ld-elf/ehdr_start.d (target): Add *-*-nacl*.
[deliverable/binutils-gdb.git] / gdb / doc / gdb.texinfo
1 \input texinfo @c -*-texinfo-*-
2 @c Copyright (C) 1988-1996, 1998-2012 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
3 @c
4 @c %**start of header
5 @c makeinfo ignores cmds prev to setfilename, so its arg cannot make use
6 @c of @set vars. However, you can override filename with makeinfo -o.
7 @setfilename gdb.info
8 @c
9 @include gdb-cfg.texi
10 @c
11 @settitle Debugging with @value{GDBN}
12 @setchapternewpage odd
13 @c %**end of header
14
15 @iftex
16 @c @smallbook
17 @c @cropmarks
18 @end iftex
19
20 @finalout
21 @syncodeindex ky cp
22 @syncodeindex tp cp
23
24 @c readline appendices use @vindex, @findex and @ftable,
25 @c annotate.texi and gdbmi use @findex.
26 @syncodeindex vr cp
27 @syncodeindex fn cp
28
29 @c !!set GDB manual's edition---not the same as GDB version!
30 @c This is updated by GNU Press.
31 @set EDITION Tenth
32
33 @c !!set GDB edit command default editor
34 @set EDITOR /bin/ex
35
36 @c THIS MANUAL REQUIRES TEXINFO 4.0 OR LATER.
37
38 @c This is a dir.info fragment to support semi-automated addition of
39 @c manuals to an info tree.
40 @dircategory Software development
41 @direntry
42 * Gdb: (gdb). The GNU debugger.
43 @end direntry
44
45 @copying
46 Copyright @copyright{} 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996,
47 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
48 2011, 2012
49 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
50
51 Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document
52 under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.3 or
53 any later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with the
54 Invariant Sections being ``Free Software'' and ``Free Software Needs
55 Free Documentation'', with the Front-Cover Texts being ``A GNU Manual,''
56 and with the Back-Cover Texts as in (a) below.
57
58 (a) The FSF's Back-Cover Text is: ``You are free to copy and modify
59 this GNU Manual. Buying copies from GNU Press supports the FSF in
60 developing GNU and promoting software freedom.''
61 @end copying
62
63 @ifnottex
64 This file documents the @sc{gnu} debugger @value{GDBN}.
65
66 This is the @value{EDITION} Edition, of @cite{Debugging with
67 @value{GDBN}: the @sc{gnu} Source-Level Debugger} for @value{GDBN}
68 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
69 @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
70 @end ifset
71 Version @value{GDBVN}.
72
73 @insertcopying
74 @end ifnottex
75
76 @titlepage
77 @title Debugging with @value{GDBN}
78 @subtitle The @sc{gnu} Source-Level Debugger
79 @sp 1
80 @subtitle @value{EDITION} Edition, for @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN}
81 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
82 @sp 1
83 @subtitle @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
84 @end ifset
85 @author Richard Stallman, Roland Pesch, Stan Shebs, et al.
86 @page
87 @tex
88 {\parskip=0pt
89 \hfill (Send bugs and comments on @value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.)\par
90 \hfill {\it Debugging with @value{GDBN}}\par
91 \hfill \TeX{}info \texinfoversion\par
92 }
93 @end tex
94
95 @vskip 0pt plus 1filll
96 Published by the Free Software Foundation @*
97 51 Franklin Street, Fifth Floor,
98 Boston, MA 02110-1301, USA@*
99 ISBN 978-0-9831592-3-0 @*
100
101 @insertcopying
102 @end titlepage
103 @page
104
105 @ifnottex
106 @node Top, Summary, (dir), (dir)
107
108 @top Debugging with @value{GDBN}
109
110 This file describes @value{GDBN}, the @sc{gnu} symbolic debugger.
111
112 This is the @value{EDITION} Edition, for @value{GDBN}
113 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
114 @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
115 @end ifset
116 Version @value{GDBVN}.
117
118 Copyright (C) 1988-2012 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
119
120 This edition of the GDB manual is dedicated to the memory of Fred
121 Fish. Fred was a long-standing contributor to GDB and to Free
122 software in general. We will miss him.
123
124 @menu
125 * Summary:: Summary of @value{GDBN}
126 * Sample Session:: A sample @value{GDBN} session
127
128 * Invocation:: Getting in and out of @value{GDBN}
129 * Commands:: @value{GDBN} commands
130 * Running:: Running programs under @value{GDBN}
131 * Stopping:: Stopping and continuing
132 * Reverse Execution:: Running programs backward
133 * Process Record and Replay:: Recording inferior's execution and replaying it
134 * Stack:: Examining the stack
135 * Source:: Examining source files
136 * Data:: Examining data
137 * Optimized Code:: Debugging optimized code
138 * Macros:: Preprocessor Macros
139 * Tracepoints:: Debugging remote targets non-intrusively
140 * Overlays:: Debugging programs that use overlays
141
142 * Languages:: Using @value{GDBN} with different languages
143
144 * Symbols:: Examining the symbol table
145 * Altering:: Altering execution
146 * GDB Files:: @value{GDBN} files
147 * Targets:: Specifying a debugging target
148 * Remote Debugging:: Debugging remote programs
149 * Configurations:: Configuration-specific information
150 * Controlling GDB:: Controlling @value{GDBN}
151 * Extending GDB:: Extending @value{GDBN}
152 * Interpreters:: Command Interpreters
153 * TUI:: @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
154 * Emacs:: Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
155 * GDB/MI:: @value{GDBN}'s Machine Interface.
156 * Annotations:: @value{GDBN}'s annotation interface.
157 * JIT Interface:: Using the JIT debugging interface.
158 * In-Process Agent:: In-Process Agent
159
160 * GDB Bugs:: Reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
161
162 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
163 * Command Line Editing: (rluserman). Command Line Editing
164 * Using History Interactively: (history). Using History Interactively
165 @end ifset
166 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
167 * Command Line Editing:: Command Line Editing
168 * Using History Interactively:: Using History Interactively
169 @end ifclear
170 * In Memoriam:: In Memoriam
171 * Formatting Documentation:: How to format and print @value{GDBN} documentation
172 * Installing GDB:: Installing GDB
173 * Maintenance Commands:: Maintenance Commands
174 * Remote Protocol:: GDB Remote Serial Protocol
175 * Agent Expressions:: The GDB Agent Expression Mechanism
176 * Target Descriptions:: How targets can describe themselves to
177 @value{GDBN}
178 * Operating System Information:: Getting additional information from
179 the operating system
180 * Trace File Format:: GDB trace file format
181 * Index Section Format:: .gdb_index section format
182 * Copying:: GNU General Public License says
183 how you can copy and share GDB
184 * GNU Free Documentation License:: The license for this documentation
185 * Index:: Index
186 @end menu
187
188 @end ifnottex
189
190 @contents
191
192 @node Summary
193 @unnumbered Summary of @value{GDBN}
194
195 The purpose of a debugger such as @value{GDBN} is to allow you to see what is
196 going on ``inside'' another program while it executes---or what another
197 program was doing at the moment it crashed.
198
199 @value{GDBN} can do four main kinds of things (plus other things in support of
200 these) to help you catch bugs in the act:
201
202 @itemize @bullet
203 @item
204 Start your program, specifying anything that might affect its behavior.
205
206 @item
207 Make your program stop on specified conditions.
208
209 @item
210 Examine what has happened, when your program has stopped.
211
212 @item
213 Change things in your program, so you can experiment with correcting the
214 effects of one bug and go on to learn about another.
215 @end itemize
216
217 You can use @value{GDBN} to debug programs written in C and C@t{++}.
218 For more information, see @ref{Supported Languages,,Supported Languages}.
219 For more information, see @ref{C,,C and C++}.
220
221 Support for D is partial. For information on D, see
222 @ref{D,,D}.
223
224 @cindex Modula-2
225 Support for Modula-2 is partial. For information on Modula-2, see
226 @ref{Modula-2,,Modula-2}.
227
228 Support for OpenCL C is partial. For information on OpenCL C, see
229 @ref{OpenCL C,,OpenCL C}.
230
231 @cindex Pascal
232 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
233 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
234 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
235 syntax.
236
237 @cindex Fortran
238 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, although
239 it may be necessary to refer to some variables with a trailing
240 underscore.
241
242 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Objective-C,
243 using either the Apple/NeXT or the GNU Objective-C runtime.
244
245 @menu
246 * Free Software:: Freely redistributable software
247 * Free Documentation:: Free Software Needs Free Documentation
248 * Contributors:: Contributors to GDB
249 @end menu
250
251 @node Free Software
252 @unnumberedsec Free Software
253
254 @value{GDBN} is @dfn{free software}, protected by the @sc{gnu}
255 General Public License
256 (GPL). The GPL gives you the freedom to copy or adapt a licensed
257 program---but every person getting a copy also gets with it the
258 freedom to modify that copy (which means that they must get access to
259 the source code), and the freedom to distribute further copies.
260 Typical software companies use copyrights to limit your freedoms; the
261 Free Software Foundation uses the GPL to preserve these freedoms.
262
263 Fundamentally, the General Public License is a license which says that
264 you have these freedoms and that you cannot take these freedoms away
265 from anyone else.
266
267 @node Free Documentation
268 @unnumberedsec Free Software Needs Free Documentation
269
270 The biggest deficiency in the free software community today is not in
271 the software---it is the lack of good free documentation that we can
272 include with the free software. Many of our most important
273 programs do not come with free reference manuals and free introductory
274 texts. Documentation is an essential part of any software package;
275 when an important free software package does not come with a free
276 manual and a free tutorial, that is a major gap. We have many such
277 gaps today.
278
279 Consider Perl, for instance. The tutorial manuals that people
280 normally use are non-free. How did this come about? Because the
281 authors of those manuals published them with restrictive terms---no
282 copying, no modification, source files not available---which exclude
283 them from the free software world.
284
285 That wasn't the first time this sort of thing happened, and it was far
286 from the last. Many times we have heard a GNU user eagerly describe a
287 manual that he is writing, his intended contribution to the community,
288 only to learn that he had ruined everything by signing a publication
289 contract to make it non-free.
290
291 Free documentation, like free software, is a matter of freedom, not
292 price. The problem with the non-free manual is not that publishers
293 charge a price for printed copies---that in itself is fine. (The Free
294 Software Foundation sells printed copies of manuals, too.) The
295 problem is the restrictions on the use of the manual. Free manuals
296 are available in source code form, and give you permission to copy and
297 modify. Non-free manuals do not allow this.
298
299 The criteria of freedom for a free manual are roughly the same as for
300 free software. Redistribution (including the normal kinds of
301 commercial redistribution) must be permitted, so that the manual can
302 accompany every copy of the program, both on-line and on paper.
303
304 Permission for modification of the technical content is crucial too.
305 When people modify the software, adding or changing features, if they
306 are conscientious they will change the manual too---so they can
307 provide accurate and clear documentation for the modified program. A
308 manual that leaves you no choice but to write a new manual to document
309 a changed version of the program is not really available to our
310 community.
311
312 Some kinds of limits on the way modification is handled are
313 acceptable. For example, requirements to preserve the original
314 author's copyright notice, the distribution terms, or the list of
315 authors, are ok. It is also no problem to require modified versions
316 to include notice that they were modified. Even entire sections that
317 may not be deleted or changed are acceptable, as long as they deal
318 with nontechnical topics (like this one). These kinds of restrictions
319 are acceptable because they don't obstruct the community's normal use
320 of the manual.
321
322 However, it must be possible to modify all the @emph{technical}
323 content of the manual, and then distribute the result in all the usual
324 media, through all the usual channels. Otherwise, the restrictions
325 obstruct the use of the manual, it is not free, and we need another
326 manual to replace it.
327
328 Please spread the word about this issue. Our community continues to
329 lose manuals to proprietary publishing. If we spread the word that
330 free software needs free reference manuals and free tutorials, perhaps
331 the next person who wants to contribute by writing documentation will
332 realize, before it is too late, that only free manuals contribute to
333 the free software community.
334
335 If you are writing documentation, please insist on publishing it under
336 the GNU Free Documentation License or another free documentation
337 license. Remember that this decision requires your approval---you
338 don't have to let the publisher decide. Some commercial publishers
339 will use a free license if you insist, but they will not propose the
340 option; it is up to you to raise the issue and say firmly that this is
341 what you want. If the publisher you are dealing with refuses, please
342 try other publishers. If you're not sure whether a proposed license
343 is free, write to @email{licensing@@gnu.org}.
344
345 You can encourage commercial publishers to sell more free, copylefted
346 manuals and tutorials by buying them, and particularly by buying
347 copies from the publishers that paid for their writing or for major
348 improvements. Meanwhile, try to avoid buying non-free documentation
349 at all. Check the distribution terms of a manual before you buy it,
350 and insist that whoever seeks your business must respect your freedom.
351 Check the history of the book, and try to reward the publishers that
352 have paid or pay the authors to work on it.
353
354 The Free Software Foundation maintains a list of free documentation
355 published by other publishers, at
356 @url{http://www.fsf.org/doc/other-free-books.html}.
357
358 @node Contributors
359 @unnumberedsec Contributors to @value{GDBN}
360
361 Richard Stallman was the original author of @value{GDBN}, and of many
362 other @sc{gnu} programs. Many others have contributed to its
363 development. This section attempts to credit major contributors. One
364 of the virtues of free software is that everyone is free to contribute
365 to it; with regret, we cannot actually acknowledge everyone here. The
366 file @file{ChangeLog} in the @value{GDBN} distribution approximates a
367 blow-by-blow account.
368
369 Changes much prior to version 2.0 are lost in the mists of time.
370
371 @quotation
372 @emph{Plea:} Additions to this section are particularly welcome. If you
373 or your friends (or enemies, to be evenhanded) have been unfairly
374 omitted from this list, we would like to add your names!
375 @end quotation
376
377 So that they may not regard their many labors as thankless, we
378 particularly thank those who shepherded @value{GDBN} through major
379 releases:
380 Andrew Cagney (releases 6.3, 6.2, 6.1, 6.0, 5.3, 5.2, 5.1 and 5.0);
381 Jim Blandy (release 4.18);
382 Jason Molenda (release 4.17);
383 Stan Shebs (release 4.14);
384 Fred Fish (releases 4.16, 4.15, 4.13, 4.12, 4.11, 4.10, and 4.9);
385 Stu Grossman and John Gilmore (releases 4.8, 4.7, 4.6, 4.5, and 4.4);
386 John Gilmore (releases 4.3, 4.2, 4.1, 4.0, and 3.9);
387 Jim Kingdon (releases 3.5, 3.4, and 3.3);
388 and Randy Smith (releases 3.2, 3.1, and 3.0).
389
390 Richard Stallman, assisted at various times by Peter TerMaat, Chris
391 Hanson, and Richard Mlynarik, handled releases through 2.8.
392
393 Michael Tiemann is the author of most of the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} support
394 in @value{GDBN}, with significant additional contributions from Per
395 Bothner and Daniel Berlin. James Clark wrote the @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
396 demangler. Early work on C@t{++} was by Peter TerMaat (who also did
397 much general update work leading to release 3.0).
398
399 @value{GDBN} uses the BFD subroutine library to examine multiple
400 object-file formats; BFD was a joint project of David V.
401 Henkel-Wallace, Rich Pixley, Steve Chamberlain, and John Gilmore.
402
403 David Johnson wrote the original COFF support; Pace Willison did
404 the original support for encapsulated COFF.
405
406 Brent Benson of Harris Computer Systems contributed DWARF 2 support.
407
408 Adam de Boor and Bradley Davis contributed the ISI Optimum V support.
409 Per Bothner, Noboyuki Hikichi, and Alessandro Forin contributed MIPS
410 support.
411 Jean-Daniel Fekete contributed Sun 386i support.
412 Chris Hanson improved the HP9000 support.
413 Noboyuki Hikichi and Tomoyuki Hasei contributed Sony/News OS 3 support.
414 David Johnson contributed Encore Umax support.
415 Jyrki Kuoppala contributed Altos 3068 support.
416 Jeff Law contributed HP PA and SOM support.
417 Keith Packard contributed NS32K support.
418 Doug Rabson contributed Acorn Risc Machine support.
419 Bob Rusk contributed Harris Nighthawk CX-UX support.
420 Chris Smith contributed Convex support (and Fortran debugging).
421 Jonathan Stone contributed Pyramid support.
422 Michael Tiemann contributed SPARC support.
423 Tim Tucker contributed support for the Gould NP1 and Gould Powernode.
424 Pace Willison contributed Intel 386 support.
425 Jay Vosburgh contributed Symmetry support.
426 Marko Mlinar contributed OpenRISC 1000 support.
427
428 Andreas Schwab contributed M68K @sc{gnu}/Linux support.
429
430 Rich Schaefer and Peter Schauer helped with support of SunOS shared
431 libraries.
432
433 Jay Fenlason and Roland McGrath ensured that @value{GDBN} and GAS agree
434 about several machine instruction sets.
435
436 Patrick Duval, Ted Goldstein, Vikram Koka and Glenn Engel helped develop
437 remote debugging. Intel Corporation, Wind River Systems, AMD, and ARM
438 contributed remote debugging modules for the i960, VxWorks, A29K UDI,
439 and RDI targets, respectively.
440
441 Brian Fox is the author of the readline libraries providing
442 command-line editing and command history.
443
444 Andrew Beers of SUNY Buffalo wrote the language-switching code, the
445 Modula-2 support, and contributed the Languages chapter of this manual.
446
447 Fred Fish wrote most of the support for Unix System Vr4.
448 He also enhanced the command-completion support to cover C@t{++} overloaded
449 symbols.
450
451 Hitachi America (now Renesas America), Ltd. sponsored the support for
452 H8/300, H8/500, and Super-H processors.
453
454 NEC sponsored the support for the v850, Vr4xxx, and Vr5xxx processors.
455
456 Mitsubishi (now Renesas) sponsored the support for D10V, D30V, and M32R/D
457 processors.
458
459 Toshiba sponsored the support for the TX39 Mips processor.
460
461 Matsushita sponsored the support for the MN10200 and MN10300 processors.
462
463 Fujitsu sponsored the support for SPARClite and FR30 processors.
464
465 Kung Hsu, Jeff Law, and Rick Sladkey added support for hardware
466 watchpoints.
467
468 Michael Snyder added support for tracepoints.
469
470 Stu Grossman wrote gdbserver.
471
472 Jim Kingdon, Peter Schauer, Ian Taylor, and Stu Grossman made
473 nearly innumerable bug fixes and cleanups throughout @value{GDBN}.
474
475 The following people at the Hewlett-Packard Company contributed
476 support for the PA-RISC 2.0 architecture, HP-UX 10.20, 10.30, and 11.0
477 (narrow mode), HP's implementation of kernel threads, HP's aC@t{++}
478 compiler, and the Text User Interface (nee Terminal User Interface):
479 Ben Krepp, Richard Title, John Bishop, Susan Macchia, Kathy Mann,
480 Satish Pai, India Paul, Steve Rehrauer, and Elena Zannoni. Kim Haase
481 provided HP-specific information in this manual.
482
483 DJ Delorie ported @value{GDBN} to MS-DOS, for the DJGPP project.
484 Robert Hoehne made significant contributions to the DJGPP port.
485
486 Cygnus Solutions has sponsored @value{GDBN} maintenance and much of its
487 development since 1991. Cygnus engineers who have worked on @value{GDBN}
488 fulltime include Mark Alexander, Jim Blandy, Per Bothner, Kevin
489 Buettner, Edith Epstein, Chris Faylor, Fred Fish, Martin Hunt, Jim
490 Ingham, John Gilmore, Stu Grossman, Kung Hsu, Jim Kingdon, John Metzler,
491 Fernando Nasser, Geoffrey Noer, Dawn Perchik, Rich Pixley, Zdenek
492 Radouch, Keith Seitz, Stan Shebs, David Taylor, and Elena Zannoni. In
493 addition, Dave Brolley, Ian Carmichael, Steve Chamberlain, Nick Clifton,
494 JT Conklin, Stan Cox, DJ Delorie, Ulrich Drepper, Frank Eigler, Doug
495 Evans, Sean Fagan, David Henkel-Wallace, Richard Henderson, Jeff
496 Holcomb, Jeff Law, Jim Lemke, Tom Lord, Bob Manson, Michael Meissner,
497 Jason Merrill, Catherine Moore, Drew Moseley, Ken Raeburn, Gavin
498 Romig-Koch, Rob Savoye, Jamie Smith, Mike Stump, Ian Taylor, Angela
499 Thomas, Michael Tiemann, Tom Tromey, Ron Unrau, Jim Wilson, and David
500 Zuhn have made contributions both large and small.
501
502 Andrew Cagney, Fernando Nasser, and Elena Zannoni, while working for
503 Cygnus Solutions, implemented the original @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
504
505 Jim Blandy added support for preprocessor macros, while working for Red
506 Hat.
507
508 Andrew Cagney designed @value{GDBN}'s architecture vector. Many
509 people including Andrew Cagney, Stephane Carrez, Randolph Chung, Nick
510 Duffek, Richard Henderson, Mark Kettenis, Grace Sainsbury, Kei
511 Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Andreas Schwab, Jason
512 Thorpe, Corinna Vinschen, Ulrich Weigand, and Elena Zannoni, helped
513 with the migration of old architectures to this new framework.
514
515 Andrew Cagney completely re-designed and re-implemented @value{GDBN}'s
516 unwinder framework, this consisting of a fresh new design featuring
517 frame IDs, independent frame sniffers, and the sentinel frame. Mark
518 Kettenis implemented the @sc{dwarf 2} unwinder, Jeff Johnston the
519 libunwind unwinder, and Andrew Cagney the dummy, sentinel, tramp, and
520 trad unwinders. The architecture-specific changes, each involving a
521 complete rewrite of the architecture's frame code, were carried out by
522 Jim Blandy, Joel Brobecker, Kevin Buettner, Andrew Cagney, Stephane
523 Carrez, Randolph Chung, Orjan Friberg, Richard Henderson, Daniel
524 Jacobowitz, Jeff Johnston, Mark Kettenis, Theodore A. Roth, Kei
525 Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Corinna Vinschen, and Ulrich
526 Weigand.
527
528 Christian Zankel, Ross Morley, Bob Wilson, and Maxim Grigoriev from
529 Tensilica, Inc.@: contributed support for Xtensa processors. Others
530 who have worked on the Xtensa port of @value{GDBN} in the past include
531 Steve Tjiang, John Newlin, and Scott Foehner.
532
533 Michael Eager and staff of Xilinx, Inc., contributed support for the
534 Xilinx MicroBlaze architecture.
535
536 @node Sample Session
537 @chapter A Sample @value{GDBN} Session
538
539 You can use this manual at your leisure to read all about @value{GDBN}.
540 However, a handful of commands are enough to get started using the
541 debugger. This chapter illustrates those commands.
542
543 @iftex
544 In this sample session, we emphasize user input like this: @b{input},
545 to make it easier to pick out from the surrounding output.
546 @end iftex
547
548 @c FIXME: this example may not be appropriate for some configs, where
549 @c FIXME...primary interest is in remote use.
550
551 One of the preliminary versions of @sc{gnu} @code{m4} (a generic macro
552 processor) exhibits the following bug: sometimes, when we change its
553 quote strings from the default, the commands used to capture one macro
554 definition within another stop working. In the following short @code{m4}
555 session, we define a macro @code{foo} which expands to @code{0000}; we
556 then use the @code{m4} built-in @code{defn} to define @code{bar} as the
557 same thing. However, when we change the open quote string to
558 @code{<QUOTE>} and the close quote string to @code{<UNQUOTE>}, the same
559 procedure fails to define a new synonym @code{baz}:
560
561 @smallexample
562 $ @b{cd gnu/m4}
563 $ @b{./m4}
564 @b{define(foo,0000)}
565
566 @b{foo}
567 0000
568 @b{define(bar,defn(`foo'))}
569
570 @b{bar}
571 0000
572 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
573
574 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
575 @b{baz}
576 @b{Ctrl-d}
577 m4: End of input: 0: fatal error: EOF in string
578 @end smallexample
579
580 @noindent
581 Let us use @value{GDBN} to try to see what is going on.
582
583 @smallexample
584 $ @b{@value{GDBP} m4}
585 @c FIXME: this falsifies the exact text played out, to permit smallbook
586 @c FIXME... format to come out better.
587 @value{GDBN} is free software and you are welcome to distribute copies
588 of it under certain conditions; type "show copying" to see
589 the conditions.
590 There is absolutely no warranty for @value{GDBN}; type "show warranty"
591 for details.
592
593 @value{GDBN} @value{GDBVN}, Copyright 1999 Free Software Foundation, Inc...
594 (@value{GDBP})
595 @end smallexample
596
597 @noindent
598 @value{GDBN} reads only enough symbol data to know where to find the
599 rest when needed; as a result, the first prompt comes up very quickly.
600 We now tell @value{GDBN} to use a narrower display width than usual, so
601 that examples fit in this manual.
602
603 @smallexample
604 (@value{GDBP}) @b{set width 70}
605 @end smallexample
606
607 @noindent
608 We need to see how the @code{m4} built-in @code{changequote} works.
609 Having looked at the source, we know the relevant subroutine is
610 @code{m4_changequote}, so we set a breakpoint there with the @value{GDBN}
611 @code{break} command.
612
613 @smallexample
614 (@value{GDBP}) @b{break m4_changequote}
615 Breakpoint 1 at 0x62f4: file builtin.c, line 879.
616 @end smallexample
617
618 @noindent
619 Using the @code{run} command, we start @code{m4} running under @value{GDBN}
620 control; as long as control does not reach the @code{m4_changequote}
621 subroutine, the program runs as usual:
622
623 @smallexample
624 (@value{GDBP}) @b{run}
625 Starting program: /work/Editorial/gdb/gnu/m4/m4
626 @b{define(foo,0000)}
627
628 @b{foo}
629 0000
630 @end smallexample
631
632 @noindent
633 To trigger the breakpoint, we call @code{changequote}. @value{GDBN}
634 suspends execution of @code{m4}, displaying information about the
635 context where it stops.
636
637 @smallexample
638 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
639
640 Breakpoint 1, m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
641 at builtin.c:879
642 879 if (bad_argc(TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[0]),argc,1,3))
643 @end smallexample
644
645 @noindent
646 Now we use the command @code{n} (@code{next}) to advance execution to
647 the next line of the current function.
648
649 @smallexample
650 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
651 882 set_quotes((argc >= 2) ? TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[1])\
652 : nil,
653 @end smallexample
654
655 @noindent
656 @code{set_quotes} looks like a promising subroutine. We can go into it
657 by using the command @code{s} (@code{step}) instead of @code{next}.
658 @code{step} goes to the next line to be executed in @emph{any}
659 subroutine, so it steps into @code{set_quotes}.
660
661 @smallexample
662 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
663 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
664 at input.c:530
665 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
666 @end smallexample
667
668 @noindent
669 The display that shows the subroutine where @code{m4} is now
670 suspended (and its arguments) is called a stack frame display. It
671 shows a summary of the stack. We can use the @code{backtrace}
672 command (which can also be spelled @code{bt}), to see where we are
673 in the stack as a whole: the @code{backtrace} command displays a
674 stack frame for each active subroutine.
675
676 @smallexample
677 (@value{GDBP}) @b{bt}
678 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
679 at input.c:530
680 #1 0x6344 in m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
681 at builtin.c:882
682 #2 0x8174 in expand_macro (sym=0x33320) at macro.c:242
683 #3 0x7a88 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=209696, td=0xf7fffa30)
684 at macro.c:71
685 #4 0x79dc in expand_input () at macro.c:40
686 #5 0x2930 in main (argc=0, argv=0xf7fffb20) at m4.c:195
687 @end smallexample
688
689 @noindent
690 We step through a few more lines to see what happens. The first two
691 times, we can use @samp{s}; the next two times we use @code{n} to avoid
692 falling into the @code{xstrdup} subroutine.
693
694 @smallexample
695 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
696 0x3b5c 532 if (rquote != def_rquote)
697 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
698 0x3b80 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? \
699 def_lquote : xstrdup(lq);
700 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
701 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
702 : xstrdup(rq);
703 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
704 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
705 @end smallexample
706
707 @noindent
708 The last line displayed looks a little odd; we can examine the variables
709 @code{lquote} and @code{rquote} to see if they are in fact the new left
710 and right quotes we specified. We use the command @code{p}
711 (@code{print}) to see their values.
712
713 @smallexample
714 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p lquote}
715 $1 = 0x35d40 "<QUOTE>"
716 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p rquote}
717 $2 = 0x35d50 "<UNQUOTE>"
718 @end smallexample
719
720 @noindent
721 @code{lquote} and @code{rquote} are indeed the new left and right quotes.
722 To look at some context, we can display ten lines of source
723 surrounding the current line with the @code{l} (@code{list}) command.
724
725 @smallexample
726 (@value{GDBP}) @b{l}
727 533 xfree(rquote);
728 534
729 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? def_lquote\
730 : xstrdup (lq);
731 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
732 : xstrdup (rq);
733 537
734 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
735 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
736 540 @}
737 541
738 542 void
739 @end smallexample
740
741 @noindent
742 Let us step past the two lines that set @code{len_lquote} and
743 @code{len_rquote}, and then examine the values of those variables.
744
745 @smallexample
746 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
747 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
748 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
749 540 @}
750 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote}
751 $3 = 9
752 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote}
753 $4 = 7
754 @end smallexample
755
756 @noindent
757 That certainly looks wrong, assuming @code{len_lquote} and
758 @code{len_rquote} are meant to be the lengths of @code{lquote} and
759 @code{rquote} respectively. We can set them to better values using
760 the @code{p} command, since it can print the value of
761 any expression---and that expression can include subroutine calls and
762 assignments.
763
764 @smallexample
765 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote=strlen(lquote)}
766 $5 = 7
767 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote=strlen(rquote)}
768 $6 = 9
769 @end smallexample
770
771 @noindent
772 Is that enough to fix the problem of using the new quotes with the
773 @code{m4} built-in @code{defn}? We can allow @code{m4} to continue
774 executing with the @code{c} (@code{continue}) command, and then try the
775 example that caused trouble initially:
776
777 @smallexample
778 (@value{GDBP}) @b{c}
779 Continuing.
780
781 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
782
783 baz
784 0000
785 @end smallexample
786
787 @noindent
788 Success! The new quotes now work just as well as the default ones. The
789 problem seems to have been just the two typos defining the wrong
790 lengths. We allow @code{m4} exit by giving it an EOF as input:
791
792 @smallexample
793 @b{Ctrl-d}
794 Program exited normally.
795 @end smallexample
796
797 @noindent
798 The message @samp{Program exited normally.} is from @value{GDBN}; it
799 indicates @code{m4} has finished executing. We can end our @value{GDBN}
800 session with the @value{GDBN} @code{quit} command.
801
802 @smallexample
803 (@value{GDBP}) @b{quit}
804 @end smallexample
805
806 @node Invocation
807 @chapter Getting In and Out of @value{GDBN}
808
809 This chapter discusses how to start @value{GDBN}, and how to get out of it.
810 The essentials are:
811 @itemize @bullet
812 @item
813 type @samp{@value{GDBP}} to start @value{GDBN}.
814 @item
815 type @kbd{quit} or @kbd{Ctrl-d} to exit.
816 @end itemize
817
818 @menu
819 * Invoking GDB:: How to start @value{GDBN}
820 * Quitting GDB:: How to quit @value{GDBN}
821 * Shell Commands:: How to use shell commands inside @value{GDBN}
822 * Logging Output:: How to log @value{GDBN}'s output to a file
823 @end menu
824
825 @node Invoking GDB
826 @section Invoking @value{GDBN}
827
828 Invoke @value{GDBN} by running the program @code{@value{GDBP}}. Once started,
829 @value{GDBN} reads commands from the terminal until you tell it to exit.
830
831 You can also run @code{@value{GDBP}} with a variety of arguments and options,
832 to specify more of your debugging environment at the outset.
833
834 The command-line options described here are designed
835 to cover a variety of situations; in some environments, some of these
836 options may effectively be unavailable.
837
838 The most usual way to start @value{GDBN} is with one argument,
839 specifying an executable program:
840
841 @smallexample
842 @value{GDBP} @var{program}
843 @end smallexample
844
845 @noindent
846 You can also start with both an executable program and a core file
847 specified:
848
849 @smallexample
850 @value{GDBP} @var{program} @var{core}
851 @end smallexample
852
853 You can, instead, specify a process ID as a second argument, if you want
854 to debug a running process:
855
856 @smallexample
857 @value{GDBP} @var{program} 1234
858 @end smallexample
859
860 @noindent
861 would attach @value{GDBN} to process @code{1234} (unless you also have a file
862 named @file{1234}; @value{GDBN} does check for a core file first).
863
864 Taking advantage of the second command-line argument requires a fairly
865 complete operating system; when you use @value{GDBN} as a remote
866 debugger attached to a bare board, there may not be any notion of
867 ``process'', and there is often no way to get a core dump. @value{GDBN}
868 will warn you if it is unable to attach or to read core dumps.
869
870 You can optionally have @code{@value{GDBP}} pass any arguments after the
871 executable file to the inferior using @code{--args}. This option stops
872 option processing.
873 @smallexample
874 @value{GDBP} --args gcc -O2 -c foo.c
875 @end smallexample
876 This will cause @code{@value{GDBP}} to debug @code{gcc}, and to set
877 @code{gcc}'s command-line arguments (@pxref{Arguments}) to @samp{-O2 -c foo.c}.
878
879 You can run @code{@value{GDBP}} without printing the front material, which describes
880 @value{GDBN}'s non-warranty, by specifying @code{-silent}:
881
882 @smallexample
883 @value{GDBP} -silent
884 @end smallexample
885
886 @noindent
887 You can further control how @value{GDBN} starts up by using command-line
888 options. @value{GDBN} itself can remind you of the options available.
889
890 @noindent
891 Type
892
893 @smallexample
894 @value{GDBP} -help
895 @end smallexample
896
897 @noindent
898 to display all available options and briefly describe their use
899 (@samp{@value{GDBP} -h} is a shorter equivalent).
900
901 All options and command line arguments you give are processed
902 in sequential order. The order makes a difference when the
903 @samp{-x} option is used.
904
905
906 @menu
907 * File Options:: Choosing files
908 * Mode Options:: Choosing modes
909 * Startup:: What @value{GDBN} does during startup
910 @end menu
911
912 @node File Options
913 @subsection Choosing Files
914
915 When @value{GDBN} starts, it reads any arguments other than options as
916 specifying an executable file and core file (or process ID). This is
917 the same as if the arguments were specified by the @samp{-se} and
918 @samp{-c} (or @samp{-p}) options respectively. (@value{GDBN} reads the
919 first argument that does not have an associated option flag as
920 equivalent to the @samp{-se} option followed by that argument; and the
921 second argument that does not have an associated option flag, if any, as
922 equivalent to the @samp{-c}/@samp{-p} option followed by that argument.)
923 If the second argument begins with a decimal digit, @value{GDBN} will
924 first attempt to attach to it as a process, and if that fails, attempt
925 to open it as a corefile. If you have a corefile whose name begins with
926 a digit, you can prevent @value{GDBN} from treating it as a pid by
927 prefixing it with @file{./}, e.g.@: @file{./12345}.
928
929 If @value{GDBN} has not been configured to included core file support,
930 such as for most embedded targets, then it will complain about a second
931 argument and ignore it.
932
933 Many options have both long and short forms; both are shown in the
934 following list. @value{GDBN} also recognizes the long forms if you truncate
935 them, so long as enough of the option is present to be unambiguous.
936 (If you prefer, you can flag option arguments with @samp{--} rather
937 than @samp{-}, though we illustrate the more usual convention.)
938
939 @c NOTE: the @cindex entries here use double dashes ON PURPOSE. This
940 @c way, both those who look for -foo and --foo in the index, will find
941 @c it.
942
943 @table @code
944 @item -symbols @var{file}
945 @itemx -s @var{file}
946 @cindex @code{--symbols}
947 @cindex @code{-s}
948 Read symbol table from file @var{file}.
949
950 @item -exec @var{file}
951 @itemx -e @var{file}
952 @cindex @code{--exec}
953 @cindex @code{-e}
954 Use file @var{file} as the executable file to execute when appropriate,
955 and for examining pure data in conjunction with a core dump.
956
957 @item -se @var{file}
958 @cindex @code{--se}
959 Read symbol table from file @var{file} and use it as the executable
960 file.
961
962 @item -core @var{file}
963 @itemx -c @var{file}
964 @cindex @code{--core}
965 @cindex @code{-c}
966 Use file @var{file} as a core dump to examine.
967
968 @item -pid @var{number}
969 @itemx -p @var{number}
970 @cindex @code{--pid}
971 @cindex @code{-p}
972 Connect to process ID @var{number}, as with the @code{attach} command.
973
974 @item -command @var{file}
975 @itemx -x @var{file}
976 @cindex @code{--command}
977 @cindex @code{-x}
978 Execute commands from file @var{file}. The contents of this file is
979 evaluated exactly as the @code{source} command would.
980 @xref{Command Files,, Command files}.
981
982 @item -eval-command @var{command}
983 @itemx -ex @var{command}
984 @cindex @code{--eval-command}
985 @cindex @code{-ex}
986 Execute a single @value{GDBN} command.
987
988 This option may be used multiple times to call multiple commands. It may
989 also be interleaved with @samp{-command} as required.
990
991 @smallexample
992 @value{GDBP} -ex 'target sim' -ex 'load' \
993 -x setbreakpoints -ex 'run' a.out
994 @end smallexample
995
996 @item -init-command @var{file}
997 @itemx -ix @var{file}
998 @cindex @code{--init-command}
999 @cindex @code{-ix}
1000 Execute commands from file @var{file} before loading gdbinit files or the
1001 inferior.
1002 @xref{Startup}.
1003
1004 @item -init-eval-command @var{command}
1005 @itemx -iex @var{command}
1006 @cindex @code{--init-eval-command}
1007 @cindex @code{-iex}
1008 Execute a single @value{GDBN} command before loading gdbinit files or the
1009 inferior.
1010 @xref{Startup}.
1011
1012 @item -directory @var{directory}
1013 @itemx -d @var{directory}
1014 @cindex @code{--directory}
1015 @cindex @code{-d}
1016 Add @var{directory} to the path to search for source and script files.
1017
1018 @item -r
1019 @itemx -readnow
1020 @cindex @code{--readnow}
1021 @cindex @code{-r}
1022 Read each symbol file's entire symbol table immediately, rather than
1023 the default, which is to read it incrementally as it is needed.
1024 This makes startup slower, but makes future operations faster.
1025
1026 @end table
1027
1028 @node Mode Options
1029 @subsection Choosing Modes
1030
1031 You can run @value{GDBN} in various alternative modes---for example, in
1032 batch mode or quiet mode.
1033
1034 @table @code
1035 @anchor{-nx}
1036 @item -nx
1037 @itemx -n
1038 @cindex @code{--nx}
1039 @cindex @code{-n}
1040 Do not execute commands found in any initialization files. Normally,
1041 @value{GDBN} executes the commands in these files after all the command
1042 options and arguments have been processed. @xref{Command Files,,Command
1043 Files}.
1044
1045 @item -quiet
1046 @itemx -silent
1047 @itemx -q
1048 @cindex @code{--quiet}
1049 @cindex @code{--silent}
1050 @cindex @code{-q}
1051 ``Quiet''. Do not print the introductory and copyright messages. These
1052 messages are also suppressed in batch mode.
1053
1054 @item -batch
1055 @cindex @code{--batch}
1056 Run in batch mode. Exit with status @code{0} after processing all the
1057 command files specified with @samp{-x} (and all commands from
1058 initialization files, if not inhibited with @samp{-n}). Exit with
1059 nonzero status if an error occurs in executing the @value{GDBN} commands
1060 in the command files. Batch mode also disables pagination, sets unlimited
1061 terminal width and height @pxref{Screen Size}, and acts as if @kbd{set confirm
1062 off} were in effect (@pxref{Messages/Warnings}).
1063
1064 Batch mode may be useful for running @value{GDBN} as a filter, for
1065 example to download and run a program on another computer; in order to
1066 make this more useful, the message
1067
1068 @smallexample
1069 Program exited normally.
1070 @end smallexample
1071
1072 @noindent
1073 (which is ordinarily issued whenever a program running under
1074 @value{GDBN} control terminates) is not issued when running in batch
1075 mode.
1076
1077 @item -batch-silent
1078 @cindex @code{--batch-silent}
1079 Run in batch mode exactly like @samp{-batch}, but totally silently. All
1080 @value{GDBN} output to @code{stdout} is prevented (@code{stderr} is
1081 unaffected). This is much quieter than @samp{-silent} and would be useless
1082 for an interactive session.
1083
1084 This is particularly useful when using targets that give @samp{Loading section}
1085 messages, for example.
1086
1087 Note that targets that give their output via @value{GDBN}, as opposed to
1088 writing directly to @code{stdout}, will also be made silent.
1089
1090 @item -return-child-result
1091 @cindex @code{--return-child-result}
1092 The return code from @value{GDBN} will be the return code from the child
1093 process (the process being debugged), with the following exceptions:
1094
1095 @itemize @bullet
1096 @item
1097 @value{GDBN} exits abnormally. E.g., due to an incorrect argument or an
1098 internal error. In this case the exit code is the same as it would have been
1099 without @samp{-return-child-result}.
1100 @item
1101 The user quits with an explicit value. E.g., @samp{quit 1}.
1102 @item
1103 The child process never runs, or is not allowed to terminate, in which case
1104 the exit code will be -1.
1105 @end itemize
1106
1107 This option is useful in conjunction with @samp{-batch} or @samp{-batch-silent},
1108 when @value{GDBN} is being used as a remote program loader or simulator
1109 interface.
1110
1111 @item -nowindows
1112 @itemx -nw
1113 @cindex @code{--nowindows}
1114 @cindex @code{-nw}
1115 ``No windows''. If @value{GDBN} comes with a graphical user interface
1116 (GUI) built in, then this option tells @value{GDBN} to only use the command-line
1117 interface. If no GUI is available, this option has no effect.
1118
1119 @item -windows
1120 @itemx -w
1121 @cindex @code{--windows}
1122 @cindex @code{-w}
1123 If @value{GDBN} includes a GUI, then this option requires it to be
1124 used if possible.
1125
1126 @item -cd @var{directory}
1127 @cindex @code{--cd}
1128 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its working directory,
1129 instead of the current directory.
1130
1131 @item -data-directory @var{directory}
1132 @cindex @code{--data-directory}
1133 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its data directory.
1134 The data directory is where @value{GDBN} searches for its
1135 auxiliary files. @xref{Data Files}.
1136
1137 @item -fullname
1138 @itemx -f
1139 @cindex @code{--fullname}
1140 @cindex @code{-f}
1141 @sc{gnu} Emacs sets this option when it runs @value{GDBN} as a
1142 subprocess. It tells @value{GDBN} to output the full file name and line
1143 number in a standard, recognizable fashion each time a stack frame is
1144 displayed (which includes each time your program stops). This
1145 recognizable format looks like two @samp{\032} characters, followed by
1146 the file name, line number and character position separated by colons,
1147 and a newline. The Emacs-to-@value{GDBN} interface program uses the two
1148 @samp{\032} characters as a signal to display the source code for the
1149 frame.
1150
1151 @item -epoch
1152 @cindex @code{--epoch}
1153 The Epoch Emacs-@value{GDBN} interface sets this option when it runs
1154 @value{GDBN} as a subprocess. It tells @value{GDBN} to modify its print
1155 routines so as to allow Epoch to display values of expressions in a
1156 separate window.
1157
1158 @item -annotate @var{level}
1159 @cindex @code{--annotate}
1160 This option sets the @dfn{annotation level} inside @value{GDBN}. Its
1161 effect is identical to using @samp{set annotate @var{level}}
1162 (@pxref{Annotations}). The annotation @var{level} controls how much
1163 information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt, values of
1164 expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0 is the
1165 normal, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a subprocess of
1166 @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable for programs
1167 that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 has been deprecated.
1168
1169 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
1170 (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
1171
1172 @item --args
1173 @cindex @code{--args}
1174 Change interpretation of command line so that arguments following the
1175 executable file are passed as command line arguments to the inferior.
1176 This option stops option processing.
1177
1178 @item -baud @var{bps}
1179 @itemx -b @var{bps}
1180 @cindex @code{--baud}
1181 @cindex @code{-b}
1182 Set the line speed (baud rate or bits per second) of any serial
1183 interface used by @value{GDBN} for remote debugging.
1184
1185 @item -l @var{timeout}
1186 @cindex @code{-l}
1187 Set the timeout (in seconds) of any communication used by @value{GDBN}
1188 for remote debugging.
1189
1190 @item -tty @var{device}
1191 @itemx -t @var{device}
1192 @cindex @code{--tty}
1193 @cindex @code{-t}
1194 Run using @var{device} for your program's standard input and output.
1195 @c FIXME: kingdon thinks there is more to -tty. Investigate.
1196
1197 @c resolve the situation of these eventually
1198 @item -tui
1199 @cindex @code{--tui}
1200 Activate the @dfn{Text User Interface} when starting. The Text User
1201 Interface manages several text windows on the terminal, showing
1202 source, assembly, registers and @value{GDBN} command outputs
1203 (@pxref{TUI, ,@value{GDBN} Text User Interface}). Do not use this
1204 option if you run @value{GDBN} from Emacs (@pxref{Emacs, ,
1205 Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}).
1206
1207 @c @item -xdb
1208 @c @cindex @code{--xdb}
1209 @c Run in XDB compatibility mode, allowing the use of certain XDB commands.
1210 @c For information, see the file @file{xdb_trans.html}, which is usually
1211 @c installed in the directory @code{/opt/langtools/wdb/doc} on HP-UX
1212 @c systems.
1213
1214 @item -interpreter @var{interp}
1215 @cindex @code{--interpreter}
1216 Use the interpreter @var{interp} for interface with the controlling
1217 program or device. This option is meant to be set by programs which
1218 communicate with @value{GDBN} using it as a back end.
1219 @xref{Interpreters, , Command Interpreters}.
1220
1221 @samp{--interpreter=mi} (or @samp{--interpreter=mi2}) causes
1222 @value{GDBN} to use the @dfn{@sc{gdb/mi} interface} (@pxref{GDB/MI, ,
1223 The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}) included since @value{GDBN} version 6.0. The
1224 previous @sc{gdb/mi} interface, included in @value{GDBN} version 5.3 and
1225 selected with @samp{--interpreter=mi1}, is deprecated. Earlier
1226 @sc{gdb/mi} interfaces are no longer supported.
1227
1228 @item -write
1229 @cindex @code{--write}
1230 Open the executable and core files for both reading and writing. This
1231 is equivalent to the @samp{set write on} command inside @value{GDBN}
1232 (@pxref{Patching}).
1233
1234 @item -statistics
1235 @cindex @code{--statistics}
1236 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print statistics about time and
1237 memory usage after it completes each command and returns to the prompt.
1238
1239 @item -version
1240 @cindex @code{--version}
1241 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print its version number and
1242 no-warranty blurb, and exit.
1243
1244 @item -use-deprecated-index-sections
1245 @cindex @code{--use-deprecated-index-sections}
1246 This option causes @value{GDBN} to read and use deprecated
1247 @samp{.gdb_index} sections from symbol files. This can speed up
1248 startup, but may result in some functionality being lost.
1249 @xref{Index Section Format}.
1250
1251 @end table
1252
1253 @node Startup
1254 @subsection What @value{GDBN} Does During Startup
1255 @cindex @value{GDBN} startup
1256
1257 Here's the description of what @value{GDBN} does during session startup:
1258
1259 @enumerate
1260 @item
1261 Sets up the command interpreter as specified by the command line
1262 (@pxref{Mode Options, interpreter}).
1263
1264 @anchor{Option -init-eval-command}
1265 @item
1266 Executes commands and command files specified by the @samp{-iex} and
1267 @samp{-ix} options in their specified order. Usually you should use the
1268 @samp{-ex} and @samp{-x} options instead, but this way you can apply
1269 settings before @value{GDBN} init files get executed and before inferior
1270 gets loaded.
1271
1272 @item
1273 @cindex init file
1274 Reads the system-wide @dfn{init file} (if @option{--with-system-gdbinit} was
1275 used when building @value{GDBN}; @pxref{System-wide configuration,
1276 ,System-wide configuration and settings}) and executes all the commands in
1277 that file.
1278
1279 @anchor{Home Directory Init File}
1280 @item
1281 Reads the init file (if any) in your home directory@footnote{On
1282 DOS/Windows systems, the home directory is the one pointed to by the
1283 @code{HOME} environment variable.} and executes all the commands in
1284 that file.
1285
1286 @item
1287 Processes command line options and operands.
1288
1289 @anchor{Init File in the Current Directory during Startup}
1290 @item
1291 Reads and executes the commands from init file (if any) in the current
1292 working directory as long as @samp{set auto-load local-gdbinit} is set to
1293 @samp{on} (@pxref{Init File in the Current Directory}).
1294 This is only done if the current directory is
1295 different from your home directory. Thus, you can have more than one
1296 init file, one generic in your home directory, and another, specific
1297 to the program you are debugging, in the directory where you invoke
1298 @value{GDBN}.
1299
1300 @item
1301 If the command line specified a program to debug, or a process to
1302 attach to, or a core file, @value{GDBN} loads any auto-loaded
1303 scripts provided for the program or for its loaded shared libraries.
1304 @xref{Auto-loading}.
1305
1306 If you wish to disable the auto-loading during startup,
1307 you must do something like the following:
1308
1309 @smallexample
1310 $ gdb -iex "set auto-load python-scripts off" myprogram
1311 @end smallexample
1312
1313 Option @samp{-ex} does not work because the auto-loading is then turned
1314 off too late.
1315
1316 @item
1317 Executes commands and command files specified by the @samp{-ex} and
1318 @samp{-x} options in their specified order. @xref{Command Files}, for
1319 more details about @value{GDBN} command files.
1320
1321 @item
1322 Reads the command history recorded in the @dfn{history file}.
1323 @xref{Command History}, for more details about the command history and the
1324 files where @value{GDBN} records it.
1325 @end enumerate
1326
1327 Init files use the same syntax as @dfn{command files} (@pxref{Command
1328 Files}) and are processed by @value{GDBN} in the same way. The init
1329 file in your home directory can set options (such as @samp{set
1330 complaints}) that affect subsequent processing of command line options
1331 and operands. Init files are not executed if you use the @samp{-nx}
1332 option (@pxref{Mode Options, ,Choosing Modes}).
1333
1334 To display the list of init files loaded by gdb at startup, you
1335 can use @kbd{gdb --help}.
1336
1337 @cindex init file name
1338 @cindex @file{.gdbinit}
1339 @cindex @file{gdb.ini}
1340 The @value{GDBN} init files are normally called @file{.gdbinit}.
1341 The DJGPP port of @value{GDBN} uses the name @file{gdb.ini}, due to
1342 the limitations of file names imposed by DOS filesystems. The Windows
1343 ports of @value{GDBN} use the standard name, but if they find a
1344 @file{gdb.ini} file, they warn you about that and suggest to rename
1345 the file to the standard name.
1346
1347
1348 @node Quitting GDB
1349 @section Quitting @value{GDBN}
1350 @cindex exiting @value{GDBN}
1351 @cindex leaving @value{GDBN}
1352
1353 @table @code
1354 @kindex quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1355 @kindex q @r{(@code{quit})}
1356 @item quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1357 @itemx q
1358 To exit @value{GDBN}, use the @code{quit} command (abbreviated
1359 @code{q}), or type an end-of-file character (usually @kbd{Ctrl-d}). If you
1360 do not supply @var{expression}, @value{GDBN} will terminate normally;
1361 otherwise it will terminate using the result of @var{expression} as the
1362 error code.
1363 @end table
1364
1365 @cindex interrupt
1366 An interrupt (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}) does not exit from @value{GDBN}, but rather
1367 terminates the action of any @value{GDBN} command that is in progress and
1368 returns to @value{GDBN} command level. It is safe to type the interrupt
1369 character at any time because @value{GDBN} does not allow it to take effect
1370 until a time when it is safe.
1371
1372 If you have been using @value{GDBN} to control an attached process or
1373 device, you can release it with the @code{detach} command
1374 (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running Process}).
1375
1376 @node Shell Commands
1377 @section Shell Commands
1378
1379 If you need to execute occasional shell commands during your
1380 debugging session, there is no need to leave or suspend @value{GDBN}; you can
1381 just use the @code{shell} command.
1382
1383 @table @code
1384 @kindex shell
1385 @kindex !
1386 @cindex shell escape
1387 @item shell @var{command-string}
1388 @itemx !@var{command-string}
1389 Invoke a standard shell to execute @var{command-string}.
1390 Note that no space is needed between @code{!} and @var{command-string}.
1391 If it exists, the environment variable @code{SHELL} determines which
1392 shell to run. Otherwise @value{GDBN} uses the default shell
1393 (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix systems, @file{COMMAND.COM} on MS-DOS, etc.).
1394 @end table
1395
1396 The utility @code{make} is often needed in development environments.
1397 You do not have to use the @code{shell} command for this purpose in
1398 @value{GDBN}:
1399
1400 @table @code
1401 @kindex make
1402 @cindex calling make
1403 @item make @var{make-args}
1404 Execute the @code{make} program with the specified
1405 arguments. This is equivalent to @samp{shell make @var{make-args}}.
1406 @end table
1407
1408 @node Logging Output
1409 @section Logging Output
1410 @cindex logging @value{GDBN} output
1411 @cindex save @value{GDBN} output to a file
1412
1413 You may want to save the output of @value{GDBN} commands to a file.
1414 There are several commands to control @value{GDBN}'s logging.
1415
1416 @table @code
1417 @kindex set logging
1418 @item set logging on
1419 Enable logging.
1420 @item set logging off
1421 Disable logging.
1422 @cindex logging file name
1423 @item set logging file @var{file}
1424 Change the name of the current logfile. The default logfile is @file{gdb.txt}.
1425 @item set logging overwrite [on|off]
1426 By default, @value{GDBN} will append to the logfile. Set @code{overwrite} if
1427 you want @code{set logging on} to overwrite the logfile instead.
1428 @item set logging redirect [on|off]
1429 By default, @value{GDBN} output will go to both the terminal and the logfile.
1430 Set @code{redirect} if you want output to go only to the log file.
1431 @kindex show logging
1432 @item show logging
1433 Show the current values of the logging settings.
1434 @end table
1435
1436 @node Commands
1437 @chapter @value{GDBN} Commands
1438
1439 You can abbreviate a @value{GDBN} command to the first few letters of the command
1440 name, if that abbreviation is unambiguous; and you can repeat certain
1441 @value{GDBN} commands by typing just @key{RET}. You can also use the @key{TAB}
1442 key to get @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest of a word in a command (or to
1443 show you the alternatives available, if there is more than one possibility).
1444
1445 @menu
1446 * Command Syntax:: How to give commands to @value{GDBN}
1447 * Completion:: Command completion
1448 * Help:: How to ask @value{GDBN} for help
1449 @end menu
1450
1451 @node Command Syntax
1452 @section Command Syntax
1453
1454 A @value{GDBN} command is a single line of input. There is no limit on
1455 how long it can be. It starts with a command name, which is followed by
1456 arguments whose meaning depends on the command name. For example, the
1457 command @code{step} accepts an argument which is the number of times to
1458 step, as in @samp{step 5}. You can also use the @code{step} command
1459 with no arguments. Some commands do not allow any arguments.
1460
1461 @cindex abbreviation
1462 @value{GDBN} command names may always be truncated if that abbreviation is
1463 unambiguous. Other possible command abbreviations are listed in the
1464 documentation for individual commands. In some cases, even ambiguous
1465 abbreviations are allowed; for example, @code{s} is specially defined as
1466 equivalent to @code{step} even though there are other commands whose
1467 names start with @code{s}. You can test abbreviations by using them as
1468 arguments to the @code{help} command.
1469
1470 @cindex repeating commands
1471 @kindex RET @r{(repeat last command)}
1472 A blank line as input to @value{GDBN} (typing just @key{RET}) means to
1473 repeat the previous command. Certain commands (for example, @code{run})
1474 will not repeat this way; these are commands whose unintentional
1475 repetition might cause trouble and which you are unlikely to want to
1476 repeat. User-defined commands can disable this feature; see
1477 @ref{Define, dont-repeat}.
1478
1479 The @code{list} and @code{x} commands, when you repeat them with
1480 @key{RET}, construct new arguments rather than repeating
1481 exactly as typed. This permits easy scanning of source or memory.
1482
1483 @value{GDBN} can also use @key{RET} in another way: to partition lengthy
1484 output, in a way similar to the common utility @code{more}
1485 (@pxref{Screen Size,,Screen Size}). Since it is easy to press one
1486 @key{RET} too many in this situation, @value{GDBN} disables command
1487 repetition after any command that generates this sort of display.
1488
1489 @kindex # @r{(a comment)}
1490 @cindex comment
1491 Any text from a @kbd{#} to the end of the line is a comment; it does
1492 nothing. This is useful mainly in command files (@pxref{Command
1493 Files,,Command Files}).
1494
1495 @cindex repeating command sequences
1496 @kindex Ctrl-o @r{(operate-and-get-next)}
1497 The @kbd{Ctrl-o} binding is useful for repeating a complex sequence of
1498 commands. This command accepts the current line, like @key{RET}, and
1499 then fetches the next line relative to the current line from the history
1500 for editing.
1501
1502 @node Completion
1503 @section Command Completion
1504
1505 @cindex completion
1506 @cindex word completion
1507 @value{GDBN} can fill in the rest of a word in a command for you, if there is
1508 only one possibility; it can also show you what the valid possibilities
1509 are for the next word in a command, at any time. This works for @value{GDBN}
1510 commands, @value{GDBN} subcommands, and the names of symbols in your program.
1511
1512 Press the @key{TAB} key whenever you want @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest
1513 of a word. If there is only one possibility, @value{GDBN} fills in the
1514 word, and waits for you to finish the command (or press @key{RET} to
1515 enter it). For example, if you type
1516
1517 @c FIXME "@key" does not distinguish its argument sufficiently to permit
1518 @c complete accuracy in these examples; space introduced for clarity.
1519 @c If texinfo enhancements make it unnecessary, it would be nice to
1520 @c replace " @key" by "@key" in the following...
1521 @smallexample
1522 (@value{GDBP}) info bre @key{TAB}
1523 @end smallexample
1524
1525 @noindent
1526 @value{GDBN} fills in the rest of the word @samp{breakpoints}, since that is
1527 the only @code{info} subcommand beginning with @samp{bre}:
1528
1529 @smallexample
1530 (@value{GDBP}) info breakpoints
1531 @end smallexample
1532
1533 @noindent
1534 You can either press @key{RET} at this point, to run the @code{info
1535 breakpoints} command, or backspace and enter something else, if
1536 @samp{breakpoints} does not look like the command you expected. (If you
1537 were sure you wanted @code{info breakpoints} in the first place, you
1538 might as well just type @key{RET} immediately after @samp{info bre},
1539 to exploit command abbreviations rather than command completion).
1540
1541 If there is more than one possibility for the next word when you press
1542 @key{TAB}, @value{GDBN} sounds a bell. You can either supply more
1543 characters and try again, or just press @key{TAB} a second time;
1544 @value{GDBN} displays all the possible completions for that word. For
1545 example, you might want to set a breakpoint on a subroutine whose name
1546 begins with @samp{make_}, but when you type @kbd{b make_@key{TAB}} @value{GDBN}
1547 just sounds the bell. Typing @key{TAB} again displays all the
1548 function names in your program that begin with those characters, for
1549 example:
1550
1551 @smallexample
1552 (@value{GDBP}) b make_ @key{TAB}
1553 @exdent @value{GDBN} sounds bell; press @key{TAB} again, to see:
1554 make_a_section_from_file make_environ
1555 make_abs_section make_function_type
1556 make_blockvector make_pointer_type
1557 make_cleanup make_reference_type
1558 make_command make_symbol_completion_list
1559 (@value{GDBP}) b make_
1560 @end smallexample
1561
1562 @noindent
1563 After displaying the available possibilities, @value{GDBN} copies your
1564 partial input (@samp{b make_} in the example) so you can finish the
1565 command.
1566
1567 If you just want to see the list of alternatives in the first place, you
1568 can press @kbd{M-?} rather than pressing @key{TAB} twice. @kbd{M-?}
1569 means @kbd{@key{META} ?}. You can type this either by holding down a
1570 key designated as the @key{META} shift on your keyboard (if there is
1571 one) while typing @kbd{?}, or as @key{ESC} followed by @kbd{?}.
1572
1573 @cindex quotes in commands
1574 @cindex completion of quoted strings
1575 Sometimes the string you need, while logically a ``word'', may contain
1576 parentheses or other characters that @value{GDBN} normally excludes from
1577 its notion of a word. To permit word completion to work in this
1578 situation, you may enclose words in @code{'} (single quote marks) in
1579 @value{GDBN} commands.
1580
1581 The most likely situation where you might need this is in typing the
1582 name of a C@t{++} function. This is because C@t{++} allows function
1583 overloading (multiple definitions of the same function, distinguished
1584 by argument type). For example, when you want to set a breakpoint you
1585 may need to distinguish whether you mean the version of @code{name}
1586 that takes an @code{int} parameter, @code{name(int)}, or the version
1587 that takes a @code{float} parameter, @code{name(float)}. To use the
1588 word-completion facilities in this situation, type a single quote
1589 @code{'} at the beginning of the function name. This alerts
1590 @value{GDBN} that it may need to consider more information than usual
1591 when you press @key{TAB} or @kbd{M-?} to request word completion:
1592
1593 @smallexample
1594 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble( @kbd{M-?}
1595 bubble(double,double) bubble(int,int)
1596 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
1597 @end smallexample
1598
1599 In some cases, @value{GDBN} can tell that completing a name requires using
1600 quotes. When this happens, @value{GDBN} inserts the quote for you (while
1601 completing as much as it can) if you do not type the quote in the first
1602 place:
1603
1604 @smallexample
1605 (@value{GDBP}) b bub @key{TAB}
1606 @exdent @value{GDBN} alters your input line to the following, and rings a bell:
1607 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
1608 @end smallexample
1609
1610 @noindent
1611 In general, @value{GDBN} can tell that a quote is needed (and inserts it) if
1612 you have not yet started typing the argument list when you ask for
1613 completion on an overloaded symbol.
1614
1615 For more information about overloaded functions, see @ref{C Plus Plus
1616 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}. You can use the command @code{set
1617 overload-resolution off} to disable overload resolution;
1618 see @ref{Debugging C Plus Plus, ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
1619
1620 @cindex completion of structure field names
1621 @cindex structure field name completion
1622 @cindex completion of union field names
1623 @cindex union field name completion
1624 When completing in an expression which looks up a field in a
1625 structure, @value{GDBN} also tries@footnote{The completer can be
1626 confused by certain kinds of invalid expressions. Also, it only
1627 examines the static type of the expression, not the dynamic type.} to
1628 limit completions to the field names available in the type of the
1629 left-hand-side:
1630
1631 @smallexample
1632 (@value{GDBP}) p gdb_stdout.@kbd{M-?}
1633 magic to_fputs to_rewind
1634 to_data to_isatty to_write
1635 to_delete to_put to_write_async_safe
1636 to_flush to_read
1637 @end smallexample
1638
1639 @noindent
1640 This is because the @code{gdb_stdout} is a variable of the type
1641 @code{struct ui_file} that is defined in @value{GDBN} sources as
1642 follows:
1643
1644 @smallexample
1645 struct ui_file
1646 @{
1647 int *magic;
1648 ui_file_flush_ftype *to_flush;
1649 ui_file_write_ftype *to_write;
1650 ui_file_write_async_safe_ftype *to_write_async_safe;
1651 ui_file_fputs_ftype *to_fputs;
1652 ui_file_read_ftype *to_read;
1653 ui_file_delete_ftype *to_delete;
1654 ui_file_isatty_ftype *to_isatty;
1655 ui_file_rewind_ftype *to_rewind;
1656 ui_file_put_ftype *to_put;
1657 void *to_data;
1658 @}
1659 @end smallexample
1660
1661
1662 @node Help
1663 @section Getting Help
1664 @cindex online documentation
1665 @kindex help
1666
1667 You can always ask @value{GDBN} itself for information on its commands,
1668 using the command @code{help}.
1669
1670 @table @code
1671 @kindex h @r{(@code{help})}
1672 @item help
1673 @itemx h
1674 You can use @code{help} (abbreviated @code{h}) with no arguments to
1675 display a short list of named classes of commands:
1676
1677 @smallexample
1678 (@value{GDBP}) help
1679 List of classes of commands:
1680
1681 aliases -- Aliases of other commands
1682 breakpoints -- Making program stop at certain points
1683 data -- Examining data
1684 files -- Specifying and examining files
1685 internals -- Maintenance commands
1686 obscure -- Obscure features
1687 running -- Running the program
1688 stack -- Examining the stack
1689 status -- Status inquiries
1690 support -- Support facilities
1691 tracepoints -- Tracing of program execution without
1692 stopping the program
1693 user-defined -- User-defined commands
1694
1695 Type "help" followed by a class name for a list of
1696 commands in that class.
1697 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1698 documentation.
1699 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1700 (@value{GDBP})
1701 @end smallexample
1702 @c the above line break eliminates huge line overfull...
1703
1704 @item help @var{class}
1705 Using one of the general help classes as an argument, you can get a
1706 list of the individual commands in that class. For example, here is the
1707 help display for the class @code{status}:
1708
1709 @smallexample
1710 (@value{GDBP}) help status
1711 Status inquiries.
1712
1713 List of commands:
1714
1715 @c Line break in "show" line falsifies real output, but needed
1716 @c to fit in smallbook page size.
1717 info -- Generic command for showing things
1718 about the program being debugged
1719 show -- Generic command for showing things
1720 about the debugger
1721
1722 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1723 documentation.
1724 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1725 (@value{GDBP})
1726 @end smallexample
1727
1728 @item help @var{command}
1729 With a command name as @code{help} argument, @value{GDBN} displays a
1730 short paragraph on how to use that command.
1731
1732 @kindex apropos
1733 @item apropos @var{args}
1734 The @code{apropos} command searches through all of the @value{GDBN}
1735 commands, and their documentation, for the regular expression specified in
1736 @var{args}. It prints out all matches found. For example:
1737
1738 @smallexample
1739 apropos alias
1740 @end smallexample
1741
1742 @noindent
1743 results in:
1744
1745 @smallexample
1746 @c @group
1747 alias -- Define a new command that is an alias of an existing command
1748 aliases -- Aliases of other commands
1749 d -- Delete some breakpoints or auto-display expressions
1750 del -- Delete some breakpoints or auto-display expressions
1751 delete -- Delete some breakpoints or auto-display expressions
1752 @c @end group
1753 @end smallexample
1754
1755 @kindex complete
1756 @item complete @var{args}
1757 The @code{complete @var{args}} command lists all the possible completions
1758 for the beginning of a command. Use @var{args} to specify the beginning of the
1759 command you want completed. For example:
1760
1761 @smallexample
1762 complete i
1763 @end smallexample
1764
1765 @noindent results in:
1766
1767 @smallexample
1768 @group
1769 if
1770 ignore
1771 info
1772 inspect
1773 @end group
1774 @end smallexample
1775
1776 @noindent This is intended for use by @sc{gnu} Emacs.
1777 @end table
1778
1779 In addition to @code{help}, you can use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{info}
1780 and @code{show} to inquire about the state of your program, or the state
1781 of @value{GDBN} itself. Each command supports many topics of inquiry; this
1782 manual introduces each of them in the appropriate context. The listings
1783 under @code{info} and under @code{show} in the Index point to
1784 all the sub-commands. @xref{Index}.
1785
1786 @c @group
1787 @table @code
1788 @kindex info
1789 @kindex i @r{(@code{info})}
1790 @item info
1791 This command (abbreviated @code{i}) is for describing the state of your
1792 program. For example, you can show the arguments passed to a function
1793 with @code{info args}, list the registers currently in use with @code{info
1794 registers}, or list the breakpoints you have set with @code{info breakpoints}.
1795 You can get a complete list of the @code{info} sub-commands with
1796 @w{@code{help info}}.
1797
1798 @kindex set
1799 @item set
1800 You can assign the result of an expression to an environment variable with
1801 @code{set}. For example, you can set the @value{GDBN} prompt to a $-sign with
1802 @code{set prompt $}.
1803
1804 @kindex show
1805 @item show
1806 In contrast to @code{info}, @code{show} is for describing the state of
1807 @value{GDBN} itself.
1808 You can change most of the things you can @code{show}, by using the
1809 related command @code{set}; for example, you can control what number
1810 system is used for displays with @code{set radix}, or simply inquire
1811 which is currently in use with @code{show radix}.
1812
1813 @kindex info set
1814 To display all the settable parameters and their current
1815 values, you can use @code{show} with no arguments; you may also use
1816 @code{info set}. Both commands produce the same display.
1817 @c FIXME: "info set" violates the rule that "info" is for state of
1818 @c FIXME...program. Ck w/ GNU: "info set" to be called something else,
1819 @c FIXME...or change desc of rule---eg "state of prog and debugging session"?
1820 @end table
1821 @c @end group
1822
1823 Here are three miscellaneous @code{show} subcommands, all of which are
1824 exceptional in lacking corresponding @code{set} commands:
1825
1826 @table @code
1827 @kindex show version
1828 @cindex @value{GDBN} version number
1829 @item show version
1830 Show what version of @value{GDBN} is running. You should include this
1831 information in @value{GDBN} bug-reports. If multiple versions of
1832 @value{GDBN} are in use at your site, you may need to determine which
1833 version of @value{GDBN} you are running; as @value{GDBN} evolves, new
1834 commands are introduced, and old ones may wither away. Also, many
1835 system vendors ship variant versions of @value{GDBN}, and there are
1836 variant versions of @value{GDBN} in @sc{gnu}/Linux distributions as well.
1837 The version number is the same as the one announced when you start
1838 @value{GDBN}.
1839
1840 @kindex show copying
1841 @kindex info copying
1842 @cindex display @value{GDBN} copyright
1843 @item show copying
1844 @itemx info copying
1845 Display information about permission for copying @value{GDBN}.
1846
1847 @kindex show warranty
1848 @kindex info warranty
1849 @item show warranty
1850 @itemx info warranty
1851 Display the @sc{gnu} ``NO WARRANTY'' statement, or a warranty,
1852 if your version of @value{GDBN} comes with one.
1853
1854 @end table
1855
1856 @node Running
1857 @chapter Running Programs Under @value{GDBN}
1858
1859 When you run a program under @value{GDBN}, you must first generate
1860 debugging information when you compile it.
1861
1862 You may start @value{GDBN} with its arguments, if any, in an environment
1863 of your choice. If you are doing native debugging, you may redirect
1864 your program's input and output, debug an already running process, or
1865 kill a child process.
1866
1867 @menu
1868 * Compilation:: Compiling for debugging
1869 * Starting:: Starting your program
1870 * Arguments:: Your program's arguments
1871 * Environment:: Your program's environment
1872
1873 * Working Directory:: Your program's working directory
1874 * Input/Output:: Your program's input and output
1875 * Attach:: Debugging an already-running process
1876 * Kill Process:: Killing the child process
1877
1878 * Inferiors and Programs:: Debugging multiple inferiors and programs
1879 * Threads:: Debugging programs with multiple threads
1880 * Forks:: Debugging forks
1881 * Checkpoint/Restart:: Setting a @emph{bookmark} to return to later
1882 @end menu
1883
1884 @node Compilation
1885 @section Compiling for Debugging
1886
1887 In order to debug a program effectively, you need to generate
1888 debugging information when you compile it. This debugging information
1889 is stored in the object file; it describes the data type of each
1890 variable or function and the correspondence between source line numbers
1891 and addresses in the executable code.
1892
1893 To request debugging information, specify the @samp{-g} option when you run
1894 the compiler.
1895
1896 Programs that are to be shipped to your customers are compiled with
1897 optimizations, using the @samp{-O} compiler option. However, some
1898 compilers are unable to handle the @samp{-g} and @samp{-O} options
1899 together. Using those compilers, you cannot generate optimized
1900 executables containing debugging information.
1901
1902 @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C/C@t{++} compiler, supports @samp{-g} with or
1903 without @samp{-O}, making it possible to debug optimized code. We
1904 recommend that you @emph{always} use @samp{-g} whenever you compile a
1905 program. You may think your program is correct, but there is no sense
1906 in pushing your luck. For more information, see @ref{Optimized Code}.
1907
1908 Older versions of the @sc{gnu} C compiler permitted a variant option
1909 @w{@samp{-gg}} for debugging information. @value{GDBN} no longer supports this
1910 format; if your @sc{gnu} C compiler has this option, do not use it.
1911
1912 @value{GDBN} knows about preprocessor macros and can show you their
1913 expansion (@pxref{Macros}). Most compilers do not include information
1914 about preprocessor macros in the debugging information if you specify
1915 the @option{-g} flag alone. Version 3.1 and later of @value{NGCC},
1916 the @sc{gnu} C compiler, provides macro information if you are using
1917 the DWARF debugging format, and specify the option @option{-g3}.
1918
1919 @xref{Debugging Options,,Options for Debugging Your Program or GCC,
1920 gcc.info, Using the @sc{gnu} Compiler Collection (GCC)}, for more
1921 information on @value{NGCC} options affecting debug information.
1922
1923 You will have the best debugging experience if you use the latest
1924 version of the DWARF debugging format that your compiler supports.
1925 DWARF is currently the most expressive and best supported debugging
1926 format in @value{GDBN}.
1927
1928 @need 2000
1929 @node Starting
1930 @section Starting your Program
1931 @cindex starting
1932 @cindex running
1933
1934 @table @code
1935 @kindex run
1936 @kindex r @r{(@code{run})}
1937 @item run
1938 @itemx r
1939 Use the @code{run} command to start your program under @value{GDBN}.
1940 You must first specify the program name (except on VxWorks) with an
1941 argument to @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Invocation, ,Getting In and Out of
1942 @value{GDBN}}), or by using the @code{file} or @code{exec-file} command
1943 (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
1944
1945 @end table
1946
1947 If you are running your program in an execution environment that
1948 supports processes, @code{run} creates an inferior process and makes
1949 that process run your program. In some environments without processes,
1950 @code{run} jumps to the start of your program. Other targets,
1951 like @samp{remote}, are always running. If you get an error
1952 message like this one:
1953
1954 @smallexample
1955 The "remote" target does not support "run".
1956 Try "help target" or "continue".
1957 @end smallexample
1958
1959 @noindent
1960 then use @code{continue} to run your program. You may need @code{load}
1961 first (@pxref{load}).
1962
1963 The execution of a program is affected by certain information it
1964 receives from its superior. @value{GDBN} provides ways to specify this
1965 information, which you must do @emph{before} starting your program. (You
1966 can change it after starting your program, but such changes only affect
1967 your program the next time you start it.) This information may be
1968 divided into four categories:
1969
1970 @table @asis
1971 @item The @emph{arguments.}
1972 Specify the arguments to give your program as the arguments of the
1973 @code{run} command. If a shell is available on your target, the shell
1974 is used to pass the arguments, so that you may use normal conventions
1975 (such as wildcard expansion or variable substitution) in describing
1976 the arguments.
1977 In Unix systems, you can control which shell is used with the
1978 @code{SHELL} environment variable.
1979 @xref{Arguments, ,Your Program's Arguments}.
1980
1981 @item The @emph{environment.}
1982 Your program normally inherits its environment from @value{GDBN}, but you can
1983 use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{set environment} and @code{unset
1984 environment} to change parts of the environment that affect
1985 your program. @xref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}.
1986
1987 @item The @emph{working directory.}
1988 Your program inherits its working directory from @value{GDBN}. You can set
1989 the @value{GDBN} working directory with the @code{cd} command in @value{GDBN}.
1990 @xref{Working Directory, ,Your Program's Working Directory}.
1991
1992 @item The @emph{standard input and output.}
1993 Your program normally uses the same device for standard input and
1994 standard output as @value{GDBN} is using. You can redirect input and output
1995 in the @code{run} command line, or you can use the @code{tty} command to
1996 set a different device for your program.
1997 @xref{Input/Output, ,Your Program's Input and Output}.
1998
1999 @cindex pipes
2000 @emph{Warning:} While input and output redirection work, you cannot use
2001 pipes to pass the output of the program you are debugging to another
2002 program; if you attempt this, @value{GDBN} is likely to wind up debugging the
2003 wrong program.
2004 @end table
2005
2006 When you issue the @code{run} command, your program begins to execute
2007 immediately. @xref{Stopping, ,Stopping and Continuing}, for discussion
2008 of how to arrange for your program to stop. Once your program has
2009 stopped, you may call functions in your program, using the @code{print}
2010 or @code{call} commands. @xref{Data, ,Examining Data}.
2011
2012 If the modification time of your symbol file has changed since the last
2013 time @value{GDBN} read its symbols, @value{GDBN} discards its symbol
2014 table, and reads it again. When it does this, @value{GDBN} tries to retain
2015 your current breakpoints.
2016
2017 @table @code
2018 @kindex start
2019 @item start
2020 @cindex run to main procedure
2021 The name of the main procedure can vary from language to language.
2022 With C or C@t{++}, the main procedure name is always @code{main}, but
2023 other languages such as Ada do not require a specific name for their
2024 main procedure. The debugger provides a convenient way to start the
2025 execution of the program and to stop at the beginning of the main
2026 procedure, depending on the language used.
2027
2028 The @samp{start} command does the equivalent of setting a temporary
2029 breakpoint at the beginning of the main procedure and then invoking
2030 the @samp{run} command.
2031
2032 @cindex elaboration phase
2033 Some programs contain an @dfn{elaboration} phase where some startup code is
2034 executed before the main procedure is called. This depends on the
2035 languages used to write your program. In C@t{++}, for instance,
2036 constructors for static and global objects are executed before
2037 @code{main} is called. It is therefore possible that the debugger stops
2038 before reaching the main procedure. However, the temporary breakpoint
2039 will remain to halt execution.
2040
2041 Specify the arguments to give to your program as arguments to the
2042 @samp{start} command. These arguments will be given verbatim to the
2043 underlying @samp{run} command. Note that the same arguments will be
2044 reused if no argument is provided during subsequent calls to
2045 @samp{start} or @samp{run}.
2046
2047 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration. In
2048 these cases, using the @code{start} command would stop the execution of
2049 your program too late, as the program would have already completed the
2050 elaboration phase. Under these circumstances, insert breakpoints in your
2051 elaboration code before running your program.
2052
2053 @kindex set exec-wrapper
2054 @item set exec-wrapper @var{wrapper}
2055 @itemx show exec-wrapper
2056 @itemx unset exec-wrapper
2057 When @samp{exec-wrapper} is set, the specified wrapper is used to
2058 launch programs for debugging. @value{GDBN} starts your program
2059 with a shell command of the form @kbd{exec @var{wrapper}
2060 @var{program}}. Quoting is added to @var{program} and its
2061 arguments, but not to @var{wrapper}, so you should add quotes if
2062 appropriate for your shell. The wrapper runs until it executes
2063 your program, and then @value{GDBN} takes control.
2064
2065 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
2066 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
2067 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
2068 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
2069
2070 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
2071 the debugged program, without setting the variable in your shell's
2072 environment:
2073
2074 @smallexample
2075 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper env 'LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so'
2076 (@value{GDBP}) run
2077 @end smallexample
2078
2079 This command is available when debugging locally on most targets, excluding
2080 @sc{djgpp}, Cygwin, MS Windows, and QNX Neutrino.
2081
2082 @kindex set disable-randomization
2083 @item set disable-randomization
2084 @itemx set disable-randomization on
2085 This option (enabled by default in @value{GDBN}) will turn off the native
2086 randomization of the virtual address space of the started program. This option
2087 is useful for multiple debugging sessions to make the execution better
2088 reproducible and memory addresses reusable across debugging sessions.
2089
2090 This feature is implemented only on certain targets, including @sc{gnu}/Linux.
2091 On @sc{gnu}/Linux you can get the same behavior using
2092
2093 @smallexample
2094 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper setarch `uname -m` -R
2095 @end smallexample
2096
2097 @item set disable-randomization off
2098 Leave the behavior of the started executable unchanged. Some bugs rear their
2099 ugly heads only when the program is loaded at certain addresses. If your bug
2100 disappears when you run the program under @value{GDBN}, that might be because
2101 @value{GDBN} by default disables the address randomization on platforms, such
2102 as @sc{gnu}/Linux, which do that for stand-alone programs. Use @kbd{set
2103 disable-randomization off} to try to reproduce such elusive bugs.
2104
2105 On targets where it is available, virtual address space randomization
2106 protects the programs against certain kinds of security attacks. In these
2107 cases the attacker needs to know the exact location of a concrete executable
2108 code. Randomizing its location makes it impossible to inject jumps misusing
2109 a code at its expected addresses.
2110
2111 Prelinking shared libraries provides a startup performance advantage but it
2112 makes addresses in these libraries predictable for privileged processes by
2113 having just unprivileged access at the target system. Reading the shared
2114 library binary gives enough information for assembling the malicious code
2115 misusing it. Still even a prelinked shared library can get loaded at a new
2116 random address just requiring the regular relocation process during the
2117 startup. Shared libraries not already prelinked are always loaded at
2118 a randomly chosen address.
2119
2120 Position independent executables (PIE) contain position independent code
2121 similar to the shared libraries and therefore such executables get loaded at
2122 a randomly chosen address upon startup. PIE executables always load even
2123 already prelinked shared libraries at a random address. You can build such
2124 executable using @command{gcc -fPIE -pie}.
2125
2126 Heap (malloc storage), stack and custom mmap areas are always placed randomly
2127 (as long as the randomization is enabled).
2128
2129 @item show disable-randomization
2130 Show the current setting of the explicit disable of the native randomization of
2131 the virtual address space of the started program.
2132
2133 @end table
2134
2135 @node Arguments
2136 @section Your Program's Arguments
2137
2138 @cindex arguments (to your program)
2139 The arguments to your program can be specified by the arguments of the
2140 @code{run} command.
2141 They are passed to a shell, which expands wildcard characters and
2142 performs redirection of I/O, and thence to your program. Your
2143 @code{SHELL} environment variable (if it exists) specifies what shell
2144 @value{GDBN} uses. If you do not define @code{SHELL}, @value{GDBN} uses
2145 the default shell (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix).
2146
2147 On non-Unix systems, the program is usually invoked directly by
2148 @value{GDBN}, which emulates I/O redirection via the appropriate system
2149 calls, and the wildcard characters are expanded by the startup code of
2150 the program, not by the shell.
2151
2152 @code{run} with no arguments uses the same arguments used by the previous
2153 @code{run}, or those set by the @code{set args} command.
2154
2155 @table @code
2156 @kindex set args
2157 @item set args
2158 Specify the arguments to be used the next time your program is run. If
2159 @code{set args} has no arguments, @code{run} executes your program
2160 with no arguments. Once you have run your program with arguments,
2161 using @code{set args} before the next @code{run} is the only way to run
2162 it again without arguments.
2163
2164 @kindex show args
2165 @item show args
2166 Show the arguments to give your program when it is started.
2167 @end table
2168
2169 @node Environment
2170 @section Your Program's Environment
2171
2172 @cindex environment (of your program)
2173 The @dfn{environment} consists of a set of environment variables and
2174 their values. Environment variables conventionally record such things as
2175 your user name, your home directory, your terminal type, and your search
2176 path for programs to run. Usually you set up environment variables with
2177 the shell and they are inherited by all the other programs you run. When
2178 debugging, it can be useful to try running your program with a modified
2179 environment without having to start @value{GDBN} over again.
2180
2181 @table @code
2182 @kindex path
2183 @item path @var{directory}
2184 Add @var{directory} to the front of the @code{PATH} environment variable
2185 (the search path for executables) that will be passed to your program.
2186 The value of @code{PATH} used by @value{GDBN} does not change.
2187 You may specify several directory names, separated by whitespace or by a
2188 system-dependent separator character (@samp{:} on Unix, @samp{;} on
2189 MS-DOS and MS-Windows). If @var{directory} is already in the path, it
2190 is moved to the front, so it is searched sooner.
2191
2192 You can use the string @samp{$cwd} to refer to whatever is the current
2193 working directory at the time @value{GDBN} searches the path. If you
2194 use @samp{.} instead, it refers to the directory where you executed the
2195 @code{path} command. @value{GDBN} replaces @samp{.} in the
2196 @var{directory} argument (with the current path) before adding
2197 @var{directory} to the search path.
2198 @c 'path' is explicitly nonrepeatable, but RMS points out it is silly to
2199 @c document that, since repeating it would be a no-op.
2200
2201 @kindex show paths
2202 @item show paths
2203 Display the list of search paths for executables (the @code{PATH}
2204 environment variable).
2205
2206 @kindex show environment
2207 @item show environment @r{[}@var{varname}@r{]}
2208 Print the value of environment variable @var{varname} to be given to
2209 your program when it starts. If you do not supply @var{varname},
2210 print the names and values of all environment variables to be given to
2211 your program. You can abbreviate @code{environment} as @code{env}.
2212
2213 @kindex set environment
2214 @item set environment @var{varname} @r{[}=@var{value}@r{]}
2215 Set environment variable @var{varname} to @var{value}. The value
2216 changes for your program only, not for @value{GDBN} itself. @var{value} may
2217 be any string; the values of environment variables are just strings, and
2218 any interpretation is supplied by your program itself. The @var{value}
2219 parameter is optional; if it is eliminated, the variable is set to a
2220 null value.
2221 @c "any string" here does not include leading, trailing
2222 @c blanks. Gnu asks: does anyone care?
2223
2224 For example, this command:
2225
2226 @smallexample
2227 set env USER = foo
2228 @end smallexample
2229
2230 @noindent
2231 tells the debugged program, when subsequently run, that its user is named
2232 @samp{foo}. (The spaces around @samp{=} are used for clarity here; they
2233 are not actually required.)
2234
2235 @kindex unset environment
2236 @item unset environment @var{varname}
2237 Remove variable @var{varname} from the environment to be passed to your
2238 program. This is different from @samp{set env @var{varname} =};
2239 @code{unset environment} removes the variable from the environment,
2240 rather than assigning it an empty value.
2241 @end table
2242
2243 @emph{Warning:} On Unix systems, @value{GDBN} runs your program using
2244 the shell indicated
2245 by your @code{SHELL} environment variable if it exists (or
2246 @code{/bin/sh} if not). If your @code{SHELL} variable names a shell
2247 that runs an initialization file---such as @file{.cshrc} for C-shell, or
2248 @file{.bashrc} for BASH---any variables you set in that file affect
2249 your program. You may wish to move setting of environment variables to
2250 files that are only run when you sign on, such as @file{.login} or
2251 @file{.profile}.
2252
2253 @node Working Directory
2254 @section Your Program's Working Directory
2255
2256 @cindex working directory (of your program)
2257 Each time you start your program with @code{run}, it inherits its
2258 working directory from the current working directory of @value{GDBN}.
2259 The @value{GDBN} working directory is initially whatever it inherited
2260 from its parent process (typically the shell), but you can specify a new
2261 working directory in @value{GDBN} with the @code{cd} command.
2262
2263 The @value{GDBN} working directory also serves as a default for the commands
2264 that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2265 Specify Files}.
2266
2267 @table @code
2268 @kindex cd
2269 @cindex change working directory
2270 @item cd @var{directory}
2271 Set the @value{GDBN} working directory to @var{directory}.
2272
2273 @kindex pwd
2274 @item pwd
2275 Print the @value{GDBN} working directory.
2276 @end table
2277
2278 It is generally impossible to find the current working directory of
2279 the process being debugged (since a program can change its directory
2280 during its run). If you work on a system where @value{GDBN} is
2281 configured with the @file{/proc} support, you can use the @code{info
2282 proc} command (@pxref{SVR4 Process Information}) to find out the
2283 current working directory of the debuggee.
2284
2285 @node Input/Output
2286 @section Your Program's Input and Output
2287
2288 @cindex redirection
2289 @cindex i/o
2290 @cindex terminal
2291 By default, the program you run under @value{GDBN} does input and output to
2292 the same terminal that @value{GDBN} uses. @value{GDBN} switches the terminal
2293 to its own terminal modes to interact with you, but it records the terminal
2294 modes your program was using and switches back to them when you continue
2295 running your program.
2296
2297 @table @code
2298 @kindex info terminal
2299 @item info terminal
2300 Displays information recorded by @value{GDBN} about the terminal modes your
2301 program is using.
2302 @end table
2303
2304 You can redirect your program's input and/or output using shell
2305 redirection with the @code{run} command. For example,
2306
2307 @smallexample
2308 run > outfile
2309 @end smallexample
2310
2311 @noindent
2312 starts your program, diverting its output to the file @file{outfile}.
2313
2314 @kindex tty
2315 @cindex controlling terminal
2316 Another way to specify where your program should do input and output is
2317 with the @code{tty} command. This command accepts a file name as
2318 argument, and causes this file to be the default for future @code{run}
2319 commands. It also resets the controlling terminal for the child
2320 process, for future @code{run} commands. For example,
2321
2322 @smallexample
2323 tty /dev/ttyb
2324 @end smallexample
2325
2326 @noindent
2327 directs that processes started with subsequent @code{run} commands
2328 default to do input and output on the terminal @file{/dev/ttyb} and have
2329 that as their controlling terminal.
2330
2331 An explicit redirection in @code{run} overrides the @code{tty} command's
2332 effect on the input/output device, but not its effect on the controlling
2333 terminal.
2334
2335 When you use the @code{tty} command or redirect input in the @code{run}
2336 command, only the input @emph{for your program} is affected. The input
2337 for @value{GDBN} still comes from your terminal. @code{tty} is an alias
2338 for @code{set inferior-tty}.
2339
2340 @cindex inferior tty
2341 @cindex set inferior controlling terminal
2342 You can use the @code{show inferior-tty} command to tell @value{GDBN} to
2343 display the name of the terminal that will be used for future runs of your
2344 program.
2345
2346 @table @code
2347 @item set inferior-tty /dev/ttyb
2348 @kindex set inferior-tty
2349 Set the tty for the program being debugged to /dev/ttyb.
2350
2351 @item show inferior-tty
2352 @kindex show inferior-tty
2353 Show the current tty for the program being debugged.
2354 @end table
2355
2356 @node Attach
2357 @section Debugging an Already-running Process
2358 @kindex attach
2359 @cindex attach
2360
2361 @table @code
2362 @item attach @var{process-id}
2363 This command attaches to a running process---one that was started
2364 outside @value{GDBN}. (@code{info files} shows your active
2365 targets.) The command takes as argument a process ID. The usual way to
2366 find out the @var{process-id} of a Unix process is with the @code{ps} utility,
2367 or with the @samp{jobs -l} shell command.
2368
2369 @code{attach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} a second time after
2370 executing the command.
2371 @end table
2372
2373 To use @code{attach}, your program must be running in an environment
2374 which supports processes; for example, @code{attach} does not work for
2375 programs on bare-board targets that lack an operating system. You must
2376 also have permission to send the process a signal.
2377
2378 When you use @code{attach}, the debugger finds the program running in
2379 the process first by looking in the current working directory, then (if
2380 the program is not found) by using the source file search path
2381 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}). You can also use
2382 the @code{file} command to load the program. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2383 Specify Files}.
2384
2385 The first thing @value{GDBN} does after arranging to debug the specified
2386 process is to stop it. You can examine and modify an attached process
2387 with all the @value{GDBN} commands that are ordinarily available when
2388 you start processes with @code{run}. You can insert breakpoints; you
2389 can step and continue; you can modify storage. If you would rather the
2390 process continue running, you may use the @code{continue} command after
2391 attaching @value{GDBN} to the process.
2392
2393 @table @code
2394 @kindex detach
2395 @item detach
2396 When you have finished debugging the attached process, you can use the
2397 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control. Detaching
2398 the process continues its execution. After the @code{detach} command,
2399 that process and @value{GDBN} become completely independent once more, and you
2400 are ready to @code{attach} another process or start one with @code{run}.
2401 @code{detach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
2402 executing the command.
2403 @end table
2404
2405 If you exit @value{GDBN} while you have an attached process, you detach
2406 that process. If you use the @code{run} command, you kill that process.
2407 By default, @value{GDBN} asks for confirmation if you try to do either of these
2408 things; you can control whether or not you need to confirm by using the
2409 @code{set confirm} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
2410 Messages}).
2411
2412 @node Kill Process
2413 @section Killing the Child Process
2414
2415 @table @code
2416 @kindex kill
2417 @item kill
2418 Kill the child process in which your program is running under @value{GDBN}.
2419 @end table
2420
2421 This command is useful if you wish to debug a core dump instead of a
2422 running process. @value{GDBN} ignores any core dump file while your program
2423 is running.
2424
2425 On some operating systems, a program cannot be executed outside @value{GDBN}
2426 while you have breakpoints set on it inside @value{GDBN}. You can use the
2427 @code{kill} command in this situation to permit running your program
2428 outside the debugger.
2429
2430 The @code{kill} command is also useful if you wish to recompile and
2431 relink your program, since on many systems it is impossible to modify an
2432 executable file while it is running in a process. In this case, when you
2433 next type @code{run}, @value{GDBN} notices that the file has changed, and
2434 reads the symbol table again (while trying to preserve your current
2435 breakpoint settings).
2436
2437 @node Inferiors and Programs
2438 @section Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs
2439
2440 @value{GDBN} lets you run and debug multiple programs in a single
2441 session. In addition, @value{GDBN} on some systems may let you run
2442 several programs simultaneously (otherwise you have to exit from one
2443 before starting another). In the most general case, you can have
2444 multiple threads of execution in each of multiple processes, launched
2445 from multiple executables.
2446
2447 @cindex inferior
2448 @value{GDBN} represents the state of each program execution with an
2449 object called an @dfn{inferior}. An inferior typically corresponds to
2450 a process, but is more general and applies also to targets that do not
2451 have processes. Inferiors may be created before a process runs, and
2452 may be retained after a process exits. Inferiors have unique
2453 identifiers that are different from process ids. Usually each
2454 inferior will also have its own distinct address space, although some
2455 embedded targets may have several inferiors running in different parts
2456 of a single address space. Each inferior may in turn have multiple
2457 threads running in it.
2458
2459 To find out what inferiors exist at any moment, use @w{@code{info
2460 inferiors}}:
2461
2462 @table @code
2463 @kindex info inferiors
2464 @item info inferiors
2465 Print a list of all inferiors currently being managed by @value{GDBN}.
2466
2467 @value{GDBN} displays for each inferior (in this order):
2468
2469 @enumerate
2470 @item
2471 the inferior number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2472
2473 @item
2474 the target system's inferior identifier
2475
2476 @item
2477 the name of the executable the inferior is running.
2478
2479 @end enumerate
2480
2481 @noindent
2482 An asterisk @samp{*} preceding the @value{GDBN} inferior number
2483 indicates the current inferior.
2484
2485 For example,
2486 @end table
2487 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
2488
2489 @smallexample
2490 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2491 Num Description Executable
2492 2 process 2307 hello
2493 * 1 process 3401 goodbye
2494 @end smallexample
2495
2496 To switch focus between inferiors, use the @code{inferior} command:
2497
2498 @table @code
2499 @kindex inferior @var{infno}
2500 @item inferior @var{infno}
2501 Make inferior number @var{infno} the current inferior. The argument
2502 @var{infno} is the inferior number assigned by @value{GDBN}, as shown
2503 in the first field of the @samp{info inferiors} display.
2504 @end table
2505
2506
2507 You can get multiple executables into a debugging session via the
2508 @code{add-inferior} and @w{@code{clone-inferior}} commands. On some
2509 systems @value{GDBN} can add inferiors to the debug session
2510 automatically by following calls to @code{fork} and @code{exec}. To
2511 remove inferiors from the debugging session use the
2512 @w{@code{remove-inferiors}} command.
2513
2514 @table @code
2515 @kindex add-inferior
2516 @item add-inferior [ -copies @var{n} ] [ -exec @var{executable} ]
2517 Adds @var{n} inferiors to be run using @var{executable} as the
2518 executable. @var{n} defaults to 1. If no executable is specified,
2519 the inferiors begins empty, with no program. You can still assign or
2520 change the program assigned to the inferior at any time by using the
2521 @code{file} command with the executable name as its argument.
2522
2523 @kindex clone-inferior
2524 @item clone-inferior [ -copies @var{n} ] [ @var{infno} ]
2525 Adds @var{n} inferiors ready to execute the same program as inferior
2526 @var{infno}. @var{n} defaults to 1. @var{infno} defaults to the
2527 number of the current inferior. This is a convenient command when you
2528 want to run another instance of the inferior you are debugging.
2529
2530 @smallexample
2531 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2532 Num Description Executable
2533 * 1 process 29964 helloworld
2534 (@value{GDBP}) clone-inferior
2535 Added inferior 2.
2536 1 inferiors added.
2537 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2538 Num Description Executable
2539 2 <null> helloworld
2540 * 1 process 29964 helloworld
2541 @end smallexample
2542
2543 You can now simply switch focus to inferior 2 and run it.
2544
2545 @kindex remove-inferiors
2546 @item remove-inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2547 Removes the inferior or inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}. It is not
2548 possible to remove an inferior that is running with this command. For
2549 those, use the @code{kill} or @code{detach} command first.
2550
2551 @end table
2552
2553 To quit debugging one of the running inferiors that is not the current
2554 inferior, you can either detach from it by using the @w{@code{detach
2555 inferior}} command (allowing it to run independently), or kill it
2556 using the @w{@code{kill inferiors}} command:
2557
2558 @table @code
2559 @kindex detach inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2560 @item detach inferior @var{infno}@dots{}
2561 Detach from the inferior or inferiors identified by @value{GDBN}
2562 inferior number(s) @var{infno}@dots{}. Note that the inferior's entry
2563 still stays on the list of inferiors shown by @code{info inferiors},
2564 but its Description will show @samp{<null>}.
2565
2566 @kindex kill inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2567 @item kill inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2568 Kill the inferior or inferiors identified by @value{GDBN} inferior
2569 number(s) @var{infno}@dots{}. Note that the inferior's entry still
2570 stays on the list of inferiors shown by @code{info inferiors}, but its
2571 Description will show @samp{<null>}.
2572 @end table
2573
2574 After the successful completion of a command such as @code{detach},
2575 @code{detach inferiors}, @code{kill} or @code{kill inferiors}, or after
2576 a normal process exit, the inferior is still valid and listed with
2577 @code{info inferiors}, ready to be restarted.
2578
2579
2580 To be notified when inferiors are started or exit under @value{GDBN}'s
2581 control use @w{@code{set print inferior-events}}:
2582
2583 @table @code
2584 @kindex set print inferior-events
2585 @cindex print messages on inferior start and exit
2586 @item set print inferior-events
2587 @itemx set print inferior-events on
2588 @itemx set print inferior-events off
2589 The @code{set print inferior-events} command allows you to enable or
2590 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new
2591 inferiors have started or that inferiors have exited or have been
2592 detached. By default, these messages will not be printed.
2593
2594 @kindex show print inferior-events
2595 @item show print inferior-events
2596 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that
2597 inferiors have started, exited or have been detached.
2598 @end table
2599
2600 Many commands will work the same with multiple programs as with a
2601 single program: e.g., @code{print myglobal} will simply display the
2602 value of @code{myglobal} in the current inferior.
2603
2604
2605 Occasionaly, when debugging @value{GDBN} itself, it may be useful to
2606 get more info about the relationship of inferiors, programs, address
2607 spaces in a debug session. You can do that with the @w{@code{maint
2608 info program-spaces}} command.
2609
2610 @table @code
2611 @kindex maint info program-spaces
2612 @item maint info program-spaces
2613 Print a list of all program spaces currently being managed by
2614 @value{GDBN}.
2615
2616 @value{GDBN} displays for each program space (in this order):
2617
2618 @enumerate
2619 @item
2620 the program space number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2621
2622 @item
2623 the name of the executable loaded into the program space, with e.g.,
2624 the @code{file} command.
2625
2626 @end enumerate
2627
2628 @noindent
2629 An asterisk @samp{*} preceding the @value{GDBN} program space number
2630 indicates the current program space.
2631
2632 In addition, below each program space line, @value{GDBN} prints extra
2633 information that isn't suitable to display in tabular form. For
2634 example, the list of inferiors bound to the program space.
2635
2636 @smallexample
2637 (@value{GDBP}) maint info program-spaces
2638 Id Executable
2639 2 goodbye
2640 Bound inferiors: ID 1 (process 21561)
2641 * 1 hello
2642 @end smallexample
2643
2644 Here we can see that no inferior is running the program @code{hello},
2645 while @code{process 21561} is running the program @code{goodbye}. On
2646 some targets, it is possible that multiple inferiors are bound to the
2647 same program space. The most common example is that of debugging both
2648 the parent and child processes of a @code{vfork} call. For example,
2649
2650 @smallexample
2651 (@value{GDBP}) maint info program-spaces
2652 Id Executable
2653 * 1 vfork-test
2654 Bound inferiors: ID 2 (process 18050), ID 1 (process 18045)
2655 @end smallexample
2656
2657 Here, both inferior 2 and inferior 1 are running in the same program
2658 space as a result of inferior 1 having executed a @code{vfork} call.
2659 @end table
2660
2661 @node Threads
2662 @section Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads
2663
2664 @cindex threads of execution
2665 @cindex multiple threads
2666 @cindex switching threads
2667 In some operating systems, such as HP-UX and Solaris, a single program
2668 may have more than one @dfn{thread} of execution. The precise semantics
2669 of threads differ from one operating system to another, but in general
2670 the threads of a single program are akin to multiple processes---except
2671 that they share one address space (that is, they can all examine and
2672 modify the same variables). On the other hand, each thread has its own
2673 registers and execution stack, and perhaps private memory.
2674
2675 @value{GDBN} provides these facilities for debugging multi-thread
2676 programs:
2677
2678 @itemize @bullet
2679 @item automatic notification of new threads
2680 @item @samp{thread @var{threadno}}, a command to switch among threads
2681 @item @samp{info threads}, a command to inquire about existing threads
2682 @item @samp{thread apply [@var{threadno}] [@var{all}] @var{args}},
2683 a command to apply a command to a list of threads
2684 @item thread-specific breakpoints
2685 @item @samp{set print thread-events}, which controls printing of
2686 messages on thread start and exit.
2687 @item @samp{set libthread-db-search-path @var{path}}, which lets
2688 the user specify which @code{libthread_db} to use if the default choice
2689 isn't compatible with the program.
2690 @end itemize
2691
2692 @quotation
2693 @emph{Warning:} These facilities are not yet available on every
2694 @value{GDBN} configuration where the operating system supports threads.
2695 If your @value{GDBN} does not support threads, these commands have no
2696 effect. For example, a system without thread support shows no output
2697 from @samp{info threads}, and always rejects the @code{thread} command,
2698 like this:
2699
2700 @smallexample
2701 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
2702 (@value{GDBP}) thread 1
2703 Thread ID 1 not known. Use the "info threads" command to
2704 see the IDs of currently known threads.
2705 @end smallexample
2706 @c FIXME to implementors: how hard would it be to say "sorry, this GDB
2707 @c doesn't support threads"?
2708 @end quotation
2709
2710 @cindex focus of debugging
2711 @cindex current thread
2712 The @value{GDBN} thread debugging facility allows you to observe all
2713 threads while your program runs---but whenever @value{GDBN} takes
2714 control, one thread in particular is always the focus of debugging.
2715 This thread is called the @dfn{current thread}. Debugging commands show
2716 program information from the perspective of the current thread.
2717
2718 @cindex @code{New} @var{systag} message
2719 @cindex thread identifier (system)
2720 @c FIXME-implementors!! It would be more helpful if the [New...] message
2721 @c included GDB's numeric thread handle, so you could just go to that
2722 @c thread without first checking `info threads'.
2723 Whenever @value{GDBN} detects a new thread in your program, it displays
2724 the target system's identification for the thread with a message in the
2725 form @samp{[New @var{systag}]}. @var{systag} is a thread identifier
2726 whose form varies depending on the particular system. For example, on
2727 @sc{gnu}/Linux, you might see
2728
2729 @smallexample
2730 [New Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 25582)]
2731 @end smallexample
2732
2733 @noindent
2734 when @value{GDBN} notices a new thread. In contrast, on an SGI system,
2735 the @var{systag} is simply something like @samp{process 368}, with no
2736 further qualifier.
2737
2738 @c FIXME!! (1) Does the [New...] message appear even for the very first
2739 @c thread of a program, or does it only appear for the
2740 @c second---i.e.@: when it becomes obvious we have a multithread
2741 @c program?
2742 @c (2) *Is* there necessarily a first thread always? Or do some
2743 @c multithread systems permit starting a program with multiple
2744 @c threads ab initio?
2745
2746 @cindex thread number
2747 @cindex thread identifier (GDB)
2748 For debugging purposes, @value{GDBN} associates its own thread
2749 number---always a single integer---with each thread in your program.
2750
2751 @table @code
2752 @kindex info threads
2753 @item info threads @r{[}@var{id}@dots{}@r{]}
2754 Display a summary of all threads currently in your program. Optional
2755 argument @var{id}@dots{} is one or more thread ids separated by spaces, and
2756 means to print information only about the specified thread or threads.
2757 @value{GDBN} displays for each thread (in this order):
2758
2759 @enumerate
2760 @item
2761 the thread number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2762
2763 @item
2764 the target system's thread identifier (@var{systag})
2765
2766 @item
2767 the thread's name, if one is known. A thread can either be named by
2768 the user (see @code{thread name}, below), or, in some cases, by the
2769 program itself.
2770
2771 @item
2772 the current stack frame summary for that thread
2773 @end enumerate
2774
2775 @noindent
2776 An asterisk @samp{*} to the left of the @value{GDBN} thread number
2777 indicates the current thread.
2778
2779 For example,
2780 @end table
2781 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
2782
2783 @smallexample
2784 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
2785 Id Target Id Frame
2786 3 process 35 thread 27 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2787 2 process 35 thread 23 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2788 * 1 process 35 thread 13 main (argc=1, argv=0x7ffffff8)
2789 at threadtest.c:68
2790 @end smallexample
2791
2792 On Solaris, you can display more information about user threads with a
2793 Solaris-specific command:
2794
2795 @table @code
2796 @item maint info sol-threads
2797 @kindex maint info sol-threads
2798 @cindex thread info (Solaris)
2799 Display info on Solaris user threads.
2800 @end table
2801
2802 @table @code
2803 @kindex thread @var{threadno}
2804 @item thread @var{threadno}
2805 Make thread number @var{threadno} the current thread. The command
2806 argument @var{threadno} is the internal @value{GDBN} thread number, as
2807 shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads} display.
2808 @value{GDBN} responds by displaying the system identifier of the thread
2809 you selected, and its current stack frame summary:
2810
2811 @smallexample
2812 (@value{GDBP}) thread 2
2813 [Switching to thread 2 (Thread 0xb7fdab70 (LWP 12747))]
2814 #0 some_function (ignore=0x0) at example.c:8
2815 8 printf ("hello\n");
2816 @end smallexample
2817
2818 @noindent
2819 As with the @samp{[New @dots{}]} message, the form of the text after
2820 @samp{Switching to} depends on your system's conventions for identifying
2821 threads.
2822
2823 @vindex $_thread@r{, convenience variable}
2824 The debugger convenience variable @samp{$_thread} contains the number
2825 of the current thread. You may find this useful in writing breakpoint
2826 conditional expressions, command scripts, and so forth. See
2827 @xref{Convenience Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for general
2828 information on convenience variables.
2829
2830 @kindex thread apply
2831 @cindex apply command to several threads
2832 @item thread apply [@var{threadno} | all] @var{command}
2833 The @code{thread apply} command allows you to apply the named
2834 @var{command} to one or more threads. Specify the numbers of the
2835 threads that you want affected with the command argument
2836 @var{threadno}. It can be a single thread number, one of the numbers
2837 shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads} display; or it
2838 could be a range of thread numbers, as in @code{2-4}. To apply a
2839 command to all threads, type @kbd{thread apply all @var{command}}.
2840
2841 @kindex thread name
2842 @cindex name a thread
2843 @item thread name [@var{name}]
2844 This command assigns a name to the current thread. If no argument is
2845 given, any existing user-specified name is removed. The thread name
2846 appears in the @samp{info threads} display.
2847
2848 On some systems, such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, @value{GDBN} is able to
2849 determine the name of the thread as given by the OS. On these
2850 systems, a name specified with @samp{thread name} will override the
2851 system-give name, and removing the user-specified name will cause
2852 @value{GDBN} to once again display the system-specified name.
2853
2854 @kindex thread find
2855 @cindex search for a thread
2856 @item thread find [@var{regexp}]
2857 Search for and display thread ids whose name or @var{systag}
2858 matches the supplied regular expression.
2859
2860 As well as being the complement to the @samp{thread name} command,
2861 this command also allows you to identify a thread by its target
2862 @var{systag}. For instance, on @sc{gnu}/Linux, the target @var{systag}
2863 is the LWP id.
2864
2865 @smallexample
2866 (@value{GDBN}) thread find 26688
2867 Thread 4 has target id 'Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 26688)'
2868 (@value{GDBN}) info thread 4
2869 Id Target Id Frame
2870 4 Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 26688) 0x00000031ca6cd372 in select ()
2871 @end smallexample
2872
2873 @kindex set print thread-events
2874 @cindex print messages on thread start and exit
2875 @item set print thread-events
2876 @itemx set print thread-events on
2877 @itemx set print thread-events off
2878 The @code{set print thread-events} command allows you to enable or
2879 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new threads have
2880 started or that threads have exited. By default, these messages will
2881 be printed if detection of these events is supported by the target.
2882 Note that these messages cannot be disabled on all targets.
2883
2884 @kindex show print thread-events
2885 @item show print thread-events
2886 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that threads
2887 have started and exited.
2888 @end table
2889
2890 @xref{Thread Stops,,Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs}, for
2891 more information about how @value{GDBN} behaves when you stop and start
2892 programs with multiple threads.
2893
2894 @xref{Set Watchpoints,,Setting Watchpoints}, for information about
2895 watchpoints in programs with multiple threads.
2896
2897 @anchor{set libthread-db-search-path}
2898 @table @code
2899 @kindex set libthread-db-search-path
2900 @cindex search path for @code{libthread_db}
2901 @item set libthread-db-search-path @r{[}@var{path}@r{]}
2902 If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
2903 directories @value{GDBN} will use to search for @code{libthread_db}.
2904 If you omit @var{path}, @samp{libthread-db-search-path} will be reset to
2905 its default value (@code{$sdir:$pdir} on @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris systems).
2906 Internally, the default value comes from the @code{LIBTHREAD_DB_SEARCH_PATH}
2907 macro.
2908
2909 On @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris systems, @value{GDBN} uses a ``helper''
2910 @code{libthread_db} library to obtain information about threads in the
2911 inferior process. @value{GDBN} will use @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
2912 to find @code{libthread_db}. @value{GDBN} also consults first if inferior
2913 specific thread debugging library loading is enabled
2914 by @samp{set auto-load libthread-db} (@pxref{libthread_db.so.1 file}).
2915
2916 A special entry @samp{$sdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
2917 refers to the default system directories that are
2918 normally searched for loading shared libraries. The @samp{$sdir} entry
2919 is the only kind not needing to be enabled by @samp{set auto-load libthread-db}
2920 (@pxref{libthread_db.so.1 file}).
2921
2922 A special entry @samp{$pdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
2923 refers to the directory from which @code{libpthread}
2924 was loaded in the inferior process.
2925
2926 For any @code{libthread_db} library @value{GDBN} finds in above directories,
2927 @value{GDBN} attempts to initialize it with the current inferior process.
2928 If this initialization fails (which could happen because of a version
2929 mismatch between @code{libthread_db} and @code{libpthread}), @value{GDBN}
2930 will unload @code{libthread_db}, and continue with the next directory.
2931 If none of @code{libthread_db} libraries initialize successfully,
2932 @value{GDBN} will issue a warning and thread debugging will be disabled.
2933
2934 Setting @code{libthread-db-search-path} is currently implemented
2935 only on some platforms.
2936
2937 @kindex show libthread-db-search-path
2938 @item show libthread-db-search-path
2939 Display current libthread_db search path.
2940
2941 @kindex set debug libthread-db
2942 @kindex show debug libthread-db
2943 @cindex debugging @code{libthread_db}
2944 @item set debug libthread-db
2945 @itemx show debug libthread-db
2946 Turns on or off display of @code{libthread_db}-related events.
2947 Use @code{1} to enable, @code{0} to disable.
2948 @end table
2949
2950 @node Forks
2951 @section Debugging Forks
2952
2953 @cindex fork, debugging programs which call
2954 @cindex multiple processes
2955 @cindex processes, multiple
2956 On most systems, @value{GDBN} has no special support for debugging
2957 programs which create additional processes using the @code{fork}
2958 function. When a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug the
2959 parent process and the child process will run unimpeded. If you have
2960 set a breakpoint in any code which the child then executes, the child
2961 will get a @code{SIGTRAP} signal which (unless it catches the signal)
2962 will cause it to terminate.
2963
2964 However, if you want to debug the child process there is a workaround
2965 which isn't too painful. Put a call to @code{sleep} in the code which
2966 the child process executes after the fork. It may be useful to sleep
2967 only if a certain environment variable is set, or a certain file exists,
2968 so that the delay need not occur when you don't want to run @value{GDBN}
2969 on the child. While the child is sleeping, use the @code{ps} program to
2970 get its process ID. Then tell @value{GDBN} (a new invocation of
2971 @value{GDBN} if you are also debugging the parent process) to attach to
2972 the child process (@pxref{Attach}). From that point on you can debug
2973 the child process just like any other process which you attached to.
2974
2975 On some systems, @value{GDBN} provides support for debugging programs that
2976 create additional processes using the @code{fork} or @code{vfork} functions.
2977 Currently, the only platforms with this feature are HP-UX (11.x and later
2978 only?) and @sc{gnu}/Linux (kernel version 2.5.60 and later).
2979
2980 By default, when a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug
2981 the parent process and the child process will run unimpeded.
2982
2983 If you want to follow the child process instead of the parent process,
2984 use the command @w{@code{set follow-fork-mode}}.
2985
2986 @table @code
2987 @kindex set follow-fork-mode
2988 @item set follow-fork-mode @var{mode}
2989 Set the debugger response to a program call of @code{fork} or
2990 @code{vfork}. A call to @code{fork} or @code{vfork} creates a new
2991 process. The @var{mode} argument can be:
2992
2993 @table @code
2994 @item parent
2995 The original process is debugged after a fork. The child process runs
2996 unimpeded. This is the default.
2997
2998 @item child
2999 The new process is debugged after a fork. The parent process runs
3000 unimpeded.
3001
3002 @end table
3003
3004 @kindex show follow-fork-mode
3005 @item show follow-fork-mode
3006 Display the current debugger response to a @code{fork} or @code{vfork} call.
3007 @end table
3008
3009 @cindex debugging multiple processes
3010 On Linux, if you want to debug both the parent and child processes, use the
3011 command @w{@code{set detach-on-fork}}.
3012
3013 @table @code
3014 @kindex set detach-on-fork
3015 @item set detach-on-fork @var{mode}
3016 Tells gdb whether to detach one of the processes after a fork, or
3017 retain debugger control over them both.
3018
3019 @table @code
3020 @item on
3021 The child process (or parent process, depending on the value of
3022 @code{follow-fork-mode}) will be detached and allowed to run
3023 independently. This is the default.
3024
3025 @item off
3026 Both processes will be held under the control of @value{GDBN}.
3027 One process (child or parent, depending on the value of
3028 @code{follow-fork-mode}) is debugged as usual, while the other
3029 is held suspended.
3030
3031 @end table
3032
3033 @kindex show detach-on-fork
3034 @item show detach-on-fork
3035 Show whether detach-on-fork mode is on/off.
3036 @end table
3037
3038 If you choose to set @samp{detach-on-fork} mode off, then @value{GDBN}
3039 will retain control of all forked processes (including nested forks).
3040 You can list the forked processes under the control of @value{GDBN} by
3041 using the @w{@code{info inferiors}} command, and switch from one fork
3042 to another by using the @code{inferior} command (@pxref{Inferiors and
3043 Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs}).
3044
3045 To quit debugging one of the forked processes, you can either detach
3046 from it by using the @w{@code{detach inferiors}} command (allowing it
3047 to run independently), or kill it using the @w{@code{kill inferiors}}
3048 command. @xref{Inferiors and Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors
3049 and Programs}.
3050
3051 If you ask to debug a child process and a @code{vfork} is followed by an
3052 @code{exec}, @value{GDBN} executes the new target up to the first
3053 breakpoint in the new target. If you have a breakpoint set on
3054 @code{main} in your original program, the breakpoint will also be set on
3055 the child process's @code{main}.
3056
3057 On some systems, when a child process is spawned by @code{vfork}, you
3058 cannot debug the child or parent until an @code{exec} call completes.
3059
3060 If you issue a @code{run} command to @value{GDBN} after an @code{exec}
3061 call executes, the new target restarts. To restart the parent
3062 process, use the @code{file} command with the parent executable name
3063 as its argument. By default, after an @code{exec} call executes,
3064 @value{GDBN} discards the symbols of the previous executable image.
3065 You can change this behaviour with the @w{@code{set follow-exec-mode}}
3066 command.
3067
3068 @table @code
3069 @kindex set follow-exec-mode
3070 @item set follow-exec-mode @var{mode}
3071
3072 Set debugger response to a program call of @code{exec}. An
3073 @code{exec} call replaces the program image of a process.
3074
3075 @code{follow-exec-mode} can be:
3076
3077 @table @code
3078 @item new
3079 @value{GDBN} creates a new inferior and rebinds the process to this
3080 new inferior. The program the process was running before the
3081 @code{exec} call can be restarted afterwards by restarting the
3082 original inferior.
3083
3084 For example:
3085
3086 @smallexample
3087 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3088 (gdb) info inferior
3089 Id Description Executable
3090 * 1 <null> prog1
3091 (@value{GDBP}) run
3092 process 12020 is executing new program: prog2
3093 Program exited normally.
3094 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3095 Id Description Executable
3096 * 2 <null> prog2
3097 1 <null> prog1
3098 @end smallexample
3099
3100 @item same
3101 @value{GDBN} keeps the process bound to the same inferior. The new
3102 executable image replaces the previous executable loaded in the
3103 inferior. Restarting the inferior after the @code{exec} call, with
3104 e.g., the @code{run} command, restarts the executable the process was
3105 running after the @code{exec} call. This is the default mode.
3106
3107 For example:
3108
3109 @smallexample
3110 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3111 Id Description Executable
3112 * 1 <null> prog1
3113 (@value{GDBP}) run
3114 process 12020 is executing new program: prog2
3115 Program exited normally.
3116 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3117 Id Description Executable
3118 * 1 <null> prog2
3119 @end smallexample
3120
3121 @end table
3122 @end table
3123
3124 You can use the @code{catch} command to make @value{GDBN} stop whenever
3125 a @code{fork}, @code{vfork}, or @code{exec} call is made. @xref{Set
3126 Catchpoints, ,Setting Catchpoints}.
3127
3128 @node Checkpoint/Restart
3129 @section Setting a @emph{Bookmark} to Return to Later
3130
3131 @cindex checkpoint
3132 @cindex restart
3133 @cindex bookmark
3134 @cindex snapshot of a process
3135 @cindex rewind program state
3136
3137 On certain operating systems@footnote{Currently, only
3138 @sc{gnu}/Linux.}, @value{GDBN} is able to save a @dfn{snapshot} of a
3139 program's state, called a @dfn{checkpoint}, and come back to it
3140 later.
3141
3142 Returning to a checkpoint effectively undoes everything that has
3143 happened in the program since the @code{checkpoint} was saved. This
3144 includes changes in memory, registers, and even (within some limits)
3145 system state. Effectively, it is like going back in time to the
3146 moment when the checkpoint was saved.
3147
3148 Thus, if you're stepping thru a program and you think you're
3149 getting close to the point where things go wrong, you can save
3150 a checkpoint. Then, if you accidentally go too far and miss
3151 the critical statement, instead of having to restart your program
3152 from the beginning, you can just go back to the checkpoint and
3153 start again from there.
3154
3155 This can be especially useful if it takes a lot of time or
3156 steps to reach the point where you think the bug occurs.
3157
3158 To use the @code{checkpoint}/@code{restart} method of debugging:
3159
3160 @table @code
3161 @kindex checkpoint
3162 @item checkpoint
3163 Save a snapshot of the debugged program's current execution state.
3164 The @code{checkpoint} command takes no arguments, but each checkpoint
3165 is assigned a small integer id, similar to a breakpoint id.
3166
3167 @kindex info checkpoints
3168 @item info checkpoints
3169 List the checkpoints that have been saved in the current debugging
3170 session. For each checkpoint, the following information will be
3171 listed:
3172
3173 @table @code
3174 @item Checkpoint ID
3175 @item Process ID
3176 @item Code Address
3177 @item Source line, or label
3178 @end table
3179
3180 @kindex restart @var{checkpoint-id}
3181 @item restart @var{checkpoint-id}
3182 Restore the program state that was saved as checkpoint number
3183 @var{checkpoint-id}. All program variables, registers, stack frames
3184 etc.@: will be returned to the values that they had when the checkpoint
3185 was saved. In essence, gdb will ``wind back the clock'' to the point
3186 in time when the checkpoint was saved.
3187
3188 Note that breakpoints, @value{GDBN} variables, command history etc.
3189 are not affected by restoring a checkpoint. In general, a checkpoint
3190 only restores things that reside in the program being debugged, not in
3191 the debugger.
3192
3193 @kindex delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
3194 @item delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
3195 Delete the previously-saved checkpoint identified by @var{checkpoint-id}.
3196
3197 @end table
3198
3199 Returning to a previously saved checkpoint will restore the user state
3200 of the program being debugged, plus a significant subset of the system
3201 (OS) state, including file pointers. It won't ``un-write'' data from
3202 a file, but it will rewind the file pointer to the previous location,
3203 so that the previously written data can be overwritten. For files
3204 opened in read mode, the pointer will also be restored so that the
3205 previously read data can be read again.
3206
3207 Of course, characters that have been sent to a printer (or other
3208 external device) cannot be ``snatched back'', and characters received
3209 from eg.@: a serial device can be removed from internal program buffers,
3210 but they cannot be ``pushed back'' into the serial pipeline, ready to
3211 be received again. Similarly, the actual contents of files that have
3212 been changed cannot be restored (at this time).
3213
3214 However, within those constraints, you actually can ``rewind'' your
3215 program to a previously saved point in time, and begin debugging it
3216 again --- and you can change the course of events so as to debug a
3217 different execution path this time.
3218
3219 @cindex checkpoints and process id
3220 Finally, there is one bit of internal program state that will be
3221 different when you return to a checkpoint --- the program's process
3222 id. Each checkpoint will have a unique process id (or @var{pid}),
3223 and each will be different from the program's original @var{pid}.
3224 If your program has saved a local copy of its process id, this could
3225 potentially pose a problem.
3226
3227 @subsection A Non-obvious Benefit of Using Checkpoints
3228
3229 On some systems such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, address space randomization
3230 is performed on new processes for security reasons. This makes it
3231 difficult or impossible to set a breakpoint, or watchpoint, on an
3232 absolute address if you have to restart the program, since the
3233 absolute location of a symbol will change from one execution to the
3234 next.
3235
3236 A checkpoint, however, is an @emph{identical} copy of a process.
3237 Therefore if you create a checkpoint at (eg.@:) the start of main,
3238 and simply return to that checkpoint instead of restarting the
3239 process, you can avoid the effects of address randomization and
3240 your symbols will all stay in the same place.
3241
3242 @node Stopping
3243 @chapter Stopping and Continuing
3244
3245 The principal purposes of using a debugger are so that you can stop your
3246 program before it terminates; or so that, if your program runs into
3247 trouble, you can investigate and find out why.
3248
3249 Inside @value{GDBN}, your program may stop for any of several reasons,
3250 such as a signal, a breakpoint, or reaching a new line after a
3251 @value{GDBN} command such as @code{step}. You may then examine and
3252 change variables, set new breakpoints or remove old ones, and then
3253 continue execution. Usually, the messages shown by @value{GDBN} provide
3254 ample explanation of the status of your program---but you can also
3255 explicitly request this information at any time.
