to a
20477 @code{gdb.Value}, then @value{GDBN} performs the conversion and prints
20478 the resulting value. Again, this may result in a call to another
20479 pretty-printer. Python scalars (integers, floats, and booleans) and
20480 strings are convertible to @code{gdb.Value}; other types are not.
20481
20482 Finally, if this method returns @code{None} then no further operations
20483 are peformed in this method and nothing is printed.
20484
20485 If the result is not one of these types, an exception is raised.
20486 @end defop
20487
20488 @node Selecting Pretty-Printers
20489 @subsubsection Selecting Pretty-Printers
20490
20491 The Python list @code{gdb.pretty_printers} contains an array of
20492 functions that have been registered via addition as a pretty-printer.
20493 Each @code{gdb.Progspace} contains a @code{pretty_printers} attribute.
20494 Each @code{gdb.Objfile} also contains a @code{pretty_printers}
20495 attribute.
20496
20497 A function on one of these lists is passed a single @code{gdb.Value}
20498 argument and should return a pretty-printer object conforming to the
20499 interface definition above (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}). If a function
20500 cannot create a pretty-printer for the value, it should return
20501 @code{None}.
20502
20503 @value{GDBN} first checks the @code{pretty_printers} attribute of each
20504 @code{gdb.Objfile} in the current program space and iteratively calls
20505 each function in the list for that @code{gdb.Objfile} until it receives
20506 a pretty-printer object.
20507 If no pretty-printer is found in the objfile lists, @value{GDBN} then
20508 searches the pretty-printer list of the current program space,
20509 calling each function until an object is returned.
20510 After these lists have been exhausted, it tries the global
20511 @code{gdb.pretty-printers} list, again calling each function until an
20512 object is returned.
20513
20514 The order in which the objfiles are searched is not specified. For a
20515 given list, functions are always invoked from the head of the list,
20516 and iterated over sequentially until the end of the list, or a printer
20517 object is returned.
20518
20519 Here is an example showing how a @code{std::string} printer might be
20520 written:
20521
20522 @smallexample
20523 class StdStringPrinter:
20524 "Print a std::string"
20525
20526 def __init__ (self, val):
20527 self.val = val
20528
20529 def to_string (self):
20530 return self.val['_M_dataplus']['_M_p']
20531
20532 def display_hint (self):
20533 return 'string'
20534 @end smallexample
20535
20536 And here is an example showing how a lookup function for the printer
20537 example above might be written.
20538
20539 @smallexample
20540 def str_lookup_function (val):
20541
20542 lookup_tag = val.type.tag
20543 regex = re.compile ("^std::basic_string<char,.*>$")
20544 if lookup_tag == None:
20545 return None
20546 if regex.match (lookup_tag):
20547 return StdStringPrinter (val)
20548
20549 return None
20550 @end smallexample
20551
20552 The example lookup function extracts the value's type, and attempts to
20553 match it to a type that it can pretty-print. If it is a type the
20554 printer can pretty-print, it will return a printer object. If not, it
20555 returns @code{None}.
20556
20557 We recommend that you put your core pretty-printers into a Python
20558 package. If your pretty-printers are for use with a library, we
20559 further recommend embedding a version number into the package name.
20560 This practice will enable @value{GDBN} to load multiple versions of
20561 your pretty-printers at the same time, because they will have
20562 different names.
20563
20564 You should write auto-loaded code (@pxref{Auto-loading}) such that it
20565 can be evaluated multiple times without changing its meaning. An
20566 ideal auto-load file will consist solely of @code{import}s of your
20567 printer modules, followed by a call to a register pretty-printers with
20568 the current objfile.
20569
20570 Taken as a whole, this approach will scale nicely to multiple
20571 inferiors, each potentially using a different library version.
20572 Embedding a version number in the Python package name will ensure that
20573 @value{GDBN} is able to load both sets of printers simultaneously.
20574 Then, because the search for pretty-printers is done by objfile, and
20575 because your auto-loaded code took care to register your library's
20576 printers with a specific objfile, @value{GDBN} will find the correct
20577 printers for the specific version of the library used by each
20578 inferior.
20579
20580 To continue the @code{std::string} example (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}),
20581 this code might appear in @code{gdb.libstdcxx.v6}:
20582
20583 @smallexample
20584 def register_printers (objfile):
20585 objfile.pretty_printers.add (str_lookup_function)
20586 @end smallexample
20587
20588 @noindent
20589 And then the corresponding contents of the auto-load file would be:
20590
20591 @smallexample
20592 import gdb.libstdcxx.v6
20593 gdb.libstdcxx.v6.register_printers (gdb.current_objfile ())
20594 @end smallexample
20595
20596 @node Commands In Python
20597 @subsubsection Commands In Python
20598
20599 @cindex commands in python
20600 @cindex python commands
20601 You can implement new @value{GDBN} CLI commands in Python. A CLI
20602 command is implemented using an instance of the @code{gdb.Command}
20603 class, most commonly using a subclass.
20604
20605 @defmethod Command __init__ name @var{command_class} @r{[}@var{completer_class}@r{]} @r{[}@var{prefix}@r{]}
20606 The object initializer for @code{Command} registers the new command
20607 with @value{GDBN}. This initializer is normally invoked from the
20608 subclass' own @code{__init__} method.
20609
20610 @var{name} is the name of the command. If @var{name} consists of
20611 multiple words, then the initial words are looked for as prefix
20612 commands. In this case, if one of the prefix commands does not exist,
20613 an exception is raised.
20614
20615 There is no support for multi-line commands.
20616
20617 @var{command_class} should be one of the @samp{COMMAND_} constants
20618 defined below. This argument tells @value{GDBN} how to categorize the
20619 new command in the help system.
20620
20621 @var{completer_class} is an optional argument. If given, it should be
20622 one of the @samp{COMPLETE_} constants defined below. This argument
20623 tells @value{GDBN} how to perform completion for this command. If not
20624 given, @value{GDBN} will attempt to complete using the object's
20625 @code{complete} method (see below); if no such method is found, an
20626 error will occur when completion is attempted.
20627
20628 @var{prefix} is an optional argument. If @code{True}, then the new
20629 command is a prefix command; sub-commands of this command may be
20630 registered.
20631
20632 The help text for the new command is taken from the Python
20633 documentation string for the command's class, if there is one. If no
20634 documentation string is provided, the default value ``This command is
20635 not documented.'' is used.
20636 @end defmethod
20637
20638 @cindex don't repeat Python command
20639 @defmethod Command dont_repeat
20640 By default, a @value{GDBN} command is repeated when the user enters a
20641 blank line at the command prompt. A command can suppress this
20642 behavior by invoking the @code{dont_repeat} method. This is similar
20643 to the user command @code{dont-repeat}, see @ref{Define, dont-repeat}.
20644 @end defmethod
20645
20646 @defmethod Command invoke argument from_tty
20647 This method is called by @value{GDBN} when this command is invoked.
20648
20649 @var{argument} is a string. It is the argument to the command, after
20650 leading and trailing whitespace has been stripped.
20651
20652 @var{from_tty} is a boolean argument. When true, this means that the
20653 command was entered by the user at the terminal; when false it means
20654 that the command came from elsewhere.
20655
20656 If this method throws an exception, it is turned into a @value{GDBN}
20657 @code{error} call. Otherwise, the return value is ignored.
20658 @end defmethod
20659
20660 @cindex completion of Python commands
20661 @defmethod Command complete text word
20662 This method is called by @value{GDBN} when the user attempts
20663 completion on this command. All forms of completion are handled by
20664 this method, that is, the @key{TAB} and @key{M-?} key bindings
20665 (@pxref{Completion}), and the @code{complete} command (@pxref{Help,
20666 complete}).
20667
20668 The arguments @var{text} and @var{word} are both strings. @var{text}
20669 holds the complete command line up to the cursor's location.
20670 @var{word} holds the last word of the command line; this is computed
20671 using a word-breaking heuristic.
20672
20673 The @code{complete} method can return several values:
20674 @itemize @bullet
20675 @item
20676 If the return value is a sequence, the contents of the sequence are
20677 used as the completions. It is up to @code{complete} to ensure that the
20678 contents actually do complete the word. A zero-length sequence is
20679 allowed, it means that there were no completions available. Only
20680 string elements of the sequence are used; other elements in the
20681 sequence are ignored.
20682
20683 @item
20684 If the return value is one of the @samp{COMPLETE_} constants defined
20685 below, then the corresponding @value{GDBN}-internal completion
20686 function is invoked, and its result is used.
20687
20688 @item
20689 All other results are treated as though there were no available
20690 completions.
20691 @end itemize
20692 @end defmethod
20693
20694 When a new command is registered, it must be declared as a member of
20695 some general class of commands. This is used to classify top-level
20696 commands in the on-line help system; note that prefix commands are not
20697 listed under their own category but rather that of their top-level
20698 command. The available classifications are represented by constants
20699 defined in the @code{gdb} module:
20700
20701 @table @code
20702 @findex COMMAND_NONE
20703 @findex gdb.COMMAND_NONE
20704 @item COMMAND_NONE
20705 The command does not belong to any particular class. A command in
20706 this category will not be displayed in any of the help categories.
20707
20708 @findex COMMAND_RUNNING
20709 @findex gdb.COMMAND_RUNNING
20710 @item COMMAND_RUNNING
20711 The command is related to running the inferior. For example,
20712 @code{start}, @code{step}, and @code{continue} are in this category.
20713 Type @kbd{help running} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
20714 commands in this category.
20715
20716 @findex COMMAND_DATA
20717 @findex gdb.COMMAND_DATA
20718 @item COMMAND_DATA
20719 The command is related to data or variables. For example,
20720 @code{call}, @code{find}, and @code{print} are in this category. Type
20721 @kbd{help data} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands
20722 in this category.
20723
20724 @findex COMMAND_STACK
20725 @findex gdb.COMMAND_STACK
20726 @item COMMAND_STACK
20727 The command has to do with manipulation of the stack. For example,
20728 @code{backtrace}, @code{frame}, and @code{return} are in this
20729 category. Type @kbd{help stack} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a
20730 list of commands in this category.
20731
20732 @findex COMMAND_FILES
20733 @findex gdb.COMMAND_FILES
20734 @item COMMAND_FILES
20735 This class is used for file-related commands. For example,
20736 @code{file}, @code{list} and @code{section} are in this category.
20737 Type @kbd{help files} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
20738 commands in this category.
20739
20740 @findex COMMAND_SUPPORT
20741 @findex gdb.COMMAND_SUPPORT
20742 @item COMMAND_SUPPORT
20743 This should be used for ``support facilities'', generally meaning
20744 things that are useful to the user when interacting with @value{GDBN},
20745 but not related to the state of the inferior. For example,
20746 @code{help}, @code{make}, and @code{shell} are in this category. Type
20747 @kbd{help support} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
20748 commands in this category.
20749
20750 @findex COMMAND_STATUS
20751 @findex gdb.COMMAND_STATUS
20752 @item COMMAND_STATUS
20753 The command is an @samp{info}-related command, that is, related to the
20754 state of @value{GDBN} itself. For example, @code{info}, @code{macro},
20755 and @code{show} are in this category. Type @kbd{help status} at the
20756 @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in this category.
20757
20758 @findex COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
20759 @findex gdb.COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
20760 @item COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
20761 The command has to do with breakpoints. For example, @code{break},
20762 @code{clear}, and @code{delete} are in this category. Type @kbd{help
20763 breakpoints} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in
20764 this category.
20765
20766 @findex COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
20767 @findex gdb.COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
20768 @item COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
20769 The command has to do with tracepoints. For example, @code{trace},
20770 @code{actions}, and @code{tfind} are in this category. Type
20771 @kbd{help tracepoints} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
20772 commands in this category.
20773
20774 @findex COMMAND_OBSCURE
20775 @findex gdb.COMMAND_OBSCURE
20776 @item COMMAND_OBSCURE
20777 The command is only used in unusual circumstances, or is not of
20778 general interest to users. For example, @code{checkpoint},
20779 @code{fork}, and @code{stop} are in this category. Type @kbd{help
20780 obscure} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in this
20781 category.
20782
20783 @findex COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
20784 @findex gdb.COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
20785 @item COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
20786 The command is only useful to @value{GDBN} maintainers. The
20787 @code{maintenance} and @code{flushregs} commands are in this category.
20788 Type @kbd{help internals} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
20789 commands in this category.
20790 @end table
20791
20792 A new command can use a predefined completion function, either by
20793 specifying it via an argument at initialization, or by returning it
20794 from the @code{complete} method. These predefined completion
20795 constants are all defined in the @code{gdb} module:
20796
20797 @table @code
20798 @findex COMPLETE_NONE
20799 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_NONE
20800 @item COMPLETE_NONE
20801 This constant means that no completion should be done.
20802
20803 @findex COMPLETE_FILENAME
20804 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_FILENAME
20805 @item COMPLETE_FILENAME
20806 This constant means that filename completion should be performed.
20807
20808 @findex COMPLETE_LOCATION
20809 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_LOCATION
20810 @item COMPLETE_LOCATION
20811 This constant means that location completion should be done.
20812 @xref{Specify Location}.
20813
20814 @findex COMPLETE_COMMAND
20815 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_COMMAND
20816 @item COMPLETE_COMMAND
20817 This constant means that completion should examine @value{GDBN}
20818 command names.
20819
20820 @findex COMPLETE_SYMBOL
20821 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_SYMBOL
20822 @item COMPLETE_SYMBOL
20823 This constant means that completion should be done using symbol names
20824 as the source.
20825 @end table
20826
20827 The following code snippet shows how a trivial CLI command can be
20828 implemented in Python:
20829
20830 @smallexample
20831 class HelloWorld (gdb.Command):
20832 """Greet the whole world."""
20833
20834 def __init__ (self):
20835 super (HelloWorld, self).__init__ ("hello-world", gdb.COMMAND_OBSCURE)
20836
20837 def invoke (self, arg, from_tty):
20838 print "Hello, World!"
20839
20840 HelloWorld ()
20841 @end smallexample
20842
20843 The last line instantiates the class, and is necessary to trigger the
20844 registration of the command with @value{GDBN}. Depending on how the
20845 Python code is read into @value{GDBN}, you may need to import the
20846 @code{gdb} module explicitly.
20847
20848 @node Functions In Python
20849 @subsubsection Writing new convenience functions
20850
20851 @cindex writing convenience functions
20852 @cindex convenience functions in python
20853 @cindex python convenience functions
20854 @tindex gdb.Function
20855 @tindex Function
20856 You can implement new convenience functions (@pxref{Convenience Vars})
20857 in Python. A convenience function is an instance of a subclass of the
20858 class @code{gdb.Function}.
20859
20860 @defmethod Function __init__ name
20861 The initializer for @code{Function} registers the new function with
20862 @value{GDBN}. The argument @var{name} is the name of the function,
20863 a string. The function will be visible to the user as a convenience
20864 variable of type @code{internal function}, whose name is the same as
20865 the given @var{name}.
20866
20867 The documentation for the new function is taken from the documentation
20868 string for the new class.
20869 @end defmethod
20870
20871 @defmethod Function invoke @var{*args}
20872 When a convenience function is evaluated, its arguments are converted
20873 to instances of @code{gdb.Value}, and then the function's
20874 @code{invoke} method is called. Note that @value{GDBN} does not
20875 predetermine the arity of convenience functions. Instead, all
20876 available arguments are passed to @code{invoke}, following the
20877 standard Python calling convention. In particular, a convenience
20878 function can have default values for parameters without ill effect.
20879
20880 The return value of this method is used as its value in the enclosing
20881 expression. If an ordinary Python value is returned, it is converted
20882 to a @code{gdb.Value} following the usual rules.
20883 @end defmethod
20884
20885 The following code snippet shows how a trivial convenience function can
20886 be implemented in Python:
20887
20888 @smallexample
20889 class Greet (gdb.Function):
20890 """Return string to greet someone.
20891 Takes a name as argument."""
20892
20893 def __init__ (self):
20894 super (Greet, self).__init__ ("greet")
20895
20896 def invoke (self, name):
20897 return "Hello, %s!" % name.string ()
20898
20899 Greet ()
20900 @end smallexample
20901
20902 The last line instantiates the class, and is necessary to trigger the
20903 registration of the function with @value{GDBN}. Depending on how the
20904 Python code is read into @value{GDBN}, you may need to import the
20905 @code{gdb} module explicitly.
20906
20907 @node Progspaces In Python
20908 @subsubsection Program Spaces In Python
20909
20910 @cindex progspaces in python
20911 @tindex gdb.Progspace
20912 @tindex Progspace
20913 A program space, or @dfn{progspace}, represents a symbolic view
20914 of an address space.
20915 It consists of all of the objfiles of the program.
20916 @xref{Objfiles In Python}.
20917 @xref{Inferiors and Programs, program spaces}, for more details
20918 about program spaces.
20919
20920 The following progspace-related functions are available in the
20921 @code{gdb} module:
20922
20923 @findex gdb.current_progspace
20924 @defun current_progspace
20925 This function returns the program space of the currently selected inferior.
20926 @xref{Inferiors and Programs}.
20927 @end defun
20928
20929 @findex gdb.progspaces
20930 @defun progspaces
20931 Return a sequence of all the progspaces currently known to @value{GDBN}.
20932 @end defun
20933
20934 Each progspace is represented by an instance of the @code{gdb.Progspace}
20935 class.
20936
20937 @defivar Progspace filename
20938 The file name of the progspace as a string.
20939 @end defivar
20940
20941 @defivar Progspace pretty_printers
20942 The @code{pretty_printers} attribute is a list of functions. It is
20943 used to look up pretty-printers. A @code{Value} is passed to each
20944 function in order; if the function returns @code{None}, then the
20945 search continues. Otherwise, the return value should be an object
20946 which is used to format the value. @xref{Pretty Printing API}, for more
20947 information.
20948 @end defivar
20949
20950 @node Objfiles In Python
20951 @subsubsection Objfiles In Python
20952
20953 @cindex objfiles in python
20954 @tindex gdb.Objfile
20955 @tindex Objfile
20956 @value{GDBN} loads symbols for an inferior from various
20957 symbol-containing files (@pxref{Files}). These include the primary
20958 executable file, any shared libraries used by the inferior, and any
20959 separate debug info files (@pxref{Separate Debug Files}).
20960 @value{GDBN} calls these symbol-containing files @dfn{objfiles}.
20961
20962 The following objfile-related functions are available in the
20963 @code{gdb} module:
20964
20965 @findex gdb.current_objfile
20966 @defun current_objfile
20967 When auto-loading a Python script (@pxref{Auto-loading}), @value{GDBN}
20968 sets the ``current objfile'' to the corresponding objfile. This
20969 function returns the current objfile. If there is no current objfile,
20970 this function returns @code{None}.
20971 @end defun
20972
20973 @findex gdb.objfiles
20974 @defun objfiles
20975 Return a sequence of all the objfiles current known to @value{GDBN}.
20976 @xref{Objfiles In Python}.
20977 @end defun
20978
20979 Each objfile is represented by an instance of the @code{gdb.Objfile}
20980 class.
20981
20982 @defivar Objfile filename
20983 The file name of the objfile as a string.
20984 @end defivar
20985
20986 @defivar Objfile pretty_printers
20987 The @code{pretty_printers} attribute is a list of functions. It is
20988 used to look up pretty-printers. A @code{Value} is passed to each
20989 function in order; if the function returns @code{None}, then the
20990 search continues. Otherwise, the return value should be an object
20991 which is used to format the value. @xref{Pretty Printing API}, for more
20992 information.
20993 @end defivar
20994
20995 @node Frames In Python
20996 @subsubsection Accessing inferior stack frames from Python.
20997
20998 @cindex frames in python
20999 When the debugged program stops, @value{GDBN} is able to analyze its call
21000 stack (@pxref{Frames,,Stack frames}). The @code{gdb.Frame} class
21001 represents a frame in the stack. A @code{gdb.Frame} object is only valid
21002 while its corresponding frame exists in the inferior's stack. If you try
21003 to use an invalid frame object, @value{GDBN} will throw a @code{RuntimeError}
21004 exception.
21005
21006 Two @code{gdb.Frame} objects can be compared for equality with the @code{==}
21007 operator, like:
21008
21009 @smallexample
21010 (@value{GDBP}) python print gdb.newest_frame() == gdb.selected_frame ()
21011 True
21012 @end smallexample
21013
21014 The following frame-related functions are available in the @code{gdb} module:
21015
21016 @findex gdb.selected_frame
21017 @defun selected_frame
21018 Return the selected frame object. (@pxref{Selection,,Selecting a Frame}).
21019 @end defun
21020
21021 @defun frame_stop_reason_string reason
21022 Return a string explaining the reason why @value{GDBN} stopped unwinding
21023 frames, as expressed by the given @var{reason} code (an integer, see the
21024 @code{unwind_stop_reason} method further down in this section).
21025 @end defun
21026
21027 A @code{gdb.Frame} object has the following methods:
21028
21029 @table @code
21030 @defmethod Frame is_valid
21031 Returns true if the @code{gdb.Frame} object is valid, false if not.
21032 A frame object can become invalid if the frame it refers to doesn't
21033 exist anymore in the inferior. All @code{gdb.Frame} methods will throw
21034 an exception if it is invalid at the time the method is called.
21035 @end defmethod
21036
21037 @defmethod Frame name
21038 Returns the function name of the frame, or @code{None} if it can't be
21039 obtained.
21040 @end defmethod
21041
21042 @defmethod Frame type
21043 Returns the type of the frame. The value can be one of
21044 @code{gdb.NORMAL_FRAME}, @code{gdb.DUMMY_FRAME}, @code{gdb.SIGTRAMP_FRAME}
21045 or @code{gdb.SENTINEL_FRAME}.
21046 @end defmethod
21047
21048 @defmethod Frame unwind_stop_reason
21049 Return an integer representing the reason why it's not possible to find
21050 more frames toward the outermost frame. Use
21051 @code{gdb.frame_stop_reason_string} to convert the value returned by this
21052 function to a string.
21053 @end defmethod
21054
21055 @defmethod Frame pc
21056 Returns the frame's resume address.
21057 @end defmethod
21058
21059 @defmethod Frame block
21060 Return the frame's code block. @xref{Blocks In Python}.
21061 @end defmethod
21062
21063 @defmethod Frame function
21064 Return the symbol for the function corresponding to this frame.
21065 @xref{Symbols In Python}.
21066 @end defmethod
21067
21068 @defmethod Frame older
21069 Return the frame that called this frame.
21070 @end defmethod
21071
21072 @defmethod Frame newer
21073 Return the frame called by this frame.
21074 @end defmethod
21075
21076 @defmethod Frame find_sal
21077 Return the frame's symtab and line object.
21078 @xref{Symbol Tables In Python}.
21079 @end defmethod
21080
21081 @defmethod Frame read_var variable @r{[}block@r{]}
21082 Return the value of @var{variable} in this frame. If the optional
21083 argument @var{block} is provided, search for the variable from that
21084 block; otherwise start at the frame's current block (which is
21085 determined by the frame's current program counter). @var{variable}
21086 must be a string or a @code{gdb.Symbol} object. @var{block} must be a
21087 @code{gdb.Block} object.
21088 @end defmethod
21089
21090 @defmethod Frame select
21091 Set this frame to be the selected frame. @xref{Stack, ,Examining the
21092 Stack}.
21093 @end defmethod
21094 @end table
21095
21096 @node Blocks In Python
21097 @subsubsection Accessing frame blocks from Python.
21098
21099 @cindex blocks in python
21100 @tindex gdb.Block
21101
21102 Within each frame, @value{GDBN} maintains information on each block
21103 stored in that frame. These blocks are organized hierarchically, and
21104 are represented individually in Python as a @code{gdb.Block}.
21105 Please see @ref{Frames In Python}, for a more in-depth discussion on
21106 frames. Furthermore, see @ref{Stack, ,Examining the Stack}, for more
21107 detailed technical information on @value{GDBN}'s book-keeping of the
21108 stack.
21109
21110 The following block-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
21111 module:
21112
21113 @findex gdb.block_for_pc
21114 @defun block_for_pc pc
21115 Return the @code{gdb.Block} containing the given @var{pc} value. If the
21116 block cannot be found for the @var{pc} value specified, the function
21117 will return @code{None}.
21118 @end defun
21119
21120 A @code{gdb.Block} object has the following attributes:
21121
21122 @table @code
21123 @defivar Block start
21124 The start address of the block. This attribute is not writable.
21125 @end defivar
21126
21127 @defivar Block end
21128 The end address of the block. This attribute is not writable.
21129 @end defivar
21130
21131 @defivar Block function
21132 The name of the block represented as a @code{gdb.Symbol}. If the
21133 block is not named, then this attribute holds @code{None}. This
21134 attribute is not writable.
21135 @end defivar
21136
21137 @defivar Block superblock
21138 The block containing this block. If this parent block does not exist,
21139 this attribute holds @code{None}. This attribute is not writable.
21140 @end defivar
21141 @end table
21142
21143 @node Symbols In Python
21144 @subsubsection Python representation of Symbols.
21145
21146 @cindex symbols in python
21147 @tindex gdb.Symbol
21148
21149 @value{GDBN} represents every variable, function and type as an
21150 entry in a symbol table. @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}.
21151 Similarly, Python represents these symbols in @value{GDBN} with the
21152 @code{gdb.Symbol} object.
21153
21154 The following symbol-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
21155 module:
21156
21157 @findex gdb.lookup_symbol
21158 @defun lookup_symbol name [block] [domain]
21159 This function searches for a symbol by name. The search scope can be
21160 restricted to the parameters defined in the optional domain and block
21161 arguments.
21162
21163 @var{name} is the name of the symbol. It must be a string. The
21164 optional @var{block} argument restricts the search to symbols visible
21165 in that @var{block}. The @var{block} argument must be a
21166 @code{gdb.Block} object. The optional @var{domain} argument restricts
21167 the search to the domain type. The @var{domain} argument must be a
21168 domain constant defined in the @code{gdb} module and described later
21169 in this chapter.
21170 @end defun
21171
21172 A @code{gdb.Symbol} object has the following attributes:
21173
21174 @table @code
21175 @defivar Symbol symtab
21176 The symbol table in which the symbol appears. This attribute is
21177 represented as a @code{gdb.Symtab} object. @xref{Symbol Tables In
21178 Python}. This attribute is not writable.
21179 @end defivar
21180
21181 @defivar Symbol name
21182 The name of the symbol as a string. This attribute is not writable.
21183 @end defivar
21184
21185 @defivar Symbol linkage_name
21186 The name of the symbol, as used by the linker (i.e., may be mangled).
21187 This attribute is not writable.
21188 @end defivar
21189
21190 @defivar Symbol print_name
21191 The name of the symbol in a form suitable for output. This is either
21192 @code{name} or @code{linkage_name}, depending on whether the user
21193 asked @value{GDBN} to display demangled or mangled names.
21194 @end defivar
21195
21196 @defivar Symbol addr_class
21197 The address class of the symbol. This classifies how to find the value
21198 of a symbol. Each address class is a constant defined in the
21199 @code{gdb} module and described later in this chapter.
21200 @end defivar
21201
21202 @defivar Symbol is_argument
21203 @code{True} if the symbol is an argument of a function.
21204 @end defivar
21205
21206 @defivar Symbol is_constant
21207 @code{True} if the symbol is a constant.
21208 @end defivar
21209
21210 @defivar Symbol is_function
21211 @code{True} if the symbol is a function or a method.
21212 @end defivar
21213
21214 @defivar Symbol is_variable
21215 @code{True} if the symbol is a variable.
21216 @end defivar
21217 @end table
21218
21219 The available domain categories in @code{gdb.Symbol} are represented
21220 as constants in the @code{gdb} module:
21221
21222 @table @code
21223 @findex SYMBOL_UNDEF_DOMAIN
21224 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_UNDEF_DOMAIN
21225 @item SYMBOL_UNDEF_DOMAIN
21226 This is used when a domain has not been discovered or none of the
21227 following domains apply. This usually indicates an error either
21228 in the symbol information or in @value{GDBN}'s handling of symbols.
21229 @findex SYMBOL_VAR_DOMAIN
21230 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_VAR_DOMAIN
21231 @item SYMBOL_VAR_DOMAIN
21232 This domain contains variables, function names, typedef names and enum
21233 type values.
21234 @findex SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN
21235 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN
21236 @item SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN
21237 This domain holds struct, union and enum type names.
21238 @findex SYMBOL_LABEL_DOMAIN
21239 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LABEL_DOMAIN
21240 @item SYMBOL_LABEL_DOMAIN
21241 This domain contains names of labels (for gotos).
21242 @findex SYMBOL_VARIABLES_DOMAIN
21243 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_VARIABLES_DOMAIN
21244 @item SYMBOL_VARIABLES_DOMAIN
21245 This domain holds a subset of the @code{SYMBOLS_VAR_DOMAIN}; it
21246 contains everything minus functions and types.
21247 @findex SYMBOL_FUNCTIONS_DOMAIN
21248 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_FUNCTIONS_DOMAIN
21249 @item SYMBOL_FUNCTION_DOMAIN
21250 This domain contains all functions.
21251 @findex SYMBOL_TYPES_DOMAIN
21252 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_TYPES_DOMAIN
21253 @item SYMBOL_TYPES_DOMAIN
21254 This domain contains all types.
21255 @end table
21256
21257 The available address class categories in @code{gdb.Symbol} are represented
21258 as constants in the @code{gdb} module:
21259
21260 @table @code
21261 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_UNDEF
21262 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_UNDEF
21263 @item SYMBOL_LOC_UNDEF
21264 If this is returned by address class, it indicates an error either in
21265 the symbol information or in @value{GDBN}'s handling of symbols.
21266 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_CONST
21267 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_CONST
21268 @item SYMBOL_LOC_CONST
21269 Value is constant int.
21270 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_STATIC
21271 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_STATIC
21272 @item SYMBOL_LOC_STATIC
21273 Value is at a fixed address.
21274 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_REGISTER
21275 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REGISTER
21276 @item SYMBOL_LOC_REGISTER
21277 Value is in a register.
21278 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_ARG
21279 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_ARG
21280 @item SYMBOL_LOC_ARG
21281 Value is an argument. This value is at the offset stored within the
21282 symbol inside the frame's argument list.
21283 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_REF_ARG
21284 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REF_ARG
21285 @item SYMBOL_LOC_REF_ARG
21286 Value address is stored in the frame's argument list. Just like
21287 @code{LOC_ARG} except that the value's address is stored at the
21288 offset, not the value itself.
21289 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_REGPARM_ADDR
21290 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REGPARM_ADDR
21291 @item SYMBOL_LOC_REGPARM_ADDR
21292 Value is a specified register. Just like @code{LOC_REGISTER} except
21293 the register holds the address of the argument instead of the argument
21294 itself.
21295 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_LOCAL
21296 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_LOCAL
21297 @item SYMBOL_LOC_LOCAL
21298 Value is a local variable.
21299 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_TYPEDEF
21300 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_TYPEDEF
21301 @item SYMBOL_LOC_TYPEDEF
21302 Value not used. Symbols in the domain @code{SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN} all
21303 have this class.
21304 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_BLOCK
21305 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_BLOCK
21306 @item SYMBOL_LOC_BLOCK
21307 Value is a block.
21308 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_CONST_BYTES
21309 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_CONST_BYTES
21310 @item SYMBOL_LOC_CONST_BYTES
21311 Value is a byte-sequence.
21312 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_UNRESOLVED
21313 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_UNRESOLVED
21314 @item SYMBOL_LOC_UNRESOLVED
21315 Value is at a fixed address, but the address of the variable has to be
21316 determined from the minimal symbol table whenever the variable is
21317 referenced.
21318 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_OPTIMIZED_OUT
21319 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_OPTIMIZED_OUT
21320 @item SYMBOL_LOC_OPTIMIZED_OUT
21321 The value does not actually exist in the program.
21322 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_COMPUTED
21323 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_COMPUTED
21324 @item SYMBOL_LOC_COMPUTED
21325 The value's address is a computed location.
21326 @end table
21327
21328 @node Symbol Tables In Python
21329 @subsubsection Symbol table representation in Python.
21330
21331 @cindex symbol tables in python
21332 @tindex gdb.Symtab
21333 @tindex gdb.Symtab_and_line
21334
21335 Access to symbol table data maintained by @value{GDBN} on the inferior
21336 is exposed to Python via two objects: @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} and
21337 @code{gdb.Symtab}. Symbol table and line data for a frame is returned
21338 from the @code{find_sal} method in @code{gdb.Frame} object.
21339 @xref{Frames In Python}.
21340
21341 For more information on @value{GDBN}'s symbol table management, see
21342 @ref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}, for more information.
21343
21344 A @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object has the following attributes:
21345
21346 @table @code
21347 @defivar Symtab_and_line symtab
21348 The symbol table object (@code{gdb.Symtab}) for this frame.
21349 This attribute is not writable.
21350 @end defivar
21351
21352 @defivar Symtab_and_line pc
21353 Indicates the current program counter address. This attribute is not
21354 writable.
21355 @end defivar
21356
21357 @defivar Symtab_and_line line
21358 Indicates the current line number for this object. This
21359 attribute is not writable.
21360 @end defivar
21361 @end table
21362
21363 A @code{gdb.Symtab} object has the following attributes:
21364
21365 @table @code
21366 @defivar Symtab filename
21367 The symbol table's source filename. This attribute is not writable.
21368 @end defivar
21369
21370 @defivar Symtab objfile
21371 The symbol table's backing object file. @xref{Objfiles In Python}.
21372 This attribute is not writable.
21373 @end defivar
21374 @end table
21375
21376 The following methods are provided:
21377
21378 @table @code
21379 @defmethod Symtab fullname
21380 Return the symbol table's source absolute file name.
21381 @end defmethod
21382 @end table
21383
21384 @node Breakpoints In Python
21385 @subsubsection Manipulating breakpoints using Python
21386
21387 @cindex breakpoints in python
21388 @tindex gdb.Breakpoint
21389
21390 Python code can manipulate breakpoints via the @code{gdb.Breakpoint}
21391 class.
21392
21393 @defmethod Breakpoint __init__ spec @r{[}type@r{]} @r{[}wp_class@r{]}
21394 Create a new breakpoint. @var{spec} is a string naming the
21395 location of the breakpoint, or an expression that defines a
21396 watchpoint. The contents can be any location recognized by the
21397 @code{break} command, or in the case of a watchpoint, by the @code{watch}
21398 command. The optional @var{type} denotes the breakpoint to create
21399 from the types defined later in this chapter. This argument can be
21400 either: @code{BP_BREAKPOINT} or @code{BP_WATCHPOINT}. @var{type}
21401 defaults to @code{BP_BREAKPOINT}. The optional @var{wp_class}
21402 argument defines the class of watchpoint to create, if @var{type} is
21403 defined as @code{BP_WATCHPOINT}. If a watchpoint class is not
21404 provided, it is assumed to be a @var{WP_WRITE} class.
21405 @end defmethod
21406
21407 The available watchpoint types represented by constants are defined in the
21408 @code{gdb} module:
21409
21410 @table @code
21411 @findex WP_READ
21412 @findex gdb.WP_READ
21413 @item WP_READ
21414 Read only watchpoint.
21415
21416 @findex WP_WRITE
21417 @findex gdb.WP_WRITE
21418 @item WP_WRITE
21419 Write only watchpoint.
21420
21421 @findex WP_ACCESS
21422 @findex gdb.WP_ACCESS
21423 @item WP_ACCESS
21424 Read/Write watchpoint.
21425 @end table
21426
21427 @defmethod Breakpoint is_valid
21428 Return @code{True} if this @code{Breakpoint} object is valid,
21429 @code{False} otherwise. A @code{Breakpoint} object can become invalid
21430 if the user deletes the breakpoint. In this case, the object still
21431 exists, but the underlying breakpoint does not. In the cases of
21432 watchpoint scope, the watchpoint remains valid even if execution of the
21433 inferior leaves the scope of that watchpoint.
21434 @end defmethod
21435
21436 @defivar Breakpoint enabled
21437 This attribute is @code{True} if the breakpoint is enabled, and
21438 @code{False} otherwise. This attribute is writable.
21439 @end defivar
21440
21441 @defivar Breakpoint silent
21442 This attribute is @code{True} if the breakpoint is silent, and
21443 @code{False} otherwise. This attribute is writable.
21444
21445 Note that a breakpoint can also be silent if it has commands and the
21446 first command is @code{silent}. This is not reported by the
21447 @code{silent} attribute.
21448 @end defivar
21449
21450 @defivar Breakpoint thread
21451 If the breakpoint is thread-specific, this attribute holds the thread
21452 id. If the breakpoint is not thread-specific, this attribute is
21453 @code{None}. This attribute is writable.
21454 @end defivar
21455
21456 @defivar Breakpoint task
21457 If the breakpoint is Ada task-specific, this attribute holds the Ada task
21458 id. If the breakpoint is not task-specific (or the underlying
21459 language is not Ada), this attribute is @code{None}. This attribute
21460 is writable.
21461 @end defivar
21462
21463 @defivar Breakpoint ignore_count
21464 This attribute holds the ignore count for the breakpoint, an integer.
21465 This attribute is writable.
21466 @end defivar
21467
21468 @defivar Breakpoint number
21469 This attribute holds the breakpoint's number --- the identifier used by
21470 the user to manipulate the breakpoint. This attribute is not writable.
21471 @end defivar
21472
21473 @defivar Breakpoint type
21474 This attribute holds the breakpoint's type --- the identifier used to
21475 determine the actual breakpoint type or use-case. This attribute is not
21476 writable.
21477 @end defivar
21478
21479 The available types are represented by constants defined in the @code{gdb}
21480 module:
21481
21482 @table @code
21483 @findex BP_BREAKPOINT
21484 @findex gdb.BP_BREAKPOINT
21485 @item BP_BREAKPOINT
21486 Normal code breakpoint.
21487
21488 @findex BP_WATCHPOINT
21489 @findex gdb.BP_WATCHPOINT
21490 @item BP_WATCHPOINT
21491 Watchpoint breakpoint.
21492
21493 @findex BP_HARDWARE_WATCHPOINT
21494 @findex gdb.BP_HARDWARE_WATCHPOINT
21495 @item BP_HARDWARE_WATCHPOINT
21496 Hardware assisted watchpoint.
21497
21498 @findex BP_READ_WATCHPOINT
21499 @findex gdb.BP_READ_WATCHPOINT
21500 @item BP_READ_WATCHPOINT
21501 Hardware assisted read watchpoint.
21502
21503 @findex BP_ACCESS_WATCHPOINT
21504 @findex gdb.BP_ACCESS_WATCHPOINT
21505 @item BP_ACCESS_WATCHPOINT
21506 Hardware assisted access watchpoint.
21507 @end table
21508
21509 @defivar Breakpoint hit_count
21510 This attribute holds the hit count for the breakpoint, an integer.
21511 This attribute is writable, but currently it can only be set to zero.
21512 @end defivar
21513
21514 @defivar Breakpoint location
21515 This attribute holds the location of the breakpoint, as specified by
21516 the user. It is a string. If the breakpoint does not have a location
21517 (that is, it is a watchpoint) the attribute's value is @code{None}. This
21518 attribute is not writable.
21519 @end defivar
21520
21521 @defivar Breakpoint expression
21522 This attribute holds a breakpoint expression, as specified by
21523 the user. It is a string. If the breakpoint does not have an
21524 expression (the breakpoint is not a watchpoint) the attribute's value
21525 is @code{None}. This attribute is not writable.
21526 @end defivar
21527
21528 @defivar Breakpoint condition
21529 This attribute holds the condition of the breakpoint, as specified by
21530 the user. It is a string. If there is no condition, this attribute's
21531 value is @code{None}. This attribute is writable.
21532 @end defivar
21533
21534 @defivar Breakpoint commands
21535 This attribute holds the commands attached to the breakpoint. If
21536 there are commands, this attribute's value is a string holding all the
21537 commands, separated by newlines. If there are no commands, this
21538 attribute is @code{None}. This attribute is not writable.
21539 @end defivar
21540
21541 @node Lazy Strings In Python
21542 @subsubsection Python representation of lazy strings.
21543
21544 @cindex lazy strings in python
21545 @tindex gdb.LazyString
21546
21547 A @dfn{lazy string} is a string whose contents is not retrieved or
21548 encoded until it is needed.
21549
21550 A @code{gdb.LazyString} is represented in @value{GDBN} as an
21551 @code{address} that points to a region of memory, an @code{encoding}
21552 that will be used to encode that region of memory, and a @code{length}
21553 to delimit the region of memory that represents the string. The
21554 difference between a @code{gdb.LazyString} and a string wrapped within
21555 a @code{gdb.Value} is that a @code{gdb.LazyString} will be treated
21556 differently by @value{GDBN} when printing. A @code{gdb.LazyString} is
21557 retrieved and encoded during printing, while a @code{gdb.Value}
21558 wrapping a string is immediately retrieved and encoded on creation.
21559
21560 A @code{gdb.LazyString} object has the following functions:
21561
21562 @defmethod LazyString value
21563 Convert the @code{gdb.LazyString} to a @code{gdb.Value}. This value
21564 will point to the string in memory, but will lose all the delayed
21565 retrieval, encoding and handling that @value{GDBN} applies to a
21566 @code{gdb.LazyString}.
21567 @end defmethod
21568
21569 @defivar LazyString address
21570 This attribute holds the address of the string. This attribute is not
21571 writable.
21572 @end defivar
21573
21574 @defivar LazyString length
21575 This attribute holds the length of the string in characters. If the
21576 length is -1, then the string will be fetched and encoded up to the
21577 first null of appropriate width. This attribute is not writable.
21578 @end defivar
21579
21580 @defivar LazyString encoding
21581 This attribute holds the encoding that will be applied to the string
21582 when the string is printed by @value{GDBN}. If the encoding is not
21583 set, or contains an empty string, then @value{GDBN} will select the
21584 most appropriate encoding when the string is printed. This attribute
21585 is not writable.
21586 @end defivar
21587
21588 @defivar LazyString type
21589 This attribute holds the type that is represented by the lazy string's
21590 type. For a lazy string this will always be a pointer type. To
21591 resolve this to the lazy string's character type, use the type's
21592 @code{target} method. @xref{Types In Python}. This attribute is not
21593 writable.
21594 @end defivar
21595
21596 @node Auto-loading
21597 @subsection Auto-loading
21598 @cindex auto-loading, Python
21599
21600 When a new object file is read (for example, due to the @code{file}
21601 command, or because the inferior has loaded a shared library),
21602 @value{GDBN} will look for Python support scripts in several ways:
21603 @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py} and @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section.
21604
21605 @menu
21606 * objfile-gdb.py file:: The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py} file
21607 * .debug_gdb_scripts section:: The @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
21608 * Which flavor to choose?::
21609 @end menu
21610
21611 The auto-loading feature is useful for supplying application-specific
21612 debugging commands and scripts.
21613
21614 Auto-loading can be enabled or disabled.
21615
21616 @table @code
21617 @kindex maint set python auto-load
21618 @item maint set python auto-load [yes|no]
21619 Enable or disable the Python auto-loading feature.
21620
21621 @kindex maint show python auto-load
21622 @item maint show python auto-load
21623 Show whether Python auto-loading is enabled or disabled.
21624 @end table
21625
21626 When reading an auto-loaded file, @value{GDBN} sets the
21627 @dfn{current objfile}. This is available via the @code{gdb.current_objfile}
21628 function (@pxref{Objfiles In Python}). This can be useful for
21629 registering objfile-specific pretty-printers.
21630
21631 @node objfile-gdb.py file
21632 @subsubsection The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py} file
21633 @cindex @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py}
21634
21635 When a new object file is read, @value{GDBN} looks for
21636 a file named @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py},
21637 where @var{objfile} is the object file's real name, formed by ensuring
21638 that the file name is absolute, following all symlinks, and resolving
21639 @code{.} and @code{..} components. If this file exists and is
21640 readable, @value{GDBN} will evaluate it as a Python script.
21641
21642 If this file does not exist, and if the parameter
21643 @code{debug-file-directory} is set (@pxref{Separate Debug Files}),
21644 then @value{GDBN} will look for @var{real-name} in all of the
21645 directories mentioned in the value of @code{debug-file-directory}.
21646
21647 Finally, if this file does not exist, then @value{GDBN} will look for
21648 a file named @file{@var{data-directory}/python/auto-load/@var{real-name}}, where
21649 @var{data-directory} is @value{GDBN}'s data directory (available via
21650 @code{show data-directory}, @pxref{Data Files}), and @var{real-name}
21651 is the object file's real name, as described above.
21652
21653 @value{GDBN} does not track which files it has already auto-loaded this way.
21654 @value{GDBN} will load the associated script every time the corresponding
21655 @var{objfile} is opened.
21656 So your @file{-gdb.py} file should be careful to avoid errors if it
21657 is evaluated more than once.
21658
21659 @node .debug_gdb_scripts section
21660 @subsubsection The @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
21661 @cindex @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
21662
21663 For systems using file formats like ELF and COFF,
21664 when @value{GDBN} loads a new object file
21665 it will look for a special section named @samp{.debug_gdb_scripts}.
21666 If this section exists, its contents is a list of names of scripts to load.
21667
21668 @value{GDBN} will look for each specified script file first in the
21669 current directory and then along the source search path
21670 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}),
21671 except that @file{$cdir} is not searched, since the compilation
21672 directory is not relevant to scripts.
21673
21674 Entries can be placed in section @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} with,
21675 for example, this GCC macro:
21676
21677 @example
21678 /* Note: The "MS" section flags are to remote duplicates. */
21679 #define DEFINE_GDB_SCRIPT(script_name) \
21680 asm("\
21681 .pushsection \".debug_gdb_scripts\", \"MS\",@@progbits,1\n\
21682 .byte 1\n\
21683 .asciz \"" script_name "\"\n\
21684 .popsection \n\
21685 ");
21686 @end example
21687
21688 @noindent
21689 Then one can reference the macro in a header or source file like this:
21690
21691 @example
21692 DEFINE_GDB_SCRIPT ("my-app-scripts.py")
21693 @end example
21694
21695 The script name may include directories if desired.
21696
21697 If the macro is put in a header, any application or library
21698 using this header will get a reference to the specified script.
21699
21700 @node Which flavor to choose?
21701 @subsubsection Which flavor to choose?
21702
21703 Given the multiple ways of auto-loading Python scripts, it might not always
21704 be clear which one to choose. This section provides some guidance.
21705
21706 Benefits of the @file{-gdb.py} way:
21707
21708 @itemize @bullet
21709 @item
21710 Can be used with file formats that don't support multiple sections.
21711
21712 @item
21713 Ease of finding scripts for public libraries.
21714
21715 Scripts specified in the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section are searched for
21716 in the source search path.
21717 For publicly installed libraries, e.g., @file{libstdc++}, there typically
21718 isn't a source directory in which to find the script.
21719
21720 @item
21721 Doesn't require source code additions.
21722 @end itemize
21723
21724 Benefits of the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} way:
21725
21726 @itemize @bullet
21727 @item
21728 Works with static linking.
21729
21730 Scripts for libraries done the @file{-gdb.py} way require an objfile to
21731 trigger their loading. When an application is statically linked the only
21732 objfile available is the executable, and it is cumbersome to attach all the
21733 scripts from all the input libraries to the executable's @file{-gdb.py} script.
21734
21735 @item
21736 Works with classes that are entirely inlined.
21737
21738 Some classes can be entirely inlined, and thus there may not be an associated
21739 shared library to attach a @file{-gdb.py} script to.
21740
21741 @item
21742 Scripts needn't be copied out of the source tree.
21743
21744 In some circumstances, apps can be built out of large collections of internal
21745 libraries, and the build infrastructure necessary to install the
21746 @file{-gdb.py} scripts in a place where @value{GDBN} can find them is
21747 cumbersome. It may be easier to specify the scripts in the
21748 @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section as relative paths, and add a path to the
21749 top of the source tree to the source search path.
21750 @end itemize
21751
21752 @node Interpreters
21753 @chapter Command Interpreters
21754 @cindex command interpreters
21755
21756 @value{GDBN} supports multiple command interpreters, and some command
21757 infrastructure to allow users or user interface writers to switch
21758 between interpreters or run commands in other interpreters.
21759
21760 @value{GDBN} currently supports two command interpreters, the console
21761 interpreter (sometimes called the command-line interpreter or @sc{cli})
21762 and the machine interface interpreter (or @sc{gdb/mi}). This manual
21763 describes both of these interfaces in great detail.
21764
21765 By default, @value{GDBN} will start with the console interpreter.
21766 However, the user may choose to start @value{GDBN} with another
21767 interpreter by specifying the @option{-i} or @option{--interpreter}
21768 startup options. Defined interpreters include:
21769
21770 @table @code
21771 @item console
21772 @cindex console interpreter
21773 The traditional console or command-line interpreter. This is the most often
21774 used interpreter with @value{GDBN}. With no interpreter specified at runtime,
21775 @value{GDBN} will use this interpreter.
21776
21777 @item mi
21778 @cindex mi interpreter
21779 The newest @sc{gdb/mi} interface (currently @code{mi2}). Used primarily
21780 by programs wishing to use @value{GDBN} as a backend for a debugger GUI
21781 or an IDE. For more information, see @ref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi}
21782 Interface}.
21783
21784 @item mi2
21785 @cindex mi2 interpreter
21786 The current @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
21787
21788 @item mi1
21789 @cindex mi1 interpreter
21790 The @sc{gdb/mi} interface included in @value{GDBN} 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3.
21791
21792 @end table
21793
21794 @cindex invoke another interpreter
21795 The interpreter being used by @value{GDBN} may not be dynamically
21796 switched at runtime. Although possible, this could lead to a very
21797 precarious situation. Consider an IDE using @sc{gdb/mi}. If a user
21798 enters the command "interpreter-set console" in a console view,
21799 @value{GDBN} would switch to using the console interpreter, rendering
21800 the IDE inoperable!
21801
21802 @kindex interpreter-exec
21803 Although you may only choose a single interpreter at startup, you may execute
21804 commands in any interpreter from the current interpreter using the appropriate
21805 command. If you are running the console interpreter, simply use the
21806 @code{interpreter-exec} command:
21807
21808 @smallexample
21809 interpreter-exec mi "-data-list-register-names"
21810 @end smallexample
21811
21812 @sc{gdb/mi} has a similar command, although it is only available in versions of
21813 @value{GDBN} which support @sc{gdb/mi} version 2 (or greater).
21814
21815 @node TUI
21816 @chapter @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
21817 @cindex TUI
21818 @cindex Text User Interface
21819
21820 @menu
21821 * TUI Overview:: TUI overview
21822 * TUI Keys:: TUI key bindings
21823 * TUI Single Key Mode:: TUI single key mode
21824 * TUI Commands:: TUI-specific commands
21825 * TUI Configuration:: TUI configuration variables
21826 @end menu
21827
21828 The @value{GDBN} Text User Interface (TUI) is a terminal
21829 interface which uses the @code{curses} library to show the source
21830 file, the assembly output, the program registers and @value{GDBN}
21831 commands in separate text windows. The TUI mode is supported only
21832 on platforms where a suitable version of the @code{curses} library
21833 is available.
21834
21835 @pindex @value{GDBTUI}
21836 The TUI mode is enabled by default when you invoke @value{GDBN} as
21837 either @samp{@value{GDBTUI}} or @samp{@value{GDBP} -tui}.
21838 You can also switch in and out of TUI mode while @value{GDBN} runs by
21839 using various TUI commands and key bindings, such as @kbd{C-x C-a}.
21840 @xref{TUI Keys, ,TUI Key Bindings}.
21841
21842 @node TUI Overview
21843 @section TUI Overview
21844
21845 In TUI mode, @value{GDBN} can display several text windows:
21846
21847 @table @emph
21848 @item command
21849 This window is the @value{GDBN} command window with the @value{GDBN}
21850 prompt and the @value{GDBN} output. The @value{GDBN} input is still
21851 managed using readline.
21852
21853 @item source
21854 The source window shows the source file of the program. The current
21855 line and active breakpoints are displayed in this window.
21856
21857 @item assembly
21858 The assembly window shows the disassembly output of the program.
21859
21860 @item register
21861 This window shows the processor registers. Registers are highlighted
21862 when their values change.
21863 @end table
21864
21865 The source and assembly windows show the current program position
21866 by highlighting the current line and marking it with a @samp{>} marker.
21867 Breakpoints are indicated with two markers. The first marker
21868 indicates the breakpoint type:
21869
21870 @table @code
21871 @item B
21872 Breakpoint which was hit at least once.
21873
21874 @item b
21875 Breakpoint which was never hit.
21876
21877 @item H
21878 Hardware breakpoint which was hit at least once.
21879
21880 @item h
21881 Hardware breakpoint which was never hit.
21882 @end table
21883
21884 The second marker indicates whether the breakpoint is enabled or not:
21885
21886 @table @code
21887 @item +
21888 Breakpoint is enabled.
21889
21890 @item -
21891 Breakpoint is disabled.
21892 @end table
21893
21894 The source, assembly and register windows are updated when the current
21895 thread changes, when the frame changes, or when the program counter
21896 changes.
21897
21898 These windows are not all visible at the same time. The command
21899 window is always visible. The others can be arranged in several
21900 layouts:
21901
21902 @itemize @bullet
21903 @item
21904 source only,
21905
21906 @item
21907 assembly only,
21908
21909 @item
21910 source and assembly,
21911
21912 @item
21913 source and registers, or
21914
21915 @item
21916 assembly and registers.
21917 @end itemize
21918
21919 A status line above the command window shows the following information:
21920
21921 @table @emph
21922 @item target
21923 Indicates the current @value{GDBN} target.
21924 (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
21925
21926 @item process
21927 Gives the current process or thread number.
21928 When no process is being debugged, this field is set to @code{No process}.
21929
21930 @item function
21931 Gives the current function name for the selected frame.
21932 The name is demangled if demangling is turned on (@pxref{Print Settings}).
21933 When there is no symbol corresponding to the current program counter,
21934 the string @code{??} is displayed.
21935
21936 @item line
21937 Indicates the current line number for the selected frame.
21938 When the current line number is not known, the string @code{??} is displayed.
21939
21940 @item pc
21941 Indicates the current program counter address.
21942 @end table
21943
21944 @node TUI Keys
21945 @section TUI Key Bindings
21946 @cindex TUI key bindings
21947
21948 The TUI installs several key bindings in the readline keymaps
21949 (@pxref{Command Line Editing}). The following key bindings
21950 are installed for both TUI mode and the @value{GDBN} standard mode.
21951
21952 @table @kbd
21953 @kindex C-x C-a
21954 @item C-x C-a
21955 @kindex C-x a
21956 @itemx C-x a
21957 @kindex C-x A
21958 @itemx C-x A
21959 Enter or leave the TUI mode. When leaving the TUI mode,
21960 the curses window management stops and @value{GDBN} operates using
21961 its standard mode, writing on the terminal directly. When reentering
21962 the TUI mode, control is given back to the curses windows.
21963 The screen is then refreshed.
21964
21965 @kindex C-x 1
21966 @item C-x 1
21967 Use a TUI layout with only one window. The layout will
21968 either be @samp{source} or @samp{assembly}. When the TUI mode
21969 is not active, it will switch to the TUI mode.
21970
21971 Think of this key binding as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 1} binding.
21972
21973 @kindex C-x 2
21974 @item C-x 2
21975 Use a TUI layout with at least two windows. When the current
21976 layout already has two windows, the next layout with two windows is used.
21977 When a new layout is chosen, one window will always be common to the
21978 previous layout and the new one.
21979
21980 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 2} binding.
21981
21982 @kindex C-x o
21983 @item C-x o
21984 Change the active window. The TUI associates several key bindings
21985 (like scrolling and arrow keys) with the active window. This command
21986 gives the focus to the next TUI window.
21987
21988 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x o} binding.
21989
21990 @kindex C-x s
21991 @item C-x s
21992 Switch in and out of the TUI SingleKey mode that binds single
21993 keys to @value{GDBN} commands (@pxref{TUI Single Key Mode}).
21994 @end table
21995
21996 The following key bindings only work in the TUI mode:
21997
21998 @table @asis
21999 @kindex PgUp
22000 @item @key{PgUp}
22001 Scroll the active window one page up.
22002
22003 @kindex PgDn
22004 @item @key{PgDn}
22005 Scroll the active window one page down.
22006
22007 @kindex Up
22008 @item @key{Up}
22009 Scroll the active window one line up.
22010
22011 @kindex Down
22012 @item @key{Down}
22013 Scroll the active window one line down.
22014
22015 @kindex Left
22016 @item @key{Left}
22017 Scroll the active window one column left.
22018
22019 @kindex Right
22020 @item @key{Right}
22021 Scroll the active window one column right.
22022
22023 @kindex C-L
22024 @item @kbd{C-L}
22025 Refresh the screen.
22026 @end table
22027
22028 Because the arrow keys scroll the active window in the TUI mode, they
22029 are not available for their normal use by readline unless the command
22030 window has the focus. When another window is active, you must use
22031 other readline key bindings such as @kbd{C-p}, @kbd{C-n}, @kbd{C-b}
22032 and @kbd{C-f} to control the command window.
22033
22034 @node TUI Single Key Mode
22035 @section TUI Single Key Mode
22036 @cindex TUI single key mode
22037
22038 The TUI also provides a @dfn{SingleKey} mode, which binds several
22039 frequently used @value{GDBN} commands to single keys. Type @kbd{C-x s} to
22040 switch into this mode, where the following key bindings are used:
22041
22042 @table @kbd
22043 @kindex c @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
22044 @item c
22045 continue
22046
22047 @kindex d @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
22048 @item d
22049 down
22050
22051 @kindex f @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
22052 @item f
22053 finish
22054
22055 @kindex n @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
22056 @item n
22057 next
22058
22059 @kindex q @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
22060 @item q
22061 exit the SingleKey mode.
22062
22063 @kindex r @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
22064 @item r
22065 run
22066
22067 @kindex s @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
22068 @item s
22069 step
22070
22071 @kindex u @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
22072 @item u
22073 up
22074
22075 @kindex v @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
22076 @item v
22077 info locals
22078
22079 @kindex w @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
22080 @item w
22081 where
22082 @end table
22083
22084 Other keys temporarily switch to the @value{GDBN} command prompt.
22085 The key that was pressed is inserted in the editing buffer so that
22086 it is possible to type most @value{GDBN} commands without interaction
22087 with the TUI SingleKey mode. Once the command is entered the TUI
22088 SingleKey mode is restored. The only way to permanently leave
22089 this mode is by typing @kbd{q} or @kbd{C-x s}.