3256
3257 @table @code
3258 @kindex info program
3259 @item info program
3260 Display information about the status of your program: whether it is
3261 running or not, what process it is, and why it stopped.
3262 @end table
3263
3264 @menu
3265 * Breakpoints:: Breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints
3266 * Continuing and Stepping:: Resuming execution
3267 * Skipping Over Functions and Files::
3268 Skipping over functions and files
3269 * Signals:: Signals
3270 * Thread Stops:: Stopping and starting multi-thread programs
3271 @end menu
3272
3273 @node Breakpoints
3274 @section Breakpoints, Watchpoints, and Catchpoints
3275
3276 @cindex breakpoints
3277 A @dfn{breakpoint} makes your program stop whenever a certain point in
3278 the program is reached. For each breakpoint, you can add conditions to
3279 control in finer detail whether your program stops. You can set
3280 breakpoints with the @code{break} command and its variants (@pxref{Set
3281 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}), to specify the place where your program
3282 should stop by line number, function name or exact address in the
3283 program.
3284
3285 On some systems, you can set breakpoints in shared libraries before
3286 the executable is run. There is a minor limitation on HP-UX systems:
3287 you must wait until the executable is run in order to set breakpoints
3288 in shared library routines that are not called directly by the program
3289 (for example, routines that are arguments in a @code{pthread_create}
3290 call).
3291
3292 @cindex watchpoints
3293 @cindex data breakpoints
3294 @cindex memory tracing
3295 @cindex breakpoint on memory address
3296 @cindex breakpoint on variable modification
3297 A @dfn{watchpoint} is a special breakpoint that stops your program
3298 when the value of an expression changes. The expression may be a value
3299 of a variable, or it could involve values of one or more variables
3300 combined by operators, such as @samp{a + b}. This is sometimes called
3301 @dfn{data breakpoints}. You must use a different command to set
3302 watchpoints (@pxref{Set Watchpoints, ,Setting Watchpoints}), but aside
3303 from that, you can manage a watchpoint like any other breakpoint: you
3304 enable, disable, and delete both breakpoints and watchpoints using the
3305 same commands.
3306
3307 You can arrange to have values from your program displayed automatically
3308 whenever @value{GDBN} stops at a breakpoint. @xref{Auto Display,,
3309 Automatic Display}.
3310
3311 @cindex catchpoints
3312 @cindex breakpoint on events
3313 A @dfn{catchpoint} is another special breakpoint that stops your program
3314 when a certain kind of event occurs, such as the throwing of a C@t{++}
3315 exception or the loading of a library. As with watchpoints, you use a
3316 different command to set a catchpoint (@pxref{Set Catchpoints, ,Setting
3317 Catchpoints}), but aside from that, you can manage a catchpoint like any
3318 other breakpoint. (To stop when your program receives a signal, use the
3319 @code{handle} command; see @ref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
3320
3321 @cindex breakpoint numbers
3322 @cindex numbers for breakpoints
3323 @value{GDBN} assigns a number to each breakpoint, watchpoint, or
3324 catchpoint when you create it; these numbers are successive integers
3325 starting with one. In many of the commands for controlling various
3326 features of breakpoints you use the breakpoint number to say which
3327 breakpoint you want to change. Each breakpoint may be @dfn{enabled} or
3328 @dfn{disabled}; if disabled, it has no effect on your program until you
3329 enable it again.
3330
3331 @cindex breakpoint ranges
3332 @cindex ranges of breakpoints
3333 Some @value{GDBN} commands accept a range of breakpoints on which to
3334 operate. A breakpoint range is either a single breakpoint number, like
3335 @samp{5}, or two such numbers, in increasing order, separated by a
3336 hyphen, like @samp{5-7}. When a breakpoint range is given to a command,
3337 all breakpoints in that range are operated on.
3338
3339 @menu
3340 * Set Breaks:: Setting breakpoints
3341 * Set Watchpoints:: Setting watchpoints
3342 * Set Catchpoints:: Setting catchpoints
3343 * Delete Breaks:: Deleting breakpoints
3344 * Disabling:: Disabling breakpoints
3345 * Conditions:: Break conditions
3346 * Break Commands:: Breakpoint command lists
3347 * Dynamic Printf:: Dynamic printf
3348 * Save Breakpoints:: How to save breakpoints in a file
3349 * Static Probe Points:: Listing static probe points
3350 * Error in Breakpoints:: ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
3351 * Breakpoint-related Warnings:: ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
3352 @end menu
3353
3354 @node Set Breaks
3355 @subsection Setting Breakpoints
3356
3357 @c FIXME LMB what does GDB do if no code on line of breakpt?
3358 @c consider in particular declaration with/without initialization.
3359 @c
3360 @c FIXME 2 is there stuff on this already? break at fun start, already init?
3361
3362 @kindex break
3363 @kindex b @r{(@code{break})}
3364 @vindex $bpnum@r{, convenience variable}
3365 @cindex latest breakpoint
3366 Breakpoints are set with the @code{break} command (abbreviated
3367 @code{b}). The debugger convenience variable @samp{$bpnum} records the
3368 number of the breakpoint you've set most recently; see @ref{Convenience
3369 Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for a discussion of what you can do with
3370 convenience variables.
3371
3372 @table @code
3373 @item break @var{location}
3374 Set a breakpoint at the given @var{location}, which can specify a
3375 function name, a line number, or an address of an instruction.
3376 (@xref{Specify Location}, for a list of all the possible ways to
3377 specify a @var{location}.) The breakpoint will stop your program just
3378 before it executes any of the code in the specified @var{location}.
3379
3380 When using source languages that permit overloading of symbols, such as
3381 C@t{++}, a function name may refer to more than one possible place to break.
3382 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}, for a discussion of
3383 that situation.
3384
3385 It is also possible to insert a breakpoint that will stop the program
3386 only if a specific thread (@pxref{Thread-Specific Breakpoints})
3387 or a specific task (@pxref{Ada Tasks}) hits that breakpoint.
3388
3389 @item break
3390 When called without any arguments, @code{break} sets a breakpoint at
3391 the next instruction to be executed in the selected stack frame
3392 (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the Stack}). In any selected frame but the
3393 innermost, this makes your program stop as soon as control
3394 returns to that frame. This is similar to the effect of a
3395 @code{finish} command in the frame inside the selected frame---except
3396 that @code{finish} does not leave an active breakpoint. If you use
3397 @code{break} without an argument in the innermost frame, @value{GDBN} stops
3398 the next time it reaches the current location; this may be useful
3399 inside loops.
3400
3401 @value{GDBN} normally ignores breakpoints when it resumes execution, until at
3402 least one instruction has been executed. If it did not do this, you
3403 would be unable to proceed past a breakpoint without first disabling the
3404 breakpoint. This rule applies whether or not the breakpoint already
3405 existed when your program stopped.
3406
3407 @item break @dots{} if @var{cond}
3408 Set a breakpoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
3409 @var{cond} each time the breakpoint is reached, and stop only if the
3410 value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
3411 @samp{@dots{}} stands for one of the possible arguments described
3412 above (or no argument) specifying where to break. @xref{Conditions,
3413 ,Break Conditions}, for more information on breakpoint conditions.
3414
3415 @kindex tbreak
3416 @item tbreak @var{args}
3417 Set a breakpoint enabled only for one stop. @var{args} are the
3418 same as for the @code{break} command, and the breakpoint is set in the same
3419 way, but the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the first time your
3420 program stops there. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3421
3422 @kindex hbreak
3423 @cindex hardware breakpoints
3424 @item hbreak @var{args}
3425 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint. @var{args} are the same as for the
3426 @code{break} command and the breakpoint is set in the same way, but the
3427 breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware may not
3428 have this support. The main purpose of this is EPROM/ROM code
3429 debugging, so you can set a breakpoint at an instruction without
3430 changing the instruction. This can be used with the new trap-generation
3431 provided by SPARClite DSU and most x86-based targets. These targets
3432 will generate traps when a program accesses some data or instruction
3433 address that is assigned to the debug registers. However the hardware
3434 breakpoint registers can take a limited number of breakpoints. For
3435 example, on the DSU, only two data breakpoints can be set at a time, and
3436 @value{GDBN} will reject this command if more than two are used. Delete
3437 or disable unused hardware breakpoints before setting new ones
3438 (@pxref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}).
3439 @xref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3440 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
3441 breakpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
3442 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
3443
3444 @kindex thbreak
3445 @item thbreak @var{args}
3446 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint enabled only for one stop. @var{args}
3447 are the same as for the @code{hbreak} command and the breakpoint is set in
3448 the same way. However, like the @code{tbreak} command,
3449 the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the
3450 first time your program stops there. Also, like the @code{hbreak}
3451 command, the breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware
3452 may not have this support. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3453 See also @ref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3454
3455 @kindex rbreak
3456 @cindex regular expression
3457 @cindex breakpoints at functions matching a regexp
3458 @cindex set breakpoints in many functions
3459 @item rbreak @var{regex}
3460 Set breakpoints on all functions matching the regular expression
3461 @var{regex}. This command sets an unconditional breakpoint on all
3462 matches, printing a list of all breakpoints it set. Once these
3463 breakpoints are set, they are treated just like the breakpoints set with
3464 the @code{break} command. You can delete them, disable them, or make
3465 them conditional the same way as any other breakpoint.
3466
3467 The syntax of the regular expression is the standard one used with tools
3468 like @file{grep}. Note that this is different from the syntax used by
3469 shells, so for instance @code{foo*} matches all functions that include
3470 an @code{fo} followed by zero or more @code{o}s. There is an implicit
3471 @code{.*} leading and trailing the regular expression you supply, so to
3472 match only functions that begin with @code{foo}, use @code{^foo}.
3473
3474 @cindex non-member C@t{++} functions, set breakpoint in
3475 When debugging C@t{++} programs, @code{rbreak} is useful for setting
3476 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
3477 classes.
3478
3479 @cindex set breakpoints on all functions
3480 The @code{rbreak} command can be used to set breakpoints in
3481 @strong{all} the functions in a program, like this:
3482
3483 @smallexample
3484 (@value{GDBP}) rbreak .
3485 @end smallexample
3486
3487 @item rbreak @var{file}:@var{regex}
3488 If @code{rbreak} is called with a filename qualification, it limits
3489 the search for functions matching the given regular expression to the
3490 specified @var{file}. This can be used, for example, to set breakpoints on
3491 every function in a given file:
3492
3493 @smallexample
3494 (@value{GDBP}) rbreak file.c:.
3495 @end smallexample
3496
3497 The colon separating the filename qualifier from the regex may
3498 optionally be surrounded by spaces.
3499
3500 @kindex info breakpoints
3501 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info breakpoints}
3502 @item info breakpoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
3503 @itemx info break @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
3504 Print a table of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints set and
3505 not deleted. Optional argument @var{n} means print information only
3506 about the specified breakpoint(s) (or watchpoint(s) or catchpoint(s)).
3507 For each breakpoint, following columns are printed:
3508
3509 @table @emph
3510 @item Breakpoint Numbers
3511 @item Type
3512 Breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint.
3513 @item Disposition
3514 Whether the breakpoint is marked to be disabled or deleted when hit.
3515 @item Enabled or Disabled
3516 Enabled breakpoints are marked with @samp{y}. @samp{n} marks breakpoints
3517 that are not enabled.
3518 @item Address
3519 Where the breakpoint is in your program, as a memory address. For a
3520 pending breakpoint whose address is not yet known, this field will
3521 contain @samp{<PENDING>}. Such breakpoint won't fire until a shared
3522 library that has the symbol or line referred by breakpoint is loaded.
3523 See below for details. A breakpoint with several locations will
3524 have @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in this field---see below for details.
3525 @item What
3526 Where the breakpoint is in the source for your program, as a file and
3527 line number. For a pending breakpoint, the original string passed to
3528 the breakpoint command will be listed as it cannot be resolved until
3529 the appropriate shared library is loaded in the future.
3530 @end table
3531
3532 @noindent
3533 If a breakpoint is conditional, there are two evaluation modes: ``host'' and
3534 ``target''. If mode is ``host'', breakpoint condition evaluation is done by
3535 @value{GDBN} on the host's side. If it is ``target'', then the condition
3536 is evaluated by the target. The @code{info break} command shows
3537 the condition on the line following the affected breakpoint, together with
3538 its condition evaluation mode in between parentheses.
3539
3540 Breakpoint commands, if any, are listed after that. A pending breakpoint is
3541 allowed to have a condition specified for it. The condition is not parsed for
3542 validity until a shared library is loaded that allows the pending
3543 breakpoint to resolve to a valid location.
3544
3545 @noindent
3546 @code{info break} with a breakpoint
3547 number @var{n} as argument lists only that breakpoint. The
3548 convenience variable @code{$_} and the default examining-address for
3549 the @code{x} command are set to the address of the last breakpoint
3550 listed (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}).
3551
3552 @noindent
3553 @code{info break} displays a count of the number of times the breakpoint
3554 has been hit. This is especially useful in conjunction with the
3555 @code{ignore} command. You can ignore a large number of breakpoint
3556 hits, look at the breakpoint info to see how many times the breakpoint
3557 was hit, and then run again, ignoring one less than that number. This
3558 will get you quickly to the last hit of that breakpoint.
3559
3560 @noindent
3561 For a breakpoints with an enable count (xref) greater than 1,
3562 @code{info break} also displays that count.
3563
3564 @end table
3565
3566 @value{GDBN} allows you to set any number of breakpoints at the same place in
3567 your program. There is nothing silly or meaningless about this. When
3568 the breakpoints are conditional, this is even useful
3569 (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
3570
3571 @cindex multiple locations, breakpoints
3572 @cindex breakpoints, multiple locations
3573 It is possible that a breakpoint corresponds to several locations
3574 in your program. Examples of this situation are:
3575
3576 @itemize @bullet
3577 @item
3578 Multiple functions in the program may have the same name.
3579
3580 @item
3581 For a C@t{++} constructor, the @value{NGCC} compiler generates several
3582 instances of the function body, used in different cases.
3583
3584 @item
3585 For a C@t{++} template function, a given line in the function can
3586 correspond to any number of instantiations.
3587
3588 @item
3589 For an inlined function, a given source line can correspond to
3590 several places where that function is inlined.
3591 @end itemize
3592
3593 In all those cases, @value{GDBN} will insert a breakpoint at all
3594 the relevant locations.
3595
3596 A breakpoint with multiple locations is displayed in the breakpoint
3597 table using several rows---one header row, followed by one row for
3598 each breakpoint location. The header row has @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in the
3599 address column. The rows for individual locations contain the actual
3600 addresses for locations, and show the functions to which those
3601 locations belong. The number column for a location is of the form
3602 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number}.
3603
3604 For example:
3605
3606 @smallexample
3607 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
3608 1 breakpoint keep y <MULTIPLE>
3609 stop only if i==1
3610 breakpoint already hit 1 time
3611 1.1 y 0x080486a2 in void foo<int>() at t.cc:8
3612 1.2 y 0x080486ca in void foo<double>() at t.cc:8
3613 @end smallexample
3614
3615 Each location can be individually enabled or disabled by passing
3616 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number} as argument to the
3617 @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands. Note that you cannot
3618 delete the individual locations from the list, you can only delete the
3619 entire list of locations that belong to their parent breakpoint (with
3620 the @kbd{delete @var{num}} command, where @var{num} is the number of
3621 the parent breakpoint, 1 in the above example). Disabling or enabling
3622 the parent breakpoint (@pxref{Disabling}) affects all of the locations
3623 that belong to that breakpoint.
3624
3625 @cindex pending breakpoints
3626 It's quite common to have a breakpoint inside a shared library.
3627 Shared libraries can be loaded and unloaded explicitly,
3628 and possibly repeatedly, as the program is executed. To support
3629 this use case, @value{GDBN} updates breakpoint locations whenever
3630 any shared library is loaded or unloaded. Typically, you would
3631 set a breakpoint in a shared library at the beginning of your
3632 debugging session, when the library is not loaded, and when the
3633 symbols from the library are not available. When you try to set
3634 breakpoint, @value{GDBN} will ask you if you want to set
3635 a so called @dfn{pending breakpoint}---breakpoint whose address
3636 is not yet resolved.
3637
3638 After the program is run, whenever a new shared library is loaded,
3639 @value{GDBN} reevaluates all the breakpoints. When a newly loaded
3640 shared library contains the symbol or line referred to by some
3641 pending breakpoint, that breakpoint is resolved and becomes an
3642 ordinary breakpoint. When a library is unloaded, all breakpoints
3643 that refer to its symbols or source lines become pending again.
3644
3645 This logic works for breakpoints with multiple locations, too. For
3646 example, if you have a breakpoint in a C@t{++} template function, and
3647 a newly loaded shared library has an instantiation of that template,
3648 a new location is added to the list of locations for the breakpoint.
3649
3650 Except for having unresolved address, pending breakpoints do not
3651 differ from regular breakpoints. You can set conditions or commands,
3652 enable and disable them and perform other breakpoint operations.
3653
3654 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling what
3655 happens when the @samp{break} command cannot resolve breakpoint
3656 address specification to an address:
3657
3658 @kindex set breakpoint pending
3659 @kindex show breakpoint pending
3660 @table @code
3661 @item set breakpoint pending auto
3662 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} cannot find the breakpoint
3663 location, it queries you whether a pending breakpoint should be created.
3664
3665 @item set breakpoint pending on
3666 This indicates that an unrecognized breakpoint location should automatically
3667 result in a pending breakpoint being created.
3668
3669 @item set breakpoint pending off
3670 This indicates that pending breakpoints are not to be created. Any
3671 unrecognized breakpoint location results in an error. This setting does
3672 not affect any pending breakpoints previously created.
3673
3674 @item show breakpoint pending
3675 Show the current behavior setting for creating pending breakpoints.
3676 @end table
3677
3678 The settings above only affect the @code{break} command and its
3679 variants. Once breakpoint is set, it will be automatically updated
3680 as shared libraries are loaded and unloaded.
3681
3682 @cindex automatic hardware breakpoints
3683 For some targets, @value{GDBN} can automatically decide if hardware or
3684 software breakpoints should be used, depending on whether the
3685 breakpoint address is read-only or read-write. This applies to
3686 breakpoints set with the @code{break} command as well as to internal
3687 breakpoints set by commands like @code{next} and @code{finish}. For
3688 breakpoints set with @code{hbreak}, @value{GDBN} will always use hardware
3689 breakpoints.
3690
3691 You can control this automatic behaviour with the following commands::
3692
3693 @kindex set breakpoint auto-hw
3694 @kindex show breakpoint auto-hw
3695 @table @code
3696 @item set breakpoint auto-hw on
3697 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} sets a breakpoint, it
3698 will try to use the target memory map to decide if software or hardware
3699 breakpoint must be used.
3700
3701 @item set breakpoint auto-hw off
3702 This indicates @value{GDBN} should not automatically select breakpoint
3703 type. If the target provides a memory map, @value{GDBN} will warn when
3704 trying to set software breakpoint at a read-only address.
3705 @end table
3706
3707 @value{GDBN} normally implements breakpoints by replacing the program code
3708 at the breakpoint address with a special instruction, which, when
3709 executed, given control to the debugger. By default, the program
3710 code is so modified only when the program is resumed. As soon as
3711 the program stops, @value{GDBN} restores the original instructions. This
3712 behaviour guards against leaving breakpoints inserted in the
3713 target should gdb abrubptly disconnect. However, with slow remote
3714 targets, inserting and removing breakpoint can reduce the performance.
3715 This behavior can be controlled with the following commands::
3716
3717 @kindex set breakpoint always-inserted
3718 @kindex show breakpoint always-inserted
3719 @table @code
3720 @item set breakpoint always-inserted off
3721 All breakpoints, including newly added by the user, are inserted in
3722 the target only when the target is resumed. All breakpoints are
3723 removed from the target when it stops.
3724
3725 @item set breakpoint always-inserted on
3726 Causes all breakpoints to be inserted in the target at all times. If
3727 the user adds a new breakpoint, or changes an existing breakpoint, the
3728 breakpoints in the target are updated immediately. A breakpoint is
3729 removed from the target only when breakpoint itself is removed.
3730
3731 @cindex non-stop mode, and @code{breakpoint always-inserted}
3732 @item set breakpoint always-inserted auto
3733 This is the default mode. If @value{GDBN} is controlling the inferior
3734 in non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}), gdb behaves as if
3735 @code{breakpoint always-inserted} mode is on. If @value{GDBN} is
3736 controlling the inferior in all-stop mode, @value{GDBN} behaves as if
3737 @code{breakpoint always-inserted} mode is off.
3738 @end table
3739
3740 @value{GDBN} handles conditional breakpoints by evaluating these conditions
3741 when a breakpoint breaks. If the condition is true, then the process being
3742 debugged stops, otherwise the process is resumed.
3743
3744 If the target supports evaluating conditions on its end, @value{GDBN} may
3745 download the breakpoint, together with its conditions, to it.
3746
3747 This feature can be controlled via the following commands:
3748
3749 @kindex set breakpoint condition-evaluation
3750 @kindex show breakpoint condition-evaluation
3751 @table @code
3752 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation host
3753 This option commands @value{GDBN} to evaluate the breakpoint
3754 conditions on the host's side. Unconditional breakpoints are sent to
3755 the target which in turn receives the triggers and reports them back to GDB
3756 for condition evaluation. This is the standard evaluation mode.
3757
3758 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation target
3759 This option commands @value{GDBN} to download breakpoint conditions
3760 to the target at the moment of their insertion. The target
3761 is responsible for evaluating the conditional expression and reporting
3762 breakpoint stop events back to @value{GDBN} whenever the condition
3763 is true. Due to limitations of target-side evaluation, some conditions
3764 cannot be evaluated there, e.g., conditions that depend on local data
3765 that is only known to the host. Examples include
3766 conditional expressions involving convenience variables, complex types
3767 that cannot be handled by the agent expression parser and expressions
3768 that are too long to be sent over to the target, specially when the
3769 target is a remote system. In these cases, the conditions will be
3770 evaluated by @value{GDBN}.
3771
3772 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation auto
3773 This is the default mode. If the target supports evaluating breakpoint
3774 conditions on its end, @value{GDBN} will download breakpoint conditions to
3775 the target (limitations mentioned previously apply). If the target does
3776 not support breakpoint condition evaluation, then @value{GDBN} will fallback
3777 to evaluating all these conditions on the host's side.
3778 @end table
3779
3780
3781 @cindex negative breakpoint numbers
3782 @cindex internal @value{GDBN} breakpoints
3783 @value{GDBN} itself sometimes sets breakpoints in your program for
3784 special purposes, such as proper handling of @code{longjmp} (in C
3785 programs). These internal breakpoints are assigned negative numbers,
3786 starting with @code{-1}; @samp{info breakpoints} does not display them.
3787 You can see these breakpoints with the @value{GDBN} maintenance command
3788 @samp{maint info breakpoints} (@pxref{maint info breakpoints}).
3789
3790
3791 @node Set Watchpoints
3792 @subsection Setting Watchpoints
3793
3794 @cindex setting watchpoints
3795 You can use a watchpoint to stop execution whenever the value of an
3796 expression changes, without having to predict a particular place where
3797 this may happen. (This is sometimes called a @dfn{data breakpoint}.)
3798 The expression may be as simple as the value of a single variable, or
3799 as complex as many variables combined by operators. Examples include:
3800
3801 @itemize @bullet
3802 @item
3803 A reference to the value of a single variable.
3804
3805 @item
3806 An address cast to an appropriate data type. For example,
3807 @samp{*(int *)0x12345678} will watch a 4-byte region at the specified
3808 address (assuming an @code{int} occupies 4 bytes).
3809
3810 @item
3811 An arbitrarily complex expression, such as @samp{a*b + c/d}. The
3812 expression can use any operators valid in the program's native
3813 language (@pxref{Languages}).
3814 @end itemize
3815
3816 You can set a watchpoint on an expression even if the expression can
3817 not be evaluated yet. For instance, you can set a watchpoint on
3818 @samp{*global_ptr} before @samp{global_ptr} is initialized.
3819 @value{GDBN} will stop when your program sets @samp{global_ptr} and
3820 the expression produces a valid value. If the expression becomes
3821 valid in some other way than changing a variable (e.g.@: if the memory
3822 pointed to by @samp{*global_ptr} becomes readable as the result of a
3823 @code{malloc} call), @value{GDBN} may not stop until the next time
3824 the expression changes.
3825
3826 @cindex software watchpoints
3827 @cindex hardware watchpoints
3828 Depending on your system, watchpoints may be implemented in software or
3829 hardware. @value{GDBN} does software watchpointing by single-stepping your
3830 program and testing the variable's value each time, which is hundreds of
3831 times slower than normal execution. (But this may still be worth it, to
3832 catch errors where you have no clue what part of your program is the
3833 culprit.)
3834
3835 On some systems, such as HP-UX, PowerPC, @sc{gnu}/Linux and most other
3836 x86-based targets, @value{GDBN} includes support for hardware
3837 watchpoints, which do not slow down the running of your program.
3838
3839 @table @code
3840 @kindex watch
3841 @item watch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
3842 Set a watchpoint for an expression. @value{GDBN} will break when the
3843 expression @var{expr} is written into by the program and its value
3844 changes. The simplest (and the most popular) use of this command is
3845 to watch the value of a single variable:
3846
3847 @smallexample
3848 (@value{GDBP}) watch foo
3849 @end smallexample
3850
3851 If the command includes a @code{@r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}}
3852 argument, @value{GDBN} breaks only when the thread identified by
3853 @var{threadnum} changes the value of @var{expr}. If any other threads
3854 change the value of @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} will not break. Note
3855 that watchpoints restricted to a single thread in this way only work
3856 with Hardware Watchpoints.
3857
3858 Ordinarily a watchpoint respects the scope of variables in @var{expr}
3859 (see below). The @code{-location} argument tells @value{GDBN} to
3860 instead watch the memory referred to by @var{expr}. In this case,
3861 @value{GDBN} will evaluate @var{expr}, take the address of the result,
3862 and watch the memory at that address. The type of the result is used
3863 to determine the size of the watched memory. If the expression's
3864 result does not have an address, then @value{GDBN} will print an
3865 error.
3866
3867 The @code{@r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}} argument allows creation
3868 of masked watchpoints, if the current architecture supports this
3869 feature (e.g., PowerPC Embedded architecture, see @ref{PowerPC
3870 Embedded}.) A @dfn{masked watchpoint} specifies a mask in addition
3871 to an address to watch. The mask specifies that some bits of an address
3872 (the bits which are reset in the mask) should be ignored when matching
3873 the address accessed by the inferior against the watchpoint address.
3874 Thus, a masked watchpoint watches many addresses simultaneously---those
3875 addresses whose unmasked bits are identical to the unmasked bits in the
3876 watchpoint address. The @code{mask} argument implies @code{-location}.
3877 Examples:
3878
3879 @smallexample
3880 (@value{GDBP}) watch foo mask 0xffff00ff
3881 (@value{GDBP}) watch *0xdeadbeef mask 0xffffff00
3882 @end smallexample
3883
3884 @kindex rwatch
3885 @item rwatch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
3886 Set a watchpoint that will break when the value of @var{expr} is read
3887 by the program.
3888
3889 @kindex awatch
3890 @item awatch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
3891 Set a watchpoint that will break when @var{expr} is either read from
3892 or written into by the program.
3893
3894 @kindex info watchpoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
3895 @item info watchpoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
3896 This command prints a list of watchpoints, using the same format as
3897 @code{info break} (@pxref{Set Breaks}).
3898 @end table
3899
3900 If you watch for a change in a numerically entered address you need to
3901 dereference it, as the address itself is just a constant number which will
3902 never change. @value{GDBN} refuses to create a watchpoint that watches
3903 a never-changing value:
3904
3905 @smallexample
3906 (@value{GDBP}) watch 0x600850
3907 Cannot watch constant value 0x600850.
3908 (@value{GDBP}) watch *(int *) 0x600850
3909 Watchpoint 1: *(int *) 6293584
3910 @end smallexample
3911
3912 @value{GDBN} sets a @dfn{hardware watchpoint} if possible. Hardware
3913 watchpoints execute very quickly, and the debugger reports a change in
3914 value at the exact instruction where the change occurs. If @value{GDBN}
3915 cannot set a hardware watchpoint, it sets a software watchpoint, which
3916 executes more slowly and reports the change in value at the next
3917 @emph{statement}, not the instruction, after the change occurs.
3918
3919 @cindex use only software watchpoints
3920 You can force @value{GDBN} to use only software watchpoints with the
3921 @kbd{set can-use-hw-watchpoints 0} command. With this variable set to
3922 zero, @value{GDBN} will never try to use hardware watchpoints, even if
3923 the underlying system supports them. (Note that hardware-assisted
3924 watchpoints that were set @emph{before} setting
3925 @code{can-use-hw-watchpoints} to zero will still use the hardware
3926 mechanism of watching expression values.)
3927
3928 @table @code
3929 @item set can-use-hw-watchpoints
3930 @kindex set can-use-hw-watchpoints
3931 Set whether or not to use hardware watchpoints.
3932
3933 @item show can-use-hw-watchpoints
3934 @kindex show can-use-hw-watchpoints
3935 Show the current mode of using hardware watchpoints.
3936 @end table
3937
3938 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
3939 watchpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
3940 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
3941
3942 When you issue the @code{watch} command, @value{GDBN} reports
3943
3944 @smallexample
3945 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: @var{expr}
3946 @end smallexample
3947
3948 @noindent
3949 if it was able to set a hardware watchpoint.
3950
3951 Currently, the @code{awatch} and @code{rwatch} commands can only set
3952 hardware watchpoints, because accesses to data that don't change the
3953 value of the watched expression cannot be detected without examining
3954 every instruction as it is being executed, and @value{GDBN} does not do
3955 that currently. If @value{GDBN} finds that it is unable to set a
3956 hardware breakpoint with the @code{awatch} or @code{rwatch} command, it
3957 will print a message like this:
3958
3959 @smallexample
3960 Expression cannot be implemented with read/access watchpoint.
3961 @end smallexample
3962
3963 Sometimes, @value{GDBN} cannot set a hardware watchpoint because the
3964 data type of the watched expression is wider than what a hardware
3965 watchpoint on the target machine can handle. For example, some systems
3966 can only watch regions that are up to 4 bytes wide; on such systems you
3967 cannot set hardware watchpoints for an expression that yields a
3968 double-precision floating-point number (which is typically 8 bytes
3969 wide). As a work-around, it might be possible to break the large region
3970 into a series of smaller ones and watch them with separate watchpoints.
3971
3972 If you set too many hardware watchpoints, @value{GDBN} might be unable
3973 to insert all of them when you resume the execution of your program.
3974 Since the precise number of active watchpoints is unknown until such
3975 time as the program is about to be resumed, @value{GDBN} might not be
3976 able to warn you about this when you set the watchpoints, and the
3977 warning will be printed only when the program is resumed:
3978
3979 @smallexample
3980 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: Could not insert watchpoint
3981 @end smallexample
3982
3983 @noindent
3984 If this happens, delete or disable some of the watchpoints.
3985
3986 Watching complex expressions that reference many variables can also
3987 exhaust the resources available for hardware-assisted watchpoints.
3988 That's because @value{GDBN} needs to watch every variable in the
3989 expression with separately allocated resources.
3990
3991 If you call a function interactively using @code{print} or @code{call},
3992 any watchpoints you have set will be inactive until @value{GDBN} reaches another
3993 kind of breakpoint or the call completes.
3994
3995 @value{GDBN} automatically deletes watchpoints that watch local
3996 (automatic) variables, or expressions that involve such variables, when
3997 they go out of scope, that is, when the execution leaves the block in
3998 which these variables were defined. In particular, when the program
3999 being debugged terminates, @emph{all} local variables go out of scope,
4000 and so only watchpoints that watch global variables remain set. If you
4001 rerun the program, you will need to set all such watchpoints again. One
4002 way of doing that would be to set a code breakpoint at the entry to the
4003 @code{main} function and when it breaks, set all the watchpoints.
4004
4005 @cindex watchpoints and threads
4006 @cindex threads and watchpoints
4007 In multi-threaded programs, watchpoints will detect changes to the
4008 watched expression from every thread.
4009
4010 @quotation
4011 @emph{Warning:} In multi-threaded programs, software watchpoints
4012 have only limited usefulness. If @value{GDBN} creates a software
4013 watchpoint, it can only watch the value of an expression @emph{in a
4014 single thread}. If you are confident that the expression can only
4015 change due to the current thread's activity (and if you are also
4016 confident that no other thread can become current), then you can use
4017 software watchpoints as usual. However, @value{GDBN} may not notice
4018 when a non-current thread's activity changes the expression. (Hardware
4019 watchpoints, in contrast, watch an expression in all threads.)
4020 @end quotation
4021
4022 @xref{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}.
4023
4024 @node Set Catchpoints
4025 @subsection Setting Catchpoints
4026 @cindex catchpoints, setting
4027 @cindex exception handlers
4028 @cindex event handling
4029
4030 You can use @dfn{catchpoints} to cause the debugger to stop for certain
4031 kinds of program events, such as C@t{++} exceptions or the loading of a
4032 shared library. Use the @code{catch} command to set a catchpoint.
4033
4034 @table @code
4035 @kindex catch
4036 @item catch @var{event}
4037 Stop when @var{event} occurs. @var{event} can be any of the following:
4038 @table @code
4039 @item throw
4040 @cindex stop on C@t{++} exceptions
4041 The throwing of a C@t{++} exception.
4042
4043 @item catch
4044 The catching of a C@t{++} exception.
4045
4046 @item exception
4047 @cindex Ada exception catching
4048 @cindex catch Ada exceptions
4049 An Ada exception being raised. If an exception name is specified
4050 at the end of the command (eg @code{catch exception Program_Error}),
4051 the debugger will stop only when this specific exception is raised.
4052 Otherwise, the debugger stops execution when any Ada exception is raised.
4053
4054 When inserting an exception catchpoint on a user-defined exception whose
4055 name is identical to one of the exceptions defined by the language, the
4056 fully qualified name must be used as the exception name. Otherwise,
4057 @value{GDBN} will assume that it should stop on the pre-defined exception
4058 rather than the user-defined one. For instance, assuming an exception
4059 called @code{Constraint_Error} is defined in package @code{Pck}, then
4060 the command to use to catch such exceptions is @kbd{catch exception
4061 Pck.Constraint_Error}.
4062
4063 @item exception unhandled
4064 An exception that was raised but is not handled by the program.
4065
4066 @item assert
4067 A failed Ada assertion.
4068
4069 @item exec
4070 @cindex break on fork/exec
4071 A call to @code{exec}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
4072 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
4073
4074 @item syscall
4075 @itemx syscall @r{[}@var{name} @r{|} @var{number}@r{]} @dots{}
4076 @cindex break on a system call.
4077 A call to or return from a system call, a.k.a.@: @dfn{syscall}. A
4078 syscall is a mechanism for application programs to request a service
4079 from the operating system (OS) or one of the OS system services.
4080 @value{GDBN} can catch some or all of the syscalls issued by the
4081 debuggee, and show the related information for each syscall. If no
4082 argument is specified, calls to and returns from all system calls
4083 will be caught.
4084
4085 @var{name} can be any system call name that is valid for the
4086 underlying OS. Just what syscalls are valid depends on the OS. On
4087 GNU and Unix systems, you can find the full list of valid syscall
4088 names on @file{/usr/include/asm/unistd.h}.
4089
4090 @c For MS-Windows, the syscall names and the corresponding numbers
4091 @c can be found, e.g., on this URL:
4092 @c http://www.metasploit.com/users/opcode/syscalls.html
4093 @c but we don't support Windows syscalls yet.
4094
4095 Normally, @value{GDBN} knows in advance which syscalls are valid for
4096 each OS, so you can use the @value{GDBN} command-line completion
4097 facilities (@pxref{Completion,, command completion}) to list the
4098 available choices.
4099
4100 You may also specify the system call numerically. A syscall's
4101 number is the value passed to the OS's syscall dispatcher to
4102 identify the requested service. When you specify the syscall by its
4103 name, @value{GDBN} uses its database of syscalls to convert the name
4104 into the corresponding numeric code, but using the number directly
4105 may be useful if @value{GDBN}'s database does not have the complete
4106 list of syscalls on your system (e.g., because @value{GDBN} lags
4107 behind the OS upgrades).
4108
4109 The example below illustrates how this command works if you don't provide
4110 arguments to it:
4111
4112 @smallexample
4113 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall
4114 Catchpoint 1 (syscall)
4115 (@value{GDBP}) r
4116 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4117
4118 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'close'), \
4119 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4120 (@value{GDBP}) c
4121 Continuing.
4122
4123 Catchpoint 1 (returned from syscall 'close'), \
4124 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4125 (@value{GDBP})
4126 @end smallexample
4127
4128 Here is an example of catching a system call by name:
4129
4130 @smallexample
4131 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall chroot
4132 Catchpoint 1 (syscall 'chroot' [61])
4133 (@value{GDBP}) r
4134 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4135
4136 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'chroot'), \
4137 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4138 (@value{GDBP}) c
4139 Continuing.
4140
4141 Catchpoint 1 (returned from syscall 'chroot'), \
4142 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4143 (@value{GDBP})
4144 @end smallexample
4145
4146 An example of specifying a system call numerically. In the case
4147 below, the syscall number has a corresponding entry in the XML
4148 file, so @value{GDBN} finds its name and prints it:
4149
4150 @smallexample
4151 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 252
4152 Catchpoint 1 (syscall(s) 'exit_group')
4153 (@value{GDBP}) r
4154 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4155
4156 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'exit_group'), \
4157 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4158 (@value{GDBP}) c
4159 Continuing.
4160
4161 Program exited normally.
4162 (@value{GDBP})
4163 @end smallexample
4164
4165 However, there can be situations when there is no corresponding name
4166 in XML file for that syscall number. In this case, @value{GDBN} prints
4167 a warning message saying that it was not able to find the syscall name,
4168 but the catchpoint will be set anyway. See the example below:
4169
4170 @smallexample
4171 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 764
4172 warning: The number '764' does not represent a known syscall.
4173 Catchpoint 2 (syscall 764)
4174 (@value{GDBP})
4175 @end smallexample
4176
4177 If you configure @value{GDBN} using the @samp{--without-expat} option,
4178 it will not be able to display syscall names. Also, if your
4179 architecture does not have an XML file describing its system calls,
4180 you will not be able to see the syscall names. It is important to
4181 notice that these two features are used for accessing the syscall
4182 name database. In either case, you will see a warning like this:
4183
4184 @smallexample
4185 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall
4186 warning: Could not open "syscalls/i386-linux.xml"
4187 warning: Could not load the syscall XML file 'syscalls/i386-linux.xml'.
4188 GDB will not be able to display syscall names.
4189 Catchpoint 1 (syscall)
4190 (@value{GDBP})
4191 @end smallexample
4192
4193 Of course, the file name will change depending on your architecture and system.
4194
4195 Still using the example above, you can also try to catch a syscall by its
4196 number. In this case, you would see something like:
4197
4198 @smallexample
4199 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 252
4200 Catchpoint 1 (syscall(s) 252)
4201 @end smallexample
4202
4203 Again, in this case @value{GDBN} would not be able to display syscall's names.
4204
4205 @item fork
4206 A call to @code{fork}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
4207 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
4208
4209 @item vfork
4210 A call to @code{vfork}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
4211 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
4212
4213 @item load @r{[}regexp@r{]}
4214 @itemx unload @r{[}regexp@r{]}
4215 The loading or unloading of a shared library. If @var{regexp} is
4216 given, then the catchpoint will stop only if the regular expression
4217 matches one of the affected libraries.
4218
4219 @end table
4220
4221 @item tcatch @var{event}
4222 Set a catchpoint that is enabled only for one stop. The catchpoint is
4223 automatically deleted after the first time the event is caught.
4224
4225 @end table
4226
4227 Use the @code{info break} command to list the current catchpoints.
4228
4229 There are currently some limitations to C@t{++} exception handling
4230 (@code{catch throw} and @code{catch catch}) in @value{GDBN}:
4231
4232 @itemize @bullet
4233 @item
4234 If you call a function interactively, @value{GDBN} normally returns
4235 control to you when the function has finished executing. If the call
4236 raises an exception, however, the call may bypass the mechanism that
4237 returns control to you and cause your program either to abort or to
4238 simply continue running until it hits a breakpoint, catches a signal
4239 that @value{GDBN} is listening for, or exits. This is the case even if
4240 you set a catchpoint for the exception; catchpoints on exceptions are
4241 disabled within interactive calls.
4242
4243 @item
4244 You cannot raise an exception interactively.
4245
4246 @item
4247 You cannot install an exception handler interactively.
4248 @end itemize
4249
4250 @cindex raise exceptions
4251 Sometimes @code{catch} is not the best way to debug exception handling:
4252 if you need to know exactly where an exception is raised, it is better to
4253 stop @emph{before} the exception handler is called, since that way you
4254 can see the stack before any unwinding takes place. If you set a
4255 breakpoint in an exception handler instead, it may not be easy to find
4256 out where the exception was raised.
4257
4258 To stop just before an exception handler is called, you need some
4259 knowledge of the implementation. In the case of @sc{gnu} C@t{++}, exceptions are
4260 raised by calling a library function named @code{__raise_exception}
4261 which has the following ANSI C interface:
4262
4263 @smallexample
4264 /* @var{addr} is where the exception identifier is stored.
4265 @var{id} is the exception identifier. */
4266 void __raise_exception (void **addr, void *id);
4267 @end smallexample
4268
4269 @noindent
4270 To make the debugger catch all exceptions before any stack
4271 unwinding takes place, set a breakpoint on @code{__raise_exception}
4272 (@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints; Watchpoints; and Exceptions}).
4273
4274 With a conditional breakpoint (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions})
4275 that depends on the value of @var{id}, you can stop your program when
4276 a specific exception is raised. You can use multiple conditional
4277 breakpoints to stop your program when any of a number of exceptions are
4278 raised.
4279
4280
4281 @node Delete Breaks
4282 @subsection Deleting Breakpoints
4283
4284 @cindex clearing breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
4285 @cindex deleting breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
4286 It is often necessary to eliminate a breakpoint, watchpoint, or
4287 catchpoint once it has done its job and you no longer want your program
4288 to stop there. This is called @dfn{deleting} the breakpoint. A
4289 breakpoint that has been deleted no longer exists; it is forgotten.
4290
4291 With the @code{clear} command you can delete breakpoints according to
4292 where they are in your program. With the @code{delete} command you can
4293 delete individual breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints by specifying
4294 their breakpoint numbers.
4295
4296 It is not necessary to delete a breakpoint to proceed past it. @value{GDBN}
4297 automatically ignores breakpoints on the first instruction to be executed
4298 when you continue execution without changing the execution address.
4299
4300 @table @code
4301 @kindex clear
4302 @item clear
4303 Delete any breakpoints at the next instruction to be executed in the
4304 selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). When
4305 the innermost frame is selected, this is a good way to delete a
4306 breakpoint where your program just stopped.
4307
4308 @item clear @var{location}
4309 Delete any breakpoints set at the specified @var{location}.
4310 @xref{Specify Location}, for the various forms of @var{location}; the
4311 most useful ones are listed below:
4312
4313 @table @code
4314 @item clear @var{function}
4315 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{function}
4316 Delete any breakpoints set at entry to the named @var{function}.
4317
4318 @item clear @var{linenum}
4319 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
4320 Delete any breakpoints set at or within the code of the specified
4321 @var{linenum} of the specified @var{filename}.
4322 @end table
4323
4324 @cindex delete breakpoints
4325 @kindex delete
4326 @kindex d @r{(@code{delete})}
4327 @item delete @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4328 Delete the breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints of the breakpoint
4329 ranges specified as arguments. If no argument is specified, delete all
4330 breakpoints (@value{GDBN} asks confirmation, unless you have @code{set
4331 confirm off}). You can abbreviate this command as @code{d}.
4332 @end table
4333
4334 @node Disabling
4335 @subsection Disabling Breakpoints
4336
4337 @cindex enable/disable a breakpoint
4338 Rather than deleting a breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint, you might
4339 prefer to @dfn{disable} it. This makes the breakpoint inoperative as if
4340 it had been deleted, but remembers the information on the breakpoint so
4341 that you can @dfn{enable} it again later.
4342
4343 You disable and enable breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints with
4344 the @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands, optionally specifying
4345 one or more breakpoint numbers as arguments. Use @code{info break} to
4346 print a list of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints if you
4347 do not know which numbers to use.
4348
4349 Disabling and enabling a breakpoint that has multiple locations
4350 affects all of its locations.
4351
4352 A breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint can have any of several
4353 different states of enablement:
4354
4355 @itemize @bullet
4356 @item
4357 Enabled. The breakpoint stops your program. A breakpoint set
4358 with the @code{break} command starts out in this state.
4359 @item
4360 Disabled. The breakpoint has no effect on your program.
4361 @item
4362 Enabled once. The breakpoint stops your program, but then becomes
4363 disabled.
4364 @item
4365 Enabled for a count. The breakpoint stops your program for the next
4366 N times, then becomes disabled.
4367 @item
4368 Enabled for deletion. The breakpoint stops your program, but
4369 immediately after it does so it is deleted permanently. A breakpoint
4370 set with the @code{tbreak} command starts out in this state.
4371 @end itemize
4372
4373 You can use the following commands to enable or disable breakpoints,
4374 watchpoints, and catchpoints:
4375
4376 @table @code
4377 @kindex disable
4378 @kindex dis @r{(@code{disable})}
4379 @item disable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4380 Disable the specified breakpoints---or all breakpoints, if none are
4381 listed. A disabled breakpoint has no effect but is not forgotten. All
4382 options such as ignore-counts, conditions and commands are remembered in
4383 case the breakpoint is enabled again later. You may abbreviate
4384 @code{disable} as @code{dis}.
4385
4386 @kindex enable
4387 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4388 Enable the specified breakpoints (or all defined breakpoints). They
4389 become effective once again in stopping your program.
4390
4391 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} once @var{range}@dots{}
4392 Enable the specified breakpoints temporarily. @value{GDBN} disables any
4393 of these breakpoints immediately after stopping your program.
4394
4395 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} count @var{count} @var{range}@dots{}
4396 Enable the specified breakpoints temporarily. @value{GDBN} records
4397 @var{count} with each of the specified breakpoints, and decrements a
4398 breakpoint's count when it is hit. When any count reaches 0,
4399 @value{GDBN} disables that breakpoint. If a breakpoint has an ignore
4400 count (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}), that will be
4401 decremented to 0 before @var{count} is affected.
4402
4403 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} delete @var{range}@dots{}
4404 Enable the specified breakpoints to work once, then die. @value{GDBN}
4405 deletes any of these breakpoints as soon as your program stops there.
4406 Breakpoints set by the @code{tbreak} command start out in this state.
4407 @end table
4408
4409 @c FIXME: I think the following ``Except for [...] @code{tbreak}'' is
4410 @c confusing: tbreak is also initially enabled.
4411 Except for a breakpoint set with @code{tbreak} (@pxref{Set Breaks,
4412 ,Setting Breakpoints}), breakpoints that you set are initially enabled;
4413 subsequently, they become disabled or enabled only when you use one of
4414 the commands above. (The command @code{until} can set and delete a
4415 breakpoint of its own, but it does not change the state of your other
4416 breakpoints; see @ref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and
4417 Stepping}.)
4418
4419 @node Conditions
4420 @subsection Break Conditions
4421 @cindex conditional breakpoints
4422 @cindex breakpoint conditions
4423
4424 @c FIXME what is scope of break condition expr? Context where wanted?
4425 @c in particular for a watchpoint?
4426 The simplest sort of breakpoint breaks every time your program reaches a
4427 specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for a
4428 breakpoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
4429 programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A breakpoint with
4430 a condition evaluates the expression each time your program reaches it,
4431 and your program stops only if the condition is @emph{true}.
4432
4433 This is the converse of using assertions for program validation; in that
4434 situation, you want to stop when the assertion is violated---that is,
4435 when the condition is false. In C, if you want to test an assertion expressed
4436 by the condition @var{assert}, you should set the condition
4437 @samp{! @var{assert}} on the appropriate breakpoint.
4438
4439 Conditions are also accepted for watchpoints; you may not need them,
4440 since a watchpoint is inspecting the value of an expression anyhow---but
4441 it might be simpler, say, to just set a watchpoint on a variable name,
4442 and specify a condition that tests whether the new value is an interesting
4443 one.
4444
4445 Break conditions can have side effects, and may even call functions in
4446 your program. This can be useful, for example, to activate functions
4447 that log program progress, or to use your own print functions to
4448 format special data structures. The effects are completely predictable
4449 unless there is another enabled breakpoint at the same address. (In
4450 that case, @value{GDBN} might see the other breakpoint first and stop your
4451 program without checking the condition of this one.) Note that
4452 breakpoint commands are usually more convenient and flexible than break
4453 conditions for the
4454 purpose of performing side effects when a breakpoint is reached
4455 (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}).
4456
4457 Breakpoint conditions can also be evaluated on the target's side if
4458 the target supports it. Instead of evaluating the conditions locally,
4459 @value{GDBN} encodes the expression into an agent expression
4460 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}) suitable for execution on the target,
4461 independently of @value{GDBN}. Global variables become raw memory
4462 locations, locals become stack accesses, and so forth.
4463
4464 In this case, @value{GDBN} will only be notified of a breakpoint trigger
4465 when its condition evaluates to true. This mechanism may provide faster
4466 response times depending on the performance characteristics of the target
4467 since it does not need to keep @value{GDBN} informed about
4468 every breakpoint trigger, even those with false conditions.
4469
4470 Break conditions can be specified when a breakpoint is set, by using
4471 @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{break} command. @xref{Set
4472 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}. They can also be changed at any time
4473 with the @code{condition} command.
4474
4475 You can also use the @code{if} keyword with the @code{watch} command.
4476 The @code{catch} command does not recognize the @code{if} keyword;
4477 @code{condition} is the only way to impose a further condition on a
4478 catchpoint.
4479
4480 @table @code
4481 @kindex condition
4482 @item condition @var{bnum} @var{expression}
4483 Specify @var{expression} as the break condition for breakpoint,
4484 watchpoint, or catchpoint number @var{bnum}. After you set a condition,
4485 breakpoint @var{bnum} stops your program only if the value of
4486 @var{expression} is true (nonzero, in C). When you use
4487 @code{condition}, @value{GDBN} checks @var{expression} immediately for
4488 syntactic correctness, and to determine whether symbols in it have
4489 referents in the context of your breakpoint. If @var{expression} uses
4490 symbols not referenced in the context of the breakpoint, @value{GDBN}
4491 prints an error message:
4492
4493 @smallexample
4494 No symbol "foo" in current context.
4495 @end smallexample
4496
4497 @noindent
4498 @value{GDBN} does
4499 not actually evaluate @var{expression} at the time the @code{condition}
4500 command (or a command that sets a breakpoint with a condition, like
4501 @code{break if @dots{}}) is given, however. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
4502
4503 @item condition @var{bnum}
4504 Remove the condition from breakpoint number @var{bnum}. It becomes
4505 an ordinary unconditional breakpoint.
4506 @end table
4507
4508 @cindex ignore count (of breakpoint)
4509 A special case of a breakpoint condition is to stop only when the
4510 breakpoint has been reached a certain number of times. This is so
4511 useful that there is a special way to do it, using the @dfn{ignore
4512 count} of the breakpoint. Every breakpoint has an ignore count, which
4513 is an integer. Most of the time, the ignore count is zero, and
4514 therefore has no effect. But if your program reaches a breakpoint whose
4515 ignore count is positive, then instead of stopping, it just decrements
4516 the ignore count by one and continues. As a result, if the ignore count
4517 value is @var{n}, the breakpoint does not stop the next @var{n} times
4518 your program reaches it.
4519
4520 @table @code
4521 @kindex ignore
4522 @item ignore @var{bnum} @var{count}
4523 Set the ignore count of breakpoint number @var{bnum} to @var{count}.
4524 The next @var{count} times the breakpoint is reached, your program's
4525 execution does not stop; other than to decrement the ignore count, @value{GDBN}
4526 takes no action.
4527
4528 To make the breakpoint stop the next time it is reached, specify
4529 a count of zero.
4530
4531 When you use @code{continue} to resume execution of your program from a
4532 breakpoint, you can specify an ignore count directly as an argument to
4533 @code{continue}, rather than using @code{ignore}. @xref{Continuing and
4534 Stepping,,Continuing and Stepping}.
4535
4536 If a breakpoint has a positive ignore count and a condition, the
4537 condition is not checked. Once the ignore count reaches zero,
4538 @value{GDBN} resumes checking the condition.
4539
4540 You could achieve the effect of the ignore count with a condition such
4541 as @w{@samp{$foo-- <= 0}} using a debugger convenience variable that
4542 is decremented each time. @xref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
4543 Variables}.
4544 @end table
4545
4546 Ignore counts apply to breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints.
4547
4548
4549 @node Break Commands
4550 @subsection Breakpoint Command Lists
4551
4552 @cindex breakpoint commands
4553 You can give any breakpoint (or watchpoint or catchpoint) a series of
4554 commands to execute when your program stops due to that breakpoint. For
4555 example, you might want to print the values of certain expressions, or
4556 enable other breakpoints.
4557
4558 @table @code
4559 @kindex commands
4560 @kindex end@r{ (breakpoint commands)}
4561 @item commands @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4562 @itemx @dots{} @var{command-list} @dots{}
4563 @itemx end
4564 Specify a list of commands for the given breakpoints. The commands
4565 themselves appear on the following lines. Type a line containing just
4566 @code{end} to terminate the commands.
4567
4568 To remove all commands from a breakpoint, type @code{commands} and
4569 follow it immediately with @code{end}; that is, give no commands.
4570
4571 With no argument, @code{commands} refers to the last breakpoint,
4572 watchpoint, or catchpoint set (not to the breakpoint most recently
4573 encountered). If the most recent breakpoints were set with a single
4574 command, then the @code{commands} will apply to all the breakpoints
4575 set by that command. This applies to breakpoints set by
4576 @code{rbreak}, and also applies when a single @code{break} command
4577 creates multiple breakpoints (@pxref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous
4578 Expressions}).
4579 @end table
4580
4581 Pressing @key{RET} as a means of repeating the last @value{GDBN} command is
4582 disabled within a @var{command-list}.
4583
4584 You can use breakpoint commands to start your program up again. Simply
4585 use the @code{continue} command, or @code{step}, or any other command
4586 that resumes execution.
4587
4588 Any other commands in the command list, after a command that resumes
4589 execution, are ignored. This is because any time you resume execution
4590 (even with a simple @code{next} or @code{step}), you may encounter
4591 another breakpoint---which could have its own command list, leading to
4592 ambiguities about which list to execute.
4593
4594 @kindex silent
4595 If the first command you specify in a command list is @code{silent}, the
4596 usual message about stopping at a breakpoint is not printed. This may
4597 be desirable for breakpoints that are to print a specific message and
4598 then continue. If none of the remaining commands print anything, you
4599 see no sign that the breakpoint was reached. @code{silent} is
4600 meaningful only at the beginning of a breakpoint command list.
4601
4602 The commands @code{echo}, @code{output}, and @code{printf} allow you to
4603 print precisely controlled output, and are often useful in silent
4604 breakpoints. @xref{Output, ,Commands for Controlled Output}.
4605
4606 For example, here is how you could use breakpoint commands to print the
4607 value of @code{x} at entry to @code{foo} whenever @code{x} is positive.
4608
4609 @smallexample
4610 break foo if x>0
4611 commands
4612 silent
4613 printf "x is %d\n",x
4614 cont
4615 end
4616 @end smallexample
4617
4618 One application for breakpoint commands is to compensate for one bug so
4619 you can test for another. Put a breakpoint just after the erroneous line
4620 of code, give it a condition to detect the case in which something
4621 erroneous has been done, and give it commands to assign correct values
4622 to any variables that need them. End with the @code{continue} command
4623 so that your program does not stop, and start with the @code{silent}
4624 command so that no output is produced. Here is an example:
4625
4626 @smallexample
4627 break 403
4628 commands
4629 silent
4630 set x = y + 4
4631 cont
4632 end
4633 @end smallexample
4634
4635 @node Dynamic Printf
4636 @subsection Dynamic Printf
4637
4638 @cindex dynamic printf
4639 @cindex dprintf
4640 The dynamic printf command @code{dprintf} combines a breakpoint with
4641 formatted printing of your program's data to give you the effect of
4642 inserting @code{printf} calls into your program on-the-fly, without
4643 having to recompile it.
4644
4645 In its most basic form, the output goes to the GDB console. However,
4646 you can set the variable @code{dprintf-style} for alternate handling.
4647 For instance, you can ask to format the output by calling your
4648 program's @code{printf} function. This has the advantage that the
4649 characters go to the program's output device, so they can recorded in
4650 redirects to files and so forth.
4651
4652 @table @code
4653 @kindex dprintf
4654 @item dprintf @var{location},@var{template},@var{expression}[,@var{expression}@dots{}]
4655 Whenever execution reaches @var{location}, print the values of one or
4656 more @var{expressions} under the control of the string @var{template}.
4657 To print several values, separate them with commas.
4658
4659 @item set dprintf-style @var{style}
4660 Set the dprintf output to be handled in one of several different
4661 styles enumerated below. A change of style affects all existing
4662 dynamic printfs immediately. (If you need individual control over the
4663 print commands, simply define normal breakpoints with
4664 explicitly-supplied command lists.)
4665
4666 @item gdb
4667 @kindex dprintf-style gdb
4668 Handle the output using the @value{GDBN} @code{printf} command.
4669
4670 @item call
4671 @kindex dprintf-style call
4672 Handle the output by calling a function in your program (normally
4673 @code{printf}).
4674
4675 @item set dprintf-function @var{function}
4676 Set the function to call if the dprintf style is @code{call}. By
4677 default its value is @code{printf}. You may set it to any expression.
4678 that @value{GDBN} can evaluate to a function, as per the @code{call}
4679 command.
4680
4681 @item set dprintf-channel @var{channel}
4682 Set a ``channel'' for dprintf. If set to a non-empty value,
4683 @value{GDBN} will evaluate it as an expression and pass the result as
4684 a first argument to the @code{dprintf-function}, in the manner of
4685 @code{fprintf} and similar functions. Otherwise, the dprintf format
4686 string will be the first argument, in the manner of @code{printf}.
4687
4688 As an example, if you wanted @code{dprintf} output to go to a logfile
4689 that is a standard I/O stream assigned to the variable @code{mylog},
4690 you could do the following:
4691
4692 @example
4693 (gdb) set dprintf-style call
4694 (gdb) set dprintf-function fprintf
4695 (gdb) set dprintf-channel mylog
4696 (gdb) dprintf 25,"at line 25, glob=%d\n",glob
4697 Dprintf 1 at 0x123456: file main.c, line 25.
4698 (gdb) info break
4699 1 dprintf keep y 0x00123456 in main at main.c:25
4700 call (void) fprintf (mylog,"at line 25, glob=%d\n",glob)
4701 continue
4702 (gdb)
4703 @end example
4704
4705 Note that the @code{info break} displays the dynamic printf commands
4706 as normal breakpoint commands; you can thus easily see the effect of
4707 the variable settings.
4708
4709 @end table
4710
4711 @value{GDBN} does not check the validity of function and channel,
4712 relying on you to supply values that are meaningful for the contexts
4713 in which they are being used. For instance, the function and channel
4714 may be the values of local variables, but if that is the case, then
4715 all enabled dynamic prints must be at locations within the scope of
4716 those locals. If evaluation fails, @value{GDBN} will report an error.
4717
4718 @node Save Breakpoints
4719 @subsection How to save breakpoints to a file
4720
4721 To save breakpoint definitions to a file use the @w{@code{save
4722 breakpoints}} command.
4723
4724 @table @code
4725 @kindex save breakpoints
4726 @cindex save breakpoints to a file for future sessions
4727 @item save breakpoints [@var{filename}]
4728 This command saves all current breakpoint definitions together with
4729 their commands and ignore counts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
4730 suitable for use in a later debugging session. This includes all
4731 types of breakpoints (breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints,
4732 tracepoints). To read the saved breakpoint definitions, use the
4733 @code{source} command (@pxref{Command Files}). Note that watchpoints
4734 with expressions involving local variables may fail to be recreated
4735 because it may not be possible to access the context where the
4736 watchpoint is valid anymore. Because the saved breakpoint definitions
4737 are simply a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands that recreate the
4738 breakpoints, you can edit the file in your favorite editing program,
4739 and remove the breakpoint definitions you're not interested in, or
4740 that can no longer be recreated.
4741 @end table
4742
4743 @node Static Probe Points
4744 @subsection Static Probe Points
4745
4746 @cindex static probe point, SystemTap
4747 @value{GDBN} supports @dfn{SDT} probes in the code. @acronym{SDT} stands
4748 for Statically Defined Tracing, and the probes are designed to have a tiny
4749 runtime code and data footprint, and no dynamic relocations. They are
4750 usable from assembly, C and C@t{++} languages. See
4751 @uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/wiki/UserSpaceProbeImplementation}
4752 for a good reference on how the @acronym{SDT} probes are implemented.
4753
4754 Currently, @code{SystemTap} (@uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/})
4755 @acronym{SDT} probes are supported on ELF-compatible systems. See
4756 @uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/wiki/AddingUserSpaceProbingToApps}
4757 for more information on how to add @code{SystemTap} @acronym{SDT} probes
4758 in your applications.
4759
4760 @cindex semaphores on static probe points
4761 Some probes have an associated semaphore variable; for instance, this
4762 happens automatically if you defined your probe using a DTrace-style
4763 @file{.d} file. If your probe has a semaphore, @value{GDBN} will
4764 automatically enable it when you specify a breakpoint using the
4765 @samp{-probe-stap} notation. But, if you put a breakpoint at a probe's
4766 location by some other method (e.g., @code{break file:line}), then
4767 @value{GDBN} will not automatically set the semaphore.
4768
4769 You can examine the available static static probes using @code{info
4770 probes}, with optional arguments:
4771
4772 @table @code
4773 @kindex info probes
4774 @item info probes stap @r{[}@var{provider} @r{[}@var{name} @r{[}@var{objfile}@r{]}@r{]}@r{]}
4775 If given, @var{provider} is a regular expression used to match against provider
4776 names when selecting which probes to list. If omitted, probes by all
4777 probes from all providers are listed.
4778
4779 If given, @var{name} is a regular expression to match against probe names
4780 when selecting which probes to list. If omitted, probe names are not
4781 considered when deciding whether to display them.
4782
4783 If given, @var{objfile} is a regular expression used to select which
4784 object files (executable or shared libraries) to examine. If not
4785 given, all object files are considered.
4786
4787 @item info probes all
4788 List the available static probes, from all types.
4789 @end table
4790
4791 @vindex $_probe_arg@r{, convenience variable}
4792 A probe may specify up to twelve arguments. These are available at the
4793 point at which the probe is defined---that is, when the current PC is
4794 at the probe's location. The arguments are available using the
4795 convenience variables (@pxref{Convenience Vars})
4796 @code{$_probe_arg0}@dots{}@code{$_probe_arg11}. Each probe argument is
4797 an integer of the appropriate size; types are not preserved. The
4798 convenience variable @code{$_probe_argc} holds the number of arguments
4799 at the current probe point.
4800
4801 These variables are always available, but attempts to access them at
4802 any location other than a probe point will cause @value{GDBN} to give
4803 an error message.
4804
4805
4806 @c @ifclear BARETARGET
4807 @node Error in Breakpoints
4808 @subsection ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
4809
4810 If you request too many active hardware-assisted breakpoints and
4811 watchpoints, you will see this error message:
4812
4813 @c FIXME: the precise wording of this message may change; the relevant
4814 @c source change is not committed yet (Sep 3, 1999).
4815 @smallexample
4816 Stopped; cannot insert breakpoints.
4817 You may have requested too many hardware breakpoints and watchpoints.
4818 @end smallexample
4819
4820 @noindent
4821 This message is printed when you attempt to resume the program, since
4822 only then @value{GDBN} knows exactly how many hardware breakpoints and
4823 watchpoints it needs to insert.
4824
4825 When this message is printed, you need to disable or remove some of the
4826 hardware-assisted breakpoints and watchpoints, and then continue.
4827
4828 @node Breakpoint-related Warnings
4829 @subsection ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
4830 @cindex breakpoint address adjusted
4831
4832 Some processor architectures place constraints on the addresses at
4833 which breakpoints may be placed. For architectures thus constrained,
4834 @value{GDBN} will attempt to adjust the breakpoint's address to comply
4835 with the constraints dictated by the architecture.
4836
4837 One example of such an architecture is the Fujitsu FR-V. The FR-V is
4838 a VLIW architecture in which a number of RISC-like instructions may be
4839 bundled together for parallel execution. The FR-V architecture
4840 constrains the location of a breakpoint instruction within such a
4841 bundle to the instruction with the lowest address. @value{GDBN}
4842 honors this constraint by adjusting a breakpoint's address to the
4843 first in the bundle.
4844
4845 It is not uncommon for optimized code to have bundles which contain
4846 instructions from different source statements, thus it may happen that
4847 a breakpoint's address will be adjusted from one source statement to
4848 another. Since this adjustment may significantly alter @value{GDBN}'s
4849 breakpoint related behavior from what the user expects, a warning is
4850 printed when the breakpoint is first set and also when the breakpoint
4851 is hit.
4852
4853 A warning like the one below is printed when setting a breakpoint
4854 that's been subject to address adjustment:
4855
4856 @smallexample
4857 warning: Breakpoint address adjusted from 0x00010414 to 0x00010410.
4858 @end smallexample
4859
4860 Such warnings are printed both for user settable and @value{GDBN}'s
4861 internal breakpoints. If you see one of these warnings, you should
4862 verify that a breakpoint set at the adjusted address will have the
4863 desired affect. If not, the breakpoint in question may be removed and
4864 other breakpoints may be set which will have the desired behavior.
4865 E.g., it may be sufficient to place the breakpoint at a later
4866 instruction. A conditional breakpoint may also be useful in some
4867 cases to prevent the breakpoint from triggering too often.
4868
4869 @value{GDBN} will also issue a warning when stopping at one of these
4870 adjusted breakpoints:
4871
4872 @smallexample
4873 warning: Breakpoint 1 address previously adjusted from 0x00010414
4874 to 0x00010410.
4875 @end smallexample
4876
4877 When this warning is encountered, it may be too late to take remedial
4878 action except in cases where the breakpoint is hit earlier or more
4879 frequently than expected.
4880
4881 @node Continuing and Stepping
4882 @section Continuing and Stepping
4883
4884 @cindex stepping
4885 @cindex continuing
4886 @cindex resuming execution
4887 @dfn{Continuing} means resuming program execution until your program
4888 completes normally. In contrast, @dfn{stepping} means executing just
4889 one more ``step'' of your program, where ``step'' may mean either one
4890 line of source code, or one machine instruction (depending on what
4891 particular command you use). Either when continuing or when stepping,
4892 your program may stop even sooner, due to a breakpoint or a signal. (If
4893 it stops due to a signal, you may want to use @code{handle}, or use
4894 @samp{signal 0} to resume execution. @xref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
4895
4896 @table @code
4897 @kindex continue
4898 @kindex c @r{(@code{continue})}
4899 @kindex fg @r{(resume foreground execution)}
4900 @item continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4901 @itemx c @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4902 @itemx fg @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4903 Resume program execution, at the address where your program last stopped;
4904 any breakpoints set at that address are bypassed. The optional argument
4905 @var{ignore-count} allows you to specify a further number of times to
4906 ignore a breakpoint at this location; its effect is like that of
4907 @code{ignore} (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
4908
4909 The argument @var{ignore-count} is meaningful only when your program
4910 stopped due to a breakpoint. At other times, the argument to
4911 @code{continue} is ignored.
4912
4913 The synonyms @code{c} and @code{fg} (for @dfn{foreground}, as the
4914 debugged program is deemed to be the foreground program) are provided
4915 purely for convenience, and have exactly the same behavior as
4916 @code{continue}.
4917 @end table
4918
4919 To resume execution at a different place, you can use @code{return}
4920 (@pxref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}) to go back to the
4921 calling function; or @code{jump} (@pxref{Jumping, ,Continuing at a
4922 Different Address}) to go to an arbitrary location in your program.
4923
4924 A typical technique for using stepping is to set a breakpoint
4925 (@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints; Watchpoints; and Catchpoints}) at the
4926 beginning of the function or the section of your program where a problem
4927 is believed to lie, run your program until it stops at that breakpoint,
4928 and then step through the suspect area, examining the variables that are
4929 interesting, until you see the problem happen.
4930
4931 @table @code
4932 @kindex step
4933 @kindex s @r{(@code{step})}
4934 @item step
4935 Continue running your program until control reaches a different source
4936 line, then stop it and return control to @value{GDBN}. This command is
4937 abbreviated @code{s}.
4938
4939 @quotation
4940 @c "without debugging information" is imprecise; actually "without line
4941 @c numbers in the debugging information". (gcc -g1 has debugging info but
4942 @c not line numbers). But it seems complex to try to make that
4943 @c distinction here.
4944 @emph{Warning:} If you use the @code{step} command while control is
4945 within a function that was compiled without debugging information,
4946 execution proceeds until control reaches a function that does have
4947 debugging information. Likewise, it will not step into a function which
4948 is compiled without debugging information. To step through functions
4949 without debugging information, use the @code{stepi} command, described
4950 below.
4951 @end quotation
4952
4953 The @code{step} command only stops at the first instruction of a source
4954 line. This prevents the multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
4955 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc. @code{step} continues
4956 to stop if a function that has debugging information is called within
4957 the line. In other words, @code{step} @emph{steps inside} any functions
4958 called within the line.
4959
4960 Also, the @code{step} command only enters a function if there is line
4961 number information for the function. Otherwise it acts like the
4962 @code{next} command. This avoids problems when using @code{cc -gl}
4963 on @acronym{MIPS} machines. Previously, @code{step} entered subroutines if there
4964 was any debugging information about the routine.
4965
4966 @item step @var{count}
4967 Continue running as in @code{step}, but do so @var{count} times. If a
4968 breakpoint is reached, or a signal not related to stepping occurs before
4969 @var{count} steps, stepping stops right away.
4970
4971 @kindex next
4972 @kindex n @r{(@code{next})}
4973 @item next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
4974 Continue to the next source line in the current (innermost) stack frame.
4975 This is similar to @code{step}, but function calls that appear within
4976 the line of code are executed without stopping. Execution stops when
4977 control reaches a different line of code at the original stack level
4978 that was executing when you gave the @code{next} command. This command
4979 is abbreviated @code{n}.
4980
4981 An argument @var{count} is a repeat count, as for @code{step}.
4982
4983
4984 @c FIX ME!! Do we delete this, or is there a way it fits in with
4985 @c the following paragraph? --- Vctoria
4986 @c
4987 @c @code{next} within a function that lacks debugging information acts like
4988 @c @code{step}, but any function calls appearing within the code of the
4989 @c function are executed without stopping.
4990
4991 The @code{next} command only stops at the first instruction of a
4992 source line. This prevents multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
4993 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc.
4994
4995 @kindex set step-mode
4996 @item set step-mode
4997 @cindex functions without line info, and stepping
4998 @cindex stepping into functions with no line info
4999 @itemx set step-mode on
5000 The @code{set step-mode on} command causes the @code{step} command to
5001 stop at the first instruction of a function which contains no debug line
5002 information rather than stepping over it.
5003
5004 This is useful in cases where you may be interested in inspecting the
5005 machine instructions of a function which has no symbolic info and do not
5006 want @value{GDBN} to automatically skip over this function.
5007
5008 @item set step-mode off
5009 Causes the @code{step} command to step over any functions which contains no
5010 debug information. This is the default.
5011
5012 @item show step-mode
5013 Show whether @value{GDBN} will stop in or step over functions without
5014 source line debug information.
5015
5016 @kindex finish
5017 @kindex fin @r{(@code{finish})}
5018 @item finish
5019 Continue running until just after function in the selected stack frame
5020 returns. Print the returned value (if any). This command can be
5021 abbreviated as @code{fin}.
5022
5023 Contrast this with the @code{return} command (@pxref{Returning,
5024 ,Returning from a Function}).
5025
5026 @kindex until
5027 @kindex u @r{(@code{until})}
5028 @cindex run until specified location
5029 @item until
5030 @itemx u
5031 Continue running until a source line past the current line, in the
5032 current stack frame, is reached. This command is used to avoid single
5033 stepping through a loop more than once. It is like the @code{next}
5034 command, except that when @code{until} encounters a jump, it
5035 automatically continues execution until the program counter is greater
5036 than the address of the jump.
5037
5038 This means that when you reach the end of a loop after single stepping
5039 though it, @code{until} makes your program continue execution until it
5040 exits the loop. In contrast, a @code{next} command at the end of a loop
5041 simply steps back to the beginning of the loop, which forces you to step
5042 through the next iteration.
5043
5044 @code{until} always stops your program if it attempts to exit the current
5045 stack frame.
5046
5047 @code{until} may produce somewhat counterintuitive results if the order
5048 of machine code does not match the order of the source lines. For
5049 example, in the following excerpt from a debugging session, the @code{f}
5050 (@code{frame}) command shows that execution is stopped at line
5051 @code{206}; yet when we use @code{until}, we get to line @code{195}:
5052
5053 @smallexample
5054 (@value{GDBP}) f
5055 #0 main (argc=4, argv=0xf7fffae8) at m4.c:206
5056 206 expand_input();
5057 (@value{GDBP}) until
5058 195 for ( ; argc > 0; NEXTARG) @{
5059 @end smallexample
5060
5061 This happened because, for execution efficiency, the compiler had
5062 generated code for the loop closure test at the end, rather than the
5063 start, of the loop---even though the test in a C @code{for}-loop is
5064 written before the body of the loop. The @code{until} command appeared
5065 to step back to the beginning of the loop when it advanced to this
5066 expression; however, it has not really gone to an earlier
5067 statement---not in terms of the actual machine code.
5068
5069 @code{until} with no argument works by means of single
5070 instruction stepping, and hence is slower than @code{until} with an
5071 argument.
5072
5073 @item until @var{location}
5074 @itemx u @var{location}
5075 Continue running your program until either the specified location is
5076 reached, or the current stack frame returns. @var{location} is any of
5077 the forms described in @ref{Specify Location}.
5078 This form of the command uses temporary breakpoints, and
5079 hence is quicker than @code{until} without an argument. The specified
5080 location is actually reached only if it is in the current frame. This
5081 implies that @code{until} can be used to skip over recursive function
5082 invocations. For instance in the code below, if the current location is
5083 line @code{96}, issuing @code{until 99} will execute the program up to
5084 line @code{99} in the same invocation of factorial, i.e., after the inner
5085 invocations have returned.
5086
5087 @smallexample
5088 94 int factorial (int value)
5089 95 @{
5090 96 if (value > 1) @{
5091 97 value *= factorial (value - 1);
5092 98 @}
5093 99 return (value);
5094 100 @}
5095 @end smallexample
5096
5097
5098 @kindex advance @var{location}
5099 @item advance @var{location}
5100 Continue running the program up to the given @var{location}. An argument is
5101 required, which should be of one of the forms described in
5102 @ref{Specify Location}.
5103 Execution will also stop upon exit from the current stack
5104 frame. This command is similar to @code{until}, but @code{advance} will
5105 not skip over recursive function calls, and the target location doesn't
5106 have to be in the same frame as the current one.
5107
5108
5109 @kindex stepi
5110 @kindex si @r{(@code{stepi})}
5111 @item stepi
5112 @itemx stepi @var{arg}
5113 @itemx si
5114 Execute one machine instruction, then stop and return to the debugger.
5115
5116 It is often useful to do @samp{display/i $pc} when stepping by machine
5117 instructions. This makes @value{GDBN} automatically display the next
5118 instruction to be executed, each time your program stops. @xref{Auto
5119 Display,, Automatic Display}.
5120
5121 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{step}.
5122
5123 @need 750
5124 @kindex nexti
5125 @kindex ni @r{(@code{nexti})}
5126 @item nexti
5127 @itemx nexti @var{arg}
5128 @itemx ni
5129 Execute one machine instruction, but if it is a function call,
5130 proceed until the function returns.
5131
5132 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{next}.
5133 @end table
5134
5135 @node Skipping Over Functions and Files
5136 @section Skipping Over Functions and Files
5137 @cindex skipping over functions and files
5138
5139 The program you are debugging may contain some functions which are
5140 uninteresting to debug. The @code{skip} comand lets you tell @value{GDBN} to
5141 skip a function or all functions in a file when stepping.
5142
5143 For example, consider the following C function:
5144
5145 @smallexample
5146 101 int func()
5147 102 @{
5148 103 foo(boring());
5149 104 bar(boring());
5150 105 @}
5151 @end smallexample
5152
5153 @noindent
5154 Suppose you wish to step into the functions @code{foo} and @code{bar}, but you
5155 are not interested in stepping through @code{boring}. If you run @code{step}
5156 at line 103, you'll enter @code{boring()}, but if you run @code{next}, you'll
5157 step over both @code{foo} and @code{boring}!
5158
5159 One solution is to @code{step} into @code{boring} and use the @code{finish}
5160 command to immediately exit it. But this can become tedious if @code{boring}
5161 is called from many places.
5162
5163 A more flexible solution is to execute @kbd{skip boring}. This instructs
5164 @value{GDBN} never to step into @code{boring}. Now when you execute
5165 @code{step} at line 103, you'll step over @code{boring} and directly into
5166 @code{foo}.
5167
5168 You can also instruct @value{GDBN} to skip all functions in a file, with, for
5169 example, @code{skip file boring.c}.
5170
5171 @table @code
5172 @kindex skip function
5173 @item skip @r{[}@var{linespec}@r{]}
5174 @itemx skip function @r{[}@var{linespec}@r{]}
5175 After running this command, the function named by @var{linespec} or the
5176 function containing the line named by @var{linespec} will be skipped over when
5177 stepping. @xref{Specify Location}.
5178
5179 If you do not specify @var{linespec}, the function you're currently debugging
5180 will be skipped.
5181
5182 (If you have a function called @code{file} that you want to skip, use
5183 @kbd{skip function file}.)
5184
5185 @kindex skip file
5186 @item skip file @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
5187 After running this command, any function whose source lives in @var{filename}
5188 will be skipped over when stepping.
5189
5190 If you do not specify @var{filename}, functions whose source lives in the file
5191 you're currently debugging will be skipped.
5192 @end table
5193
5194 Skips can be listed, deleted, disabled, and enabled, much like breakpoints.
5195 These are the commands for managing your list of skips:
5196
5197 @table @code
5198 @kindex info skip
5199 @item info skip @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5200 Print details about the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified,
5201 print a table with details about all functions and files marked for skipping.
5202 @code{info skip} prints the following information about each skip:
5203
5204 @table @emph
5205 @item Identifier
5206 A number identifying this skip.
5207 @item Type
5208 The type of this skip, either @samp{function} or @samp{file}.
5209 @item Enabled or Disabled
5210 Enabled skips are marked with @samp{y}. Disabled skips are marked with @samp{n}.
5211 @item Address
5212 For function skips, this column indicates the address in memory of the function
5213 being skipped. If you've set a function skip on a function which has not yet
5214 been loaded, this field will contain @samp{<PENDING>}. Once a shared library
5215 which has the function is loaded, @code{info skip} will show the function's
5216 address here.
5217 @item What
5218 For file skips, this field contains the filename being skipped. For functions
5219 skips, this field contains the function name and its line number in the file
5220 where it is defined.
5221 @end table
5222
5223 @kindex skip delete
5224 @item skip delete @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5225 Delete the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, delete all
5226 skips.
5227
5228 @kindex skip enable
5229 @item skip enable @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5230 Enable the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, enable all
5231 skips.
5232
5233 @kindex skip disable
5234 @item skip disable @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5235 Disable the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, disable all
5236 skips.
5237
5238 @end table
5239
5240 @node Signals
5241 @section Signals
5242 @cindex signals
5243
5244 A signal is an asynchronous event that can happen in a program. The
5245 operating system defines the possible kinds of signals, and gives each
5246 kind a name and a number. For example, in Unix @code{SIGINT} is the
5247 signal a program gets when you type an interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c});
5248 @code{SIGSEGV} is the signal a program gets from referencing a place in
5249 memory far away from all the areas in use; @code{SIGALRM} occurs when
5250 the alarm clock timer goes off (which happens only if your program has
5251 requested an alarm).
5252
5253 @cindex fatal signals
5254 Some signals, including @code{SIGALRM}, are a normal part of the
5255 functioning of your program. Others, such as @code{SIGSEGV}, indicate
5256 errors; these signals are @dfn{fatal} (they kill your program immediately) if the
5257 program has not specified in advance some other way to handle the signal.
5258 @code{SIGINT} does not indicate an error in your program, but it is normally
5259 fatal so it can carry out the purpose of the interrupt: to kill the program.
5260
5261 @value{GDBN} has the ability to detect any occurrence of a signal in your
5262 program. You can tell @value{GDBN} in advance what to do for each kind of
5263 signal.
5264
5265 @cindex handling signals
5266 Normally, @value{GDBN} is set up to let the non-erroneous signals like
5267 @code{SIGALRM} be silently passed to your program
5268 (so as not to interfere with their role in the program's functioning)
5269 but to stop your program immediately whenever an error signal happens.
5270 You can change these settings with the @code{handle} command.
5271
5272 @table @code
5273 @kindex info signals
5274 @kindex info handle
5275 @item info signals
5276 @itemx info handle
5277 Print a table of all the kinds of signals and how @value{GDBN} has been told to
5278 handle each one. You can use this to see the signal numbers of all
5279 the defined types of signals.
5280
5281 @item info signals @var{sig}
5282 Similar, but print information only about the specified signal number.
5283
5284 @code{info handle} is an alias for @code{info signals}.
5285
5286 @kindex handle
5287 @item handle @var{signal} @r{[}@var{keywords}@dots{}@r{]}
5288 Change the way @value{GDBN} handles signal @var{signal}. @var{signal}
5289 can be the number of a signal or its name (with or without the
5290 @samp{SIG} at the beginning); a list of signal numbers of the form
5291 @samp{@var{low}-@var{high}}; or the word @samp{all}, meaning all the
5292 known signals. Optional arguments @var{keywords}, described below,
5293 say what change to make.
5294 @end table
5295
5296 @c @group
5297 The keywords allowed by the @code{handle} command can be abbreviated.
5298 Their full names are:
5299
5300 @table @code
5301 @item nostop
5302 @value{GDBN} should not stop your program when this signal happens. It may
5303 still print a message telling you that the signal has come in.
5304
5305 @item stop
5306 @value{GDBN} should stop your program when this signal happens. This implies
5307 the @code{print} keyword as well.
5308
5309 @item print
5310 @value{GDBN} should print a message when this signal happens.
5311
5312 @item noprint
5313 @value{GDBN} should not mention the occurrence of the signal at all. This
5314 implies the @code{nostop} keyword as well.
5315
5316 @item pass
5317 @itemx noignore
5318 @value{GDBN} should allow your program to see this signal; your program
5319 can handle the signal, or else it may terminate if the signal is fatal
5320 and not handled. @code{pass} and @code{noignore} are synonyms.
5321
5322 @item nopass
5323 @itemx ignore
5324 @value{GDBN} should not allow your program to see this signal.
5325 @code{nopass} and @code{ignore} are synonyms.
5326 @end table
5327 @c @end group
5328
5329 When a signal stops your program, the signal is not visible to the
5330 program until you
5331 continue. Your program sees the signal then, if @code{pass} is in
5332 effect for the signal in question @emph{at that time}. In other words,
5333 after @value{GDBN} reports a signal, you can use the @code{handle}
5334 command with @code{pass} or @code{nopass} to control whether your
5335 program sees that signal when you continue.
5336
5337 The default is set to @code{nostop}, @code{noprint}, @code{pass} for
5338 non-erroneous signals such as @code{SIGALRM}, @code{SIGWINCH} and
5339 @code{SIGCHLD}, and to @code{stop}, @code{print}, @code{pass} for the
5340 erroneous signals.
5341
5342 You can also use the @code{signal} command to prevent your program from
5343 seeing a signal, or cause it to see a signal it normally would not see,
5344 or to give it any signal at any time. For example, if your program stopped
5345 due to some sort of memory reference error, you might store correct
5346 values into the erroneous variables and continue, hoping to see more
5347 execution; but your program would probably terminate immediately as
5348 a result of the fatal signal once it saw the signal. To prevent this,
5349 you can continue with @samp{signal 0}. @xref{Signaling, ,Giving your
5350 Program a Signal}.
5351
5352 @cindex extra signal information
5353 @anchor{extra signal information}
5354
5355 On some targets, @value{GDBN} can inspect extra signal information
5356 associated with the intercepted signal, before it is actually
5357 delivered to the program being debugged. This information is exported
5358 by the convenience variable @code{$_siginfo}, and consists of data
5359 that is passed by the kernel to the signal handler at the time of the
5360 receipt of a signal. The data type of the information itself is
5361 target dependent. You can see the data type using the @code{ptype
5362 $_siginfo} command. On Unix systems, it typically corresponds to the
5363 standard @code{siginfo_t} type, as defined in the @file{signal.h}
5364 system header.
5365
5366 Here's an example, on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, printing the stray
5367 referenced address that raised a segmentation fault.
5368
5369 @smallexample
5370 @group
5371 (@value{GDBP}) continue
5372 Program received signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault.
5373 0x0000000000400766 in main ()
5374 69 *(int *)p = 0;
5375 (@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo
5376 type = struct @{
5377 int si_signo;
5378 int si_errno;
5379 int si_code;
5380 union @{
5381 int _pad[28];
5382 struct @{...@} _kill;
5383 struct @{...@} _timer;
5384 struct @{...@} _rt;
5385 struct @{...@} _sigchld;
5386 struct @{...@} _sigfault;
5387 struct @{...@} _sigpoll;
5388 @} _sifields;
5389 @}
5390 (@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault
5391 type = struct @{
5392 void *si_addr;
5393 @}
5394 (@value{GDBP}) p $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault.si_addr
5395 $1 = (void *) 0x7ffff7ff7000
5396 @end group
5397 @end smallexample
5398
5399 Depending on target support, @code{$_siginfo} may also be writable.
5400
5401 @node Thread Stops
5402 @section Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs
5403
5404 @cindex stopped threads
5405 @cindex threads, stopped
5406
5407 @cindex continuing threads
5408 @cindex threads, continuing
5409
5410 @value{GDBN} supports debugging programs with multiple threads
5411 (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads}). There
5412 are two modes of controlling execution of your program within the
5413 debugger. In the default mode, referred to as @dfn{all-stop mode},
5414 when any thread in your program stops (for example, at a breakpoint
5415 or while being stepped), all other threads in the program are also stopped by
5416 @value{GDBN}. On some targets, @value{GDBN} also supports
5417 @dfn{non-stop mode}, in which other threads can continue to run freely while
5418 you examine the stopped thread in the debugger.
5419
5420 @menu
5421 * All-Stop Mode:: All threads stop when GDB takes control
5422 * Non-Stop Mode:: Other threads continue to execute
5423 * Background Execution:: Running your program asynchronously
5424 * Thread-Specific Breakpoints:: Controlling breakpoints
5425 * Interrupted System Calls:: GDB may interfere with system calls
5426 * Observer Mode:: GDB does not alter program behavior
5427 @end menu
5428
5429 @node All-Stop Mode
5430 @subsection All-Stop Mode
5431
5432 @cindex all-stop mode
5433
5434 In all-stop mode, whenever your program stops under @value{GDBN} for any reason,
5435 @emph{all} threads of execution stop, not just the current thread. This
5436 allows you to examine the overall state of the program, including
5437 switching between threads, without worrying that things may change
5438 underfoot.
5439
5440 Conversely, whenever you restart the program, @emph{all} threads start
5441 executing. @emph{This is true even when single-stepping} with commands
5442 like @code{step} or @code{next}.
5443
5444 In particular, @value{GDBN} cannot single-step all threads in lockstep.
5445 Since thread scheduling is up to your debugging target's operating
5446 system (not controlled by @value{GDBN}), other threads may
5447 execute more than one statement while the current thread completes a
5448 single step. Moreover, in general other threads stop in the middle of a
5449 statement, rather than at a clean statement boundary, when the program
5450 stops.
5451
5452 You might even find your program stopped in another thread after
5453 continuing or even single-stepping. This happens whenever some other
5454 thread runs into a breakpoint, a signal, or an exception before the
5455 first thread completes whatever you requested.
5456
5457 @cindex automatic thread selection
5458 @cindex switching threads automatically
5459 @cindex threads, automatic switching
5460 Whenever @value{GDBN} stops your program, due to a breakpoint or a
5461 signal, it automatically selects the thread where that breakpoint or
5462 signal happened. @value{GDBN} alerts you to the context switch with a
5463 message such as @samp{[Switching to Thread @var{n}]} to identify the
5464 thread.
5465
5466 On some OSes, you can modify @value{GDBN}'s default behavior by
5467 locking the OS scheduler to allow only a single thread to run.
5468
5469 @table @code
5470 @item set scheduler-locking @var{mode}
5471 @cindex scheduler locking mode
5472 @cindex lock scheduler
5473 Set the scheduler locking mode. If it is @code{off}, then there is no
5474 locking and any thread may run at any time. If @code{on}, then only the
5475 current thread may run when the inferior is resumed. The @code{step}
5476 mode optimizes for single-stepping; it prevents other threads
5477 from preempting the current thread while you are stepping, so that
5478 the focus of debugging does not change unexpectedly.
5479 Other threads only rarely (or never) get a chance to run
5480 when you step. They are more likely to run when you @samp{next} over a
5481 function call, and they are completely free to run when you use commands
5482 like @samp{continue}, @samp{until}, or @samp{finish}. However, unless another
5483 thread hits a breakpoint during its timeslice, @value{GDBN} does not change
5484 the current thread away from the thread that you are debugging.
5485
5486 @item show scheduler-locking
5487 Display the current scheduler locking mode.
5488 @end table
5489
5490 @cindex resume threads of multiple processes simultaneously
5491 By default, when you issue one of the execution commands such as
5492 @code{continue}, @code{next} or @code{step}, @value{GDBN} allows only
5493 threads of the current inferior to run. For example, if @value{GDBN}
5494 is attached to two inferiors, each with two threads, the
5495 @code{continue} command resumes only the two threads of the current
5496 inferior. This is useful, for example, when you debug a program that
5497 forks and you want to hold the parent stopped (so that, for instance,
5498 it doesn't run to exit), while you debug the child. In other
5499 situations, you may not be interested in inspecting the current state
5500 of any of the processes @value{GDBN} is attached to, and you may want
5501 to resume them all until some breakpoint is hit. In the latter case,
5502 you can instruct @value{GDBN} to allow all threads of all the
5503 inferiors to run with the @w{@code{set schedule-multiple}} command.
5504
5505 @table @code
5506 @kindex set schedule-multiple
5507 @item set schedule-multiple
5508 Set the mode for allowing threads of multiple processes to be resumed
5509 when an execution command is issued. When @code{on}, all threads of
5510 all processes are allowed to run. When @code{off}, only the threads
5511 of the current process are resumed. The default is @code{off}. The
5512 @code{scheduler-locking} mode takes precedence when set to @code{on},
5513 or while you are stepping and set to @code{step}.
5514
5515 @item show schedule-multiple
5516 Display the current mode for resuming the execution of threads of
5517 multiple processes.
5518 @end table
5519
5520 @node Non-Stop Mode
5521 @subsection Non-Stop Mode
5522
5523 @cindex non-stop mode
5524
5525 @c This section is really only a place-holder, and needs to be expanded
5526 @c with more details.
5527
5528 For some multi-threaded targets, @value{GDBN} supports an optional
5529 mode of operation in which you can examine stopped program threads in
5530 the debugger while other threads continue to execute freely. This
5531 minimizes intrusion when debugging live systems, such as programs
5532 where some threads have real-time constraints or must continue to
5533 respond to external events. This is referred to as @dfn{non-stop} mode.
5534
5535 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops to report a debugging event,
5536 @emph{only} that thread is stopped; @value{GDBN} does not stop other
5537 threads as well, in contrast to the all-stop mode behavior. Additionally,
5538 execution commands such as @code{continue} and @code{step} apply by default
5539 only to the current thread in non-stop mode, rather than all threads as
5540 in all-stop mode. This allows you to control threads explicitly in
5541 ways that are not possible in all-stop mode --- for example, stepping
5542 one thread while allowing others to run freely, stepping
5543 one thread while holding all others stopped, or stepping several threads
5544 independently and simultaneously.
5545
5546 To enter non-stop mode, use this sequence of commands before you run
5547 or attach to your program:
5548
5549 @smallexample
5550 # Enable the async interface.
5551 set target-async 1
5552
5553 # If using the CLI, pagination breaks non-stop.
5554 set pagination off
5555
5556 # Finally, turn it on!
5557 set non-stop on
5558 @end smallexample
5559
5560 You can use these commands to manipulate the non-stop mode setting:
5561
5562 @table @code
5563 @kindex set non-stop
5564 @item set non-stop on
5565 Enable selection of non-stop mode.
5566 @item set non-stop off
5567 Disable selection of non-stop mode.
5568 @kindex show non-stop
5569 @item show non-stop
5570 Show the current non-stop enablement setting.
5571 @end table
5572
5573 Note these commands only reflect whether non-stop mode is enabled,
5574 not whether the currently-executing program is being run in non-stop mode.
5575 In particular, the @code{set non-stop} preference is only consulted when
5576 @value{GDBN} starts or connects to the target program, and it is generally
5577 not possible to switch modes once debugging has started. Furthermore,
5578 since not all targets support non-stop mode, even when you have enabled
5579 non-stop mode, @value{GDBN} may still fall back to all-stop operation by
5580 default.
5581
5582 In non-stop mode, all execution commands apply only to the current thread
5583 by default. That is, @code{continue} only continues one thread.
5584 To continue all threads, issue @code{continue -a} or @code{c -a}.
5585
5586 You can use @value{GDBN}'s background execution commands
5587 (@pxref{Background Execution}) to run some threads in the background
5588 while you continue to examine or step others from @value{GDBN}.
5589 The MI execution commands (@pxref{GDB/MI Program Execution}) are
5590 always executed asynchronously in non-stop mode.
5591
5592 Suspending execution is done with the @code{interrupt} command when
5593 running in the background, or @kbd{Ctrl-c} during foreground execution.
5594 In all-stop mode, this stops the whole process;
5595 but in non-stop mode the interrupt applies only to the current thread.
5596 To stop the whole program, use @code{interrupt -a}.
5597
5598 Other execution commands do not currently support the @code{-a} option.
5599
5600 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops, @value{GDBN} doesn't automatically make
5601 that thread current, as it does in all-stop mode. This is because the
5602 thread stop notifications are asynchronous with respect to @value{GDBN}'s
5603 command interpreter, and it would be confusing if @value{GDBN} unexpectedly
5604 changed to a different thread just as you entered a command to operate on the
5605 previously current thread.
5606
5607 @node Background Execution
5608 @subsection Background Execution
5609
5610 @cindex foreground execution
5611 @cindex background execution
5612 @cindex asynchronous execution
5613 @cindex execution, foreground, background and asynchronous
5614
5615 @value{GDBN}'s execution commands have two variants: the normal
5616 foreground (synchronous) behavior, and a background
5617 (asynchronous) behavior. In foreground execution, @value{GDBN} waits for
5618 the program to report that some thread has stopped before prompting for
5619 another command. In background execution, @value{GDBN} immediately gives
5620 a command prompt so that you can issue other commands while your program runs.
5621
5622 You need to explicitly enable asynchronous mode before you can use
5623 background execution commands. You can use these commands to
5624 manipulate the asynchronous mode setting:
5625
5626 @table @code
5627 @kindex set target-async
5628 @item set target-async on
5629 Enable asynchronous mode.
5630 @item set target-async off
5631 Disable asynchronous mode.
5632 @kindex show target-async
5633 @item show target-async
5634 Show the current target-async setting.
5635 @end table
5636
5637 If the target doesn't support async mode, @value{GDBN} issues an error
5638 message if you attempt to use the background execution commands.
5639
5640 To specify background execution, add a @code{&} to the command. For example,
5641 the background form of the @code{continue} command is @code{continue&}, or
5642 just @code{c&}. The execution commands that accept background execution
5643 are:
5644
5645 @table @code
5646 @kindex run&
5647 @item run
5648 @xref{Starting, , Starting your Program}.
5649
5650 @item attach
5651 @kindex attach&
5652 @xref{Attach, , Debugging an Already-running Process}.
5653
5654 @item step
5655 @kindex step&
5656 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, step}.
5657
5658 @item stepi
5659 @kindex stepi&
5660 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, stepi}.
5661
5662 @item next
5663 @kindex next&
5664 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, next}.
5665
5666 @item nexti
5667 @kindex nexti&
5668 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, nexti}.
5669
5670 @item continue
5671 @kindex continue&
5672 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, continue}.
5673
5674 @item finish
5675 @kindex finish&
5676 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, finish}.
5677
5678 @item until
5679 @kindex until&
5680 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, until}.
5681
5682 @end table
5683
5684 Background execution is especially useful in conjunction with non-stop
5685 mode for debugging programs with multiple threads; see @ref{Non-Stop Mode}.
5686 However, you can also use these commands in the normal all-stop mode with
5687 the restriction that you cannot issue another execution command until the
5688 previous one finishes. Examples of commands that are valid in all-stop
5689 mode while the program is running include @code{help} and @code{info break}.
5690
5691 You can interrupt your program while it is running in the background by
5692 using the @code{interrupt} command.
5693
5694 @table @code
5695 @kindex interrupt
5696 @item interrupt
5697 @itemx interrupt -a
5698
5699 Suspend execution of the running program. In all-stop mode,
5700 @code{interrupt} stops the whole process, but in non-stop mode, it stops
5701 only the current thread. To stop the whole program in non-stop mode,
5702 use @code{interrupt -a}.
5703 @end table
5704
5705 @node Thread-Specific Breakpoints
5706 @subsection Thread-Specific Breakpoints
5707
5708 When your program has multiple threads (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging
5709 Programs with Multiple Threads}), you can choose whether to set
5710 breakpoints on all threads, or on a particular thread.
5711
5712 @table @code
5713 @cindex breakpoints and threads
5714 @cindex thread breakpoints
5715 @kindex break @dots{} thread @var{threadno}
5716 @item break @var{linespec} thread @var{threadno}
5717 @itemx break @var{linespec} thread @var{threadno} if @dots{}
5718 @var{linespec} specifies source lines; there are several ways of
5719 writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always to
5720 specify some source line.
5721
5722 Use the qualifier @samp{thread @var{threadno}} with a breakpoint command
5723 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
5724 particular thread reaches this breakpoint. @var{threadno} is one of the
5725 numeric thread identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown in the first
5726 column of the @samp{info threads} display.
5727
5728 If you do not specify @samp{thread @var{threadno}} when you set a
5729 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} threads of your
5730 program.
5731
5732 You can use the @code{thread} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
5733 well; in this case, place @samp{thread @var{threadno}} before or
5734 after the breakpoint condition, like this:
5735
5736 @smallexample
5737 (@value{GDBP}) break frik.c:13 thread 28 if bartab > lim
5738 @end smallexample
5739
5740 @end table
5741
5742 @node Interrupted System Calls
5743 @subsection Interrupted System Calls
5744
5745 @cindex thread breakpoints and system calls
5746 @cindex system calls and thread breakpoints
5747 @cindex premature return from system calls
5748 There is an unfortunate side effect when using @value{GDBN} to debug
5749 multi-threaded programs. If one thread stops for a
5750 breakpoint, or for some other reason, and another thread is blocked in a
5751 system call, then the system call may return prematurely. This is a
5752 consequence of the interaction between multiple threads and the signals
5753 that @value{GDBN} uses to implement breakpoints and other events that
5754 stop execution.
5755
5756 To handle this problem, your program should check the return value of
5757 each system call and react appropriately. This is good programming
5758 style anyways.
5759
5760 For example, do not write code like this:
5761
5762 @smallexample
5763 sleep (10);
5764 @end smallexample
5765
5766 The call to @code{sleep} will return early if a different thread stops
5767 at a breakpoint or for some other reason.
5768
5769 Instead, write this:
5770
5771 @smallexample
5772 int unslept = 10;
5773 while (unslept > 0)
5774 unslept = sleep (unslept);
5775 @end smallexample
5776
5777 A system call is allowed to return early, so the system is still
5778 conforming to its specification. But @value{GDBN} does cause your
5779 multi-threaded program to behave differently than it would without
5780 @value{GDBN}.
5781
5782 Also, @value{GDBN} uses internal breakpoints in the thread library to
5783 monitor certain events such as thread creation and thread destruction.
5784 When such an event happens, a system call in another thread may return
5785 prematurely, even though your program does not appear to stop.
5786
5787 @node Observer Mode
5788 @subsection Observer Mode
5789
5790 If you want to build on non-stop mode and observe program behavior
5791 without any chance of disruption by @value{GDBN}, you can set
5792 variables to disable all of the debugger's attempts to modify state,
5793 whether by writing memory, inserting breakpoints, etc. These operate
5794 at a low level, intercepting operations from all commands.
5795
5796 When all of these are set to @code{off}, then @value{GDBN} is said to
5797 be @dfn{observer mode}. As a convenience, the variable
5798 @code{observer} can be set to disable these, plus enable non-stop
5799 mode.
5800
5801 Note that @value{GDBN} will not prevent you from making nonsensical
5802 combinations of these settings. For instance, if you have enabled
5803 @code{may-insert-breakpoints} but disabled @code{may-write-memory},
5804 then breakpoints that work by writing trap instructions into the code
5805 stream will still not be able to be placed.
5806
5807 @table @code
5808
5809 @kindex observer
5810 @item set observer on
5811 @itemx set observer off
5812 When set to @code{on}, this disables all the permission variables
5813 below (except for @code{insert-fast-tracepoints}), plus enables
5814 non-stop debugging. Setting this to @code{off} switches back to
5815 normal debugging, though remaining in non-stop mode.
5816
5817 @item show observer
5818 Show whether observer mode is on or off.
5819
5820 @kindex may-write-registers
5821 @item set may-write-registers on
5822 @itemx set may-write-registers off
5823 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to alter the values of
5824 registers, such as with assignment expressions in @code{print}, or the
5825 @code{jump} command. It defaults to @code{on}.
5826
5827 @item show may-write-registers
5828 Show the current permission to write registers.
5829
5830 @kindex may-write-memory
5831 @item set may-write-memory on
5832 @itemx set may-write-memory off
5833 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to alter the contents
5834 of memory, such as with assignment expressions in @code{print}. It
5835 defaults to @code{on}.
5836
5837 @item show may-write-memory
5838 Show the current permission to write memory.
5839
5840 @kindex may-insert-breakpoints
5841 @item set may-insert-breakpoints on
5842 @itemx set may-insert-breakpoints off
5843 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert breakpoints.
5844 This affects all breakpoints, including internal breakpoints defined
5845 by @value{GDBN}. It defaults to @code{on}.
5846
5847 @item show may-insert-breakpoints
5848 Show the current permission to insert breakpoints.
5849
5850 @kindex may-insert-tracepoints
5851 @item set may-insert-tracepoints on
5852 @itemx set may-insert-tracepoints off
5853 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert (regular)
5854 tracepoints at the beginning of a tracing experiment. It affects only
5855 non-fast tracepoints, fast tracepoints being under the control of
5856 @code{may-insert-fast-tracepoints}. It defaults to @code{on}.
5857
5858 @item show may-insert-tracepoints
5859 Show the current permission to insert tracepoints.
5860
5861 @kindex may-insert-fast-tracepoints
5862 @item set may-insert-fast-tracepoints on
5863 @itemx set may-insert-fast-tracepoints off
5864 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert fast
5865 tracepoints at the beginning of a tracing experiment. It affects only
5866 fast tracepoints, regular (non-fast) tracepoints being under the
5867 control of @code{may-insert-tracepoints}. It defaults to @code{on}.
5868
5869 @item show may-insert-fast-tracepoints
5870 Show the current permission to insert fast tracepoints.
5871
5872 @kindex may-interrupt
5873 @item set may-interrupt on
5874 @itemx set may-interrupt off
5875 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to interrupt or stop
5876 program execution. When this variable is @code{off}, the
5877 @code{interrupt} command will have no effect, nor will
5878 @kbd{Ctrl-c}. It defaults to @code{on}.
5879
5880 @item show may-interrupt
5881 Show the current permission to interrupt or stop the program.
5882
5883 @end table
5884
5885 @node Reverse Execution
5886 @chapter Running programs backward
5887 @cindex reverse execution
5888 @cindex running programs backward
5889
5890 When you are debugging a program, it is not unusual to realize that
5891 you have gone too far, and some event of interest has already happened.
5892 If the target environment supports it, @value{GDBN} can allow you to
5893 ``rewind'' the program by running it backward.
5894
5895 A target environment that supports reverse execution should be able
5896 to ``undo'' the changes in machine state that have taken place as the
5897 program was executing normally. Variables, registers etc.@: should
5898 revert to their previous values. Obviously this requires a great
5899 deal of sophistication on the part of the target environment; not
5900 all target environments can support reverse execution.
5901
5902 When a program is executed in reverse, the instructions that
5903 have most recently been executed are ``un-executed'', in reverse
5904 order. The program counter runs backward, following the previous
5905 thread of execution in reverse. As each instruction is ``un-executed'',
5906 the values of memory and/or registers that were changed by that
5907 instruction are reverted to their previous states. After executing
5908 a piece of source code in reverse, all side effects of that code
5909 should be ``undone'', and all variables should be returned to their
5910 prior values@footnote{
5911 Note that some side effects are easier to undo than others. For instance,
5912 memory and registers are relatively easy, but device I/O is hard. Some
5913 targets may be able undo things like device I/O, and some may not.
5914
5915 The contract between @value{GDBN} and the reverse executing target
5916 requires only that the target do something reasonable when
5917 @value{GDBN} tells it to execute backwards, and then report the
5918 results back to @value{GDBN}. Whatever the target reports back to
5919 @value{GDBN}, @value{GDBN} will report back to the user. @value{GDBN}
5920 assumes that the memory and registers that the target reports are in a
5921 consistant state, but @value{GDBN} accepts whatever it is given.
5922 }.
5923
5924 If you are debugging in a target environment that supports
5925 reverse execution, @value{GDBN} provides the following commands.
5926
5927 @table @code
5928 @kindex reverse-continue
5929 @kindex rc @r{(@code{reverse-continue})}
5930 @item reverse-continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
5931 @itemx rc @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
5932 Beginning at the point where your program last stopped, start executing
5933 in reverse. Reverse execution will stop for breakpoints and synchronous
5934 exceptions (signals), just like normal execution. Behavior of
5935 asynchronous signals depends on the target environment.
5936
5937 @kindex reverse-step
5938 @kindex rs @r{(@code{step})}
5939 @item reverse-step @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5940 Run the program backward until control reaches the start of a
5941 different source line; then stop it, and return control to @value{GDBN}.
5942
5943 Like the @code{step} command, @code{reverse-step} will only stop
5944 at the beginning of a source line. It ``un-executes'' the previously
5945 executed source line. If the previous source line included calls to
5946 debuggable functions, @code{reverse-step} will step (backward) into
5947 the called function, stopping at the beginning of the @emph{last}
5948 statement in the called function (typically a return statement).
5949
5950 Also, as with the @code{step} command, if non-debuggable functions are
5951 called, @code{reverse-step} will run thru them backward without stopping.
5952
5953 @kindex reverse-stepi
5954 @kindex rsi @r{(@code{reverse-stepi})}
5955 @item reverse-stepi @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5956 Reverse-execute one machine instruction. Note that the instruction
5957 to be reverse-executed is @emph{not} the one pointed to by the program
5958 counter, but the instruction executed prior to that one. For instance,
5959 if the last instruction was a jump, @code{reverse-stepi} will take you
5960 back from the destination of the jump to the jump instruction itself.
5961
5962 @kindex reverse-next
5963 @kindex rn @r{(@code{reverse-next})}
5964 @item reverse-next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5965 Run backward to the beginning of the previous line executed in
5966 the current (innermost) stack frame. If the line contains function
5967 calls, they will be ``un-executed'' without stopping. Starting from
5968 the first line of a function, @code{reverse-next} will take you back
5969 to the caller of that function, @emph{before} the function was called,
5970 just as the normal @code{next} command would take you from the last
5971 line of a function back to its return to its caller
5972 @footnote{Unless the code is too heavily optimized.}.
5973
5974 @kindex reverse-nexti
5975 @kindex rni @r{(@code{reverse-nexti})}
5976 @item reverse-nexti @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5977 Like @code{nexti}, @code{reverse-nexti} executes a single instruction
5978 in reverse, except that called functions are ``un-executed'' atomically.
5979 That is, if the previously executed instruction was a return from
5980 another function, @code{reverse-nexti} will continue to execute
5981 in reverse until the call to that function (from the current stack
5982 frame) is reached.
5983
5984 @kindex reverse-finish
5985 @item reverse-finish
5986 Just as the @code{finish} command takes you to the point where the
5987 current function returns, @code{reverse-finish} takes you to the point
5988 where it was called. Instead of ending up at the end of the current
5989 function invocation, you end up at the beginning.
5990
5991 @kindex set exec-direction
5992 @item set exec-direction
5993 Set the direction of target execution.
5994 @item set exec-direction reverse
5995 @cindex execute forward or backward in time
5996 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in reverse, until the
5997 exec-direction mode is changed to ``forward''. Affected commands include
5998 @code{step, stepi, next, nexti, continue, and finish}. The @code{return}
5999 command cannot be used in reverse mode.
6000 @item set exec-direction forward
6001 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in the normal fashion.
6002 This is the default.
6003 @end table
6004
6005
6006 @node Process Record and Replay
6007 @chapter Recording Inferior's Execution and Replaying It
6008 @cindex process record and replay
6009 @cindex recording inferior's execution and replaying it
6010
6011 On some platforms, @value{GDBN} provides a special @dfn{process record
6012 and replay} target that can record a log of the process execution, and
6013 replay it later with both forward and reverse execution commands.
6014
6015 @cindex replay mode
6016 When this target is in use, if the execution log includes the record
6017 for the next instruction, @value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{replay
6018 mode}. In the replay mode, the inferior does not really execute code
6019 instructions. Instead, all the events that normally happen during
6020 code execution are taken from the execution log. While code is not
6021 really executed in replay mode, the values of registers (including the
6022 program counter register) and the memory of the inferior are still
6023 changed as they normally would. Their contents are taken from the
6024 execution log.
6025
6026 @cindex record mode
6027 If the record for the next instruction is not in the execution log,
6028 @value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{record mode}. In this mode, the
6029 inferior executes normally, and @value{GDBN} records the execution log
6030 for future replay.
6031
6032 The process record and replay target supports reverse execution
6033 (@pxref{Reverse Execution}), even if the platform on which the
6034 inferior runs does not. However, the reverse execution is limited in
6035 this case by the range of the instructions recorded in the execution
6036 log. In other words, reverse execution on platforms that don't
6037 support it directly can only be done in the replay mode.
6038
6039 When debugging in the reverse direction, @value{GDBN} will work in
6040 replay mode as long as the execution log includes the record for the
6041 previous instruction; otherwise, it will work in record mode, if the
6042 platform supports reverse execution, or stop if not.
6043
6044 For architecture environments that support process record and replay,
6045 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands:
6046
6047 @table @code
6048 @kindex target record
6049 @kindex record
6050 @kindex rec
6051 @item target record
6052 This command starts the process record and replay target. The process
6053 record and replay target can only debug a process that is already
6054 running. Therefore, you need first to start the process with the
6055 @kbd{run} or @kbd{start} commands, and then start the recording with
6056 the @kbd{target record} command.
6057
6058 Both @code{record} and @code{rec} are aliases of @code{target record}.
6059
6060 @cindex displaced stepping, and process record and replay
6061 Displaced stepping (@pxref{Maintenance Commands,, displaced stepping})
6062 will be automatically disabled when process record and replay target
6063 is started. That's because the process record and replay target
6064 doesn't support displaced stepping.
6065
6066 @cindex non-stop mode, and process record and replay
6067 @cindex asynchronous execution, and process record and replay
6068 If the inferior is in the non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) or in
6069 the asynchronous execution mode (@pxref{Background Execution}), the
6070 process record and replay target cannot be started because it doesn't
6071 support these two modes.
6072
6073 @kindex record stop
6074 @kindex rec s
6075 @item record stop
6076 Stop the process record and replay target. When process record and
6077 replay target stops, the entire execution log will be deleted and the
6078 inferior will either be terminated, or will remain in its final state.
6079
6080 When you stop the process record and replay target in record mode (at
6081 the end of the execution log), the inferior will be stopped at the
6082 next instruction that would have been recorded. In other words, if
6083 you record for a while and then stop recording, the inferior process
6084 will be left in the same state as if the recording never happened.
6085
6086 On the other hand, if the process record and replay target is stopped
6087 while in replay mode (that is, not at the end of the execution log,
6088 but at some earlier point), the inferior process will become ``live''
6089 at that earlier state, and it will then be possible to continue the
6090 usual ``live'' debugging of the process from that state.
6091
6092 When the inferior process exits, or @value{GDBN} detaches from it,
6093 process record and replay target will automatically stop itself.
6094
6095 @kindex record save
6096 @item record save @var{filename}
6097 Save the execution log to a file @file{@var{filename}}.
6098 Default filename is @file{gdb_record.@var{process_id}}, where
6099 @var{process_id} is the process ID of the inferior.
6100
6101 @kindex record restore
6102 @item record restore @var{filename}
6103 Restore the execution log from a file @file{@var{filename}}.
6104 File must have been created with @code{record save}.
6105
6106 @kindex set record insn-number-max
6107 @item set record insn-number-max @var{limit}
6108 Set the limit of instructions to be recorded. Default value is 200000.
6109
6110 If @var{limit} is a positive number, then @value{GDBN} will start
6111 deleting instructions from the log once the number of the record
6112 instructions becomes greater than @var{limit}. For every new recorded
6113 instruction, @value{GDBN} will delete the earliest recorded
6114 instruction to keep the number of recorded instructions at the limit.
6115 (Since deleting recorded instructions loses information, @value{GDBN}
6116 lets you control what happens when the limit is reached, by means of
6117 the @code{stop-at-limit} option, described below.)
6118
6119 If @var{limit} is zero, @value{GDBN} will never delete recorded
6120 instructions from the execution log. The number of recorded
6121 instructions is unlimited in this case.
6122
6123 @kindex show record insn-number-max
6124 @item show record insn-number-max
6125 Show the limit of instructions to be recorded.
6126
6127 @kindex set record stop-at-limit
6128 @item set record stop-at-limit
6129 Control the behavior when the number of recorded instructions reaches
6130 the limit. If ON (the default), @value{GDBN} will stop when the limit
6131 is reached for the first time and ask you whether you want to stop the
6132 inferior or continue running it and recording the execution log. If
6133 you decide to continue recording, each new recorded instruction will
6134 cause the oldest one to be deleted.
6135
6136 If this option is OFF, @value{GDBN} will automatically delete the
6137 oldest record to make room for each new one, without asking.
6138
6139 @kindex show record stop-at-limit
6140 @item show record stop-at-limit
6141 Show the current setting of @code{stop-at-limit}.
6142
6143 @kindex set record memory-query
6144 @item set record memory-query
6145 Control the behavior when @value{GDBN} is unable to record memory
6146 changes caused by an instruction. If ON, @value{GDBN} will query
6147 whether to stop the inferior in that case.
6148
6149 If this option is OFF (the default), @value{GDBN} will automatically
6150 ignore the effect of such instructions on memory. Later, when
6151 @value{GDBN} replays this execution log, it will mark the log of this
6152 instruction as not accessible, and it will not affect the replay
6153 results.
6154
6155 @kindex show record memory-query
6156 @item show record memory-query
6157 Show the current setting of @code{memory-query}.
6158
6159 @kindex info record
6160 @item info record
6161 Show various statistics about the state of process record and its
6162 in-memory execution log buffer, including:
6163
6164 @itemize @bullet
6165 @item
6166 Whether in record mode or replay mode.
6167 @item
6168 Lowest recorded instruction number (counting from when the current execution log started recording instructions).
6169 @item
6170 Highest recorded instruction number.
6171 @item
6172 Current instruction about to be replayed (if in replay mode).
6173 @item
6174 Number of instructions contained in the execution log.
6175 @item
6176 Maximum number of instructions that may be contained in the execution log.
6177 @end itemize
6178
6179 @kindex record delete
6180 @kindex rec del
6181 @item record delete
6182 When record target runs in replay mode (``in the past''), delete the
6183 subsequent execution log and begin to record a new execution log starting
6184 from the current address. This means you will abandon the previously
6185 recorded ``future'' and begin recording a new ``future''.
6186 @end table
6187
6188
6189 @node Stack
6190 @chapter Examining the Stack
6191
6192 When your program has stopped, the first thing you need to know is where it
6193 stopped and how it got there.
6194
6195 @cindex call stack
6196 Each time your program performs a function call, information about the call
6197 is generated.
6198 That information includes the location of the call in your program,
6199 the arguments of the call,
6200 and the local variables of the function being called.
6201 The information is saved in a block of data called a @dfn{stack frame}.
6202 The stack frames are allocated in a region of memory called the @dfn{call
6203 stack}.
6204
6205 When your program stops, the @value{GDBN} commands for examining the
6206 stack allow you to see all of this information.
6207
6208 @cindex selected frame
6209 One of the stack frames is @dfn{selected} by @value{GDBN} and many
6210 @value{GDBN} commands refer implicitly to the selected frame. In
6211 particular, whenever you ask @value{GDBN} for the value of a variable in
6212 your program, the value is found in the selected frame. There are
6213 special @value{GDBN} commands to select whichever frame you are
6214 interested in. @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
6215
6216 When your program stops, @value{GDBN} automatically selects the
6217 currently executing frame and describes it briefly, similar to the
6218 @code{frame} command (@pxref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}).
6219
6220 @menu
6221 * Frames:: Stack frames
6222 * Backtrace:: Backtraces
6223 * Selection:: Selecting a frame
6224 * Frame Info:: Information on a frame
6225
6226 @end menu
6227
6228 @node Frames
6229 @section Stack Frames
6230
6231 @cindex frame, definition
6232 @cindex stack frame
6233 The call stack is divided up into contiguous pieces called @dfn{stack
6234 frames}, or @dfn{frames} for short; each frame is the data associated
6235 with one call to one function. The frame contains the arguments given
6236 to the function, the function's local variables, and the address at
6237 which the function is executing.
6238
6239 @cindex initial frame
6240 @cindex outermost frame
6241 @cindex innermost frame
6242 When your program is started, the stack has only one frame, that of the
6243 function @code{main}. This is called the @dfn{initial} frame or the
6244 @dfn{outermost} frame. Each time a function is called, a new frame is
6245 made. Each time a function returns, the frame for that function invocation
6246 is eliminated. If a function is recursive, there can be many frames for
6247 the same function. The frame for the function in which execution is
6248 actually occurring is called the @dfn{innermost} frame. This is the most
6249 recently created of all the stack frames that still exist.
6250
6251 @cindex frame pointer
6252 Inside your program, stack frames are identified by their addresses. A
6253 stack frame consists of many bytes, each of which has its own address; each
6254 kind of computer has a convention for choosing one byte whose
6255 address serves as the address of the frame. Usually this address is kept
6256 in a register called the @dfn{frame pointer register}
6257 (@pxref{Registers, $fp}) while execution is going on in that frame.
6258
6259 @cindex frame number
6260 @value{GDBN} assigns numbers to all existing stack frames, starting with
6261 zero for the innermost frame, one for the frame that called it,
6262 and so on upward. These numbers do not really exist in your program;
6263 they are assigned by @value{GDBN} to give you a way of designating stack
6264 frames in @value{GDBN} commands.
6265
6266 @c The -fomit-frame-pointer below perennially causes hbox overflow
6267 @c underflow problems.
6268 @cindex frameless execution
6269 Some compilers provide a way to compile functions so that they operate
6270 without stack frames. (For example, the @value{NGCC} option
6271 @smallexample
6272 @samp{-fomit-frame-pointer}
6273 @end smallexample
6274 generates functions without a frame.)
6275 This is occasionally done with heavily used library functions to save
6276 the frame setup time. @value{GDBN} has limited facilities for dealing
6277 with these function invocations. If the innermost function invocation
6278 has no stack frame, @value{GDBN} nevertheless regards it as though
6279 it had a separate frame, which is numbered zero as usual, allowing
6280 correct tracing of the function call chain. However, @value{GDBN} has
6281 no provision for frameless functions elsewhere in the stack.
6282
6283 @table @code
6284 @kindex frame@r{, command}
6285 @cindex current stack frame
6286 @item frame @var{args}
6287 The @code{frame} command allows you to move from one stack frame to another,
6288 and to print the stack frame you select. @var{args} may be either the
6289 address of the frame or the stack frame number. Without an argument,
6290 @code{frame} prints the current stack frame.
6291
6292 @kindex select-frame
6293 @cindex selecting frame silently
6294 @item select-frame
6295 The @code{select-frame} command allows you to move from one stack frame
6296 to another without printing the frame. This is the silent version of
6297 @code{frame}.
6298 @end table
6299
6300 @node Backtrace
6301 @section Backtraces
6302
6303 @cindex traceback
6304 @cindex call stack traces
6305 A backtrace is a summary of how your program got where it is. It shows one
6306 line per frame, for many frames, starting with the currently executing
6307 frame (frame zero), followed by its caller (frame one), and on up the
6308 stack.
6309
6310 @table @code
6311 @kindex backtrace
6312 @kindex bt @r{(@code{backtrace})}
6313 @item backtrace
6314 @itemx bt
6315 Print a backtrace of the entire stack: one line per frame for all
6316 frames in the stack.
6317
6318 You can stop the backtrace at any time by typing the system interrupt
6319 character, normally @kbd{Ctrl-c}.
6320
6321 @item backtrace @var{n}
6322 @itemx bt @var{n}
6323 Similar, but print only the innermost @var{n} frames.
6324
6325 @item backtrace -@var{n}
6326 @itemx bt -@var{n}
6327 Similar, but print only the outermost @var{n} frames.
6328
6329 @item backtrace full
6330 @itemx bt full
6331 @itemx bt full @var{n}
6332 @itemx bt full -@var{n}
6333 Print the values of the local variables also. @var{n} specifies the
6334 number of frames to print, as described above.
6335 @end table
6336
6337 @kindex where
6338 @kindex info stack
6339 The names @code{where} and @code{info stack} (abbreviated @code{info s})
6340 are additional aliases for @code{backtrace}.
6341
6342 @cindex multiple threads, backtrace
6343 In a multi-threaded program, @value{GDBN} by default shows the
6344 backtrace only for the current thread. To display the backtrace for
6345 several or all of the threads, use the command @code{thread apply}
6346 (@pxref{Threads, thread apply}). For example, if you type @kbd{thread
6347 apply all backtrace}, @value{GDBN} will display the backtrace for all
6348 the threads; this is handy when you debug a core dump of a
6349 multi-threaded program.
6350
6351 Each line in the backtrace shows the frame number and the function name.
6352 The program counter value is also shown---unless you use @code{set
6353 print address off}. The backtrace also shows the source file name and
6354 line number, as well as the arguments to the function. The program
6355 counter value is omitted if it is at the beginning of the code for that
6356 line number.
6357
6358 Here is an example of a backtrace. It was made with the command
6359 @samp{bt 3}, so it shows the innermost three frames.
6360
6361 @smallexample
6362 @group
6363 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
6364 at builtin.c:993
6365 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=0x2b600, data=...) at macro.c:242
6366 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=177664, td=0xf7fffb08)
6367 at macro.c:71
6368 (More stack frames follow...)
6369 @end group
6370 @end smallexample
6371
6372 @noindent
6373 The display for frame zero does not begin with a program counter
6374 value, indicating that your program has stopped at the beginning of the
6375 code for line @code{993} of @code{builtin.c}.
6376
6377 @noindent
6378 The value of parameter @code{data} in frame 1 has been replaced by
6379 @code{@dots{}}. By default, @value{GDBN} prints the value of a parameter
6380 only if it is a scalar (integer, pointer, enumeration, etc). See command
6381 @kbd{set print frame-arguments} in @ref{Print Settings} for more details
6382 on how to configure the way function parameter values are printed.
6383
6384 @cindex optimized out, in backtrace
6385 @cindex function call arguments, optimized out
6386 If your program was compiled with optimizations, some compilers will
6387 optimize away arguments passed to functions if those arguments are
6388 never used after the call. Such optimizations generate code that
6389 passes arguments through registers, but doesn't store those arguments
6390 in the stack frame. @value{GDBN} has no way of displaying such
6391 arguments in stack frames other than the innermost one. Here's what
6392 such a backtrace might look like:
6393
6394 @smallexample
6395 @group
6396 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
6397 at builtin.c:993
6398 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=<optimized out>) at macro.c:242
6399 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=<optimized out>, td=0xf7fffb08)
6400 at macro.c:71
6401 (More stack frames follow...)
6402 @end group
6403 @end smallexample
6404
6405 @noindent
6406 The values of arguments that were not saved in their stack frames are
6407 shown as @samp{<optimized out>}.
6408
6409 If you need to display the values of such optimized-out arguments,
6410 either deduce that from other variables whose values depend on the one
6411 you are interested in, or recompile without optimizations.
6412
6413 @cindex backtrace beyond @code{main} function
6414 @cindex program entry point
6415 @cindex startup code, and backtrace
6416 Most programs have a standard user entry point---a place where system
6417 libraries and startup code transition into user code. For C this is
6418 @code{main}@footnote{
6419 Note that embedded programs (the so-called ``free-standing''
6420 environment) are not required to have a @code{main} function as the
6421 entry point. They could even have multiple entry points.}.
6422 When @value{GDBN} finds the entry function in a backtrace
6423 it will terminate the backtrace, to avoid tracing into highly
6424 system-specific (and generally uninteresting) code.
6425
6426 If you need to examine the startup code, or limit the number of levels
6427 in a backtrace, you can change this behavior:
6428
6429 @table @code
6430 @item set backtrace past-main
6431 @itemx set backtrace past-main on
6432 @kindex set backtrace
6433 Backtraces will continue past the user entry point.
6434
6435 @item set backtrace past-main off
6436 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the user entry point. This is the
6437 default.
6438
6439 @item show backtrace past-main
6440 @kindex show backtrace
6441 Display the current user entry point backtrace policy.
6442
6443 @item set backtrace past-entry
6444 @itemx set backtrace past-entry on
6445 Backtraces will continue past the internal entry point of an application.
6446 This entry point is encoded by the linker when the application is built,
6447 and is likely before the user entry point @code{main} (or equivalent) is called.
6448
6449 @item set backtrace past-entry off
6450 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the internal entry point of an
6451 application. This is the default.
6452
6453 @item show backtrace past-entry
6454 Display the current internal entry point backtrace policy.
6455
6456 @item set backtrace limit @var{n}
6457 @itemx set backtrace limit 0
6458 @cindex backtrace limit
6459 Limit the backtrace to @var{n} levels. A value of zero means
6460 unlimited.
6461
6462 @item show backtrace limit
6463 Display the current limit on backtrace levels.
6464 @end table
6465
6466 @node Selection
6467 @section Selecting a Frame
6468
6469 Most commands for examining the stack and other data in your program work on
6470 whichever stack frame is selected at the moment. Here are the commands for
6471 selecting a stack frame; all of them finish by printing a brief description
6472 of the stack frame just selected.
6473
6474 @table @code
6475 @kindex frame@r{, selecting}
6476 @kindex f @r{(@code{frame})}
6477 @item frame @var{n}
6478 @itemx f @var{n}
6479 Select frame number @var{n}. Recall that frame zero is the innermost
6480 (currently executing) frame, frame one is the frame that called the
6481 innermost one, and so on. The highest-numbered frame is the one for
6482 @code{main}.
6483
6484 @item frame @var{addr}
6485 @itemx f @var{addr}
6486 Select the frame at address @var{addr}. This is useful mainly if the
6487 chaining of stack frames has been damaged by a bug, making it
6488 impossible for @value{GDBN} to assign numbers properly to all frames. In
6489 addition, this can be useful when your program has multiple stacks and
6490 switches between them.
6491
6492 On the SPARC architecture, @code{frame} needs two addresses to
6493 select an arbitrary frame: a frame pointer and a stack pointer.
6494
6495 On the @acronym{MIPS} and Alpha architecture, it needs two addresses: a stack
6496 pointer and a program counter.
6497
6498 On the 29k architecture, it needs three addresses: a register stack
6499 pointer, a program counter, and a memory stack pointer.
6500
6501 @kindex up
6502 @item up @var{n}
6503 Move @var{n} frames up the stack. For positive numbers @var{n}, this
6504 advances toward the outermost frame, to higher frame numbers, to frames
6505 that have existed longer. @var{n} defaults to one.
6506
6507 @kindex down
6508 @kindex do @r{(@code{down})}
6509 @item down @var{n}
6510 Move @var{n} frames down the stack. For positive numbers @var{n}, this
6511 advances toward the innermost frame, to lower frame numbers, to frames
6512 that were created more recently. @var{n} defaults to one. You may
6513 abbreviate @code{down} as @code{do}.
6514 @end table
6515
6516 All of these commands end by printing two lines of output describing the
6517 frame. The first line shows the frame number, the function name, the
6518 arguments, and the source file and line number of execution in that
6519 frame. The second line shows the text of that source line.
6520
6521 @need 1000
6522 For example:
6523
6524 @smallexample
6525 @group
6526 (@value{GDBP}) up
6527 #1 0x22f0 in main (argc=1, argv=0xf7fffbf4, env=0xf7fffbfc)
6528 at env.c:10
6529 10 read_input_file (argv[i]);
6530 @end group
6531 @end smallexample
6532
6533 After such a printout, the @code{list} command with no arguments
6534 prints ten lines centered on the point of execution in the frame.
6535 You can also edit the program at the point of execution with your favorite
6536 editing program by typing @code{edit}.
6537 @xref{List, ,Printing Source Lines},
6538 for details.
6539
6540 @table @code
6541 @kindex down-silently
6542 @kindex up-silently
6543 @item up-silently @var{n}
6544 @itemx down-silently @var{n}
6545 These two commands are variants of @code{up} and @code{down},
6546 respectively; they differ in that they do their work silently, without
6547 causing display of the new frame. They are intended primarily for use
6548 in @value{GDBN} command scripts, where the output might be unnecessary and
6549 distracting.
6550 @end table
6551
6552 @node Frame Info
6553 @section Information About a Frame
6554
6555 There are several other commands to print information about the selected
6556 stack frame.
6557
6558 @table @code
6559 @item frame
6560 @itemx f
6561 When used without any argument, this command does not change which
6562 frame is selected, but prints a brief description of the currently
6563 selected stack frame. It can be abbreviated @code{f}. With an
6564 argument, this command is used to select a stack frame.
6565 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
6566
6567 @kindex info frame
6568 @kindex info f @r{(@code{info frame})}
6569 @item info frame
6570 @itemx info f
6571 This command prints a verbose description of the selected stack frame,
6572 including:
6573
6574 @itemize @bullet
6575 @item
6576 the address of the frame
6577 @item
6578 the address of the next frame down (called by this frame)
6579 @item
6580 the address of the next frame up (caller of this frame)
6581 @item
6582 the language in which the source code corresponding to this frame is written
6583 @item
6584 the address of the frame's arguments
6585 @item
6586 the address of the frame's local variables
6587 @item
6588 the program counter saved in it (the address of execution in the caller frame)
6589 @item
6590 which registers were saved in the frame
6591 @end itemize
6592
6593 @noindent The verbose description is useful when
6594 something has gone wrong that has made the stack format fail to fit
6595 the usual conventions.
6596
6597 @item info frame @var{addr}
6598 @itemx info f @var{addr}
6599 Print a verbose description of the frame at address @var{addr}, without
6600 selecting that frame. The selected frame remains unchanged by this
6601 command. This requires the same kind of address (more than one for some
6602 architectures) that you specify in the @code{frame} command.
6603 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
6604
6605 @kindex info args
6606 @item info args
6607 Print the arguments of the selected frame, each on a separate line.
6608
6609 @item info locals
6610 @kindex info locals
6611 Print the local variables of the selected frame, each on a separate
6612 line. These are all variables (declared either static or automatic)
6613 accessible at the point of execution of the selected frame.
6614
6615 @end table
6616
6617
6618 @node Source
6619 @chapter Examining Source Files
6620
6621 @value{GDBN} can print parts of your program's source, since the debugging
6622 information recorded in the program tells @value{GDBN} what source files were
6623 used to build it. When your program stops, @value{GDBN} spontaneously prints
6624 the line where it stopped. Likewise, when you select a stack frame
6625 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}), @value{GDBN} prints the line where
6626 execution in that frame has stopped. You can print other portions of
6627 source files by explicit command.
6628
6629 If you use @value{GDBN} through its @sc{gnu} Emacs interface, you may
6630 prefer to use Emacs facilities to view source; see @ref{Emacs, ,Using
6631 @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}.
6632
6633 @menu
6634 * List:: Printing source lines
6635 * Specify Location:: How to specify code locations
6636 * Edit:: Editing source files
6637 * Search:: Searching source files
6638 * Source Path:: Specifying source directories
6639 * Machine Code:: Source and machine code
6640 @end menu
6641
6642 @node List
6643 @section Printing Source Lines
6644
6645 @kindex list
6646 @kindex l @r{(@code{list})}
6647 To print lines from a source file, use the @code{list} command
6648 (abbreviated @code{l}). By default, ten lines are printed.
6649 There are several ways to specify what part of the file you want to
6650 print; see @ref{Specify Location}, for the full list.
6651
6652 Here are the forms of the @code{list} command most commonly used:
6653
6654 @table @code
6655 @item list @var{linenum}
6656 Print lines centered around line number @var{linenum} in the
6657 current source file.
6658
6659 @item list @var{function}
6660 Print lines centered around the beginning of function
6661 @var{function}.
6662
6663 @item list
6664 Print more lines. If the last lines printed were printed with a
6665 @code{list} command, this prints lines following the last lines
6666 printed; however, if the last line printed was a solitary line printed
6667 as part of displaying a stack frame (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the
6668 Stack}), this prints lines centered around that line.
6669
6670 @item list -
6671 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
6672 @end table
6673
6674 @cindex @code{list}, how many lines to display
6675 By default, @value{GDBN} prints ten source lines with any of these forms of
6676 the @code{list} command. You can change this using @code{set listsize}:
6677
6678 @table @code
6679 @kindex set listsize
6680 @item set listsize @var{count}
6681 Make the @code{list} command display @var{count} source lines (unless
6682 the @code{list} argument explicitly specifies some other number).
6683
6684 @kindex show listsize
6685 @item show listsize
6686 Display the number of lines that @code{list} prints.
6687 @end table
6688
6689 Repeating a @code{list} command with @key{RET} discards the argument,
6690 so it is equivalent to typing just @code{list}. This is more useful
6691 than listing the same lines again. An exception is made for an
6692 argument of @samp{-}; that argument is preserved in repetition so that
6693 each repetition moves up in the source file.
6694
6695 In general, the @code{list} command expects you to supply zero, one or two
6696 @dfn{linespecs}. Linespecs specify source lines; there are several ways
6697 of writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always
6698 to specify some source line.
6699
6700 Here is a complete description of the possible arguments for @code{list}:
6701
6702 @table @code
6703 @item list @var{linespec}
6704 Print lines centered around the line specified by @var{linespec}.
6705
6706 @item list @var{first},@var{last}
6707 Print lines from @var{first} to @var{last}. Both arguments are
6708 linespecs. When a @code{list} command has two linespecs, and the
6709 source file of the second linespec is omitted, this refers to
6710 the same source file as the first linespec.
6711
6712 @item list ,@var{last}
6713 Print lines ending with @var{last}.
6714
6715 @item list @var{first},
6716 Print lines starting with @var{first}.
6717
6718 @item list +
6719 Print lines just after the lines last printed.
6720
6721 @item list -
6722 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
6723
6724 @item list
6725 As described in the preceding table.
6726 @end table
6727
6728 @node Specify Location
6729 @section Specifying a Location
6730 @cindex specifying location
6731 @cindex linespec
6732
6733 Several @value{GDBN} commands accept arguments that specify a location
6734 of your program's code. Since @value{GDBN} is a source-level
6735 debugger, a location usually specifies some line in the source code;
6736 for that reason, locations are also known as @dfn{linespecs}.
6737
6738 Here are all the different ways of specifying a code location that
6739 @value{GDBN} understands:
6740
6741 @table @code
6742 @item @var{linenum}
6743 Specifies the line number @var{linenum} of the current source file.
6744
6745 @item -@var{offset}
6746 @itemx +@var{offset}
6747 Specifies the line @var{offset} lines before or after the @dfn{current
6748 line}. For the @code{list} command, the current line is the last one
6749 printed; for the breakpoint commands, this is the line at which
6750 execution stopped in the currently selected @dfn{stack frame}
6751 (@pxref{Frames, ,Frames}, for a description of stack frames.) When
6752 used as the second of the two linespecs in a @code{list} command,
6753 this specifies the line @var{offset} lines up or down from the first
6754 linespec.
6755
6756 @item @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
6757 Specifies the line @var{linenum} in the source file @var{filename}.
6758 If @var{filename} is a relative file name, then it will match any
6759 source file name with the same trailing components. For example, if
6760 @var{filename} is @samp{gcc/expr.c}, then it will match source file
6761 name of @file{/build/trunk/gcc/expr.c}, but not
6762 @file{/build/trunk/libcpp/expr.c} or @file{/build/trunk/gcc/x-expr.c}.
6763
6764 @item @var{function}
6765 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}.
6766 For example, in C, this is the line with the open brace.
6767
6768 @item @var{function}:@var{label}
6769 Specifies the line where @var{label} appears in @var{function}.
6770
6771 @item @var{filename}:@var{function}
6772 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}
6773 in the file @var{filename}. You only need the file name with a
6774 function name to avoid ambiguity when there are identically named
6775 functions in different source files.
6776
6777 @item @var{label}
6778 Specifies the line at which the label named @var{label} appears.
6779 @value{GDBN} searches for the label in the function corresponding to
6780 the currently selected stack frame. If there is no current selected
6781 stack frame (for instance, if the inferior is not running), then
6782 @value{GDBN} will not search for a label.
6783
6784 @item *@var{address}
6785 Specifies the program address @var{address}. For line-oriented
6786 commands, such as @code{list} and @code{edit}, this specifies a source
6787 line that contains @var{address}. For @code{break} and other
6788 breakpoint oriented commands, this can be used to set breakpoints in
6789 parts of your program which do not have debugging information or
6790 source files.
6791
6792 Here @var{address} may be any expression valid in the current working
6793 language (@pxref{Languages, working language}) that specifies a code
6794 address. In addition, as a convenience, @value{GDBN} extends the
6795 semantics of expressions used in locations to cover the situations
6796 that frequently happen during debugging. Here are the various forms
6797 of @var{address}:
6798
6799 @table @code
6800 @item @var{expression}
6801 Any expression valid in the current working language.
6802
6803 @item @var{funcaddr}
6804 An address of a function or procedure derived from its name. In C,
6805 C@t{++}, Java, Objective-C, Fortran, minimal, and assembly, this is
6806 simply the function's name @var{function} (and actually a special case
6807 of a valid expression). In Pascal and Modula-2, this is
6808 @code{&@var{function}}. In Ada, this is @code{@var{function}'Address}
6809 (although the Pascal form also works).
6810
6811 This form specifies the address of the function's first instruction,
6812 before the stack frame and arguments have been set up.
6813
6814 @item '@var{filename}'::@var{funcaddr}
6815 Like @var{funcaddr} above, but also specifies the name of the source
6816 file explicitly. This is useful if the name of the function does not
6817 specify the function unambiguously, e.g., if there are several
6818 functions with identical names in different source files.
6819 @end table
6820
6821 @cindex breakpoint at static probe point
6822 @item -pstap|-probe-stap @r{[}@var{objfile}:@r{[}@var{provider}:@r{]}@r{]}@var{name}
6823 The @sc{gnu}/Linux tool @code{SystemTap} provides a way for
6824 applications to embed static probes. @xref{Static Probe Points}, for more
6825 information on finding and using static probes. This form of linespec
6826 specifies the location of such a static probe.
6827
6828 If @var{objfile} is given, only probes coming from that shared library
6829 or executable matching @var{objfile} as a regular expression are considered.
6830 If @var{provider} is given, then only probes from that provider are considered.
6831 If several probes match the spec, @value{GDBN} will insert a breakpoint at
6832 each one of those probes.
6833
6834 @end table
6835
6836
6837 @node Edit
6838 @section Editing Source Files
6839 @cindex editing source files
6840
6841 @kindex edit
6842 @kindex e @r{(@code{edit})}
6843 To edit the lines in a source file, use the @code{edit} command.
6844 The editing program of your choice
6845 is invoked with the current line set to
6846 the active line in the program.
6847 Alternatively, there are several ways to specify what part of the file you
6848 want to print if you want to see other parts of the program:
6849
6850 @table @code
6851 @item edit @var{location}
6852 Edit the source file specified by @code{location}. Editing starts at
6853 that @var{location}, e.g., at the specified source line of the
6854 specified file. @xref{Specify Location}, for all the possible forms
6855 of the @var{location} argument; here are the forms of the @code{edit}
6856 command most commonly used:
6857
6858 @table @code
6859 @item edit @var{number}
6860 Edit the current source file with @var{number} as the active line number.
6861
6862 @item edit @var{function}
6863 Edit the file containing @var{function} at the beginning of its definition.
6864 @end table
6865
6866 @end table
6867
6868 @subsection Choosing your Editor
6869 You can customize @value{GDBN} to use any editor you want
6870 @footnote{
6871 The only restriction is that your editor (say @code{ex}), recognizes the
6872 following command-line syntax:
6873 @smallexample
6874 ex +@var{number} file
6875 @end smallexample
6876 The optional numeric value +@var{number} specifies the number of the line in
6877 the file where to start editing.}.
6878 By default, it is @file{@value{EDITOR}}, but you can change this
6879 by setting the environment variable @code{EDITOR} before using
6880 @value{GDBN}. For example, to configure @value{GDBN} to use the
6881 @code{vi} editor, you could use these commands with the @code{sh} shell:
6882 @smallexample
6883 EDITOR=/usr/bin/vi
6884 export EDITOR
6885 gdb @dots{}
6886 @end smallexample
6887 or in the @code{csh} shell,
6888 @smallexample
6889 setenv EDITOR /usr/bin/vi
6890 gdb @dots{}
6891 @end smallexample
6892
6893 @node Search
6894 @section Searching Source Files
6895 @cindex searching source files
6896
6897 There are two commands for searching through the current source file for a
6898 regular expression.
6899
6900 @table @code
6901 @kindex search
6902 @kindex forward-search
6903 @item forward-search @var{regexp}
6904 @itemx search @var{regexp}
6905 The command @samp{forward-search @var{regexp}} checks each line,
6906 starting with the one following the last line listed, for a match for
6907 @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can use the
6908 synonym @samp{search @var{regexp}} or abbreviate the command name as
6909 @code{fo}.
6910
6911 @kindex reverse-search
6912 @item reverse-search @var{regexp}
6913 The command @samp{reverse-search @var{regexp}} checks each line, starting
6914 with the one before the last line listed and going backward, for a match
6915 for @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can abbreviate
6916 this command as @code{rev}.
6917 @end table
6918
6919 @node Source Path
6920 @section Specifying Source Directories
6921
6922 @cindex source path
6923 @cindex directories for source files
6924 Executable programs sometimes do not record the directories of the source
6925 files from which they were compiled, just the names. Even when they do,
6926 the directories could be moved between the compilation and your debugging
6927 session. @value{GDBN} has a list of directories to search for source files;
6928 this is called the @dfn{source path}. Each time @value{GDBN} wants a source file,
6929 it tries all the directories in the list, in the order they are present
6930 in the list, until it finds a file with the desired name.
6931
6932 For example, suppose an executable references the file
6933 @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}, and our source path is
6934 @file{/mnt/cross}. The file is first looked up literally; if this
6935 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} is tried; if this
6936 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/foo.c} is opened; if this fails, an error
6937 message is printed. @value{GDBN} does not look up the parts of the
6938 source file name, such as @file{/mnt/cross/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}.
6939 Likewise, the subdirectories of the source path are not searched: if
6940 the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the binary refers to
6941 @file{foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would not find it under
6942 @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib}.
6943
6944 Plain file names, relative file names with leading directories, file
6945 names containing dots, etc.@: are all treated as described above; for
6946 instance, if the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the source file
6947 is recorded as @file{../lib/foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would first try
6948 @file{../lib/foo.c}, then @file{/mnt/cross/../lib/foo.c}, and after
6949 that---@file{/mnt/cross/foo.c}.
6950
6951 Note that the executable search path is @emph{not} used to locate the
6952 source files.
6953
6954 Whenever you reset or rearrange the source path, @value{GDBN} clears out
6955 any information it has cached about where source files are found and where
6956 each line is in the file.
6957
6958 @kindex directory
6959 @kindex dir
6960 When you start @value{GDBN}, its source path includes only @samp{cdir}
6961 and @samp{cwd}, in that order.
6962 To add other directories, use the @code{directory} command.
6963
6964 The search path is used to find both program source files and @value{GDBN}
6965 script files (read using the @samp{-command} option and @samp{source} command).
6966
6967 In addition to the source path, @value{GDBN} provides a set of commands
6968 that manage a list of source path substitution rules. A @dfn{substitution
6969 rule} specifies how to rewrite source directories stored in the program's
6970 debug information in case the sources were moved to a different
6971 directory between compilation and debugging. A rule is made of
6972 two strings, the first specifying what needs to be rewritten in
6973 the path, and the second specifying how it should be rewritten.
6974 In @ref{set substitute-path}, we name these two parts @var{from} and
6975 @var{to} respectively. @value{GDBN} does a simple string replacement
6976 of @var{from} with @var{to} at the start of the directory part of the
6977 source file name, and uses that result instead of the original file
6978 name to look up the sources.
6979
6980 Using the previous example, suppose the @file{foo-1.0} tree has been
6981 moved from @file{/usr/src} to @file{/mnt/cross}, then you can tell
6982 @value{GDBN} to replace @file{/usr/src} in all source path names with
6983 @file{/mnt/cross}. The first lookup will then be
6984 @file{/mnt/cross/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} in place of the original location
6985 of @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}. To define a source path
6986 substitution rule, use the @code{set substitute-path} command
6987 (@pxref{set substitute-path}).
6988
6989 To avoid unexpected substitution results, a rule is applied only if the
6990 @var{from} part of the directory name ends at a directory separator.
6991 For instance, a rule substituting @file{/usr/source} into
6992 @file{/mnt/cross} will be applied to @file{/usr/source/foo-1.0} but
6993 not to @file{/usr/sourceware/foo-2.0}. And because the substitution
6994 is applied only at the beginning of the directory name, this rule will
6995 not be applied to @file{/root/usr/source/baz.c} either.
6996
6997 In many cases, you can achieve the same result using the @code{directory}
6998 command. However, @code{set substitute-path} can be more efficient in
6999 the case where the sources are organized in a complex tree with multiple
7000 subdirectories. With the @code{directory} command, you need to add each
7001 subdirectory of your project. If you moved the entire tree while
7002 preserving its internal organization, then @code{set substitute-path}
7003 allows you to direct the debugger to all the sources with one single
7004 command.
7005
7006 @code{set substitute-path} is also more than just a shortcut command.
7007 The source path is only used if the file at the original location no
7008 longer exists. On the other hand, @code{set substitute-path} modifies
7009 the debugger behavior to look at the rewritten location instead. So, if
7010 for any reason a source file that is not relevant to your executable is
7011 located at the original location, a substitution rule is the only
7012 method available to point @value{GDBN} at the new location.
7013
7014 @cindex @samp{--with-relocated-sources}
7015 @cindex default source path substitution
7016 You can configure a default source path substitution rule by
7017 configuring @value{GDBN} with the
7018 @samp{--with-relocated-sources=@var{dir}} option. The @var{dir}
7019 should be the name of a directory under @value{GDBN}'s configured
7020 prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or @samp{--exec-prefix}), and
7021 directory names in debug information under @var{dir} will be adjusted
7022 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
7023 location. This is useful if @value{GDBN}, libraries or executables
7024 with debug information and corresponding source code are being moved
7025 together.
7026
7027 @table @code
7028 @item directory @var{dirname} @dots{}
7029 @item dir @var{dirname} @dots{}
7030 Add directory @var{dirname} to the front of the source path. Several
7031 directory names may be given to this command, separated by @samp{:}
7032 (@samp{;} on MS-DOS and MS-Windows, where @samp{:} usually appears as
7033 part of absolute file names) or
7034 whitespace. You may specify a directory that is already in the source
7035 path; this moves it forward, so @value{GDBN} searches it sooner.
7036
7037 @kindex cdir
7038 @kindex cwd
7039 @vindex $cdir@r{, convenience variable}
7040 @vindex $cwd@r{, convenience variable}
7041 @cindex compilation directory
7042 @cindex current directory
7043 @cindex working directory
7044 @cindex directory, current
7045 @cindex directory, compilation
7046 You can use the string @samp{$cdir} to refer to the compilation
7047 directory (if one is recorded), and @samp{$cwd} to refer to the current
7048 working directory. @samp{$cwd} is not the same as @samp{.}---the former
7049 tracks the current working directory as it changes during your @value{GDBN}
7050 session, while the latter is immediately expanded to the current
7051 directory at the time you add an entry to the source path.
7052
7053 @item directory
7054 Reset the source path to its default value (@samp{$cdir:$cwd} on Unix systems). This requires confirmation.
7055
7056 @c RET-repeat for @code{directory} is explicitly disabled, but since
7057 @c repeating it would be a no-op we do not say that. (thanks to RMS)
7058
7059 @item set directories @var{path-list}
7060 @kindex set directories
7061 Set the source path to @var{path-list}.
7062 @samp{$cdir:$cwd} are added if missing.
7063
7064 @item show directories
7065 @kindex show directories
7066 Print the source path: show which directories it contains.
7067
7068 @anchor{set substitute-path}
7069 @item set substitute-path @var{from} @var{to}
7070 @kindex set substitute-path
7071 Define a source path substitution rule, and add it at the end of the
7072 current list of existing substitution rules. If a rule with the same
7073 @var{from} was already defined, then the old rule is also deleted.
7074
7075 For example, if the file @file{/foo/bar/baz.c} was moved to
7076 @file{/mnt/cross/baz.c}, then the command
7077
7078 @smallexample
7079 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/cross
7080 @end smallexample
7081
7082 @noindent
7083 will tell @value{GDBN} to replace @samp{/usr/src} with
7084 @samp{/mnt/cross}, which will allow @value{GDBN} to find the file
7085 @file{baz.c} even though it was moved.
7086
7087 In the case when more than one substitution rule have been defined,
7088 the rules are evaluated one by one in the order where they have been
7089 defined. The first one matching, if any, is selected to perform
7090 the substitution.
7091
7092 For instance, if we had entered the following commands:
7093
7094 @smallexample
7095 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src/include /mnt/include
7096 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/src
7097 @end smallexample
7098
7099 @noindent
7100 @value{GDBN} would then rewrite @file{/usr/src/include/defs.h} into
7101 @file{/mnt/include/defs.h} by using the first rule. However, it would
7102 use the second rule to rewrite @file{/usr/src/lib/foo.c} into
7103 @file{/mnt/src/lib/foo.c}.
7104
7105
7106 @item unset substitute-path [path]
7107 @kindex unset substitute-path
7108 If a path is specified, search the current list of substitution rules
7109 for a rule that would rewrite that path. Delete that rule if found.
7110 A warning is emitted by the debugger if no rule could be found.
7111
7112 If no path is specified, then all substitution rules are deleted.
7113
7114 @item show substitute-path [path]
7115 @kindex show substitute-path
7116 If a path is specified, then print the source path substitution rule
7117 which would rewrite that path, if any.
7118
7119 If no path is specified, then print all existing source path substitution
7120 rules.
7121
7122 @end table
7123
7124 If your source path is cluttered with directories that are no longer of
7125 interest, @value{GDBN} may sometimes cause confusion by finding the wrong
7126 versions of source. You can correct the situation as follows:
7127
7128 @enumerate
7129 @item
7130 Use @code{directory} with no argument to reset the source path to its default value.
7131
7132 @item
7133 Use @code{directory} with suitable arguments to reinstall the
7134 directories you want in the source path. You can add all the
7135 directories in one command.
7136 @end enumerate
7137
7138 @node Machine Code
7139 @section Source and Machine Code
7140 @cindex source line and its code address
7141
7142 You can use the command @code{info line} to map source lines to program
7143 addresses (and vice versa), and the command @code{disassemble} to display
7144 a range of addresses as machine instructions. You can use the command
7145 @code{set disassemble-next-line} to set whether to disassemble next
7146 source line when execution stops. When run under @sc{gnu} Emacs
7147 mode, the @code{info line} command causes the arrow to point to the
7148 line specified. Also, @code{info line} prints addresses in symbolic form as
7149 well as hex.
7150
7151 @table @code
7152 @kindex info line
7153 @item info line @var{linespec}
7154 Print the starting and ending addresses of the compiled code for
7155 source line @var{linespec}. You can specify source lines in any of
7156 the ways documented in @ref{Specify Location}.
7157 @end table
7158
7159 For example, we can use @code{info line} to discover the location of
7160 the object code for the first line of function
7161 @code{m4_changequote}:
7162
7163 @c FIXME: I think this example should also show the addresses in
7164 @c symbolic form, as they usually would be displayed.
7165 @smallexample
7166 (@value{GDBP}) info line m4_changequote
7167 Line 895 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x634c and ends at 0x6350.
7168 @end smallexample
7169
7170 @noindent
7171 @cindex code address and its source line
7172 We can also inquire (using @code{*@var{addr}} as the form for
7173 @var{linespec}) what source line covers a particular address:
7174 @smallexample
7175 (@value{GDBP}) info line *0x63ff
7176 Line 926 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x63e4 and ends at 0x6404.
7177 @end smallexample
7178
7179 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info line}
7180 @cindex @code{x} command, default address
7181 @kindex x@r{(examine), and} info line
7182 After @code{info line}, the default address for the @code{x} command
7183 is changed to the starting address of the line, so that @samp{x/i} is
7184 sufficient to begin examining the machine code (@pxref{Memory,
7185 ,Examining Memory}). Also, this address is saved as the value of the
7186 convenience variable @code{$_} (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
7187 Variables}).
7188
7189 @table @code
7190 @kindex disassemble
7191 @cindex assembly instructions
7192 @cindex instructions, assembly
7193 @cindex machine instructions
7194 @cindex listing machine instructions
7195 @item disassemble
7196 @itemx disassemble /m
7197 @itemx disassemble /r
7198 This specialized command dumps a range of memory as machine
7199 instructions. It can also print mixed source+disassembly by specifying
7200 the @code{/m} modifier and print the raw instructions in hex as well as
7201 in symbolic form by specifying the @code{/r}.
7202 The default memory range is the function surrounding the
7203 program counter of the selected frame. A single argument to this
7204 command is a program counter value; @value{GDBN} dumps the function
7205 surrounding this value. When two arguments are given, they should
7206 be separated by a comma, possibly surrounded by whitespace. The
7207 arguments specify a range of addresses to dump, in one of two forms:
7208
7209 @table @code
7210 @item @var{start},@var{end}
7211 the addresses from @var{start} (inclusive) to @var{end} (exclusive)
7212 @item @var{start},+@var{length}
7213 the addresses from @var{start} (inclusive) to
7214 @code{@var{start}+@var{length}} (exclusive).
7215 @end table
7216
7217 @noindent
7218 When 2 arguments are specified, the name of the function is also
7219 printed (since there could be several functions in the given range).
7220
7221 The argument(s) can be any expression yielding a numeric value, such as
7222 @samp{0x32c4}, @samp{&main+10} or @samp{$pc - 8}.
7223
7224 If the range of memory being disassembled contains current program counter,
7225 the instruction at that location is shown with a @code{=>} marker.
7226 @end table
7227
7228 The following example shows the disassembly of a range of addresses of
7229 HP PA-RISC 2.0 code:
7230
7231 @smallexample
7232 (@value{GDBP}) disas 0x32c4, 0x32e4
7233 Dump of assembler code from 0x32c4 to 0x32e4:
7234 0x32c4 <main+204>: addil 0,dp
7235 0x32c8 <main+208>: ldw 0x22c(sr0,r1),r26
7236 0x32cc <main+212>: ldil 0x3000,r31
7237 0x32d0 <main+216>: ble 0x3f8(sr4,r31)
7238 0x32d4 <main+220>: ldo 0(r31),rp
7239 0x32d8 <main+224>: addil -0x800,dp
7240 0x32dc <main+228>: ldo 0x588(r1),r26
7241 0x32e0 <main+232>: ldil 0x3000,r31
7242 End of assembler dump.
7243 @end smallexample
7244
7245 Here is an example showing mixed source+assembly for Intel x86, when the
7246 program is stopped just after function prologue:
7247
7248 @smallexample
7249 (@value{GDBP}) disas /m main
7250 Dump of assembler code for function main:
7251 5 @{
7252 0x08048330 <+0>: push %ebp
7253 0x08048331 <+1>: mov %esp,%ebp
7254 0x08048333 <+3>: sub $0x8,%esp
7255 0x08048336 <+6>: and $0xfffffff0,%esp
7256 0x08048339 <+9>: sub $0x10,%esp
7257
7258 6 printf ("Hello.\n");
7259 => 0x0804833c <+12>: movl $0x8048440,(%esp)
7260 0x08048343 <+19>: call 0x8048284 <puts@@plt>
7261
7262 7 return 0;
7263 8 @}
7264 0x08048348 <+24>: mov $0x0,%eax
7265 0x0804834d <+29>: leave
7266 0x0804834e <+30>: ret
7267
7268 End of assembler dump.
7269 @end smallexample
7270
7271 Here is another example showing raw instructions in hex for AMD x86-64,
7272
7273 @smallexample
7274 (gdb) disas /r 0x400281,+10
7275 Dump of assembler code from 0x400281 to 0x40028b:
7276 0x0000000000400281: 38 36 cmp %dh,(%rsi)
7277 0x0000000000400283: 2d 36 34 2e 73 sub $0x732e3436,%eax
7278 0x0000000000400288: 6f outsl %ds:(%rsi),(%dx)
7279 0x0000000000400289: 2e 32 00 xor %cs:(%rax),%al
7280 End of assembler dump.
7281 @end smallexample
7282
7283 Some architectures have more than one commonly-used set of instruction
7284 mnemonics or other syntax.
7285
7286 For programs that were dynamically linked and use shared libraries,
7287 instructions that call functions or branch to locations in the shared
7288 libraries might show a seemingly bogus location---it's actually a
7289 location of the relocation table. On some architectures, @value{GDBN}
7290 might be able to resolve these to actual function names.
7291
7292 @table @code
7293 @kindex set disassembly-flavor
7294 @cindex Intel disassembly flavor
7295 @cindex AT&T disassembly flavor
7296 @item set disassembly-flavor @var{instruction-set}
7297 Select the instruction set to use when disassembling the
7298 program via the @code{disassemble} or @code{x/i} commands.
7299
7300 Currently this command is only defined for the Intel x86 family. You
7301 can set @var{instruction-set} to either @code{intel} or @code{att}.
7302 The default is @code{att}, the AT&T flavor used by default by Unix
7303 assemblers for x86-based targets.
7304
7305 @kindex show disassembly-flavor
7306 @item show disassembly-flavor
7307 Show the current setting of the disassembly flavor.
7308 @end table
7309
7310 @table @code
7311 @kindex set disassemble-next-line
7312 @kindex show disassemble-next-line
7313 @item set disassemble-next-line
7314 @itemx show disassemble-next-line
7315 Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will disassemble the next source
7316 line or instruction when execution stops. If ON, @value{GDBN} will
7317 display disassembly of the next source line when execution of the
7318 program being debugged stops. This is @emph{in addition} to
7319 displaying the source line itself, which @value{GDBN} always does if
7320 possible. If the next source line cannot be displayed for some reason
7321 (e.g., if @value{GDBN} cannot find the source file, or there's no line
7322 info in the debug info), @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of the
7323 next @emph{instruction} instead of showing the next source line. If
7324 AUTO, @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of next instruction only
7325 if the source line cannot be displayed. This setting causes
7326 @value{GDBN} to display some feedback when you step through a function
7327 with no line info or whose source file is unavailable. The default is
7328 OFF, which means never display the disassembly of the next line or
7329 instruction.
7330 @end table
7331
7332
7333 @node Data
7334 @chapter Examining Data
7335
7336 @cindex printing data
7337 @cindex examining data
7338 @kindex print
7339 @kindex inspect
7340 @c "inspect" is not quite a synonym if you are using Epoch, which we do not
7341 @c document because it is nonstandard... Under Epoch it displays in a
7342 @c different window or something like that.
7343 The usual way to examine data in your program is with the @code{print}
7344 command (abbreviated @code{p}), or its synonym @code{inspect}. It
7345 evaluates and prints the value of an expression of the language your
7346 program is written in (@pxref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with
7347 Different Languages}). It may also print the expression using a
7348 Python-based pretty-printer (@pxref{Pretty Printing}).
7349
7350 @table @code
7351 @item print @var{expr}
7352 @itemx print /@var{f} @var{expr}
7353 @var{expr} is an expression (in the source language). By default the
7354 value of @var{expr} is printed in a format appropriate to its data type;
7355 you can choose a different format by specifying @samp{/@var{f}}, where
7356 @var{f} is a letter specifying the format; see @ref{Output Formats,,Output
7357 Formats}.
7358
7359 @item print
7360 @itemx print /@var{f}
7361 @cindex reprint the last value
7362 If you omit @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} displays the last value again (from the
7363 @dfn{value history}; @pxref{Value History, ,Value History}). This allows you to
7364 conveniently inspect the same value in an alternative format.
7365 @end table
7366
7367 A more low-level way of examining data is with the @code{x} command.
7368 It examines data in memory at a specified address and prints it in a
7369 specified format. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
7370
7371 If you are interested in information about types, or about how the
7372 fields of a struct or a class are declared, use the @code{ptype @var{exp}}
7373 command rather than @code{print}. @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol
7374 Table}.
7375
7376 @cindex exploring hierarchical data structures
7377 @kindex explore
7378 Another way of examining values of expressions and type information is
7379 through the Python extension command @code{explore} (available only if
7380 the @value{GDBN} build is configured with @code{--with-python}). It
7381 offers an interactive way to start at the highest level (or, the most
7382 abstract level) of the data type of an expression (or, the data type
7383 itself) and explore all the way down to leaf scalar values/fields
7384 embedded in the higher level data types.
7385
7386 @table @code
7387 @item explore @var{arg}
7388 @var{arg} is either an expression (in the source language), or a type
7389 visible in the current context of the program being debugged.
7390 @end table
7391
7392 The working of the @code{explore} command can be illustrated with an
7393 example. If a data type @code{struct ComplexStruct} is defined in your
7394 C program as
7395
7396 @smallexample
7397 struct SimpleStruct
7398 @{
7399 int i;
7400 double d;
7401 @};
7402
7403 struct ComplexStruct
7404 @{
7405 struct SimpleStruct *ss_p;
7406 int arr[10];
7407 @};
7408 @end smallexample
7409
7410 @noindent
7411 followed by variable declarations as
7412
7413 @smallexample
7414 struct SimpleStruct ss = @{ 10, 1.11 @};
7415 struct ComplexStruct cs = @{ &ss, @{ 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 @} @};
7416 @end smallexample
7417
7418 @noindent
7419 then, the value of the variable @code{cs} can be explored using the
7420 @code{explore} command as follows.
7421
7422 @smallexample
7423 (gdb) explore cs
7424 The value of `cs' is a struct/class of type `struct ComplexStruct' with
7425 the following fields:
7426
7427 ss_p = <Enter 0 to explore this field of type `struct SimpleStruct *'>
7428 arr = <Enter 1 to explore this field of type `int [10]'>
7429
7430 Enter the field number of choice:
7431 @end smallexample
7432
7433 @noindent
7434 Since the fields of @code{cs} are not scalar values, you are being
7435 prompted to chose the field you want to explore. Let's say you choose
7436 the field @code{ss_p} by entering @code{0}. Then, since this field is a
7437 pointer, you will be asked if it is pointing to a single value. From
7438 the declaration of @code{cs} above, it is indeed pointing to a single
7439 value, hence you enter @code{y}. If you enter @code{n}, then you will
7440 be asked if it were pointing to an array of values, in which case this
7441 field will be explored as if it were an array.
7442
7443 @smallexample
7444 `cs.ss_p' is a pointer to a value of type `struct SimpleStruct'
7445 Continue exploring it as a pointer to a single value [y/n]: y
7446 The value of `*(cs.ss_p)' is a struct/class of type `struct
7447 SimpleStruct' with the following fields:
7448
7449 i = 10 .. (Value of type `int')
7450 d = 1.1100000000000001 .. (Value of type `double')
7451
7452 Press enter to return to parent value:
7453 @end smallexample
7454
7455 @noindent
7456 If the field @code{arr} of @code{cs} was chosen for exploration by
7457 entering @code{1} earlier, then since it is as array, you will be
7458 prompted to enter the index of the element in the array that you want
7459 to explore.
7460
7461 @smallexample
7462 `cs.arr' is an array of `int'.
7463 Enter the index of the element you want to explore in `cs.arr': 5
7464
7465 `(cs.arr)[5]' is a scalar value of type `int'.
7466
7467 (cs.arr)[5] = 4
7468
7469 Press enter to return to parent value:
7470 @end smallexample
7471
7472 In general, at any stage of exploration, you can go deeper towards the
7473 leaf values by responding to the prompts appropriately, or hit the
7474 return key to return to the enclosing data structure (the @i{higher}
7475 level data structure).
7476
7477 Similar to exploring values, you can use the @code{explore} command to
7478 explore types. Instead of specifying a value (which is typically a
7479 variable name or an expression valid in the current context of the
7480 program being debugged), you specify a type name. If you consider the
7481 same example as above, your can explore the type
7482 @code{struct ComplexStruct} by passing the argument
7483 @code{struct ComplexStruct} to the @code{explore} command.
7484
7485 @smallexample
7486 (gdb) explore struct ComplexStruct
7487 @end smallexample
7488
7489 @noindent
7490 By responding to the prompts appropriately in the subsequent interactive
7491 session, you can explore the type @code{struct ComplexStruct} in a
7492 manner similar to how the value @code{cs} was explored in the above
7493 example.
7494
7495 The @code{explore} command also has two sub-commands,
7496 @code{explore value} and @code{explore type}. The former sub-command is
7497 a way to explicitly specify that value exploration of the argument is
7498 being invoked, while the latter is a way to explicitly specify that type
7499 exploration of the argument is being invoked.
7500
7501 @table @code
7502 @item explore value @var{expr}
7503 @cindex explore value
7504 This sub-command of @code{explore} explores the value of the
7505 expression @var{expr} (if @var{expr} is an expression valid in the
7506 current context of the program being debugged). The behavior of this
7507 command is identical to that of the behavior of the @code{explore}
7508 command being passed the argument @var{expr}.
7509
7510 @item explore type @var{arg}
7511 @cindex explore type
7512 This sub-command of @code{explore} explores the type of @var{arg} (if
7513 @var{arg} is a type visible in the current context of program being
7514 debugged), or the type of the value/expression @var{arg} (if @var{arg}
7515 is an expression valid in the current context of the program being
7516 debugged). If @var{arg} is a type, then the behavior of this command is
7517 identical to that of the @code{explore} command being passed the
7518 argument @var{arg}. If @var{arg} is an expression, then the behavior of
7519 this command will be identical to that of the @code{explore} command
7520 being passed the type of @var{arg} as the argument.
7521 @end table
7522
7523 @menu
7524 * Expressions:: Expressions
7525 * Ambiguous Expressions:: Ambiguous Expressions
7526 * Variables:: Program variables
7527 * Arrays:: Artificial arrays
7528 * Output Formats:: Output formats
7529 * Memory:: Examining memory
7530 * Auto Display:: Automatic display
7531 * Print Settings:: Print settings
7532 * Pretty Printing:: Python pretty printing
7533 * Value History:: Value history
7534 * Convenience Vars:: Convenience variables
7535 * Registers:: Registers
7536 * Floating Point Hardware:: Floating point hardware
7537 * Vector Unit:: Vector Unit
7538 * OS Information:: Auxiliary data provided by operating system
7539 * Memory Region Attributes:: Memory region attributes
7540 * Dump/Restore Files:: Copy between memory and a file
7541 * Core File Generation:: Cause a program dump its core
7542 * Character Sets:: Debugging programs that use a different
7543 character set than GDB does
7544 * Caching Remote Data:: Data caching for remote targets
7545 * Searching Memory:: Searching memory for a sequence of bytes
7546 @end menu
7547
7548 @node Expressions
7549 @section Expressions
7550
7551 @cindex expressions
7552 @code{print} and many other @value{GDBN} commands accept an expression and
7553 compute its value. Any kind of constant, variable or operator defined
7554 by the programming language you are using is valid in an expression in
7555 @value{GDBN}. This includes conditional expressions, function calls,
7556 casts, and string constants. It also includes preprocessor macros, if
7557 you compiled your program to include this information; see
7558 @ref{Compilation}.
7559
7560 @cindex arrays in expressions
7561 @value{GDBN} supports array constants in expressions input by
7562 the user. The syntax is @{@var{element}, @var{element}@dots{}@}. For example,
7563 you can use the command @code{print @{1, 2, 3@}} to create an array
7564 of three integers. If you pass an array to a function or assign it
7565 to a program variable, @value{GDBN} copies the array to memory that
7566 is @code{malloc}ed in the target program.
7567
7568 Because C is so widespread, most of the expressions shown in examples in
7569 this manual are in C. @xref{Languages, , Using @value{GDBN} with Different
7570 Languages}, for information on how to use expressions in other
7571 languages.
7572
7573 In this section, we discuss operators that you can use in @value{GDBN}
7574 expressions regardless of your programming language.
7575
7576 @cindex casts, in expressions
7577 Casts are supported in all languages, not just in C, because it is so
7578 useful to cast a number into a pointer in order to examine a structure
7579 at that address in memory.
7580 @c FIXME: casts supported---Mod2 true?
7581
7582 @value{GDBN} supports these operators, in addition to those common
7583 to programming languages:
7584
7585 @table @code
7586 @item @@
7587 @samp{@@} is a binary operator for treating parts of memory as arrays.
7588 @xref{Arrays, ,Artificial Arrays}, for more information.
7589
7590 @item ::
7591 @samp{::} allows you to specify a variable in terms of the file or
7592 function where it is defined. @xref{Variables, ,Program Variables}.
7593
7594 @cindex @{@var{type}@}
7595 @cindex type casting memory
7596 @cindex memory, viewing as typed object
7597 @cindex casts, to view memory
7598 @item @{@var{type}@} @var{addr}
7599 Refers to an object of type @var{type} stored at address @var{addr} in
7600 memory. @var{addr} may be any expression whose value is an integer or
7601 pointer (but parentheses are required around binary operators, just as in
7602 a cast). This construct is allowed regardless of what kind of data is
7603 normally supposed to reside at @var{addr}.
7604 @end table
7605
7606 @node Ambiguous Expressions
7607 @section Ambiguous Expressions
7608 @cindex ambiguous expressions
7609
7610 Expressions can sometimes contain some ambiguous elements. For instance,
7611 some programming languages (notably Ada, C@t{++} and Objective-C) permit
7612 a single function name to be defined several times, for application in
7613 different contexts. This is called @dfn{overloading}. Another example
7614 involving Ada is generics. A @dfn{generic package} is similar to C@t{++}
7615 templates and is typically instantiated several times, resulting in
7616 the same function name being defined in different contexts.
7617
7618 In some cases and depending on the language, it is possible to adjust
7619 the expression to remove the ambiguity. For instance in C@t{++}, you
7620 can specify the signature of the function you want to break on, as in
7621 @kbd{break @var{function}(@var{types})}. In Ada, using the fully
7622 qualified name of your function often makes the expression unambiguous
7623 as well.
7624
7625 When an ambiguity that needs to be resolved is detected, the debugger
7626 has the capability to display a menu of numbered choices for each
7627 possibility, and then waits for the selection with the prompt @samp{>}.
7628 The first option is always @samp{[0] cancel}, and typing @kbd{0 @key{RET}}
7629 aborts the current command. If the command in which the expression was
7630 used allows more than one choice to be selected, the next option in the
7631 menu is @samp{[1] all}, and typing @kbd{1 @key{RET}} selects all possible
7632 choices.
7633
7634 For example, the following session excerpt shows an attempt to set a
7635 breakpoint at the overloaded symbol @code{String::after}.
7636 We choose three particular definitions of that function name:
7637
7638 @c FIXME! This is likely to change to show arg type lists, at least
7639 @smallexample
7640 @group
7641 (@value{GDBP}) b String::after
7642 [0] cancel
7643 [1] all
7644 [2] file:String.cc; line number:867
7645 [3] file:String.cc; line number:860
7646 [4] file:String.cc; line number:875
7647 [5] file:String.cc; line number:853
7648 [6] file:String.cc; line number:846
7649 [7] file:String.cc; line number:735
7650 > 2 4 6
7651 Breakpoint 1 at 0xb26c: file String.cc, line 867.
7652 Breakpoint 2 at 0xb344: file String.cc, line 875.
7653 Breakpoint 3 at 0xafcc: file String.cc, line 846.
7654 Multiple breakpoints were set.
7655 Use the "delete" command to delete unwanted
7656 breakpoints.
7657 (@value{GDBP})
7658 @end group
7659 @end smallexample
7660
7661 @table @code
7662 @kindex set multiple-symbols
7663 @item set multiple-symbols @var{mode}
7664 @cindex multiple-symbols menu
7665
7666 This option allows you to adjust the debugger behavior when an expression
7667 is ambiguous.
7668
7669 By default, @var{mode} is set to @code{all}. If the command with which
7670 the expression is used allows more than one choice, then @value{GDBN}
7671 automatically selects all possible choices. For instance, inserting
7672 a breakpoint on a function using an ambiguous name results in a breakpoint
7673 inserted on each possible match. However, if a unique choice must be made,
7674 then @value{GDBN} uses the menu to help you disambiguate the expression.
7675 For instance, printing the address of an overloaded function will result
7676 in the use of the menu.
7677
7678 When @var{mode} is set to @code{ask}, the debugger always uses the menu
7679 when an ambiguity is detected.
7680
7681 Finally, when @var{mode} is set to @code{cancel}, the debugger reports
7682 an error due to the ambiguity and the command is aborted.
7683
7684 @kindex show multiple-symbols
7685 @item show multiple-symbols
7686 Show the current value of the @code{multiple-symbols} setting.
7687 @end table
7688
7689 @node Variables
7690 @section Program Variables
7691
7692 The most common kind of expression to use is the name of a variable
7693 in your program.
7694
7695 Variables in expressions are understood in the selected stack frame
7696 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}); they must be either:
7697
7698 @itemize @bullet
7699 @item
7700 global (or file-static)
7701 @end itemize
7702
7703 @noindent or
7704
7705 @itemize @bullet
7706 @item
7707 visible according to the scope rules of the
7708 programming language from the point of execution in that frame
7709 @end itemize
7710
7711 @noindent This means that in the function
7712
7713 @smallexample
7714 foo (a)
7715 int a;
7716 @{
7717 bar (a);
7718 @{
7719 int b = test ();
7720 bar (b);
7721 @}
7722 @}
7723 @end smallexample
7724
7725 @noindent
7726 you can examine and use the variable @code{a} whenever your program is
7727 executing within the function @code{foo}, but you can only use or
7728 examine the variable @code{b} while your program is executing inside
7729 the block where @code{b} is declared.
7730
7731 @cindex variable name conflict
7732 There is an exception: you can refer to a variable or function whose
7733 scope is a single source file even if the current execution point is not
7734 in this file. But it is possible to have more than one such variable or
7735 function with the same name (in different source files). If that
7736 happens, referring to that name has unpredictable effects. If you wish,
7737 you can specify a static variable in a particular function or file by
7738 using the colon-colon (@code{::}) notation:
7739
7740 @cindex colon-colon, context for variables/functions
7741 @ifnotinfo
7742 @c info cannot cope with a :: index entry, but why deprive hard copy readers?
7743 @cindex @code{::}, context for variables/functions
7744 @end ifnotinfo
7745 @smallexample
7746 @var{file}::@var{variable}
7747 @var{function}::@var{variable}
7748 @end smallexample
7749
7750 @noindent
7751 Here @var{file} or @var{function} is the name of the context for the
7752 static @var{variable}. In the case of file names, you can use quotes to
7753 make sure @value{GDBN} parses the file name as a single word---for example,
7754 to print a global value of @code{x} defined in @file{f2.c}:
7755
7756 @smallexample
7757 (@value{GDBP}) p 'f2.c'::x
7758 @end smallexample
7759
7760 The @code{::} notation is normally used for referring to
7761 static variables, since you typically disambiguate uses of local variables
7762 in functions by selecting the appropriate frame and using the
7763 simple name of the variable. However, you may also use this notation
7764 to refer to local variables in frames enclosing the selected frame:
7765
7766 @smallexample
7767 void
7768 foo (int a)
7769 @{
7770 if (a < 10)
7771 bar (a);
7772 else
7773 process (a); /* Stop here */
7774 @}
7775
7776 int
7777 bar (int a)
7778 @{
7779 foo (a + 5);
7780 @}
7781 @end smallexample
7782
7783 @noindent
7784 For example, if there is a breakpoint at the commented line,
7785 here is what you might see
7786 when the program stops after executing the call @code{bar(0)}:
7787
7788 @smallexample
7789 (@value{GDBP}) p a
7790 $1 = 10
7791 (@value{GDBP}) p bar::a
7792 $2 = 5
7793 (@value{GDBP}) up 2
7794 #2 0x080483d0 in foo (a=5) at foobar.c:12
7795 (@value{GDBP}) p a
7796 $3 = 5
7797 (@value{GDBP}) p bar::a
7798 $4 = 0
7799 @end smallexample
7800
7801 @cindex C@t{++} scope resolution
7802 These uses of @samp{::} are very rarely in conflict with the very similar
7803 use of the same notation in C@t{++}. @value{GDBN} also supports use of the C@t{++}
7804 scope resolution operator in @value{GDBN} expressions.
7805 @c FIXME: Um, so what happens in one of those rare cases where it's in
7806 @c conflict?? --mew
7807
7808 @cindex wrong values
7809 @cindex variable values, wrong
7810 @cindex function entry/exit, wrong values of variables
7811 @cindex optimized code, wrong values of variables
7812 @quotation
7813 @emph{Warning:} Occasionally, a local variable may appear to have the
7814 wrong value at certain points in a function---just after entry to a new
7815 scope, and just before exit.
7816 @end quotation
7817 You may see this problem when you are stepping by machine instructions.
7818 This is because, on most machines, it takes more than one instruction to
7819 set up a stack frame (including local variable definitions); if you are
7820 stepping by machine instructions, variables may appear to have the wrong
7821 values until the stack frame is completely built. On exit, it usually
7822 also takes more than one machine instruction to destroy a stack frame;
7823 after you begin stepping through that group of instructions, local
7824 variable definitions may be gone.
7825
7826 This may also happen when the compiler does significant optimizations.
7827 To be sure of always seeing accurate values, turn off all optimization
7828 when compiling.
7829
7830 @cindex ``No symbol "foo" in current context''
7831 Another possible effect of compiler optimizations is to optimize
7832 unused variables out of existence, or assign variables to registers (as
7833 opposed to memory addresses). Depending on the support for such cases
7834 offered by the debug info format used by the compiler, @value{GDBN}
7835 might not be able to display values for such local variables. If that
7836 happens, @value{GDBN} will print a message like this:
7837
7838 @smallexample
7839 No symbol "foo" in current context.
7840 @end smallexample
7841
7842 To solve such problems, either recompile without optimizations, or use a
7843 different debug info format, if the compiler supports several such
7844 formats. @xref{Compilation}, for more information on choosing compiler
7845 options. @xref{C, ,C and C@t{++}}, for more information about debug
7846 info formats that are best suited to C@t{++} programs.
7847
7848 If you ask to print an object whose contents are unknown to
7849 @value{GDBN}, e.g., because its data type is not completely specified
7850 by the debug information, @value{GDBN} will say @samp{<incomplete
7851 type>}. @xref{Symbols, incomplete type}, for more about this.
7852
7853 If you append @kbd{@@entry} string to a function parameter name you get its
7854 value at the time the function got called. If the value is not available an
7855 error message is printed. Entry values are available only with some compilers.
7856 Entry values are normally also printed at the function parameter list according
7857 to @ref{set print entry-values}.
7858
7859 @smallexample
7860 Breakpoint 1, d (i=30) at gdb.base/entry-value.c:29
7861 29 i++;
7862 (gdb) next
7863 30 e (i);
7864 (gdb) print i
7865 $1 = 31
7866 (gdb) print i@@entry
7867 $2 = 30
7868 @end smallexample
7869
7870 Strings are identified as arrays of @code{char} values without specified
7871 signedness. Arrays of either @code{signed char} or @code{unsigned char} get
7872 printed as arrays of 1 byte sized integers. @code{-fsigned-char} or
7873 @code{-funsigned-char} @value{NGCC} options have no effect as @value{GDBN}
7874 defines literal string type @code{"char"} as @code{char} without a sign.
7875 For program code
7876
7877 @smallexample
7878 char var0[] = "A";
7879 signed char var1[] = "A";
7880 @end smallexample
7881
7882 You get during debugging
7883 @smallexample
7884 (gdb) print var0
7885 $1 = "A"
7886 (gdb) print var1
7887 $2 = @{65 'A', 0 '\0'@}
7888 @end smallexample
7889
7890 @node Arrays
7891 @section Artificial Arrays
7892
7893 @cindex artificial array
7894 @cindex arrays
7895 @kindex @@@r{, referencing memory as an array}
7896 It is often useful to print out several successive objects of the
7897 same type in memory; a section of an array, or an array of
7898 dynamically determined size for which only a pointer exists in the
7899 program.
7900
7901 You can do this by referring to a contiguous span of memory as an
7902 @dfn{artificial array}, using the binary operator @samp{@@}. The left
7903 operand of @samp{@@} should be the first element of the desired array
7904 and be an individual object. The right operand should be the desired length
7905 of the array. The result is an array value whose elements are all of
7906 the type of the left argument. The first element is actually the left
7907 argument; the second element comes from bytes of memory immediately
7908 following those that hold the first element, and so on. Here is an
7909 example. If a program says
7910
7911 @smallexample
7912 int *array = (int *) malloc (len * sizeof (int));
7913 @end smallexample
7914
7915 @noindent
7916 you can print the contents of @code{array} with
7917
7918 @smallexample
7919 p *array@@len
7920 @end smallexample
7921
7922 The left operand of @samp{@@} must reside in memory. Array values made
7923 with @samp{@@} in this way behave just like other arrays in terms of
7924 subscripting, and are coerced to pointers when used in expressions.
7925 Artificial arrays most often appear in expressions via the value history
7926 (@pxref{Value History, ,Value History}), after printing one out.
7927
7928 Another way to create an artificial array is to use a cast.
7929 This re-interprets a value as if it were an array.
7930 The value need not be in memory:
7931 @smallexample
7932 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[2])0x12345678
7933 $1 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
7934 @end smallexample
7935
7936 As a convenience, if you leave the array length out (as in
7937 @samp{(@var{type}[])@var{value}}) @value{GDBN} calculates the size to fill
7938 the value (as @samp{sizeof(@var{value})/sizeof(@var{type})}:
7939 @smallexample
7940 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[])0x12345678
7941 $2 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
7942 @end smallexample
7943
7944 Sometimes the artificial array mechanism is not quite enough; in
7945 moderately complex data structures, the elements of interest may not
7946 actually be adjacent---for example, if you are interested in the values
7947 of pointers in an array. One useful work-around in this situation is
7948 to use a convenience variable (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
7949 Variables}) as a counter in an expression that prints the first
7950 interesting value, and then repeat that expression via @key{RET}. For
7951 instance, suppose you have an array @code{dtab} of pointers to
7952 structures, and you are interested in the values of a field @code{fv}
7953 in each structure. Here is an example of what you might type:
7954
7955 @smallexample
7956 set $i = 0
7957 p dtab[$i++]->fv
7958 @key{RET}
7959 @key{RET}
7960 @dots{}
7961 @end smallexample
7962
7963 @node Output Formats
7964 @section Output Formats
7965
7966 @cindex formatted output
7967 @cindex output formats
7968 By default, @value{GDBN} prints a value according to its data type. Sometimes
7969 this is not what you want. For example, you might want to print a number
7970 in hex, or a pointer in decimal. Or you might want to view data in memory
7971 at a certain address as a character string or as an instruction. To do
7972 these things, specify an @dfn{output format} when you print a value.
7973
7974 The simplest use of output formats is to say how to print a value
7975 already computed. This is done by starting the arguments of the
7976 @code{print} command with a slash and a format letter. The format
7977 letters supported are:
7978
7979 @table @code
7980 @item x
7981 Regard the bits of the value as an integer, and print the integer in
7982 hexadecimal.
7983
7984 @item d
7985 Print as integer in signed decimal.
7986
7987 @item u
7988 Print as integer in unsigned decimal.
7989
7990 @item o
7991 Print as integer in octal.
7992
7993 @item t
7994 Print as integer in binary. The letter @samp{t} stands for ``two''.
7995 @footnote{@samp{b} cannot be used because these format letters are also
7996 used with the @code{x} command, where @samp{b} stands for ``byte'';
7997 see @ref{Memory,,Examining Memory}.}
7998
7999 @item a
8000 @cindex unknown address, locating
8001 @cindex locate address
8002 Print as an address, both absolute in hexadecimal and as an offset from
8003 the nearest preceding symbol. You can use this format used to discover
8004 where (in what function) an unknown address is located:
8005
8006 @smallexample
8007 (@value{GDBP}) p/a 0x54320
8008 $3 = 0x54320 <_initialize_vx+396>
8009 @end smallexample
8010
8011 @noindent
8012 The command @code{info symbol 0x54320} yields similar results.
8013 @xref{Symbols, info symbol}.
8014
8015 @item c
8016 Regard as an integer and print it as a character constant. This
8017 prints both the numerical value and its character representation. The
8018 character representation is replaced with the octal escape @samp{\nnn}
8019 for characters outside the 7-bit @sc{ascii} range.
8020
8021 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays @code{char},
8022 @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} data as character
8023 constants. Single-byte members of vectors are displayed as integer
8024 data.
8025
8026 @item f
8027 Regard the bits of the value as a floating point number and print
8028 using typical floating point syntax.
8029
8030 @item s
8031 @cindex printing strings
8032 @cindex printing byte arrays
8033 Regard as a string, if possible. With this format, pointers to single-byte
8034 data are displayed as null-terminated strings and arrays of single-byte data
8035 are displayed as fixed-length strings. Other values are displayed in their
8036 natural types.
8037
8038 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays pointers to and arrays of
8039 @code{char}, @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} as
8040 strings. Single-byte members of a vector are displayed as an integer
8041 array.
8042
8043 @item r
8044 @cindex raw printing
8045 Print using the @samp{raw} formatting. By default, @value{GDBN} will
8046 use a Python-based pretty-printer, if one is available (@pxref{Pretty
8047 Printing}). This typically results in a higher-level display of the
8048 value's contents. The @samp{r} format bypasses any Python
8049 pretty-printer which might exist.
8050 @end table
8051
8052 For example, to print the program counter in hex (@pxref{Registers}), type
8053
8054 @smallexample
8055 p/x $pc
8056 @end smallexample
8057
8058 @noindent
8059 Note that no space is required before the slash; this is because command
8060 names in @value{GDBN} cannot contain a slash.
8061
8062 To reprint the last value in the value history with a different format,
8063 you can use the @code{print} command with just a format and no
8064 expression. For example, @samp{p/x} reprints the last value in hex.
8065
8066 @node Memory
8067 @section Examining Memory
8068
8069 You can use the command @code{x} (for ``examine'') to examine memory in
8070 any of several formats, independently of your program's data types.
8071
8072 @cindex examining memory
8073 @table @code
8074 @kindex x @r{(examine memory)}
8075 @item x/@var{nfu} @var{addr}
8076 @itemx x @var{addr}
8077 @itemx x
8078 Use the @code{x} command to examine memory.
8079 @end table
8080
8081 @var{n}, @var{f}, and @var{u} are all optional parameters that specify how
8082 much memory to display and how to format it; @var{addr} is an
8083 expression giving the address where you want to start displaying memory.
8084 If you use defaults for @var{nfu}, you need not type the slash @samp{/}.
8085 Several commands set convenient defaults for @var{addr}.
8086
8087 @table @r
8088 @item @var{n}, the repeat count
8089 The repeat count is a decimal integer; the default is 1. It specifies
8090 how much memory (counting by units @var{u}) to display.
8091 @c This really is **decimal**; unaffected by 'set radix' as of GDB
8092 @c 4.1.2.
8093
8094 @item @var{f}, the display format
8095 The display format is one of the formats used by @code{print}
8096 (@samp{x}, @samp{d}, @samp{u}, @samp{o}, @samp{t}, @samp{a}, @samp{c},
8097 @samp{f}, @samp{s}), and in addition @samp{i} (for machine instructions).
8098 The default is @samp{x} (hexadecimal) initially. The default changes
8099 each time you use either @code{x} or @code{print}.
8100
8101 @item @var{u}, the unit size
8102 The unit size is any of
8103
8104 @table @code
8105 @item b
8106 Bytes.
8107 @item h
8108 Halfwords (two bytes).
8109 @item w
8110 Words (four bytes). This is the initial default.
8111 @item g
8112 Giant words (eight bytes).
8113 @end table
8114
8115 Each time you specify a unit size with @code{x}, that size becomes the
8116 default unit the next time you use @code{x}. For the @samp{i} format,
8117 the unit size is ignored and is normally not written. For the @samp{s} format,
8118 the unit size defaults to @samp{b}, unless it is explicitly given.
8119 Use @kbd{x /hs} to display 16-bit char strings and @kbd{x /ws} to display
8120 32-bit strings. The next use of @kbd{x /s} will again display 8-bit strings.
8121 Note that the results depend on the programming language of the
8122 current compilation unit. If the language is C, the @samp{s}
8123 modifier will use the UTF-16 encoding while @samp{w} will use
8124 UTF-32. The encoding is set by the programming language and cannot
8125 be altered.
8126
8127 @item @var{addr}, starting display address
8128 @var{addr} is the address where you want @value{GDBN} to begin displaying
8129 memory. The expression need not have a pointer value (though it may);
8130 it is always interpreted as an integer address of a byte of memory.
8131 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information on expressions. The default for
8132 @var{addr} is usually just after the last address examined---but several
8133 other commands also set the default address: @code{info breakpoints} (to
8134 the address of the last breakpoint listed), @code{info line} (to the
8135 starting address of a line), and @code{print} (if you use it to display
8136 a value from memory).
8137 @end table
8138
8139 For example, @samp{x/3uh 0x54320} is a request to display three halfwords
8140 (@code{h}) of memory, formatted as unsigned decimal integers (@samp{u}),
8141 starting at address @code{0x54320}. @samp{x/4xw $sp} prints the four
8142 words (@samp{w}) of memory above the stack pointer (here, @samp{$sp};
8143 @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}) in hexadecimal (@samp{x}).
8144
8145 Since the letters indicating unit sizes are all distinct from the
8146 letters specifying output formats, you do not have to remember whether
8147 unit size or format comes first; either order works. The output
8148 specifications @samp{4xw} and @samp{4wx} mean exactly the same thing.
8149 (However, the count @var{n} must come first; @samp{wx4} does not work.)
8150
8151 Even though the unit size @var{u} is ignored for the formats @samp{s}
8152 and @samp{i}, you might still want to use a count @var{n}; for example,
8153 @samp{3i} specifies that you want to see three machine instructions,
8154 including any operands. For convenience, especially when used with
8155 the @code{display} command, the @samp{i} format also prints branch delay
8156 slot instructions, if any, beyond the count specified, which immediately
8157 follow the last instruction that is within the count. The command
8158 @code{disassemble} gives an alternative way of inspecting machine
8159 instructions; see @ref{Machine Code,,Source and Machine Code}.
8160
8161 All the defaults for the arguments to @code{x} are designed to make it
8162 easy to continue scanning memory with minimal specifications each time
8163 you use @code{x}. For example, after you have inspected three machine
8164 instructions with @samp{x/3i @var{addr}}, you can inspect the next seven
8165 with just @samp{x/7}. If you use @key{RET} to repeat the @code{x} command,
8166 the repeat count @var{n} is used again; the other arguments default as
8167 for successive uses of @code{x}.
8168
8169 When examining machine instructions, the instruction at current program
8170 counter is shown with a @code{=>} marker. For example:
8171
8172 @smallexample
8173 (@value{GDBP}) x/5i $pc-6
8174 0x804837f <main+11>: mov %esp,%ebp
8175 0x8048381 <main+13>: push %ecx
8176 0x8048382 <main+14>: sub $0x4,%esp
8177 => 0x8048385 <main+17>: movl $0x8048460,(%esp)
8178 0x804838c <main+24>: call 0x80482d4 <puts@@plt>
8179 @end smallexample
8180
8181 @cindex @code{$_}, @code{$__}, and value history
8182 The addresses and contents printed by the @code{x} command are not saved
8183 in the value history because there is often too much of them and they
8184 would get in the way. Instead, @value{GDBN} makes these values available for
8185 subsequent use in expressions as values of the convenience variables
8186 @code{$_} and @code{$__}. After an @code{x} command, the last address
8187 examined is available for use in expressions in the convenience variable
8188 @code{$_}. The contents of that address, as examined, are available in
8189 the convenience variable @code{$__}.
8190
8191 If the @code{x} command has a repeat count, the address and contents saved
8192 are from the last memory unit printed; this is not the same as the last
8193 address printed if several units were printed on the last line of output.
8194
8195 @cindex remote memory comparison
8196 @cindex verify remote memory image
8197 When you are debugging a program running on a remote target machine
8198 (@pxref{Remote Debugging}), you may wish to verify the program's image in the
8199 remote machine's memory against the executable file you downloaded to
8200 the target. The @code{compare-sections} command is provided for such
8201 situations.
8202
8203 @table @code
8204 @kindex compare-sections
8205 @item compare-sections @r{[}@var{section-name}@r{]}
8206 Compare the data of a loadable section @var{section-name} in the
8207 executable file of the program being debugged with the same section in
8208 the remote machine's memory, and report any mismatches. With no
8209 arguments, compares all loadable sections. This command's
8210 availability depends on the target's support for the @code{"qCRC"}
8211 remote request.
8212 @end table
8213
8214 @node Auto Display
8215 @section Automatic Display
8216 @cindex automatic display
8217 @cindex display of expressions
8218
8219 If you find that you want to print the value of an expression frequently
8220 (to see how it changes), you might want to add it to the @dfn{automatic
8221 display list} so that @value{GDBN} prints its value each time your program stops.
8222 Each expression added to the list is given a number to identify it;
8223 to remove an expression from the list, you specify that number.
8224 The automatic display looks like this:
8225
8226 @smallexample
8227 2: foo = 38
8228 3: bar[5] = (struct hack *) 0x3804
8229 @end smallexample
8230
8231 @noindent
8232 This display shows item numbers, expressions and their current values. As with
8233 displays you request manually using @code{x} or @code{print}, you can
8234 specify the output format you prefer; in fact, @code{display} decides
8235 whether to use @code{print} or @code{x} depending your format
8236 specification---it uses @code{x} if you specify either the @samp{i}
8237 or @samp{s} format, or a unit size; otherwise it uses @code{print}.
8238
8239 @table @code
8240 @kindex display
8241 @item display @var{expr}
8242 Add the expression @var{expr} to the list of expressions to display
8243 each time your program stops. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
8244
8245 @code{display} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
8246
8247 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{expr}
8248 For @var{fmt} specifying only a display format and not a size or
8249 count, add the expression @var{expr} to the auto-display list but
8250 arrange to display it each time in the specified format @var{fmt}.
8251 @xref{Output Formats,,Output Formats}.
8252
8253 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{addr}
8254 For @var{fmt} @samp{i} or @samp{s}, or including a unit-size or a
8255 number of units, add the expression @var{addr} as a memory address to
8256 be examined each time your program stops. Examining means in effect
8257 doing @samp{x/@var{fmt} @var{addr}}. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
8258 @end table
8259
8260 For example, @samp{display/i $pc} can be helpful, to see the machine
8261 instruction about to be executed each time execution stops (@samp{$pc}
8262 is a common name for the program counter; @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
8263
8264 @table @code
8265 @kindex delete display
8266 @kindex undisplay
8267 @item undisplay @var{dnums}@dots{}
8268 @itemx delete display @var{dnums}@dots{}
8269 Remove items from the list of expressions to display. Specify the
8270 numbers of the displays that you want affected with the command
8271 argument @var{dnums}. It can be a single display number, one of the
8272 numbers shown in the first field of the @samp{info display} display;
8273 or it could be a range of display numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
8274
8275 @code{undisplay} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
8276 (Otherwise you would just get the error @samp{No display number @dots{}}.)
8277
8278 @kindex disable display
8279 @item disable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
8280 Disable the display of item numbers @var{dnums}. A disabled display
8281 item is not printed automatically, but is not forgotten. It may be
8282 enabled again later. Specify the numbers of the displays that you
8283 want affected with the command argument @var{dnums}. It can be a
8284 single display number, one of the numbers shown in the first field of
8285 the @samp{info display} display; or it could be a range of display
8286 numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
8287
8288 @kindex enable display
8289 @item enable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
8290 Enable display of item numbers @var{dnums}. It becomes effective once
8291 again in auto display of its expression, until you specify otherwise.
8292 Specify the numbers of the displays that you want affected with the
8293 command argument @var{dnums}. It can be a single display number, one
8294 of the numbers shown in the first field of the @samp{info display}
8295 display; or it could be a range of display numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
8296
8297 @item display
8298 Display the current values of the expressions on the list, just as is
8299 done when your program stops.
8300
8301 @kindex info display
8302 @item info display
8303 Print the list of expressions previously set up to display
8304 automatically, each one with its item number, but without showing the
8305 values. This includes disabled expressions, which are marked as such.
8306 It also includes expressions which would not be displayed right now
8307 because they refer to automatic variables not currently available.
8308 @end table
8309
8310 @cindex display disabled out of scope
8311 If a display expression refers to local variables, then it does not make
8312 sense outside the lexical context for which it was set up. Such an
8313 expression is disabled when execution enters a context where one of its
8314 variables is not defined. For example, if you give the command
8315 @code{display last_char} while inside a function with an argument
8316 @code{last_char}, @value{GDBN} displays this argument while your program
8317 continues to stop inside that function. When it stops elsewhere---where
8318 there is no variable @code{last_char}---the display is disabled
8319 automatically. The next time your program stops where @code{last_char}
8320 is meaningful, you can enable the display expression once again.
8321
8322 @node Print Settings
8323 @section Print Settings
8324
8325 @cindex format options
8326 @cindex print settings
8327 @value{GDBN} provides the following ways to control how arrays, structures,
8328 and symbols are printed.
8329
8330 @noindent
8331 These settings are useful for debugging programs in any language:
8332
8333 @table @code
8334 @kindex set print
8335 @item set print address
8336 @itemx set print address on
8337 @cindex print/don't print memory addresses
8338 @value{GDBN} prints memory addresses showing the location of stack
8339 traces, structure values, pointer values, breakpoints, and so forth,
8340 even when it also displays the contents of those addresses. The default
8341 is @code{on}. For example, this is what a stack frame display looks like with
8342 @code{set print address on}:
8343
8344 @smallexample
8345 @group
8346 (@value{GDBP}) f
8347 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<<", rq=0x34c88 ">>")
8348 at input.c:530
8349 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
8350 @end group
8351 @end smallexample
8352
8353 @item set print address off
8354 Do not print addresses when displaying their contents. For example,
8355 this is the same stack frame displayed with @code{set print address off}:
8356
8357 @smallexample
8358 @group
8359 (@value{GDBP}) set print addr off
8360 (@value{GDBP}) f
8361 #0 set_quotes (lq="<<", rq=">>") at input.c:530
8362 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
8363 @end group
8364 @end smallexample
8365
8366 You can use @samp{set print address off} to eliminate all machine
8367 dependent displays from the @value{GDBN} interface. For example, with
8368 @code{print address off}, you should get the same text for backtraces on
8369 all machines---whether or not they involve pointer arguments.
8370
8371 @kindex show print
8372 @item show print address
8373 Show whether or not addresses are to be printed.
8374 @end table
8375
8376 When @value{GDBN} prints a symbolic address, it normally prints the
8377 closest earlier symbol plus an offset. If that symbol does not uniquely
8378 identify the address (for example, it is a name whose scope is a single
8379 source file), you may need to clarify. One way to do this is with
8380 @code{info line}, for example @samp{info line *0x4537}. Alternately,
8381 you can set @value{GDBN} to print the source file and line number when
8382 it prints a symbolic address:
8383
8384 @table @code
8385 @item set print symbol-filename on
8386 @cindex source file and line of a symbol
8387 @cindex symbol, source file and line
8388 Tell @value{GDBN} to print the source file name and line number of a
8389 symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
8390
8391 @item set print symbol-filename off
8392 Do not print source file name and line number of a symbol. This is the
8393 default.
8394
8395 @item show print symbol-filename
8396 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} will print the source file name and
8397 line number of a symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
8398 @end table
8399
8400 Another situation where it is helpful to show symbol filenames and line
8401 numbers is when disassembling code; @value{GDBN} shows you the line
8402 number and source file that corresponds to each instruction.
8403
8404 Also, you may wish to see the symbolic form only if the address being
8405 printed is reasonably close to the closest earlier symbol:
8406
8407 @table @code
8408 @item set print max-symbolic-offset @var{max-offset}
8409 @cindex maximum value for offset of closest symbol
8410 Tell @value{GDBN} to only display the symbolic form of an address if the
8411 offset between the closest earlier symbol and the address is less than
8412 @var{max-offset}. The default is 0, which tells @value{GDBN}
8413 to always print the symbolic form of an address if any symbol precedes it.
8414
8415 @item show print max-symbolic-offset
8416 Ask how large the maximum offset is that @value{GDBN} prints in a
8417 symbolic address.
8418 @end table
8419
8420 @cindex wild pointer, interpreting
8421 @cindex pointer, finding referent
8422 If you have a pointer and you are not sure where it points, try
8423 @samp{set print symbol-filename on}. Then you can determine the name
8424 and source file location of the variable where it points, using
8425 @samp{p/a @var{pointer}}. This interprets the address in symbolic form.
8426 For example, here @value{GDBN} shows that a variable @code{ptt} points
8427 at another variable @code{t}, defined in @file{hi2.c}:
8428
8429 @smallexample
8430 (@value{GDBP}) set print symbol-filename on
8431 (@value{GDBP}) p/a ptt
8432 $4 = 0xe008 <t in hi2.c>
8433 @end smallexample
8434
8435 @quotation
8436 @emph{Warning:} For pointers that point to a local variable, @samp{p/a}
8437 does not show the symbol name and filename of the referent, even with
8438 the appropriate @code{set print} options turned on.
8439 @end quotation
8440
8441 You can also enable @samp{/a}-like formatting all the time using
8442 @samp{set print symbol on}:
8443
8444 @table @code
8445 @item set print symbol on
8446 Tell @value{GDBN} to print the symbol corresponding to an address, if
8447 one exists.
8448
8449 @item set print symbol off
8450 Tell @value{GDBN} not to print the symbol corresponding to an
8451 address. In this mode, @value{GDBN} will still print the symbol
8452 corresponding to pointers to functions. This is the default.
8453
8454 @item show print symbol
8455 Show whether @value{GDBN} will display the symbol corresponding to an
8456 address.
8457 @end table
8458
8459 Other settings control how different kinds of objects are printed:
8460
8461 @table @code
8462 @item set print array
8463 @itemx set print array on
8464 @cindex pretty print arrays
8465 Pretty print arrays. This format is more convenient to read,
8466 but uses more space. The default is off.
8467
8468 @item set print array off
8469 Return to compressed format for arrays.
8470
8471 @item show print array
8472 Show whether compressed or pretty format is selected for displaying
8473 arrays.
8474
8475 @cindex print array indexes
8476 @item set print array-indexes
8477 @itemx set print array-indexes on
8478 Print the index of each element when displaying arrays. May be more
8479 convenient to locate a given element in the array or quickly find the
8480 index of a given element in that printed array. The default is off.
8481
8482 @item set print array-indexes off
8483 Stop printing element indexes when displaying arrays.
8484
8485 @item show print array-indexes
8486 Show whether the index of each element is printed when displaying
8487 arrays.
8488
8489 @item set print elements @var{number-of-elements}
8490 @cindex number of array elements to print
8491 @cindex limit on number of printed array elements
8492 Set a limit on how many elements of an array @value{GDBN} will print.
8493 If @value{GDBN} is printing a large array, it stops printing after it has
8494 printed the number of elements set by the @code{set print elements} command.
8495 This limit also applies to the display of strings.
8496 When @value{GDBN} starts, this limit is set to 200.
8497 Setting @var{number-of-elements} to zero means that the printing is unlimited.
8498
8499 @item show print elements
8500 Display the number of elements of a large array that @value{GDBN} will print.
8501 If the number is 0, then the printing is unlimited.
8502
8503 @item set print frame-arguments @var{value}
8504 @kindex set print frame-arguments
8505 @cindex printing frame argument values
8506 @cindex print all frame argument values
8507 @cindex print frame argument values for scalars only
8508 @cindex do not print frame argument values
8509 This command allows to control how the values of arguments are printed
8510 when the debugger prints a frame (@pxref{Frames}). The possible
8511 values are:
8512
8513 @table @code
8514 @item all
8515 The values of all arguments are printed.
8516
8517 @item scalars
8518 Print the value of an argument only if it is a scalar. The value of more
8519 complex arguments such as arrays, structures, unions, etc, is replaced
8520 by @code{@dots{}}. This is the default. Here is an example where
8521 only scalar arguments are shown:
8522
8523 @smallexample
8524 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=3, s=@dots{}, ss=0xbf8d508c, u=@dots{}, e=green)
8525 at frame-args.c:23
8526 @end smallexample
8527
8528 @item none
8529 None of the argument values are printed. Instead, the value of each argument
8530 is replaced by @code{@dots{}}. In this case, the example above now becomes:
8531
8532 @smallexample
8533 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=@dots{}, s=@dots{}, ss=@dots{}, u=@dots{}, e=@dots{})
8534 at frame-args.c:23
8535 @end smallexample
8536 @end table
8537
8538 By default, only scalar arguments are printed. This command can be used
8539 to configure the debugger to print the value of all arguments, regardless
8540 of their type. However, it is often advantageous to not print the value
8541 of more complex parameters. For instance, it reduces the amount of
8542 information printed in each frame, making the backtrace more readable.
8543 Also, it improves performance when displaying Ada frames, because
8544 the computation of large arguments can sometimes be CPU-intensive,
8545 especially in large applications. Setting @code{print frame-arguments}
8546 to @code{scalars} (the default) or @code{none} avoids this computation,
8547 thus speeding up the display of each Ada frame.
8548
8549 @item show print frame-arguments
8550 Show how the value of arguments should be displayed when printing a frame.
8551
8552 @anchor{set print entry-values}
8553 @item set print entry-values @var{value}
8554 @kindex set print entry-values
8555 Set printing of frame argument values at function entry. In some cases
8556 @value{GDBN} can determine the value of function argument which was passed by
8557 the function caller, even if the value was modified inside the called function
8558 and therefore is different. With optimized code, the current value could be
8559 unavailable, but the entry value may still be known.
8560
8561 The default value is @code{default} (see below for its description). Older
8562 @value{GDBN} behaved as with the setting @code{no}. Compilers not supporting
8563 this feature will behave in the @code{default} setting the same way as with the
8564 @code{no} setting.
8565
8566 This functionality is currently supported only by DWARF 2 debugging format and
8567 the compiler has to produce @samp{DW_TAG_GNU_call_site} tags. With
8568 @value{NGCC}, you need to specify @option{-O -g} during compilation, to get
8569 this information.
8570
8571 The @var{value} parameter can be one of the following:
8572
8573 @table @code
8574 @item no
8575 Print only actual parameter values, never print values from function entry
8576 point.
8577 @smallexample
8578 #0 equal (val=5)
8579 #0 different (val=6)
8580 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>)
8581 #0 born (val=10)
8582 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
8583 @end smallexample
8584
8585 @item only
8586 Print only parameter values from function entry point. The actual parameter
8587 values are never printed.
8588 @smallexample
8589 #0 equal (val@@entry=5)
8590 #0 different (val@@entry=5)
8591 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
8592 #0 born (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
8593 #0 invalid (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
8594 @end smallexample
8595
8596 @item preferred
8597 Print only parameter values from function entry point. If value from function
8598 entry point is not known while the actual value is known, print the actual
8599 value for such parameter.
8600 @smallexample
8601 #0 equal (val@@entry=5)
8602 #0 different (val@@entry=5)
8603 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
8604 #0 born (val=10)
8605 #0 invalid (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
8606 @end smallexample
8607
8608 @item if-needed
8609 Print actual parameter values. If actual parameter value is not known while
8610 value from function entry point is known, print the entry point value for such
8611 parameter.
8612 @smallexample
8613 #0 equal (val=5)
8614 #0 different (val=6)
8615 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
8616 #0 born (val=10)
8617 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
8618 @end smallexample
8619
8620 @item both
8621 Always print both the actual parameter value and its value from function entry
8622 point, even if values of one or both are not available due to compiler
8623 optimizations.
8624 @smallexample
8625 #0 equal (val=5, val@@entry=5)
8626 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
8627 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=5)
8628 #0 born (val=10, val@@entry=<optimized out>)
8629 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=<optimized out>)
8630 @end smallexample
8631
8632 @item compact
8633 Print the actual parameter value if it is known and also its value from
8634 function entry point if it is known. If neither is known, print for the actual
8635 value @code{<optimized out>}. If not in MI mode (@pxref{GDB/MI}) and if both
8636 values are known and identical, print the shortened
8637 @code{param=param@@entry=VALUE} notation.
8638 @smallexample
8639 #0 equal (val=val@@entry=5)
8640 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
8641 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
8642 #0 born (val=10)
8643 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
8644 @end smallexample
8645
8646 @item default
8647 Always print the actual parameter value. Print also its value from function
8648 entry point, but only if it is known. If not in MI mode (@pxref{GDB/MI}) and
8649 if both values are known and identical, print the shortened
8650 @code{param=param@@entry=VALUE} notation.
8651 @smallexample
8652 #0 equal (val=val@@entry=5)
8653 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
8654 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=5)
8655 #0 born (val=10)
8656 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
8657 @end smallexample
8658 @end table
8659
8660 For analysis messages on possible failures of frame argument values at function
8661 entry resolution see @ref{set debug entry-values}.
8662
8663 @item show print entry-values
8664 Show the method being used for printing of frame argument values at function
8665 entry.
8666
8667 @item set print repeats
8668 @cindex repeated array elements
8669 Set the threshold for suppressing display of repeated array
8670 elements. When the number of consecutive identical elements of an
8671 array exceeds the threshold, @value{GDBN} prints the string
8672 @code{"<repeats @var{n} times>"}, where @var{n} is the number of
8673 identical repetitions, instead of displaying the identical elements
8674 themselves. Setting the threshold to zero will cause all elements to
8675 be individually printed. The default threshold is 10.
8676
8677 @item show print repeats
8678 Display the current threshold for printing repeated identical
8679 elements.
8680
8681 @item set print null-stop
8682 @cindex @sc{null} elements in arrays
8683 Cause @value{GDBN} to stop printing the characters of an array when the first
8684 @sc{null} is encountered. This is useful when large arrays actually
8685 contain only short strings.
8686 The default is off.
8687
8688 @item show print null-stop
8689 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops printing an array on the first
8690 @sc{null} character.
8691
8692 @item set print pretty on
8693 @cindex print structures in indented form
8694 @cindex indentation in structure display
8695 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in an indented format with one member
8696 per line, like this:
8697
8698 @smallexample
8699 @group
8700 $1 = @{
8701 next = 0x0,
8702 flags = @{
8703 sweet = 1,
8704 sour = 1
8705 @},
8706 meat = 0x54 "Pork"
8707 @}
8708 @end group
8709 @end smallexample
8710
8711 @item set print pretty off
8712 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in a compact format, like this:
8713
8714 @smallexample
8715 @group
8716 $1 = @{next = 0x0, flags = @{sweet = 1, sour = 1@}, \
8717 meat = 0x54 "Pork"@}
8718 @end group
8719 @end smallexample
8720
8721 @noindent
8722 This is the default format.
8723
8724 @item show print pretty
8725 Show which format @value{GDBN} is using to print structures.
8726
8727 @item set print sevenbit-strings on
8728 @cindex eight-bit characters in strings
8729 @cindex octal escapes in strings
8730 Print using only seven-bit characters; if this option is set,
8731 @value{GDBN} displays any eight-bit characters (in strings or
8732 character values) using the notation @code{\}@var{nnn}. This setting is
8733 best if you are working in English (@sc{ascii}) and you use the
8734 high-order bit of characters as a marker or ``meta'' bit.
8735
8736 @item set print sevenbit-strings off
8737 Print full eight-bit characters. This allows the use of more
8738 international character sets, and is the default.
8739
8740 @item show print sevenbit-strings
8741 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} is printing only seven-bit characters.
8742
8743 @item set print union on
8744 @cindex unions in structures, printing
8745 Tell @value{GDBN} to print unions which are contained in structures
8746 and other unions. This is the default setting.
8747
8748 @item set print union off
8749 Tell @value{GDBN} not to print unions which are contained in
8750 structures and other unions. @value{GDBN} will print @code{"@{...@}"}
8751 instead.
8752
8753 @item show print union
8754 Ask @value{GDBN} whether or not it will print unions which are contained in
8755 structures and other unions.
8756
8757 For example, given the declarations
8758
8759 @smallexample
8760 typedef enum @{Tree, Bug@} Species;
8761 typedef enum @{Big_tree, Acorn, Seedling@} Tree_forms;
8762 typedef enum @{Caterpillar, Cocoon, Butterfly@}
8763 Bug_forms;
8764
8765 struct thing @{
8766 Species it;
8767 union @{
8768 Tree_forms tree;
8769 Bug_forms bug;
8770 @} form;
8771 @};
8772
8773 struct thing foo = @{Tree, @{Acorn@}@};
8774 @end smallexample
8775
8776 @noindent
8777 with @code{set print union on} in effect @samp{p foo} would print
8778
8779 @smallexample
8780 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{tree = Acorn, bug = Cocoon@}@}
8781 @end smallexample
8782
8783 @noindent
8784 and with @code{set print union off} in effect it would print
8785
8786 @smallexample
8787 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{...@}@}
8788 @end smallexample
8789
8790 @noindent
8791 @code{set print union} affects programs written in C-like languages
8792 and in Pascal.
8793 @end table
8794
8795 @need 1000
8796 @noindent
8797 These settings are of interest when debugging C@t{++} programs:
8798
8799 @table @code
8800 @cindex demangling C@t{++} names
8801 @item set print demangle
8802 @itemx set print demangle on
8803 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than in the encoded
8804 (``mangled'') form passed to the assembler and linker for type-safe
8805 linkage. The default is on.
8806
8807 @item show print demangle
8808 Show whether C@t{++} names are printed in mangled or demangled form.
8809
8810 @item set print asm-demangle
8811 @itemx set print asm-demangle on
8812 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than their mangled form, even
8813 in assembler code printouts such as instruction disassemblies.
8814 The default is off.
8815
8816 @item show print asm-demangle
8817 Show whether C@t{++} names in assembly listings are printed in mangled
8818 or demangled form.
8819
8820 @cindex C@t{++} symbol decoding style
8821 @cindex symbol decoding style, C@t{++}
8822 @kindex set demangle-style
8823 @item set demangle-style @var{style}
8824 Choose among several encoding schemes used by different compilers to
8825 represent C@t{++} names. The choices for @var{style} are currently:
8826
8827 @table @code
8828 @item auto
8829 Allow @value{GDBN} to choose a decoding style by inspecting your program.
8830
8831 @item gnu
8832 Decode based on the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler (@code{g++}) encoding algorithm.
8833 This is the default.
8834
8835 @item hp
8836 Decode based on the HP ANSI C@t{++} (@code{aCC}) encoding algorithm.
8837
8838 @item lucid
8839 Decode based on the Lucid C@t{++} compiler (@code{lcc}) encoding algorithm.
8840
8841 @item arm
8842 Decode using the algorithm in the @cite{C@t{++} Annotated Reference Manual}.
8843 @strong{Warning:} this setting alone is not sufficient to allow
8844 debugging @code{cfront}-generated executables. @value{GDBN} would
8845 require further enhancement to permit that.
8846
8847 @end table
8848 If you omit @var{style}, you will see a list of possible formats.
8849
8850 @item show demangle-style
8851 Display the encoding style currently in use for decoding C@t{++} symbols.
8852
8853 @item set print object
8854 @itemx set print object on
8855 @cindex derived type of an object, printing
8856 @cindex display derived types
8857 When displaying a pointer to an object, identify the @emph{actual}
8858 (derived) type of the object rather than the @emph{declared} type, using
8859 the virtual function table. Note that the virtual function table is
8860 required---this feature can only work for objects that have run-time
8861 type identification; a single virtual method in the object's declared
8862 type is sufficient. Note that this setting is also taken into account when
8863 working with variable objects via MI (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
8864
8865 @item set print object off
8866 Display only the declared type of objects, without reference to the
8867 virtual function table. This is the default setting.
8868
8869 @item show print object
8870 Show whether actual, or declared, object types are displayed.
8871
8872 @item set print static-members
8873 @itemx set print static-members on
8874 @cindex static members of C@t{++} objects
8875 Print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object. The default is on.
8876
8877 @item set print static-members off
8878 Do not print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object.
8879
8880 @item show print static-members
8881 Show whether C@t{++} static members are printed or not.
8882
8883 @item set print pascal_static-members
8884 @itemx set print pascal_static-members on
8885 @cindex static members of Pascal objects
8886 @cindex Pascal objects, static members display
8887 Print static members when displaying a Pascal object. The default is on.
8888
8889 @item set print pascal_static-members off
8890 Do not print static members when displaying a Pascal object.
8891
8892 @item show print pascal_static-members
8893 Show whether Pascal static members are printed or not.
8894
8895 @c These don't work with HP ANSI C++ yet.
8896 @item set print vtbl
8897 @itemx set print vtbl on
8898 @cindex pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables
8899 @cindex virtual functions (C@t{++}) display
8900 @cindex VTBL display
8901 Pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables. The default is off.
8902 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
8903 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
8904
8905 @item set print vtbl off
8906 Do not pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables.
8907
8908 @item show print vtbl
8909 Show whether C@t{++} virtual function tables are pretty printed, or not.
8910 @end table
8911
8912 @node Pretty Printing
8913 @section Pretty Printing
8914
8915 @value{GDBN} provides a mechanism to allow pretty-printing of values using
8916 Python code. It greatly simplifies the display of complex objects. This
8917 mechanism works for both MI and the CLI.
8918
8919 @menu
8920 * Pretty-Printer Introduction:: Introduction to pretty-printers
8921 * Pretty-Printer Example:: An example pretty-printer
8922 * Pretty-Printer Commands:: Pretty-printer commands
8923 @end menu
8924
8925 @node Pretty-Printer Introduction
8926 @subsection Pretty-Printer Introduction
8927
8928 When @value{GDBN} prints a value, it first sees if there is a pretty-printer
8929 registered for the value. If there is then @value{GDBN} invokes the
8930 pretty-printer to print the value. Otherwise the value is printed normally.
8931
8932 Pretty-printers are normally named. This makes them easy to manage.
8933 The @samp{info pretty-printer} command will list all the installed
8934 pretty-printers with their names.
8935 If a pretty-printer can handle multiple data types, then its
8936 @dfn{subprinters} are the printers for the individual data types.
8937 Each such subprinter has its own name.
8938 The format of the name is @var{printer-name};@var{subprinter-name}.
8939
8940 Pretty-printers are installed by @dfn{registering} them with @value{GDBN}.
8941 Typically they are automatically loaded and registered when the corresponding
8942 debug information is loaded, thus making them available without having to
8943 do anything special.
8944
8945 There are three places where a pretty-printer can be registered.
8946
8947 @itemize @bullet
8948 @item
8949 Pretty-printers registered globally are available when debugging
8950 all inferiors.
8951
8952 @item
8953 Pretty-printers registered with a program space are available only
8954 when debugging that program.
8955 @xref{Progspaces In Python}, for more details on program spaces in Python.
8956
8957 @item
8958 Pretty-printers registered with an objfile are loaded and unloaded
8959 with the corresponding objfile (e.g., shared library).
8960 @xref{Objfiles In Python}, for more details on objfiles in Python.
8961 @end itemize
8962
8963 @xref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}, for further information on how
8964 pretty-printers are selected,
8965
8966 @xref{Writing a Pretty-Printer}, for implementing pretty printers
8967 for new types.
8968
8969 @node Pretty-Printer Example
8970 @subsection Pretty-Printer Example
8971
8972 Here is how a C@t{++} @code{std::string} looks without a pretty-printer:
8973
8974 @smallexample
8975 (@value{GDBP}) print s
8976 $1 = @{
8977 static npos = 4294967295,
8978 _M_dataplus = @{
8979 <std::allocator<char>> = @{
8980 <__gnu_cxx::new_allocator<char>> = @{
8981 <No data fields>@}, <No data fields>
8982 @},
8983 members of std::basic_string<char, std::char_traits<char>,
8984 std::allocator<char> >::_Alloc_hider:
8985 _M_p = 0x804a014 "abcd"
8986 @}
8987 @}
8988 @end smallexample
8989
8990 With a pretty-printer for @code{std::string} only the contents are printed:
8991
8992 @smallexample
8993 (@value{GDBP}) print s
8994 $2 = "abcd"
8995 @end smallexample
8996
8997 @node Pretty-Printer Commands
8998 @subsection Pretty-Printer Commands
8999 @cindex pretty-printer commands
9000
9001 @table @code
9002 @kindex info pretty-printer
9003 @item info pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
9004 Print the list of installed pretty-printers.
9005 This includes disabled pretty-printers, which are marked as such.
9006
9007 @var{object-regexp} is a regular expression matching the objects
9008 whose pretty-printers to list.
9009 Objects can be @code{global}, the program space's file
9010 (@pxref{Progspaces In Python}),
9011 and the object files within that program space (@pxref{Objfiles In Python}).
9012 @xref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}, for details on how @value{GDBN}
9013 looks up a printer from these three objects.
9014
9015 @var{name-regexp} is a regular expression matching the name of the printers
9016 to list.
9017
9018 @kindex disable pretty-printer
9019 @item disable pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
9020 Disable pretty-printers matching @var{object-regexp} and @var{name-regexp}.
9021 A disabled pretty-printer is not forgotten, it may be enabled again later.
9022
9023 @kindex enable pretty-printer
9024 @item enable pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
9025 Enable pretty-printers matching @var{object-regexp} and @var{name-regexp}.
9026 @end table
9027
9028 Example:
9029
9030 Suppose we have three pretty-printers installed: one from library1.so
9031 named @code{foo} that prints objects of type @code{foo}, and
9032 another from library2.so named @code{bar} that prints two types of objects,
9033 @code{bar1} and @code{bar2}.
9034
9035 @smallexample
9036 (gdb) info pretty-printer
9037 library1.so:
9038 foo
9039 library2.so:
9040 bar
9041 bar1
9042 bar2
9043 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
9044 library2.so:
9045 bar
9046 bar1
9047 bar2
9048 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library1
9049 1 printer disabled
9050 2 of 3 printers enabled
9051 (gdb) info pretty-printer
9052 library1.so:
9053 foo [disabled]
9054 library2.so:
9055 bar
9056 bar1
9057 bar2
9058 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library2 bar:bar1
9059 1 printer disabled
9060 1 of 3 printers enabled
9061 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
9062 library1.so:
9063 foo [disabled]
9064 library2.so:
9065 bar
9066 bar1 [disabled]
9067 bar2
9068 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library2 bar
9069 1 printer disabled
9070 0 of 3 printers enabled
9071 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
9072 library1.so:
9073 foo [disabled]
9074 library2.so:
9075 bar [disabled]
9076 bar1 [disabled]
9077 bar2
9078 @end smallexample
9079
9080 Note that for @code{bar} the entire printer can be disabled,
9081 as can each individual subprinter.
9082
9083 @node Value History
9084 @section Value History
9085
9086 @cindex value history
9087 @cindex history of values printed by @value{GDBN}
9088 Values printed by the @code{print} command are saved in the @value{GDBN}
9089 @dfn{value history}. This allows you to refer to them in other expressions.
9090 Values are kept until the symbol table is re-read or discarded
9091 (for example with the @code{file} or @code{symbol-file} commands).
9092 When the symbol table changes, the value history is discarded,
9093 since the values may contain pointers back to the types defined in the
9094 symbol table.
9095
9096 @cindex @code{$}
9097 @cindex @code{$$}
9098 @cindex history number
9099 The values printed are given @dfn{history numbers} by which you can
9100 refer to them. These are successive integers starting with one.
9101 @code{print} shows you the history number assigned to a value by
9102 printing @samp{$@var{num} = } before the value; here @var{num} is the
9103 history number.
9104
9105 To refer to any previous value, use @samp{$} followed by the value's
9106 history number. The way @code{print} labels its output is designed to
9107 remind you of this. Just @code{$} refers to the most recent value in
9108 the history, and @code{$$} refers to the value before that.
9109 @code{$$@var{n}} refers to the @var{n}th value from the end; @code{$$2}
9110 is the value just prior to @code{$$}, @code{$$1} is equivalent to
9111 @code{$$}, and @code{$$0} is equivalent to @code{$}.
9112
9113 For example, suppose you have just printed a pointer to a structure and
9114 want to see the contents of the structure. It suffices to type
9115
9116 @smallexample
9117 p *$
9118 @end smallexample
9119
9120 If you have a chain of structures where the component @code{next} points
9121 to the next one, you can print the contents of the next one with this:
9122
9123 @smallexample
9124 p *$.next
9125 @end smallexample
9126
9127 @noindent
9128 You can print successive links in the chain by repeating this
9129 command---which you can do by just typing @key{RET}.
9130
9131 Note that the history records values, not expressions. If the value of
9132 @code{x} is 4 and you type these commands:
9133
9134 @smallexample
9135 print x
9136 set x=5
9137 @end smallexample
9138
9139 @noindent
9140 then the value recorded in the value history by the @code{print} command
9141 remains 4 even though the value of @code{x} has changed.
9142
9143 @table @code
9144 @kindex show values
9145 @item show values
9146 Print the last ten values in the value history, with their item numbers.
9147 This is like @samp{p@ $$9} repeated ten times, except that @code{show
9148 values} does not change the history.
9149
9150 @item show values @var{n}
9151 Print ten history values centered on history item number @var{n}.
9152
9153 @item show values +
9154 Print ten history values just after the values last printed. If no more
9155 values are available, @code{show values +} produces no display.
9156 @end table
9157
9158 Pressing @key{RET} to repeat @code{show values @var{n}} has exactly the
9159 same effect as @samp{show values +}.
9160
9161 @node Convenience Vars
9162 @section Convenience Variables
9163
9164 @cindex convenience variables
9165 @cindex user-defined variables
9166 @value{GDBN} provides @dfn{convenience variables} that you can use within
9167 @value{GDBN} to hold on to a value and refer to it later. These variables
9168 exist entirely within @value{GDBN}; they are not part of your program, and
9169 setting a convenience variable has no direct effect on further execution
9170 of your program. That is why you can use them freely.
9171
9172 Convenience variables are prefixed with @samp{$}. Any name preceded by
9173 @samp{$} can be used for a convenience variable, unless it is one of
9174 the predefined machine-specific register names (@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
9175 (Value history references, in contrast, are @emph{numbers} preceded
9176 by @samp{$}. @xref{Value History, ,Value History}.)
9177
9178 You can save a value in a convenience variable with an assignment
9179 expression, just as you would set a variable in your program.
9180 For example:
9181
9182 @smallexample
9183 set $foo = *object_ptr
9184 @end smallexample
9185
9186 @noindent
9187 would save in @code{$foo} the value contained in the object pointed to by
9188 @code{object_ptr}.
9189
9190 Using a convenience variable for the first time creates it, but its
9191 value is @code{void} until you assign a new value. You can alter the
9192 value with another assignment at any time.
9193
9194 Convenience variables have no fixed types. You can assign a convenience
9195 variable any type of value, including structures and arrays, even if
9196 that variable already has a value of a different type. The convenience
9197 variable, when used as an expression, has the type of its current value.
9198
9199 @table @code
9200 @kindex show convenience
9201 @cindex show all user variables
9202 @item show convenience
9203 Print a list of convenience variables used so far, and their values.
9204 Abbreviated @code{show conv}.
9205
9206 @kindex init-if-undefined
9207 @cindex convenience variables, initializing
9208 @item init-if-undefined $@var{variable} = @var{expression}
9209 Set a convenience variable if it has not already been set. This is useful
9210 for user-defined commands that keep some state. It is similar, in concept,
9211 to using local static variables with initializers in C (except that
9212 convenience variables are global). It can also be used to allow users to
9213 override default values used in a command script.
9214
9215 If the variable is already defined then the expression is not evaluated so
9216 any side-effects do not occur.
9217 @end table
9218
9219 One of the ways to use a convenience variable is as a counter to be
9220 incremented or a pointer to be advanced. For example, to print
9221 a field from successive elements of an array of structures:
9222
9223 @smallexample
9224 set $i = 0
9225 print bar[$i++]->contents
9226 @end smallexample
9227
9228 @noindent
9229 Repeat that command by typing @key{RET}.
9230
9231 Some convenience variables are created automatically by @value{GDBN} and given
9232 values likely to be useful.
9233
9234 @table @code
9235 @vindex $_@r{, convenience variable}
9236 @item $_
9237 The variable @code{$_} is automatically set by the @code{x} command to
9238 the last address examined (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}). Other
9239 commands which provide a default address for @code{x} to examine also
9240 set @code{$_} to that address; these commands include @code{info line}
9241 and @code{info breakpoint}. The type of @code{$_} is @code{void *}
9242 except when set by the @code{x} command, in which case it is a pointer
9243 to the type of @code{$__}.
9244
9245 @vindex $__@r{, convenience variable}
9246 @item $__
9247 The variable @code{$__} is automatically set by the @code{x} command
9248 to the value found in the last address examined. Its type is chosen
9249 to match the format in which the data was printed.
9250
9251 @item $_exitcode
9252 @vindex $_exitcode@r{, convenience variable}
9253 The variable @code{$_exitcode} is automatically set to the exit code when
9254 the program being debugged terminates.
9255
9256 @item $_probe_argc
9257 @itemx $_probe_arg0@dots{}$_probe_arg11
9258 Arguments to a static probe. @xref{Static Probe Points}.
9259
9260 @item $_sdata
9261 @vindex $_sdata@r{, inspect, convenience variable}
9262 The variable @code{$_sdata} contains extra collected static tracepoint
9263 data. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}. Note that
9264 @code{$_sdata} could be empty, if not inspecting a trace buffer, or
9265 if extra static tracepoint data has not been collected.
9266
9267 @item $_siginfo
9268 @vindex $_siginfo@r{, convenience variable}
9269 The variable @code{$_siginfo} contains extra signal information
9270 (@pxref{extra signal information}). Note that @code{$_siginfo}
9271 could be empty, if the application has not yet received any signals.
9272 For example, it will be empty before you execute the @code{run} command.
9273
9274 @item $_tlb
9275 @vindex $_tlb@r{, convenience variable}
9276 The variable @code{$_tlb} is automatically set when debugging
9277 applications running on MS-Windows in native mode or connected to
9278 gdbserver that supports the @code{qGetTIBAddr} request.
9279 @xref{General Query Packets}.
9280 This variable contains the address of the thread information block.
9281
9282 @end table
9283
9284 On HP-UX systems, if you refer to a function or variable name that
9285 begins with a dollar sign, @value{GDBN} searches for a user or system
9286 name first, before it searches for a convenience variable.
9287
9288 @cindex convenience functions
9289 @value{GDBN} also supplies some @dfn{convenience functions}. These
9290 have a syntax similar to convenience variables. A convenience
9291 function can be used in an expression just like an ordinary function;
9292 however, a convenience function is implemented internally to
9293 @value{GDBN}.
9294
9295 @table @code
9296 @item help function
9297 @kindex help function
9298 @cindex show all convenience functions
9299 Print a list of all convenience functions.
9300 @end table
9301
9302 @node Registers
9303 @section Registers
9304
9305 @cindex registers
9306 You can refer to machine register contents, in expressions, as variables
9307 with names starting with @samp{$}. The names of registers are different
9308 for each machine; use @code{info registers} to see the names used on
9309 your machine.
9310
9311 @table @code
9312 @kindex info registers
9313 @item info registers
9314 Print the names and values of all registers except floating-point
9315 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
9316
9317 @kindex info all-registers
9318 @cindex floating point registers
9319 @item info all-registers
9320 Print the names and values of all registers, including floating-point
9321 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
9322
9323 @item info registers @var{regname} @dots{}
9324 Print the @dfn{relativized} value of each specified register @var{regname}.
9325 As discussed in detail below, register values are normally relative to
9326 the selected stack frame. @var{regname} may be any register name valid on
9327 the machine you are using, with or without the initial @samp{$}.
9328 @end table
9329
9330 @cindex stack pointer register
9331 @cindex program counter register
9332 @cindex process status register
9333 @cindex frame pointer register
9334 @cindex standard registers
9335 @value{GDBN} has four ``standard'' register names that are available (in
9336 expressions) on most machines---whenever they do not conflict with an
9337 architecture's canonical mnemonics for registers. The register names
9338 @code{$pc} and @code{$sp} are used for the program counter register and
9339 the stack pointer. @code{$fp} is used for a register that contains a
9340 pointer to the current stack frame, and @code{$ps} is used for a
9341 register that contains the processor status. For example,
9342 you could print the program counter in hex with
9343
9344 @smallexample
9345 p/x $pc
9346 @end smallexample
9347
9348 @noindent
9349 or print the instruction to be executed next with
9350
9351 @smallexample
9352 x/i $pc
9353 @end smallexample
9354
9355 @noindent
9356 or add four to the stack pointer@footnote{This is a way of removing
9357 one word from the stack, on machines where stacks grow downward in
9358 memory (most machines, nowadays). This assumes that the innermost
9359 stack frame is selected; setting @code{$sp} is not allowed when other
9360 stack frames are selected. To pop entire frames off the stack,
9361 regardless of machine architecture, use @code{return};
9362 see @ref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}.} with
9363
9364 @smallexample
9365 set $sp += 4
9366 @end smallexample
9367
9368 Whenever possible, these four standard register names are available on
9369 your machine even though the machine has different canonical mnemonics,
9370 so long as there is no conflict. The @code{info registers} command
9371 shows the canonical names. For example, on the SPARC, @code{info
9372 registers} displays the processor status register as @code{$psr} but you
9373 can also refer to it as @code{$ps}; and on x86-based machines @code{$ps}
9374 is an alias for the @sc{eflags} register.
9375
9376 @value{GDBN} always considers the contents of an ordinary register as an
9377 integer when the register is examined in this way. Some machines have
9378 special registers which can hold nothing but floating point; these
9379 registers are considered to have floating point values. There is no way
9380 to refer to the contents of an ordinary register as floating point value
9381 (although you can @emph{print} it as a floating point value with
9382 @samp{print/f $@var{regname}}).
9383
9384 Some registers have distinct ``raw'' and ``virtual'' data formats. This
9385 means that the data format in which the register contents are saved by
9386 the operating system is not the same one that your program normally
9387 sees. For example, the registers of the 68881 floating point
9388 coprocessor are always saved in ``extended'' (raw) format, but all C
9389 programs expect to work with ``double'' (virtual) format. In such
9390 cases, @value{GDBN} normally works with the virtual format only (the format
9391 that makes sense for your program), but the @code{info registers} command
9392 prints the data in both formats.
9393
9394 @cindex SSE registers (x86)
9395 @cindex MMX registers (x86)
9396 Some machines have special registers whose contents can be interpreted
9397 in several different ways. For example, modern x86-based machines
9398 have SSE and MMX registers that can hold several values packed
9399 together in several different formats. @value{GDBN} refers to such
9400 registers in @code{struct} notation:
9401
9402 @smallexample
9403 (@value{GDBP}) print $xmm1
9404 $1 = @{
9405 v4_float = @{0, 3.43859137e-038, 1.54142831e-044, 1.821688e-044@},
9406 v2_double = @{9.92129282474342e-303, 2.7585945287983262e-313@},
9407 v16_int8 = "\000\000\000\000\3706;\001\v\000\000\000\r\000\000",
9408 v8_int16 = @{0, 0, 14072, 315, 11, 0, 13, 0@},
9409 v4_int32 = @{0, 20657912, 11, 13@},
9410 v2_int64 = @{88725056443645952, 55834574859@},
9411 uint128 = 0x0000000d0000000b013b36f800000000
9412 @}
9413 @end smallexample
9414
9415 @noindent
9416 To set values of such registers, you need to tell @value{GDBN} which
9417 view of the register you wish to change, as if you were assigning
9418 value to a @code{struct} member:
9419
9420 @smallexample
9421 (@value{GDBP}) set $xmm1.uint128 = 0x000000000000000000000000FFFFFFFF
9422 @end smallexample
9423
9424 Normally, register values are relative to the selected stack frame
9425 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). This means that you get the
9426 value that the register would contain if all stack frames farther in
9427 were exited and their saved registers restored. In order to see the
9428 true contents of hardware registers, you must select the innermost
9429 frame (with @samp{frame 0}).
9430
9431 However, @value{GDBN} must deduce where registers are saved, from the machine
9432 code generated by your compiler. If some registers are not saved, or if
9433 @value{GDBN} is unable to locate the saved registers, the selected stack
9434 frame makes no difference.
9435
9436 @node Floating Point Hardware
9437 @section Floating Point Hardware
9438 @cindex floating point
9439
9440 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give
9441 you more information about the status of the floating point hardware.
9442
9443 @table @code
9444 @kindex info float
9445 @item info float
9446 Display hardware-dependent information about the floating
9447 point unit. The exact contents and layout vary depending on the
9448 floating point chip. Currently, @samp{info float} is supported on
9449 the ARM and x86 machines.
9450 @end table
9451
9452 @node Vector Unit
9453 @section Vector Unit
9454 @cindex vector unit
9455
9456 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give you
9457 more information about the status of the vector unit.
9458
9459 @table @code
9460 @kindex info vector
9461 @item info vector
9462 Display information about the vector unit. The exact contents and
9463 layout vary depending on the hardware.
9464 @end table
9465
9466 @node OS Information
9467 @section Operating System Auxiliary Information
9468 @cindex OS information
9469
9470 @value{GDBN} provides interfaces to useful OS facilities that can help
9471 you debug your program.
9472
9473 @cindex @code{ptrace} system call
9474 @cindex @code{struct user} contents
9475 When @value{GDBN} runs on a @dfn{Posix system} (such as GNU or Unix
9476 machines), it interfaces with the inferior via the @code{ptrace}
9477 system call. The operating system creates a special sata structure,
9478 called @code{struct user}, for this interface. You can use the
9479 command @code{info udot} to display the contents of this data
9480 structure.
9481
9482 @table @code
9483 @item info udot
9484 @kindex info udot
9485 Display the contents of the @code{struct user} maintained by the OS
9486 kernel for the program being debugged. @value{GDBN} displays the
9487 contents of @code{struct user} as a list of hex numbers, similar to
9488 the @code{examine} command.
9489 @end table
9490
9491 @cindex auxiliary vector
9492 @cindex vector, auxiliary
9493 Some operating systems supply an @dfn{auxiliary vector} to programs at
9494 startup. This is akin to the arguments and environment that you
9495 specify for a program, but contains a system-dependent variety of
9496 binary values that tell system libraries important details about the
9497 hardware, operating system, and process. Each value's purpose is
9498 identified by an integer tag; the meanings are well-known but system-specific.
9499 Depending on the configuration and operating system facilities,
9500 @value{GDBN} may be able to show you this information. For remote
9501 targets, this functionality may further depend on the remote stub's
9502 support of the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet, see
9503 @ref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}.
9504
9505 @table @code
9506 @kindex info auxv
9507 @item info auxv
9508 Display the auxiliary vector of the inferior, which can be either a
9509 live process or a core dump file. @value{GDBN} prints each tag value
9510 numerically, and also shows names and text descriptions for recognized
9511 tags. Some values in the vector are numbers, some bit masks, and some
9512 pointers to strings or other data. @value{GDBN} displays each value in the
9513 most appropriate form for a recognized tag, and in hexadecimal for
9514 an unrecognized tag.
9515 @end table
9516
9517 On some targets, @value{GDBN} can access operating system-specific
9518 information and show it to you. The types of information available
9519 will differ depending on the type of operating system running on the
9520 target. The mechanism used to fetch the data is described in
9521 @ref{Operating System Information}. For remote targets, this
9522 functionality depends on the remote stub's support of the
9523 @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet, see @ref{qXfer osdata read}.
9524
9525 @table @code
9526 @kindex info os
9527 @item info os @var{infotype}
9528
9529 Display OS information of the requested type.
9530
9531 On @sc{gnu}/Linux, the following values of @var{infotype} are valid:
9532
9533 @anchor{linux info os infotypes}
9534 @table @code
9535 @kindex info os processes
9536 @item processes
9537 Display the list of processes on the target. For each process,
9538 @value{GDBN} prints the process identifier, the name of the user, the
9539 command corresponding to the process, and the list of processor cores
9540 that the process is currently running on. (To understand what these
9541 properties mean, for this and the following info types, please consult
9542 the general @sc{gnu}/Linux documentation.)
9543
9544 @kindex info os procgroups
9545 @item procgroups
9546 Display the list of process groups on the target. For each process,
9547 @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process group that it belongs
9548 to, the command corresponding to the process group leader, the process
9549 identifier, and the command line of the process. The list is sorted
9550 first by the process group identifier, then by the process identifier,
9551 so that processes belonging to the same process group are grouped together
9552 and the process group leader is listed first.
9553
9554 @kindex info os threads
9555 @item threads
9556 Display the list of threads running on the target. For each thread,
9557 @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process that the thread
9558 belongs to, the command of the process, the thread identifier, and the
9559 processor core that it is currently running on. The main thread of a
9560 process is not listed.
9561
9562 @kindex info os files
9563 @item files
9564 Display the list of open file descriptors on the target. For each
9565 file descriptor, @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process
9566 owning the descriptor, the command of the owning process, the value
9567 of the descriptor, and the target of the descriptor.
9568
9569 @kindex info os sockets
9570 @item sockets
9571 Display the list of Internet-domain sockets on the target. For each
9572 socket, @value{GDBN} prints the address and port of the local and
9573 remote endpoints, the current state of the connection, the creator of
9574 the socket, the IP address family of the socket, and the type of the
9575 connection.
9576
9577 @kindex info os shm
9578 @item shm
9579 Display the list of all System V shared-memory regions on the target.
9580 For each shared-memory region, @value{GDBN} prints the region key,
9581 the shared-memory identifier, the access permissions, the size of the
9582 region, the process that created the region, the process that last
9583 attached to or detached from the region, the current number of live
9584 attaches to the region, and the times at which the region was last
9585 attached to, detach from, and changed.
9586
9587 @kindex info os semaphores
9588 @item semaphores
9589 Display the list of all System V semaphore sets on the target. For each
9590 semaphore set, @value{GDBN} prints the semaphore set key, the semaphore
9591 set identifier, the access permissions, the number of semaphores in the
9592 set, the user and group of the owner and creator of the semaphore set,
9593 and the times at which the semaphore set was operated upon and changed.
9594
9595 @kindex info os msg
9596 @item msg
9597 Display the list of all System V message queues on the target. For each
9598 message queue, @value{GDBN} prints the message queue key, the message
9599 queue identifier, the access permissions, the current number of bytes
9600 on the queue, the current number of messages on the queue, the processes
9601 that last sent and received a message on the queue, the user and group
9602 of the owner and creator of the message queue, the times at which a
9603 message was last sent and received on the queue, and the time at which
9604 the message queue was last changed.
9605
9606 @kindex info os modules
9607 @item modules
9608 Display the list of all loaded kernel modules on the target. For each
9609 module, @value{GDBN} prints the module name, the size of the module in
9610 bytes, the number of times the module is used, the dependencies of the
9611 module, the status of the module, and the address of the loaded module
9612 in memory.
9613 @end table
9614
9615 @item info os
9616 If @var{infotype} is omitted, then list the possible values for
9617 @var{infotype} and the kind of OS information available for each
9618 @var{infotype}. If the target does not return a list of possible
9619 types, this command will report an error.
9620 @end table
9621
9622 @node Memory Region Attributes
9623 @section Memory Region Attributes
9624 @cindex memory region attributes
9625
9626 @dfn{Memory region attributes} allow you to describe special handling
9627 required by regions of your target's memory. @value{GDBN} uses
9628 attributes to determine whether to allow certain types of memory
9629 accesses; whether to use specific width accesses; and whether to cache
9630 target memory. By default the description of memory regions is
9631 fetched from the target (if the current target supports this), but the
9632 user can override the fetched regions.
9633
9634 Defined memory regions can be individually enabled and disabled. When a
9635 memory region is disabled, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when
9636 accessing memory in that region. Similarly, if no memory regions have
9637 been defined, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when accessing
9638 all memory.
9639
9640 When a memory region is defined, it is given a number to identify it;
9641 to enable, disable, or remove a memory region, you specify that number.
9642
9643 @table @code
9644 @kindex mem
9645 @item mem @var{lower} @var{upper} @var{attributes}@dots{}
9646 Define a memory region bounded by @var{lower} and @var{upper} with
9647 attributes @var{attributes}@dots{}, and add it to the list of regions
9648 monitored by @value{GDBN}. Note that @var{upper} == 0 is a special
9649 case: it is treated as the target's maximum memory address.
9650 (0xffff on 16 bit targets, 0xffffffff on 32 bit targets, etc.)
9651
9652 @item mem auto
9653 Discard any user changes to the memory regions and use target-supplied
9654 regions, if available, or no regions if the target does not support.
9655
9656 @kindex delete mem
9657 @item delete mem @var{nums}@dots{}
9658 Remove memory regions @var{nums}@dots{} from the list of regions
9659 monitored by @value{GDBN}.
9660
9661 @kindex disable mem
9662 @item disable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
9663 Disable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
9664 A disabled memory region is not forgotten.
9665 It may be enabled again later.
9666
9667 @kindex enable mem
9668 @item enable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
9669 Enable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
9670
9671 @kindex info mem
9672 @item info mem
9673 Print a table of all defined memory regions, with the following columns
9674 for each region:
9675
9676 @table @emph
9677 @item Memory Region Number
9678 @item Enabled or Disabled.
9679 Enabled memory regions are marked with @samp{y}.
9680 Disabled memory regions are marked with @samp{n}.
9681
9682 @item Lo Address
9683 The address defining the inclusive lower bound of the memory region.
9684
9685 @item Hi Address
9686 The address defining the exclusive upper bound of the memory region.
9687
9688 @item Attributes
9689 The list of attributes set for this memory region.
9690 @end table
9691 @end table
9692
9693
9694 @subsection Attributes
9695
9696 @subsubsection Memory Access Mode
9697 The access mode attributes set whether @value{GDBN} may make read or
9698 write accesses to a memory region.