22090
22091
22092 @node TUI Commands
22093 @section TUI-specific Commands
22094 @cindex TUI commands
22095
22096 The TUI has specific commands to control the text windows.
22097 These commands are always available, even when @value{GDBN} is not in
22098 the TUI mode. When @value{GDBN} is in the standard mode, most
22099 of these commands will automatically switch to the TUI mode.
22100
22101 Note that if @value{GDBN}'s @code{stdout} is not connected to a
22102 terminal, or @value{GDBN} has been started with the machine interface
22103 interpreter (@pxref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}), most of
22104 these commands will fail with an error, because it would not be
22105 possible or desirable to enable curses window management.
22106
22107 @table @code
22108 @item info win
22109 @kindex info win
22110 List and give the size of all displayed windows.
22111
22112 @item layout next
22113 @kindex layout
22114 Display the next layout.
22115
22116 @item layout prev
22117 Display the previous layout.
22118
22119 @item layout src
22120 Display the source window only.
22121
22122 @item layout asm
22123 Display the assembly window only.
22124
22125 @item layout split
22126 Display the source and assembly window.
22127
22128 @item layout regs
22129 Display the register window together with the source or assembly window.
22130
22131 @item focus next
22132 @kindex focus
22133 Make the next window active for scrolling.
22134
22135 @item focus prev
22136 Make the previous window active for scrolling.
22137
22138 @item focus src
22139 Make the source window active for scrolling.
22140
22141 @item focus asm
22142 Make the assembly window active for scrolling.
22143
22144 @item focus regs
22145 Make the register window active for scrolling.
22146
22147 @item focus cmd
22148 Make the command window active for scrolling.
22149
22150 @item refresh
22151 @kindex refresh
22152 Refresh the screen. This is similar to typing @kbd{C-L}.
22153
22154 @item tui reg float
22155 @kindex tui reg
22156 Show the floating point registers in the register window.
22157
22158 @item tui reg general
22159 Show the general registers in the register window.
22160
22161 @item tui reg next
22162 Show the next register group. The list of register groups as well as
22163 their order is target specific. The predefined register groups are the
22164 following: @code{general}, @code{float}, @code{system}, @code{vector},
22165 @code{all}, @code{save}, @code{restore}.
22166
22167 @item tui reg system
22168 Show the system registers in the register window.
22169
22170 @item update
22171 @kindex update
22172 Update the source window and the current execution point.
22173
22174 @item winheight @var{name} +@var{count}
22175 @itemx winheight @var{name} -@var{count}
22176 @kindex winheight
22177 Change the height of the window @var{name} by @var{count}
22178 lines. Positive counts increase the height, while negative counts
22179 decrease it.
22180
22181 @item tabset @var{nchars}
22182 @kindex tabset
22183 Set the width of tab stops to be @var{nchars} characters.
22184 @end table
22185
22186 @node TUI Configuration
22187 @section TUI Configuration Variables
22188 @cindex TUI configuration variables
22189
22190 Several configuration variables control the appearance of TUI windows.
22191
22192 @table @code
22193 @item set tui border-kind @var{kind}
22194 @kindex set tui border-kind
22195 Select the border appearance for the source, assembly and register windows.
22196 The possible values are the following:
22197 @table @code
22198 @item space
22199 Use a space character to draw the border.
22200
22201 @item ascii
22202 Use @sc{ascii} characters @samp{+}, @samp{-} and @samp{|} to draw the border.
22203
22204 @item acs
22205 Use the Alternate Character Set to draw the border. The border is
22206 drawn using character line graphics if the terminal supports them.
22207 @end table
22208
22209 @item set tui border-mode @var{mode}
22210 @kindex set tui border-mode
22211 @itemx set tui active-border-mode @var{mode}
22212 @kindex set tui active-border-mode
22213 Select the display attributes for the borders of the inactive windows
22214 or the active window. The @var{mode} can be one of the following:
22215 @table @code
22216 @item normal
22217 Use normal attributes to display the border.
22218
22219 @item standout
22220 Use standout mode.
22221
22222 @item reverse
22223 Use reverse video mode.
22224
22225 @item half
22226 Use half bright mode.
22227
22228 @item half-standout
22229 Use half bright and standout mode.
22230
22231 @item bold
22232 Use extra bright or bold mode.
22233
22234 @item bold-standout
22235 Use extra bright or bold and standout mode.
22236 @end table
22237 @end table
22238
22239 @node Emacs
22240 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
22241
22242 @cindex Emacs
22243 @cindex @sc{gnu} Emacs
22244 A special interface allows you to use @sc{gnu} Emacs to view (and
22245 edit) the source files for the program you are debugging with
22246 @value{GDBN}.
22247
22248 To use this interface, use the command @kbd{M-x gdb} in Emacs. Give the
22249 executable file you want to debug as an argument. This command starts
22250 @value{GDBN} as a subprocess of Emacs, with input and output through a newly
22251 created Emacs buffer.
22252 @c (Do not use the @code{-tui} option to run @value{GDBN} from Emacs.)
22253
22254 Running @value{GDBN} under Emacs can be just like running @value{GDBN} normally except for two
22255 things:
22256
22257 @itemize @bullet
22258 @item
22259 All ``terminal'' input and output goes through an Emacs buffer, called
22260 the GUD buffer.
22261
22262 This applies both to @value{GDBN} commands and their output, and to the input
22263 and output done by the program you are debugging.
22264
22265 This is useful because it means that you can copy the text of previous
22266 commands and input them again; you can even use parts of the output
22267 in this way.
22268
22269 All the facilities of Emacs' Shell mode are available for interacting
22270 with your program. In particular, you can send signals the usual
22271 way---for example, @kbd{C-c C-c} for an interrupt, @kbd{C-c C-z} for a
22272 stop.
22273
22274 @item
22275 @value{GDBN} displays source code through Emacs.
22276
22277 Each time @value{GDBN} displays a stack frame, Emacs automatically finds the
22278 source file for that frame and puts an arrow (@samp{=>}) at the
22279 left margin of the current line. Emacs uses a separate buffer for
22280 source display, and splits the screen to show both your @value{GDBN} session
22281 and the source.
22282
22283 Explicit @value{GDBN} @code{list} or search commands still produce output as
22284 usual, but you probably have no reason to use them from Emacs.
22285 @end itemize
22286
22287 We call this @dfn{text command mode}. Emacs 22.1, and later, also uses
22288 a graphical mode, enabled by default, which provides further buffers
22289 that can control the execution and describe the state of your program.
22290 @xref{GDB Graphical Interface,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}.
22291
22292 If you specify an absolute file name when prompted for the @kbd{M-x
22293 gdb} argument, then Emacs sets your current working directory to where
22294 your program resides. If you only specify the file name, then Emacs
22295 sets your current working directory to to the directory associated
22296 with the previous buffer. In this case, @value{GDBN} may find your
22297 program by searching your environment's @code{PATH} variable, but on
22298 some operating systems it might not find the source. So, although the
22299 @value{GDBN} input and output session proceeds normally, the auxiliary
22300 buffer does not display the current source and line of execution.
22301
22302 The initial working directory of @value{GDBN} is printed on the top
22303 line of the GUD buffer and this serves as a default for the commands
22304 that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files,
22305 ,Commands to Specify Files}.
22306
22307 By default, @kbd{M-x gdb} calls the program called @file{gdb}. If you
22308 need to call @value{GDBN} by a different name (for example, if you
22309 keep several configurations around, with different names) you can
22310 customize the Emacs variable @code{gud-gdb-command-name} to run the
22311 one you want.
22312
22313 In the GUD buffer, you can use these special Emacs commands in
22314 addition to the standard Shell mode commands:
22315
22316 @table @kbd
22317 @item C-h m
22318 Describe the features of Emacs' GUD Mode.
22319
22320 @item C-c C-s
22321 Execute to another source line, like the @value{GDBN} @code{step} command; also
22322 update the display window to show the current file and location.
22323
22324 @item C-c C-n
22325 Execute to next source line in this function, skipping all function
22326 calls, like the @value{GDBN} @code{next} command. Then update the display window
22327 to show the current file and location.
22328
22329 @item C-c C-i
22330 Execute one instruction, like the @value{GDBN} @code{stepi} command; update
22331 display window accordingly.
22332
22333 @item C-c C-f
22334 Execute until exit from the selected stack frame, like the @value{GDBN}
22335 @code{finish} command.
22336
22337 @item C-c C-r
22338 Continue execution of your program, like the @value{GDBN} @code{continue}
22339 command.
22340
22341 @item C-c <
22342 Go up the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument
22343 (@pxref{Arguments, , Numeric Arguments, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}),
22344 like the @value{GDBN} @code{up} command.
22345
22346 @item C-c >
22347 Go down the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument, like the
22348 @value{GDBN} @code{down} command.
22349 @end table
22350
22351 In any source file, the Emacs command @kbd{C-x @key{SPC}} (@code{gud-break})
22352 tells @value{GDBN} to set a breakpoint on the source line point is on.
22353
22354 In text command mode, if you type @kbd{M-x speedbar}, Emacs displays a
22355 separate frame which shows a backtrace when the GUD buffer is current.
22356 Move point to any frame in the stack and type @key{RET} to make it
22357 become the current frame and display the associated source in the
22358 source buffer. Alternatively, click @kbd{Mouse-2} to make the
22359 selected frame become the current one. In graphical mode, the
22360 speedbar displays watch expressions.
22361
22362 If you accidentally delete the source-display buffer, an easy way to get
22363 it back is to type the command @code{f} in the @value{GDBN} buffer, to
22364 request a frame display; when you run under Emacs, this recreates
22365 the source buffer if necessary to show you the context of the current
22366 frame.
22367
22368 The source files displayed in Emacs are in ordinary Emacs buffers
22369 which are visiting the source files in the usual way. You can edit
22370 the files with these buffers if you wish; but keep in mind that @value{GDBN}
22371 communicates with Emacs in terms of line numbers. If you add or
22372 delete lines from the text, the line numbers that @value{GDBN} knows cease
22373 to correspond properly with the code.
22374
22375 A more detailed description of Emacs' interaction with @value{GDBN} is
22376 given in the Emacs manual (@pxref{Debuggers,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu}
22377 Emacs Manual}).
22378
22379 @c The following dropped because Epoch is nonstandard. Reactivate
22380 @c if/when v19 does something similar. ---doc@cygnus.com 19dec1990
22381 @ignore
22382 @kindex Emacs Epoch environment
22383 @kindex Epoch
22384 @kindex inspect
22385
22386 Version 18 of @sc{gnu} Emacs has a built-in window system
22387 called the @code{epoch}
22388 environment. Users of this environment can use a new command,
22389 @code{inspect} which performs identically to @code{print} except that
22390 each value is printed in its own window.
22391 @end ignore
22392
22393
22394 @node GDB/MI
22395 @chapter The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface
22396
22397 @unnumberedsec Function and Purpose
22398
22399 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, its purpose
22400 @sc{gdb/mi} is a line based machine oriented text interface to
22401 @value{GDBN} and is activated by specifying using the
22402 @option{--interpreter} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}). It
22403 is specifically intended to support the development of systems which
22404 use the debugger as just one small component of a larger system.
22405
22406 This chapter is a specification of the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. It is written
22407 in the form of a reference manual.
22408
22409 Note that @sc{gdb/mi} is still under construction, so some of the
22410 features described below are incomplete and subject to change
22411 (@pxref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, , @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends}).
22412
22413 @unnumberedsec Notation and Terminology
22414
22415 @cindex notational conventions, for @sc{gdb/mi}
22416 This chapter uses the following notation:
22417
22418 @itemize @bullet
22419 @item
22420 @code{|} separates two alternatives.
22421
22422 @item
22423 @code{[ @var{something} ]} indicates that @var{something} is optional:
22424 it may or may not be given.
22425
22426 @item
22427 @code{( @var{group} )*} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
22428 may repeat zero or more times.
22429
22430 @item
22431 @code{( @var{group} )+} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
22432 may repeat one or more times.
22433
22434 @item
22435 @code{"@var{string}"} means a literal @var{string}.
22436 @end itemize
22437
22438 @ignore
22439 @heading Dependencies
22440 @end ignore
22441
22442 @menu
22443 * GDB/MI General Design::
22444 * GDB/MI Command Syntax::
22445 * GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI::
22446 * GDB/MI Development and Front Ends::
22447 * GDB/MI Output Records::
22448 * GDB/MI Simple Examples::
22449 * GDB/MI Command Description Format::
22450 * GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands::
22451 * GDB/MI Program Context::
22452 * GDB/MI Thread Commands::
22453 * GDB/MI Program Execution::
22454 * GDB/MI Stack Manipulation::
22455 * GDB/MI Variable Objects::
22456 * GDB/MI Data Manipulation::
22457 * GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands::
22458 * GDB/MI Symbol Query::
22459 * GDB/MI File Commands::
22460 @ignore
22461 * GDB/MI Kod Commands::
22462 * GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands::
22463 * GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands::
22464 @end ignore
22465 * GDB/MI Target Manipulation::
22466 * GDB/MI File Transfer Commands::
22467 * GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands::
22468 @end menu
22469
22470 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
22471 @node GDB/MI General Design
22472 @section @sc{gdb/mi} General Design
22473 @cindex GDB/MI General Design
22474
22475 Interaction of a @sc{GDB/MI} frontend with @value{GDBN} involves three
22476 parts---commands sent to @value{GDBN}, responses to those commands
22477 and notifications. Each command results in exactly one response,
22478 indicating either successful completion of the command, or an error.
22479 For the commands that do not resume the target, the response contains the
22480 requested information. For the commands that resume the target, the
22481 response only indicates whether the target was successfully resumed.
22482 Notifications is the mechanism for reporting changes in the state of the
22483 target, or in @value{GDBN} state, that cannot conveniently be associated with
22484 a command and reported as part of that command response.
22485
22486 The important examples of notifications are:
22487 @itemize @bullet
22488
22489 @item
22490 Exec notifications. These are used to report changes in
22491 target state---when a target is resumed, or stopped. It would not
22492 be feasible to include this information in response of resuming
22493 commands, because one resume commands can result in multiple events in
22494 different threads. Also, quite some time may pass before any event
22495 happens in the target, while a frontend needs to know whether the resuming
22496 command itself was successfully executed.
22497
22498 @item
22499 Console output, and status notifications. Console output
22500 notifications are used to report output of CLI commands, as well as
22501 diagnostics for other commands. Status notifications are used to
22502 report the progress of a long-running operation. Naturally, including
22503 this information in command response would mean no output is produced
22504 until the command is finished, which is undesirable.
22505
22506 @item
22507 General notifications. Commands may have various side effects on
22508 the @value{GDBN} or target state beyond their official purpose. For example,
22509 a command may change the selected thread. Although such changes can
22510 be included in command response, using notification allows for more
22511 orthogonal frontend design.
22512
22513 @end itemize
22514
22515 There's no guarantee that whenever an MI command reports an error,
22516 @value{GDBN} or the target are in any specific state, and especially,
22517 the state is not reverted to the state before the MI command was
22518 processed. Therefore, whenever an MI command results in an error,
22519 we recommend that the frontend refreshes all the information shown in
22520 the user interface.
22521
22522
22523 @menu
22524 * Context management::
22525 * Asynchronous and non-stop modes::
22526 * Thread groups::
22527 @end menu
22528
22529 @node Context management
22530 @subsection Context management
22531
22532 In most cases when @value{GDBN} accesses the target, this access is
22533 done in context of a specific thread and frame (@pxref{Frames}).
22534 Often, even when accessing global data, the target requires that a thread
22535 be specified. The CLI interface maintains the selected thread and frame,
22536 and supplies them to target on each command. This is convenient,
22537 because a command line user would not want to specify that information
22538 explicitly on each command, and because user interacts with
22539 @value{GDBN} via a single terminal, so no confusion is possible as
22540 to what thread and frame are the current ones.
22541
22542 In the case of MI, the concept of selected thread and frame is less
22543 useful. First, a frontend can easily remember this information
22544 itself. Second, a graphical frontend can have more than one window,
22545 each one used for debugging a different thread, and the frontend might
22546 want to access additional threads for internal purposes. This
22547 increases the risk that by relying on implicitly selected thread, the
22548 frontend may be operating on a wrong one. Therefore, each MI command
22549 should explicitly specify which thread and frame to operate on. To
22550 make it possible, each MI command accepts the @samp{--thread} and
22551 @samp{--frame} options, the value to each is @value{GDBN} identifier
22552 for thread and frame to operate on.
22553
22554 Usually, each top-level window in a frontend allows the user to select
22555 a thread and a frame, and remembers the user selection for further
22556 operations. However, in some cases @value{GDBN} may suggest that the
22557 current thread be changed. For example, when stopping on a breakpoint
22558 it is reasonable to switch to the thread where breakpoint is hit. For
22559 another example, if the user issues the CLI @samp{thread} command via
22560 the frontend, it is desirable to change the frontend's selected thread to the
22561 one specified by user. @value{GDBN} communicates the suggestion to
22562 change current thread using the @samp{=thread-selected} notification.
22563 No such notification is available for the selected frame at the moment.
22564
22565 Note that historically, MI shares the selected thread with CLI, so
22566 frontends used the @code{-thread-select} to execute commands in the
22567 right context. However, getting this to work right is cumbersome. The
22568 simplest way is for frontend to emit @code{-thread-select} command
22569 before every command. This doubles the number of commands that need
22570 to be sent. The alternative approach is to suppress @code{-thread-select}
22571 if the selected thread in @value{GDBN} is supposed to be identical to the
22572 thread the frontend wants to operate on. However, getting this
22573 optimization right can be tricky. In particular, if the frontend
22574 sends several commands to @value{GDBN}, and one of the commands changes the
22575 selected thread, then the behaviour of subsequent commands will
22576 change. So, a frontend should either wait for response from such
22577 problematic commands, or explicitly add @code{-thread-select} for
22578 all subsequent commands. No frontend is known to do this exactly
22579 right, so it is suggested to just always pass the @samp{--thread} and
22580 @samp{--frame} options.
22581
22582 @node Asynchronous and non-stop modes
22583 @subsection Asynchronous command execution and non-stop mode
22584
22585 On some targets, @value{GDBN} is capable of processing MI commands
22586 even while the target is running. This is called @dfn{asynchronous
22587 command execution} (@pxref{Background Execution}). The frontend may
22588 specify a preferrence for asynchronous execution using the
22589 @code{-gdb-set target-async 1} command, which should be emitted before
22590 either running the executable or attaching to the target. After the
22591 frontend has started the executable or attached to the target, it can
22592 find if asynchronous execution is enabled using the
22593 @code{-list-target-features} command.
22594
22595 Even if @value{GDBN} can accept a command while target is running,
22596 many commands that access the target do not work when the target is
22597 running. Therefore, asynchronous command execution is most useful
22598 when combined with non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}). Then,
22599 it is possible to examine the state of one thread, while other threads
22600 are running.
22601
22602 When a given thread is running, MI commands that try to access the
22603 target in the context of that thread may not work, or may work only on
22604 some targets. In particular, commands that try to operate on thread's
22605 stack will not work, on any target. Commands that read memory, or
22606 modify breakpoints, may work or not work, depending on the target. Note
22607 that even commands that operate on global state, such as @code{print},
22608 @code{set}, and breakpoint commands, still access the target in the
22609 context of a specific thread, so frontend should try to find a
22610 stopped thread and perform the operation on that thread (using the
22611 @samp{--thread} option).
22612
22613 Which commands will work in the context of a running thread is
22614 highly target dependent. However, the two commands
22615 @code{-exec-interrupt}, to stop a thread, and @code{-thread-info},
22616 to find the state of a thread, will always work.
22617
22618 @node Thread groups
22619 @subsection Thread groups
22620 @value{GDBN} may be used to debug several processes at the same time.
22621 On some platfroms, @value{GDBN} may support debugging of several
22622 hardware systems, each one having several cores with several different
22623 processes running on each core. This section describes the MI
22624 mechanism to support such debugging scenarios.
22625
22626 The key observation is that regardless of the structure of the
22627 target, MI can have a global list of threads, because most commands that
22628 accept the @samp{--thread} option do not need to know what process that
22629 thread belongs to. Therefore, it is not necessary to introduce
22630 neither additional @samp{--process} option, nor an notion of the
22631 current process in the MI interface. The only strictly new feature
22632 that is required is the ability to find how the threads are grouped
22633 into processes.
22634
22635 To allow the user to discover such grouping, and to support arbitrary
22636 hierarchy of machines/cores/processes, MI introduces the concept of a
22637 @dfn{thread group}. Thread group is a collection of threads and other
22638 thread groups. A thread group always has a string identifier, a type,
22639 and may have additional attributes specific to the type. A new
22640 command, @code{-list-thread-groups}, returns the list of top-level
22641 thread groups, which correspond to processes that @value{GDBN} is
22642 debugging at the moment. By passing an identifier of a thread group
22643 to the @code{-list-thread-groups} command, it is possible to obtain
22644 the members of specific thread group.
22645
22646 To allow the user to easily discover processes, and other objects, he
22647 wishes to debug, a concept of @dfn{available thread group} is
22648 introduced. Available thread group is an thread group that
22649 @value{GDBN} is not debugging, but that can be attached to, using the
22650 @code{-target-attach} command. The list of available top-level thread
22651 groups can be obtained using @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}.
22652 In general, the content of a thread group may be only retrieved only
22653 after attaching to that thread group.
22654
22655 Thread groups are related to inferiors (@pxref{Inferiors and
22656 Programs}). Each inferior corresponds to a thread group of a special
22657 type @samp{process}, and some additional operations are permitted on
22658 such thread groups.
22659
22660 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
22661 @node GDB/MI Command Syntax
22662 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Syntax
22663
22664 @menu
22665 * GDB/MI Input Syntax::
22666 * GDB/MI Output Syntax::
22667 @end menu
22668
22669 @node GDB/MI Input Syntax
22670 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Input Syntax
22671
22672 @cindex input syntax for @sc{gdb/mi}
22673 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, input syntax
22674 @table @code
22675 @item @var{command} @expansion{}
22676 @code{@var{cli-command} | @var{mi-command}}
22677
22678 @item @var{cli-command} @expansion{}
22679 @code{[ @var{token} ] @var{cli-command} @var{nl}}, where
22680 @var{cli-command} is any existing @value{GDBN} CLI command.
22681
22682 @item @var{mi-command} @expansion{}
22683 @code{[ @var{token} ] "-" @var{operation} ( " " @var{option} )*
22684 @code{[} " --" @code{]} ( " " @var{parameter} )* @var{nl}}
22685
22686 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
22687 "any sequence of digits"
22688
22689 @item @var{option} @expansion{}
22690 @code{"-" @var{parameter} [ " " @var{parameter} ]}
22691
22692 @item @var{parameter} @expansion{}
22693 @code{@var{non-blank-sequence} | @var{c-string}}
22694
22695 @item @var{operation} @expansion{}
22696 @emph{any of the operations described in this chapter}
22697
22698 @item @var{non-blank-sequence} @expansion{}
22699 @emph{anything, provided it doesn't contain special characters such as
22700 "-", @var{nl}, """ and of course " "}
22701
22702 @item @var{c-string} @expansion{}
22703 @code{""" @var{seven-bit-iso-c-string-content} """}
22704
22705 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
22706 @code{CR | CR-LF}
22707 @end table
22708
22709 @noindent
22710 Notes:
22711
22712 @itemize @bullet
22713 @item
22714 The CLI commands are still handled by the @sc{mi} interpreter; their
22715 output is described below.
22716
22717 @item
22718 The @code{@var{token}}, when present, is passed back when the command
22719 finishes.
22720
22721 @item
22722 Some @sc{mi} commands accept optional arguments as part of the parameter
22723 list. Each option is identified by a leading @samp{-} (dash) and may be
22724 followed by an optional argument parameter. Options occur first in the
22725 parameter list and can be delimited from normal parameters using
22726 @samp{--} (this is useful when some parameters begin with a dash).
22727 @end itemize
22728
22729 Pragmatics:
22730
22731 @itemize @bullet
22732 @item
22733 We want easy access to the existing CLI syntax (for debugging).
22734
22735 @item
22736 We want it to be easy to spot a @sc{mi} operation.
22737 @end itemize
22738
22739 @node GDB/MI Output Syntax
22740 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax
22741
22742 @cindex output syntax of @sc{gdb/mi}
22743 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, output syntax
22744 The output from @sc{gdb/mi} consists of zero or more out-of-band records
22745 followed, optionally, by a single result record. This result record
22746 is for the most recent command. The sequence of output records is
22747 terminated by @samp{(gdb)}.
22748
22749 If an input command was prefixed with a @code{@var{token}} then the
22750 corresponding output for that command will also be prefixed by that same
22751 @var{token}.
22752
22753 @table @code
22754 @item @var{output} @expansion{}
22755 @code{( @var{out-of-band-record} )* [ @var{result-record} ] "(gdb)" @var{nl}}
22756
22757 @item @var{result-record} @expansion{}
22758 @code{ [ @var{token} ] "^" @var{result-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
22759
22760 @item @var{out-of-band-record} @expansion{}
22761 @code{@var{async-record} | @var{stream-record}}
22762
22763 @item @var{async-record} @expansion{}
22764 @code{@var{exec-async-output} | @var{status-async-output} | @var{notify-async-output}}
22765
22766 @item @var{exec-async-output} @expansion{}
22767 @code{[ @var{token} ] "*" @var{async-output}}
22768
22769 @item @var{status-async-output} @expansion{}
22770 @code{[ @var{token} ] "+" @var{async-output}}
22771
22772 @item @var{notify-async-output} @expansion{}
22773 @code{[ @var{token} ] "=" @var{async-output}}
22774
22775 @item @var{async-output} @expansion{}
22776 @code{@var{async-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
22777
22778 @item @var{result-class} @expansion{}
22779 @code{"done" | "running" | "connected" | "error" | "exit"}
22780
22781 @item @var{async-class} @expansion{}
22782 @code{"stopped" | @var{others}} (where @var{others} will be added
22783 depending on the needs---this is still in development).
22784
22785 @item @var{result} @expansion{}
22786 @code{ @var{variable} "=" @var{value}}
22787
22788 @item @var{variable} @expansion{}
22789 @code{ @var{string} }
22790
22791 @item @var{value} @expansion{}
22792 @code{ @var{const} | @var{tuple} | @var{list} }
22793
22794 @item @var{const} @expansion{}
22795 @code{@var{c-string}}
22796
22797 @item @var{tuple} @expansion{}
22798 @code{ "@{@}" | "@{" @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "@}" }
22799
22800 @item @var{list} @expansion{}
22801 @code{ "[]" | "[" @var{value} ( "," @var{value} )* "]" | "["
22802 @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "]" }
22803
22804 @item @var{stream-record} @expansion{}
22805 @code{@var{console-stream-output} | @var{target-stream-output} | @var{log-stream-output}}
22806
22807 @item @var{console-stream-output} @expansion{}
22808 @code{"~" @var{c-string}}
22809
22810 @item @var{target-stream-output} @expansion{}
22811 @code{"@@" @var{c-string}}
22812
22813 @item @var{log-stream-output} @expansion{}
22814 @code{"&" @var{c-string}}
22815
22816 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
22817 @code{CR | CR-LF}
22818
22819 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
22820 @emph{any sequence of digits}.
22821 @end table
22822
22823 @noindent
22824 Notes:
22825
22826 @itemize @bullet
22827 @item
22828 All output sequences end in a single line containing a period.
22829
22830 @item
22831 The @code{@var{token}} is from the corresponding request. Note that
22832 for all async output, while the token is allowed by the grammar and
22833 may be output by future versions of @value{GDBN} for select async
22834 output messages, it is generally omitted. Frontends should treat
22835 all async output as reporting general changes in the state of the
22836 target and there should be no need to associate async output to any
22837 prior command.
22838
22839 @item
22840 @cindex status output in @sc{gdb/mi}
22841 @var{status-async-output} contains on-going status information about the
22842 progress of a slow operation. It can be discarded. All status output is
22843 prefixed by @samp{+}.
22844
22845 @item
22846 @cindex async output in @sc{gdb/mi}
22847 @var{exec-async-output} contains asynchronous state change on the target
22848 (stopped, started, disappeared). All async output is prefixed by
22849 @samp{*}.
22850
22851 @item
22852 @cindex notify output in @sc{gdb/mi}
22853 @var{notify-async-output} contains supplementary information that the
22854 client should handle (e.g., a new breakpoint information). All notify
22855 output is prefixed by @samp{=}.
22856
22857 @item
22858 @cindex console output in @sc{gdb/mi}
22859 @var{console-stream-output} is output that should be displayed as is in the
22860 console. It is the textual response to a CLI command. All the console
22861 output is prefixed by @samp{~}.
22862
22863 @item
22864 @cindex target output in @sc{gdb/mi}
22865 @var{target-stream-output} is the output produced by the target program.
22866 All the target output is prefixed by @samp{@@}.
22867
22868 @item
22869 @cindex log output in @sc{gdb/mi}
22870 @var{log-stream-output} is output text coming from @value{GDBN}'s internals, for
22871 instance messages that should be displayed as part of an error log. All
22872 the log output is prefixed by @samp{&}.
22873
22874 @item
22875 @cindex list output in @sc{gdb/mi}
22876 New @sc{gdb/mi} commands should only output @var{lists} containing
22877 @var{values}.
22878
22879
22880 @end itemize
22881
22882 @xref{GDB/MI Stream Records, , @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records}, for more
22883 details about the various output records.
22884
22885 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
22886 @node GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI
22887 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Compatibility with CLI
22888
22889 @cindex compatibility, @sc{gdb/mi} and CLI
22890 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, compatibility with CLI
22891
22892 For the developers convenience CLI commands can be entered directly,
22893 but there may be some unexpected behaviour. For example, commands
22894 that query the user will behave as if the user replied yes, breakpoint
22895 command lists are not executed and some CLI commands, such as
22896 @code{if}, @code{when} and @code{define}, prompt for further input with
22897 @samp{>}, which is not valid MI output.
22898
22899 This feature may be removed at some stage in the future and it is
22900 recommended that front ends use the @code{-interpreter-exec} command
22901 (@pxref{-interpreter-exec}).
22902
22903 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
22904 @node GDB/MI Development and Front Ends
22905 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends
22906 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi} development
22907
22908 The application which takes the MI output and presents the state of the
22909 program being debugged to the user is called a @dfn{front end}.
22910
22911 Although @sc{gdb/mi} is still incomplete, it is currently being used
22912 by a variety of front ends to @value{GDBN}. This makes it difficult
22913 to introduce new functionality without breaking existing usage. This
22914 section tries to minimize the problems by describing how the protocol
22915 might change.
22916
22917 Some changes in MI need not break a carefully designed front end, and
22918 for these the MI version will remain unchanged. The following is a
22919 list of changes that may occur within one level, so front ends should
22920 parse MI output in a way that can handle them:
22921
22922 @itemize @bullet
22923 @item
22924 New MI commands may be added.
22925
22926 @item
22927 New fields may be added to the output of any MI command.
22928
22929 @item
22930 The range of values for fields with specified values, e.g.,
22931 @code{in_scope} (@pxref{-var-update}) may be extended.
22932
22933 @c The format of field's content e.g type prefix, may change so parse it
22934 @c at your own risk. Yes, in general?
22935
22936 @c The order of fields may change? Shouldn't really matter but it might
22937 @c resolve inconsistencies.
22938 @end itemize
22939
22940 If the changes are likely to break front ends, the MI version level
22941 will be increased by one. This will allow the front end to parse the
22942 output according to the MI version. Apart from mi0, new versions of
22943 @value{GDBN} will not support old versions of MI and it will be the
22944 responsibility of the front end to work with the new one.
22945
22946 @c Starting with mi3, add a new command -mi-version that prints the MI
22947 @c version?
22948
22949 The best way to avoid unexpected changes in MI that might break your front
22950 end is to make your project known to @value{GDBN} developers and
22951 follow development on @email{gdb@@sourceware.org} and
22952 @email{gdb-patches@@sourceware.org}.
22953 @cindex mailing lists
22954
22955 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
22956 @node GDB/MI Output Records
22957 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Output Records
22958
22959 @menu
22960 * GDB/MI Result Records::
22961 * GDB/MI Stream Records::
22962 * GDB/MI Async Records::
22963 * GDB/MI Frame Information::
22964 * GDB/MI Thread Information::
22965 @end menu
22966
22967 @node GDB/MI Result Records
22968 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Result Records
22969
22970 @cindex result records in @sc{gdb/mi}
22971 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, result records
22972 In addition to a number of out-of-band notifications, the response to a
22973 @sc{gdb/mi} command includes one of the following result indications:
22974
22975 @table @code
22976 @findex ^done
22977 @item "^done" [ "," @var{results} ]
22978 The synchronous operation was successful, @code{@var{results}} are the return
22979 values.
22980
22981 @item "^running"
22982 @findex ^running
22983 This result record is equivalent to @samp{^done}. Historically, it
22984 was output instead of @samp{^done} if the command has resumed the
22985 target. This behaviour is maintained for backward compatibility, but
22986 all frontends should treat @samp{^done} and @samp{^running}
22987 identically and rely on the @samp{*running} output record to determine
22988 which threads are resumed.
22989
22990 @item "^connected"
22991 @findex ^connected
22992 @value{GDBN} has connected to a remote target.
22993
22994 @item "^error" "," @var{c-string}
22995 @findex ^error
22996 The operation failed. The @code{@var{c-string}} contains the corresponding
22997 error message.
22998
22999 @item "^exit"
23000 @findex ^exit
23001 @value{GDBN} has terminated.
23002
23003 @end table
23004
23005 @node GDB/MI Stream Records
23006 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records
23007
23008 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, stream records
23009 @cindex stream records in @sc{gdb/mi}
23010 @value{GDBN} internally maintains a number of output streams: the console, the
23011 target, and the log. The output intended for each of these streams is
23012 funneled through the @sc{gdb/mi} interface using @dfn{stream records}.
23013
23014 Each stream record begins with a unique @dfn{prefix character} which
23015 identifies its stream (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, , @sc{gdb/mi} Output
23016 Syntax}). In addition to the prefix, each stream record contains a
23017 @code{@var{string-output}}. This is either raw text (with an implicit new
23018 line) or a quoted C string (which does not contain an implicit newline).
23019
23020 @table @code
23021 @item "~" @var{string-output}
23022 The console output stream contains text that should be displayed in the
23023 CLI console window. It contains the textual responses to CLI commands.
23024
23025 @item "@@" @var{string-output}
23026 The target output stream contains any textual output from the running
23027 target. This is only present when GDB's event loop is truly
23028 asynchronous, which is currently only the case for remote targets.
23029
23030 @item "&" @var{string-output}
23031 The log stream contains debugging messages being produced by @value{GDBN}'s
23032 internals.
23033 @end table
23034
23035 @node GDB/MI Async Records
23036 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Async Records
23037
23038 @cindex async records in @sc{gdb/mi}
23039 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, async records
23040 @dfn{Async} records are used to notify the @sc{gdb/mi} client of
23041 additional changes that have occurred. Those changes can either be a
23042 consequence of @sc{gdb/mi} commands (e.g., a breakpoint modified) or a result of
23043 target activity (e.g., target stopped).
23044
23045 The following is the list of possible async records:
23046
23047 @table @code
23048
23049 @item *running,thread-id="@var{thread}"
23050 The target is now running. The @var{thread} field tells which
23051 specific thread is now running, and can be @samp{all} if all threads
23052 are running. The frontend should assume that no interaction with a
23053 running thread is possible after this notification is produced.
23054 The frontend should not assume that this notification is output
23055 only once for any command. @value{GDBN} may emit this notification
23056 several times, either for different threads, because it cannot resume
23057 all threads together, or even for a single thread, if the thread must
23058 be stepped though some code before letting it run freely.
23059
23060 @item *stopped,reason="@var{reason}",thread-id="@var{id}",stopped-threads="@var{stopped}",core="@var{core}"
23061 The target has stopped. The @var{reason} field can have one of the
23062 following values:
23063
23064 @table @code
23065 @item breakpoint-hit
23066 A breakpoint was reached.
23067 @item watchpoint-trigger
23068 A watchpoint was triggered.
23069 @item read-watchpoint-trigger
23070 A read watchpoint was triggered.
23071 @item access-watchpoint-trigger
23072 An access watchpoint was triggered.
23073 @item function-finished
23074 An -exec-finish or similar CLI command was accomplished.
23075 @item location-reached
23076 An -exec-until or similar CLI command was accomplished.
23077 @item watchpoint-scope
23078 A watchpoint has gone out of scope.
23079 @item end-stepping-range
23080 An -exec-next, -exec-next-instruction, -exec-step, -exec-step-instruction or
23081 similar CLI command was accomplished.
23082 @item exited-signalled
23083 The inferior exited because of a signal.
23084 @item exited
23085 The inferior exited.
23086 @item exited-normally
23087 The inferior exited normally.
23088 @item signal-received
23089 A signal was received by the inferior.
23090 @end table
23091
23092 The @var{id} field identifies the thread that directly caused the stop
23093 -- for example by hitting a breakpoint. Depending on whether all-stop
23094 mode is in effect (@pxref{All-Stop Mode}), @value{GDBN} may either
23095 stop all threads, or only the thread that directly triggered the stop.
23096 If all threads are stopped, the @var{stopped} field will have the
23097 value of @code{"all"}. Otherwise, the value of the @var{stopped}
23098 field will be a list of thread identifiers. Presently, this list will
23099 always include a single thread, but frontend should be prepared to see
23100 several threads in the list. The @var{core} field reports the
23101 processor core on which the stop event has happened. This field may be absent
23102 if such information is not available.
23103
23104 @item =thread-group-added,id="@var{id}"
23105 @itemx =thread-group-removed,id="@var{id}"
23106 A thread group was either added or removed. The @var{id} field
23107 contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread group. When a thread
23108 group is added, it generally might not be associated with a running
23109 process. When a thread group is removed, its id becomes invalid and
23110 cannot be used in any way.
23111
23112 @item =thread-group-started,id="@var{id}",pid="@var{pid}"
23113 A thread group became associated with a running program,
23114 either because the program was just started or the thread group
23115 was attached to a program. The @var{id} field contains the
23116 @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread group. The @var{pid} field
23117 contains process identifier, specific to the operating system.
23118
23119 @itemx =thread-group-exited,id="@var{id}"
23120 A thread group is no longer associated with a running program,
23121 either because the program has exited, or because it was detached
23122 from. The @var{id} field contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the
23123 thread group.
23124
23125 @item =thread-created,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
23126 @itemx =thread-exited,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
23127 A thread either was created, or has exited. The @var{id} field
23128 contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread. The @var{gid}
23129 field identifies the thread group this thread belongs to.
23130
23131 @item =thread-selected,id="@var{id}"
23132 Informs that the selected thread was changed as result of the last
23133 command. This notification is not emitted as result of @code{-thread-select}
23134 command but is emitted whenever an MI command that is not documented
23135 to change the selected thread actually changes it. In particular,
23136 invoking, directly or indirectly (via user-defined command), the CLI
23137 @code{thread} command, will generate this notification.
23138
23139 We suggest that in response to this notification, front ends
23140 highlight the selected thread and cause subsequent commands to apply to
23141 that thread.
23142
23143 @item =library-loaded,...
23144 Reports that a new library file was loaded by the program. This
23145 notification has 4 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name},
23146 @var{host-name}, and @var{symbols-loaded}. The @var{id} field is an
23147 opaque identifier of the library. For remote debugging case,
23148 @var{target-name} and @var{host-name} fields give the name of the
23149 library file on the target, and on the host respectively. For native
23150 debugging, both those fields have the same value. The
23151 @var{symbols-loaded} field reports if the debug symbols for this
23152 library are loaded. The @var{thread-group} field, if present,
23153 specifies the id of the thread group in whose context the library was loaded.
23154 If the field is absent, it means the library was loaded in the context
23155 of all present thread groups.
23156
23157 @item =library-unloaded,...
23158 Reports that a library was unloaded by the program. This notification
23159 has 3 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name} and @var{host-name} with
23160 the same meaning as for the @code{=library-loaded} notification.
23161 The @var{thread-group} field, if present, specifies the id of the
23162 thread group in whose context the library was unloaded. If the field is
23163 absent, it means the library was unloaded in the context of all present
23164 thread groups.
23165
23166 @end table
23167
23168 @node GDB/MI Frame Information
23169 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Frame Information
23170
23171 Response from many MI commands includes an information about stack
23172 frame. This information is a tuple that may have the following
23173 fields:
23174
23175 @table @code
23176 @item level
23177 The level of the stack frame. The innermost frame has the level of
23178 zero. This field is always present.
23179
23180 @item func
23181 The name of the function corresponding to the frame. This field may
23182 be absent if @value{GDBN} is unable to determine the function name.
23183
23184 @item addr
23185 The code address for the frame. This field is always present.
23186
23187 @item file
23188 The name of the source files that correspond to the frame's code
23189 address. This field may be absent.
23190
23191 @item line
23192 The source line corresponding to the frames' code address. This field
23193 may be absent.
23194
23195 @item from
23196 The name of the binary file (either executable or shared library) the
23197 corresponds to the frame's code address. This field may be absent.
23198
23199 @end table
23200
23201 @node GDB/MI Thread Information
23202 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Information
23203
23204 Whenever @value{GDBN} has to report an information about a thread, it
23205 uses a tuple with the following fields:
23206
23207 @table @code
23208 @item id
23209 The numeric id assigned to the thread by @value{GDBN}. This field is
23210 always present.
23211
23212 @item target-id
23213 Target-specific string identifying the thread. This field is always present.
23214
23215 @item details
23216 Additional information about the thread provided by the target.
23217 It is supposed to be human-readable and not interpreted by the
23218 frontend. This field is optional.
23219
23220 @item state
23221 Either @samp{stopped} or @samp{running}, depending on whether the
23222 thread is presently running. This field is always present.
23223
23224 @item core
23225 The value of this field is an integer number of the processor core the
23226 thread was last seen on. This field is optional.
23227 @end table
23228
23229
23230 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
23231 @node GDB/MI Simple Examples
23232 @section Simple Examples of @sc{gdb/mi} Interaction
23233 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, simple examples
23234
23235 This subsection presents several simple examples of interaction using
23236 the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. In these examples, @samp{->} means that the
23237 following line is passed to @sc{gdb/mi} as input, while @samp{<-} means
23238 the output received from @sc{gdb/mi}.
23239
23240 Note the line breaks shown in the examples are here only for
23241 readability, they don't appear in the real output.
23242
23243 @subheading Setting a Breakpoint
23244
23245 Setting a breakpoint generates synchronous output which contains detailed
23246 information of the breakpoint.
23247
23248 @smallexample
23249 -> -break-insert main
23250 <- ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
23251 enabled="y",addr="0x08048564",func="main",file="myprog.c",
23252 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68",times="0"@}
23253 <- (gdb)
23254 @end smallexample
23255
23256 @subheading Program Execution
23257
23258 Program execution generates asynchronous records and MI gives the
23259 reason that execution stopped.
23260
23261 @smallexample
23262 -> -exec-run
23263 <- ^running
23264 <- (gdb)
23265 <- *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
23266 frame=@{addr="0x08048564",func="main",
23267 args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},@{name="argv",value="0xbfc4d4d4"@}],
23268 file="myprog.c",fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68"@}
23269 <- (gdb)
23270 -> -exec-continue
23271 <- ^running
23272 <- (gdb)
23273 <- *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
23274 <- (gdb)
23275 @end smallexample
23276
23277 @subheading Quitting @value{GDBN}
23278
23279 Quitting @value{GDBN} just prints the result class @samp{^exit}.
23280
23281 @smallexample
23282 -> (gdb)
23283 <- -gdb-exit
23284 <- ^exit
23285 @end smallexample
23286
23287 Please note that @samp{^exit} is printed immediately, but it might
23288 take some time for @value{GDBN} to actually exit. During that time, @value{GDBN}
23289 performs necessary cleanups, including killing programs being debugged
23290 or disconnecting from debug hardware, so the frontend should wait till
23291 @value{GDBN} exits and should only forcibly kill @value{GDBN} if it
23292 fails to exit in reasonable time.
23293
23294 @subheading A Bad Command
23295
23296 Here's what happens if you pass a non-existent command:
23297
23298 @smallexample
23299 -> -rubbish
23300 <- ^error,msg="Undefined MI command: rubbish"
23301 <- (gdb)
23302 @end smallexample
23303
23304
23305 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
23306 @node GDB/MI Command Description Format
23307 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Description Format
23308
23309 The remaining sections describe blocks of commands. Each block of
23310 commands is laid out in a fashion similar to this section.
23311
23312 @subheading Motivation
23313
23314 The motivation for this collection of commands.
23315
23316 @subheading Introduction
23317
23318 A brief introduction to this collection of commands as a whole.
23319
23320 @subheading Commands
23321
23322 For each command in the block, the following is described:
23323
23324 @subsubheading Synopsis
23325
23326 @smallexample
23327 -command @var{args}@dots{}
23328 @end smallexample
23329
23330 @subsubheading Result
23331
23332 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23333
23334 The corresponding @value{GDBN} CLI command(s), if any.
23335
23336 @subsubheading Example
23337
23338 Example(s) formatted for readability. Some of the described commands have
23339 not been implemented yet and these are labeled N.A.@: (not available).
23340
23341
23342 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
23343 @node GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands
23344 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Breakpoint Commands
23345
23346 @cindex breakpoint commands for @sc{gdb/mi}
23347 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, breakpoint commands
23348 This section documents @sc{gdb/mi} commands for manipulating
23349 breakpoints.
23350
23351 @subheading The @code{-break-after} Command
23352 @findex -break-after
23353
23354 @subsubheading Synopsis
23355
23356 @smallexample
23357 -break-after @var{number} @var{count}
23358 @end smallexample
23359
23360 The breakpoint number @var{number} is not in effect until it has been
23361 hit @var{count} times. To see how this is reflected in the output of
23362 the @samp{-break-list} command, see the description of the
23363 @samp{-break-list} command below.
23364
23365 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23366
23367 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ignore}.
23368
23369 @subsubheading Example
23370
23371 @smallexample
23372 (gdb)
23373 -break-insert main
23374 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
23375 enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
23376 fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",times="0"@}
23377 (gdb)
23378 -break-after 1 3
23379 ~
23380 ^done
23381 (gdb)
23382 -break-list
23383 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
23384 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
23385 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
23386 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
23387 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
23388 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
23389 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
23390 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
23391 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
23392 line="5",times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
23393 (gdb)
23394 @end smallexample
23395
23396 @ignore
23397 @subheading The @code{-break-catch} Command
23398 @findex -break-catch
23399 @end ignore
23400
23401 @subheading The @code{-break-commands} Command
23402 @findex -break-commands
23403
23404 @subsubheading Synopsis
23405
23406 @smallexample
23407 -break-commands @var{number} [ @var{command1} ... @var{commandN} ]
23408 @end smallexample
23409
23410 Specifies the CLI commands that should be executed when breakpoint
23411 @var{number} is hit. The parameters @var{command1} to @var{commandN}
23412 are the commands. If no command is specified, any previously-set
23413 commands are cleared. @xref{Break Commands}. Typical use of this
23414 functionality is tracing a program, that is, printing of values of
23415 some variables whenever breakpoint is hit and then continuing.
23416
23417 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23418
23419 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{commands}.
23420
23421 @subsubheading Example
23422
23423 @smallexample
23424 (gdb)
23425 -break-insert main
23426 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
23427 enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
23428 fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",times="0"@}
23429 (gdb)
23430 -break-commands 1 "print v" "continue"
23431 ^done
23432 (gdb)
23433 @end smallexample
23434
23435 @subheading The @code{-break-condition} Command
23436 @findex -break-condition
23437
23438 @subsubheading Synopsis
23439
23440 @smallexample
23441 -break-condition @var{number} @var{expr}
23442 @end smallexample
23443
23444 Breakpoint @var{number} will stop the program only if the condition in
23445 @var{expr} is true. The condition becomes part of the
23446 @samp{-break-list} output (see the description of the @samp{-break-list}
23447 command below).
23448
23449 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23450
23451 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{condition}.
23452
23453 @subsubheading Example
23454
23455 @smallexample
23456 (gdb)
23457 -break-condition 1 1
23458 ^done
23459 (gdb)
23460 -break-list
23461 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
23462 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
23463 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
23464 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
23465 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
23466 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
23467 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
23468 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
23469 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
23470 line="5",cond="1",times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
23471 (gdb)
23472 @end smallexample
23473
23474 @subheading The @code{-break-delete} Command
23475 @findex -break-delete
23476
23477 @subsubheading Synopsis
23478
23479 @smallexample
23480 -break-delete ( @var{breakpoint} )+
23481 @end smallexample
23482
23483 Delete the breakpoint(s) whose number(s) are specified in the argument
23484 list. This is obviously reflected in the breakpoint list.
23485
23486 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23487
23488 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{delete}.
23489
23490 @subsubheading Example
23491
23492 @smallexample
23493 (gdb)
23494 -break-delete 1
23495 ^done
23496 (gdb)
23497 -break-list
23498 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
23499 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
23500 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
23501 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
23502 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
23503 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
23504 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
23505 body=[]@}
23506 (gdb)
23507 @end smallexample
23508
23509 @subheading The @code{-break-disable} Command
23510 @findex -break-disable
23511
23512 @subsubheading Synopsis
23513
23514 @smallexample
23515 -break-disable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
23516 @end smallexample
23517
23518 Disable the named @var{breakpoint}(s). The field @samp{enabled} in the
23519 break list is now set to @samp{n} for the named @var{breakpoint}(s).
23520
23521 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23522
23523 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disable}.
23524
23525 @subsubheading Example
23526
23527 @smallexample
23528 (gdb)
23529 -break-disable 2
23530 ^done
23531 (gdb)
23532 -break-list
23533 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
23534 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
23535 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
23536 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
23537 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
23538 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
23539 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
23540 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="n",
23541 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
23542 line="5",times="0"@}]@}
23543 (gdb)
23544 @end smallexample
23545
23546 @subheading The @code{-break-enable} Command
23547 @findex -break-enable
23548
23549 @subsubheading Synopsis
23550
23551 @smallexample
23552 -break-enable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
23553 @end smallexample
23554
23555 Enable (previously disabled) @var{breakpoint}(s).
23556
23557 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23558
23559 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{enable}.
23560
23561 @subsubheading Example
23562
23563 @smallexample
23564 (gdb)
23565 -break-enable 2
23566 ^done
23567 (gdb)
23568 -break-list
23569 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
23570 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
23571 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
23572 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
23573 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
23574 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
23575 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
23576 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
23577 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
23578 line="5",times="0"@}]@}
23579 (gdb)
23580 @end smallexample
23581
23582 @subheading The @code{-break-info} Command
23583 @findex -break-info
23584
23585 @subsubheading Synopsis
23586
23587 @smallexample
23588 -break-info @var{breakpoint}
23589 @end smallexample
23590
23591 @c REDUNDANT???
23592 Get information about a single breakpoint.
23593
23594 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23595
23596 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break @var{breakpoint}}.
23597
23598 @subsubheading Example
23599 N.A.
23600
23601 @subheading The @code{-break-insert} Command
23602 @findex -break-insert
23603
23604 @subsubheading Synopsis
23605
23606 @smallexample
23607 -break-insert [ -t ] [ -h ] [ -f ] [ -d ] [ -a ]
23608 [ -c @var{condition} ] [ -i @var{ignore-count} ]
23609 [ -p @var{thread} ] [ @var{location} ]
23610 @end smallexample
23611
23612 @noindent
23613 If specified, @var{location}, can be one of:
23614
23615 @itemize @bullet
23616 @item function
23617 @c @item +offset
23618 @c @item -offset
23619 @c @item linenum
23620 @item filename:linenum
23621 @item filename:function
23622 @item *address
23623 @end itemize
23624
23625 The possible optional parameters of this command are:
23626
23627 @table @samp
23628 @item -t
23629 Insert a temporary breakpoint.
23630 @item -h
23631 Insert a hardware breakpoint.
23632 @item -c @var{condition}
23633 Make the breakpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
23634 @item -i @var{ignore-count}
23635 Initialize the @var{ignore-count}.
23636 @item -f
23637 If @var{location} cannot be parsed (for example if it
23638 refers to unknown files or functions), create a pending
23639 breakpoint. Without this flag, @value{GDBN} will report
23640 an error, and won't create a breakpoint, if @var{location}
23641 cannot be parsed.
23642 @item -d
23643 Create a disabled breakpoint.
23644 @item -a
23645 Create a tracepoint. @xref{Tracepoints}. When this parameter
23646 is used together with @samp{-h}, a fast tracepoint is created.
23647 @end table
23648
23649 @subsubheading Result
23650
23651 The result is in the form:
23652
23653 @smallexample
23654 ^done,bkpt=@{number="@var{number}",type="@var{type}",disp="del"|"keep",
23655 enabled="y"|"n",addr="@var{hex}",func="@var{funcname}",file="@var{filename}",
23656 fullname="@var{full_filename}",line="@var{lineno}",[thread="@var{threadno},]
23657 times="@var{times}"@}
23658 @end smallexample
23659
23660 @noindent
23661 where @var{number} is the @value{GDBN} number for this breakpoint,
23662 @var{funcname} is the name of the function where the breakpoint was
23663 inserted, @var{filename} is the name of the source file which contains
23664 this function, @var{lineno} is the source line number within that file
23665 and @var{times} the number of times that the breakpoint has been hit
23666 (always 0 for -break-insert but may be greater for -break-info or -break-list
23667 which use the same output).
23668
23669 Note: this format is open to change.
23670 @c An out-of-band breakpoint instead of part of the result?
23671
23672 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23673
23674 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{break}, @samp{tbreak},
23675 @samp{hbreak}, @samp{thbreak}, and @samp{rbreak}.
23676
23677 @subsubheading Example
23678
23679 @smallexample
23680 (gdb)
23681 -break-insert main
23682 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",
23683 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="4",times="0"@}
23684 (gdb)
23685 -break-insert -t foo
23686 ^done,bkpt=@{number="2",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c",
23687 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="11",times="0"@}
23688 (gdb)
23689 -break-list
23690 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
23691 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
23692 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
23693 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
23694 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
23695 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
23696 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
23697 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
23698 addr="0x0001072c", func="main",file="recursive2.c",
23699 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,"line="4",times="0"@},
23700 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="del",enabled="y",
23701 addr="0x00010774",func="foo",file="recursive2.c",
23702 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",times="0"@}]@}
23703 (gdb)
23704 -break-insert -r foo.*
23705 ~int foo(int, int);
23706 ^done,bkpt=@{number="3",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c,
23707 "fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",times="0"@}
23708 (gdb)
23709 @end smallexample
23710
23711 @subheading The @code{-break-list} Command
23712 @findex -break-list
23713
23714 @subsubheading Synopsis
23715
23716 @smallexample
23717 -break-list
23718 @end smallexample
23719
23720 Displays the list of inserted breakpoints, showing the following fields:
23721
23722 @table @samp
23723 @item Number
23724 number of the breakpoint
23725 @item Type
23726 type of the breakpoint: @samp{breakpoint} or @samp{watchpoint}
23727 @item Disposition
23728 should the breakpoint be deleted or disabled when it is hit: @samp{keep}
23729 or @samp{nokeep}
23730 @item Enabled
23731 is the breakpoint enabled or no: @samp{y} or @samp{n}
23732 @item Address
23733 memory location at which the breakpoint is set
23734 @item What
23735 logical location of the breakpoint, expressed by function name, file
23736 name, line number
23737 @item Times
23738 number of times the breakpoint has been hit
23739 @end table
23740
23741 If there are no breakpoints or watchpoints, the @code{BreakpointTable}
23742 @code{body} field is an empty list.
23743
23744 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23745
23746 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break}.
23747
23748 @subsubheading Example
23749
23750 @smallexample
23751 (gdb)
23752 -break-list
23753 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
23754 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
23755 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
23756 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
23757 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
23758 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
23759 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
23760 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
23761 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",line="5",times="0"@},
23762 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
23763 addr="0x00010114",func="foo",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
23764 line="13",times="0"@}]@}
23765 (gdb)
23766 @end smallexample
23767
23768 Here's an example of the result when there are no breakpoints:
23769
23770 @smallexample
23771 (gdb)
23772 -break-list
23773 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
23774 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
23775 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
23776 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
23777 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
23778 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
23779 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
23780 body=[]@}
23781 (gdb)
23782 @end smallexample
23783
23784 @subheading The @code{-break-passcount} Command
23785 @findex -break-passcount
23786
23787 @subsubheading Synopsis
23788
23789 @smallexample
23790 -break-passcount @var{tracepoint-number} @var{passcount}
23791 @end smallexample
23792
23793 Set the passcount for tracepoint @var{tracepoint-number} to
23794 @var{passcount}. If the breakpoint referred to by @var{tracepoint-number}
23795 is not a tracepoint, error is emitted. This corresponds to CLI
23796 command @samp{passcount}.
23797
23798 @subheading The @code{-break-watch} Command
23799 @findex -break-watch
23800
23801 @subsubheading Synopsis
23802
23803 @smallexample
23804 -break-watch [ -a | -r ]
23805 @end smallexample
23806
23807 Create a watchpoint. With the @samp{-a} option it will create an
23808 @dfn{access} watchpoint, i.e., a watchpoint that triggers either on a
23809 read from or on a write to the memory location. With the @samp{-r}
23810 option, the watchpoint created is a @dfn{read} watchpoint, i.e., it will
23811 trigger only when the memory location is accessed for reading. Without
23812 either of the options, the watchpoint created is a regular watchpoint,
23813 i.e., it will trigger when the memory location is accessed for writing.
23814 @xref{Set Watchpoints, , Setting Watchpoints}.
23815
23816 Note that @samp{-break-list} will report a single list of watchpoints and
23817 breakpoints inserted.
23818
23819 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23820
23821 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{watch}, @samp{awatch}, and
23822 @samp{rwatch}.
23823
23824 @subsubheading Example
23825
23826 Setting a watchpoint on a variable in the @code{main} function:
23827
23828 @smallexample
23829 (gdb)
23830 -break-watch x
23831 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@}
23832 (gdb)
23833 -exec-continue
23834 ^running
23835 (gdb)
23836 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@},
23837 value=@{old="-268439212",new="55"@},
23838 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
23839 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="5"@}
23840 (gdb)
23841 @end smallexample
23842
23843 Setting a watchpoint on a variable local to a function. @value{GDBN} will stop
23844 the program execution twice: first for the variable changing value, then
23845 for the watchpoint going out of scope.