9699
9700 While these attributes prevent @value{GDBN} from performing invalid
9701 memory accesses, they do nothing to prevent the target system, I/O DMA,
9702 etc.@: from accessing memory.
9703
9704 @table @code
9705 @item ro
9706 Memory is read only.
9707 @item wo
9708 Memory is write only.
9709 @item rw
9710 Memory is read/write. This is the default.
9711 @end table
9712
9713 @subsubsection Memory Access Size
9714 The access size attribute tells @value{GDBN} to use specific sized
9715 accesses in the memory region. Often memory mapped device registers
9716 require specific sized accesses. If no access size attribute is
9717 specified, @value{GDBN} may use accesses of any size.
9718
9719 @table @code
9720 @item 8
9721 Use 8 bit memory accesses.
9722 @item 16
9723 Use 16 bit memory accesses.
9724 @item 32
9725 Use 32 bit memory accesses.
9726 @item 64
9727 Use 64 bit memory accesses.
9728 @end table
9729
9730 @c @subsubsection Hardware/Software Breakpoints
9731 @c The hardware/software breakpoint attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
9732 @c will use hardware or software breakpoints for the internal breakpoints
9733 @c used by the step, next, finish, until, etc. commands.
9734 @c
9735 @c @table @code
9736 @c @item hwbreak
9737 @c Always use hardware breakpoints
9738 @c @item swbreak (default)
9739 @c @end table
9740
9741 @subsubsection Data Cache
9742 The data cache attributes set whether @value{GDBN} will cache target
9743 memory. While this generally improves performance by reducing debug
9744 protocol overhead, it can lead to incorrect results because @value{GDBN}
9745 does not know about volatile variables or memory mapped device
9746 registers.
9747
9748 @table @code
9749 @item cache
9750 Enable @value{GDBN} to cache target memory.
9751 @item nocache
9752 Disable @value{GDBN} from caching target memory. This is the default.
9753 @end table
9754
9755 @subsection Memory Access Checking
9756 @value{GDBN} can be instructed to refuse accesses to memory that is
9757 not explicitly described. This can be useful if accessing such
9758 regions has undesired effects for a specific target, or to provide
9759 better error checking. The following commands control this behaviour.
9760
9761 @table @code
9762 @kindex set mem inaccessible-by-default
9763 @item set mem inaccessible-by-default [on|off]
9764 If @code{on} is specified, make @value{GDBN} treat memory not
9765 explicitly described by the memory ranges as non-existent and refuse accesses
9766 to such memory. The checks are only performed if there's at least one
9767 memory range defined. If @code{off} is specified, make @value{GDBN}
9768 treat the memory not explicitly described by the memory ranges as RAM.
9769 The default value is @code{on}.
9770 @kindex show mem inaccessible-by-default
9771 @item show mem inaccessible-by-default
9772 Show the current handling of accesses to unknown memory.
9773 @end table
9774
9775
9776 @c @subsubsection Memory Write Verification
9777 @c The memory write verification attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
9778 @c will re-reads data after each write to verify the write was successful.
9779 @c
9780 @c @table @code
9781 @c @item verify
9782 @c @item noverify (default)
9783 @c @end table
9784
9785 @node Dump/Restore Files
9786 @section Copy Between Memory and a File
9787 @cindex dump/restore files
9788 @cindex append data to a file
9789 @cindex dump data to a file
9790 @cindex restore data from a file
9791
9792 You can use the commands @code{dump}, @code{append}, and
9793 @code{restore} to copy data between target memory and a file. The
9794 @code{dump} and @code{append} commands write data to a file, and the
9795 @code{restore} command reads data from a file back into the inferior's
9796 memory. Files may be in binary, Motorola S-record, Intel hex, or
9797 Tektronix Hex format; however, @value{GDBN} can only append to binary
9798 files.
9799
9800 @table @code
9801
9802 @kindex dump
9803 @item dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
9804 @itemx dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
9805 Dump the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
9806 or the value of @var{expr}, to @var{filename} in the given format.
9807
9808 The @var{format} parameter may be any one of:
9809 @table @code
9810 @item binary
9811 Raw binary form.
9812 @item ihex
9813 Intel hex format.
9814 @item srec
9815 Motorola S-record format.
9816 @item tekhex
9817 Tektronix Hex format.
9818 @end table
9819
9820 @value{GDBN} uses the same definitions of these formats as the
9821 @sc{gnu} binary utilities, like @samp{objdump} and @samp{objcopy}. If
9822 @var{format} is omitted, @value{GDBN} dumps the data in raw binary
9823 form.
9824
9825 @kindex append
9826 @item append @r{[}binary@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
9827 @itemx append @r{[}binary@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
9828 Append the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
9829 or the value of @var{expr}, to the file @var{filename}, in raw binary form.
9830 (@value{GDBN} can only append data to files in raw binary form.)
9831
9832 @kindex restore
9833 @item restore @var{filename} @r{[}binary@r{]} @var{bias} @var{start} @var{end}
9834 Restore the contents of file @var{filename} into memory. The
9835 @code{restore} command can automatically recognize any known @sc{bfd}
9836 file format, except for raw binary. To restore a raw binary file you
9837 must specify the optional keyword @code{binary} after the filename.
9838
9839 If @var{bias} is non-zero, its value will be added to the addresses
9840 contained in the file. Binary files always start at address zero, so
9841 they will be restored at address @var{bias}. Other bfd files have
9842 a built-in location; they will be restored at offset @var{bias}
9843 from that location.
9844
9845 If @var{start} and/or @var{end} are non-zero, then only data between
9846 file offset @var{start} and file offset @var{end} will be restored.
9847 These offsets are relative to the addresses in the file, before
9848 the @var{bias} argument is applied.
9849
9850 @end table
9851
9852 @node Core File Generation
9853 @section How to Produce a Core File from Your Program
9854 @cindex dump core from inferior
9855
9856 A @dfn{core file} or @dfn{core dump} is a file that records the memory
9857 image of a running process and its process status (register values
9858 etc.). Its primary use is post-mortem debugging of a program that
9859 crashed while it ran outside a debugger. A program that crashes
9860 automatically produces a core file, unless this feature is disabled by
9861 the user. @xref{Files}, for information on invoking @value{GDBN} in
9862 the post-mortem debugging mode.
9863
9864 Occasionally, you may wish to produce a core file of the program you
9865 are debugging in order to preserve a snapshot of its state.
9866 @value{GDBN} has a special command for that.
9867
9868 @table @code
9869 @kindex gcore
9870 @kindex generate-core-file
9871 @item generate-core-file [@var{file}]
9872 @itemx gcore [@var{file}]
9873 Produce a core dump of the inferior process. The optional argument
9874 @var{file} specifies the file name where to put the core dump. If not
9875 specified, the file name defaults to @file{core.@var{pid}}, where
9876 @var{pid} is the inferior process ID.
9877
9878 Note that this command is implemented only for some systems (as of
9879 this writing, @sc{gnu}/Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, Unixware, and S390).
9880 @end table
9881
9882 @node Character Sets
9883 @section Character Sets
9884 @cindex character sets
9885 @cindex charset
9886 @cindex translating between character sets
9887 @cindex host character set
9888 @cindex target character set
9889
9890 If the program you are debugging uses a different character set to
9891 represent characters and strings than the one @value{GDBN} uses itself,
9892 @value{GDBN} can automatically translate between the character sets for
9893 you. The character set @value{GDBN} uses we call the @dfn{host
9894 character set}; the one the inferior program uses we call the
9895 @dfn{target character set}.
9896
9897 For example, if you are running @value{GDBN} on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, which
9898 uses the ISO Latin 1 character set, but you are using @value{GDBN}'s
9899 remote protocol (@pxref{Remote Debugging}) to debug a program
9900 running on an IBM mainframe, which uses the @sc{ebcdic} character set,
9901 then the host character set is Latin-1, and the target character set is
9902 @sc{ebcdic}. If you give @value{GDBN} the command @code{set
9903 target-charset EBCDIC-US}, then @value{GDBN} translates between
9904 @sc{ebcdic} and Latin 1 as you print character or string values, or use
9905 character and string literals in expressions.
9906
9907 @value{GDBN} has no way to automatically recognize which character set
9908 the inferior program uses; you must tell it, using the @code{set
9909 target-charset} command, described below.
9910
9911 Here are the commands for controlling @value{GDBN}'s character set
9912 support:
9913
9914 @table @code
9915 @item set target-charset @var{charset}
9916 @kindex set target-charset
9917 Set the current target character set to @var{charset}. To display the
9918 list of supported target character sets, type
9919 @kbd{@w{set target-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
9920
9921 @item set host-charset @var{charset}
9922 @kindex set host-charset
9923 Set the current host character set to @var{charset}.
9924
9925 By default, @value{GDBN} uses a host character set appropriate to the
9926 system it is running on; you can override that default using the
9927 @code{set host-charset} command. On some systems, @value{GDBN} cannot
9928 automatically determine the appropriate host character set. In this
9929 case, @value{GDBN} uses @samp{UTF-8}.
9930
9931 @value{GDBN} can only use certain character sets as its host character
9932 set. If you type @kbd{@w{set host-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
9933 @value{GDBN} will list the host character sets it supports.
9934
9935 @item set charset @var{charset}
9936 @kindex set charset
9937 Set the current host and target character sets to @var{charset}. As
9938 above, if you type @kbd{@w{set charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
9939 @value{GDBN} will list the names of the character sets that can be used
9940 for both host and target.
9941
9942 @item show charset
9943 @kindex show charset
9944 Show the names of the current host and target character sets.
9945
9946 @item show host-charset
9947 @kindex show host-charset
9948 Show the name of the current host character set.
9949
9950 @item show target-charset
9951 @kindex show target-charset
9952 Show the name of the current target character set.
9953
9954 @item set target-wide-charset @var{charset}
9955 @kindex set target-wide-charset
9956 Set the current target's wide character set to @var{charset}. This is
9957 the character set used by the target's @code{wchar_t} type. To
9958 display the list of supported wide character sets, type
9959 @kbd{@w{set target-wide-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
9960
9961 @item show target-wide-charset
9962 @kindex show target-wide-charset
9963 Show the name of the current target's wide character set.
9964 @end table
9965
9966 Here is an example of @value{GDBN}'s character set support in action.
9967 Assume that the following source code has been placed in the file
9968 @file{charset-test.c}:
9969
9970 @smallexample
9971 #include <stdio.h>
9972
9973 char ascii_hello[]
9974 = @{72, 101, 108, 108, 111, 44, 32, 119,
9975 111, 114, 108, 100, 33, 10, 0@};
9976 char ibm1047_hello[]
9977 = @{200, 133, 147, 147, 150, 107, 64, 166,
9978 150, 153, 147, 132, 90, 37, 0@};
9979
9980 main ()
9981 @{
9982 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
9983 @}
9984 @end smallexample
9985
9986 In this program, @code{ascii_hello} and @code{ibm1047_hello} are arrays
9987 containing the string @samp{Hello, world!} followed by a newline,
9988 encoded in the @sc{ascii} and @sc{ibm1047} character sets.
9989
9990 We compile the program, and invoke the debugger on it:
9991
9992 @smallexample
9993 $ gcc -g charset-test.c -o charset-test
9994 $ gdb -nw charset-test
9995 GNU gdb 2001-12-19-cvs
9996 Copyright 2001 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
9997 @dots{}
9998 (@value{GDBP})
9999 @end smallexample
10000
10001 We can use the @code{show charset} command to see what character sets
10002 @value{GDBN} is currently using to interpret and display characters and
10003 strings:
10004
10005 @smallexample
10006 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
10007 The current host and target character set is `ISO-8859-1'.
10008 (@value{GDBP})
10009 @end smallexample
10010
10011 For the sake of printing this manual, let's use @sc{ascii} as our
10012 initial character set:
10013 @smallexample
10014 (@value{GDBP}) set charset ASCII
10015 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
10016 The current host and target character set is `ASCII'.
10017 (@value{GDBP})
10018 @end smallexample
10019
10020 Let's assume that @sc{ascii} is indeed the correct character set for our
10021 host system --- in other words, let's assume that if @value{GDBN} prints
10022 characters using the @sc{ascii} character set, our terminal will display
10023 them properly. Since our current target character set is also
10024 @sc{ascii}, the contents of @code{ascii_hello} print legibly:
10025
10026 @smallexample
10027 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
10028 $1 = 0x401698 "Hello, world!\n"
10029 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
10030 $2 = 72 'H'
10031 (@value{GDBP})
10032 @end smallexample
10033
10034 @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and string
10035 literals you use in expressions:
10036
10037 @smallexample
10038 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
10039 $3 = 43 '+'
10040 (@value{GDBP})
10041 @end smallexample
10042
10043 The @sc{ascii} character set uses the number 43 to encode the @samp{+}
10044 character.
10045
10046 @value{GDBN} relies on the user to tell it which character set the
10047 target program uses. If we print @code{ibm1047_hello} while our target
10048 character set is still @sc{ascii}, we get jibberish:
10049
10050 @smallexample
10051 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
10052 $4 = 0x4016a8 "\310\205\223\223\226k@@\246\226\231\223\204Z%"
10053 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
10054 $5 = 200 '\310'
10055 (@value{GDBP})
10056 @end smallexample
10057
10058 If we invoke the @code{set target-charset} followed by @key{TAB}@key{TAB},
10059 @value{GDBN} tells us the character sets it supports:
10060
10061 @smallexample
10062 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
10063 ASCII EBCDIC-US IBM1047 ISO-8859-1
10064 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
10065 @end smallexample
10066
10067 We can select @sc{ibm1047} as our target character set, and examine the
10068 program's strings again. Now the @sc{ascii} string is wrong, but
10069 @value{GDBN} translates the contents of @code{ibm1047_hello} from the
10070 target character set, @sc{ibm1047}, to the host character set,
10071 @sc{ascii}, and they display correctly:
10072
10073 @smallexample
10074 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset IBM1047
10075 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
10076 The current host character set is `ASCII'.
10077 The current target character set is `IBM1047'.
10078 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
10079 $6 = 0x401698 "\110\145%%?\054\040\167?\162%\144\041\012"
10080 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
10081 $7 = 72 '\110'
10082 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
10083 $8 = 0x4016a8 "Hello, world!\n"
10084 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
10085 $9 = 200 'H'
10086 (@value{GDBP})
10087 @end smallexample
10088
10089 As above, @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and
10090 string literals you use in expressions:
10091
10092 @smallexample
10093 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
10094 $10 = 78 '+'
10095 (@value{GDBP})
10096 @end smallexample
10097
10098 The @sc{ibm1047} character set uses the number 78 to encode the @samp{+}
10099 character.
10100
10101 @node Caching Remote Data
10102 @section Caching Data of Remote Targets
10103 @cindex caching data of remote targets
10104
10105 @value{GDBN} caches data exchanged between the debugger and a
10106 remote target (@pxref{Remote Debugging}). Such caching generally improves
10107 performance, because it reduces the overhead of the remote protocol by
10108 bundling memory reads and writes into large chunks. Unfortunately, simply
10109 caching everything would lead to incorrect results, since @value{GDBN}
10110 does not necessarily know anything about volatile values, memory-mapped I/O
10111 addresses, etc. Furthermore, in non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode})
10112 memory can be changed @emph{while} a gdb command is executing.
10113 Therefore, by default, @value{GDBN} only caches data
10114 known to be on the stack@footnote{In non-stop mode, it is moderately
10115 rare for a running thread to modify the stack of a stopped thread
10116 in a way that would interfere with a backtrace, and caching of
10117 stack reads provides a significant speed up of remote backtraces.}.
10118 Other regions of memory can be explicitly marked as
10119 cacheable; see @pxref{Memory Region Attributes}.
10120
10121 @table @code
10122 @kindex set remotecache
10123 @item set remotecache on
10124 @itemx set remotecache off
10125 This option no longer does anything; it exists for compatibility
10126 with old scripts.
10127
10128 @kindex show remotecache
10129 @item show remotecache
10130 Show the current state of the obsolete remotecache flag.
10131
10132 @kindex set stack-cache
10133 @item set stack-cache on
10134 @itemx set stack-cache off
10135 Enable or disable caching of stack accesses. When @code{ON}, use
10136 caching. By default, this option is @code{ON}.
10137
10138 @kindex show stack-cache
10139 @item show stack-cache
10140 Show the current state of data caching for memory accesses.
10141
10142 @kindex info dcache
10143 @item info dcache @r{[}line@r{]}
10144 Print the information about the data cache performance. The
10145 information displayed includes the dcache width and depth, and for
10146 each cache line, its number, address, and how many times it was
10147 referenced. This command is useful for debugging the data cache
10148 operation.
10149
10150 If a line number is specified, the contents of that line will be
10151 printed in hex.
10152
10153 @item set dcache size @var{size}
10154 @cindex dcache size
10155 @kindex set dcache size
10156 Set maximum number of entries in dcache (dcache depth above).
10157
10158 @item set dcache line-size @var{line-size}
10159 @cindex dcache line-size
10160 @kindex set dcache line-size
10161 Set number of bytes each dcache entry caches (dcache width above).
10162 Must be a power of 2.
10163
10164 @item show dcache size
10165 @kindex show dcache size
10166 Show maximum number of dcache entries. See also @ref{Caching Remote Data, info dcache}.
10167
10168 @item show dcache line-size
10169 @kindex show dcache line-size
10170 Show default size of dcache lines. See also @ref{Caching Remote Data, info dcache}.
10171
10172 @end table
10173
10174 @node Searching Memory
10175 @section Search Memory
10176 @cindex searching memory
10177
10178 Memory can be searched for a particular sequence of bytes with the
10179 @code{find} command.
10180
10181 @table @code
10182 @kindex find
10183 @item find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, +@var{len}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
10184 @itemx find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, @var{end_addr}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
10185 Search memory for the sequence of bytes specified by @var{val1}, @var{val2},
10186 etc. The search begins at address @var{start_addr} and continues for either
10187 @var{len} bytes or through to @var{end_addr} inclusive.
10188 @end table
10189
10190 @var{s} and @var{n} are optional parameters.
10191 They may be specified in either order, apart or together.
10192
10193 @table @r
10194 @item @var{s}, search query size
10195 The size of each search query value.
10196
10197 @table @code
10198 @item b
10199 bytes
10200 @item h
10201 halfwords (two bytes)
10202 @item w
10203 words (four bytes)
10204 @item g
10205 giant words (eight bytes)
10206 @end table
10207
10208 All values are interpreted in the current language.
10209 This means, for example, that if the current source language is C/C@t{++}
10210 then searching for the string ``hello'' includes the trailing '\0'.
10211
10212 If the value size is not specified, it is taken from the
10213 value's type in the current language.
10214 This is useful when one wants to specify the search
10215 pattern as a mixture of types.
10216 Note that this means, for example, that in the case of C-like languages
10217 a search for an untyped 0x42 will search for @samp{(int) 0x42}
10218 which is typically four bytes.
10219
10220 @item @var{n}, maximum number of finds
10221 The maximum number of matches to print. The default is to print all finds.
10222 @end table
10223
10224 You can use strings as search values. Quote them with double-quotes
10225 (@code{"}).
10226 The string value is copied into the search pattern byte by byte,
10227 regardless of the endianness of the target and the size specification.
10228
10229 The address of each match found is printed as well as a count of the
10230 number of matches found.
10231
10232 The address of the last value found is stored in convenience variable
10233 @samp{$_}.
10234 A count of the number of matches is stored in @samp{$numfound}.
10235
10236 For example, if stopped at the @code{printf} in this function:
10237
10238 @smallexample
10239 void
10240 hello ()
10241 @{
10242 static char hello[] = "hello-hello";
10243 static struct @{ char c; short s; int i; @}
10244 __attribute__ ((packed)) mixed
10245 = @{ 'c', 0x1234, 0x87654321 @};
10246 printf ("%s\n", hello);
10247 @}
10248 @end smallexample
10249
10250 @noindent
10251 you get during debugging:
10252
10253 @smallexample
10254 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), "hello"
10255 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
10256 1 pattern found
10257 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 'e', 'l', 'l', 'o'
10258 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
10259 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
10260 2 patterns found
10261 (gdb) find /b1 &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 0x65, 'l'
10262 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
10263 1 pattern found
10264 (gdb) find &mixed, +sizeof(mixed), (char) 'c', (short) 0x1234, (int) 0x87654321
10265 0x8049560 <mixed.1625>
10266 1 pattern found
10267 (gdb) print $numfound
10268 $1 = 1
10269 (gdb) print $_
10270 $2 = (void *) 0x8049560
10271 @end smallexample
10272
10273 @node Optimized Code
10274 @chapter Debugging Optimized Code
10275 @cindex optimized code, debugging
10276 @cindex debugging optimized code
10277
10278 Almost all compilers support optimization. With optimization
10279 disabled, the compiler generates assembly code that corresponds
10280 directly to your source code, in a simplistic way. As the compiler
10281 applies more powerful optimizations, the generated assembly code
10282 diverges from your original source code. With help from debugging
10283 information generated by the compiler, @value{GDBN} can map from
10284 the running program back to constructs from your original source.
10285
10286 @value{GDBN} is more accurate with optimization disabled. If you
10287 can recompile without optimization, it is easier to follow the
10288 progress of your program during debugging. But, there are many cases
10289 where you may need to debug an optimized version.
10290
10291 When you debug a program compiled with @samp{-g -O}, remember that the
10292 optimizer has rearranged your code; the debugger shows you what is
10293 really there. Do not be too surprised when the execution path does not
10294 exactly match your source file! An extreme example: if you define a
10295 variable, but never use it, @value{GDBN} never sees that
10296 variable---because the compiler optimizes it out of existence.
10297
10298 Some things do not work as well with @samp{-g -O} as with just
10299 @samp{-g}, particularly on machines with instruction scheduling. If in
10300 doubt, recompile with @samp{-g} alone, and if this fixes the problem,
10301 please report it to us as a bug (including a test case!).
10302 @xref{Variables}, for more information about debugging optimized code.
10303
10304 @menu
10305 * Inline Functions:: How @value{GDBN} presents inlining
10306 * Tail Call Frames:: @value{GDBN} analysis of jumps to functions
10307 @end menu
10308
10309 @node Inline Functions
10310 @section Inline Functions
10311 @cindex inline functions, debugging
10312
10313 @dfn{Inlining} is an optimization that inserts a copy of the function
10314 body directly at each call site, instead of jumping to a shared
10315 routine. @value{GDBN} displays inlined functions just like
10316 non-inlined functions. They appear in backtraces. You can view their
10317 arguments and local variables, step into them with @code{step}, skip
10318 them with @code{next}, and escape from them with @code{finish}.
10319 You can check whether a function was inlined by using the
10320 @code{info frame} command.
10321
10322 For @value{GDBN} to support inlined functions, the compiler must
10323 record information about inlining in the debug information ---
10324 @value{NGCC} using the @sc{dwarf 2} format does this, and several
10325 other compilers do also. @value{GDBN} only supports inlined functions
10326 when using @sc{dwarf 2}. Versions of @value{NGCC} before 4.1
10327 do not emit two required attributes (@samp{DW_AT_call_file} and
10328 @samp{DW_AT_call_line}); @value{GDBN} does not display inlined
10329 function calls with earlier versions of @value{NGCC}. It instead
10330 displays the arguments and local variables of inlined functions as
10331 local variables in the caller.
10332
10333 The body of an inlined function is directly included at its call site;
10334 unlike a non-inlined function, there are no instructions devoted to
10335 the call. @value{GDBN} still pretends that the call site and the
10336 start of the inlined function are different instructions. Stepping to
10337 the call site shows the call site, and then stepping again shows
10338 the first line of the inlined function, even though no additional
10339 instructions are executed.
10340
10341 This makes source-level debugging much clearer; you can see both the
10342 context of the call and then the effect of the call. Only stepping by
10343 a single instruction using @code{stepi} or @code{nexti} does not do
10344 this; single instruction steps always show the inlined body.
10345
10346 There are some ways that @value{GDBN} does not pretend that inlined
10347 function calls are the same as normal calls:
10348
10349 @itemize @bullet
10350 @item
10351 Setting breakpoints at the call site of an inlined function may not
10352 work, because the call site does not contain any code. @value{GDBN}
10353 may incorrectly move the breakpoint to the next line of the enclosing
10354 function, after the call. This limitation will be removed in a future
10355 version of @value{GDBN}; until then, set a breakpoint on an earlier line
10356 or inside the inlined function instead.
10357
10358 @item
10359 @value{GDBN} cannot locate the return value of inlined calls after
10360 using the @code{finish} command. This is a limitation of compiler-generated
10361 debugging information; after @code{finish}, you can step to the next line
10362 and print a variable where your program stored the return value.
10363
10364 @end itemize
10365
10366 @node Tail Call Frames
10367 @section Tail Call Frames
10368 @cindex tail call frames, debugging
10369
10370 Function @code{B} can call function @code{C} in its very last statement. In
10371 unoptimized compilation the call of @code{C} is immediately followed by return
10372 instruction at the end of @code{B} code. Optimizing compiler may replace the
10373 call and return in function @code{B} into one jump to function @code{C}
10374 instead. Such use of a jump instruction is called @dfn{tail call}.
10375
10376 During execution of function @code{C}, there will be no indication in the
10377 function call stack frames that it was tail-called from @code{B}. If function
10378 @code{A} regularly calls function @code{B} which tail-calls function @code{C},
10379 then @value{GDBN} will see @code{A} as the caller of @code{C}. However, in
10380 some cases @value{GDBN} can determine that @code{C} was tail-called from
10381 @code{B}, and it will then create fictitious call frame for that, with the
10382 return address set up as if @code{B} called @code{C} normally.
10383
10384 This functionality is currently supported only by DWARF 2 debugging format and
10385 the compiler has to produce @samp{DW_TAG_GNU_call_site} tags. With
10386 @value{NGCC}, you need to specify @option{-O -g} during compilation, to get
10387 this information.
10388
10389 @kbd{info frame} command (@pxref{Frame Info}) will indicate the tail call frame
10390 kind by text @code{tail call frame} such as in this sample @value{GDBN} output:
10391
10392 @smallexample
10393 (gdb) x/i $pc - 2
10394 0x40066b <b(int, double)+11>: jmp 0x400640 <c(int, double)>
10395 (gdb) info frame
10396 Stack level 1, frame at 0x7fffffffda30:
10397 rip = 0x40066d in b (amd64-entry-value.cc:59); saved rip 0x4004c5
10398 tail call frame, caller of frame at 0x7fffffffda30
10399 source language c++.
10400 Arglist at unknown address.
10401 Locals at unknown address, Previous frame's sp is 0x7fffffffda30
10402 @end smallexample
10403
10404 The detection of all the possible code path executions can find them ambiguous.
10405 There is no execution history stored (possible @ref{Reverse Execution} is never
10406 used for this purpose) and the last known caller could have reached the known
10407 callee by multiple different jump sequences. In such case @value{GDBN} still
10408 tries to show at least all the unambiguous top tail callers and all the
10409 unambiguous bottom tail calees, if any.
10410
10411 @table @code
10412 @anchor{set debug entry-values}
10413 @item set debug entry-values
10414 @kindex set debug entry-values
10415 When set to on, enables printing of analysis messages for both frame argument
10416 values at function entry and tail calls. It will show all the possible valid
10417 tail calls code paths it has considered. It will also print the intersection
10418 of them with the final unambiguous (possibly partial or even empty) code path
10419 result.
10420
10421 @item show debug entry-values
10422 @kindex show debug entry-values
10423 Show the current state of analysis messages printing for both frame argument
10424 values at function entry and tail calls.
10425 @end table
10426
10427 The analysis messages for tail calls can for example show why the virtual tail
10428 call frame for function @code{c} has not been recognized (due to the indirect
10429 reference by variable @code{x}):
10430
10431 @smallexample
10432 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void);
10433 void (*x) (void) = c;
10434 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ x++; @}
10435 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void) @{ a (); @}
10436 int main (void) @{ x (); return 0; @}
10437
10438 Breakpoint 1, DW_OP_GNU_entry_value resolving cannot find
10439 DW_TAG_GNU_call_site 0x40039a in main
10440 a () at t.c:3
10441 3 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ x++; @}
10442 (gdb) bt
10443 #0 a () at t.c:3
10444 #1 0x000000000040039a in main () at t.c:5
10445 @end smallexample
10446
10447 Another possibility is an ambiguous virtual tail call frames resolution:
10448
10449 @smallexample
10450 int i;
10451 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) f (void) @{ i++; @}
10452 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) e (void) @{ f (); @}
10453 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) d (void) @{ f (); @}
10454 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void) @{ d (); @}
10455 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) b (void)
10456 @{ if (i) c (); else e (); @}
10457 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ b (); @}
10458 int main (void) @{ a (); return 0; @}
10459
10460 tailcall: initial: 0x4004d2(a) 0x4004ce(b) 0x4004b2(c) 0x4004a2(d)
10461 tailcall: compare: 0x4004d2(a) 0x4004cc(b) 0x400492(e)
10462 tailcall: reduced: 0x4004d2(a) |
10463 (gdb) bt
10464 #0 f () at t.c:2
10465 #1 0x00000000004004d2 in a () at t.c:8
10466 #2 0x0000000000400395 in main () at t.c:9
10467 @end smallexample
10468
10469 @set CALLSEQ1A @code{main@value{ARROW}a@value{ARROW}b@value{ARROW}c@value{ARROW}d@value{ARROW}f}
10470 @set CALLSEQ2A @code{main@value{ARROW}a@value{ARROW}b@value{ARROW}e@value{ARROW}f}
10471
10472 @c Convert CALLSEQ#A to CALLSEQ#B depending on HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK.
10473 @ifset HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK
10474 @set ARROW @click{}
10475 @set CALLSEQ1B @clicksequence{@value{CALLSEQ1A}}
10476 @set CALLSEQ2B @clicksequence{@value{CALLSEQ2A}}
10477 @end ifset
10478 @ifclear HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK
10479 @set ARROW ->
10480 @set CALLSEQ1B @value{CALLSEQ1A}
10481 @set CALLSEQ2B @value{CALLSEQ2A}
10482 @end ifclear
10483
10484 Frames #0 and #2 are real, #1 is a virtual tail call frame.
10485 The code can have possible execution paths @value{CALLSEQ1B} or
10486 @value{CALLSEQ2B}, @value{GDBN} cannot find which one from the inferior state.
10487
10488 @code{initial:} state shows some random possible calling sequence @value{GDBN}
10489 has found. It then finds another possible calling sequcen - that one is
10490 prefixed by @code{compare:}. The non-ambiguous intersection of these two is
10491 printed as the @code{reduced:} calling sequence. That one could have many
10492 futher @code{compare:} and @code{reduced:} statements as long as there remain
10493 any non-ambiguous sequence entries.
10494
10495 For the frame of function @code{b} in both cases there are different possible
10496 @code{$pc} values (@code{0x4004cc} or @code{0x4004ce}), therefore this frame is
10497 also ambigous. The only non-ambiguous frame is the one for function @code{a},
10498 therefore this one is displayed to the user while the ambiguous frames are
10499 omitted.
10500
10501 There can be also reasons why printing of frame argument values at function
10502 entry may fail:
10503
10504 @smallexample
10505 int v;
10506 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (int i) @{ v++; @}
10507 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (int i);
10508 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) b (int i) @{ a (i); @}
10509 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (int i)
10510 @{ if (i) b (i - 1); else c (0); @}
10511 int main (void) @{ a (5); return 0; @}
10512
10513 (gdb) bt
10514 #0 c (i=i@@entry=0) at t.c:2
10515 #1 0x0000000000400428 in a (DW_OP_GNU_entry_value resolving has found
10516 function "a" at 0x400420 can call itself via tail calls
10517 i=<optimized out>) at t.c:6
10518 #2 0x000000000040036e in main () at t.c:7
10519 @end smallexample
10520
10521 @value{GDBN} cannot find out from the inferior state if and how many times did
10522 function @code{a} call itself (via function @code{b}) as these calls would be
10523 tail calls. Such tail calls would modify thue @code{i} variable, therefore
10524 @value{GDBN} cannot be sure the value it knows would be right - @value{GDBN}
10525 prints @code{<optimized out>} instead.
10526
10527 @node Macros
10528 @chapter C Preprocessor Macros
10529
10530 Some languages, such as C and C@t{++}, provide a way to define and invoke
10531 ``preprocessor macros'' which expand into strings of tokens.
10532 @value{GDBN} can evaluate expressions containing macro invocations, show
10533 the result of macro expansion, and show a macro's definition, including
10534 where it was defined.
10535
10536 You may need to compile your program specially to provide @value{GDBN}
10537 with information about preprocessor macros. Most compilers do not
10538 include macros in their debugging information, even when you compile
10539 with the @option{-g} flag. @xref{Compilation}.
10540
10541 A program may define a macro at one point, remove that definition later,
10542 and then provide a different definition after that. Thus, at different
10543 points in the program, a macro may have different definitions, or have
10544 no definition at all. If there is a current stack frame, @value{GDBN}
10545 uses the macros in scope at that frame's source code line. Otherwise,
10546 @value{GDBN} uses the macros in scope at the current listing location;
10547 see @ref{List}.
10548
10549 Whenever @value{GDBN} evaluates an expression, it always expands any
10550 macro invocations present in the expression. @value{GDBN} also provides
10551 the following commands for working with macros explicitly.
10552
10553 @table @code
10554
10555 @kindex macro expand
10556 @cindex macro expansion, showing the results of preprocessor
10557 @cindex preprocessor macro expansion, showing the results of
10558 @cindex expanding preprocessor macros
10559 @item macro expand @var{expression}
10560 @itemx macro exp @var{expression}
10561 Show the results of expanding all preprocessor macro invocations in
10562 @var{expression}. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does
10563 not parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression;
10564 it can be any string of tokens.
10565
10566 @kindex macro exp1
10567 @item macro expand-once @var{expression}
10568 @itemx macro exp1 @var{expression}
10569 @cindex expand macro once
10570 @i{(This command is not yet implemented.)} Show the results of
10571 expanding those preprocessor macro invocations that appear explicitly in
10572 @var{expression}. Macro invocations appearing in that expansion are
10573 left unchanged. This command allows you to see the effect of a
10574 particular macro more clearly, without being confused by further
10575 expansions. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does not
10576 parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression; it
10577 can be any string of tokens.
10578
10579 @kindex info macro
10580 @cindex macro definition, showing
10581 @cindex definition of a macro, showing
10582 @cindex macros, from debug info
10583 @item info macro [-a|-all] [--] @var{macro}
10584 Show the current definition or all definitions of the named @var{macro},
10585 and describe the source location or compiler command-line where that
10586 definition was established. The optional double dash is to signify the end of
10587 argument processing and the beginning of @var{macro} for non C-like macros where
10588 the macro may begin with a hyphen.
10589
10590 @kindex info macros
10591 @item info macros @var{linespec}
10592 Show all macro definitions that are in effect at the location specified
10593 by @var{linespec}, and describe the source location or compiler
10594 command-line where those definitions were established.
10595
10596 @kindex macro define
10597 @cindex user-defined macros
10598 @cindex defining macros interactively
10599 @cindex macros, user-defined
10600 @item macro define @var{macro} @var{replacement-list}
10601 @itemx macro define @var{macro}(@var{arglist}) @var{replacement-list}
10602 Introduce a definition for a preprocessor macro named @var{macro},
10603 invocations of which are replaced by the tokens given in
10604 @var{replacement-list}. The first form of this command defines an
10605 ``object-like'' macro, which takes no arguments; the second form
10606 defines a ``function-like'' macro, which takes the arguments given in
10607 @var{arglist}.
10608
10609 A definition introduced by this command is in scope in every
10610 expression evaluated in @value{GDBN}, until it is removed with the
10611 @code{macro undef} command, described below. The definition overrides
10612 all definitions for @var{macro} present in the program being debugged,
10613 as well as any previous user-supplied definition.
10614
10615 @kindex macro undef
10616 @item macro undef @var{macro}
10617 Remove any user-supplied definition for the macro named @var{macro}.
10618 This command only affects definitions provided with the @code{macro
10619 define} command, described above; it cannot remove definitions present
10620 in the program being debugged.
10621
10622 @kindex macro list
10623 @item macro list
10624 List all the macros defined using the @code{macro define} command.
10625 @end table
10626
10627 @cindex macros, example of debugging with
10628 Here is a transcript showing the above commands in action. First, we
10629 show our source files:
10630
10631 @smallexample
10632 $ cat sample.c
10633 #include <stdio.h>
10634 #include "sample.h"
10635
10636 #define M 42
10637 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
10638
10639 main ()
10640 @{
10641 #define N 28
10642 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
10643 #undef N
10644 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
10645 #define N 1729
10646 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
10647 @}
10648 $ cat sample.h
10649 #define Q <
10650 $
10651 @end smallexample
10652
10653 Now, we compile the program using the @sc{gnu} C compiler,
10654 @value{NGCC}. We pass the @option{-gdwarf-2}@footnote{This is the
10655 minimum. Recent versions of @value{NGCC} support @option{-gdwarf-3}
10656 and @option{-gdwarf-4}; we recommend always choosing the most recent
10657 version of DWARF.} @emph{and} @option{-g3} flags to ensure the compiler
10658 includes information about preprocessor macros in the debugging
10659 information.
10660
10661 @smallexample
10662 $ gcc -gdwarf-2 -g3 sample.c -o sample
10663 $
10664 @end smallexample
10665
10666 Now, we start @value{GDBN} on our sample program:
10667
10668 @smallexample
10669 $ gdb -nw sample
10670 GNU gdb 2002-05-06-cvs
10671 Copyright 2002 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
10672 GDB is free software, @dots{}
10673 (@value{GDBP})
10674 @end smallexample
10675
10676 We can expand macros and examine their definitions, even when the
10677 program is not running. @value{GDBN} uses the current listing position
10678 to decide which macro definitions are in scope:
10679
10680 @smallexample
10681 (@value{GDBP}) list main
10682 3
10683 4 #define M 42
10684 5 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
10685 6
10686 7 main ()
10687 8 @{
10688 9 #define N 28
10689 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
10690 11 #undef N
10691 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
10692 (@value{GDBP}) info macro ADD
10693 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:5
10694 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
10695 (@value{GDBP}) info macro Q
10696 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.h:1
10697 included at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:2
10698 #define Q <
10699 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand ADD(1)
10700 expands to: (42 + 1)
10701 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand-once ADD(1)
10702 expands to: once (M + 1)
10703 (@value{GDBP})
10704 @end smallexample
10705
10706 In the example above, note that @code{macro expand-once} expands only
10707 the macro invocation explicit in the original text --- the invocation of
10708 @code{ADD} --- but does not expand the invocation of the macro @code{M},
10709 which was introduced by @code{ADD}.
10710
10711 Once the program is running, @value{GDBN} uses the macro definitions in
10712 force at the source line of the current stack frame:
10713
10714 @smallexample
10715 (@value{GDBP}) break main
10716 Breakpoint 1 at 0x8048370: file sample.c, line 10.
10717 (@value{GDBP}) run
10718 Starting program: /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample
10719
10720 Breakpoint 1, main () at sample.c:10
10721 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
10722 (@value{GDBP})
10723 @end smallexample
10724
10725 At line 10, the definition of the macro @code{N} at line 9 is in force:
10726
10727 @smallexample
10728 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
10729 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:9
10730 #define N 28
10731 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
10732 expands to: 28 < 42
10733 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
10734 $1 = 1
10735 (@value{GDBP})
10736 @end smallexample
10737
10738 As we step over directives that remove @code{N}'s definition, and then
10739 give it a new definition, @value{GDBN} finds the definition (or lack
10740 thereof) in force at each point:
10741
10742 @smallexample
10743 (@value{GDBP}) next
10744 Hello, world!
10745 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
10746 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
10747 The symbol `N' has no definition as a C/C++ preprocessor macro
10748 at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:12
10749 (@value{GDBP}) next
10750 We're so creative.
10751 14 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
10752 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
10753 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:13
10754 #define N 1729
10755 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
10756 expands to: 1729 < 42
10757 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
10758 $2 = 0
10759 (@value{GDBP})
10760 @end smallexample
10761
10762 In addition to source files, macros can be defined on the compilation command
10763 line using the @option{-D@var{name}=@var{value}} syntax. For macros defined in
10764 such a way, @value{GDBN} displays the location of their definition as line zero
10765 of the source file submitted to the compiler.
10766
10767 @smallexample
10768 (@value{GDBP}) info macro __STDC__
10769 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:0
10770 -D__STDC__=1
10771 (@value{GDBP})
10772 @end smallexample
10773
10774
10775 @node Tracepoints
10776 @chapter Tracepoints
10777 @c This chapter is based on the documentation written by Michael
10778 @c Snyder, David Taylor, Jim Blandy, and Elena Zannoni.
10779
10780 @cindex tracepoints
10781 In some applications, it is not feasible for the debugger to interrupt
10782 the program's execution long enough for the developer to learn
10783 anything helpful about its behavior. If the program's correctness
10784 depends on its real-time behavior, delays introduced by a debugger
10785 might cause the program to change its behavior drastically, or perhaps
10786 fail, even when the code itself is correct. It is useful to be able
10787 to observe the program's behavior without interrupting it.
10788
10789 Using @value{GDBN}'s @code{trace} and @code{collect} commands, you can
10790 specify locations in the program, called @dfn{tracepoints}, and
10791 arbitrary expressions to evaluate when those tracepoints are reached.
10792 Later, using the @code{tfind} command, you can examine the values
10793 those expressions had when the program hit the tracepoints. The
10794 expressions may also denote objects in memory---structures or arrays,
10795 for example---whose values @value{GDBN} should record; while visiting
10796 a particular tracepoint, you may inspect those objects as if they were
10797 in memory at that moment. However, because @value{GDBN} records these
10798 values without interacting with you, it can do so quickly and
10799 unobtrusively, hopefully not disturbing the program's behavior.
10800
10801 The tracepoint facility is currently available only for remote
10802 targets. @xref{Targets}. In addition, your remote target must know
10803 how to collect trace data. This functionality is implemented in the
10804 remote stub; however, none of the stubs distributed with @value{GDBN}
10805 support tracepoints as of this writing. The format of the remote
10806 packets used to implement tracepoints are described in @ref{Tracepoint
10807 Packets}.
10808
10809 It is also possible to get trace data from a file, in a manner reminiscent
10810 of corefiles; you specify the filename, and use @code{tfind} to search
10811 through the file. @xref{Trace Files}, for more details.
10812
10813 This chapter describes the tracepoint commands and features.
10814
10815 @menu
10816 * Set Tracepoints::
10817 * Analyze Collected Data::
10818 * Tracepoint Variables::
10819 * Trace Files::
10820 @end menu
10821
10822 @node Set Tracepoints
10823 @section Commands to Set Tracepoints
10824
10825 Before running such a @dfn{trace experiment}, an arbitrary number of
10826 tracepoints can be set. A tracepoint is actually a special type of
10827 breakpoint (@pxref{Set Breaks}), so you can manipulate it using
10828 standard breakpoint commands. For instance, as with breakpoints,
10829 tracepoint numbers are successive integers starting from one, and many
10830 of the commands associated with tracepoints take the tracepoint number
10831 as their argument, to identify which tracepoint to work on.
10832
10833 For each tracepoint, you can specify, in advance, some arbitrary set
10834 of data that you want the target to collect in the trace buffer when
10835 it hits that tracepoint. The collected data can include registers,
10836 local variables, or global data. Later, you can use @value{GDBN}
10837 commands to examine the values these data had at the time the
10838 tracepoint was hit.
10839
10840 Tracepoints do not support every breakpoint feature. Ignore counts on
10841 tracepoints have no effect, and tracepoints cannot run @value{GDBN}
10842 commands when they are hit. Tracepoints may not be thread-specific
10843 either.
10844
10845 @cindex fast tracepoints
10846 Some targets may support @dfn{fast tracepoints}, which are inserted in
10847 a different way (such as with a jump instead of a trap), that is
10848 faster but possibly restricted in where they may be installed.
10849
10850 @cindex static tracepoints
10851 @cindex markers, static tracepoints
10852 @cindex probing markers, static tracepoints
10853 Regular and fast tracepoints are dynamic tracing facilities, meaning
10854 that they can be used to insert tracepoints at (almost) any location
10855 in the target. Some targets may also support controlling @dfn{static
10856 tracepoints} from @value{GDBN}. With static tracing, a set of
10857 instrumentation points, also known as @dfn{markers}, are embedded in
10858 the target program, and can be activated or deactivated by name or
10859 address. These are usually placed at locations which facilitate
10860 investigating what the target is actually doing. @value{GDBN}'s
10861 support for static tracing includes being able to list instrumentation
10862 points, and attach them with @value{GDBN} defined high level
10863 tracepoints that expose the whole range of convenience of
10864 @value{GDBN}'s tracepoints support. Namely, support for collecting
10865 registers values and values of global or local (to the instrumentation
10866 point) variables; tracepoint conditions and trace state variables.
10867 The act of installing a @value{GDBN} static tracepoint on an
10868 instrumentation point, or marker, is referred to as @dfn{probing} a
10869 static tracepoint marker.
10870
10871 @code{gdbserver} supports tracepoints on some target systems.
10872 @xref{Server,,Tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}}.
10873
10874 This section describes commands to set tracepoints and associated
10875 conditions and actions.
10876
10877 @menu
10878 * Create and Delete Tracepoints::
10879 * Enable and Disable Tracepoints::
10880 * Tracepoint Passcounts::
10881 * Tracepoint Conditions::
10882 * Trace State Variables::
10883 * Tracepoint Actions::
10884 * Listing Tracepoints::
10885 * Listing Static Tracepoint Markers::
10886 * Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments::
10887 * Tracepoint Restrictions::
10888 @end menu
10889
10890 @node Create and Delete Tracepoints
10891 @subsection Create and Delete Tracepoints
10892
10893 @table @code
10894 @cindex set tracepoint
10895 @kindex trace
10896 @item trace @var{location}
10897 The @code{trace} command is very similar to the @code{break} command.
10898 Its argument @var{location} can be a source line, a function name, or
10899 an address in the target program. @xref{Specify Location}. The
10900 @code{trace} command defines a tracepoint, which is a point in the
10901 target program where the debugger will briefly stop, collect some
10902 data, and then allow the program to continue. Setting a tracepoint or
10903 changing its actions takes effect immediately if the remote stub
10904 supports the @samp{InstallInTrace} feature (@pxref{install tracepoint
10905 in tracing}).
10906 If remote stub doesn't support the @samp{InstallInTrace} feature, all
10907 these changes don't take effect until the next @code{tstart}
10908 command, and once a trace experiment is running, further changes will
10909 not have any effect until the next trace experiment starts. In addition,
10910 @value{GDBN} supports @dfn{pending tracepoints}---tracepoints whose
10911 address is not yet resolved. (This is similar to pending breakpoints.)
10912 Pending tracepoints are not downloaded to the target and not installed
10913 until they are resolved. The resolution of pending tracepoints requires
10914 @value{GDBN} support---when debugging with the remote target, and
10915 @value{GDBN} disconnects from the remote stub (@pxref{disconnected
10916 tracing}), pending tracepoints can not be resolved (and downloaded to
10917 the remote stub) while @value{GDBN} is disconnected.
10918
10919 Here are some examples of using the @code{trace} command:
10920
10921 @smallexample
10922 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo.c:121} // a source file and line number
10923
10924 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace +2} // 2 lines forward
10925
10926 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace my_function} // first source line of function
10927
10928 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *my_function} // EXACT start address of function
10929
10930 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *0x2117c4} // an address
10931 @end smallexample
10932
10933 @noindent
10934 You can abbreviate @code{trace} as @code{tr}.
10935
10936 @item trace @var{location} if @var{cond}
10937 Set a tracepoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
10938 @var{cond} each time the tracepoint is reached, and collect data only
10939 if the value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
10940 @xref{Tracepoint Conditions, ,Tracepoint Conditions}, for more
10941 information on tracepoint conditions.
10942
10943 @item ftrace @var{location} [ if @var{cond} ]
10944 @cindex set fast tracepoint
10945 @cindex fast tracepoints, setting
10946 @kindex ftrace
10947 The @code{ftrace} command sets a fast tracepoint. For targets that
10948 support them, fast tracepoints will use a more efficient but possibly
10949 less general technique to trigger data collection, such as a jump
10950 instruction instead of a trap, or some sort of hardware support. It
10951 may not be possible to create a fast tracepoint at the desired
10952 location, in which case the command will exit with an explanatory
10953 message.
10954
10955 @value{GDBN} handles arguments to @code{ftrace} exactly as for
10956 @code{trace}.
10957
10958 On 32-bit x86-architecture systems, fast tracepoints normally need to
10959 be placed at an instruction that is 5 bytes or longer, but can be
10960 placed at 4-byte instructions if the low 64K of memory of the target
10961 program is available to install trampolines. Some Unix-type systems,
10962 such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, exclude low addresses from the program's
10963 address space; but for instance with the Linux kernel it is possible
10964 to let @value{GDBN} use this area by doing a @command{sysctl} command
10965 to set the @code{mmap_min_addr} kernel parameter, as in
10966
10967 @example
10968 sudo sysctl -w vm.mmap_min_addr=32768
10969 @end example
10970
10971 @noindent
10972 which sets the low address to 32K, which leaves plenty of room for
10973 trampolines. The minimum address should be set to a page boundary.
10974
10975 @item strace @var{location} [ if @var{cond} ]
10976 @cindex set static tracepoint
10977 @cindex static tracepoints, setting
10978 @cindex probe static tracepoint marker
10979 @kindex strace
10980 The @code{strace} command sets a static tracepoint. For targets that
10981 support it, setting a static tracepoint probes a static
10982 instrumentation point, or marker, found at @var{location}. It may not
10983 be possible to set a static tracepoint at the desired location, in
10984 which case the command will exit with an explanatory message.
10985
10986 @value{GDBN} handles arguments to @code{strace} exactly as for
10987 @code{trace}, with the addition that the user can also specify
10988 @code{-m @var{marker}} as @var{location}. This probes the marker
10989 identified by the @var{marker} string identifier. This identifier
10990 depends on the static tracepoint backend library your program is
10991 using. You can find all the marker identifiers in the @samp{ID} field
10992 of the @code{info static-tracepoint-markers} command output.
10993 @xref{Listing Static Tracepoint Markers,,Listing Static Tracepoint
10994 Markers}. For example, in the following small program using the UST
10995 tracing engine:
10996
10997 @smallexample
10998 main ()
10999 @{
11000 trace_mark(ust, bar33, "str %s", "FOOBAZ");
11001 @}
11002 @end smallexample
11003
11004 @noindent
11005 the marker id is composed of joining the first two arguments to the
11006 @code{trace_mark} call with a slash, which translates to:
11007
11008 @smallexample
11009 (@value{GDBP}) info static-tracepoint-markers
11010 Cnt Enb ID Address What
11011 1 n ust/bar33 0x0000000000400ddc in main at stexample.c:22
11012 Data: "str %s"
11013 [etc...]
11014 @end smallexample
11015
11016 @noindent
11017 so you may probe the marker above with:
11018
11019 @smallexample
11020 (@value{GDBP}) strace -m ust/bar33
11021 @end smallexample
11022
11023 Static tracepoints accept an extra collect action --- @code{collect
11024 $_sdata}. This collects arbitrary user data passed in the probe point
11025 call to the tracing library. In the UST example above, you'll see
11026 that the third argument to @code{trace_mark} is a printf-like format
11027 string. The user data is then the result of running that formating
11028 string against the following arguments. Note that @code{info
11029 static-tracepoint-markers} command output lists that format string in
11030 the @samp{Data:} field.
11031
11032 You can inspect this data when analyzing the trace buffer, by printing
11033 the $_sdata variable like any other variable available to
11034 @value{GDBN}. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}.
11035
11036 @vindex $tpnum
11037 @cindex last tracepoint number
11038 @cindex recent tracepoint number
11039 @cindex tracepoint number
11040 The convenience variable @code{$tpnum} records the tracepoint number
11041 of the most recently set tracepoint.
11042
11043 @kindex delete tracepoint
11044 @cindex tracepoint deletion
11045 @item delete tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
11046 Permanently delete one or more tracepoints. With no argument, the
11047 default is to delete all tracepoints. Note that the regular
11048 @code{delete} command can remove tracepoints also.
11049
11050 Examples:
11051
11052 @smallexample
11053 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace 1 2 3} // remove three tracepoints
11054
11055 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace} // remove all tracepoints
11056 @end smallexample
11057
11058 @noindent
11059 You can abbreviate this command as @code{del tr}.
11060 @end table
11061
11062 @node Enable and Disable Tracepoints
11063 @subsection Enable and Disable Tracepoints
11064
11065 These commands are deprecated; they are equivalent to plain @code{disable} and @code{enable}.
11066
11067 @table @code
11068 @kindex disable tracepoint
11069 @item disable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
11070 Disable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints if no argument
11071 @var{num} is given. A disabled tracepoint will have no effect during
11072 a trace experiment, but it is not forgotten. You can re-enable
11073 a disabled tracepoint using the @code{enable tracepoint} command.
11074 If the command is issued during a trace experiment and the debug target
11075 has support for disabling tracepoints during a trace experiment, then the
11076 change will be effective immediately. Otherwise, it will be applied to the
11077 next trace experiment.
11078
11079 @kindex enable tracepoint
11080 @item enable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
11081 Enable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints. If this command is
11082 issued during a trace experiment and the debug target supports enabling
11083 tracepoints during a trace experiment, then the enabled tracepoints will
11084 become effective immediately. Otherwise, they will become effective the
11085 next time a trace experiment is run.
11086 @end table
11087
11088 @node Tracepoint Passcounts
11089 @subsection Tracepoint Passcounts
11090
11091 @table @code
11092 @kindex passcount
11093 @cindex tracepoint pass count
11094 @item passcount @r{[}@var{n} @r{[}@var{num}@r{]]}
11095 Set the @dfn{passcount} of a tracepoint. The passcount is a way to
11096 automatically stop a trace experiment. If a tracepoint's passcount is
11097 @var{n}, then the trace experiment will be automatically stopped on
11098 the @var{n}'th time that tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number
11099 @var{num} is not specified, the @code{passcount} command sets the
11100 passcount of the most recently defined tracepoint. If no passcount is
11101 given, the trace experiment will run until stopped explicitly by the
11102 user.
11103
11104 Examples:
11105
11106 @smallexample
11107 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 5 2} // Stop on the 5th execution of
11108 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// tracepoint 2}
11109
11110 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 12} // Stop on the 12th execution of the
11111 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// most recently defined tracepoint.}
11112 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
11113 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 3}
11114 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace bar}
11115 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 2}
11116 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace baz}
11117 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 1} // Stop tracing when foo has been
11118 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// executed 3 times OR when bar has}
11119 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// been executed 2 times}
11120 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// OR when baz has been executed 1 time.}
11121 @end smallexample
11122 @end table
11123
11124 @node Tracepoint Conditions
11125 @subsection Tracepoint Conditions
11126 @cindex conditional tracepoints
11127 @cindex tracepoint conditions
11128
11129 The simplest sort of tracepoint collects data every time your program
11130 reaches a specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for
11131 a tracepoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
11132 programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A
11133 tracepoint with a condition evaluates the expression each time your
11134 program reaches it, and data collection happens only if the condition
11135 is true.
11136
11137 Tracepoint conditions can be specified when a tracepoint is set, by
11138 using @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{trace} command.
11139 @xref{Create and Delete Tracepoints, ,Setting Tracepoints}. They can
11140 also be set or changed at any time with the @code{condition} command,
11141 just as with breakpoints.
11142
11143 Unlike breakpoint conditions, @value{GDBN} does not actually evaluate
11144 the conditional expression itself. Instead, @value{GDBN} encodes the
11145 expression into an agent expression (@pxref{Agent Expressions})
11146 suitable for execution on the target, independently of @value{GDBN}.
11147 Global variables become raw memory locations, locals become stack
11148 accesses, and so forth.
11149
11150 For instance, suppose you have a function that is usually called
11151 frequently, but should not be called after an error has occurred. You
11152 could use the following tracepoint command to collect data about calls
11153 of that function that happen while the error code is propagating
11154 through the program; an unconditional tracepoint could end up
11155 collecting thousands of useless trace frames that you would have to
11156 search through.
11157
11158 @smallexample
11159 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{trace normal_operation if errcode > 0}
11160 @end smallexample
11161
11162 @node Trace State Variables
11163 @subsection Trace State Variables
11164 @cindex trace state variables
11165
11166 A @dfn{trace state variable} is a special type of variable that is
11167 created and managed by target-side code. The syntax is the same as
11168 that for GDB's convenience variables (a string prefixed with ``$''),
11169 but they are stored on the target. They must be created explicitly,
11170 using a @code{tvariable} command. They are always 64-bit signed
11171 integers.
11172
11173 Trace state variables are remembered by @value{GDBN}, and downloaded
11174 to the target along with tracepoint information when the trace
11175 experiment starts. There are no intrinsic limits on the number of
11176 trace state variables, beyond memory limitations of the target.
11177
11178 @cindex convenience variables, and trace state variables
11179 Although trace state variables are managed by the target, you can use
11180 them in print commands and expressions as if they were convenience
11181 variables; @value{GDBN} will get the current value from the target
11182 while the trace experiment is running. Trace state variables share
11183 the same namespace as other ``$'' variables, which means that you
11184 cannot have trace state variables with names like @code{$23} or
11185 @code{$pc}, nor can you have a trace state variable and a convenience
11186 variable with the same name.
11187
11188 @table @code
11189
11190 @item tvariable $@var{name} [ = @var{expression} ]
11191 @kindex tvariable
11192 The @code{tvariable} command creates a new trace state variable named
11193 @code{$@var{name}}, and optionally gives it an initial value of
11194 @var{expression}. @var{expression} is evaluated when this command is
11195 entered; the result will be converted to an integer if possible,
11196 otherwise @value{GDBN} will report an error. A subsequent
11197 @code{tvariable} command specifying the same name does not create a
11198 variable, but instead assigns the supplied initial value to the
11199 existing variable of that name, overwriting any previous initial
11200 value. The default initial value is 0.
11201
11202 @item info tvariables
11203 @kindex info tvariables
11204 List all the trace state variables along with their initial values.
11205 Their current values may also be displayed, if the trace experiment is
11206 currently running.
11207
11208 @item delete tvariable @r{[} $@var{name} @dots{} @r{]}
11209 @kindex delete tvariable
11210 Delete the given trace state variables, or all of them if no arguments
11211 are specified.
11212
11213 @end table
11214
11215 @node Tracepoint Actions
11216 @subsection Tracepoint Action Lists
11217
11218 @table @code
11219 @kindex actions
11220 @cindex tracepoint actions
11221 @item actions @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
11222 This command will prompt for a list of actions to be taken when the
11223 tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number @var{num} is not
11224 specified, this command sets the actions for the one that was most
11225 recently defined (so that you can define a tracepoint and then say
11226 @code{actions} without bothering about its number). You specify the
11227 actions themselves on the following lines, one action at a time, and
11228 terminate the actions list with a line containing just @code{end}. So
11229 far, the only defined actions are @code{collect}, @code{teval}, and
11230 @code{while-stepping}.
11231
11232 @code{actions} is actually equivalent to @code{commands} (@pxref{Break
11233 Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}), except that only the defined
11234 actions are allowed; any other @value{GDBN} command is rejected.
11235
11236 @cindex remove actions from a tracepoint
11237 To remove all actions from a tracepoint, type @samp{actions @var{num}}
11238 and follow it immediately with @samp{end}.
11239
11240 @smallexample
11241 (@value{GDBP}) @b{collect @var{data}} // collect some data
11242
11243 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while-stepping 5} // single-step 5 times, collect data
11244
11245 (@value{GDBP}) @b{end} // signals the end of actions.
11246 @end smallexample
11247
11248 In the following example, the action list begins with @code{collect}
11249 commands indicating the things to be collected when the tracepoint is
11250 hit. Then, in order to single-step and collect additional data
11251 following the tracepoint, a @code{while-stepping} command is used,
11252 followed by the list of things to be collected after each step in a
11253 sequence of single steps. The @code{while-stepping} command is
11254 terminated by its own separate @code{end} command. Lastly, the action
11255 list is terminated by an @code{end} command.
11256
11257 @smallexample
11258 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
11259 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
11260 Enter actions for tracepoint 1, one per line:
11261 > collect bar,baz
11262 > collect $regs
11263 > while-stepping 12
11264 > collect $pc, arr[i]
11265 > end
11266 end
11267 @end smallexample
11268
11269 @kindex collect @r{(tracepoints)}
11270 @item collect@r{[}/@var{mods}@r{]} @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
11271 Collect values of the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit.
11272 This command accepts a comma-separated list of any valid expressions.
11273 In addition to global, static, or local variables, the following
11274 special arguments are supported:
11275
11276 @table @code
11277 @item $regs
11278 Collect all registers.
11279
11280 @item $args
11281 Collect all function arguments.
11282
11283 @item $locals
11284 Collect all local variables.
11285
11286 @item $_ret
11287 Collect the return address. This is helpful if you want to see more
11288 of a backtrace.
11289
11290 @item $_probe_argc
11291 Collects the number of arguments from the static probe at which the
11292 tracepoint is located.
11293 @xref{Static Probe Points}.
11294
11295 @item $_probe_arg@var{n}
11296 @var{n} is an integer between 0 and 11. Collects the @var{n}th argument
11297 from the static probe at which the tracepoint is located.
11298 @xref{Static Probe Points}.
11299
11300 @item $_sdata
11301 @vindex $_sdata@r{, collect}
11302 Collect static tracepoint marker specific data. Only available for
11303 static tracepoints. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action
11304 Lists}. On the UST static tracepoints library backend, an
11305 instrumentation point resembles a @code{printf} function call. The
11306 tracing library is able to collect user specified data formatted to a
11307 character string using the format provided by the programmer that
11308 instrumented the program. Other backends have similar mechanisms.
11309 Here's an example of a UST marker call:
11310
11311 @smallexample
11312 const char master_name[] = "$your_name";
11313 trace_mark(channel1, marker1, "hello %s", master_name)
11314 @end smallexample
11315
11316 In this case, collecting @code{$_sdata} collects the string
11317 @samp{hello $yourname}. When analyzing the trace buffer, you can
11318 inspect @samp{$_sdata} like any other variable available to
11319 @value{GDBN}.
11320 @end table
11321
11322 You can give several consecutive @code{collect} commands, each one
11323 with a single argument, or one @code{collect} command with several
11324 arguments separated by commas; the effect is the same.
11325
11326 The optional @var{mods} changes the usual handling of the arguments.
11327 @code{s} requests that pointers to chars be handled as strings, in
11328 particular collecting the contents of the memory being pointed at, up
11329 to the first zero. The upper bound is by default the value of the
11330 @code{print elements} variable; if @code{s} is followed by a decimal
11331 number, that is the upper bound instead. So for instance
11332 @samp{collect/s25 mystr} collects as many as 25 characters at
11333 @samp{mystr}.
11334
11335 The command @code{info scope} (@pxref{Symbols, info scope}) is
11336 particularly useful for figuring out what data to collect.
11337
11338 @kindex teval @r{(tracepoints)}
11339 @item teval @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
11340 Evaluate the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit. This
11341 command accepts a comma-separated list of expressions. The results
11342 are discarded, so this is mainly useful for assigning values to trace
11343 state variables (@pxref{Trace State Variables}) without adding those
11344 values to the trace buffer, as would be the case if the @code{collect}
11345 action were used.
11346
11347 @kindex while-stepping @r{(tracepoints)}
11348 @item while-stepping @var{n}
11349 Perform @var{n} single-step instruction traces after the tracepoint,
11350 collecting new data after each step. The @code{while-stepping}
11351 command is followed by the list of what to collect while stepping
11352 (followed by its own @code{end} command):
11353
11354 @smallexample
11355 > while-stepping 12
11356 > collect $regs, myglobal
11357 > end
11358 >
11359 @end smallexample
11360
11361 @noindent
11362 Note that @code{$pc} is not automatically collected by
11363 @code{while-stepping}; you need to explicitly collect that register if
11364 you need it. You may abbreviate @code{while-stepping} as @code{ws} or
11365 @code{stepping}.
11366
11367 @item set default-collect @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
11368 @kindex set default-collect
11369 @cindex default collection action
11370 This variable is a list of expressions to collect at each tracepoint
11371 hit. It is effectively an additional @code{collect} action prepended
11372 to every tracepoint action list. The expressions are parsed
11373 individually for each tracepoint, so for instance a variable named
11374 @code{xyz} may be interpreted as a global for one tracepoint, and a
11375 local for another, as appropriate to the tracepoint's location.
11376
11377 @item show default-collect
11378 @kindex show default-collect
11379 Show the list of expressions that are collected by default at each
11380 tracepoint hit.
11381
11382 @end table
11383
11384 @node Listing Tracepoints
11385 @subsection Listing Tracepoints
11386
11387 @table @code
11388 @kindex info tracepoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
11389 @kindex info tp @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
11390 @cindex information about tracepoints
11391 @item info tracepoints @r{[}@var{num}@dots{}@r{]}
11392 Display information about the tracepoint @var{num}. If you don't
11393 specify a tracepoint number, displays information about all the
11394 tracepoints defined so far. The format is similar to that used for
11395 @code{info breakpoints}; in fact, @code{info tracepoints} is the same
11396 command, simply restricting itself to tracepoints.
11397
11398 A tracepoint's listing may include additional information specific to
11399 tracing:
11400
11401 @itemize @bullet
11402 @item
11403 its passcount as given by the @code{passcount @var{n}} command
11404 @end itemize
11405
11406 @smallexample
11407 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info trace}
11408 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
11409 1 tracepoint keep y 0x0804ab57 in foo() at main.cxx:7
11410 while-stepping 20
11411 collect globfoo, $regs
11412 end
11413 collect globfoo2
11414 end
11415 pass count 1200
11416 (@value{GDBP})
11417 @end smallexample
11418
11419 @noindent
11420 This command can be abbreviated @code{info tp}.
11421 @end table
11422
11423 @node Listing Static Tracepoint Markers
11424 @subsection Listing Static Tracepoint Markers
11425
11426 @table @code
11427 @kindex info static-tracepoint-markers
11428 @cindex information about static tracepoint markers
11429 @item info static-tracepoint-markers
11430 Display information about all static tracepoint markers defined in the
11431 program.
11432
11433 For each marker, the following columns are printed:
11434
11435 @table @emph
11436 @item Count
11437 An incrementing counter, output to help readability. This is not a
11438 stable identifier.
11439 @item ID
11440 The marker ID, as reported by the target.
11441 @item Enabled or Disabled
11442 Probed markers are tagged with @samp{y}. @samp{n} identifies marks
11443 that are not enabled.
11444 @item Address
11445 Where the marker is in your program, as a memory address.
11446 @item What
11447 Where the marker is in the source for your program, as a file and line
11448 number. If the debug information included in the program does not
11449 allow @value{GDBN} to locate the source of the marker, this column
11450 will be left blank.
11451 @end table
11452
11453 @noindent
11454 In addition, the following information may be printed for each marker:
11455
11456 @table @emph
11457 @item Data
11458 User data passed to the tracing library by the marker call. In the
11459 UST backend, this is the format string passed as argument to the
11460 marker call.
11461 @item Static tracepoints probing the marker
11462 The list of static tracepoints attached to the marker.
11463 @end table
11464
11465 @smallexample
11466 (@value{GDBP}) info static-tracepoint-markers
11467 Cnt ID Enb Address What
11468 1 ust/bar2 y 0x0000000000400e1a in main at stexample.c:25
11469 Data: number1 %d number2 %d
11470 Probed by static tracepoints: #2
11471 2 ust/bar33 n 0x0000000000400c87 in main at stexample.c:24
11472 Data: str %s
11473 (@value{GDBP})
11474 @end smallexample
11475 @end table
11476
11477 @node Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
11478 @subsection Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
11479
11480 @table @code
11481 @kindex tstart [ @var{notes} ]
11482 @cindex start a new trace experiment
11483 @cindex collected data discarded
11484 @item tstart
11485 This command starts the trace experiment, and begins collecting data.
11486 It has the side effect of discarding all the data collected in the
11487 trace buffer during the previous trace experiment. If any arguments
11488 are supplied, they are taken as a note and stored with the trace
11489 experiment's state. The notes may be arbitrary text, and are
11490 especially useful with disconnected tracing in a multi-user context;
11491 the notes can explain what the trace is doing, supply user contact
11492 information, and so forth.
11493
11494 @kindex tstop [ @var{notes} ]
11495 @cindex stop a running trace experiment
11496 @item tstop
11497 This command stops the trace experiment. If any arguments are
11498 supplied, they are recorded with the experiment as a note. This is
11499 useful if you are stopping a trace started by someone else, for
11500 instance if the trace is interfering with the system's behavior and
11501 needs to be stopped quickly.
11502
11503 @strong{Note}: a trace experiment and data collection may stop
11504 automatically if any tracepoint's passcount is reached
11505 (@pxref{Tracepoint Passcounts}), or if the trace buffer becomes full.
11506
11507 @kindex tstatus
11508 @cindex status of trace data collection
11509 @cindex trace experiment, status of
11510 @item tstatus
11511 This command displays the status of the current trace data
11512 collection.
11513 @end table
11514
11515 Here is an example of the commands we described so far:
11516
11517 @smallexample
11518 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace gdb_c_test}
11519 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
11520 Enter actions for tracepoint #1, one per line.
11521 > collect $regs,$locals,$args
11522 > while-stepping 11
11523 > collect $regs
11524 > end
11525 > end
11526 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
11527 [time passes @dots{}]
11528 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstop}
11529 @end smallexample
11530
11531 @anchor{disconnected tracing}
11532 @cindex disconnected tracing
11533 You can choose to continue running the trace experiment even if
11534 @value{GDBN} disconnects from the target, voluntarily or
11535 involuntarily. For commands such as @code{detach}, the debugger will
11536 ask what you want to do with the trace. But for unexpected
11537 terminations (@value{GDBN} crash, network outage), it would be
11538 unfortunate to lose hard-won trace data, so the variable
11539 @code{disconnected-tracing} lets you decide whether the trace should
11540 continue running without @value{GDBN}.
11541
11542 @table @code
11543 @item set disconnected-tracing on
11544 @itemx set disconnected-tracing off
11545 @kindex set disconnected-tracing
11546 Choose whether a tracing run should continue to run if @value{GDBN}
11547 has disconnected from the target. Note that @code{detach} or
11548 @code{quit} will ask you directly what to do about a running trace no
11549 matter what this variable's setting, so the variable is mainly useful
11550 for handling unexpected situations, such as loss of the network.
11551
11552 @item show disconnected-tracing
11553 @kindex show disconnected-tracing
11554 Show the current choice for disconnected tracing.
11555
11556 @end table
11557
11558 When you reconnect to the target, the trace experiment may or may not
11559 still be running; it might have filled the trace buffer in the
11560 meantime, or stopped for one of the other reasons. If it is running,
11561 it will continue after reconnection.
11562
11563 Upon reconnection, the target will upload information about the
11564 tracepoints in effect. @value{GDBN} will then compare that
11565 information to the set of tracepoints currently defined, and attempt
11566 to match them up, allowing for the possibility that the numbers may
11567 have changed due to creation and deletion in the meantime. If one of
11568 the target's tracepoints does not match any in @value{GDBN}, the
11569 debugger will create a new tracepoint, so that you have a number with
11570 which to specify that tracepoint. This matching-up process is
11571 necessarily heuristic, and it may result in useless tracepoints being
11572 created; you may simply delete them if they are of no use.
11573
11574 @cindex circular trace buffer
11575 If your target agent supports a @dfn{circular trace buffer}, then you
11576 can run a trace experiment indefinitely without filling the trace
11577 buffer; when space runs out, the agent deletes already-collected trace
11578 frames, oldest first, until there is enough room to continue
11579 collecting. This is especially useful if your tracepoints are being
11580 hit too often, and your trace gets terminated prematurely because the
11581 buffer is full. To ask for a circular trace buffer, simply set
11582 @samp{circular-trace-buffer} to on. You can set this at any time,
11583 including during tracing; if the agent can do it, it will change
11584 buffer handling on the fly, otherwise it will not take effect until
11585 the next run.
11586
11587 @table @code
11588 @item set circular-trace-buffer on
11589 @itemx set circular-trace-buffer off
11590 @kindex set circular-trace-buffer
11591 Choose whether a tracing run should use a linear or circular buffer
11592 for trace data. A linear buffer will not lose any trace data, but may
11593 fill up prematurely, while a circular buffer will discard old trace
11594 data, but it will have always room for the latest tracepoint hits.
11595
11596 @item show circular-trace-buffer
11597 @kindex show circular-trace-buffer
11598 Show the current choice for the trace buffer. Note that this may not
11599 match the agent's current buffer handling, nor is it guaranteed to
11600 match the setting that might have been in effect during a past run,
11601 for instance if you are looking at frames from a trace file.
11602
11603 @end table
11604
11605 @table @code
11606 @item set trace-user @var{text}
11607 @kindex set trace-user
11608
11609 @item show trace-user
11610 @kindex show trace-user
11611
11612 @item set trace-notes @var{text}
11613 @kindex set trace-notes
11614 Set the trace run's notes.
11615
11616 @item show trace-notes
11617 @kindex show trace-notes
11618 Show the trace run's notes.
11619
11620 @item set trace-stop-notes @var{text}
11621 @kindex set trace-stop-notes
11622 Set the trace run's stop notes. The handling of the note is as for
11623 @code{tstop} arguments; the set command is convenient way to fix a
11624 stop note that is mistaken or incomplete.
11625
11626 @item show trace-stop-notes
11627 @kindex show trace-stop-notes
11628 Show the trace run's stop notes.
11629
11630 @end table
11631
11632 @node Tracepoint Restrictions
11633 @subsection Tracepoint Restrictions
11634
11635 @cindex tracepoint restrictions
11636 There are a number of restrictions on the use of tracepoints. As
11637 described above, tracepoint data gathering occurs on the target
11638 without interaction from @value{GDBN}. Thus the full capabilities of
11639 the debugger are not available during data gathering, and then at data
11640 examination time, you will be limited by only having what was
11641 collected. The following items describe some common problems, but it
11642 is not exhaustive, and you may run into additional difficulties not
11643 mentioned here.
11644
11645 @itemize @bullet
11646
11647 @item
11648 Tracepoint expressions are intended to gather objects (lvalues). Thus
11649 the full flexibility of GDB's expression evaluator is not available.
11650 You cannot call functions, cast objects to aggregate types, access
11651 convenience variables or modify values (except by assignment to trace
11652 state variables). Some language features may implicitly call
11653 functions (for instance Objective-C fields with accessors), and therefore
11654 cannot be collected either.
11655
11656 @item
11657 Collection of local variables, either individually or in bulk with
11658 @code{$locals} or @code{$args}, during @code{while-stepping} may
11659 behave erratically. The stepping action may enter a new scope (for
11660 instance by stepping into a function), or the location of the variable
11661 may change (for instance it is loaded into a register). The
11662 tracepoint data recorded uses the location information for the
11663 variables that is correct for the tracepoint location. When the
11664 tracepoint is created, it is not possible, in general, to determine
11665 where the steps of a @code{while-stepping} sequence will advance the
11666 program---particularly if a conditional branch is stepped.
11667
11668 @item
11669 Collection of an incompletely-initialized or partially-destroyed object
11670 may result in something that @value{GDBN} cannot display, or displays
11671 in a misleading way.
11672
11673 @item
11674 When @value{GDBN} displays a pointer to character it automatically
11675 dereferences the pointer to also display characters of the string
11676 being pointed to. However, collecting the pointer during tracing does
11677 not automatically collect the string. You need to explicitly
11678 dereference the pointer and provide size information if you want to
11679 collect not only the pointer, but the memory pointed to. For example,
11680 @code{*ptr@@50} can be used to collect the 50 element array pointed to
11681 by @code{ptr}.
11682
11683 @item
11684 It is not possible to collect a complete stack backtrace at a
11685 tracepoint. Instead, you may collect the registers and a few hundred
11686 bytes from the stack pointer with something like @code{*(unsigned char *)$esp@@300}
11687 (adjust to use the name of the actual stack pointer register on your
11688 target architecture, and the amount of stack you wish to capture).
11689 Then the @code{backtrace} command will show a partial backtrace when
11690 using a trace frame. The number of stack frames that can be examined
11691 depends on the sizes of the frames in the collected stack. Note that
11692 if you ask for a block so large that it goes past the bottom of the
11693 stack, the target agent may report an error trying to read from an
11694 invalid address.
11695
11696 @item
11697 If you do not collect registers at a tracepoint, @value{GDBN} can
11698 infer that the value of @code{$pc} must be the same as the address of
11699 the tracepoint and use that when you are looking at a trace frame
11700 for that tracepoint. However, this cannot work if the tracepoint has
11701 multiple locations (for instance if it was set in a function that was
11702 inlined), or if it has a @code{while-stepping} loop. In those cases
11703 @value{GDBN} will warn you that it can't infer @code{$pc}, and default
11704 it to zero.
11705
11706 @end itemize
11707
11708 @node Analyze Collected Data
11709 @section Using the Collected Data
11710
11711 After the tracepoint experiment ends, you use @value{GDBN} commands
11712 for examining the trace data. The basic idea is that each tracepoint
11713 collects a trace @dfn{snapshot} every time it is hit and another
11714 snapshot every time it single-steps. All these snapshots are
11715 consecutively numbered from zero and go into a buffer, and you can
11716 examine them later. The way you examine them is to @dfn{focus} on a
11717 specific trace snapshot. When the remote stub is focused on a trace
11718 snapshot, it will respond to all @value{GDBN} requests for memory and
11719 registers by reading from the buffer which belongs to that snapshot,
11720 rather than from @emph{real} memory or registers of the program being
11721 debugged. This means that @strong{all} @value{GDBN} commands
11722 (@code{print}, @code{info registers}, @code{backtrace}, etc.) will
11723 behave as if we were currently debugging the program state as it was
11724 when the tracepoint occurred. Any requests for data that are not in
11725 the buffer will fail.
11726
11727 @menu
11728 * tfind:: How to select a trace snapshot
11729 * tdump:: How to display all data for a snapshot
11730 * save tracepoints:: How to save tracepoints for a future run
11731 @end menu
11732
11733 @node tfind
11734 @subsection @code{tfind @var{n}}
11735
11736 @kindex tfind
11737 @cindex select trace snapshot
11738 @cindex find trace snapshot
11739 The basic command for selecting a trace snapshot from the buffer is
11740 @code{tfind @var{n}}, which finds trace snapshot number @var{n},
11741 counting from zero. If no argument @var{n} is given, the next
11742 snapshot is selected.
11743
11744 Here are the various forms of using the @code{tfind} command.
11745
11746 @table @code
11747 @item tfind start
11748 Find the first snapshot in the buffer. This is a synonym for
11749 @code{tfind 0} (since 0 is the number of the first snapshot).
11750
11751 @item tfind none
11752 Stop debugging trace snapshots, resume @emph{live} debugging.
11753
11754 @item tfind end
11755 Same as @samp{tfind none}.
11756
11757 @item tfind
11758 No argument means find the next trace snapshot.
11759
11760 @item tfind -
11761 Find the previous trace snapshot before the current one. This permits
11762 retracing earlier steps.
11763
11764 @item tfind tracepoint @var{num}
11765 Find the next snapshot associated with tracepoint @var{num}. Search
11766 proceeds forward from the last examined trace snapshot. If no
11767 argument @var{num} is given, it means find the next snapshot collected
11768 for the same tracepoint as the current snapshot.
11769
11770 @item tfind pc @var{addr}
11771 Find the next snapshot associated with the value @var{addr} of the
11772 program counter. Search proceeds forward from the last examined trace
11773 snapshot. If no argument @var{addr} is given, it means find the next
11774 snapshot with the same value of PC as the current snapshot.
11775
11776 @item tfind outside @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
11777 Find the next snapshot whose PC is outside the given range of
11778 addresses (exclusive).
11779
11780 @item tfind range @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
11781 Find the next snapshot whose PC is between @var{addr1} and
11782 @var{addr2} (inclusive).
11783
11784 @item tfind line @r{[}@var{file}:@r{]}@var{n}
11785 Find the next snapshot associated with the source line @var{n}. If
11786 the optional argument @var{file} is given, refer to line @var{n} in
11787 that source file. Search proceeds forward from the last examined
11788 trace snapshot. If no argument @var{n} is given, it means find the
11789 next line other than the one currently being examined; thus saying
11790 @code{tfind line} repeatedly can appear to have the same effect as
11791 stepping from line to line in a @emph{live} debugging session.
11792 @end table
11793
11794 The default arguments for the @code{tfind} commands are specifically
11795 designed to make it easy to scan through the trace buffer. For
11796 instance, @code{tfind} with no argument selects the next trace
11797 snapshot, and @code{tfind -} with no argument selects the previous
11798 trace snapshot. So, by giving one @code{tfind} command, and then
11799 simply hitting @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine all the trace
11800 snapshots in order. Or, by saying @code{tfind -} and then hitting
11801 @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine the snapshots in reverse order.
11802 The @code{tfind line} command with no argument selects the snapshot
11803 for the next source line executed. The @code{tfind pc} command with
11804 no argument selects the next snapshot with the same program counter
11805 (PC) as the current frame. The @code{tfind tracepoint} command with
11806 no argument selects the next trace snapshot collected by the same
11807 tracepoint as the current one.
11808
11809 In addition to letting you scan through the trace buffer manually,
11810 these commands make it easy to construct @value{GDBN} scripts that
11811 scan through the trace buffer and print out whatever collected data
11812 you are interested in. Thus, if we want to examine the PC, FP, and SP
11813 registers from each trace frame in the buffer, we can say this:
11814
11815 @smallexample
11816 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
11817 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
11818 > printf "Frame %d, PC = %08X, SP = %08X, FP = %08X\n", \
11819 $trace_frame, $pc, $sp, $fp
11820 > tfind
11821 > end
11822
11823 Frame 0, PC = 0020DC64, SP = 0030BF3C, FP = 0030BF44
11824 Frame 1, PC = 0020DC6C, SP = 0030BF38, FP = 0030BF44
11825 Frame 2, PC = 0020DC70, SP = 0030BF34, FP = 0030BF44
11826 Frame 3, PC = 0020DC74, SP = 0030BF30, FP = 0030BF44
11827 Frame 4, PC = 0020DC78, SP = 0030BF2C, FP = 0030BF44
11828 Frame 5, PC = 0020DC7C, SP = 0030BF28, FP = 0030BF44
11829 Frame 6, PC = 0020DC80, SP = 0030BF24, FP = 0030BF44
11830 Frame 7, PC = 0020DC84, SP = 0030BF20, FP = 0030BF44
11831 Frame 8, PC = 0020DC88, SP = 0030BF1C, FP = 0030BF44
11832 Frame 9, PC = 0020DC8E, SP = 0030BF18, FP = 0030BF44
11833 Frame 10, PC = 00203F6C, SP = 0030BE3C, FP = 0030BF14
11834 @end smallexample
11835
11836 Or, if we want to examine the variable @code{X} at each source line in
11837 the buffer:
11838
11839 @smallexample
11840 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
11841 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
11842 > printf "Frame %d, X == %d\n", $trace_frame, X
11843 > tfind line
11844 > end
11845
11846 Frame 0, X = 1
11847 Frame 7, X = 2
11848 Frame 13, X = 255
11849 @end smallexample
11850
11851 @node tdump
11852 @subsection @code{tdump}
11853 @kindex tdump
11854 @cindex dump all data collected at tracepoint
11855 @cindex tracepoint data, display
11856
11857 This command takes no arguments. It prints all the data collected at
11858 the current trace snapshot.
11859
11860 @smallexample
11861 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace 444}
11862 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
11863 Enter actions for tracepoint #2, one per line:
11864 > collect $regs, $locals, $args, gdb_long_test
11865 > end
11866
11867 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
11868
11869 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind line 444}
11870 #0 gdb_test (p1=0x11, p2=0x22, p3=0x33, p4=0x44, p5=0x55, p6=0x66)
11871 at gdb_test.c:444
11872 444 printp( "%s: arguments = 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X\n", )
11873
11874 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tdump}
11875 Data collected at tracepoint 2, trace frame 1:
11876 d0 0xc4aa0085 -995491707
11877 d1 0x18 24
11878 d2 0x80 128
11879 d3 0x33 51
11880 d4 0x71aea3d 119204413
11881 d5 0x22 34
11882 d6 0xe0 224
11883 d7 0x380035 3670069
11884 a0 0x19e24a 1696330
11885 a1 0x3000668 50333288
11886 a2 0x100 256
11887 a3 0x322000 3284992
11888 a4 0x3000698 50333336
11889 a5 0x1ad3cc 1758156
11890 fp 0x30bf3c 0x30bf3c
11891 sp 0x30bf34 0x30bf34
11892 ps 0x0 0
11893 pc 0x20b2c8 0x20b2c8
11894 fpcontrol 0x0 0
11895 fpstatus 0x0 0
11896 fpiaddr 0x0 0
11897 p = 0x20e5b4 "gdb-test"
11898 p1 = (void *) 0x11
11899 p2 = (void *) 0x22
11900 p3 = (void *) 0x33
11901 p4 = (void *) 0x44
11902 p5 = (void *) 0x55
11903 p6 = (void *) 0x66
11904 gdb_long_test = 17 '\021'
11905
11906 (@value{GDBP})
11907 @end smallexample
11908
11909 @code{tdump} works by scanning the tracepoint's current collection
11910 actions and printing the value of each expression listed. So
11911 @code{tdump} can fail, if after a run, you change the tracepoint's
11912 actions to mention variables that were not collected during the run.
11913
11914 Also, for tracepoints with @code{while-stepping} loops, @code{tdump}
11915 uses the collected value of @code{$pc} to distinguish between trace
11916 frames that were collected at the tracepoint hit, and frames that were
11917 collected while stepping. This allows it to correctly choose whether
11918 to display the basic list of collections, or the collections from the
11919 body of the while-stepping loop. However, if @code{$pc} was not collected,
11920 then @code{tdump} will always attempt to dump using the basic collection
11921 list, and may fail if a while-stepping frame does not include all the
11922 same data that is collected at the tracepoint hit.
11923 @c This is getting pretty arcane, example would be good.
11924
11925 @node save tracepoints
11926 @subsection @code{save tracepoints @var{filename}}
11927 @kindex save tracepoints
11928 @kindex save-tracepoints
11929 @cindex save tracepoints for future sessions
11930
11931 This command saves all current tracepoint definitions together with
11932 their actions and passcounts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
11933 suitable for use in a later debugging session. To read the saved
11934 tracepoint definitions, use the @code{source} command (@pxref{Command
11935 Files}). The @w{@code{save-tracepoints}} command is a deprecated
11936 alias for @w{@code{save tracepoints}}
11937
11938 @node Tracepoint Variables
11939 @section Convenience Variables for Tracepoints
11940 @cindex tracepoint variables
11941 @cindex convenience variables for tracepoints
11942
11943 @table @code
11944 @vindex $trace_frame
11945 @item (int) $trace_frame
11946 The current trace snapshot (a.k.a.@: @dfn{frame}) number, or -1 if no
11947 snapshot is selected.
11948
11949 @vindex $tracepoint
11950 @item (int) $tracepoint
11951 The tracepoint for the current trace snapshot.
11952
11953 @vindex $trace_line
11954 @item (int) $trace_line
11955 The line number for the current trace snapshot.
11956
11957 @vindex $trace_file
11958 @item (char []) $trace_file
11959 The source file for the current trace snapshot.
11960
11961 @vindex $trace_func
11962 @item (char []) $trace_func
11963 The name of the function containing @code{$tracepoint}.
11964 @end table
11965
11966 Note: @code{$trace_file} is not suitable for use in @code{printf},
11967 use @code{output} instead.
11968
11969 Here's a simple example of using these convenience variables for
11970 stepping through all the trace snapshots and printing some of their
11971 data. Note that these are not the same as trace state variables,
11972 which are managed by the target.
11973
11974 @smallexample
11975 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
11976
11977 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while $trace_frame != -1}
11978 > output $trace_file
11979 > printf ", line %d (tracepoint #%d)\n", $trace_line, $tracepoint
11980 > tfind
11981 > end
11982 @end smallexample
11983
11984 @node Trace Files
11985 @section Using Trace Files
11986 @cindex trace files
11987
11988 In some situations, the target running a trace experiment may no
11989 longer be available; perhaps it crashed, or the hardware was needed
11990 for a different activity. To handle these cases, you can arrange to
11991 dump the trace data into a file, and later use that file as a source
11992 of trace data, via the @code{target tfile} command.
11993
11994 @table @code
11995
11996 @kindex tsave
11997 @item tsave [ -r ] @var{filename}
11998 Save the trace data to @var{filename}. By default, this command
11999 assumes that @var{filename} refers to the host filesystem, so if
12000 necessary @value{GDBN} will copy raw trace data up from the target and
12001 then save it. If the target supports it, you can also supply the
12002 optional argument @code{-r} (``remote'') to direct the target to save
12003 the data directly into @var{filename} in its own filesystem, which may be
12004 more efficient if the trace buffer is very large. (Note, however, that
12005 @code{target tfile} can only read from files accessible to the host.)
12006
12007 @kindex target tfile
12008 @kindex tfile
12009 @item target tfile @var{filename}
12010 Use the file named @var{filename} as a source of trace data. Commands
12011 that examine data work as they do with a live target, but it is not
12012 possible to run any new trace experiments. @code{tstatus} will report
12013 the state of the trace run at the moment the data was saved, as well
12014 as the current trace frame you are examining. @var{filename} must be
12015 on a filesystem accessible to the host.
12016
12017 @end table
12018
12019 @node Overlays
12020 @chapter Debugging Programs That Use Overlays
12021 @cindex overlays
12022
12023 If your program is too large to fit completely in your target system's
12024 memory, you can sometimes use @dfn{overlays} to work around this
12025 problem. @value{GDBN} provides some support for debugging programs that
12026 use overlays.
12027
12028 @menu
12029 * How Overlays Work:: A general explanation of overlays.
12030 * Overlay Commands:: Managing overlays in @value{GDBN}.
12031 * Automatic Overlay Debugging:: @value{GDBN} can find out which overlays are
12032 mapped by asking the inferior.
12033 * Overlay Sample Program:: A sample program using overlays.
12034 @end menu
12035
12036 @node How Overlays Work
12037 @section How Overlays Work
12038 @cindex mapped overlays
12039 @cindex unmapped overlays
12040 @cindex load address, overlay's
12041 @cindex mapped address
12042 @cindex overlay area
12043
12044 Suppose you have a computer whose instruction address space is only 64
12045 kilobytes long, but which has much more memory which can be accessed by
12046 other means: special instructions, segment registers, or memory
12047 management hardware, for example. Suppose further that you want to
12048 adapt a program which is larger than 64 kilobytes to run on this system.
12049
12050 One solution is to identify modules of your program which are relatively
12051 independent, and need not call each other directly; call these modules
12052 @dfn{overlays}. Separate the overlays from the main program, and place
12053 their machine code in the larger memory. Place your main program in
12054 instruction memory, but leave at least enough space there to hold the
12055 largest overlay as well.
12056
12057 Now, to call a function located in an overlay, you must first copy that
12058 overlay's machine code from the large memory into the space set aside
12059 for it in the instruction memory, and then jump to its entry point
12060 there.
12061
12062 @c NB: In the below the mapped area's size is greater or equal to the
12063 @c size of all overlays. This is intentional to remind the developer
12064 @c that overlays don't necessarily need to be the same size.
12065
12066 @smallexample
12067 @group
12068 Data Instruction Larger
12069 Address Space Address Space Address Space
12070 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+
12071 | | | | | |
12072 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+<-- overlay 1
12073 | program | | main | .----| overlay 1 | load address
12074 | variables | | program | | +-----------+
12075 | and heap | | | | | |
12076 +-----------+ | | | +-----------+<-- overlay 2
12077 | | +-----------+ | | | load address
12078 +-----------+ | | | .-| overlay 2 |
12079 | | | | | |
12080 mapped --->+-----------+ | | +-----------+
12081 address | | | | | |
12082 | overlay | <-' | | |
12083 | area | <---' +-----------+<-- overlay 3
12084 | | <---. | | load address
12085 +-----------+ `--| overlay 3 |
12086 | | | |
12087 +-----------+ | |
12088 +-----------+
12089 | |
12090 +-----------+
12091
12092 @anchor{A code overlay}A code overlay
12093 @end group
12094 @end smallexample
12095
12096 The diagram (@pxref{A code overlay}) shows a system with separate data
12097 and instruction address spaces. To map an overlay, the program copies
12098 its code from the larger address space to the instruction address space.
12099 Since the overlays shown here all use the same mapped address, only one
12100 may be mapped at a time. For a system with a single address space for
12101 data and instructions, the diagram would be similar, except that the
12102 program variables and heap would share an address space with the main
12103 program and the overlay area.
12104
12105 An overlay loaded into instruction memory and ready for use is called a
12106 @dfn{mapped} overlay; its @dfn{mapped address} is its address in the
12107 instruction memory. An overlay not present (or only partially present)
12108 in instruction memory is called @dfn{unmapped}; its @dfn{load address}
12109 is its address in the larger memory. The mapped address is also called
12110 the @dfn{virtual memory address}, or @dfn{VMA}; the load address is also
12111 called the @dfn{load memory address}, or @dfn{LMA}.
12112
12113 Unfortunately, overlays are not a completely transparent way to adapt a
12114 program to limited instruction memory. They introduce a new set of
12115 global constraints you must keep in mind as you design your program:
12116
12117 @itemize @bullet
12118
12119 @item
12120 Before calling or returning to a function in an overlay, your program
12121 must make sure that overlay is actually mapped. Otherwise, the call or
12122 return will transfer control to the right address, but in the wrong
12123 overlay, and your program will probably crash.
12124
12125 @item
12126 If the process of mapping an overlay is expensive on your system, you
12127 will need to choose your overlays carefully to minimize their effect on
12128 your program's performance.
12129
12130 @item
12131 The executable file you load onto your system must contain each
12132 overlay's instructions, appearing at the overlay's load address, not its
12133 mapped address. However, each overlay's instructions must be relocated
12134 and its symbols defined as if the overlay were at its mapped address.
12135 You can use GNU linker scripts to specify different load and relocation
12136 addresses for pieces of your program; see @ref{Overlay Description,,,
12137 ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}.
12138
12139 @item
12140 The procedure for loading executable files onto your system must be able
12141 to load their contents into the larger address space as well as the
12142 instruction and data spaces.
12143
12144 @end itemize
12145
12146 The overlay system described above is rather simple, and could be
12147 improved in many ways:
12148
12149 @itemize @bullet
12150
12151 @item
12152 If your system has suitable bank switch registers or memory management
12153 hardware, you could use those facilities to make an overlay's load area
12154 contents simply appear at their mapped address in instruction space.
12155 This would probably be faster than copying the overlay to its mapped
12156 area in the usual way.
12157
12158 @item
12159 If your overlays are small enough, you could set aside more than one
12160 overlay area, and have more than one overlay mapped at a time.
12161
12162 @item
12163 You can use overlays to manage data, as well as instructions. In
12164 general, data overlays are even less transparent to your design than
12165 code overlays: whereas code overlays only require care when you call or
12166 return to functions, data overlays require care every time you access
12167 the data. Also, if you change the contents of a data overlay, you
12168 must copy its contents back out to its load address before you can copy a
12169 different data overlay into the same mapped area.
12170
12171 @end itemize
12172
12173
12174 @node Overlay Commands
12175 @section Overlay Commands
12176
12177 To use @value{GDBN}'s overlay support, each overlay in your program must
12178 correspond to a separate section of the executable file. The section's
12179 virtual memory address and load memory address must be the overlay's
12180 mapped and load addresses. Identifying overlays with sections allows
12181 @value{GDBN} to determine the appropriate address of a function or
12182 variable, depending on whether the overlay is mapped or not.
12183
12184 @value{GDBN}'s overlay commands all start with the word @code{overlay};
12185 you can abbreviate this as @code{ov} or @code{ovly}. The commands are:
12186
12187 @table @code
12188 @item overlay off
12189 @kindex overlay
12190 Disable @value{GDBN}'s overlay support. When overlay support is
12191 disabled, @value{GDBN} assumes that all functions and variables are
12192 always present at their mapped addresses. By default, @value{GDBN}'s
12193 overlay support is disabled.
12194
12195 @item overlay manual
12196 @cindex manual overlay debugging
12197 Enable @dfn{manual} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
12198 relies on you to tell it which overlays are mapped, and which are not,
12199 using the @code{overlay map-overlay} and @code{overlay unmap-overlay}
12200 commands described below.
12201
12202 @item overlay map-overlay @var{overlay}
12203 @itemx overlay map @var{overlay}
12204 @cindex map an overlay
12205 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is now mapped; @var{overlay} must
12206 be the name of the object file section containing the overlay. When an
12207 overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the overlay's
12208 functions and variables at their mapped addresses. @value{GDBN} assumes
12209 that any other overlays whose mapped ranges overlap that of
12210 @var{overlay} are now unmapped.
12211
12212 @item overlay unmap-overlay @var{overlay}
12213 @itemx overlay unmap @var{overlay}
12214 @cindex unmap an overlay
12215 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is no longer mapped; @var{overlay}
12216 must be the name of the object file section containing the overlay.
12217 When an overlay is unmapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the
12218 overlay's functions and variables at their load addresses.
12219
12220 @item overlay auto
12221 Enable @dfn{automatic} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
12222 consults a data structure the overlay manager maintains in the inferior
12223 to see which overlays are mapped. For details, see @ref{Automatic
12224 Overlay Debugging}.
12225
12226 @item overlay load-target
12227 @itemx overlay load
12228 @cindex reloading the overlay table
12229 Re-read the overlay table from the inferior. Normally, @value{GDBN}
12230 re-reads the table @value{GDBN} automatically each time the inferior
12231 stops, so this command should only be necessary if you have changed the
12232 overlay mapping yourself using @value{GDBN}. This command is only
12233 useful when using automatic overlay debugging.
12234
12235 @item overlay list-overlays
12236 @itemx overlay list
12237 @cindex listing mapped overlays
12238 Display a list of the overlays currently mapped, along with their mapped
12239 addresses, load addresses, and sizes.
12240
12241 @end table
12242
12243 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a code address, it includes the name
12244 of the function the address falls in:
12245
12246 @smallexample
12247 (@value{GDBP}) print main
12248 $3 = @{int ()@} 0x11a0 <main>
12249 @end smallexample
12250 @noindent
12251 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} recognizes code in
12252 unmapped overlays, and prints the names of unmapped functions with
12253 asterisks around them. For example, if @code{foo} is a function in an
12254 unmapped overlay, @value{GDBN} prints it this way:
12255
12256 @smallexample
12257 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
12258 No sections are mapped.
12259 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
12260 $5 = @{int (int)@} 0x100000 <*foo*>
12261 @end smallexample
12262 @noindent
12263 When @code{foo}'s overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} prints the function's
12264 name normally:
12265
12266 @smallexample
12267 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
12268 Section .ov.foo.text, loaded at 0x100000 - 0x100034,
12269 mapped at 0x1016 - 0x104a
12270 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
12271 $6 = @{int (int)@} 0x1016 <foo>
12272 @end smallexample
12273
12274 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} can find the correct
12275 address for functions and variables in an overlay, whether or not the
12276 overlay is mapped. This allows most @value{GDBN} commands, like
12277 @code{break} and @code{disassemble}, to work normally, even on unmapped
12278 code. However, @value{GDBN}'s breakpoint support has some limitations:
12279
12280 @itemize @bullet
12281 @item
12282 @cindex breakpoints in overlays
12283 @cindex overlays, setting breakpoints in
12284 You can set breakpoints in functions in unmapped overlays, as long as
12285 @value{GDBN} can write to the overlay at its load address.
12286 @item
12287 @value{GDBN} can not set hardware or simulator-based breakpoints in
12288 unmapped overlays. However, if you set a breakpoint at the end of your
12289 overlay manager (and tell @value{GDBN} which overlays are now mapped, if
12290 you are using manual overlay management), @value{GDBN} will re-set its
12291 breakpoints properly.
12292 @end itemize
12293
12294
12295 @node Automatic Overlay Debugging
12296 @section Automatic Overlay Debugging
12297 @cindex automatic overlay debugging
12298
12299 @value{GDBN} can automatically track which overlays are mapped and which
12300 are not, given some simple co-operation from the overlay manager in the
12301 inferior. If you enable automatic overlay debugging with the
12302 @code{overlay auto} command (@pxref{Overlay Commands}), @value{GDBN}
12303 looks in the inferior's memory for certain variables describing the
12304 current state of the overlays.
12305
12306 Here are the variables your overlay manager must define to support
12307 @value{GDBN}'s automatic overlay debugging:
12308
12309 @table @asis
12310
12311 @item @code{_ovly_table}:
12312 This variable must be an array of the following structures:
12313
12314 @smallexample
12315 struct
12316 @{
12317 /* The overlay's mapped address. */
12318 unsigned long vma;
12319
12320 /* The size of the overlay, in bytes. */
12321 unsigned long size;
12322
12323 /* The overlay's load address. */
12324 unsigned long lma;
12325
12326 /* Non-zero if the overlay is currently mapped;
12327 zero otherwise. */
12328 unsigned long mapped;
12329 @}
12330 @end smallexample
12331
12332 @item @code{_novlys}:
12333 This variable must be a four-byte signed integer, holding the total
12334 number of elements in @code{_ovly_table}.
12335
12336 @end table
12337
12338 To decide whether a particular overlay is mapped or not, @value{GDBN}
12339 looks for an entry in @w{@code{_ovly_table}} whose @code{vma} and
12340 @code{lma} members equal the VMA and LMA of the overlay's section in the
12341 executable file. When @value{GDBN} finds a matching entry, it consults
12342 the entry's @code{mapped} member to determine whether the overlay is
12343 currently mapped.
12344
12345 In addition, your overlay manager may define a function called
12346 @code{_ovly_debug_event}. If this function is defined, @value{GDBN}
12347 will silently set a breakpoint there. If the overlay manager then
12348 calls this function whenever it has changed the overlay table, this
12349 will enable @value{GDBN} to accurately keep track of which overlays
12350 are in program memory, and update any breakpoints that may be set
12351 in overlays. This will allow breakpoints to work even if the
12352 overlays are kept in ROM or other non-writable memory while they
12353 are not being executed.
12354
12355 @node Overlay Sample Program
12356 @section Overlay Sample Program
12357 @cindex overlay example program
12358
12359 When linking a program which uses overlays, you must place the overlays
12360 at their load addresses, while relocating them to run at their mapped
12361 addresses. To do this, you must write a linker script (@pxref{Overlay
12362 Description,,, ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}). Unfortunately,
12363 since linker scripts are specific to a particular host system, target
12364 architecture, and target memory layout, this manual cannot provide
12365 portable sample code demonstrating @value{GDBN}'s overlay support.
12366
12367 However, the @value{GDBN} source distribution does contain an overlaid
12368 program, with linker scripts for a few systems, as part of its test
12369 suite. The program consists of the following files from
12370 @file{gdb/testsuite/gdb.base}:
12371
12372 @table @file
12373 @item overlays.c
12374 The main program file.
12375 @item ovlymgr.c
12376 A simple overlay manager, used by @file{overlays.c}.
12377 @item foo.c
12378 @itemx bar.c
12379 @itemx baz.c
12380 @itemx grbx.c
12381 Overlay modules, loaded and used by @file{overlays.c}.
12382 @item d10v.ld
12383 @itemx m32r.ld
12384 Linker scripts for linking the test program on the @code{d10v-elf}
12385 and @code{m32r-elf} targets.
12386 @end table
12387
12388 You can build the test program using the @code{d10v-elf} GCC
12389 cross-compiler like this:
12390
12391 @smallexample
12392 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c overlays.c
12393 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c ovlymgr.c
12394 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c foo.c
12395 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c bar.c
12396 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c baz.c
12397 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c grbx.c
12398 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g overlays.o ovlymgr.o foo.o bar.o \
12399 baz.o grbx.o -Wl,-Td10v.ld -o overlays
12400 @end smallexample
12401
12402 The build process is identical for any other architecture, except that
12403 you must substitute the appropriate compiler and linker script for the
12404 target system for @code{d10v-elf-gcc} and @code{d10v.ld}.
12405
12406
12407 @node Languages
12408 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages
12409 @cindex languages
12410
12411 Although programming languages generally have common aspects, they are
12412 rarely expressed in the same manner. For instance, in ANSI C,
12413 dereferencing a pointer @code{p} is accomplished by @code{*p}, but in
12414 Modula-2, it is accomplished by @code{p^}. Values can also be
12415 represented (and displayed) differently. Hex numbers in C appear as
12416 @samp{0x1ae}, while in Modula-2 they appear as @samp{1AEH}.
12417
12418 @cindex working language
12419 Language-specific information is built into @value{GDBN} for some languages,
12420 allowing you to express operations like the above in your program's
12421 native language, and allowing @value{GDBN} to output values in a manner
12422 consistent with the syntax of your program's native language. The
12423 language you use to build expressions is called the @dfn{working
12424 language}.
12425
12426 @menu
12427 * Setting:: Switching between source languages
12428 * Show:: Displaying the language
12429 * Checks:: Type and range checks
12430 * Supported Languages:: Supported languages
12431 * Unsupported Languages:: Unsupported languages
12432 @end menu
12433
12434 @node Setting
12435 @section Switching Between Source Languages
12436
12437 There are two ways to control the working language---either have @value{GDBN}
12438 set it automatically, or select it manually yourself. You can use the
12439 @code{set language} command for either purpose. On startup, @value{GDBN}
12440 defaults to setting the language automatically. The working language is
12441 used to determine how expressions you type are interpreted, how values
12442 are printed, etc.
12443
12444 In addition to the working language, every source file that
12445 @value{GDBN} knows about has its own working language. For some object
12446 file formats, the compiler might indicate which language a particular
12447 source file is in. However, most of the time @value{GDBN} infers the
12448 language from the name of the file. The language of a source file
12449 controls whether C@t{++} names are demangled---this way @code{backtrace} can
12450 show each frame appropriately for its own language. There is no way to
12451 set the language of a source file from within @value{GDBN}, but you can
12452 set the language associated with a filename extension. @xref{Show, ,
12453 Displaying the Language}.
12454
12455 This is most commonly a problem when you use a program, such
12456 as @code{cfront} or @code{f2c}, that generates C but is written in
12457 another language. In that case, make the
12458 program use @code{#line} directives in its C output; that way
12459 @value{GDBN} will know the correct language of the source code of the original
12460 program, and will display that source code, not the generated C code.
12461
12462 @menu
12463 * Filenames:: Filename extensions and languages.
12464 * Manually:: Setting the working language manually
12465 * Automatically:: Having @value{GDBN} infer the source language
12466 @end menu
12467
12468 @node Filenames
12469 @subsection List of Filename Extensions and Languages
12470
12471 If a source file name ends in one of the following extensions, then
12472 @value{GDBN} infers that its language is the one indicated.
12473
12474 @table @file
12475 @item .ada
12476 @itemx .ads
12477 @itemx .adb
12478 @itemx .a
12479 Ada source file.
12480
12481 @item .c
12482 C source file
12483
12484 @item .C
12485 @itemx .cc
12486 @itemx .cp
12487 @itemx .cpp
12488 @itemx .cxx
12489 @itemx .c++
12490 C@t{++} source file
12491
12492 @item .d
12493 D source file
12494
12495 @item .m
12496 Objective-C source file
12497
12498 @item .f
12499 @itemx .F
12500 Fortran source file
12501
12502 @item .mod
12503 Modula-2 source file
12504
12505 @item .s
12506 @itemx .S
12507 Assembler source file. This actually behaves almost like C, but
12508 @value{GDBN} does not skip over function prologues when stepping.
12509 @end table
12510
12511 In addition, you may set the language associated with a filename
12512 extension. @xref{Show, , Displaying the Language}.
12513
12514 @node Manually
12515 @subsection Setting the Working Language
12516
12517 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically,
12518 expressions are interpreted the same way in your debugging session and
12519 your program.
12520
12521 @kindex set language
12522 If you wish, you may set the language manually. To do this, issue the
12523 command @samp{set language @var{lang}}, where @var{lang} is the name of
12524 a language, such as
12525 @code{c} or @code{modula-2}.
12526 For a list of the supported languages, type @samp{set language}.
12527
12528 Setting the language manually prevents @value{GDBN} from updating the working
12529 language automatically. This can lead to confusion if you try
12530 to debug a program when the working language is not the same as the
12531 source language, when an expression is acceptable to both
12532 languages---but means different things. For instance, if the current
12533 source file were written in C, and @value{GDBN} was parsing Modula-2, a
12534 command such as:
12535
12536 @smallexample
12537 print a = b + c
12538 @end smallexample
12539
12540 @noindent
12541 might not have the effect you intended. In C, this means to add
12542 @code{b} and @code{c} and place the result in @code{a}. The result
12543 printed would be the value of @code{a}. In Modula-2, this means to compare
12544 @code{a} to the result of @code{b+c}, yielding a @code{BOOLEAN} value.
12545
12546 @node Automatically
12547 @subsection Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language
12548
12549 To have @value{GDBN} set the working language automatically, use
12550 @samp{set language local} or @samp{set language auto}. @value{GDBN}
12551 then infers the working language. That is, when your program stops in a
12552 frame (usually by encountering a breakpoint), @value{GDBN} sets the
12553 working language to the language recorded for the function in that
12554 frame. If the language for a frame is unknown (that is, if the function
12555 or block corresponding to the frame was defined in a source file that
12556 does not have a recognized extension), the current working language is
12557 not changed, and @value{GDBN} issues a warning.
12558
12559 This may not seem necessary for most programs, which are written
12560 entirely in one source language. However, program modules and libraries
12561 written in one source language can be used by a main program written in
12562 a different source language. Using @samp{set language auto} in this
12563 case frees you from having to set the working language manually.
12564
12565 @node Show
12566 @section Displaying the Language
12567
12568 The following commands help you find out which language is the
12569 working language, and also what language source files were written in.
12570
12571 @table @code
12572 @item show language
12573 @kindex show language
12574 Display the current working language. This is the
12575 language you can use with commands such as @code{print} to
12576 build and compute expressions that may involve variables in your program.
12577
12578 @item info frame
12579 @kindex info frame@r{, show the source language}
12580 Display the source language for this frame. This language becomes the
12581 working language if you use an identifier from this frame.
12582 @xref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}, to identify the other
12583 information listed here.
12584
12585 @item info source
12586 @kindex info source@r{, show the source language}
12587 Display the source language of this source file.
12588 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}, to identify the other
12589 information listed here.
12590 @end table
12591
12592 In unusual circumstances, you may have source files with extensions
12593 not in the standard list. You can then set the extension associated
12594 with a language explicitly:
12595
12596 @table @code
12597 @item set extension-language @var{ext} @var{language}
12598 @kindex set extension-language
12599 Tell @value{GDBN} that source files with extension @var{ext} are to be
12600 assumed as written in the source language @var{language}.
12601
12602 @item info extensions
12603 @kindex info extensions
12604 List all the filename extensions and the associated languages.
12605 @end table
12606
12607 @node Checks
12608 @section Type and Range Checking
12609
12610 @quotation
12611 @emph{Warning:} In this release, the @value{GDBN} commands for type and range
12612 checking are included, but they do not yet have any effect. This
12613 section documents the intended facilities.
12614 @end quotation
12615 @c FIXME remove warning when type/range code added
12616
12617 Some languages are designed to guard you against making seemingly common
12618 errors through a series of compile- and run-time checks. These include
12619 checking the type of arguments to functions and operators, and making
12620 sure mathematical overflows are caught at run time. Checks such as
12621 these help to ensure a program's correctness once it has been compiled
12622 by eliminating type mismatches, and providing active checks for range
12623 errors when your program is running.
12624
12625 @value{GDBN} can check for conditions like the above if you wish.
12626 Although @value{GDBN} does not check the statements in your program,
12627 it can check expressions entered directly into @value{GDBN} for
12628 evaluation via the @code{print} command, for example. As with the
12629 working language, @value{GDBN} can also decide whether or not to check
12630 automatically based on your program's source language.
12631 @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default
12632 settings of supported languages.
12633
12634 @menu
12635 * Type Checking:: An overview of type checking
12636 * Range Checking:: An overview of range checking
12637 @end menu
12638
12639 @cindex type checking
12640 @cindex checks, type
12641 @node Type Checking
12642 @subsection An Overview of Type Checking
12643
12644 Some languages, such as Modula-2, are strongly typed, meaning that the
12645 arguments to operators and functions have to be of the correct type,
12646 otherwise an error occurs. These checks prevent type mismatch
12647 errors from ever causing any run-time problems. For example,
12648
12649 @smallexample
12650 1 + 2 @result{} 3
12651 @exdent but
12652 @error{} 1 + 2.3
12653 @end smallexample
12654
12655 The second example fails because the @code{CARDINAL} 1 is not
12656 type-compatible with the @code{REAL} 2.3.
12657
12658 For the expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell the
12659 @value{GDBN} type checker to skip checking;
12660 to treat any mismatches as errors and abandon the expression;
12661 or to only issue warnings when type mismatches occur,
12662 but evaluate the expression anyway. When you choose the last of
12663 these, @value{GDBN} evaluates expressions like the second example above, but
12664 also issues a warning.
12665
12666 Even if you turn type checking off, there may be other reasons
12667 related to type that prevent @value{GDBN} from evaluating an expression.
12668 For instance, @value{GDBN} does not know how to add an @code{int} and
12669 a @code{struct foo}. These particular type errors have nothing to do
12670 with the language in use, and usually arise from expressions, such as
12671 the one described above, which make little sense to evaluate anyway.
12672
12673 Each language defines to what degree it is strict about type. For
12674 instance, both Modula-2 and C require the arguments to arithmetical
12675 operators to be numbers. In C, enumerated types and pointers can be
12676 represented as numbers, so that they are valid arguments to mathematical
12677 operators. @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for further
12678 details on specific languages.
12679
12680 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling the type checker:
12681
12682 @kindex set check type
12683 @kindex show check type
12684 @table @code
12685 @item set check type auto
12686 Set type checking on or off based on the current working language.
12687 @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default settings for
12688 each language.
12689
12690 @item set check type on
12691 @itemx set check type off
12692 Set type checking on or off, overriding the default setting for the
12693 current working language. Issue a warning if the setting does not
12694 match the language default. If any type mismatches occur in
12695 evaluating an expression while type checking is on, @value{GDBN} prints a
12696 message and aborts evaluation of the expression.
12697
12698 @item set check type warn
12699 Cause the type checker to issue warnings, but to always attempt to
12700 evaluate the expression. Evaluating the expression may still
12701 be impossible for other reasons. For example, @value{GDBN} cannot add
12702 numbers and structures.
12703
12704 @item show type
12705 Show the current setting of the type checker, and whether or not @value{GDBN}
12706 is setting it automatically.
12707 @end table
12708
12709 @cindex range checking
12710 @cindex checks, range
12711 @node Range Checking
12712 @subsection An Overview of Range Checking
12713
12714 In some languages (such as Modula-2), it is an error to exceed the
12715 bounds of a type; this is enforced with run-time checks. Such range
12716 checking is meant to ensure program correctness by making sure
12717 computations do not overflow, or indices on an array element access do
12718 not exceed the bounds of the array.
12719
12720 For expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell
12721 @value{GDBN} to treat range errors in one of three ways: ignore them,
12722 always treat them as errors and abandon the expression, or issue
12723 warnings but evaluate the expression anyway.
12724
12725 A range error can result from numerical overflow, from exceeding an
12726 array index bound, or when you type a constant that is not a member
12727 of any type. Some languages, however, do not treat overflows as an
12728 error. In many implementations of C, mathematical overflow causes the
12729 result to ``wrap around'' to lower values---for example, if @var{m} is
12730 the largest integer value, and @var{s} is the smallest, then
12731
12732 @smallexample
12733 @var{m} + 1 @result{} @var{s}
12734 @end smallexample
12735
12736 This, too, is specific to individual languages, and in some cases
12737 specific to individual compilers or machines. @xref{Supported Languages, ,
12738 Supported Languages}, for further details on specific languages.
12739
12740 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling the range checker:
12741
12742 @kindex set check range
12743 @kindex show check range
12744 @table @code
12745 @item set check range auto
12746 Set range checking on or off based on the current working language.
12747 @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default settings for
12748 each language.
12749
12750 @item set check range on
12751 @itemx set check range off
12752 Set range checking on or off, overriding the default setting for the
12753 current working language. A warning is issued if the setting does not
12754 match the language default. If a range error occurs and range checking is on,
12755 then a message is printed and evaluation of the expression is aborted.
12756
12757 @item set check range warn
12758 Output messages when the @value{GDBN} range checker detects a range error,
12759 but attempt to evaluate the expression anyway. Evaluating the
12760 expression may still be impossible for other reasons, such as accessing
12761 memory that the process does not own (a typical example from many Unix
12762 systems).
12763
12764 @item show range
12765 Show the current setting of the range checker, and whether or not it is
12766 being set automatically by @value{GDBN}.
12767 @end table
12768
12769 @node Supported Languages
12770 @section Supported Languages
12771
12772 @value{GDBN} supports C, C@t{++}, D, Go, Objective-C, Fortran, Java,
12773 OpenCL C, Pascal, assembly, Modula-2, and Ada.
12774 @c This is false ...
12775 Some @value{GDBN} features may be used in expressions regardless of the
12776 language you use: the @value{GDBN} @code{@@} and @code{::} operators,
12777 and the @samp{@{type@}addr} construct (@pxref{Expressions,
12778 ,Expressions}) can be used with the constructs of any supported
12779 language.
12780
12781 The following sections detail to what degree each source language is
12782 supported by @value{GDBN}. These sections are not meant to be language
12783 tutorials or references, but serve only as a reference guide to what the
12784 @value{GDBN} expression parser accepts, and what input and output
12785 formats should look like for different languages. There are many good
12786 books written on each of these languages; please look to these for a
12787 language reference or tutorial.
12788
12789 @menu
12790 * C:: C and C@t{++}
12791 * D:: D
12792 * Go:: Go
12793 * Objective-C:: Objective-C
12794 * OpenCL C:: OpenCL C
12795 * Fortran:: Fortran
12796 * Pascal:: Pascal
12797 * Modula-2:: Modula-2
12798 * Ada:: Ada
12799 @end menu
12800
12801 @node C
12802 @subsection C and C@t{++}
12803
12804 @cindex C and C@t{++}
12805 @cindex expressions in C or C@t{++}
12806
12807 Since C and C@t{++} are so closely related, many features of @value{GDBN} apply
12808 to both languages. Whenever this is the case, we discuss those languages
12809 together.
12810
12811 @cindex C@t{++}
12812 @cindex @code{g++}, @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler
12813 @cindex @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
12814 The C@t{++} debugging facilities are jointly implemented by the C@t{++}
12815 compiler and @value{GDBN}. Therefore, to debug your C@t{++} code
12816 effectively, you must compile your C@t{++} programs with a supported
12817 C@t{++} compiler, such as @sc{gnu} @code{g++}, or the HP ANSI C@t{++}
12818 compiler (@code{aCC}).
12819
12820 @menu
12821 * C Operators:: C and C@t{++} operators
12822 * C Constants:: C and C@t{++} constants
12823 * C Plus Plus Expressions:: C@t{++} expressions
12824 * C Defaults:: Default settings for C and C@t{++}
12825 * C Checks:: C and C@t{++} type and range checks
12826 * Debugging C:: @value{GDBN} and C
12827 * Debugging C Plus Plus:: @value{GDBN} features for C@t{++}
12828 * Decimal Floating Point:: Numbers in Decimal Floating Point format
12829 @end menu
12830
12831 @node C Operators
12832 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Operators
12833
12834 @cindex C and C@t{++} operators
12835
12836 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
12837 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
12838 often defined on groups of types.
12839
12840 For the purposes of C and C@t{++}, the following definitions hold:
12841
12842 @itemize @bullet
12843
12844 @item
12845 @emph{Integral types} include @code{int} with any of its storage-class
12846 specifiers; @code{char}; @code{enum}; and, for C@t{++}, @code{bool}.
12847
12848 @item
12849 @emph{Floating-point types} include @code{float}, @code{double}, and
12850 @code{long double} (if supported by the target platform).
12851
12852 @item
12853 @emph{Pointer types} include all types defined as @code{(@var{type} *)}.
12854
12855 @item
12856 @emph{Scalar types} include all of the above.
12857
12858 @end itemize
12859
12860 @noindent
12861 The following operators are supported. They are listed here
12862 in order of increasing precedence:
12863
12864 @table @code
12865 @item ,
12866 The comma or sequencing operator. Expressions in a comma-separated list
12867 are evaluated from left to right, with the result of the entire
12868 expression being the last expression evaluated.
12869
12870 @item =
12871 Assignment. The value of an assignment expression is the value
12872 assigned. Defined on scalar types.
12873
12874 @item @var{op}=
12875 Used in an expression of the form @w{@code{@var{a} @var{op}= @var{b}}},
12876 and translated to @w{@code{@var{a} = @var{a op b}}}.
12877 @w{@code{@var{op}=}} and @code{=} have the same precedence.
12878 @var{op} is any one of the operators @code{|}, @code{^}, @code{&},
12879 @code{<<}, @code{>>}, @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{%}.
12880
12881 @item ?:
12882 The ternary operator. @code{@var{a} ? @var{b} : @var{c}} can be thought
12883 of as: if @var{a} then @var{b} else @var{c}. @var{a} should be of an
12884 integral type.
12885
12886 @item ||
12887 Logical @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
12888
12889 @item &&
12890 Logical @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
12891
12892 @item |
12893 Bitwise @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
12894
12895 @item ^
12896 Bitwise exclusive-@sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
12897
12898 @item &
12899 Bitwise @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
12900
12901 @item ==@r{, }!=
12902 Equality and inequality. Defined on scalar types. The value of these
12903 expressions is 0 for false and non-zero for true.
12904
12905 @item <@r{, }>@r{, }<=@r{, }>=
12906 Less than, greater than, less than or equal, greater than or equal.
12907 Defined on scalar types. The value of these expressions is 0 for false
12908 and non-zero for true.
12909
12910 @item <<@r{, }>>
12911 left shift, and right shift. Defined on integral types.
12912
12913 @item @@
12914 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
12915
12916 @item +@r{, }-
12917 Addition and subtraction. Defined on integral types, floating-point types and
12918 pointer types.
12919
12920 @item *@r{, }/@r{, }%
12921 Multiplication, division, and modulus. Multiplication and division are
12922 defined on integral and floating-point types. Modulus is defined on
12923 integral types.
12924
12925 @item ++@r{, }--
12926 Increment and decrement. When appearing before a variable, the
12927 operation is performed before the variable is used in an expression;
12928 when appearing after it, the variable's value is used before the
12929 operation takes place.
12930
12931 @item *
12932 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types. Same precedence as
12933 @code{++}.
12934
12935 @item &
12936 Address operator. Defined on variables. Same precedence as @code{++}.
12937
12938 For debugging C@t{++}, @value{GDBN} implements a use of @samp{&} beyond what is
12939 allowed in the C@t{++} language itself: you can use @samp{&(&@var{ref})}
12940 to examine the address
12941 where a C@t{++} reference variable (declared with @samp{&@var{ref}}) is
12942 stored.
12943
12944 @item -
12945 Negative. Defined on integral and floating-point types. Same
12946 precedence as @code{++}.
12947
12948 @item !
12949 Logical negation. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
12950 @code{++}.
12951
12952 @item ~
12953 Bitwise complement operator. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
12954 @code{++}.
12955
12956
12957 @item .@r{, }->
12958 Structure member, and pointer-to-structure member. For convenience,
12959 @value{GDBN} regards the two as equivalent, choosing whether to dereference a
12960 pointer based on the stored type information.
12961 Defined on @code{struct} and @code{union} data.
12962
12963 @item .*@r{, }->*
12964 Dereferences of pointers to members.
12965
12966 @item []
12967 Array indexing. @code{@var{a}[@var{i}]} is defined as
12968 @code{*(@var{a}+@var{i})}. Same precedence as @code{->}.
12969
12970 @item ()
12971 Function parameter list. Same precedence as @code{->}.
12972
12973 @item ::
12974 C@t{++} scope resolution operator. Defined on @code{struct}, @code{union},
12975 and @code{class} types.
12976
12977 @item ::
12978 Doubled colons also represent the @value{GDBN} scope operator
12979 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). Same precedence as @code{::},
12980 above.
12981 @end table
12982
12983 If an operator is redefined in the user code, @value{GDBN} usually
12984 attempts to invoke the redefined version instead of using the operator's
12985 predefined meaning.
12986
12987 @node C Constants
12988 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Constants
12989
12990 @cindex C and C@t{++} constants
12991
12992 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of C and C@t{++} in the
12993 following ways:
12994
12995 @itemize @bullet
12996 @item
12997 Integer constants are a sequence of digits. Octal constants are
12998 specified by a leading @samp{0} (i.e.@: zero), and hexadecimal constants
12999 by a leading @samp{0x} or @samp{0X}. Constants may also end with a letter
13000 @samp{l}, specifying that the constant should be treated as a
13001 @code{long} value.
13002
13003 @item
13004 Floating point constants are a sequence of digits, followed by a decimal
13005 point, followed by a sequence of digits, and optionally followed by an
13006 exponent. An exponent is of the form:
13007 @samp{@w{e@r{[[}+@r{]|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}}, where @var{nnn} is another
13008 sequence of digits. The @samp{+} is optional for positive exponents.
13009 A floating-point constant may also end with a letter @samp{f} or
13010 @samp{F}, specifying that the constant should be treated as being of
13011 the @code{float} (as opposed to the default @code{double}) type; or with
13012 a letter @samp{l} or @samp{L}, which specifies a @code{long double}
13013 constant.
13014
13015 @item
13016 Enumerated constants consist of enumerated identifiers, or their
13017 integral equivalents.
13018
13019 @item
13020 Character constants are a single character surrounded by single quotes
13021 (@code{'}), or a number---the ordinal value of the corresponding character
13022 (usually its @sc{ascii} value). Within quotes, the single character may
13023 be represented by a letter or by @dfn{escape sequences}, which are of
13024 the form @samp{\@var{nnn}}, where @var{nnn} is the octal representation
13025 of the character's ordinal value; or of the form @samp{\@var{x}}, where
13026 @samp{@var{x}} is a predefined special character---for example,
13027 @samp{\n} for newline.
13028
13029 Wide character constants can be written by prefixing a character
13030 constant with @samp{L}, as in C. For example, @samp{L'x'} is the wide
13031 form of @samp{x}. The target wide character set is used when
13032 computing the value of this constant (@pxref{Character Sets}).
13033
13034 @item
13035 String constants are a sequence of character constants surrounded by
13036 double quotes (@code{"}). Any valid character constant (as described
13037 above) may appear. Double quotes within the string must be preceded by
13038 a backslash, so for instance @samp{"a\"b'c"} is a string of five
13039 characters.
13040
13041 Wide string constants can be written by prefixing a string constant
13042 with @samp{L}, as in C. The target wide character set is used when
13043 computing the value of this constant (@pxref{Character Sets}).
13044
13045 @item
13046 Pointer constants are an integral value. You can also write pointers
13047 to constants using the C operator @samp{&}.
13048
13049 @item
13050 Array constants are comma-separated lists surrounded by braces @samp{@{}
13051 and @samp{@}}; for example, @samp{@{1,2,3@}} is a three-element array of
13052 integers, @samp{@{@{1,2@}, @{3,4@}, @{5,6@}@}} is a three-by-two array,
13053 and @samp{@{&"hi", &"there", &"fred"@}} is a three-element array of pointers.
13054 @end itemize
13055
13056 @node C Plus Plus Expressions
13057 @subsubsection C@t{++} Expressions
13058
13059 @cindex expressions in C@t{++}
13060 @value{GDBN} expression handling can interpret most C@t{++} expressions.
13061
13062 @cindex debugging C@t{++} programs
13063 @cindex C@t{++} compilers
13064 @cindex debug formats and C@t{++}
13065 @cindex @value{NGCC} and C@t{++}
13066 @quotation
13067 @emph{Warning:} @value{GDBN} can only debug C@t{++} code if you use
13068 the proper compiler and the proper debug format. Currently,
13069 @value{GDBN} works best when debugging C@t{++} code that is compiled
13070 with the most recent version of @value{NGCC} possible. The DWARF
13071 debugging format is preferred; @value{NGCC} defaults to this on most
13072 popular platforms. Other compilers and/or debug formats are likely to
13073 work badly or not at all when using @value{GDBN} to debug C@t{++}
13074 code. @xref{Compilation}.
13075 @end quotation
13076
13077 @enumerate
13078
13079 @cindex member functions
13080 @item
13081 Member function calls are allowed; you can use expressions like
13082
13083 @smallexample
13084 count = aml->GetOriginal(x, y)
13085 @end smallexample
13086
13087 @vindex this@r{, inside C@t{++} member functions}
13088 @cindex namespace in C@t{++}
13089 @item
13090 While a member function is active (in the selected stack frame), your
13091 expressions have the same namespace available as the member function;
13092 that is, @value{GDBN} allows implicit references to the class instance
13093 pointer @code{this} following the same rules as C@t{++}. @code{using}
13094 declarations in the current scope are also respected by @value{GDBN}.
13095
13096 @cindex call overloaded functions
13097 @cindex overloaded functions, calling
13098 @cindex type conversions in C@t{++}
13099 @item
13100 You can call overloaded functions; @value{GDBN} resolves the function
13101 call to the right definition, with some restrictions. @value{GDBN} does not
13102 perform overload resolution involving user-defined type conversions,
13103 calls to constructors, or instantiations of templates that do not exist
13104 in the program. It also cannot handle ellipsis argument lists or
13105 default arguments.
13106
13107 It does perform integral conversions and promotions, floating-point
13108 promotions, arithmetic conversions, pointer conversions, conversions of
13109 class objects to base classes, and standard conversions such as those of
13110 functions or arrays to pointers; it requires an exact match on the
13111 number of function arguments.
13112
13113 Overload resolution is always performed, unless you have specified
13114 @code{set overload-resolution off}. @xref{Debugging C Plus Plus,
13115 ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
13116
13117 You must specify @code{set overload-resolution off} in order to use an
13118 explicit function signature to call an overloaded function, as in
13119 @smallexample
13120 p 'foo(char,int)'('x', 13)
13121 @end smallexample
13122
13123 The @value{GDBN} command-completion facility can simplify this;
13124 see @ref{Completion, ,Command Completion}.
13125
13126 @cindex reference declarations
13127 @item
13128 @value{GDBN} understands variables declared as C@t{++} references; you can use
13129 them in expressions just as you do in C@t{++} source---they are automatically
13130 dereferenced.
13131
13132 In the parameter list shown when @value{GDBN} displays a frame, the values of
13133 reference variables are not displayed (unlike other variables); this
13134 avoids clutter, since references are often used for large structures.
13135 The @emph{address} of a reference variable is always shown, unless
13136 you have specified @samp{set print address off}.
13137
13138 @item
13139 @value{GDBN} supports the C@t{++} name resolution operator @code{::}---your
13140 expressions can use it just as expressions in your program do. Since
13141 one scope may be defined in another, you can use @code{::} repeatedly if
13142 necessary, for example in an expression like
13143 @samp{@var{scope1}::@var{scope2}::@var{name}}. @value{GDBN} also allows
13144 resolving name scope by reference to source files, in both C and C@t{++}
13145 debugging (@pxref{Variables, ,Program Variables}).
13146
13147 @item
13148 @value{GDBN} performs argument-dependent lookup, following the C@t{++}
13149 specification.
13150 @end enumerate
13151
13152 @node C Defaults
13153 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Defaults
13154
13155 @cindex C and C@t{++} defaults
13156
13157 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set type and range checking automatically, they
13158 both default to @code{off} whenever the working language changes to
13159 C or C@t{++}. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
13160 selects the working language.
13161
13162 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, it
13163 recognizes source files whose names end with @file{.c}, @file{.C}, or
13164 @file{.cc}, etc, and when @value{GDBN} enters code compiled from one of
13165 these files, it sets the working language to C or C@t{++}.
13166 @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language},
13167 for further details.
13168
13169 @c Type checking is (a) primarily motivated by Modula-2, and (b)
13170 @c unimplemented. If (b) changes, it might make sense to let this node
13171 @c appear even if Mod-2 does not, but meanwhile ignore it. roland 16jul93.
13172
13173 @node C Checks
13174 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Type and Range Checks
13175
13176 @cindex C and C@t{++} checks
13177
13178 By default, when @value{GDBN} parses C or C@t{++} expressions, type checking
13179 is not used. However, if you turn type checking on, @value{GDBN}
13180 considers two variables type equivalent if:
13181
13182 @itemize @bullet
13183 @item
13184 The two variables are structured and have the same structure, union, or
13185 enumerated tag.
13186
13187 @item
13188 The two variables have the same type name, or types that have been
13189 declared equivalent through @code{typedef}.
13190
13191 @ignore
13192 @c leaving this out because neither J Gilmore nor R Pesch understand it.
13193 @c FIXME--beers?
13194 @item
13195 The two @code{struct}, @code{union}, or @code{enum} variables are
13196 declared in the same declaration. (Note: this may not be true for all C
13197 compilers.)
13198 @end ignore
13199 @end itemize
13200
13201 Range checking, if turned on, is done on mathematical operations. Array
13202 indices are not checked, since they are often used to index a pointer
13203 that is not itself an array.
13204
13205 @node Debugging C
13206 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and C
13207
13208 The @code{set print union} and @code{show print union} commands apply to
13209 the @code{union} type. When set to @samp{on}, any @code{union} that is
13210 inside a @code{struct} or @code{class} is also printed. Otherwise, it
13211 appears as @samp{@{...@}}.
13212
13213 The @code{@@} operator aids in the debugging of dynamic arrays, formed
13214 with pointers and a memory allocation function. @xref{Expressions,
13215 ,Expressions}.
13216
13217 @node Debugging C Plus Plus
13218 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}
13219
13220 @cindex commands for C@t{++}
13221
13222 Some @value{GDBN} commands are particularly useful with C@t{++}, and some are
13223 designed specifically for use with C@t{++}. Here is a summary:
13224
13225 @table @code
13226 @cindex break in overloaded functions
13227 @item @r{breakpoint menus}
13228 When you want a breakpoint in a function whose name is overloaded,
13229 @value{GDBN} has the capability to display a menu of possible breakpoint
13230 locations to help you specify which function definition you want.
13231 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}.
13232
13233 @cindex overloading in C@t{++}
13234 @item rbreak @var{regex}
13235 Setting breakpoints using regular expressions is helpful for setting
13236 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
13237 classes.
13238 @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
13239
13240 @cindex C@t{++} exception handling
13241 @item catch throw
13242 @itemx catch catch
13243 Debug C@t{++} exception handling using these commands. @xref{Set
13244 Catchpoints, , Setting Catchpoints}.
13245
13246 @cindex inheritance
13247 @item ptype @var{typename}
13248 Print inheritance relationships as well as other information for type
13249 @var{typename}.
13250 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}.
13251
13252 @item info vtbl @var{expression}.
13253 The @code{info vtbl} command can be used to display the virtual
13254 method tables of the object computed by @var{expression}. This shows
13255 one entry per virtual table; there may be multiple virtual tables when
13256 multiple inheritance is in use.
13257
13258 @cindex C@t{++} symbol display
13259 @item set print demangle
13260 @itemx show print demangle
13261 @itemx set print asm-demangle
13262 @itemx show print asm-demangle
13263 Control whether C@t{++} symbols display in their source form, both when
13264 displaying code as C@t{++} source and when displaying disassemblies.
13265 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
13266
13267 @item set print object
13268 @itemx show print object
13269 Choose whether to print derived (actual) or declared types of objects.
13270 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
13271
13272 @item set print vtbl
13273 @itemx show print vtbl
13274 Control the format for printing virtual function tables.
13275 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
13276 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
13277 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
13278
13279 @kindex set overload-resolution
13280 @cindex overloaded functions, overload resolution
13281 @item set overload-resolution on
13282 Enable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. The default
13283 is on. For overloaded functions, @value{GDBN} evaluates the arguments
13284 and searches for a function whose signature matches the argument types,
13285 using the standard C@t{++} conversion rules (see @ref{C Plus Plus
13286 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}, for details).
13287 If it cannot find a match, it emits a message.
13288
13289 @item set overload-resolution off
13290 Disable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. For
13291 overloaded functions that are not class member functions, @value{GDBN}
13292 chooses the first function of the specified name that it finds in the
13293 symbol table, whether or not its arguments are of the correct type. For
13294 overloaded functions that are class member functions, @value{GDBN}
13295 searches for a function whose signature @emph{exactly} matches the
13296 argument types.
13297
13298 @kindex show overload-resolution
13299 @item show overload-resolution
13300 Show the current setting of overload resolution.
13301
13302 @item @r{Overloaded symbol names}
13303 You can specify a particular definition of an overloaded symbol, using
13304 the same notation that is used to declare such symbols in C@t{++}: type
13305 @code{@var{symbol}(@var{types})} rather than just @var{symbol}. You can
13306 also use the @value{GDBN} command-line word completion facilities to list the
13307 available choices, or to finish the type list for you.
13308 @xref{Completion,, Command Completion}, for details on how to do this.
13309 @end table
13310
13311 @node Decimal Floating Point
13312 @subsubsection Decimal Floating Point format
13313 @cindex decimal floating point format
13314
13315 @value{GDBN} can examine, set and perform computations with numbers in
13316 decimal floating point format, which in the C language correspond to the
13317 @code{_Decimal32}, @code{_Decimal64} and @code{_Decimal128} types as
13318 specified by the extension to support decimal floating-point arithmetic.
13319
13320 There are two encodings in use, depending on the architecture: BID (Binary
13321 Integer Decimal) for x86 and x86-64, and DPD (Densely Packed Decimal) for
13322 PowerPC. @value{GDBN} will use the appropriate encoding for the configured
13323 target.
13324
13325 Because of a limitation in @file{libdecnumber}, the library used by @value{GDBN}
13326 to manipulate decimal floating point numbers, it is not possible to convert
13327 (using a cast, for example) integers wider than 32-bit to decimal float.
13328
13329 In addition, in order to imitate @value{GDBN}'s behaviour with binary floating
13330 point computations, error checking in decimal float operations ignores
13331 underflow, overflow and divide by zero exceptions.
13332
13333 In the PowerPC architecture, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers
13334 to inspect @code{_Decimal128} values stored in floating point registers.
13335 See @ref{PowerPC,,PowerPC} for more details.
13336
13337 @node D
13338 @subsection D
13339
13340 @cindex D
13341 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in D and compiled with
13342 GDC, LDC or DMD compilers. Currently @value{GDBN} supports only one D
13343 specific feature --- dynamic arrays.
13344
13345 @node Go
13346 @subsection Go
13347
13348 @cindex Go (programming language)
13349 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Go and compiled with
13350 @file{gccgo} or @file{6g} compilers.
13351
13352 Here is a summary of the Go-specific features and restrictions:
13353
13354 @table @code
13355 @cindex current Go package
13356 @item The current Go package
13357 The name of the current package does not need to be specified when
13358 specifying global variables and functions.
13359
13360 For example, given the program:
13361
13362 @example
13363 package main
13364 var myglob = "Shall we?"
13365 func main () @{
13366 // ...
13367 @}
13368 @end example
13369
13370 When stopped inside @code{main} either of these work:
13371
13372 @example
13373 (gdb) p myglob
13374 (gdb) p main.myglob
13375 @end example
13376
13377 @cindex builtin Go types
13378 @item Builtin Go types
13379 The @code{string} type is recognized by @value{GDBN} and is printed
13380 as a string.
13381
13382 @cindex builtin Go functions
13383 @item Builtin Go functions
13384 The @value{GDBN} expression parser recognizes the @code{unsafe.Sizeof}
13385 function and handles it internally.
13386
13387 @cindex restrictions on Go expressions
13388 @item Restrictions on Go expressions
13389 All Go operators are supported except @code{&^}.
13390 The Go @code{_} ``blank identifier'' is not supported.
13391 Automatic dereferencing of pointers is not supported.
13392 @end table
13393
13394 @node Objective-C
13395 @subsection Objective-C
13396
13397 @cindex Objective-C
13398 This section provides information about some commands and command
13399 options that are useful for debugging Objective-C code. See also
13400 @ref{Symbols, info classes}, and @ref{Symbols, info selectors}, for a
13401 few more commands specific to Objective-C support.
13402
13403 @menu
13404 * Method Names in Commands::
13405 * The Print Command with Objective-C::
13406 @end menu
13407
13408 @node Method Names in Commands
13409 @subsubsection Method Names in Commands
13410
13411 The following commands have been extended to accept Objective-C method
13412 names as line specifications:
13413
13414 @kindex clear@r{, and Objective-C}
13415 @kindex break@r{, and Objective-C}
13416 @kindex info line@r{, and Objective-C}
13417 @kindex jump@r{, and Objective-C}
13418 @kindex list@r{, and Objective-C}
13419 @itemize
13420 @item @code{clear}
13421 @item @code{break}
13422 @item @code{info line}
13423 @item @code{jump}
13424 @item @code{list}
13425 @end itemize
13426
13427 A fully qualified Objective-C method name is specified as
13428
13429 @smallexample
13430 -[@var{Class} @var{methodName}]
13431 @end smallexample
13432
13433 where the minus sign is used to indicate an instance method and a
13434 plus sign (not shown) is used to indicate a class method. The class
13435 name @var{Class} and method name @var{methodName} are enclosed in
13436 brackets, similar to the way messages are specified in Objective-C
13437 source code. For example, to set a breakpoint at the @code{create}
13438 instance method of class @code{Fruit} in the program currently being
13439 debugged, enter:
13440
13441 @smallexample
13442 break -[Fruit create]
13443 @end smallexample
13444
13445 To list ten program lines around the @code{initialize} class method,
13446 enter:
13447
13448 @smallexample
13449 list +[NSText initialize]
13450 @end smallexample
13451
13452 In the current version of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus sign is
13453 required. In future versions of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus
13454 sign will be optional, but you can use it to narrow the search. It
13455 is also possible to specify just a method name:
13456
13457 @smallexample
13458 break create
13459 @end smallexample
13460
13461 You must specify the complete method name, including any colons. If
13462 your program's source files contain more than one @code{create} method,
13463 you'll be presented with a numbered list of classes that implement that
13464 method. Indicate your choice by number, or type @samp{0} to exit if
13465 none apply.
13466
13467 As another example, to clear a breakpoint established at the
13468 @code{makeKeyAndOrderFront:} method of the @code{NSWindow} class, enter:
13469
13470 @smallexample
13471 clear -[NSWindow makeKeyAndOrderFront:]
13472 @end smallexample
13473
13474 @node The Print Command with Objective-C
13475 @subsubsection The Print Command With Objective-C
13476 @cindex Objective-C, print objects
13477 @kindex print-object
13478 @kindex po @r{(@code{print-object})}
13479
13480 The print command has also been extended to accept methods. For example:
13481
13482 @smallexample
13483 print -[@var{object} hash]
13484 @end smallexample
13485
13486 @cindex print an Objective-C object description
13487 @cindex @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, and printing Objective-C objects
13488 @noindent
13489 will tell @value{GDBN} to send the @code{hash} message to @var{object}
13490 and print the result. Also, an additional command has been added,
13491 @code{print-object} or @code{po} for short, which is meant to print
13492 the description of an object. However, this command may only work
13493 with certain Objective-C libraries that have a particular hook
13494 function, @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, defined.
13495
13496 @node OpenCL C
13497 @subsection OpenCL C
13498
13499 @cindex OpenCL C
13500 This section provides information about @value{GDBN}s OpenCL C support.
13501
13502 @menu
13503 * OpenCL C Datatypes::
13504 * OpenCL C Expressions::
13505 * OpenCL C Operators::
13506 @end menu
13507
13508 @node OpenCL C Datatypes
13509 @subsubsection OpenCL C Datatypes
13510
13511 @cindex OpenCL C Datatypes
13512 @value{GDBN} supports the builtin scalar and vector datatypes specified
13513 by OpenCL 1.1. In addition the half- and double-precision floating point
13514 data types of the @code{cl_khr_fp16} and @code{cl_khr_fp64} OpenCL
13515 extensions are also known to @value{GDBN}.
13516
13517 @node OpenCL C Expressions
13518 @subsubsection OpenCL C Expressions
13519
13520 @cindex OpenCL C Expressions
13521 @value{GDBN} supports accesses to vector components including the access as
13522 lvalue where possible. Since OpenCL C is based on C99 most C expressions
13523 supported by @value{GDBN} can be used as well.
13524
13525 @node OpenCL C Operators
13526 @subsubsection OpenCL C Operators
13527
13528 @cindex OpenCL C Operators
13529 @value{GDBN} supports the operators specified by OpenCL 1.1 for scalar and
13530 vector data types.
13531
13532 @node Fortran
13533 @subsection Fortran
13534 @cindex Fortran-specific support in @value{GDBN}
13535
13536 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, but it
13537 currently supports only the features of Fortran 77 language.
13538
13539 @cindex trailing underscore, in Fortran symbols
13540 Some Fortran compilers (@sc{gnu} Fortran 77 and Fortran 95 compilers
13541 among them) append an underscore to the names of variables and
13542 functions. When you debug programs compiled by those compilers, you
13543 will need to refer to variables and functions with a trailing
13544 underscore.
13545
13546 @menu
13547 * Fortran Operators:: Fortran operators and expressions
13548 * Fortran Defaults:: Default settings for Fortran
13549 * Special Fortran Commands:: Special @value{GDBN} commands for Fortran
13550 @end menu
13551
13552 @node Fortran Operators
13553 @subsubsection Fortran Operators and Expressions
13554
13555 @cindex Fortran operators and expressions
13556
13557 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
13558 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on characters or other non-
13559 arithmetic types. Operators are often defined on groups of types.
13560
13561 @table @code
13562 @item **
13563 The exponentiation operator. It raises the first operand to the power
13564 of the second one.
13565
13566 @item :
13567 The range operator. Normally used in the form of array(low:high) to
13568 represent a section of array.
13569
13570 @item %
13571 The access component operator. Normally used to access elements in derived
13572 types. Also suitable for unions. As unions aren't part of regular Fortran,
13573 this can only happen when accessing a register that uses a gdbarch-defined
13574 union type.
13575 @end table
13576
13577 @node Fortran Defaults
13578 @subsubsection Fortran Defaults
13579
13580 @cindex Fortran Defaults
13581
13582 Fortran symbols are usually case-insensitive, so @value{GDBN} by
13583 default uses case-insensitive matches for Fortran symbols. You can
13584 change that with the @samp{set case-insensitive} command, see
13585 @ref{Symbols}, for the details.
13586
13587 @node Special Fortran Commands
13588 @subsubsection Special Fortran Commands
13589
13590 @cindex Special Fortran commands
13591
13592 @value{GDBN} has some commands to support Fortran-specific features,
13593 such as displaying common blocks.
13594
13595 @table @code
13596 @cindex @code{COMMON} blocks, Fortran
13597 @kindex info common
13598 @item info common @r{[}@var{common-name}@r{]}
13599 This command prints the values contained in the Fortran @code{COMMON}
13600 block whose name is @var{common-name}. With no argument, the names of
13601 all @code{COMMON} blocks visible at the current program location are
13602 printed.
13603 @end table
13604
13605 @node Pascal
13606 @subsection Pascal
13607
13608 @cindex Pascal support in @value{GDBN}, limitations
13609 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
13610 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
13611 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
13612 syntax.
13613
13614 The Pascal-specific command @code{set print pascal_static-members}
13615 controls whether static members of Pascal objects are displayed.
13616 @xref{Print Settings, pascal_static-members}.
13617
13618 @node Modula-2
13619 @subsection Modula-2
13620
13621 @cindex Modula-2, @value{GDBN} support
13622
13623 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} to support Modula-2 only support
13624 output from the @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler (which is currently being
13625 developed). Other Modula-2 compilers are not currently supported, and
13626 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
13627 to give an error as @value{GDBN} reads in the executable's symbol
13628 table.
13629
13630 @cindex expressions in Modula-2
13631 @menu
13632 * M2 Operators:: Built-in operators
13633 * Built-In Func/Proc:: Built-in functions and procedures
13634 * M2 Constants:: Modula-2 constants
13635 * M2 Types:: Modula-2 types
13636 * M2 Defaults:: Default settings for Modula-2
13637 * Deviations:: Deviations from standard Modula-2
13638 * M2 Checks:: Modula-2 type and range checks
13639 * M2 Scope:: The scope operators @code{::} and @code{.}
13640 * GDB/M2:: @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
13641 @end menu
13642
13643 @node M2 Operators
13644 @subsubsection Operators
13645 @cindex Modula-2 operators
13646
13647 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
13648 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
13649 often defined on groups of types. For the purposes of Modula-2, the
13650 following definitions hold:
13651
13652 @itemize @bullet
13653
13654 @item
13655 @emph{Integral types} consist of @code{INTEGER}, @code{CARDINAL}, and
13656 their subranges.
13657
13658 @item
13659 @emph{Character types} consist of @code{CHAR} and its subranges.
13660
13661 @item
13662 @emph{Floating-point types} consist of @code{REAL}.
13663
13664 @item
13665 @emph{Pointer types} consist of anything declared as @code{POINTER TO
13666 @var{type}}.
13667
13668 @item
13669 @emph{Scalar types} consist of all of the above.
13670
13671 @item
13672 @emph{Set types} consist of @code{SET} and @code{BITSET} types.
13673
13674 @item
13675 @emph{Boolean types} consist of @code{BOOLEAN}.
13676 @end itemize
13677
13678 @noindent
13679 The following operators are supported, and appear in order of
13680 increasing precedence:
13681
13682 @table @code
13683 @item ,
13684 Function argument or array index separator.
13685
13686 @item :=
13687 Assignment. The value of @var{var} @code{:=} @var{value} is
13688 @var{value}.
13689
13690 @item <@r{, }>
13691 Less than, greater than on integral, floating-point, or enumerated
13692 types.
13693
13694 @item <=@r{, }>=
13695 Less than or equal to, greater than or equal to
13696 on integral, floating-point and enumerated types, or set inclusion on
13697 set types. Same precedence as @code{<}.
13698
13699 @item =@r{, }<>@r{, }#
13700 Equality and two ways of expressing inequality, valid on scalar types.
13701 Same precedence as @code{<}. In @value{GDBN} scripts, only @code{<>} is
13702 available for inequality, since @code{#} conflicts with the script
13703 comment character.
13704
13705 @item IN
13706 Set membership. Defined on set types and the types of their members.
13707 Same precedence as @code{<}.
13708
13709 @item OR
13710 Boolean disjunction. Defined on boolean types.
13711
13712 @item AND@r{, }&
13713 Boolean conjunction. Defined on boolean types.
13714
13715 @item @@
13716 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
13717
13718 @item +@r{, }-
13719 Addition and subtraction on integral and floating-point types, or union
13720 and difference on set types.
13721
13722 @item *
13723 Multiplication on integral and floating-point types, or set intersection
13724 on set types.
13725
13726 @item /
13727 Division on floating-point types, or symmetric set difference on set
13728 types. Same precedence as @code{*}.
13729
13730 @item DIV@r{, }MOD
13731 Integer division and remainder. Defined on integral types. Same
13732 precedence as @code{*}.
13733
13734 @item -
13735 Negative. Defined on @code{INTEGER} and @code{REAL} data.
13736
13737 @item ^
13738 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types.
13739
13740 @item NOT
13741 Boolean negation. Defined on boolean types. Same precedence as
13742 @code{^}.
13743
13744 @item .
13745 @code{RECORD} field selector. Defined on @code{RECORD} data. Same
13746 precedence as @code{^}.
13747
13748 @item []
13749 Array indexing. Defined on @code{ARRAY} data. Same precedence as @code{^}.
13750
13751 @item ()
13752 Procedure argument list. Defined on @code{PROCEDURE} objects. Same precedence
13753 as @code{^}.
13754
13755 @item ::@r{, }.
13756 @value{GDBN} and Modula-2 scope operators.
13757 @end table
13758
13759 @quotation
13760 @emph{Warning:} Set expressions and their operations are not yet supported, so @value{GDBN}
13761 treats the use of the operator @code{IN}, or the use of operators
13762 @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{=}, , @code{<>}, @code{#},
13763 @code{<=}, and @code{>=} on sets as an error.
13764 @end quotation
13765
13766
13767 @node Built-In Func/Proc
13768 @subsubsection Built-in Functions and Procedures
13769 @cindex Modula-2 built-ins
13770
13771 Modula-2 also makes available several built-in procedures and functions.
13772 In describing these, the following metavariables are used:
13773
13774 @table @var
13775
13776 @item a
13777 represents an @code{ARRAY} variable.
13778
13779 @item c
13780 represents a @code{CHAR} constant or variable.
13781
13782 @item i
13783 represents a variable or constant of integral type.
13784
13785 @item m
13786 represents an identifier that belongs to a set. Generally used in the
13787 same function with the metavariable @var{s}. The type of @var{s} should
13788 be @code{SET OF @var{mtype}} (where @var{mtype} is the type of @var{m}).
13789
13790 @item n
13791 represents a variable or constant of integral or floating-point type.
13792
13793 @item r
13794 represents a variable or constant of floating-point type.
13795
13796 @item t
13797 represents a type.
13798
13799 @item v
13800 represents a variable.
13801
13802 @item x
13803 represents a variable or constant of one of many types. See the
13804 explanation of the function for details.
13805 @end table
13806
13807 All Modula-2 built-in procedures also return a result, described below.
13808
13809 @table @code
13810 @item ABS(@var{n})
13811 Returns the absolute value of @var{n}.
13812
13813 @item CAP(@var{c})
13814 If @var{c} is a lower case letter, it returns its upper case
13815 equivalent, otherwise it returns its argument.
13816
13817 @item CHR(@var{i})
13818 Returns the character whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
13819
13820 @item DEC(@var{v})
13821 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
13822
13823 @item DEC(@var{v},@var{i})
13824 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
13825 new value.
13826
13827 @item EXCL(@var{m},@var{s})
13828 Removes the element @var{m} from the set @var{s}. Returns the new
13829 set.
13830
13831 @item FLOAT(@var{i})
13832 Returns the floating point equivalent of the integer @var{i}.
13833
13834 @item HIGH(@var{a})
13835 Returns the index of the last member of @var{a}.
13836
13837 @item INC(@var{v})
13838 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
13839
13840 @item INC(@var{v},@var{i})
13841 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
13842 new value.
13843
13844 @item INCL(@var{m},@var{s})
13845 Adds the element @var{m} to the set @var{s} if it is not already
13846 there. Returns the new set.
13847
13848 @item MAX(@var{t})
13849 Returns the maximum value of the type @var{t}.
13850
13851 @item MIN(@var{t})
13852 Returns the minimum value of the type @var{t}.
13853
13854 @item ODD(@var{i})
13855 Returns boolean TRUE if @var{i} is an odd number.
13856
13857 @item ORD(@var{x})
13858 Returns the ordinal value of its argument. For example, the ordinal
13859 value of a character is its @sc{ascii} value (on machines supporting the
13860 @sc{ascii} character set). @var{x} must be of an ordered type, which include
13861 integral, character and enumerated types.
13862
13863 @item SIZE(@var{x})
13864 Returns the size of its argument. @var{x} can be a variable or a type.
13865
13866 @item TRUNC(@var{r})
13867 Returns the integral part of @var{r}.
13868
13869 @item TSIZE(@var{x})
13870 Returns the size of its argument. @var{x} can be a variable or a type.
13871
13872 @item VAL(@var{t},@var{i})
13873 Returns the member of the type @var{t} whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
13874 @end table
13875
13876 @quotation
13877 @emph{Warning:} Sets and their operations are not yet supported, so
13878 @value{GDBN} treats the use of procedures @code{INCL} and @code{EXCL} as
13879 an error.
13880 @end quotation
13881
13882 @cindex Modula-2 constants
13883 @node M2 Constants
13884 @subsubsection Constants
13885
13886 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of Modula-2 in the following
13887 ways:
13888
13889 @itemize @bullet
13890
13891 @item
13892 Integer constants are simply a sequence of digits. When used in an
13893 expression, a constant is interpreted to be type-compatible with the
13894 rest of the expression. Hexadecimal integers are specified by a
13895 trailing @samp{H}, and octal integers by a trailing @samp{B}.
13896
13897 @item
13898 Floating point constants appear as a sequence of digits, followed by a
13899 decimal point and another sequence of digits. An optional exponent can
13900 then be specified, in the form @samp{E@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}, where
13901 @samp{@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}} is the desired exponent. All of the
13902 digits of the floating point constant must be valid decimal (base 10)
13903 digits.
13904
13905 @item
13906 Character constants consist of a single character enclosed by a pair of
13907 like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}). They may
13908 also be expressed by their ordinal value (their @sc{ascii} value, usually)
13909 followed by a @samp{C}.
13910
13911 @item
13912 String constants consist of a sequence of characters enclosed by a
13913 pair of like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}).
13914 Escape sequences in the style of C are also allowed. @xref{C
13915 Constants, ,C and C@t{++} Constants}, for a brief explanation of escape
13916 sequences.
13917
13918 @item
13919 Enumerated constants consist of an enumerated identifier.
13920
13921 @item
13922 Boolean constants consist of the identifiers @code{TRUE} and
13923 @code{FALSE}.
13924
13925 @item
13926 Pointer constants consist of integral values only.
13927
13928 @item
13929 Set constants are not yet supported.
13930 @end itemize
13931
13932 @node M2 Types
13933 @subsubsection Modula-2 Types
13934 @cindex Modula-2 types
13935
13936 Currently @value{GDBN} can print the following data types in Modula-2
13937 syntax: array types, record types, set types, pointer types, procedure
13938 types, enumerated types, subrange types and base types. You can also
13939 print the contents of variables declared using these type.
13940 This section gives a number of simple source code examples together with
13941 sample @value{GDBN} sessions.
13942
13943 The first example contains the following section of code:
13944
13945 @smallexample
13946 VAR
13947 s: SET OF CHAR ;
13948 r: [20..40] ;
13949 @end smallexample
13950
13951 @noindent
13952 and you can request @value{GDBN} to interrogate the type and value of
13953 @code{r} and @code{s}.
13954
13955 @smallexample
13956 (@value{GDBP}) print s
13957 @{'A'..'C', 'Z'@}
13958 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
13959 SET OF CHAR
13960 (@value{GDBP}) print r
13961 21
13962 (@value{GDBP}) ptype r
13963 [20..40]
13964 @end smallexample
13965
13966 @noindent
13967 Likewise if your source code declares @code{s} as:
13968
13969 @smallexample
13970 VAR
13971 s: SET ['A'..'Z'] ;
13972 @end smallexample
13973
13974 @noindent
13975 then you may query the type of @code{s} by:
13976
13977 @smallexample
13978 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
13979 type = SET ['A'..'Z']
13980 @end smallexample
13981
13982 @noindent
13983 Note that at present you cannot interactively manipulate set
13984 expressions using the debugger.
13985
13986 The following example shows how you might declare an array in Modula-2
13987 and how you can interact with @value{GDBN} to print its type and contents:
13988
13989 @smallexample
13990 VAR
13991 s: ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR ;
13992 @end smallexample
13993
13994 @smallexample
13995 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
13996 ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR
13997 @end smallexample
13998
13999 Note that the array handling is not yet complete and although the type
14000 is printed correctly, expression handling still assumes that all
14001 arrays have a lower bound of zero and not @code{-10} as in the example
14002 above.
14003
14004 Here are some more type related Modula-2 examples:
14005
14006 @smallexample
14007 TYPE
14008 colour = (blue, red, yellow, green) ;
14009 t = [blue..yellow] ;
14010 VAR
14011 s: t ;
14012 BEGIN
14013 s := blue ;
14014 @end smallexample
14015
14016 @noindent
14017 The @value{GDBN} interaction shows how you can query the data type
14018 and value of a variable.
14019
14020 @smallexample
14021 (@value{GDBP}) print s
14022 $1 = blue
14023 (@value{GDBP}) ptype t
14024 type = [blue..yellow]
14025 @end smallexample
14026
14027 @noindent
14028 In this example a Modula-2 array is declared and its contents
14029 displayed. Observe that the contents are written in the same way as
14030 their @code{C} counterparts.
14031
14032 @smallexample
14033 VAR
14034 s: ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
14035 BEGIN
14036 s[1] := 1 ;
14037 @end smallexample
14038
14039 @smallexample
14040 (@value{GDBP}) print s
14041 $1 = @{1, 0, 0, 0, 0@}
14042 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
14043 type = ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
14044 @end smallexample
14045
14046 The Modula-2 language interface to @value{GDBN} also understands
14047 pointer types as shown in this example:
14048
14049 @smallexample
14050 VAR
14051 s: POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
14052 BEGIN
14053 NEW(s) ;
14054 s^[1] := 1 ;
14055 @end smallexample
14056
14057 @noindent
14058 and you can request that @value{GDBN} describes the type of @code{s}.
14059
14060 @smallexample
14061 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
14062 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
14063 @end smallexample
14064
14065 @value{GDBN} handles compound types as we can see in this example.
14066 Here we combine array types, record types, pointer types and subrange
14067 types:
14068
14069 @smallexample
14070 TYPE
14071 foo = RECORD
14072 f1: CARDINAL ;
14073 f2: CHAR ;
14074 f3: myarray ;
14075 END ;
14076
14077 myarray = ARRAY myrange OF CARDINAL ;
14078 myrange = [-2..2] ;
14079 VAR
14080 s: POINTER TO ARRAY myrange OF foo ;
14081 @end smallexample
14082
14083 @noindent
14084 and you can ask @value{GDBN} to describe the type of @code{s} as shown
14085 below.
14086
14087 @smallexample
14088 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
14089 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [-2..2] OF foo = RECORD
14090 f1 : CARDINAL;
14091 f2 : CHAR;
14092 f3 : ARRAY [-2..2] OF CARDINAL;
14093 END
14094 @end smallexample
14095
14096 @node M2 Defaults
14097 @subsubsection Modula-2 Defaults
14098 @cindex Modula-2 defaults
14099
14100 If type and range checking are set automatically by @value{GDBN}, they
14101 both default to @code{on} whenever the working language changes to
14102 Modula-2. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
14103 selected the working language.
14104
14105 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, then entering
14106 code compiled from a file whose name ends with @file{.mod} sets the
14107 working language to Modula-2. @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN}
14108 Infer the Source Language}, for further details.
14109
14110 @node Deviations
14111 @subsubsection Deviations from Standard Modula-2
14112 @cindex Modula-2, deviations from
14113
14114 A few changes have been made to make Modula-2 programs easier to debug.
14115 This is done primarily via loosening its type strictness:
14116
14117 @itemize @bullet
14118 @item
14119 Unlike in standard Modula-2, pointer constants can be formed by
14120 integers. This allows you to modify pointer variables during
14121 debugging. (In standard Modula-2, the actual address contained in a
14122 pointer variable is hidden from you; it can only be modified
14123 through direct assignment to another pointer variable or expression that
14124 returned a pointer.)
14125
14126 @item
14127 C escape sequences can be used in strings and characters to represent
14128 non-printable characters. @value{GDBN} prints out strings with these
14129 escape sequences embedded. Single non-printable characters are
14130 printed using the @samp{CHR(@var{nnn})} format.
14131
14132 @item
14133 The assignment operator (@code{:=}) returns the value of its right-hand
14134 argument.
14135
14136 @item
14137 All built-in procedures both modify @emph{and} return their argument.
14138 @end itemize
14139
14140 @node M2 Checks
14141 @subsubsection Modula-2 Type and Range Checks
14142 @cindex Modula-2 checks
14143
14144 @quotation
14145 @emph{Warning:} in this release, @value{GDBN} does not yet perform type or
14146 range checking.
14147 @end quotation
14148 @c FIXME remove warning when type/range checks added
14149
14150 @value{GDBN} considers two Modula-2 variables type equivalent if:
14151
14152 @itemize @bullet
14153 @item
14154 They are of types that have been declared equivalent via a @code{TYPE
14155 @var{t1} = @var{t2}} statement
14156
14157 @item
14158 They have been declared on the same line. (Note: This is true of the
14159 @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler, but it may not be true of other compilers.)
14160 @end itemize
14161
14162 As long as type checking is enabled, any attempt to combine variables
14163 whose types are not equivalent is an error.
14164
14165 Range checking is done on all mathematical operations, assignment, array
14166 index bounds, and all built-in functions and procedures.
14167
14168 @node M2 Scope
14169 @subsubsection The Scope Operators @code{::} and @code{.}
14170 @cindex scope
14171 @cindex @code{.}, Modula-2 scope operator
14172 @cindex colon, doubled as scope operator
14173 @ifinfo
14174 @vindex colon-colon@r{, in Modula-2}
14175 @c Info cannot handle :: but TeX can.
14176 @end ifinfo
14177 @ifnotinfo
14178 @vindex ::@r{, in Modula-2}
14179 @end ifnotinfo
14180
14181 There are a few subtle differences between the Modula-2 scope operator
14182 (@code{.}) and the @value{GDBN} scope operator (@code{::}). The two have
14183 similar syntax:
14184
14185 @smallexample
14186
14187 @var{module} . @var{id}
14188 @var{scope} :: @var{id}
14189 @end smallexample
14190
14191 @noindent
14192 where @var{scope} is the name of a module or a procedure,
14193 @var{module} the name of a module, and @var{id} is any declared
14194 identifier within your program, except another module.
14195
14196 Using the @code{::} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the scope
14197 specified by @var{scope} for the identifier @var{id}. If it is not
14198 found in the specified scope, then @value{GDBN} searches all scopes
14199 enclosing the one specified by @var{scope}.
14200
14201 Using the @code{.} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the current scope for
14202 the identifier specified by @var{id} that was imported from the
14203 definition module specified by @var{module}. With this operator, it is
14204 an error if the identifier @var{id} was not imported from definition
14205 module @var{module}, or if @var{id} is not an identifier in
14206 @var{module}.
14207
14208 @node GDB/M2
14209 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
14210
14211 Some @value{GDBN} commands have little use when debugging Modula-2 programs.
14212 Five subcommands of @code{set print} and @code{show print} apply
14213 specifically to C and C@t{++}: @samp{vtbl}, @samp{demangle},
14214 @samp{asm-demangle}, @samp{object}, and @samp{union}. The first four
14215 apply to C@t{++}, and the last to the C @code{union} type, which has no direct
14216 analogue in Modula-2.
14217
14218 The @code{@@} operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}), while available
14219 with any language, is not useful with Modula-2. Its
14220 intent is to aid the debugging of @dfn{dynamic arrays}, which cannot be
14221 created in Modula-2 as they can in C or C@t{++}. However, because an
14222 address can be specified by an integral constant, the construct
14223 @samp{@{@var{type}@}@var{adrexp}} is still useful.
14224
14225 @cindex @code{#} in Modula-2
14226 In @value{GDBN} scripts, the Modula-2 inequality operator @code{#} is
14227 interpreted as the beginning of a comment. Use @code{<>} instead.
14228
14229 @node Ada
14230 @subsection Ada
14231 @cindex Ada
14232
14233 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} for Ada only support
14234 output from the @sc{gnu} Ada (GNAT) compiler.
14235 Other Ada compilers are not currently supported, and
14236 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
14237 to be difficult.
14238
14239
14240 @cindex expressions in Ada
14241 @menu
14242 * Ada Mode Intro:: General remarks on the Ada syntax
14243 and semantics supported by Ada mode
14244 in @value{GDBN}.
14245 * Omissions from Ada:: Restrictions on the Ada expression syntax.
14246 * Additions to Ada:: Extensions of the Ada expression syntax.
14247 * Stopping Before Main Program:: Debugging the program during elaboration.
14248 * Ada Tasks:: Listing and setting breakpoints in tasks.
14249 * Ada Tasks and Core Files:: Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
14250 * Ravenscar Profile:: Tasking Support when using the Ravenscar
14251 Profile
14252 * Ada Glitches:: Known peculiarities of Ada mode.
14253 @end menu
14254
14255 @node Ada Mode Intro
14256 @subsubsection Introduction
14257 @cindex Ada mode, general
14258
14259 The Ada mode of @value{GDBN} supports a fairly large subset of Ada expression
14260 syntax, with some extensions.
14261 The philosophy behind the design of this subset is
14262
14263 @itemize @bullet
14264 @item
14265 That @value{GDBN} should provide basic literals and access to operations for
14266 arithmetic, dereferencing, field selection, indexing, and subprogram calls,
14267 leaving more sophisticated computations to subprograms written into the
14268 program (which therefore may be called from @value{GDBN}).
14269
14270 @item
14271 That type safety and strict adherence to Ada language restrictions
14272 are not particularly important to the @value{GDBN} user.
14273
14274 @item
14275 That brevity is important to the @value{GDBN} user.
14276 @end itemize
14277
14278 Thus, for brevity, the debugger acts as if all names declared in
14279 user-written packages are directly visible, even if they are not visible
14280 according to Ada rules, thus making it unnecessary to fully qualify most
14281 names with their packages, regardless of context. Where this causes
14282 ambiguity, @value{GDBN} asks the user's intent.
14283
14284 The debugger will start in Ada mode if it detects an Ada main program.
14285 As for other languages, it will enter Ada mode when stopped in a program that
14286 was translated from an Ada source file.
14287
14288 While in Ada mode, you may use `@t{--}' for comments. This is useful
14289 mostly for documenting command files. The standard @value{GDBN} comment
14290 (@samp{#}) still works at the beginning of a line in Ada mode, but not in the
14291 middle (to allow based literals).
14292
14293 The debugger supports limited overloading. Given a subprogram call in which
14294 the function symbol has multiple definitions, it will use the number of
14295 actual parameters and some information about their types to attempt to narrow
14296 the set of definitions. It also makes very limited use of context, preferring
14297 procedures to functions in the context of the @code{call} command, and
14298 functions to procedures elsewhere.
14299
14300 @node Omissions from Ada
14301 @subsubsection Omissions from Ada
14302 @cindex Ada, omissions from
14303
14304 Here are the notable omissions from the subset:
14305
14306 @itemize @bullet
14307 @item
14308 Only a subset of the attributes are supported:
14309
14310 @itemize @minus
14311 @item
14312 @t{'First}, @t{'Last}, and @t{'Length}
14313 on array objects (not on types and subtypes).
14314
14315 @item
14316 @t{'Min} and @t{'Max}.
14317
14318 @item
14319 @t{'Pos} and @t{'Val}.
14320
14321 @item
14322 @t{'Tag}.
14323
14324 @item
14325 @t{'Range} on array objects (not subtypes), but only as the right
14326 operand of the membership (@code{in}) operator.
14327
14328 @item
14329 @t{'Access}, @t{'Unchecked_Access}, and
14330 @t{'Unrestricted_Access} (a GNAT extension).
14331
14332 @item
14333 @t{'Address}.
14334 @end itemize
14335
14336 @item
14337 The names in
14338 @code{Characters.Latin_1} are not available and
14339 concatenation is not implemented. Thus, escape characters in strings are
14340 not currently available.
14341
14342 @item
14343 Equality tests (@samp{=} and @samp{/=}) on arrays test for bitwise
14344 equality of representations. They will generally work correctly
14345 for strings and arrays whose elements have integer or enumeration types.
14346 They may not work correctly for arrays whose element
14347 types have user-defined equality, for arrays of real values
14348 (in particular, IEEE-conformant floating point, because of negative
14349 zeroes and NaNs), and for arrays whose elements contain unused bits with
14350 indeterminate values.
14351
14352 @item
14353 The other component-by-component array operations (@code{and}, @code{or},
14354 @code{xor}, @code{not}, and relational tests other than equality)
14355 are not implemented.
14356
14357 @item
14358 @cindex array aggregates (Ada)
14359 @cindex record aggregates (Ada)
14360 @cindex aggregates (Ada)
14361 There is limited support for array and record aggregates. They are
14362 permitted only on the right sides of assignments, as in these examples:
14363
14364 @smallexample
14365 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
14366 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, others => 0)
14367 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (0|4 => 1, 1..3 => 2, 5 => 6)
14368 (@value{GDBP}) set A_2D_Array := ((1, 2, 3), (4, 5, 6), (7, 8, 9))
14369 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (1, "Peter", True);
14370 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (Name => "Peter", Id => 1, Alive => True)
14371 @end smallexample
14372
14373 Changing a
14374 discriminant's value by assigning an aggregate has an
14375 undefined effect if that discriminant is used within the record.
14376 However, you can first modify discriminants by directly assigning to
14377 them (which normally would not be allowed in Ada), and then performing an
14378 aggregate assignment. For example, given a variable @code{A_Rec}
14379 declared to have a type such as:
14380
14381 @smallexample
14382 type Rec (Len : Small_Integer := 0) is record
14383 Id : Integer;
14384 Vals : IntArray (1 .. Len);
14385 end record;
14386 @end smallexample
14387
14388 you can assign a value with a different size of @code{Vals} with two
14389 assignments:
14390
14391 @smallexample
14392 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec.Len := 4
14393 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec := (Id => 42, Vals => (1, 2, 3, 4))
14394 @end smallexample
14395
14396 As this example also illustrates, @value{GDBN} is very loose about the usual
14397 rules concerning aggregates. You may leave out some of the
14398 components of an array or record aggregate (such as the @code{Len}
14399 component in the assignment to @code{A_Rec} above); they will retain their
14400 original values upon assignment. You may freely use dynamic values as
14401 indices in component associations. You may even use overlapping or
14402 redundant component associations, although which component values are
14403 assigned in such cases is not defined.
14404
14405 @item
14406 Calls to dispatching subprograms are not implemented.
14407
14408 @item
14409 The overloading algorithm is much more limited (i.e., less selective)
14410 than that of real Ada. It makes only limited use of the context in
14411 which a subexpression appears to resolve its meaning, and it is much
14412 looser in its rules for allowing type matches. As a result, some
14413 function calls will be ambiguous, and the user will be asked to choose
14414 the proper resolution.
14415
14416 @item
14417 The @code{new} operator is not implemented.
14418
14419 @item
14420 Entry calls are not implemented.
14421
14422 @item
14423 Aside from printing, arithmetic operations on the native VAX floating-point
14424 formats are not supported.
14425
14426 @item
14427 It is not possible to slice a packed array.
14428
14429 @item
14430 The names @code{True} and @code{False}, when not part of a qualified name,
14431 are interpreted as if implicitly prefixed by @code{Standard}, regardless of
14432 context.
14433 Should your program
14434 redefine these names in a package or procedure (at best a dubious practice),
14435 you will have to use fully qualified names to access their new definitions.
14436 @end itemize
14437
14438 @node Additions to Ada
14439 @subsubsection Additions to Ada
14440 @cindex Ada, deviations from
14441
14442 As it does for other languages, @value{GDBN} makes certain generic
14443 extensions to Ada (@pxref{Expressions}):
14444
14445 @itemize @bullet
14446 @item
14447 If the expression @var{E} is a variable residing in memory (typically
14448 a local variable or array element) and @var{N} is a positive integer,
14449 then @code{@var{E}@@@var{N}} displays the values of @var{E} and the
14450 @var{N}-1 adjacent variables following it in memory as an array. In
14451 Ada, this operator is generally not necessary, since its prime use is
14452 in displaying parts of an array, and slicing will usually do this in
14453 Ada. However, there are occasional uses when debugging programs in
14454 which certain debugging information has been optimized away.
14455
14456 @item
14457 @code{@var{B}::@var{var}} means ``the variable named @var{var} that
14458 appears in function or file @var{B}.'' When @var{B} is a file name,
14459 you must typically surround it in single quotes.
14460
14461 @item
14462 The expression @code{@{@var{type}@} @var{addr}} means ``the variable of type
14463 @var{type} that appears at address @var{addr}.''
14464
14465 @item
14466 A name starting with @samp{$} is a convenience variable
14467 (@pxref{Convenience Vars}) or a machine register (@pxref{Registers}).
14468 @end itemize
14469
14470 In addition, @value{GDBN} provides a few other shortcuts and outright
14471 additions specific to Ada:
14472
14473 @itemize @bullet
14474 @item
14475 The assignment statement is allowed as an expression, returning
14476 its right-hand operand as its value. Thus, you may enter
14477
14478 @smallexample
14479 (@value{GDBP}) set x := y + 3
14480 (@value{GDBP}) print A(tmp := y + 1)
14481 @end smallexample
14482
14483 @item
14484 The semicolon is allowed as an ``operator,'' returning as its value
14485 the value of its right-hand operand.
14486 This allows, for example,
14487 complex conditional breaks:
14488
14489 @smallexample
14490 (@value{GDBP}) break f
14491 (@value{GDBP}) condition 1 (report(i); k += 1; A(k) > 100)
14492 @end smallexample
14493
14494 @item
14495 Rather than use catenation and symbolic character names to introduce special
14496 characters into strings, one may instead use a special bracket notation,
14497 which is also used to print strings. A sequence of characters of the form
14498 @samp{["@var{XX}"]} within a string or character literal denotes the
14499 (single) character whose numeric encoding is @var{XX} in hexadecimal. The
14500 sequence of characters @samp{["""]} also denotes a single quotation mark
14501 in strings. For example,
14502 @smallexample
14503 "One line.["0a"]Next line.["0a"]"
14504 @end smallexample
14505 @noindent
14506 contains an ASCII newline character (@code{Ada.Characters.Latin_1.LF})
14507 after each period.
14508
14509 @item
14510 The subtype used as a prefix for the attributes @t{'Pos}, @t{'Min}, and
14511 @t{'Max} is optional (and is ignored in any case). For example, it is valid
14512 to write
14513
14514 @smallexample
14515 (@value{GDBP}) print 'max(x, y)
14516 @end smallexample
14517
14518 @item
14519 When printing arrays, @value{GDBN} uses positional notation when the
14520 array has a lower bound of 1, and uses a modified named notation otherwise.
14521 For example, a one-dimensional array of three integers with a lower bound
14522 of 3 might print as
14523
14524 @smallexample
14525 (3 => 10, 17, 1)
14526 @end smallexample
14527
14528 @noindent
14529 That is, in contrast to valid Ada, only the first component has a @code{=>}
14530 clause.
14531
14532 @item
14533 You may abbreviate attributes in expressions with any unique,
14534 multi-character subsequence of
14535 their names (an exact match gets preference).
14536 For example, you may use @t{a'len}, @t{a'gth}, or @t{a'lh}
14537 in place of @t{a'length}.
14538
14539 @item
14540 @cindex quoting Ada internal identifiers
14541 Since Ada is case-insensitive, the debugger normally maps identifiers you type
14542 to lower case. The GNAT compiler uses upper-case characters for
14543 some of its internal identifiers, which are normally of no interest to users.
14544 For the rare occasions when you actually have to look at them,
14545 enclose them in angle brackets to avoid the lower-case mapping.
14546 For example,
14547 @smallexample
14548 (@value{GDBP}) print <JMPBUF_SAVE>[0]
14549 @end smallexample
14550
14551 @item
14552 Printing an object of class-wide type or dereferencing an
14553 access-to-class-wide value will display all the components of the object's
14554 specific type (as indicated by its run-time tag). Likewise, component
14555 selection on such a value will operate on the specific type of the
14556 object.
14557
14558 @end itemize
14559
14560 @node Stopping Before Main Program
14561 @subsubsection Stopping at the Very Beginning
14562
14563 @cindex breakpointing Ada elaboration code
14564 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration, and
14565 before reaching the main procedure.
14566 As defined in the Ada Reference
14567 Manual, the elaboration code is invoked from a procedure called
14568 @code{adainit}. To run your program up to the beginning of
14569 elaboration, simply use the following two commands:
14570 @code{tbreak adainit} and @code{run}.
14571
14572 @node Ada Tasks
14573 @subsubsection Extensions for Ada Tasks
14574 @cindex Ada, tasking
14575
14576 Support for Ada tasks is analogous to that for threads (@pxref{Threads}).
14577 @value{GDBN} provides the following task-related commands:
14578
14579 @table @code
14580 @kindex info tasks
14581 @item info tasks
14582 This command shows a list of current Ada tasks, as in the following example:
14583
14584
14585 @smallexample
14586 @iftex
14587 @leftskip=0.5cm
14588 @end iftex
14589 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
14590 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
14591 1 8088000 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
14592 2 80a4000 1 15 Accept Statement b
14593 3 809a800 1 15 Child Activation Wait a
14594 * 4 80ae800 3 15 Runnable c
14595
14596 @end smallexample
14597
14598 @noindent
14599 In this listing, the asterisk before the last task indicates it to be the
14600 task currently being inspected.
14601
14602 @table @asis
14603 @item ID
14604 Represents @value{GDBN}'s internal task number.
14605
14606 @item TID
14607 The Ada task ID.
14608
14609 @item P-ID
14610 The parent's task ID (@value{GDBN}'s internal task number).
14611
14612 @item Pri
14613 The base priority of the task.
14614
14615 @item State
14616 Current state of the task.
14617
14618 @table @code
14619 @item Unactivated
14620 The task has been created but has not been activated. It cannot be
14621 executing.
14622
14623 @item Runnable
14624 The task is not blocked for any reason known to Ada. (It may be waiting
14625 for a mutex, though.) It is conceptually "executing" in normal mode.
14626
14627 @item Terminated
14628 The task is terminated, in the sense of ARM 9.3 (5). Any dependents
14629 that were waiting on terminate alternatives have been awakened and have
14630 terminated themselves.
14631
14632 @item Child Activation Wait
14633 The task is waiting for created tasks to complete activation.
14634
14635 @item Accept Statement
14636 The task is waiting on an accept or selective wait statement.
14637
14638 @item Waiting on entry call
14639 The task is waiting on an entry call.
14640
14641 @item Async Select Wait
14642 The task is waiting to start the abortable part of an asynchronous
14643 select statement.
14644
14645 @item Delay Sleep
14646 The task is waiting on a select statement with only a delay
14647 alternative open.
14648
14649 @item Child Termination Wait
14650 The task is sleeping having completed a master within itself, and is
14651 waiting for the tasks dependent on that master to become terminated or
14652 waiting on a terminate Phase.
14653
14654 @item Wait Child in Term Alt
14655 The task is sleeping waiting for tasks on terminate alternatives to
14656 finish terminating.
14657
14658 @item Accepting RV with @var{taskno}
14659 The task is accepting a rendez-vous with the task @var{taskno}.
14660 @end table
14661
14662 @item Name
14663 Name of the task in the program.
14664
14665 @end table
14666
14667 @kindex info task @var{taskno}
14668 @item info task @var{taskno}
14669 This command shows detailled informations on the specified task, as in
14670 the following example:
14671 @smallexample
14672 @iftex
14673 @leftskip=0.5cm
14674 @end iftex
14675 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
14676 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
14677 1 8077880 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
14678 * 2 807c468 1 15 Runnable task_1
14679 (@value{GDBP}) info task 2
14680 Ada Task: 0x807c468
14681 Name: task_1
14682 Thread: 0x807f378
14683 Parent: 1 (main_task)
14684 Base Priority: 15
14685 State: Runnable
14686 @end smallexample
14687
14688 @item task
14689 @kindex task@r{ (Ada)}
14690 @cindex current Ada task ID
14691 This command prints the ID of the current task.
14692
14693 @smallexample
14694 @iftex
14695 @leftskip=0.5cm
14696 @end iftex
14697 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
14698 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
14699 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
14700 * 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable t
14701 (@value{GDBP}) task
14702 [Current task is 2]
14703 @end smallexample
14704
14705 @item task @var{taskno}
14706 @cindex Ada task switching
14707 This command is like the @code{thread @var{threadno}}
14708 command (@pxref{Threads}). It switches the context of debugging
14709 from the current task to the given task.
14710
14711 @smallexample
14712 @iftex
14713 @leftskip=0.5cm
14714 @end iftex
14715 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
14716 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
14717 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
14718 * 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable t
14719 (@value{GDBP}) task 1
14720 [Switching to task 1]
14721 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
14722 (@value{GDBP}) bt
14723 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
14724 #1 0x8056714 in system.os_interface.pthread_cond_wait ()
14725 #2 0x805cb63 in system.task_primitives.operations.sleep ()
14726 #3 0x806153e in system.tasking.stages.activate_tasks ()
14727 #4 0x804aacc in un () at un.adb:5
14728 @end smallexample
14729
14730 @item break @var{linespec} task @var{taskno}
14731 @itemx break @var{linespec} task @var{taskno} if @dots{}
14732 @cindex breakpoints and tasks, in Ada
14733 @cindex task breakpoints, in Ada
14734 @kindex break @dots{} task @var{taskno}@r{ (Ada)}
14735 These commands are like the @code{break @dots{} thread @dots{}}
14736 command (@pxref{Thread Stops}).
14737 @var{linespec} specifies source lines, as described
14738 in @ref{Specify Location}.
14739
14740 Use the qualifier @samp{task @var{taskno}} with a breakpoint command
14741 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
14742 particular Ada task reaches this breakpoint. @var{taskno} is one of the
14743 numeric task identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown in the first
14744 column of the @samp{info tasks} display.
14745
14746 If you do not specify @samp{task @var{taskno}} when you set a
14747 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} tasks of your
14748 program.
14749
14750 You can use the @code{task} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
14751 well; in this case, place @samp{task @var{taskno}} before the
14752 breakpoint condition (before the @code{if}).
14753
14754 For example,
14755
14756 @smallexample
14757 @iftex
14758 @leftskip=0.5cm
14759 @end iftex
14760 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
14761 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
14762 1 140022020 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
14763 2 140045060 1 15 Accept/Select Wait t2
14764 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
14765 * 4 140056040 1 15 Runnable t3
14766 (@value{GDBP}) b 15 task 2
14767 Breakpoint 5 at 0x120044cb0: file test_task_debug.adb, line 15.
14768 (@value{GDBP}) cont
14769 Continuing.
14770 task # 1 running
14771 task # 2 running
14772
14773 Breakpoint 5, test_task_debug () at test_task_debug.adb:15
14774 15 flush;
14775 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
14776 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
14777 1 140022020 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
14778 * 2 140045060 1 15 Runnable t2
14779 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
14780 4 140056040 1 15 Delay Sleep t3
14781 @end smallexample
14782 @end table
14783
14784 @node Ada Tasks and Core Files
14785 @subsubsection Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
14786 @cindex Ada tasking and core file debugging
14787
14788 When inspecting a core file, as opposed to debugging a live program,
14789 tasking support may be limited or even unavailable, depending on
14790 the platform being used.
14791 For instance, on x86-linux, the list of tasks is available, but task
14792 switching is not supported. On Tru64, however, task switching will work
14793 as usual.
14794
14795 On certain platforms, including Tru64, the debugger needs to perform some
14796 memory writes in order to provide Ada tasking support. When inspecting
14797 a core file, this means that the core file must be opened with read-write
14798 privileges, using the command @samp{"set write on"} (@pxref{Patching}).
14799 Under these circumstances, you should make a backup copy of the core
14800 file before inspecting it with @value{GDBN}.
14801
14802 @node Ravenscar Profile
14803 @subsubsection Tasking Support when using the Ravenscar Profile
14804 @cindex Ravenscar Profile
14805
14806 The @dfn{Ravenscar Profile} is a subset of the Ada tasking features,
14807 specifically designed for systems with safety-critical real-time
14808 requirements.
14809
14810 @table @code
14811 @kindex set ravenscar task-switching on
14812 @cindex task switching with program using Ravenscar Profile
14813 @item set ravenscar task-switching on
14814 Allows task switching when debugging a program that uses the Ravenscar
14815 Profile. This is the default.
14816
14817 @kindex set ravenscar task-switching off
14818 @item set ravenscar task-switching off
14819 Turn off task switching when debugging a program that uses the Ravenscar
14820 Profile. This is mostly intended to disable the code that adds support
14821 for the Ravenscar Profile, in case a bug in either @value{GDBN} or in
14822 the Ravenscar runtime is preventing @value{GDBN} from working properly.
14823 To be effective, this command should be run before the program is started.
14824
14825 @kindex show ravenscar task-switching
14826 @item show ravenscar task-switching
14827 Show whether it is possible to switch from task to task in a program
14828 using the Ravenscar Profile.
14829
14830 @end table
14831
14832 @node Ada Glitches
14833 @subsubsection Known Peculiarities of Ada Mode
14834 @cindex Ada, problems
14835
14836 Besides the omissions listed previously (@pxref{Omissions from Ada}),
14837 we know of several problems with and limitations of Ada mode in
14838 @value{GDBN},
14839 some of which will be fixed with planned future releases of the debugger
14840 and the GNU Ada compiler.
14841
14842 @itemize @bullet
14843 @item
14844 Static constants that the compiler chooses not to materialize as objects in
14845 storage are invisible to the debugger.
14846
14847 @item
14848 Named parameter associations in function argument lists are ignored (the
14849 argument lists are treated as positional).
14850
14851 @item
14852 Many useful library packages are currently invisible to the debugger.
14853
14854 @item
14855 Fixed-point arithmetic, conversions, input, and output is carried out using
14856 floating-point arithmetic, and may give results that only approximate those on
14857 the host machine.
14858
14859 @item
14860 The GNAT compiler never generates the prefix @code{Standard} for any of
14861 the standard symbols defined by the Ada language. @value{GDBN} knows about
14862 this: it will strip the prefix from names when you use it, and will never
14863 look for a name you have so qualified among local symbols, nor match against
14864 symbols in other packages or subprograms. If you have
14865 defined entities anywhere in your program other than parameters and
14866 local variables whose simple names match names in @code{Standard},
14867 GNAT's lack of qualification here can cause confusion. When this happens,
14868 you can usually resolve the confusion
14869 by qualifying the problematic names with package
14870 @code{Standard} explicitly.
14871 @end itemize
14872
14873 Older versions of the compiler sometimes generate erroneous debugging
14874 information, resulting in the debugger incorrectly printing the value
14875 of affected entities. In some cases, the debugger is able to work
14876 around an issue automatically. In other cases, the debugger is able
14877 to work around the issue, but the work-around has to be specifically
14878 enabled.
14879
14880 @kindex set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS
14881 @kindex show ada trust-PAD-over-XVS
14882 @table @code
14883
14884 @item set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS on
14885 Configure GDB to strictly follow the GNAT encoding when computing the
14886 value of Ada entities, particularly when @code{PAD} and @code{PAD___XVS}
14887 types are involved (see @code{ada/exp_dbug.ads} in the GCC sources for
14888 a complete description of the encoding used by the GNAT compiler).
14889 This is the default.
14890
14891 @item set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS off
14892 This is related to the encoding using by the GNAT compiler. If @value{GDBN}
14893 sometimes prints the wrong value for certain entities, changing @code{ada
14894 trust-PAD-over-XVS} to @code{off} activates a work-around which may fix
14895 the issue. It is always safe to set @code{ada trust-PAD-over-XVS} to
14896 @code{off}, but this incurs a slight performance penalty, so it is
14897 recommended to leave this setting to @code{on} unless necessary.
14898
14899 @end table
14900
14901 @node Unsupported Languages
14902 @section Unsupported Languages
14903
14904 @cindex unsupported languages
14905 @cindex minimal language
14906 In addition to the other fully-supported programming languages,
14907 @value{GDBN} also provides a pseudo-language, called @code{minimal}.
14908 It does not represent a real programming language, but provides a set
14909 of capabilities close to what the C or assembly languages provide.
14910 This should allow most simple operations to be performed while debugging
14911 an application that uses a language currently not supported by @value{GDBN}.
14912
14913 If the language is set to @code{auto}, @value{GDBN} will automatically
14914 select this language if the current frame corresponds to an unsupported
14915 language.
14916
14917 @node Symbols
14918 @chapter Examining the Symbol Table
14919
14920 The commands described in this chapter allow you to inquire about the
14921 symbols (names of variables, functions and types) defined in your
14922 program. This information is inherent in the text of your program and
14923 does not change as your program executes. @value{GDBN} finds it in your
14924 program's symbol table, in the file indicated when you started @value{GDBN}
14925 (@pxref{File Options, ,Choosing Files}), or by one of the
14926 file-management commands (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
14927
14928 @cindex symbol names
14929 @cindex names of symbols
14930 @cindex quoting names
14931 Occasionally, you may need to refer to symbols that contain unusual
14932 characters, which @value{GDBN} ordinarily treats as word delimiters. The
14933 most frequent case is in referring to static variables in other
14934 source files (@pxref{Variables,,Program Variables}). File names
14935 are recorded in object files as debugging symbols, but @value{GDBN} would
14936 ordinarily parse a typical file name, like @file{foo.c}, as the three words
14937 @samp{foo} @samp{.} @samp{c}. To allow @value{GDBN} to recognize
14938 @samp{foo.c} as a single symbol, enclose it in single quotes; for example,
14939
14940 @smallexample
14941 p 'foo.c'::x
14942 @end smallexample
14943
14944 @noindent
14945 looks up the value of @code{x} in the scope of the file @file{foo.c}.
14946
14947 @table @code
14948 @cindex case-insensitive symbol names
14949 @cindex case sensitivity in symbol names
14950 @kindex set case-sensitive
14951 @item set case-sensitive on
14952 @itemx set case-sensitive off
14953 @itemx set case-sensitive auto
14954 Normally, when @value{GDBN} looks up symbols, it matches their names
14955 with case sensitivity determined by the current source language.
14956 Occasionally, you may wish to control that. The command @code{set
14957 case-sensitive} lets you do that by specifying @code{on} for
14958 case-sensitive matches or @code{off} for case-insensitive ones. If
14959 you specify @code{auto}, case sensitivity is reset to the default
14960 suitable for the source language. The default is case-sensitive
14961 matches for all languages except for Fortran, for which the default is
14962 case-insensitive matches.
14963
14964 @kindex show case-sensitive
14965 @item show case-sensitive
14966 This command shows the current setting of case sensitivity for symbols
14967 lookups.
14968
14969 @kindex info address
14970 @cindex address of a symbol
14971 @item info address @var{symbol}
14972 Describe where the data for @var{symbol} is stored. For a register
14973 variable, this says which register it is kept in. For a non-register
14974 local variable, this prints the stack-frame offset at which the variable
14975 is always stored.
14976
14977 Note the contrast with @samp{print &@var{symbol}}, which does not work
14978 at all for a register variable, and for a stack local variable prints
14979 the exact address of the current instantiation of the variable.
14980
14981 @kindex info symbol
14982 @cindex symbol from address
14983 @cindex closest symbol and offset for an address
14984 @item info symbol @var{addr}
14985 Print the name of a symbol which is stored at the address @var{addr}.
14986 If no symbol is stored exactly at @var{addr}, @value{GDBN} prints the
14987 nearest symbol and an offset from it:
14988
14989 @smallexample
14990 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x54320
14991 _initialize_vx + 396 in section .text
14992 @end smallexample
14993
14994 @noindent
14995 This is the opposite of the @code{info address} command. You can use
14996 it to find out the name of a variable or a function given its address.
14997
14998 For dynamically linked executables, the name of executable or shared
14999 library containing the symbol is also printed:
15000
15001 @smallexample
15002 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x400225
15003 _start + 5 in section .text of /tmp/a.out
15004 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x2aaaac2811cf
15005 __read_nocancel + 6 in section .text of /usr/lib64/libc.so.6
15006 @end smallexample
15007
15008 @kindex whatis
15009 @item whatis [@var{arg}]
15010 Print the data type of @var{arg}, which can be either an expression
15011 or a name of a data type. With no argument, print the data type of
15012 @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
15013
15014 If @var{arg} is an expression (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}), it
15015 is not actually evaluated, and any side-effecting operations (such as
15016 assignments or function calls) inside it do not take place.
15017
15018 If @var{arg} is a variable or an expression, @code{whatis} prints its
15019 literal type as it is used in the source code. If the type was
15020 defined using a @code{typedef}, @code{whatis} will @emph{not} print
15021 the data type underlying the @code{typedef}. If the type of the
15022 variable or the expression is a compound data type, such as
15023 @code{struct} or @code{class}, @code{whatis} never prints their
15024 fields or methods. It just prints the @code{struct}/@code{class}
15025 name (a.k.a.@: its @dfn{tag}). If you want to see the members of
15026 such a compound data type, use @code{ptype}.
15027
15028 If @var{arg} is a type name that was defined using @code{typedef},
15029 @code{whatis} @dfn{unrolls} only one level of that @code{typedef}.
15030 Unrolling means that @code{whatis} will show the underlying type used
15031 in the @code{typedef} declaration of @var{arg}. However, if that
15032 underlying type is also a @code{typedef}, @code{whatis} will not
15033 unroll it.
15034
15035 For C code, the type names may also have the form @samp{class
15036 @var{class-name}}, @samp{struct @var{struct-tag}}, @samp{union
15037 @var{union-tag}} or @samp{enum @var{enum-tag}}.
15038
15039 @kindex ptype
15040 @item ptype [@var{arg}]
15041 @code{ptype} accepts the same arguments as @code{whatis}, but prints a
15042 detailed description of the type, instead of just the name of the type.
15043 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
15044
15045 Contrary to @code{whatis}, @code{ptype} always unrolls any
15046 @code{typedef}s in its argument declaration, whether the argument is
15047 a variable, expression, or a data type. This means that @code{ptype}
15048 of a variable or an expression will not print literally its type as
15049 present in the source code---use @code{whatis} for that. @code{typedef}s at
15050 the pointer or reference targets are also unrolled. Only @code{typedef}s of
15051 fields, methods and inner @code{class typedef}s of @code{struct}s,
15052 @code{class}es and @code{union}s are not unrolled even with @code{ptype}.
15053
15054 For example, for this variable declaration:
15055
15056 @smallexample
15057 typedef double real_t;
15058 struct complex @{ real_t real; double imag; @};
15059 typedef struct complex complex_t;
15060 complex_t var;
15061 real_t *real_pointer_var;
15062 @end smallexample
15063
15064 @noindent
15065 the two commands give this output:
15066
15067 @smallexample
15068 @group
15069 (@value{GDBP}) whatis var
15070 type = complex_t
15071 (@value{GDBP}) ptype var
15072 type = struct complex @{
15073 real_t real;
15074 double imag;
15075 @}
15076 (@value{GDBP}) whatis complex_t
15077 type = struct complex
15078 (@value{GDBP}) whatis struct complex
15079 type = struct complex
15080 (@value{GDBP}) ptype struct complex
15081 type = struct complex @{
15082 real_t real;
15083 double imag;
15084 @}
15085 (@value{GDBP}) whatis real_pointer_var
15086 type = real_t *
15087 (@value{GDBP}) ptype real_pointer_var
15088 type = double *
15089 @end group
15090 @end smallexample
15091
15092 @noindent
15093 As with @code{whatis}, using @code{ptype} without an argument refers to
15094 the type of @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
15095
15096 @cindex incomplete type
15097 Sometimes, programs use opaque data types or incomplete specifications
15098 of complex data structure. If the debug information included in the
15099 program does not allow @value{GDBN} to display a full declaration of
15100 the data type, it will say @samp{<incomplete type>}. For example,
15101 given these declarations:
15102
15103 @smallexample
15104 struct foo;
15105 struct foo *fooptr;
15106 @end smallexample
15107
15108 @noindent
15109 but no definition for @code{struct foo} itself, @value{GDBN} will say:
15110
15111 @smallexample
15112 (@value{GDBP}) ptype foo
15113 $1 = <incomplete type>
15114 @end smallexample
15115
15116 @noindent
15117 ``Incomplete type'' is C terminology for data types that are not
15118 completely specified.
15119
15120 @kindex info types
15121 @item info types @var{regexp}
15122 @itemx info types
15123 Print a brief description of all types whose names match the regular
15124 expression @var{regexp} (or all types in your program, if you supply
15125 no argument). Each complete typename is matched as though it were a
15126 complete line; thus, @samp{i type value} gives information on all
15127 types in your program whose names include the string @code{value}, but
15128 @samp{i type ^value$} gives information only on types whose complete
15129 name is @code{value}.
15130
15131 This command differs from @code{ptype} in two ways: first, like
15132 @code{whatis}, it does not print a detailed description; second, it
15133 lists all source files where a type is defined.
15134
15135 @kindex info scope
15136 @cindex local variables
15137 @item info scope @var{location}
15138 List all the variables local to a particular scope. This command
15139 accepts a @var{location} argument---a function name, a source line, or
15140 an address preceded by a @samp{*}, and prints all the variables local
15141 to the scope defined by that location. (@xref{Specify Location}, for
15142 details about supported forms of @var{location}.) For example:
15143
15144 @smallexample
15145 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info scope command_line_handler}
15146 Scope for command_line_handler:
15147 Symbol rl is an argument at stack/frame offset 8, length 4.
15148 Symbol linebuffer is in static storage at address 0x150a18, length 4.
15149 Symbol linelength is in static storage at address 0x150a1c, length 4.
15150 Symbol p is a local variable in register $esi, length 4.
15151 Symbol p1 is a local variable in register $ebx, length 4.
15152 Symbol nline is a local variable in register $edx, length 4.
15153 Symbol repeat is a local variable at frame offset -8, length 4.
15154 @end smallexample
15155
15156 @noindent
15157 This command is especially useful for determining what data to collect
15158 during a @dfn{trace experiment}, see @ref{Tracepoint Actions,
15159 collect}.
15160
15161 @kindex info source
15162 @item info source
15163 Show information about the current source file---that is, the source file for
15164 the function containing the current point of execution:
15165 @itemize @bullet
15166 @item
15167 the name of the source file, and the directory containing it,
15168 @item
15169 the directory it was compiled in,
15170 @item
15171 its length, in lines,
15172 @item
15173 which programming language it is written in,
15174 @item
15175 whether the executable includes debugging information for that file, and
15176 if so, what format the information is in (e.g., STABS, Dwarf 2, etc.), and
15177 @item
15178 whether the debugging information includes information about
15179 preprocessor macros.
15180 @end itemize
15181
15182
15183 @kindex info sources
15184 @item info sources
15185 Print the names of all source files in your program for which there is
15186 debugging information, organized into two lists: files whose symbols
15187 have already been read, and files whose symbols will be read when needed.
15188
15189 @kindex info functions
15190 @item info functions
15191 Print the names and data types of all defined functions.
15192
15193 @item info functions @var{regexp}
15194 Print the names and data types of all defined functions
15195 whose names contain a match for regular expression @var{regexp}.
15196 Thus, @samp{info fun step} finds all functions whose names
15197 include @code{step}; @samp{info fun ^step} finds those whose names
15198 start with @code{step}. If a function name contains characters
15199 that conflict with the regular expression language (e.g.@:
15200 @samp{operator*()}), they may be quoted with a backslash.
15201
15202 @kindex info variables
15203 @item info variables
15204 Print the names and data types of all variables that are defined
15205 outside of functions (i.e.@: excluding local variables).
15206
15207 @item info variables @var{regexp}
15208 Print the names and data types of all variables (except for local
15209 variables) whose names contain a match for regular expression
15210 @var{regexp}.
15211
15212 @kindex info classes
15213 @cindex Objective-C, classes and selectors
15214 @item info classes
15215 @itemx info classes @var{regexp}
15216 Display all Objective-C classes in your program, or
15217 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
15218 expression.
15219
15220 @kindex info selectors
15221 @item info selectors
15222 @itemx info selectors @var{regexp}
15223 Display all Objective-C selectors in your program, or
15224 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
15225 expression.
15226
15227 @ignore
15228 This was never implemented.
15229 @kindex info methods
15230 @item info methods
15231 @itemx info methods @var{regexp}
15232 The @code{info methods} command permits the user to examine all defined
15233 methods within C@t{++} program, or (with the @var{regexp} argument) a
15234 specific set of methods found in the various C@t{++} classes. Many
15235 C@t{++} classes provide a large number of methods. Thus, the output
15236 from the @code{ptype} command can be overwhelming and hard to use. The
15237 @code{info-methods} command filters the methods, printing only those
15238 which match the regular-expression @var{regexp}.
15239 @end ignore
15240
15241 @cindex opaque data types
15242 @kindex set opaque-type-resolution
15243 @item set opaque-type-resolution on
15244 Tell @value{GDBN} to resolve opaque types. An opaque type is a type
15245 declared as a pointer to a @code{struct}, @code{class}, or
15246 @code{union}---for example, @code{struct MyType *}---that is used in one
15247 source file although the full declaration of @code{struct MyType} is in
15248 another source file. The default is on.
15249
15250 A change in the setting of this subcommand will not take effect until
15251 the next time symbols for a file are loaded.
15252
15253 @item set opaque-type-resolution off
15254 Tell @value{GDBN} not to resolve opaque types. In this case, the type
15255 is printed as follows:
15256 @smallexample
15257 @{<no data fields>@}
15258 @end smallexample
15259
15260 @kindex show opaque-type-resolution
15261 @item show opaque-type-resolution
15262 Show whether opaque types are resolved or not.
15263
15264 @kindex maint print symbols
15265 @cindex symbol dump
15266 @kindex maint print psymbols
15267 @cindex partial symbol dump
15268 @item maint print symbols @var{filename}
15269 @itemx maint print psymbols @var{filename}
15270 @itemx maint print msymbols @var{filename}
15271 Write a dump of debugging symbol data into the file @var{filename}.
15272 These commands are used to debug the @value{GDBN} symbol-reading code. Only
15273 symbols with debugging data are included. If you use @samp{maint print
15274 symbols}, @value{GDBN} includes all the symbols for which it has already
15275 collected full details: that is, @var{filename} reflects symbols for
15276 only those files whose symbols @value{GDBN} has read. You can use the
15277 command @code{info sources} to find out which files these are. If you
15278 use @samp{maint print psymbols} instead, the dump shows information about
15279 symbols that @value{GDBN} only knows partially---that is, symbols defined in
15280 files that @value{GDBN} has skimmed, but not yet read completely. Finally,
15281 @samp{maint print msymbols} dumps just the minimal symbol information
15282 required for each object file from which @value{GDBN} has read some symbols.
15283 @xref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}, for a discussion of how
15284 @value{GDBN} reads symbols (in the description of @code{symbol-file}).
15285
15286 @kindex maint info symtabs
15287 @kindex maint info psymtabs
15288 @cindex listing @value{GDBN}'s internal symbol tables
15289 @cindex symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
15290 @cindex full symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
15291 @cindex partial symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
15292 @item maint info symtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
15293 @itemx maint info psymtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
15294
15295 List the @code{struct symtab} or @code{struct partial_symtab}
15296 structures whose names match @var{regexp}. If @var{regexp} is not
15297 given, list them all. The output includes expressions which you can
15298 copy into a @value{GDBN} debugging this one to examine a particular
15299 structure in more detail. For example:
15300
15301 @smallexample
15302 (@value{GDBP}) maint info psymtabs dwarf2read
15303 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
15304 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
15305 @{ psymtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
15306 ((struct partial_symtab *) 0x8474b10)
15307 readin no
15308 fullname (null)
15309 text addresses 0x814d3c8 -- 0x8158074
15310 globals (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x8507a08 @@ 9)
15311 statics (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x40e95b78 @@ 2882)
15312 dependencies (none)
15313 @}
15314 @}
15315 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
15316 (@value{GDBP})
15317 @end smallexample
15318 @noindent
15319 We see that there is one partial symbol table whose filename contains
15320 the string @samp{dwarf2read}, belonging to the @samp{gdb} executable;
15321 and we see that @value{GDBN} has not read in any symtabs yet at all.
15322 If we set a breakpoint on a function, that will cause @value{GDBN} to
15323 read the symtab for the compilation unit containing that function:
15324
15325 @smallexample
15326 (@value{GDBP}) break dwarf2_psymtab_to_symtab
15327 Breakpoint 1 at 0x814e5da: file /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c,
15328 line 1574.
15329 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
15330 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
15331 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
15332 @{ symtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
15333 ((struct symtab *) 0x86c1f38)
15334 dirname (null)
15335 fullname (null)
15336 blockvector ((struct blockvector *) 0x86c1bd0) (primary)
15337 linetable ((struct linetable *) 0x8370fa0)
15338 debugformat DWARF 2
15339 @}
15340 @}
15341 (@value{GDBP})
15342 @end smallexample
15343 @end table
15344
15345
15346 @node Altering
15347 @chapter Altering Execution
15348
15349 Once you think you have found an error in your program, you might want to
15350 find out for certain whether correcting the apparent error would lead to
15351 correct results in the rest of the run. You can find the answer by
15352 experiment, using the @value{GDBN} features for altering execution of the
15353 program.
15354
15355 For example, you can store new values into variables or memory
15356 locations, give your program a signal, restart it at a different
15357 address, or even return prematurely from a function.
15358
15359 @menu
15360 * Assignment:: Assignment to variables
15361 * Jumping:: Continuing at a different address
15362 * Signaling:: Giving your program a signal
15363 * Returning:: Returning from a function
15364 * Calling:: Calling your program's functions
15365 * Patching:: Patching your program
15366 @end menu
15367
15368 @node Assignment
15369 @section Assignment to Variables
15370
15371 @cindex assignment
15372 @cindex setting variables
15373 To alter the value of a variable, evaluate an assignment expression.
15374 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}. For example,
15375
15376 @smallexample
15377 print x=4
15378 @end smallexample
15379
15380 @noindent
15381 stores the value 4 into the variable @code{x}, and then prints the
15382 value of the assignment expression (which is 4).
15383 @xref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages}, for more
15384 information on operators in supported languages.
15385
15386 @kindex set variable
15387 @cindex variables, setting
15388 If you are not interested in seeing the value of the assignment, use the
15389 @code{set} command instead of the @code{print} command. @code{set} is
15390 really the same as @code{print} except that the expression's value is
15391 not printed and is not put in the value history (@pxref{Value History,
15392 ,Value History}). The expression is evaluated only for its effects.
15393
15394 If the beginning of the argument string of the @code{set} command
15395 appears identical to a @code{set} subcommand, use the @code{set
15396 variable} command instead of just @code{set}. This command is identical
15397 to @code{set} except for its lack of subcommands. For example, if your
15398 program has a variable @code{width}, you get an error if you try to set
15399 a new value with just @samp{set width=13}, because @value{GDBN} has the
15400 command @code{set width}:
15401
15402 @smallexample
15403 (@value{GDBP}) whatis width
15404 type = double
15405 (@value{GDBP}) p width
15406 $4 = 13
15407 (@value{GDBP}) set width=47
15408 Invalid syntax in expression.
15409 @end smallexample
15410
15411 @noindent
15412 The invalid expression, of course, is @samp{=47}. In
15413 order to actually set the program's variable @code{width}, use
15414
15415 @smallexample
15416 (@value{GDBP}) set var width=47
15417 @end smallexample
15418
15419 Because the @code{set} command has many subcommands that can conflict
15420 with the names of program variables, it is a good idea to use the
15421 @code{set variable} command instead of just @code{set}. For example, if
15422 your program has a variable @code{g}, you run into problems if you try
15423 to set a new value with just @samp{set g=4}, because @value{GDBN} has
15424 the command @code{set gnutarget}, abbreviated @code{set g}:
15425
15426 @smallexample
15427 @group
15428 (@value{GDBP}) whatis g
15429 type = double
15430 (@value{GDBP}) p g
15431 $1 = 1
15432 (@value{GDBP}) set g=4
15433 (@value{GDBP}) p g
15434 $2 = 1
15435 (@value{GDBP}) r
15436 The program being debugged has been started already.
15437 Start it from the beginning? (y or n) y
15438 Starting program: /home/smith/cc_progs/a.out
15439 "/home/smith/cc_progs/a.out": can't open to read symbols:
15440 Invalid bfd target.
15441 (@value{GDBP}) show g
15442 The current BFD target is "=4".
15443 @end group
15444 @end smallexample
15445
15446 @noindent
15447 The program variable @code{g} did not change, and you silently set the
15448 @code{gnutarget} to an invalid value. In order to set the variable
15449 @code{g}, use
15450
15451 @smallexample
15452 (@value{GDBP}) set var g=4
15453 @end smallexample
15454
15455 @value{GDBN} allows more implicit conversions in assignments than C; you can
15456 freely store an integer value into a pointer variable or vice versa,
15457 and you can convert any structure to any other structure that is the
15458 same length or shorter.
15459 @comment FIXME: how do structs align/pad in these conversions?
15460 @comment /doc@cygnus.com 18dec1990
15461
15462 To store values into arbitrary places in memory, use the @samp{@{@dots{}@}}
15463 construct to generate a value of specified type at a specified address
15464 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). For example, @code{@{int@}0x83040} refers
15465 to memory location @code{0x83040} as an integer (which implies a certain size
15466 and representation in memory), and
15467
15468 @smallexample
15469 set @{int@}0x83040 = 4
15470 @end smallexample
15471
15472 @noindent
15473 stores the value 4 into that memory location.
15474
15475 @node Jumping
15476 @section Continuing at a Different Address
15477
15478 Ordinarily, when you continue your program, you do so at the place where
15479 it stopped, with the @code{continue} command. You can instead continue at
15480 an address of your own choosing, with the following commands:
15481
15482 @table @code
15483 @kindex jump
15484 @item jump @var{linespec}
15485 @itemx jump @var{location}
15486 Resume execution at line @var{linespec} or at address given by
15487 @var{location}. Execution stops again immediately if there is a
15488 breakpoint there. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description of the
15489 different forms of @var{linespec} and @var{location}. It is common
15490 practice to use the @code{tbreak} command in conjunction with
15491 @code{jump}. @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
15492
15493 The @code{jump} command does not change the current stack frame, or
15494 the stack pointer, or the contents of any memory location or any
15495 register other than the program counter. If line @var{linespec} is in
15496 a different function from the one currently executing, the results may
15497 be bizarre if the two functions expect different patterns of arguments or
15498 of local variables. For this reason, the @code{jump} command requests
15499 confirmation if the specified line is not in the function currently
15500 executing. However, even bizarre results are predictable if you are
15501 well acquainted with the machine-language code of your program.
15502 @end table
15503
15504 @c Doesn't work on HP-UX; have to set $pcoqh and $pcoqt.
15505 On many systems, you can get much the same effect as the @code{jump}
15506 command by storing a new value into the register @code{$pc}. The
15507 difference is that this does not start your program running; it only
15508 changes the address of where it @emph{will} run when you continue. For
15509 example,
15510
15511 @smallexample
15512 set $pc = 0x485
15513 @end smallexample
15514
15515 @noindent
15516 makes the next @code{continue} command or stepping command execute at
15517 address @code{0x485}, rather than at the address where your program stopped.
15518 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}.
15519
15520 The most common occasion to use the @code{jump} command is to back
15521 up---perhaps with more breakpoints set---over a portion of a program
15522 that has already executed, in order to examine its execution in more
15523 detail.
15524
15525 @c @group
15526 @node Signaling
15527 @section Giving your Program a Signal
15528 @cindex deliver a signal to a program
15529
15530 @table @code
15531 @kindex signal
15532 @item signal @var{signal}
15533 Resume execution where your program stopped, but immediately give it the
15534 signal @var{signal}. @var{signal} can be the name or the number of a
15535 signal. For example, on many systems @code{signal 2} and @code{signal
15536 SIGINT} are both ways of sending an interrupt signal.
15537
15538 Alternatively, if @var{signal} is zero, continue execution without
15539 giving a signal. This is useful when your program stopped on account of
15540 a signal and would ordinary see the signal when resumed with the
15541 @code{continue} command; @samp{signal 0} causes it to resume without a
15542 signal.
15543
15544 @code{signal} does not repeat when you press @key{RET} a second time
15545 after executing the command.
15546 @end table
15547 @c @end group
15548
15549 Invoking the @code{signal} command is not the same as invoking the
15550 @code{kill} utility from the shell. Sending a signal with @code{kill}
15551 causes @value{GDBN} to decide what to do with the signal depending on
15552 the signal handling tables (@pxref{Signals}). The @code{signal} command
15553 passes the signal directly to your program.
15554
15555
15556 @node Returning
15557 @section Returning from a Function
15558
15559 @table @code
15560 @cindex returning from a function
15561 @kindex return
15562 @item return
15563 @itemx return @var{expression}
15564 You can cancel execution of a function call with the @code{return}
15565 command. If you give an
15566 @var{expression} argument, its value is used as the function's return
15567 value.
15568 @end table
15569
15570 When you use @code{return}, @value{GDBN} discards the selected stack frame
15571 (and all frames within it). You can think of this as making the
15572 discarded frame return prematurely. If you wish to specify a value to
15573 be returned, give that value as the argument to @code{return}.
15574
15575 This pops the selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a
15576 Frame}), and any other frames inside of it, leaving its caller as the
15577 innermost remaining frame. That frame becomes selected. The
15578 specified value is stored in the registers used for returning values
15579 of functions.
15580
15581 The @code{return} command does not resume execution; it leaves the
15582 program stopped in the state that would exist if the function had just
15583 returned. In contrast, the @code{finish} command (@pxref{Continuing
15584 and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}) resumes execution until the
15585 selected stack frame returns naturally.
15586
15587 @value{GDBN} needs to know how the @var{expression} argument should be set for
15588 the inferior. The concrete registers assignment depends on the OS ABI and the
15589 type being returned by the selected stack frame. For example it is common for
15590 OS ABI to return floating point values in FPU registers while integer values in
15591 CPU registers. Still some ABIs return even floating point values in CPU
15592 registers. Larger integer widths (such as @code{long long int}) also have
15593 specific placement rules. @value{GDBN} already knows the OS ABI from its
15594 current target so it needs to find out also the type being returned to make the
15595 assignment into the right register(s).
15596
15597 Normally, the selected stack frame has debug info. @value{GDBN} will always
15598 use the debug info instead of the implicit type of @var{expression} when the
15599 debug info is available. For example, if you type @kbd{return -1}, and the
15600 function in the current stack frame is declared to return a @code{long long
15601 int}, @value{GDBN} transparently converts the implicit @code{int} value of -1
15602 into a @code{long long int}:
15603
15604 @smallexample
15605 Breakpoint 1, func () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:29
15606 29 return 31;
15607 (@value{GDBP}) return -1
15608 Make func return now? (y or n) y
15609 #0 0x004004f6 in main () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:43
15610 43 printf ("result=%lld\n", func ());
15611 (@value{GDBP})
15612 @end smallexample
15613
15614 However, if the selected stack frame does not have a debug info, e.g., if the
15615 function was compiled without debug info, @value{GDBN} has to find out the type
15616 to return from user. Specifying a different type by mistake may set the value
15617 in different inferior registers than the caller code expects. For example,
15618 typing @kbd{return -1} with its implicit type @code{int} would set only a part
15619 of a @code{long long int} result for a debug info less function (on 32-bit
15620 architectures). Therefore the user is required to specify the return type by
15621 an appropriate cast explicitly:
15622
15623 @smallexample
15624 Breakpoint 2, 0x0040050b in func ()
15625 (@value{GDBP}) return -1
15626 Return value type not available for selected stack frame.
15627 Please use an explicit cast of the value to return.
15628 (@value{GDBP}) return (long long int) -1
15629 Make selected stack frame return now? (y or n) y
15630 #0 0x00400526 in main ()
15631 (@value{GDBP})
15632 @end smallexample
15633
15634 @node Calling
15635 @section Calling Program Functions
15636
15637 @table @code
15638 @cindex calling functions
15639 @cindex inferior functions, calling
15640 @item print @var{expr}
15641 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} and display the resulting value.
15642 @var{expr} may include calls to functions in the program being
15643 debugged.
15644
15645 @kindex call
15646 @item call @var{expr}
15647 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} without displaying @code{void}
15648 returned values.
15649
15650 You can use this variant of the @code{print} command if you want to
15651 execute a function from your program that does not return anything
15652 (a.k.a.@: @dfn{a void function}), but without cluttering the output
15653 with @code{void} returned values that @value{GDBN} will otherwise
15654 print. If the result is not void, it is printed and saved in the
15655 value history.
15656 @end table
15657
15658 It is possible for the function you call via the @code{print} or
15659 @code{call} command to generate a signal (e.g., if there's a bug in
15660 the function, or if you passed it incorrect arguments). What happens
15661 in that case is controlled by the @code{set unwindonsignal} command.
15662
15663 Similarly, with a C@t{++} program it is possible for the function you
15664 call via the @code{print} or @code{call} command to generate an
15665 exception that is not handled due to the constraints of the dummy
15666 frame. In this case, any exception that is raised in the frame, but has
15667 an out-of-frame exception handler will not be found. GDB builds a
15668 dummy-frame for the inferior function call, and the unwinder cannot
15669 seek for exception handlers outside of this dummy-frame. What happens
15670 in that case is controlled by the
15671 @code{set unwind-on-terminating-exception} command.
15672
15673 @table @code
15674 @item set unwindonsignal
15675 @kindex set unwindonsignal
15676 @cindex unwind stack in called functions
15677 @cindex call dummy stack unwinding
15678 Set unwinding of the stack if a signal is received while in a function
15679 that @value{GDBN} called in the program being debugged. If set to on,
15680 @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack it created for the call and restores
15681 the context to what it was before the call. If set to off (the
15682 default), @value{GDBN} stops in the frame where the signal was
15683 received.
15684
15685 @item show unwindonsignal
15686 @kindex show unwindonsignal
15687 Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
15688 @value{GDBN}.
15689
15690 @item set unwind-on-terminating-exception
15691 @kindex set unwind-on-terminating-exception
15692 @cindex unwind stack in called functions with unhandled exceptions
15693 @cindex call dummy stack unwinding on unhandled exception.
15694 Set unwinding of the stack if a C@t{++} exception is raised, but left
15695 unhandled while in a function that @value{GDBN} called in the program being
15696 debugged. If set to on (the default), @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack
15697 it created for the call and restores the context to what it was before
15698 the call. If set to off, @value{GDBN} the exception is delivered to
15699 the default C@t{++} exception handler and the inferior terminated.
15700
15701 @item show unwind-on-terminating-exception
15702 @kindex show unwind-on-terminating-exception
15703 Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
15704 @value{GDBN}.
15705
15706 @end table
15707
15708 @cindex weak alias functions
15709 Sometimes, a function you wish to call is actually a @dfn{weak alias}
15710 for another function. In such case, @value{GDBN} might not pick up
15711 the type information, including the types of the function arguments,
15712 which causes @value{GDBN} to call the inferior function incorrectly.
15713 As a result, the called function will function erroneously and may
15714 even crash. A solution to that is to use the name of the aliased
15715 function instead.
15716
15717 @node Patching
15718 @section Patching Programs
15719
15720 @cindex patching binaries
15721 @cindex writing into executables
15722 @cindex writing into corefiles
15723
15724 By default, @value{GDBN} opens the file containing your program's
15725 executable code (or the corefile) read-only. This prevents accidental
15726 alterations to machine code; but it also prevents you from intentionally
15727 patching your program's binary.
15728
15729 If you'd like to be able to patch the binary, you can specify that
15730 explicitly with the @code{set write} command. For example, you might
15731 want to turn on internal debugging flags, or even to make emergency
15732 repairs.
15733
15734 @table @code
15735 @kindex set write
15736 @item set write on
15737 @itemx set write off
15738 If you specify @samp{set write on}, @value{GDBN} opens executable and
15739 core files for both reading and writing; if you specify @kbd{set write
15740 off} (the default), @value{GDBN} opens them read-only.
15741
15742 If you have already loaded a file, you must load it again (using the
15743 @code{exec-file} or @code{core-file} command) after changing @code{set
15744 write}, for your new setting to take effect.
15745
15746 @item show write
15747 @kindex show write
15748 Display whether executable files and core files are opened for writing
15749 as well as reading.
15750 @end table
15751
15752 @node GDB Files
15753 @chapter @value{GDBN} Files
15754
15755 @value{GDBN} needs to know the file name of the program to be debugged,
15756 both in order to read its symbol table and in order to start your
15757 program. To debug a core dump of a previous run, you must also tell
15758 @value{GDBN} the name of the core dump file.
15759
15760 @menu
15761 * Files:: Commands to specify files
15762 * Separate Debug Files:: Debugging information in separate files
15763 * Index Files:: Index files speed up GDB
15764 * Symbol Errors:: Errors reading symbol files
15765 * Data Files:: GDB data files
15766 @end menu
15767
15768 @node Files
15769 @section Commands to Specify Files
15770
15771 @cindex symbol table
15772 @cindex core dump file
15773
15774 You may want to specify executable and core dump file names. The usual
15775 way to do this is at start-up time, using the arguments to
15776 @value{GDBN}'s start-up commands (@pxref{Invocation, , Getting In and
15777 Out of @value{GDBN}}).
15778
15779 Occasionally it is necessary to change to a different file during a
15780 @value{GDBN} session. Or you may run @value{GDBN} and forget to
15781 specify a file you want to use. Or you are debugging a remote target
15782 via @code{gdbserver} (@pxref{Server, file, Using the @code{gdbserver}
15783 Program}). In these situations the @value{GDBN} commands to specify
15784 new files are useful.
15785
15786 @table @code
15787 @cindex executable file
15788 @kindex file
15789 @item file @var{filename}
15790 Use @var{filename} as the program to be debugged. It is read for its
15791 symbols and for the contents of pure memory. It is also the program
15792 executed when you use the @code{run} command. If you do not specify a
15793 directory and the file is not found in the @value{GDBN} working directory,
15794 @value{GDBN} uses the environment variable @code{PATH} as a list of
15795 directories to search, just as the shell does when looking for a program
15796 to run. You can change the value of this variable, for both @value{GDBN}
15797 and your program, using the @code{path} command.
15798
15799 @cindex unlinked object files
15800 @cindex patching object files
15801 You can load unlinked object @file{.o} files into @value{GDBN} using
15802 the @code{file} command. You will not be able to ``run'' an object
15803 file, but you can disassemble functions and inspect variables. Also,
15804 if the underlying BFD functionality supports it, you could use
15805 @kbd{gdb -write} to patch object files using this technique. Note
15806 that @value{GDBN} can neither interpret nor modify relocations in this
15807 case, so branches and some initialized variables will appear to go to
15808 the wrong place. But this feature is still handy from time to time.
15809
15810 @item file
15811 @code{file} with no argument makes @value{GDBN} discard any information it
15812 has on both executable file and the symbol table.
15813
15814 @kindex exec-file
15815 @item exec-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
15816 Specify that the program to be run (but not the symbol table) is found
15817 in @var{filename}. @value{GDBN} searches the environment variable @code{PATH}
15818 if necessary to locate your program. Omitting @var{filename} means to
15819 discard information on the executable file.
15820
15821 @kindex symbol-file
15822 @item symbol-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
15823 Read symbol table information from file @var{filename}. @code{PATH} is
15824 searched when necessary. Use the @code{file} command to get both symbol
15825 table and program to run from the same file.
15826
15827 @code{symbol-file} with no argument clears out @value{GDBN} information on your
15828 program's symbol table.
15829
15830 The @code{symbol-file} command causes @value{GDBN} to forget the contents of
15831 some breakpoints and auto-display expressions. This is because they may
15832 contain pointers to the internal data recording symbols and data types,
15833 which are part of the old symbol table data being discarded inside
15834 @value{GDBN}.
15835
15836 @code{symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
15837 executing it once.
15838
15839 When @value{GDBN} is configured for a particular environment, it
15840 understands debugging information in whatever format is the standard
15841 generated for that environment; you may use either a @sc{gnu} compiler, or
15842 other compilers that adhere to the local conventions.
15843 Best results are usually obtained from @sc{gnu} compilers; for example,
15844 using @code{@value{NGCC}} you can generate debugging information for
15845 optimized code.
15846
15847 For most kinds of object files, with the exception of old SVR3 systems
15848 using COFF, the @code{symbol-file} command does not normally read the
15849 symbol table in full right away. Instead, it scans the symbol table
15850 quickly to find which source files and which symbols are present. The
15851 details are read later, one source file at a time, as they are needed.
15852
15853 The purpose of this two-stage reading strategy is to make @value{GDBN}
15854 start up faster. For the most part, it is invisible except for
15855 occasional pauses while the symbol table details for a particular source
15856 file are being read. (The @code{set verbose} command can turn these
15857 pauses into messages if desired. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional
15858 Warnings and Messages}.)
15859
15860 We have not implemented the two-stage strategy for COFF yet. When the
15861 symbol table is stored in COFF format, @code{symbol-file} reads the
15862 symbol table data in full right away. Note that ``stabs-in-COFF''
15863 still does the two-stage strategy, since the debug info is actually
15864 in stabs format.
15865
15866 @kindex readnow
15867 @cindex reading symbols immediately
15868 @cindex symbols, reading immediately
15869 @item symbol-file @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @var{filename}
15870 @itemx file @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @var{filename}
15871 You can override the @value{GDBN} two-stage strategy for reading symbol
15872 tables by using the @samp{-readnow} option with any of the commands that
15873 load symbol table information, if you want to be sure @value{GDBN} has the
15874 entire symbol table available.
15875
15876 @c FIXME: for now no mention of directories, since this seems to be in
15877 @c flux. 13mar1992 status is that in theory GDB would look either in
15878 @c current dir or in same dir as myprog; but issues like competing
15879 @c GDB's, or clutter in system dirs, mean that in practice right now
15880 @c only current dir is used. FFish says maybe a special GDB hierarchy
15881 @c (eg rooted in val of env var GDBSYMS) could exist for mappable symbol
15882 @c files.
15883
15884 @kindex core-file
15885 @item core-file @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
15886 @itemx core
15887 Specify the whereabouts of a core dump file to be used as the ``contents
15888 of memory''. Traditionally, core files contain only some parts of the
15889 address space of the process that generated them; @value{GDBN} can access the
15890 executable file itself for other parts.
15891
15892 @code{core-file} with no argument specifies that no core file is
15893 to be used.
15894
15895 Note that the core file is ignored when your program is actually running
15896 under @value{GDBN}. So, if you have been running your program and you
15897 wish to debug a core file instead, you must kill the subprocess in which
15898 the program is running. To do this, use the @code{kill} command
15899 (@pxref{Kill Process, ,Killing the Child Process}).
15900
15901 @kindex add-symbol-file
15902 @cindex dynamic linking
15903 @item add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address}
15904 @itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address} @r{[} -readnow @r{]}
15905 @itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address} -s @var{section} @var{address} @dots{}
15906 The @code{add-symbol-file} command reads additional symbol table
15907 information from the file @var{filename}. You would use this command
15908 when @var{filename} has been dynamically loaded (by some other means)
15909 into the program that is running. @var{address} should be the memory
15910 address at which the file has been loaded; @value{GDBN} cannot figure
15911 this out for itself. You can additionally specify an arbitrary number
15912 of @samp{-s @var{section} @var{address}} pairs, to give an explicit
15913 section name and base address for that section. You can specify any
15914 @var{address} as an expression.
15915
15916 The symbol table of the file @var{filename} is added to the symbol table
15917 originally read with the @code{symbol-file} command. You can use the
15918 @code{add-symbol-file} command any number of times; the new symbol data
15919 thus read keeps adding to the old. To discard all old symbol data
15920 instead, use the @code{symbol-file} command without any arguments.
15921
15922 @cindex relocatable object files, reading symbols from
15923 @cindex object files, relocatable, reading symbols from
15924 @cindex reading symbols from relocatable object files
15925 @cindex symbols, reading from relocatable object files
15926 @cindex @file{.o} files, reading symbols from
15927 Although @var{filename} is typically a shared library file, an
15928 executable file, or some other object file which has been fully
15929 relocated for loading into a process, you can also load symbolic
15930 information from relocatable @file{.o} files, as long as:
15931
15932 @itemize @bullet
15933 @item
15934 the file's symbolic information refers only to linker symbols defined in
15935 that file, not to symbols defined by other object files,
15936 @item
15937 every section the file's symbolic information refers to has actually
15938 been loaded into the inferior, as it appears in the file, and
15939 @item
15940 you can determine the address at which every section was loaded, and
15941 provide these to the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
15942 @end itemize
15943
15944 @noindent
15945 Some embedded operating systems, like Sun Chorus and VxWorks, can load
15946 relocatable files into an already running program; such systems
15947 typically make the requirements above easy to meet. However, it's
15948 important to recognize that many native systems use complex link
15949 procedures (@code{.linkonce} section factoring and C@t{++} constructor table
15950 assembly, for example) that make the requirements difficult to meet. In
15951 general, one cannot assume that using @code{add-symbol-file} to read a
15952 relocatable object file's symbolic information will have the same effect
15953 as linking the relocatable object file into the program in the normal
15954 way.
15955
15956 @code{add-symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
15957
15958 @kindex add-symbol-file-from-memory
15959 @cindex @code{syscall DSO}
15960 @cindex load symbols from memory
15961 @item add-symbol-file-from-memory @var{address}
15962 Load symbols from the given @var{address} in a dynamically loaded
15963 object file whose image is mapped directly into the inferior's memory.
15964 For example, the Linux kernel maps a @code{syscall DSO} into each
15965 process's address space; this DSO provides kernel-specific code for
15966 some system calls. The argument can be any expression whose
15967 evaluation yields the address of the file's shared object file header.
15968 For this command to work, you must have used @code{symbol-file} or
15969 @code{exec-file} commands in advance.
15970
15971 @kindex add-shared-symbol-files
15972 @kindex assf
15973 @item add-shared-symbol-files @var{library-file}
15974 @itemx assf @var{library-file}
15975 The @code{add-shared-symbol-files} command can currently be used only
15976 in the Cygwin build of @value{GDBN} on MS-Windows OS, where it is an
15977 alias for the @code{dll-symbols} command (@pxref{Cygwin Native}).
15978 @value{GDBN} automatically looks for shared libraries, however if
15979 @value{GDBN} does not find yours, you can invoke
15980 @code{add-shared-symbol-files}. It takes one argument: the shared
15981 library's file name. @code{assf} is a shorthand alias for
15982 @code{add-shared-symbol-files}.
15983
15984 @kindex section
15985 @item section @var{section} @var{addr}
15986 The @code{section} command changes the base address of the named
15987 @var{section} of the exec file to @var{addr}. This can be used if the
15988 exec file does not contain section addresses, (such as in the
15989 @code{a.out} format), or when the addresses specified in the file
15990 itself are wrong. Each section must be changed separately. The
15991 @code{info files} command, described below, lists all the sections and
15992 their addresses.
15993
15994 @kindex info files
15995 @kindex info target
15996 @item info files
15997 @itemx info target
15998 @code{info files} and @code{info target} are synonymous; both print the
15999 current target (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}),
16000 including the names of the executable and core dump files currently in
16001 use by @value{GDBN}, and the files from which symbols were loaded. The
16002 command @code{help target} lists all possible targets rather than
16003 current ones.
16004
16005 @kindex maint info sections
16006 @item maint info sections
16007 Another command that can give you extra information about program sections
16008 is @code{maint info sections}. In addition to the section information
16009 displayed by @code{info files}, this command displays the flags and file
16010 offset of each section in the executable and core dump files. In addition,
16011 @code{maint info sections} provides the following command options (which
16012 may be arbitrarily combined):
16013
16014 @table @code
16015 @item ALLOBJ
16016 Display sections for all loaded object files, including shared libraries.
16017 @item @var{sections}
16018 Display info only for named @var{sections}.
16019 @item @var{section-flags}
16020 Display info only for sections for which @var{section-flags} are true.
16021 The section flags that @value{GDBN} currently knows about are:
16022 @table @code
16023 @item ALLOC
16024 Section will have space allocated in the process when loaded.
16025 Set for all sections except those containing debug information.
16026 @item LOAD
16027 Section will be loaded from the file into the child process memory.
16028 Set for pre-initialized code and data, clear for @code{.bss} sections.
16029 @item RELOC
16030 Section needs to be relocated before loading.
16031 @item READONLY
16032 Section cannot be modified by the child process.
16033 @item CODE
16034 Section contains executable code only.
16035 @item DATA
16036 Section contains data only (no executable code).
16037 @item ROM
16038 Section will reside in ROM.
16039 @item CONSTRUCTOR
16040 Section contains data for constructor/destructor lists.
16041 @item HAS_CONTENTS
16042 Section is not empty.
16043 @item NEVER_LOAD
16044 An instruction to the linker to not output the section.
16045 @item COFF_SHARED_LIBRARY
16046 A notification to the linker that the section contains
16047 COFF shared library information.
16048 @item IS_COMMON
16049 Section contains common symbols.
16050 @end table
16051 @end table
16052 @kindex set trust-readonly-sections
16053 @cindex read-only sections
16054 @item set trust-readonly-sections on
16055 Tell @value{GDBN} that readonly sections in your object file
16056 really are read-only (i.e.@: that their contents will not change).
16057 In that case, @value{GDBN} can fetch values from these sections
16058 out of the object file, rather than from the target program.
16059 For some targets (notably embedded ones), this can be a significant
16060 enhancement to debugging performance.
16061
16062 The default is off.
16063
16064 @item set trust-readonly-sections off
16065 Tell @value{GDBN} not to trust readonly sections. This means that
16066 the contents of the section might change while the program is running,
16067 and must therefore be fetched from the target when needed.
16068
16069 @item show trust-readonly-sections
16070 Show the current setting of trusting readonly sections.
16071 @end table
16072
16073 All file-specifying commands allow both absolute and relative file names
16074 as arguments. @value{GDBN} always converts the file name to an absolute file
16075 name and remembers it that way.
16076
16077 @cindex shared libraries
16078 @anchor{Shared Libraries}
16079 @value{GDBN} supports @sc{gnu}/Linux, MS-Windows, HP-UX, SunOS, SVr4, Irix,
16080 and IBM RS/6000 AIX shared libraries.
16081
16082 On MS-Windows @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support
16083 shared libraries. @xref{Expat}.
16084
16085 @value{GDBN} automatically loads symbol definitions from shared libraries
16086 when you use the @code{run} command, or when you examine a core file.
16087 (Before you issue the @code{run} command, @value{GDBN} does not understand
16088 references to a function in a shared library, however---unless you are
16089 debugging a core file).
16090
16091 On HP-UX, if the program loads a library explicitly, @value{GDBN}
16092 automatically loads the symbols at the time of the @code{shl_load} call.
16093
16094 @c FIXME: some @value{GDBN} release may permit some refs to undef
16095 @c FIXME...symbols---eg in a break cmd---assuming they are from a shared
16096 @c FIXME...lib; check this from time to time when updating manual
16097
16098 There are times, however, when you may wish to not automatically load
16099 symbol definitions from shared libraries, such as when they are
16100 particularly large or there are many of them.
16101
16102 To control the automatic loading of shared library symbols, use the
16103 commands:
16104
16105 @table @code
16106 @kindex set auto-solib-add
16107 @item set auto-solib-add @var{mode}
16108 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, symbols from all shared object libraries
16109 will be loaded automatically when the inferior begins execution, you
16110 attach to an independently started inferior, or when the dynamic linker
16111 informs @value{GDBN} that a new library has been loaded. If @var{mode}
16112 is @code{off}, symbols must be loaded manually, using the
16113 @code{sharedlibrary} command. The default value is @code{on}.
16114
16115 @cindex memory used for symbol tables
16116 If your program uses lots of shared libraries with debug info that
16117 takes large amounts of memory, you can decrease the @value{GDBN}
16118 memory footprint by preventing it from automatically loading the
16119 symbols from shared libraries. To that end, type @kbd{set
16120 auto-solib-add off} before running the inferior, then load each
16121 library whose debug symbols you do need with @kbd{sharedlibrary
16122 @var{regexp}}, where @var{regexp} is a regular expression that matches
16123 the libraries whose symbols you want to be loaded.
16124
16125 @kindex show auto-solib-add
16126 @item show auto-solib-add
16127 Display the current autoloading mode.
16128 @end table
16129
16130 @cindex load shared library
16131 To explicitly load shared library symbols, use the @code{sharedlibrary}
16132 command:
16133
16134 @table @code
16135 @kindex info sharedlibrary
16136 @kindex info share
16137 @item info share @var{regex}
16138 @itemx info sharedlibrary @var{regex}
16139 Print the names of the shared libraries which are currently loaded
16140 that match @var{regex}. If @var{regex} is omitted then print
16141 all shared libraries that are loaded.
16142
16143 @kindex sharedlibrary
16144 @kindex share
16145 @item sharedlibrary @var{regex}
16146 @itemx share @var{regex}
16147 Load shared object library symbols for files matching a
16148 Unix regular expression.
16149 As with files loaded automatically, it only loads shared libraries
16150 required by your program for a core file or after typing @code{run}. If
16151 @var{regex} is omitted all shared libraries required by your program are
16152 loaded.
16153
16154 @item nosharedlibrary
16155 @kindex nosharedlibrary
16156 @cindex unload symbols from shared libraries
16157 Unload all shared object library symbols. This discards all symbols
16158 that have been loaded from all shared libraries. Symbols from shared
16159 libraries that were loaded by explicit user requests are not
16160 discarded.
16161 @end table
16162
16163 Sometimes you may wish that @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control
16164 when any of shared library events happen. The best way to do this is
16165 to use @code{catch load} and @code{catch unload} (@pxref{Set
16166 Catchpoints}).
16167
16168 @value{GDBN} also supports the the @code{set stop-on-solib-events}
16169 command for this. This command exists for historical reasons. It is
16170 less useful than setting a catchpoint, because it does not allow for
16171 conditions or commands as a catchpoint does.
16172
16173 @table @code
16174 @item set stop-on-solib-events
16175 @kindex set stop-on-solib-events
16176 This command controls whether @value{GDBN} should give you control
16177 when the dynamic linker notifies it about some shared library event.
16178 The most common event of interest is loading or unloading of a new
16179 shared library.
16180
16181 @item show stop-on-solib-events
16182 @kindex show stop-on-solib-events
16183 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control when shared
16184 library events happen.
16185 @end table
16186
16187 Shared libraries are also supported in many cross or remote debugging
16188 configurations. @value{GDBN} needs to have access to the target's libraries;
16189 this can be accomplished either by providing copies of the libraries
16190 on the host system, or by asking @value{GDBN} to automatically retrieve the
16191 libraries from the target. If copies of the target libraries are
16192 provided, they need to be the same as the target libraries, although the
16193 copies on the target can be stripped as long as the copies on the host are
16194 not.
16195
16196 @cindex where to look for shared libraries
16197 For remote debugging, you need to tell @value{GDBN} where the target
16198 libraries are, so that it can load the correct copies---otherwise, it
16199 may try to load the host's libraries. @value{GDBN} has two variables
16200 to specify the search directories for target libraries.
16201
16202 @table @code
16203 @cindex prefix for shared library file names
16204 @cindex system root, alternate
16205 @kindex set solib-absolute-prefix
16206 @kindex set sysroot
16207 @item set sysroot @var{path}
16208 Use @var{path} as the system root for the program being debugged. Any
16209 absolute shared library paths will be prefixed with @var{path}; many
16210 runtime loaders store the absolute paths to the shared library in the
16211 target program's memory. If you use @code{set sysroot} to find shared
16212 libraries, they need to be laid out in the same way that they are on
16213 the target, with e.g.@: a @file{/lib} and @file{/usr/lib} hierarchy
16214 under @var{path}.
16215
16216 If @var{path} starts with the sequence @file{remote:}, @value{GDBN} will
16217 retrieve the target libraries from the remote system. This is only
16218 supported when using a remote target that supports the @code{remote get}
16219 command (@pxref{File Transfer,,Sending files to a remote system}).
16220 The part of @var{path} following the initial @file{remote:}
16221 (if present) is used as system root prefix on the remote file system.
16222 @footnote{If you want to specify a local system root using a directory
16223 that happens to be named @file{remote:}, you need to use some equivalent
16224 variant of the name like @file{./remote:}.}
16225
16226 For targets with an MS-DOS based filesystem, such as MS-Windows and
16227 SymbianOS, @value{GDBN} tries prefixing a few variants of the target
16228 absolute file name with @var{path}. But first, on Unix hosts,
16229 @value{GDBN} converts all backslash directory separators into forward
16230 slashes, because the backslash is not a directory separator on Unix:
16231
16232 @smallexample
16233 c:\foo\bar.dll @result{} c:/foo/bar.dll
16234 @end smallexample
16235
16236 Then, @value{GDBN} attempts prefixing the target file name with
16237 @var{path}, and looks for the resulting file name in the host file
16238 system:
16239
16240 @smallexample
16241 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/c:/foo/bar.dll
16242 @end smallexample
16243
16244 If that does not find the shared library, @value{GDBN} tries removing
16245 the @samp{:} character from the drive spec, both for convenience, and,
16246 for the case of the host file system not supporting file names with
16247 colons:
16248
16249 @smallexample
16250 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/c/foo/bar.dll
16251 @end smallexample
16252
16253 This makes it possible to have a system root that mirrors a target
16254 with more than one drive. E.g., you may want to setup your local
16255 copies of the target system shared libraries like so (note @samp{c} vs
16256 @samp{z}):
16257
16258 @smallexample
16259 @file{/path/to/sysroot/c/sys/bin/foo.dll}
16260 @file{/path/to/sysroot/c/sys/bin/bar.dll}
16261 @file{/path/to/sysroot/z/sys/bin/bar.dll}
16262 @end smallexample
16263
16264 @noindent
16265 and point the system root at @file{/path/to/sysroot}, so that
16266 @value{GDBN} can find the correct copies of both
16267 @file{c:\sys\bin\foo.dll}, and @file{z:\sys\bin\bar.dll}.
16268
16269 If that still does not find the shared library, @value{GDBN} tries
16270 removing the whole drive spec from the target file name:
16271
16272 @smallexample
16273 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/foo/bar.dll
16274 @end smallexample
16275
16276 This last lookup makes it possible to not care about the drive name,
16277 if you don't want or need to.
16278
16279 The @code{set solib-absolute-prefix} command is an alias for @code{set
16280 sysroot}.
16281
16282 @cindex default system root
16283 @cindex @samp{--with-sysroot}
16284 You can set the default system root by using the configure-time
16285 @samp{--with-sysroot} option. If the system root is inside
16286 @value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
16287 @samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default system root will be updated
16288 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
16289 location.
16290
16291 @kindex show sysroot
16292 @item show sysroot
16293 Display the current shared library prefix.
16294
16295 @kindex set solib-search-path
16296 @item set solib-search-path @var{path}
16297 If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
16298 directories to search for shared libraries. @samp{solib-search-path}
16299 is used after @samp{sysroot} fails to locate the library, or if the
16300 path to the library is relative instead of absolute. If you want to
16301 use @samp{solib-search-path} instead of @samp{sysroot}, be sure to set
16302 @samp{sysroot} to a nonexistent directory to prevent @value{GDBN} from
16303 finding your host's libraries. @samp{sysroot} is preferred; setting
16304 it to a nonexistent directory may interfere with automatic loading
16305 of shared library symbols.
16306
16307 @kindex show solib-search-path
16308 @item show solib-search-path
16309 Display the current shared library search path.
16310
16311 @cindex DOS file-name semantics of file names.
16312 @kindex set target-file-system-kind (unix|dos-based|auto)
16313 @kindex show target-file-system-kind
16314 @item set target-file-system-kind @var{kind}
16315 Set assumed file system kind for target reported file names.
16316
16317 Shared library file names as reported by the target system may not
16318 make sense as is on the system @value{GDBN} is running on. For
16319 example, when remote debugging a target that has MS-DOS based file
16320 system semantics, from a Unix host, the target may be reporting to
16321 @value{GDBN} a list of loaded shared libraries with file names such as
16322 @file{c:\Windows\kernel32.dll}. On Unix hosts, there's no concept of
16323 drive letters, so the @samp{c:\} prefix is not normally understood as
16324 indicating an absolute file name, and neither is the backslash
16325 normally considered a directory separator character. In that case,
16326 the native file system would interpret this whole absolute file name
16327 as a relative file name with no directory components. This would make
16328 it impossible to point @value{GDBN} at a copy of the remote target's
16329 shared libraries on the host using @code{set sysroot}, and impractical
16330 with @code{set solib-search-path}. Setting
16331 @code{target-file-system-kind} to @code{dos-based} tells @value{GDBN}
16332 to interpret such file names similarly to how the target would, and to
16333 map them to file names valid on @value{GDBN}'s native file system
16334 semantics. The value of @var{kind} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition
16335 to one of the supported file system kinds. In that case, @value{GDBN}
16336 tries to determine the appropriate file system variant based on the
16337 current target's operating system (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the
16338 Current ABI}). The supported file system settings are:
16339
16340 @table @code
16341 @item unix
16342 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target file system is of Unix
16343 kind. Only file names starting the forward slash (@samp{/}) character
16344 are considered absolute, and the directory separator character is also
16345 the forward slash.