23846
23847 @smallexample
23848 (gdb)
23849 -break-watch C
23850 ^done,wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@}
23851 (gdb)
23852 -exec-continue
23853 ^running
23854 (gdb)
23855 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",
23856 wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@},value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
23857 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
23858 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
23859 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
23860 (gdb)
23861 -exec-continue
23862 ^running
23863 (gdb)
23864 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="5",
23865 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
23866 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
23867 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
23868 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
23869 (gdb)
23870 @end smallexample
23871
23872 Listing breakpoints and watchpoints, at different points in the program
23873 execution. Note that once the watchpoint goes out of scope, it is
23874 deleted.
23875
23876 @smallexample
23877 (gdb)
23878 -break-watch C
23879 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@}
23880 (gdb)
23881 -break-list
23882 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
23883 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
23884 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
23885 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
23886 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
23887 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
23888 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
23889 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
23890 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
23891 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
23892 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c"line="8",times="1"@},
23893 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
23894 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",times="0"@}]@}
23895 (gdb)
23896 -exec-continue
23897 ^running
23898 (gdb)
23899 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@},
23900 value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
23901 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
23902 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
23903 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
23904 (gdb)
23905 -break-list
23906 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
23907 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
23908 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
23909 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
23910 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
23911 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
23912 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
23913 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
23914 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
23915 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
23916 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",times="1"@},
23917 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
23918 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",times="-5"@}]@}
23919 (gdb)
23920 -exec-continue
23921 ^running
23922 ^done,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="2",
23923 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
23924 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
23925 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
23926 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
23927 (gdb)
23928 -break-list
23929 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
23930 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
23931 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
23932 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
23933 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
23934 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
23935 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
23936 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
23937 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
23938 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
23939 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",
23940 times="1"@}]@}
23941 (gdb)
23942 @end smallexample
23943
23944 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
23945 @node GDB/MI Program Context
23946 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Context
23947
23948 @subheading The @code{-exec-arguments} Command
23949 @findex -exec-arguments
23950
23951
23952 @subsubheading Synopsis
23953
23954 @smallexample
23955 -exec-arguments @var{args}
23956 @end smallexample
23957
23958 Set the inferior program arguments, to be used in the next
23959 @samp{-exec-run}.
23960
23961 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23962
23963 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set args}.
23964
23965 @subsubheading Example
23966
23967 @smallexample
23968 (gdb)
23969 -exec-arguments -v word
23970 ^done
23971 (gdb)
23972 @end smallexample
23973
23974
23975 @ignore
23976 @subheading The @code{-exec-show-arguments} Command
23977 @findex -exec-show-arguments
23978
23979 @subsubheading Synopsis
23980
23981 @smallexample
23982 -exec-show-arguments
23983 @end smallexample
23984
23985 Print the arguments of the program.
23986
23987 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23988
23989 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show args}.
23990
23991 @subsubheading Example
23992 N.A.
23993 @end ignore
23994
23995
23996 @subheading The @code{-environment-cd} Command
23997 @findex -environment-cd
23998
23999 @subsubheading Synopsis
24000
24001 @smallexample
24002 -environment-cd @var{pathdir}
24003 @end smallexample
24004
24005 Set @value{GDBN}'s working directory.
24006
24007 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24008
24009 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{cd}.
24010
24011 @subsubheading Example
24012
24013 @smallexample
24014 (gdb)
24015 -environment-cd /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
24016 ^done
24017 (gdb)
24018 @end smallexample
24019
24020
24021 @subheading The @code{-environment-directory} Command
24022 @findex -environment-directory
24023
24024 @subsubheading Synopsis
24025
24026 @smallexample
24027 -environment-directory [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
24028 @end smallexample
24029
24030 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for source files.
24031 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the default
24032 search path. If directories @var{pathdir} are supplied in addition to the
24033 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
24034 occurs as normal.
24035 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
24036 multiple directories in a single command
24037 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
24038 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
24039 If blanks are needed as
24040 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
24041 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
24042 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
24043 character must not be used
24044 in any directory name.
24045 If no directories are specified, the current search path is displayed.
24046
24047 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24048
24049 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{dir}.
24050
24051 @subsubheading Example
24052
24053 @smallexample
24054 (gdb)
24055 -environment-directory /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
24056 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
24057 (gdb)
24058 -environment-directory ""
24059 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
24060 (gdb)
24061 -environment-directory -r /home/jjohnstn/src/gdb /usr/src
24062 ^done,source-path="/home/jjohnstn/src/gdb:/usr/src:$cdir:$cwd"
24063 (gdb)
24064 -environment-directory -r
24065 ^done,source-path="$cdir:$cwd"
24066 (gdb)
24067 @end smallexample
24068
24069
24070 @subheading The @code{-environment-path} Command
24071 @findex -environment-path
24072
24073 @subsubheading Synopsis
24074
24075 @smallexample
24076 -environment-path [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
24077 @end smallexample
24078
24079 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for object files.
24080 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the original
24081 search path that existed at gdb start-up. If directories @var{pathdir} are
24082 supplied in addition to the
24083 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
24084 occurs as normal.
24085 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
24086 multiple directories in a single command
24087 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
24088 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
24089 If blanks are needed as
24090 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
24091 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
24092 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
24093 character must not be used
24094 in any directory name.
24095 If no directories are specified, the current path is displayed.
24096
24097
24098 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24099
24100 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{path}.
24101
24102 @subsubheading Example
24103
24104 @smallexample
24105 (gdb)
24106 -environment-path
24107 ^done,path="/usr/bin"
24108 (gdb)
24109 -environment-path /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb /bin
24110 ^done,path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb:/bin:/usr/bin"
24111 (gdb)
24112 -environment-path -r /usr/local/bin
24113 ^done,path="/usr/local/bin:/usr/bin"
24114 (gdb)
24115 @end smallexample
24116
24117
24118 @subheading The @code{-environment-pwd} Command
24119 @findex -environment-pwd
24120
24121 @subsubheading Synopsis
24122
24123 @smallexample
24124 -environment-pwd
24125 @end smallexample
24126
24127 Show the current working directory.
24128
24129 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24130
24131 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{pwd}.
24132
24133 @subsubheading Example
24134
24135 @smallexample
24136 (gdb)
24137 -environment-pwd
24138 ^done,cwd="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb"
24139 (gdb)
24140 @end smallexample
24141
24142 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
24143 @node GDB/MI Thread Commands
24144 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Commands
24145
24146
24147 @subheading The @code{-thread-info} Command
24148 @findex -thread-info
24149
24150 @subsubheading Synopsis
24151
24152 @smallexample
24153 -thread-info [ @var{thread-id} ]
24154 @end smallexample
24155
24156 Reports information about either a specific thread, if
24157 the @var{thread-id} parameter is present, or about all
24158 threads. When printing information about all threads,
24159 also reports the current thread.
24160
24161 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24162
24163 The @samp{info thread} command prints the same information
24164 about all threads.
24165
24166 @subsubheading Example
24167
24168 @smallexample
24169 -thread-info
24170 ^done,threads=[
24171 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
24172 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",args=[]@},state="running"@},
24173 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
24174 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
24175 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},state="running"@}],
24176 current-thread-id="1"
24177 (gdb)
24178 @end smallexample
24179
24180 The @samp{state} field may have the following values:
24181
24182 @table @code
24183 @item stopped
24184 The thread is stopped. Frame information is available for stopped
24185 threads.
24186
24187 @item running
24188 The thread is running. There's no frame information for running
24189 threads.
24190
24191 @end table
24192
24193 @subheading The @code{-thread-list-ids} Command
24194 @findex -thread-list-ids
24195
24196 @subsubheading Synopsis
24197
24198 @smallexample
24199 -thread-list-ids
24200 @end smallexample
24201
24202 Produces a list of the currently known @value{GDBN} thread ids. At the
24203 end of the list it also prints the total number of such threads.
24204
24205 This command is retained for historical reasons, the
24206 @code{-thread-info} command should be used instead.
24207
24208 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24209
24210 Part of @samp{info threads} supplies the same information.
24211
24212 @subsubheading Example
24213
24214 @smallexample
24215 (gdb)
24216 -thread-list-ids
24217 ^done,thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
24218 current-thread-id="1",number-of-threads="3"
24219 (gdb)
24220 @end smallexample
24221
24222
24223 @subheading The @code{-thread-select} Command
24224 @findex -thread-select
24225
24226 @subsubheading Synopsis
24227
24228 @smallexample
24229 -thread-select @var{threadnum}
24230 @end smallexample
24231
24232 Make @var{threadnum} the current thread. It prints the number of the new
24233 current thread, and the topmost frame for that thread.
24234
24235 This command is deprecated in favor of explicitly using the
24236 @samp{--thread} option to each command.
24237
24238 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24239
24240 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{thread}.
24241
24242 @subsubheading Example
24243
24244 @smallexample
24245 (gdb)
24246 -exec-next
24247 ^running
24248 (gdb)
24249 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",thread-id="2",line="187",
24250 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.threads/linux-dp.c"
24251 (gdb)
24252 -thread-list-ids
24253 ^done,
24254 thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
24255 number-of-threads="3"
24256 (gdb)
24257 -thread-select 3
24258 ^done,new-thread-id="3",
24259 frame=@{level="0",func="vprintf",
24260 args=[@{name="format",value="0x8048e9c \"%*s%c %d %c\\n\""@},
24261 @{name="arg",value="0x2"@}],file="vprintf.c",line="31"@}
24262 (gdb)
24263 @end smallexample
24264
24265 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
24266 @node GDB/MI Program Execution
24267 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Execution
24268
24269 These are the asynchronous commands which generate the out-of-band
24270 record @samp{*stopped}. Currently @value{GDBN} only really executes
24271 asynchronously with remote targets and this interaction is mimicked in
24272 other cases.
24273
24274 @subheading The @code{-exec-continue} Command
24275 @findex -exec-continue
24276
24277 @subsubheading Synopsis
24278
24279 @smallexample
24280 -exec-continue [--reverse] [--all|--thread-group N]
24281 @end smallexample
24282
24283 Resumes the execution of the inferior program, which will continue
24284 to execute until it reaches a debugger stop event. If the
24285 @samp{--reverse} option is specified, execution resumes in reverse until
24286 it reaches a stop event. Stop events may include
24287 @itemize @bullet
24288 @item
24289 breakpoints or watchpoints
24290 @item
24291 signals or exceptions
24292 @item
24293 the end of the process (or its beginning under @samp{--reverse})
24294 @item
24295 the end or beginning of a replay log if one is being used.
24296 @end itemize
24297 In all-stop mode (@pxref{All-Stop
24298 Mode}), may resume only one thread, or all threads, depending on the
24299 value of the @samp{scheduler-locking} variable. If @samp{--all} is
24300 specified, all threads (in all inferiors) will be resumed. The @samp{--all} option is
24301 ignored in all-stop mode. If the @samp{--thread-group} options is
24302 specified, then all threads in that thread group are resumed.
24303
24304 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24305
24306 The corresponding @value{GDBN} corresponding is @samp{continue}.
24307
24308 @subsubheading Example
24309
24310 @smallexample
24311 -exec-continue
24312 ^running
24313 (gdb)
24314 @@Hello world
24315 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="2",frame=@{
24316 func="foo",args=[],file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",
24317 line="13"@}
24318 (gdb)
24319 @end smallexample
24320
24321
24322 @subheading The @code{-exec-finish} Command
24323 @findex -exec-finish
24324
24325 @subsubheading Synopsis
24326
24327 @smallexample
24328 -exec-finish [--reverse]
24329 @end smallexample
24330
24331 Resumes the execution of the inferior program until the current
24332 function is exited. Displays the results returned by the function.
24333 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes the reverse
24334 execution of the inferior program until the point where current
24335 function was called.
24336
24337 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24338
24339 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{finish}.
24340
24341 @subsubheading Example
24342
24343 Function returning @code{void}.
24344
24345 @smallexample
24346 -exec-finish
24347 ^running
24348 (gdb)
24349 @@hello from foo
24350 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
24351 file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",line="7"@}
24352 (gdb)
24353 @end smallexample
24354
24355 Function returning other than @code{void}. The name of the internal
24356 @value{GDBN} variable storing the result is printed, together with the
24357 value itself.
24358
24359 @smallexample
24360 -exec-finish
24361 ^running
24362 (gdb)
24363 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{addr="0x000107b0",func="foo",
24364 args=[@{name="a",value="1"],@{name="b",value="9"@}@},
24365 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
24366 gdb-result-var="$1",return-value="0"
24367 (gdb)
24368 @end smallexample
24369
24370
24371 @subheading The @code{-exec-interrupt} Command
24372 @findex -exec-interrupt
24373
24374 @subsubheading Synopsis
24375
24376 @smallexample
24377 -exec-interrupt [--all|--thread-group N]
24378 @end smallexample
24379
24380 Interrupts the background execution of the target. Note how the token
24381 associated with the stop message is the one for the execution command
24382 that has been interrupted. The token for the interrupt itself only
24383 appears in the @samp{^done} output. If the user is trying to
24384 interrupt a non-running program, an error message will be printed.
24385
24386 Note that when asynchronous execution is enabled, this command is
24387 asynchronous just like other execution commands. That is, first the
24388 @samp{^done} response will be printed, and the target stop will be
24389 reported after that using the @samp{*stopped} notification.
24390
24391 In non-stop mode, only the context thread is interrupted by default.
24392 All threads (in all inferiors) will be interrupted if the
24393 @samp{--all} option is specified. If the @samp{--thread-group}
24394 option is specified, all threads in that group will be interrupted.
24395
24396 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24397
24398 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interrupt}.
24399
24400 @subsubheading Example
24401
24402 @smallexample
24403 (gdb)
24404 111-exec-continue
24405 111^running
24406
24407 (gdb)
24408 222-exec-interrupt
24409 222^done
24410 (gdb)
24411 111*stopped,signal-name="SIGINT",signal-meaning="Interrupt",
24412 frame=@{addr="0x00010140",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
24413 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="13"@}
24414 (gdb)
24415
24416 (gdb)
24417 -exec-interrupt
24418 ^error,msg="mi_cmd_exec_interrupt: Inferior not executing."
24419 (gdb)
24420 @end smallexample
24421
24422 @subheading The @code{-exec-jump} Command
24423 @findex -exec-jump
24424
24425 @subsubheading Synopsis
24426
24427 @smallexample
24428 -exec-jump @var{location}
24429 @end smallexample
24430
24431 Resumes execution of the inferior program at the location specified by
24432 parameter. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description of the
24433 different forms of @var{location}.
24434
24435 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24436
24437 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{jump}.
24438
24439 @subsubheading Example
24440
24441 @smallexample
24442 -exec-jump foo.c:10
24443 *running,thread-id="all"
24444 ^running
24445 @end smallexample
24446
24447
24448 @subheading The @code{-exec-next} Command
24449 @findex -exec-next
24450
24451 @subsubheading Synopsis
24452
24453 @smallexample
24454 -exec-next [--reverse]
24455 @end smallexample
24456
24457 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
24458 of the next source line is reached.
24459
24460 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution
24461 of the inferior program, stopping at the beginning of the previous
24462 source line. If you issue this command on the first line of a
24463 function, it will take you back to the caller of that function, to the
24464 source line where the function was called.
24465
24466
24467 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24468
24469 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{next}.
24470
24471 @subsubheading Example
24472
24473 @smallexample
24474 -exec-next
24475 ^running
24476 (gdb)
24477 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="8",file="hello.c"
24478 (gdb)
24479 @end smallexample
24480
24481
24482 @subheading The @code{-exec-next-instruction} Command
24483 @findex -exec-next-instruction
24484
24485 @subsubheading Synopsis
24486
24487 @smallexample
24488 -exec-next-instruction [--reverse]
24489 @end smallexample
24490
24491 Executes one machine instruction. If the instruction is a function
24492 call, continues until the function returns. If the program stops at an
24493 instruction in the middle of a source line, the address will be
24494 printed as well.
24495
24496 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution
24497 of the inferior program, stopping at the previous instruction. If the
24498 previously executed instruction was a return from another function,
24499 it will continue to execute in reverse until the call to that function
24500 (from the current stack frame) is reached.
24501
24502 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24503
24504 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{nexti}.
24505
24506 @subsubheading Example
24507
24508 @smallexample
24509 (gdb)
24510 -exec-next-instruction
24511 ^running
24512
24513 (gdb)
24514 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
24515 addr="0x000100d4",line="5",file="hello.c"
24516 (gdb)
24517 @end smallexample
24518
24519
24520 @subheading The @code{-exec-return} Command
24521 @findex -exec-return
24522
24523 @subsubheading Synopsis
24524
24525 @smallexample
24526 -exec-return
24527 @end smallexample
24528
24529 Makes current function return immediately. Doesn't execute the inferior.
24530 Displays the new current frame.
24531
24532 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24533
24534 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{return}.
24535
24536 @subsubheading Example
24537
24538 @smallexample
24539 (gdb)
24540 200-break-insert callee4
24541 200^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x00010734",
24542 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
24543 (gdb)
24544 000-exec-run
24545 000^running
24546 (gdb)
24547 000*stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
24548 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
24549 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
24550 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
24551 (gdb)
24552 205-break-delete
24553 205^done
24554 (gdb)
24555 111-exec-return
24556 111^done,frame=@{level="0",func="callee3",
24557 args=[@{name="strarg",
24558 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
24559 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
24560 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
24561 (gdb)
24562 @end smallexample
24563
24564
24565 @subheading The @code{-exec-run} Command
24566 @findex -exec-run
24567
24568 @subsubheading Synopsis
24569
24570 @smallexample
24571 -exec-run [--all | --thread-group N]
24572 @end smallexample
24573
24574 Starts execution of the inferior from the beginning. The inferior
24575 executes until either a breakpoint is encountered or the program
24576 exits. In the latter case the output will include an exit code, if
24577 the program has exited exceptionally.
24578
24579 When no option is specified, the current inferior is started. If the
24580 @samp{--thread-group} option is specified, it should refer to a thread
24581 group of type @samp{process}, and that thread group will be started.
24582 If the @samp{--all} option is specified, then all inferiors will be started.
24583
24584 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24585
24586 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{run}.
24587
24588 @subsubheading Examples
24589
24590 @smallexample
24591 (gdb)
24592 -break-insert main
24593 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",line="4"@}
24594 (gdb)
24595 -exec-run
24596 ^running
24597 (gdb)
24598 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
24599 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
24600 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}
24601 (gdb)
24602 @end smallexample
24603
24604 @noindent
24605 Program exited normally:
24606
24607 @smallexample
24608 (gdb)
24609 -exec-run
24610 ^running
24611 (gdb)
24612 x = 55
24613 *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
24614 (gdb)
24615 @end smallexample
24616
24617 @noindent
24618 Program exited exceptionally:
24619
24620 @smallexample
24621 (gdb)
24622 -exec-run
24623 ^running
24624 (gdb)
24625 x = 55
24626 *stopped,reason="exited",exit-code="01"
24627 (gdb)
24628 @end smallexample
24629
24630 Another way the program can terminate is if it receives a signal such as
24631 @code{SIGINT}. In this case, @sc{gdb/mi} displays this:
24632
24633 @smallexample
24634 (gdb)
24635 *stopped,reason="exited-signalled",signal-name="SIGINT",
24636 signal-meaning="Interrupt"
24637 @end smallexample
24638
24639
24640 @c @subheading -exec-signal
24641
24642
24643 @subheading The @code{-exec-step} Command
24644 @findex -exec-step
24645
24646 @subsubheading Synopsis
24647
24648 @smallexample
24649 -exec-step [--reverse]
24650 @end smallexample
24651
24652 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
24653 of the next source line is reached, if the next source line is not a
24654 function call. If it is, stop at the first instruction of the called
24655 function. If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse
24656 execution of the inferior program, stopping at the beginning of the
24657 previously executed source line.
24658
24659 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24660
24661 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{step}.
24662
24663 @subsubheading Example
24664
24665 Stepping into a function:
24666
24667 @smallexample
24668 -exec-step
24669 ^running
24670 (gdb)
24671 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
24672 frame=@{func="foo",args=[@{name="a",value="10"@},
24673 @{name="b",value="0"@}],file="recursive2.c",
24674 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@}
24675 (gdb)
24676 @end smallexample
24677
24678 Regular stepping:
24679
24680 @smallexample
24681 -exec-step
24682 ^running
24683 (gdb)
24684 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="14",file="recursive2.c"
24685 (gdb)
24686 @end smallexample
24687
24688
24689 @subheading The @code{-exec-step-instruction} Command
24690 @findex -exec-step-instruction
24691
24692 @subsubheading Synopsis
24693
24694 @smallexample
24695 -exec-step-instruction [--reverse]
24696 @end smallexample
24697
24698 Resumes the inferior which executes one machine instruction. If the
24699 @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution of the
24700 inferior program, stopping at the previously executed instruction.
24701 The output, once @value{GDBN} has stopped, will vary depending on
24702 whether we have stopped in the middle of a source line or not. In the
24703 former case, the address at which the program stopped will be printed
24704 as well.
24705
24706 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24707
24708 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{stepi}.
24709
24710 @subsubheading Example
24711
24712 @smallexample
24713 (gdb)
24714 -exec-step-instruction
24715 ^running
24716
24717 (gdb)
24718 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
24719 frame=@{func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
24720 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
24721 (gdb)
24722 -exec-step-instruction
24723 ^running
24724
24725 (gdb)
24726 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
24727 frame=@{addr="0x000100f4",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
24728 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
24729 (gdb)
24730 @end smallexample
24731
24732
24733 @subheading The @code{-exec-until} Command
24734 @findex -exec-until
24735
24736 @subsubheading Synopsis
24737
24738 @smallexample
24739 -exec-until [ @var{location} ]
24740 @end smallexample
24741
24742 Executes the inferior until the @var{location} specified in the
24743 argument is reached. If there is no argument, the inferior executes
24744 until a source line greater than the current one is reached. The
24745 reason for stopping in this case will be @samp{location-reached}.
24746
24747 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24748
24749 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{until}.
24750
24751 @subsubheading Example
24752
24753 @smallexample
24754 (gdb)
24755 -exec-until recursive2.c:6
24756 ^running
24757 (gdb)
24758 x = 55
24759 *stopped,reason="location-reached",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
24760 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="6"@}
24761 (gdb)
24762 @end smallexample
24763
24764 @ignore
24765 @subheading -file-clear
24766 Is this going away????
24767 @end ignore
24768
24769 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
24770 @node GDB/MI Stack Manipulation
24771 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Stack Manipulation Commands
24772
24773
24774 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-frame} Command
24775 @findex -stack-info-frame
24776
24777 @subsubheading Synopsis
24778
24779 @smallexample
24780 -stack-info-frame
24781 @end smallexample
24782
24783 Get info on the selected frame.
24784
24785 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24786
24787 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info frame} or @samp{frame}
24788 (without arguments).
24789
24790 @subsubheading Example
24791
24792 @smallexample
24793 (gdb)
24794 -stack-info-frame
24795 ^done,frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
24796 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
24797 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@}
24798 (gdb)
24799 @end smallexample
24800
24801 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-depth} Command
24802 @findex -stack-info-depth
24803
24804 @subsubheading Synopsis
24805
24806 @smallexample
24807 -stack-info-depth [ @var{max-depth} ]
24808 @end smallexample
24809
24810 Return the depth of the stack. If the integer argument @var{max-depth}
24811 is specified, do not count beyond @var{max-depth} frames.
24812
24813 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24814
24815 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
24816
24817 @subsubheading Example
24818
24819 For a stack with frame levels 0 through 11:
24820
24821 @smallexample
24822 (gdb)
24823 -stack-info-depth
24824 ^done,depth="12"
24825 (gdb)
24826 -stack-info-depth 4
24827 ^done,depth="4"
24828 (gdb)
24829 -stack-info-depth 12
24830 ^done,depth="12"
24831 (gdb)
24832 -stack-info-depth 11
24833 ^done,depth="11"
24834 (gdb)
24835 -stack-info-depth 13
24836 ^done,depth="12"
24837 (gdb)
24838 @end smallexample
24839
24840 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-arguments} Command
24841 @findex -stack-list-arguments
24842
24843 @subsubheading Synopsis
24844
24845 @smallexample
24846 -stack-list-arguments @var{print-values}
24847 [ @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
24848 @end smallexample
24849
24850 Display a list of the arguments for the frames between @var{low-frame}
24851 and @var{high-frame} (inclusive). If @var{low-frame} and
24852 @var{high-frame} are not provided, list the arguments for the whole
24853 call stack. If the two arguments are equal, show the single frame
24854 at the corresponding level. It is an error if @var{low-frame} is
24855 larger than the actual number of frames. On the other hand,
24856 @var{high-frame} may be larger than the actual number of frames, in
24857 which case only existing frames will be returned.
24858
24859 If @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
24860 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
24861 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
24862 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
24863 structures and unions.
24864
24865 Use of this command to obtain arguments in a single frame is
24866 deprecated in favor of the @samp{-stack-list-variables} command.
24867
24868 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24869
24870 @value{GDBN} does not have an equivalent command. @code{gdbtk} has a
24871 @samp{gdb_get_args} command which partially overlaps with the
24872 functionality of @samp{-stack-list-arguments}.
24873
24874 @subsubheading Example
24875
24876 @smallexample
24877 (gdb)
24878 -stack-list-frames
24879 ^done,
24880 stack=[
24881 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
24882 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
24883 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@},
24884 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
24885 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
24886 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@},
24887 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x0001078c",func="callee2",
24888 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
24889 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="22"@},
24890 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107b4",func="callee1",
24891 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
24892 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="27"@},
24893 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107e0",func="main",
24894 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
24895 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="32"@}]
24896 (gdb)
24897 -stack-list-arguments 0
24898 ^done,
24899 stack-args=[
24900 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
24901 frame=@{level="1",args=[name="strarg"]@},
24902 frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@},
24903 frame=@{level="3",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg",name="fltarg"]@},
24904 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
24905 (gdb)
24906 -stack-list-arguments 1
24907 ^done,
24908 stack-args=[
24909 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
24910 frame=@{level="1",
24911 args=[@{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
24912 frame=@{level="2",args=[
24913 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
24914 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
24915 @{frame=@{level="3",args=[
24916 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
24917 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@},
24918 @{name="fltarg",value="3.5"@}]@},
24919 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
24920 (gdb)
24921 -stack-list-arguments 0 2 2
24922 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@}]
24923 (gdb)
24924 -stack-list-arguments 1 2 2
24925 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",
24926 args=[@{name="intarg",value="2"@},
24927 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@}]
24928 (gdb)
24929 @end smallexample
24930
24931 @c @subheading -stack-list-exception-handlers
24932
24933
24934 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-frames} Command
24935 @findex -stack-list-frames
24936
24937 @subsubheading Synopsis
24938
24939 @smallexample
24940 -stack-list-frames [ @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
24941 @end smallexample
24942
24943 List the frames currently on the stack. For each frame it displays the
24944 following info:
24945
24946 @table @samp
24947 @item @var{level}
24948 The frame number, 0 being the topmost frame, i.e., the innermost function.
24949 @item @var{addr}
24950 The @code{$pc} value for that frame.
24951 @item @var{func}
24952 Function name.
24953 @item @var{file}
24954 File name of the source file where the function lives.
24955 @item @var{line}
24956 Line number corresponding to the @code{$pc}.
24957 @end table
24958
24959 If invoked without arguments, this command prints a backtrace for the
24960 whole stack. If given two integer arguments, it shows the frames whose
24961 levels are between the two arguments (inclusive). If the two arguments
24962 are equal, it shows the single frame at the corresponding level. It is
24963 an error if @var{low-frame} is larger than the actual number of
24964 frames. On the other hand, @var{high-frame} may be larger than the
24965 actual number of frames, in which case only existing frames will be returned.
24966
24967 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24968
24969 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{backtrace} and @samp{where}.
24970
24971 @subsubheading Example
24972
24973 Full stack backtrace:
24974
24975 @smallexample
24976 (gdb)
24977 -stack-list-frames
24978 ^done,stack=
24979 [frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0001076c",func="foo",
24980 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@},
24981 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
24982 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
24983 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
24984 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
24985 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
24986 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
24987 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
24988 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
24989 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
24990 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
24991 frame=@{level="6",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
24992 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
24993 frame=@{level="7",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
24994 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
24995 frame=@{level="8",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
24996 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
24997 frame=@{level="9",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
24998 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
24999 frame=@{level="10",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
25000 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
25001 frame=@{level="11",addr="0x00010738",func="main",
25002 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}]
25003 (gdb)
25004 @end smallexample
25005
25006 Show frames between @var{low_frame} and @var{high_frame}:
25007
25008 @smallexample
25009 (gdb)
25010 -stack-list-frames 3 5
25011 ^done,stack=
25012 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
25013 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
25014 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
25015 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
25016 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
25017 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
25018 (gdb)
25019 @end smallexample
25020
25021 Show a single frame:
25022
25023 @smallexample
25024 (gdb)
25025 -stack-list-frames 3 3
25026 ^done,stack=
25027 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
25028 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
25029 (gdb)
25030 @end smallexample
25031
25032
25033 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-locals} Command
25034 @findex -stack-list-locals
25035
25036 @subsubheading Synopsis
25037
25038 @smallexample
25039 -stack-list-locals @var{print-values}
25040 @end smallexample
25041
25042 Display the local variable names for the selected frame. If
25043 @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
25044 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
25045 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
25046 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
25047 structures and unions. In this last case, a frontend can immediately
25048 display the value of simple data types and create variable objects for
25049 other data types when the user wishes to explore their values in
25050 more detail.
25051
25052 This command is deprecated in favor of the
25053 @samp{-stack-list-variables} command.
25054
25055 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25056
25057 @samp{info locals} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_get_locals} in @code{gdbtk}.
25058
25059 @subsubheading Example
25060
25061 @smallexample
25062 (gdb)
25063 -stack-list-locals 0
25064 ^done,locals=[name="A",name="B",name="C"]
25065 (gdb)
25066 -stack-list-locals --all-values
25067 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",value="1"@},@{name="B",value="2"@},
25068 @{name="C",value="@{1, 2, 3@}"@}]
25069 -stack-list-locals --simple-values
25070 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",type="int",value="1"@},
25071 @{name="B",type="int",value="2"@},@{name="C",type="int [3]"@}]
25072 (gdb)
25073 @end smallexample
25074
25075 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-variables} Command
25076 @findex -stack-list-variables
25077
25078 @subsubheading Synopsis
25079
25080 @smallexample
25081 -stack-list-variables @var{print-values}
25082 @end smallexample
25083
25084 Display the names of local variables and function arguments for the selected frame. If
25085 @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
25086 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
25087 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
25088 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
25089 structures and unions.
25090
25091 @subsubheading Example
25092
25093 @smallexample
25094 (gdb)
25095 -stack-list-variables --thread 1 --frame 0 --all-values
25096 ^done,variables=[@{name="x",value="11"@},@{name="s",value="@{a = 1, b = 2@}"@}]
25097 (gdb)
25098 @end smallexample
25099
25100
25101 @subheading The @code{-stack-select-frame} Command
25102 @findex -stack-select-frame
25103
25104 @subsubheading Synopsis
25105
25106 @smallexample
25107 -stack-select-frame @var{framenum}
25108 @end smallexample
25109
25110 Change the selected frame. Select a different frame @var{framenum} on
25111 the stack.
25112
25113 This command in deprecated in favor of passing the @samp{--frame}
25114 option to every command.
25115
25116 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25117
25118 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{frame}, @samp{up},
25119 @samp{down}, @samp{select-frame}, @samp{up-silent}, and @samp{down-silent}.
25120
25121 @subsubheading Example
25122
25123 @smallexample
25124 (gdb)
25125 -stack-select-frame 2
25126 ^done
25127 (gdb)
25128 @end smallexample
25129
25130 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
25131 @node GDB/MI Variable Objects
25132 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Variable Objects
25133
25134 @ignore
25135
25136 @subheading Motivation for Variable Objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
25137
25138 For the implementation of a variable debugger window (locals, watched
25139 expressions, etc.), we are proposing the adaptation of the existing code
25140 used by @code{Insight}.
25141
25142 The two main reasons for that are:
25143
25144 @enumerate 1
25145 @item
25146 It has been proven in practice (it is already on its second generation).
25147
25148 @item
25149 It will shorten development time (needless to say how important it is
25150 now).
25151 @end enumerate
25152
25153 The original interface was designed to be used by Tcl code, so it was
25154 slightly changed so it could be used through @sc{gdb/mi}. This section
25155 describes the @sc{gdb/mi} operations that will be available and gives some
25156 hints about their use.
25157
25158 @emph{Note}: In addition to the set of operations described here, we
25159 expect the @sc{gui} implementation of a variable window to require, at
25160 least, the following operations:
25161
25162 @itemize @bullet
25163 @item @code{-gdb-show} @code{output-radix}
25164 @item @code{-stack-list-arguments}
25165 @item @code{-stack-list-locals}
25166 @item @code{-stack-select-frame}
25167 @end itemize
25168
25169 @end ignore
25170
25171 @subheading Introduction to Variable Objects
25172
25173 @cindex variable objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
25174
25175 Variable objects are "object-oriented" MI interface for examining and
25176 changing values of expressions. Unlike some other MI interfaces that
25177 work with expressions, variable objects are specifically designed for
25178 simple and efficient presentation in the frontend. A variable object
25179 is identified by string name. When a variable object is created, the
25180 frontend specifies the expression for that variable object. The
25181 expression can be a simple variable, or it can be an arbitrary complex
25182 expression, and can even involve CPU registers. After creating a
25183 variable object, the frontend can invoke other variable object
25184 operations---for example to obtain or change the value of a variable
25185 object, or to change display format.
25186
25187 Variable objects have hierarchical tree structure. Any variable object
25188 that corresponds to a composite type, such as structure in C, has
25189 a number of child variable objects, for example corresponding to each
25190 element of a structure. A child variable object can itself have
25191 children, recursively. Recursion ends when we reach
25192 leaf variable objects, which always have built-in types. Child variable
25193 objects are created only by explicit request, so if a frontend
25194 is not interested in the children of a particular variable object, no
25195 child will be created.
25196
25197 For a leaf variable object it is possible to obtain its value as a
25198 string, or set the value from a string. String value can be also
25199 obtained for a non-leaf variable object, but it's generally a string
25200 that only indicates the type of the object, and does not list its
25201 contents. Assignment to a non-leaf variable object is not allowed.
25202
25203 A frontend does not need to read the values of all variable objects each time
25204 the program stops. Instead, MI provides an update command that lists all
25205 variable objects whose values has changed since the last update
25206 operation. This considerably reduces the amount of data that must
25207 be transferred to the frontend. As noted above, children variable
25208 objects are created on demand, and only leaf variable objects have a
25209 real value. As result, gdb will read target memory only for leaf
25210 variables that frontend has created.
25211
25212 The automatic update is not always desirable. For example, a frontend
25213 might want to keep a value of some expression for future reference,
25214 and never update it. For another example, fetching memory is
25215 relatively slow for embedded targets, so a frontend might want
25216 to disable automatic update for the variables that are either not
25217 visible on the screen, or ``closed''. This is possible using so
25218 called ``frozen variable objects''. Such variable objects are never
25219 implicitly updated.
25220
25221 Variable objects can be either @dfn{fixed} or @dfn{floating}. For the
25222 fixed variable object, the expression is parsed when the variable
25223 object is created, including associating identifiers to specific
25224 variables. The meaning of expression never changes. For a floating
25225 variable object the values of variables whose names appear in the
25226 expressions are re-evaluated every time in the context of the current
25227 frame. Consider this example:
25228
25229 @smallexample
25230 void do_work(...)
25231 @{
25232 struct work_state state;
25233
25234 if (...)
25235 do_work(...);
25236 @}
25237 @end smallexample
25238
25239 If a fixed variable object for the @code{state} variable is created in
25240 this function, and we enter the recursive call, the the variable
25241 object will report the value of @code{state} in the top-level
25242 @code{do_work} invocation. On the other hand, a floating variable
25243 object will report the value of @code{state} in the current frame.
25244
25245 If an expression specified when creating a fixed variable object
25246 refers to a local variable, the variable object becomes bound to the
25247 thread and frame in which the variable object is created. When such
25248 variable object is updated, @value{GDBN} makes sure that the
25249 thread/frame combination the variable object is bound to still exists,
25250 and re-evaluates the variable object in context of that thread/frame.
25251
25252 The following is the complete set of @sc{gdb/mi} operations defined to
25253 access this functionality:
25254
25255 @multitable @columnfractions .4 .6
25256 @item @strong{Operation}
25257 @tab @strong{Description}
25258
25259 @item @code{-enable-pretty-printing}
25260 @tab enable Python-based pretty-printing
25261 @item @code{-var-create}
25262 @tab create a variable object
25263 @item @code{-var-delete}
25264 @tab delete the variable object and/or its children
25265 @item @code{-var-set-format}
25266 @tab set the display format of this variable
25267 @item @code{-var-show-format}
25268 @tab show the display format of this variable
25269 @item @code{-var-info-num-children}
25270 @tab tells how many children this object has
25271 @item @code{-var-list-children}
25272 @tab return a list of the object's children
25273 @item @code{-var-info-type}
25274 @tab show the type of this variable object
25275 @item @code{-var-info-expression}
25276 @tab print parent-relative expression that this variable object represents
25277 @item @code{-var-info-path-expression}
25278 @tab print full expression that this variable object represents
25279 @item @code{-var-show-attributes}
25280 @tab is this variable editable? does it exist here?
25281 @item @code{-var-evaluate-expression}
25282 @tab get the value of this variable
25283 @item @code{-var-assign}
25284 @tab set the value of this variable
25285 @item @code{-var-update}
25286 @tab update the variable and its children
25287 @item @code{-var-set-frozen}
25288 @tab set frozeness attribute
25289 @item @code{-var-set-update-range}
25290 @tab set range of children to display on update
25291 @end multitable
25292
25293 In the next subsection we describe each operation in detail and suggest
25294 how it can be used.
25295
25296 @subheading Description And Use of Operations on Variable Objects
25297
25298 @subheading The @code{-enable-pretty-printing} Command
25299 @findex -enable-pretty-printing
25300
25301 @smallexample
25302 -enable-pretty-printing
25303 @end smallexample
25304
25305 @value{GDBN} allows Python-based visualizers to affect the output of the
25306 MI variable object commands. However, because there was no way to
25307 implement this in a fully backward-compatible way, a front end must
25308 request that this functionality be enabled.
25309
25310 Once enabled, this feature cannot be disabled.
25311
25312 Note that if Python support has not been compiled into @value{GDBN},
25313 this command will still succeed (and do nothing).
25314
25315 This feature is currently (as of @value{GDBN} 7.0) experimental, and
25316 may work differently in future versions of @value{GDBN}.
25317
25318 @subheading The @code{-var-create} Command
25319 @findex -var-create
25320
25321 @subsubheading Synopsis
25322
25323 @smallexample
25324 -var-create @{@var{name} | "-"@}
25325 @{@var{frame-addr} | "*" | "@@"@} @var{expression}
25326 @end smallexample
25327
25328 This operation creates a variable object, which allows the monitoring of
25329 a variable, the result of an expression, a memory cell or a CPU
25330 register.
25331
25332 The @var{name} parameter is the string by which the object can be
25333 referenced. It must be unique. If @samp{-} is specified, the varobj
25334 system will generate a string ``varNNNNNN'' automatically. It will be
25335 unique provided that one does not specify @var{name} of that format.
25336 The command fails if a duplicate name is found.
25337
25338 The frame under which the expression should be evaluated can be
25339 specified by @var{frame-addr}. A @samp{*} indicates that the current
25340 frame should be used. A @samp{@@} indicates that a floating variable
25341 object must be created.
25342
25343 @var{expression} is any expression valid on the current language set (must not
25344 begin with a @samp{*}), or one of the following:
25345
25346 @itemize @bullet
25347 @item
25348 @samp{*@var{addr}}, where @var{addr} is the address of a memory cell
25349
25350 @item
25351 @samp{*@var{addr}-@var{addr}} --- a memory address range (TBD)
25352
25353 @item
25354 @samp{$@var{regname}} --- a CPU register name
25355 @end itemize
25356
25357 @cindex dynamic varobj
25358 A varobj's contents may be provided by a Python-based pretty-printer. In this
25359 case the varobj is known as a @dfn{dynamic varobj}. Dynamic varobjs
25360 have slightly different semantics in some cases. If the
25361 @code{-enable-pretty-printing} command is not sent, then @value{GDBN}
25362 will never create a dynamic varobj. This ensures backward
25363 compatibility for existing clients.
25364
25365 @subsubheading Result
25366
25367 This operation returns attributes of the newly-created varobj. These
25368 are:
25369
25370 @table @samp
25371 @item name
25372 The name of the varobj.
25373
25374 @item numchild
25375 The number of children of the varobj. This number is not necessarily
25376 reliable for a dynamic varobj. Instead, you must examine the
25377 @samp{has_more} attribute.
25378
25379 @item value
25380 The varobj's scalar value. For a varobj whose type is some sort of
25381 aggregate (e.g., a @code{struct}), or for a dynamic varobj, this value
25382 will not be interesting.
25383
25384 @item type
25385 The varobj's type. This is a string representation of the type, as
25386 would be printed by the @value{GDBN} CLI.
25387
25388 @item thread-id
25389 If a variable object is bound to a specific thread, then this is the
25390 thread's identifier.
25391
25392 @item has_more
25393 For a dynamic varobj, this indicates whether there appear to be any
25394 children available. For a non-dynamic varobj, this will be 0.
25395
25396 @item dynamic
25397 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
25398 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
25399 then this attribute will not be present.
25400
25401 @item displayhint
25402 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
25403 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
25404 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
25405 @end table
25406
25407 Typical output will look like this:
25408
25409 @smallexample
25410 name="@var{name}",numchild="@var{N}",type="@var{type}",thread-id="@var{M}",
25411 has_more="@var{has_more}"
25412 @end smallexample
25413
25414
25415 @subheading The @code{-var-delete} Command
25416 @findex -var-delete
25417
25418 @subsubheading Synopsis
25419
25420 @smallexample
25421 -var-delete [ -c ] @var{name}
25422 @end smallexample
25423
25424 Deletes a previously created variable object and all of its children.
25425 With the @samp{-c} option, just deletes the children.
25426
25427 Returns an error if the object @var{name} is not found.
25428
25429
25430 @subheading The @code{-var-set-format} Command
25431 @findex -var-set-format
25432
25433 @subsubheading Synopsis
25434
25435 @smallexample
25436 -var-set-format @var{name} @var{format-spec}
25437 @end smallexample
25438
25439 Sets the output format for the value of the object @var{name} to be
25440 @var{format-spec}.
25441
25442 @anchor{-var-set-format}
25443 The syntax for the @var{format-spec} is as follows:
25444
25445 @smallexample
25446 @var{format-spec} @expansion{}
25447 @{binary | decimal | hexadecimal | octal | natural@}
25448 @end smallexample
25449
25450 The natural format is the default format choosen automatically
25451 based on the variable type (like decimal for an @code{int}, hex
25452 for pointers, etc.).
25453
25454 For a variable with children, the format is set only on the
25455 variable itself, and the children are not affected.
25456
25457 @subheading The @code{-var-show-format} Command
25458 @findex -var-show-format
25459
25460 @subsubheading Synopsis
25461
25462 @smallexample
25463 -var-show-format @var{name}
25464 @end smallexample
25465
25466 Returns the format used to display the value of the object @var{name}.
25467
25468 @smallexample
25469 @var{format} @expansion{}
25470 @var{format-spec}
25471 @end smallexample
25472
25473
25474 @subheading The @code{-var-info-num-children} Command
25475 @findex -var-info-num-children
25476
25477 @subsubheading Synopsis
25478
25479 @smallexample
25480 -var-info-num-children @var{name}
25481 @end smallexample
25482
25483 Returns the number of children of a variable object @var{name}:
25484
25485 @smallexample
25486 numchild=@var{n}
25487 @end smallexample
25488
25489 Note that this number is not completely reliable for a dynamic varobj.
25490 It will return the current number of children, but more children may
25491 be available.
25492
25493
25494 @subheading The @code{-var-list-children} Command
25495 @findex -var-list-children
25496
25497 @subsubheading Synopsis
25498
25499 @smallexample
25500 -var-list-children [@var{print-values}] @var{name} [@var{from} @var{to}]
25501 @end smallexample
25502 @anchor{-var-list-children}
25503
25504 Return a list of the children of the specified variable object and
25505 create variable objects for them, if they do not already exist. With
25506 a single argument or if @var{print-values} has a value for of 0 or
25507 @code{--no-values}, print only the names of the variables; if
25508 @var{print-values} is 1 or @code{--all-values}, also print their
25509 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values} print the name and
25510 value for simple data types and just the name for arrays, structures
25511 and unions.
25512
25513 @var{from} and @var{to}, if specified, indicate the range of children
25514 to report. If @var{from} or @var{to} is less than zero, the range is
25515 reset and all children will be reported. Otherwise, children starting
25516 at @var{from} (zero-based) and up to and excluding @var{to} will be
25517 reported.
25518
25519 If a child range is requested, it will only affect the current call to
25520 @code{-var-list-children}, but not future calls to @code{-var-update}.
25521 For this, you must instead use @code{-var-set-update-range}. The
25522 intent of this approach is to enable a front end to implement any
25523 update approach it likes; for example, scrolling a view may cause the
25524 front end to request more children with @code{-var-list-children}, and
25525 then the front end could call @code{-var-set-update-range} with a
25526 different range to ensure that future updates are restricted to just
25527 the visible items.
25528
25529 For each child the following results are returned:
25530
25531 @table @var
25532
25533 @item name
25534 Name of the variable object created for this child.
25535
25536 @item exp
25537 The expression to be shown to the user by the front end to designate this child.
25538 For example this may be the name of a structure member.
25539
25540 For a dynamic varobj, this value cannot be used to form an
25541 expression. There is no way to do this at all with a dynamic varobj.
25542
25543 For C/C@t{++} structures there are several pseudo children returned to
25544 designate access qualifiers. For these pseudo children @var{exp} is
25545 @samp{public}, @samp{private}, or @samp{protected}. In this case the
25546 type and value are not present.
25547
25548 A dynamic varobj will not report the access qualifying
25549 pseudo-children, regardless of the language. This information is not
25550 available at all with a dynamic varobj.
25551
25552 @item numchild
25553 Number of children this child has. For a dynamic varobj, this will be
25554 0.
25555
25556 @item type
25557 The type of the child.
25558
25559 @item value
25560 If values were requested, this is the value.
25561
25562 @item thread-id
25563 If this variable object is associated with a thread, this is the thread id.
25564 Otherwise this result is not present.
25565
25566 @item frozen
25567 If the variable object is frozen, this variable will be present with a value of 1.
25568 @end table
25569
25570 The result may have its own attributes:
25571
25572 @table @samp
25573 @item displayhint
25574 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
25575 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
25576 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
25577
25578 @item has_more
25579 This is an integer attribute which is nonzero if there are children
25580 remaining after the end of the selected range.
25581 @end table
25582
25583 @subsubheading Example
25584
25585 @smallexample
25586 (gdb)
25587 -var-list-children n
25588 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
25589 numchild=@var{n},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
25590 (gdb)
25591 -var-list-children --all-values n
25592 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
25593 numchild=@var{n},value=@var{value},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
25594 @end smallexample
25595
25596
25597 @subheading The @code{-var-info-type} Command
25598 @findex -var-info-type
25599
25600 @subsubheading Synopsis
25601
25602 @smallexample
25603 -var-info-type @var{name}
25604 @end smallexample
25605
25606 Returns the type of the specified variable @var{name}. The type is
25607 returned as a string in the same format as it is output by the
25608 @value{GDBN} CLI:
25609
25610 @smallexample
25611 type=@var{typename}
25612 @end smallexample
25613
25614
25615 @subheading The @code{-var-info-expression} Command
25616 @findex -var-info-expression
25617
25618 @subsubheading Synopsis
25619
25620 @smallexample
25621 -var-info-expression @var{name}
25622 @end smallexample
25623
25624 Returns a string that is suitable for presenting this
25625 variable object in user interface. The string is generally
25626 not valid expression in the current language, and cannot be evaluated.
25627
25628 For example, if @code{a} is an array, and variable object
25629 @code{A} was created for @code{a}, then we'll get this output:
25630
25631 @smallexample
25632 (gdb) -var-info-expression A.1
25633 ^done,lang="C",exp="1"
25634 @end smallexample
25635
25636 @noindent
25637 Here, the values of @code{lang} can be @code{@{"C" | "C++" | "Java"@}}.
25638
25639 Note that the output of the @code{-var-list-children} command also
25640 includes those expressions, so the @code{-var-info-expression} command
25641 is of limited use.
25642
25643 @subheading The @code{-var-info-path-expression} Command
25644 @findex -var-info-path-expression
25645
25646 @subsubheading Synopsis
25647
25648 @smallexample
25649 -var-info-path-expression @var{name}
25650 @end smallexample
25651
25652 Returns an expression that can be evaluated in the current
25653 context and will yield the same value that a variable object has.
25654 Compare this with the @code{-var-info-expression} command, which
25655 result can be used only for UI presentation. Typical use of
25656 the @code{-var-info-path-expression} command is creating a
25657 watchpoint from a variable object.
25658
25659 This command is currently not valid for children of a dynamic varobj,
25660 and will give an error when invoked on one.
25661
25662 For example, suppose @code{C} is a C@t{++} class, derived from class
25663 @code{Base}, and that the @code{Base} class has a member called
25664 @code{m_size}. Assume a variable @code{c} is has the type of
25665 @code{C} and a variable object @code{C} was created for variable
25666 @code{c}. Then, we'll get this output:
25667 @smallexample
25668 (gdb) -var-info-path-expression C.Base.public.m_size
25669 ^done,path_expr=((Base)c).m_size)
25670 @end smallexample
25671
25672 @subheading The @code{-var-show-attributes} Command
25673 @findex -var-show-attributes
25674
25675 @subsubheading Synopsis
25676
25677 @smallexample
25678 -var-show-attributes @var{name}
25679 @end smallexample
25680
25681 List attributes of the specified variable object @var{name}:
25682
25683 @smallexample
25684 status=@var{attr} [ ( ,@var{attr} )* ]
25685 @end smallexample
25686
25687 @noindent
25688 where @var{attr} is @code{@{ @{ editable | noneditable @} | TBD @}}.
25689
25690 @subheading The @code{-var-evaluate-expression} Command
25691 @findex -var-evaluate-expression
25692
25693 @subsubheading Synopsis
25694
25695 @smallexample
25696 -var-evaluate-expression [-f @var{format-spec}] @var{name}
25697 @end smallexample
25698
25699 Evaluates the expression that is represented by the specified variable
25700 object and returns its value as a string. The format of the string
25701 can be specified with the @samp{-f} option. The possible values of
25702 this option are the same as for @code{-var-set-format}
25703 (@pxref{-var-set-format}). If the @samp{-f} option is not specified,
25704 the current display format will be used. The current display format
25705 can be changed using the @code{-var-set-format} command.
25706
25707 @smallexample
25708 value=@var{value}
25709 @end smallexample
25710
25711 Note that one must invoke @code{-var-list-children} for a variable
25712 before the value of a child variable can be evaluated.
25713
25714 @subheading The @code{-var-assign} Command
25715 @findex -var-assign
25716
25717 @subsubheading Synopsis
25718
25719 @smallexample
25720 -var-assign @var{name} @var{expression}
25721 @end smallexample
25722
25723 Assigns the value of @var{expression} to the variable object specified
25724 by @var{name}. The object must be @samp{editable}. If the variable's
25725 value is altered by the assign, the variable will show up in any
25726 subsequent @code{-var-update} list.
25727
25728 @subsubheading Example
25729
25730 @smallexample
25731 (gdb)
25732 -var-assign var1 3
25733 ^done,value="3"
25734 (gdb)
25735 -var-update *
25736 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",in_scope="true",type_changed="false"@}]
25737 (gdb)
25738 @end smallexample
25739
25740 @subheading The @code{-var-update} Command
25741 @findex -var-update
25742
25743 @subsubheading Synopsis
25744
25745 @smallexample
25746 -var-update [@var{print-values}] @{@var{name} | "*"@}
25747 @end smallexample
25748
25749 Reevaluate the expressions corresponding to the variable object
25750 @var{name} and all its direct and indirect children, and return the
25751 list of variable objects whose values have changed; @var{name} must
25752 be a root variable object. Here, ``changed'' means that the result of
25753 @code{-var-evaluate-expression} before and after the
25754 @code{-var-update} is different. If @samp{*} is used as the variable
25755 object names, all existing variable objects are updated, except
25756 for frozen ones (@pxref{-var-set-frozen}). The option
25757 @var{print-values} determines whether both names and values, or just
25758 names are printed. The possible values of this option are the same
25759 as for @code{-var-list-children} (@pxref{-var-list-children}). It is
25760 recommended to use the @samp{--all-values} option, to reduce the
25761 number of MI commands needed on each program stop.
25762
25763 With the @samp{*} parameter, if a variable object is bound to a
25764 currently running thread, it will not be updated, without any
25765 diagnostic.
25766
25767 If @code{-var-set-update-range} was previously used on a varobj, then
25768 only the selected range of children will be reported.
25769
25770 @code{-var-update} reports all the changed varobjs in a tuple named
25771 @samp{changelist}.
25772
25773 Each item in the change list is itself a tuple holding:
25774
25775 @table @samp
25776 @item name
25777 The name of the varobj.
25778
25779 @item value
25780 If values were requested for this update, then this field will be
25781 present and will hold the value of the varobj.
25782
25783 @item in_scope
25784 @anchor{-var-update}
25785 This field is a string which may take one of three values:
25786
25787 @table @code
25788 @item "true"
25789 The variable object's current value is valid.
25790
25791 @item "false"
25792 The variable object does not currently hold a valid value but it may
25793 hold one in the future if its associated expression comes back into
25794 scope.
25795
25796 @item "invalid"
25797 The variable object no longer holds a valid value.
25798 This can occur when the executable file being debugged has changed,
25799 either through recompilation or by using the @value{GDBN} @code{file}
25800 command. The front end should normally choose to delete these variable
25801 objects.
25802 @end table
25803
25804 In the future new values may be added to this list so the front should
25805 be prepared for this possibility. @xref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, ,@sc{GDB/MI} Development and Front Ends}.
25806
25807 @item type_changed
25808 This is only present if the varobj is still valid. If the type
25809 changed, then this will be the string @samp{true}; otherwise it will
25810 be @samp{false}.
25811
25812 @item new_type
25813 If the varobj's type changed, then this field will be present and will
25814 hold the new type.
25815
25816 @item new_num_children
25817 For a dynamic varobj, if the number of children changed, or if the
25818 type changed, this will be the new number of children.
25819
25820 The @samp{numchild} field in other varobj responses is generally not
25821 valid for a dynamic varobj -- it will show the number of children that
25822 @value{GDBN} knows about, but because dynamic varobjs lazily
25823 instantiate their children, this will not reflect the number of
25824 children which may be available.
25825
25826 The @samp{new_num_children} attribute only reports changes to the
25827 number of children known by @value{GDBN}. This is the only way to
25828 detect whether an update has removed children (which necessarily can
25829 only happen at the end of the update range).
25830
25831 @item displayhint
25832 The display hint, if any.
25833
25834 @item has_more
25835 This is an integer value, which will be 1 if there are more children
25836 available outside the varobj's update range.
25837
25838 @item dynamic
25839 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
25840 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
25841 then this attribute will not be present.
25842
25843 @item new_children
25844 If new children were added to a dynamic varobj within the selected
25845 update range (as set by @code{-var-set-update-range}), then they will
25846 be listed in this attribute.
25847 @end table
25848
25849 @subsubheading Example
25850
25851 @smallexample
25852 (gdb)
25853 -var-assign var1 3
25854 ^done,value="3"
25855 (gdb)
25856 -var-update --all-values var1
25857 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",value="3",in_scope="true",
25858 type_changed="false"@}]
25859 (gdb)
25860 @end smallexample
25861
25862 @subheading The @code{-var-set-frozen} Command
25863 @findex -var-set-frozen
25864 @anchor{-var-set-frozen}
25865
25866 @subsubheading Synopsis
25867
25868 @smallexample
25869 -var-set-frozen @var{name} @var{flag}
25870 @end smallexample
25871
25872 Set the frozenness flag on the variable object @var{name}. The
25873 @var{flag} parameter should be either @samp{1} to make the variable
25874 frozen or @samp{0} to make it unfrozen. If a variable object is
25875 frozen, then neither itself, nor any of its children, are
25876 implicitly updated by @code{-var-update} of
25877 a parent variable or by @code{-var-update *}. Only
25878 @code{-var-update} of the variable itself will update its value and
25879 values of its children. After a variable object is unfrozen, it is
25880 implicitly updated by all subsequent @code{-var-update} operations.
25881 Unfreezing a variable does not update it, only subsequent
25882 @code{-var-update} does.
25883
25884 @subsubheading Example
25885
25886 @smallexample
25887 (gdb)
25888 -var-set-frozen V 1
25889 ^done
25890 (gdb)
25891 @end smallexample
25892
25893 @subheading The @code{-var-set-update-range} command
25894 @findex -var-set-update-range
25895 @anchor{-var-set-update-range}
25896
25897 @subsubheading Synopsis
25898
25899 @smallexample
25900 -var-set-update-range @var{name} @var{from} @var{to}
25901 @end smallexample
25902
25903 Set the range of children to be returned by future invocations of
25904 @code{-var-update}.
25905
25906 @var{from} and @var{to} indicate the range of children to report. If
25907 @var{from} or @var{to} is less than zero, the range is reset and all
25908 children will be reported. Otherwise, children starting at @var{from}
25909 (zero-based) and up to and excluding @var{to} will be reported.
25910
25911 @subsubheading Example
25912
25913 @smallexample
25914 (gdb)
25915 -var-set-update-range V 1 2
25916 ^done
25917 @end smallexample
25918
25919 @subheading The @code{-var-set-visualizer} command
25920 @findex -var-set-visualizer
25921 @anchor{-var-set-visualizer}
25922
25923 @subsubheading Synopsis
25924
25925 @smallexample
25926 -var-set-visualizer @var{name} @var{visualizer}
25927 @end smallexample
25928
25929 Set a visualizer for the variable object @var{name}.
25930
25931 @var{visualizer} is the visualizer to use. The special value
25932 @samp{None} means to disable any visualizer in use.