16346
16347 @item dos-based
16348 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target file system is DOS based.
16349 File names starting with either a forward slash, or a drive letter
16350 followed by a colon (e.g., @samp{c:}), are considered absolute, and
16351 both the slash (@samp{/}) and the backslash (@samp{\\}) characters are
16352 considered directory separators.
16353
16354 @item auto
16355 Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the file system kind associated with the
16356 target operating system (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the Current ABI}).
16357 This is the default.
16358 @end table
16359 @end table
16360
16361 @cindex file name canonicalization
16362 @cindex base name differences
16363 When processing file names provided by the user, @value{GDBN}
16364 frequently needs to compare them to the file names recorded in the
16365 program's debug info. Normally, @value{GDBN} compares just the
16366 @dfn{base names} of the files as strings, which is reasonably fast
16367 even for very large programs. (The base name of a file is the last
16368 portion of its name, after stripping all the leading directories.)
16369 This shortcut in comparison is based upon the assumption that files
16370 cannot have more than one base name. This is usually true, but
16371 references to files that use symlinks or similar filesystem
16372 facilities violate that assumption. If your program records files
16373 using such facilities, or if you provide file names to @value{GDBN}
16374 using symlinks etc., you can set @code{basenames-may-differ} to
16375 @code{true} to instruct @value{GDBN} to completely canonicalize each
16376 pair of file names it needs to compare. This will make file-name
16377 comparisons accurate, but at a price of a significant slowdown.
16378
16379 @table @code
16380 @item set basenames-may-differ
16381 @kindex set basenames-may-differ
16382 Set whether a source file may have multiple base names.
16383
16384 @item show basenames-may-differ
16385 @kindex show basenames-may-differ
16386 Show whether a source file may have multiple base names.
16387 @end table
16388
16389 @node Separate Debug Files
16390 @section Debugging Information in Separate Files
16391 @cindex separate debugging information files
16392 @cindex debugging information in separate files
16393 @cindex @file{.debug} subdirectories
16394 @cindex debugging information directory, global
16395 @cindex global debugging information directories
16396 @cindex build ID, and separate debugging files
16397 @cindex @file{.build-id} directory
16398
16399 @value{GDBN} allows you to put a program's debugging information in a
16400 file separate from the executable itself, in a way that allows
16401 @value{GDBN} to find and load the debugging information automatically.
16402 Since debugging information can be very large---sometimes larger
16403 than the executable code itself---some systems distribute debugging
16404 information for their executables in separate files, which users can
16405 install only when they need to debug a problem.
16406
16407 @value{GDBN} supports two ways of specifying the separate debug info
16408 file:
16409
16410 @itemize @bullet
16411 @item
16412 The executable contains a @dfn{debug link} that specifies the name of
16413 the separate debug info file. The separate debug file's name is
16414 usually @file{@var{executable}.debug}, where @var{executable} is the
16415 name of the corresponding executable file without leading directories
16416 (e.g., @file{ls.debug} for @file{/usr/bin/ls}). In addition, the
16417 debug link specifies a 32-bit @dfn{Cyclic Redundancy Check} (CRC)
16418 checksum for the debug file, which @value{GDBN} uses to validate that
16419 the executable and the debug file came from the same build.
16420
16421 @item
16422 The executable contains a @dfn{build ID}, a unique bit string that is
16423 also present in the corresponding debug info file. (This is supported
16424 only on some operating systems, notably those which use the ELF format
16425 for binary files and the @sc{gnu} Binutils.) For more details about
16426 this feature, see the description of the @option{--build-id}
16427 command-line option in @ref{Options, , Command Line Options, ld.info,
16428 The GNU Linker}. The debug info file's name is not specified
16429 explicitly by the build ID, but can be computed from the build ID, see
16430 below.
16431 @end itemize
16432
16433 Depending on the way the debug info file is specified, @value{GDBN}
16434 uses two different methods of looking for the debug file:
16435
16436 @itemize @bullet
16437 @item
16438 For the ``debug link'' method, @value{GDBN} looks up the named file in
16439 the directory of the executable file, then in a subdirectory of that
16440 directory named @file{.debug}, and finally under each one of the global debug
16441 directories, in a subdirectory whose name is identical to the leading
16442 directories of the executable's absolute file name.
16443
16444 @item
16445 For the ``build ID'' method, @value{GDBN} looks in the
16446 @file{.build-id} subdirectory of each one of the global debug directories for
16447 a file named @file{@var{nn}/@var{nnnnnnnn}.debug}, where @var{nn} are the
16448 first 2 hex characters of the build ID bit string, and @var{nnnnnnnn}
16449 are the rest of the bit string. (Real build ID strings are 32 or more
16450 hex characters, not 10.)
16451 @end itemize
16452
16453 So, for example, suppose you ask @value{GDBN} to debug
16454 @file{/usr/bin/ls}, which has a debug link that specifies the
16455 file @file{ls.debug}, and a build ID whose value in hex is
16456 @code{abcdef1234}. If the list of the global debug directories includes
16457 @file{/usr/lib/debug}, then @value{GDBN} will look for the following
16458 debug information files, in the indicated order:
16459
16460 @itemize @minus
16461 @item
16462 @file{/usr/lib/debug/.build-id/ab/cdef1234.debug}
16463 @item
16464 @file{/usr/bin/ls.debug}
16465 @item
16466 @file{/usr/bin/.debug/ls.debug}
16467 @item
16468 @file{/usr/lib/debug/usr/bin/ls.debug}.
16469 @end itemize
16470
16471 @anchor{debug-file-directory}
16472 Global debugging info directories default to what is set by @value{GDBN}
16473 configure option @option{--with-separate-debug-dir}. During @value{GDBN} run
16474 you can also set the global debugging info directories, and view the list
16475 @value{GDBN} is currently using.
16476
16477 @table @code
16478
16479 @kindex set debug-file-directory
16480 @item set debug-file-directory @var{directories}
16481 Set the directories which @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
16482 information files to @var{directory}. Multiple path components can be set
16483 concatenating them by a path separator.
16484
16485 @kindex show debug-file-directory
16486 @item show debug-file-directory
16487 Show the directories @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
16488 information files.
16489
16490 @end table
16491
16492 @cindex @code{.gnu_debuglink} sections
16493 @cindex debug link sections
16494 A debug link is a special section of the executable file named
16495 @code{.gnu_debuglink}. The section must contain:
16496
16497 @itemize
16498 @item
16499 A filename, with any leading directory components removed, followed by
16500 a zero byte,
16501 @item
16502 zero to three bytes of padding, as needed to reach the next four-byte
16503 boundary within the section, and
16504 @item
16505 a four-byte CRC checksum, stored in the same endianness used for the
16506 executable file itself. The checksum is computed on the debugging
16507 information file's full contents by the function given below, passing
16508 zero as the @var{crc} argument.
16509 @end itemize
16510
16511 Any executable file format can carry a debug link, as long as it can
16512 contain a section named @code{.gnu_debuglink} with the contents
16513 described above.
16514
16515 @cindex @code{.note.gnu.build-id} sections
16516 @cindex build ID sections
16517 The build ID is a special section in the executable file (and in other
16518 ELF binary files that @value{GDBN} may consider). This section is
16519 often named @code{.note.gnu.build-id}, but that name is not mandatory.
16520 It contains unique identification for the built files---the ID remains
16521 the same across multiple builds of the same build tree. The default
16522 algorithm SHA1 produces 160 bits (40 hexadecimal characters) of the
16523 content for the build ID string. The same section with an identical
16524 value is present in the original built binary with symbols, in its
16525 stripped variant, and in the separate debugging information file.
16526
16527 The debugging information file itself should be an ordinary
16528 executable, containing a full set of linker symbols, sections, and
16529 debugging information. The sections of the debugging information file
16530 should have the same names, addresses, and sizes as the original file,
16531 but they need not contain any data---much like a @code{.bss} section
16532 in an ordinary executable.
16533
16534 The @sc{gnu} binary utilities (Binutils) package includes the
16535 @samp{objcopy} utility that can produce
16536 the separated executable / debugging information file pairs using the
16537 following commands:
16538
16539 @smallexample
16540 @kbd{objcopy --only-keep-debug foo foo.debug}
16541 @kbd{strip -g foo}
16542 @end smallexample
16543
16544 @noindent
16545 These commands remove the debugging
16546 information from the executable file @file{foo} and place it in the file
16547 @file{foo.debug}. You can use the first, second or both methods to link the
16548 two files:
16549
16550 @itemize @bullet
16551 @item
16552 The debug link method needs the following additional command to also leave
16553 behind a debug link in @file{foo}:
16554
16555 @smallexample
16556 @kbd{objcopy --add-gnu-debuglink=foo.debug foo}
16557 @end smallexample
16558
16559 Ulrich Drepper's @file{elfutils} package, starting with version 0.53, contains
16560 a version of the @code{strip} command such that the command @kbd{strip foo -f
16561 foo.debug} has the same functionality as the two @code{objcopy} commands and
16562 the @code{ln -s} command above, together.
16563
16564 @item
16565 Build ID gets embedded into the main executable using @code{ld --build-id} or
16566 the @value{NGCC} counterpart @code{gcc -Wl,--build-id}. Build ID support plus
16567 compatibility fixes for debug files separation are present in @sc{gnu} binary
16568 utilities (Binutils) package since version 2.18.
16569 @end itemize
16570
16571 @noindent
16572
16573 @cindex CRC algorithm definition
16574 The CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink} is the CRC-32 defined in
16575 IEEE 802.3 using the polynomial:
16576
16577 @c TexInfo requires naked braces for multi-digit exponents for Tex
16578 @c output, but this causes HTML output to barf. HTML has to be set using
16579 @c raw commands. So we end up having to specify this equation in 2
16580 @c different ways!
16581 @ifhtml
16582 @display
16583 @html
16584 <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>
16585 + <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
16586 @end html
16587 @end display
16588 @end ifhtml
16589 @ifnothtml
16590 @display
16591 @math{x^{32} + x^{26} + x^{23} + x^{22} + x^{16} + x^{12} + x^{11}}
16592 @math{+ x^{10} + x^8 + x^7 + x^5 + x^4 + x^2 + x + 1}
16593 @end display
16594 @end ifnothtml
16595
16596 The function is computed byte at a time, taking the least
16597 significant bit of each byte first. The initial pattern
16598 @code{0xffffffff} is used, to ensure leading zeros affect the CRC and
16599 the final result is inverted to ensure trailing zeros also affect the
16600 CRC.
16601
16602 @emph{Note:} This is the same CRC polynomial as used in handling the
16603 @dfn{Remote Serial Protocol} @code{qCRC} packet (@pxref{Remote Protocol,
16604 , @value{GDBN} Remote Serial Protocol}). However in the
16605 case of the Remote Serial Protocol, the CRC is computed @emph{most}
16606 significant bit first, and the result is not inverted, so trailing
16607 zeros have no effect on the CRC value.
16608
16609 To complete the description, we show below the code of the function
16610 which produces the CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink}. Inverting the
16611 initially supplied @code{crc} argument means that an initial call to
16612 this function passing in zero will start computing the CRC using
16613 @code{0xffffffff}.
16614
16615 @kindex gnu_debuglink_crc32
16616 @smallexample
16617 unsigned long
16618 gnu_debuglink_crc32 (unsigned long crc,
16619 unsigned char *buf, size_t len)
16620 @{
16621 static const unsigned long crc32_table[256] =
16622 @{
16623 0x00000000, 0x77073096, 0xee0e612c, 0x990951ba, 0x076dc419,
16624 0x706af48f, 0xe963a535, 0x9e6495a3, 0x0edb8832, 0x79dcb8a4,
16625 0xe0d5e91e, 0x97d2d988, 0x09b64c2b, 0x7eb17cbd, 0xe7b82d07,
16626 0x90bf1d91, 0x1db71064, 0x6ab020f2, 0xf3b97148, 0x84be41de,
16627 0x1adad47d, 0x6ddde4eb, 0xf4d4b551, 0x83d385c7, 0x136c9856,
16628 0x646ba8c0, 0xfd62f97a, 0x8a65c9ec, 0x14015c4f, 0x63066cd9,
16629 0xfa0f3d63, 0x8d080df5, 0x3b6e20c8, 0x4c69105e, 0xd56041e4,
16630 0xa2677172, 0x3c03e4d1, 0x4b04d447, 0xd20d85fd, 0xa50ab56b,
16631 0x35b5a8fa, 0x42b2986c, 0xdbbbc9d6, 0xacbcf940, 0x32d86ce3,
16632 0x45df5c75, 0xdcd60dcf, 0xabd13d59, 0x26d930ac, 0x51de003a,
16633 0xc8d75180, 0xbfd06116, 0x21b4f4b5, 0x56b3c423, 0xcfba9599,
16634 0xb8bda50f, 0x2802b89e, 0x5f058808, 0xc60cd9b2, 0xb10be924,
16635 0x2f6f7c87, 0x58684c11, 0xc1611dab, 0xb6662d3d, 0x76dc4190,
16636 0x01db7106, 0x98d220bc, 0xefd5102a, 0x71b18589, 0x06b6b51f,
16637 0x9fbfe4a5, 0xe8b8d433, 0x7807c9a2, 0x0f00f934, 0x9609a88e,
16638 0xe10e9818, 0x7f6a0dbb, 0x086d3d2d, 0x91646c97, 0xe6635c01,
16639 0x6b6b51f4, 0x1c6c6162, 0x856530d8, 0xf262004e, 0x6c0695ed,
16640 0x1b01a57b, 0x8208f4c1, 0xf50fc457, 0x65b0d9c6, 0x12b7e950,
16641 0x8bbeb8ea, 0xfcb9887c, 0x62dd1ddf, 0x15da2d49, 0x8cd37cf3,
16642 0xfbd44c65, 0x4db26158, 0x3ab551ce, 0xa3bc0074, 0xd4bb30e2,
16643 0x4adfa541, 0x3dd895d7, 0xa4d1c46d, 0xd3d6f4fb, 0x4369e96a,
16644 0x346ed9fc, 0xad678846, 0xda60b8d0, 0x44042d73, 0x33031de5,
16645 0xaa0a4c5f, 0xdd0d7cc9, 0x5005713c, 0x270241aa, 0xbe0b1010,
16646 0xc90c2086, 0x5768b525, 0x206f85b3, 0xb966d409, 0xce61e49f,
16647 0x5edef90e, 0x29d9c998, 0xb0d09822, 0xc7d7a8b4, 0x59b33d17,
16648 0x2eb40d81, 0xb7bd5c3b, 0xc0ba6cad, 0xedb88320, 0x9abfb3b6,
16649 0x03b6e20c, 0x74b1d29a, 0xead54739, 0x9dd277af, 0x04db2615,
16650 0x73dc1683, 0xe3630b12, 0x94643b84, 0x0d6d6a3e, 0x7a6a5aa8,
16651 0xe40ecf0b, 0x9309ff9d, 0x0a00ae27, 0x7d079eb1, 0xf00f9344,
16652 0x8708a3d2, 0x1e01f268, 0x6906c2fe, 0xf762575d, 0x806567cb,
16653 0x196c3671, 0x6e6b06e7, 0xfed41b76, 0x89d32be0, 0x10da7a5a,
16654 0x67dd4acc, 0xf9b9df6f, 0x8ebeeff9, 0x17b7be43, 0x60b08ed5,
16655 0xd6d6a3e8, 0xa1d1937e, 0x38d8c2c4, 0x4fdff252, 0xd1bb67f1,
16656 0xa6bc5767, 0x3fb506dd, 0x48b2364b, 0xd80d2bda, 0xaf0a1b4c,
16657 0x36034af6, 0x41047a60, 0xdf60efc3, 0xa867df55, 0x316e8eef,
16658 0x4669be79, 0xcb61b38c, 0xbc66831a, 0x256fd2a0, 0x5268e236,
16659 0xcc0c7795, 0xbb0b4703, 0x220216b9, 0x5505262f, 0xc5ba3bbe,
16660 0xb2bd0b28, 0x2bb45a92, 0x5cb36a04, 0xc2d7ffa7, 0xb5d0cf31,
16661 0x2cd99e8b, 0x5bdeae1d, 0x9b64c2b0, 0xec63f226, 0x756aa39c,
16662 0x026d930a, 0x9c0906a9, 0xeb0e363f, 0x72076785, 0x05005713,
16663 0x95bf4a82, 0xe2b87a14, 0x7bb12bae, 0x0cb61b38, 0x92d28e9b,
16664 0xe5d5be0d, 0x7cdcefb7, 0x0bdbdf21, 0x86d3d2d4, 0xf1d4e242,
16665 0x68ddb3f8, 0x1fda836e, 0x81be16cd, 0xf6b9265b, 0x6fb077e1,
16666 0x18b74777, 0x88085ae6, 0xff0f6a70, 0x66063bca, 0x11010b5c,
16667 0x8f659eff, 0xf862ae69, 0x616bffd3, 0x166ccf45, 0xa00ae278,
16668 0xd70dd2ee, 0x4e048354, 0x3903b3c2, 0xa7672661, 0xd06016f7,
16669 0x4969474d, 0x3e6e77db, 0xaed16a4a, 0xd9d65adc, 0x40df0b66,
16670 0x37d83bf0, 0xa9bcae53, 0xdebb9ec5, 0x47b2cf7f, 0x30b5ffe9,
16671 0xbdbdf21c, 0xcabac28a, 0x53b39330, 0x24b4a3a6, 0xbad03605,
16672 0xcdd70693, 0x54de5729, 0x23d967bf, 0xb3667a2e, 0xc4614ab8,
16673 0x5d681b02, 0x2a6f2b94, 0xb40bbe37, 0xc30c8ea1, 0x5a05df1b,
16674 0x2d02ef8d
16675 @};
16676 unsigned char *end;
16677
16678 crc = ~crc & 0xffffffff;
16679 for (end = buf + len; buf < end; ++buf)
16680 crc = crc32_table[(crc ^ *buf) & 0xff] ^ (crc >> 8);
16681 return ~crc & 0xffffffff;
16682 @}
16683 @end smallexample
16684
16685 @noindent
16686 This computation does not apply to the ``build ID'' method.
16687
16688
16689 @node Index Files
16690 @section Index Files Speed Up @value{GDBN}
16691 @cindex index files
16692 @cindex @samp{.gdb_index} section
16693
16694 When @value{GDBN} finds a symbol file, it scans the symbols in the
16695 file in order to construct an internal symbol table. This lets most
16696 @value{GDBN} operations work quickly---at the cost of a delay early
16697 on. For large programs, this delay can be quite lengthy, so
16698 @value{GDBN} provides a way to build an index, which speeds up
16699 startup.
16700
16701 The index is stored as a section in the symbol file. @value{GDBN} can
16702 write the index to a file, then you can put it into the symbol file
16703 using @command{objcopy}.
16704
16705 To create an index file, use the @code{save gdb-index} command:
16706
16707 @table @code
16708 @item save gdb-index @var{directory}
16709 @kindex save gdb-index
16710 Create an index file for each symbol file currently known by
16711 @value{GDBN}. Each file is named after its corresponding symbol file,
16712 with @samp{.gdb-index} appended, and is written into the given
16713 @var{directory}.
16714 @end table
16715
16716 Once you have created an index file you can merge it into your symbol
16717 file, here named @file{symfile}, using @command{objcopy}:
16718
16719 @smallexample
16720 $ objcopy --add-section .gdb_index=symfile.gdb-index \
16721 --set-section-flags .gdb_index=readonly symfile symfile
16722 @end smallexample
16723
16724 There are currently some limitation on indices. They only work when
16725 for DWARF debugging information, not stabs. And, they do not
16726 currently work for programs using Ada.
16727
16728 @node Symbol Errors
16729 @section Errors Reading Symbol Files
16730
16731 While reading a symbol file, @value{GDBN} occasionally encounters problems,
16732 such as symbol types it does not recognize, or known bugs in compiler
16733 output. By default, @value{GDBN} does not notify you of such problems, since
16734 they are relatively common and primarily of interest to people
16735 debugging compilers. If you are interested in seeing information
16736 about ill-constructed symbol tables, you can either ask @value{GDBN} to print
16737 only one message about each such type of problem, no matter how many
16738 times the problem occurs; or you can ask @value{GDBN} to print more messages,
16739 to see how many times the problems occur, with the @code{set
16740 complaints} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
16741 Messages}).
16742
16743 The messages currently printed, and their meanings, include:
16744
16745 @table @code
16746 @item inner block not inside outer block in @var{symbol}
16747
16748 The symbol information shows where symbol scopes begin and end
16749 (such as at the start of a function or a block of statements). This
16750 error indicates that an inner scope block is not fully contained
16751 in its outer scope blocks.
16752
16753 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the inner block as if it had
16754 the same scope as the outer block. In the error message, @var{symbol}
16755 may be shown as ``@code{(don't know)}'' if the outer block is not a
16756 function.
16757
16758 @item block at @var{address} out of order
16759
16760 The symbol information for symbol scope blocks should occur in
16761 order of increasing addresses. This error indicates that it does not
16762 do so.
16763
16764 @value{GDBN} does not circumvent this problem, and has trouble
16765 locating symbols in the source file whose symbols it is reading. (You
16766 can often determine what source file is affected by specifying
16767 @code{set verbose on}. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
16768 Messages}.)
16769
16770 @item bad block start address patched
16771
16772 The symbol information for a symbol scope block has a start address
16773 smaller than the address of the preceding source line. This is known
16774 to occur in the SunOS 4.1.1 (and earlier) C compiler.
16775
16776 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the symbol scope block as
16777 starting on the previous source line.
16778
16779 @item bad string table offset in symbol @var{n}
16780
16781 @cindex foo
16782 Symbol number @var{n} contains a pointer into the string table which is
16783 larger than the size of the string table.
16784
16785 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by considering the symbol to have the
16786 name @code{foo}, which may cause other problems if many symbols end up
16787 with this name.
16788
16789 @item unknown symbol type @code{0x@var{nn}}
16790
16791 The symbol information contains new data types that @value{GDBN} does
16792 not yet know how to read. @code{0x@var{nn}} is the symbol type of the
16793 uncomprehended information, in hexadecimal.
16794
16795 @value{GDBN} circumvents the error by ignoring this symbol information.
16796 This usually allows you to debug your program, though certain symbols
16797 are not accessible. If you encounter such a problem and feel like
16798 debugging it, you can debug @code{@value{GDBP}} with itself, breakpoint
16799 on @code{complain}, then go up to the function @code{read_dbx_symtab}
16800 and examine @code{*bufp} to see the symbol.
16801
16802 @item stub type has NULL name
16803
16804 @value{GDBN} could not find the full definition for a struct or class.
16805
16806 @item const/volatile indicator missing (ok if using g++ v1.x), got@dots{}
16807 The symbol information for a C@t{++} member function is missing some
16808 information that recent versions of the compiler should have output for
16809 it.
16810
16811 @item info mismatch between compiler and debugger
16812
16813 @value{GDBN} could not parse a type specification output by the compiler.
16814
16815 @end table
16816
16817 @node Data Files
16818 @section GDB Data Files
16819
16820 @cindex prefix for data files
16821 @value{GDBN} will sometimes read an auxiliary data file. These files
16822 are kept in a directory known as the @dfn{data directory}.
16823
16824 You can set the data directory's name, and view the name @value{GDBN}
16825 is currently using.
16826
16827 @table @code
16828 @kindex set data-directory
16829 @item set data-directory @var{directory}
16830 Set the directory which @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files
16831 to @var{directory}.
16832
16833 @kindex show data-directory
16834 @item show data-directory
16835 Show the directory @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files.
16836 @end table
16837
16838 @cindex default data directory
16839 @cindex @samp{--with-gdb-datadir}
16840 You can set the default data directory by using the configure-time
16841 @samp{--with-gdb-datadir} option. If the data directory is inside
16842 @value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
16843 @samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default data directory will be updated
16844 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
16845 location.
16846
16847 The data directory may also be specified with the
16848 @code{--data-directory} command line option.
16849 @xref{Mode Options}.
16850
16851 @node Targets
16852 @chapter Specifying a Debugging Target
16853
16854 @cindex debugging target
16855 A @dfn{target} is the execution environment occupied by your program.
16856
16857 Often, @value{GDBN} runs in the same host environment as your program;
16858 in that case, the debugging target is specified as a side effect when
16859 you use the @code{file} or @code{core} commands. When you need more
16860 flexibility---for example, running @value{GDBN} on a physically separate
16861 host, or controlling a standalone system over a serial port or a
16862 realtime system over a TCP/IP connection---you can use the @code{target}
16863 command to specify one of the target types configured for @value{GDBN}
16864 (@pxref{Target Commands, ,Commands for Managing Targets}).
16865
16866 @cindex target architecture
16867 It is possible to build @value{GDBN} for several different @dfn{target
16868 architectures}. When @value{GDBN} is built like that, you can choose
16869 one of the available architectures with the @kbd{set architecture}
16870 command.
16871
16872 @table @code
16873 @kindex set architecture
16874 @kindex show architecture
16875 @item set architecture @var{arch}
16876 This command sets the current target architecture to @var{arch}. The
16877 value of @var{arch} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition to one of the
16878 supported architectures.
16879
16880 @item show architecture
16881 Show the current target architecture.
16882
16883 @item set processor
16884 @itemx processor
16885 @kindex set processor
16886 @kindex show processor
16887 These are alias commands for, respectively, @code{set architecture}
16888 and @code{show architecture}.
16889 @end table
16890
16891 @menu
16892 * Active Targets:: Active targets
16893 * Target Commands:: Commands for managing targets
16894 * Byte Order:: Choosing target byte order
16895 @end menu
16896
16897 @node Active Targets
16898 @section Active Targets
16899
16900 @cindex stacking targets
16901 @cindex active targets
16902 @cindex multiple targets
16903
16904 There are multiple classes of targets such as: processes, executable files or
16905 recording sessions. Core files belong to the process class, making core file
16906 and process mutually exclusive. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} can work concurrently
16907 on multiple active targets, one in each class. This allows you to (for
16908 example) start a process and inspect its activity, while still having access to
16909 the executable file after the process finishes. Or if you start process
16910 recording (@pxref{Reverse Execution}) and @code{reverse-step} there, you are
16911 presented a virtual layer of the recording target, while the process target
16912 remains stopped at the chronologically last point of the process execution.
16913
16914 Use the @code{core-file} and @code{exec-file} commands to select a new core
16915 file or executable target (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}). To
16916 specify as a target a process that is already running, use the @code{attach}
16917 command (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running Process}).
16918
16919 @node Target Commands
16920 @section Commands for Managing Targets
16921
16922 @table @code
16923 @item target @var{type} @var{parameters}
16924 Connects the @value{GDBN} host environment to a target machine or
16925 process. A target is typically a protocol for talking to debugging
16926 facilities. You use the argument @var{type} to specify the type or
16927 protocol of the target machine.
16928
16929 Further @var{parameters} are interpreted by the target protocol, but
16930 typically include things like device names or host names to connect
16931 with, process numbers, and baud rates.
16932
16933 The @code{target} command does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again
16934 after executing the command.
16935
16936 @kindex help target
16937 @item help target
16938 Displays the names of all targets available. To display targets
16939 currently selected, use either @code{info target} or @code{info files}
16940 (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
16941
16942 @item help target @var{name}
16943 Describe a particular target, including any parameters necessary to
16944 select it.
16945
16946 @kindex set gnutarget
16947 @item set gnutarget @var{args}
16948 @value{GDBN} uses its own library BFD to read your files. @value{GDBN}
16949 knows whether it is reading an @dfn{executable},
16950 a @dfn{core}, or a @dfn{.o} file; however, you can specify the file format
16951 with the @code{set gnutarget} command. Unlike most @code{target} commands,
16952 with @code{gnutarget} the @code{target} refers to a program, not a machine.
16953
16954 @quotation
16955 @emph{Warning:} To specify a file format with @code{set gnutarget},
16956 you must know the actual BFD name.
16957 @end quotation
16958
16959 @noindent
16960 @xref{Files, , Commands to Specify Files}.
16961
16962 @kindex show gnutarget
16963 @item show gnutarget
16964 Use the @code{show gnutarget} command to display what file format
16965 @code{gnutarget} is set to read. If you have not set @code{gnutarget},
16966 @value{GDBN} will determine the file format for each file automatically,
16967 and @code{show gnutarget} displays @samp{The current BDF target is "auto"}.
16968 @end table
16969
16970 @cindex common targets
16971 Here are some common targets (available, or not, depending on the GDB
16972 configuration):
16973
16974 @table @code
16975 @kindex target
16976 @item target exec @var{program}
16977 @cindex executable file target
16978 An executable file. @samp{target exec @var{program}} is the same as
16979 @samp{exec-file @var{program}}.
16980
16981 @item target core @var{filename}
16982 @cindex core dump file target
16983 A core dump file. @samp{target core @var{filename}} is the same as
16984 @samp{core-file @var{filename}}.
16985
16986 @item target remote @var{medium}
16987 @cindex remote target
16988 A remote system connected to @value{GDBN} via a serial line or network
16989 connection. This command tells @value{GDBN} to use its own remote
16990 protocol over @var{medium} for debugging. @xref{Remote Debugging}.
16991
16992 For example, if you have a board connected to @file{/dev/ttya} on the
16993 machine running @value{GDBN}, you could say:
16994
16995 @smallexample
16996 target remote /dev/ttya
16997 @end smallexample
16998
16999 @code{target remote} supports the @code{load} command. This is only
17000 useful if you have some other way of getting the stub to the target
17001 system, and you can put it somewhere in memory where it won't get
17002 clobbered by the download.
17003
17004 @item target sim @r{[}@var{simargs}@r{]} @dots{}
17005 @cindex built-in simulator target
17006 Builtin CPU simulator. @value{GDBN} includes simulators for most architectures.
17007 In general,
17008 @smallexample
17009 target sim
17010 load
17011 run
17012 @end smallexample
17013 @noindent
17014 works; however, you cannot assume that a specific memory map, device
17015 drivers, or even basic I/O is available, although some simulators do
17016 provide these. For info about any processor-specific simulator details,
17017 see the appropriate section in @ref{Embedded Processors, ,Embedded
17018 Processors}.
17019
17020 @end table
17021
17022 Some configurations may include these targets as well:
17023
17024 @table @code
17025
17026 @item target nrom @var{dev}
17027 @cindex NetROM ROM emulator target
17028 NetROM ROM emulator. This target only supports downloading.
17029
17030 @end table
17031
17032 Different targets are available on different configurations of @value{GDBN};
17033 your configuration may have more or fewer targets.
17034
17035 Many remote targets require you to download the executable's code once
17036 you've successfully established a connection. You may wish to control
17037 various aspects of this process.
17038
17039 @table @code
17040
17041 @item set hash
17042 @kindex set hash@r{, for remote monitors}
17043 @cindex hash mark while downloading
17044 This command controls whether a hash mark @samp{#} is displayed while
17045 downloading a file to the remote monitor. If on, a hash mark is
17046 displayed after each S-record is successfully downloaded to the
17047 monitor.
17048
17049 @item show hash
17050 @kindex show hash@r{, for remote monitors}
17051 Show the current status of displaying the hash mark.
17052
17053 @item set debug monitor
17054 @kindex set debug monitor
17055 @cindex display remote monitor communications
17056 Enable or disable display of communications messages between
17057 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
17058
17059 @item show debug monitor
17060 @kindex show debug monitor
17061 Show the current status of displaying communications between
17062 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
17063 @end table
17064
17065 @table @code
17066
17067 @kindex load @var{filename}
17068 @item load @var{filename}
17069 @anchor{load}
17070 Depending on what remote debugging facilities are configured into
17071 @value{GDBN}, the @code{load} command may be available. Where it exists, it
17072 is meant to make @var{filename} (an executable) available for debugging
17073 on the remote system---by downloading, or dynamic linking, for example.
17074 @code{load} also records the @var{filename} symbol table in @value{GDBN}, like
17075 the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
17076
17077 If your @value{GDBN} does not have a @code{load} command, attempting to
17078 execute it gets the error message ``@code{You can't do that when your
17079 target is @dots{}}''
17080
17081 The file is loaded at whatever address is specified in the executable.
17082 For some object file formats, you can specify the load address when you
17083 link the program; for other formats, like a.out, the object file format
17084 specifies a fixed address.
17085 @c FIXME! This would be a good place for an xref to the GNU linker doc.
17086
17087 Depending on the remote side capabilities, @value{GDBN} may be able to
17088 load programs into flash memory.
17089
17090 @code{load} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
17091 @end table
17092
17093 @node Byte Order
17094 @section Choosing Target Byte Order
17095
17096 @cindex choosing target byte order
17097 @cindex target byte order
17098
17099 Some types of processors, such as the @acronym{MIPS}, PowerPC, and Renesas SH,
17100 offer the ability to run either big-endian or little-endian byte
17101 orders. Usually the executable or symbol will include a bit to
17102 designate the endian-ness, and you will not need to worry about
17103 which to use. However, you may still find it useful to adjust
17104 @value{GDBN}'s idea of processor endian-ness manually.
17105
17106 @table @code
17107 @kindex set endian
17108 @item set endian big
17109 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is big-endian.
17110
17111 @item set endian little
17112 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is little-endian.
17113
17114 @item set endian auto
17115 Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the byte order associated with the
17116 executable.
17117
17118 @item show endian
17119 Display @value{GDBN}'s current idea of the target byte order.
17120
17121 @end table
17122
17123 Note that these commands merely adjust interpretation of symbolic
17124 data on the host, and that they have absolutely no effect on the
17125 target system.
17126
17127
17128 @node Remote Debugging
17129 @chapter Debugging Remote Programs
17130 @cindex remote debugging
17131
17132 If you are trying to debug a program running on a machine that cannot run
17133 @value{GDBN} in the usual way, it is often useful to use remote debugging.
17134 For example, you might use remote debugging on an operating system kernel,
17135 or on a small system which does not have a general purpose operating system
17136 powerful enough to run a full-featured debugger.
17137
17138 Some configurations of @value{GDBN} have special serial or TCP/IP interfaces
17139 to make this work with particular debugging targets. In addition,
17140 @value{GDBN} comes with a generic serial protocol (specific to @value{GDBN},
17141 but not specific to any particular target system) which you can use if you
17142 write the remote stubs---the code that runs on the remote system to
17143 communicate with @value{GDBN}.
17144
17145 Other remote targets may be available in your
17146 configuration of @value{GDBN}; use @code{help target} to list them.
17147
17148 @menu
17149 * Connecting:: Connecting to a remote target
17150 * File Transfer:: Sending files to a remote system
17151 * Server:: Using the gdbserver program
17152 * Remote Configuration:: Remote configuration
17153 * Remote Stub:: Implementing a remote stub
17154 @end menu
17155
17156 @node Connecting
17157 @section Connecting to a Remote Target
17158
17159 On the @value{GDBN} host machine, you will need an unstripped copy of
17160 your program, since @value{GDBN} needs symbol and debugging information.
17161 Start up @value{GDBN} as usual, using the name of the local copy of your
17162 program as the first argument.
17163
17164 @cindex @code{target remote}
17165 @value{GDBN} can communicate with the target over a serial line, or
17166 over an @acronym{IP} network using @acronym{TCP} or @acronym{UDP}. In
17167 each case, @value{GDBN} uses the same protocol for debugging your
17168 program; only the medium carrying the debugging packets varies. The
17169 @code{target remote} command establishes a connection to the target.
17170 Its arguments indicate which medium to use:
17171
17172 @table @code
17173
17174 @item target remote @var{serial-device}
17175 @cindex serial line, @code{target remote}
17176 Use @var{serial-device} to communicate with the target. For example,
17177 to use a serial line connected to the device named @file{/dev/ttyb}:
17178
17179 @smallexample
17180 target remote /dev/ttyb
17181 @end smallexample
17182
17183 If you're using a serial line, you may want to give @value{GDBN} the
17184 @w{@samp{--baud}} option, or use the @code{set remotebaud} command
17185 (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remotebaud}) before the
17186 @code{target} command.
17187
17188 @item target remote @code{@var{host}:@var{port}}
17189 @itemx target remote @code{tcp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
17190 @cindex @acronym{TCP} port, @code{target remote}
17191 Debug using a @acronym{TCP} connection to @var{port} on @var{host}.
17192 The @var{host} may be either a host name or a numeric @acronym{IP}
17193 address; @var{port} must be a decimal number. The @var{host} could be
17194 the target machine itself, if it is directly connected to the net, or
17195 it might be a terminal server which in turn has a serial line to the
17196 target.
17197
17198 For example, to connect to port 2828 on a terminal server named
17199 @code{manyfarms}:
17200
17201 @smallexample
17202 target remote manyfarms:2828
17203 @end smallexample
17204
17205 If your remote target is actually running on the same machine as your
17206 debugger session (e.g.@: a simulator for your target running on the
17207 same host), you can omit the hostname. For example, to connect to
17208 port 1234 on your local machine:
17209
17210 @smallexample
17211 target remote :1234
17212 @end smallexample
17213 @noindent
17214
17215 Note that the colon is still required here.
17216
17217 @item target remote @code{udp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
17218 @cindex @acronym{UDP} port, @code{target remote}
17219 Debug using @acronym{UDP} packets to @var{port} on @var{host}. For example, to
17220 connect to @acronym{UDP} port 2828 on a terminal server named @code{manyfarms}:
17221
17222 @smallexample
17223 target remote udp:manyfarms:2828
17224 @end smallexample
17225
17226 When using a @acronym{UDP} connection for remote debugging, you should
17227 keep in mind that the `U' stands for ``Unreliable''. @acronym{UDP}
17228 can silently drop packets on busy or unreliable networks, which will
17229 cause havoc with your debugging session.
17230
17231 @item target remote | @var{command}
17232 @cindex pipe, @code{target remote} to
17233 Run @var{command} in the background and communicate with it using a
17234 pipe. The @var{command} is a shell command, to be parsed and expanded
17235 by the system's command shell, @code{/bin/sh}; it should expect remote
17236 protocol packets on its standard input, and send replies on its
17237 standard output. You could use this to run a stand-alone simulator
17238 that speaks the remote debugging protocol, to make net connections
17239 using programs like @code{ssh}, or for other similar tricks.
17240
17241 If @var{command} closes its standard output (perhaps by exiting),
17242 @value{GDBN} will try to send it a @code{SIGTERM} signal. (If the
17243 program has already exited, this will have no effect.)
17244
17245 @end table
17246
17247 Once the connection has been established, you can use all the usual
17248 commands to examine and change data. The remote program is already
17249 running; you can use @kbd{step} and @kbd{continue}, and you do not
17250 need to use @kbd{run}.
17251
17252 @cindex interrupting remote programs
17253 @cindex remote programs, interrupting
17254 Whenever @value{GDBN} is waiting for the remote program, if you type the
17255 interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}), @value{GDBN} attempts to stop the
17256 program. This may or may not succeed, depending in part on the hardware
17257 and the serial drivers the remote system uses. If you type the
17258 interrupt character once again, @value{GDBN} displays this prompt:
17259
17260 @smallexample
17261 Interrupted while waiting for the program.
17262 Give up (and stop debugging it)? (y or n)
17263 @end smallexample
17264
17265 If you type @kbd{y}, @value{GDBN} abandons the remote debugging session.
17266 (If you decide you want to try again later, you can use @samp{target
17267 remote} again to connect once more.) If you type @kbd{n}, @value{GDBN}
17268 goes back to waiting.
17269
17270 @table @code
17271 @kindex detach (remote)
17272 @item detach
17273 When you have finished debugging the remote program, you can use the
17274 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control.
17275 Detaching from the target normally resumes its execution, but the results
17276 will depend on your particular remote stub. After the @code{detach}
17277 command, @value{GDBN} is free to connect to another target.
17278
17279 @kindex disconnect
17280 @item disconnect
17281 The @code{disconnect} command behaves like @code{detach}, except that
17282 the target is generally not resumed. It will wait for @value{GDBN}
17283 (this instance or another one) to connect and continue debugging. After
17284 the @code{disconnect} command, @value{GDBN} is again free to connect to
17285 another target.
17286
17287 @cindex send command to remote monitor
17288 @cindex extend @value{GDBN} for remote targets
17289 @cindex add new commands for external monitor
17290 @kindex monitor
17291 @item monitor @var{cmd}
17292 This command allows you to send arbitrary commands directly to the
17293 remote monitor. Since @value{GDBN} doesn't care about the commands it
17294 sends like this, this command is the way to extend @value{GDBN}---you
17295 can add new commands that only the external monitor will understand
17296 and implement.
17297 @end table
17298
17299 @node File Transfer
17300 @section Sending files to a remote system
17301 @cindex remote target, file transfer
17302 @cindex file transfer
17303 @cindex sending files to remote systems
17304
17305 Some remote targets offer the ability to transfer files over the same
17306 connection used to communicate with @value{GDBN}. This is convenient
17307 for targets accessible through other means, e.g.@: @sc{gnu}/Linux systems
17308 running @code{gdbserver} over a network interface. For other targets,
17309 e.g.@: embedded devices with only a single serial port, this may be
17310 the only way to upload or download files.
17311
17312 Not all remote targets support these commands.
17313
17314 @table @code
17315 @kindex remote put
17316 @item remote put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
17317 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
17318 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
17319
17320 @kindex remote get
17321 @item remote get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
17322 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
17323 on the host system.
17324
17325 @kindex remote delete
17326 @item remote delete @var{targetfile}
17327 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
17328
17329 @end table
17330
17331 @node Server
17332 @section Using the @code{gdbserver} Program
17333
17334 @kindex gdbserver
17335 @cindex remote connection without stubs
17336 @code{gdbserver} is a control program for Unix-like systems, which
17337 allows you to connect your program with a remote @value{GDBN} via
17338 @code{target remote}---but without linking in the usual debugging stub.
17339
17340 @code{gdbserver} is not a complete replacement for the debugging stubs,
17341 because it requires essentially the same operating-system facilities
17342 that @value{GDBN} itself does. In fact, a system that can run
17343 @code{gdbserver} to connect to a remote @value{GDBN} could also run
17344 @value{GDBN} locally! @code{gdbserver} is sometimes useful nevertheless,
17345 because it is a much smaller program than @value{GDBN} itself. It is
17346 also easier to port than all of @value{GDBN}, so you may be able to get
17347 started more quickly on a new system by using @code{gdbserver}.
17348 Finally, if you develop code for real-time systems, you may find that
17349 the tradeoffs involved in real-time operation make it more convenient to
17350 do as much development work as possible on another system, for example
17351 by cross-compiling. You can use @code{gdbserver} to make a similar
17352 choice for debugging.
17353
17354 @value{GDBN} and @code{gdbserver} communicate via either a serial line
17355 or a TCP connection, using the standard @value{GDBN} remote serial
17356 protocol.
17357
17358 @quotation
17359 @emph{Warning:} @code{gdbserver} does not have any built-in security.
17360 Do not run @code{gdbserver} connected to any public network; a
17361 @value{GDBN} connection to @code{gdbserver} provides access to the
17362 target system with the same privileges as the user running
17363 @code{gdbserver}.
17364 @end quotation
17365
17366 @subsection Running @code{gdbserver}
17367 @cindex arguments, to @code{gdbserver}
17368 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, command-line arguments
17369
17370 Run @code{gdbserver} on the target system. You need a copy of the
17371 program you want to debug, including any libraries it requires.
17372 @code{gdbserver} does not need your program's symbol table, so you can
17373 strip the program if necessary to save space. @value{GDBN} on the host
17374 system does all the symbol handling.
17375
17376 To use the server, you must tell it how to communicate with @value{GDBN};
17377 the name of your program; and the arguments for your program. The usual
17378 syntax is:
17379
17380 @smallexample
17381 target> gdbserver @var{comm} @var{program} [ @var{args} @dots{} ]
17382 @end smallexample
17383
17384 @var{comm} is either a device name (to use a serial line), or a TCP
17385 hostname and portnumber, or @code{-} or @code{stdio} to use
17386 stdin/stdout of @code{gdbserver}.
17387 For example, to debug Emacs with the argument
17388 @samp{foo.txt} and communicate with @value{GDBN} over the serial port
17389 @file{/dev/com1}:
17390
17391 @smallexample
17392 target> gdbserver /dev/com1 emacs foo.txt
17393 @end smallexample
17394
17395 @code{gdbserver} waits passively for the host @value{GDBN} to communicate
17396 with it.
17397
17398 To use a TCP connection instead of a serial line:
17399
17400 @smallexample
17401 target> gdbserver host:2345 emacs foo.txt
17402 @end smallexample
17403
17404 The only difference from the previous example is the first argument,
17405 specifying that you are communicating with the host @value{GDBN} via
17406 TCP. The @samp{host:2345} argument means that @code{gdbserver} is to
17407 expect a TCP connection from machine @samp{host} to local TCP port 2345.
17408 (Currently, the @samp{host} part is ignored.) You can choose any number
17409 you want for the port number as long as it does not conflict with any
17410 TCP ports already in use on the target system (for example, @code{23} is
17411 reserved for @code{telnet}).@footnote{If you choose a port number that
17412 conflicts with another service, @code{gdbserver} prints an error message
17413 and exits.} You must use the same port number with the host @value{GDBN}
17414 @code{target remote} command.
17415
17416 The @code{stdio} connection is useful when starting @code{gdbserver}
17417 with ssh:
17418
17419 @smallexample
17420 (gdb) target remote | ssh -T hostname gdbserver - hello
17421 @end smallexample
17422
17423 The @samp{-T} option to ssh is provided because we don't need a remote pty,
17424 and we don't want escape-character handling. Ssh does this by default when
17425 a command is provided, the flag is provided to make it explicit.
17426 You could elide it if you want to.
17427
17428 Programs started with stdio-connected gdbserver have @file{/dev/null} for
17429 @code{stdin}, and @code{stdout},@code{stderr} are sent back to gdb for
17430 display through a pipe connected to gdbserver.
17431 Both @code{stdout} and @code{stderr} use the same pipe.
17432
17433 @subsubsection Attaching to a Running Program
17434 @cindex attach to a program, @code{gdbserver}
17435 @cindex @option{--attach}, @code{gdbserver} option
17436
17437 On some targets, @code{gdbserver} can also attach to running programs.
17438 This is accomplished via the @code{--attach} argument. The syntax is:
17439
17440 @smallexample
17441 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
17442 @end smallexample
17443
17444 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't necessary
17445 to point @code{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
17446
17447 @pindex pidof
17448 You can debug processes by name instead of process ID if your target has the
17449 @code{pidof} utility:
17450
17451 @smallexample
17452 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} `pidof @var{program}`
17453 @end smallexample
17454
17455 In case more than one copy of @var{program} is running, or @var{program}
17456 has multiple threads, most versions of @code{pidof} support the
17457 @code{-s} option to only return the first process ID.
17458
17459 @subsubsection Multi-Process Mode for @code{gdbserver}
17460 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, multiple processes
17461 @cindex multiple processes with @code{gdbserver}
17462
17463 When you connect to @code{gdbserver} using @code{target remote},
17464 @code{gdbserver} debugs the specified program only once. When the
17465 program exits, or you detach from it, @value{GDBN} closes the connection
17466 and @code{gdbserver} exits.
17467
17468 If you connect using @kbd{target extended-remote}, @code{gdbserver}
17469 enters multi-process mode. When the debugged program exits, or you
17470 detach from it, @value{GDBN} stays connected to @code{gdbserver} even
17471 though no program is running. The @code{run} and @code{attach}
17472 commands instruct @code{gdbserver} to run or attach to a new program.
17473 The @code{run} command uses @code{set remote exec-file} (@pxref{set
17474 remote exec-file}) to select the program to run. Command line
17475 arguments are supported, except for wildcard expansion and I/O
17476 redirection (@pxref{Arguments}).
17477
17478 @cindex @option{--multi}, @code{gdbserver} option
17479 To start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
17480 or process ID to attach, use the @option{--multi} command line option.
17481 Then you can connect using @kbd{target extended-remote} and start
17482 the program you want to debug.
17483
17484 In multi-process mode @code{gdbserver} does not automatically exit unless you
17485 use the option @option{--once}. You can terminate it by using
17486 @code{monitor exit} (@pxref{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}). Note that the
17487 conditions under which @code{gdbserver} terminates depend on how @value{GDBN}
17488 connects to it (@kbd{target remote} or @kbd{target extended-remote}). The
17489 @option{--multi} option to @code{gdbserver} has no influence on that.
17490
17491 @subsubsection TCP port allocation lifecycle of @code{gdbserver}
17492
17493 This section applies only when @code{gdbserver} is run to listen on a TCP port.
17494
17495 @code{gdbserver} normally terminates after all of its debugged processes have
17496 terminated in @kbd{target remote} mode. On the other hand, for @kbd{target
17497 extended-remote}, @code{gdbserver} stays running even with no processes left.
17498 @value{GDBN} normally terminates the spawned debugged process on its exit,
17499 which normally also terminates @code{gdbserver} in the @kbd{target remote}
17500 mode. Therefore, when the connection drops unexpectedly, and @value{GDBN}
17501 cannot ask @code{gdbserver} to kill its debugged processes, @code{gdbserver}
17502 stays running even in the @kbd{target remote} mode.
17503
17504 When @code{gdbserver} stays running, @value{GDBN} can connect to it again later.
17505 Such reconnecting is useful for features like @ref{disconnected tracing}. For
17506 completeness, at most one @value{GDBN} can be connected at a time.
17507
17508 @cindex @option{--once}, @code{gdbserver} option
17509 By default, @code{gdbserver} keeps the listening TCP port open, so that
17510 additional connections are possible. However, if you start @code{gdbserver}
17511 with the @option{--once} option, it will stop listening for any further
17512 connection attempts after connecting to the first @value{GDBN} session. This
17513 means no further connections to @code{gdbserver} will be possible after the
17514 first one. It also means @code{gdbserver} will terminate after the first
17515 connection with remote @value{GDBN} has closed, even for unexpectedly closed
17516 connections and even in the @kbd{target extended-remote} mode. The
17517 @option{--once} option allows reusing the same port number for connecting to
17518 multiple instances of @code{gdbserver} running on the same host, since each
17519 instance closes its port after the first connection.
17520
17521 @subsubsection Other Command-Line Arguments for @code{gdbserver}
17522
17523 @cindex @option{--debug}, @code{gdbserver} option
17524 The @option{--debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display extra
17525 status information about the debugging process.
17526 @cindex @option{--remote-debug}, @code{gdbserver} option
17527 The @option{--remote-debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display
17528 remote protocol debug output. These options are intended for
17529 @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to the developers.
17530
17531 @cindex @option{--wrapper}, @code{gdbserver} option
17532 The @option{--wrapper} option specifies a wrapper to launch programs
17533 for debugging. The option should be followed by the name of the
17534 wrapper, then any command-line arguments to pass to the wrapper, then
17535 @kbd{--} indicating the end of the wrapper arguments.
17536
17537 @code{gdbserver} runs the specified wrapper program with a combined
17538 command line including the wrapper arguments, then the name of the
17539 program to debug, then any arguments to the program. The wrapper
17540 runs until it executes your program, and then @value{GDBN} gains control.
17541
17542 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
17543 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
17544 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
17545 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
17546
17547 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
17548 the debugged program, without setting the variable in @code{gdbserver}'s
17549 environment:
17550
17551 @smallexample
17552 $ gdbserver --wrapper env LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so -- :2222 ./testprog
17553 @end smallexample
17554
17555 @subsection Connecting to @code{gdbserver}
17556
17557 Run @value{GDBN} on the host system.
17558
17559 First make sure you have the necessary symbol files. Load symbols for
17560 your application using the @code{file} command before you connect. Use
17561 @code{set sysroot} to locate target libraries (unless your @value{GDBN}
17562 was compiled with the correct sysroot using @code{--with-sysroot}).
17563
17564 The symbol file and target libraries must exactly match the executable
17565 and libraries on the target, with one exception: the files on the host
17566 system should not be stripped, even if the files on the target system
17567 are. Mismatched or missing files will lead to confusing results
17568 during debugging. On @sc{gnu}/Linux targets, mismatched or missing
17569 files may also prevent @code{gdbserver} from debugging multi-threaded
17570 programs.
17571
17572 Connect to your target (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
17573 For TCP connections, you must start up @code{gdbserver} prior to using
17574 the @code{target remote} command. Otherwise you may get an error whose
17575 text depends on the host system, but which usually looks something like
17576 @samp{Connection refused}. Don't use the @code{load}
17577 command in @value{GDBN} when using @code{gdbserver}, since the program is
17578 already on the target.
17579
17580 @subsection Monitor Commands for @code{gdbserver}
17581 @cindex monitor commands, for @code{gdbserver}
17582 @anchor{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}
17583
17584 During a @value{GDBN} session using @code{gdbserver}, you can use the
17585 @code{monitor} command to send special requests to @code{gdbserver}.
17586 Here are the available commands.
17587
17588 @table @code
17589 @item monitor help
17590 List the available monitor commands.
17591
17592 @item monitor set debug 0
17593 @itemx monitor set debug 1
17594 Disable or enable general debugging messages.
17595
17596 @item monitor set remote-debug 0
17597 @itemx monitor set remote-debug 1
17598 Disable or enable specific debugging messages associated with the remote
17599 protocol (@pxref{Remote Protocol}).
17600
17601 @item monitor set libthread-db-search-path [PATH]
17602 @cindex gdbserver, search path for @code{libthread_db}
17603 When this command is issued, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
17604 directories to search for @code{libthread_db} (@pxref{Threads,,set
17605 libthread-db-search-path}). If you omit @var{path},
17606 @samp{libthread-db-search-path} will be reset to its default value.
17607
17608 The special entry @samp{$pdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path} is
17609 not supported in @code{gdbserver}.
17610
17611 @item monitor exit
17612 Tell gdbserver to exit immediately. This command should be followed by
17613 @code{disconnect} to close the debugging session. @code{gdbserver} will
17614 detach from any attached processes and kill any processes it created.
17615 Use @code{monitor exit} to terminate @code{gdbserver} at the end
17616 of a multi-process mode debug session.
17617
17618 @end table
17619
17620 @subsection Tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}
17621 @cindex tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}
17622
17623 On some targets, @code{gdbserver} supports tracepoints, fast
17624 tracepoints and static tracepoints.
17625
17626 For fast or static tracepoints to work, a special library called the
17627 @dfn{in-process agent} (IPA), must be loaded in the inferior process.
17628 This library is built and distributed as an integral part of
17629 @code{gdbserver}. In addition, support for static tracepoints
17630 requires building the in-process agent library with static tracepoints
17631 support. At present, the UST (LTTng Userspace Tracer,
17632 @url{http://lttng.org/ust}) tracing engine is supported. This support
17633 is automatically available if UST development headers are found in the
17634 standard include path when @code{gdbserver} is built, or if
17635 @code{gdbserver} was explicitly configured using @option{--with-ust}
17636 to point at such headers. You can explicitly disable the support
17637 using @option{--with-ust=no}.
17638
17639 There are several ways to load the in-process agent in your program:
17640
17641 @table @code
17642 @item Specifying it as dependency at link time
17643
17644 You can link your program dynamically with the in-process agent
17645 library. On most systems, this is accomplished by adding
17646 @code{-linproctrace} to the link command.
17647
17648 @item Using the system's preloading mechanisms
17649
17650 You can force loading the in-process agent at startup time by using
17651 your system's support for preloading shared libraries. Many Unixes
17652 support the concept of preloading user defined libraries. In most
17653 cases, you do that by specifying @code{LD_PRELOAD=libinproctrace.so}
17654 in the environment. See also the description of @code{gdbserver}'s
17655 @option{--wrapper} command line option.
17656
17657 @item Using @value{GDBN} to force loading the agent at run time
17658
17659 On some systems, you can force the inferior to load a shared library,
17660 by calling a dynamic loader function in the inferior that takes care
17661 of dynamically looking up and loading a shared library. On most Unix
17662 systems, the function is @code{dlopen}. You'll use the @code{call}
17663 command for that. For example:
17664
17665 @smallexample
17666 (@value{GDBP}) call dlopen ("libinproctrace.so", ...)
17667 @end smallexample
17668
17669 Note that on most Unix systems, for the @code{dlopen} function to be
17670 available, the program needs to be linked with @code{-ldl}.
17671 @end table
17672
17673 On systems that have a userspace dynamic loader, like most Unix
17674 systems, when you connect to @code{gdbserver} using @code{target
17675 remote}, you'll find that the program is stopped at the dynamic
17676 loader's entry point, and no shared library has been loaded in the
17677 program's address space yet, including the in-process agent. In that
17678 case, before being able to use any of the fast or static tracepoints
17679 features, you need to let the loader run and load the shared
17680 libraries. The simplest way to do that is to run the program to the
17681 main procedure. E.g., if debugging a C or C@t{++} program, start
17682 @code{gdbserver} like so:
17683
17684 @smallexample
17685 $ gdbserver :9999 myprogram
17686 @end smallexample
17687
17688 Start GDB and connect to @code{gdbserver} like so, and run to main:
17689
17690 @smallexample
17691 $ gdb myprogram
17692 (@value{GDBP}) target remote myhost:9999
17693 0x00007f215893ba60 in ?? () from /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2
17694 (@value{GDBP}) b main
17695 (@value{GDBP}) continue
17696 @end smallexample
17697
17698 The in-process tracing agent library should now be loaded into the
17699 process; you can confirm it with the @code{info sharedlibrary}
17700 command, which will list @file{libinproctrace.so} as loaded in the
17701 process. You are now ready to install fast tracepoints, list static
17702 tracepoint markers, probe static tracepoints markers, and start
17703 tracing.
17704
17705 @node Remote Configuration
17706 @section Remote Configuration
17707
17708 @kindex set remote
17709 @kindex show remote
17710 This section documents the configuration options available when
17711 debugging remote programs. For the options related to the File I/O
17712 extensions of the remote protocol, see @ref{system,
17713 system-call-allowed}.
17714
17715 @table @code
17716 @item set remoteaddresssize @var{bits}
17717 @cindex address size for remote targets
17718 @cindex bits in remote address
17719 Set the maximum size of address in a memory packet to the specified
17720 number of bits. @value{GDBN} will mask off the address bits above
17721 that number, when it passes addresses to the remote target. The
17722 default value is the number of bits in the target's address.
17723
17724 @item show remoteaddresssize
17725 Show the current value of remote address size in bits.
17726
17727 @item set remotebaud @var{n}
17728 @cindex baud rate for remote targets
17729 Set the baud rate for the remote serial I/O to @var{n} baud. The
17730 value is used to set the speed of the serial port used for debugging
17731 remote targets.
17732
17733 @item show remotebaud
17734 Show the current speed of the remote connection.
17735
17736 @item set remotebreak
17737 @cindex interrupt remote programs
17738 @cindex BREAK signal instead of Ctrl-C
17739 @anchor{set remotebreak}
17740 If set to on, @value{GDBN} sends a @code{BREAK} signal to the remote
17741 when you type @kbd{Ctrl-c} to interrupt the program running
17742 on the remote. If set to off, @value{GDBN} sends the @samp{Ctrl-C}
17743 character instead. The default is off, since most remote systems
17744 expect to see @samp{Ctrl-C} as the interrupt signal.
17745
17746 @item show remotebreak
17747 Show whether @value{GDBN} sends @code{BREAK} or @samp{Ctrl-C} to
17748 interrupt the remote program.
17749
17750 @item set remoteflow on
17751 @itemx set remoteflow off
17752 @kindex set remoteflow
17753 Enable or disable hardware flow control (@code{RTS}/@code{CTS})
17754 on the serial port used to communicate to the remote target.
17755
17756 @item show remoteflow
17757 @kindex show remoteflow
17758 Show the current setting of hardware flow control.
17759
17760 @item set remotelogbase @var{base}
17761 Set the base (a.k.a.@: radix) of logging serial protocol
17762 communications to @var{base}. Supported values of @var{base} are:
17763 @code{ascii}, @code{octal}, and @code{hex}. The default is
17764 @code{ascii}.
17765
17766 @item show remotelogbase
17767 Show the current setting of the radix for logging remote serial
17768 protocol.
17769
17770 @item set remotelogfile @var{file}
17771 @cindex record serial communications on file
17772 Record remote serial communications on the named @var{file}. The
17773 default is not to record at all.
17774
17775 @item show remotelogfile.
17776 Show the current setting of the file name on which to record the
17777 serial communications.
17778
17779 @item set remotetimeout @var{num}
17780 @cindex timeout for serial communications
17781 @cindex remote timeout
17782 Set the timeout limit to wait for the remote target to respond to
17783 @var{num} seconds. The default is 2 seconds.
17784
17785 @item show remotetimeout
17786 Show the current number of seconds to wait for the remote target
17787 responses.
17788
17789 @cindex limit hardware breakpoints and watchpoints
17790 @cindex remote target, limit break- and watchpoints
17791 @anchor{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}
17792 @anchor{set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit}
17793 @item set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit @var{limit}
17794 @itemx set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit @var{limit}
17795 Restrict @value{GDBN} to using @var{limit} remote hardware breakpoint or
17796 watchpoints. A limit of -1, the default, is treated as unlimited.
17797
17798 @cindex limit hardware watchpoints length
17799 @cindex remote target, limit watchpoints length
17800 @anchor{set remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit}
17801 @item set remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit @var{limit}
17802 Restrict @value{GDBN} to using @var{limit} bytes for the maximum length of
17803 a remote hardware watchpoint. A limit of -1, the default, is treated
17804 as unlimited.
17805
17806 @item show remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit
17807 Show the current limit (in bytes) of the maximum length of
17808 a remote hardware watchpoint.
17809
17810 @item set remote exec-file @var{filename}
17811 @itemx show remote exec-file
17812 @anchor{set remote exec-file}
17813 @cindex executable file, for remote target
17814 Select the file used for @code{run} with @code{target
17815 extended-remote}. This should be set to a filename valid on the
17816 target system. If it is not set, the target will use a default
17817 filename (e.g.@: the last program run).
17818
17819 @item set remote interrupt-sequence
17820 @cindex interrupt remote programs
17821 @cindex select Ctrl-C, BREAK or BREAK-g
17822 Allow the user to select one of @samp{Ctrl-C}, a @code{BREAK} or
17823 @samp{BREAK-g} as the
17824 sequence to the remote target in order to interrupt the execution.
17825 @samp{Ctrl-C} is a default. Some system prefers @code{BREAK} which
17826 is high level of serial line for some certain time.
17827 Linux kernel prefers @samp{BREAK-g}, a.k.a Magic SysRq g.
17828 It is @code{BREAK} signal followed by character @code{g}.
17829
17830 @item show interrupt-sequence
17831 Show which of @samp{Ctrl-C}, @code{BREAK} or @code{BREAK-g}
17832 is sent by @value{GDBN} to interrupt the remote program.
17833 @code{BREAK-g} is BREAK signal followed by @code{g} and
17834 also known as Magic SysRq g.
17835
17836 @item set remote interrupt-on-connect
17837 @cindex send interrupt-sequence on start
17838 Specify whether interrupt-sequence is sent to remote target when
17839 @value{GDBN} connects to it. This is mostly needed when you debug
17840 Linux kernel. Linux kernel expects @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g}
17841 which is known as Magic SysRq g in order to connect @value{GDBN}.
17842
17843 @item show interrupt-on-connect
17844 Show whether interrupt-sequence is sent
17845 to remote target when @value{GDBN} connects to it.
17846
17847 @kindex set tcp
17848 @kindex show tcp
17849 @item set tcp auto-retry on
17850 @cindex auto-retry, for remote TCP target
17851 Enable auto-retry for remote TCP connections. This is useful if the remote
17852 debugging agent is launched in parallel with @value{GDBN}; there is a race
17853 condition because the agent may not become ready to accept the connection
17854 before @value{GDBN} attempts to connect. When auto-retry is
17855 enabled, if the initial attempt to connect fails, @value{GDBN} reattempts
17856 to establish the connection using the timeout specified by
17857 @code{set tcp connect-timeout}.
17858
17859 @item set tcp auto-retry off
17860 Do not auto-retry failed TCP connections.
17861
17862 @item show tcp auto-retry
17863 Show the current auto-retry setting.
17864
17865 @item set tcp connect-timeout @var{seconds}
17866 @cindex connection timeout, for remote TCP target
17867 @cindex timeout, for remote target connection
17868 Set the timeout for establishing a TCP connection to the remote target to
17869 @var{seconds}. The timeout affects both polling to retry failed connections
17870 (enabled by @code{set tcp auto-retry on}) and waiting for connections
17871 that are merely slow to complete, and represents an approximate cumulative
17872 value.
17873
17874 @item show tcp connect-timeout
17875 Show the current connection timeout setting.
17876 @end table
17877
17878 @cindex remote packets, enabling and disabling
17879 The @value{GDBN} remote protocol autodetects the packets supported by
17880 your debugging stub. If you need to override the autodetection, you
17881 can use these commands to enable or disable individual packets. Each
17882 packet can be set to @samp{on} (the remote target supports this
17883 packet), @samp{off} (the remote target does not support this packet),
17884 or @samp{auto} (detect remote target support for this packet). They
17885 all default to @samp{auto}. For more information about each packet,
17886 see @ref{Remote Protocol}.
17887
17888 During normal use, you should not have to use any of these commands.
17889 If you do, that may be a bug in your remote debugging stub, or a bug
17890 in @value{GDBN}. You may want to report the problem to the
17891 @value{GDBN} developers.
17892
17893 For each packet @var{name}, the command to enable or disable the
17894 packet is @code{set remote @var{name}-packet}. The available settings
17895 are:
17896
17897 @multitable @columnfractions 0.28 0.32 0.25
17898 @item Command Name
17899 @tab Remote Packet
17900 @tab Related Features
17901
17902 @item @code{fetch-register}
17903 @tab @code{p}
17904 @tab @code{info registers}
17905
17906 @item @code{set-register}
17907 @tab @code{P}
17908 @tab @code{set}
17909
17910 @item @code{binary-download}
17911 @tab @code{X}
17912 @tab @code{load}, @code{set}
17913
17914 @item @code{read-aux-vector}
17915 @tab @code{qXfer:auxv:read}
17916 @tab @code{info auxv}
17917
17918 @item @code{symbol-lookup}
17919 @tab @code{qSymbol}
17920 @tab Detecting multiple threads
17921
17922 @item @code{attach}
17923 @tab @code{vAttach}
17924 @tab @code{attach}
17925
17926 @item @code{verbose-resume}
17927 @tab @code{vCont}
17928 @tab Stepping or resuming multiple threads
17929
17930 @item @code{run}
17931 @tab @code{vRun}
17932 @tab @code{run}
17933
17934 @item @code{software-breakpoint}
17935 @tab @code{Z0}
17936 @tab @code{break}
17937
17938 @item @code{hardware-breakpoint}
17939 @tab @code{Z1}
17940 @tab @code{hbreak}
17941
17942 @item @code{write-watchpoint}
17943 @tab @code{Z2}
17944 @tab @code{watch}
17945
17946 @item @code{read-watchpoint}
17947 @tab @code{Z3}
17948 @tab @code{rwatch}
17949
17950 @item @code{access-watchpoint}
17951 @tab @code{Z4}
17952 @tab @code{awatch}
17953
17954 @item @code{target-features}
17955 @tab @code{qXfer:features:read}
17956 @tab @code{set architecture}
17957
17958 @item @code{library-info}
17959 @tab @code{qXfer:libraries:read}
17960 @tab @code{info sharedlibrary}
17961
17962 @item @code{memory-map}
17963 @tab @code{qXfer:memory-map:read}
17964 @tab @code{info mem}
17965
17966 @item @code{read-sdata-object}
17967 @tab @code{qXfer:sdata:read}
17968 @tab @code{print $_sdata}
17969
17970 @item @code{read-spu-object}
17971 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:read}
17972 @tab @code{info spu}
17973
17974 @item @code{write-spu-object}
17975 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:write}
17976 @tab @code{info spu}
17977
17978 @item @code{read-siginfo-object}
17979 @tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:read}
17980 @tab @code{print $_siginfo}
17981
17982 @item @code{write-siginfo-object}
17983 @tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:write}
17984 @tab @code{set $_siginfo}
17985
17986 @item @code{threads}
17987 @tab @code{qXfer:threads:read}
17988 @tab @code{info threads}
17989
17990 @item @code{get-thread-local-@*storage-address}
17991 @tab @code{qGetTLSAddr}
17992 @tab Displaying @code{__thread} variables
17993
17994 @item @code{get-thread-information-block-address}
17995 @tab @code{qGetTIBAddr}
17996 @tab Display MS-Windows Thread Information Block.
17997
17998 @item @code{search-memory}
17999 @tab @code{qSearch:memory}
18000 @tab @code{find}
18001
18002 @item @code{supported-packets}
18003 @tab @code{qSupported}
18004 @tab Remote communications parameters
18005
18006 @item @code{pass-signals}
18007 @tab @code{QPassSignals}
18008 @tab @code{handle @var{signal}}
18009
18010 @item @code{program-signals}
18011 @tab @code{QProgramSignals}
18012 @tab @code{handle @var{signal}}
18013
18014 @item @code{hostio-close-packet}
18015 @tab @code{vFile:close}
18016 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
18017
18018 @item @code{hostio-open-packet}
18019 @tab @code{vFile:open}
18020 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
18021
18022 @item @code{hostio-pread-packet}
18023 @tab @code{vFile:pread}
18024 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
18025
18026 @item @code{hostio-pwrite-packet}
18027 @tab @code{vFile:pwrite}
18028 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
18029
18030 @item @code{hostio-unlink-packet}
18031 @tab @code{vFile:unlink}
18032 @tab @code{remote delete}
18033
18034 @item @code{hostio-readlink-packet}
18035 @tab @code{vFile:readlink}
18036 @tab Host I/O
18037
18038 @item @code{noack-packet}
18039 @tab @code{QStartNoAckMode}
18040 @tab Packet acknowledgment
18041
18042 @item @code{osdata}
18043 @tab @code{qXfer:osdata:read}
18044 @tab @code{info os}
18045
18046 @item @code{query-attached}
18047 @tab @code{qAttached}
18048 @tab Querying remote process attach state.
18049
18050 @item @code{traceframe-info}
18051 @tab @code{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
18052 @tab Traceframe info
18053
18054 @item @code{install-in-trace}
18055 @tab @code{InstallInTrace}
18056 @tab Install tracepoint in tracing
18057
18058 @item @code{disable-randomization}
18059 @tab @code{QDisableRandomization}
18060 @tab @code{set disable-randomization}
18061
18062 @item @code{conditional-breakpoints-packet}
18063 @tab @code{Z0 and Z1}
18064 @tab @code{Support for target-side breakpoint condition evaluation}
18065 @end multitable
18066
18067 @node Remote Stub
18068 @section Implementing a Remote Stub
18069
18070 @cindex debugging stub, example
18071 @cindex remote stub, example
18072 @cindex stub example, remote debugging
18073 The stub files provided with @value{GDBN} implement the target side of the
18074 communication protocol, and the @value{GDBN} side is implemented in the
18075 @value{GDBN} source file @file{remote.c}. Normally, you can simply allow
18076 these subroutines to communicate, and ignore the details. (If you're
18077 implementing your own stub file, you can still ignore the details: start
18078 with one of the existing stub files. @file{sparc-stub.c} is the best
18079 organized, and therefore the easiest to read.)
18080
18081 @cindex remote serial debugging, overview
18082 To debug a program running on another machine (the debugging
18083 @dfn{target} machine), you must first arrange for all the usual
18084 prerequisites for the program to run by itself. For example, for a C
18085 program, you need:
18086
18087 @enumerate
18088 @item
18089 A startup routine to set up the C runtime environment; these usually
18090 have a name like @file{crt0}. The startup routine may be supplied by
18091 your hardware supplier, or you may have to write your own.
18092
18093 @item
18094 A C subroutine library to support your program's
18095 subroutine calls, notably managing input and output.
18096
18097 @item
18098 A way of getting your program to the other machine---for example, a
18099 download program. These are often supplied by the hardware
18100 manufacturer, but you may have to write your own from hardware
18101 documentation.
18102 @end enumerate
18103
18104 The next step is to arrange for your program to use a serial port to
18105 communicate with the machine where @value{GDBN} is running (the @dfn{host}
18106 machine). In general terms, the scheme looks like this:
18107
18108 @table @emph
18109 @item On the host,
18110 @value{GDBN} already understands how to use this protocol; when everything
18111 else is set up, you can simply use the @samp{target remote} command
18112 (@pxref{Targets,,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
18113
18114 @item On the target,
18115 you must link with your program a few special-purpose subroutines that
18116 implement the @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol. The file containing these
18117 subroutines is called a @dfn{debugging stub}.
18118
18119 On certain remote targets, you can use an auxiliary program
18120 @code{gdbserver} instead of linking a stub into your program.
18121 @xref{Server,,Using the @code{gdbserver} Program}, for details.
18122 @end table
18123
18124 The debugging stub is specific to the architecture of the remote
18125 machine; for example, use @file{sparc-stub.c} to debug programs on
18126 @sc{sparc} boards.
18127
18128 @cindex remote serial stub list
18129 These working remote stubs are distributed with @value{GDBN}:
18130
18131 @table @code
18132
18133 @item i386-stub.c
18134 @cindex @file{i386-stub.c}
18135 @cindex Intel
18136 @cindex i386
18137 For Intel 386 and compatible architectures.
18138
18139 @item m68k-stub.c
18140 @cindex @file{m68k-stub.c}
18141 @cindex Motorola 680x0
18142 @cindex m680x0
18143 For Motorola 680x0 architectures.
18144
18145 @item sh-stub.c
18146 @cindex @file{sh-stub.c}
18147 @cindex Renesas
18148 @cindex SH
18149 For Renesas SH architectures.
18150
18151 @item sparc-stub.c
18152 @cindex @file{sparc-stub.c}
18153 @cindex Sparc
18154 For @sc{sparc} architectures.
18155
18156 @item sparcl-stub.c
18157 @cindex @file{sparcl-stub.c}
18158 @cindex Fujitsu
18159 @cindex SparcLite
18160 For Fujitsu @sc{sparclite} architectures.
18161
18162 @end table
18163
18164 The @file{README} file in the @value{GDBN} distribution may list other
18165 recently added stubs.
18166
18167 @menu
18168 * Stub Contents:: What the stub can do for you
18169 * Bootstrapping:: What you must do for the stub
18170 * Debug Session:: Putting it all together
18171 @end menu
18172
18173 @node Stub Contents
18174 @subsection What the Stub Can Do for You
18175
18176 @cindex remote serial stub
18177 The debugging stub for your architecture supplies these three
18178 subroutines:
18179
18180 @table @code
18181 @item set_debug_traps
18182 @findex set_debug_traps
18183 @cindex remote serial stub, initialization
18184 This routine arranges for @code{handle_exception} to run when your
18185 program stops. You must call this subroutine explicitly in your
18186 program's startup code.
18187
18188 @item handle_exception
18189 @findex handle_exception
18190 @cindex remote serial stub, main routine
18191 This is the central workhorse, but your program never calls it
18192 explicitly---the setup code arranges for @code{handle_exception} to
18193 run when a trap is triggered.
18194
18195 @code{handle_exception} takes control when your program stops during
18196 execution (for example, on a breakpoint), and mediates communications
18197 with @value{GDBN} on the host machine. This is where the communications
18198 protocol is implemented; @code{handle_exception} acts as the @value{GDBN}
18199 representative on the target machine. It begins by sending summary
18200 information on the state of your program, then continues to execute,
18201 retrieving and transmitting any information @value{GDBN} needs, until you
18202 execute a @value{GDBN} command that makes your program resume; at that point,
18203 @code{handle_exception} returns control to your own code on the target
18204 machine.
18205
18206 @item breakpoint
18207 @cindex @code{breakpoint} subroutine, remote
18208 Use this auxiliary subroutine to make your program contain a
18209 breakpoint. Depending on the particular situation, this may be the only
18210 way for @value{GDBN} to get control. For instance, if your target
18211 machine has some sort of interrupt button, you won't need to call this;
18212 pressing the interrupt button transfers control to
18213 @code{handle_exception}---in effect, to @value{GDBN}. On some machines,
18214 simply receiving characters on the serial port may also trigger a trap;
18215 again, in that situation, you don't need to call @code{breakpoint} from
18216 your own program---simply running @samp{target remote} from the host
18217 @value{GDBN} session gets control.
18218
18219 Call @code{breakpoint} if none of these is true, or if you simply want
18220 to make certain your program stops at a predetermined point for the
18221 start of your debugging session.
18222 @end table
18223
18224 @node Bootstrapping
18225 @subsection What You Must Do for the Stub
18226
18227 @cindex remote stub, support routines
18228 The debugging stubs that come with @value{GDBN} are set up for a particular
18229 chip architecture, but they have no information about the rest of your
18230 debugging target machine.
18231
18232 First of all you need to tell the stub how to communicate with the
18233 serial port.
18234
18235 @table @code
18236 @item int getDebugChar()
18237 @findex getDebugChar
18238 Write this subroutine to read a single character from the serial port.
18239 It may be identical to @code{getchar} for your target system; a
18240 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
18241
18242 @item void putDebugChar(int)
18243 @findex putDebugChar
18244 Write this subroutine to write a single character to the serial port.
18245 It may be identical to @code{putchar} for your target system; a
18246 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
18247 @end table
18248
18249 @cindex control C, and remote debugging
18250 @cindex interrupting remote targets
18251 If you want @value{GDBN} to be able to stop your program while it is
18252 running, you need to use an interrupt-driven serial driver, and arrange
18253 for it to stop when it receives a @code{^C} (@samp{\003}, the control-C
18254 character). That is the character which @value{GDBN} uses to tell the
18255 remote system to stop.
18256
18257 Getting the debugging target to return the proper status to @value{GDBN}
18258 probably requires changes to the standard stub; one quick and dirty way
18259 is to just execute a breakpoint instruction (the ``dirty'' part is that
18260 @value{GDBN} reports a @code{SIGTRAP} instead of a @code{SIGINT}).
18261
18262 Other routines you need to supply are:
18263
18264 @table @code
18265 @item void exceptionHandler (int @var{exception_number}, void *@var{exception_address})
18266 @findex exceptionHandler
18267 Write this function to install @var{exception_address} in the exception
18268 handling tables. You need to do this because the stub does not have any
18269 way of knowing what the exception handling tables on your target system
18270 are like (for example, the processor's table might be in @sc{rom},
18271 containing entries which point to a table in @sc{ram}).
18272 @var{exception_number} is the exception number which should be changed;
18273 its meaning is architecture-dependent (for example, different numbers
18274 might represent divide by zero, misaligned access, etc). When this
18275 exception occurs, control should be transferred directly to
18276 @var{exception_address}, and the processor state (stack, registers,
18277 and so on) should be just as it is when a processor exception occurs. So if
18278 you want to use a jump instruction to reach @var{exception_address}, it
18279 should be a simple jump, not a jump to subroutine.
18280
18281 For the 386, @var{exception_address} should be installed as an interrupt
18282 gate so that interrupts are masked while the handler runs. The gate
18283 should be at privilege level 0 (the most privileged level). The
18284 @sc{sparc} and 68k stubs are able to mask interrupts themselves without
18285 help from @code{exceptionHandler}.
18286
18287 @item void flush_i_cache()
18288 @findex flush_i_cache
18289 On @sc{sparc} and @sc{sparclite} only, write this subroutine to flush the
18290 instruction cache, if any, on your target machine. If there is no
18291 instruction cache, this subroutine may be a no-op.
18292
18293 On target machines that have instruction caches, @value{GDBN} requires this
18294 function to make certain that the state of your program is stable.
18295 @end table
18296
18297 @noindent
18298 You must also make sure this library routine is available:
18299
18300 @table @code
18301 @item void *memset(void *, int, int)
18302 @findex memset
18303 This is the standard library function @code{memset} that sets an area of
18304 memory to a known value. If you have one of the free versions of
18305 @code{libc.a}, @code{memset} can be found there; otherwise, you must
18306 either obtain it from your hardware manufacturer, or write your own.
18307 @end table
18308
18309 If you do not use the GNU C compiler, you may need other standard
18310 library subroutines as well; this varies from one stub to another,
18311 but in general the stubs are likely to use any of the common library
18312 subroutines which @code{@value{NGCC}} generates as inline code.
18313
18314
18315 @node Debug Session
18316 @subsection Putting it All Together
18317
18318 @cindex remote serial debugging summary
18319 In summary, when your program is ready to debug, you must follow these
18320 steps.
18321
18322 @enumerate
18323 @item
18324 Make sure you have defined the supporting low-level routines
18325 (@pxref{Bootstrapping,,What You Must Do for the Stub}):
18326 @display
18327 @code{getDebugChar}, @code{putDebugChar},
18328 @code{flush_i_cache}, @code{memset}, @code{exceptionHandler}.
18329 @end display
18330
18331 @item
18332 Insert these lines in your program's startup code, before the main
18333 procedure is called:
18334
18335 @smallexample
18336 set_debug_traps();
18337 breakpoint();
18338 @end smallexample
18339
18340 On some machines, when a breakpoint trap is raised, the hardware
18341 automatically makes the PC point to the instruction after the
18342 breakpoint. If your machine doesn't do that, you may need to adjust
18343 @code{handle_exception} to arrange for it to return to the instruction
18344 after the breakpoint on this first invocation, so that your program
18345 doesn't keep hitting the initial breakpoint instead of making
18346 progress.
18347
18348 @item
18349 For the 680x0 stub only, you need to provide a variable called
18350 @code{exceptionHook}. Normally you just use:
18351
18352 @smallexample
18353 void (*exceptionHook)() = 0;
18354 @end smallexample
18355
18356 @noindent
18357 but if before calling @code{set_debug_traps}, you set it to point to a
18358 function in your program, that function is called when
18359 @code{@value{GDBN}} continues after stopping on a trap (for example, bus
18360 error). The function indicated by @code{exceptionHook} is called with
18361 one parameter: an @code{int} which is the exception number.
18362
18363 @item
18364 Compile and link together: your program, the @value{GDBN} debugging stub for
18365 your target architecture, and the supporting subroutines.
18366
18367 @item
18368 Make sure you have a serial connection between your target machine and
18369 the @value{GDBN} host, and identify the serial port on the host.
18370
18371 @item
18372 @c The "remote" target now provides a `load' command, so we should
18373 @c document that. FIXME.
18374 Download your program to your target machine (or get it there by
18375 whatever means the manufacturer provides), and start it.
18376
18377 @item
18378 Start @value{GDBN} on the host, and connect to the target
18379 (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
18380
18381 @end enumerate
18382
18383 @node Configurations
18384 @chapter Configuration-Specific Information
18385
18386 While nearly all @value{GDBN} commands are available for all native and
18387 cross versions of the debugger, there are some exceptions. This chapter
18388 describes things that are only available in certain configurations.
18389
18390 There are three major categories of configurations: native
18391 configurations, where the host and target are the same, embedded
18392 operating system configurations, which are usually the same for several
18393 different processor architectures, and bare embedded processors, which
18394 are quite different from each other.
18395
18396 @menu
18397 * Native::
18398 * Embedded OS::
18399 * Embedded Processors::
18400 * Architectures::
18401 @end menu
18402
18403 @node Native
18404 @section Native
18405
18406 This section describes details specific to particular native
18407 configurations.
18408
18409 @menu
18410 * HP-UX:: HP-UX
18411 * BSD libkvm Interface:: Debugging BSD kernel memory images
18412 * SVR4 Process Information:: SVR4 process information
18413 * DJGPP Native:: Features specific to the DJGPP port
18414 * Cygwin Native:: Features specific to the Cygwin port
18415 * Hurd Native:: Features specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd
18416 * Neutrino:: Features specific to QNX Neutrino
18417 * Darwin:: Features specific to Darwin
18418 @end menu
18419
18420 @node HP-UX
18421 @subsection HP-UX
18422
18423 On HP-UX systems, if you refer to a function or variable name that
18424 begins with a dollar sign, @value{GDBN} searches for a user or system
18425 name first, before it searches for a convenience variable.
18426
18427
18428 @node BSD libkvm Interface
18429 @subsection BSD libkvm Interface
18430
18431 @cindex libkvm
18432 @cindex kernel memory image
18433 @cindex kernel crash dump
18434
18435 BSD-derived systems (FreeBSD/NetBSD/OpenBSD) have a kernel memory
18436 interface that provides a uniform interface for accessing kernel virtual
18437 memory images, including live systems and crash dumps. @value{GDBN}
18438 uses this interface to allow you to debug live kernels and kernel crash
18439 dumps on many native BSD configurations. This is implemented as a
18440 special @code{kvm} debugging target. For debugging a live system, load
18441 the currently running kernel into @value{GDBN} and connect to the
18442 @code{kvm} target:
18443
18444 @smallexample
18445 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm}
18446 @end smallexample
18447
18448 For debugging crash dumps, provide the file name of the crash dump as an
18449 argument:
18450
18451 @smallexample
18452 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm /var/crash/bsd.0}
18453 @end smallexample
18454
18455 Once connected to the @code{kvm} target, the following commands are
18456 available:
18457
18458 @table @code
18459 @kindex kvm
18460 @item kvm pcb
18461 Set current context from the @dfn{Process Control Block} (PCB) address.
18462
18463 @item kvm proc
18464 Set current context from proc address. This command isn't available on
18465 modern FreeBSD systems.
18466 @end table
18467
18468 @node SVR4 Process Information
18469 @subsection SVR4 Process Information
18470 @cindex /proc
18471 @cindex examine process image
18472 @cindex process info via @file{/proc}
18473
18474 Many versions of SVR4 and compatible systems provide a facility called
18475 @samp{/proc} that can be used to examine the image of a running
18476 process using file-system subroutines. If @value{GDBN} is configured
18477 for an operating system with this facility, the command @code{info
18478 proc} is available to report information about the process running
18479 your program, or about any process running on your system. @code{info
18480 proc} works only on SVR4 systems that include the @code{procfs} code.
18481 This includes, as of this writing, @sc{gnu}/Linux, OSF/1 (Digital
18482 Unix), Solaris, Irix, and Unixware, but not HP-UX, for example.
18483
18484 @table @code
18485 @kindex info proc
18486 @cindex process ID
18487 @item info proc
18488 @itemx info proc @var{process-id}
18489 Summarize available information about any running process. If a
18490 process ID is specified by @var{process-id}, display information about
18491 that process; otherwise display information about the program being
18492 debugged. The summary includes the debugged process ID, the command
18493 line used to invoke it, its current working directory, and its
18494 executable file's absolute file name.
18495
18496 On some systems, @var{process-id} can be of the form
18497 @samp{[@var{pid}]/@var{tid}} which specifies a certain thread ID
18498 within a process. If the optional @var{pid} part is missing, it means
18499 a thread from the process being debugged (the leading @samp{/} still
18500 needs to be present, or else @value{GDBN} will interpret the number as
18501 a process ID rather than a thread ID).
18502
18503 @item info proc mappings
18504 @cindex memory address space mappings
18505 Report the memory address space ranges accessible in the program, with
18506 information on whether the process has read, write, or execute access
18507 rights to each range. On @sc{gnu}/Linux systems, each memory range
18508 includes the object file which is mapped to that range, instead of the
18509 memory access rights to that range.
18510
18511 @item info proc stat
18512 @itemx info proc status
18513 @cindex process detailed status information
18514 These subcommands are specific to @sc{gnu}/Linux systems. They show
18515 the process-related information, including the user ID and group ID;
18516 how many threads are there in the process; its virtual memory usage;
18517 the signals that are pending, blocked, and ignored; its TTY; its
18518 consumption of system and user time; its stack size; its @samp{nice}
18519 value; etc. For more information, see the @samp{proc} man page
18520 (type @kbd{man 5 proc} from your shell prompt).
18521
18522 @item info proc all
18523 Show all the information about the process described under all of the
18524 above @code{info proc} subcommands.
18525
18526 @ignore
18527 @comment These sub-options of 'info proc' were not included when
18528 @comment procfs.c was re-written. Keep their descriptions around
18529 @comment against the day when someone finds the time to put them back in.
18530 @kindex info proc times
18531 @item info proc times
18532 Starting time, user CPU time, and system CPU time for your program and
18533 its children.
18534
18535 @kindex info proc id
18536 @item info proc id
18537 Report on the process IDs related to your program: its own process ID,
18538 the ID of its parent, the process group ID, and the session ID.
18539 @end ignore
18540
18541 @item set procfs-trace
18542 @kindex set procfs-trace
18543 @cindex @code{procfs} API calls
18544 This command enables and disables tracing of @code{procfs} API calls.
18545
18546 @item show procfs-trace
18547 @kindex show procfs-trace
18548 Show the current state of @code{procfs} API call tracing.
18549
18550 @item set procfs-file @var{file}
18551 @kindex set procfs-file
18552 Tell @value{GDBN} to write @code{procfs} API trace to the named
18553 @var{file}. @value{GDBN} appends the trace info to the previous
18554 contents of the file. The default is to display the trace on the
18555 standard output.
18556
18557 @item show procfs-file
18558 @kindex show procfs-file
18559 Show the file to which @code{procfs} API trace is written.
18560
18561 @item proc-trace-entry
18562 @itemx proc-trace-exit
18563 @itemx proc-untrace-entry
18564 @itemx proc-untrace-exit
18565 @kindex proc-trace-entry
18566 @kindex proc-trace-exit
18567 @kindex proc-untrace-entry
18568 @kindex proc-untrace-exit
18569 These commands enable and disable tracing of entries into and exits
18570 from the @code{syscall} interface.
18571
18572 @item info pidlist
18573 @kindex info pidlist
18574 @cindex process list, QNX Neutrino
18575 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all the
18576 processes and all the threads within each process.
18577
18578 @item info meminfo
18579 @kindex info meminfo
18580 @cindex mapinfo list, QNX Neutrino
18581 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all mapinfos.
18582 @end table
18583
18584 @node DJGPP Native
18585 @subsection Features for Debugging @sc{djgpp} Programs
18586 @cindex @sc{djgpp} debugging
18587 @cindex native @sc{djgpp} debugging
18588 @cindex MS-DOS-specific commands
18589
18590 @cindex DPMI
18591 @sc{djgpp} is a port of the @sc{gnu} development tools to MS-DOS and
18592 MS-Windows. @sc{djgpp} programs are 32-bit protected-mode programs
18593 that use the @dfn{DPMI} (DOS Protected-Mode Interface) API to run on
18594 top of real-mode DOS systems and their emulations.
18595
18596 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of @sc{djgpp} programs, and
18597 defines a few commands specific to the @sc{djgpp} port. This
18598 subsection describes those commands.
18599
18600 @table @code
18601 @kindex info dos
18602 @item info dos
18603 This is a prefix of @sc{djgpp}-specific commands which print
18604 information about the target system and important OS structures.
18605
18606 @kindex sysinfo
18607 @cindex MS-DOS system info
18608 @cindex free memory information (MS-DOS)
18609 @item info dos sysinfo
18610 This command displays assorted information about the underlying
18611 platform: the CPU type and features, the OS version and flavor, the
18612 DPMI version, and the available conventional and DPMI memory.
18613
18614 @cindex GDT
18615 @cindex LDT
18616 @cindex IDT
18617 @cindex segment descriptor tables
18618 @cindex descriptor tables display
18619 @item info dos gdt
18620 @itemx info dos ldt
18621 @itemx info dos idt
18622 These 3 commands display entries from, respectively, Global, Local,
18623 and Interrupt Descriptor Tables (GDT, LDT, and IDT). The descriptor
18624 tables are data structures which store a descriptor for each segment
18625 that is currently in use. The segment's selector is an index into a
18626 descriptor table; the table entry for that index holds the
18627 descriptor's base address and limit, and its attributes and access
18628 rights.
18629
18630 A typical @sc{djgpp} program uses 3 segments: a code segment, a data
18631 segment (used for both data and the stack), and a DOS segment (which
18632 allows access to DOS/BIOS data structures and absolute addresses in
18633 conventional memory). However, the DPMI host will usually define
18634 additional segments in order to support the DPMI environment.
18635
18636 @cindex garbled pointers
18637 These commands allow to display entries from the descriptor tables.
18638 Without an argument, all entries from the specified table are
18639 displayed. An argument, which should be an integer expression, means
18640 display a single entry whose index is given by the argument. For
18641 example, here's a convenient way to display information about the
18642 debugged program's data segment:
18643
18644 @smallexample
18645 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos ldt $ds}
18646 @exdent @code{0x13f: base=0x11970000 limit=0x0009ffff 32-Bit Data (Read/Write, Exp-up)}
18647 @end smallexample
18648
18649 @noindent
18650 This comes in handy when you want to see whether a pointer is outside
18651 the data segment's limit (i.e.@: @dfn{garbled}).
18652
18653 @cindex page tables display (MS-DOS)
18654 @item info dos pde
18655 @itemx info dos pte
18656 These two commands display entries from, respectively, the Page
18657 Directory and the Page Tables. Page Directories and Page Tables are
18658 data structures which control how virtual memory addresses are mapped
18659 into physical addresses. A Page Table includes an entry for every
18660 page of memory that is mapped into the program's address space; there
18661 may be several Page Tables, each one holding up to 4096 entries. A
18662 Page Directory has up to 4096 entries, one each for every Page Table
18663 that is currently in use.
18664
18665 Without an argument, @kbd{info dos pde} displays the entire Page
18666 Directory, and @kbd{info dos pte} displays all the entries in all of
18667 the Page Tables. An argument, an integer expression, given to the
18668 @kbd{info dos pde} command means display only that entry from the Page
18669 Directory table. An argument given to the @kbd{info dos pte} command
18670 means display entries from a single Page Table, the one pointed to by
18671 the specified entry in the Page Directory.
18672
18673 @cindex direct memory access (DMA) on MS-DOS
18674 These commands are useful when your program uses @dfn{DMA} (Direct
18675 Memory Access), which needs physical addresses to program the DMA
18676 controller.
18677
18678 These commands are supported only with some DPMI servers.
18679
18680 @cindex physical address from linear address
18681 @item info dos address-pte @var{addr}
18682 This command displays the Page Table entry for a specified linear
18683 address. The argument @var{addr} is a linear address which should
18684 already have the appropriate segment's base address added to it,
18685 because this command accepts addresses which may belong to @emph{any}
18686 segment. For example, here's how to display the Page Table entry for
18687 the page where a variable @code{i} is stored:
18688
18689 @smallexample
18690 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte __djgpp_base_address + (char *)&i}
18691 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x11a00d30:}
18692 @exdent @code{Base=0x02698000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0xd30}
18693 @end smallexample
18694
18695 @noindent
18696 This says that @code{i} is stored at offset @code{0xd30} from the page
18697 whose physical base address is @code{0x02698000}, and shows all the
18698 attributes of that page.
18699
18700 Note that you must cast the addresses of variables to a @code{char *},
18701 since otherwise the value of @code{__djgpp_base_address}, the base
18702 address of all variables and functions in a @sc{djgpp} program, will
18703 be added using the rules of C pointer arithmetics: if @code{i} is
18704 declared an @code{int}, @value{GDBN} will add 4 times the value of
18705 @code{__djgpp_base_address} to the address of @code{i}.
18706
18707 Here's another example, it displays the Page Table entry for the
18708 transfer buffer:
18709
18710 @smallexample
18711 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte *((unsigned *)&_go32_info_block + 3)}
18712 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x29110:}
18713 @exdent @code{Base=0x00029000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0x110}
18714 @end smallexample
18715
18716 @noindent
18717 (The @code{+ 3} offset is because the transfer buffer's address is the
18718 3rd member of the @code{_go32_info_block} structure.) The output
18719 clearly shows that this DPMI server maps the addresses in conventional
18720 memory 1:1, i.e.@: the physical (@code{0x00029000} + @code{0x110}) and
18721 linear (@code{0x29110}) addresses are identical.
18722
18723 This command is supported only with some DPMI servers.
18724 @end table
18725
18726 @cindex DOS serial data link, remote debugging
18727 In addition to native debugging, the DJGPP port supports remote
18728 debugging via a serial data link. The following commands are specific
18729 to remote serial debugging in the DJGPP port of @value{GDBN}.
18730
18731 @table @code
18732 @kindex set com1base
18733 @kindex set com1irq
18734 @kindex set com2base
18735 @kindex set com2irq
18736 @kindex set com3base
18737 @kindex set com3irq
18738 @kindex set com4base
18739 @kindex set com4irq
18740 @item set com1base @var{addr}
18741 This command sets the base I/O port address of the @file{COM1} serial
18742 port.
18743
18744 @item set com1irq @var{irq}
18745 This command sets the @dfn{Interrupt Request} (@code{IRQ}) line to use
18746 for the @file{COM1} serial port.
18747
18748 There are similar commands @samp{set com2base}, @samp{set com3irq},
18749 etc.@: for setting the port address and the @code{IRQ} lines for the
18750 other 3 COM ports.
18751
18752 @kindex show com1base
18753 @kindex show com1irq
18754 @kindex show com2base
18755 @kindex show com2irq
18756 @kindex show com3base
18757 @kindex show com3irq
18758 @kindex show com4base
18759 @kindex show com4irq
18760 The related commands @samp{show com1base}, @samp{show com1irq} etc.@:
18761 display the current settings of the base address and the @code{IRQ}
18762 lines used by the COM ports.
18763
18764 @item info serial
18765 @kindex info serial
18766 @cindex DOS serial port status
18767 This command prints the status of the 4 DOS serial ports. For each
18768 port, it prints whether it's active or not, its I/O base address and
18769 IRQ number, whether it uses a 16550-style FIFO, its baudrate, and the
18770 counts of various errors encountered so far.
18771 @end table
18772
18773
18774 @node Cygwin Native
18775 @subsection Features for Debugging MS Windows PE Executables
18776 @cindex MS Windows debugging
18777 @cindex native Cygwin debugging
18778 @cindex Cygwin-specific commands
18779
18780 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of MS Windows programs, including
18781 DLLs with and without symbolic debugging information.
18782
18783 @cindex Ctrl-BREAK, MS-Windows
18784 @cindex interrupt debuggee on MS-Windows
18785 MS-Windows programs that call @code{SetConsoleMode} to switch off the
18786 special meaning of the @samp{Ctrl-C} keystroke cannot be interrupted
18787 by typing @kbd{C-c}. For this reason, @value{GDBN} on MS-Windows
18788 supports @kbd{C-@key{BREAK}} as an alternative interrupt key
18789 sequence, which can be used to interrupt the debuggee even if it
18790 ignores @kbd{C-c}.
18791
18792 There are various additional Cygwin-specific commands, described in
18793 this section. Working with DLLs that have no debugging symbols is
18794 described in @ref{Non-debug DLL Symbols}.
18795
18796 @table @code
18797 @kindex info w32
18798 @item info w32
18799 This is a prefix of MS Windows-specific commands which print
18800 information about the target system and important OS structures.
18801
18802 @item info w32 selector
18803 This command displays information returned by
18804 the Win32 API @code{GetThreadSelectorEntry} function.
18805 It takes an optional argument that is evaluated to
18806 a long value to give the information about this given selector.
18807 Without argument, this command displays information
18808 about the six segment registers.
18809
18810 @item info w32 thread-information-block
18811 This command displays thread specific information stored in the
18812 Thread Information Block (readable on the X86 CPU family using @code{$fs}
18813 selector for 32-bit programs and @code{$gs} for 64-bit programs).
18814
18815 @kindex info dll
18816 @item info dll
18817 This is a Cygwin-specific alias of @code{info shared}.
18818
18819 @kindex dll-symbols
18820 @item dll-symbols
18821 This command loads symbols from a dll similarly to
18822 add-sym command but without the need to specify a base address.
18823
18824 @kindex set cygwin-exceptions
18825 @cindex debugging the Cygwin DLL
18826 @cindex Cygwin DLL, debugging
18827 @item set cygwin-exceptions @var{mode}
18828 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that
18829 happen inside the Cygwin DLL. If @var{mode} is @code{off},
18830 @value{GDBN} will delay recognition of exceptions, and may ignore some
18831 exceptions which seem to be caused by internal Cygwin DLL
18832 ``bookkeeping''. This option is meant primarily for debugging the
18833 Cygwin DLL itself; the default value is @code{off} to avoid annoying
18834 @value{GDBN} users with false @code{SIGSEGV} signals.
18835
18836 @kindex show cygwin-exceptions
18837 @item show cygwin-exceptions
18838 Displays whether @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that happen
18839 inside the Cygwin DLL itself.
18840
18841 @kindex set new-console
18842 @item set new-console @var{mode}
18843 If @var{mode} is @code{on} the debuggee will
18844 be started in a new console on next start.
18845 If @var{mode} is @code{off}, the debuggee will
18846 be started in the same console as the debugger.
18847
18848 @kindex show new-console
18849 @item show new-console
18850 Displays whether a new console is used
18851 when the debuggee is started.
18852
18853 @kindex set new-group
18854 @item set new-group @var{mode}
18855 This boolean value controls whether the debuggee should
18856 start a new group or stay in the same group as the debugger.
18857 This affects the way the Windows OS handles
18858 @samp{Ctrl-C}.
18859
18860 @kindex show new-group
18861 @item show new-group
18862 Displays current value of new-group boolean.
18863
18864 @kindex set debugevents
18865 @item set debugevents
18866 This boolean value adds debug output concerning kernel events related
18867 to the debuggee seen by the debugger. This includes events that
18868 signal thread and process creation and exit, DLL loading and
18869 unloading, console interrupts, and debugging messages produced by the
18870 Windows @code{OutputDebugString} API call.
18871
18872 @kindex set debugexec
18873 @item set debugexec
18874 This boolean value adds debug output concerning execute events
18875 (such as resume thread) seen by the debugger.
18876
18877 @kindex set debugexceptions
18878 @item set debugexceptions
18879 This boolean value adds debug output concerning exceptions in the
18880 debuggee seen by the debugger.
18881
18882 @kindex set debugmemory
18883 @item set debugmemory
18884 This boolean value adds debug output concerning debuggee memory reads
18885 and writes by the debugger.
18886
18887 @kindex set shell
18888 @item set shell
18889 This boolean values specifies whether the debuggee is called
18890 via a shell or directly (default value is on).
18891
18892 @kindex show shell
18893 @item show shell
18894 Displays if the debuggee will be started with a shell.
18895
18896 @end table
18897
18898 @menu
18899 * Non-debug DLL Symbols:: Support for DLLs without debugging symbols
18900 @end menu
18901
18902 @node Non-debug DLL Symbols
18903 @subsubsection Support for DLLs without Debugging Symbols
18904 @cindex DLLs with no debugging symbols
18905 @cindex Minimal symbols and DLLs
18906
18907 Very often on windows, some of the DLLs that your program relies on do
18908 not include symbolic debugging information (for example,
18909 @file{kernel32.dll}). When @value{GDBN} doesn't recognize any debugging
18910 symbols in a DLL, it relies on the minimal amount of symbolic
18911 information contained in the DLL's export table. This section
18912 describes working with such symbols, known internally to @value{GDBN} as
18913 ``minimal symbols''.
18914
18915 Note that before the debugged program has started execution, no DLLs
18916 will have been loaded. The easiest way around this problem is simply to
18917 start the program --- either by setting a breakpoint or letting the
18918 program run once to completion. It is also possible to force
18919 @value{GDBN} to load a particular DLL before starting the executable ---
18920 see the shared library information in @ref{Files}, or the
18921 @code{dll-symbols} command in @ref{Cygwin Native}. Currently,
18922 explicitly loading symbols from a DLL with no debugging information will
18923 cause the symbol names to be duplicated in @value{GDBN}'s lookup table,
18924 which may adversely affect symbol lookup performance.
18925
18926 @subsubsection DLL Name Prefixes
18927
18928 In keeping with the naming conventions used by the Microsoft debugging
18929 tools, DLL export symbols are made available with a prefix based on the
18930 DLL name, for instance @code{KERNEL32!CreateFileA}. The plain name is
18931 also entered into the symbol table, so @code{CreateFileA} is often
18932 sufficient. In some cases there will be name clashes within a program
18933 (particularly if the executable itself includes full debugging symbols)
18934 necessitating the use of the fully qualified name when referring to the
18935 contents of the DLL. Use single-quotes around the name to avoid the
18936 exclamation mark (``!'') being interpreted as a language operator.
18937
18938 Note that the internal name of the DLL may be all upper-case, even
18939 though the file name of the DLL is lower-case, or vice-versa. Since
18940 symbols within @value{GDBN} are @emph{case-sensitive} this may cause
18941 some confusion. If in doubt, try the @code{info functions} and
18942 @code{info variables} commands or even @code{maint print msymbols}
18943 (@pxref{Symbols}). Here's an example:
18944
18945 @smallexample
18946 (@value{GDBP}) info function CreateFileA
18947 All functions matching regular expression "CreateFileA":
18948
18949 Non-debugging symbols:
18950 0x77e885f4 CreateFileA
18951 0x77e885f4 KERNEL32!CreateFileA
18952 @end smallexample
18953
18954 @smallexample
18955 (@value{GDBP}) info function !
18956 All functions matching regular expression "!":
18957
18958 Non-debugging symbols:
18959 0x6100114c cygwin1!__assert
18960 0x61004034 cygwin1!_dll_crt0@@0
18961 0x61004240 cygwin1!dll_crt0(per_process *)
18962 [etc...]
18963 @end smallexample
18964
18965 @subsubsection Working with Minimal Symbols
18966
18967 Symbols extracted from a DLL's export table do not contain very much
18968 type information. All that @value{GDBN} can do is guess whether a symbol
18969 refers to a function or variable depending on the linker section that
18970 contains the symbol. Also note that the actual contents of the memory
18971 contained in a DLL are not available unless the program is running. This
18972 means that you cannot examine the contents of a variable or disassemble
18973 a function within a DLL without a running program.
18974
18975 Variables are generally treated as pointers and dereferenced
18976 automatically. For this reason, it is often necessary to prefix a
18977 variable name with the address-of operator (``&'') and provide explicit
18978 type information in the command. Here's an example of the type of
18979 problem:
18980
18981 @smallexample
18982 (@value{GDBP}) print 'cygwin1!__argv'
18983 $1 = 268572168
18984 @end smallexample
18985
18986 @smallexample
18987 (@value{GDBP}) x 'cygwin1!__argv'
18988 0x10021610: "\230y\""
18989 @end smallexample
18990
18991 And two possible solutions:
18992
18993 @smallexample
18994 (@value{GDBP}) print ((char **)'cygwin1!__argv')[0]
18995 $2 = 0x22fd98 "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
18996 @end smallexample
18997
18998 @smallexample
18999 (@value{GDBP}) x/2x &'cygwin1!__argv'
19000 0x610c0aa8 <cygwin1!__argv>: 0x10021608 0x00000000
19001 (@value{GDBP}) x/x 0x10021608
19002 0x10021608: 0x0022fd98
19003 (@value{GDBP}) x/s 0x0022fd98
19004 0x22fd98: "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
19005 @end smallexample
19006
19007 Setting a break point within a DLL is possible even before the program
19008 starts execution. However, under these circumstances, @value{GDBN} can't
19009 examine the initial instructions of the function in order to skip the
19010 function's frame set-up code. You can work around this by using ``*&''
19011 to set the breakpoint at a raw memory address:
19012
19013 @smallexample
19014 (@value{GDBP}) break *&'python22!PyOS_Readline'
19015 Breakpoint 1 at 0x1e04eff0
19016 @end smallexample
19017
19018 The author of these extensions is not entirely convinced that setting a
19019 break point within a shared DLL like @file{kernel32.dll} is completely
19020 safe.
19021
19022 @node Hurd Native
19023 @subsection Commands Specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd Systems
19024 @cindex @sc{gnu} Hurd debugging
19025
19026 This subsection describes @value{GDBN} commands specific to the
19027 @sc{gnu} Hurd native debugging.
19028
19029 @table @code
19030 @item set signals
19031 @itemx set sigs
19032 @kindex set signals@r{, Hurd command}
19033 @kindex set sigs@r{, Hurd command}
19034 This command toggles the state of inferior signal interception by
19035 @value{GDBN}. Mach exceptions, such as breakpoint traps, are not
19036 affected by this command. @code{sigs} is a shorthand alias for
19037 @code{signals}.
19038
19039 @item show signals
19040 @itemx show sigs
19041 @kindex show signals@r{, Hurd command}
19042 @kindex show sigs@r{, Hurd command}
19043 Show the current state of intercepting inferior's signals.
19044
19045 @item set signal-thread
19046 @itemx set sigthread
19047 @kindex set signal-thread
19048 @kindex set sigthread
19049 This command tells @value{GDBN} which thread is the @code{libc} signal
19050 thread. That thread is run when a signal is delivered to a running
19051 process. @code{set sigthread} is the shorthand alias of @code{set
19052 signal-thread}.
19053
19054 @item show signal-thread
19055 @itemx show sigthread
19056 @kindex show signal-thread
19057 @kindex show sigthread
19058 These two commands show which thread will run when the inferior is
19059 delivered a signal.
19060
19061 @item set stopped
19062 @kindex set stopped@r{, Hurd command}
19063 This commands tells @value{GDBN} that the inferior process is stopped,
19064 as with the @code{SIGSTOP} signal. The stopped process can be
19065 continued by delivering a signal to it.
19066
19067 @item show stopped
19068 @kindex show stopped@r{, Hurd command}
19069 This command shows whether @value{GDBN} thinks the debuggee is
19070 stopped.
19071
19072 @item set exceptions
19073 @kindex set exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
19074 Use this command to turn off trapping of exceptions in the inferior.
19075 When exception trapping is off, neither breakpoints nor
19076 single-stepping will work. To restore the default, set exception
19077 trapping on.
19078
19079 @item show exceptions
19080 @kindex show exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
19081 Show the current state of trapping exceptions in the inferior.
19082
19083 @item set task pause
19084 @kindex set task@r{, Hurd commands}
19085 @cindex task attributes (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
19086 @cindex pause current task (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
19087 This command toggles task suspension when @value{GDBN} has control.
19088 Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the task is suspended
19089 whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to off will take
19090 effect the next time the inferior is continued. If this option is set
19091 to off, you can use @code{set thread default pause on} or @code{set
19092 thread pause on} (see below) to pause individual threads.
19093
19094 @item show task pause
19095 @kindex show task@r{, Hurd commands}
19096 Show the current state of task suspension.
19097
19098 @item set task detach-suspend-count
19099 @cindex task suspend count
19100 @cindex detach from task, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19101 This command sets the suspend count the task will be left with when
19102 @value{GDBN} detaches from it.
19103
19104 @item show task detach-suspend-count
19105 Show the suspend count the task will be left with when detaching.
19106
19107 @item set task exception-port
19108 @itemx set task excp
19109 @cindex task exception port, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19110 This command sets the task exception port to which @value{GDBN} will
19111 forward exceptions. The argument should be the value of the @dfn{send
19112 rights} of the task. @code{set task excp} is a shorthand alias.
19113
19114 @item set noninvasive
19115 @cindex noninvasive task options
19116 This command switches @value{GDBN} to a mode that is the least
19117 invasive as far as interfering with the inferior is concerned. This
19118 is the same as using @code{set task pause}, @code{set exceptions}, and
19119 @code{set signals} to values opposite to the defaults.
19120
19121 @item info send-rights
19122 @itemx info receive-rights
19123 @itemx info port-rights
19124 @itemx info port-sets
19125 @itemx info dead-names
19126 @itemx info ports
19127 @itemx info psets
19128 @cindex send rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19129 @cindex receive rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19130 @cindex port rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19131 @cindex port sets, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19132 @cindex dead names, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19133 These commands display information about, respectively, send rights,
19134 receive rights, port rights, port sets, and dead names of a task.
19135 There are also shorthand aliases: @code{info ports} for @code{info
19136 port-rights} and @code{info psets} for @code{info port-sets}.
19137
19138 @item set thread pause
19139 @kindex set thread@r{, Hurd command}
19140 @cindex thread properties, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19141 @cindex pause current thread (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
19142 This command toggles current thread suspension when @value{GDBN} has
19143 control. Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the current
19144 thread is suspended whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to
19145 off will take effect the next time the inferior is continued.
19146 Normally, this command has no effect, since when @value{GDBN} has
19147 control, the whole task is suspended. However, if you used @code{set
19148 task pause off} (see above), this command comes in handy to suspend
19149 only the current thread.
19150
19151 @item show thread pause
19152 @kindex show thread@r{, Hurd command}
19153 This command shows the state of current thread suspension.
19154
19155 @item set thread run
19156 This command sets whether the current thread is allowed to run.
19157
19158 @item show thread run
19159 Show whether the current thread is allowed to run.
19160
19161 @item set thread detach-suspend-count
19162 @cindex thread suspend count, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19163 @cindex detach from thread, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19164 This command sets the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on a
19165 thread when detaching. This number is relative to the suspend count
19166 found by @value{GDBN} when it notices the thread; use @code{set thread
19167 takeover-suspend-count} to force it to an absolute value.
19168
19169 @item show thread detach-suspend-count
19170 Show the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on the thread when
19171 detaching.
19172
19173 @item set thread exception-port
19174 @itemx set thread excp
19175 Set the thread exception port to which to forward exceptions. This
19176 overrides the port set by @code{set task exception-port} (see above).
19177 @code{set thread excp} is the shorthand alias.
19178
19179 @item set thread takeover-suspend-count
19180 Normally, @value{GDBN}'s thread suspend counts are relative to the
19181 value @value{GDBN} finds when it notices each thread. This command
19182 changes the suspend counts to be absolute instead.
19183
19184 @item set thread default
19185 @itemx show thread default
19186 @cindex thread default settings, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19187 Each of the above @code{set thread} commands has a @code{set thread
19188 default} counterpart (e.g., @code{set thread default pause}, @code{set
19189 thread default exception-port}, etc.). The @code{thread default}
19190 variety of commands sets the default thread properties for all
19191 threads; you can then change the properties of individual threads with
19192 the non-default commands.
19193 @end table
19194
19195
19196 @node Neutrino
19197 @subsection QNX Neutrino
19198 @cindex QNX Neutrino
19199
19200 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands specific to the QNX
19201 Neutrino target:
19202
19203 @table @code
19204 @item set debug nto-debug
19205 @kindex set debug nto-debug
19206 When set to on, enables debugging messages specific to the QNX
19207 Neutrino support.
19208
19209 @item show debug nto-debug
19210 @kindex show debug nto-debug
19211 Show the current state of QNX Neutrino messages.
19212 @end table
19213
19214 @node Darwin
19215 @subsection Darwin
19216 @cindex Darwin
19217
19218 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands specific to the Darwin target:
19219
19220 @table @code
19221 @item set debug darwin @var{num}
19222 @kindex set debug darwin
19223 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages specific to
19224 the Darwin support. Higher values produce more verbose output.
19225
19226 @item show debug darwin
19227 @kindex show debug darwin
19228 Show the current state of Darwin messages.
19229
19230 @item set debug mach-o @var{num}
19231 @kindex set debug mach-o
19232 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages while
19233 @value{GDBN} is reading Darwin object files. (@dfn{Mach-O} is the
19234 file format used on Darwin for object and executable files.) Higher
19235 values produce more verbose output. This is a command to diagnose
19236 problems internal to @value{GDBN} and should not be needed in normal
19237 usage.
19238
19239 @item show debug mach-o
19240 @kindex show debug mach-o
19241 Show the current state of Mach-O file messages.
19242
19243 @item set mach-exceptions on
19244 @itemx set mach-exceptions off
19245 @kindex set mach-exceptions
19246 On Darwin, faults are first reported as a Mach exception and are then
19247 mapped to a Posix signal. Use this command to turn on trapping of
19248 Mach exceptions in the inferior. This might be sometimes useful to
19249 better understand the cause of a fault. The default is off.
19250
19251 @item show mach-exceptions
19252 @kindex show mach-exceptions
19253 Show the current state of exceptions trapping.
19254 @end table
19255
19256
19257 @node Embedded OS
19258 @section Embedded Operating Systems
19259
19260 This section describes configurations involving the debugging of
19261 embedded operating systems that are available for several different
19262 architectures.
19263
19264 @menu
19265 * VxWorks:: Using @value{GDBN} with VxWorks
19266 @end menu
19267
19268 @value{GDBN} includes the ability to debug programs running on
19269 various real-time operating systems.
19270
19271 @node VxWorks
19272 @subsection Using @value{GDBN} with VxWorks
19273
19274 @cindex VxWorks
19275
19276 @table @code
19277
19278 @kindex target vxworks
19279 @item target vxworks @var{machinename}
19280 A VxWorks system, attached via TCP/IP. The argument @var{machinename}
19281 is the target system's machine name or IP address.
19282
19283 @end table
19284
19285 On VxWorks, @code{load} links @var{filename} dynamically on the
19286 current target system as well as adding its symbols in @value{GDBN}.
19287
19288 @value{GDBN} enables developers to spawn and debug tasks running on networked
19289 VxWorks targets from a Unix host. Already-running tasks spawned from
19290 the VxWorks shell can also be debugged. @value{GDBN} uses code that runs on
19291 both the Unix host and on the VxWorks target. The program
19292 @code{@value{GDBP}} is installed and executed on the Unix host. (It may be
19293 installed with the name @code{vxgdb}, to distinguish it from a
19294 @value{GDBN} for debugging programs on the host itself.)
19295
19296 @table @code
19297 @item VxWorks-timeout @var{args}
19298 @kindex vxworks-timeout
19299 All VxWorks-based targets now support the option @code{vxworks-timeout}.
19300 This option is set by the user, and @var{args} represents the number of
19301 seconds @value{GDBN} waits for responses to rpc's. You might use this if
19302 your VxWorks target is a slow software simulator or is on the far side
19303 of a thin network line.
19304 @end table
19305
19306 The following information on connecting to VxWorks was current when
19307 this manual was produced; newer releases of VxWorks may use revised
19308 procedures.
19309
19310 @findex INCLUDE_RDB
19311 To use @value{GDBN} with VxWorks, you must rebuild your VxWorks kernel
19312 to include the remote debugging interface routines in the VxWorks
19313 library @file{rdb.a}. To do this, define @code{INCLUDE_RDB} in the
19314 VxWorks configuration file @file{configAll.h} and rebuild your VxWorks
19315 kernel. The resulting kernel contains @file{rdb.a}, and spawns the
19316 source debugging task @code{tRdbTask} when VxWorks is booted. For more
19317 information on configuring and remaking VxWorks, see the manufacturer's
19318 manual.
19319 @c VxWorks, see the @cite{VxWorks Programmer's Guide}.
19320
19321 Once you have included @file{rdb.a} in your VxWorks system image and set
19322 your Unix execution search path to find @value{GDBN}, you are ready to
19323 run @value{GDBN}. From your Unix host, run @code{@value{GDBP}} (or
19324 @code{vxgdb}, depending on your installation).
19325
19326 @value{GDBN} comes up showing the prompt:
19327
19328 @smallexample
19329 (vxgdb)
19330 @end smallexample
19331
19332 @menu
19333 * VxWorks Connection:: Connecting to VxWorks
19334 * VxWorks Download:: VxWorks download
19335 * VxWorks Attach:: Running tasks
19336 @end menu
19337
19338 @node VxWorks Connection
19339 @subsubsection Connecting to VxWorks
19340
19341 The @value{GDBN} command @code{target} lets you connect to a VxWorks target on the
19342 network. To connect to a target whose host name is ``@code{tt}'', type:
19343
19344 @smallexample
19345 (vxgdb) target vxworks tt
19346 @end smallexample
19347
19348 @need 750
19349 @value{GDBN} displays messages like these:
19350
19351 @smallexample
19352 Attaching remote machine across net...
19353 Connected to tt.
19354 @end smallexample
19355
19356 @need 1000
19357 @value{GDBN} then attempts to read the symbol tables of any object modules
19358 loaded into the VxWorks target since it was last booted. @value{GDBN} locates
19359 these files by searching the directories listed in the command search
19360 path (@pxref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}); if it fails
19361 to find an object file, it displays a message such as:
19362
19363 @smallexample
19364 prog.o: No such file or directory.
19365 @end smallexample
19366
19367 When this happens, add the appropriate directory to the search path with
19368 the @value{GDBN} command @code{path}, and execute the @code{target}
19369 command again.
19370
19371 @node VxWorks Download
19372 @subsubsection VxWorks Download
19373
19374 @cindex download to VxWorks
19375 If you have connected to the VxWorks target and you want to debug an
19376 object that has not yet been loaded, you can use the @value{GDBN}
19377 @code{load} command to download a file from Unix to VxWorks
19378 incrementally. The object file given as an argument to the @code{load}
19379 command is actually opened twice: first by the VxWorks target in order
19380 to download the code, then by @value{GDBN} in order to read the symbol
19381 table. This can lead to problems if the current working directories on
19382 the two systems differ. If both systems have NFS mounted the same
19383 filesystems, you can avoid these problems by using absolute paths.
19384 Otherwise, it is simplest to set the working directory on both systems
19385 to the directory in which the object file resides, and then to reference
19386 the file by its name, without any path. For instance, a program
19387 @file{prog.o} may reside in @file{@var{vxpath}/vw/demo/rdb} in VxWorks
19388 and in @file{@var{hostpath}/vw/demo/rdb} on the host. To load this
19389 program, type this on VxWorks:
19390
19391 @smallexample
19392 -> cd "@var{vxpath}/vw/demo/rdb"
19393 @end smallexample
19394
19395 @noindent
19396 Then, in @value{GDBN}, type:
19397
19398 @smallexample
19399 (vxgdb) cd @var{hostpath}/vw/demo/rdb
19400 (vxgdb) load prog.o
19401 @end smallexample
19402
19403 @value{GDBN} displays a response similar to this:
19404
19405 @smallexample
19406 Reading symbol data from wherever/vw/demo/rdb/prog.o... done.
19407 @end smallexample
19408
19409 You can also use the @code{load} command to reload an object module
19410 after editing and recompiling the corresponding source file. Note that
19411 this makes @value{GDBN} delete all currently-defined breakpoints,
19412 auto-displays, and convenience variables, and to clear the value
19413 history. (This is necessary in order to preserve the integrity of
19414 debugger's data structures that reference the target system's symbol
19415 table.)
19416
19417 @node VxWorks Attach
19418 @subsubsection Running Tasks
19419
19420 @cindex running VxWorks tasks
19421 You can also attach to an existing task using the @code{attach} command as
19422 follows:
19423
19424 @smallexample
19425 (vxgdb) attach @var{task}
19426 @end smallexample
19427
19428 @noindent
19429 where @var{task} is the VxWorks hexadecimal task ID. The task can be running
19430 or suspended when you attach to it. Running tasks are suspended at
19431 the time of attachment.
19432
19433 @node Embedded Processors
19434 @section Embedded Processors
19435
19436 This section goes into details specific to particular embedded
19437 configurations.
19438
19439 @cindex send command to simulator
19440 Whenever a specific embedded processor has a simulator, @value{GDBN}
19441 allows to send an arbitrary command to the simulator.
19442
19443 @table @code
19444 @item sim @var{command}
19445 @kindex sim@r{, a command}
19446 Send an arbitrary @var{command} string to the simulator. Consult the
19447 documentation for the specific simulator in use for information about
19448 acceptable commands.
19449 @end table
19450
19451
19452 @menu
19453 * ARM:: ARM RDI
19454 * M32R/D:: Renesas M32R/D
19455 * M68K:: Motorola M68K
19456 * MicroBlaze:: Xilinx MicroBlaze
19457 * MIPS Embedded:: MIPS Embedded
19458 * OpenRISC 1000:: OpenRisc 1000
19459 * PowerPC Embedded:: PowerPC Embedded
19460 * PA:: HP PA Embedded
19461 * Sparclet:: Tsqware Sparclet
19462 * Sparclite:: Fujitsu Sparclite
19463 * Z8000:: Zilog Z8000
19464 * AVR:: Atmel AVR
19465 * CRIS:: CRIS
19466 * Super-H:: Renesas Super-H
19467 @end menu
19468
19469 @node ARM
19470 @subsection ARM
19471 @cindex ARM RDI
19472
19473 @table @code
19474 @kindex target rdi
19475 @item target rdi @var{dev}
19476 ARM Angel monitor, via RDI library interface to ADP protocol. You may
19477 use this target to communicate with both boards running the Angel
19478 monitor, or with the EmbeddedICE JTAG debug device.