25933
25934 If not @samp{None}, @var{visualizer} must be a Python expression.
25935 This expression must evaluate to a callable object which accepts a
25936 single argument. @value{GDBN} will call this object with the value of
25937 the varobj @var{name} as an argument (this is done so that the same
25938 Python pretty-printing code can be used for both the CLI and MI).
25939 When called, this object must return an object which conforms to the
25940 pretty-printing interface (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}).
25941
25942 The pre-defined function @code{gdb.default_visualizer} may be used to
25943 select a visualizer by following the built-in process
25944 (@pxref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}). This is done automatically when
25945 a varobj is created, and so ordinarily is not needed.
25946
25947 This feature is only available if Python support is enabled. The MI
25948 command @code{-list-features} (@pxref{GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands})
25949 can be used to check this.
25950
25951 @subsubheading Example
25952
25953 Resetting the visualizer:
25954
25955 @smallexample
25956 (gdb)
25957 -var-set-visualizer V None
25958 ^done
25959 @end smallexample
25960
25961 Reselecting the default (type-based) visualizer:
25962
25963 @smallexample
25964 (gdb)
25965 -var-set-visualizer V gdb.default_visualizer
25966 ^done
25967 @end smallexample
25968
25969 Suppose @code{SomeClass} is a visualizer class. A lambda expression
25970 can be used to instantiate this class for a varobj:
25971
25972 @smallexample
25973 (gdb)
25974 -var-set-visualizer V "lambda val: SomeClass()"
25975 ^done
25976 @end smallexample
25977
25978 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
25979 @node GDB/MI Data Manipulation
25980 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Data Manipulation
25981
25982 @cindex data manipulation, in @sc{gdb/mi}
25983 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, data manipulation
25984 This section describes the @sc{gdb/mi} commands that manipulate data:
25985 examine memory and registers, evaluate expressions, etc.
25986
25987 @c REMOVED FROM THE INTERFACE.
25988 @c @subheading -data-assign
25989 @c Change the value of a program variable. Plenty of side effects.
25990 @c @subsubheading GDB Command
25991 @c set variable
25992 @c @subsubheading Example
25993 @c N.A.
25994
25995 @subheading The @code{-data-disassemble} Command
25996 @findex -data-disassemble
25997
25998 @subsubheading Synopsis
25999
26000 @smallexample
26001 -data-disassemble
26002 [ -s @var{start-addr} -e @var{end-addr} ]
26003 | [ -f @var{filename} -l @var{linenum} [ -n @var{lines} ] ]
26004 -- @var{mode}
26005 @end smallexample
26006
26007 @noindent
26008 Where:
26009
26010 @table @samp
26011 @item @var{start-addr}
26012 is the beginning address (or @code{$pc})
26013 @item @var{end-addr}
26014 is the end address
26015 @item @var{filename}
26016 is the name of the file to disassemble
26017 @item @var{linenum}
26018 is the line number to disassemble around
26019 @item @var{lines}
26020 is the number of disassembly lines to be produced. If it is -1,
26021 the whole function will be disassembled, in case no @var{end-addr} is
26022 specified. If @var{end-addr} is specified as a non-zero value, and
26023 @var{lines} is lower than the number of disassembly lines between
26024 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only @var{lines} lines are
26025 displayed; if @var{lines} is higher than the number of lines between
26026 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only the lines up to @var{end-addr}
26027 are displayed.
26028 @item @var{mode}
26029 is either 0 (meaning only disassembly) or 1 (meaning mixed source and
26030 disassembly).
26031 @end table
26032
26033 @subsubheading Result
26034
26035 The output for each instruction is composed of four fields:
26036
26037 @itemize @bullet
26038 @item Address
26039 @item Func-name
26040 @item Offset
26041 @item Instruction
26042 @end itemize
26043
26044 Note that whatever included in the instruction field, is not manipulated
26045 directly by @sc{gdb/mi}, i.e., it is not possible to adjust its format.
26046
26047 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26048
26049 There's no direct mapping from this command to the CLI.
26050
26051 @subsubheading Example
26052
26053 Disassemble from the current value of @code{$pc} to @code{$pc + 20}:
26054
26055 @smallexample
26056 (gdb)
26057 -data-disassemble -s $pc -e "$pc + 20" -- 0
26058 ^done,
26059 asm_insns=[
26060 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
26061 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
26062 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
26063 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
26064 @{address="0x000107c8",func-name="main",offset="12",
26065 inst="or %o2, 0x140, %o1\t! 0x11940 <_lib_version+8>"@},
26066 @{address="0x000107cc",func-name="main",offset="16",
26067 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
26068 @{address="0x000107d0",func-name="main",offset="20",
26069 inst="or %o2, 0x168, %o4\t! 0x11968 <_lib_version+48>"@}]
26070 (gdb)
26071 @end smallexample
26072
26073 Disassemble the whole @code{main} function. Line 32 is part of
26074 @code{main}.
26075
26076 @smallexample
26077 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -- 0
26078 ^done,asm_insns=[
26079 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
26080 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
26081 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
26082 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
26083 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
26084 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
26085 [@dots{}]
26086 @{address="0x0001081c",func-name="main",offset="96",inst="ret "@},
26087 @{address="0x00010820",func-name="main",offset="100",inst="restore "@}]
26088 (gdb)
26089 @end smallexample
26090
26091 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main}:
26092
26093 @smallexample
26094 (gdb)
26095 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 0
26096 ^done,asm_insns=[
26097 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
26098 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
26099 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
26100 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
26101 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
26102 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]
26103 (gdb)
26104 @end smallexample
26105
26106 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main} in mixed mode:
26107
26108 @smallexample
26109 (gdb)
26110 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 1
26111 ^done,asm_insns=[
26112 src_and_asm_line=@{line="31",
26113 file="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb/ \
26114 testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line_asm_insn=[
26115 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
26116 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@}]@},
26117 src_and_asm_line=@{line="32",
26118 file="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb/ \
26119 testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line_asm_insn=[
26120 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
26121 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
26122 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
26123 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]@}]
26124 (gdb)
26125 @end smallexample
26126
26127
26128 @subheading The @code{-data-evaluate-expression} Command
26129 @findex -data-evaluate-expression
26130
26131 @subsubheading Synopsis
26132
26133 @smallexample
26134 -data-evaluate-expression @var{expr}
26135 @end smallexample
26136
26137 Evaluate @var{expr} as an expression. The expression could contain an
26138 inferior function call. The function call will execute synchronously.
26139 If the expression contains spaces, it must be enclosed in double quotes.
26140
26141 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26142
26143 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{print}, @samp{output}, and
26144 @samp{call}. In @code{gdbtk} only, there's a corresponding
26145 @samp{gdb_eval} command.
26146
26147 @subsubheading Example
26148
26149 In the following example, the numbers that precede the commands are the
26150 @dfn{tokens} described in @ref{GDB/MI Command Syntax, ,@sc{gdb/mi}
26151 Command Syntax}. Notice how @sc{gdb/mi} returns the same tokens in its
26152 output.
26153
26154 @smallexample
26155 211-data-evaluate-expression A
26156 211^done,value="1"
26157 (gdb)
26158 311-data-evaluate-expression &A
26159 311^done,value="0xefffeb7c"
26160 (gdb)
26161 411-data-evaluate-expression A+3
26162 411^done,value="4"
26163 (gdb)
26164 511-data-evaluate-expression "A + 3"
26165 511^done,value="4"
26166 (gdb)
26167 @end smallexample
26168
26169
26170 @subheading The @code{-data-list-changed-registers} Command
26171 @findex -data-list-changed-registers
26172
26173 @subsubheading Synopsis
26174
26175 @smallexample
26176 -data-list-changed-registers
26177 @end smallexample
26178
26179 Display a list of the registers that have changed.
26180
26181 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26182
26183 @value{GDBN} doesn't have a direct analog for this command; @code{gdbtk}
26184 has the corresponding command @samp{gdb_changed_register_list}.
26185
26186 @subsubheading Example
26187
26188 On a PPC MBX board:
26189
26190 @smallexample
26191 (gdb)
26192 -exec-continue
26193 ^running
26194
26195 (gdb)
26196 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",frame=@{
26197 func="main",args=[],file="try.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",
26198 line="5"@}
26199 (gdb)
26200 -data-list-changed-registers
26201 ^done,changed-registers=["0","1","2","4","5","6","7","8","9",
26202 "10","11","13","14","15","16","17","18","19","20","21","22","23",
26203 "24","25","26","27","28","30","31","64","65","66","67","69"]
26204 (gdb)
26205 @end smallexample
26206
26207
26208 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-names} Command
26209 @findex -data-list-register-names
26210
26211 @subsubheading Synopsis
26212
26213 @smallexample
26214 -data-list-register-names [ ( @var{regno} )+ ]
26215 @end smallexample
26216
26217 Show a list of register names for the current target. If no arguments
26218 are given, it shows a list of the names of all the registers. If
26219 integer numbers are given as arguments, it will print a list of the
26220 names of the registers corresponding to the arguments. To ensure
26221 consistency between a register name and its number, the output list may
26222 include empty register names.
26223
26224 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26225
26226 @value{GDBN} does not have a command which corresponds to
26227 @samp{-data-list-register-names}. In @code{gdbtk} there is a
26228 corresponding command @samp{gdb_regnames}.
26229
26230 @subsubheading Example
26231
26232 For the PPC MBX board:
26233 @smallexample
26234 (gdb)
26235 -data-list-register-names
26236 ^done,register-names=["r0","r1","r2","r3","r4","r5","r6","r7",
26237 "r8","r9","r10","r11","r12","r13","r14","r15","r16","r17","r18",
26238 "r19","r20","r21","r22","r23","r24","r25","r26","r27","r28","r29",
26239 "r30","r31","f0","f1","f2","f3","f4","f5","f6","f7","f8","f9",
26240 "f10","f11","f12","f13","f14","f15","f16","f17","f18","f19","f20",
26241 "f21","f22","f23","f24","f25","f26","f27","f28","f29","f30","f31",
26242 "", "pc","ps","cr","lr","ctr","xer"]
26243 (gdb)
26244 -data-list-register-names 1 2 3
26245 ^done,register-names=["r1","r2","r3"]
26246 (gdb)
26247 @end smallexample
26248
26249 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-values} Command
26250 @findex -data-list-register-values
26251
26252 @subsubheading Synopsis
26253
26254 @smallexample
26255 -data-list-register-values @var{fmt} [ ( @var{regno} )*]
26256 @end smallexample
26257
26258 Display the registers' contents. @var{fmt} is the format according to
26259 which the registers' contents are to be returned, followed by an optional
26260 list of numbers specifying the registers to display. A missing list of
26261 numbers indicates that the contents of all the registers must be returned.
26262
26263 Allowed formats for @var{fmt} are:
26264
26265 @table @code
26266 @item x
26267 Hexadecimal
26268 @item o
26269 Octal
26270 @item t
26271 Binary
26272 @item d
26273 Decimal
26274 @item r
26275 Raw
26276 @item N
26277 Natural
26278 @end table
26279
26280 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26281
26282 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{info reg}, @samp{info
26283 all-reg}, and (in @code{gdbtk}) @samp{gdb_fetch_registers}.
26284
26285 @subsubheading Example
26286
26287 For a PPC MBX board (note: line breaks are for readability only, they
26288 don't appear in the actual output):
26289
26290 @smallexample
26291 (gdb)
26292 -data-list-register-values r 64 65
26293 ^done,register-values=[@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
26294 @{number="65",value="0x00029002"@}]
26295 (gdb)
26296 -data-list-register-values x
26297 ^done,register-values=[@{number="0",value="0xfe0043c8"@},
26298 @{number="1",value="0x3fff88"@},@{number="2",value="0xfffffffe"@},
26299 @{number="3",value="0x0"@},@{number="4",value="0xa"@},
26300 @{number="5",value="0x3fff68"@},@{number="6",value="0x3fff58"@},
26301 @{number="7",value="0xfe011e98"@},@{number="8",value="0x2"@},
26302 @{number="9",value="0xfa202820"@},@{number="10",value="0xfa202808"@},
26303 @{number="11",value="0x1"@},@{number="12",value="0x0"@},
26304 @{number="13",value="0x4544"@},@{number="14",value="0xffdfffff"@},
26305 @{number="15",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="16",value="0xfffffeff"@},
26306 @{number="17",value="0xefffffed"@},@{number="18",value="0xfffffffe"@},
26307 @{number="19",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="20",value="0xffffffff"@},
26308 @{number="21",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="22",value="0xfffffff7"@},
26309 @{number="23",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="24",value="0xffffffff"@},
26310 @{number="25",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="26",value="0xfffffffb"@},
26311 @{number="27",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="28",value="0xf7bfffff"@},
26312 @{number="29",value="0x0"@},@{number="30",value="0xfe010000"@},
26313 @{number="31",value="0x0"@},@{number="32",value="0x0"@},
26314 @{number="33",value="0x0"@},@{number="34",value="0x0"@},
26315 @{number="35",value="0x0"@},@{number="36",value="0x0"@},
26316 @{number="37",value="0x0"@},@{number="38",value="0x0"@},
26317 @{number="39",value="0x0"@},@{number="40",value="0x0"@},
26318 @{number="41",value="0x0"@},@{number="42",value="0x0"@},
26319 @{number="43",value="0x0"@},@{number="44",value="0x0"@},
26320 @{number="45",value="0x0"@},@{number="46",value="0x0"@},
26321 @{number="47",value="0x0"@},@{number="48",value="0x0"@},
26322 @{number="49",value="0x0"@},@{number="50",value="0x0"@},
26323 @{number="51",value="0x0"@},@{number="52",value="0x0"@},
26324 @{number="53",value="0x0"@},@{number="54",value="0x0"@},
26325 @{number="55",value="0x0"@},@{number="56",value="0x0"@},
26326 @{number="57",value="0x0"@},@{number="58",value="0x0"@},
26327 @{number="59",value="0x0"@},@{number="60",value="0x0"@},
26328 @{number="61",value="0x0"@},@{number="62",value="0x0"@},
26329 @{number="63",value="0x0"@},@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
26330 @{number="65",value="0x29002"@},@{number="66",value="0x202f04b5"@},
26331 @{number="67",value="0xfe0043b0"@},@{number="68",value="0xfe00b3e4"@},
26332 @{number="69",value="0x20002b03"@}]
26333 (gdb)
26334 @end smallexample
26335
26336
26337 @subheading The @code{-data-read-memory} Command
26338 @findex -data-read-memory
26339
26340 @subsubheading Synopsis
26341
26342 @smallexample
26343 -data-read-memory [ -o @var{byte-offset} ]
26344 @var{address} @var{word-format} @var{word-size}
26345 @var{nr-rows} @var{nr-cols} [ @var{aschar} ]
26346 @end smallexample
26347
26348 @noindent
26349 where:
26350
26351 @table @samp
26352 @item @var{address}
26353 An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
26354 read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
26355 quoted using the C convention.
26356
26357 @item @var{word-format}
26358 The format to be used to print the memory words. The notation is the
26359 same as for @value{GDBN}'s @code{print} command (@pxref{Output Formats,
26360 ,Output Formats}).
26361
26362 @item @var{word-size}
26363 The size of each memory word in bytes.
26364
26365 @item @var{nr-rows}
26366 The number of rows in the output table.
26367
26368 @item @var{nr-cols}
26369 The number of columns in the output table.
26370
26371 @item @var{aschar}
26372 If present, indicates that each row should include an @sc{ascii} dump. The
26373 value of @var{aschar} is used as a padding character when a byte is not a
26374 member of the printable @sc{ascii} character set (printable @sc{ascii}
26375 characters are those whose code is between 32 and 126, inclusively).
26376
26377 @item @var{byte-offset}
26378 An offset to add to the @var{address} before fetching memory.
26379 @end table
26380
26381 This command displays memory contents as a table of @var{nr-rows} by
26382 @var{nr-cols} words, each word being @var{word-size} bytes. In total,
26383 @code{@var{nr-rows} * @var{nr-cols} * @var{word-size}} bytes are read
26384 (returned as @samp{total-bytes}). Should less than the requested number
26385 of bytes be returned by the target, the missing words are identified
26386 using @samp{N/A}. The number of bytes read from the target is returned
26387 in @samp{nr-bytes} and the starting address used to read memory in
26388 @samp{addr}.
26389
26390 The address of the next/previous row or page is available in
26391 @samp{next-row} and @samp{prev-row}, @samp{next-page} and
26392 @samp{prev-page}.
26393
26394 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26395
26396 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}. @code{gdbtk} has
26397 @samp{gdb_get_mem} memory read command.
26398
26399 @subsubheading Example
26400
26401 Read six bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+6} but then offset by
26402 @code{-6} bytes. Format as three rows of two columns. One byte per
26403 word. Display each word in hex.
26404
26405 @smallexample
26406 (gdb)
26407 9-data-read-memory -o -6 -- bytes+6 x 1 3 2
26408 9^done,addr="0x00001390",nr-bytes="6",total-bytes="6",
26409 next-row="0x00001396",prev-row="0x0000138e",next-page="0x00001396",
26410 prev-page="0x0000138a",memory=[
26411 @{addr="0x00001390",data=["0x00","0x01"]@},
26412 @{addr="0x00001392",data=["0x02","0x03"]@},
26413 @{addr="0x00001394",data=["0x04","0x05"]@}]
26414 (gdb)
26415 @end smallexample
26416
26417 Read two bytes of memory starting at address @code{shorts + 64} and
26418 display as a single word formatted in decimal.
26419
26420 @smallexample
26421 (gdb)
26422 5-data-read-memory shorts+64 d 2 1 1
26423 5^done,addr="0x00001510",nr-bytes="2",total-bytes="2",
26424 next-row="0x00001512",prev-row="0x0000150e",
26425 next-page="0x00001512",prev-page="0x0000150e",memory=[
26426 @{addr="0x00001510",data=["128"]@}]
26427 (gdb)
26428 @end smallexample
26429
26430 Read thirty two bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+16} and format
26431 as eight rows of four columns. Include a string encoding with @samp{x}
26432 used as the non-printable character.
26433
26434 @smallexample
26435 (gdb)
26436 4-data-read-memory bytes+16 x 1 8 4 x
26437 4^done,addr="0x000013a0",nr-bytes="32",total-bytes="32",
26438 next-row="0x000013c0",prev-row="0x0000139c",
26439 next-page="0x000013c0",prev-page="0x00001380",memory=[
26440 @{addr="0x000013a0",data=["0x10","0x11","0x12","0x13"],ascii="xxxx"@},
26441 @{addr="0x000013a4",data=["0x14","0x15","0x16","0x17"],ascii="xxxx"@},
26442 @{addr="0x000013a8",data=["0x18","0x19","0x1a","0x1b"],ascii="xxxx"@},
26443 @{addr="0x000013ac",data=["0x1c","0x1d","0x1e","0x1f"],ascii="xxxx"@},
26444 @{addr="0x000013b0",data=["0x20","0x21","0x22","0x23"],ascii=" !\"#"@},
26445 @{addr="0x000013b4",data=["0x24","0x25","0x26","0x27"],ascii="$%&'"@},
26446 @{addr="0x000013b8",data=["0x28","0x29","0x2a","0x2b"],ascii="()*+"@},
26447 @{addr="0x000013bc",data=["0x2c","0x2d","0x2e","0x2f"],ascii=",-./"@}]
26448 (gdb)
26449 @end smallexample
26450
26451 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
26452 @node GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands
26453 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Tracepoint Commands
26454
26455 The commands defined in this section implement MI support for
26456 tracepoints. For detailed introduction, see @ref{Tracepoints}.
26457
26458 @subheading The @code{-trace-find} Command
26459 @findex -trace-find
26460
26461 @subsubheading Synopsis
26462
26463 @smallexample
26464 -trace-find @var{mode} [@var{parameters}@dots{}]
26465 @end smallexample
26466
26467 Find a trace frame using criteria defined by @var{mode} and
26468 @var{parameters}. The following table lists permissible
26469 modes and their parameters. For details of operation, see @ref{tfind}.
26470
26471 @table @samp
26472
26473 @item none
26474 No parameters are required. Stops examining trace frames.
26475
26476 @item frame-number
26477 An integer is required as parameter. Selects tracepoint frame with
26478 that index.
26479
26480 @item tracepoint-number
26481 An integer is required as parameter. Finds next
26482 trace frame that corresponds to tracepoint with the specified number.
26483
26484 @item pc
26485 An address is required as parameter. Finds
26486 next trace frame that corresponds to any tracepoint at the specified
26487 address.
26488
26489 @item pc-inside-range
26490 Two addresses are required as parameters. Finds next trace
26491 frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at an address inside the
26492 specified range. Both bounds are considered to be inside the range.
26493
26494 @item pc-outside-range
26495 Two addresses are required as parameters. Finds
26496 next trace frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at an address outside
26497 the specified range. Both bounds are considered to be inside the range.
26498
26499 @item line
26500 Line specification is required as parameter. @xref{Specify Location}.
26501 Finds next trace frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at
26502 the specified location.
26503
26504 @end table
26505
26506 If @samp{none} was passed as @var{mode}, the response does not
26507 have fields. Otherwise, the response may have the following fields:
26508
26509 @table @samp
26510 @item found
26511 This field has either @samp{0} or @samp{1} as the value, depending
26512 on whether a matching tracepoint was found.
26513
26514 @item traceframe
26515 The index of the found traceframe. This field is present iff
26516 the @samp{found} field has value of @samp{1}.
26517
26518 @item tracepoint
26519 The index of the found tracepoint. This field is present iff
26520 the @samp{found} field has value of @samp{1}.
26521
26522 @item frame
26523 The information about the frame corresponding to the found trace
26524 frame. This field is present only if a trace frame was found.
26525 @xref{GDB/MI Frame Information}, for description of this field.
26526
26527 @end table
26528
26529 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26530
26531 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tfind}.
26532
26533 @subheading -trace-define-variable
26534 @findex -trace-define-variable
26535
26536 @subsubheading Synopsis
26537
26538 @smallexample
26539 -trace-define-variable @var{name} [ @var{value} ]
26540 @end smallexample
26541
26542 Create trace variable @var{name} if it does not exist. If
26543 @var{value} is specified, sets the initial value of the specified
26544 trace variable to that value. Note that the @var{name} should start
26545 with the @samp{$} character.
26546
26547 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26548
26549 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tvariable}.
26550
26551 @subheading -trace-list-variables
26552 @findex -trace-list-variables
26553
26554 @subsubheading Synopsis
26555
26556 @smallexample
26557 -trace-list-variables
26558 @end smallexample
26559
26560 Return a table of all defined trace variables. Each element of the
26561 table has the following fields:
26562
26563 @table @samp
26564 @item name
26565 The name of the trace variable. This field is always present.
26566
26567 @item initial
26568 The initial value. This is a 64-bit signed integer. This
26569 field is always present.
26570
26571 @item current
26572 The value the trace variable has at the moment. This is a 64-bit
26573 signed integer. This field is absent iff current value is
26574 not defined, for example if the trace was never run, or is
26575 presently running.
26576
26577 @end table
26578
26579 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26580
26581 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tvariables}.
26582
26583 @subsubheading Example
26584
26585 @smallexample
26586 (gdb)
26587 -trace-list-variables
26588 ^done,trace-variables=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="3",
26589 hdr=[@{width="15",alignment="-1",col_name="name",colhdr="Name"@},
26590 @{width="11",alignment="-1",col_name="initial",colhdr="Initial"@},
26591 @{width="11",alignment="-1",col_name="current",colhdr="Current"@}],
26592 body=[variable=@{name="$trace_timestamp",initial="0"@}
26593 variable=@{name="$foo",initial="10",current="15"@}]@}
26594 (gdb)
26595 @end smallexample
26596
26597 @subheading -trace-save
26598 @findex -trace-save
26599
26600 @subsubheading Synopsis
26601
26602 @smallexample
26603 -trace-save [-r ] @var{filename}
26604 @end smallexample
26605
26606 Saves the collected trace data to @var{filename}. Without the
26607 @samp{-r} option, the data is downloaded from the target and saved
26608 in a local file. With the @samp{-r} option the target is asked
26609 to perform the save.
26610
26611 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26612
26613 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tsave}.
26614
26615
26616 @subheading -trace-start
26617 @findex -trace-start
26618
26619 @subsubheading Synopsis
26620
26621 @smallexample
26622 -trace-start
26623 @end smallexample
26624
26625 Starts a tracing experiments. The result of this command does not
26626 have any fields.
26627
26628 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26629
26630 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstart}.
26631
26632 @subheading -trace-status
26633 @findex -trace-status
26634
26635 @subsubheading Synopsis
26636
26637 @smallexample
26638 -trace-status
26639 @end smallexample
26640
26641 Obtains the status of a tracing experiment. The result may include
26642 the following fields:
26643
26644 @table @samp
26645
26646 @item supported
26647 May have a value of either @samp{0}, when no tracing operations are
26648 supported, @samp{1}, when all tracing operations are supported, or
26649 @samp{file} when examining trace file. In the latter case, examining
26650 of trace frame is possible but new tracing experiement cannot be
26651 started. This field is always present.
26652
26653 @item running
26654 May have a value of either @samp{0} or @samp{1} depending on whether
26655 tracing experiement is in progress on target. This field is present
26656 if @samp{supported} field is not @samp{0}.
26657
26658 @item stop-reason
26659 Report the reason why the tracing was stopped last time. This field
26660 may be absent iff tracing was never stopped on target yet. The
26661 value of @samp{request} means the tracing was stopped as result of
26662 the @code{-trace-stop} command. The value of @samp{overflow} means
26663 the tracing buffer is full. The value of @samp{disconnection} means
26664 tracing was automatically stopped when @value{GDBN} has disconnected.
26665 The value of @samp{passcount} means tracing was stopped when a
26666 tracepoint was passed a maximal number of times for that tracepoint.
26667 This field is present if @samp{supported} field is not @samp{0}.
26668
26669 @item stopping-tracepoint
26670 The number of tracepoint whose passcount as exceeded. This field is
26671 present iff the @samp{stop-reason} field has the value of
26672 @samp{passcount}.
26673
26674 @item frames
26675 @itemx frames-created
26676 The @samp{frames} field is a count of the total number of trace frames
26677 in the trace buffer, while @samp{frames-created} is the total created
26678 during the run, including ones that were discarded, such as when a
26679 circular trace buffer filled up. Both fields are optional.
26680
26681 @item buffer-size
26682 @itemx buffer-free
26683 These fields tell the current size of the tracing buffer and the
26684 remaining space. These fields are optional.
26685
26686 @item circular
26687 The value of the circular trace buffer flag. @code{1} means that the
26688 trace buffer is circular and old trace frames will be discarded if
26689 necessary to make room, @code{0} means that the trace buffer is linear
26690 and may fill up.
26691
26692 @item disconnected
26693 The value of the disconnected tracing flag. @code{1} means that
26694 tracing will continue after @value{GDBN} disconnects, @code{0} means
26695 that the trace run will stop.
26696
26697 @end table
26698
26699 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26700
26701 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstatus}.
26702
26703 @subheading -trace-stop
26704 @findex -trace-stop
26705
26706 @subsubheading Synopsis
26707
26708 @smallexample
26709 -trace-stop
26710 @end smallexample
26711
26712 Stops a tracing experiment. The result of this command has the same
26713 fields as @code{-trace-status}, except that the @samp{supported} and
26714 @samp{running} fields are not output.
26715
26716 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26717
26718 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstop}.
26719
26720
26721 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
26722 @node GDB/MI Symbol Query
26723 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Symbol Query Commands
26724
26725
26726 @ignore
26727 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-address} Command
26728 @findex -symbol-info-address
26729
26730 @subsubheading Synopsis
26731
26732 @smallexample
26733 -symbol-info-address @var{symbol}
26734 @end smallexample
26735
26736 Describe where @var{symbol} is stored.
26737
26738 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26739
26740 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info address}.
26741
26742 @subsubheading Example
26743 N.A.
26744
26745
26746 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-file} Command
26747 @findex -symbol-info-file
26748
26749 @subsubheading Synopsis
26750
26751 @smallexample
26752 -symbol-info-file
26753 @end smallexample
26754
26755 Show the file for the symbol.
26756
26757 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26758
26759 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command. @code{gdbtk} has
26760 @samp{gdb_find_file}.
26761
26762 @subsubheading Example
26763 N.A.
26764
26765
26766 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-function} Command
26767 @findex -symbol-info-function
26768
26769 @subsubheading Synopsis
26770
26771 @smallexample
26772 -symbol-info-function
26773 @end smallexample
26774
26775 Show which function the symbol lives in.
26776
26777 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26778
26779 @samp{gdb_get_function} in @code{gdbtk}.
26780
26781 @subsubheading Example
26782 N.A.
26783
26784
26785 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-line} Command
26786 @findex -symbol-info-line
26787
26788 @subsubheading Synopsis
26789
26790 @smallexample
26791 -symbol-info-line
26792 @end smallexample
26793
26794 Show the core addresses of the code for a source line.
26795
26796 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26797
26798 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info line}.
26799 @code{gdbtk} has the @samp{gdb_get_line} and @samp{gdb_get_file} commands.
26800
26801 @subsubheading Example
26802 N.A.
26803
26804
26805 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-symbol} Command
26806 @findex -symbol-info-symbol
26807
26808 @subsubheading Synopsis
26809
26810 @smallexample
26811 -symbol-info-symbol @var{addr}
26812 @end smallexample
26813
26814 Describe what symbol is at location @var{addr}.
26815
26816 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26817
26818 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info symbol}.
26819
26820 @subsubheading Example
26821 N.A.
26822
26823
26824 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-functions} Command
26825 @findex -symbol-list-functions
26826
26827 @subsubheading Synopsis
26828
26829 @smallexample
26830 -symbol-list-functions
26831 @end smallexample
26832
26833 List the functions in the executable.
26834
26835 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26836
26837 @samp{info functions} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_listfunc} and
26838 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
26839
26840 @subsubheading Example
26841 N.A.
26842 @end ignore
26843
26844
26845 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-lines} Command
26846 @findex -symbol-list-lines
26847
26848 @subsubheading Synopsis
26849
26850 @smallexample
26851 -symbol-list-lines @var{filename}
26852 @end smallexample
26853
26854 Print the list of lines that contain code and their associated program
26855 addresses for the given source filename. The entries are sorted in
26856 ascending PC order.
26857
26858 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26859
26860 There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
26861
26862 @subsubheading Example
26863 @smallexample
26864 (gdb)
26865 -symbol-list-lines basics.c
26866 ^done,lines=[@{pc="0x08048554",line="7"@},@{pc="0x0804855a",line="8"@}]
26867 (gdb)
26868 @end smallexample
26869
26870
26871 @ignore
26872 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-types} Command
26873 @findex -symbol-list-types
26874
26875 @subsubheading Synopsis
26876
26877 @smallexample
26878 -symbol-list-types
26879 @end smallexample
26880
26881 List all the type names.
26882
26883 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26884
26885 The corresponding commands are @samp{info types} in @value{GDBN},
26886 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
26887
26888 @subsubheading Example
26889 N.A.
26890
26891
26892 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-variables} Command
26893 @findex -symbol-list-variables
26894
26895 @subsubheading Synopsis
26896
26897 @smallexample
26898 -symbol-list-variables
26899 @end smallexample
26900
26901 List all the global and static variable names.
26902
26903 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26904
26905 @samp{info variables} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
26906
26907 @subsubheading Example
26908 N.A.
26909
26910
26911 @subheading The @code{-symbol-locate} Command
26912 @findex -symbol-locate
26913
26914 @subsubheading Synopsis
26915
26916 @smallexample
26917 -symbol-locate
26918 @end smallexample
26919
26920 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26921
26922 @samp{gdb_loc} in @code{gdbtk}.
26923
26924 @subsubheading Example
26925 N.A.
26926
26927
26928 @subheading The @code{-symbol-type} Command
26929 @findex -symbol-type
26930
26931 @subsubheading Synopsis
26932
26933 @smallexample
26934 -symbol-type @var{variable}
26935 @end smallexample
26936
26937 Show type of @var{variable}.
26938
26939 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26940
26941 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ptype}, @code{gdbtk} has
26942 @samp{gdb_obj_variable}.
26943
26944 @subsubheading Example
26945 N.A.
26946 @end ignore
26947
26948
26949 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
26950 @node GDB/MI File Commands
26951 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Commands
26952
26953 This section describes the GDB/MI commands to specify executable file names
26954 and to read in and obtain symbol table information.
26955
26956 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-and-symbols} Command
26957 @findex -file-exec-and-symbols
26958
26959 @subsubheading Synopsis
26960
26961 @smallexample
26962 -file-exec-and-symbols @var{file}
26963 @end smallexample
26964
26965 Specify the executable file to be debugged. This file is the one from
26966 which the symbol table is also read. If no file is specified, the
26967 command clears the executable and symbol information. If breakpoints
26968 are set when using this command with no arguments, @value{GDBN} will produce
26969 error messages. Otherwise, no output is produced, except a completion
26970 notification.
26971
26972 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26973
26974 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{file}.
26975
26976 @subsubheading Example
26977
26978 @smallexample
26979 (gdb)
26980 -file-exec-and-symbols /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
26981 ^done
26982 (gdb)
26983 @end smallexample
26984
26985
26986 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-file} Command
26987 @findex -file-exec-file
26988
26989 @subsubheading Synopsis
26990
26991 @smallexample
26992 -file-exec-file @var{file}
26993 @end smallexample
26994
26995 Specify the executable file to be debugged. Unlike
26996 @samp{-file-exec-and-symbols}, the symbol table is @emph{not} read
26997 from this file. If used without argument, @value{GDBN} clears the information
26998 about the executable file. No output is produced, except a completion
26999 notification.
27000
27001 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27002
27003 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{exec-file}.
27004
27005 @subsubheading Example
27006
27007 @smallexample
27008 (gdb)
27009 -file-exec-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
27010 ^done
27011 (gdb)
27012 @end smallexample
27013
27014
27015 @ignore
27016 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-sections} Command
27017 @findex -file-list-exec-sections
27018
27019 @subsubheading Synopsis
27020
27021 @smallexample
27022 -file-list-exec-sections
27023 @end smallexample
27024
27025 List the sections of the current executable file.
27026
27027 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27028
27029 The @value{GDBN} command @samp{info file} shows, among the rest, the same
27030 information as this command. @code{gdbtk} has a corresponding command
27031 @samp{gdb_load_info}.
27032
27033 @subsubheading Example
27034 N.A.
27035 @end ignore
27036
27037
27038 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-file} Command
27039 @findex -file-list-exec-source-file
27040
27041 @subsubheading Synopsis
27042
27043 @smallexample
27044 -file-list-exec-source-file
27045 @end smallexample
27046
27047 List the line number, the current source file, and the absolute path
27048 to the current source file for the current executable. The macro
27049 information field has a value of @samp{1} or @samp{0} depending on
27050 whether or not the file includes preprocessor macro information.
27051
27052 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27053
27054 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info source}
27055
27056 @subsubheading Example
27057
27058 @smallexample
27059 (gdb)
27060 123-file-list-exec-source-file
27061 123^done,line="1",file="foo.c",fullname="/home/bar/foo.c,macro-info="1"
27062 (gdb)
27063 @end smallexample
27064
27065
27066 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-files} Command
27067 @findex -file-list-exec-source-files
27068
27069 @subsubheading Synopsis
27070
27071 @smallexample
27072 -file-list-exec-source-files
27073 @end smallexample
27074
27075 List the source files for the current executable.
27076
27077 It will always output the filename, but only when @value{GDBN} can find
27078 the absolute file name of a source file, will it output the fullname.
27079
27080 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27081
27082 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info sources}.
27083 @code{gdbtk} has an analogous command @samp{gdb_listfiles}.
27084
27085 @subsubheading Example
27086 @smallexample
27087 (gdb)
27088 -file-list-exec-source-files
27089 ^done,files=[
27090 @{file=foo.c,fullname=/home/foo.c@},
27091 @{file=/home/bar.c,fullname=/home/bar.c@},
27092 @{file=gdb_could_not_find_fullpath.c@}]
27093 (gdb)
27094 @end smallexample
27095
27096 @ignore
27097 @subheading The @code{-file-list-shared-libraries} Command
27098 @findex -file-list-shared-libraries
27099
27100 @subsubheading Synopsis
27101
27102 @smallexample
27103 -file-list-shared-libraries
27104 @end smallexample
27105
27106 List the shared libraries in the program.
27107
27108 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27109
27110 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info shared}.
27111
27112 @subsubheading Example
27113 N.A.
27114
27115
27116 @subheading The @code{-file-list-symbol-files} Command
27117 @findex -file-list-symbol-files
27118
27119 @subsubheading Synopsis
27120
27121 @smallexample
27122 -file-list-symbol-files
27123 @end smallexample
27124
27125 List symbol files.
27126
27127 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27128
27129 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info file} (part of it).
27130
27131 @subsubheading Example
27132 N.A.
27133 @end ignore
27134
27135
27136 @subheading The @code{-file-symbol-file} Command
27137 @findex -file-symbol-file
27138
27139 @subsubheading Synopsis
27140
27141 @smallexample
27142 -file-symbol-file @var{file}
27143 @end smallexample
27144
27145 Read symbol table info from the specified @var{file} argument. When
27146 used without arguments, clears @value{GDBN}'s symbol table info. No output is
27147 produced, except for a completion notification.
27148
27149 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27150
27151 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{symbol-file}.
27152
27153 @subsubheading Example
27154
27155 @smallexample
27156 (gdb)
27157 -file-symbol-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
27158 ^done
27159 (gdb)
27160 @end smallexample
27161
27162 @ignore
27163 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27164 @node GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands
27165 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Memory Overlay Commands
27166
27167 The memory overlay commands are not implemented.
27168
27169 @c @subheading -overlay-auto
27170
27171 @c @subheading -overlay-list-mapping-state
27172
27173 @c @subheading -overlay-list-overlays
27174
27175 @c @subheading -overlay-map
27176
27177 @c @subheading -overlay-off
27178
27179 @c @subheading -overlay-on
27180
27181 @c @subheading -overlay-unmap
27182
27183 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27184 @node GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands
27185 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Signal Handling Commands
27186
27187 Signal handling commands are not implemented.
27188
27189 @c @subheading -signal-handle
27190
27191 @c @subheading -signal-list-handle-actions
27192
27193 @c @subheading -signal-list-signal-types
27194 @end ignore
27195
27196
27197 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27198 @node GDB/MI Target Manipulation
27199 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Target Manipulation Commands
27200
27201
27202 @subheading The @code{-target-attach} Command
27203 @findex -target-attach
27204
27205 @subsubheading Synopsis
27206
27207 @smallexample
27208 -target-attach @var{pid} | @var{gid} | @var{file}
27209 @end smallexample
27210
27211 Attach to a process @var{pid} or a file @var{file} outside of
27212 @value{GDBN}, or a thread group @var{gid}. If attaching to a thread
27213 group, the id previously returned by
27214 @samp{-list-thread-groups --available} must be used.
27215
27216 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27217
27218 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{attach}.
27219
27220 @subsubheading Example
27221 @smallexample
27222 (gdb)
27223 -target-attach 34
27224 =thread-created,id="1"
27225 *stopped,thread-id="1",frame=@{addr="0xb7f7e410",func="bar",args=[]@}
27226 ^done
27227 (gdb)
27228 @end smallexample
27229
27230 @ignore
27231 @subheading The @code{-target-compare-sections} Command
27232 @findex -target-compare-sections
27233
27234 @subsubheading Synopsis
27235
27236 @smallexample
27237 -target-compare-sections [ @var{section} ]
27238 @end smallexample
27239
27240 Compare data of section @var{section} on target to the exec file.
27241 Without the argument, all sections are compared.
27242
27243 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27244
27245 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{compare-sections}.
27246
27247 @subsubheading Example
27248 N.A.
27249 @end ignore
27250
27251
27252 @subheading The @code{-target-detach} Command
27253 @findex -target-detach
27254
27255 @subsubheading Synopsis
27256
27257 @smallexample
27258 -target-detach [ @var{pid} | @var{gid} ]
27259 @end smallexample
27260
27261 Detach from the remote target which normally resumes its execution.
27262 If either @var{pid} or @var{gid} is specified, detaches from either
27263 the specified process, or specified thread group. There's no output.
27264
27265 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27266
27267 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{detach}.
27268
27269 @subsubheading Example
27270
27271 @smallexample
27272 (gdb)
27273 -target-detach
27274 ^done
27275 (gdb)
27276 @end smallexample
27277
27278
27279 @subheading The @code{-target-disconnect} Command
27280 @findex -target-disconnect
27281
27282 @subsubheading Synopsis
27283
27284 @smallexample
27285 -target-disconnect
27286 @end smallexample
27287
27288 Disconnect from the remote target. There's no output and the target is
27289 generally not resumed.
27290
27291 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27292
27293 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disconnect}.
27294
27295 @subsubheading Example
27296
27297 @smallexample
27298 (gdb)
27299 -target-disconnect
27300 ^done
27301 (gdb)
27302 @end smallexample
27303
27304
27305 @subheading The @code{-target-download} Command
27306 @findex -target-download
27307
27308 @subsubheading Synopsis
27309
27310 @smallexample
27311 -target-download
27312 @end smallexample
27313
27314 Loads the executable onto the remote target.
27315 It prints out an update message every half second, which includes the fields:
27316
27317 @table @samp
27318 @item section
27319 The name of the section.
27320 @item section-sent
27321 The size of what has been sent so far for that section.
27322 @item section-size
27323 The size of the section.
27324 @item total-sent
27325 The total size of what was sent so far (the current and the previous sections).
27326 @item total-size
27327 The size of the overall executable to download.
27328 @end table
27329
27330 @noindent
27331 Each message is sent as status record (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, ,
27332 @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax}).
27333
27334 In addition, it prints the name and size of the sections, as they are
27335 downloaded. These messages include the following fields:
27336
27337 @table @samp
27338 @item section
27339 The name of the section.
27340 @item section-size
27341 The size of the section.
27342 @item total-size
27343 The size of the overall executable to download.
27344 @end table
27345
27346 @noindent
27347 At the end, a summary is printed.
27348
27349 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27350
27351 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{load}.
27352
27353 @subsubheading Example
27354
27355 Note: each status message appears on a single line. Here the messages
27356 have been broken down so that they can fit onto a page.
27357
27358 @smallexample
27359 (gdb)
27360 -target-download
27361 +download,@{section=".text",section-size="6668",total-size="9880"@}
27362 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="512",section-size="6668",
27363 total-sent="512",total-size="9880"@}
27364 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1024",section-size="6668",
27365 total-sent="1024",total-size="9880"@}
27366 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1536",section-size="6668",
27367 total-sent="1536",total-size="9880"@}
27368 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2048",section-size="6668",
27369 total-sent="2048",total-size="9880"@}
27370 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2560",section-size="6668",
27371 total-sent="2560",total-size="9880"@}
27372 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3072",section-size="6668",
27373 total-sent="3072",total-size="9880"@}
27374 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3584",section-size="6668",
27375 total-sent="3584",total-size="9880"@}
27376 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4096",section-size="6668",
27377 total-sent="4096",total-size="9880"@}
27378 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4608",section-size="6668",
27379 total-sent="4608",total-size="9880"@}
27380 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5120",section-size="6668",
27381 total-sent="5120",total-size="9880"@}
27382 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5632",section-size="6668",
27383 total-sent="5632",total-size="9880"@}
27384 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6144",section-size="6668",
27385 total-sent="6144",total-size="9880"@}
27386 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6656",section-size="6668",
27387 total-sent="6656",total-size="9880"@}
27388 +download,@{section=".init",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
27389 +download,@{section=".fini",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
27390 +download,@{section=".data",section-size="3156",total-size="9880"@}
27391 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="512",section-size="3156",
27392 total-sent="7236",total-size="9880"@}
27393 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1024",section-size="3156",
27394 total-sent="7748",total-size="9880"@}
27395 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1536",section-size="3156",
27396 total-sent="8260",total-size="9880"@}
27397 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2048",section-size="3156",
27398 total-sent="8772",total-size="9880"@}
27399 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2560",section-size="3156",
27400 total-sent="9284",total-size="9880"@}
27401 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="3072",section-size="3156",
27402 total-sent="9796",total-size="9880"@}
27403 ^done,address="0x10004",load-size="9880",transfer-rate="6586",
27404 write-rate="429"
27405 (gdb)
27406 @end smallexample
27407
27408
27409 @ignore
27410 @subheading The @code{-target-exec-status} Command
27411 @findex -target-exec-status
27412
27413 @subsubheading Synopsis
27414
27415 @smallexample
27416 -target-exec-status
27417 @end smallexample
27418
27419 Provide information on the state of the target (whether it is running or
27420 not, for instance).
27421
27422 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27423
27424 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
27425
27426 @subsubheading Example
27427 N.A.
27428
27429
27430 @subheading The @code{-target-list-available-targets} Command
27431 @findex -target-list-available-targets
27432
27433 @subsubheading Synopsis
27434
27435 @smallexample
27436 -target-list-available-targets
27437 @end smallexample
27438
27439 List the possible targets to connect to.
27440
27441 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27442
27443 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{help target}.
27444
27445 @subsubheading Example
27446 N.A.
27447
27448
27449 @subheading The @code{-target-list-current-targets} Command
27450 @findex -target-list-current-targets
27451
27452 @subsubheading Synopsis
27453
27454 @smallexample
27455 -target-list-current-targets
27456 @end smallexample
27457
27458 Describe the current target.
27459
27460 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27461
27462 The corresponding information is printed by @samp{info file} (among
27463 other things).
27464
27465 @subsubheading Example
27466 N.A.
27467
27468
27469 @subheading The @code{-target-list-parameters} Command
27470 @findex -target-list-parameters
27471
27472 @subsubheading Synopsis
27473
27474 @smallexample
27475 -target-list-parameters
27476 @end smallexample
27477
27478 @c ????
27479 @end ignore
27480
27481 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27482
27483 No equivalent.
27484
27485 @subsubheading Example
27486 N.A.
27487
27488
27489 @subheading The @code{-target-select} Command
27490 @findex -target-select
27491
27492 @subsubheading Synopsis
27493
27494 @smallexample
27495 -target-select @var{type} @var{parameters @dots{}}
27496 @end smallexample
27497
27498 Connect @value{GDBN} to the remote target. This command takes two args:
27499
27500 @table @samp
27501 @item @var{type}
27502 The type of target, for instance @samp{remote}, etc.
27503 @item @var{parameters}
27504 Device names, host names and the like. @xref{Target Commands, ,
27505 Commands for Managing Targets}, for more details.
27506 @end table
27507
27508 The output is a connection notification, followed by the address at
27509 which the target program is, in the following form:
27510
27511 @smallexample
27512 ^connected,addr="@var{address}",func="@var{function name}",
27513 args=[@var{arg list}]
27514 @end smallexample
27515
27516 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27517
27518 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{target}.
27519
27520 @subsubheading Example
27521
27522 @smallexample
27523 (gdb)
27524 -target-select remote /dev/ttya
27525 ^connected,addr="0xfe00a300",func="??",args=[]
27526 (gdb)
27527 @end smallexample
27528
27529 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27530 @node GDB/MI File Transfer Commands
27531 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Transfer Commands
27532
27533
27534 @subheading The @code{-target-file-put} Command
27535 @findex -target-file-put
27536
27537 @subsubheading Synopsis
27538
27539 @smallexample
27540 -target-file-put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
27541 @end smallexample
27542
27543 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
27544 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
27545
27546 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27547
27548 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote put}.
27549
27550 @subsubheading Example
27551
27552 @smallexample
27553 (gdb)
27554 -target-file-put localfile remotefile
27555 ^done
27556 (gdb)
27557 @end smallexample
27558
27559
27560 @subheading The @code{-target-file-get} Command
27561 @findex -target-file-get
27562
27563 @subsubheading Synopsis
27564
27565 @smallexample
27566 -target-file-get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
27567 @end smallexample
27568
27569 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
27570 on the host system.
27571
27572 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27573
27574 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote get}.
27575
27576 @subsubheading Example
27577
27578 @smallexample
27579 (gdb)
27580 -target-file-get remotefile localfile
27581 ^done
27582 (gdb)
27583 @end smallexample
27584
27585
27586 @subheading The @code{-target-file-delete} Command
27587 @findex -target-file-delete
27588
27589 @subsubheading Synopsis
27590
27591 @smallexample
27592 -target-file-delete @var{targetfile}
27593 @end smallexample
27594
27595 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
27596
27597 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27598
27599 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote delete}.
27600
27601 @subsubheading Example
27602
27603 @smallexample
27604 (gdb)
27605 -target-file-delete remotefile
27606 ^done
27607 (gdb)
27608 @end smallexample
27609
27610
27611 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27612 @node GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands
27613 @section Miscellaneous @sc{gdb/mi} Commands
27614
27615 @c @subheading -gdb-complete
27616
27617 @subheading The @code{-gdb-exit} Command
27618 @findex -gdb-exit
27619
27620 @subsubheading Synopsis
27621
27622 @smallexample
27623 -gdb-exit
27624 @end smallexample
27625
27626 Exit @value{GDBN} immediately.
27627
27628 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27629
27630 Approximately corresponds to @samp{quit}.
27631
27632 @subsubheading Example
27633
27634 @smallexample
27635 (gdb)
27636 -gdb-exit
27637 ^exit
27638 @end smallexample
27639
27640
27641 @ignore
27642 @subheading The @code{-exec-abort} Command
27643 @findex -exec-abort
27644
27645 @subsubheading Synopsis
27646
27647 @smallexample
27648 -exec-abort
27649 @end smallexample
27650
27651 Kill the inferior running program.
27652
27653 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27654
27655 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{kill}.
27656
27657 @subsubheading Example
27658 N.A.
27659 @end ignore
27660
27661
27662 @subheading The @code{-gdb-set} Command
27663 @findex -gdb-set
27664
27665 @subsubheading Synopsis
27666
27667 @smallexample
27668 -gdb-set
27669 @end smallexample
27670
27671 Set an internal @value{GDBN} variable.
27672 @c IS THIS A DOLLAR VARIABLE? OR SOMETHING LIKE ANNOTATE ?????
27673
27674 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27675
27676 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set}.
27677
27678 @subsubheading Example
27679
27680 @smallexample
27681 (gdb)
27682 -gdb-set $foo=3
27683 ^done
27684 (gdb)
27685 @end smallexample
27686
27687
27688 @subheading The @code{-gdb-show} Command
27689 @findex -gdb-show
27690
27691 @subsubheading Synopsis
27692
27693 @smallexample
27694 -gdb-show
27695 @end smallexample
27696
27697 Show the current value of a @value{GDBN} variable.
27698
27699 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27700
27701 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show}.
27702
27703 @subsubheading Example
27704
27705 @smallexample
27706 (gdb)
27707 -gdb-show annotate
27708 ^done,value="0"
27709 (gdb)
27710 @end smallexample
27711
27712 @c @subheading -gdb-source
27713
27714
27715 @subheading The @code{-gdb-version} Command
27716 @findex -gdb-version
27717
27718 @subsubheading Synopsis
27719
27720 @smallexample
27721 -gdb-version
27722 @end smallexample
27723
27724 Show version information for @value{GDBN}. Used mostly in testing.
27725
27726 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27727
27728 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{show version}. @value{GDBN} by
27729 default shows this information when you start an interactive session.
27730
27731 @subsubheading Example
27732
27733 @c This example modifies the actual output from GDB to avoid overfull
27734 @c box in TeX.
27735 @smallexample
27736 (gdb)
27737 -gdb-version
27738 ~GNU gdb 5.2.1
27739 ~Copyright 2000 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
27740 ~GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License, and
27741 ~you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it under
27742 ~ certain conditions.
27743 ~Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
27744 ~There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty" for
27745 ~ details.
27746 ~This GDB was configured as
27747 "--host=sparc-sun-solaris2.5.1 --target=ppc-eabi".
27748 ^done
27749 (gdb)
27750 @end smallexample
27751
27752 @subheading The @code{-list-features} Command
27753 @findex -list-features
27754
27755 Returns a list of particular features of the MI protocol that
27756 this version of gdb implements. A feature can be a command,
27757 or a new field in an output of some command, or even an
27758 important bugfix. While a frontend can sometimes detect presence
27759 of a feature at runtime, it is easier to perform detection at debugger
27760 startup.
27761
27762 The command returns a list of strings, with each string naming an
27763 available feature. Each returned string is just a name, it does not
27764 have any internal structure. The list of possible feature names
27765 is given below.
27766
27767 Example output:
27768
27769 @smallexample
27770 (gdb) -list-features
27771 ^done,result=["feature1","feature2"]
27772 @end smallexample
27773
27774 The current list of features is:
27775
27776 @table @samp
27777 @item frozen-varobjs
27778 Indicates presence of the @code{-var-set-frozen} command, as well
27779 as possible presense of the @code{frozen} field in the output
27780 of @code{-varobj-create}.
27781 @item pending-breakpoints
27782 Indicates presence of the @option{-f} option to the @code{-break-insert} command.
27783 @item python
27784 Indicates presence of Python scripting support, Python-based
27785 pretty-printing commands, and possible presence of the
27786 @samp{display_hint} field in the output of @code{-var-list-children}
27787 @item thread-info
27788 Indicates presence of the @code{-thread-info} command.
27789
27790 @end table
27791
27792 @subheading The @code{-list-target-features} Command
27793 @findex -list-target-features
27794
27795 Returns a list of particular features that are supported by the
27796 target. Those features affect the permitted MI commands, but
27797 unlike the features reported by the @code{-list-features} command, the
27798 features depend on which target GDB is using at the moment. Whenever
27799 a target can change, due to commands such as @code{-target-select},
27800 @code{-target-attach} or @code{-exec-run}, the list of target features
27801 may change, and the frontend should obtain it again.
27802 Example output:
27803
27804 @smallexample
27805 (gdb) -list-features
27806 ^done,result=["async"]
27807 @end smallexample
27808
27809 The current list of features is:
27810
27811 @table @samp
27812 @item async
27813 Indicates that the target is capable of asynchronous command
27814 execution, which means that @value{GDBN} will accept further commands
27815 while the target is running.
27816
27817 @end table
27818
27819 @subheading The @code{-list-thread-groups} Command
27820 @findex -list-thread-groups
27821
27822 @subheading Synopsis
27823
27824 @smallexample
27825 -list-thread-groups [ --available ] [ --recurse 1 ] [ @var{group} ... ]
27826 @end smallexample
27827
27828 Lists thread groups (@pxref{Thread groups}). When a single thread
27829 group is passed as the argument, lists the children of that group.
27830 When several thread group are passed, lists information about those
27831 thread groups. Without any parameters, lists information about all
27832 top-level thread groups.
27833
27834 Normally, thread groups that are being debugged are reported.
27835 With the @samp{--available} option, @value{GDBN} reports thread groups
27836 available on the target.
27837
27838 The output of this command may have either a @samp{threads} result or
27839 a @samp{groups} result. The @samp{thread} result has a list of tuples
27840 as value, with each tuple describing a thread (@pxref{GDB/MI Thread
27841 Information}). The @samp{groups} result has a list of tuples as value,
27842 each tuple describing a thread group. If top-level groups are
27843 requested (that is, no parameter is passed), or when several groups
27844 are passed, the output always has a @samp{groups} result. The format
27845 of the @samp{group} result is described below.
27846
27847 To reduce the number of roundtrips it's possible to list thread groups
27848 together with their children, by passing the @samp{--recurse} option
27849 and the recursion depth. Presently, only recursion depth of 1 is
27850 permitted. If this option is present, then every reported thread group
27851 will also include its children, either as @samp{group} or
27852 @samp{threads} field.
27853
27854 In general, any combination of option and parameters is permitted, with
27855 the following caveats:
27856
27857 @itemize @bullet
27858 @item
27859 When a single thread group is passed, the output will typically
27860 be the @samp{threads} result. Because threads may not contain
27861 anything, the @samp{recurse} option will be ignored.
27862
27863 @item
27864 When the @samp{--available} option is passed, limited information may
27865 be available. In particular, the list of threads of a process might
27866 be inaccessible. Further, specifying specific thread groups might
27867 not give any performance advantage over listing all thread groups.
27868 The frontend should assume that @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}
27869 is always an expensive operation and cache the results.
27870
27871 @end itemize
27872
27873 The @samp{groups} result is a list of tuples, where each tuple may
27874 have the following fields:
27875
27876 @table @code
27877 @item id
27878 Identifier of the thread group. This field is always present.
27879 The identifier is an opaque string; frontends should not try to
27880 convert it to an integer, even though it might look like one.
27881
27882 @item type
27883 The type of the thread group. At present, only @samp{process} is a
27884 valid type.
27885
27886 @item pid
27887 The target-specific process identifier. This field is only present
27888 for thread groups of type @samp{process} and only if the process exists.
27889
27890 @item num_children
27891 The number of children this thread group has. This field may be
27892 absent for an available thread group.
27893
27894 @item threads
27895 This field has a list of tuples as value, each tuple describing a
27896 thread. It may be present if the @samp{--recurse} option is
27897 specified, and it's actually possible to obtain the threads.
27898
27899 @item cores
27900 This field is a list of integers, each identifying a core that one
27901 thread of the group is running on. This field may be absent if
27902 such information is not available.
27903
27904 @item executable
27905 The name of the executable file that corresponds to this thread group.
27906 The field is only present for thread groups of type @samp{process},
27907 and only if there is a corresponding executable file.
27908
27909 @end table
27910
27911 @subheading Example
27912
27913 @smallexample
27914 @value{GDBP}
27915 -list-thread-groups
27916 ^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2"@}]
27917 -list-thread-groups 17
27918 ^done,threads=[@{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
27919 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",args=[]@},state="running"@},
27920 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
27921 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
27922 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},state="running"@}]]
27923 -list-thread-groups --available
27924 ^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2]@}]
27925 -list-thread-groups --available --recurse 1
27926 ^done,groups=[@{id="17", types="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2],
27927 threads=[@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[1]@},
27928 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[2]@}]@},..]
27929 -list-thread-groups --available --recurse 1 17 18
27930 ^done,groups=[@{id="17", types="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2],
27931 threads=[@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[1]@},
27932 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[2]@}]@},...]
27933 @end smallexample
27934
27935
27936 @subheading The @code{-add-inferior} Command
27937 @findex -add-inferior
27938
27939 @subheading Synopsis
27940
27941 @smallexample
27942 -add-inferior
27943 @end smallexample
27944
27945 Creates a new inferior (@pxref{Inferiors and Programs}). The created
27946 inferior is not associated with any executable. Such association may
27947 be established with the @samp{-file-exec-and-symbols} command
27948 (@pxref{GDB/MI File Commands}). The command response has a single
27949 field, @samp{thread-group}, whose value is the identifier of the
27950 thread group corresponding to the new inferior.