19479
19480 @kindex target rdp
19481 @item target rdp @var{dev}
19482 ARM Demon monitor.
19483
19484 @end table
19485
19486 @value{GDBN} provides the following ARM-specific commands:
19487
19488 @table @code
19489 @item set arm disassembler
19490 @kindex set arm
19491 This commands selects from a list of disassembly styles. The
19492 @code{"std"} style is the standard style.
19493
19494 @item show arm disassembler
19495 @kindex show arm
19496 Show the current disassembly style.
19497
19498 @item set arm apcs32
19499 @cindex ARM 32-bit mode
19500 This command toggles ARM operation mode between 32-bit and 26-bit.
19501
19502 @item show arm apcs32
19503 Display the current usage of the ARM 32-bit mode.
19504
19505 @item set arm fpu @var{fputype}
19506 This command sets the ARM floating-point unit (FPU) type. The
19507 argument @var{fputype} can be one of these:
19508
19509 @table @code
19510 @item auto
19511 Determine the FPU type by querying the OS ABI.
19512 @item softfpa
19513 Software FPU, with mixed-endian doubles on little-endian ARM
19514 processors.
19515 @item fpa
19516 GCC-compiled FPA co-processor.
19517 @item softvfp
19518 Software FPU with pure-endian doubles.
19519 @item vfp
19520 VFP co-processor.
19521 @end table
19522
19523 @item show arm fpu
19524 Show the current type of the FPU.
19525
19526 @item set arm abi
19527 This command forces @value{GDBN} to use the specified ABI.
19528
19529 @item show arm abi
19530 Show the currently used ABI.
19531
19532 @item set arm fallback-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
19533 @value{GDBN} uses the symbol table, when available, to determine
19534 whether instructions are ARM or Thumb. This command controls
19535 @value{GDBN}'s default behavior when the symbol table is not
19536 available. The default is @samp{auto}, which causes @value{GDBN} to
19537 use the current execution mode (from the @code{T} bit in the @code{CPSR}
19538 register).
19539
19540 @item show arm fallback-mode
19541 Show the current fallback instruction mode.
19542
19543 @item set arm force-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
19544 This command overrides use of the symbol table to determine whether
19545 instructions are ARM or Thumb. The default is @samp{auto}, which
19546 causes @value{GDBN} to use the symbol table and then the setting
19547 of @samp{set arm fallback-mode}.
19548
19549 @item show arm force-mode
19550 Show the current forced instruction mode.
19551
19552 @item set debug arm
19553 Toggle whether to display ARM-specific debugging messages from the ARM
19554 target support subsystem.
19555
19556 @item show debug arm
19557 Show whether ARM-specific debugging messages are enabled.
19558 @end table
19559
19560 The following commands are available when an ARM target is debugged
19561 using the RDI interface:
19562
19563 @table @code
19564 @item rdilogfile @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
19565 @kindex rdilogfile
19566 @cindex ADP (Angel Debugger Protocol) logging
19567 Set the filename for the ADP (Angel Debugger Protocol) packet log.
19568 With an argument, sets the log file to the specified @var{file}. With
19569 no argument, show the current log file name. The default log file is
19570 @file{rdi.log}.
19571
19572 @item rdilogenable @r{[}@var{arg}@r{]}
19573 @kindex rdilogenable
19574 Control logging of ADP packets. With an argument of 1 or @code{"yes"}
19575 enables logging, with an argument 0 or @code{"no"} disables it. With
19576 no arguments displays the current setting. When logging is enabled,
19577 ADP packets exchanged between @value{GDBN} and the RDI target device
19578 are logged to a file.
19579
19580 @item set rdiromatzero
19581 @kindex set rdiromatzero
19582 @cindex ROM at zero address, RDI
19583 Tell @value{GDBN} whether the target has ROM at address 0. If on,
19584 vector catching is disabled, so that zero address can be used. If off
19585 (the default), vector catching is enabled. For this command to take
19586 effect, it needs to be invoked prior to the @code{target rdi} command.
19587
19588 @item show rdiromatzero
19589 @kindex show rdiromatzero
19590 Show the current setting of ROM at zero address.
19591
19592 @item set rdiheartbeat
19593 @kindex set rdiheartbeat
19594 @cindex RDI heartbeat
19595 Enable or disable RDI heartbeat packets. It is not recommended to
19596 turn on this option, since it confuses ARM and EPI JTAG interface, as
19597 well as the Angel monitor.
19598
19599 @item show rdiheartbeat
19600 @kindex show rdiheartbeat
19601 Show the setting of RDI heartbeat packets.
19602 @end table
19603
19604 @table @code
19605 @item target sim @r{[}@var{simargs}@r{]} @dots{}
19606 The @value{GDBN} ARM simulator accepts the following optional arguments.
19607
19608 @table @code
19609 @item --swi-support=@var{type}
19610 Tell the simulator which SWI interfaces to support.
19611 @var{type} may be a comma separated list of the following values.
19612 The default value is @code{all}.
19613
19614 @table @code
19615 @item none
19616 @item demon
19617 @item angel
19618 @item redboot
19619 @item all
19620 @end table
19621 @end table
19622 @end table
19623
19624 @node M32R/D
19625 @subsection Renesas M32R/D and M32R/SDI
19626
19627 @table @code
19628 @kindex target m32r
19629 @item target m32r @var{dev}
19630 Renesas M32R/D ROM monitor.
19631
19632 @kindex target m32rsdi
19633 @item target m32rsdi @var{dev}
19634 Renesas M32R SDI server, connected via parallel port to the board.
19635 @end table
19636
19637 The following @value{GDBN} commands are specific to the M32R monitor:
19638
19639 @table @code
19640 @item set download-path @var{path}
19641 @kindex set download-path
19642 @cindex find downloadable @sc{srec} files (M32R)
19643 Set the default path for finding downloadable @sc{srec} files.
19644
19645 @item show download-path
19646 @kindex show download-path
19647 Show the default path for downloadable @sc{srec} files.
19648
19649 @item set board-address @var{addr}
19650 @kindex set board-address
19651 @cindex M32-EVA target board address
19652 Set the IP address for the M32R-EVA target board.
19653
19654 @item show board-address
19655 @kindex show board-address
19656 Show the current IP address of the target board.
19657
19658 @item set server-address @var{addr}
19659 @kindex set server-address
19660 @cindex download server address (M32R)
19661 Set the IP address for the download server, which is the @value{GDBN}'s
19662 host machine.
19663
19664 @item show server-address
19665 @kindex show server-address
19666 Display the IP address of the download server.
19667
19668 @item upload @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
19669 @kindex upload@r{, M32R}
19670 Upload the specified @sc{srec} @var{file} via the monitor's Ethernet
19671 upload capability. If no @var{file} argument is given, the current
19672 executable file is uploaded.
19673
19674 @item tload @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
19675 @kindex tload@r{, M32R}
19676 Test the @code{upload} command.
19677 @end table
19678
19679 The following commands are available for M32R/SDI:
19680
19681 @table @code
19682 @item sdireset
19683 @kindex sdireset
19684 @cindex reset SDI connection, M32R
19685 This command resets the SDI connection.
19686
19687 @item sdistatus
19688 @kindex sdistatus
19689 This command shows the SDI connection status.
19690
19691 @item debug_chaos
19692 @kindex debug_chaos
19693 @cindex M32R/Chaos debugging
19694 Instructs the remote that M32R/Chaos debugging is to be used.
19695
19696 @item use_debug_dma
19697 @kindex use_debug_dma
19698 Instructs the remote to use the DEBUG_DMA method of accessing memory.
19699
19700 @item use_mon_code
19701 @kindex use_mon_code
19702 Instructs the remote to use the MON_CODE method of accessing memory.
19703
19704 @item use_ib_break
19705 @kindex use_ib_break
19706 Instructs the remote to set breakpoints by IB break.
19707
19708 @item use_dbt_break
19709 @kindex use_dbt_break
19710 Instructs the remote to set breakpoints by DBT.
19711 @end table
19712
19713 @node M68K
19714 @subsection M68k
19715
19716 The Motorola m68k configuration includes ColdFire support, and a
19717 target command for the following ROM monitor.
19718
19719 @table @code
19720
19721 @kindex target dbug
19722 @item target dbug @var{dev}
19723 dBUG ROM monitor for Motorola ColdFire.
19724
19725 @end table
19726
19727 @node MicroBlaze
19728 @subsection MicroBlaze
19729 @cindex Xilinx MicroBlaze
19730 @cindex XMD, Xilinx Microprocessor Debugger
19731
19732 The MicroBlaze is a soft-core processor supported on various Xilinx
19733 FPGAs, such as Spartan or Virtex series. Boards with these processors
19734 usually have JTAG ports which connect to a host system running the Xilinx
19735 Embedded Development Kit (EDK) or Software Development Kit (SDK).
19736 This host system is used to download the configuration bitstream to
19737 the target FPGA. The Xilinx Microprocessor Debugger (XMD) program
19738 communicates with the target board using the JTAG interface and
19739 presents a @code{gdbserver} interface to the board. By default
19740 @code{xmd} uses port @code{1234}. (While it is possible to change
19741 this default port, it requires the use of undocumented @code{xmd}
19742 commands. Contact Xilinx support if you need to do this.)
19743
19744 Use these GDB commands to connect to the MicroBlaze target processor.
19745
19746 @table @code
19747 @item target remote :1234
19748 Use this command to connect to the target if you are running @value{GDBN}
19749 on the same system as @code{xmd}.
19750
19751 @item target remote @var{xmd-host}:1234
19752 Use this command to connect to the target if it is connected to @code{xmd}
19753 running on a different system named @var{xmd-host}.
19754
19755 @item load
19756 Use this command to download a program to the MicroBlaze target.
19757
19758 @item set debug microblaze @var{n}
19759 Enable MicroBlaze-specific debugging messages if non-zero.
19760
19761 @item show debug microblaze @var{n}
19762 Show MicroBlaze-specific debugging level.
19763 @end table
19764
19765 @node MIPS Embedded
19766 @subsection @acronym{MIPS} Embedded
19767
19768 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} boards
19769 @value{GDBN} can use the @acronym{MIPS} remote debugging protocol to talk to a
19770 @acronym{MIPS} board attached to a serial line. This is available when
19771 you configure @value{GDBN} with @samp{--target=mips-elf}.
19772
19773 @need 1000
19774 Use these @value{GDBN} commands to specify the connection to your target board:
19775
19776 @table @code
19777 @item target mips @var{port}
19778 @kindex target mips @var{port}
19779 To run a program on the board, start up @code{@value{GDBP}} with the
19780 name of your program as the argument. To connect to the board, use the
19781 command @samp{target mips @var{port}}, where @var{port} is the name of
19782 the serial port connected to the board. If the program has not already
19783 been downloaded to the board, you may use the @code{load} command to
19784 download it. You can then use all the usual @value{GDBN} commands.
19785
19786 For example, this sequence connects to the target board through a serial
19787 port, and loads and runs a program called @var{prog} through the
19788 debugger:
19789
19790 @smallexample
19791 host$ @value{GDBP} @var{prog}
19792 @value{GDBN} is free software and @dots{}
19793 (@value{GDBP}) target mips /dev/ttyb
19794 (@value{GDBP}) load @var{prog}
19795 (@value{GDBP}) run
19796 @end smallexample
19797
19798 @item target mips @var{hostname}:@var{portnumber}
19799 On some @value{GDBN} host configurations, you can specify a TCP
19800 connection (for instance, to a serial line managed by a terminal
19801 concentrator) instead of a serial port, using the syntax
19802 @samp{@var{hostname}:@var{portnumber}}.
19803
19804 @item target pmon @var{port}
19805 @kindex target pmon @var{port}
19806 PMON ROM monitor.
19807
19808 @item target ddb @var{port}
19809 @kindex target ddb @var{port}
19810 NEC's DDB variant of PMON for Vr4300.
19811
19812 @item target lsi @var{port}
19813 @kindex target lsi @var{port}
19814 LSI variant of PMON.
19815
19816 @kindex target r3900
19817 @item target r3900 @var{dev}
19818 Densan DVE-R3900 ROM monitor for Toshiba R3900 Mips.
19819
19820 @kindex target array
19821 @item target array @var{dev}
19822 Array Tech LSI33K RAID controller board.
19823
19824 @end table
19825
19826
19827 @noindent
19828 @value{GDBN} also supports these special commands for @acronym{MIPS} targets:
19829
19830 @table @code
19831 @item set mipsfpu double
19832 @itemx set mipsfpu single
19833 @itemx set mipsfpu none
19834 @itemx set mipsfpu auto
19835 @itemx show mipsfpu
19836 @kindex set mipsfpu
19837 @kindex show mipsfpu
19838 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} remote floating point
19839 @cindex floating point, @acronym{MIPS} remote
19840 If your target board does not support the @acronym{MIPS} floating point
19841 coprocessor, you should use the command @samp{set mipsfpu none} (if you
19842 need this, you may wish to put the command in your @value{GDBN} init
19843 file). This tells @value{GDBN} how to find the return value of
19844 functions which return floating point values. It also allows
19845 @value{GDBN} to avoid saving the floating point registers when calling
19846 functions on the board. If you are using a floating point coprocessor
19847 with only single precision floating point support, as on the @sc{r4650}
19848 processor, use the command @samp{set mipsfpu single}. The default
19849 double precision floating point coprocessor may be selected using
19850 @samp{set mipsfpu double}.
19851
19852 In previous versions the only choices were double precision or no
19853 floating point, so @samp{set mipsfpu on} will select double precision
19854 and @samp{set mipsfpu off} will select no floating point.
19855
19856 As usual, you can inquire about the @code{mipsfpu} variable with
19857 @samp{show mipsfpu}.
19858
19859 @item set timeout @var{seconds}
19860 @itemx set retransmit-timeout @var{seconds}
19861 @itemx show timeout
19862 @itemx show retransmit-timeout
19863 @cindex @code{timeout}, @acronym{MIPS} protocol
19864 @cindex @code{retransmit-timeout}, @acronym{MIPS} protocol
19865 @kindex set timeout
19866 @kindex show timeout
19867 @kindex set retransmit-timeout
19868 @kindex show retransmit-timeout
19869 You can control the timeout used while waiting for a packet, in the @acronym{MIPS}
19870 remote protocol, with the @code{set timeout @var{seconds}} command. The
19871 default is 5 seconds. Similarly, you can control the timeout used while
19872 waiting for an acknowledgment of a packet with the @code{set
19873 retransmit-timeout @var{seconds}} command. The default is 3 seconds.
19874 You can inspect both values with @code{show timeout} and @code{show
19875 retransmit-timeout}. (These commands are @emph{only} available when
19876 @value{GDBN} is configured for @samp{--target=mips-elf}.)
19877
19878 The timeout set by @code{set timeout} does not apply when @value{GDBN}
19879 is waiting for your program to stop. In that case, @value{GDBN} waits
19880 forever because it has no way of knowing how long the program is going
19881 to run before stopping.
19882
19883 @item set syn-garbage-limit @var{num}
19884 @kindex set syn-garbage-limit@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
19885 @cindex synchronize with remote @acronym{MIPS} target
19886 Limit the maximum number of characters @value{GDBN} should ignore when
19887 it tries to synchronize with the remote target. The default is 10
19888 characters. Setting the limit to -1 means there's no limit.
19889
19890 @item show syn-garbage-limit
19891 @kindex show syn-garbage-limit@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
19892 Show the current limit on the number of characters to ignore when
19893 trying to synchronize with the remote system.
19894
19895 @item set monitor-prompt @var{prompt}
19896 @kindex set monitor-prompt@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
19897 @cindex remote monitor prompt
19898 Tell @value{GDBN} to expect the specified @var{prompt} string from the
19899 remote monitor. The default depends on the target:
19900 @table @asis
19901 @item pmon target
19902 @samp{PMON}
19903 @item ddb target
19904 @samp{NEC010}
19905 @item lsi target
19906 @samp{PMON>}
19907 @end table
19908
19909 @item show monitor-prompt
19910 @kindex show monitor-prompt@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
19911 Show the current strings @value{GDBN} expects as the prompt from the
19912 remote monitor.
19913
19914 @item set monitor-warnings
19915 @kindex set monitor-warnings@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
19916 Enable or disable monitor warnings about hardware breakpoints. This
19917 has effect only for the @code{lsi} target. When on, @value{GDBN} will
19918 display warning messages whose codes are returned by the @code{lsi}
19919 PMON monitor for breakpoint commands.
19920
19921 @item show monitor-warnings
19922 @kindex show monitor-warnings@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
19923 Show the current setting of printing monitor warnings.
19924
19925 @item pmon @var{command}
19926 @kindex pmon@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
19927 @cindex send PMON command
19928 This command allows sending an arbitrary @var{command} string to the
19929 monitor. The monitor must be in debug mode for this to work.
19930 @end table
19931
19932 @node OpenRISC 1000
19933 @subsection OpenRISC 1000
19934 @cindex OpenRISC 1000
19935
19936 @cindex or1k boards
19937 See OR1k Architecture document (@uref{www.opencores.org}) for more information
19938 about platform and commands.
19939
19940 @table @code
19941
19942 @kindex target jtag
19943 @item target jtag jtag://@var{host}:@var{port}
19944
19945 Connects to remote JTAG server.
19946 JTAG remote server can be either an or1ksim or JTAG server,
19947 connected via parallel port to the board.
19948
19949 Example: @code{target jtag jtag://localhost:9999}
19950
19951 @kindex or1ksim
19952 @item or1ksim @var{command}
19953 If connected to @code{or1ksim} OpenRISC 1000 Architectural
19954 Simulator, proprietary commands can be executed.
19955
19956 @kindex info or1k spr
19957 @item info or1k spr
19958 Displays spr groups.
19959
19960 @item info or1k spr @var{group}
19961 @itemx info or1k spr @var{groupno}
19962 Displays register names in selected group.
19963
19964 @item info or1k spr @var{group} @var{register}
19965 @itemx info or1k spr @var{register}
19966 @itemx info or1k spr @var{groupno} @var{registerno}
19967 @itemx info or1k spr @var{registerno}
19968 Shows information about specified spr register.
19969
19970 @kindex spr
19971 @item spr @var{group} @var{register} @var{value}
19972 @itemx spr @var{register @var{value}}
19973 @itemx spr @var{groupno} @var{registerno @var{value}}
19974 @itemx spr @var{registerno @var{value}}
19975 Writes @var{value} to specified spr register.
19976 @end table
19977
19978 Some implementations of OpenRISC 1000 Architecture also have hardware trace.
19979 It is very similar to @value{GDBN} trace, except it does not interfere with normal
19980 program execution and is thus much faster. Hardware breakpoints/watchpoint
19981 triggers can be set using:
19982 @table @code
19983 @item $LEA/$LDATA
19984 Load effective address/data
19985 @item $SEA/$SDATA
19986 Store effective address/data
19987 @item $AEA/$ADATA
19988 Access effective address ($SEA or $LEA) or data ($SDATA/$LDATA)
19989 @item $FETCH
19990 Fetch data
19991 @end table
19992
19993 When triggered, it can capture low level data, like: @code{PC}, @code{LSEA},
19994 @code{LDATA}, @code{SDATA}, @code{READSPR}, @code{WRITESPR}, @code{INSTR}.
19995
19996 @code{htrace} commands:
19997 @cindex OpenRISC 1000 htrace
19998 @table @code
19999 @kindex hwatch
20000 @item hwatch @var{conditional}
20001 Set hardware watchpoint on combination of Load/Store Effective Address(es)
20002 or Data. For example:
20003
20004 @code{hwatch ($LEA == my_var) && ($LDATA < 50) || ($SEA == my_var) && ($SDATA >= 50)}
20005
20006 @code{hwatch ($LEA == my_var) && ($LDATA < 50) || ($SEA == my_var) && ($SDATA >= 50)}
20007
20008 @kindex htrace
20009 @item htrace info
20010 Display information about current HW trace configuration.
20011
20012 @item htrace trigger @var{conditional}
20013 Set starting criteria for HW trace.
20014
20015 @item htrace qualifier @var{conditional}
20016 Set acquisition qualifier for HW trace.
20017
20018 @item htrace stop @var{conditional}
20019 Set HW trace stopping criteria.
20020
20021 @item htrace record [@var{data}]*
20022 Selects the data to be recorded, when qualifier is met and HW trace was
20023 triggered.
20024
20025 @item htrace enable
20026 @itemx htrace disable
20027 Enables/disables the HW trace.
20028
20029 @item htrace rewind [@var{filename}]
20030 Clears currently recorded trace data.
20031
20032 If filename is specified, new trace file is made and any newly collected data
20033 will be written there.
20034
20035 @item htrace print [@var{start} [@var{len}]]
20036 Prints trace buffer, using current record configuration.
20037
20038 @item htrace mode continuous
20039 Set continuous trace mode.
20040
20041 @item htrace mode suspend
20042 Set suspend trace mode.
20043
20044 @end table
20045
20046 @node PowerPC Embedded
20047 @subsection PowerPC Embedded
20048
20049 @cindex DVC register
20050 @value{GDBN} supports using the DVC (Data Value Compare) register to
20051 implement in hardware simple hardware watchpoint conditions of the form:
20052
20053 @smallexample
20054 (@value{GDBP}) watch @var{ADDRESS|VARIABLE} \
20055 if @var{ADDRESS|VARIABLE} == @var{CONSTANT EXPRESSION}
20056 @end smallexample
20057
20058 The DVC register will be automatically used when @value{GDBN} detects
20059 such pattern in a condition expression, and the created watchpoint uses one
20060 debug register (either the @code{exact-watchpoints} option is on and the
20061 variable is scalar, or the variable has a length of one byte). This feature
20062 is available in native @value{GDBN} running on a Linux kernel version 2.6.34
20063 or newer.
20064
20065 When running on PowerPC embedded processors, @value{GDBN} automatically uses
20066 ranged hardware watchpoints, unless the @code{exact-watchpoints} option is on,
20067 in which case watchpoints using only one debug register are created when
20068 watching variables of scalar types.
20069
20070 You can create an artificial array to watch an arbitrary memory
20071 region using one of the following commands (@pxref{Expressions}):
20072
20073 @smallexample
20074 (@value{GDBP}) watch *((char *) @var{address})@@@var{length}
20075 (@value{GDBP}) watch @{char[@var{length}]@} @var{address}
20076 @end smallexample
20077
20078 PowerPC embedded processors support masked watchpoints. See the discussion
20079 about the @code{mask} argument in @ref{Set Watchpoints}.
20080
20081 @cindex ranged breakpoint
20082 PowerPC embedded processors support hardware accelerated
20083 @dfn{ranged breakpoints}. A ranged breakpoint stops execution of
20084 the inferior whenever it executes an instruction at any address within
20085 the range it specifies. To set a ranged breakpoint in @value{GDBN},
20086 use the @code{break-range} command.
20087
20088 @value{GDBN} provides the following PowerPC-specific commands:
20089
20090 @table @code
20091 @kindex break-range
20092 @item break-range @var{start-location}, @var{end-location}
20093 Set a breakpoint for an address range.
20094 @var{start-location} and @var{end-location} can specify a function name,
20095 a line number, an offset of lines from the current line or from the start
20096 location, or an address of an instruction (see @ref{Specify Location},
20097 for a list of all the possible ways to specify a @var{location}.)
20098 The breakpoint will stop execution of the inferior whenever it
20099 executes an instruction at any address within the specified range,
20100 (including @var{start-location} and @var{end-location}.)
20101
20102 @kindex set powerpc
20103 @item set powerpc soft-float
20104 @itemx show powerpc soft-float
20105 Force @value{GDBN} to use (or not use) a software floating point calling
20106 convention. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention based
20107 on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
20108
20109 @item set powerpc vector-abi
20110 @itemx show powerpc vector-abi
20111 Force @value{GDBN} to use the specified calling convention for vector
20112 arguments and return values. The valid options are @samp{auto};
20113 @samp{generic}, to avoid vector registers even if they are present;
20114 @samp{altivec}, to use AltiVec registers; and @samp{spe} to use SPE
20115 registers. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention
20116 based on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
20117
20118 @item set powerpc exact-watchpoints
20119 @itemx show powerpc exact-watchpoints
20120 Allow @value{GDBN} to use only one debug register when watching a variable
20121 of scalar type, thus assuming that the variable is accessed through the
20122 address of its first byte.
20123
20124 @kindex target dink32
20125 @item target dink32 @var{dev}
20126 DINK32 ROM monitor.
20127
20128 @kindex target ppcbug
20129 @item target ppcbug @var{dev}
20130 @kindex target ppcbug1
20131 @item target ppcbug1 @var{dev}
20132 PPCBUG ROM monitor for PowerPC.
20133
20134 @kindex target sds
20135 @item target sds @var{dev}
20136 SDS monitor, running on a PowerPC board (such as Motorola's ADS).
20137 @end table
20138
20139 @cindex SDS protocol
20140 The following commands specific to the SDS protocol are supported
20141 by @value{GDBN}:
20142
20143 @table @code
20144 @item set sdstimeout @var{nsec}
20145 @kindex set sdstimeout
20146 Set the timeout for SDS protocol reads to be @var{nsec} seconds. The
20147 default is 2 seconds.
20148
20149 @item show sdstimeout
20150 @kindex show sdstimeout
20151 Show the current value of the SDS timeout.
20152
20153 @item sds @var{command}
20154 @kindex sds@r{, a command}
20155 Send the specified @var{command} string to the SDS monitor.
20156 @end table
20157
20158
20159 @node PA
20160 @subsection HP PA Embedded
20161
20162 @table @code
20163
20164 @kindex target op50n
20165 @item target op50n @var{dev}
20166 OP50N monitor, running on an OKI HPPA board.
20167
20168 @kindex target w89k
20169 @item target w89k @var{dev}
20170 W89K monitor, running on a Winbond HPPA board.
20171
20172 @end table
20173
20174 @node Sparclet
20175 @subsection Tsqware Sparclet
20176
20177 @cindex Sparclet
20178
20179 @value{GDBN} enables developers to debug tasks running on
20180 Sparclet targets from a Unix host.
20181 @value{GDBN} uses code that runs on
20182 both the Unix host and on the Sparclet target. The program
20183 @code{@value{GDBP}} is installed and executed on the Unix host.
20184
20185 @table @code
20186 @item remotetimeout @var{args}
20187 @kindex remotetimeout
20188 @value{GDBN} supports the option @code{remotetimeout}.
20189 This option is set by the user, and @var{args} represents the number of
20190 seconds @value{GDBN} waits for responses.
20191 @end table
20192
20193 @cindex compiling, on Sparclet
20194 When compiling for debugging, include the options @samp{-g} to get debug
20195 information and @samp{-Ttext} to relocate the program to where you wish to
20196 load it on the target. You may also want to add the options @samp{-n} or
20197 @samp{-N} in order to reduce the size of the sections. Example:
20198
20199 @smallexample
20200 sparclet-aout-gcc prog.c -Ttext 0x12010000 -g -o prog -N
20201 @end smallexample
20202
20203 You can use @code{objdump} to verify that the addresses are what you intended:
20204
20205 @smallexample
20206 sparclet-aout-objdump --headers --syms prog
20207 @end smallexample
20208
20209 @cindex running, on Sparclet
20210 Once you have set
20211 your Unix execution search path to find @value{GDBN}, you are ready to
20212 run @value{GDBN}. From your Unix host, run @code{@value{GDBP}}
20213 (or @code{sparclet-aout-gdb}, depending on your installation).
20214
20215 @value{GDBN} comes up showing the prompt:
20216
20217 @smallexample
20218 (gdbslet)
20219 @end smallexample
20220
20221 @menu
20222 * Sparclet File:: Setting the file to debug
20223 * Sparclet Connection:: Connecting to Sparclet
20224 * Sparclet Download:: Sparclet download
20225 * Sparclet Execution:: Running and debugging
20226 @end menu
20227
20228 @node Sparclet File
20229 @subsubsection Setting File to Debug
20230
20231 The @value{GDBN} command @code{file} lets you choose with program to debug.
20232
20233 @smallexample
20234 (gdbslet) file prog
20235 @end smallexample
20236
20237 @need 1000
20238 @value{GDBN} then attempts to read the symbol table of @file{prog}.
20239 @value{GDBN} locates
20240 the file by searching the directories listed in the command search
20241 path.
20242 If the file was compiled with debug information (option @samp{-g}), source
20243 files will be searched as well.
20244 @value{GDBN} locates
20245 the source files by searching the directories listed in the directory search
20246 path (@pxref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}).
20247 If it fails
20248 to find a file, it displays a message such as:
20249
20250 @smallexample
20251 prog: No such file or directory.
20252 @end smallexample
20253
20254 When this happens, add the appropriate directories to the search paths with
20255 the @value{GDBN} commands @code{path} and @code{dir}, and execute the
20256 @code{target} command again.
20257
20258 @node Sparclet Connection
20259 @subsubsection Connecting to Sparclet
20260
20261 The @value{GDBN} command @code{target} lets you connect to a Sparclet target.
20262 To connect to a target on serial port ``@code{ttya}'', type:
20263
20264 @smallexample
20265 (gdbslet) target sparclet /dev/ttya
20266 Remote target sparclet connected to /dev/ttya
20267 main () at ../prog.c:3
20268 @end smallexample
20269
20270 @need 750
20271 @value{GDBN} displays messages like these:
20272
20273 @smallexample
20274 Connected to ttya.
20275 @end smallexample
20276
20277 @node Sparclet Download
20278 @subsubsection Sparclet Download
20279
20280 @cindex download to Sparclet
20281 Once connected to the Sparclet target,
20282 you can use the @value{GDBN}
20283 @code{load} command to download the file from the host to the target.
20284 The file name and load offset should be given as arguments to the @code{load}
20285 command.
20286 Since the file format is aout, the program must be loaded to the starting
20287 address. You can use @code{objdump} to find out what this value is. The load
20288 offset is an offset which is added to the VMA (virtual memory address)
20289 of each of the file's sections.
20290 For instance, if the program
20291 @file{prog} was linked to text address 0x1201000, with data at 0x12010160
20292 and bss at 0x12010170, in @value{GDBN}, type:
20293
20294 @smallexample
20295 (gdbslet) load prog 0x12010000
20296 Loading section .text, size 0xdb0 vma 0x12010000
20297 @end smallexample
20298
20299 If the code is loaded at a different address then what the program was linked
20300 to, you may need to use the @code{section} and @code{add-symbol-file} commands
20301 to tell @value{GDBN} where to map the symbol table.
20302
20303 @node Sparclet Execution
20304 @subsubsection Running and Debugging
20305
20306 @cindex running and debugging Sparclet programs
20307 You can now begin debugging the task using @value{GDBN}'s execution control
20308 commands, @code{b}, @code{step}, @code{run}, etc. See the @value{GDBN}
20309 manual for the list of commands.
20310
20311 @smallexample
20312 (gdbslet) b main
20313 Breakpoint 1 at 0x12010000: file prog.c, line 3.
20314 (gdbslet) run
20315 Starting program: prog
20316 Breakpoint 1, main (argc=1, argv=0xeffff21c) at prog.c:3
20317 3 char *symarg = 0;
20318 (gdbslet) step
20319 4 char *execarg = "hello!";
20320 (gdbslet)
20321 @end smallexample
20322
20323 @node Sparclite
20324 @subsection Fujitsu Sparclite
20325
20326 @table @code
20327
20328 @kindex target sparclite
20329 @item target sparclite @var{dev}
20330 Fujitsu sparclite boards, used only for the purpose of loading.
20331 You must use an additional command to debug the program.
20332 For example: target remote @var{dev} using @value{GDBN} standard
20333 remote protocol.
20334
20335 @end table
20336
20337 @node Z8000
20338 @subsection Zilog Z8000
20339
20340 @cindex Z8000
20341 @cindex simulator, Z8000
20342 @cindex Zilog Z8000 simulator
20343
20344 When configured for debugging Zilog Z8000 targets, @value{GDBN} includes
20345 a Z8000 simulator.
20346
20347 For the Z8000 family, @samp{target sim} simulates either the Z8002 (the
20348 unsegmented variant of the Z8000 architecture) or the Z8001 (the
20349 segmented variant). The simulator recognizes which architecture is
20350 appropriate by inspecting the object code.
20351
20352 @table @code
20353 @item target sim @var{args}
20354 @kindex sim
20355 @kindex target sim@r{, with Z8000}
20356 Debug programs on a simulated CPU. If the simulator supports setup
20357 options, specify them via @var{args}.
20358 @end table
20359
20360 @noindent
20361 After specifying this target, you can debug programs for the simulated
20362 CPU in the same style as programs for your host computer; use the
20363 @code{file} command to load a new program image, the @code{run} command
20364 to run your program, and so on.
20365
20366 As well as making available all the usual machine registers
20367 (@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}), the Z8000 simulator provides three
20368 additional items of information as specially named registers:
20369
20370 @table @code
20371
20372 @item cycles
20373 Counts clock-ticks in the simulator.
20374
20375 @item insts
20376 Counts instructions run in the simulator.
20377
20378 @item time
20379 Execution time in 60ths of a second.
20380
20381 @end table
20382
20383 You can refer to these values in @value{GDBN} expressions with the usual
20384 conventions; for example, @w{@samp{b fputc if $cycles>5000}} sets a
20385 conditional breakpoint that suspends only after at least 5000
20386 simulated clock ticks.
20387
20388 @node AVR
20389 @subsection Atmel AVR
20390 @cindex AVR
20391
20392 When configured for debugging the Atmel AVR, @value{GDBN} supports the
20393 following AVR-specific commands:
20394
20395 @table @code
20396 @item info io_registers
20397 @kindex info io_registers@r{, AVR}
20398 @cindex I/O registers (Atmel AVR)
20399 This command displays information about the AVR I/O registers. For
20400 each register, @value{GDBN} prints its number and value.
20401 @end table
20402
20403 @node CRIS
20404 @subsection CRIS
20405 @cindex CRIS
20406
20407 When configured for debugging CRIS, @value{GDBN} provides the
20408 following CRIS-specific commands:
20409
20410 @table @code
20411 @item set cris-version @var{ver}
20412 @cindex CRIS version
20413 Set the current CRIS version to @var{ver}, either @samp{10} or @samp{32}.
20414 The CRIS version affects register names and sizes. This command is useful in
20415 case autodetection of the CRIS version fails.
20416
20417 @item show cris-version
20418 Show the current CRIS version.
20419
20420 @item set cris-dwarf2-cfi
20421 @cindex DWARF-2 CFI and CRIS
20422 Set the usage of DWARF-2 CFI for CRIS debugging. The default is @samp{on}.
20423 Change to @samp{off} when using @code{gcc-cris} whose version is below
20424 @code{R59}.
20425
20426 @item show cris-dwarf2-cfi
20427 Show the current state of using DWARF-2 CFI.
20428
20429 @item set cris-mode @var{mode}
20430 @cindex CRIS mode
20431 Set the current CRIS mode to @var{mode}. It should only be changed when
20432 debugging in guru mode, in which case it should be set to
20433 @samp{guru} (the default is @samp{normal}).
20434
20435 @item show cris-mode
20436 Show the current CRIS mode.
20437 @end table
20438
20439 @node Super-H
20440 @subsection Renesas Super-H
20441 @cindex Super-H
20442
20443 For the Renesas Super-H processor, @value{GDBN} provides these
20444 commands:
20445
20446 @table @code
20447 @item regs
20448 @kindex regs@r{, Super-H}
20449 This command is deprecated, and @code{info all-registers} should be
20450 used instead.
20451
20452 Show the values of all Super-H registers.
20453
20454 @item set sh calling-convention @var{convention}
20455 @kindex set sh calling-convention
20456 Set the calling-convention used when calling functions from @value{GDBN}.
20457 Allowed values are @samp{gcc}, which is the default setting, and @samp{renesas}.
20458 With the @samp{gcc} setting, functions are called using the @value{NGCC} calling
20459 convention. If the DWARF-2 information of the called function specifies
20460 that the function follows the Renesas calling convention, the function
20461 is called using the Renesas calling convention. If the calling convention
20462 is set to @samp{renesas}, the Renesas calling convention is always used,
20463 regardless of the DWARF-2 information. This can be used to override the
20464 default of @samp{gcc} if debug information is missing, or the compiler
20465 does not emit the DWARF-2 calling convention entry for a function.
20466
20467 @item show sh calling-convention
20468 @kindex show sh calling-convention
20469 Show the current calling convention setting.
20470
20471 @end table
20472
20473
20474 @node Architectures
20475 @section Architectures
20476
20477 This section describes characteristics of architectures that affect
20478 all uses of @value{GDBN} with the architecture, both native and cross.
20479
20480 @menu
20481 * i386::
20482 * Alpha::
20483 * MIPS::
20484 * HPPA:: HP PA architecture
20485 * SPU:: Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
20486 * PowerPC::
20487 @end menu
20488
20489 @node i386
20490 @subsection x86 Architecture-specific Issues
20491
20492 @table @code
20493 @item set struct-convention @var{mode}
20494 @kindex set struct-convention
20495 @cindex struct return convention
20496 @cindex struct/union returned in registers
20497 Set the convention used by the inferior to return @code{struct}s and
20498 @code{union}s from functions to @var{mode}. Possible values of
20499 @var{mode} are @code{"pcc"}, @code{"reg"}, and @code{"default"} (the
20500 default). @code{"default"} or @code{"pcc"} means that @code{struct}s
20501 are returned on the stack, while @code{"reg"} means that a
20502 @code{struct} or a @code{union} whose size is 1, 2, 4, or 8 bytes will
20503 be returned in a register.
20504
20505 @item show struct-convention
20506 @kindex show struct-convention
20507 Show the current setting of the convention to return @code{struct}s
20508 from functions.
20509 @end table
20510
20511 @node Alpha
20512 @subsection Alpha
20513
20514 See the following section.
20515
20516 @node MIPS
20517 @subsection @acronym{MIPS}
20518
20519 @cindex stack on Alpha
20520 @cindex stack on @acronym{MIPS}
20521 @cindex Alpha stack
20522 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} stack
20523 Alpha- and @acronym{MIPS}-based computers use an unusual stack frame, which
20524 sometimes requires @value{GDBN} to search backward in the object code to
20525 find the beginning of a function.
20526
20527 @cindex response time, @acronym{MIPS} debugging
20528 To improve response time (especially for embedded applications, where
20529 @value{GDBN} may be restricted to a slow serial line for this search)
20530 you may want to limit the size of this search, using one of these
20531 commands:
20532
20533 @table @code
20534 @cindex @code{heuristic-fence-post} (Alpha, @acronym{MIPS})
20535 @item set heuristic-fence-post @var{limit}
20536 Restrict @value{GDBN} to examining at most @var{limit} bytes in its
20537 search for the beginning of a function. A value of @var{0} (the
20538 default) means there is no limit. However, except for @var{0}, the
20539 larger the limit the more bytes @code{heuristic-fence-post} must search
20540 and therefore the longer it takes to run. You should only need to use
20541 this command when debugging a stripped executable.
20542
20543 @item show heuristic-fence-post
20544 Display the current limit.
20545 @end table
20546
20547 @noindent
20548 These commands are available @emph{only} when @value{GDBN} is configured
20549 for debugging programs on Alpha or @acronym{MIPS} processors.
20550
20551 Several @acronym{MIPS}-specific commands are available when debugging @acronym{MIPS}
20552 programs:
20553
20554 @table @code
20555 @item set mips abi @var{arg}
20556 @kindex set mips abi
20557 @cindex set ABI for @acronym{MIPS}
20558 Tell @value{GDBN} which @acronym{MIPS} ABI is used by the inferior. Possible
20559 values of @var{arg} are:
20560
20561 @table @samp
20562 @item auto
20563 The default ABI associated with the current binary (this is the
20564 default).
20565 @item o32
20566 @item o64
20567 @item n32
20568 @item n64
20569 @item eabi32
20570 @item eabi64
20571 @end table
20572
20573 @item show mips abi
20574 @kindex show mips abi
20575 Show the @acronym{MIPS} ABI used by @value{GDBN} to debug the inferior.
20576
20577 @item set mips compression @var{arg}
20578 @kindex set mips compression
20579 @cindex code compression, @acronym{MIPS}
20580 Tell @value{GDBN} which @acronym{MIPS} compressed
20581 @acronym{ISA, Instruction Set Architecture} encoding is used by the
20582 inferior. @value{GDBN} uses this for code disassembly and other
20583 internal interpretation purposes. This setting is only referred to
20584 when no executable has been associated with the debugging session or
20585 the executable does not provide information about the encoding it uses.
20586 Otherwise this setting is automatically updated from information
20587 provided by the executable.
20588
20589 Possible values of @var{arg} are @samp{mips16} and @samp{micromips}.
20590 The default compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding is @samp{mips16}, as
20591 executables containing @acronym{MIPS16} code frequently are not
20592 identified as such.
20593
20594 This setting is ``sticky''; that is, it retains its value across
20595 debugging sessions until reset either explicitly with this command or
20596 implicitly from an executable.
20597
20598 The compiler and/or assembler typically add symbol table annotations to
20599 identify functions compiled for the @acronym{MIPS16} or
20600 @acronym{microMIPS} @acronym{ISA}s. If these function-scope annotations
20601 are present, @value{GDBN} uses them in preference to the global
20602 compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding setting.
20603
20604 @item show mips compression
20605 @kindex show mips compression
20606 Show the @acronym{MIPS} compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding used by
20607 @value{GDBN} to debug the inferior.
20608
20609 @item set mipsfpu
20610 @itemx show mipsfpu
20611 @xref{MIPS Embedded, set mipsfpu}.
20612
20613 @item set mips mask-address @var{arg}
20614 @kindex set mips mask-address
20615 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} addresses, masking
20616 This command determines whether the most-significant 32 bits of 64-bit
20617 @acronym{MIPS} addresses are masked off. The argument @var{arg} can be
20618 @samp{on}, @samp{off}, or @samp{auto}. The latter is the default
20619 setting, which lets @value{GDBN} determine the correct value.
20620
20621 @item show mips mask-address
20622 @kindex show mips mask-address
20623 Show whether the upper 32 bits of @acronym{MIPS} addresses are masked off or
20624 not.
20625
20626 @item set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
20627 @kindex set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
20628 This command controls compatibility with 64-bit @acronym{MIPS} targets that
20629 transfer data in 32-bit quantities. If you have an old @acronym{MIPS} 64 target
20630 that transfers 32 bits for some registers, like @sc{sr} and @sc{fsr},
20631 and 64 bits for other registers, set this option to @samp{on}.
20632
20633 @item show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
20634 @kindex show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
20635 Show the current setting of compatibility with older @acronym{MIPS} 64 targets.
20636
20637 @item set debug mips
20638 @kindex set debug mips
20639 This command turns on and off debugging messages for the @acronym{MIPS}-specific
20640 target code in @value{GDBN}.
20641
20642 @item show debug mips
20643 @kindex show debug mips
20644 Show the current setting of @acronym{MIPS} debugging messages.
20645 @end table
20646
20647
20648 @node HPPA
20649 @subsection HPPA
20650 @cindex HPPA support
20651
20652 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the HP PA architecture, it provides the
20653 following special commands:
20654
20655 @table @code
20656 @item set debug hppa
20657 @kindex set debug hppa
20658 This command determines whether HPPA architecture-specific debugging
20659 messages are to be displayed.
20660
20661 @item show debug hppa
20662 Show whether HPPA debugging messages are displayed.
20663
20664 @item maint print unwind @var{address}
20665 @kindex maint print unwind@r{, HPPA}
20666 This command displays the contents of the unwind table entry at the
20667 given @var{address}.
20668
20669 @end table
20670
20671
20672 @node SPU
20673 @subsection Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
20674 @cindex Cell Broadband Engine
20675 @cindex SPU
20676
20677 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture,
20678 it provides the following special commands:
20679
20680 @table @code
20681 @item info spu event
20682 @kindex info spu
20683 Display SPU event facility status. Shows current event mask
20684 and pending event status.
20685
20686 @item info spu signal
20687 Display SPU signal notification facility status. Shows pending
20688 signal-control word and signal notification mode of both signal
20689 notification channels.
20690
20691 @item info spu mailbox
20692 Display SPU mailbox facility status. Shows all pending entries,
20693 in order of processing, in each of the SPU Write Outbound,
20694 SPU Write Outbound Interrupt, and SPU Read Inbound mailboxes.
20695
20696 @item info spu dma
20697 Display MFC DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
20698 DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
20699 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
20700
20701 @item info spu proxydma
20702 Display MFC Proxy-DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
20703 Proxy-DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
20704 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
20705
20706 @end table
20707
20708 When @value{GDBN} is debugging a combined PowerPC/SPU application
20709 on the Cell Broadband Engine, it provides in addition the following
20710 special commands:
20711
20712 @table @code
20713 @item set spu stop-on-load @var{arg}
20714 @kindex set spu
20715 Set whether to stop for new SPE threads. When set to @code{on}, @value{GDBN}
20716 will give control to the user when a new SPE thread enters its @code{main}
20717 function. The default is @code{off}.
20718
20719 @item show spu stop-on-load
20720 @kindex show spu
20721 Show whether to stop for new SPE threads.
20722
20723 @item set spu auto-flush-cache @var{arg}
20724 Set whether to automatically flush the software-managed cache. When set to
20725 @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will automatically cause the SPE software-managed
20726 cache to be flushed whenever SPE execution stops. This provides a consistent
20727 view of PowerPC memory that is accessed via the cache. If an application
20728 does not use the software-managed cache, this option has no effect.
20729
20730 @item show spu auto-flush-cache
20731 Show whether to automatically flush the software-managed cache.
20732
20733 @end table
20734
20735 @node PowerPC
20736 @subsection PowerPC
20737 @cindex PowerPC architecture
20738
20739 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the PowerPC architecture, it provides a set of
20740 pseudo-registers to enable inspection of 128-bit wide Decimal Floating Point
20741 numbers stored in the floating point registers. These values must be stored
20742 in two consecutive registers, always starting at an even register like
20743 @code{f0} or @code{f2}.
20744
20745 The pseudo-registers go from @code{$dl0} through @code{$dl15}, and are formed
20746 by joining the even/odd register pairs @code{f0} and @code{f1} for @code{$dl0},
20747 @code{f2} and @code{f3} for @code{$dl1} and so on.
20748
20749 For POWER7 processors, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers, the 64-bit
20750 wide Extended Floating Point Registers (@samp{f32} through @samp{f63}).
20751
20752
20753 @node Controlling GDB
20754 @chapter Controlling @value{GDBN}
20755
20756 You can alter the way @value{GDBN} interacts with you by using the
20757 @code{set} command. For commands controlling how @value{GDBN} displays
20758 data, see @ref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}. Other settings are
20759 described here.
20760
20761 @menu
20762 * Prompt:: Prompt
20763 * Editing:: Command editing
20764 * Command History:: Command history
20765 * Screen Size:: Screen size
20766 * Numbers:: Numbers
20767 * ABI:: Configuring the current ABI
20768 * Auto-loading:: Automatically loading associated files
20769 * Messages/Warnings:: Optional warnings and messages
20770 * Debugging Output:: Optional messages about internal happenings
20771 * Other Misc Settings:: Other Miscellaneous Settings
20772 @end menu
20773
20774 @node Prompt
20775 @section Prompt
20776
20777 @cindex prompt
20778
20779 @value{GDBN} indicates its readiness to read a command by printing a string
20780 called the @dfn{prompt}. This string is normally @samp{(@value{GDBP})}. You
20781 can change the prompt string with the @code{set prompt} command. For
20782 instance, when debugging @value{GDBN} with @value{GDBN}, it is useful to change
20783 the prompt in one of the @value{GDBN} sessions so that you can always tell
20784 which one you are talking to.
20785
20786 @emph{Note:} @code{set prompt} does not add a space for you after the
20787 prompt you set. This allows you to set a prompt which ends in a space
20788 or a prompt that does not.
20789
20790 @table @code
20791 @kindex set prompt
20792 @item set prompt @var{newprompt}
20793 Directs @value{GDBN} to use @var{newprompt} as its prompt string henceforth.
20794
20795 @kindex show prompt
20796 @item show prompt
20797 Prints a line of the form: @samp{Gdb's prompt is: @var{your-prompt}}
20798 @end table
20799
20800 Versions of @value{GDBN} that ship with Python scripting enabled have
20801 prompt extensions. The commands for interacting with these extensions
20802 are:
20803
20804 @table @code
20805 @kindex set extended-prompt
20806 @item set extended-prompt @var{prompt}
20807 Set an extended prompt that allows for substitutions.
20808 @xref{gdb.prompt}, for a list of escape sequences that can be used for
20809 substitution. Any escape sequences specified as part of the prompt
20810 string are replaced with the corresponding strings each time the prompt
20811 is displayed.
20812
20813 For example:
20814
20815 @smallexample
20816 set extended-prompt Current working directory: \w (gdb)
20817 @end smallexample
20818
20819 Note that when an extended-prompt is set, it takes control of the
20820 @var{prompt_hook} hook. @xref{prompt_hook}, for further information.
20821
20822 @kindex show extended-prompt
20823 @item show extended-prompt
20824 Prints the extended prompt. Any escape sequences specified as part of
20825 the prompt string with @code{set extended-prompt}, are replaced with the
20826 corresponding strings each time the prompt is displayed.
20827 @end table
20828
20829 @node Editing
20830 @section Command Editing
20831 @cindex readline
20832 @cindex command line editing
20833
20834 @value{GDBN} reads its input commands via the @dfn{Readline} interface. This
20835 @sc{gnu} library provides consistent behavior for programs which provide a
20836 command line interface to the user. Advantages are @sc{gnu} Emacs-style
20837 or @dfn{vi}-style inline editing of commands, @code{csh}-like history
20838 substitution, and a storage and recall of command history across
20839 debugging sessions.
20840
20841 You may control the behavior of command line editing in @value{GDBN} with the
20842 command @code{set}.
20843
20844 @table @code
20845 @kindex set editing
20846 @cindex editing
20847 @item set editing
20848 @itemx set editing on
20849 Enable command line editing (enabled by default).
20850
20851 @item set editing off
20852 Disable command line editing.
20853
20854 @kindex show editing
20855 @item show editing
20856 Show whether command line editing is enabled.
20857 @end table
20858
20859 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
20860 @xref{Command Line Editing, , , rluserman, GNU Readline Library},
20861 @end ifset
20862 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
20863 @xref{Command Line Editing},
20864 @end ifclear
20865 for more details about the Readline
20866 interface. Users unfamiliar with @sc{gnu} Emacs or @code{vi} are
20867 encouraged to read that chapter.
20868
20869 @node Command History
20870 @section Command History
20871 @cindex command history
20872
20873 @value{GDBN} can keep track of the commands you type during your
20874 debugging sessions, so that you can be certain of precisely what
20875 happened. Use these commands to manage the @value{GDBN} command
20876 history facility.
20877
20878 @value{GDBN} uses the @sc{gnu} History library, a part of the Readline
20879 package, to provide the history facility.
20880 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
20881 @xref{Using History Interactively, , , history, GNU History Library},
20882 @end ifset
20883 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
20884 @xref{Using History Interactively},
20885 @end ifclear
20886 for the detailed description of the History library.
20887
20888 To issue a command to @value{GDBN} without affecting certain aspects of
20889 the state which is seen by users, prefix it with @samp{server }
20890 (@pxref{Server Prefix}). This
20891 means that this command will not affect the command history, nor will it
20892 affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which command to repeat if @key{RET} is
20893 pressed on a line by itself.
20894
20895 @cindex @code{server}, command prefix
20896 The server prefix does not affect the recording of values into the value
20897 history; to print a value without recording it into the value history,
20898 use the @code{output} command instead of the @code{print} command.
20899
20900 Here is the description of @value{GDBN} commands related to command
20901 history.
20902
20903 @table @code
20904 @cindex history substitution
20905 @cindex history file
20906 @kindex set history filename
20907 @cindex @env{GDBHISTFILE}, environment variable
20908 @item set history filename @var{fname}
20909 Set the name of the @value{GDBN} command history file to @var{fname}.
20910 This is the file where @value{GDBN} reads an initial command history
20911 list, and where it writes the command history from this session when it
20912 exits. You can access this list through history expansion or through
20913 the history command editing characters listed below. This file defaults
20914 to the value of the environment variable @code{GDBHISTFILE}, or to
20915 @file{./.gdb_history} (@file{./_gdb_history} on MS-DOS) if this variable
20916 is not set.
20917
20918 @cindex save command history
20919 @kindex set history save
20920 @item set history save
20921 @itemx set history save on
20922 Record command history in a file, whose name may be specified with the
20923 @code{set history filename} command. By default, this option is disabled.
20924
20925 @item set history save off
20926 Stop recording command history in a file.
20927
20928 @cindex history size
20929 @kindex set history size
20930 @cindex @env{HISTSIZE}, environment variable
20931 @item set history size @var{size}
20932 Set the number of commands which @value{GDBN} keeps in its history list.
20933 This defaults to the value of the environment variable
20934 @code{HISTSIZE}, or to 256 if this variable is not set.
20935 @end table
20936
20937 History expansion assigns special meaning to the character @kbd{!}.
20938 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
20939 @xref{Event Designators, , , history, GNU History Library},
20940 @end ifset
20941 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
20942 @xref{Event Designators},
20943 @end ifclear
20944 for more details.
20945
20946 @cindex history expansion, turn on/off
20947 Since @kbd{!} is also the logical not operator in C, history expansion
20948 is off by default. If you decide to enable history expansion with the
20949 @code{set history expansion on} command, you may sometimes need to
20950 follow @kbd{!} (when it is used as logical not, in an expression) with
20951 a space or a tab to prevent it from being expanded. The readline
20952 history facilities do not attempt substitution on the strings
20953 @kbd{!=} and @kbd{!(}, even when history expansion is enabled.
20954
20955 The commands to control history expansion are:
20956
20957 @table @code
20958 @item set history expansion on
20959 @itemx set history expansion
20960 @kindex set history expansion
20961 Enable history expansion. History expansion is off by default.
20962
20963 @item set history expansion off
20964 Disable history expansion.
20965
20966 @c @group
20967 @kindex show history
20968 @item show history
20969 @itemx show history filename
20970 @itemx show history save
20971 @itemx show history size
20972 @itemx show history expansion
20973 These commands display the state of the @value{GDBN} history parameters.
20974 @code{show history} by itself displays all four states.
20975 @c @end group
20976 @end table
20977
20978 @table @code
20979 @kindex show commands
20980 @cindex show last commands
20981 @cindex display command history
20982 @item show commands
20983 Display the last ten commands in the command history.
20984
20985 @item show commands @var{n}
20986 Print ten commands centered on command number @var{n}.
20987
20988 @item show commands +
20989 Print ten commands just after the commands last printed.
20990 @end table
20991
20992 @node Screen Size
20993 @section Screen Size
20994 @cindex size of screen
20995 @cindex pauses in output
20996
20997 Certain commands to @value{GDBN} may produce large amounts of
20998 information output to the screen. To help you read all of it,
20999 @value{GDBN} pauses and asks you for input at the end of each page of
21000 output. Type @key{RET} when you want to continue the output, or @kbd{q}
21001 to discard the remaining output. Also, the screen width setting
21002 determines when to wrap lines of output. Depending on what is being
21003 printed, @value{GDBN} tries to break the line at a readable place,
21004 rather than simply letting it overflow onto the following line.
21005
21006 Normally @value{GDBN} knows the size of the screen from the terminal
21007 driver software. For example, on Unix @value{GDBN} uses the termcap data base
21008 together with the value of the @code{TERM} environment variable and the
21009 @code{stty rows} and @code{stty cols} settings. If this is not correct,
21010 you can override it with the @code{set height} and @code{set
21011 width} commands:
21012
21013 @table @code
21014 @kindex set height
21015 @kindex set width
21016 @kindex show width
21017 @kindex show height
21018 @item set height @var{lpp}
21019 @itemx show height
21020 @itemx set width @var{cpl}
21021 @itemx show width
21022 These @code{set} commands specify a screen height of @var{lpp} lines and
21023 a screen width of @var{cpl} characters. The associated @code{show}
21024 commands display the current settings.
21025
21026 If you specify a height of zero lines, @value{GDBN} does not pause during
21027 output no matter how long the output is. This is useful if output is to a
21028 file or to an editor buffer.
21029
21030 Likewise, you can specify @samp{set width 0} to prevent @value{GDBN}
21031 from wrapping its output.
21032
21033 @item set pagination on
21034 @itemx set pagination off
21035 @kindex set pagination
21036 Turn the output pagination on or off; the default is on. Turning
21037 pagination off is the alternative to @code{set height 0}. Note that
21038 running @value{GDBN} with the @option{--batch} option (@pxref{Mode
21039 Options, -batch}) also automatically disables pagination.
21040
21041 @item show pagination
21042 @kindex show pagination
21043 Show the current pagination mode.
21044 @end table
21045
21046 @node Numbers
21047 @section Numbers
21048 @cindex number representation
21049 @cindex entering numbers
21050
21051 You can always enter numbers in octal, decimal, or hexadecimal in
21052 @value{GDBN} by the usual conventions: octal numbers begin with
21053 @samp{0}, decimal numbers end with @samp{.}, and hexadecimal numbers
21054 begin with @samp{0x}. Numbers that neither begin with @samp{0} or
21055 @samp{0x}, nor end with a @samp{.} are, by default, entered in base
21056 10; likewise, the default display for numbers---when no particular
21057 format is specified---is base 10. You can change the default base for
21058 both input and output with the commands described below.
21059
21060 @table @code
21061 @kindex set input-radix
21062 @item set input-radix @var{base}
21063 Set the default base for numeric input. Supported choices
21064 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. @var{base} must itself be
21065 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix; for
21066 example, any of
21067
21068 @smallexample
21069 set input-radix 012
21070 set input-radix 10.
21071 set input-radix 0xa
21072 @end smallexample
21073
21074 @noindent
21075 sets the input base to decimal. On the other hand, @samp{set input-radix 10}
21076 leaves the input radix unchanged, no matter what it was, since
21077 @samp{10}, being without any leading or trailing signs of its base, is
21078 interpreted in the current radix. Thus, if the current radix is 16,
21079 @samp{10} is interpreted in hex, i.e.@: as 16 decimal, which doesn't
21080 change the radix.
21081
21082 @kindex set output-radix
21083 @item set output-radix @var{base}
21084 Set the default base for numeric display. Supported choices
21085 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. @var{base} must itself be
21086 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix.
21087
21088 @kindex show input-radix
21089 @item show input-radix
21090 Display the current default base for numeric input.
21091
21092 @kindex show output-radix
21093 @item show output-radix
21094 Display the current default base for numeric display.
21095
21096 @item set radix @r{[}@var{base}@r{]}
21097 @itemx show radix
21098 @kindex set radix
21099 @kindex show radix
21100 These commands set and show the default base for both input and output
21101 of numbers. @code{set radix} sets the radix of input and output to
21102 the same base; without an argument, it resets the radix back to its
21103 default value of 10.
21104
21105 @end table
21106
21107 @node ABI
21108 @section Configuring the Current ABI
21109
21110 @value{GDBN} can determine the @dfn{ABI} (Application Binary Interface) of your
21111 application automatically. However, sometimes you need to override its
21112 conclusions. Use these commands to manage @value{GDBN}'s view of the
21113 current ABI.
21114
21115 @cindex OS ABI
21116 @kindex set osabi
21117 @kindex show osabi
21118
21119 One @value{GDBN} configuration can debug binaries for multiple operating
21120 system targets, either via remote debugging or native emulation.
21121 @value{GDBN} will autodetect the @dfn{OS ABI} (Operating System ABI) in use,
21122 but you can override its conclusion using the @code{set osabi} command.
21123 One example where this is useful is in debugging of binaries which use
21124 an alternate C library (e.g.@: @sc{uClibc} for @sc{gnu}/Linux) which does
21125 not have the same identifying marks that the standard C library for your
21126 platform provides.
21127
21128 @table @code
21129 @item show osabi
21130 Show the OS ABI currently in use.
21131
21132 @item set osabi
21133 With no argument, show the list of registered available OS ABI's.
21134
21135 @item set osabi @var{abi}
21136 Set the current OS ABI to @var{abi}.
21137 @end table
21138
21139 @cindex float promotion
21140
21141 Generally, the way that an argument of type @code{float} is passed to a
21142 function depends on whether the function is prototyped. For a prototyped
21143 (i.e.@: ANSI/ISO style) function, @code{float} arguments are passed unchanged,
21144 according to the architecture's convention for @code{float}. For unprototyped
21145 (i.e.@: K&R style) functions, @code{float} arguments are first promoted to type
21146 @code{double} and then passed.
21147
21148 Unfortunately, some forms of debug information do not reliably indicate whether
21149 a function is prototyped. If @value{GDBN} calls a function that is not marked
21150 as prototyped, it consults @kbd{set coerce-float-to-double}.
21151
21152 @table @code
21153 @kindex set coerce-float-to-double
21154 @item set coerce-float-to-double
21155 @itemx set coerce-float-to-double on
21156 Arguments of type @code{float} will be promoted to @code{double} when passed
21157 to an unprototyped function. This is the default setting.
21158
21159 @item set coerce-float-to-double off
21160 Arguments of type @code{float} will be passed directly to unprototyped
21161 functions.
21162
21163 @kindex show coerce-float-to-double
21164 @item show coerce-float-to-double
21165 Show the current setting of promoting @code{float} to @code{double}.
21166 @end table
21167
21168 @kindex set cp-abi
21169 @kindex show cp-abi
21170 @value{GDBN} needs to know the ABI used for your program's C@t{++}
21171 objects. The correct C@t{++} ABI depends on which C@t{++} compiler was
21172 used to build your application. @value{GDBN} only fully supports
21173 programs with a single C@t{++} ABI; if your program contains code using
21174 multiple C@t{++} ABI's or if @value{GDBN} can not identify your
21175 program's ABI correctly, you can tell @value{GDBN} which ABI to use.
21176 Currently supported ABI's include ``gnu-v2'', for @code{g++} versions
21177 before 3.0, ``gnu-v3'', for @code{g++} versions 3.0 and later, and
21178 ``hpaCC'' for the HP ANSI C@t{++} compiler. Other C@t{++} compilers may
21179 use the ``gnu-v2'' or ``gnu-v3'' ABI's as well. The default setting is
21180 ``auto''.
21181
21182 @table @code
21183 @item show cp-abi
21184 Show the C@t{++} ABI currently in use.
21185
21186 @item set cp-abi
21187 With no argument, show the list of supported C@t{++} ABI's.
21188
21189 @item set cp-abi @var{abi}
21190 @itemx set cp-abi auto
21191 Set the current C@t{++} ABI to @var{abi}, or return to automatic detection.
21192 @end table
21193
21194 @node Auto-loading
21195 @section Automatically loading associated files
21196 @cindex auto-loading
21197
21198 @value{GDBN} sometimes reads files with commands and settings automatically,
21199 without being explicitly told so by the user. We call this feature
21200 @dfn{auto-loading}. While auto-loading is useful for automatically adapting
21201 @value{GDBN} to the needs of your project, it can sometimes produce unexpected
21202 results or introduce security risks (e.g., if the file comes from untrusted
21203 sources).
21204
21205 Note that loading of these associated files (including the local @file{.gdbinit}
21206 file) requires accordingly configured @code{auto-load safe-path}
21207 (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
21208
21209 For these reasons, @value{GDBN} includes commands and options to let you
21210 control when to auto-load files and which files should be auto-loaded.
21211
21212 @table @code
21213 @anchor{set auto-load off}
21214 @kindex set auto-load off
21215 @item set auto-load off
21216 Globally disable loading of all auto-loaded files.
21217 You may want to use this command with the @samp{-iex} option
21218 (@pxref{Option -init-eval-command}) such as:
21219 @smallexample
21220 $ @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load off" untrusted-executable corefile}
21221 @end smallexample
21222
21223 Be aware that system init file (@pxref{System-wide configuration})
21224 and init files from your home directory (@pxref{Home Directory Init File})
21225 still get read (as they come from generally trusted directories).
21226 To prevent @value{GDBN} from auto-loading even those init files, use the
21227 @option{-nx} option (@pxref{Mode Options}), in addition to
21228 @code{set auto-load no}.
21229
21230 @anchor{show auto-load}
21231 @kindex show auto-load
21232 @item show auto-load
21233 Show whether auto-loading of each specific @samp{auto-load} file(s) is enabled
21234 or disabled.
21235
21236 @smallexample
21237 (gdb) show auto-load
21238 gdb-scripts: Auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts is on.
21239 libthread-db: Auto-loading of inferior specific libthread_db is on.
21240 local-gdbinit: Auto-loading of .gdbinit script from current directory
21241 is on.
21242 python-scripts: Auto-loading of Python scripts is on.
21243 safe-path: List of directories from which it is safe to auto-load files
21244 is $debugdir:$datadir/auto-load.
21245 scripts-directory: List of directories from which to load auto-loaded scripts
21246 is $debugdir:$datadir/auto-load.
21247 @end smallexample
21248
21249 @anchor{info auto-load}
21250 @kindex info auto-load
21251 @item info auto-load
21252 Print whether each specific @samp{auto-load} file(s) have been auto-loaded or
21253 not.
21254
21255 @smallexample
21256 (gdb) info auto-load
21257 gdb-scripts:
21258 Loaded Script
21259 Yes /home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.gdb
21260 libthread-db: No auto-loaded libthread-db.
21261 local-gdbinit: Local .gdbinit file "/home/user/gdb/.gdbinit" has been
21262 loaded.
21263 python-scripts:
21264 Loaded Script
21265 Yes /home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.py
21266 @end smallexample
21267 @end table
21268
21269 These are various kinds of files @value{GDBN} can automatically load:
21270
21271 @itemize @bullet
21272 @item
21273 @xref{objfile-gdb.py file}, controlled by @ref{set auto-load python-scripts}.
21274 @item
21275 @xref{objfile-gdb.gdb file}, controlled by @ref{set auto-load gdb-scripts}.
21276 @item
21277 @xref{dotdebug_gdb_scripts section},
21278 controlled by @ref{set auto-load python-scripts}.
21279 @item
21280 @xref{Init File in the Current Directory},
21281 controlled by @ref{set auto-load local-gdbinit}.
21282 @item
21283 @xref{libthread_db.so.1 file}, controlled by @ref{set auto-load libthread-db}.
21284 @end itemize
21285
21286 These are @value{GDBN} control commands for the auto-loading:
21287
21288 @multitable @columnfractions .5 .5
21289 @item @xref{set auto-load off}.
21290 @tab Disable auto-loading globally.
21291 @item @xref{show auto-load}.
21292 @tab Show setting of all kinds of files.
21293 @item @xref{info auto-load}.
21294 @tab Show state of all kinds of files.
21295 @item @xref{set auto-load gdb-scripts}.
21296 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} command scripts.
21297 @item @xref{show auto-load gdb-scripts}.
21298 @tab Show setting of @value{GDBN} command scripts.
21299 @item @xref{info auto-load gdb-scripts}.
21300 @tab Show state of @value{GDBN} command scripts.
21301 @item @xref{set auto-load python-scripts}.
21302 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
21303 @item @xref{show auto-load python-scripts}.
21304 @tab Show setting of @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
21305 @item @xref{info auto-load python-scripts}.
21306 @tab Show state of @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
21307 @item @xref{set auto-load scripts-directory}.
21308 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
21309 @item @xref{show auto-load scripts-directory}.
21310 @tab Show @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
21311 @item @xref{set auto-load local-gdbinit}.
21312 @tab Control for init file in the current directory.
21313 @item @xref{show auto-load local-gdbinit}.
21314 @tab Show setting of init file in the current directory.
21315 @item @xref{info auto-load local-gdbinit}.
21316 @tab Show state of init file in the current directory.
21317 @item @xref{set auto-load libthread-db}.
21318 @tab Control for thread debugging library.
21319 @item @xref{show auto-load libthread-db}.
21320 @tab Show setting of thread debugging library.
21321 @item @xref{info auto-load libthread-db}.
21322 @tab Show state of thread debugging library.
21323 @item @xref{set auto-load safe-path}.
21324 @tab Control directories trusted for automatic loading.
21325 @item @xref{show auto-load safe-path}.
21326 @tab Show directories trusted for automatic loading.
21327 @item @xref{add-auto-load-safe-path}.
21328 @tab Add directory trusted for automatic loading.
21329 @end multitable
21330
21331 @menu
21332 * Init File in the Current Directory:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load local-gdbinit}
21333 * libthread_db.so.1 file:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load libthread-db}
21334 * objfile-gdb.gdb file:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load gdb-script}
21335 * Auto-loading safe path:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load safe-path}
21336 * Auto-loading verbose mode:: @samp{set/show debug auto-load}
21337 @xref{Python Auto-loading}.
21338 @end menu
21339
21340 @node Init File in the Current Directory
21341 @subsection Automatically loading init file in the current directory
21342 @cindex auto-loading init file in the current directory
21343
21344 By default, @value{GDBN} reads and executes the canned sequences of commands
21345 from init file (if any) in the current working directory,
21346 see @ref{Init File in the Current Directory during Startup}.
21347
21348 Note that loading of this local @file{.gdbinit} file also requires accordingly
21349 configured @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
21350
21351 @table @code
21352 @anchor{set auto-load local-gdbinit}
21353 @kindex set auto-load local-gdbinit
21354 @item set auto-load local-gdbinit [on|off]
21355 Enable or disable the auto-loading of canned sequences of commands
21356 (@pxref{Sequences}) found in init file in the current directory.
21357
21358 @anchor{show auto-load local-gdbinit}
21359 @kindex show auto-load local-gdbinit
21360 @item show auto-load local-gdbinit
21361 Show whether auto-loading of canned sequences of commands from init file in the
21362 current directory is enabled or disabled.
21363
21364 @anchor{info auto-load local-gdbinit}
21365 @kindex info auto-load local-gdbinit
21366 @item info auto-load local-gdbinit
21367 Print whether canned sequences of commands from init file in the
21368 current directory have been auto-loaded.
21369 @end table
21370
21371 @node libthread_db.so.1 file
21372 @subsection Automatically loading thread debugging library
21373 @cindex auto-loading libthread_db.so.1
21374
21375 This feature is currently present only on @sc{gnu}/Linux native hosts.
21376
21377 @value{GDBN} reads in some cases thread debugging library from places specific
21378 to the inferior (@pxref{set libthread-db-search-path}).
21379
21380 The special @samp{libthread-db-search-path} entry @samp{$sdir} is processed
21381 without checking this @samp{set auto-load libthread-db} switch as system
21382 libraries have to be trusted in general. In all other cases of
21383 @samp{libthread-db-search-path} entries @value{GDBN} checks first if @samp{set
21384 auto-load libthread-db} is enabled before trying to open such thread debugging
21385 library.
21386
21387 Note that loading of this debugging library also requires accordingly configured
21388 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
21389
21390 @table @code
21391 @anchor{set auto-load libthread-db}
21392 @kindex set auto-load libthread-db
21393 @item set auto-load libthread-db [on|off]
21394 Enable or disable the auto-loading of inferior specific thread debugging library.
21395
21396 @anchor{show auto-load libthread-db}
21397 @kindex show auto-load libthread-db
21398 @item show auto-load libthread-db
21399 Show whether auto-loading of inferior specific thread debugging library is
21400 enabled or disabled.
21401
21402 @anchor{info auto-load libthread-db}
21403 @kindex info auto-load libthread-db
21404 @item info auto-load libthread-db
21405 Print the list of all loaded inferior specific thread debugging libraries and
21406 for each such library print list of inferior @var{pid}s using it.
21407 @end table
21408
21409 @node objfile-gdb.gdb file
21410 @subsection The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb} file
21411 @cindex auto-loading @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb}
21412
21413 @value{GDBN} tries to load an @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb} file containing
21414 canned sequences of commands (@pxref{Sequences}), as long as @samp{set
21415 auto-load gdb-scripts} is set to @samp{on}.
21416
21417 Note that loading of this script file also requires accordingly configured
21418 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
21419
21420 For more background refer to the similar Python scripts auto-loading
21421 description (@pxref{objfile-gdb.py file}).
21422
21423 @table @code
21424 @anchor{set auto-load gdb-scripts}
21425 @kindex set auto-load gdb-scripts
21426 @item set auto-load gdb-scripts [on|off]
21427 Enable or disable the auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts.
21428
21429 @anchor{show auto-load gdb-scripts}
21430 @kindex show auto-load gdb-scripts
21431 @item show auto-load gdb-scripts
21432 Show whether auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts is enabled or
21433 disabled.
21434
21435 @anchor{info auto-load gdb-scripts}
21436 @kindex info auto-load gdb-scripts
21437 @cindex print list of auto-loaded canned sequences of commands scripts
21438 @item info auto-load gdb-scripts [@var{regexp}]
21439 Print the list of all canned sequences of commands scripts that @value{GDBN}
21440 auto-loaded.
21441 @end table
21442
21443 If @var{regexp} is supplied only canned sequences of commands scripts with
21444 matching names are printed.
21445
21446 @node Auto-loading safe path
21447 @subsection Security restriction for auto-loading
21448 @cindex auto-loading safe-path
21449
21450 As the files of inferior can come from untrusted source (such as submitted by
21451 an application user) @value{GDBN} does not always load any files automatically.
21452 @value{GDBN} provides the @samp{set auto-load safe-path} setting to list
21453 directories trusted for loading files not explicitly requested by user.
21454
21455 If the path is not set properly you will see a warning and the file will not
21456 get loaded:
21457
21458 @smallexample
21459 $ ./gdb -q ./gdb
21460 Reading symbols from /home/user/gdb/gdb...done.
21461 warning: File "/home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.gdb" auto-loading has been
21462 declined by your `auto-load safe-path' set
21463 to "$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load".
21464 warning: File "/home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.py" auto-loading has been
21465 declined by your `auto-load safe-path' set
21466 to "$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load".
21467 @end smallexample
21468
21469 The list of trusted directories is controlled by the following commands:
21470
21471 @table @code
21472 @anchor{set auto-load safe-path}
21473 @kindex set auto-load safe-path
21474 @item set auto-load safe-path @r{[}@var{directories}@r{]}
21475 Set the list of directories (and their subdirectories) trusted for automatic
21476 loading and execution of scripts. You can also enter a specific trusted file.
21477 If you omit @var{directories}, @samp{auto-load safe-path} will be reset to
21478 its default value as specified during @value{GDBN} compilation.
21479
21480 The list of directories uses path separator (@samp{:} on GNU and Unix
21481 systems, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS) to separate directories, similarly
21482 to the @env{PATH} environment variable.
21483
21484 @anchor{show auto-load safe-path}
21485 @kindex show auto-load safe-path
21486 @item show auto-load safe-path
21487 Show the list of directories trusted for automatic loading and execution of
21488 scripts.
21489
21490 @anchor{add-auto-load-safe-path}
21491 @kindex add-auto-load-safe-path
21492 @item add-auto-load-safe-path
21493 Add an entry (or list of entries) the list of directories trusted for automatic
21494 loading and execution of scripts. Multiple entries may be delimited by the
21495 host platform path separator in use.
21496 @end table
21497
21498 This variable defaults to what @code{--with-auto-load-dir} has been configured
21499 to (@pxref{with-auto-load-dir}). @file{$debugdir} and @file{$datadir}
21500 substitution applies the same as for @ref{set auto-load scripts-directory}.
21501 The default @code{set auto-load safe-path} value can be also overriden by
21502 @value{GDBN} configuration option @option{--with-auto-load-safe-path}.
21503
21504 Setting this variable to @file{/} disables this security protection,
21505 corresponding @value{GDBN} configuration option is
21506 @option{--without-auto-load-safe-path}.
21507 This variable is supposed to be set to the system directories writable by the
21508 system superuser only. Users can add their source directories in init files in
21509 their home directories (@pxref{Home Directory Init File}). See also deprecated
21510 init file in the current directory
21511 (@pxref{Init File in the Current Directory during Startup}).
21512
21513 To force @value{GDBN} to load the files it declined to load in the previous
21514 example, you could use one of the following ways:
21515
21516 @table @asis
21517 @item @file{~/.gdbinit}: @samp{add-auto-load-safe-path ~/src/gdb}
21518 Specify this trusted directory (or a file) as additional component of the list.
21519 You have to specify also any existing directories displayed by
21520 by @samp{show auto-load safe-path} (such as @samp{/usr:/bin} in this example).
21521
21522 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load safe-path /usr:/bin:~/src/gdb" @dots{}}
21523 Specify this directory as in the previous case but just for a single
21524 @value{GDBN} session.
21525
21526 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load safe-path /" @dots{}}
21527 Disable auto-loading safety for a single @value{GDBN} session.
21528 This assumes all the files you debug during this @value{GDBN} session will come
21529 from trusted sources.
21530
21531 @item @kbd{./configure --without-auto-load-safe-path}
21532 During compilation of @value{GDBN} you may disable any auto-loading safety.
21533 This assumes all the files you will ever debug with this @value{GDBN} come from
21534 trusted sources.
21535 @end table
21536
21537 On the other hand you can also explicitly forbid automatic files loading which
21538 also suppresses any such warning messages:
21539
21540 @table @asis
21541 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load no" @dots{}}
21542 You can use @value{GDBN} command-line option for a single @value{GDBN} session.
21543
21544 @item @file{~/.gdbinit}: @samp{set auto-load no}
21545 Disable auto-loading globally for the user
21546 (@pxref{Home Directory Init File}). While it is improbable, you could also
21547 use system init file instead (@pxref{System-wide configuration}).
21548 @end table
21549
21550 This setting applies to the file names as entered by user. If no entry matches
21551 @value{GDBN} tries as a last resort to also resolve all the file names into
21552 their canonical form (typically resolving symbolic links) and compare the
21553 entries again. @value{GDBN} already canonicalizes most of the filenames on its
21554 own before starting the comparison so a canonical form of directories is
21555 recommended to be entered.
21556
21557 @node Auto-loading verbose mode
21558 @subsection Displaying files tried for auto-load
21559 @cindex auto-loading verbose mode
21560
21561 For better visibility of all the file locations where you can place scripts to
21562 be auto-loaded with inferior --- or to protect yourself against accidental
21563 execution of untrusted scripts --- @value{GDBN} provides a feature for printing
21564 all the files attempted to be loaded. Both existing and non-existing files may
21565 be printed.
21566
21567 For example the list of directories from which it is safe to auto-load files
21568 (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}) applies also to canonicalized filenames which
21569 may not be too obvious while setting it up.
21570
21571 @smallexample
21572 (gdb) set debug auto-load on
21573 (gdb) file ~/src/t/true
21574 auto-load: Loading canned sequences of commands script "/tmp/true-gdb.gdb"
21575 for objfile "/tmp/true".
21576 auto-load: Updating directories of "/usr:/opt".
21577 auto-load: Using directory "/usr".
21578 auto-load: Using directory "/opt".
21579 warning: File "/tmp/true-gdb.gdb" auto-loading has been declined
21580 by your `auto-load safe-path' set to "/usr:/opt".
21581 @end smallexample
21582
21583 @table @code
21584 @anchor{set debug auto-load}
21585 @kindex set debug auto-load
21586 @item set debug auto-load [on|off]
21587 Set whether to print the filenames attempted to be auto-loaded.
21588
21589 @anchor{show debug auto-load}
21590 @kindex show debug auto-load
21591 @item show debug auto-load
21592 Show whether printing of the filenames attempted to be auto-loaded is turned
21593 on or off.
21594 @end table
21595
21596 @node Messages/Warnings
21597 @section Optional Warnings and Messages
21598
21599 @cindex verbose operation
21600 @cindex optional warnings
21601 By default, @value{GDBN} is silent about its inner workings. If you are
21602 running on a slow machine, you may want to use the @code{set verbose}
21603 command. This makes @value{GDBN} tell you when it does a lengthy
21604 internal operation, so you will not think it has crashed.
21605
21606 Currently, the messages controlled by @code{set verbose} are those
21607 which announce that the symbol table for a source file is being read;
21608 see @code{symbol-file} in @ref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}.
21609
21610 @table @code
21611 @kindex set verbose
21612 @item set verbose on
21613 Enables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
21614
21615 @item set verbose off
21616 Disables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
21617
21618 @kindex show verbose
21619 @item show verbose
21620 Displays whether @code{set verbose} is on or off.
21621 @end table
21622
21623 By default, if @value{GDBN} encounters bugs in the symbol table of an
21624 object file, it is silent; but if you are debugging a compiler, you may
21625 find this information useful (@pxref{Symbol Errors, ,Errors Reading
21626 Symbol Files}).
21627
21628 @table @code
21629
21630 @kindex set complaints
21631 @item set complaints @var{limit}
21632 Permits @value{GDBN} to output @var{limit} complaints about each type of
21633 unusual symbols before becoming silent about the problem. Set
21634 @var{limit} to zero to suppress all complaints; set it to a large number
21635 to prevent complaints from being suppressed.
21636
21637 @kindex show complaints
21638 @item show complaints
21639 Displays how many symbol complaints @value{GDBN} is permitted to produce.
21640
21641 @end table
21642
21643 @anchor{confirmation requests}
21644 By default, @value{GDBN} is cautious, and asks what sometimes seems to be a
21645 lot of stupid questions to confirm certain commands. For example, if
21646 you try to run a program which is already running:
21647
21648 @smallexample
21649 (@value{GDBP}) run
21650 The program being debugged has been started already.
21651 Start it from the beginning? (y or n)
21652 @end smallexample
21653
21654 If you are willing to unflinchingly face the consequences of your own
21655 commands, you can disable this ``feature'':
21656
21657 @table @code
21658
21659 @kindex set confirm
21660 @cindex flinching
21661 @cindex confirmation
21662 @cindex stupid questions
21663 @item set confirm off
21664 Disables confirmation requests. Note that running @value{GDBN} with
21665 the @option{--batch} option (@pxref{Mode Options, -batch}) also
21666 automatically disables confirmation requests.
21667
21668 @item set confirm on
21669 Enables confirmation requests (the default).
21670
21671 @kindex show confirm
21672 @item show confirm
21673 Displays state of confirmation requests.
21674
21675 @end table
21676
21677 @cindex command tracing
21678 If you need to debug user-defined commands or sourced files you may find it
21679 useful to enable @dfn{command tracing}. In this mode each command will be
21680 printed as it is executed, prefixed with one or more @samp{+} symbols, the
21681 quantity denoting the call depth of each command.
21682
21683 @table @code
21684 @kindex set trace-commands
21685 @cindex command scripts, debugging
21686 @item set trace-commands on
21687 Enable command tracing.
21688 @item set trace-commands off
21689 Disable command tracing.
21690 @item show trace-commands
21691 Display the current state of command tracing.
21692 @end table
21693
21694 @node Debugging Output
21695 @section Optional Messages about Internal Happenings
21696 @cindex optional debugging messages
21697
21698 @value{GDBN} has commands that enable optional debugging messages from
21699 various @value{GDBN} subsystems; normally these commands are of
21700 interest to @value{GDBN} maintainers, or when reporting a bug. This
21701 section documents those commands.
21702
21703 @table @code
21704 @kindex set exec-done-display
21705 @item set exec-done-display
21706 Turns on or off the notification of asynchronous commands'
21707 completion. When on, @value{GDBN} will print a message when an
21708 asynchronous command finishes its execution. The default is off.
21709 @kindex show exec-done-display
21710 @item show exec-done-display
21711 Displays the current setting of asynchronous command completion
21712 notification.
21713 @kindex set debug
21714 @cindex gdbarch debugging info
21715 @cindex architecture debugging info
21716 @item set debug arch
21717 Turns on or off display of gdbarch debugging info. The default is off
21718 @kindex show debug
21719 @item show debug arch
21720 Displays the current state of displaying gdbarch debugging info.
21721 @item set debug aix-thread
21722 @cindex AIX threads
21723 Display debugging messages about inner workings of the AIX thread
21724 module.
21725 @item show debug aix-thread
21726 Show the current state of AIX thread debugging info display.
21727 @item set debug check-physname
21728 @cindex physname
21729 Check the results of the ``physname'' computation. When reading DWARF
21730 debugging information for C@t{++}, @value{GDBN} attempts to compute
21731 each entity's name. @value{GDBN} can do this computation in two
21732 different ways, depending on exactly what information is present.
21733 When enabled, this setting causes @value{GDBN} to compute the names
21734 both ways and display any discrepancies.
21735 @item show debug check-physname
21736 Show the current state of ``physname'' checking.
21737 @item set debug dwarf2-die
21738 @cindex DWARF2 DIEs
21739 Dump DWARF2 DIEs after they are read in.
21740 The value is the number of nesting levels to print.
21741 A value of zero turns off the display.
21742 @item show debug dwarf2-die
21743 Show the current state of DWARF2 DIE debugging.
21744 @item set debug dwarf2-read
21745 @cindex DWARF2 Reading
21746 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to reading
21747 DWARF debug info. The default is off.
21748 @item show debug dwarf2-read
21749 Show the current state of DWARF2 reader debugging.
21750 @item set debug displaced
21751 @cindex displaced stepping debugging info
21752 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for the
21753 displaced stepping support. The default is off.
21754 @item show debug displaced
21755 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} debugging info
21756 related to displaced stepping.
21757 @item set debug event
21758 @cindex event debugging info
21759 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} event debugging info. The
21760 default is off.
21761 @item show debug event
21762 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} event debugging
21763 info.
21764 @item set debug expression
21765 @cindex expression debugging info
21766 Turns on or off display of debugging info about @value{GDBN}
21767 expression parsing. The default is off.
21768 @item show debug expression
21769 Displays the current state of displaying debugging info about
21770 @value{GDBN} expression parsing.
21771 @item set debug frame
21772 @cindex frame debugging info
21773 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} frame debugging info. The
21774 default is off.
21775 @item show debug frame
21776 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} frame debugging
21777 info.
21778 @item set debug gnu-nat
21779 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug messages
21780 Turns on or off debugging messages from the @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug support.
21781 @item show debug gnu-nat
21782 Show the current state of @sc{gnu}/Hurd debugging messages.
21783 @item set debug infrun
21784 @cindex inferior debugging info
21785 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for running the inferior.
21786 The default is off. @file{infrun.c} contains GDB's runtime state machine used
21787 for implementing operations such as single-stepping the inferior.
21788 @item show debug infrun
21789 Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} inferior debugging.
21790 @item set debug jit
21791 @cindex just-in-time compilation, debugging messages
21792 Turns on or off debugging messages from JIT debug support.
21793 @item show debug jit
21794 Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} JIT debugging.
21795 @item set debug lin-lwp
21796 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Linux LWP debug messages
21797 @cindex Linux lightweight processes
21798 Turns on or off debugging messages from the Linux LWP debug support.
21799 @item show debug lin-lwp
21800 Show the current state of Linux LWP debugging messages.
21801 @item set debug observer
21802 @cindex observer debugging info
21803 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} observer debugging. This
21804 includes info such as the notification of observable events.
21805 @item show debug observer
21806 Displays the current state of observer debugging.
21807 @item set debug overload
21808 @cindex C@t{++} overload debugging info
21809 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload debugging
21810 info. This includes info such as ranking of functions, etc. The default
21811 is off.
21812 @item show debug overload
21813 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload
21814 debugging info.
21815 @cindex expression parser, debugging info
21816 @cindex debug expression parser
21817 @item set debug parser
21818 Turns on or off the display of expression parser debugging output.
21819 Internally, this sets the @code{yydebug} variable in the expression
21820 parser. @xref{Tracing, , Tracing Your Parser, bison, Bison}, for
21821 details. The default is off.
21822 @item show debug parser
21823 Show the current state of expression parser debugging.
21824 @cindex packets, reporting on stdout
21825 @cindex serial connections, debugging
21826 @cindex debug remote protocol
21827 @cindex remote protocol debugging
21828 @cindex display remote packets
21829 @item set debug remote
21830 Turns on or off display of reports on all packets sent back and forth across
21831 the serial line to the remote machine. The info is printed on the
21832 @value{GDBN} standard output stream. The default is off.
21833 @item show debug remote
21834 Displays the state of display of remote packets.
21835 @item set debug serial
21836 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} serial debugging info. The
21837 default is off.
21838 @item show debug serial
21839 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} serial debugging
21840 info.
21841 @item set debug solib-frv
21842 @cindex FR-V shared-library debugging
21843 Turns on or off debugging messages for FR-V shared-library code.
21844 @item show debug solib-frv
21845 Display the current state of FR-V shared-library code debugging
21846 messages.
21847 @item set debug symtab-create
21848 @cindex symbol table creation
21849 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to symbol table creation.
21850 The default is off.
21851 @item show debug symtab-create
21852 Show the current state of symbol table creation debugging.
21853 @item set debug target
21854 @cindex target debugging info
21855 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} target debugging info. This info
21856 includes what is going on at the target level of GDB, as it happens. The
21857 default is 0. Set it to 1 to track events, and to 2 to also track the
21858 value of large memory transfers. Changes to this flag do not take effect
21859 until the next time you connect to a target or use the @code{run} command.
21860 @item show debug target
21861 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} target debugging
21862 info.
21863 @item set debug timestamp
21864 @cindex timestampping debugging info
21865 Turns on or off display of timestamps with @value{GDBN} debugging info.
21866 When enabled, seconds and microseconds are displayed before each debugging
21867 message.
21868 @item show debug timestamp
21869 Displays the current state of displaying timestamps with @value{GDBN}
21870 debugging info.
21871 @item set debugvarobj
21872 @cindex variable object debugging info
21873 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} variable object debugging
21874 info. The default is off.
21875 @item show debugvarobj
21876 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} variable object
21877 debugging info.
21878 @item set debug xml
21879 @cindex XML parser debugging
21880 Turns on or off debugging messages for built-in XML parsers.
21881 @item show debug xml
21882 Displays the current state of XML debugging messages.
21883 @end table
21884
21885 @node Other Misc Settings
21886 @section Other Miscellaneous Settings
21887 @cindex miscellaneous settings
21888
21889 @table @code
21890 @kindex set interactive-mode
21891 @item set interactive-mode
21892 If @code{on}, forces @value{GDBN} to assume that GDB was started
21893 in a terminal. In practice, this means that @value{GDBN} should wait
21894 for the user to answer queries generated by commands entered at
21895 the command prompt. If @code{off}, forces @value{GDBN} to operate
21896 in the opposite mode, and it uses the default answers to all queries.
21897 If @code{auto} (the default), @value{GDBN} tries to determine whether
21898 its standard input is a terminal, and works in interactive-mode if it
21899 is, non-interactively otherwise.
21900
21901 In the vast majority of cases, the debugger should be able to guess
21902 correctly which mode should be used. But this setting can be useful
21903 in certain specific cases, such as running a MinGW @value{GDBN}
21904 inside a cygwin window.
21905
21906 @kindex show interactive-mode
21907 @item show interactive-mode
21908 Displays whether the debugger is operating in interactive mode or not.
21909 @end table
21910
21911 @node Extending GDB
21912 @chapter Extending @value{GDBN}
21913 @cindex extending GDB
21914
21915 @value{GDBN} provides three mechanisms for extension. The first is based
21916 on composition of @value{GDBN} commands, the second is based on the
21917 Python scripting language, and the third is for defining new aliases of
21918 existing commands.
21919
21920 To facilitate the use of the first two extensions, @value{GDBN} is capable
21921 of evaluating the contents of a file. When doing so, @value{GDBN}
21922 can recognize which scripting language is being used by looking at
21923 the filename extension. Files with an unrecognized filename extension
21924 are always treated as a @value{GDBN} Command Files.
21925 @xref{Command Files,, Command files}.
21926
21927 You can control how @value{GDBN} evaluates these files with the following
21928 setting:
21929
21930 @table @code
21931 @kindex set script-extension
21932 @kindex show script-extension
21933 @item set script-extension off
21934 All scripts are always evaluated as @value{GDBN} Command Files.
21935
21936 @item set script-extension soft
21937 The debugger determines the scripting language based on filename
21938 extension. If this scripting language is supported, @value{GDBN}
21939 evaluates the script using that language. Otherwise, it evaluates
21940 the file as a @value{GDBN} Command File.
21941
21942 @item set script-extension strict
21943 The debugger determines the scripting language based on filename
21944 extension, and evaluates the script using that language. If the
21945 language is not supported, then the evaluation fails.
21946
21947 @item show script-extension
21948 Display the current value of the @code{script-extension} option.
21949
21950 @end table
21951
21952 @menu
21953 * Sequences:: Canned Sequences of Commands
21954 * Python:: Scripting @value{GDBN} using Python
21955 * Aliases:: Creating new spellings of existing commands
21956 @end menu
21957
21958 @node Sequences
21959 @section Canned Sequences of Commands
21960
21961 Aside from breakpoint commands (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint
21962 Command Lists}), @value{GDBN} provides two ways to store sequences of
21963 commands for execution as a unit: user-defined commands and command
21964 files.
21965
21966 @menu
21967 * Define:: How to define your own commands
21968 * Hooks:: Hooks for user-defined commands
21969 * Command Files:: How to write scripts of commands to be stored in a file
21970 * Output:: Commands for controlled output
21971 @end menu
21972
21973 @node Define
21974 @subsection User-defined Commands
21975
21976 @cindex user-defined command
21977 @cindex arguments, to user-defined commands
21978 A @dfn{user-defined command} is a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands to
21979 which you assign a new name as a command. This is done with the
21980 @code{define} command. User commands may accept up to 10 arguments
21981 separated by whitespace. Arguments are accessed within the user command
21982 via @code{$arg0@dots{}$arg9}. A trivial example:
21983
21984 @smallexample
21985 define adder
21986 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
21987 end
21988 @end smallexample
21989
21990 @noindent
21991 To execute the command use:
21992
21993 @smallexample
21994 adder 1 2 3
21995 @end smallexample
21996
21997 @noindent
21998 This defines the command @code{adder}, which prints the sum of
21999 its three arguments. Note the arguments are text substitutions, so they may
22000 reference variables, use complex expressions, or even perform inferior
22001 functions calls.
22002
22003 @cindex argument count in user-defined commands
22004 @cindex how many arguments (user-defined commands)
22005 In addition, @code{$argc} may be used to find out how many arguments have
22006 been passed. This expands to a number in the range 0@dots{}10.
22007
22008 @smallexample
22009 define adder
22010 if $argc == 2
22011 print $arg0 + $arg1
22012 end
22013 if $argc == 3
22014 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
22015 end
22016 end
22017 @end smallexample
22018
22019 @table @code
22020
22021 @kindex define
22022 @item define @var{commandname}
22023 Define a command named @var{commandname}. If there is already a command
22024 by that name, you are asked to confirm that you want to redefine it.
22025 @var{commandname} may be a bare command name consisting of letters,
22026 numbers, dashes, and underscores. It may also start with any predefined
22027 prefix command. For example, @samp{define target my-target} creates
22028 a user-defined @samp{target my-target} command.
22029
22030 The definition of the command is made up of other @value{GDBN} command lines,
22031 which are given following the @code{define} command. The end of these
22032 commands is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
22033
22034 @kindex document
22035 @kindex end@r{ (user-defined commands)}
22036 @item document @var{commandname}
22037 Document the user-defined command @var{commandname}, so that it can be
22038 accessed by @code{help}. The command @var{commandname} must already be
22039 defined. This command reads lines of documentation just as @code{define}
22040 reads the lines of the command definition, ending with @code{end}.
22041 After the @code{document} command is finished, @code{help} on command
22042 @var{commandname} displays the documentation you have written.
22043
22044 You may use the @code{document} command again to change the
22045 documentation of a command. Redefining the command with @code{define}
22046 does not change the documentation.
22047
22048 @kindex dont-repeat
22049 @cindex don't repeat command
22050 @item dont-repeat
22051 Used inside a user-defined command, this tells @value{GDBN} that this
22052 command should not be repeated when the user hits @key{RET}
22053 (@pxref{Command Syntax, repeat last command}).
22054
22055 @kindex help user-defined
22056 @item help user-defined
22057 List all user-defined commands and all python commands defined in class
22058 COMAND_USER. The first line of the documentation or docstring is
22059 included (if any).
22060
22061 @kindex show user
22062 @item show user
22063 @itemx show user @var{commandname}
22064 Display the @value{GDBN} commands used to define @var{commandname} (but
22065 not its documentation). If no @var{commandname} is given, display the
22066 definitions for all user-defined commands.
22067 This does not work for user-defined python commands.
22068
22069 @cindex infinite recursion in user-defined commands
22070 @kindex show max-user-call-depth
22071 @kindex set max-user-call-depth
22072 @item show max-user-call-depth
22073 @itemx set max-user-call-depth
22074 The value of @code{max-user-call-depth} controls how many recursion
22075 levels are allowed in user-defined commands before @value{GDBN} suspects an
22076 infinite recursion and aborts the command.
22077 This does not apply to user-defined python commands.
22078 @end table
22079
22080 In addition to the above commands, user-defined commands frequently
22081 use control flow commands, described in @ref{Command Files}.
22082
22083 When user-defined commands are executed, the
22084 commands of the definition are not printed. An error in any command
22085 stops execution of the user-defined command.
22086
22087 If used interactively, commands that would ask for confirmation proceed
22088 without asking when used inside a user-defined command. Many @value{GDBN}
22089 commands that normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the
22090 messages when used in a user-defined command.
22091
22092 @node Hooks
22093 @subsection User-defined Command Hooks
22094 @cindex command hooks
22095 @cindex hooks, for commands
22096 @cindex hooks, pre-command
22097
22098 @kindex hook
22099 You may define @dfn{hooks}, which are a special kind of user-defined
22100 command. Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined
22101 command @samp{hook-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments)
22102 before that command.
22103
22104 @cindex hooks, post-command
22105 @kindex hookpost
22106 A hook may also be defined which is run after the command you executed.
22107 Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined command
22108 @samp{hookpost-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments) after
22109 that command. Post-execution hooks may exist simultaneously with
22110 pre-execution hooks, for the same command.
22111
22112 It is valid for a hook to call the command which it hooks. If this
22113 occurs, the hook is not re-executed, thereby avoiding infinite recursion.
22114
22115 @c It would be nice if hookpost could be passed a parameter indicating
22116 @c if the command it hooks executed properly or not. FIXME!
22117
22118 @kindex stop@r{, a pseudo-command}
22119 In addition, a pseudo-command, @samp{stop} exists. Defining
22120 (@samp{hook-stop}) makes the associated commands execute every time
22121 execution stops in your program: before breakpoint commands are run,
22122 displays are printed, or the stack frame is printed.
22123
22124 For example, to ignore @code{SIGALRM} signals while
22125 single-stepping, but treat them normally during normal execution,
22126 you could define:
22127
22128 @smallexample
22129 define hook-stop
22130 handle SIGALRM nopass
22131 end
22132
22133 define hook-run
22134 handle SIGALRM pass
22135 end
22136
22137 define hook-continue
22138 handle SIGALRM pass
22139 end
22140 @end smallexample
22141
22142 As a further example, to hook at the beginning and end of the @code{echo}
22143 command, and to add extra text to the beginning and end of the message,
22144 you could define:
22145
22146 @smallexample
22147 define hook-echo
22148 echo <<<---
22149 end
22150
22151 define hookpost-echo
22152 echo --->>>\n
22153 end
22154
22155 (@value{GDBP}) echo Hello World
22156 <<<---Hello World--->>>
22157 (@value{GDBP})
22158
22159 @end smallexample
22160
22161 You can define a hook for any single-word command in @value{GDBN}, but
22162 not for command aliases; you should define a hook for the basic command
22163 name, e.g.@: @code{backtrace} rather than @code{bt}.
22164 @c FIXME! So how does Joe User discover whether a command is an alias
22165 @c or not?
22166 You can hook a multi-word command by adding @code{hook-} or
22167 @code{hookpost-} to the last word of the command, e.g.@:
22168 @samp{define target hook-remote} to add a hook to @samp{target remote}.
22169
22170 If an error occurs during the execution of your hook, execution of
22171 @value{GDBN} commands stops and @value{GDBN} issues a prompt
22172 (before the command that you actually typed had a chance to run).
22173
22174 If you try to define a hook which does not match any known command, you
22175 get a warning from the @code{define} command.
22176
22177 @node Command Files
22178 @subsection Command Files
22179
22180 @cindex command files
22181 @cindex scripting commands
22182 A command file for @value{GDBN} is a text file made of lines that are
22183 @value{GDBN} commands. Comments (lines starting with @kbd{#}) may
22184 also be included. An empty line in a command file does nothing; it
22185 does not mean to repeat the last command, as it would from the
22186 terminal.
22187
22188 You can request the execution of a command file with the @code{source}
22189 command. Note that the @code{source} command is also used to evaluate
22190 scripts that are not Command Files. The exact behavior can be configured
22191 using the @code{script-extension} setting.
22192 @xref{Extending GDB,, Extending GDB}.
22193
22194 @table @code
22195 @kindex source
22196 @cindex execute commands from a file
22197 @item source [-s] [-v] @var{filename}
22198 Execute the command file @var{filename}.
22199 @end table
22200
22201 The lines in a command file are generally executed sequentially,
22202 unless the order of execution is changed by one of the
22203 @emph{flow-control commands} described below. The commands are not
22204 printed as they are executed. An error in any command terminates
22205 execution of the command file and control is returned to the console.
22206
22207 @value{GDBN} first searches for @var{filename} in the current directory.
22208 If the file is not found there, and @var{filename} does not specify a
22209 directory, then @value{GDBN} also looks for the file on the source search path
22210 (specified with the @samp{directory} command);
22211 except that @file{$cdir} is not searched because the compilation directory
22212 is not relevant to scripts.
22213
22214 If @code{-s} is specified, then @value{GDBN} searches for @var{filename}
22215 on the search path even if @var{filename} specifies a directory.
22216 The search is done by appending @var{filename} to each element of the
22217 search path. So, for example, if @var{filename} is @file{mylib/myscript}
22218 and the search path contains @file{/home/user} then @value{GDBN} will
22219 look for the script @file{/home/user/mylib/myscript}.
22220 The search is also done if @var{filename} is an absolute path.
22221 For example, if @var{filename} is @file{/tmp/myscript} and
22222 the search path contains @file{/home/user} then @value{GDBN} will
22223 look for the script @file{/home/user/tmp/myscript}.
22224 For DOS-like systems, if @var{filename} contains a drive specification,
22225 it is stripped before concatenation. For example, if @var{filename} is
22226 @file{d:myscript} and the search path contains @file{c:/tmp} then @value{GDBN}
22227 will look for the script @file{c:/tmp/myscript}.
22228
22229 If @code{-v}, for verbose mode, is given then @value{GDBN} displays
22230 each command as it is executed. The option must be given before
22231 @var{filename}, and is interpreted as part of the filename anywhere else.
22232
22233 Commands that would ask for confirmation if used interactively proceed
22234 without asking when used in a command file. Many @value{GDBN} commands that
22235 normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the messages
22236 when called from command files.
22237
22238 @value{GDBN} also accepts command input from standard input. In this
22239 mode, normal output goes to standard output and error output goes to
22240 standard error. Errors in a command file supplied on standard input do
22241 not terminate execution of the command file---execution continues with
22242 the next command.
22243
22244 @smallexample
22245 gdb < cmds > log 2>&1
22246 @end smallexample
22247
22248 (The syntax above will vary depending on the shell used.) This example
22249 will execute commands from the file @file{cmds}. All output and errors
22250 would be directed to @file{log}.
22251
22252 Since commands stored on command files tend to be more general than
22253 commands typed interactively, they frequently need to deal with
22254 complicated situations, such as different or unexpected values of
22255 variables and symbols, changes in how the program being debugged is
22256 built, etc. @value{GDBN} provides a set of flow-control commands to
22257 deal with these complexities. Using these commands, you can write
22258 complex scripts that loop over data structures, execute commands
22259 conditionally, etc.
22260
22261 @table @code
22262 @kindex if
22263 @kindex else
22264 @item if
22265 @itemx else
22266 This command allows to include in your script conditionally executed
22267 commands. The @code{if} command takes a single argument, which is an
22268 expression to evaluate. It is followed by a series of commands that
22269 are executed only if the expression is true (its value is nonzero).
22270 There can then optionally be an @code{else} line, followed by a series
22271 of commands that are only executed if the expression was false. The
22272 end of the list is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
22273
22274 @kindex while
22275 @item while
22276 This command allows to write loops. Its syntax is similar to
22277 @code{if}: the command takes a single argument, which is an expression
22278 to evaluate, and must be followed by the commands to execute, one per
22279 line, terminated by an @code{end}. These commands are called the
22280 @dfn{body} of the loop. The commands in the body of @code{while} are
22281 executed repeatedly as long as the expression evaluates to true.
22282
22283 @kindex loop_break
22284 @item loop_break
22285 This command exits the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included.
22286 Execution of the script continues after that @code{while}s @code{end}
22287 line.
22288
22289 @kindex loop_continue
22290 @item loop_continue
22291 This command skips the execution of the rest of the body of commands
22292 in the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included. Execution
22293 branches to the beginning of the @code{while} loop, where it evaluates
22294 the controlling expression.
22295
22296 @kindex end@r{ (if/else/while commands)}
22297 @item end
22298 Terminate the block of commands that are the body of @code{if},
22299 @code{else}, or @code{while} flow-control commands.
22300 @end table
22301
22302
22303 @node Output
22304 @subsection Commands for Controlled Output
22305
22306 During the execution of a command file or a user-defined command, normal
22307 @value{GDBN} output is suppressed; the only output that appears is what is
22308 explicitly printed by the commands in the definition. This section
22309 describes three commands useful for generating exactly the output you
22310 want.
22311
22312 @table @code
22313 @kindex echo
22314 @item echo @var{text}
22315 @c I do not consider backslash-space a standard C escape sequence
22316 @c because it is not in ANSI.
22317 Print @var{text}. Nonprinting characters can be included in
22318 @var{text} using C escape sequences, such as @samp{\n} to print a
22319 newline. @strong{No newline is printed unless you specify one.}
22320 In addition to the standard C escape sequences, a backslash followed
22321 by a space stands for a space. This is useful for displaying a
22322 string with spaces at the beginning or the end, since leading and
22323 trailing spaces are otherwise trimmed from all arguments.
22324 To print @samp{@w{ }and foo =@w{ }}, use the command
22325 @samp{echo \@w{ }and foo = \@w{ }}.
22326
22327 A backslash at the end of @var{text} can be used, as in C, to continue
22328 the command onto subsequent lines. For example,
22329
22330 @smallexample
22331 echo This is some text\n\
22332 which is continued\n\
22333 onto several lines.\n
22334 @end smallexample
22335
22336 produces the same output as
22337
22338 @smallexample
22339 echo This is some text\n
22340 echo which is continued\n
22341 echo onto several lines.\n
22342 @end smallexample
22343
22344 @kindex output
22345 @item output @var{expression}
22346 Print the value of @var{expression} and nothing but that value: no
22347 newlines, no @samp{$@var{nn} = }. The value is not entered in the
22348 value history either. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information
22349 on expressions.
22350
22351 @item output/@var{fmt} @var{expression}
22352 Print the value of @var{expression} in format @var{fmt}. You can use
22353 the same formats as for @code{print}. @xref{Output Formats,,Output
22354 Formats}, for more information.
22355
22356 @kindex printf
22357 @item printf @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
22358 Print the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
22359 the string @var{template}. To print several values, make
22360 @var{expressions} be a comma-separated list of individual expressions,
22361 which may be either numbers or pointers. Their values are printed as
22362 specified by @var{template}, exactly as a C program would do by
22363 executing the code below:
22364
22365 @smallexample
22366 printf (@var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{});
22367 @end smallexample
22368
22369 As in @code{C} @code{printf}, ordinary characters in @var{template}
22370 are printed verbatim, while @dfn{conversion specification} introduced
22371 by the @samp{%} character cause subsequent @var{expressions} to be
22372 evaluated, their values converted and formatted according to type and
22373 style information encoded in the conversion specifications, and then
22374 printed.
22375
22376 For example, you can print two values in hex like this:
22377
22378 @smallexample
22379 printf "foo, bar-foo = 0x%x, 0x%x\n", foo, bar-foo
22380 @end smallexample
22381
22382 @code{printf} supports all the standard @code{C} conversion
22383 specifications, including the flags and modifiers between the @samp{%}
22384 character and the conversion letter, with the following exceptions:
22385
22386 @itemize @bullet
22387 @item
22388 The argument-ordering modifiers, such as @samp{2$}, are not supported.
22389
22390 @item
22391 The modifier @samp{*} is not supported for specifying precision or
22392 width.
22393
22394 @item
22395 The @samp{'} flag (for separation of digits into groups according to
22396 @code{LC_NUMERIC'}) is not supported.
22397
22398 @item
22399 The type modifiers @samp{hh}, @samp{j}, @samp{t}, and @samp{z} are not
22400 supported.
22401
22402 @item
22403 The conversion letter @samp{n} (as in @samp{%n}) is not supported.
22404
22405 @item
22406 The conversion letters @samp{a} and @samp{A} are not supported.
22407 @end itemize
22408
22409 @noindent
22410 Note that the @samp{ll} type modifier is supported only if the
22411 underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} supports
22412 the @code{long long int} type, and the @samp{L} type modifier is
22413 supported only if @code{long double} type is available.
22414
22415 As in @code{C}, @code{printf} supports simple backslash-escape
22416 sequences, such as @code{\n}, @samp{\t}, @samp{\\}, @samp{\"},
22417 @samp{\a}, and @samp{\f}, that consist of backslash followed by a
22418 single character. Octal and hexadecimal escape sequences are not
22419 supported.
22420
22421 Additionally, @code{printf} supports conversion specifications for DFP
22422 (@dfn{Decimal Floating Point}) types using the following length modifiers
22423 together with a floating point specifier.
22424 letters:
22425
22426 @itemize @bullet
22427 @item
22428 @samp{H} for printing @code{Decimal32} types.
22429
22430 @item
22431 @samp{D} for printing @code{Decimal64} types.
22432
22433 @item
22434 @samp{DD} for printing @code{Decimal128} types.
22435 @end itemize
22436
22437 If the underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} has
22438 support for the three length modifiers for DFP types, other modifiers
22439 such as width and precision will also be available for @value{GDBN} to use.
22440
22441 In case there is no such @code{C} support, no additional modifiers will be
22442 available and the value will be printed in the standard way.
22443
22444 Here's an example of printing DFP types using the above conversion letters:
22445 @smallexample
22446 printf "D32: %Hf - D64: %Df - D128: %DDf\n",1.2345df,1.2E10dd,1.2E1dl
22447 @end smallexample
22448
22449 @kindex eval
22450 @item eval @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
22451 Convert the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
22452 the string @var{template} to a command line, and call it.
22453
22454 @end table
22455
22456 @node Python
22457 @section Scripting @value{GDBN} using Python
22458 @cindex python scripting
22459 @cindex scripting with python
22460
22461 You can script @value{GDBN} using the @uref{http://www.python.org/,
22462 Python programming language}. This feature is available only if
22463 @value{GDBN} was configured using @option{--with-python}.
22464
22465 @cindex python directory
22466 Python scripts used by @value{GDBN} should be installed in
22467 @file{@var{data-directory}/python}, where @var{data-directory} is
22468 the data directory as determined at @value{GDBN} startup (@pxref{Data Files}).
22469 This directory, known as the @dfn{python directory},
22470 is automatically added to the Python Search Path in order to allow
22471 the Python interpreter to locate all scripts installed at this location.
22472
22473 Additionally, @value{GDBN} commands and convenience functions which
22474 are written in Python and are located in the
22475 @file{@var{data-directory}/python/gdb/command} or
22476 @file{@var{data-directory}/python/gdb/function} directories are
22477 automatically imported when @value{GDBN} starts.
22478
22479 @menu
22480 * Python Commands:: Accessing Python from @value{GDBN}.
22481 * Python API:: Accessing @value{GDBN} from Python.
22482 * Python Auto-loading:: Automatically loading Python code.
22483 * Python modules:: Python modules provided by @value{GDBN}.
22484 @end menu
22485
22486 @node Python Commands
22487 @subsection Python Commands
22488 @cindex python commands
22489 @cindex commands to access python
22490
22491 @value{GDBN} provides one command for accessing the Python interpreter,
22492 and one related setting:
22493
22494 @table @code
22495 @kindex python
22496 @item python @r{[}@var{code}@r{]}
22497 The @code{python} command can be used to evaluate Python code.
22498
22499 If given an argument, the @code{python} command will evaluate the
22500 argument as a Python command. For example:
22501
22502 @smallexample
22503 (@value{GDBP}) python print 23
22504 23
22505 @end smallexample
22506
22507 If you do not provide an argument to @code{python}, it will act as a
22508 multi-line command, like @code{define}. In this case, the Python
22509 script is made up of subsequent command lines, given after the
22510 @code{python} command. This command list is terminated using a line
22511 containing @code{end}. For example:
22512
22513 @smallexample
22514 (@value{GDBP}) python
22515 Type python script
22516 End with a line saying just "end".
22517 >print 23
22518 >end
22519 23
22520 @end smallexample
22521
22522 @kindex set python print-stack
22523 @item set python print-stack
22524 By default, @value{GDBN} will print only the message component of a
22525 Python exception when an error occurs in a Python script. This can be
22526 controlled using @code{set python print-stack}: if @code{full}, then
22527 full Python stack printing is enabled; if @code{none}, then Python stack
22528 and message printing is disabled; if @code{message}, the default, only
22529 the message component of the error is printed.
22530 @end table
22531
22532 It is also possible to execute a Python script from the @value{GDBN}
22533 interpreter:
22534
22535 @table @code
22536 @item source @file{script-name}
22537 The script name must end with @samp{.py} and @value{GDBN} must be configured
22538 to recognize the script language based on filename extension using
22539 the @code{script-extension} setting. @xref{Extending GDB, ,Extending GDB}.
22540
22541 @item python execfile ("script-name")
22542 This method is based on the @code{execfile} Python built-in function,
22543 and thus is always available.
22544 @end table
22545
22546 @node Python API
22547 @subsection Python API
22548 @cindex python api
22549 @cindex programming in python
22550
22551 @cindex python stdout
22552 @cindex python pagination
22553 At startup, @value{GDBN} overrides Python's @code{sys.stdout} and
22554 @code{sys.stderr} to print using @value{GDBN}'s output-paging streams.
22555 A Python program which outputs to one of these streams may have its
22556 output interrupted by the user (@pxref{Screen Size}). In this
22557 situation, a Python @code{KeyboardInterrupt} exception is thrown.
22558
22559 @menu
22560 * Basic Python:: Basic Python Functions.
22561 * Exception Handling:: How Python exceptions are translated.
22562 * Values From Inferior:: Python representation of values.
22563 * Types In Python:: Python representation of types.
22564 * Pretty Printing API:: Pretty-printing values.
22565 * Selecting Pretty-Printers:: How GDB chooses a pretty-printer.
22566 * Writing a Pretty-Printer:: Writing a Pretty-Printer.
22567 * Inferiors In Python:: Python representation of inferiors (processes)
22568 * Events In Python:: Listening for events from @value{GDBN}.
22569 * Threads In Python:: Accessing inferior threads from Python.
22570 * Commands In Python:: Implementing new commands in Python.
22571 * Parameters In Python:: Adding new @value{GDBN} parameters.
22572 * Functions In Python:: Writing new convenience functions.
22573 * Progspaces In Python:: Program spaces.
22574 * Objfiles In Python:: Object files.
22575 * Frames In Python:: Accessing inferior stack frames from Python.
22576 * Blocks In Python:: Accessing frame blocks from Python.
22577 * Symbols In Python:: Python representation of symbols.
22578 * Symbol Tables In Python:: Python representation of symbol tables.
22579 * Breakpoints In Python:: Manipulating breakpoints using Python.
22580 * Finish Breakpoints in Python:: Setting Breakpoints on function return
22581 using Python.
22582 * Lazy Strings In Python:: Python representation of lazy strings.
22583 @end menu
22584
22585 @node Basic Python
22586 @subsubsection Basic Python
22587
22588 @cindex python functions
22589 @cindex python module
22590 @cindex gdb module
22591 @value{GDBN} introduces a new Python module, named @code{gdb}. All
22592 methods and classes added by @value{GDBN} are placed in this module.
22593 @value{GDBN} automatically @code{import}s the @code{gdb} module for
22594 use in all scripts evaluated by the @code{python} command.
22595
22596 @findex gdb.PYTHONDIR
22597 @defvar gdb.PYTHONDIR
22598 A string containing the python directory (@pxref{Python}).
22599 @end defvar
22600
22601 @findex gdb.execute
22602 @defun gdb.execute (command @r{[}, from_tty @r{[}, to_string@r{]]})
22603 Evaluate @var{command}, a string, as a @value{GDBN} CLI command.
22604 If a GDB exception happens while @var{command} runs, it is
22605 translated as described in @ref{Exception Handling,,Exception Handling}.
22606
22607 @var{from_tty} specifies whether @value{GDBN} ought to consider this
22608 command as having originated from the user invoking it interactively.
22609 It must be a boolean value. If omitted, it defaults to @code{False}.
22610
22611 By default, any output produced by @var{command} is sent to
22612 @value{GDBN}'s standard output. If the @var{to_string} parameter is
22613 @code{True}, then output will be collected by @code{gdb.execute} and
22614 returned as a string. The default is @code{False}, in which case the
22615 return value is @code{None}. If @var{to_string} is @code{True}, the
22616 @value{GDBN} virtual terminal will be temporarily set to unlimited width
22617 and height, and its pagination will be disabled; @pxref{Screen Size}.
22618 @end defun
22619
22620 @findex gdb.breakpoints
22621 @defun gdb.breakpoints ()
22622 Return a sequence holding all of @value{GDBN}'s breakpoints.
22623 @xref{Breakpoints In Python}, for more information.
22624 @end defun
22625
22626 @findex gdb.parameter
22627 @defun gdb.parameter (parameter)
22628 Return the value of a @value{GDBN} parameter. @var{parameter} is a
22629 string naming the parameter to look up; @var{parameter} may contain
22630 spaces if the parameter has a multi-part name. For example,
22631 @samp{print object} is a valid parameter name.
22632
22633 If the named parameter does not exist, this function throws a
22634 @code{gdb.error} (@pxref{Exception Handling}). Otherwise, the
22635 parameter's value is converted to a Python value of the appropriate
22636 type, and returned.
22637 @end defun
22638
22639 @findex gdb.history
22640 @defun gdb.history (number)
22641 Return a value from @value{GDBN}'s value history (@pxref{Value
22642 History}). @var{number} indicates which history element to return.
22643 If @var{number} is negative, then @value{GDBN} will take its absolute value
22644 and count backward from the last element (i.e., the most recent element) to
22645 find the value to return. If @var{number} is zero, then @value{GDBN} will
22646 return the most recent element. If the element specified by @var{number}
22647 doesn't exist in the value history, a @code{gdb.error} exception will be
22648 raised.
22649
22650 If no exception is raised, the return value is always an instance of
22651 @code{gdb.Value} (@pxref{Values From Inferior}).
22652 @end defun
22653
22654 @findex gdb.parse_and_eval
22655 @defun gdb.parse_and_eval (expression)
22656 Parse @var{expression} as an expression in the current language,
22657 evaluate it, and return the result as a @code{gdb.Value}.
22658 @var{expression} must be a string.
22659
22660 This function can be useful when implementing a new command
22661 (@pxref{Commands In Python}), as it provides a way to parse the
22662 command's argument as an expression. It is also useful simply to
22663 compute values, for example, it is the only way to get the value of a
22664 convenience variable (@pxref{Convenience Vars}) as a @code{gdb.Value}.
22665 @end defun
22666
22667 @findex gdb.find_pc_line
22668 @defun gdb.find_pc_line (pc)
22669 Return the @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object corresponding to the
22670 @var{pc} value. @xref{Symbol Tables In Python}. If an invalid
22671 value of @var{pc} is passed as an argument, then the @code{symtab} and
22672 @code{line} attributes of the returned @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object
22673 will be @code{None} and 0 respectively.
22674 @end defun
22675
22676 @findex gdb.post_event
22677 @defun gdb.post_event (event)
22678 Put @var{event}, a callable object taking no arguments, into
22679 @value{GDBN}'s internal event queue. This callable will be invoked at
22680 some later point, during @value{GDBN}'s event processing. Events
22681 posted using @code{post_event} will be run in the order in which they
22682 were posted; however, there is no way to know when they will be
22683 processed relative to other events inside @value{GDBN}.
22684
22685 @value{GDBN} is not thread-safe. If your Python program uses multiple
22686 threads, you must be careful to only call @value{GDBN}-specific
22687 functions in the main @value{GDBN} thread. @code{post_event} ensures
22688 this. For example:
22689
22690 @smallexample
22691 (@value{GDBP}) python
22692 >import threading
22693 >
22694 >class Writer():
22695 > def __init__(self, message):
22696 > self.message = message;
22697 > def __call__(self):
22698 > gdb.write(self.message)
22699 >
22700 >class MyThread1 (threading.Thread):
22701 > def run (self):
22702 > gdb.post_event(Writer("Hello "))
22703 >
22704 >class MyThread2 (threading.Thread):
22705 > def run (self):
22706 > gdb.post_event(Writer("World\n"))
22707 >
22708 >MyThread1().start()
22709 >MyThread2().start()
22710 >end
22711 (@value{GDBP}) Hello World
22712 @end smallexample
22713 @end defun
22714
22715 @findex gdb.write
22716 @defun gdb.write (string @r{[}, stream{]})
22717 Print a string to @value{GDBN}'s paginated output stream. The
22718 optional @var{stream} determines the stream to print to. The default
22719 stream is @value{GDBN}'s standard output stream. Possible stream
22720 values are:
22721
22722 @table @code
22723 @findex STDOUT
22724 @findex gdb.STDOUT
22725 @item gdb.STDOUT
22726 @value{GDBN}'s standard output stream.
22727
22728 @findex STDERR
22729 @findex gdb.STDERR
22730 @item gdb.STDERR
22731 @value{GDBN}'s standard error stream.
22732
22733 @findex STDLOG
22734 @findex gdb.STDLOG
22735 @item gdb.STDLOG
22736 @value{GDBN}'s log stream (@pxref{Logging Output}).
22737 @end table
22738
22739 Writing to @code{sys.stdout} or @code{sys.stderr} will automatically
22740 call this function and will automatically direct the output to the
22741 relevant stream.
22742 @end defun
22743
22744 @findex gdb.flush
22745 @defun gdb.flush ()
22746 Flush the buffer of a @value{GDBN} paginated stream so that the
22747 contents are displayed immediately. @value{GDBN} will flush the
22748 contents of a stream automatically when it encounters a newline in the
22749 buffer. The optional @var{stream} determines the stream to flush. The
22750 default stream is @value{GDBN}'s standard output stream. Possible
22751 stream values are:
22752
22753 @table @code
22754 @findex STDOUT
22755 @findex gdb.STDOUT
22756 @item gdb.STDOUT
22757 @value{GDBN}'s standard output stream.
22758
22759 @findex STDERR
22760 @findex gdb.STDERR
22761 @item gdb.STDERR
22762 @value{GDBN}'s standard error stream.
22763
22764 @findex STDLOG
22765 @findex gdb.STDLOG
22766 @item gdb.STDLOG
22767 @value{GDBN}'s log stream (@pxref{Logging Output}).
22768
22769 @end table
22770
22771 Flushing @code{sys.stdout} or @code{sys.stderr} will automatically
22772 call this function for the relevant stream.
22773 @end defun
22774
22775 @findex gdb.target_charset
22776 @defun gdb.target_charset ()
22777 Return the name of the current target character set (@pxref{Character
22778 Sets}). This differs from @code{gdb.parameter('target-charset')} in
22779 that @samp{auto} is never returned.
22780 @end defun
22781
22782 @findex gdb.target_wide_charset
22783 @defun gdb.target_wide_charset ()
22784 Return the name of the current target wide character set
22785 (@pxref{Character Sets}). This differs from
22786 @code{gdb.parameter('target-wide-charset')} in that @samp{auto} is
22787 never returned.
22788 @end defun
22789
22790 @findex gdb.solib_name
22791 @defun gdb.solib_name (address)
22792 Return the name of the shared library holding the given @var{address}
22793 as a string, or @code{None}.