27951
27952 @subheading Example
27953
27954 @smallexample
27955 @value{GDBP}
27956 -add-inferior
27957 ^done,thread-group="i3"
27958 @end smallexample
27959
27960 @subheading The @code{-interpreter-exec} Command
27961 @findex -interpreter-exec
27962
27963 @subheading Synopsis
27964
27965 @smallexample
27966 -interpreter-exec @var{interpreter} @var{command}
27967 @end smallexample
27968 @anchor{-interpreter-exec}
27969
27970 Execute the specified @var{command} in the given @var{interpreter}.
27971
27972 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
27973
27974 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interpreter-exec}.
27975
27976 @subheading Example
27977
27978 @smallexample
27979 (gdb)
27980 -interpreter-exec console "break main"
27981 &"During symbol reading, couldn't parse type; debugger out of date?.\n"
27982 &"During symbol reading, bad structure-type format.\n"
27983 ~"Breakpoint 1 at 0x8074fc6: file ../../src/gdb/main.c, line 743.\n"
27984 ^done
27985 (gdb)
27986 @end smallexample
27987
27988 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-set} Command
27989 @findex -inferior-tty-set
27990
27991 @subheading Synopsis
27992
27993 @smallexample
27994 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
27995 @end smallexample
27996
27997 Set terminal for future runs of the program being debugged.
27998
27999 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
28000
28001 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set inferior-tty} /dev/pts/1.
28002
28003 @subheading Example
28004
28005 @smallexample
28006 (gdb)
28007 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
28008 ^done
28009 (gdb)
28010 @end smallexample
28011
28012 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-show} Command
28013 @findex -inferior-tty-show
28014
28015 @subheading Synopsis
28016
28017 @smallexample
28018 -inferior-tty-show
28019 @end smallexample
28020
28021 Show terminal for future runs of program being debugged.
28022
28023 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
28024
28025 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show inferior-tty}.
28026
28027 @subheading Example
28028
28029 @smallexample
28030 (gdb)
28031 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
28032 ^done
28033 (gdb)
28034 -inferior-tty-show
28035 ^done,inferior_tty_terminal="/dev/pts/1"
28036 (gdb)
28037 @end smallexample
28038
28039 @subheading The @code{-enable-timings} Command
28040 @findex -enable-timings
28041
28042 @subheading Synopsis
28043
28044 @smallexample
28045 -enable-timings [yes | no]
28046 @end smallexample
28047
28048 Toggle the printing of the wallclock, user and system times for an MI
28049 command as a field in its output. This command is to help frontend
28050 developers optimize the performance of their code. No argument is
28051 equivalent to @samp{yes}.
28052
28053 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
28054
28055 No equivalent.
28056
28057 @subheading Example
28058
28059 @smallexample
28060 (gdb)
28061 -enable-timings
28062 ^done
28063 (gdb)
28064 -break-insert main
28065 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28066 addr="0x080484ed",func="main",file="myprog.c",
28067 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73",times="0"@},
28068 time=@{wallclock="0.05185",user="0.00800",system="0.00000"@}
28069 (gdb)
28070 -enable-timings no
28071 ^done
28072 (gdb)
28073 -exec-run
28074 ^running
28075 (gdb)
28076 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
28077 frame=@{addr="0x080484ed",func="main",args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},
28078 @{name="argv",value="0xbfb60364"@}],file="myprog.c",
28079 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73"@}
28080 (gdb)
28081 @end smallexample
28082
28083 @node Annotations
28084 @chapter @value{GDBN} Annotations
28085
28086 This chapter describes annotations in @value{GDBN}. Annotations were
28087 designed to interface @value{GDBN} to graphical user interfaces or other
28088 similar programs which want to interact with @value{GDBN} at a
28089 relatively high level.
28090
28091 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
28092 (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
28093
28094 @ignore
28095 This is Edition @value{EDITION}, @value{DATE}.
28096 @end ignore
28097
28098 @menu
28099 * Annotations Overview:: What annotations are; the general syntax.
28100 * Server Prefix:: Issuing a command without affecting user state.
28101 * Prompting:: Annotations marking @value{GDBN}'s need for input.
28102 * Errors:: Annotations for error messages.
28103 * Invalidation:: Some annotations describe things now invalid.
28104 * Annotations for Running::
28105 Whether the program is running, how it stopped, etc.
28106 * Source Annotations:: Annotations describing source code.
28107 @end menu
28108
28109 @node Annotations Overview
28110 @section What is an Annotation?
28111 @cindex annotations
28112
28113 Annotations start with a newline character, two @samp{control-z}
28114 characters, and the name of the annotation. If there is no additional
28115 information associated with this annotation, the name of the annotation
28116 is followed immediately by a newline. If there is additional
28117 information, the name of the annotation is followed by a space, the
28118 additional information, and a newline. The additional information
28119 cannot contain newline characters.
28120
28121 Any output not beginning with a newline and two @samp{control-z}
28122 characters denotes literal output from @value{GDBN}. Currently there is
28123 no need for @value{GDBN} to output a newline followed by two
28124 @samp{control-z} characters, but if there was such a need, the
28125 annotations could be extended with an @samp{escape} annotation which
28126 means those three characters as output.
28127
28128 The annotation @var{level}, which is specified using the
28129 @option{--annotate} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}), controls
28130 how much information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt,
28131 values of expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0
28132 is for no annotations, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a
28133 subprocess of @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable
28134 for programs that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 annotations have
28135 been made obsolete (@pxref{Limitations, , Limitations of the Annotation
28136 Interface, annotate, GDB's Obsolete Annotations}).
28137
28138 @table @code
28139 @kindex set annotate
28140 @item set annotate @var{level}
28141 The @value{GDBN} command @code{set annotate} sets the level of
28142 annotations to the specified @var{level}.
28143
28144 @item show annotate
28145 @kindex show annotate
28146 Show the current annotation level.
28147 @end table
28148
28149 This chapter describes level 3 annotations.
28150
28151 A simple example of starting up @value{GDBN} with annotations is:
28152
28153 @smallexample
28154 $ @kbd{gdb --annotate=3}
28155 GNU gdb 6.0
28156 Copyright 2003 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
28157 GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License,
28158 and you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it
28159 under certain conditions.
28160 Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
28161 There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty"
28162 for details.
28163 This GDB was configured as "i386-pc-linux-gnu"
28164
28165 ^Z^Zpre-prompt
28166 (@value{GDBP})
28167 ^Z^Zprompt
28168 @kbd{quit}
28169
28170 ^Z^Zpost-prompt
28171 $
28172 @end smallexample
28173
28174 Here @samp{quit} is input to @value{GDBN}; the rest is output from
28175 @value{GDBN}. The three lines beginning @samp{^Z^Z} (where @samp{^Z}
28176 denotes a @samp{control-z} character) are annotations; the rest is
28177 output from @value{GDBN}.
28178
28179 @node Server Prefix
28180 @section The Server Prefix
28181 @cindex server prefix
28182
28183 If you prefix a command with @samp{server } then it will not affect
28184 the command history, nor will it affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which
28185 command to repeat if @key{RET} is pressed on a line by itself. This
28186 means that commands can be run behind a user's back by a front-end in
28187 a transparent manner.
28188
28189 The @code{server } prefix does not affect the recording of values into
28190 the value history; to print a value without recording it into the
28191 value history, use the @code{output} command instead of the
28192 @code{print} command.
28193
28194 Using this prefix also disables confirmation requests
28195 (@pxref{confirmation requests}).
28196
28197 @node Prompting
28198 @section Annotation for @value{GDBN} Input
28199
28200 @cindex annotations for prompts
28201 When @value{GDBN} prompts for input, it annotates this fact so it is possible
28202 to know when to send output, when the output from a given command is
28203 over, etc.
28204
28205 Different kinds of input each have a different @dfn{input type}. Each
28206 input type has three annotations: a @code{pre-} annotation, which
28207 denotes the beginning of any prompt which is being output, a plain
28208 annotation, which denotes the end of the prompt, and then a @code{post-}
28209 annotation which denotes the end of any echo which may (or may not) be
28210 associated with the input. For example, the @code{prompt} input type
28211 features the following annotations:
28212
28213 @smallexample
28214 ^Z^Zpre-prompt
28215 ^Z^Zprompt
28216 ^Z^Zpost-prompt
28217 @end smallexample
28218
28219 The input types are
28220
28221 @table @code
28222 @findex pre-prompt annotation
28223 @findex prompt annotation
28224 @findex post-prompt annotation
28225 @item prompt
28226 When @value{GDBN} is prompting for a command (the main @value{GDBN} prompt).
28227
28228 @findex pre-commands annotation
28229 @findex commands annotation
28230 @findex post-commands annotation
28231 @item commands
28232 When @value{GDBN} prompts for a set of commands, like in the @code{commands}
28233 command. The annotations are repeated for each command which is input.
28234
28235 @findex pre-overload-choice annotation
28236 @findex overload-choice annotation
28237 @findex post-overload-choice annotation
28238 @item overload-choice
28239 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to select between various overloaded functions.
28240
28241 @findex pre-query annotation
28242 @findex query annotation
28243 @findex post-query annotation
28244 @item query
28245 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to confirm a potentially dangerous operation.
28246
28247 @findex pre-prompt-for-continue annotation
28248 @findex prompt-for-continue annotation
28249 @findex post-prompt-for-continue annotation
28250 @item prompt-for-continue
28251 When @value{GDBN} is asking the user to press return to continue. Note: Don't
28252 expect this to work well; instead use @code{set height 0} to disable
28253 prompting. This is because the counting of lines is buggy in the
28254 presence of annotations.
28255 @end table
28256
28257 @node Errors
28258 @section Errors
28259 @cindex annotations for errors, warnings and interrupts
28260
28261 @findex quit annotation
28262 @smallexample
28263 ^Z^Zquit
28264 @end smallexample
28265
28266 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an interrupt.
28267
28268 @findex error annotation
28269 @smallexample
28270 ^Z^Zerror
28271 @end smallexample
28272
28273 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an error.
28274
28275 Quit and error annotations indicate that any annotations which @value{GDBN} was
28276 in the middle of may end abruptly. For example, if a
28277 @code{value-history-begin} annotation is followed by a @code{error}, one
28278 cannot expect to receive the matching @code{value-history-end}. One
28279 cannot expect not to receive it either, however; an error annotation
28280 does not necessarily mean that @value{GDBN} is immediately returning all the way
28281 to the top level.
28282
28283 @findex error-begin annotation
28284 A quit or error annotation may be preceded by
28285
28286 @smallexample
28287 ^Z^Zerror-begin
28288 @end smallexample
28289
28290 Any output between that and the quit or error annotation is the error
28291 message.
28292
28293 Warning messages are not yet annotated.
28294 @c If we want to change that, need to fix warning(), type_error(),
28295 @c range_error(), and possibly other places.
28296
28297 @node Invalidation
28298 @section Invalidation Notices
28299
28300 @cindex annotations for invalidation messages
28301 The following annotations say that certain pieces of state may have
28302 changed.
28303
28304 @table @code
28305 @findex frames-invalid annotation
28306 @item ^Z^Zframes-invalid
28307
28308 The frames (for example, output from the @code{backtrace} command) may
28309 have changed.
28310
28311 @findex breakpoints-invalid annotation
28312 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoints-invalid
28313
28314 The breakpoints may have changed. For example, the user just added or
28315 deleted a breakpoint.
28316 @end table
28317
28318 @node Annotations for Running
28319 @section Running the Program
28320 @cindex annotations for running programs
28321
28322 @findex starting annotation
28323 @findex stopping annotation
28324 When the program starts executing due to a @value{GDBN} command such as
28325 @code{step} or @code{continue},
28326
28327 @smallexample
28328 ^Z^Zstarting
28329 @end smallexample
28330
28331 is output. When the program stops,
28332
28333 @smallexample
28334 ^Z^Zstopped
28335 @end smallexample
28336
28337 is output. Before the @code{stopped} annotation, a variety of
28338 annotations describe how the program stopped.
28339
28340 @table @code
28341 @findex exited annotation
28342 @item ^Z^Zexited @var{exit-status}
28343 The program exited, and @var{exit-status} is the exit status (zero for
28344 successful exit, otherwise nonzero).
28345
28346 @findex signalled annotation
28347 @findex signal-name annotation
28348 @findex signal-name-end annotation
28349 @findex signal-string annotation
28350 @findex signal-string-end annotation
28351 @item ^Z^Zsignalled
28352 The program exited with a signal. After the @code{^Z^Zsignalled}, the
28353 annotation continues:
28354
28355 @smallexample
28356 @var{intro-text}
28357 ^Z^Zsignal-name
28358 @var{name}
28359 ^Z^Zsignal-name-end
28360 @var{middle-text}
28361 ^Z^Zsignal-string
28362 @var{string}
28363 ^Z^Zsignal-string-end
28364 @var{end-text}
28365 @end smallexample
28366
28367 @noindent
28368 where @var{name} is the name of the signal, such as @code{SIGILL} or
28369 @code{SIGSEGV}, and @var{string} is the explanation of the signal, such
28370 as @code{Illegal Instruction} or @code{Segmentation fault}.
28371 @var{intro-text}, @var{middle-text}, and @var{end-text} are for the
28372 user's benefit and have no particular format.
28373
28374 @findex signal annotation
28375 @item ^Z^Zsignal
28376 The syntax of this annotation is just like @code{signalled}, but @value{GDBN} is
28377 just saying that the program received the signal, not that it was
28378 terminated with it.
28379
28380 @findex breakpoint annotation
28381 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoint @var{number}
28382 The program hit breakpoint number @var{number}.
28383
28384 @findex watchpoint annotation
28385 @item ^Z^Zwatchpoint @var{number}
28386 The program hit watchpoint number @var{number}.
28387 @end table
28388
28389 @node Source Annotations
28390 @section Displaying Source
28391 @cindex annotations for source display
28392
28393 @findex source annotation
28394 The following annotation is used instead of displaying source code:
28395
28396 @smallexample
28397 ^Z^Zsource @var{filename}:@var{line}:@var{character}:@var{middle}:@var{addr}
28398 @end smallexample
28399
28400 where @var{filename} is an absolute file name indicating which source
28401 file, @var{line} is the line number within that file (where 1 is the
28402 first line in the file), @var{character} is the character position
28403 within the file (where 0 is the first character in the file) (for most
28404 debug formats this will necessarily point to the beginning of a line),
28405 @var{middle} is @samp{middle} if @var{addr} is in the middle of the
28406 line, or @samp{beg} if @var{addr} is at the beginning of the line, and
28407 @var{addr} is the address in the target program associated with the
28408 source which is being displayed. @var{addr} is in the form @samp{0x}
28409 followed by one or more lowercase hex digits (note that this does not
28410 depend on the language).
28411
28412 @node JIT Interface
28413 @chapter JIT Compilation Interface
28414 @cindex just-in-time compilation
28415 @cindex JIT compilation interface
28416
28417 This chapter documents @value{GDBN}'s @dfn{just-in-time} (JIT) compilation
28418 interface. A JIT compiler is a program or library that generates native
28419 executable code at runtime and executes it, usually in order to achieve good
28420 performance while maintaining platform independence.
28421
28422 Programs that use JIT compilation are normally difficult to debug because
28423 portions of their code are generated at runtime, instead of being loaded from
28424 object files, which is where @value{GDBN} normally finds the program's symbols
28425 and debug information. In order to debug programs that use JIT compilation,
28426 @value{GDBN} has an interface that allows the program to register in-memory
28427 symbol files with @value{GDBN} at runtime.
28428
28429 If you are using @value{GDBN} to debug a program that uses this interface, then
28430 it should work transparently so long as you have not stripped the binary. If
28431 you are developing a JIT compiler, then the interface is documented in the rest
28432 of this chapter. At this time, the only known client of this interface is the
28433 LLVM JIT.
28434
28435 Broadly speaking, the JIT interface mirrors the dynamic loader interface. The
28436 JIT compiler communicates with @value{GDBN} by writing data into a global
28437 variable and calling a fuction at a well-known symbol. When @value{GDBN}
28438 attaches, it reads a linked list of symbol files from the global variable to
28439 find existing code, and puts a breakpoint in the function so that it can find
28440 out about additional code.
28441
28442 @menu
28443 * Declarations:: Relevant C struct declarations
28444 * Registering Code:: Steps to register code
28445 * Unregistering Code:: Steps to unregister code
28446 @end menu
28447
28448 @node Declarations
28449 @section JIT Declarations
28450
28451 These are the relevant struct declarations that a C program should include to
28452 implement the interface:
28453
28454 @smallexample
28455 typedef enum
28456 @{
28457 JIT_NOACTION = 0,
28458 JIT_REGISTER_FN,
28459 JIT_UNREGISTER_FN
28460 @} jit_actions_t;
28461
28462 struct jit_code_entry
28463 @{
28464 struct jit_code_entry *next_entry;
28465 struct jit_code_entry *prev_entry;
28466 const char *symfile_addr;
28467 uint64_t symfile_size;
28468 @};
28469
28470 struct jit_descriptor
28471 @{
28472 uint32_t version;
28473 /* This type should be jit_actions_t, but we use uint32_t
28474 to be explicit about the bitwidth. */
28475 uint32_t action_flag;
28476 struct jit_code_entry *relevant_entry;
28477 struct jit_code_entry *first_entry;
28478 @};
28479
28480 /* GDB puts a breakpoint in this function. */
28481 void __attribute__((noinline)) __jit_debug_register_code() @{ @};
28482
28483 /* Make sure to specify the version statically, because the
28484 debugger may check the version before we can set it. */
28485 struct jit_descriptor __jit_debug_descriptor = @{ 1, 0, 0, 0 @};
28486 @end smallexample
28487
28488 If the JIT is multi-threaded, then it is important that the JIT synchronize any
28489 modifications to this global data properly, which can easily be done by putting
28490 a global mutex around modifications to these structures.
28491
28492 @node Registering Code
28493 @section Registering Code
28494
28495 To register code with @value{GDBN}, the JIT should follow this protocol:
28496
28497 @itemize @bullet
28498 @item
28499 Generate an object file in memory with symbols and other desired debug
28500 information. The file must include the virtual addresses of the sections.
28501
28502 @item
28503 Create a code entry for the file, which gives the start and size of the symbol
28504 file.
28505
28506 @item
28507 Add it to the linked list in the JIT descriptor.
28508
28509 @item
28510 Point the relevant_entry field of the descriptor at the entry.
28511
28512 @item
28513 Set @code{action_flag} to @code{JIT_REGISTER} and call
28514 @code{__jit_debug_register_code}.
28515 @end itemize
28516
28517 When @value{GDBN} is attached and the breakpoint fires, @value{GDBN} uses the
28518 @code{relevant_entry} pointer so it doesn't have to walk the list looking for
28519 new code. However, the linked list must still be maintained in order to allow
28520 @value{GDBN} to attach to a running process and still find the symbol files.
28521
28522 @node Unregistering Code
28523 @section Unregistering Code
28524
28525 If code is freed, then the JIT should use the following protocol:
28526
28527 @itemize @bullet
28528 @item
28529 Remove the code entry corresponding to the code from the linked list.
28530
28531 @item
28532 Point the @code{relevant_entry} field of the descriptor at the code entry.
28533
28534 @item
28535 Set @code{action_flag} to @code{JIT_UNREGISTER} and call
28536 @code{__jit_debug_register_code}.
28537 @end itemize
28538
28539 If the JIT frees or recompiles code without unregistering it, then @value{GDBN}
28540 and the JIT will leak the memory used for the associated symbol files.
28541
28542 @node GDB Bugs
28543 @chapter Reporting Bugs in @value{GDBN}
28544 @cindex bugs in @value{GDBN}
28545 @cindex reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
28546
28547 Your bug reports play an essential role in making @value{GDBN} reliable.
28548
28549 Reporting a bug may help you by bringing a solution to your problem, or it
28550 may not. But in any case the principal function of a bug report is to help
28551 the entire community by making the next version of @value{GDBN} work better. Bug
28552 reports are your contribution to the maintenance of @value{GDBN}.
28553
28554 In order for a bug report to serve its purpose, you must include the
28555 information that enables us to fix the bug.
28556
28557 @menu
28558 * Bug Criteria:: Have you found a bug?
28559 * Bug Reporting:: How to report bugs
28560 @end menu
28561
28562 @node Bug Criteria
28563 @section Have You Found a Bug?
28564 @cindex bug criteria
28565
28566 If you are not sure whether you have found a bug, here are some guidelines:
28567
28568 @itemize @bullet
28569 @cindex fatal signal
28570 @cindex debugger crash
28571 @cindex crash of debugger
28572 @item
28573 If the debugger gets a fatal signal, for any input whatever, that is a
28574 @value{GDBN} bug. Reliable debuggers never crash.
28575
28576 @cindex error on valid input
28577 @item
28578 If @value{GDBN} produces an error message for valid input, that is a
28579 bug. (Note that if you're cross debugging, the problem may also be
28580 somewhere in the connection to the target.)
28581
28582 @cindex invalid input
28583 @item
28584 If @value{GDBN} does not produce an error message for invalid input,
28585 that is a bug. However, you should note that your idea of
28586 ``invalid input'' might be our idea of ``an extension'' or ``support
28587 for traditional practice''.
28588
28589 @item
28590 If you are an experienced user of debugging tools, your suggestions
28591 for improvement of @value{GDBN} are welcome in any case.
28592 @end itemize
28593
28594 @node Bug Reporting
28595 @section How to Report Bugs
28596 @cindex bug reports
28597 @cindex @value{GDBN} bugs, reporting
28598
28599 A number of companies and individuals offer support for @sc{gnu} products.
28600 If you obtained @value{GDBN} from a support organization, we recommend you
28601 contact that organization first.
28602
28603 You can find contact information for many support companies and
28604 individuals in the file @file{etc/SERVICE} in the @sc{gnu} Emacs
28605 distribution.
28606 @c should add a web page ref...
28607
28608 @ifset BUGURL
28609 @ifset BUGURL_DEFAULT
28610 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
28611 @value{GDBN}. The preferred method is to submit them directly using
28612 @uref{http://www.gnu.org/software/gdb/bugs/, @value{GDBN}'s Bugs web
28613 page}. Alternatively, the @email{bug-gdb@@gnu.org, e-mail gateway} can
28614 be used.
28615
28616 @strong{Do not send bug reports to @samp{info-gdb}, or to
28617 @samp{help-gdb}, or to any newsgroups.} Most users of @value{GDBN} do
28618 not want to receive bug reports. Those that do have arranged to receive
28619 @samp{bug-gdb}.
28620
28621 The mailing list @samp{bug-gdb} has a newsgroup @samp{gnu.gdb.bug} which
28622 serves as a repeater. The mailing list and the newsgroup carry exactly
28623 the same messages. Often people think of posting bug reports to the
28624 newsgroup instead of mailing them. This appears to work, but it has one
28625 problem which can be crucial: a newsgroup posting often lacks a mail
28626 path back to the sender. Thus, if we need to ask for more information,
28627 we may be unable to reach you. For this reason, it is better to send
28628 bug reports to the mailing list.
28629 @end ifset
28630 @ifclear BUGURL_DEFAULT
28631 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
28632 @value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.
28633 @end ifclear
28634 @end ifset
28635
28636 The fundamental principle of reporting bugs usefully is this:
28637 @strong{report all the facts}. If you are not sure whether to state a
28638 fact or leave it out, state it!
28639
28640 Often people omit facts because they think they know what causes the
28641 problem and assume that some details do not matter. Thus, you might
28642 assume that the name of the variable you use in an example does not matter.
28643 Well, probably it does not, but one cannot be sure. Perhaps the bug is a
28644 stray memory reference which happens to fetch from the location where that
28645 name is stored in memory; perhaps, if the name were different, the contents
28646 of that location would fool the debugger into doing the right thing despite
28647 the bug. Play it safe and give a specific, complete example. That is the
28648 easiest thing for you to do, and the most helpful.
28649
28650 Keep in mind that the purpose of a bug report is to enable us to fix the
28651 bug. It may be that the bug has been reported previously, but neither
28652 you nor we can know that unless your bug report is complete and
28653 self-contained.
28654
28655 Sometimes people give a few sketchy facts and ask, ``Does this ring a
28656 bell?'' Those bug reports are useless, and we urge everyone to
28657 @emph{refuse to respond to them} except to chide the sender to report
28658 bugs properly.
28659
28660 To enable us to fix the bug, you should include all these things:
28661
28662 @itemize @bullet
28663 @item
28664 The version of @value{GDBN}. @value{GDBN} announces it if you start
28665 with no arguments; you can also print it at any time using @code{show
28666 version}.
28667
28668 Without this, we will not know whether there is any point in looking for
28669 the bug in the current version of @value{GDBN}.
28670
28671 @item
28672 The type of machine you are using, and the operating system name and
28673 version number.
28674
28675 @item
28676 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile @value{GDBN}---e.g.@:
28677 ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1''.
28678
28679 @item
28680 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile the program you are
28681 debugging---e.g.@: ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1'', or ``HP92453-01 A.10.32.03 HP
28682 C Compiler''. For @value{NGCC}, you can say @kbd{@value{GCC} --version}
28683 to get this information; for other compilers, see the documentation for
28684 those compilers.
28685
28686 @item
28687 The command arguments you gave the compiler to compile your example and
28688 observe the bug. For example, did you use @samp{-O}? To guarantee
28689 you will not omit something important, list them all. A copy of the
28690 Makefile (or the output from make) is sufficient.
28691
28692 If we were to try to guess the arguments, we would probably guess wrong
28693 and then we might not encounter the bug.
28694
28695 @item
28696 A complete input script, and all necessary source files, that will
28697 reproduce the bug.
28698
28699 @item
28700 A description of what behavior you observe that you believe is
28701 incorrect. For example, ``It gets a fatal signal.''
28702
28703 Of course, if the bug is that @value{GDBN} gets a fatal signal, then we
28704 will certainly notice it. But if the bug is incorrect output, we might
28705 not notice unless it is glaringly wrong. You might as well not give us
28706 a chance to make a mistake.
28707
28708 Even if the problem you experience is a fatal signal, you should still
28709 say so explicitly. Suppose something strange is going on, such as, your
28710 copy of @value{GDBN} is out of synch, or you have encountered a bug in
28711 the C library on your system. (This has happened!) Your copy might
28712 crash and ours would not. If you told us to expect a crash, then when
28713 ours fails to crash, we would know that the bug was not happening for
28714 us. If you had not told us to expect a crash, then we would not be able
28715 to draw any conclusion from our observations.
28716
28717 @pindex script
28718 @cindex recording a session script
28719 To collect all this information, you can use a session recording program
28720 such as @command{script}, which is available on many Unix systems.
28721 Just run your @value{GDBN} session inside @command{script} and then
28722 include the @file{typescript} file with your bug report.
28723
28724 Another way to record a @value{GDBN} session is to run @value{GDBN}
28725 inside Emacs and then save the entire buffer to a file.
28726
28727 @item
28728 If you wish to suggest changes to the @value{GDBN} source, send us context
28729 diffs. If you even discuss something in the @value{GDBN} source, refer to
28730 it by context, not by line number.
28731
28732 The line numbers in our development sources will not match those in your
28733 sources. Your line numbers would convey no useful information to us.
28734
28735 @end itemize
28736
28737 Here are some things that are not necessary:
28738
28739 @itemize @bullet
28740 @item
28741 A description of the envelope of the bug.
28742
28743 Often people who encounter a bug spend a lot of time investigating
28744 which changes to the input file will make the bug go away and which
28745 changes will not affect it.
28746
28747 This is often time consuming and not very useful, because the way we
28748 will find the bug is by running a single example under the debugger
28749 with breakpoints, not by pure deduction from a series of examples.
28750 We recommend that you save your time for something else.
28751
28752 Of course, if you can find a simpler example to report @emph{instead}
28753 of the original one, that is a convenience for us. Errors in the
28754 output will be easier to spot, running under the debugger will take
28755 less time, and so on.
28756
28757 However, simplification is not vital; if you do not want to do this,
28758 report the bug anyway and send us the entire test case you used.
28759
28760 @item
28761 A patch for the bug.
28762
28763 A patch for the bug does help us if it is a good one. But do not omit
28764 the necessary information, such as the test case, on the assumption that
28765 a patch is all we need. We might see problems with your patch and decide
28766 to fix the problem another way, or we might not understand it at all.
28767
28768 Sometimes with a program as complicated as @value{GDBN} it is very hard to
28769 construct an example that will make the program follow a certain path
28770 through the code. If you do not send us the example, we will not be able
28771 to construct one, so we will not be able to verify that the bug is fixed.
28772
28773 And if we cannot understand what bug you are trying to fix, or why your
28774 patch should be an improvement, we will not install it. A test case will
28775 help us to understand.
28776
28777 @item
28778 A guess about what the bug is or what it depends on.
28779
28780 Such guesses are usually wrong. Even we cannot guess right about such
28781 things without first using the debugger to find the facts.
28782 @end itemize
28783
28784 @c The readline documentation is distributed with the readline code
28785 @c and consists of the two following files:
28786 @c rluser.texinfo
28787 @c inc-hist.texinfo
28788 @c Use -I with makeinfo to point to the appropriate directory,
28789 @c environment var TEXINPUTS with TeX.
28790 @include rluser.texi
28791 @include inc-hist.texinfo
28792
28793
28794 @node Formatting Documentation
28795 @appendix Formatting Documentation
28796
28797 @cindex @value{GDBN} reference card
28798 @cindex reference card
28799 The @value{GDBN} 4 release includes an already-formatted reference card, ready
28800 for printing with PostScript or Ghostscript, in the @file{gdb}
28801 subdirectory of the main source directory@footnote{In
28802 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/refcard.ps} of the version @value{GDBVN}
28803 release.}. If you can use PostScript or Ghostscript with your printer,
28804 you can print the reference card immediately with @file{refcard.ps}.
28805
28806 The release also includes the source for the reference card. You
28807 can format it, using @TeX{}, by typing:
28808
28809 @smallexample
28810 make refcard.dvi
28811 @end smallexample
28812
28813 The @value{GDBN} reference card is designed to print in @dfn{landscape}
28814 mode on US ``letter'' size paper;
28815 that is, on a sheet 11 inches wide by 8.5 inches
28816 high. You will need to specify this form of printing as an option to
28817 your @sc{dvi} output program.
28818
28819 @cindex documentation
28820
28821 All the documentation for @value{GDBN} comes as part of the machine-readable
28822 distribution. The documentation is written in Texinfo format, which is
28823 a documentation system that uses a single source file to produce both
28824 on-line information and a printed manual. You can use one of the Info
28825 formatting commands to create the on-line version of the documentation
28826 and @TeX{} (or @code{texi2roff}) to typeset the printed version.
28827
28828 @value{GDBN} includes an already formatted copy of the on-line Info
28829 version of this manual in the @file{gdb} subdirectory. The main Info
28830 file is @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/gdb.info}, and it refers to
28831 subordinate files matching @samp{gdb.info*} in the same directory. If
28832 necessary, you can print out these files, or read them with any editor;
28833 but they are easier to read using the @code{info} subsystem in @sc{gnu}
28834 Emacs or the standalone @code{info} program, available as part of the
28835 @sc{gnu} Texinfo distribution.
28836
28837 If you want to format these Info files yourself, you need one of the
28838 Info formatting programs, such as @code{texinfo-format-buffer} or
28839 @code{makeinfo}.
28840
28841 If you have @code{makeinfo} installed, and are in the top level
28842 @value{GDBN} source directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, in the case of
28843 version @value{GDBVN}), you can make the Info file by typing:
28844
28845 @smallexample
28846 cd gdb
28847 make gdb.info
28848 @end smallexample
28849
28850 If you want to typeset and print copies of this manual, you need @TeX{},
28851 a program to print its @sc{dvi} output files, and @file{texinfo.tex}, the
28852 Texinfo definitions file.
28853
28854 @TeX{} is a typesetting program; it does not print files directly, but
28855 produces output files called @sc{dvi} files. To print a typeset
28856 document, you need a program to print @sc{dvi} files. If your system
28857 has @TeX{} installed, chances are it has such a program. The precise
28858 command to use depends on your system; @kbd{lpr -d} is common; another
28859 (for PostScript devices) is @kbd{dvips}. The @sc{dvi} print command may
28860 require a file name without any extension or a @samp{.dvi} extension.
28861
28862 @TeX{} also requires a macro definitions file called
28863 @file{texinfo.tex}. This file tells @TeX{} how to typeset a document
28864 written in Texinfo format. On its own, @TeX{} cannot either read or
28865 typeset a Texinfo file. @file{texinfo.tex} is distributed with GDB
28866 and is located in the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}/texinfo}
28867 directory.
28868
28869 If you have @TeX{} and a @sc{dvi} printer program installed, you can
28870 typeset and print this manual. First switch to the @file{gdb}
28871 subdirectory of the main source directory (for example, to
28872 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb}) and type:
28873
28874 @smallexample
28875 make gdb.dvi
28876 @end smallexample
28877
28878 Then give @file{gdb.dvi} to your @sc{dvi} printing program.
28879
28880 @node Installing GDB
28881 @appendix Installing @value{GDBN}
28882 @cindex installation
28883
28884 @menu
28885 * Requirements:: Requirements for building @value{GDBN}
28886 * Running Configure:: Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} script
28887 * Separate Objdir:: Compiling @value{GDBN} in another directory
28888 * Config Names:: Specifying names for hosts and targets
28889 * Configure Options:: Summary of options for configure
28890 * System-wide configuration:: Having a system-wide init file
28891 @end menu
28892
28893 @node Requirements
28894 @section Requirements for Building @value{GDBN}
28895 @cindex building @value{GDBN}, requirements for
28896
28897 Building @value{GDBN} requires various tools and packages to be available.
28898 Other packages will be used only if they are found.
28899
28900 @heading Tools/Packages Necessary for Building @value{GDBN}
28901 @table @asis
28902 @item ISO C90 compiler
28903 @value{GDBN} is written in ISO C90. It should be buildable with any
28904 working C90 compiler, e.g.@: GCC.
28905
28906 @end table
28907
28908 @heading Tools/Packages Optional for Building @value{GDBN}
28909 @table @asis
28910 @item Expat
28911 @anchor{Expat}
28912 @value{GDBN} can use the Expat XML parsing library. This library may be
28913 included with your operating system distribution; if it is not, you
28914 can get the latest version from @url{http://expat.sourceforge.net}.
28915 The @file{configure} script will search for this library in several
28916 standard locations; if it is installed in an unusual path, you can
28917 use the @option{--with-libexpat-prefix} option to specify its location.
28918
28919 Expat is used for:
28920
28921 @itemize @bullet
28922 @item
28923 Remote protocol memory maps (@pxref{Memory Map Format})
28924 @item
28925 Target descriptions (@pxref{Target Descriptions})
28926 @item
28927 Remote shared library lists (@pxref{Library List Format})
28928 @item
28929 MS-Windows shared libraries (@pxref{Shared Libraries})
28930 @end itemize
28931
28932 @item zlib
28933 @cindex compressed debug sections
28934 @value{GDBN} will use the @samp{zlib} library, if available, to read
28935 compressed debug sections. Some linkers, such as GNU gold, are capable
28936 of producing binaries with compressed debug sections. If @value{GDBN}
28937 is compiled with @samp{zlib}, it will be able to read the debug
28938 information in such binaries.
28939
28940 The @samp{zlib} library is likely included with your operating system
28941 distribution; if it is not, you can get the latest version from
28942 @url{http://zlib.net}.
28943
28944 @item iconv
28945 @value{GDBN}'s features related to character sets (@pxref{Character
28946 Sets}) require a functioning @code{iconv} implementation. If you are
28947 on a GNU system, then this is provided by the GNU C Library. Some
28948 other systems also provide a working @code{iconv}.
28949
28950 On systems with @code{iconv}, you can install GNU Libiconv. If you
28951 have previously installed Libiconv, you can use the
28952 @option{--with-libiconv-prefix} option to configure.
28953
28954 @value{GDBN}'s top-level @file{configure} and @file{Makefile} will
28955 arrange to build Libiconv if a directory named @file{libiconv} appears
28956 in the top-most source directory. If Libiconv is built this way, and
28957 if the operating system does not provide a suitable @code{iconv}
28958 implementation, then the just-built library will automatically be used
28959 by @value{GDBN}. One easy way to set this up is to download GNU
28960 Libiconv, unpack it, and then rename the directory holding the
28961 Libiconv source code to @samp{libiconv}.
28962 @end table
28963
28964 @node Running Configure
28965 @section Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} Script
28966 @cindex configuring @value{GDBN}
28967 @value{GDBN} comes with a @file{configure} script that automates the process
28968 of preparing @value{GDBN} for installation; you can then use @code{make} to
28969 build the @code{gdb} program.
28970 @iftex
28971 @c irrelevant in info file; it's as current as the code it lives with.
28972 @footnote{If you have a more recent version of @value{GDBN} than @value{GDBVN},
28973 look at the @file{README} file in the sources; we may have improved the
28974 installation procedures since publishing this manual.}
28975 @end iftex
28976
28977 The @value{GDBN} distribution includes all the source code you need for
28978 @value{GDBN} in a single directory, whose name is usually composed by
28979 appending the version number to @samp{gdb}.
28980
28981 For example, the @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN} distribution is in the
28982 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory. That directory contains:
28983
28984 @table @code
28985 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure @r{(and supporting files)}
28986 script for configuring @value{GDBN} and all its supporting libraries
28987
28988 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb
28989 the source specific to @value{GDBN} itself
28990
28991 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/bfd
28992 source for the Binary File Descriptor library
28993
28994 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/include
28995 @sc{gnu} include files
28996
28997 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/libiberty
28998 source for the @samp{-liberty} free software library
28999
29000 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/opcodes
29001 source for the library of opcode tables and disassemblers
29002
29003 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/readline
29004 source for the @sc{gnu} command-line interface
29005
29006 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/glob
29007 source for the @sc{gnu} filename pattern-matching subroutine
29008
29009 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/mmalloc
29010 source for the @sc{gnu} memory-mapped malloc package
29011 @end table
29012
29013 The simplest way to configure and build @value{GDBN} is to run @file{configure}
29014 from the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory, which in
29015 this example is the @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory.
29016
29017 First switch to the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory
29018 if you are not already in it; then run @file{configure}. Pass the
29019 identifier for the platform on which @value{GDBN} will run as an
29020 argument.
29021
29022 For example:
29023
29024 @smallexample
29025 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
29026 ./configure @var{host}
29027 make
29028 @end smallexample
29029
29030 @noindent
29031 where @var{host} is an identifier such as @samp{sun4} or
29032 @samp{decstation}, that identifies the platform where @value{GDBN} will run.
29033 (You can often leave off @var{host}; @file{configure} tries to guess the
29034 correct value by examining your system.)
29035
29036 Running @samp{configure @var{host}} and then running @code{make} builds the
29037 @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, @file{mmalloc}, and @file{libiberty}
29038 libraries, then @code{gdb} itself. The configured source files, and the
29039 binaries, are left in the corresponding source directories.
29040
29041 @need 750
29042 @file{configure} is a Bourne-shell (@code{/bin/sh}) script; if your
29043 system does not recognize this automatically when you run a different
29044 shell, you may need to run @code{sh} on it explicitly:
29045
29046 @smallexample
29047 sh configure @var{host}
29048 @end smallexample
29049
29050 If you run @file{configure} from a directory that contains source
29051 directories for multiple libraries or programs, such as the
29052 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} source directory for version @value{GDBVN},
29053 @file{configure}
29054 creates configuration files for every directory level underneath (unless
29055 you tell it not to, with the @samp{--norecursion} option).
29056
29057 You should run the @file{configure} script from the top directory in the
29058 source tree, the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory. If you run
29059 @file{configure} from one of the subdirectories, you will configure only
29060 that subdirectory. That is usually not what you want. In particular,
29061 if you run the first @file{configure} from the @file{gdb} subdirectory
29062 of the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory, you will omit the
29063 configuration of @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, and other sibling
29064 directories of the @file{gdb} subdirectory. This leads to build errors
29065 about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
29066
29067 You can install @code{@value{GDBP}} anywhere; it has no hardwired paths.
29068 However, you should make sure that the shell on your path (named by
29069 the @samp{SHELL} environment variable) is publicly readable. Remember
29070 that @value{GDBN} uses the shell to start your program---some systems refuse to
29071 let @value{GDBN} debug child processes whose programs are not readable.
29072
29073 @node Separate Objdir
29074 @section Compiling @value{GDBN} in Another Directory
29075
29076 If you want to run @value{GDBN} versions for several host or target machines,
29077 you need a different @code{gdb} compiled for each combination of
29078 host and target. @file{configure} is designed to make this easy by
29079 allowing you to generate each configuration in a separate subdirectory,
29080 rather than in the source directory. If your @code{make} program
29081 handles the @samp{VPATH} feature (@sc{gnu} @code{make} does), running
29082 @code{make} in each of these directories builds the @code{gdb}
29083 program specified there.
29084
29085 To build @code{gdb} in a separate directory, run @file{configure}
29086 with the @samp{--srcdir} option to specify where to find the source.
29087 (You also need to specify a path to find @file{configure}
29088 itself from your working directory. If the path to @file{configure}
29089 would be the same as the argument to @samp{--srcdir}, you can leave out
29090 the @samp{--srcdir} option; it is assumed.)
29091
29092 For example, with version @value{GDBVN}, you can build @value{GDBN} in a
29093 separate directory for a Sun 4 like this:
29094
29095 @smallexample
29096 @group
29097 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
29098 mkdir ../gdb-sun4
29099 cd ../gdb-sun4
29100 ../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure sun4
29101 make
29102 @end group
29103 @end smallexample
29104
29105 When @file{configure} builds a configuration using a remote source
29106 directory, it creates a tree for the binaries with the same structure
29107 (and using the same names) as the tree under the source directory. In
29108 the example, you'd find the Sun 4 library @file{libiberty.a} in the
29109 directory @file{gdb-sun4/libiberty}, and @value{GDBN} itself in
29110 @file{gdb-sun4/gdb}.
29111
29112 Make sure that your path to the @file{configure} script has just one
29113 instance of @file{gdb} in it. If your path to @file{configure} looks
29114 like @file{../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/configure}, you are configuring only
29115 one subdirectory of @value{GDBN}, not the whole package. This leads to
29116 build errors about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
29117
29118 One popular reason to build several @value{GDBN} configurations in separate
29119 directories is to configure @value{GDBN} for cross-compiling (where
29120 @value{GDBN} runs on one machine---the @dfn{host}---while debugging
29121 programs that run on another machine---the @dfn{target}).
29122 You specify a cross-debugging target by
29123 giving the @samp{--target=@var{target}} option to @file{configure}.
29124
29125 When you run @code{make} to build a program or library, you must run
29126 it in a configured directory---whatever directory you were in when you
29127 called @file{configure} (or one of its subdirectories).
29128
29129 The @code{Makefile} that @file{configure} generates in each source
29130 directory also runs recursively. If you type @code{make} in a source
29131 directory such as @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} (or in a separate configured
29132 directory configured with @samp{--srcdir=@var{dirname}/gdb-@value{GDBVN}}), you
29133 will build all the required libraries, and then build GDB.
29134
29135 When you have multiple hosts or targets configured in separate
29136 directories, you can run @code{make} on them in parallel (for example,
29137 if they are NFS-mounted on each of the hosts); they will not interfere
29138 with each other.
29139
29140 @node Config Names
29141 @section Specifying Names for Hosts and Targets
29142
29143 The specifications used for hosts and targets in the @file{configure}
29144 script are based on a three-part naming scheme, but some short predefined
29145 aliases are also supported. The full naming scheme encodes three pieces
29146 of information in the following pattern:
29147
29148 @smallexample
29149 @var{architecture}-@var{vendor}-@var{os}
29150 @end smallexample
29151
29152 For example, you can use the alias @code{sun4} as a @var{host} argument,
29153 or as the value for @var{target} in a @code{--target=@var{target}}
29154 option. The equivalent full name is @samp{sparc-sun-sunos4}.
29155
29156 The @file{configure} script accompanying @value{GDBN} does not provide
29157 any query facility to list all supported host and target names or
29158 aliases. @file{configure} calls the Bourne shell script
29159 @code{config.sub} to map abbreviations to full names; you can read the
29160 script, if you wish, or you can use it to test your guesses on
29161 abbreviations---for example:
29162
29163 @smallexample
29164 % sh config.sub i386-linux
29165 i386-pc-linux-gnu
29166 % sh config.sub alpha-linux
29167 alpha-unknown-linux-gnu
29168 % sh config.sub hp9k700
29169 hppa1.1-hp-hpux
29170 % sh config.sub sun4
29171 sparc-sun-sunos4.1.1
29172 % sh config.sub sun3
29173 m68k-sun-sunos4.1.1
29174 % sh config.sub i986v
29175 Invalid configuration `i986v': machine `i986v' not recognized
29176 @end smallexample
29177
29178 @noindent
29179 @code{config.sub} is also distributed in the @value{GDBN} source
29180 directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, for version @value{GDBVN}).
29181
29182 @node Configure Options
29183 @section @file{configure} Options
29184
29185 Here is a summary of the @file{configure} options and arguments that
29186 are most often useful for building @value{GDBN}. @file{configure} also has
29187 several other options not listed here. @inforef{What Configure
29188 Does,,configure.info}, for a full explanation of @file{configure}.
29189
29190 @smallexample
29191 configure @r{[}--help@r{]}
29192 @r{[}--prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
29193 @r{[}--exec-prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
29194 @r{[}--srcdir=@var{dirname}@r{]}
29195 @r{[}--norecursion@r{]} @r{[}--rm@r{]}
29196 @r{[}--target=@var{target}@r{]}
29197 @var{host}
29198 @end smallexample
29199
29200 @noindent
29201 You may introduce options with a single @samp{-} rather than
29202 @samp{--} if you prefer; but you may abbreviate option names if you use
29203 @samp{--}.
29204
29205 @table @code
29206 @item --help
29207 Display a quick summary of how to invoke @file{configure}.
29208
29209 @item --prefix=@var{dir}
29210 Configure the source to install programs and files under directory
29211 @file{@var{dir}}.
29212
29213 @item --exec-prefix=@var{dir}
29214 Configure the source to install programs under directory
29215 @file{@var{dir}}.
29216
29217 @c avoid splitting the warning from the explanation:
29218 @need 2000
29219 @item --srcdir=@var{dirname}
29220 @strong{Warning: using this option requires @sc{gnu} @code{make}, or another
29221 @code{make} that implements the @code{VPATH} feature.}@*
29222 Use this option to make configurations in directories separate from the
29223 @value{GDBN} source directories. Among other things, you can use this to
29224 build (or maintain) several configurations simultaneously, in separate
29225 directories. @file{configure} writes configuration-specific files in
29226 the current directory, but arranges for them to use the source in the
29227 directory @var{dirname}. @file{configure} creates directories under
29228 the working directory in parallel to the source directories below
29229 @var{dirname}.
29230
29231 @item --norecursion
29232 Configure only the directory level where @file{configure} is executed; do not
29233 propagate configuration to subdirectories.
29234
29235 @item --target=@var{target}
29236 Configure @value{GDBN} for cross-debugging programs running on the specified
29237 @var{target}. Without this option, @value{GDBN} is configured to debug
29238 programs that run on the same machine (@var{host}) as @value{GDBN} itself.
29239
29240 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available targets.
29241
29242 @item @var{host} @dots{}
29243 Configure @value{GDBN} to run on the specified @var{host}.
29244
29245 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available hosts.
29246 @end table
29247
29248 There are many other options available as well, but they are generally
29249 needed for special purposes only.
29250
29251 @node System-wide configuration
29252 @section System-wide configuration and settings
29253 @cindex system-wide init file
29254
29255 @value{GDBN} can be configured to have a system-wide init file;
29256 this file will be read and executed at startup (@pxref{Startup, , What
29257 @value{GDBN} does during startup}).
29258
29259 Here is the corresponding configure option:
29260
29261 @table @code
29262 @item --with-system-gdbinit=@var{file}
29263 Specify that the default location of the system-wide init file is
29264 @var{file}.
29265 @end table
29266
29267 If @value{GDBN} has been configured with the option @option{--prefix=$prefix},
29268 it may be subject to relocation. Two possible cases:
29269
29270 @itemize @bullet
29271 @item
29272 If the default location of this init file contains @file{$prefix},
29273 it will be subject to relocation. Suppose that the configure options
29274 are @option{--prefix=$prefix --with-system-gdbinit=$prefix/etc/gdbinit};
29275 if @value{GDBN} is moved from @file{$prefix} to @file{$install}, the system
29276 init file is looked for as @file{$install/etc/gdbinit} instead of
29277 @file{$prefix/etc/gdbinit}.
29278
29279 @item
29280 By contrast, if the default location does not contain the prefix,
29281 it will not be relocated. E.g.@: if @value{GDBN} has been configured with
29282 @option{--prefix=/usr/local --with-system-gdbinit=/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
29283 then @value{GDBN} will always look for @file{/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
29284 wherever @value{GDBN} is installed.
29285 @end itemize
29286
29287 @node Maintenance Commands
29288 @appendix Maintenance Commands
29289 @cindex maintenance commands
29290 @cindex internal commands
29291
29292 In addition to commands intended for @value{GDBN} users, @value{GDBN}
29293 includes a number of commands intended for @value{GDBN} developers,
29294 that are not documented elsewhere in this manual. These commands are
29295 provided here for reference. (For commands that turn on debugging
29296 messages, see @ref{Debugging Output}.)
29297
29298 @table @code
29299 @kindex maint agent
29300 @kindex maint agent-eval
29301 @item maint agent @var{expression}
29302 @itemx maint agent-eval @var{expression}
29303 Translate the given @var{expression} into remote agent bytecodes.
29304 This command is useful for debugging the Agent Expression mechanism
29305 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}). The @samp{agent} version produces an
29306 expression useful for data collection, such as by tracepoints, while
29307 @samp{maint agent-eval} produces an expression that evaluates directly
29308 to a result. For instance, a collection expression for @code{globa +
29309 globb} will include bytecodes to record four bytes of memory at each
29310 of the addresses of @code{globa} and @code{globb}, while discarding
29311 the result of the addition, while an evaluation expression will do the
29312 addition and return the sum.
29313
29314 @kindex maint info breakpoints
29315 @item @anchor{maint info breakpoints}maint info breakpoints
29316 Using the same format as @samp{info breakpoints}, display both the
29317 breakpoints you've set explicitly, and those @value{GDBN} is using for
29318 internal purposes. Internal breakpoints are shown with negative
29319 breakpoint numbers. The type column identifies what kind of breakpoint
29320 is shown:
29321
29322 @table @code
29323 @item breakpoint
29324 Normal, explicitly set breakpoint.
29325
29326 @item watchpoint
29327 Normal, explicitly set watchpoint.
29328
29329 @item longjmp
29330 Internal breakpoint, used to handle correctly stepping through
29331 @code{longjmp} calls.
29332
29333 @item longjmp resume
29334 Internal breakpoint at the target of a @code{longjmp}.
29335
29336 @item until
29337 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{until} command.
29338
29339 @item finish
29340 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{finish} command.
29341
29342 @item shlib events
29343 Shared library events.
29344
29345 @end table
29346
29347 @kindex set displaced-stepping
29348 @kindex show displaced-stepping
29349 @cindex displaced stepping support
29350 @cindex out-of-line single-stepping
29351 @item set displaced-stepping
29352 @itemx show displaced-stepping
29353 Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will do @dfn{displaced stepping}
29354 if the target supports it. Displaced stepping is a way to single-step
29355 over breakpoints without removing them from the inferior, by executing
29356 an out-of-line copy of the instruction that was originally at the
29357 breakpoint location. It is also known as out-of-line single-stepping.
29358
29359 @table @code
29360 @item set displaced-stepping on
29361 If the target architecture supports it, @value{GDBN} will use
29362 displaced stepping to step over breakpoints.
29363
29364 @item set displaced-stepping off
29365 @value{GDBN} will not use displaced stepping to step over breakpoints,
29366 even if such is supported by the target architecture.
29367
29368 @cindex non-stop mode, and @samp{set displaced-stepping}
29369 @item set displaced-stepping auto
29370 This is the default mode. @value{GDBN} will use displaced stepping
29371 only if non-stop mode is active (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) and the target
29372 architecture supports displaced stepping.
29373 @end table
29374
29375 @kindex maint check-symtabs
29376 @item maint check-symtabs
29377 Check the consistency of psymtabs and symtabs.
29378
29379 @kindex maint cplus first_component
29380 @item maint cplus first_component @var{name}
29381 Print the first C@t{++} class/namespace component of @var{name}.
29382
29383 @kindex maint cplus namespace
29384 @item maint cplus namespace
29385 Print the list of possible C@t{++} namespaces.
29386
29387 @kindex maint demangle
29388 @item maint demangle @var{name}
29389 Demangle a C@t{++} or Objective-C mangled @var{name}.
29390
29391 @kindex maint deprecate
29392 @kindex maint undeprecate
29393 @cindex deprecated commands
29394 @item maint deprecate @var{command} @r{[}@var{replacement}@r{]}
29395 @itemx maint undeprecate @var{command}
29396 Deprecate or undeprecate the named @var{command}. Deprecated commands
29397 cause @value{GDBN} to issue a warning when you use them. The optional
29398 argument @var{replacement} says which newer command should be used in
29399 favor of the deprecated one; if it is given, @value{GDBN} will mention
29400 the replacement as part of the warning.
29401
29402 @kindex maint dump-me
29403 @item maint dump-me
29404 @cindex @code{SIGQUIT} signal, dump core of @value{GDBN}
29405 Cause a fatal signal in the debugger and force it to dump its core.
29406 This is supported only on systems which support aborting a program
29407 with the @code{SIGQUIT} signal.
29408
29409 @kindex maint internal-error
29410 @kindex maint internal-warning
29411 @item maint internal-error @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
29412 @itemx maint internal-warning @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
29413 Cause @value{GDBN} to call the internal function @code{internal_error}
29414 or @code{internal_warning} and hence behave as though an internal error
29415 or internal warning has been detected. In addition to reporting the
29416 internal problem, these functions give the user the opportunity to
29417 either quit @value{GDBN} or create a core file of the current
29418 @value{GDBN} session.
29419
29420 These commands take an optional parameter @var{message-text} that is
29421 used as the text of the error or warning message.
29422
29423 Here's an example of using @code{internal-error}:
29424
29425 @smallexample
29426 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint internal-error testing, 1, 2}
29427 @dots{}/maint.c:121: internal-error: testing, 1, 2
29428 A problem internal to GDB has been detected. Further
29429 debugging may prove unreliable.
29430 Quit this debugging session? (y or n) @kbd{n}
29431 Create a core file? (y or n) @kbd{n}
29432 (@value{GDBP})
29433 @end smallexample
29434
29435 @cindex @value{GDBN} internal error
29436 @cindex internal errors, control of @value{GDBN} behavior
29437
29438 @kindex maint set internal-error
29439 @kindex maint show internal-error
29440 @kindex maint set internal-warning
29441 @kindex maint show internal-warning
29442 @item maint set internal-error @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
29443 @itemx maint show internal-error @var{action}
29444 @itemx maint set internal-warning @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
29445 @itemx maint show internal-warning @var{action}
29446 When @value{GDBN} reports an internal problem (error or warning) it
29447 gives the user the opportunity to both quit @value{GDBN} and create a
29448 core file of the current @value{GDBN} session. These commands let you
29449 override the default behaviour for each particular @var{action},
29450 described in the table below.
29451
29452 @table @samp
29453 @item quit
29454 You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
29455 quit. The default is to ask the user what to do.
29456
29457 @item corefile
29458 You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
29459 create a core file. The default is to ask the user what to do.
29460 @end table
29461
29462 @kindex maint packet
29463 @item maint packet @var{text}
29464 If @value{GDBN} is talking to an inferior via the serial protocol,
29465 then this command sends the string @var{text} to the inferior, and
29466 displays the response packet. @value{GDBN} supplies the initial
29467 @samp{$} character, the terminating @samp{#} character, and the
29468 checksum.
29469
29470 @kindex maint print architecture
29471 @item maint print architecture @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
29472 Print the entire architecture configuration. The optional argument
29473 @var{file} names the file where the output goes.
29474
29475 @kindex maint print c-tdesc
29476 @item maint print c-tdesc
29477 Print the current target description (@pxref{Target Descriptions}) as
29478 a C source file. The created source file can be used in @value{GDBN}
29479 when an XML parser is not available to parse the description.
29480
29481 @kindex maint print dummy-frames
29482 @item maint print dummy-frames
29483 Prints the contents of @value{GDBN}'s internal dummy-frame stack.
29484
29485 @smallexample
29486 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{b add}
29487 @dots{}
29488 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{print add(2,3)}
29489 Breakpoint 2, add (a=2, b=3) at @dots{}
29490 58 return (a + b);
29491 The program being debugged stopped while in a function called from GDB.
29492 @dots{}
29493 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print dummy-frames}
29494 0x1a57c80: pc=0x01014068 fp=0x0200bddc sp=0x0200bdd6
29495 top=0x0200bdd4 id=@{stack=0x200bddc,code=0x101405c@}
29496 call_lo=0x01014000 call_hi=0x01014001
29497 (@value{GDBP})
29498 @end smallexample
29499
29500 Takes an optional file parameter.
29501
29502 @kindex maint print registers
29503 @kindex maint print raw-registers
29504 @kindex maint print cooked-registers
29505 @kindex maint print register-groups
29506 @item maint print registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
29507 @itemx maint print raw-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
29508 @itemx maint print cooked-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
29509 @itemx maint print register-groups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
29510 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register data structures.
29511
29512 The command @code{maint print raw-registers} includes the contents of
29513 the raw register cache; the command @code{maint print cooked-registers}
29514 includes the (cooked) value of all registers, including registers which
29515 aren't available on the target nor visible to user; and the
29516 command @code{maint print register-groups} includes the groups that each
29517 register is a member of. @xref{Registers,, Registers, gdbint,
29518 @value{GDBN} Internals}.
29519
29520 These commands take an optional parameter, a file name to which to
29521 write the information.
29522
29523 @kindex maint print reggroups
29524 @item maint print reggroups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
29525 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register group data structures. The
29526 optional argument @var{file} tells to what file to write the
29527 information.
29528
29529 The register groups info looks like this:
29530
29531 @smallexample
29532 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print reggroups}
29533 Group Type
29534 general user
29535 float user
29536 all user
29537 vector user
29538 system user
29539 save internal
29540 restore internal
29541 @end smallexample
29542
29543 @kindex flushregs
29544 @item flushregs
29545 This command forces @value{GDBN} to flush its internal register cache.
29546
29547 @kindex maint print objfiles
29548 @cindex info for known object files
29549 @item maint print objfiles
29550 Print a dump of all known object files. For each object file, this
29551 command prints its name, address in memory, and all of its psymtabs
29552 and symtabs.
29553
29554 @kindex maint print section-scripts
29555 @cindex info for known .debug_gdb_scripts-loaded scripts
29556 @item maint print section-scripts [@var{regexp}]
29557 Print a dump of scripts specified in the @code{.debug_gdb_section} section.
29558 If @var{regexp} is specified, only print scripts loaded by object files
29559 matching @var{regexp}.
29560 For each script, this command prints its name as specified in the objfile,
29561 and the full path if known.
29562 @xref{.debug_gdb_scripts section}.
29563
29564 @kindex maint print statistics
29565 @cindex bcache statistics
29566 @item maint print statistics
29567 This command prints, for each object file in the program, various data
29568 about that object file followed by the byte cache (@dfn{bcache})
29569 statistics for the object file. The objfile data includes the number
29570 of minimal, partial, full, and stabs symbols, the number of types
29571 defined by the objfile, the number of as yet unexpanded psym tables,
29572 the number of line tables and string tables, and the amount of memory
29573 used by the various tables. The bcache statistics include the counts,
29574 sizes, and counts of duplicates of all and unique objects, max,
29575 average, and median entry size, total memory used and its overhead and
29576 savings, and various measures of the hash table size and chain
29577 lengths.
29578
29579 @kindex maint print target-stack
29580 @cindex target stack description
29581 @item maint print target-stack
29582 A @dfn{target} is an interface between the debugger and a particular
29583 kind of file or process. Targets can be stacked in @dfn{strata},
29584 so that more than one target can potentially respond to a request.
29585 In particular, memory accesses will walk down the stack of targets
29586 until they find a target that is interested in handling that particular
29587 address.
29588
29589 This command prints a short description of each layer that was pushed on
29590 the @dfn{target stack}, starting from the top layer down to the bottom one.
29591
29592 @kindex maint print type
29593 @cindex type chain of a data type
29594 @item maint print type @var{expr}
29595 Print the type chain for a type specified by @var{expr}. The argument
29596 can be either a type name or a symbol. If it is a symbol, the type of
29597 that symbol is described. The type chain produced by this command is
29598 a recursive definition of the data type as stored in @value{GDBN}'s
29599 data structures, including its flags and contained types.
29600
29601 @kindex maint set dwarf2 max-cache-age
29602 @kindex maint show dwarf2 max-cache-age
29603 @item maint set dwarf2 max-cache-age
29604 @itemx maint show dwarf2 max-cache-age
29605 Control the DWARF 2 compilation unit cache.
29606
29607 @cindex DWARF 2 compilation units cache
29608 In object files with inter-compilation-unit references, such as those
29609 produced by the GCC option @samp{-feliminate-dwarf2-dups}, the DWARF 2
29610 reader needs to frequently refer to previously read compilation units.
29611 This setting controls how long a compilation unit will remain in the
29612 cache if it is not referenced. A higher limit means that cached
29613 compilation units will be stored in memory longer, and more total
29614 memory will be used. Setting it to zero disables caching, which will
29615 slow down @value{GDBN} startup, but reduce memory consumption.
29616
29617 @kindex maint set profile
29618 @kindex maint show profile
29619 @cindex profiling GDB
29620 @item maint set profile
29621 @itemx maint show profile
29622 Control profiling of @value{GDBN}.
29623
29624 Profiling will be disabled until you use the @samp{maint set profile}
29625 command to enable it. When you enable profiling, the system will begin
29626 collecting timing and execution count data; when you disable profiling or
29627 exit @value{GDBN}, the results will be written to a log file. Remember that
29628 if you use profiling, @value{GDBN} will overwrite the profiling log file
29629 (often called @file{gmon.out}). If you have a record of important profiling
29630 data in a @file{gmon.out} file, be sure to move it to a safe location.
29631
29632 Configuring with @samp{--enable-profiling} arranges for @value{GDBN} to be
29633 compiled with the @samp{-pg} compiler option.
29634
29635 @kindex maint set show-debug-regs
29636 @kindex maint show show-debug-regs
29637 @cindex hardware debug registers
29638 @item maint set show-debug-regs
29639 @itemx maint show show-debug-regs
29640 Control whether to show variables that mirror the hardware debug
29641 registers. Use @code{ON} to enable, @code{OFF} to disable. If
29642 enabled, the debug registers values are shown when @value{GDBN} inserts or
29643 removes a hardware breakpoint or watchpoint, and when the inferior
29644 triggers a hardware-assisted breakpoint or watchpoint.
29645
29646 @kindex maint set show-all-tib
29647 @kindex maint show show-all-tib
29648 @item maint set show-all-tib
29649 @itemx maint show show-all-tib
29650 Control whether to show all non zero areas within a 1k block starting
29651 at thread local base, when using the @samp{info w32 thread-information-block}
29652 command.
29653
29654 @kindex maint space
29655 @cindex memory used by commands
29656 @item maint space
29657 Control whether to display memory usage for each command. If set to a
29658 nonzero value, @value{GDBN} will display how much memory each command
29659 took, following the command's own output. This can also be requested
29660 by invoking @value{GDBN} with the @option{--statistics} command-line
29661 switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
29662
29663 @kindex maint time
29664 @cindex time of command execution
29665 @item maint time
29666 Control whether to display the execution time for each command. If
29667 set to a nonzero value, @value{GDBN} will display how much time it
29668 took to execute each command, following the command's own output.
29669 The time is not printed for the commands that run the target, since
29670 there's no mechanism currently to compute how much time was spend
29671 by @value{GDBN} and how much time was spend by the program been debugged.
29672 it's not possibly currently
29673 This can also be requested by invoking @value{GDBN} with the
29674 @option{--statistics} command-line switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
29675
29676 @kindex maint translate-address
29677 @item maint translate-address @r{[}@var{section}@r{]} @var{addr}
29678 Find the symbol stored at the location specified by the address
29679 @var{addr} and an optional section name @var{section}. If found,
29680 @value{GDBN} prints the name of the closest symbol and an offset from
29681 the symbol's location to the specified address. This is similar to
29682 the @code{info address} command (@pxref{Symbols}), except that this
29683 command also allows to find symbols in other sections.
29684
29685 If section was not specified, the section in which the symbol was found
29686 is also printed. For dynamically linked executables, the name of
29687 executable or shared library containing the symbol is printed as well.
29688
29689 @end table
29690
29691 The following command is useful for non-interactive invocations of
29692 @value{GDBN}, such as in the test suite.
29693
29694 @table @code
29695 @item set watchdog @var{nsec}
29696 @kindex set watchdog
29697 @cindex watchdog timer
29698 @cindex timeout for commands
29699 Set the maximum number of seconds @value{GDBN} will wait for the
29700 target operation to finish. If this time expires, @value{GDBN}
29701 reports and error and the command is aborted.
29702
29703 @item show watchdog
29704 Show the current setting of the target wait timeout.
29705 @end table
29706
29707 @node Remote Protocol
29708 @appendix @value{GDBN} Remote Serial Protocol
29709
29710 @menu
29711 * Overview::
29712 * Packets::
29713 * Stop Reply Packets::
29714 * General Query Packets::
29715 * Architecture-Specific Protocol Details::
29716 * Tracepoint Packets::
29717 * Host I/O Packets::
29718 * Interrupts::
29719 * Notification Packets::
29720 * Remote Non-Stop::
29721 * Packet Acknowledgment::
29722 * Examples::
29723 * File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension::
29724 * Library List Format::
29725 * Memory Map Format::
29726 * Thread List Format::
29727 @end menu
29728
29729 @node Overview
29730 @section Overview
29731
29732 There may be occasions when you need to know something about the
29733 protocol---for example, if there is only one serial port to your target
29734 machine, you might want your program to do something special if it
29735 recognizes a packet meant for @value{GDBN}.
29736
29737 In the examples below, @samp{->} and @samp{<-} are used to indicate
29738 transmitted and received data, respectively.
29739
29740 @cindex protocol, @value{GDBN} remote serial
29741 @cindex serial protocol, @value{GDBN} remote
29742 @cindex remote serial protocol
29743 All @value{GDBN} commands and responses (other than acknowledgments
29744 and notifications, see @ref{Notification Packets}) are sent as a
29745 @var{packet}. A @var{packet} is introduced with the character
29746 @samp{$}, the actual @var{packet-data}, and the terminating character
29747 @samp{#} followed by a two-digit @var{checksum}:
29748
29749 @smallexample
29750 @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
29751 @end smallexample
29752 @noindent
29753
29754 @cindex checksum, for @value{GDBN} remote
29755 @noindent
29756 The two-digit @var{checksum} is computed as the modulo 256 sum of all
29757 characters between the leading @samp{$} and the trailing @samp{#} (an
29758 eight bit unsigned checksum).
29759
29760 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0 the protocol
29761 specification also included an optional two-digit @var{sequence-id}:
29762
29763 @smallexample
29764 @code{$}@var{sequence-id}@code{:}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
29765 @end smallexample
29766
29767 @cindex sequence-id, for @value{GDBN} remote
29768 @noindent
29769 That @var{sequence-id} was appended to the acknowledgment. @value{GDBN}
29770 has never output @var{sequence-id}s. Stubs that handle packets added
29771 since @value{GDBN} 5.0 must not accept @var{sequence-id}.
29772
29773 When either the host or the target machine receives a packet, the first
29774 response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
29775 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request
29776 retransmission):
29777
29778 @smallexample
29779 -> @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
29780 <- @code{+}
29781 @end smallexample
29782 @noindent
29783
29784 The @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments can be disabled
29785 once a connection is established.
29786 @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}, for details.
29787
29788 The host (@value{GDBN}) sends @var{command}s, and the target (the
29789 debugging stub incorporated in your program) sends a @var{response}. In
29790 the case of step and continue @var{command}s, the response is only sent
29791 when the operation has completed, and the target has again stopped all
29792 threads in all attached processes. This is the default all-stop mode
29793 behavior, but the remote protocol also supports @value{GDBN}'s non-stop
29794 execution mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}, for details.
29795
29796 @var{packet-data} consists of a sequence of characters with the
29797 exception of @samp{#} and @samp{$} (see @samp{X} packet for additional
29798 exceptions).
29799
29800 @cindex remote protocol, field separator
29801 Fields within the packet should be separated using @samp{,} @samp{;} or
29802 @samp{:}. Except where otherwise noted all numbers are represented in
29803 @sc{hex} with leading zeros suppressed.
29804
29805 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0, the character
29806 @samp{:} could not appear as the third character in a packet (as it
29807 would potentially conflict with the @var{sequence-id}).
29808
29809 @cindex remote protocol, binary data
29810 @anchor{Binary Data}
29811 Binary data in most packets is encoded either as two hexadecimal
29812 digits per byte of binary data. This allowed the traditional remote
29813 protocol to work over connections which were only seven-bit clean.
29814 Some packets designed more recently assume an eight-bit clean
29815 connection, and use a more efficient encoding to send and receive
29816 binary data.
29817
29818 The binary data representation uses @code{7d} (@sc{ascii} @samp{@}})
29819 as an escape character. Any escaped byte is transmitted as the escape
29820 character followed by the original character XORed with @code{0x20}.
29821 For example, the byte @code{0x7d} would be transmitted as the two
29822 bytes @code{0x7d 0x5d}. The bytes @code{0x23} (@sc{ascii} @samp{#}),
29823 @code{0x24} (@sc{ascii} @samp{$}), and @code{0x7d} (@sc{ascii}
29824 @samp{@}}) must always be escaped. Responses sent by the stub
29825 must also escape @code{0x2a} (@sc{ascii} @samp{*}), so that it
29826 is not interpreted as the start of a run-length encoded sequence
29827 (described next).
29828
29829 Response @var{data} can be run-length encoded to save space.
29830 Run-length encoding replaces runs of identical characters with one
29831 instance of the repeated character, followed by a @samp{*} and a
29832 repeat count. The repeat count is itself sent encoded, to avoid
29833 binary characters in @var{data}: a value of @var{n} is sent as
29834 @code{@var{n}+29}. For a repeat count greater or equal to 3, this
29835 produces a printable @sc{ascii} character, e.g.@: a space (@sc{ascii}
29836 code 32) for a repeat count of 3. (This is because run-length
29837 encoding starts to win for counts 3 or more.) Thus, for example,
29838 @samp{0* } is a run-length encoding of ``0000'': the space character
29839 after @samp{*} means repeat the leading @code{0} @w{@code{32 - 29 =
29840 3}} more times.
29841
29842 The printable characters @samp{#} and @samp{$} or with a numeric value
29843 greater than 126 must not be used. Runs of six repeats (@samp{#}) or
29844 seven repeats (@samp{$}) can be expanded using a repeat count of only
29845 five (@samp{"}). For example, @samp{00000000} can be encoded as
29846 @samp{0*"00}.
29847
29848 The error response returned for some packets includes a two character
29849 error number. That number is not well defined.
29850
29851 @cindex empty response, for unsupported packets
29852 For any @var{command} not supported by the stub, an empty response
29853 (@samp{$#00}) should be returned. That way it is possible to extend the
29854 protocol. A newer @value{GDBN} can tell if a packet is supported based
29855 on that response.
29856
29857 A stub is required to support the @samp{g}, @samp{G}, @samp{m}, @samp{M},
29858 @samp{c}, and @samp{s} @var{command}s. All other @var{command}s are
29859 optional.
29860
29861 @node Packets
29862 @section Packets
29863
29864 The following table provides a complete list of all currently defined
29865 @var{command}s and their corresponding response @var{data}.
29866 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for details about the File
29867 I/O extension of the remote protocol.
29868
29869 Each packet's description has a template showing the packet's overall
29870 syntax, followed by an explanation of the packet's meaning. We
29871 include spaces in some of the templates for clarity; these are not
29872 part of the packet's syntax. No @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to
29873 separate its components. For example, a template like @samp{foo
29874 @var{bar} @var{baz}} describes a packet beginning with the three ASCII
29875 bytes @samp{foo}, followed by a @var{bar}, followed directly by a
29876 @var{baz}. @value{GDBN} does not transmit a space character between the
29877 @samp{foo} and the @var{bar}, or between the @var{bar} and the
29878 @var{baz}.
29879
29880 @cindex @var{thread-id}, in remote protocol
29881 @anchor{thread-id syntax}
29882 Several packets and replies include a @var{thread-id} field to identify
29883 a thread. Normally these are positive numbers with a target-specific
29884 interpretation, formatted as big-endian hex strings. A @var{thread-id}
29885 can also be a literal @samp{-1} to indicate all threads, or @samp{0} to
29886 pick any thread.
29887
29888 In addition, the remote protocol supports a multiprocess feature in
29889 which the @var{thread-id} syntax is extended to optionally include both
29890 process and thread ID fields, as @samp{p@var{pid}.@var{tid}}.
29891 The @var{pid} (process) and @var{tid} (thread) components each have the
29892 format described above: a positive number with target-specific
29893 interpretation formatted as a big-endian hex string, literal @samp{-1}
29894 to indicate all processes or threads (respectively), or @samp{0} to
29895 indicate an arbitrary process or thread. Specifying just a process, as
29896 @samp{p@var{pid}}, is equivalent to @samp{p@var{pid}.-1}. It is an
29897 error to specify all processes but a specific thread, such as
29898 @samp{p-1.@var{tid}}. Note that the @samp{p} prefix is @emph{not} used
29899 for those packets and replies explicitly documented to include a process
29900 ID, rather than a @var{thread-id}.
29901
29902 The multiprocess @var{thread-id} syntax extensions are only used if both
29903 @value{GDBN} and the stub report support for the @samp{multiprocess}
29904 feature using @samp{qSupported}. @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for
29905 more information.
29906
29907 Note that all packet forms beginning with an upper- or lower-case
29908 letter, other than those described here, are reserved for future use.
29909
29910 Here are the packet descriptions.
29911
29912 @table @samp
29913
29914 @item !
29915 @cindex @samp{!} packet
29916 @anchor{extended mode}
29917 Enable extended mode. In extended mode, the remote server is made
29918 persistent. The @samp{R} packet is used to restart the program being
29919 debugged.
29920
29921 Reply:
29922 @table @samp
29923 @item OK
29924 The remote target both supports and has enabled extended mode.
29925 @end table
29926
29927 @item ?
29928 @cindex @samp{?} packet
29929 Indicate the reason the target halted. The reply is the same as for
29930 step and continue. This packet has a special interpretation when the
29931 target is in non-stop mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}.
29932
29933 Reply:
29934 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
29935
29936 @item A @var{arglen},@var{argnum},@var{arg},@dots{}
29937 @cindex @samp{A} packet
29938 Initialized @code{argv[]} array passed into program. @var{arglen}
29939 specifies the number of bytes in the hex encoded byte stream
29940 @var{arg}. See @code{gdbserver} for more details.
29941
29942 Reply:
29943 @table @samp
29944 @item OK
29945 The arguments were set.
29946 @item E @var{NN}
29947 An error occurred.
29948 @end table
29949
29950 @item b @var{baud}
29951 @cindex @samp{b} packet
29952 (Don't use this packet; its behavior is not well-defined.)
29953 Change the serial line speed to @var{baud}.
29954
29955 JTC: @emph{When does the transport layer state change? When it's
29956 received, or after the ACK is transmitted. In either case, there are
29957 problems if the command or the acknowledgment packet is dropped.}
29958
29959 Stan: @emph{If people really wanted to add something like this, and get
29960 it working for the first time, they ought to modify ser-unix.c to send
29961 some kind of out-of-band message to a specially-setup stub and have the
29962 switch happen "in between" packets, so that from remote protocol's point
29963 of view, nothing actually happened.}
29964
29965 @item B @var{addr},@var{mode}
29966 @cindex @samp{B} packet
29967 Set (@var{mode} is @samp{S}) or clear (@var{mode} is @samp{C}) a
29968 breakpoint at @var{addr}.
29969
29970 Don't use this packet. Use the @samp{Z} and @samp{z} packets instead
29971 (@pxref{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}).
29972
29973 @cindex @samp{bc} packet
29974 @anchor{bc}
29975 @item bc
29976 Backward continue. Execute the target system in reverse. No parameter.
29977 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
29978
29979 Reply:
29980 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
29981
29982 @cindex @samp{bs} packet
29983 @anchor{bs}
29984 @item bs
29985 Backward single step. Execute one instruction in reverse. No parameter.
29986 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
29987
29988 Reply:
29989 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
29990
29991 @item c @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
29992 @cindex @samp{c} packet
29993 Continue. @var{addr} is address to resume. If @var{addr} is omitted,
29994 resume at current address.
29995
29996 Reply:
29997 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
29998
29999 @item C @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
30000 @cindex @samp{C} packet
30001 Continue with signal @var{sig} (hex signal number). If
30002 @samp{;@var{addr}} is omitted, resume at same address.
30003
30004 Reply:
30005 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
30006
30007 @item d
30008 @cindex @samp{d} packet
30009 Toggle debug flag.
30010
30011 Don't use this packet; instead, define a general set packet
30012 (@pxref{General Query Packets}).
30013
30014 @item D
30015 @itemx D;@var{pid}
30016 @cindex @samp{D} packet
30017 The first form of the packet is used to detach @value{GDBN} from the
30018 remote system. It is sent to the remote target
30019 before @value{GDBN} disconnects via the @code{detach} command.
30020
30021 The second form, including a process ID, is used when multiprocess
30022 protocol extensions are enabled (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}), to
30023 detach only a specific process. The @var{pid} is specified as a
30024 big-endian hex string.
30025
30026 Reply:
30027 @table @samp
30028 @item OK
30029 for success
30030 @item E @var{NN}
30031 for an error
30032 @end table
30033
30034 @item F @var{RC},@var{EE},@var{CF};@var{XX}
30035 @cindex @samp{F} packet
30036 A reply from @value{GDBN} to an @samp{F} packet sent by the target.
30037 This is part of the File-I/O protocol extension. @xref{File-I/O
30038 Remote Protocol Extension}, for the specification.
30039
30040 @item g
30041 @anchor{read registers packet}
30042 @cindex @samp{g} packet
30043 Read general registers.
30044
30045 Reply:
30046 @table @samp
30047 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
30048 Each byte of register data is described by two hex digits. The bytes
30049 with the register are transmitted in target byte order. The size of
30050 each register and their position within the @samp{g} packet are
30051 determined by the @value{GDBN} internal gdbarch functions
30052 @code{DEPRECATED_REGISTER_RAW_SIZE} and @code{gdbarch_register_name}. The
30053 specification of several standard @samp{g} packets is specified below.
30054 @item E @var{NN}
30055 for an error.
30056 @end table
30057
30058 @item G @var{XX@dots{}}
30059 @cindex @samp{G} packet
30060 Write general registers. @xref{read registers packet}, for a
30061 description of the @var{XX@dots{}} data.
30062
30063 Reply:
30064 @table @samp
30065 @item OK
30066 for success
30067 @item E @var{NN}
30068 for an error
30069 @end table
30070
30071 @item H @var{c} @var{thread-id}
30072 @cindex @samp{H} packet
30073 Set thread for subsequent operations (@samp{m}, @samp{M}, @samp{g},
30074 @samp{G}, et.al.). @var{c} depends on the operation to be performed: it
30075 should be @samp{c} for step and continue operations, @samp{g} for other
30076 operations. The thread designator @var{thread-id} has the format and
30077 interpretation described in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
30078
30079 Reply:
30080 @table @samp
30081 @item OK
30082 for success
30083 @item E @var{NN}
30084 for an error
30085 @end table
30086
30087 @c FIXME: JTC:
30088 @c 'H': How restrictive (or permissive) is the thread model. If a
30089 @c thread is selected and stopped, are other threads allowed
30090 @c to continue to execute? As I mentioned above, I think the
30091 @c semantics of each command when a thread is selected must be
30092 @c described. For example:
30093 @c
30094 @c 'g': If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
30095 @c selected, returns the register block from that thread;
30096 @c otherwise returns current registers.
30097 @c
30098 @c 'G' If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
30099 @c selected, sets the registers of the register block of
30100 @c that thread; otherwise sets current registers.
30101
30102 @item i @r{[}@var{addr}@r{[},@var{nnn}@r{]]}
30103 @anchor{cycle step packet}
30104 @cindex @samp{i} packet
30105 Step the remote target by a single clock cycle. If @samp{,@var{nnn}} is
30106 present, cycle step @var{nnn} cycles. If @var{addr} is present, cycle
30107 step starting at that address.
30108
30109 @item I
30110 @cindex @samp{I} packet
30111 Signal, then cycle step. @xref{step with signal packet}. @xref{cycle
30112 step packet}.
30113
30114 @item k
30115 @cindex @samp{k} packet
30116 Kill request.
30117
30118 FIXME: @emph{There is no description of how to operate when a specific
30119 thread context has been selected (i.e.@: does 'k' kill only that
30120 thread?)}.
30121
30122 @item m @var{addr},@var{length}
30123 @cindex @samp{m} packet
30124 Read @var{length} bytes of memory starting at address @var{addr}.
30125 Note that @var{addr} may not be aligned to any particular boundary.
30126
30127 The stub need not use any particular size or alignment when gathering
30128 data from memory for the response; even if @var{addr} is word-aligned
30129 and @var{length} is a multiple of the word size, the stub is free to
30130 use byte accesses, or not. For this reason, this packet may not be
30131 suitable for accessing memory-mapped I/O devices.
30132 @cindex alignment of remote memory accesses
30133 @cindex size of remote memory accesses
30134 @cindex memory, alignment and size of remote accesses
30135
30136 Reply:
30137 @table @samp
30138 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
30139 Memory contents; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit hexadecimal
30140 number. The reply may contain fewer bytes than requested if the
30141 server was able to read only part of the region of memory.
30142 @item E @var{NN}
30143 @var{NN} is errno
30144 @end table
30145
30146 @item M @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
30147 @cindex @samp{M} packet
30148 Write @var{length} bytes of memory starting at address @var{addr}.
30149 @var{XX@dots{}} is the data; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit
30150 hexadecimal number.
30151
30152 Reply:
30153 @table @samp
30154 @item OK
30155 for success
30156 @item E @var{NN}
30157 for an error (this includes the case where only part of the data was
30158 written).
30159 @end table
30160
30161 @item p @var{n}
30162 @cindex @samp{p} packet
30163 Read the value of register @var{n}; @var{n} is in hex.
30164 @xref{read registers packet}, for a description of how the returned
30165 register value is encoded.
30166
30167 Reply:
30168 @table @samp
30169 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
30170 the register's value
30171 @item E @var{NN}
30172 for an error
30173 @item
30174 Indicating an unrecognized @var{query}.
30175 @end table
30176
30177 @item P @var{n@dots{}}=@var{r@dots{}}
30178 @anchor{write register packet}
30179 @cindex @samp{P} packet
30180 Write register @var{n@dots{}} with value @var{r@dots{}}. The register
30181 number @var{n} is in hexadecimal, and @var{r@dots{}} contains two hex
30182 digits for each byte in the register (target byte order).
30183
30184 Reply:
30185 @table @samp
30186 @item OK
30187 for success
30188 @item E @var{NN}
30189 for an error
30190 @end table
30191
30192 @item q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
30193 @itemx Q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
30194 @cindex @samp{q} packet
30195 @cindex @samp{Q} packet
30196 General query (@samp{q}) and set (@samp{Q}). These packets are
30197 described fully in @ref{General Query Packets}.
30198
30199 @item r
30200 @cindex @samp{r} packet
30201 Reset the entire system.
30202
30203 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{R} packet instead.
30204
30205 @item R @var{XX}
30206 @cindex @samp{R} packet
30207 Restart the program being debugged. @var{XX}, while needed, is ignored.
30208 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
30209
30210 The @samp{R} packet has no reply.
30211
30212 @item s @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
30213 @cindex @samp{s} packet
30214 Single step. @var{addr} is the address at which to resume. If
30215 @var{addr} is omitted, resume at same address.
30216
30217 Reply:
30218 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
30219
30220 @item S @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
30221 @anchor{step with signal packet}
30222 @cindex @samp{S} packet
30223 Step with signal. This is analogous to the @samp{C} packet, but
30224 requests a single-step, rather than a normal resumption of execution.
30225
30226 Reply:
30227 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
30228
30229 @item t @var{addr}:@var{PP},@var{MM}
30230 @cindex @samp{t} packet
30231 Search backwards starting at address @var{addr} for a match with pattern
30232 @var{PP} and mask @var{MM}. @var{PP} and @var{MM} are 4 bytes.
30233 @var{addr} must be at least 3 digits.
30234
30235 @item T @var{thread-id}
30236 @cindex @samp{T} packet
30237 Find out if the thread @var{thread-id} is alive. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
30238
30239 Reply:
30240 @table @samp
30241 @item OK
30242 thread is still alive
30243 @item E @var{NN}
30244 thread is dead
30245 @end table
30246
30247 @item v
30248 Packets starting with @samp{v} are identified by a multi-letter name,
30249 up to the first @samp{;} or @samp{?} (or the end of the packet).
30250
30251 @item vAttach;@var{pid}
30252 @cindex @samp{vAttach} packet
30253 Attach to a new process with the specified process ID @var{pid}.
30254 The process ID is a
30255 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. In all-stop mode, all
30256 threads in the attached process are stopped; in non-stop mode, it may be
30257 attached without being stopped if that is supported by the target.
30258
30259 @c In non-stop mode, on a successful vAttach, the stub should set the
30260 @c current thread to a thread of the newly-attached process. After
30261 @c attaching, GDB queries for the attached process's thread ID with qC.
30262 @c Also note that, from a user perspective, whether or not the
30263 @c target is stopped on attach in non-stop mode depends on whether you
30264 @c use the foreground or background version of the attach command, not
30265 @c on what vAttach does; GDB does the right thing with respect to either
30266 @c stopping or restarting threads.
30267
30268 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
30269
30270 Reply:
30271 @table @samp
30272 @item E @var{nn}
30273 for an error
30274 @item @r{Any stop packet}
30275 for success in all-stop mode (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
30276 @item OK
30277 for success in non-stop mode (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop})
30278 @end table
30279
30280 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@r{[}:@var{thread-id}@r{]]}@dots{}
30281 @cindex @samp{vCont} packet
30282 Resume the inferior, specifying different actions for each thread.
30283 If an action is specified with no @var{thread-id}, then it is applied to any
30284 threads that don't have a specific action specified; if no default action is
30285 specified then other threads should remain stopped in all-stop mode and
30286 in their current state in non-stop mode.
30287 Specifying multiple
30288 default actions is an error; specifying no actions is also an error.
30289 Thread IDs are specified using the syntax described in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
30290
30291 Currently supported actions are:
30292
30293 @table @samp
30294 @item c
30295 Continue.
30296 @item C @var{sig}
30297 Continue with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
30298 @item s
30299 Step.
30300 @item S @var{sig}
30301 Step with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
30302 @item t
30303 Stop.
30304 @end table
30305
30306 The optional argument @var{addr} normally associated with the
30307 @samp{c}, @samp{C}, @samp{s}, and @samp{S} packets is
30308 not supported in @samp{vCont}.
30309
30310 The @samp{t} action is only relevant in non-stop mode
30311 (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop}) and may be ignored by the stub otherwise.
30312 A stop reply should be generated for any affected thread not already stopped.
30313 When a thread is stopped by means of a @samp{t} action,
30314 the corresponding stop reply should indicate that the thread has stopped with
30315 signal @samp{0}, regardless of whether the target uses some other signal
30316 as an implementation detail.
30317
30318 Reply:
30319 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
30320
30321 @item vCont?
30322 @cindex @samp{vCont?} packet
30323 Request a list of actions supported by the @samp{vCont} packet.
30324
30325 Reply:
30326 @table @samp
30327 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@dots{}@r{]}
30328 The @samp{vCont} packet is supported. Each @var{action} is a supported
30329 command in the @samp{vCont} packet.
30330 @item
30331 The @samp{vCont} packet is not supported.
30332 @end table
30333
30334 @item vFile:@var{operation}:@var{parameter}@dots{}
30335 @cindex @samp{vFile} packet
30336 Perform a file operation on the target system. For details,
30337 see @ref{Host I/O Packets}.
30338
30339 @item vFlashErase:@var{addr},@var{length}
30340 @cindex @samp{vFlashErase} packet
30341 Direct the stub to erase @var{length} bytes of flash starting at
30342 @var{addr}. The region may enclose any number of flash blocks, but
30343 its start and end must fall on block boundaries, as indicated by the
30344 flash block size appearing in the memory map (@pxref{Memory Map
30345 Format}). @value{GDBN} groups flash memory programming operations
30346 together, and sends a @samp{vFlashDone} request after each group; the
30347 stub is allowed to delay erase operation until the @samp{vFlashDone}
30348 packet is received.
30349
30350 The stub must support @samp{vCont} if it reports support for
30351 multiprocess extensions (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}). Note that in
30352 this case @samp{vCont} actions can be specified to apply to all threads
30353 in a process by using the @samp{p@var{pid}.-1} form of the
30354 @var{thread-id}.
30355
30356 Reply:
30357 @table @samp
30358 @item OK
30359 for success
30360 @item E @var{NN}
30361 for an error
30362 @end table
30363
30364 @item vFlashWrite:@var{addr}:@var{XX@dots{}}
30365 @cindex @samp{vFlashWrite} packet
30366 Direct the stub to write data to flash address @var{addr}. The data
30367 is passed in binary form using the same encoding as for the @samp{X}
30368 packet (@pxref{Binary Data}). The memory ranges specified by
30369 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets preceding a @samp{vFlashDone} packet must
30370 not overlap, and must appear in order of increasing addresses
30371 (although @samp{vFlashErase} packets for higher addresses may already
30372 have been received; the ordering is guaranteed only between
30373 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets). If a packet writes to an address that was
30374 neither erased by a preceding @samp{vFlashErase} packet nor by some other
30375 target-specific method, the results are unpredictable.
30376
30377
30378 Reply:
30379 @table @samp
30380 @item OK
30381 for success
30382 @item E.memtype
30383 for vFlashWrite addressing non-flash memory
30384 @item E @var{NN}
30385 for an error
30386 @end table
30387
30388 @item vFlashDone
30389 @cindex @samp{vFlashDone} packet
30390 Indicate to the stub that flash programming operation is finished.
30391 The stub is permitted to delay or batch the effects of a group of
30392 @samp{vFlashErase} and @samp{vFlashWrite} packets until a
30393 @samp{vFlashDone} packet is received. The contents of the affected
30394 regions of flash memory are unpredictable until the @samp{vFlashDone}
30395 request is completed.
30396
30397 @item vKill;@var{pid}
30398 @cindex @samp{vKill} packet
30399 Kill the process with the specified process ID. @var{pid} is a
30400 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. This packet is used in
30401 preference to @samp{k} when multiprocess protocol extensions are
30402 supported; see @ref{multiprocess extensions}.
30403
30404 Reply:
30405 @table @samp
30406 @item E @var{nn}
30407 for an error
30408 @item OK
30409 for success
30410 @end table
30411
30412 @item vRun;@var{filename}@r{[};@var{argument}@r{]}@dots{}
30413 @cindex @samp{vRun} packet
30414 Run the program @var{filename}, passing it each @var{argument} on its
30415 command line. The file and arguments are hex-encoded strings. If
30416 @var{filename} is an empty string, the stub may use a default program
30417 (e.g.@: the last program run). The program is created in the stopped
30418 state.
30419
30420 @c FIXME: What about non-stop mode?
30421
30422 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
30423
30424 Reply:
30425 @table @samp
30426 @item E @var{nn}
30427 for an error
30428 @item @r{Any stop packet}
30429 for success (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
30430 @end table
30431
30432 @item vStopped
30433 @anchor{vStopped packet}
30434 @cindex @samp{vStopped} packet
30435
30436 In non-stop mode (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop}), acknowledge a previous stop
30437 reply and prompt for the stub to report another one.
30438
30439 Reply:
30440 @table @samp
30441 @item @r{Any stop packet}
30442 if there is another unreported stop event (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
30443 @item OK
30444 if there are no unreported stop events
30445 @end table
30446
30447 @item X @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
30448 @anchor{X packet}
30449 @cindex @samp{X} packet
30450 Write data to memory, where the data is transmitted in binary.
30451 @var{addr} is address, @var{length} is number of bytes,
30452 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
30453
30454 Reply:
30455 @table @samp
30456 @item OK
30457 for success
30458 @item E @var{NN}
30459 for an error
30460 @end table
30461
30462 @item z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{kind}
30463 @itemx Z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{kind}
30464 @anchor{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}
30465 @cindex @samp{z} packet
30466 @cindex @samp{Z} packets
30467 Insert (@samp{Z}) or remove (@samp{z}) a @var{type} breakpoint or
30468 watchpoint starting at address @var{address} of kind @var{kind}.
30469
30470 Each breakpoint and watchpoint packet @var{type} is documented
30471 separately.
30472
30473 @emph{Implementation notes: A remote target shall return an empty string
30474 for an unrecognized breakpoint or watchpoint packet @var{type}. A
30475 remote target shall support either both or neither of a given
30476 @samp{Z@var{type}@dots{}} and @samp{z@var{type}@dots{}} packet pair. To
30477 avoid potential problems with duplicate packets, the operations should
30478 be implemented in an idempotent way.}
30479
30480 @item z0,@var{addr},@var{kind}
30481 @itemx Z0,@var{addr},@var{kind}
30482 @cindex @samp{z0} packet
30483 @cindex @samp{Z0} packet
30484 Insert (@samp{Z0}) or remove (@samp{z0}) a memory breakpoint at address
30485 @var{addr} of type @var{kind}.
30486
30487 A memory breakpoint is implemented by replacing the instruction at
30488 @var{addr} with a software breakpoint or trap instruction. The
30489 @var{kind} is target-specific and typically indicates the size of
30490 the breakpoint in bytes that should be inserted. E.g., the @sc{arm}
30491 and @sc{mips} can insert either a 2 or 4 byte breakpoint. Some
30492 architectures have additional meanings for @var{kind};
30493 see @ref{Architecture-Specific Protocol Details}.
30494
30495 @emph{Implementation note: It is possible for a target to copy or move
30496 code that contains memory breakpoints (e.g., when implementing
30497 overlays). The behavior of this packet, in the presence of such a
30498 target, is not defined.}
30499
30500 Reply:
30501 @table @samp
30502 @item OK
30503 success
30504 @item
30505 not supported
30506 @item E @var{NN}
30507 for an error
30508 @end table
30509
30510 @item z1,@var{addr},@var{kind}
30511 @itemx Z1,@var{addr},@var{kind}
30512 @cindex @samp{z1} packet
30513 @cindex @samp{Z1} packet
30514 Insert (@samp{Z1}) or remove (@samp{z1}) a hardware breakpoint at
30515 address @var{addr}.
30516
30517 A hardware breakpoint is implemented using a mechanism that is not
30518 dependant on being able to modify the target's memory. @var{kind}
30519 has the same meaning as in @samp{Z0} packets.
30520
30521 @emph{Implementation note: A hardware breakpoint is not affected by code
30522 movement.}
30523
30524 Reply:
30525 @table @samp
30526 @item OK
30527 success
30528 @item
30529 not supported
30530 @item E @var{NN}
30531 for an error
30532 @end table
30533
30534 @item z2,@var{addr},@var{kind}
30535 @itemx Z2,@var{addr},@var{kind}
30536 @cindex @samp{z2} packet
30537 @cindex @samp{Z2} packet
30538 Insert (@samp{Z2}) or remove (@samp{z2}) a write watchpoint at @var{addr}.
30539 @var{kind} is interpreted as the number of bytes to watch.
30540
30541 Reply:
30542 @table @samp
30543 @item OK
30544 success
30545 @item
30546 not supported
30547 @item E @var{NN}
30548 for an error
30549 @end table
30550
30551 @item z3,@var{addr},@var{kind}
30552 @itemx Z3,@var{addr},@var{kind}
30553 @cindex @samp{z3} packet
30554 @cindex @samp{Z3} packet
30555 Insert (@samp{Z3}) or remove (@samp{z3}) a read watchpoint at @var{addr}.
30556 @var{kind} is interpreted as the number of bytes to watch.
30557
30558 Reply:
30559 @table @samp
30560 @item OK
30561 success
30562 @item
30563 not supported
30564 @item E @var{NN}
30565 for an error
30566 @end table
30567
30568 @item z4,@var{addr},@var{kind}
30569 @itemx Z4,@var{addr},@var{kind}
30570 @cindex @samp{z4} packet
30571 @cindex @samp{Z4} packet
30572 Insert (@samp{Z4}) or remove (@samp{z4}) an access watchpoint at @var{addr}.
30573 @var{kind} is interpreted as the number of bytes to watch.
30574
30575 Reply:
30576 @table @samp
30577 @item OK
30578 success
30579 @item
30580 not supported
30581 @item E @var{NN}
30582 for an error
30583 @end table
30584
30585 @end table
30586
30587 @node Stop Reply Packets
30588 @section Stop Reply Packets
30589 @cindex stop reply packets
30590
30591 The @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}, @samp{s}, @samp{vCont},
30592 @samp{vAttach}, @samp{vRun}, @samp{vStopped}, and @samp{?} packets can
30593 receive any of the below as a reply. Except for @samp{?}
30594 and @samp{vStopped}, that reply is only returned
30595 when the target halts. In the below the exact meaning of @dfn{signal
30596 number} is defined by the header @file{include/gdb/signals.h} in the
30597 @value{GDBN} source code.
30598
30599 As in the description of request packets, we include spaces in the
30600 reply templates for clarity; these are not part of the reply packet's
30601 syntax. No @value{GDBN} stop reply packet uses spaces to separate its
30602 components.
30603
30604 @table @samp
30605
30606 @item S @var{AA}
30607 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
30608 number). This is equivalent to a @samp{T} response with no
30609 @var{n}:@var{r} pairs.
30610
30611 @item T @var{AA} @var{n1}:@var{r1};@var{n2}:@var{r2};@dots{}
30612 @cindex @samp{T} packet reply
30613 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
30614 number). This is equivalent to an @samp{S} response, except that the
30615 @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pairs can carry values of important registers
30616 and other information directly in the stop reply packet, reducing
30617 round-trip latency. Single-step and breakpoint traps are reported
30618 this way. Each @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair is interpreted as follows:
30619
30620 @itemize @bullet
30621 @item
30622 If @var{n} is a hexadecimal number, it is a register number, and the
30623 corresponding @var{r} gives that register's value. @var{r} is a
30624 series of bytes in target byte order, with each byte given by a
30625 two-digit hex number.
30626
30627 @item
30628 If @var{n} is @samp{thread}, then @var{r} is the @var{thread-id} of
30629 the stopped thread, as specified in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
30630
30631 @item
30632 If @var{n} is @samp{core}, then @var{r} is the hexadecimal number of
30633 the core on which the stop event was detected.
30634
30635 @item
30636 If @var{n} is a recognized @dfn{stop reason}, it describes a more
30637 specific event that stopped the target. The currently defined stop
30638 reasons are listed below. @var{aa} should be @samp{05}, the trap
30639 signal. At most one stop reason should be present.
30640
30641 @item
30642 Otherwise, @value{GDBN} should ignore this @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair
30643 and go on to the next; this allows us to extend the protocol in the
30644 future.
30645 @end itemize
30646
30647 The currently defined stop reasons are:
30648
30649 @table @samp
30650 @item watch
30651 @itemx rwatch
30652 @itemx awatch
30653 The packet indicates a watchpoint hit, and @var{r} is the data address, in
30654 hex.
30655
30656 @cindex shared library events, remote reply
30657 @item library
30658 The packet indicates that the loaded libraries have changed.
30659 @value{GDBN} should use @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} to fetch a new
30660 list of loaded libraries. @var{r} is ignored.
30661
30662 @cindex replay log events, remote reply
30663 @item replaylog
30664 The packet indicates that the target cannot continue replaying
30665 logged execution events, because it has reached the end (or the
30666 beginning when executing backward) of the log. The value of @var{r}
30667 will be either @samp{begin} or @samp{end}. @xref{Reverse Execution},
30668 for more information.
30669 @end table
30670
30671 @item W @var{AA}
30672 @itemx W @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
30673 The process exited, and @var{AA} is the exit status. This is only
30674 applicable to certain targets.
30675
30676 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the exited
30677 process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported support for
30678 multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess extensions}.
30679 The @var{pid} is formatted as a big-endian hex string.
30680
30681 @item X @var{AA}
30682 @itemx X @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
30683 The process terminated with signal @var{AA}.
30684
30685 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the
30686 terminated process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported
30687 support for multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess
30688 extensions}. The @var{pid} is formatted as a big-endian hex string.
30689
30690 @item O @var{XX}@dots{}
30691 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data, to be
30692 written as the program's console output. This can happen at any time
30693 while the program is running and the debugger should continue to wait
30694 for @samp{W}, @samp{T}, etc. This reply is not permitted in non-stop mode.
30695
30696 @item F @var{call-id},@var{parameter}@dots{}
30697 @var{call-id} is the identifier which says which host system call should
30698 be called. This is just the name of the function. Translation into the
30699 correct system call is only applicable as it's defined in @value{GDBN}.
30700 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for a list of implemented
30701 system calls.
30702
30703 @samp{@var{parameter}@dots{}} is a list of parameters as defined for
30704 this very system call.
30705
30706 The target replies with this packet when it expects @value{GDBN} to
30707 call a host system call on behalf of the target. @value{GDBN} replies
30708 with an appropriate @samp{F} packet and keeps up waiting for the next
30709 reply packet from the target. The latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
30710 or @samp{s} action is expected to be continued. @xref{File-I/O Remote
30711 Protocol Extension}, for more details.
30712
30713 @end table
30714
30715 @node General Query Packets
30716 @section General Query Packets
30717 @cindex remote query requests
30718
30719 Packets starting with @samp{q} are @dfn{general query packets};
30720 packets starting with @samp{Q} are @dfn{general set packets}. General
30721 query and set packets are a semi-unified form for retrieving and
30722 sending information to and from the stub.
30723
30724 The initial letter of a query or set packet is followed by a name
30725 indicating what sort of thing the packet applies to. For example,
30726 @value{GDBN} may use a @samp{qSymbol} packet to exchange symbol
30727 definitions with the stub. These packet names follow some
30728 conventions:
30729
30730 @itemize @bullet
30731 @item
30732 The name must not contain commas, colons or semicolons.
30733 @item
30734 Most @value{GDBN} query and set packets have a leading upper case
30735 letter.
30736 @item
30737 The names of custom vendor packets should use a company prefix, in
30738 lower case, followed by a period. For example, packets designed at
30739 the Acme Corporation might begin with @samp{qacme.foo} (for querying
30740 foos) or @samp{Qacme.bar} (for setting bars).
30741 @end itemize
30742
30743 The name of a query or set packet should be separated from any
30744 parameters by a @samp{:}; the parameters themselves should be
30745 separated by @samp{,} or @samp{;}. Stubs must be careful to match the
30746 full packet name, and check for a separator or the end of the packet,
30747 in case two packet names share a common prefix. New packets should not begin
30748 with @samp{qC}, @samp{qP}, or @samp{qL}@footnote{The @samp{qP} and @samp{qL}
30749 packets predate these conventions, and have arguments without any terminator
30750 for the packet name; we suspect they are in widespread use in places that
30751 are difficult to upgrade. The @samp{qC} packet has no arguments, but some
30752 existing stubs (e.g.@: RedBoot) are known to not check for the end of the
30753 packet.}.
30754
30755 Like the descriptions of the other packets, each description here
30756 has a template showing the packet's overall syntax, followed by an
30757 explanation of the packet's meaning. We include spaces in some of the
30758 templates for clarity; these are not part of the packet's syntax. No
30759 @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to separate its components.
30760
30761 Here are the currently defined query and set packets:
30762
30763 @table @samp
30764
30765 @item qC
30766 @cindex current thread, remote request
30767 @cindex @samp{qC} packet
30768 Return the current thread ID.
30769
30770 Reply:
30771 @table @samp
30772 @item QC @var{thread-id}
30773 Where @var{thread-id} is a thread ID as documented in
30774 @ref{thread-id syntax}.
30775 @item @r{(anything else)}
30776 Any other reply implies the old thread ID.
30777 @end table
30778
30779 @item qCRC:@var{addr},@var{length}
30780 @cindex CRC of memory block, remote request
30781 @cindex @samp{qCRC} packet
30782 Compute the CRC checksum of a block of memory using CRC-32 defined in
30783 IEEE 802.3. The CRC is computed byte at a time, taking the most
30784 significant bit of each byte first. The initial pattern code
30785 @code{0xffffffff} is used to ensure leading zeros affect the CRC.
30786
30787 @emph{Note:} This is the same CRC used in validating separate debug
30788 files (@pxref{Separate Debug Files, , Debugging Information in Separate
30789 Files}). However the algorithm is slightly different. When validating
30790 separate debug files, the CRC is computed taking the @emph{least}
30791 significant bit of each byte first, and the final result is inverted to
30792 detect trailing zeros.
30793
30794 Reply:
30795 @table @samp
30796 @item E @var{NN}
30797 An error (such as memory fault)
30798 @item C @var{crc32}
30799 The specified memory region's checksum is @var{crc32}.
30800 @end table
30801
30802 @item qfThreadInfo
30803 @itemx qsThreadInfo
30804 @cindex list active threads, remote request
30805 @cindex @samp{qfThreadInfo} packet
30806 @cindex @samp{qsThreadInfo} packet
30807 Obtain a list of all active thread IDs from the target (OS). Since there
30808 may be too many active threads to fit into one reply packet, this query
30809 works iteratively: it may require more than one query/reply sequence to
30810 obtain the entire list of threads. The first query of the sequence will
30811 be the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query; subsequent queries in the
30812 sequence will be the @samp{qsThreadInfo} query.
30813
30814 NOTE: This packet replaces the @samp{qL} query (see below).
30815
30816 Reply:
30817 @table @samp
30818 @item m @var{thread-id}
30819 A single thread ID
30820 @item m @var{thread-id},@var{thread-id}@dots{}
30821 a comma-separated list of thread IDs
30822 @item l
30823 (lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
30824 @end table
30825
30826 In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
30827 more thread IDs, separated by commas.
30828 @value{GDBN} will respond to each reply with a request for more thread
30829 ids (using the @samp{qs} form of the query), until the target responds
30830 with @samp{l} (lower-case el, for @dfn{last}).
30831 Refer to @ref{thread-id syntax}, for the format of the @var{thread-id}
30832 fields.
30833
30834 @item qGetTLSAddr:@var{thread-id},@var{offset},@var{lm}
30835 @cindex get thread-local storage address, remote request
30836 @cindex @samp{qGetTLSAddr} packet
30837 Fetch the address associated with thread local storage specified
30838 by @var{thread-id}, @var{offset}, and @var{lm}.
30839
30840 @var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the
30841 thread for which to fetch the TLS address. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
30842
30843 @var{offset} is the (big endian, hex encoded) offset associated with the
30844 thread local variable. (This offset is obtained from the debug
30845 information associated with the variable.)
30846
30847 @var{lm} is the (big endian, hex encoded) OS/ABI-specific encoding of the
30848 the load module associated with the thread local storage. For example,
30849 a @sc{gnu}/Linux system will pass the link map address of the shared
30850 object associated with the thread local storage under consideration.
30851 Other operating environments may choose to represent the load module
30852 differently, so the precise meaning of this parameter will vary.
30853
30854 Reply:
30855 @table @samp
30856 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
30857 Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the address of the thread
30858 local storage requested.
30859
30860 @item E @var{nn}
30861 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
30862
30863 @item
30864 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTLSAddr} is not supported by the stub.
30865 @end table
30866
30867 @item qGetTIBAddr:@var{thread-id}
30868 @cindex get thread information block address
30869 @cindex @samp{qGetTIBAddr} packet
30870 Fetch address of the Windows OS specific Thread Information Block.
30871
30872 @var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the thread.
30873
30874 Reply:
30875 @table @samp
30876 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
30877 Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the linear address of the
30878 thread information block.
30879
30880 @item E @var{nn}
30881 An error occured. This means that either the thread was not found, or the
30882 address could not be retrieved.
30883
30884 @item
30885 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTIBAddr} is not supported by the stub.
30886 @end table
30887
30888 @item qL @var{startflag} @var{threadcount} @var{nextthread}
30889 Obtain thread information from RTOS. Where: @var{startflag} (one hex
30890 digit) is one to indicate the first query and zero to indicate a
30891 subsequent query; @var{threadcount} (two hex digits) is the maximum
30892 number of threads the response packet can contain; and @var{nextthread}
30893 (eight hex digits), for subsequent queries (@var{startflag} is zero), is
30894 returned in the response as @var{argthread}.
30895
30896 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query instead (see above).
30897
30898 Reply:
30899 @table @samp
30900 @item qM @var{count} @var{done} @var{argthread} @var{thread}@dots{}
30901 Where: @var{count} (two hex digits) is the number of threads being
30902 returned; @var{done} (one hex digit) is zero to indicate more threads
30903 and one indicates no further threads; @var{argthreadid} (eight hex
30904 digits) is @var{nextthread} from the request packet; @var{thread}@dots{}
30905 is a sequence of thread IDs from the target. @var{threadid} (eight hex
30906 digits). See @code{remote.c:parse_threadlist_response()}.
30907 @end table
30908
30909 @item qOffsets
30910 @cindex section offsets, remote request
30911 @cindex @samp{qOffsets} packet
30912 Get section offsets that the target used when relocating the downloaded
30913 image.
30914
30915 Reply:
30916 @table @samp
30917 @item Text=@var{xxx};Data=@var{yyy}@r{[};Bss=@var{zzz}@r{]}
30918 Relocate the @code{Text} section by @var{xxx} from its original address.
30919 Relocate the @code{Data} section by @var{yyy} from its original address.
30920 If the object file format provides segment information (e.g.@: @sc{elf}
30921 @samp{PT_LOAD} program headers), @value{GDBN} will relocate entire
30922 segments by the supplied offsets.
30923
30924 @emph{Note: while a @code{Bss} offset may be included in the response,
30925 @value{GDBN} ignores this and instead applies the @code{Data} offset
30926 to the @code{Bss} section.}
30927
30928 @item TextSeg=@var{xxx}@r{[};DataSeg=@var{yyy}@r{]}
30929 Relocate the first segment of the object file, which conventionally
30930 contains program code, to a starting address of @var{xxx}. If
30931 @samp{DataSeg} is specified, relocate the second segment, which
30932 conventionally contains modifiable data, to a starting address of
30933 @var{yyy}. @value{GDBN} will report an error if the object file
30934 does not contain segment information, or does not contain at least
30935 as many segments as mentioned in the reply. Extra segments are
30936 kept at fixed offsets relative to the last relocated segment.
30937 @end table
30938
30939 @item qP @var{mode} @var{thread-id}
30940 @cindex thread information, remote request
30941 @cindex @samp{qP} packet
30942 Returns information on @var{thread-id}. Where: @var{mode} is a hex
30943 encoded 32 bit mode; @var{thread-id} is a thread ID
30944 (@pxref{thread-id syntax}).
30945
30946 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} query instead
30947 (see below).
30948
30949 Reply: see @code{remote.c:remote_unpack_thread_info_response()}.
30950
30951 @item QNonStop:1
30952 @item QNonStop:0
30953 @cindex non-stop mode, remote request
30954 @cindex @samp{QNonStop} packet
30955 @anchor{QNonStop}
30956 Enter non-stop (@samp{QNonStop:1}) or all-stop (@samp{QNonStop:0}) mode.
30957 @xref{Remote Non-Stop}, for more information.
30958
30959 Reply:
30960 @table @samp
30961 @item OK
30962 The request succeeded.
30963
30964 @item E @var{nn}
30965 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
30966
30967 @item
30968 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QNonStop} is not supported by
30969 the stub.
30970 @end table
30971
30972 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
30973 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
30974 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set non-stop} command;
30975 @pxref{Non-Stop Mode}.
30976
30977 @item QPassSignals: @var{signal} @r{[};@var{signal}@r{]}@dots{}
30978 @cindex pass signals to inferior, remote request
30979 @cindex @samp{QPassSignals} packet
30980 @anchor{QPassSignals}
30981 Each listed @var{signal} should be passed directly to the inferior process.
30982 Signals are numbered identically to continue packets and stop replies
30983 (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}). Each @var{signal} list item should be
30984 strictly greater than the previous item. These signals do not need to stop
30985 the inferior, or be reported to @value{GDBN}. All other signals should be
30986 reported to @value{GDBN}. Multiple @samp{QPassSignals} packets do not
30987 combine; any earlier @samp{QPassSignals} list is completely replaced by the
30988 new list. This packet improves performance when using @samp{handle
30989 @var{signal} nostop noprint pass}.
30990
30991 Reply:
30992 @table @samp
30993 @item OK
30994 The request succeeded.
30995
30996 @item E @var{nn}
30997 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
30998
30999 @item
31000 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QPassSignals} is not supported by
31001 the stub.
31002 @end table
31003
31004 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote pass-signals}
31005 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote pass-signals}).
31006 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
31007 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
31008
31009 @item qRcmd,@var{command}
31010 @cindex execute remote command, remote request
31011 @cindex @samp{qRcmd} packet
31012 @var{command} (hex encoded) is passed to the local interpreter for
31013 execution. Invalid commands should be reported using the output
31014 string. Before the final result packet, the target may also respond
31015 with a number of intermediate @samp{O@var{output}} console output
31016 packets. @emph{Implementors should note that providing access to a
31017 stubs's interpreter may have security implications}.
31018
31019 Reply:
31020 @table @samp
31021 @item OK
31022 A command response with no output.
31023 @item @var{OUTPUT}
31024 A command response with the hex encoded output string @var{OUTPUT}.
31025 @item E @var{NN}
31026 Indicate a badly formed request.
31027 @item
31028 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qRcmd} is not recognized.
31029 @end table
31030
31031 (Note that the @code{qRcmd} packet's name is separated from the
31032 command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
31033 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
31034 packets.)
31035
31036 @item qSearch:memory:@var{address};@var{length};@var{search-pattern}
31037 @cindex searching memory, in remote debugging
31038 @cindex @samp{qSearch:memory} packet
31039 @anchor{qSearch memory}
31040 Search @var{length} bytes at @var{address} for @var{search-pattern}.
31041 @var{address} and @var{length} are encoded in hex.
31042 @var{search-pattern} is a sequence of bytes, hex encoded.
31043
31044 Reply:
31045 @table @samp
31046 @item 0
31047 The pattern was not found.
31048 @item 1,address
31049 The pattern was found at @var{address}.
31050 @item E @var{NN}
31051 A badly formed request or an error was encountered while searching memory.
31052 @item
31053 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSearch:memory} is not recognized.
31054 @end table
31055
31056 @item QStartNoAckMode
31057 @cindex @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet
31058 @anchor{QStartNoAckMode}
31059 Request that the remote stub disable the normal @samp{+}/@samp{-}
31060 protocol acknowledgments (@pxref{Packet Acknowledgment}).
31061
31062 Reply:
31063 @table @samp
31064 @item OK
31065 The stub has switched to no-acknowledgment mode.
31066 @value{GDBN} acknowledges this reponse,
31067 but neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or expect further
31068 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments in the current connection.
31069 @item
31070 An empty reply indicates that the stub does not support no-acknowledgment mode.
31071 @end table
31072
31073 @item qSupported @r{[}:@var{gdbfeature} @r{[};@var{gdbfeature}@r{]}@dots{} @r{]}
31074 @cindex supported packets, remote query
31075 @cindex features of the remote protocol
31076 @cindex @samp{qSupported} packet
31077 @anchor{qSupported}
31078 Tell the remote stub about features supported by @value{GDBN}, and
31079 query the stub for features it supports. This packet allows
31080 @value{GDBN} and the remote stub to take advantage of each others'
31081 features. @samp{qSupported} also consolidates multiple feature probes
31082 at startup, to improve @value{GDBN} performance---a single larger
31083 packet performs better than multiple smaller probe packets on
31084 high-latency links. Some features may enable behavior which must not
31085 be on by default, e.g.@: because it would confuse older clients or
31086 stubs. Other features may describe packets which could be
31087 automatically probed for, but are not. These features must be
31088 reported before @value{GDBN} will use them. This ``default
31089 unsupported'' behavior is not appropriate for all packets, but it
31090 helps to keep the initial connection time under control with new
31091 versions of @value{GDBN} which support increasing numbers of packets.
31092
31093 Reply:
31094 @table @samp
31095 @item @var{stubfeature} @r{[};@var{stubfeature}@r{]}@dots{}
31096 The stub supports or does not support each returned @var{stubfeature},
31097 depending on the form of each @var{stubfeature} (see below for the
31098 possible forms).
31099 @item
31100 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSupported} is not recognized,
31101 or that no features needed to be reported to @value{GDBN}.
31102 @end table
31103
31104 The allowed forms for each feature (either a @var{gdbfeature} in the
31105 @samp{qSupported} packet, or a @var{stubfeature} in the response)
31106 are:
31107
31108 @table @samp
31109 @item @var{name}=@var{value}
31110 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and associated
31111 with the specified @var{value}. The format of @var{value} depends
31112 on the feature, but it must not include a semicolon.
31113 @item @var{name}+
31114 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and does not
31115 need an associated value.
31116 @item @var{name}-
31117 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is not supported.
31118 @item @var{name}?
31119 The remote protocol feature @var{name} may be supported, and
31120 @value{GDBN} should auto-detect support in some other way when it is
31121 needed. This form will not be used for @var{gdbfeature} notifications,
31122 but may be used for @var{stubfeature} responses.
31123 @end table
31124
31125 Whenever the stub receives a @samp{qSupported} request, the
31126 supplied set of @value{GDBN} features should override any previous
31127 request. This allows @value{GDBN} to put the stub in a known
31128 state, even if the stub had previously been communicating with
31129 a different version of @value{GDBN}.
31130
31131 The following values of @var{gdbfeature} (for the packet sent by @value{GDBN})
31132 are defined:
31133
31134 @table @samp
31135 @item multiprocess
31136 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports multiprocess
31137 extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
31138 extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
31139 including @samp{multiprocess+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
31140 @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for details.
31141
31142 @item xmlRegisters
31143 This feature indicates that @value{GDBN} supports the XML target
31144 description. If the stub sees @samp{xmlRegisters=} with target
31145 specific strings separated by a comma, it will report register
31146 description.
31147 @end table
31148
31149 Stubs should ignore any unknown values for
31150 @var{gdbfeature}. Any @value{GDBN} which sends a @samp{qSupported}
31151 packet supports receiving packets of unlimited length (earlier
31152 versions of @value{GDBN} may reject overly long responses). Additional values
31153 for @var{gdbfeature} may be defined in the future to let the stub take
31154 advantage of new features in @value{GDBN}, e.g.@: incompatible
31155 improvements in the remote protocol---the @samp{multiprocess} feature is
31156 an example of such a feature. The stub's reply should be independent
31157 of the @var{gdbfeature} entries sent by @value{GDBN}; first @value{GDBN}
31158 describes all the features it supports, and then the stub replies with
31159 all the features it supports.
31160
31161 Similarly, @value{GDBN} will silently ignore unrecognized stub feature
31162 responses, as long as each response uses one of the standard forms.
31163
31164 Some features are flags. A stub which supports a flag feature
31165 should respond with a @samp{+} form response. Other features
31166 require values, and the stub should respond with an @samp{=}
31167 form response.
31168
31169 Each feature has a default value, which @value{GDBN} will use if
31170 @samp{qSupported} is not available or if the feature is not mentioned
31171 in the @samp{qSupported} response. The default values are fixed; a
31172 stub is free to omit any feature responses that match the defaults.
31173
31174 Not all features can be probed, but for those which can, the probing
31175 mechanism is useful: in some cases, a stub's internal
31176 architecture may not allow the protocol layer to know some information
31177 about the underlying target in advance. This is especially common in
31178 stubs which may be configured for multiple targets.
31179
31180 These are the currently defined stub features and their properties:
31181
31182 @multitable @columnfractions 0.35 0.2 0.12 0.2
31183 @c NOTE: The first row should be @headitem, but we do not yet require
31184 @c a new enough version of Texinfo (4.7) to use @headitem.
31185 @item Feature Name
31186 @tab Value Required
31187 @tab Default
31188 @tab Probe Allowed
31189
31190 @item @samp{PacketSize}
31191 @tab Yes
31192 @tab @samp{-}
31193 @tab No
31194
31195 @item @samp{qXfer:auxv:read}
31196 @tab No
31197 @tab @samp{-}
31198 @tab Yes
31199
31200 @item @samp{qXfer:features:read}
31201 @tab No
31202 @tab @samp{-}
31203 @tab Yes
31204
31205 @item @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
31206 @tab No
31207 @tab @samp{-}
31208 @tab Yes
31209
31210 @item @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
31211 @tab No
31212 @tab @samp{-}
31213 @tab Yes
31214
31215 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:read}
31216 @tab No
31217 @tab @samp{-}
31218 @tab Yes
31219
31220 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:write}
31221 @tab No
31222 @tab @samp{-}
31223 @tab Yes
31224
31225 @item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read}
31226 @tab No
31227 @tab @samp{-}
31228 @tab Yes
31229
31230 @item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write}
31231 @tab No
31232 @tab @samp{-}
31233 @tab Yes
31234
31235 @item @samp{qXfer:threads:read}
31236 @tab No
31237 @tab @samp{-}
31238 @tab Yes
31239
31240
31241 @item @samp{QNonStop}
31242 @tab No
31243 @tab @samp{-}
31244 @tab Yes
31245
31246 @item @samp{QPassSignals}
31247 @tab No
31248 @tab @samp{-}
31249 @tab Yes
31250
31251 @item @samp{QStartNoAckMode}
31252 @tab No
31253 @tab @samp{-}
31254 @tab Yes
31255
31256 @item @samp{multiprocess}
31257 @tab No
31258 @tab @samp{-}
31259 @tab No
31260
31261 @item @samp{ConditionalTracepoints}
31262 @tab No
31263 @tab @samp{-}
31264 @tab No
31265
31266 @item @samp{ReverseContinue}
31267 @tab No
31268 @tab @samp{-}
31269 @tab No
31270
31271 @item @samp{ReverseStep}
31272 @tab No
31273 @tab @samp{-}
31274 @tab No
31275
31276 @item @samp{TracepointSource}
31277 @tab No
31278 @tab @samp{-}
31279 @tab No
31280
31281 @end multitable
31282
31283 These are the currently defined stub features, in more detail:
31284
31285 @table @samp
31286 @cindex packet size, remote protocol
31287 @item PacketSize=@var{bytes}
31288 The remote stub can accept packets up to at least @var{bytes} in
31289 length. @value{GDBN} will send packets up to this size for bulk
31290 transfers, and will never send larger packets. This is a limit on the
31291 data characters in the packet, including the frame and checksum.
31292 There is no trailing NUL byte in a remote protocol packet; if the stub
31293 stores packets in a NUL-terminated format, it should allow an extra
31294 byte in its buffer for the NUL. If this stub feature is not supported,
31295 @value{GDBN} guesses based on the size of the @samp{g} packet response.
31296
31297 @item qXfer:auxv:read
31298 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet
31299 (@pxref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}).
31300
31301 @item qXfer:features:read
31302 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:features:read} packet
31303 (@pxref{qXfer target description read}).
31304
31305 @item qXfer:libraries:read
31306 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet
31307 (@pxref{qXfer library list read}).
31308
31309 @item qXfer:memory-map:read
31310 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read} packet
31311 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}).
31312
31313 @item qXfer:spu:read
31314 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:read} packet
31315 (@pxref{qXfer spu read}).
31316
31317 @item qXfer:spu:write
31318 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:write} packet
31319 (@pxref{qXfer spu write}).
31320
31321 @item qXfer:siginfo:read
31322 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read} packet
31323 (@pxref{qXfer siginfo read}).
31324
31325 @item qXfer:siginfo:write
31326 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write} packet
31327 (@pxref{qXfer siginfo write}).
31328
31329 @item qXfer:threads:read
31330 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:threads:read} packet
31331 (@pxref{qXfer threads read}).
31332
31333 @item QNonStop
31334 The remote stub understands the @samp{QNonStop} packet
31335 (@pxref{QNonStop}).
31336
31337 @item QPassSignals
31338 The remote stub understands the @samp{QPassSignals} packet
31339 (@pxref{QPassSignals}).
31340
31341 @item QStartNoAckMode
31342 The remote stub understands the @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet and
31343 prefers to operate in no-acknowledgment mode. @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}.
31344
31345 @item multiprocess
31346 @anchor{multiprocess extensions}
31347 @cindex multiprocess extensions, in remote protocol
31348 The remote stub understands the multiprocess extensions to the remote
31349 protocol syntax. The multiprocess extensions affect the syntax of
31350 thread IDs in both packets and replies (@pxref{thread-id syntax}), and
31351 add process IDs to the @samp{D} packet and @samp{W} and @samp{X}
31352 replies. Note that reporting this feature indicates support for the
31353 syntactic extensions only, not that the stub necessarily supports
31354 debugging of more than one process at a time. The stub must not use
31355 multiprocess extensions in packet replies unless @value{GDBN} has also
31356 indicated it supports them in its @samp{qSupported} request.
31357
31358 @item qXfer:osdata:read
31359 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet
31360 ((@pxref{qXfer osdata read}).
31361
31362 @item ConditionalTracepoints
31363 The remote stub accepts and implements conditional expressions defined
31364 for tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoint Conditions}).
31365
31366 @item ReverseContinue
31367 The remote stub accepts and implements the reverse continue packet
31368 (@pxref{bc}).
31369
31370 @item ReverseStep
31371 The remote stub accepts and implements the reverse step packet
31372 (@pxref{bs}).
31373
31374 @item TracepointSource
31375 The remote stub understands the @samp{QTDPsrc} packet that supplies
31376 the source form of tracepoint definitions.
31377
31378 @end table
31379
31380 @item qSymbol::
31381 @cindex symbol lookup, remote request
31382 @cindex @samp{qSymbol} packet
31383 Notify the target that @value{GDBN} is prepared to serve symbol lookup
31384 requests. Accept requests from the target for the values of symbols.
31385
31386 Reply:
31387 @table @samp
31388 @item OK
31389 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
31390 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
31391 The target requests the value of symbol @var{sym_name} (hex encoded).
31392 @value{GDBN} may provide the value by using the
31393 @samp{qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}} message, described
31394 below.
31395 @end table
31396
31397 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}
31398 Set the value of @var{sym_name} to @var{sym_value}.
31399
31400 @var{sym_name} (hex encoded) is the name of a symbol whose value the
31401 target has previously requested.
31402
31403 @var{sym_value} (hex) is the value for symbol @var{sym_name}. If
31404 @value{GDBN} cannot supply a value for @var{sym_name}, then this field
31405 will be empty.
31406
31407 Reply:
31408 @table @samp
31409 @item OK
31410 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
31411 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
31412 The target requests the value of a new symbol @var{sym_name} (hex
31413 encoded). @value{GDBN} will continue to supply the values of symbols
31414 (if available), until the target ceases to request them.
31415 @end table
31416
31417 @item qTBuffer
31418 @item QTBuffer
31419 @item QTDisconnected
31420 @itemx QTDP
31421 @itemx QTDPsrc
31422 @itemx QTDV
31423 @itemx qTfP
31424 @itemx qTfV
31425 @itemx QTFrame
31426 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
31427
31428 @item qThreadExtraInfo,@var{thread-id}
31429 @cindex thread attributes info, remote request
31430 @cindex @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} packet
31431 Obtain a printable string description of a thread's attributes from
31432 the target OS. @var{thread-id} is a thread ID;
31433 see @ref{thread-id syntax}. This
31434 string may contain anything that the target OS thinks is interesting
31435 for @value{GDBN} to tell the user about the thread. The string is
31436 displayed in @value{GDBN}'s @code{info threads} display. Some
31437 examples of possible thread extra info strings are @samp{Runnable}, or
31438 @samp{Blocked on Mutex}.
31439
31440 Reply:
31441 @table @samp
31442 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
31443 Where @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is a hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data,
31444 comprising the printable string containing the extra information about
31445 the thread's attributes.
31446 @end table
31447
31448 (Note that the @code{qThreadExtraInfo} packet's name is separated from
31449 the command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
31450 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
31451 packets.)
31452
31453 @item QTSave
31454 @item qTsP
31455 @item qTsV
31456 @itemx QTStart
31457 @itemx QTStop
31458 @itemx QTinit
31459 @itemx QTro
31460 @itemx qTStatus
31461 @itemx qTV
31462 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
31463
31464 @item qXfer:@var{object}:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
31465 @cindex read special object, remote request
31466 @cindex @samp{qXfer} packet
31467 @anchor{qXfer read}
31468 Read uninterpreted bytes from the target's special data area
31469 identified by the keyword @var{object}. Request @var{length} bytes
31470 starting at @var{offset} bytes into the data. The content and
31471 encoding of @var{annex} is specific to @var{object}; it can supply
31472 additional details about what data to access.
31473
31474 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All
31475 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:read:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
31476 formats, listed below.
31477
31478 @table @samp
31479 @item qXfer:auxv:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
31480 @anchor{qXfer auxiliary vector read}
31481 Access the target's @dfn{auxiliary vector}. @xref{OS Information,
31482 auxiliary vector}. Note @var{annex} must be empty.
31483
31484 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
31485 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
31486
31487 @item qXfer:features:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
31488 @anchor{qXfer target description read}
31489 Access the @dfn{target description}. @xref{Target Descriptions}. The
31490 annex specifies which XML document to access. The main description is
31491 always loaded from the @samp{target.xml} annex.
31492
31493 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
31494 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
31495
31496 @item qXfer:libraries:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
31497 @anchor{qXfer library list read}
31498 Access the target's list of loaded libraries. @xref{Library List Format}.
31499 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
31500 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
31501
31502 Targets which maintain a list of libraries in the program's memory do
31503 not need to implement this packet; it is designed for platforms where
31504 the operating system manages the list of loaded libraries.
31505
31506 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
31507 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
31508
31509 @item qXfer:memory-map:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
31510 @anchor{qXfer memory map read}
31511 Access the target's @dfn{memory-map}. @xref{Memory Map Format}. The
31512 annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
31513 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
31514
31515 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
31516 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
31517
31518 @item qXfer:siginfo:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
31519 @anchor{qXfer siginfo read}
31520 Read contents of the extra signal information on the target
31521 system. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
31522 empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
31523
31524 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
31525 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
31526 (@pxref{qSupported}).
31527
31528 @item qXfer:spu:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
31529 @anchor{qXfer spu read}
31530 Read contents of an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
31531 annex specifies which file to read; it must be of the form
31532 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
31533 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
31534 in that context to be accessed.
31535
31536 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
31537 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
31538 (@pxref{qSupported}).
31539
31540 @item qXfer:threads:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
31541 @anchor{qXfer threads read}
31542 Access the list of threads on target. @xref{Thread List Format}. The
31543 annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
31544 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
31545
31546 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
31547 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
31548
31549 @item qXfer:osdata:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
31550 @anchor{qXfer osdata read}
31551 Access the target's @dfn{operating system information}.
31552 @xref{Operating System Information}.
31553
31554 @end table
31555
31556 Reply:
31557 @table @samp
31558 @item m @var{data}
31559 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the
31560 target. There may be more data at a higher address (although
31561 it is permitted to return @samp{m} even for the last valid
31562 block of data, as long as at least one byte of data was read).
31563 @var{data} may have fewer bytes than the @var{length} in the
31564 request.
31565
31566 @item l @var{data}
31567 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the target.
31568 There is no more data to be read. @var{data} may have fewer bytes
31569 than the @var{length} in the request.
31570
31571 @item l
31572 The @var{offset} in the request is at the end of the data.
31573 There is no more data to be read.
31574
31575 @item E00
31576 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
31577
31578 @item E @var{nn}
31579 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered reading the data.
31580 @var{nn} is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
31581
31582 @item
31583 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not recognized by
31584 the stub, or that the object does not support reading.
31585 @end table
31586
31587 @item qXfer:@var{object}:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
31588 @cindex write data into object, remote request
31589 @anchor{qXfer write}
31590 Write uninterpreted bytes into the target's special data area
31591 identified by the keyword @var{object}, starting at @var{offset} bytes
31592 into the data. @var{data}@dots{} is the binary-encoded data
31593 (@pxref{Binary Data}) to be written. The content and encoding of @var{annex}
31594 is specific to @var{object}; it can supply additional details about what data
31595 to access.
31596
31597 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All
31598 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:write:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
31599 formats, listed below.
31600
31601 @table @samp
31602 @item qXfer:siginfo:write::@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
31603 @anchor{qXfer siginfo write}
31604 Write @var{data} to the extra signal information on the target system.
31605 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
31606 empty (@pxref{qXfer write}).
31607
31608 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
31609 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
31610 (@pxref{qSupported}).
31611
31612 @item qXfer:spu:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
31613 @anchor{qXfer spu write}
31614 Write @var{data} to an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
31615 annex specifies which file to write; it must be of the form
31616 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
31617 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
31618 in that context to be accessed.
31619
31620 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
31621 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
31622 @end table
31623
31624 Reply:
31625 @table @samp
31626 @item @var{nn}
31627 @var{nn} (hex encoded) is the number of bytes written.
31628 This may be fewer bytes than supplied in the request.
31629
31630 @item E00
31631 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
31632
31633 @item E @var{nn}
31634 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered writing the data.
31635 @var{nn} is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
31636
31637 @item
31638 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not
31639 recognized by the stub, or that the object does not support writing.
31640 @end table
31641
31642 @item qXfer:@var{object}:@var{operation}:@dots{}
31643 Requests of this form may be added in the future. When a stub does
31644 not recognize the @var{object} keyword, or its support for
31645 @var{object} does not recognize the @var{operation} keyword, the stub
31646 must respond with an empty packet.
31647
31648 @item qAttached:@var{pid}
31649 @cindex query attached, remote request
31650 @cindex @samp{qAttached} packet
31651 Return an indication of whether the remote server attached to an
31652 existing process or created a new process. When the multiprocess
31653 protocol extensions are supported (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}),
31654 @var{pid} is an integer in hexadecimal format identifying the target
31655 process. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} will omit the @var{pid} field and
31656 the query packet will be simplified as @samp{qAttached}.
31657
31658 This query is used, for example, to know whether the remote process
31659 should be detached or killed when a @value{GDBN} session is ended with
31660 the @code{quit} command.
31661
31662 Reply:
31663 @table @samp
31664 @item 1
31665 The remote server attached to an existing process.
31666 @item 0
31667 The remote server created a new process.
31668 @item E @var{NN}
31669 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
31670 @end table
31671
31672 @end table
31673
31674 @node Architecture-Specific Protocol Details
31675 @section Architecture-Specific Protocol Details
31676
31677 This section describes how the remote protocol is applied to specific
31678 target architectures. Also see @ref{Standard Target Features}, for
31679 details of XML target descriptions for each architecture.
31680
31681 @subsection ARM
31682
31683 @subsubsection Breakpoint Kinds
31684
31685 These breakpoint kinds are defined for the @samp{Z0} and @samp{Z1} packets.
31686
31687 @table @r
31688
31689 @item 2
31690 16-bit Thumb mode breakpoint.
31691
31692 @item 3
31693 32-bit Thumb mode (Thumb-2) breakpoint.
31694
31695 @item 4
31696 32-bit ARM mode breakpoint.
31697
31698 @end table
31699
31700 @subsection MIPS
31701
31702 @subsubsection Register Packet Format
31703
31704 The following @code{g}/@code{G} packets have previously been defined.
31705 In the below, some thirty-two bit registers are transferred as
31706 sixty-four bits. Those registers should be zero/sign extended (which?)
31707 to fill the space allocated. Register bytes are transferred in target
31708 byte order. The two nibbles within a register byte are transferred
31709 most-significant - least-significant.
31710
31711 @table @r
31712
31713 @item MIPS32
31714
31715 All registers are transferred as thirty-two bit quantities in the order:
31716 32 general-purpose; sr; lo; hi; bad; cause; pc; 32 floating-point
31717 registers; fsr; fir; fp.
31718
31719 @item MIPS64
31720
31721 All registers are transferred as sixty-four bit quantities (including
31722 thirty-two bit registers such as @code{sr}). The ordering is the same
31723 as @code{MIPS32}.
31724
31725 @end table
31726
31727 @node Tracepoint Packets
31728 @section Tracepoint Packets
31729 @cindex tracepoint packets
31730 @cindex packets, tracepoint
31731
31732 Here we describe the packets @value{GDBN} uses to implement
31733 tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoints}).
31734
31735 @table @samp
31736
31737 @item QTDP:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{ena}:@var{step}:@var{pass}[:F@var{flen}][:X@var{len},@var{bytes}]@r{[}-@r{]}
31738 Create a new tracepoint, number @var{n}, at @var{addr}. If @var{ena}
31739 is @samp{E}, then the tracepoint is enabled; if it is @samp{D}, then
31740 the tracepoint is disabled. @var{step} is the tracepoint's step
31741 count, and @var{pass} is its pass count. If an @samp{F} is present,
31742 then the tracepoint is to be a fast tracepoint, and the @var{flen} is
31743 the number of bytes that the target should copy elsewhere to make room
31744 for the tracepoint. If an @samp{X} is present, it introduces a
31745 tracepoint condition, which consists of a hexadecimal length, followed
31746 by a comma and hex-encoded bytes, in a manner similar to action
31747 encodings as described below. If the trailing @samp{-} is present,
31748 further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow to specify this tracepoint's
31749 actions.
31750
31751 Replies:
31752 @table @samp
31753 @item OK
31754 The packet was understood and carried out.
31755 @item
31756 The packet was not recognized.
31757 @end table
31758
31759 @item QTDP:-@var{n}:@var{addr}:@r{[}S@r{]}@var{action}@dots{}@r{[}-@r{]}
31760 Define actions to be taken when a tracepoint is hit. @var{n} and
31761 @var{addr} must be the same as in the initial @samp{QTDP} packet for
31762 this tracepoint. This packet may only be sent immediately after
31763 another @samp{QTDP} packet that ended with a @samp{-}. If the
31764 trailing @samp{-} is present, further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow,
31765 specifying more actions for this tracepoint.
31766
31767 In the series of action packets for a given tracepoint, at most one
31768 can have an @samp{S} before its first @var{action}. If such a packet
31769 is sent, it and the following packets define ``while-stepping''
31770 actions. Any prior packets define ordinary actions --- that is, those
31771 taken when the tracepoint is first hit. If no action packet has an
31772 @samp{S}, then all the packets in the series specify ordinary
31773 tracepoint actions.
31774
31775 The @samp{@var{action}@dots{}} portion of the packet is a series of
31776 actions, concatenated without separators. Each action has one of the
31777 following forms:
31778
31779 @table @samp
31780
31781 @item R @var{mask}
31782 Collect the registers whose bits are set in @var{mask}. @var{mask} is
31783 a hexadecimal number whose @var{i}'th bit is set if register number
31784 @var{i} should be collected. (The least significant bit is numbered
31785 zero.) Note that @var{mask} may be any number of digits long; it may
31786 not fit in a 32-bit word.
31787
31788 @item M @var{basereg},@var{offset},@var{len}
31789 Collect @var{len} bytes of memory starting at the address in register
31790 number @var{basereg}, plus @var{offset}. If @var{basereg} is
31791 @samp{-1}, then the range has a fixed address: @var{offset} is the
31792 address of the lowest byte to collect. The @var{basereg},
31793 @var{offset}, and @var{len} parameters are all unsigned hexadecimal
31794 values (the @samp{-1} value for @var{basereg} is a special case).
31795
31796 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
31797 Evaluate @var{expr}, whose length is @var{len}, and collect memory as
31798 it directs. @var{expr} is an agent expression, as described in
31799 @ref{Agent Expressions}. Each byte of the expression is encoded as a
31800 two-digit hex number in the packet; @var{len} is the number of bytes
31801 in the expression (and thus one-half the number of hex digits in the
31802 packet).
31803
31804 @end table
31805
31806 Any number of actions may be packed together in a single @samp{QTDP}
31807 packet, as long as the packet does not exceed the maximum packet
31808 length (400 bytes, for many stubs). There may be only one @samp{R}
31809 action per tracepoint, and it must precede any @samp{M} or @samp{X}
31810 actions. Any registers referred to by @samp{M} and @samp{X} actions
31811 must be collected by a preceding @samp{R} action. (The
31812 ``while-stepping'' actions are treated as if they were attached to a
31813 separate tracepoint, as far as these restrictions are concerned.)
31814
31815 Replies:
31816 @table @samp
31817 @item OK
31818 The packet was understood and carried out.
31819 @item
31820 The packet was not recognized.
31821 @end table
31822
31823 @item QTDPsrc:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{type}:@var{start}:@var{slen}:@var{bytes}
31824 @cindex @samp{QTDPsrc} packet
31825 Specify a source string of tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr}.
31826 This is useful to get accurate reproduction of the tracepoints
31827 originally downloaded at the beginning of the trace run. @var{type}
31828 is the name of the tracepoint part, such as @samp{cond} for the
31829 tracepoint's conditional expression (see below for a list of types), while
31830 @var{bytes} is the string, encoded in hexadecimal.
31831
31832 @var{start} is the offset of the @var{bytes} within the overall source
31833 string, while @var{slen} is the total length of the source string.
31834 This is intended for handling source strings that are longer than will
31835 fit in a single packet.
31836 @c Add detailed example when this info is moved into a dedicated
31837 @c tracepoint descriptions section.
31838
31839 The available string types are @samp{at} for the location,
31840 @samp{cond} for the conditional, and @samp{cmd} for an action command.
31841 @value{GDBN} sends a separate packet for each command in the action
31842 list, in the same order in which the commands are stored in the list.
31843
31844 The target does not need to do anything with source strings except
31845 report them back as part of the replies to the @samp{qTfP}/@samp{qTsP}
31846 query packets.
31847
31848 Although this packet is optional, and @value{GDBN} will only send it
31849 if the target replies with @samp{TracepointSource} @xref{General
31850 Query Packets}, it makes both disconnected tracing and trace files
31851 much easier to use. Otherwise the user must be careful that the
31852 tracepoints in effect while looking at trace frames are identical to
31853 the ones in effect during the trace run; even a small discrepancy
31854 could cause @samp{tdump} not to work, or a particular trace frame not
31855 be found.
31856
31857 @item QTDV:@var{n}:@var{value}
31858 @cindex define trace state variable, remote request
31859 @cindex @samp{QTDV} packet
31860 Create a new trace state variable, number @var{n}, with an initial
31861 value of @var{value}, which is a 64-bit signed integer. Both @var{n}
31862 and @var{value} are encoded as hexadecimal values. @value{GDBN} has
31863 the option of not using this packet for initial values of zero; the
31864 target should simply create the trace state variables as they are
31865 mentioned in expressions.
31866
31867 @item QTFrame:@var{n}
31868 Select the @var{n}'th tracepoint frame from the buffer, and use the
31869 register and memory contents recorded there to answer subsequent
31870 request packets from @value{GDBN}.
31871
31872 A successful reply from the stub indicates that the stub has found the
31873 requested frame. The response is a series of parts, concatenated
31874 without separators, describing the frame we selected. Each part has
31875 one of the following forms:
31876
31877 @table @samp
31878 @item F @var{f}
31879 The selected frame is number @var{n} in the trace frame buffer;
31880 @var{f} is a hexadecimal number. If @var{f} is @samp{-1}, then there
31881 was no frame matching the criteria in the request packet.
31882
31883 @item T @var{t}
31884 The selected trace frame records a hit of tracepoint number @var{t};
31885 @var{t} is a hexadecimal number.
31886
31887 @end table
31888
31889 @item QTFrame:pc:@var{addr}
31890 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
31891 currently selected frame whose PC is @var{addr};
31892 @var{addr} is a hexadecimal number.
31893
31894 @item QTFrame:tdp:@var{t}
31895 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
31896 currently selected frame that is a hit of tracepoint @var{t}; @var{t}
31897 is a hexadecimal number.
31898
31899 @item QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}
31900 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
31901 currently selected frame whose PC is between @var{start} (inclusive)
31902 and @var{end} (inclusive); @var{start} and @var{end} are hexadecimal
31903 numbers.
31904
31905 @item QTFrame:outside:@var{start}:@var{end}
31906 Like @samp{QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}}, but select the first
31907 frame @emph{outside} the given range of addresses (exclusive).
31908
31909 @item QTStart
31910 Begin the tracepoint experiment. Begin collecting data from tracepoint
31911 hits in the trace frame buffer.
31912
31913 @item QTStop
31914 End the tracepoint experiment. Stop collecting trace frames.
31915
31916 @item QTinit
31917 Clear the table of tracepoints, and empty the trace frame buffer.
31918
31919 @item QTro:@var{start1},@var{end1}:@var{start2},@var{end2}:@dots{}
31920 Establish the given ranges of memory as ``transparent''. The stub
31921 will answer requests for these ranges from memory's current contents,
31922 if they were not collected as part of the tracepoint hit.
31923
31924 @value{GDBN} uses this to mark read-only regions of memory, like those
31925 containing program code. Since these areas never change, they should
31926 still have the same contents they did when the tracepoint was hit, so
31927 there's no reason for the stub to refuse to provide their contents.
31928
31929 @item QTDisconnected:@var{value}
31930 Set the choice to what to do with the tracing run when @value{GDBN}
31931 disconnects from the target. A @var{value} of 1 directs the target to
31932 continue the tracing run, while 0 tells the target to stop tracing if
31933 @value{GDBN} is no longer in the picture.
31934
31935 @item qTStatus
31936 Ask the stub if there is a trace experiment running right now.
31937
31938 The reply has the form:
31939
31940 @table @samp
31941
31942 @item T@var{running}@r{[};@var{field}@r{]}@dots{}
31943 @var{running} is a single digit @code{1} if the trace is presently
31944 running, or @code{0} if not. It is followed by semicolon-separated
31945 optional fields that an agent may use to report additional status.
31946
31947 @end table
31948
31949 If the trace is not running, the agent may report any of several
31950 explanations as one of the optional fields:
31951
31952 @table @samp
31953
31954 @item tnotrun:0
31955 No trace has been run yet.
31956
31957 @item tstop:0
31958 The trace was stopped by a user-originated stop command.
31959
31960 @item tfull:0
31961 The trace stopped because the trace buffer filled up.
31962
31963 @item tdisconnected:0
31964 The trace stopped because @value{GDBN} disconnected from the target.
31965
31966 @item tpasscount:@var{tpnum}
31967 The trace stopped because tracepoint @var{tpnum} exceeded its pass count.
31968
31969 @item terror:@var{text}:@var{tpnum}
31970 The trace stopped because tracepoint @var{tpnum} had an error. The
31971 string @var{text} is available to describe the nature of the error
31972 (for instance, a divide by zero in the condition expression).
31973 @var{text} is hex encoded.
31974
31975 @item tunknown:0
31976 The trace stopped for some other reason.
31977
31978 @end table
31979
31980 Additional optional fields supply statistical and other information.
31981 Although not required, they are extremely useful for users monitoring
31982 the progress of a trace run. If a trace has stopped, and these
31983 numbers are reported, they must reflect the state of the just-stopped
31984 trace.
31985
31986 @table @samp
31987
31988 @item tframes:@var{n}
31989 The number of trace frames in the buffer.
31990
31991 @item tcreated:@var{n}
31992 The total number of trace frames created during the run. This may
31993 be larger than the trace frame count, if the buffer is circular.
31994
31995 @item tsize:@var{n}
31996 The total size of the trace buffer, in bytes.
31997
31998 @item tfree:@var{n}
31999 The number of bytes still unused in the buffer.
32000
32001 @item circular:@var{n}
32002 The value of the circular trace buffer flag. @code{1} means that the
32003 trace buffer is circular and old trace frames will be discarded if
32004 necessary to make room, @code{0} means that the trace buffer is linear
32005 and may fill up.
32006
32007 @item disconn:@var{n}
32008 The value of the disconnected tracing flag. @code{1} means that
32009 tracing will continue after @value{GDBN} disconnects, @code{0} means
32010 that the trace run will stop.
32011
32012 @end table
32013
32014 @item qTV:@var{var}
32015 @cindex trace state variable value, remote request
32016 @cindex @samp{qTV} packet
32017 Ask the stub for the value of the trace state variable number @var{var}.
32018
32019 Replies:
32020 @table @samp
32021 @item V@var{value}
32022 The value of the variable is @var{value}. This will be the current
32023 value of the variable if the user is examining a running target, or a
32024 saved value if the variable was collected in the trace frame that the
32025 user is looking at. Note that multiple requests may result in
32026 different reply values, such as when requesting values while the
32027 program is running.
32028
32029 @item U
32030 The value of the variable is unknown. This would occur, for example,
32031 if the user is examining a trace frame in which the requested variable
32032 was not collected.
32033 @end table
32034
32035 @item qTfP
32036 @itemx qTsP
32037 These packets request data about tracepoints that are being used by
32038 the target. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfP} to get the first piece
32039 of data, and multiple @code{qTsP} to get additional pieces. Replies
32040 to these packets generally take the form of the @code{QTDP} packets
32041 that define tracepoints. (FIXME add detailed syntax)
32042
32043 @item qTfV
32044 @itemx qTsV
32045 These packets request data about trace state variables that are on the
32046 target. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfV} to get the first vari of data,
32047 and multiple @code{qTsV} to get additional variables. Replies to
32048 these packets follow the syntax of the @code{QTDV} packets that define
32049 trace state variables.
32050
32051 @item QTSave:@var{filename}
32052 This packet directs the target to save trace data to the file name
32053 @var{filename} in the target's filesystem. @var{filename} is encoded
32054 as a hex string; the interpretation of the file name (relative vs
32055 absolute, wild cards, etc) is up to the target.
32056
32057 @item qTBuffer:@var{offset},@var{len}
32058 Return up to @var{len} bytes of the current contents of trace buffer,
32059 starting at @var{offset}. The trace buffer is treated as if it were
32060 a contiguous collection of traceframes, as per the trace file format.
32061 The reply consists as many hex-encoded bytes as the target can deliver
32062 in a packet; it is not an error to return fewer than were asked for.
32063 A reply consisting of just @code{l} indicates that no bytes are
32064 available.
32065
32066 @item QTBuffer:circular:@var{value}
32067 This packet directs the target to use a circular trace buffer if
32068 @var{value} is 1, or a linear buffer if the value is 0.
32069
32070 @end table
32071
32072 @node Host I/O Packets
32073 @section Host I/O Packets
32074 @cindex Host I/O, remote protocol
32075 @cindex file transfer, remote protocol
32076
32077 The @dfn{Host I/O} packets allow @value{GDBN} to perform I/O
32078 operations on the far side of a remote link. For example, Host I/O is
32079 used to upload and download files to a remote target with its own
32080 filesystem. Host I/O uses the same constant values and data structure
32081 layout as the target-initiated File-I/O protocol. However, the
32082 Host I/O packets are structured differently. The target-initiated
32083 protocol relies on target memory to store parameters and buffers.
32084 Host I/O requests are initiated by @value{GDBN}, and the
32085 target's memory is not involved. @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol
32086 Extension}, for more details on the target-initiated protocol.
32087
32088 The Host I/O request packets all encode a single operation along with
32089 its arguments. They have this format:
32090
32091 @table @samp
32092
32093 @item vFile:@var{operation}: @var{parameter}@dots{}
32094 @var{operation} is the name of the particular request; the target
32095 should compare the entire packet name up to the second colon when checking
32096 for a supported operation. The format of @var{parameter} depends on
32097 the operation. Numbers are always passed in hexadecimal. Negative
32098 numbers have an explicit minus sign (i.e.@: two's complement is not
32099 used). Strings (e.g.@: filenames) are encoded as a series of
32100 hexadecimal bytes. The last argument to a system call may be a
32101 buffer of escaped binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
32102
32103 @end table
32104
32105 The valid responses to Host I/O packets are:
32106
32107 @table @samp
32108
32109 @item F @var{result} [, @var{errno}] [; @var{attachment}]
32110 @var{result} is the integer value returned by this operation, usually
32111 non-negative for success and -1 for errors. If an error has occured,
32112 @var{errno} will be included in the result. @var{errno} will have a
32113 value defined by the File-I/O protocol (@pxref{Errno Values}). For
32114 operations which return data, @var{attachment} supplies the data as a
32115 binary buffer. Binary buffers in response packets are escaped in the
32116 normal way (@pxref{Binary Data}). See the individual packet
32117 documentation for the interpretation of @var{result} and
32118 @var{attachment}.
32119
32120 @item
32121 An empty response indicates that this operation is not recognized.
32122
32123 @end table
32124
32125 These are the supported Host I/O operations:
32126
32127 @table @samp
32128 @item vFile:open: @var{pathname}, @var{flags}, @var{mode}
32129 Open a file at @var{pathname} and return a file descriptor for it, or
32130 return -1 if an error occurs. @var{pathname} is a string,
32131 @var{flags} is an integer indicating a mask of open flags
32132 (@pxref{Open Flags}), and @var{mode} is an integer indicating a mask
32133 of mode bits to use if the file is created (@pxref{mode_t Values}).
32134 @xref{open}, for details of the open flags and mode values.
32135
32136 @item vFile:close: @var{fd}
32137 Close the open file corresponding to @var{fd} and return 0, or
32138 -1 if an error occurs.
32139
32140 @item vFile:pread: @var{fd}, @var{count}, @var{offset}
32141 Read data from the open file corresponding to @var{fd}. Up to
32142 @var{count} bytes will be read from the file, starting at @var{offset}
32143 relative to the start of the file. The target may read fewer bytes;
32144 common reasons include packet size limits and an end-of-file
32145 condition. The number of bytes read is returned. Zero should only be
32146 returned for a successful read at the end of the file, or if
32147 @var{count} was zero.
32148
32149 The data read should be returned as a binary attachment on success.
32150 If zero bytes were read, the response should include an empty binary
32151 attachment (i.e.@: a trailing semicolon). The return value is the
32152 number of target bytes read; the binary attachment may be longer if
32153 some characters were escaped.
32154
32155 @item vFile:pwrite: @var{fd}, @var{offset}, @var{data}
32156 Write @var{data} (a binary buffer) to the open file corresponding
32157 to @var{fd}. Start the write at @var{offset} from the start of the
32158 file. Unlike many @code{write} system calls, there is no
32159 separate @var{count} argument; the length of @var{data} in the
32160 packet is used. @samp{vFile:write} returns the number of bytes written,
32161 which may be shorter than the length of @var{data}, or -1 if an
32162 error occurred.
32163
32164 @item vFile:unlink: @var{pathname}
32165 Delete the file at @var{pathname} on the target. Return 0,
32166 or -1 if an error occurs. @var{pathname} is a string.
32167
32168 @end table
32169
32170 @node Interrupts
32171 @section Interrupts
32172 @cindex interrupts (remote protocol)
32173
32174 When a program on the remote target is running, @value{GDBN} may
32175 attempt to interrupt it by sending a @samp{Ctrl-C}, @code{BREAK} or
32176 a @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g},
32177 control of which is specified via @value{GDBN}'s @samp{interrupt-sequence}.
32178
32179 The precise meaning of @code{BREAK} is defined by the transport
32180 mechanism and may, in fact, be undefined. @value{GDBN} does not
32181 currently define a @code{BREAK} mechanism for any of the network
32182 interfaces except for TCP, in which case @value{GDBN} sends the
32183 @code{telnet} BREAK sequence.
32184
32185 @samp{Ctrl-C}, on the other hand, is defined and implemented for all
32186 transport mechanisms. It is represented by sending the single byte
32187 @code{0x03} without any of the usual packet overhead described in
32188 the Overview section (@pxref{Overview}). When a @code{0x03} byte is
32189 transmitted as part of a packet, it is considered to be packet data
32190 and does @emph{not} represent an interrupt. E.g., an @samp{X} packet
32191 (@pxref{X packet}), used for binary downloads, may include an unescaped
32192 @code{0x03} as part of its packet.
32193
32194 @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g} is also known as Magic SysRq g.
32195 When Linux kernel receives this sequence from serial port,
32196 it stops execution and connects to gdb.
32197
32198 Stubs are not required to recognize these interrupt mechanisms and the
32199 precise meaning associated with receipt of the interrupt is
32200 implementation defined. If the target supports debugging of multiple
32201 threads and/or processes, it should attempt to interrupt all
32202 currently-executing threads and processes.
32203 If the stub is successful at interrupting the
32204 running program, it should send one of the stop
32205 reply packets (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}) to @value{GDBN} as a result
32206 of successfully stopping the program in all-stop mode, and a stop reply
32207 for each stopped thread in non-stop mode.
32208 Interrupts received while the
32209 program is stopped are discarded.
32210
32211 @node Notification Packets
32212 @section Notification Packets
32213 @cindex notification packets
32214 @cindex packets, notification
32215
32216 The @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol includes @dfn{notifications},
32217 packets that require no acknowledgment. Both the GDB and the stub
32218 may send notifications (although the only notifications defined at
32219 present are sent by the stub). Notifications carry information
32220 without incurring the round-trip latency of an acknowledgment, and so
32221 are useful for low-impact communications where occasional packet loss
32222 is not a problem.
32223
32224 A notification packet has the form @samp{% @var{data} #
32225 @var{checksum}}, where @var{data} is the content of the notification,
32226 and @var{checksum} is a checksum of @var{data}, computed and formatted
32227 as for ordinary @value{GDBN} packets. A notification's @var{data}
32228 never contains @samp{$}, @samp{%} or @samp{#} characters. Upon
32229 receiving a notification, the recipient sends no @samp{+} or @samp{-}
32230 to acknowledge the notification's receipt or to report its corruption.
32231
32232 Every notification's @var{data} begins with a name, which contains no
32233 colon characters, followed by a colon character.
32234
32235 Recipients should silently ignore corrupted notifications and
32236 notifications they do not understand. Recipients should restart
32237 timeout periods on receipt of a well-formed notification, whether or
32238 not they understand it.
32239
32240 Senders should only send the notifications described here when this
32241 protocol description specifies that they are permitted. In the
32242 future, we may extend the protocol to permit existing notifications in
32243 new contexts; this rule helps older senders avoid confusing newer
32244 recipients.
32245
32246 (Older versions of @value{GDBN} ignore bytes received until they see
32247 the @samp{$} byte that begins an ordinary packet, so new stubs may
32248 transmit notifications without fear of confusing older clients. There
32249 are no notifications defined for @value{GDBN} to send at the moment, but we
32250 assume that most older stubs would ignore them, as well.)
32251
32252 The following notification packets from the stub to @value{GDBN} are
32253 defined:
32254
32255 @table @samp
32256 @item Stop: @var{reply}
32257 Report an asynchronous stop event in non-stop mode.
32258 The @var{reply} has the form of a stop reply, as
32259 described in @ref{Stop Reply Packets}. Refer to @ref{Remote Non-Stop},
32260 for information on how these notifications are acknowledged by
32261 @value{GDBN}.
32262 @end table
32263
32264 @node Remote Non-Stop
32265 @section Remote Protocol Support for Non-Stop Mode
32266
32267 @value{GDBN}'s remote protocol supports non-stop debugging of
32268 multi-threaded programs, as described in @ref{Non-Stop Mode}. If the stub
32269 supports non-stop mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN} by including
32270 @samp{QNonStop+} in its @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
32271
32272 @value{GDBN} typically sends a @samp{QNonStop} packet only when
32273 establishing a new connection with the stub. Entering non-stop mode
32274 does not alter the state of any currently-running threads, but targets
32275 must stop all threads in any already-attached processes when entering
32276 all-stop mode. @value{GDBN} uses the @samp{?} packet as necessary to
32277 probe the target state after a mode change.
32278
32279 In non-stop mode, when an attached process encounters an event that
32280 would otherwise be reported with a stop reply, it uses the
32281 asynchronous notification mechanism (@pxref{Notification Packets}) to
32282 inform @value{GDBN}. In contrast to all-stop mode, where all threads
32283 in all processes are stopped when a stop reply is sent, in non-stop
32284 mode only the thread reporting the stop event is stopped. That is,
32285 when reporting a @samp{S} or @samp{T} response to indicate completion
32286 of a step operation, hitting a breakpoint, or a fault, only the
32287 affected thread is stopped; any other still-running threads continue
32288 to run. When reporting a @samp{W} or @samp{X} response, all running
32289 threads belonging to other attached processes continue to run.
32290
32291 Only one stop reply notification at a time may be pending; if
32292 additional stop events occur before @value{GDBN} has acknowledged the
32293 previous notification, they must be queued by the stub for later
32294 synchronous transmission in response to @samp{vStopped} packets from
32295 @value{GDBN}. Because the notification mechanism is unreliable,
32296 the stub is permitted to resend a stop reply notification
32297 if it believes @value{GDBN} may not have received it. @value{GDBN}
32298 ignores additional stop reply notifications received before it has
32299 finished processing a previous notification and the stub has completed
32300 sending any queued stop events.
32301
32302 Otherwise, @value{GDBN} must be prepared to receive a stop reply
32303 notification at any time. Specifically, they may appear when
32304 @value{GDBN} is not otherwise reading input from the stub, or when
32305 @value{GDBN} is expecting to read a normal synchronous response or a
32306 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgment to a packet it has sent.
32307 Notification packets are distinct from any other communication from
32308 the stub so there is no ambiguity.
32309
32310 After receiving a stop reply notification, @value{GDBN} shall
32311 acknowledge it by sending a @samp{vStopped} packet (@pxref{vStopped packet})
32312 as a regular, synchronous request to the stub. Such acknowledgment
32313 is not required to happen immediately, as @value{GDBN} is permitted to
32314 send other, unrelated packets to the stub first, which the stub should
32315 process normally.
32316
32317 Upon receiving a @samp{vStopped} packet, if the stub has other queued
32318 stop events to report to @value{GDBN}, it shall respond by sending a
32319 normal stop reply response. @value{GDBN} shall then send another
32320 @samp{vStopped} packet to solicit further responses; again, it is
32321 permitted to send other, unrelated packets as well which the stub
32322 should process normally.
32323
32324 If the stub receives a @samp{vStopped} packet and there are no
32325 additional stop events to report, the stub shall return an @samp{OK}
32326 response. At this point, if further stop events occur, the stub shall
32327 send a new stop reply notification, @value{GDBN} shall accept the
32328 notification, and the process shall be repeated.
32329
32330 In non-stop mode, the target shall respond to the @samp{?} packet as
32331 follows. First, any incomplete stop reply notification/@samp{vStopped}
32332 sequence in progress is abandoned. The target must begin a new
32333 sequence reporting stop events for all stopped threads, whether or not
32334 it has previously reported those events to @value{GDBN}. The first
32335 stop reply is sent as a synchronous reply to the @samp{?} packet, and
32336 subsequent stop replies are sent as responses to @samp{vStopped} packets
32337 using the mechanism described above. The target must not send
32338 asynchronous stop reply notifications until the sequence is complete.
32339 If all threads are running when the target receives the @samp{?} packet,
32340 or if the target is not attached to any process, it shall respond
32341 @samp{OK}.
32342
32343 @node Packet Acknowledgment
32344 @section Packet Acknowledgment
32345
32346 @cindex acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
32347 @cindex packet acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
32348 By default, when either the host or the target machine receives a packet,
32349 the first response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
32350 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request retransmission).
32351 This mechanism allows the @value{GDBN} remote protocol to operate over
32352 unreliable transport mechanisms, such as a serial line.
32353
32354 In cases where the transport mechanism is itself reliable (such as a pipe or
32355 TCP connection), the @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are redundant.
32356 It may be desirable to disable them in that case to reduce communication
32357 overhead, or for other reasons. This can be accomplished by means of the
32358 @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet; @pxref{QStartNoAckMode}.
32359
32360 When in no-acknowledgment mode, neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or
32361 expect @samp{+}/@samp{-} protocol acknowledgments. The packet
32362 and response format still includes the normal checksum, as described in
32363 @ref{Overview}, but the checksum may be ignored by the receiver.
32364
32365 If the stub supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and prefers to operate in
32366 no-acknowledgment mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN}
32367 by including @samp{QStartNoAckMode+} in its response to @samp{qSupported};
32368 @pxref{qSupported}.
32369 If @value{GDBN} also supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and it has not been
32370 disabled via the @code{set remote noack-packet off} command
32371 (@pxref{Remote Configuration}),
32372 @value{GDBN} may then send a @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet to the stub.
32373 Only then may the stub actually turn off packet acknowledgments.
32374 @value{GDBN} sends a final @samp{+} acknowledgment of the stub's @samp{OK}
32375 response, which can be safely ignored by the stub.
32376
32377 Note that @code{set remote noack-packet} command only affects negotiation
32378 between @value{GDBN} and the stub when subsequent connections are made;
32379 it does not affect the protocol acknowledgment state for any current
32380 connection.
32381 Since @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are enabled by default when a
32382 new connection is established,
32383 there is also no protocol request to re-enable the acknowledgments
32384 for the current connection, once disabled.
32385
32386 @node Examples
32387 @section Examples
32388
32389 Example sequence of a target being re-started. Notice how the restart
32390 does not get any direct output:
32391
32392 @smallexample
32393 -> @code{R00}
32394 <- @code{+}
32395 @emph{target restarts}
32396 -> @code{?}
32397 <- @code{+}
32398 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
32399 -> @code{+}
32400 @end smallexample
32401
32402 Example sequence of a target being stepped by a single instruction:
32403
32404 @smallexample
32405 -> @code{G1445@dots{}}
32406 <- @code{+}
32407 -> @code{s}
32408 <- @code{+}
32409 @emph{time passes}
32410 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
32411 -> @code{+}
32412 -> @code{g}
32413 <- @code{+}
32414 <- @code{1455@dots{}}
32415 -> @code{+}
32416 @end smallexample
32417
32418 @node File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
32419 @section File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
32420 @cindex File-I/O remote protocol extension
32421
32422 @menu
32423 * File-I/O Overview::
32424 * Protocol Basics::
32425 * The F Request Packet::
32426 * The F Reply Packet::
32427 * The Ctrl-C Message::
32428 * Console I/O::
32429 * List of Supported Calls::
32430 * Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes::
32431 * Constants::
32432 * File-I/O Examples::
32433 @end menu
32434
32435 @node File-I/O Overview
32436 @subsection File-I/O Overview
32437 @cindex file-i/o overview
32438
32439 The @dfn{File I/O remote protocol extension} (short: File-I/O) allows the
32440 target to use the host's file system and console I/O to perform various
32441 system calls. System calls on the target system are translated into a
32442 remote protocol packet to the host system, which then performs the needed
32443 actions and returns a response packet to the target system.
32444 This simulates file system operations even on targets that lack file systems.
32445
32446 The protocol is defined to be independent of both the host and target systems.
32447 It uses its own internal representation of datatypes and values. Both
32448 @value{GDBN} and the target's @value{GDBN} stub are responsible for
32449 translating the system-dependent value representations into the internal
32450 protocol representations when data is transmitted.
32451
32452 The communication is synchronous. A system call is possible only when
32453 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
32454 or @samp{s} packets. While @value{GDBN} handles the request for a system call,
32455 the target is stopped to allow deterministic access to the target's
32456 memory. Therefore File-I/O is not interruptible by target signals. On
32457 the other hand, it is possible to interrupt File-I/O by a user interrupt
32458 (@samp{Ctrl-C}) within @value{GDBN}.
32459
32460 The target's request to perform a host system call does not finish
32461 the latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} action. That means,
32462 after finishing the system call, the target returns to continuing the
32463 previous activity (continue, step). No additional continue or step
32464 request from @value{GDBN} is required.
32465
32466 @smallexample
32467 (@value{GDBP}) continue
32468 <- target requests 'system call X'
32469 target is stopped, @value{GDBN} executes system call
32470 -> @value{GDBN} returns result
32471 ... target continues, @value{GDBN} returns to wait for the target
32472 <- target hits breakpoint and sends a Txx packet
32473 @end smallexample
32474
32475 The protocol only supports I/O on the console and to regular files on
32476 the host file system. Character or block special devices, pipes,
32477 named pipes, sockets or any other communication method on the host
32478 system are not supported by this protocol.
32479
32480 File I/O is not supported in non-stop mode.
32481
32482 @node Protocol Basics
32483 @subsection Protocol Basics
32484 @cindex protocol basics, file-i/o
32485
32486 The File-I/O protocol uses the @code{F} packet as the request as well
32487 as reply packet. Since a File-I/O system call can only occur when
32488 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the continuing or stepping target,
32489 the File-I/O request is a reply that @value{GDBN} has to expect as a result
32490 of a previous @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} packet.
32491 This @code{F} packet contains all information needed to allow @value{GDBN}
32492 to call the appropriate host system call:
32493
32494 @itemize @bullet
32495 @item
32496 A unique identifier for the requested system call.
32497
32498 @item
32499 All parameters to the system call. Pointers are given as addresses
32500 in the target memory address space. Pointers to strings are given as
32501 pointer/length pair. Numerical values are given as they are.
32502 Numerical control flags are given in a protocol-specific representation.
32503
32504 @end itemize
32505
32506 At this point, @value{GDBN} has to perform the following actions.
32507
32508 @itemize @bullet
32509 @item
32510 If the parameters include pointer values to data needed as input to a
32511 system call, @value{GDBN} requests this data from the target with a
32512 standard @code{m} packet request. This additional communication has to be
32513 expected by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{m}
32514 packet.
32515
32516 @item
32517 @value{GDBN} translates all value from protocol representation to host
32518 representation as needed. Datatypes are coerced into the host types.
32519
32520 @item
32521 @value{GDBN} calls the system call.
32522
32523 @item
32524 It then coerces datatypes back to protocol representation.
32525
32526 @item
32527 If the system call is expected to return data in buffer space specified
32528 by pointer parameters to the call, the data is transmitted to the
32529 target using a @code{M} or @code{X} packet. This packet has to be expected
32530 by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{M} or @code{X}
32531 packet.
32532
32533 @end itemize
32534
32535 Eventually @value{GDBN} replies with another @code{F} packet which contains all
32536 necessary information for the target to continue. This at least contains
32537
32538 @itemize @bullet
32539 @item
32540 Return value.
32541
32542 @item
32543 @code{errno}, if has been changed by the system call.
32544
32545 @item
32546 ``Ctrl-C'' flag.
32547
32548 @end itemize
32549
32550 After having done the needed type and value coercion, the target continues
32551 the latest continue or step action.
32552
32553 @node The F Request Packet
32554 @subsection The @code{F} Request Packet
32555 @cindex file-i/o request packet
32556 @cindex @code{F} request packet
32557
32558 The @code{F} request packet has the following format:
32559
32560 @table @samp
32561 @item F@var{call-id},@var{parameter@dots{}}
32562
32563 @var{call-id} is the identifier to indicate the host system call to be called.
32564 This is just the name of the function.
32565
32566 @var{parameter@dots{}} are the parameters to the system call.
32567 Parameters are hexadecimal integer values, either the actual values in case
32568 of scalar datatypes, pointers to target buffer space in case of compound
32569 datatypes and unspecified memory areas, or pointer/length pairs in case
32570 of string parameters. These are appended to the @var{call-id} as a
32571 comma-delimited list. All values are transmitted in ASCII
32572 string representation, pointer/length pairs separated by a slash.
32573
32574 @end table
32575
32576
32577
32578 @node The F Reply Packet
32579 @subsection The @code{F} Reply Packet
32580 @cindex file-i/o reply packet
32581 @cindex @code{F} reply packet
32582
32583 The @code{F} reply packet has the following format:
32584
32585 @table @samp
32586
32587 @item F@var{retcode},@var{errno},@var{Ctrl-C flag};@var{call-specific attachment}
32588
32589 @var{retcode} is the return code of the system call as hexadecimal value.
32590
32591 @var{errno} is the @code{errno} set by the call, in protocol-specific
32592 representation.
32593 This parameter can be omitted if the call was successful.
32594
32595 @var{Ctrl-C flag} is only sent if the user requested a break. In this
32596 case, @var{errno} must be sent as well, even if the call was successful.
32597 The @var{Ctrl-C flag} itself consists of the character @samp{C}:
32598
32599 @smallexample
32600 F0,0,C
32601 @end smallexample
32602
32603 @noindent
32604 or, if the call was interrupted before the host call has been performed:
32605
32606 @smallexample
32607 F-1,4,C
32608 @end smallexample
32609
32610 @noindent
32611 assuming 4 is the protocol-specific representation of @code{EINTR}.
32612
32613 @end table
32614
32615
32616 @node The Ctrl-C Message
32617 @subsection The @samp{Ctrl-C} Message
32618 @cindex ctrl-c message, in file-i/o protocol
32619
32620 If the @samp{Ctrl-C} flag is set in the @value{GDBN}
32621 reply packet (@pxref{The F Reply Packet}),
32622 the target should behave as if it had
32623 gotten a break message. The meaning for the target is ``system call
32624 interrupted by @code{SIGINT}''. Consequentially, the target should actually stop
32625 (as with a break message) and return to @value{GDBN} with a @code{T02}
32626 packet.
32627
32628 It's important for the target to know in which
32629 state the system call was interrupted. There are two possible cases:
32630
32631 @itemize @bullet
32632 @item
32633 The system call hasn't been performed on the host yet.
32634
32635 @item
32636 The system call on the host has been finished.
32637
32638 @end itemize
32639
32640 These two states can be distinguished by the target by the value of the
32641 returned @code{errno}. If it's the protocol representation of @code{EINTR}, the system
32642 call hasn't been performed. This is equivalent to the @code{EINTR} handling
32643 on POSIX systems. In any other case, the target may presume that the
32644 system call has been finished --- successfully or not --- and should behave
32645 as if the break message arrived right after the system call.
32646
32647 @value{GDBN} must behave reliably. If the system call has not been called
32648 yet, @value{GDBN} may send the @code{F} reply immediately, setting @code{EINTR} as
32649 @code{errno} in the packet. If the system call on the host has been finished
32650 before the user requests a break, the full action must be finished by
32651 @value{GDBN}. This requires sending @code{M} or @code{X} packets as necessary.
32652 The @code{F} packet may only be sent when either nothing has happened
32653 or the full action has been completed.
32654
32655 @node Console I/O
32656 @subsection Console I/O
32657 @cindex console i/o as part of file-i/o
32658
32659 By default and if not explicitly closed by the target system, the file
32660 descriptors 0, 1 and 2 are connected to the @value{GDBN} console. Output
32661 on the @value{GDBN} console is handled as any other file output operation
32662 (@code{write(1, @dots{})} or @code{write(2, @dots{})}). Console input is handled
32663 by @value{GDBN} so that after the target read request from file descriptor
32664 0 all following typing is buffered until either one of the following
32665 conditions is met:
32666
32667 @itemize @bullet
32668 @item
32669 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-c}. The behaviour is as explained above, and the
32670 @code{read}
32671 system call is treated as finished.
32672
32673 @item
32674 The user presses @key{RET}. This is treated as end of input with a trailing
32675 newline.
32676
32677 @item
32678 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-d}. This is treated as end of input. No trailing
32679 character (neither newline nor @samp{Ctrl-D}) is appended to the input.
32680
32681 @end itemize
32682
32683 If the user has typed more characters than fit in the buffer given to
32684 the @code{read} call, the trailing characters are buffered in @value{GDBN} until
32685 either another @code{read(0, @dots{})} is requested by the target, or debugging
32686 is stopped at the user's request.
32687
32688
32689 @node List of Supported Calls
32690 @subsection List of Supported Calls
32691 @cindex list of supported file-i/o calls
32692
32693 @menu
32694 * open::
32695 * close::
32696 * read::
32697 * write::
32698 * lseek::
32699 * rename::
32700 * unlink::
32701 * stat/fstat::
32702 * gettimeofday::
32703 * isatty::
32704 * system::
32705 @end menu
32706
32707 @node open
32708 @unnumberedsubsubsec open
32709 @cindex open, file-i/o system call
32710
32711 @table @asis
32712 @item Synopsis:
32713 @smallexample
32714 int open(const char *pathname, int flags);
32715 int open(const char *pathname, int flags, mode_t mode);
32716 @end smallexample
32717
32718 @item Request:
32719 @samp{Fopen,@var{pathptr}/@var{len},@var{flags},@var{mode}}
32720
32721 @noindent
32722 @var{flags} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
32723
32724 @table @code
32725 @item O_CREAT
32726 If the file does not exist it will be created. The host
32727 rules apply as far as file ownership and time stamps
32728 are concerned.
32729
32730 @item O_EXCL
32731 When used with @code{O_CREAT}, if the file already exists it is
32732 an error and open() fails.
32733
32734 @item O_TRUNC
32735 If the file already exists and the open mode allows
32736 writing (@code{O_RDWR} or @code{O_WRONLY} is given) it will be
32737 truncated to zero length.
32738
32739 @item O_APPEND
32740 The file is opened in append mode.
32741
32742 @item O_RDONLY
32743 The file is opened for reading only.
32744
32745 @item O_WRONLY
32746 The file is opened for writing only.
32747
32748 @item O_RDWR
32749 The file is opened for reading and writing.
32750 @end table
32751
32752 @noindent
32753 Other bits are silently ignored.
32754
32755
32756 @noindent
32757 @var{mode} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
32758
32759 @table @code
32760 @item S_IRUSR
32761 User has read permission.
32762
32763 @item S_IWUSR
32764 User has write permission.
32765
32766 @item S_IRGRP
32767 Group has read permission.
32768
32769 @item S_IWGRP
32770 Group has write permission.
32771
32772 @item S_IROTH
32773 Others have read permission.
32774
32775 @item S_IWOTH
32776 Others have write permission.
32777 @end table
32778
32779 @noindent
32780 Other bits are silently ignored.
32781
32782
32783 @item Return value:
32784 @code{open} returns the new file descriptor or -1 if an error
32785 occurred.
32786
32787 @item Errors:
32788
32789 @table @code
32790 @item EEXIST
32791 @var{pathname} already exists and @code{O_CREAT} and @code{O_EXCL} were used.
32792
32793 @item EISDIR
32794 @var{pathname} refers to a directory.
32795
32796 @item EACCES
32797 The requested access is not allowed.
32798
32799 @item ENAMETOOLONG
32800 @var{pathname} was too long.
32801
32802 @item ENOENT
32803 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
32804
32805 @item ENODEV
32806 @var{pathname} refers to a device, pipe, named pipe or socket.
32807
32808 @item EROFS
32809 @var{pathname} refers to a file on a read-only filesystem and
32810 write access was requested.
32811
32812 @item EFAULT
32813 @var{pathname} is an invalid pointer value.
32814
32815 @item ENOSPC
32816 No space on device to create the file.
32817
32818 @item EMFILE
32819 The process already has the maximum number of files open.
32820
32821 @item ENFILE
32822 The limit on the total number of files open on the system
32823 has been reached.
32824
32825 @item EINTR
32826 The call was interrupted by the user.
32827 @end table
32828
32829 @end table
32830
32831 @node close
32832 @unnumberedsubsubsec close
32833 @cindex close, file-i/o system call
32834
32835 @table @asis
32836 @item Synopsis:
32837 @smallexample
32838 int close(int fd);
32839 @end smallexample
32840
32841 @item Request:
32842 @samp{Fclose,@var{fd}}
32843
32844 @item Return value:
32845 @code{close} returns zero on success, or -1 if an error occurred.
32846
32847 @item Errors:
32848
32849 @table @code
32850 @item EBADF
32851 @var{fd} isn't a valid open file descriptor.
32852
32853 @item EINTR
32854 The call was interrupted by the user.
32855 @end table
32856
32857 @end table
32858
32859 @node read
32860 @unnumberedsubsubsec read
32861 @cindex read, file-i/o system call
32862
32863 @table @asis
32864 @item Synopsis:
32865 @smallexample
32866 int read(int fd, void *buf, unsigned int count);
32867 @end smallexample
32868
32869 @item Request:
32870 @samp{Fread,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
32871
32872 @item Return value:
32873 On success, the number of bytes read is returned.
32874 Zero indicates end of file. If count is zero, read
32875 returns zero as well. On error, -1 is returned.
32876
32877 @item Errors:
32878
32879 @table @code
32880 @item EBADF
32881 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
32882 reading.
32883
32884 @item EFAULT
32885 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
32886
32887 @item EINTR
32888 The call was interrupted by the user.
32889 @end table
32890
32891 @end table
32892
32893 @node write
32894 @unnumberedsubsubsec write
32895 @cindex write, file-i/o system call
32896
32897 @table @asis
32898 @item Synopsis:
32899 @smallexample
32900 int write(int fd, const void *buf, unsigned int count);
32901 @end smallexample
32902
32903 @item Request:
32904 @samp{Fwrite,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
32905
32906 @item Return value:
32907 On success, the number of bytes written are returned.
32908 Zero indicates nothing was written. On error, -1
32909 is returned.
32910
32911 @item Errors:
32912
32913 @table @code
32914 @item EBADF
32915 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
32916 writing.
32917
32918 @item EFAULT
32919 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
32920
32921 @item EFBIG
32922 An attempt was made to write a file that exceeds the
32923 host-specific maximum file size allowed.
32924
32925 @item ENOSPC
32926 No space on device to write the data.
32927
32928 @item EINTR
32929 The call was interrupted by the user.
32930 @end table
32931
32932 @end table
32933
32934 @node lseek
32935 @unnumberedsubsubsec lseek
32936 @cindex lseek, file-i/o system call
32937
32938 @table @asis
32939 @item Synopsis:
32940 @smallexample
32941 long lseek (int fd, long offset, int flag);
32942 @end smallexample
32943
32944 @item Request:
32945 @samp{Flseek,@var{fd},@var{offset},@var{flag}}
32946
32947 @var{flag} is one of:
32948
32949 @table @code
32950 @item SEEK_SET
32951 The offset is set to @var{offset} bytes.
32952
32953 @item SEEK_CUR
32954 The offset is set to its current location plus @var{offset}
32955 bytes.
32956
32957 @item SEEK_END
32958 The offset is set to the size of the file plus @var{offset}
32959 bytes.
32960 @end table
32961
32962 @item Return value:
32963 On success, the resulting unsigned offset in bytes from
32964 the beginning of the file is returned. Otherwise, a
32965 value of -1 is returned.
32966
32967 @item Errors:
32968
32969 @table @code
32970 @item EBADF
32971 @var{fd} is not a valid open file descriptor.
32972
32973 @item ESPIPE
32974 @var{fd} is associated with the @value{GDBN} console.
32975
32976 @item EINVAL
32977 @var{flag} is not a proper value.
32978
32979 @item EINTR
32980 The call was interrupted by the user.
32981 @end table
32982
32983 @end table
32984
32985 @node rename
32986 @unnumberedsubsubsec rename
32987 @cindex rename, file-i/o system call
32988
32989 @table @asis
32990 @item Synopsis:
32991 @smallexample
32992 int rename(const char *oldpath, const char *newpath);
32993 @end smallexample
32994
32995 @item Request:
32996 @samp{Frename,@var{oldpathptr}/@var{len},@var{newpathptr}/@var{len}}
32997
32998 @item Return value:
32999 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
33000
33001 @item Errors:
33002
33003 @table @code
33004 @item EISDIR
33005 @var{newpath} is an existing directory, but @var{oldpath} is not a
33006 directory.
33007
33008 @item EEXIST
33009 @var{newpath} is a non-empty directory.
33010
33011 @item EBUSY
33012 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} is a directory that is in use by some
33013 process.
33014
33015 @item EINVAL
33016 An attempt was made to make a directory a subdirectory
33017 of itself.
33018
33019 @item ENOTDIR
33020 A component used as a directory in @var{oldpath} or new
33021 path is not a directory. Or @var{oldpath} is a directory
33022 and @var{newpath} exists but is not a directory.
33023
33024 @item EFAULT
33025 @var{oldpathptr} or @var{newpathptr} are invalid pointer values.
33026
33027 @item EACCES
33028 No access to the file or the path of the file.
33029
33030 @item ENAMETOOLONG
33031
33032 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} was too long.
33033
33034 @item ENOENT
33035 A directory component in @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} does not exist.
33036
33037 @item EROFS
33038 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
33039
33040 @item ENOSPC
33041 The device containing the file has no room for the new
33042 directory entry.
33043
33044 @item EINTR
33045 The call was interrupted by the user.
33046 @end table
33047
33048 @end table
33049
33050 @node unlink
33051 @unnumberedsubsubsec unlink
33052 @cindex unlink, file-i/o system call
33053
33054 @table @asis
33055 @item Synopsis:
33056 @smallexample
33057 int unlink(const char *pathname);
33058 @end smallexample
33059
33060 @item Request:
33061 @samp{Funlink,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len}}
33062
33063 @item Return value:
33064 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
33065
33066 @item Errors:
33067
33068 @table @code
33069 @item EACCES
33070 No access to the file or the path of the file.
33071
33072 @item EPERM
33073 The system does not allow unlinking of directories.
33074
33075 @item EBUSY
33076 The file @var{pathname} cannot be unlinked because it's
33077 being used by another process.
33078
33079 @item EFAULT
33080 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
33081
33082 @item ENAMETOOLONG
33083 @var{pathname} was too long.
33084
33085 @item ENOENT
33086 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
33087
33088 @item ENOTDIR
33089 A component of the path is not a directory.
33090
33091 @item EROFS
33092 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
33093
33094 @item EINTR
33095 The call was interrupted by the user.
33096 @end table
33097
33098 @end table
33099
33100 @node stat/fstat
33101 @unnumberedsubsubsec stat/fstat
33102 @cindex fstat, file-i/o system call
33103 @cindex stat, file-i/o system call
33104
33105 @table @asis
33106 @item Synopsis:
33107 @smallexample
33108 int stat(const char *pathname, struct stat *buf);
33109 int fstat(int fd, struct stat *buf);
33110 @end smallexample
33111
33112 @item Request:
33113 @samp{Fstat,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len},@var{bufptr}}@*
33114 @samp{Ffstat,@var{fd},@var{bufptr}}
33115
33116 @item Return value:
33117 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
33118
33119 @item Errors:
33120
33121 @table @code
33122 @item EBADF
33123 @var{fd} is not a valid open file.
33124
33125 @item ENOENT
33126 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist or the
33127 path is an empty string.
33128
33129 @item ENOTDIR
33130 A component of the path is not a directory.
33131
33132 @item EFAULT
33133 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
33134
33135 @item EACCES
33136 No access to the file or the path of the file.
33137
33138 @item ENAMETOOLONG
33139 @var{pathname} was too long.
33140
33141 @item EINTR
33142 The call was interrupted by the user.
33143 @end table
33144
33145 @end table
33146
33147 @node gettimeofday
33148 @unnumberedsubsubsec gettimeofday
33149 @cindex gettimeofday, file-i/o system call
33150
33151 @table @asis
33152 @item Synopsis:
33153 @smallexample
33154 int gettimeofday(struct timeval *tv, void *tz);
33155 @end smallexample
33156
33157 @item Request:
33158 @samp{Fgettimeofday,@var{tvptr},@var{tzptr}}
33159
33160 @item Return value:
33161 On success, 0 is returned, -1 otherwise.
33162
33163 @item Errors:
33164
33165 @table @code
33166 @item EINVAL
33167 @var{tz} is a non-NULL pointer.
33168
33169 @item EFAULT
33170 @var{tvptr} and/or @var{tzptr} is an invalid pointer value.
33171 @end table
33172
33173 @end table
33174
33175 @node isatty
33176 @unnumberedsubsubsec isatty
33177 @cindex isatty, file-i/o system call
33178
33179 @table @asis
33180 @item Synopsis:
33181 @smallexample
33182 int isatty(int fd);
33183 @end smallexample
33184
33185 @item Request:
33186 @samp{Fisatty,@var{fd}}
33187
33188 @item Return value:
33189 Returns 1 if @var{fd} refers to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise.
33190
33191 @item Errors:
33192
33193 @table @code
33194 @item EINTR
33195 The call was interrupted by the user.
33196 @end table
33197
33198 @end table
33199
33200 Note that the @code{isatty} call is treated as a special case: it returns
33201 1 to the target if the file descriptor is attached
33202 to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise. Implementing through system calls
33203 would require implementing @code{ioctl} and would be more complex than
33204 needed.
33205
33206
33207 @node system
33208 @unnumberedsubsubsec system
33209 @cindex system, file-i/o system call
33210
33211 @table @asis
33212 @item Synopsis:
33213 @smallexample
33214 int system(const char *command);
33215 @end smallexample
33216
33217 @item Request:
33218 @samp{Fsystem,@var{commandptr}/@var{len}}
33219
33220 @item Return value:
33221 If @var{len} is zero, the return value indicates whether a shell is
33222 available. A zero return value indicates a shell is not available.
33223 For non-zero @var{len}, the value returned is -1 on error and the
33224 return status of the command otherwise. Only the exit status of the
33225 command is returned, which is extracted from the host's @code{system}
33226 return value by calling @code{WEXITSTATUS(retval)}. In case
33227 @file{/bin/sh} could not be executed, 127 is returned.
33228
33229 @item Errors:
33230
33231 @table @code
33232 @item EINTR
33233 The call was interrupted by the user.
33234 @end table
33235
33236 @end table
33237
33238 @value{GDBN} takes over the full task of calling the necessary host calls
33239 to perform the @code{system} call. The return value of @code{system} on
33240 the host is simplified before it's returned
33241 to the target. Any termination signal information from the child process
33242 is discarded, and the return value consists
33243 entirely of the exit status of the called command.
33244
33245 Due to security concerns, the @code{system} call is by default refused
33246 by @value{GDBN}. The user has to allow this call explicitly with the
33247 @code{set remote system-call-allowed 1} command.
33248
33249 @table @code
33250 @item set remote system-call-allowed
33251 @kindex set remote system-call-allowed
33252 Control whether to allow the @code{system} calls in the File I/O
33253 protocol for the remote target. The default is zero (disabled).
33254
33255 @item show remote system-call-allowed
33256 @kindex show remote system-call-allowed
33257 Show whether the @code{system} calls are allowed in the File I/O
33258 protocol.
33259 @end table
33260
33261 @node Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
33262 @subsection Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
33263 @cindex protocol-specific representation of datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
33264
33265 @menu
33266 * Integral Datatypes::
33267 * Pointer Values::
33268 * Memory Transfer::
33269 * struct stat::
33270 * struct timeval::
33271 @end menu
33272
33273 @node Integral Datatypes
33274 @unnumberedsubsubsec Integral Datatypes
33275 @cindex integral datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
33276
33277 The integral datatypes used in the system calls are @code{int},
33278 @code{unsigned int}, @code{long}, @code{unsigned long},
33279 @code{mode_t}, and @code{time_t}.
33280
33281 @code{int}, @code{unsigned int}, @code{mode_t} and @code{time_t} are
33282 implemented as 32 bit values in this protocol.
33283
33284 @code{long} and @code{unsigned long} are implemented as 64 bit types.
33285
33286 @xref{Limits}, for corresponding MIN and MAX values (similar to those
33287 in @file{limits.h}) to allow range checking on host and target.
33288
33289 @code{time_t} datatypes are defined as seconds since the Epoch.
33290
33291 All integral datatypes transferred as part of a memory read or write of a
33292 structured datatype e.g.@: a @code{struct stat} have to be given in big endian
33293 byte order.
33294
33295 @node Pointer Values
33296 @unnumberedsubsubsec Pointer Values
33297 @cindex pointer values, in file-i/o protocol
33298
33299 Pointers to target data are transmitted as they are. An exception
33300 is made for pointers to buffers for which the length isn't
33301 transmitted as part of the function call, namely strings. Strings
33302 are transmitted as a pointer/length pair, both as hex values, e.g.@:
33303
33304 @smallexample
33305 @code{1aaf/12}
33306 @end smallexample
33307
33308 @noindent
33309 which is a pointer to data of length 18 bytes at position 0x1aaf.
33310 The length is defined as the full string length in bytes, including
33311 the trailing null byte. For example, the string @code{"hello world"}
33312 at address 0x123456 is transmitted as
33313
33314 @smallexample
33315 @code{123456/d}
33316 @end smallexample
33317
33318 @node Memory Transfer
33319 @unnumberedsubsubsec Memory Transfer
33320 @cindex memory transfer, in file-i/o protocol
33321
33322 Structured data which is transferred using a memory read or write (for
33323 example, a @code{struct stat}) is expected to be in a protocol-specific format
33324 with all scalar multibyte datatypes being big endian. Translation to
33325 this representation needs to be done both by the target before the @code{F}
33326 packet is sent, and by @value{GDBN} before
33327 it transfers memory to the target. Transferred pointers to structured
33328 data should point to the already-coerced data at any time.
33329
33330
33331 @node struct stat
33332 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct stat
33333 @cindex struct stat, in file-i/o protocol
33334
33335 The buffer of type @code{struct stat} used by the target and @value{GDBN}
33336 is defined as follows:
33337
33338 @smallexample
33339 struct stat @{
33340 unsigned int st_dev; /* device */
33341 unsigned int st_ino; /* inode */
33342 mode_t st_mode; /* protection */
33343 unsigned int st_nlink; /* number of hard links */
33344 unsigned int st_uid; /* user ID of owner */
33345 unsigned int st_gid; /* group ID of owner */
33346 unsigned int st_rdev; /* device type (if inode device) */
33347 unsigned long st_size; /* total size, in bytes */
33348 unsigned long st_blksize; /* blocksize for filesystem I/O */
33349 unsigned long st_blocks; /* number of blocks allocated */
33350 time_t st_atime; /* time of last access */
33351 time_t st_mtime; /* time of last modification */
33352 time_t st_ctime; /* time of last change */
33353 @};
33354 @end smallexample
33355
33356 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
33357 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
33358 structure is of size 64 bytes.
33359
33360 The values of several fields have a restricted meaning and/or
33361 range of values.
33362
33363 @table @code
33364
33365 @item st_dev
33366 A value of 0 represents a file, 1 the console.
33367
33368 @item st_ino
33369 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
33370
33371 @item st_mode
33372 Valid mode bits are described in @ref{Constants}. Any other
33373 bits have currently no meaning for the target.
33374
33375 @item st_uid
33376 @itemx st_gid
33377 @itemx st_rdev
33378 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
33379
33380 @item st_atime
33381 @itemx st_mtime
33382 @itemx st_ctime
33383 These values have a host and file system dependent
33384 accuracy. Especially on Windows hosts, the file system may not
33385 support exact timing values.
33386 @end table
33387
33388 The target gets a @code{struct stat} of the above representation and is
33389 responsible for coercing it to the target representation before
33390 continuing.
33391
33392 Note that due to size differences between the host, target, and protocol
33393 representations of @code{struct stat} members, these members could eventually
33394 get truncated on the target.
33395
33396 @node struct timeval
33397 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct timeval
33398 @cindex struct timeval, in file-i/o protocol
33399
33400 The buffer of type @code{struct timeval} used by the File-I/O protocol
33401 is defined as follows:
33402
33403 @smallexample
33404 struct timeval @{
33405 time_t tv_sec; /* second */
33406 long tv_usec; /* microsecond */
33407 @};
33408 @end smallexample
33409
33410 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
33411 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
33412 structure is of size 8 bytes.
33413
33414 @node Constants
33415 @subsection Constants
33416 @cindex constants, in file-i/o protocol
33417
33418 The following values are used for the constants inside of the
33419 protocol. @value{GDBN} and target are responsible for translating these
33420 values before and after the call as needed.
33421
33422 @menu
33423 * Open Flags::
33424 * mode_t Values::
33425 * Errno Values::
33426 * Lseek Flags::
33427 * Limits::
33428 @end menu
33429
33430 @node Open Flags
33431 @unnumberedsubsubsec Open Flags
33432 @cindex open flags, in file-i/o protocol
33433
33434 All values are given in hexadecimal representation.
33435
33436 @smallexample
33437 O_RDONLY 0x0
33438 O_WRONLY 0x1
33439 O_RDWR 0x2
33440 O_APPEND 0x8
33441 O_CREAT 0x200
33442 O_TRUNC 0x400
33443 O_EXCL 0x800
33444 @end smallexample
33445
33446 @node mode_t Values
33447 @unnumberedsubsubsec mode_t Values
33448 @cindex mode_t values, in file-i/o protocol
33449
33450 All values are given in octal representation.
33451
33452 @smallexample
33453 S_IFREG 0100000
33454 S_IFDIR 040000
33455 S_IRUSR 0400
33456 S_IWUSR 0200
33457 S_IXUSR 0100
33458 S_IRGRP 040
33459 S_IWGRP 020
33460 S_IXGRP 010
33461 S_IROTH 04
33462 S_IWOTH 02
33463 S_IXOTH 01
33464 @end smallexample
33465
33466 @node Errno Values
33467 @unnumberedsubsubsec Errno Values
33468 @cindex errno values, in file-i/o protocol
33469
33470 All values are given in decimal representation.
33471
33472 @smallexample
33473 EPERM 1
33474 ENOENT 2
33475 EINTR 4
33476 EBADF 9
33477 EACCES 13
33478 EFAULT 14
33479 EBUSY 16
33480 EEXIST 17
33481 ENODEV 19
33482 ENOTDIR 20
33483 EISDIR 21
33484 EINVAL 22
33485 ENFILE 23
33486 EMFILE 24
33487 EFBIG 27
33488 ENOSPC 28
33489 ESPIPE 29
33490 EROFS 30
33491 ENAMETOOLONG 91
33492 EUNKNOWN 9999
33493 @end smallexample
33494
33495 @code{EUNKNOWN} is used as a fallback error value if a host system returns
33496 any error value not in the list of supported error numbers.
33497
33498 @node Lseek Flags
33499 @unnumberedsubsubsec Lseek Flags
33500 @cindex lseek flags, in file-i/o protocol
33501
33502 @smallexample
33503 SEEK_SET 0
33504 SEEK_CUR 1
33505 SEEK_END 2
33506 @end smallexample
33507
33508 @node Limits
33509 @unnumberedsubsubsec Limits
33510 @cindex limits, in file-i/o protocol
33511
33512 All values are given in decimal representation.
33513
33514 @smallexample
33515 INT_MIN -2147483648
33516 INT_MAX 2147483647
33517 UINT_MAX 4294967295
33518 LONG_MIN -9223372036854775808
33519 LONG_MAX 9223372036854775807
33520 ULONG_MAX 18446744073709551615
33521 @end smallexample
33522
33523 @node File-I/O Examples
33524 @subsection File-I/O Examples
33525 @cindex file-i/o examples
33526
33527 Example sequence of a write call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
33528 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be written:
33529
33530 @smallexample
33531 <- @code{Fwrite,3,1234,6}
33532 @emph{request memory read from target}
33533 -> @code{m1234,6}
33534 <- XXXXXX
33535 @emph{return "6 bytes written"}
33536 -> @code{F6}
33537 @end smallexample
33538
33539 Example sequence of a read call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
33540 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be read:
33541
33542 @smallexample
33543 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
33544 @emph{request memory write to target}
33545 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
33546 @emph{return "6 bytes read"}
33547 -> @code{F6}
33548 @end smallexample
33549
33550 Example sequence of a read call, call fails on the host due to invalid
33551 file descriptor (@code{EBADF}):
33552
33553 @smallexample
33554 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
33555 -> @code{F-1,9}
33556 @end smallexample
33557
33558 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} before syscall on
33559 host is called:
33560
33561 @smallexample
33562 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
33563 -> @code{F-1,4,C}
33564 <- @code{T02}
33565 @end smallexample
33566
33567 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} after syscall on
33568 host is called:
33569
33570 @smallexample
33571 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
33572 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
33573 <- @code{T02}
33574 @end smallexample
33575
33576 @node Library List Format
33577 @section Library List Format
33578 @cindex library list format, remote protocol
33579
33580 On some platforms, a dynamic loader (e.g.@: @file{ld.so}) runs in the
33581 same process as your application to manage libraries. In this case,
33582 @value{GDBN} can use the loader's symbol table and normal memory
33583 operations to maintain a list of shared libraries. On other
33584 platforms, the operating system manages loaded libraries.
33585 @value{GDBN} can not retrieve the list of currently loaded libraries
33586 through memory operations, so it uses the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
33587 packet (@pxref{qXfer library list read}) instead. The remote stub
33588 queries the target's operating system and reports which libraries
33589 are loaded.
33590
33591 The @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet returns an XML document which
33592 lists loaded libraries and their offsets. Each library has an
33593 associated name and one or more segment or section base addresses,
33594 which report where the library was loaded in memory.
33595
33596 For the common case of libraries that are fully linked binaries, the
33597 library should have a list of segments. If the target supports
33598 dynamic linking of a relocatable object file, its library XML element
33599 should instead include a list of allocated sections. The segment or
33600 section bases are start addresses, not relocation offsets; they do not
33601 depend on the library's link-time base addresses.
33602
33603 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
33604 library lists. @xref{Expat}.
33605
33606 A simple memory map, with one loaded library relocated by a single
33607 offset, looks like this:
33608
33609 @smallexample
33610 <library-list>
33611 <library name="/lib/libc.so.6">
33612 <segment address="0x10000000"/>
33613 </library>
33614 </library-list>
33615 @end smallexample
33616
33617 Another simple memory map, with one loaded library with three
33618 allocated sections (.text, .data, .bss), looks like this:
33619
33620 @smallexample
33621 <library-list>
33622 <library name="sharedlib.o">
33623 <section address="0x10000000"/>
33624 <section address="0x20000000"/>
33625 <section address="0x30000000"/>
33626 </library>
33627 </library-list>
33628 @end smallexample
33629
33630 The format of a library list is described by this DTD:
33631
33632 @smallexample
33633 <!-- library-list: Root element with versioning -->
33634 <!ELEMENT library-list (library)*>
33635 <!ATTLIST library-list version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
33636 <!ELEMENT library (segment*, section*)>
33637 <!ATTLIST library name CDATA #REQUIRED>
33638 <!ELEMENT segment EMPTY>
33639 <!ATTLIST segment address CDATA #REQUIRED>
33640 <!ELEMENT section EMPTY>
33641 <!ATTLIST section address CDATA #REQUIRED>
33642 @end smallexample
33643
33644 In addition, segments and section descriptors cannot be mixed within a
33645 single library element, and you must supply at least one segment or
33646 section for each library.
33647
33648 @node Memory Map Format
33649 @section Memory Map Format
33650 @cindex memory map format
33651
33652 To be able to write into flash memory, @value{GDBN} needs to obtain a
33653 memory map from the target. This section describes the format of the
33654 memory map.
33655
33656 The memory map is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
33657 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}) packet and is an XML document that
33658 lists memory regions.
33659
33660 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
33661 memory maps. @xref{Expat}.
33662
33663 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
33664
33665 @smallexample
33666 <?xml version="1.0"?>
33667 <!DOCTYPE memory-map
33668 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Memory Map V1.0//EN"
33669 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-memory-map.dtd">
33670 <memory-map>
33671 region...
33672 </memory-map>
33673 @end smallexample
33674
33675 Each region can be either:
33676
33677 @itemize
33678
33679 @item
33680 A region of RAM starting at @var{addr} and extending for @var{length}
33681 bytes from there:
33682
33683 @smallexample
33684 <memory type="ram" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
33685 @end smallexample
33686
33687
33688 @item
33689 A region of read-only memory:
33690
33691 @smallexample
33692 <memory type="rom" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
33693 @end smallexample
33694
33695
33696 @item
33697 A region of flash memory, with erasure blocks @var{blocksize}
33698 bytes in length:
33699
33700 @smallexample
33701 <memory type="flash" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}">
33702 <property name="blocksize">@var{blocksize}</property>
33703 </memory>
33704 @end smallexample
33705
33706 @end itemize
33707
33708 Regions must not overlap. @value{GDBN} assumes that areas of memory not covered
33709 by the memory map are RAM, and uses the ordinary @samp{M} and @samp{X}
33710 packets to write to addresses in such ranges.
33711
33712 The formal DTD for memory map format is given below:
33713
33714 @smallexample
33715 <!-- ................................................... -->
33716 <!-- Memory Map XML DTD ................................ -->
33717 <!-- File: memory-map.dtd .............................. -->
33718 <!-- .................................... .............. -->
33719 <!-- memory-map.dtd -->
33720 <!-- memory-map: Root element with versioning -->
33721 <!ELEMENT memory-map (memory | property)>
33722 <!ATTLIST memory-map version CDATA #FIXED "1.0.0">
33723 <!ELEMENT memory (property)>
33724 <!-- memory: Specifies a memory region,
33725 and its type, or device. -->
33726 <!ATTLIST memory type CDATA #REQUIRED
33727 start CDATA #REQUIRED
33728 length CDATA #REQUIRED
33729 device CDATA #IMPLIED>
33730 <!-- property: Generic attribute tag -->
33731 <!ELEMENT property (#PCDATA | property)*>
33732 <!ATTLIST property name CDATA #REQUIRED>
33733 @end smallexample
33734
33735 @node Thread List Format
33736 @section Thread List Format
33737 @cindex thread list format
33738
33739 To efficiently update the list of threads and their attributes,
33740 @value{GDBN} issues the @samp{qXfer:threads:read} packet
33741 (@pxref{qXfer threads read}) and obtains the XML document with
33742 the following structure:
33743
33744 @smallexample
33745 <?xml version="1.0"?>
33746 <threads>
33747 <thread id="id" core="0">
33748 ... description ...
33749 </thread>
33750 </threads>
33751 @end smallexample
33752
33753 Each @samp{thread} element must have the @samp{id} attribute that
33754 identifies the thread (@pxref{thread-id syntax}). The
33755 @samp{core} attribute, if present, specifies which processor core
33756 the thread was last executing on. The content of the of @samp{thread}
33757 element is interpreted as human-readable auxilliary information.
33758
33759 @include agentexpr.texi
33760
33761 @node Trace File Format
33762 @appendix Trace File Format
33763 @cindex trace file format
33764
33765 The trace file comes in three parts: a header, a textual description
33766 section, and a trace frame section with binary data.
33767
33768 The header has the form @code{\x7fTRACE0\n}. The first byte is
33769 @code{0x7f} so as to indicate that the file contains binary data,
33770 while the @code{0} is a version number that may have different values
33771 in the future.
33772
33773 The description section consists of multiple lines of @sc{ascii} text
33774 separated by newline characters (@code{0xa}). The lines may include a
33775 variety of optional descriptive or context-setting information, such
33776 as tracepoint definitions or register set size. @value{GDBN} will
33777 ignore any line that it does not recognize. An empty line marks the end
33778 of this section.
33779
33780 @c FIXME add some specific types of data
33781
33782 The trace frame section consists of a number of consecutive frames.
33783 Each frame begins with a two-byte tracepoint number, followed by a
33784 four-byte size giving the amount of data in the frame. The data in
33785 the frame consists of a number of blocks, each introduced by a
33786 character indicating its type (at least register, memory, and trace
33787 state variable). The data in this section is raw binary, not a
33788 hexadecimal or other encoding; its endianness matches the target's
33789 endianness.
33790
33791 @c FIXME bi-arch may require endianness/arch info in description section
33792
33793 @table @code
33794 @item R @var{bytes}
33795 Register block. The number and ordering of bytes matches that of a
33796 @code{g} packet in the remote protocol. Note that these are the
33797 actual bytes, in target order and @value{GDBN} register order, not a
33798 hexadecimal encoding.
33799
33800 @item M @var{address} @var{length} @var{bytes}...
33801 Memory block. This is a contiguous block of memory, at the 8-byte
33802 address @var{address}, with a 2-byte length @var{length}, followed by
33803 @var{length} bytes.
33804
33805 @item V @var{number} @var{value}
33806 Trace state variable block. This records the 8-byte signed value
33807 @var{value} of trace state variable numbered @var{number}.
33808
33809 @end table
33810
33811 Future enhancements of the trace file format may include additional types
33812 of blocks.
33813
33814 @node Target Descriptions
33815 @appendix Target Descriptions
33816 @cindex target descriptions
33817
33818 @strong{Warning:} target descriptions are still under active development,
33819 and the contents and format may change between @value{GDBN} releases.
33820 The format is expected to stabilize in the future.
33821
33822 One of the challenges of using @value{GDBN} to debug embedded systems
33823 is that there are so many minor variants of each processor
33824 architecture in use. It is common practice for vendors to start with
33825 a standard processor core --- ARM, PowerPC, or MIPS, for example ---
33826 and then make changes to adapt it to a particular market niche. Some
33827 architectures have hundreds of variants, available from dozens of
33828 vendors. This leads to a number of problems:
33829
33830 @itemize @bullet
33831 @item
33832 With so many different customized processors, it is difficult for
33833 the @value{GDBN} maintainers to keep up with the changes.
33834 @item
33835 Since individual variants may have short lifetimes or limited
33836 audiences, it may not be worthwhile to carry information about every
33837 variant in the @value{GDBN} source tree.
33838 @item
33839 When @value{GDBN} does support the architecture of the embedded system
33840 at hand, the task of finding the correct architecture name to give the
33841 @command{set architecture} command can be error-prone.
33842 @end itemize
33843
33844 To address these problems, the @value{GDBN} remote protocol allows a
33845 target system to not only identify itself to @value{GDBN}, but to
33846 actually describe its own features. This lets @value{GDBN} support
33847 processor variants it has never seen before --- to the extent that the
33848 descriptions are accurate, and that @value{GDBN} understands them.
33849
33850 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
33851 target descriptions. @xref{Expat}.
33852
33853 @menu
33854 * Retrieving Descriptions:: How descriptions are fetched from a target.
33855 * Target Description Format:: The contents of a target description.
33856 * Predefined Target Types:: Standard types available for target
33857 descriptions.
33858 * Standard Target Features:: Features @value{GDBN} knows about.
33859 @end menu
33860
33861 @node Retrieving Descriptions
33862 @section Retrieving Descriptions
33863
33864 Target descriptions can be read from the target automatically, or
33865 specified by the user manually. The default behavior is to read the
33866 description from the target. @value{GDBN} retrieves it via the remote
33867 protocol using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{General Query Packets,
33868 qXfer}). The @var{annex} in the @samp{qXfer} packet will be
33869 @samp{target.xml}. The contents of the @samp{target.xml} annex are an
33870 XML document, of the form described in @ref{Target Description
33871 Format}.
33872
33873 Alternatively, you can specify a file to read for the target description.
33874 If a file is set, the target will not be queried. The commands to
33875 specify a file are:
33876
33877 @table @code
33878 @cindex set tdesc filename
33879 @item set tdesc filename @var{path}
33880 Read the target description from @var{path}.
33881
33882 @cindex unset tdesc filename
33883 @item unset tdesc filename
33884 Do not read the XML target description from a file. @value{GDBN}
33885 will use the description supplied by the current target.
33886
33887 @cindex show tdesc filename
33888 @item show tdesc filename
33889 Show the filename to read for a target description, if any.
33890 @end table
33891
33892
33893 @node Target Description Format
33894 @section Target Description Format
33895 @cindex target descriptions, XML format
33896
33897 A target description annex is an @uref{http://www.w3.org/XML/, XML}
33898 document which complies with the Document Type Definition provided in
33899 the @value{GDBN} sources in @file{gdb/features/gdb-target.dtd}. This
33900 means you can use generally available tools like @command{xmllint} to
33901 check that your feature descriptions are well-formed and valid.
33902 However, to help people unfamiliar with XML write descriptions for
33903 their targets, we also describe the grammar here.
33904
33905 Target descriptions can identify the architecture of the remote target
33906 and (for some architectures) provide information about custom register
33907 sets. They can also identify the OS ABI of the remote target.
33908 @value{GDBN} can use this information to autoconfigure for your
33909 target, or to warn you if you connect to an unsupported target.
33910
33911 Here is a simple target description:
33912
33913 @smallexample
33914 <target version="1.0">
33915 <architecture>i386:x86-64</architecture>
33916 </target>
33917 @end smallexample
33918
33919 @noindent
33920 This minimal description only says that the target uses
33921 the x86-64 architecture.
33922
33923 A target description has the following overall form, with [ ] marking
33924 optional elements and @dots{} marking repeatable elements. The elements
33925 are explained further below.
33926
33927 @smallexample
33928 <?xml version="1.0"?>
33929 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "gdb-target.dtd">
33930 <target version="1.0">
33931 @r{[}@var{architecture}@r{]}
33932 @r{[}@var{osabi}@r{]}
33933 @r{[}@var{compatible}@r{]}
33934 @r{[}@var{feature}@dots{}@r{]}
33935 </target>
33936 @end smallexample
33937
33938 @noindent
33939 The description is generally insensitive to whitespace and line
33940 breaks, under the usual common-sense rules. The XML version
33941 declaration and document type declaration can generally be omitted
33942 (@value{GDBN} does not require them), but specifying them may be
33943 useful for XML validation tools. The @samp{version} attribute for
33944 @samp{<target>} may also be omitted, but we recommend
33945 including it; if future versions of @value{GDBN} use an incompatible
33946 revision of @file{gdb-target.dtd}, they will detect and report
33947 the version mismatch.
33948
33949 @subsection Inclusion
33950 @cindex target descriptions, inclusion
33951 @cindex XInclude
33952 @ifnotinfo
33953 @cindex <xi:include>
33954 @end ifnotinfo
33955
33956 It can sometimes be valuable to split a target description up into
33957 several different annexes, either for organizational purposes, or to
33958 share files between different possible target descriptions. You can
33959 divide a description into multiple files by replacing any element of
33960 the target description with an inclusion directive of the form:
33961
33962 @smallexample
33963 <xi:include href="@var{document}"/>
33964 @end smallexample
33965
33966 @noindent
33967 When @value{GDBN} encounters an element of this form, it will retrieve
33968 the named XML @var{document}, and replace the inclusion directive with
33969 the contents of that document. If the current description was read
33970 using @samp{qXfer}, then so will be the included document;
33971 @var{document} will be interpreted as the name of an annex. If the
33972 current description was read from a file, @value{GDBN} will look for
33973 @var{document} as a file in the same directory where it found the
33974 original description.
33975
33976 @subsection Architecture
33977 @cindex <architecture>
33978
33979 An @samp{<architecture>} element has this form:
33980
33981 @smallexample
33982 <architecture>@var{arch}</architecture>
33983 @end smallexample
33984
33985 @var{arch} is one of the architectures from the set accepted by
33986 @code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
33987
33988 @subsection OS ABI
33989 @cindex @code{<osabi>}
33990
33991 This optional field was introduced in @value{GDBN} version 7.0.
33992 Previous versions of @value{GDBN} ignore it.
33993
33994 An @samp{<osabi>} element has this form:
33995
33996 @smallexample
33997 <osabi>@var{abi-name}</osabi>
33998 @end smallexample
33999
34000 @var{abi-name} is an OS ABI name from the same selection accepted by
34001 @w{@code{set osabi}} (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the Current ABI}).
34002
34003 @subsection Compatible Architecture
34004 @cindex @code{<compatible>}
34005
34006 This optional field was introduced in @value{GDBN} version 7.0.
34007 Previous versions of @value{GDBN} ignore it.
34008
34009 A @samp{<compatible>} element has this form:
34010
34011 @smallexample
34012 <compatible>@var{arch}</compatible>
34013 @end smallexample
34014
34015 @var{arch} is one of the architectures from the set accepted by
34016 @code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
34017
34018 A @samp{<compatible>} element is used to specify that the target
34019 is able to run binaries in some other than the main target architecture
34020 given by the @samp{<architecture>} element. For example, on the
34021 Cell Broadband Engine, the main architecture is @code{powerpc:common}
34022 or @code{powerpc:common64}, but the system is able to run binaries
34023 in the @code{spu} architecture as well. The way to describe this
34024 capability with @samp{<compatible>} is as follows:
34025
34026 @smallexample
34027 <architecture>powerpc:common</architecture>
34028 <compatible>spu</compatible>
34029 @end smallexample
34030
34031 @subsection Features
34032 @cindex <feature>
34033
34034 Each @samp{<feature>} describes some logical portion of the target
34035 system. Features are currently used to describe available CPU
34036 registers and the types of their contents. A @samp{<feature>} element
34037 has this form:
34038
34039 @smallexample
34040 <feature name="@var{name}">
34041 @r{[}@var{type}@dots{}@r{]}
34042 @var{reg}@dots{}
34043 </feature>
34044 @end smallexample
34045
34046 @noindent
34047 Each feature's name should be unique within the description. The name
34048 of a feature does not matter unless @value{GDBN} has some special
34049 knowledge of the contents of that feature; if it does, the feature
34050 should have its standard name. @xref{Standard Target Features}.
34051
34052 @subsection Types
34053
34054 Any register's value is a collection of bits which @value{GDBN} must
34055 interpret. The default interpretation is a two's complement integer,
34056 but other types can be requested by name in the register description.
34057 Some predefined types are provided by @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Predefined
34058 Target Types}), and the description can define additional composite types.
34059
34060 Each type element must have an @samp{id} attribute, which gives
34061 a unique (within the containing @samp{<feature>}) name to the type.
34062 Types must be defined before they are used.
34063
34064 @cindex <vector>
34065 Some targets offer vector registers, which can be treated as arrays
34066 of scalar elements. These types are written as @samp{<vector>} elements,
34067 specifying the array element type, @var{type}, and the number of elements,
34068 @var{count}:
34069
34070 @smallexample
34071 <vector id="@var{id}" type="@var{type}" count="@var{count}"/>
34072 @end smallexample
34073
34074 @cindex <union>
34075 If a register's value is usefully viewed in multiple ways, define it
34076 with a union type containing the useful representations. The
34077 @samp{<union>} element contains one or more @samp{<field>} elements,
34078 each of which has a @var{name} and a @var{type}:
34079
34080 @smallexample
34081 <union id="@var{id}">
34082 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
34083 @dots{}
34084 </union>
34085 @end smallexample
34086
34087 @cindex <struct>
34088 If a register's value is composed from several separate values, define
34089 it with a structure type. There are two forms of the @samp{<struct>}
34090 element; a @samp{<struct>} element must either contain only bitfields
34091 or contain no bitfields. If the structure contains only bitfields,
34092 its total size in bytes must be specified, each bitfield must have an
34093 explicit start and end, and bitfields are automatically assigned an
34094 integer type. The field's @var{start} should be less than or
34095 equal to its @var{end}, and zero represents the least significant bit.
34096
34097 @smallexample
34098 <struct id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
34099 <field name="@var{name}" start="@var{start}" end="@var{end}"/>
34100 @dots{}
34101 </struct>
34102 @end smallexample
34103
34104 If the structure contains no bitfields, then each field has an
34105 explicit type, and no implicit padding is added.
34106
34107 @smallexample
34108 <struct id="@var{id}">
34109 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
34110 @dots{}
34111 </struct>
34112 @end smallexample
34113
34114 @cindex <flags>
34115 If a register's value is a series of single-bit flags, define it with
34116 a flags type. The @samp{<flags>} element has an explicit @var{size}
34117 and contains one or more @samp{<field>} elements. Each field has a
34118 @var{name}, a @var{start}, and an @var{end}. Only single-bit flags
34119 are supported.
34120
34121 @smallexample
34122 <flags id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
34123 <field name="@var{name}" start="@var{start}" end="@var{end}"/>
34124 @dots{}
34125 </flags>
34126 @end smallexample
34127
34128 @subsection Registers
34129 @cindex <reg>
34130
34131 Each register is represented as an element with this form:
34132
34133 @smallexample
34134 <reg name="@var{name}"
34135 bitsize="@var{size}"
34136 @r{[}regnum="@var{num}"@r{]}
34137 @r{[}save-restore="@var{save-restore}"@r{]}
34138 @r{[}type="@var{type}"@r{]}
34139 @r{[}group="@var{group}"@r{]}/>
34140 @end smallexample
34141
34142 @noindent
34143 The components are as follows:
34144
34145 @table @var
34146
34147 @item name
34148 The register's name; it must be unique within the target description.
34149
34150 @item bitsize
34151 The register's size, in bits.
34152
34153 @item regnum
34154 The register's number. If omitted, a register's number is one greater
34155 than that of the previous register (either in the current feature or in
34156 a preceeding feature); the first register in the target description
34157 defaults to zero. This register number is used to read or write
34158 the register; e.g.@: it is used in the remote @code{p} and @code{P}
34159 packets, and registers appear in the @code{g} and @code{G} packets
34160 in order of increasing register number.
34161
34162 @item save-restore
34163 Whether the register should be preserved across inferior function
34164 calls; this must be either @code{yes} or @code{no}. The default is
34165 @code{yes}, which is appropriate for most registers except for
34166 some system control registers; this is not related to the target's
34167 ABI.
34168
34169 @item type
34170 The type of the register. @var{type} may be a predefined type, a type
34171 defined in the current feature, or one of the special types @code{int}
34172 and @code{float}. @code{int} is an integer type of the correct size
34173 for @var{bitsize}, and @code{float} is a floating point type (in the
34174 architecture's normal floating point format) of the correct size for
34175 @var{bitsize}. The default is @code{int}.
34176
34177 @item group
34178 The register group to which this register belongs. @var{group} must
34179 be either @code{general}, @code{float}, or @code{vector}. If no
34180 @var{group} is specified, @value{GDBN} will not display the register
34181 in @code{info registers}.
34182
34183 @end table
34184
34185 @node Predefined Target Types
34186 @section Predefined Target Types
34187 @cindex target descriptions, predefined types
34188
34189 Type definitions in the self-description can build up composite types
34190 from basic building blocks, but can not define fundamental types. Instead,
34191 standard identifiers are provided by @value{GDBN} for the fundamental
34192 types. The currently supported types are:
34193
34194 @table @code
34195
34196 @item int8
34197 @itemx int16
34198 @itemx int32
34199 @itemx int64
34200 @itemx int128
34201 Signed integer types holding the specified number of bits.
34202
34203 @item uint8
34204 @itemx uint16
34205 @itemx uint32
34206 @itemx uint64
34207 @itemx uint128
34208 Unsigned integer types holding the specified number of bits.
34209
34210 @item code_ptr
34211 @itemx data_ptr
34212 Pointers to unspecified code and data. The program counter and
34213 any dedicated return address register may be marked as code
34214 pointers; printing a code pointer converts it into a symbolic
34215 address. The stack pointer and any dedicated address registers
34216 may be marked as data pointers.
34217
34218 @item ieee_single
34219 Single precision IEEE floating point.
34220
34221 @item ieee_double
34222 Double precision IEEE floating point.
34223
34224 @item arm_fpa_ext
34225 The 12-byte extended precision format used by ARM FPA registers.
34226
34227 @item i387_ext
34228 The 10-byte extended precision format used by x87 registers.
34229
34230 @item i386_eflags
34231 32bit @sc{eflags} register used by x86.
34232
34233 @item i386_mxcsr
34234 32bit @sc{mxcsr} register used by x86.
34235
34236 @end table
34237
34238 @node Standard Target Features
34239 @section Standard Target Features
34240 @cindex target descriptions, standard features
34241
34242 A target description must contain either no registers or all the
34243 target's registers. If the description contains no registers, then
34244 @value{GDBN} will assume a default register layout, selected based on
34245 the architecture. If the description contains any registers, the
34246 default layout will not be used; the standard registers must be
34247 described in the target description, in such a way that @value{GDBN}
34248 can recognize them.
34249
34250 This is accomplished by giving specific names to feature elements
34251 which contain standard registers. @value{GDBN} will look for features
34252 with those names and verify that they contain the expected registers;
34253 if any known feature is missing required registers, or if any required
34254 feature is missing, @value{GDBN} will reject the target
34255 description. You can add additional registers to any of the
34256 standard features --- @value{GDBN} will display them just as if
34257 they were added to an unrecognized feature.
34258
34259 This section lists the known features and their expected contents.
34260 Sample XML documents for these features are included in the
34261 @value{GDBN} source tree, in the directory @file{gdb/features}.
34262
34263 Names recognized by @value{GDBN} should include the name of the
34264 company or organization which selected the name, and the overall
34265 architecture to which the feature applies; so e.g.@: the feature
34266 containing ARM core registers is named @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}.
34267
34268 The names of registers are not case sensitive for the purpose
34269 of recognizing standard features, but @value{GDBN} will only display
34270 registers using the capitalization used in the description.
34271
34272 @menu
34273 * ARM Features::
34274 * i386 Features::
34275 * MIPS Features::
34276 * M68K Features::
34277 * PowerPC Features::
34278 @end menu
34279
34280
34281 @node ARM Features
34282 @subsection ARM Features
34283 @cindex target descriptions, ARM features
34284
34285 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core} feature is required for ARM targets.
34286 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp},
34287 @samp{lr}, @samp{pc}, and @samp{cpsr}.
34288
34289 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.fpa} feature is optional. If present, it
34290 should contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f7} and @samp{fps}.
34291
34292 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.xscale.iwmmxt} feature is optional. If present,
34293 it should contain at least registers @samp{wR0} through @samp{wR15} and
34294 @samp{wCGR0} through @samp{wCGR3}. The @samp{wCID}, @samp{wCon},
34295 @samp{wCSSF}, and @samp{wCASF} registers are optional.
34296
34297 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.vfp} feature is optional. If present, it
34298 should contain at least registers @samp{d0} through @samp{d15}. If
34299 they are present, @samp{d16} through @samp{d31} should also be included.
34300 @value{GDBN} will synthesize the single-precision registers from
34301 halves of the double-precision registers.
34302
34303 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.neon} feature is optional. It does not
34304 need to contain registers; it instructs @value{GDBN} to display the
34305 VFP double-precision registers as vectors and to synthesize the
34306 quad-precision registers from pairs of double-precision registers.
34307 If this feature is present, @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.vfp} must also
34308 be present and include 32 double-precision registers.
34309
34310 @node i386 Features
34311 @subsection i386 Features
34312 @cindex target descriptions, i386 features
34313
34314 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.core} feature is required for i386/amd64
34315 targets. It should describe the following registers:
34316
34317 @itemize @minus
34318 @item
34319 @samp{eax} through @samp{edi} plus @samp{eip} for i386
34320 @item
34321 @samp{rax} through @samp{r15} plus @samp{rip} for amd64
34322 @item
34323 @samp{eflags}, @samp{cs}, @samp{ss}, @samp{ds}, @samp{es},
34324 @samp{fs}, @samp{gs}
34325 @item
34326 @samp{st0} through @samp{st7}
34327 @item
34328 @samp{fctrl}, @samp{fstat}, @samp{ftag}, @samp{fiseg}, @samp{fioff},
34329 @samp{foseg}, @samp{fooff} and @samp{fop}
34330 @end itemize
34331
34332 The register sets may be different, depending on the target.
34333
34334 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.sse} feature is optional. It should
34335 describe registers:
34336
34337 @itemize @minus
34338 @item
34339 @samp{xmm0} through @samp{xmm7} for i386
34340 @item
34341 @samp{xmm0} through @samp{xmm15} for amd64
34342 @item
34343 @samp{mxcsr}
34344 @end itemize
34345
34346 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.avx} feature is optional and requires the
34347 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.sse} feature. It should
34348 describe the upper 128 bits of @sc{ymm} registers:
34349
34350 @itemize @minus
34351 @item
34352 @samp{ymm0h} through @samp{ymm7h} for i386
34353 @item
34354 @samp{ymm0h} through @samp{ymm15h} for amd64
34355 @item
34356 @end itemize
34357
34358 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.linux} feature is optional. It should
34359 describe a single register, @samp{orig_eax}.
34360
34361 @node MIPS Features
34362 @subsection MIPS Features
34363 @cindex target descriptions, MIPS features
34364
34365 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cpu} feature is required for MIPS targets.
34366 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31}, @samp{lo},
34367 @samp{hi}, and @samp{pc}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending
34368 on the target.
34369
34370 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cp0} feature is also required. It should
34371 contain at least the @samp{status}, @samp{badvaddr}, and @samp{cause}
34372 registers. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
34373
34374 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.fpu} feature is currently required, though
34375 it may be optional in a future version of @value{GDBN}. It should
34376 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31}, @samp{fcsr}, and
34377 @samp{fir}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
34378
34379 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.linux} feature is optional. It should
34380 contain a single register, @samp{restart}, which is used by the
34381 Linux kernel to control restartable syscalls.
34382
34383 @node M68K Features
34384 @subsection M68K Features
34385 @cindex target descriptions, M68K features
34386
34387 @table @code
34388 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.m68k.core}
34389 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.core}
34390 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.fido.core}
34391 One of those features must be always present.
34392 The feature that is present determines which flavor of m68k is
34393 used. The feature that is present should contain registers
34394 @samp{d0} through @samp{d7}, @samp{a0} through @samp{a5}, @samp{fp},
34395 @samp{sp}, @samp{ps} and @samp{pc}.
34396
34397 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.fp}
34398 This feature is optional. If present, it should contain registers
34399 @samp{fp0} through @samp{fp7}, @samp{fpcontrol}, @samp{fpstatus} and
34400 @samp{fpiaddr}.
34401 @end table
34402
34403 @node PowerPC Features
34404 @subsection PowerPC Features
34405 @cindex target descriptions, PowerPC features
34406
34407 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} feature is required for PowerPC
34408 targets. It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31},
34409 @samp{pc}, @samp{msr}, @samp{cr}, @samp{lr}, @samp{ctr}, and
34410 @samp{xer}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
34411
34412 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.fpu} feature is optional. It should
34413 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31} and @samp{fpscr}.
34414
34415 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.altivec} feature is optional. It should
34416 contain registers @samp{vr0} through @samp{vr31}, @samp{vscr},
34417 and @samp{vrsave}.
34418
34419 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.vsx} feature is optional. It should
34420 contain registers @samp{vs0h} through @samp{vs31h}. @value{GDBN}
34421 will combine these registers with the floating point registers
34422 (@samp{f0} through @samp{f31}) and the altivec registers (@samp{vr0}
34423 through @samp{vr31}) to present the 128-bit wide registers @samp{vs0}
34424 through @samp{vs63}, the set of vector registers for POWER7.
34425
34426 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.spe} feature is optional. It should
34427 contain registers @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}, @samp{acc}, and
34428 @samp{spefscr}. SPE targets should provide 32-bit registers in
34429 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} and provide the upper halves in
34430 @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}. @value{GDBN} will combine
34431 these to present registers @samp{ev0} through @samp{ev31} to the
34432 user.
34433
34434 @node Operating System Information
34435 @appendix Operating System Information
34436 @cindex operating system information
34437
34438 @menu
34439 * Process list::
34440 @end menu
34441
34442 Users of @value{GDBN} often wish to obtain information about the state of
34443 the operating system running on the target---for example the list of
34444 processes, or the list of open files. This section describes the
34445 mechanism that makes it possible. This mechanism is similar to the
34446 target features mechanism (@pxref{Target Descriptions}), but focuses
34447 on a different aspect of target.
34448
34449 Operating system information is retrived from the target via the
34450 remote protocol, using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{qXfer osdata
34451 read}). The object name in the request should be @samp{osdata}, and
34452 the @var{annex} identifies the data to be fetched.
34453
34454 @node Process list
34455 @appendixsection Process list
34456 @cindex operating system information, process list
34457
34458 When requesting the process list, the @var{annex} field in the
34459 @samp{qXfer} request should be @samp{processes}. The returned data is
34460 an XML document. The formal syntax of this document is defined in
34461 @file{gdb/features/osdata.dtd}.
34462
34463 An example document is:
34464
34465 @smallexample
34466 <?xml version="1.0"?>
34467 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "osdata.dtd">
34468 <osdata type="processes">
34469 <item>
34470 <column name="pid">1</column>
34471 <column name="user">root</column>
34472 <column name="command">/sbin/init</column>
34473 <column name="cores">1,2,3</column>
34474 </item>
34475 </osdata>
34476 @end smallexample
34477
34478 Each item should include a column whose name is @samp{pid}. The value
34479 of that column should identify the process on the target. The
34480 @samp{user} and @samp{command} columns are optional, and will be
34481 displayed by @value{GDBN}. The @samp{cores} column, if present,
34482 should contain a comma-separated list of cores that this process
34483 is running on. Target may provide additional columns,
34484 which @value{GDBN} currently ignores.
34485
34486 @include gpl.texi
34487
34488 @raisesections
34489 @include fdl.texi
34490 @lowersections
34491
34492 @node Index
34493 @unnumbered Index
34494
34495 @printindex cp
34496
34497 @tex
34498 % I think something like @colophon should be in texinfo. In the
34499 % meantime:
34500 \long\def\colophon{\hbox to0pt{}\vfill
34501 \centerline{The body of this manual is set in}
34502 \centerline{\fontname\tenrm,}
34503 \centerline{with headings in {\bf\fontname\tenbf}}
34504 \centerline{and examples in {\tt\fontname\tentt}.}
34505 \centerline{{\it\fontname\tenit\/},}
34506 \centerline{{\bf\fontname\tenbf}, and}
34507 \centerline{{\sl\fontname\tensl\/}}
34508 \centerline{are used for emphasis.}\vfill}
34509 \page\colophon
34510 % Blame: doc@cygnus.com, 1991.
34511 @end tex
34512
34513 @bye
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