22794 @end defun
22795
22796 @findex gdb.decode_line
22797 @defun gdb.decode_line @r{[}expression@r{]}
22798 Return locations of the line specified by @var{expression}, or of the
22799 current line if no argument was given. This function returns a Python
22800 tuple containing two elements. The first element contains a string
22801 holding any unparsed section of @var{expression} (or @code{None} if
22802 the expression has been fully parsed). The second element contains
22803 either @code{None} or another tuple that contains all the locations
22804 that match the expression represented as @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line}
22805 objects (@pxref{Symbol Tables In Python}). If @var{expression} is
22806 provided, it is decoded the way that @value{GDBN}'s inbuilt
22807 @code{break} or @code{edit} commands do (@pxref{Specify Location}).
22808 @end defun
22809
22810 @defun gdb.prompt_hook (current_prompt)
22811 @anchor{prompt_hook}
22812
22813 If @var{prompt_hook} is callable, @value{GDBN} will call the method
22814 assigned to this operation before a prompt is displayed by
22815 @value{GDBN}.
22816
22817 The parameter @code{current_prompt} contains the current @value{GDBN}
22818 prompt. This method must return a Python string, or @code{None}. If
22819 a string is returned, the @value{GDBN} prompt will be set to that
22820 string. If @code{None} is returned, @value{GDBN} will continue to use
22821 the current prompt.
22822
22823 Some prompts cannot be substituted in @value{GDBN}. Secondary prompts
22824 such as those used by readline for command input, and annotation
22825 related prompts are prohibited from being changed.
22826 @end defun
22827
22828 @node Exception Handling
22829 @subsubsection Exception Handling
22830 @cindex python exceptions
22831 @cindex exceptions, python
22832
22833 When executing the @code{python} command, Python exceptions
22834 uncaught within the Python code are translated to calls to
22835 @value{GDBN} error-reporting mechanism. If the command that called
22836 @code{python} does not handle the error, @value{GDBN} will
22837 terminate it and print an error message containing the Python
22838 exception name, the associated value, and the Python call stack
22839 backtrace at the point where the exception was raised. Example:
22840
22841 @smallexample
22842 (@value{GDBP}) python print foo
22843 Traceback (most recent call last):
22844 File "<string>", line 1, in <module>
22845 NameError: name 'foo' is not defined
22846 @end smallexample
22847
22848 @value{GDBN} errors that happen in @value{GDBN} commands invoked by
22849 Python code are converted to Python exceptions. The type of the
22850 Python exception depends on the error.
22851
22852 @ftable @code
22853 @item gdb.error
22854 This is the base class for most exceptions generated by @value{GDBN}.
22855 It is derived from @code{RuntimeError}, for compatibility with earlier
22856 versions of @value{GDBN}.
22857
22858 If an error occurring in @value{GDBN} does not fit into some more
22859 specific category, then the generated exception will have this type.
22860
22861 @item gdb.MemoryError
22862 This is a subclass of @code{gdb.error} which is thrown when an
22863 operation tried to access invalid memory in the inferior.
22864
22865 @item KeyboardInterrupt
22866 User interrupt (via @kbd{C-c} or by typing @kbd{q} at a pagination
22867 prompt) is translated to a Python @code{KeyboardInterrupt} exception.
22868 @end ftable
22869
22870 In all cases, your exception handler will see the @value{GDBN} error
22871 message as its value and the Python call stack backtrace at the Python
22872 statement closest to where the @value{GDBN} error occured as the
22873 traceback.
22874
22875 @findex gdb.GdbError
22876 When implementing @value{GDBN} commands in Python via @code{gdb.Command},
22877 it is useful to be able to throw an exception that doesn't cause a
22878 traceback to be printed. For example, the user may have invoked the
22879 command incorrectly. Use the @code{gdb.GdbError} exception
22880 to handle this case. Example:
22881
22882 @smallexample
22883 (gdb) python
22884 >class HelloWorld (gdb.Command):
22885 > """Greet the whole world."""
22886 > def __init__ (self):
22887 > super (HelloWorld, self).__init__ ("hello-world", gdb.COMMAND_USER)
22888 > def invoke (self, args, from_tty):
22889 > argv = gdb.string_to_argv (args)
22890 > if len (argv) != 0:
22891 > raise gdb.GdbError ("hello-world takes no arguments")
22892 > print "Hello, World!"
22893 >HelloWorld ()
22894 >end
22895 (gdb) hello-world 42
22896 hello-world takes no arguments
22897 @end smallexample
22898
22899 @node Values From Inferior
22900 @subsubsection Values From Inferior
22901 @cindex values from inferior, with Python
22902 @cindex python, working with values from inferior
22903
22904 @cindex @code{gdb.Value}
22905 @value{GDBN} provides values it obtains from the inferior program in
22906 an object of type @code{gdb.Value}. @value{GDBN} uses this object
22907 for its internal bookkeeping of the inferior's values, and for
22908 fetching values when necessary.
22909
22910 Inferior values that are simple scalars can be used directly in
22911 Python expressions that are valid for the value's data type. Here's
22912 an example for an integer or floating-point value @code{some_val}:
22913
22914 @smallexample
22915 bar = some_val + 2
22916 @end smallexample
22917
22918 @noindent
22919 As result of this, @code{bar} will also be a @code{gdb.Value} object
22920 whose values are of the same type as those of @code{some_val}.
22921
22922 Inferior values that are structures or instances of some class can
22923 be accessed using the Python @dfn{dictionary syntax}. For example, if
22924 @code{some_val} is a @code{gdb.Value} instance holding a structure, you
22925 can access its @code{foo} element with:
22926
22927 @smallexample
22928 bar = some_val['foo']
22929 @end smallexample
22930
22931 Again, @code{bar} will also be a @code{gdb.Value} object.
22932
22933 A @code{gdb.Value} that represents a function can be executed via
22934 inferior function call. Any arguments provided to the call must match
22935 the function's prototype, and must be provided in the order specified
22936 by that prototype.
22937
22938 For example, @code{some_val} is a @code{gdb.Value} instance
22939 representing a function that takes two integers as arguments. To
22940 execute this function, call it like so:
22941
22942 @smallexample
22943 result = some_val (10,20)
22944 @end smallexample
22945
22946 Any values returned from a function call will be stored as a
22947 @code{gdb.Value}.
22948
22949 The following attributes are provided:
22950
22951 @table @code
22952 @defvar Value.address
22953 If this object is addressable, this read-only attribute holds a
22954 @code{gdb.Value} object representing the address. Otherwise,
22955 this attribute holds @code{None}.
22956 @end defvar
22957
22958 @cindex optimized out value in Python
22959 @defvar Value.is_optimized_out
22960 This read-only boolean attribute is true if the compiler optimized out
22961 this value, thus it is not available for fetching from the inferior.
22962 @end defvar
22963
22964 @defvar Value.type
22965 The type of this @code{gdb.Value}. The value of this attribute is a
22966 @code{gdb.Type} object (@pxref{Types In Python}).
22967 @end defvar
22968
22969 @defvar Value.dynamic_type
22970 The dynamic type of this @code{gdb.Value}. This uses C@t{++} run-time
22971 type information (@acronym{RTTI}) to determine the dynamic type of the
22972 value. If this value is of class type, it will return the class in
22973 which the value is embedded, if any. If this value is of pointer or
22974 reference to a class type, it will compute the dynamic type of the
22975 referenced object, and return a pointer or reference to that type,
22976 respectively. In all other cases, it will return the value's static
22977 type.
22978
22979 Note that this feature will only work when debugging a C@t{++} program
22980 that includes @acronym{RTTI} for the object in question. Otherwise,
22981 it will just return the static type of the value as in @kbd{ptype foo}
22982 (@pxref{Symbols, ptype}).
22983 @end defvar
22984
22985 @defvar Value.is_lazy
22986 The value of this read-only boolean attribute is @code{True} if this
22987 @code{gdb.Value} has not yet been fetched from the inferior.
22988 @value{GDBN} does not fetch values until necessary, for efficiency.
22989 For example:
22990
22991 @smallexample
22992 myval = gdb.parse_and_eval ('somevar')
22993 @end smallexample
22994
22995 The value of @code{somevar} is not fetched at this time. It will be
22996 fetched when the value is needed, or when the @code{fetch_lazy}
22997 method is invoked.
22998 @end defvar
22999 @end table
23000
23001 The following methods are provided:
23002
23003 @table @code
23004 @defun Value.__init__ (@var{val})
23005 Many Python values can be converted directly to a @code{gdb.Value} via
23006 this object initializer. Specifically:
23007
23008 @table @asis
23009 @item Python boolean
23010 A Python boolean is converted to the boolean type from the current
23011 language.
23012
23013 @item Python integer
23014 A Python integer is converted to the C @code{long} type for the
23015 current architecture.
23016
23017 @item Python long
23018 A Python long is converted to the C @code{long long} type for the
23019 current architecture.
23020
23021 @item Python float
23022 A Python float is converted to the C @code{double} type for the
23023 current architecture.
23024
23025 @item Python string
23026 A Python string is converted to a target string, using the current
23027 target encoding.
23028
23029 @item @code{gdb.Value}
23030 If @code{val} is a @code{gdb.Value}, then a copy of the value is made.
23031
23032 @item @code{gdb.LazyString}
23033 If @code{val} is a @code{gdb.LazyString} (@pxref{Lazy Strings In
23034 Python}), then the lazy string's @code{value} method is called, and
23035 its result is used.
23036 @end table
23037 @end defun
23038
23039 @defun Value.cast (type)
23040 Return a new instance of @code{gdb.Value} that is the result of
23041 casting this instance to the type described by @var{type}, which must
23042 be a @code{gdb.Type} object. If the cast cannot be performed for some
23043 reason, this method throws an exception.
23044 @end defun
23045
23046 @defun Value.dereference ()
23047 For pointer data types, this method returns a new @code{gdb.Value} object
23048 whose contents is the object pointed to by the pointer. For example, if
23049 @code{foo} is a C pointer to an @code{int}, declared in your C program as
23050
23051 @smallexample
23052 int *foo;
23053 @end smallexample
23054
23055 @noindent
23056 then you can use the corresponding @code{gdb.Value} to access what
23057 @code{foo} points to like this:
23058
23059 @smallexample
23060 bar = foo.dereference ()
23061 @end smallexample
23062
23063 The result @code{bar} will be a @code{gdb.Value} object holding the
23064 value pointed to by @code{foo}.
23065
23066 A similar function @code{Value.referenced_value} exists which also
23067 returns @code{gdb.Value} objects corresonding to the values pointed to
23068 by pointer values (and additionally, values referenced by reference
23069 values). However, the behavior of @code{Value.dereference}
23070 differs from @code{Value.referenced_value} by the fact that the
23071 behavior of @code{Value.dereference} is identical to applying the C
23072 unary operator @code{*} on a given value. For example, consider a
23073 reference to a pointer @code{ptrref}, declared in your C@t{++} program
23074 as
23075
23076 @smallexample
23077 typedef int *intptr;
23078 ...
23079 int val = 10;
23080 intptr ptr = &val;
23081 intptr &ptrref = ptr;
23082 @end smallexample
23083
23084 Though @code{ptrref} is a reference value, one can apply the method
23085 @code{Value.dereference} to the @code{gdb.Value} object corresponding
23086 to it and obtain a @code{gdb.Value} which is identical to that
23087 corresponding to @code{val}. However, if you apply the method
23088 @code{Value.referenced_value}, the result would be a @code{gdb.Value}
23089 object identical to that corresponding to @code{ptr}.
23090
23091 @smallexample
23092 py_ptrref = gdb.parse_and_eval ("ptrref")
23093 py_val = py_ptrref.dereference ()
23094 py_ptr = py_ptrref.referenced_value ()
23095 @end smallexample
23096
23097 The @code{gdb.Value} object @code{py_val} is identical to that
23098 corresponding to @code{val}, and @code{py_ptr} is identical to that
23099 corresponding to @code{ptr}. In general, @code{Value.dereference} can
23100 be applied whenever the C unary operator @code{*} can be applied
23101 to the corresponding C value. For those cases where applying both
23102 @code{Value.dereference} and @code{Value.referenced_value} is allowed,
23103 the results obtained need not be identical (as we have seen in the above
23104 example). The results are however identical when applied on
23105 @code{gdb.Value} objects corresponding to pointers (@code{gdb.Value}
23106 objects with type code @code{TYPE_CODE_PTR}) in a C/C@t{++} program.
23107 @end defun
23108
23109 @defun Value.referenced_value ()
23110 For pointer or reference data types, this method returns a new
23111 @code{gdb.Value} object corresponding to the value referenced by the
23112 pointer/reference value. For pointer data types,
23113 @code{Value.dereference} and @code{Value.referenced_value} produce
23114 identical results. The difference between these methods is that
23115 @code{Value.dereference} cannot get the values referenced by reference
23116 values. For example, consider a reference to an @code{int}, declared
23117 in your C@t{++} program as
23118
23119 @smallexample
23120 int val = 10;
23121 int &ref = val;
23122 @end smallexample
23123
23124 @noindent
23125 then applying @code{Value.dereference} to the @code{gdb.Value} object
23126 corresponding to @code{ref} will result in an error, while applying
23127 @code{Value.referenced_value} will result in a @code{gdb.Value} object
23128 identical to that corresponding to @code{val}.
23129
23130 @smallexample
23131 py_ref = gdb.parse_and_eval ("ref")
23132 er_ref = py_ref.dereference () # Results in error
23133 py_val = py_ref.referenced_value () # Returns the referenced value
23134 @end smallexample
23135
23136 The @code{gdb.Value} object @code{py_val} is identical to that
23137 corresponding to @code{val}.
23138 @end defun
23139
23140 @defun Value.dynamic_cast (type)
23141 Like @code{Value.cast}, but works as if the C@t{++} @code{dynamic_cast}
23142 operator were used. Consult a C@t{++} reference for details.
23143 @end defun
23144
23145 @defun Value.reinterpret_cast (type)
23146 Like @code{Value.cast}, but works as if the C@t{++} @code{reinterpret_cast}
23147 operator were used. Consult a C@t{++} reference for details.
23148 @end defun
23149
23150 @defun Value.string (@r{[}encoding@r{[}, errors@r{[}, length@r{]]]})
23151 If this @code{gdb.Value} represents a string, then this method
23152 converts the contents to a Python string. Otherwise, this method will
23153 throw an exception.
23154
23155 Strings are recognized in a language-specific way; whether a given
23156 @code{gdb.Value} represents a string is determined by the current
23157 language.
23158
23159 For C-like languages, a value is a string if it is a pointer to or an
23160 array of characters or ints. The string is assumed to be terminated
23161 by a zero of the appropriate width. However if the optional length
23162 argument is given, the string will be converted to that given length,
23163 ignoring any embedded zeros that the string may contain.
23164
23165 If the optional @var{encoding} argument is given, it must be a string
23166 naming the encoding of the string in the @code{gdb.Value}, such as
23167 @code{"ascii"}, @code{"iso-8859-6"} or @code{"utf-8"}. It accepts
23168 the same encodings as the corresponding argument to Python's
23169 @code{string.decode} method, and the Python codec machinery will be used
23170 to convert the string. If @var{encoding} is not given, or if
23171 @var{encoding} is the empty string, then either the @code{target-charset}
23172 (@pxref{Character Sets}) will be used, or a language-specific encoding
23173 will be used, if the current language is able to supply one.
23174
23175 The optional @var{errors} argument is the same as the corresponding
23176 argument to Python's @code{string.decode} method.
23177
23178 If the optional @var{length} argument is given, the string will be
23179 fetched and converted to the given length.
23180 @end defun
23181
23182 @defun Value.lazy_string (@r{[}encoding @r{[}, length@r{]]})
23183 If this @code{gdb.Value} represents a string, then this method
23184 converts the contents to a @code{gdb.LazyString} (@pxref{Lazy Strings
23185 In Python}). Otherwise, this method will throw an exception.
23186
23187 If the optional @var{encoding} argument is given, it must be a string
23188 naming the encoding of the @code{gdb.LazyString}. Some examples are:
23189 @samp{ascii}, @samp{iso-8859-6} or @samp{utf-8}. If the
23190 @var{encoding} argument is an encoding that @value{GDBN} does
23191 recognize, @value{GDBN} will raise an error.
23192
23193 When a lazy string is printed, the @value{GDBN} encoding machinery is
23194 used to convert the string during printing. If the optional
23195 @var{encoding} argument is not provided, or is an empty string,
23196 @value{GDBN} will automatically select the encoding most suitable for
23197 the string type. For further information on encoding in @value{GDBN}
23198 please see @ref{Character Sets}.
23199
23200 If the optional @var{length} argument is given, the string will be
23201 fetched and encoded to the length of characters specified. If
23202 the @var{length} argument is not provided, the string will be fetched
23203 and encoded until a null of appropriate width is found.
23204 @end defun
23205
23206 @defun Value.fetch_lazy ()
23207 If the @code{gdb.Value} object is currently a lazy value
23208 (@code{gdb.Value.is_lazy} is @code{True}), then the value is
23209 fetched from the inferior. Any errors that occur in the process
23210 will produce a Python exception.
23211
23212 If the @code{gdb.Value} object is not a lazy value, this method
23213 has no effect.
23214
23215 This method does not return a value.
23216 @end defun
23217
23218 @end table
23219
23220 @node Types In Python
23221 @subsubsection Types In Python
23222 @cindex types in Python
23223 @cindex Python, working with types
23224
23225 @tindex gdb.Type
23226 @value{GDBN} represents types from the inferior using the class
23227 @code{gdb.Type}.
23228
23229 The following type-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
23230 module:
23231
23232 @findex gdb.lookup_type
23233 @defun gdb.lookup_type (name @r{[}, block@r{]})
23234 This function looks up a type by name. @var{name} is the name of the
23235 type to look up. It must be a string.
23236
23237 If @var{block} is given, then @var{name} is looked up in that scope.
23238 Otherwise, it is searched for globally.
23239
23240 Ordinarily, this function will return an instance of @code{gdb.Type}.
23241 If the named type cannot be found, it will throw an exception.
23242 @end defun
23243
23244 If the type is a structure or class type, or an enum type, the fields
23245 of that type can be accessed using the Python @dfn{dictionary syntax}.
23246 For example, if @code{some_type} is a @code{gdb.Type} instance holding
23247 a structure type, you can access its @code{foo} field with:
23248
23249 @smallexample
23250 bar = some_type['foo']
23251 @end smallexample
23252
23253 @code{bar} will be a @code{gdb.Field} object; see below under the
23254 description of the @code{Type.fields} method for a description of the
23255 @code{gdb.Field} class.
23256
23257 An instance of @code{Type} has the following attributes:
23258
23259 @table @code
23260 @defvar Type.code
23261 The type code for this type. The type code will be one of the
23262 @code{TYPE_CODE_} constants defined below.
23263 @end defvar
23264
23265 @defvar Type.sizeof
23266 The size of this type, in target @code{char} units. Usually, a
23267 target's @code{char} type will be an 8-bit byte. However, on some
23268 unusual platforms, this type may have a different size.
23269 @end defvar
23270
23271 @defvar Type.tag
23272 The tag name for this type. The tag name is the name after
23273 @code{struct}, @code{union}, or @code{enum} in C and C@t{++}; not all
23274 languages have this concept. If this type has no tag name, then
23275 @code{None} is returned.
23276 @end defvar
23277 @end table
23278
23279 The following methods are provided:
23280
23281 @table @code
23282 @defun Type.fields ()
23283 For structure and union types, this method returns the fields. Range
23284 types have two fields, the minimum and maximum values. Enum types
23285 have one field per enum constant. Function and method types have one
23286 field per parameter. The base types of C@t{++} classes are also
23287 represented as fields. If the type has no fields, or does not fit
23288 into one of these categories, an empty sequence will be returned.
23289
23290 Each field is a @code{gdb.Field} object, with some pre-defined attributes:
23291 @table @code
23292 @item bitpos
23293 This attribute is not available for @code{static} fields (as in
23294 C@t{++} or Java). For non-@code{static} fields, the value is the bit
23295 position of the field. For @code{enum} fields, the value is the
23296 enumeration member's integer representation.
23297
23298 @item name
23299 The name of the field, or @code{None} for anonymous fields.
23300
23301 @item artificial
23302 This is @code{True} if the field is artificial, usually meaning that
23303 it was provided by the compiler and not the user. This attribute is
23304 always provided, and is @code{False} if the field is not artificial.
23305
23306 @item is_base_class
23307 This is @code{True} if the field represents a base class of a C@t{++}
23308 structure. This attribute is always provided, and is @code{False}
23309 if the field is not a base class of the type that is the argument of
23310 @code{fields}, or if that type was not a C@t{++} class.
23311
23312 @item bitsize
23313 If the field is packed, or is a bitfield, then this will have a
23314 non-zero value, which is the size of the field in bits. Otherwise,
23315 this will be zero; in this case the field's size is given by its type.
23316
23317 @item type
23318 The type of the field. This is usually an instance of @code{Type},
23319 but it can be @code{None} in some situations.
23320 @end table
23321 @end defun
23322
23323 @defun Type.array (@var{n1} @r{[}, @var{n2}@r{]})
23324 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents an array of this
23325 type. If one argument is given, it is the inclusive upper bound of
23326 the array; in this case the lower bound is zero. If two arguments are
23327 given, the first argument is the lower bound of the array, and the
23328 second argument is the upper bound of the array. An array's length
23329 must not be negative, but the bounds can be.
23330 @end defun
23331
23332 @defun Type.const ()
23333 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a
23334 @code{const}-qualified variant of this type.
23335 @end defun
23336
23337 @defun Type.volatile ()
23338 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a
23339 @code{volatile}-qualified variant of this type.
23340 @end defun
23341
23342 @defun Type.unqualified ()
23343 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents an unqualified
23344 variant of this type. That is, the result is neither @code{const} nor
23345 @code{volatile}.
23346 @end defun
23347
23348 @defun Type.range ()
23349 Return a Python @code{Tuple} object that contains two elements: the
23350 low bound of the argument type and the high bound of that type. If
23351 the type does not have a range, @value{GDBN} will raise a
23352 @code{gdb.error} exception (@pxref{Exception Handling}).
23353 @end defun
23354
23355 @defun Type.reference ()
23356 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a reference to this
23357 type.
23358 @end defun
23359
23360 @defun Type.pointer ()
23361 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a pointer to this
23362 type.
23363 @end defun
23364
23365 @defun Type.strip_typedefs ()
23366 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} that represents the real type,
23367 after removing all layers of typedefs.
23368 @end defun
23369
23370 @defun Type.target ()
23371 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents the target type
23372 of this type.
23373
23374 For a pointer type, the target type is the type of the pointed-to
23375 object. For an array type (meaning C-like arrays), the target type is
23376 the type of the elements of the array. For a function or method type,
23377 the target type is the type of the return value. For a complex type,
23378 the target type is the type of the elements. For a typedef, the
23379 target type is the aliased type.
23380
23381 If the type does not have a target, this method will throw an
23382 exception.
23383 @end defun
23384
23385 @defun Type.template_argument (n @r{[}, block@r{]})
23386 If this @code{gdb.Type} is an instantiation of a template, this will
23387 return a new @code{gdb.Type} which represents the type of the
23388 @var{n}th template argument.
23389
23390 If this @code{gdb.Type} is not a template type, this will throw an
23391 exception. Ordinarily, only C@t{++} code will have template types.
23392
23393 If @var{block} is given, then @var{name} is looked up in that scope.
23394 Otherwise, it is searched for globally.
23395 @end defun
23396 @end table
23397
23398
23399 Each type has a code, which indicates what category this type falls
23400 into. The available type categories are represented by constants
23401 defined in the @code{gdb} module:
23402
23403 @table @code
23404 @findex TYPE_CODE_PTR
23405 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_PTR
23406 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_PTR
23407 The type is a pointer.
23408
23409 @findex TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
23410 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
23411 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
23412 The type is an array.
23413
23414 @findex TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
23415 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
23416 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
23417 The type is a structure.
23418
23419 @findex TYPE_CODE_UNION
23420 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_UNION
23421 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_UNION
23422 The type is a union.
23423
23424 @findex TYPE_CODE_ENUM
23425 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ENUM
23426 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_ENUM
23427 The type is an enum.
23428
23429 @findex TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
23430 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
23431 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
23432 A bit flags type, used for things such as status registers.
23433
23434 @findex TYPE_CODE_FUNC
23435 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FUNC
23436 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_FUNC
23437 The type is a function.
23438
23439 @findex TYPE_CODE_INT
23440 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_INT
23441 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_INT
23442 The type is an integer type.
23443
23444 @findex TYPE_CODE_FLT
23445 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLT
23446 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLT
23447 A floating point type.
23448
23449 @findex TYPE_CODE_VOID
23450 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_VOID
23451 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_VOID
23452 The special type @code{void}.
23453
23454 @findex TYPE_CODE_SET
23455 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_SET
23456 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_SET
23457 A Pascal set type.
23458
23459 @findex TYPE_CODE_RANGE
23460 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_RANGE
23461 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_RANGE
23462 A range type, that is, an integer type with bounds.
23463
23464 @findex TYPE_CODE_STRING
23465 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRING
23466 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRING
23467 A string type. Note that this is only used for certain languages with
23468 language-defined string types; C strings are not represented this way.
23469
23470 @findex TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
23471 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
23472 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
23473 A string of bits.
23474
23475 @findex TYPE_CODE_ERROR
23476 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ERROR
23477 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_ERROR
23478 An unknown or erroneous type.
23479
23480 @findex TYPE_CODE_METHOD
23481 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHOD
23482 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHOD
23483 A method type, as found in C@t{++} or Java.
23484
23485 @findex TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
23486 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
23487 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
23488 A pointer-to-member-function.
23489
23490 @findex TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
23491 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
23492 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
23493 A pointer-to-member.
23494
23495 @findex TYPE_CODE_REF
23496 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_REF
23497 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_REF
23498 A reference type.
23499
23500 @findex TYPE_CODE_CHAR
23501 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_CHAR
23502 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_CHAR
23503 A character type.
23504
23505 @findex TYPE_CODE_BOOL
23506 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_BOOL
23507 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_BOOL
23508 A boolean type.
23509
23510 @findex TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
23511 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
23512 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
23513 A complex float type.
23514
23515 @findex TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
23516 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
23517 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
23518 A typedef to some other type.
23519
23520 @findex TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
23521 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
23522 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
23523 A C@t{++} namespace.
23524
23525 @findex TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
23526 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
23527 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
23528 A decimal floating point type.
23529
23530 @findex TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
23531 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
23532 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
23533 A function internal to @value{GDBN}. This is the type used to represent
23534 convenience functions.
23535 @end table
23536
23537 Further support for types is provided in the @code{gdb.types}
23538 Python module (@pxref{gdb.types}).
23539
23540 @node Pretty Printing API
23541 @subsubsection Pretty Printing API
23542
23543 An example output is provided (@pxref{Pretty Printing}).
23544
23545 A pretty-printer is just an object that holds a value and implements a
23546 specific interface, defined here.
23547
23548 @defun pretty_printer.children (self)
23549 @value{GDBN} will call this method on a pretty-printer to compute the
23550 children of the pretty-printer's value.
23551
23552 This method must return an object conforming to the Python iterator
23553 protocol. Each item returned by the iterator must be a tuple holding
23554 two elements. The first element is the ``name'' of the child; the
23555 second element is the child's value. The value can be any Python
23556 object which is convertible to a @value{GDBN} value.
23557
23558 This method is optional. If it does not exist, @value{GDBN} will act
23559 as though the value has no children.
23560 @end defun
23561
23562 @defun pretty_printer.display_hint (self)
23563 The CLI may call this method and use its result to change the
23564 formatting of a value. The result will also be supplied to an MI
23565 consumer as a @samp{displayhint} attribute of the variable being
23566 printed.
23567
23568 This method is optional. If it does exist, this method must return a
23569 string.
23570
23571 Some display hints are predefined by @value{GDBN}:
23572
23573 @table @samp
23574 @item array
23575 Indicate that the object being printed is ``array-like''. The CLI
23576 uses this to respect parameters such as @code{set print elements} and
23577 @code{set print array}.
23578
23579 @item map
23580 Indicate that the object being printed is ``map-like'', and that the
23581 children of this value can be assumed to alternate between keys and
23582 values.
23583
23584 @item string
23585 Indicate that the object being printed is ``string-like''. If the
23586 printer's @code{to_string} method returns a Python string of some
23587 kind, then @value{GDBN} will call its internal language-specific
23588 string-printing function to format the string. For the CLI this means
23589 adding quotation marks, possibly escaping some characters, respecting
23590 @code{set print elements}, and the like.
23591 @end table
23592 @end defun
23593
23594 @defun pretty_printer.to_string (self)
23595 @value{GDBN} will call this method to display the string
23596 representation of the value passed to the object's constructor.
23597
23598 When printing from the CLI, if the @code{to_string} method exists,
23599 then @value{GDBN} will prepend its result to the values returned by
23600 @code{children}. Exactly how this formatting is done is dependent on
23601 the display hint, and may change as more hints are added. Also,
23602 depending on the print settings (@pxref{Print Settings}), the CLI may
23603 print just the result of @code{to_string} in a stack trace, omitting
23604 the result of @code{children}.
23605
23606 If this method returns a string, it is printed verbatim.
23607
23608 Otherwise, if this method returns an instance of @code{gdb.Value},
23609 then @value{GDBN} prints this value. This may result in a call to
23610 another pretty-printer.
23611
23612 If instead the method returns a Python value which is convertible to a
23613 @code{gdb.Value}, then @value{GDBN} performs the conversion and prints
23614 the resulting value. Again, this may result in a call to another
23615 pretty-printer. Python scalars (integers, floats, and booleans) and
23616 strings are convertible to @code{gdb.Value}; other types are not.
23617
23618 Finally, if this method returns @code{None} then no further operations
23619 are peformed in this method and nothing is printed.
23620
23621 If the result is not one of these types, an exception is raised.
23622 @end defun
23623
23624 @value{GDBN} provides a function which can be used to look up the
23625 default pretty-printer for a @code{gdb.Value}:
23626
23627 @findex gdb.default_visualizer
23628 @defun gdb.default_visualizer (value)
23629 This function takes a @code{gdb.Value} object as an argument. If a
23630 pretty-printer for this value exists, then it is returned. If no such
23631 printer exists, then this returns @code{None}.
23632 @end defun
23633
23634 @node Selecting Pretty-Printers
23635 @subsubsection Selecting Pretty-Printers
23636
23637 The Python list @code{gdb.pretty_printers} contains an array of
23638 functions or callable objects that have been registered via addition
23639 as a pretty-printer. Printers in this list are called @code{global}
23640 printers, they're available when debugging all inferiors.
23641 Each @code{gdb.Progspace} contains a @code{pretty_printers} attribute.
23642 Each @code{gdb.Objfile} also contains a @code{pretty_printers}
23643 attribute.
23644
23645 Each function on these lists is passed a single @code{gdb.Value}
23646 argument and should return a pretty-printer object conforming to the
23647 interface definition above (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}). If a function
23648 cannot create a pretty-printer for the value, it should return
23649 @code{None}.
23650
23651 @value{GDBN} first checks the @code{pretty_printers} attribute of each
23652 @code{gdb.Objfile} in the current program space and iteratively calls
23653 each enabled lookup routine in the list for that @code{gdb.Objfile}
23654 until it receives a pretty-printer object.
23655 If no pretty-printer is found in the objfile lists, @value{GDBN} then
23656 searches the pretty-printer list of the current program space,
23657 calling each enabled function until an object is returned.
23658 After these lists have been exhausted, it tries the global
23659 @code{gdb.pretty_printers} list, again calling each enabled function until an
23660 object is returned.
23661
23662 The order in which the objfiles are searched is not specified. For a
23663 given list, functions are always invoked from the head of the list,
23664 and iterated over sequentially until the end of the list, or a printer
23665 object is returned.
23666
23667 For various reasons a pretty-printer may not work.
23668 For example, the underlying data structure may have changed and
23669 the pretty-printer is out of date.
23670
23671 The consequences of a broken pretty-printer are severe enough that
23672 @value{GDBN} provides support for enabling and disabling individual
23673 printers. For example, if @code{print frame-arguments} is on,
23674 a backtrace can become highly illegible if any argument is printed
23675 with a broken printer.
23676
23677 Pretty-printers are enabled and disabled by attaching an @code{enabled}
23678 attribute to the registered function or callable object. If this attribute
23679 is present and its value is @code{False}, the printer is disabled, otherwise
23680 the printer is enabled.
23681
23682 @node Writing a Pretty-Printer
23683 @subsubsection Writing a Pretty-Printer
23684 @cindex writing a pretty-printer
23685
23686 A pretty-printer consists of two parts: a lookup function to detect
23687 if the type is supported, and the printer itself.
23688
23689 Here is an example showing how a @code{std::string} printer might be
23690 written. @xref{Pretty Printing API}, for details on the API this class
23691 must provide.
23692
23693 @smallexample
23694 class StdStringPrinter(object):
23695 "Print a std::string"
23696
23697 def __init__(self, val):
23698 self.val = val
23699
23700 def to_string(self):
23701 return self.val['_M_dataplus']['_M_p']
23702
23703 def display_hint(self):
23704 return 'string'
23705 @end smallexample
23706
23707 And here is an example showing how a lookup function for the printer
23708 example above might be written.
23709
23710 @smallexample
23711 def str_lookup_function(val):
23712 lookup_tag = val.type.tag
23713 if lookup_tag == None:
23714 return None
23715 regex = re.compile("^std::basic_string<char,.*>$")
23716 if regex.match(lookup_tag):
23717 return StdStringPrinter(val)
23718 return None
23719 @end smallexample
23720
23721 The example lookup function extracts the value's type, and attempts to
23722 match it to a type that it can pretty-print. If it is a type the
23723 printer can pretty-print, it will return a printer object. If not, it
23724 returns @code{None}.
23725
23726 We recommend that you put your core pretty-printers into a Python
23727 package. If your pretty-printers are for use with a library, we
23728 further recommend embedding a version number into the package name.
23729 This practice will enable @value{GDBN} to load multiple versions of
23730 your pretty-printers at the same time, because they will have
23731 different names.
23732
23733 You should write auto-loaded code (@pxref{Python Auto-loading}) such that it
23734 can be evaluated multiple times without changing its meaning. An
23735 ideal auto-load file will consist solely of @code{import}s of your
23736 printer modules, followed by a call to a register pretty-printers with
23737 the current objfile.
23738
23739 Taken as a whole, this approach will scale nicely to multiple
23740 inferiors, each potentially using a different library version.
23741 Embedding a version number in the Python package name will ensure that
23742 @value{GDBN} is able to load both sets of printers simultaneously.
23743 Then, because the search for pretty-printers is done by objfile, and
23744 because your auto-loaded code took care to register your library's
23745 printers with a specific objfile, @value{GDBN} will find the correct
23746 printers for the specific version of the library used by each
23747 inferior.
23748
23749 To continue the @code{std::string} example (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}),
23750 this code might appear in @code{gdb.libstdcxx.v6}:
23751
23752 @smallexample
23753 def register_printers(objfile):
23754 objfile.pretty_printers.append(str_lookup_function)
23755 @end smallexample
23756
23757 @noindent
23758 And then the corresponding contents of the auto-load file would be:
23759
23760 @smallexample
23761 import gdb.libstdcxx.v6
23762 gdb.libstdcxx.v6.register_printers(gdb.current_objfile())
23763 @end smallexample
23764
23765 The previous example illustrates a basic pretty-printer.
23766 There are a few things that can be improved on.
23767 The printer doesn't have a name, making it hard to identify in a
23768 list of installed printers. The lookup function has a name, but
23769 lookup functions can have arbitrary, even identical, names.
23770
23771 Second, the printer only handles one type, whereas a library typically has
23772 several types. One could install a lookup function for each desired type
23773 in the library, but one could also have a single lookup function recognize
23774 several types. The latter is the conventional way this is handled.
23775 If a pretty-printer can handle multiple data types, then its
23776 @dfn{subprinters} are the printers for the individual data types.
23777
23778 The @code{gdb.printing} module provides a formal way of solving these
23779 problems (@pxref{gdb.printing}).
23780 Here is another example that handles multiple types.
23781
23782 These are the types we are going to pretty-print:
23783
23784 @smallexample
23785 struct foo @{ int a, b; @};
23786 struct bar @{ struct foo x, y; @};
23787 @end smallexample
23788
23789 Here are the printers:
23790
23791 @smallexample
23792 class fooPrinter:
23793 """Print a foo object."""
23794
23795 def __init__(self, val):
23796 self.val = val
23797
23798 def to_string(self):
23799 return ("a=<" + str(self.val["a"]) +
23800 "> b=<" + str(self.val["b"]) + ">")
23801
23802 class barPrinter:
23803 """Print a bar object."""
23804
23805 def __init__(self, val):
23806 self.val = val
23807
23808 def to_string(self):
23809 return ("x=<" + str(self.val["x"]) +
23810 "> y=<" + str(self.val["y"]) + ">")
23811 @end smallexample
23812
23813 This example doesn't need a lookup function, that is handled by the
23814 @code{gdb.printing} module. Instead a function is provided to build up
23815 the object that handles the lookup.
23816
23817 @smallexample
23818 import gdb.printing
23819
23820 def build_pretty_printer():
23821 pp = gdb.printing.RegexpCollectionPrettyPrinter(
23822 "my_library")
23823 pp.add_printer('foo', '^foo$', fooPrinter)
23824 pp.add_printer('bar', '^bar$', barPrinter)
23825 return pp
23826 @end smallexample
23827
23828 And here is the autoload support:
23829
23830 @smallexample
23831 import gdb.printing
23832 import my_library
23833 gdb.printing.register_pretty_printer(
23834 gdb.current_objfile(),
23835 my_library.build_pretty_printer())
23836 @end smallexample
23837
23838 Finally, when this printer is loaded into @value{GDBN}, here is the
23839 corresponding output of @samp{info pretty-printer}:
23840
23841 @smallexample
23842 (gdb) info pretty-printer
23843 my_library.so:
23844 my_library
23845 foo
23846 bar
23847 @end smallexample
23848
23849 @node Inferiors In Python
23850 @subsubsection Inferiors In Python
23851 @cindex inferiors in Python
23852
23853 @findex gdb.Inferior
23854 Programs which are being run under @value{GDBN} are called inferiors
23855 (@pxref{Inferiors and Programs}). Python scripts can access
23856 information about and manipulate inferiors controlled by @value{GDBN}
23857 via objects of the @code{gdb.Inferior} class.
23858
23859 The following inferior-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
23860 module:
23861
23862 @defun gdb.inferiors ()
23863 Return a tuple containing all inferior objects.
23864 @end defun
23865
23866 @defun gdb.selected_inferior ()
23867 Return an object representing the current inferior.
23868 @end defun
23869
23870 A @code{gdb.Inferior} object has the following attributes:
23871
23872 @table @code
23873 @defvar Inferior.num
23874 ID of inferior, as assigned by GDB.
23875 @end defvar
23876
23877 @defvar Inferior.pid
23878 Process ID of the inferior, as assigned by the underlying operating
23879 system.
23880 @end defvar
23881
23882 @defvar Inferior.was_attached
23883 Boolean signaling whether the inferior was created using `attach', or
23884 started by @value{GDBN} itself.
23885 @end defvar
23886 @end table
23887
23888 A @code{gdb.Inferior} object has the following methods:
23889
23890 @table @code
23891 @defun Inferior.is_valid ()
23892 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Inferior} object is valid,
23893 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Inferior} object will become invalid
23894 if the inferior no longer exists within @value{GDBN}. All other
23895 @code{gdb.Inferior} methods will throw an exception if it is invalid
23896 at the time the method is called.
23897 @end defun
23898
23899 @defun Inferior.threads ()
23900 This method returns a tuple holding all the threads which are valid
23901 when it is called. If there are no valid threads, the method will
23902 return an empty tuple.
23903 @end defun
23904
23905 @findex Inferior.read_memory
23906 @defun Inferior.read_memory (address, length)
23907 Read @var{length} bytes of memory from the inferior, starting at
23908 @var{address}. Returns a buffer object, which behaves much like an array
23909 or a string. It can be modified and given to the
23910 @code{Inferior.write_memory} function.
23911 @end defun
23912
23913 @findex Inferior.write_memory
23914 @defun Inferior.write_memory (address, buffer @r{[}, length@r{]})
23915 Write the contents of @var{buffer} to the inferior, starting at
23916 @var{address}. The @var{buffer} parameter must be a Python object
23917 which supports the buffer protocol, i.e., a string, an array or the
23918 object returned from @code{Inferior.read_memory}. If given, @var{length}
23919 determines the number of bytes from @var{buffer} to be written.
23920 @end defun
23921
23922 @findex gdb.search_memory
23923 @defun Inferior.search_memory (address, length, pattern)
23924 Search a region of the inferior memory starting at @var{address} with
23925 the given @var{length} using the search pattern supplied in
23926 @var{pattern}. The @var{pattern} parameter must be a Python object
23927 which supports the buffer protocol, i.e., a string, an array or the
23928 object returned from @code{gdb.read_memory}. Returns a Python @code{Long}
23929 containing the address where the pattern was found, or @code{None} if
23930 the pattern could not be found.
23931 @end defun
23932 @end table
23933
23934 @node Events In Python
23935 @subsubsection Events In Python
23936 @cindex inferior events in Python
23937
23938 @value{GDBN} provides a general event facility so that Python code can be
23939 notified of various state changes, particularly changes that occur in
23940 the inferior.
23941
23942 An @dfn{event} is just an object that describes some state change. The
23943 type of the object and its attributes will vary depending on the details
23944 of the change. All the existing events are described below.
23945
23946 In order to be notified of an event, you must register an event handler
23947 with an @dfn{event registry}. An event registry is an object in the
23948 @code{gdb.events} module which dispatches particular events. A registry
23949 provides methods to register and unregister event handlers:
23950
23951 @table @code
23952 @defun EventRegistry.connect (object)
23953 Add the given callable @var{object} to the registry. This object will be
23954 called when an event corresponding to this registry occurs.
23955 @end defun
23956
23957 @defun EventRegistry.disconnect (object)
23958 Remove the given @var{object} from the registry. Once removed, the object
23959 will no longer receive notifications of events.
23960 @end defun
23961 @end table
23962
23963 Here is an example:
23964
23965 @smallexample
23966 def exit_handler (event):
23967 print "event type: exit"
23968 print "exit code: %d" % (event.exit_code)
23969
23970 gdb.events.exited.connect (exit_handler)
23971 @end smallexample
23972
23973 In the above example we connect our handler @code{exit_handler} to the
23974 registry @code{events.exited}. Once connected, @code{exit_handler} gets
23975 called when the inferior exits. The argument @dfn{event} in this example is
23976 of type @code{gdb.ExitedEvent}. As you can see in the example the
23977 @code{ExitedEvent} object has an attribute which indicates the exit code of
23978 the inferior.
23979
23980 The following is a listing of the event registries that are available and
23981 details of the events they emit:
23982
23983 @table @code
23984
23985 @item events.cont
23986 Emits @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}.
23987
23988 Some events can be thread specific when @value{GDBN} is running in non-stop
23989 mode. When represented in Python, these events all extend
23990 @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}. Note, this event is not emitted directly; instead,
23991 events which are emitted by this or other modules might extend this event.
23992 Examples of these events are @code{gdb.BreakpointEvent} and
23993 @code{gdb.ContinueEvent}.
23994
23995 @table @code
23996 @defvar ThreadEvent.inferior_thread
23997 In non-stop mode this attribute will be set to the specific thread which was
23998 involved in the emitted event. Otherwise, it will be set to @code{None}.
23999 @end defvar
24000 @end table
24001
24002 Emits @code{gdb.ContinueEvent} which extends @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}.
24003
24004 This event indicates that the inferior has been continued after a stop. For
24005 inherited attribute refer to @code{gdb.ThreadEvent} above.
24006
24007 @item events.exited
24008 Emits @code{events.ExitedEvent} which indicates that the inferior has exited.
24009 @code{events.ExitedEvent} has two attributes:
24010 @table @code
24011 @defvar ExitedEvent.exit_code
24012 An integer representing the exit code, if available, which the inferior
24013 has returned. (The exit code could be unavailable if, for example,
24014 @value{GDBN} detaches from the inferior.) If the exit code is unavailable,
24015 the attribute does not exist.
24016 @end defvar
24017 @defvar ExitedEvent inferior
24018 A reference to the inferior which triggered the @code{exited} event.
24019 @end defvar
24020 @end table
24021
24022 @item events.stop
24023 Emits @code{gdb.StopEvent} which extends @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}.
24024
24025 Indicates that the inferior has stopped. All events emitted by this registry
24026 extend StopEvent. As a child of @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}, @code{gdb.StopEvent}
24027 will indicate the stopped thread when @value{GDBN} is running in non-stop
24028 mode. Refer to @code{gdb.ThreadEvent} above for more details.
24029
24030 Emits @code{gdb.SignalEvent} which extends @code{gdb.StopEvent}.
24031
24032 This event indicates that the inferior or one of its threads has received as
24033 signal. @code{gdb.SignalEvent} has the following attributes:
24034
24035 @table @code
24036 @defvar SignalEvent.stop_signal
24037 A string representing the signal received by the inferior. A list of possible
24038 signal values can be obtained by running the command @code{info signals} in
24039 the @value{GDBN} command prompt.
24040 @end defvar
24041 @end table
24042
24043 Also emits @code{gdb.BreakpointEvent} which extends @code{gdb.StopEvent}.
24044
24045 @code{gdb.BreakpointEvent} event indicates that one or more breakpoints have
24046 been hit, and has the following attributes:
24047
24048 @table @code
24049 @defvar BreakpointEvent.breakpoints
24050 A sequence containing references to all the breakpoints (type
24051 @code{gdb.Breakpoint}) that were hit.
24052 @xref{Breakpoints In Python}, for details of the @code{gdb.Breakpoint} object.
24053 @end defvar
24054 @defvar BreakpointEvent.breakpoint
24055 A reference to the first breakpoint that was hit.
24056 This function is maintained for backward compatibility and is now deprecated
24057 in favor of the @code{gdb.BreakpointEvent.breakpoints} attribute.
24058 @end defvar
24059 @end table
24060
24061 @item events.new_objfile
24062 Emits @code{gdb.NewObjFileEvent} which indicates that a new object file has
24063 been loaded by @value{GDBN}. @code{gdb.NewObjFileEvent} has one attribute:
24064
24065 @table @code
24066 @defvar NewObjFileEvent.new_objfile
24067 A reference to the object file (@code{gdb.Objfile}) which has been loaded.
24068 @xref{Objfiles In Python}, for details of the @code{gdb.Objfile} object.
24069 @end defvar
24070 @end table
24071
24072 @end table
24073
24074 @node Threads In Python
24075 @subsubsection Threads In Python
24076 @cindex threads in python
24077
24078 @findex gdb.InferiorThread
24079 Python scripts can access information about, and manipulate inferior threads
24080 controlled by @value{GDBN}, via objects of the @code{gdb.InferiorThread} class.
24081
24082 The following thread-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
24083 module:
24084
24085 @findex gdb.selected_thread
24086 @defun gdb.selected_thread ()
24087 This function returns the thread object for the selected thread. If there
24088 is no selected thread, this will return @code{None}.
24089 @end defun
24090
24091 A @code{gdb.InferiorThread} object has the following attributes:
24092
24093 @table @code
24094 @defvar InferiorThread.name
24095 The name of the thread. If the user specified a name using
24096 @code{thread name}, then this returns that name. Otherwise, if an
24097 OS-supplied name is available, then it is returned. Otherwise, this
24098 returns @code{None}.
24099
24100 This attribute can be assigned to. The new value must be a string
24101 object, which sets the new name, or @code{None}, which removes any
24102 user-specified thread name.
24103 @end defvar
24104
24105 @defvar InferiorThread.num
24106 ID of the thread, as assigned by GDB.
24107 @end defvar
24108
24109 @defvar InferiorThread.ptid
24110 ID of the thread, as assigned by the operating system. This attribute is a
24111 tuple containing three integers. The first is the Process ID (PID); the second
24112 is the Lightweight Process ID (LWPID), and the third is the Thread ID (TID).
24113 Either the LWPID or TID may be 0, which indicates that the operating system
24114 does not use that identifier.
24115 @end defvar
24116 @end table
24117
24118 A @code{gdb.InferiorThread} object has the following methods:
24119
24120 @table @code
24121 @defun InferiorThread.is_valid ()
24122 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.InferiorThread} object is valid,
24123 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.InferiorThread} object will become
24124 invalid if the thread exits, or the inferior that the thread belongs
24125 is deleted. All other @code{gdb.InferiorThread} methods will throw an
24126 exception if it is invalid at the time the method is called.
24127 @end defun
24128
24129 @defun InferiorThread.switch ()
24130 This changes @value{GDBN}'s currently selected thread to the one represented
24131 by this object.
24132 @end defun
24133
24134 @defun InferiorThread.is_stopped ()
24135 Return a Boolean indicating whether the thread is stopped.
24136 @end defun
24137
24138 @defun InferiorThread.is_running ()
24139 Return a Boolean indicating whether the thread is running.
24140 @end defun
24141
24142 @defun InferiorThread.is_exited ()
24143 Return a Boolean indicating whether the thread is exited.
24144 @end defun
24145 @end table
24146
24147 @node Commands In Python
24148 @subsubsection Commands In Python
24149
24150 @cindex commands in python
24151 @cindex python commands
24152 You can implement new @value{GDBN} CLI commands in Python. A CLI
24153 command is implemented using an instance of the @code{gdb.Command}
24154 class, most commonly using a subclass.
24155
24156 @defun Command.__init__ (name, @var{command_class} @r{[}, @var{completer_class} @r{[}, @var{prefix}@r{]]})
24157 The object initializer for @code{Command} registers the new command
24158 with @value{GDBN}. This initializer is normally invoked from the
24159 subclass' own @code{__init__} method.
24160
24161 @var{name} is the name of the command. If @var{name} consists of
24162 multiple words, then the initial words are looked for as prefix
24163 commands. In this case, if one of the prefix commands does not exist,
24164 an exception is raised.
24165
24166 There is no support for multi-line commands.
24167
24168 @var{command_class} should be one of the @samp{COMMAND_} constants
24169 defined below. This argument tells @value{GDBN} how to categorize the
24170 new command in the help system.
24171
24172 @var{completer_class} is an optional argument. If given, it should be
24173 one of the @samp{COMPLETE_} constants defined below. This argument
24174 tells @value{GDBN} how to perform completion for this command. If not
24175 given, @value{GDBN} will attempt to complete using the object's
24176 @code{complete} method (see below); if no such method is found, an
24177 error will occur when completion is attempted.
24178
24179 @var{prefix} is an optional argument. If @code{True}, then the new
24180 command is a prefix command; sub-commands of this command may be
24181 registered.
24182
24183 The help text for the new command is taken from the Python
24184 documentation string for the command's class, if there is one. If no
24185 documentation string is provided, the default value ``This command is
24186 not documented.'' is used.
24187 @end defun
24188
24189 @cindex don't repeat Python command
24190 @defun Command.dont_repeat ()
24191 By default, a @value{GDBN} command is repeated when the user enters a
24192 blank line at the command prompt. A command can suppress this
24193 behavior by invoking the @code{dont_repeat} method. This is similar
24194 to the user command @code{dont-repeat}, see @ref{Define, dont-repeat}.
24195 @end defun
24196
24197 @defun Command.invoke (argument, from_tty)
24198 This method is called by @value{GDBN} when this command is invoked.
24199
24200 @var{argument} is a string. It is the argument to the command, after
24201 leading and trailing whitespace has been stripped.
24202
24203 @var{from_tty} is a boolean argument. When true, this means that the
24204 command was entered by the user at the terminal; when false it means
24205 that the command came from elsewhere.
24206
24207 If this method throws an exception, it is turned into a @value{GDBN}
24208 @code{error} call. Otherwise, the return value is ignored.
24209
24210 @findex gdb.string_to_argv
24211 To break @var{argument} up into an argv-like string use
24212 @code{gdb.string_to_argv}. This function behaves identically to
24213 @value{GDBN}'s internal argument lexer @code{buildargv}.
24214 It is recommended to use this for consistency.
24215 Arguments are separated by spaces and may be quoted.
24216 Example:
24217
24218 @smallexample
24219 print gdb.string_to_argv ("1 2\ \\\"3 '4 \"5' \"6 '7\"")
24220 ['1', '2 "3', '4 "5', "6 '7"]
24221 @end smallexample
24222
24223 @end defun
24224
24225 @cindex completion of Python commands
24226 @defun Command.complete (text, word)
24227 This method is called by @value{GDBN} when the user attempts
24228 completion on this command. All forms of completion are handled by
24229 this method, that is, the @key{TAB} and @key{M-?} key bindings
24230 (@pxref{Completion}), and the @code{complete} command (@pxref{Help,
24231 complete}).
24232
24233 The arguments @var{text} and @var{word} are both strings. @var{text}
24234 holds the complete command line up to the cursor's location.
24235 @var{word} holds the last word of the command line; this is computed
24236 using a word-breaking heuristic.
24237
24238 The @code{complete} method can return several values:
24239 @itemize @bullet
24240 @item
24241 If the return value is a sequence, the contents of the sequence are
24242 used as the completions. It is up to @code{complete} to ensure that the
24243 contents actually do complete the word. A zero-length sequence is
24244 allowed, it means that there were no completions available. Only
24245 string elements of the sequence are used; other elements in the
24246 sequence are ignored.
24247
24248 @item
24249 If the return value is one of the @samp{COMPLETE_} constants defined
24250 below, then the corresponding @value{GDBN}-internal completion
24251 function is invoked, and its result is used.
24252
24253 @item
24254 All other results are treated as though there were no available
24255 completions.
24256 @end itemize
24257 @end defun
24258
24259 When a new command is registered, it must be declared as a member of
24260 some general class of commands. This is used to classify top-level
24261 commands in the on-line help system; note that prefix commands are not
24262 listed under their own category but rather that of their top-level
24263 command. The available classifications are represented by constants
24264 defined in the @code{gdb} module:
24265
24266 @table @code
24267 @findex COMMAND_NONE
24268 @findex gdb.COMMAND_NONE
24269 @item gdb.COMMAND_NONE
24270 The command does not belong to any particular class. A command in
24271 this category will not be displayed in any of the help categories.
24272
24273 @findex COMMAND_RUNNING
24274 @findex gdb.COMMAND_RUNNING
24275 @item gdb.COMMAND_RUNNING
24276 The command is related to running the inferior. For example,
24277 @code{start}, @code{step}, and @code{continue} are in this category.
24278 Type @kbd{help running} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
24279 commands in this category.
24280
24281 @findex COMMAND_DATA
24282 @findex gdb.COMMAND_DATA
24283 @item gdb.COMMAND_DATA
24284 The command is related to data or variables. For example,
24285 @code{call}, @code{find}, and @code{print} are in this category. Type
24286 @kbd{help data} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands
24287 in this category.
24288
24289 @findex COMMAND_STACK
24290 @findex gdb.COMMAND_STACK
24291 @item gdb.COMMAND_STACK
24292 The command has to do with manipulation of the stack. For example,
24293 @code{backtrace}, @code{frame}, and @code{return} are in this
24294 category. Type @kbd{help stack} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a
24295 list of commands in this category.
24296
24297 @findex COMMAND_FILES
24298 @findex gdb.COMMAND_FILES
24299 @item gdb.COMMAND_FILES
24300 This class is used for file-related commands. For example,
24301 @code{file}, @code{list} and @code{section} are in this category.
24302 Type @kbd{help files} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
24303 commands in this category.
24304
24305 @findex COMMAND_SUPPORT
24306 @findex gdb.COMMAND_SUPPORT
24307 @item gdb.COMMAND_SUPPORT
24308 This should be used for ``support facilities'', generally meaning
24309 things that are useful to the user when interacting with @value{GDBN},
24310 but not related to the state of the inferior. For example,
24311 @code{help}, @code{make}, and @code{shell} are in this category. Type
24312 @kbd{help support} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
24313 commands in this category.
24314
24315 @findex COMMAND_STATUS
24316 @findex gdb.COMMAND_STATUS
24317 @item gdb.COMMAND_STATUS
24318 The command is an @samp{info}-related command, that is, related to the
24319 state of @value{GDBN} itself. For example, @code{info}, @code{macro},
24320 and @code{show} are in this category. Type @kbd{help status} at the
24321 @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in this category.
24322
24323 @findex COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
24324 @findex gdb.COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
24325 @item gdb.COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
24326 The command has to do with breakpoints. For example, @code{break},
24327 @code{clear}, and @code{delete} are in this category. Type @kbd{help
24328 breakpoints} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in
24329 this category.
24330
24331 @findex COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
24332 @findex gdb.COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
24333 @item gdb.COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
24334 The command has to do with tracepoints. For example, @code{trace},
24335 @code{actions}, and @code{tfind} are in this category. Type
24336 @kbd{help tracepoints} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
24337 commands in this category.
24338
24339 @findex COMMAND_USER
24340 @findex gdb.COMMAND_USER
24341 @item gdb.COMMAND_USER
24342 The command is a general purpose command for the user, and typically
24343 does not fit in one of the other categories.
24344 Type @kbd{help user-defined} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see
24345 a list of commands in this category, as well as the list of gdb macros
24346 (@pxref{Sequences}).
24347
24348 @findex COMMAND_OBSCURE
24349 @findex gdb.COMMAND_OBSCURE
24350 @item gdb.COMMAND_OBSCURE
24351 The command is only used in unusual circumstances, or is not of
24352 general interest to users. For example, @code{checkpoint},
24353 @code{fork}, and @code{stop} are in this category. Type @kbd{help
24354 obscure} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in this
24355 category.
24356
24357 @findex COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
24358 @findex gdb.COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
24359 @item gdb.COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
24360 The command is only useful to @value{GDBN} maintainers. The
24361 @code{maintenance} and @code{flushregs} commands are in this category.
24362 Type @kbd{help internals} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
24363 commands in this category.
24364 @end table
24365
24366 A new command can use a predefined completion function, either by
24367 specifying it via an argument at initialization, or by returning it
24368 from the @code{complete} method. These predefined completion
24369 constants are all defined in the @code{gdb} module:
24370
24371 @table @code
24372 @findex COMPLETE_NONE
24373 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_NONE
24374 @item gdb.COMPLETE_NONE
24375 This constant means that no completion should be done.
24376
24377 @findex COMPLETE_FILENAME
24378 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_FILENAME
24379 @item gdb.COMPLETE_FILENAME
24380 This constant means that filename completion should be performed.
24381
24382 @findex COMPLETE_LOCATION
24383 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_LOCATION
24384 @item gdb.COMPLETE_LOCATION
24385 This constant means that location completion should be done.
24386 @xref{Specify Location}.
24387
24388 @findex COMPLETE_COMMAND
24389 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_COMMAND
24390 @item gdb.COMPLETE_COMMAND
24391 This constant means that completion should examine @value{GDBN}
24392 command names.
24393
24394 @findex COMPLETE_SYMBOL
24395 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_SYMBOL
24396 @item gdb.COMPLETE_SYMBOL
24397 This constant means that completion should be done using symbol names
24398 as the source.
24399 @end table
24400
24401 The following code snippet shows how a trivial CLI command can be
24402 implemented in Python:
24403
24404 @smallexample
24405 class HelloWorld (gdb.Command):
24406 """Greet the whole world."""
24407
24408 def __init__ (self):
24409 super (HelloWorld, self).__init__ ("hello-world", gdb.COMMAND_USER)
24410
24411 def invoke (self, arg, from_tty):
24412 print "Hello, World!"
24413
24414 HelloWorld ()
24415 @end smallexample
24416
24417 The last line instantiates the class, and is necessary to trigger the
24418 registration of the command with @value{GDBN}. Depending on how the
24419 Python code is read into @value{GDBN}, you may need to import the
24420 @code{gdb} module explicitly.
24421
24422 @node Parameters In Python
24423 @subsubsection Parameters In Python
24424
24425 @cindex parameters in python
24426 @cindex python parameters
24427 @tindex gdb.Parameter
24428 @tindex Parameter
24429 You can implement new @value{GDBN} parameters using Python. A new
24430 parameter is implemented as an instance of the @code{gdb.Parameter}
24431 class.
24432
24433 Parameters are exposed to the user via the @code{set} and
24434 @code{show} commands. @xref{Help}.
24435
24436 There are many parameters that already exist and can be set in
24437 @value{GDBN}. Two examples are: @code{set follow fork} and
24438 @code{set charset}. Setting these parameters influences certain
24439 behavior in @value{GDBN}. Similarly, you can define parameters that
24440 can be used to influence behavior in custom Python scripts and commands.
24441
24442 @defun Parameter.__init__ (name, @var{command-class}, @var{parameter-class} @r{[}, @var{enum-sequence}@r{]})
24443 The object initializer for @code{Parameter} registers the new
24444 parameter with @value{GDBN}. This initializer is normally invoked
24445 from the subclass' own @code{__init__} method.
24446
24447 @var{name} is the name of the new parameter. If @var{name} consists
24448 of multiple words, then the initial words are looked for as prefix
24449 parameters. An example of this can be illustrated with the
24450 @code{set print} set of parameters. If @var{name} is
24451 @code{print foo}, then @code{print} will be searched as the prefix
24452 parameter. In this case the parameter can subsequently be accessed in
24453 @value{GDBN} as @code{set print foo}.
24454
24455 If @var{name} consists of multiple words, and no prefix parameter group
24456 can be found, an exception is raised.
24457
24458 @var{command-class} should be one of the @samp{COMMAND_} constants
24459 (@pxref{Commands In Python}). This argument tells @value{GDBN} how to
24460 categorize the new parameter in the help system.
24461
24462 @var{parameter-class} should be one of the @samp{PARAM_} constants
24463 defined below. This argument tells @value{GDBN} the type of the new
24464 parameter; this information is used for input validation and
24465 completion.
24466
24467 If @var{parameter-class} is @code{PARAM_ENUM}, then
24468 @var{enum-sequence} must be a sequence of strings. These strings
24469 represent the possible values for the parameter.
24470
24471 If @var{parameter-class} is not @code{PARAM_ENUM}, then the presence
24472 of a fourth argument will cause an exception to be thrown.
24473
24474 The help text for the new parameter is taken from the Python
24475 documentation string for the parameter's class, if there is one. If
24476 there is no documentation string, a default value is used.
24477 @end defun
24478
24479 @defvar Parameter.set_doc
24480 If this attribute exists, and is a string, then its value is used as
24481 the help text for this parameter's @code{set} command. The value is
24482 examined when @code{Parameter.__init__} is invoked; subsequent changes
24483 have no effect.
24484 @end defvar
24485
24486 @defvar Parameter.show_doc
24487 If this attribute exists, and is a string, then its value is used as
24488 the help text for this parameter's @code{show} command. The value is
24489 examined when @code{Parameter.__init__} is invoked; subsequent changes
24490 have no effect.
24491 @end defvar
24492
24493 @defvar Parameter.value
24494 The @code{value} attribute holds the underlying value of the
24495 parameter. It can be read and assigned to just as any other
24496 attribute. @value{GDBN} does validation when assignments are made.
24497 @end defvar
24498
24499 There are two methods that should be implemented in any
24500 @code{Parameter} class. These are:
24501
24502 @defun Parameter.get_set_string (self)
24503 @value{GDBN} will call this method when a @var{parameter}'s value has
24504 been changed via the @code{set} API (for example, @kbd{set foo off}).
24505 The @code{value} attribute has already been populated with the new
24506 value and may be used in output. This method must return a string.
24507 @end defun
24508
24509 @defun Parameter.get_show_string (self, svalue)
24510 @value{GDBN} will call this method when a @var{parameter}'s
24511 @code{show} API has been invoked (for example, @kbd{show foo}). The
24512 argument @code{svalue} receives the string representation of the
24513 current value. This method must return a string.
24514 @end defun
24515
24516 When a new parameter is defined, its type must be specified. The
24517 available types are represented by constants defined in the @code{gdb}
24518 module:
24519
24520 @table @code
24521 @findex PARAM_BOOLEAN
24522 @findex gdb.PARAM_BOOLEAN
24523 @item gdb.PARAM_BOOLEAN
24524 The value is a plain boolean. The Python boolean values, @code{True}
24525 and @code{False} are the only valid values.
24526
24527 @findex PARAM_AUTO_BOOLEAN
24528 @findex gdb.PARAM_AUTO_BOOLEAN
24529 @item gdb.PARAM_AUTO_BOOLEAN
24530 The value has three possible states: true, false, and @samp{auto}. In
24531 Python, true and false are represented using boolean constants, and
24532 @samp{auto} is represented using @code{None}.
24533
24534 @findex PARAM_UINTEGER
24535 @findex gdb.PARAM_UINTEGER
24536 @item gdb.PARAM_UINTEGER
24537 The value is an unsigned integer. The value of 0 should be
24538 interpreted to mean ``unlimited''.
24539
24540 @findex PARAM_INTEGER
24541 @findex gdb.PARAM_INTEGER
24542 @item gdb.PARAM_INTEGER
24543 The value is a signed integer. The value of 0 should be interpreted
24544 to mean ``unlimited''.
24545
24546 @findex PARAM_STRING
24547 @findex gdb.PARAM_STRING
24548 @item gdb.PARAM_STRING
24549 The value is a string. When the user modifies the string, any escape
24550 sequences, such as @samp{\t}, @samp{\f}, and octal escapes, are
24551 translated into corresponding characters and encoded into the current
24552 host charset.
24553
24554 @findex PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE
24555 @findex gdb.PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE
24556 @item gdb.PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE
24557 The value is a string. When the user modifies the string, escapes are
24558 passed through untranslated.
24559
24560 @findex PARAM_OPTIONAL_FILENAME
24561 @findex gdb.PARAM_OPTIONAL_FILENAME
24562 @item gdb.PARAM_OPTIONAL_FILENAME
24563 The value is a either a filename (a string), or @code{None}.
24564
24565 @findex PARAM_FILENAME
24566 @findex gdb.PARAM_FILENAME
24567 @item gdb.PARAM_FILENAME
24568 The value is a filename. This is just like
24569 @code{PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE}, but uses file names for completion.
24570
24571 @findex PARAM_ZINTEGER
24572 @findex gdb.PARAM_ZINTEGER
24573 @item gdb.PARAM_ZINTEGER
24574 The value is an integer. This is like @code{PARAM_INTEGER}, except 0
24575 is interpreted as itself.
24576
24577 @findex PARAM_ENUM
24578 @findex gdb.PARAM_ENUM
24579 @item gdb.PARAM_ENUM
24580 The value is a string, which must be one of a collection string
24581 constants provided when the parameter is created.
24582 @end table
24583
24584 @node Functions In Python
24585 @subsubsection Writing new convenience functions
24586
24587 @cindex writing convenience functions
24588 @cindex convenience functions in python
24589 @cindex python convenience functions
24590 @tindex gdb.Function
24591 @tindex Function
24592 You can implement new convenience functions (@pxref{Convenience Vars})
24593 in Python. A convenience function is an instance of a subclass of the
24594 class @code{gdb.Function}.
24595
24596 @defun Function.__init__ (name)
24597 The initializer for @code{Function} registers the new function with
24598 @value{GDBN}. The argument @var{name} is the name of the function,
24599 a string. The function will be visible to the user as a convenience
24600 variable of type @code{internal function}, whose name is the same as
24601 the given @var{name}.
24602
24603 The documentation for the new function is taken from the documentation
24604 string for the new class.
24605 @end defun
24606
24607 @defun Function.invoke (@var{*args})
24608 When a convenience function is evaluated, its arguments are converted
24609 to instances of @code{gdb.Value}, and then the function's
24610 @code{invoke} method is called. Note that @value{GDBN} does not
24611 predetermine the arity of convenience functions. Instead, all
24612 available arguments are passed to @code{invoke}, following the
24613 standard Python calling convention. In particular, a convenience
24614 function can have default values for parameters without ill effect.
24615
24616 The return value of this method is used as its value in the enclosing
24617 expression. If an ordinary Python value is returned, it is converted
24618 to a @code{gdb.Value} following the usual rules.
24619 @end defun
24620
24621 The following code snippet shows how a trivial convenience function can
24622 be implemented in Python:
24623
24624 @smallexample
24625 class Greet (gdb.Function):
24626 """Return string to greet someone.
24627 Takes a name as argument."""
24628
24629 def __init__ (self):
24630 super (Greet, self).__init__ ("greet")
24631
24632 def invoke (self, name):
24633 return "Hello, %s!" % name.string ()
24634
24635 Greet ()
24636 @end smallexample
24637
24638 The last line instantiates the class, and is necessary to trigger the
24639 registration of the function with @value{GDBN}. Depending on how the
24640 Python code is read into @value{GDBN}, you may need to import the
24641 @code{gdb} module explicitly.
24642
24643 @node Progspaces In Python
24644 @subsubsection Program Spaces In Python
24645
24646 @cindex progspaces in python
24647 @tindex gdb.Progspace
24648 @tindex Progspace
24649 A program space, or @dfn{progspace}, represents a symbolic view
24650 of an address space.
24651 It consists of all of the objfiles of the program.
24652 @xref{Objfiles In Python}.
24653 @xref{Inferiors and Programs, program spaces}, for more details
24654 about program spaces.
24655
24656 The following progspace-related functions are available in the
24657 @code{gdb} module:
24658
24659 @findex gdb.current_progspace
24660 @defun gdb.current_progspace ()
24661 This function returns the program space of the currently selected inferior.
24662 @xref{Inferiors and Programs}.
24663 @end defun
24664
24665 @findex gdb.progspaces
24666 @defun gdb.progspaces ()
24667 Return a sequence of all the progspaces currently known to @value{GDBN}.
24668 @end defun
24669
24670 Each progspace is represented by an instance of the @code{gdb.Progspace}
24671 class.
24672
24673 @defvar Progspace.filename
24674 The file name of the progspace as a string.
24675 @end defvar
24676
24677 @defvar Progspace.pretty_printers
24678 The @code{pretty_printers} attribute is a list of functions. It is
24679 used to look up pretty-printers. A @code{Value} is passed to each
24680 function in order; if the function returns @code{None}, then the
24681 search continues. Otherwise, the return value should be an object
24682 which is used to format the value. @xref{Pretty Printing API}, for more
24683 information.
24684 @end defvar
24685
24686 @node Objfiles In Python
24687 @subsubsection Objfiles In Python
24688
24689 @cindex objfiles in python
24690 @tindex gdb.Objfile
24691 @tindex Objfile
24692 @value{GDBN} loads symbols for an inferior from various
24693 symbol-containing files (@pxref{Files}). These include the primary
24694 executable file, any shared libraries used by the inferior, and any
24695 separate debug info files (@pxref{Separate Debug Files}).
24696 @value{GDBN} calls these symbol-containing files @dfn{objfiles}.
24697
24698 The following objfile-related functions are available in the
24699 @code{gdb} module:
24700
24701 @findex gdb.current_objfile
24702 @defun gdb.current_objfile ()
24703 When auto-loading a Python script (@pxref{Python Auto-loading}), @value{GDBN}
24704 sets the ``current objfile'' to the corresponding objfile. This
24705 function returns the current objfile. If there is no current objfile,
24706 this function returns @code{None}.
24707 @end defun
24708
24709 @findex gdb.objfiles
24710 @defun gdb.objfiles ()
24711 Return a sequence of all the objfiles current known to @value{GDBN}.
24712 @xref{Objfiles In Python}.
24713 @end defun
24714
24715 Each objfile is represented by an instance of the @code{gdb.Objfile}
24716 class.
24717
24718 @defvar Objfile.filename
24719 The file name of the objfile as a string.
24720 @end defvar
24721
24722 @defvar Objfile.pretty_printers
24723 The @code{pretty_printers} attribute is a list of functions. It is
24724 used to look up pretty-printers. A @code{Value} is passed to each
24725 function in order; if the function returns @code{None}, then the
24726 search continues. Otherwise, the return value should be an object
24727 which is used to format the value. @xref{Pretty Printing API}, for more
24728 information.
24729 @end defvar
24730
24731 A @code{gdb.Objfile} object has the following methods:
24732
24733 @defun Objfile.is_valid ()
24734 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Objfile} object is valid,
24735 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Objfile} object can become invalid
24736 if the object file it refers to is not loaded in @value{GDBN} any
24737 longer. All other @code{gdb.Objfile} methods will throw an exception
24738 if it is invalid at the time the method is called.
24739 @end defun
24740
24741 @node Frames In Python
24742 @subsubsection Accessing inferior stack frames from Python.
24743
24744 @cindex frames in python
24745 When the debugged program stops, @value{GDBN} is able to analyze its call
24746 stack (@pxref{Frames,,Stack frames}). The @code{gdb.Frame} class
24747 represents a frame in the stack. A @code{gdb.Frame} object is only valid
24748 while its corresponding frame exists in the inferior's stack. If you try
24749 to use an invalid frame object, @value{GDBN} will throw a @code{gdb.error}
24750 exception (@pxref{Exception Handling}).
24751
24752 Two @code{gdb.Frame} objects can be compared for equality with the @code{==}
24753 operator, like:
24754
24755 @smallexample
24756 (@value{GDBP}) python print gdb.newest_frame() == gdb.selected_frame ()
24757 True
24758 @end smallexample
24759
24760 The following frame-related functions are available in the @code{gdb} module:
24761
24762 @findex gdb.selected_frame
24763 @defun gdb.selected_frame ()
24764 Return the selected frame object. (@pxref{Selection,,Selecting a Frame}).
24765 @end defun
24766
24767 @findex gdb.newest_frame
24768 @defun gdb.newest_frame ()
24769 Return the newest frame object for the selected thread.
24770 @end defun
24771
24772 @defun gdb.frame_stop_reason_string (reason)
24773 Return a string explaining the reason why @value{GDBN} stopped unwinding
24774 frames, as expressed by the given @var{reason} code (an integer, see the
24775 @code{unwind_stop_reason} method further down in this section).
24776 @end defun
24777
24778 A @code{gdb.Frame} object has the following methods:
24779
24780 @table @code
24781 @defun Frame.is_valid ()
24782 Returns true if the @code{gdb.Frame} object is valid, false if not.
24783 A frame object can become invalid if the frame it refers to doesn't
24784 exist anymore in the inferior. All @code{gdb.Frame} methods will throw
24785 an exception if it is invalid at the time the method is called.
24786 @end defun
24787
24788 @defun Frame.name ()
24789 Returns the function name of the frame, or @code{None} if it can't be
24790 obtained.
24791 @end defun
24792
24793 @defun Frame.type ()
24794 Returns the type of the frame. The value can be one of:
24795 @table @code
24796 @item gdb.NORMAL_FRAME
24797 An ordinary stack frame.
24798
24799 @item gdb.DUMMY_FRAME
24800 A fake stack frame that was created by @value{GDBN} when performing an
24801 inferior function call.
24802
24803 @item gdb.INLINE_FRAME
24804 A frame representing an inlined function. The function was inlined
24805 into a @code{gdb.NORMAL_FRAME} that is older than this one.
24806
24807 @item gdb.TAILCALL_FRAME
24808 A frame representing a tail call. @xref{Tail Call Frames}.
24809
24810 @item gdb.SIGTRAMP_FRAME
24811 A signal trampoline frame. This is the frame created by the OS when
24812 it calls into a signal handler.
24813
24814 @item gdb.ARCH_FRAME
24815 A fake stack frame representing a cross-architecture call.
24816
24817 @item gdb.SENTINEL_FRAME
24818 This is like @code{gdb.NORMAL_FRAME}, but it is only used for the
24819 newest frame.
24820 @end table
24821 @end defun
24822
24823 @defun Frame.unwind_stop_reason ()
24824 Return an integer representing the reason why it's not possible to find
24825 more frames toward the outermost frame. Use
24826 @code{gdb.frame_stop_reason_string} to convert the value returned by this
24827 function to a string. The value can be one of:
24828
24829 @table @code
24830 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_NO_REASON
24831 No particular reason (older frames should be available).
24832
24833 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_NULL_ID
24834 The previous frame's analyzer returns an invalid result.
24835
24836 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_OUTERMOST
24837 This frame is the outermost.
24838
24839 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_UNAVAILABLE
24840 Cannot unwind further, because that would require knowing the
24841 values of registers or memory that have not been collected.
24842
24843 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_INNER_ID
24844 This frame ID looks like it ought to belong to a NEXT frame,
24845 but we got it for a PREV frame. Normally, this is a sign of
24846 unwinder failure. It could also indicate stack corruption.
24847
24848 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_SAME_ID
24849 This frame has the same ID as the previous one. That means
24850 that unwinding further would almost certainly give us another
24851 frame with exactly the same ID, so break the chain. Normally,
24852 this is a sign of unwinder failure. It could also indicate
24853 stack corruption.
24854
24855 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_NO_SAVED_PC
24856 The frame unwinder did not find any saved PC, but we needed
24857 one to unwind further.
24858
24859 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_FIRST_ERROR
24860 Any stop reason greater or equal to this value indicates some kind
24861 of error. This special value facilitates writing code that tests
24862 for errors in unwinding in a way that will work correctly even if
24863 the list of the other values is modified in future @value{GDBN}
24864 versions. Using it, you could write:
24865 @smallexample
24866 reason = gdb.selected_frame().unwind_stop_reason ()
24867 reason_str = gdb.frame_stop_reason_string (reason)
24868 if reason >= gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_FIRST_ERROR:
24869 print "An error occured: %s" % reason_str
24870 @end smallexample
24871 @end table
24872
24873 @end defun
24874
24875 @defun Frame.pc ()
24876 Returns the frame's resume address.
24877 @end defun
24878
24879 @defun Frame.block ()
24880 Return the frame's code block. @xref{Blocks In Python}.
24881 @end defun
24882
24883 @defun Frame.function ()
24884 Return the symbol for the function corresponding to this frame.
24885 @xref{Symbols In Python}.
24886 @end defun
24887
24888 @defun Frame.older ()
24889 Return the frame that called this frame.
24890 @end defun
24891
24892 @defun Frame.newer ()
24893 Return the frame called by this frame.
24894 @end defun
24895
24896 @defun Frame.find_sal ()
24897 Return the frame's symtab and line object.
24898 @xref{Symbol Tables In Python}.
24899 @end defun
24900
24901 @defun Frame.read_var (variable @r{[}, block@r{]})
24902 Return the value of @var{variable} in this frame. If the optional
24903 argument @var{block} is provided, search for the variable from that
24904 block; otherwise start at the frame's current block (which is
24905 determined by the frame's current program counter). @var{variable}
24906 must be a string or a @code{gdb.Symbol} object. @var{block} must be a
24907 @code{gdb.Block} object.
24908 @end defun
24909
24910 @defun Frame.select ()
24911 Set this frame to be the selected frame. @xref{Stack, ,Examining the
24912 Stack}.
24913 @end defun
24914 @end table
24915
24916 @node Blocks In Python
24917 @subsubsection Accessing frame blocks from Python.
24918
24919 @cindex blocks in python
24920 @tindex gdb.Block
24921
24922 Within each frame, @value{GDBN} maintains information on each block
24923 stored in that frame. These blocks are organized hierarchically, and
24924 are represented individually in Python as a @code{gdb.Block}.
24925 Please see @ref{Frames In Python}, for a more in-depth discussion on
24926 frames. Furthermore, see @ref{Stack, ,Examining the Stack}, for more
24927 detailed technical information on @value{GDBN}'s book-keeping of the
24928 stack.
24929
24930 A @code{gdb.Block} is iterable. The iterator returns the symbols
24931 (@pxref{Symbols In Python}) local to the block. Python programs
24932 should not assume that a specific block object will always contain a
24933 given symbol, since changes in @value{GDBN} features and
24934 infrastructure may cause symbols move across blocks in a symbol
24935 table.
24936
24937 The following block-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
24938 module:
24939
24940 @findex gdb.block_for_pc
24941 @defun gdb.block_for_pc (pc)
24942 Return the @code{gdb.Block} containing the given @var{pc} value. If the
24943 block cannot be found for the @var{pc} value specified, the function
24944 will return @code{None}.
24945 @end defun
24946
24947 A @code{gdb.Block} object has the following methods:
24948
24949 @table @code
24950 @defun Block.is_valid ()
24951 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Block} object is valid,
24952 @code{False} if not. A block object can become invalid if the block it
24953 refers to doesn't exist anymore in the inferior. All other
24954 @code{gdb.Block} methods will throw an exception if it is invalid at
24955 the time the method is called. The block's validity is also checked
24956 during iteration over symbols of the block.
24957 @end defun
24958 @end table
24959
24960 A @code{gdb.Block} object has the following attributes:
24961
24962 @table @code
24963 @defvar Block.start
24964 The start address of the block. This attribute is not writable.
24965 @end defvar
24966
24967 @defvar Block.end
24968 The end address of the block. This attribute is not writable.
24969 @end defvar
24970
24971 @defvar Block.function
24972 The name of the block represented as a @code{gdb.Symbol}. If the
24973 block is not named, then this attribute holds @code{None}. This
24974 attribute is not writable.
24975 @end defvar
24976
24977 @defvar Block.superblock
24978 The block containing this block. If this parent block does not exist,
24979 this attribute holds @code{None}. This attribute is not writable.
24980 @end defvar
24981
24982 @defvar Block.global_block
24983 The global block associated with this block. This attribute is not
24984 writable.
24985 @end defvar
24986
24987 @defvar Block.static_block
24988 The static block associated with this block. This attribute is not
24989 writable.
24990 @end defvar
24991
24992 @defvar Block.is_global
24993 @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Block} object is a global block,
24994 @code{False} if not. This attribute is not
24995 writable.
24996 @end defvar
24997
24998 @defvar Block.is_static
24999 @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Block} object is a static block,
25000 @code{False} if not. This attribute is not writable.
25001 @end defvar
25002 @end table
25003
25004 @node Symbols In Python
25005 @subsubsection Python representation of Symbols.
25006
25007 @cindex symbols in python
25008 @tindex gdb.Symbol
25009
25010 @value{GDBN} represents every variable, function and type as an
25011 entry in a symbol table. @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}.
25012 Similarly, Python represents these symbols in @value{GDBN} with the
25013 @code{gdb.Symbol} object.
25014
25015 The following symbol-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
25016 module:
25017
25018 @findex gdb.lookup_symbol
25019 @defun gdb.lookup_symbol (name @r{[}, block @r{[}, domain@r{]]})
25020 This function searches for a symbol by name. The search scope can be
25021 restricted to the parameters defined in the optional domain and block
25022 arguments.
25023
25024 @var{name} is the name of the symbol. It must be a string. The
25025 optional @var{block} argument restricts the search to symbols visible
25026 in that @var{block}. The @var{block} argument must be a
25027 @code{gdb.Block} object. If omitted, the block for the current frame
25028 is used. The optional @var{domain} argument restricts
25029 the search to the domain type. The @var{domain} argument must be a
25030 domain constant defined in the @code{gdb} module and described later
25031 in this chapter.
25032
25033 The result is a tuple of two elements.
25034 The first element is a @code{gdb.Symbol} object or @code{None} if the symbol
25035 is not found.
25036 If the symbol is found, the second element is @code{True} if the symbol
25037 is a field of a method's object (e.g., @code{this} in C@t{++}),
25038 otherwise it is @code{False}.
25039 If the symbol is not found, the second element is @code{False}.
25040 @end defun
25041
25042 @findex gdb.lookup_global_symbol
25043 @defun gdb.lookup_global_symbol (name @r{[}, domain@r{]})
25044 This function searches for a global symbol by name.
25045 The search scope can be restricted to by the domain argument.
25046
25047 @var{name} is the name of the symbol. It must be a string.
25048 The optional @var{domain} argument restricts the search to the domain type.
25049 The @var{domain} argument must be a domain constant defined in the @code{gdb}
25050 module and described later in this chapter.
25051
25052 The result is a @code{gdb.Symbol} object or @code{None} if the symbol
25053 is not found.
25054 @end defun
25055
25056 A @code{gdb.Symbol} object has the following attributes:
25057
25058 @table @code
25059 @defvar Symbol.type
25060 The type of the symbol or @code{None} if no type is recorded.
25061 This attribute is represented as a @code{gdb.Type} object.
25062 @xref{Types In Python}. This attribute is not writable.
25063 @end defvar
25064
25065 @defvar Symbol.symtab
25066 The symbol table in which the symbol appears. This attribute is
25067 represented as a @code{gdb.Symtab} object. @xref{Symbol Tables In
25068 Python}. This attribute is not writable.
25069 @end defvar
25070
25071 @defvar Symbol.line
25072 The line number in the source code at which the symbol was defined.
25073 This is an integer.
25074 @end defvar
25075
25076 @defvar Symbol.name
25077 The name of the symbol as a string. This attribute is not writable.
25078 @end defvar
25079
25080 @defvar Symbol.linkage_name
25081 The name of the symbol, as used by the linker (i.e., may be mangled).
25082 This attribute is not writable.
25083 @end defvar
25084
25085 @defvar Symbol.print_name
25086 The name of the symbol in a form suitable for output. This is either
25087 @code{name} or @code{linkage_name}, depending on whether the user
25088 asked @value{GDBN} to display demangled or mangled names.
25089 @end defvar
25090
25091 @defvar Symbol.addr_class
25092 The address class of the symbol. This classifies how to find the value
25093 of a symbol. Each address class is a constant defined in the
25094 @code{gdb} module and described later in this chapter.
25095 @end defvar
25096
25097 @defvar Symbol.needs_frame
25098 This is @code{True} if evaluating this symbol's value requires a frame
25099 (@pxref{Frames In Python}) and @code{False} otherwise. Typically,
25100 local variables will require a frame, but other symbols will not.
25101 @end defvar
25102
25103 @defvar Symbol.is_argument
25104 @code{True} if the symbol is an argument of a function.
25105 @end defvar
25106
25107 @defvar Symbol.is_constant
25108 @code{True} if the symbol is a constant.
25109 @end defvar
25110
25111 @defvar Symbol.is_function
25112 @code{True} if the symbol is a function or a method.
25113 @end defvar
25114
25115 @defvar Symbol.is_variable
25116 @code{True} if the symbol is a variable.
25117 @end defvar
25118 @end table
25119
25120 A @code{gdb.Symbol} object has the following methods:
25121
25122 @table @code
25123 @defun Symbol.is_valid ()
25124 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Symbol} object is valid,
25125 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Symbol} object can become invalid if
25126 the symbol it refers to does not exist in @value{GDBN} any longer.
25127 All other @code{gdb.Symbol} methods will throw an exception if it is
25128 invalid at the time the method is called.
25129 @end defun
25130
25131 @defun Symbol.value (@r{[}frame@r{]})
25132 Compute the value of the symbol, as a @code{gdb.Value}. For
25133 functions, this computes the address of the function, cast to the
25134 appropriate type. If the symbol requires a frame in order to compute
25135 its value, then @var{frame} must be given. If @var{frame} is not
25136 given, or if @var{frame} is invalid, then this method will throw an
25137 exception.
25138 @end defun
25139 @end table
25140
25141 The available domain categories in @code{gdb.Symbol} are represented
25142 as constants in the @code{gdb} module:
25143
25144 @table @code
25145 @findex SYMBOL_UNDEF_DOMAIN
25146 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_UNDEF_DOMAIN
25147 @item gdb.SYMBOL_UNDEF_DOMAIN
25148 This is used when a domain has not been discovered or none of the
25149 following domains apply. This usually indicates an error either
25150 in the symbol information or in @value{GDBN}'s handling of symbols.
25151 @findex SYMBOL_VAR_DOMAIN
25152 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_VAR_DOMAIN
25153 @item gdb.SYMBOL_VAR_DOMAIN
25154 This domain contains variables, function names, typedef names and enum
25155 type values.
25156 @findex SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN
25157 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN
25158 @item gdb.SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN
25159 This domain holds struct, union and enum type names.
25160 @findex SYMBOL_LABEL_DOMAIN
25161 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LABEL_DOMAIN
25162 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LABEL_DOMAIN
25163 This domain contains names of labels (for gotos).
25164 @findex SYMBOL_VARIABLES_DOMAIN
25165 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_VARIABLES_DOMAIN
25166 @item gdb.SYMBOL_VARIABLES_DOMAIN
25167 This domain holds a subset of the @code{SYMBOLS_VAR_DOMAIN}; it
25168 contains everything minus functions and types.
25169 @findex SYMBOL_FUNCTIONS_DOMAIN
25170 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_FUNCTIONS_DOMAIN
25171 @item gdb.SYMBOL_FUNCTION_DOMAIN
25172 This domain contains all functions.
25173 @findex SYMBOL_TYPES_DOMAIN
25174 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_TYPES_DOMAIN
25175 @item gdb.SYMBOL_TYPES_DOMAIN
25176 This domain contains all types.
25177 @end table
25178
25179 The available address class categories in @code{gdb.Symbol} are represented
25180 as constants in the @code{gdb} module:
25181
25182 @table @code
25183 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_UNDEF
25184 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_UNDEF
25185 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_UNDEF
25186 If this is returned by address class, it indicates an error either in
25187 the symbol information or in @value{GDBN}'s handling of symbols.
25188 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_CONST
25189 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_CONST
25190 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_CONST
25191 Value is constant int.
25192 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_STATIC
25193 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_STATIC
25194 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_STATIC
25195 Value is at a fixed address.
25196 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_REGISTER
25197 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REGISTER
25198 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REGISTER
25199 Value is in a register.
25200 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_ARG
25201 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_ARG
25202 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_ARG
25203 Value is an argument. This value is at the offset stored within the
25204 symbol inside the frame's argument list.
25205 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_REF_ARG
25206 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REF_ARG
25207 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REF_ARG
25208 Value address is stored in the frame's argument list. Just like
25209 @code{LOC_ARG} except that the value's address is stored at the
25210 offset, not the value itself.
25211 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_REGPARM_ADDR
25212 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REGPARM_ADDR
25213 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REGPARM_ADDR
25214 Value is a specified register. Just like @code{LOC_REGISTER} except
25215 the register holds the address of the argument instead of the argument
25216 itself.
25217 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_LOCAL
25218 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_LOCAL
25219 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_LOCAL
25220 Value is a local variable.
25221 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_TYPEDEF
25222 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_TYPEDEF
25223 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_TYPEDEF
25224 Value not used. Symbols in the domain @code{SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN} all
25225 have this class.
25226 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_BLOCK
25227 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_BLOCK
25228 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_BLOCK
25229 Value is a block.
25230 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_CONST_BYTES
25231 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_CONST_BYTES
25232 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_CONST_BYTES
25233 Value is a byte-sequence.
25234 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_UNRESOLVED
25235 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_UNRESOLVED
25236 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_UNRESOLVED
25237 Value is at a fixed address, but the address of the variable has to be
25238 determined from the minimal symbol table whenever the variable is
25239 referenced.
25240 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_OPTIMIZED_OUT
25241 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_OPTIMIZED_OUT
25242 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_OPTIMIZED_OUT
25243 The value does not actually exist in the program.
25244 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_COMPUTED
25245 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_COMPUTED
25246 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_COMPUTED
25247 The value's address is a computed location.
25248 @end table
25249
25250 @node Symbol Tables In Python
25251 @subsubsection Symbol table representation in Python.
25252
25253 @cindex symbol tables in python
25254 @tindex gdb.Symtab
25255 @tindex gdb.Symtab_and_line
25256
25257 Access to symbol table data maintained by @value{GDBN} on the inferior
25258 is exposed to Python via two objects: @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} and
25259 @code{gdb.Symtab}. Symbol table and line data for a frame is returned
25260 from the @code{find_sal} method in @code{gdb.Frame} object.
25261 @xref{Frames In Python}.
25262
25263 For more information on @value{GDBN}'s symbol table management, see
25264 @ref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}, for more information.
25265
25266 A @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object has the following attributes:
25267
25268 @table @code
25269 @defvar Symtab_and_line.symtab
25270 The symbol table object (@code{gdb.Symtab}) for this frame.
25271 This attribute is not writable.
25272 @end defvar
25273
25274 @defvar Symtab_and_line.pc
25275 Indicates the start of the address range occupied by code for the
25276 current source line. This attribute is not writable.
25277 @end defvar
25278
25279 @defvar Symtab_and_line.last
25280 Indicates the end of the address range occupied by code for the current
25281 source line. This attribute is not writable.
25282 @end defvar
25283
25284 @defvar Symtab_and_line.line
25285 Indicates the current line number for this object. This
25286 attribute is not writable.
25287 @end defvar
25288 @end table
25289
25290 A @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object has the following methods:
25291
25292 @table @code
25293 @defun Symtab_and_line.is_valid ()
25294 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object is valid,
25295 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object can become
25296 invalid if the Symbol table and line object it refers to does not
25297 exist in @value{GDBN} any longer. All other
25298 @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} methods will throw an exception if it is
25299 invalid at the time the method is called.
25300 @end defun
25301 @end table
25302
25303 A @code{gdb.Symtab} object has the following attributes:
25304
25305 @table @code
25306 @defvar Symtab.filename
25307 The symbol table's source filename. This attribute is not writable.
25308 @end defvar
25309
25310 @defvar Symtab.objfile
25311 The symbol table's backing object file. @xref{Objfiles In Python}.
25312 This attribute is not writable.
25313 @end defvar
25314 @end table
25315
25316 A @code{gdb.Symtab} object has the following methods:
25317
25318 @table @code
25319 @defun Symtab.is_valid ()
25320 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Symtab} object is valid,
25321 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Symtab} object can become invalid if
25322 the symbol table it refers to does not exist in @value{GDBN} any
25323 longer. All other @code{gdb.Symtab} methods will throw an exception
25324 if it is invalid at the time the method is called.
25325 @end defun
25326
25327 @defun Symtab.fullname ()
25328 Return the symbol table's source absolute file name.
25329 @end defun
25330
25331 @defun Symtab.global_block ()
25332 Return the global block of the underlying symbol table.
25333 @xref{Blocks In Python}.
25334 @end defun
25335
25336 @defun Symtab.static_block ()
25337 Return the static block of the underlying symbol table.
25338 @xref{Blocks In Python}.
25339 @end defun
25340 @end table
25341
25342 @node Breakpoints In Python
25343 @subsubsection Manipulating breakpoints using Python
25344
25345 @cindex breakpoints in python
25346 @tindex gdb.Breakpoint
25347
25348 Python code can manipulate breakpoints via the @code{gdb.Breakpoint}
25349 class.
25350
25351 @defun Breakpoint.__init__ (spec @r{[}, type @r{[}, wp_class @r{[},internal@r{]]]})
25352 Create a new breakpoint. @var{spec} is a string naming the
25353 location of the breakpoint, or an expression that defines a
25354 watchpoint. The contents can be any location recognized by the
25355 @code{break} command, or in the case of a watchpoint, by the @code{watch}
25356 command. The optional @var{type} denotes the breakpoint to create
25357 from the types defined later in this chapter. This argument can be
25358 either: @code{gdb.BP_BREAKPOINT} or @code{gdb.BP_WATCHPOINT}. @var{type}
25359 defaults to @code{gdb.BP_BREAKPOINT}. The optional @var{internal} argument
25360 allows the breakpoint to become invisible to the user. The breakpoint
25361 will neither be reported when created, nor will it be listed in the
25362 output from @code{info breakpoints} (but will be listed with the
25363 @code{maint info breakpoints} command). The optional @var{wp_class}
25364 argument defines the class of watchpoint to create, if @var{type} is
25365 @code{gdb.BP_WATCHPOINT}. If a watchpoint class is not provided, it is
25366 assumed to be a @code{gdb.WP_WRITE} class.
25367 @end defun
25368
25369 @defun Breakpoint.stop (self)
25370 The @code{gdb.Breakpoint} class can be sub-classed and, in
25371 particular, you may choose to implement the @code{stop} method.
25372 If this method is defined as a sub-class of @code{gdb.Breakpoint},
25373 it will be called when the inferior reaches any location of a
25374 breakpoint which instantiates that sub-class. If the method returns
25375 @code{True}, the inferior will be stopped at the location of the
25376 breakpoint, otherwise the inferior will continue.
25377
25378 If there are multiple breakpoints at the same location with a
25379 @code{stop} method, each one will be called regardless of the
25380 return status of the previous. This ensures that all @code{stop}
25381 methods have a chance to execute at that location. In this scenario
25382 if one of the methods returns @code{True} but the others return
25383 @code{False}, the inferior will still be stopped.
25384
25385 You should not alter the execution state of the inferior (i.e.@:, step,
25386 next, etc.), alter the current frame context (i.e.@:, change the current
25387 active frame), or alter, add or delete any breakpoint. As a general
25388 rule, you should not alter any data within @value{GDBN} or the inferior
25389 at this time.
25390
25391 Example @code{stop} implementation:
25392
25393 @smallexample
25394 class MyBreakpoint (gdb.Breakpoint):
25395 def stop (self):
25396 inf_val = gdb.parse_and_eval("foo")
25397 if inf_val == 3:
25398 return True
25399 return False
25400 @end smallexample
25401 @end defun
25402
25403 The available watchpoint types represented by constants are defined in the
25404 @code{gdb} module:
25405
25406 @table @code
25407 @findex WP_READ
25408 @findex gdb.WP_READ
25409 @item gdb.WP_READ
25410 Read only watchpoint.
25411
25412 @findex WP_WRITE
25413 @findex gdb.WP_WRITE
25414 @item gdb.WP_WRITE
25415 Write only watchpoint.
25416
25417 @findex WP_ACCESS
25418 @findex gdb.WP_ACCESS
25419 @item gdb.WP_ACCESS
25420 Read/Write watchpoint.
25421 @end table
25422
25423 @defun Breakpoint.is_valid ()
25424 Return @code{True} if this @code{Breakpoint} object is valid,
25425 @code{False} otherwise. A @code{Breakpoint} object can become invalid
25426 if the user deletes the breakpoint. In this case, the object still
25427 exists, but the underlying breakpoint does not. In the cases of
25428 watchpoint scope, the watchpoint remains valid even if execution of the
25429 inferior leaves the scope of that watchpoint.
25430 @end defun
25431
25432 @defun Breakpoint.delete
25433 Permanently deletes the @value{GDBN} breakpoint. This also
25434 invalidates the Python @code{Breakpoint} object. Any further access
25435 to this object's attributes or methods will raise an error.
25436 @end defun
25437
25438 @defvar Breakpoint.enabled
25439 This attribute is @code{True} if the breakpoint is enabled, and
25440 @code{False} otherwise. This attribute is writable.
25441 @end defvar
25442
25443 @defvar Breakpoint.silent
25444 This attribute is @code{True} if the breakpoint is silent, and
25445 @code{False} otherwise. This attribute is writable.
25446
25447 Note that a breakpoint can also be silent if it has commands and the
25448 first command is @code{silent}. This is not reported by the
25449 @code{silent} attribute.
25450 @end defvar
25451
25452 @defvar Breakpoint.thread
25453 If the breakpoint is thread-specific, this attribute holds the thread
25454 id. If the breakpoint is not thread-specific, this attribute is
25455 @code{None}. This attribute is writable.
25456 @end defvar
25457
25458 @defvar Breakpoint.task
25459 If the breakpoint is Ada task-specific, this attribute holds the Ada task
25460 id. If the breakpoint is not task-specific (or the underlying
25461 language is not Ada), this attribute is @code{None}. This attribute
25462 is writable.
25463 @end defvar
25464
25465 @defvar Breakpoint.ignore_count
25466 This attribute holds the ignore count for the breakpoint, an integer.
25467 This attribute is writable.
25468 @end defvar
25469
25470 @defvar Breakpoint.number
25471 This attribute holds the breakpoint's number --- the identifier used by
25472 the user to manipulate the breakpoint. This attribute is not writable.
25473 @end defvar
25474
25475 @defvar Breakpoint.type
25476 This attribute holds the breakpoint's type --- the identifier used to
25477 determine the actual breakpoint type or use-case. This attribute is not
25478 writable.
25479 @end defvar
25480
25481 @defvar Breakpoint.visible
25482 This attribute tells whether the breakpoint is visible to the user
25483 when set, or when the @samp{info breakpoints} command is run. This
25484 attribute is not writable.
25485 @end defvar
25486
25487 The available types are represented by constants defined in the @code{gdb}
25488 module:
25489
25490 @table @code
25491 @findex BP_BREAKPOINT
25492 @findex gdb.BP_BREAKPOINT
25493 @item gdb.BP_BREAKPOINT
25494 Normal code breakpoint.
25495
25496 @findex BP_WATCHPOINT
25497 @findex gdb.BP_WATCHPOINT
25498 @item gdb.BP_WATCHPOINT
25499 Watchpoint breakpoint.
25500
25501 @findex BP_HARDWARE_WATCHPOINT
25502 @findex gdb.BP_HARDWARE_WATCHPOINT
25503 @item gdb.BP_HARDWARE_WATCHPOINT
25504 Hardware assisted watchpoint.
25505
25506 @findex BP_READ_WATCHPOINT
25507 @findex gdb.BP_READ_WATCHPOINT
25508 @item gdb.BP_READ_WATCHPOINT
25509 Hardware assisted read watchpoint.
25510
25511 @findex BP_ACCESS_WATCHPOINT
25512 @findex gdb.BP_ACCESS_WATCHPOINT
25513 @item gdb.BP_ACCESS_WATCHPOINT
25514 Hardware assisted access watchpoint.
25515 @end table
25516
25517 @defvar Breakpoint.hit_count
25518 This attribute holds the hit count for the breakpoint, an integer.
25519 This attribute is writable, but currently it can only be set to zero.
25520 @end defvar
25521
25522 @defvar Breakpoint.location
25523 This attribute holds the location of the breakpoint, as specified by
25524 the user. It is a string. If the breakpoint does not have a location
25525 (that is, it is a watchpoint) the attribute's value is @code{None}. This
25526 attribute is not writable.
25527 @end defvar
25528
25529 @defvar Breakpoint.expression
25530 This attribute holds a breakpoint expression, as specified by
25531 the user. It is a string. If the breakpoint does not have an
25532 expression (the breakpoint is not a watchpoint) the attribute's value
25533 is @code{None}. This attribute is not writable.
25534 @end defvar
25535
25536 @defvar Breakpoint.condition
25537 This attribute holds the condition of the breakpoint, as specified by
25538 the user. It is a string. If there is no condition, this attribute's
25539 value is @code{None}. This attribute is writable.
25540 @end defvar
25541
25542 @defvar Breakpoint.commands
25543 This attribute holds the commands attached to the breakpoint. If
25544 there are commands, this attribute's value is a string holding all the
25545 commands, separated by newlines. If there are no commands, this
25546 attribute is @code{None}. This attribute is not writable.
25547 @end defvar
25548
25549 @node Finish Breakpoints in Python
25550 @subsubsection Finish Breakpoints
25551
25552 @cindex python finish breakpoints
25553 @tindex gdb.FinishBreakpoint
25554
25555 A finish breakpoint is a temporary breakpoint set at the return address of
25556 a frame, based on the @code{finish} command. @code{gdb.FinishBreakpoint}
25557 extends @code{gdb.Breakpoint}. The underlying breakpoint will be disabled
25558 and deleted when the execution will run out of the breakpoint scope (i.e.@:
25559 @code{Breakpoint.stop} or @code{FinishBreakpoint.out_of_scope} triggered).
25560 Finish breakpoints are thread specific and must be create with the right
25561 thread selected.
25562
25563 @defun FinishBreakpoint.__init__ (@r{[}frame@r{]} @r{[}, internal@r{]})
25564 Create a finish breakpoint at the return address of the @code{gdb.Frame}
25565 object @var{frame}. If @var{frame} is not provided, this defaults to the
25566 newest frame. The optional @var{internal} argument allows the breakpoint to
25567 become invisible to the user. @xref{Breakpoints In Python}, for further
25568 details about this argument.
25569 @end defun
25570
25571 @defun FinishBreakpoint.out_of_scope (self)
25572 In some circumstances (e.g.@: @code{longjmp}, C@t{++} exceptions, @value{GDBN}
25573 @code{return} command, @dots{}), a function may not properly terminate, and
25574 thus never hit the finish breakpoint. When @value{GDBN} notices such a
25575 situation, the @code{out_of_scope} callback will be triggered.
25576
25577 You may want to sub-class @code{gdb.FinishBreakpoint} and override this
25578 method:
25579
25580 @smallexample
25581 class MyFinishBreakpoint (gdb.FinishBreakpoint)
25582 def stop (self):
25583 print "normal finish"
25584 return True
25585
25586 def out_of_scope ():
25587 print "abnormal finish"
25588 @end smallexample
25589 @end defun
25590
25591 @defvar FinishBreakpoint.return_value
25592 When @value{GDBN} is stopped at a finish breakpoint and the frame
25593 used to build the @code{gdb.FinishBreakpoint} object had debug symbols, this
25594 attribute will contain a @code{gdb.Value} object corresponding to the return
25595 value of the function. The value will be @code{None} if the function return
25596 type is @code{void} or if the return value was not computable. This attribute
25597 is not writable.
25598 @end defvar
25599
25600 @node Lazy Strings In Python
25601 @subsubsection Python representation of lazy strings.
25602
25603 @cindex lazy strings in python
25604 @tindex gdb.LazyString
25605
25606 A @dfn{lazy string} is a string whose contents is not retrieved or
25607 encoded until it is needed.
25608
25609 A @code{gdb.LazyString} is represented in @value{GDBN} as an
25610 @code{address} that points to a region of memory, an @code{encoding}
25611 that will be used to encode that region of memory, and a @code{length}
25612 to delimit the region of memory that represents the string. The
25613 difference between a @code{gdb.LazyString} and a string wrapped within
25614 a @code{gdb.Value} is that a @code{gdb.LazyString} will be treated
25615 differently by @value{GDBN} when printing. A @code{gdb.LazyString} is
25616 retrieved and encoded during printing, while a @code{gdb.Value}
25617 wrapping a string is immediately retrieved and encoded on creation.
25618
25619 A @code{gdb.LazyString} object has the following functions:
25620
25621 @defun LazyString.value ()
25622 Convert the @code{gdb.LazyString} to a @code{gdb.Value}. This value
25623 will point to the string in memory, but will lose all the delayed
25624 retrieval, encoding and handling that @value{GDBN} applies to a
25625 @code{gdb.LazyString}.
25626 @end defun
25627
25628 @defvar LazyString.address
25629 This attribute holds the address of the string. This attribute is not
25630 writable.
25631 @end defvar
25632
25633 @defvar LazyString.length
25634 This attribute holds the length of the string in characters. If the
25635 length is -1, then the string will be fetched and encoded up to the
25636 first null of appropriate width. This attribute is not writable.
25637 @end defvar
25638
25639 @defvar LazyString.encoding
25640 This attribute holds the encoding that will be applied to the string
25641 when the string is printed by @value{GDBN}. If the encoding is not
25642 set, or contains an empty string, then @value{GDBN} will select the
25643 most appropriate encoding when the string is printed. This attribute
25644 is not writable.
25645 @end defvar
25646
25647 @defvar LazyString.type
25648 This attribute holds the type that is represented by the lazy string's
25649 type. For a lazy string this will always be a pointer type. To
25650 resolve this to the lazy string's character type, use the type's
25651 @code{target} method. @xref{Types In Python}. This attribute is not
25652 writable.
25653 @end defvar
25654
25655 @node Python Auto-loading
25656 @subsection Python Auto-loading
25657 @cindex Python auto-loading
25658
25659 When a new object file is read (for example, due to the @code{file}
25660 command, or because the inferior has loaded a shared library),
25661 @value{GDBN} will look for Python support scripts in several ways:
25662 @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py} (@pxref{objfile-gdb.py file})
25663 and @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
25664 (@pxref{dotdebug_gdb_scripts section}).
25665
25666 The auto-loading feature is useful for supplying application-specific
25667 debugging commands and scripts.
25668
25669 Auto-loading can be enabled or disabled,
25670 and the list of auto-loaded scripts can be printed.
25671
25672 @table @code
25673 @anchor{set auto-load python-scripts}
25674 @kindex set auto-load python-scripts
25675 @item set auto-load python-scripts [on|off]
25676 Enable or disable the auto-loading of Python scripts.
25677
25678 @anchor{show auto-load python-scripts}
25679 @kindex show auto-load python-scripts
25680 @item show auto-load python-scripts
25681 Show whether auto-loading of Python scripts is enabled or disabled.
25682
25683 @anchor{info auto-load python-scripts}
25684 @kindex info auto-load python-scripts
25685 @cindex print list of auto-loaded Python scripts
25686 @item info auto-load python-scripts [@var{regexp}]
25687 Print the list of all Python scripts that @value{GDBN} auto-loaded.
25688
25689 Also printed is the list of Python scripts that were mentioned in
25690 the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section and were not found
25691 (@pxref{dotdebug_gdb_scripts section}).
25692 This is useful because their names are not printed when @value{GDBN}
25693 tries to load them and fails. There may be many of them, and printing
25694 an error message for each one is problematic.
25695
25696 If @var{regexp} is supplied only Python scripts with matching names are printed.
25697
25698 Example:
25699
25700 @smallexample
25701 (gdb) info auto-load python-scripts
25702 Loaded Script
25703 Yes py-section-script.py
25704 full name: /tmp/py-section-script.py
25705 No my-foo-pretty-printers.py
25706 @end smallexample
25707 @end table
25708
25709 When reading an auto-loaded file, @value{GDBN} sets the
25710 @dfn{current objfile}. This is available via the @code{gdb.current_objfile}
25711 function (@pxref{Objfiles In Python}). This can be useful for
25712 registering objfile-specific pretty-printers.
25713
25714 @menu
25715 * objfile-gdb.py file:: The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py} file
25716 * dotdebug_gdb_scripts section:: The @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
25717 * Which flavor to choose?::
25718 @end menu
25719
25720 @node objfile-gdb.py file
25721 @subsubsection The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py} file
25722 @cindex @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py}
25723
25724 When a new object file is read, @value{GDBN} looks for
25725 a file named @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py} (we call it @var{script-name} below),
25726 where @var{objfile} is the object file's real name, formed by ensuring
25727 that the file name is absolute, following all symlinks, and resolving
25728 @code{.} and @code{..} components. If this file exists and is
25729 readable, @value{GDBN} will evaluate it as a Python script.
25730
25731 If this file does not exist, then @value{GDBN} will look for
25732 @var{script-name} file in all of the directories as specified below.
25733
25734 Note that loading of this script file also requires accordingly configured
25735 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
25736
25737 @table @code
25738 @anchor{set auto-load scripts-directory}
25739 @kindex set auto-load scripts-directory
25740 @item set auto-load scripts-directory @r{[}@var{directories}@r{]}
25741 Control @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location. Multiple directory entries
25742 may be delimited by the host platform path separator in use
25743 (@samp{:} on Unix, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS).
25744
25745 Each entry here needs to be covered also by the security setting
25746 @code{set auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{set auto-load safe-path}).
25747
25748 @anchor{with-auto-load-dir}
25749 This variable defaults to @file{$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load}. The default
25750 @code{set auto-load safe-path} value can be also overriden by @value{GDBN}
25751 configuration option @option{--with-auto-load-dir}.
25752
25753 Any reference to @file{$debugdir} will get replaced by
25754 @var{debug-file-directory} value (@pxref{Separate Debug Files}) and any
25755 reference to @file{$datadir} will get replaced by @var{data-directory} which is
25756 determined at @value{GDBN} startup (@pxref{Data Files}). @file{$debugdir} and
25757 @file{$datadir} must be placed as a directory component --- either alone or
25758 delimited by @file{/} or @file{\} directory separators, depending on the host
25759 platform.
25760
25761 The list of directories uses path separator (@samp{:} on GNU and Unix
25762 systems, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS) to separate directories, similarly
25763 to the @env{PATH} environment variable.
25764
25765 @anchor{show auto-load scripts-directory}
25766 @kindex show auto-load scripts-directory
25767 @item show auto-load scripts-directory
25768 Show @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
25769 @end table
25770
25771 @value{GDBN} does not track which files it has already auto-loaded this way.
25772 @value{GDBN} will load the associated script every time the corresponding
25773 @var{objfile} is opened.
25774 So your @file{-gdb.py} file should be careful to avoid errors if it
25775 is evaluated more than once.
25776
25777 @node dotdebug_gdb_scripts section
25778 @subsubsection The @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
25779 @cindex @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
25780
25781 For systems using file formats like ELF and COFF,
25782 when @value{GDBN} loads a new object file
25783 it will look for a special section named @samp{.debug_gdb_scripts}.
25784 If this section exists, its contents is a list of names of scripts to load.
25785
25786 @value{GDBN} will look for each specified script file first in the
25787 current directory and then along the source search path
25788 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}),
25789 except that @file{$cdir} is not searched, since the compilation
25790 directory is not relevant to scripts.
25791
25792 Entries can be placed in section @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} with,
25793 for example, this GCC macro:
25794
25795 @example
25796 /* Note: The "MS" section flags are to remove duplicates. */
25797 #define DEFINE_GDB_SCRIPT(script_name) \
25798 asm("\
25799 .pushsection \".debug_gdb_scripts\", \"MS\",@@progbits,1\n\
25800 .byte 1\n\
25801 .asciz \"" script_name "\"\n\
25802 .popsection \n\
25803 ");
25804 @end example
25805
25806 @noindent
25807 Then one can reference the macro in a header or source file like this:
25808
25809 @example
25810 DEFINE_GDB_SCRIPT ("my-app-scripts.py")
25811 @end example
25812
25813 The script name may include directories if desired.
25814
25815 Note that loading of this script file also requires accordingly configured
25816 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
25817
25818 If the macro is put in a header, any application or library
25819 using this header will get a reference to the specified script.
25820
25821 @node Which flavor to choose?
25822 @subsubsection Which flavor to choose?
25823
25824 Given the multiple ways of auto-loading Python scripts, it might not always
25825 be clear which one to choose. This section provides some guidance.
25826
25827 Benefits of the @file{-gdb.py} way:
25828
25829 @itemize @bullet
25830 @item
25831 Can be used with file formats that don't support multiple sections.
25832
25833 @item
25834 Ease of finding scripts for public libraries.
25835
25836 Scripts specified in the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section are searched for
25837 in the source search path.
25838 For publicly installed libraries, e.g., @file{libstdc++}, there typically
25839 isn't a source directory in which to find the script.
25840
25841 @item
25842 Doesn't require source code additions.
25843 @end itemize
25844
25845 Benefits of the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} way:
25846
25847 @itemize @bullet
25848 @item
25849 Works with static linking.
25850
25851 Scripts for libraries done the @file{-gdb.py} way require an objfile to
25852 trigger their loading. When an application is statically linked the only
25853 objfile available is the executable, and it is cumbersome to attach all the
25854 scripts from all the input libraries to the executable's @file{-gdb.py} script.
25855
25856 @item
25857 Works with classes that are entirely inlined.
25858
25859 Some classes can be entirely inlined, and thus there may not be an associated
25860 shared library to attach a @file{-gdb.py} script to.
25861
25862 @item
25863 Scripts needn't be copied out of the source tree.
25864
25865 In some circumstances, apps can be built out of large collections of internal
25866 libraries, and the build infrastructure necessary to install the
25867 @file{-gdb.py} scripts in a place where @value{GDBN} can find them is
25868 cumbersome. It may be easier to specify the scripts in the
25869 @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section as relative paths, and add a path to the
25870 top of the source tree to the source search path.
25871 @end itemize
25872
25873 @node Python modules
25874 @subsection Python modules
25875 @cindex python modules
25876
25877 @value{GDBN} comes with several modules to assist writing Python code.
25878
25879 @menu
25880 * gdb.printing:: Building and registering pretty-printers.
25881 * gdb.types:: Utilities for working with types.
25882 * gdb.prompt:: Utilities for prompt value substitution.
25883 @end menu
25884
25885 @node gdb.printing
25886 @subsubsection gdb.printing
25887 @cindex gdb.printing
25888
25889 This module provides a collection of utilities for working with
25890 pretty-printers.
25891
25892 @table @code
25893 @item PrettyPrinter (@var{name}, @var{subprinters}=None)
25894 This class specifies the API that makes @samp{info pretty-printer},
25895 @samp{enable pretty-printer} and @samp{disable pretty-printer} work.
25896 Pretty-printers should generally inherit from this class.
25897
25898 @item SubPrettyPrinter (@var{name})
25899 For printers that handle multiple types, this class specifies the
25900 corresponding API for the subprinters.
25901
25902 @item RegexpCollectionPrettyPrinter (@var{name})
25903 Utility class for handling multiple printers, all recognized via
25904 regular expressions.
25905 @xref{Writing a Pretty-Printer}, for an example.
25906
25907 @item FlagEnumerationPrinter (@var{name})
25908 A pretty-printer which handles printing of @code{enum} values. Unlike
25909 @value{GDBN}'s built-in @code{enum} printing, this printer attempts to
25910 work properly when there is some overlap between the enumeration
25911 constants. @var{name} is the name of the printer and also the name of
25912 the @code{enum} type to look up.
25913
25914 @item register_pretty_printer (@var{obj}, @var{printer}, @var{replace}=False)
25915 Register @var{printer} with the pretty-printer list of @var{obj}.
25916 If @var{replace} is @code{True} then any existing copy of the printer
25917 is replaced. Otherwise a @code{RuntimeError} exception is raised
25918 if a printer with the same name already exists.
25919 @end table
25920
25921 @node gdb.types
25922 @subsubsection gdb.types
25923 @cindex gdb.types
25924
25925 This module provides a collection of utilities for working with
25926 @code{gdb.Types} objects.
25927
25928 @table @code
25929 @item get_basic_type (@var{type})
25930 Return @var{type} with const and volatile qualifiers stripped,
25931 and with typedefs and C@t{++} references converted to the underlying type.
25932
25933 C@t{++} example:
25934
25935 @smallexample
25936 typedef const int const_int;
25937 const_int foo (3);
25938 const_int& foo_ref (foo);
25939 int main () @{ return 0; @}
25940 @end smallexample
25941
25942 Then in gdb:
25943
25944 @smallexample
25945 (gdb) start
25946 (gdb) python import gdb.types
25947 (gdb) python foo_ref = gdb.parse_and_eval("foo_ref")
25948 (gdb) python print gdb.types.get_basic_type(foo_ref.type)
25949 int
25950 @end smallexample
25951
25952 @item has_field (@var{type}, @var{field})
25953 Return @code{True} if @var{type}, assumed to be a type with fields
25954 (e.g., a structure or union), has field @var{field}.
25955
25956 @item make_enum_dict (@var{enum_type})
25957 Return a Python @code{dictionary} type produced from @var{enum_type}.
25958
25959 @item deep_items (@var{type})
25960 Returns a Python iterator similar to the standard
25961 @code{gdb.Type.iteritems} method, except that the iterator returned
25962 by @code{deep_items} will recursively traverse anonymous struct or
25963 union fields. For example:
25964
25965 @smallexample
25966 struct A
25967 @{
25968 int a;
25969 union @{
25970 int b0;
25971 int b1;
25972 @};
25973 @};
25974 @end smallexample
25975
25976 @noindent
25977 Then in @value{GDBN}:
25978 @smallexample
25979 (@value{GDBP}) python import gdb.types
25980 (@value{GDBP}) python struct_a = gdb.lookup_type("struct A")
25981 (@value{GDBP}) python print struct_a.keys ()
25982 @{['a', '']@}
25983 (@value{GDBP}) python print [k for k,v in gdb.types.deep_items(struct_a)]
25984 @{['a', 'b0', 'b1']@}
25985 @end smallexample
25986
25987 @end table
25988
25989 @node gdb.prompt
25990 @subsubsection gdb.prompt
25991 @cindex gdb.prompt
25992
25993 This module provides a method for prompt value-substitution.
25994
25995 @table @code
25996 @item substitute_prompt (@var{string})
25997 Return @var{string} with escape sequences substituted by values. Some
25998 escape sequences take arguments. You can specify arguments inside
25999 ``@{@}'' immediately following the escape sequence.
26000
26001 The escape sequences you can pass to this function are:
26002
26003 @table @code
26004 @item \\
26005 Substitute a backslash.
26006 @item \e
26007 Substitute an ESC character.
26008 @item \f
26009 Substitute the selected frame; an argument names a frame parameter.
26010 @item \n
26011 Substitute a newline.
26012 @item \p
26013 Substitute a parameter's value; the argument names the parameter.
26014 @item \r
26015 Substitute a carriage return.
26016 @item \t
26017 Substitute the selected thread; an argument names a thread parameter.
26018 @item \v
26019 Substitute the version of GDB.
26020 @item \w
26021 Substitute the current working directory.
26022 @item \[
26023 Begin a sequence of non-printing characters. These sequences are
26024 typically used with the ESC character, and are not counted in the string
26025 length. Example: ``\[\e[0;34m\](gdb)\[\e[0m\]'' will return a
26026 blue-colored ``(gdb)'' prompt where the length is five.
26027 @item \]
26028 End a sequence of non-printing characters.
26029 @end table
26030
26031 For example:
26032
26033 @smallexample
26034 substitute_prompt (``frame: \f,
26035 print arguments: \p@{print frame-arguments@}'')
26036 @end smallexample
26037
26038 @exdent will return the string:
26039
26040 @smallexample
26041 "frame: main, print arguments: scalars"
26042 @end smallexample
26043 @end table
26044
26045 @node Aliases
26046 @section Creating new spellings of existing commands
26047 @cindex aliases for commands
26048
26049 It is often useful to define alternate spellings of existing commands.
26050 For example, if a new @value{GDBN} command defined in Python has
26051 a long name to type, it is handy to have an abbreviated version of it
26052 that involves less typing.
26053
26054 @value{GDBN} itself uses aliases. For example @samp{s} is an alias
26055 of the @samp{step} command even though it is otherwise an ambiguous
26056 abbreviation of other commands like @samp{set} and @samp{show}.
26057
26058 Aliases are also used to provide shortened or more common versions
26059 of multi-word commands. For example, @value{GDBN} provides the
26060 @samp{tty} alias of the @samp{set inferior-tty} command.
26061
26062 You can define a new alias with the @samp{alias} command.
26063
26064 @table @code
26065
26066 @kindex alias
26067 @item alias [-a] [--] @var{ALIAS} = @var{COMMAND}
26068
26069 @end table
26070
26071 @var{ALIAS} specifies the name of the new alias.
26072 Each word of @var{ALIAS} must consist of letters, numbers, dashes and
26073 underscores.
26074
26075 @var{COMMAND} specifies the name of an existing command
26076 that is being aliased.
26077
26078 The @samp{-a} option specifies that the new alias is an abbreviation
26079 of the command. Abbreviations are not shown in command
26080 lists displayed by the @samp{help} command.
26081
26082 The @samp{--} option specifies the end of options,
26083 and is useful when @var{ALIAS} begins with a dash.
26084
26085 Here is a simple example showing how to make an abbreviation
26086 of a command so that there is less to type.
26087 Suppose you were tired of typing @samp{disas}, the current
26088 shortest unambiguous abbreviation of the @samp{disassemble} command
26089 and you wanted an even shorter version named @samp{di}.
26090 The following will accomplish this.
26091
26092 @smallexample
26093 (gdb) alias -a di = disas
26094 @end smallexample
26095
26096 Note that aliases are different from user-defined commands.
26097 With a user-defined command, you also need to write documentation
26098 for it with the @samp{document} command.
26099 An alias automatically picks up the documentation of the existing command.
26100
26101 Here is an example where we make @samp{elms} an abbreviation of
26102 @samp{elements} in the @samp{set print elements} command.
26103 This is to show that you can make an abbreviation of any part
26104 of a command.
26105
26106 @smallexample
26107 (gdb) alias -a set print elms = set print elements
26108 (gdb) alias -a show print elms = show print elements
26109 (gdb) set p elms 20
26110 (gdb) show p elms
26111 Limit on string chars or array elements to print is 200.
26112 @end smallexample
26113
26114 Note that if you are defining an alias of a @samp{set} command,
26115 and you want to have an alias for the corresponding @samp{show}
26116 command, then you need to define the latter separately.
26117
26118 Unambiguously abbreviated commands are allowed in @var{COMMAND} and
26119 @var{ALIAS}, just as they are normally.
26120
26121 @smallexample
26122 (gdb) alias -a set pr elms = set p ele
26123 @end smallexample
26124
26125 Finally, here is an example showing the creation of a one word
26126 alias for a more complex command.
26127 This creates alias @samp{spe} of the command @samp{set print elements}.
26128
26129 @smallexample
26130 (gdb) alias spe = set print elements
26131 (gdb) spe 20
26132 @end smallexample
26133
26134 @node Interpreters
26135 @chapter Command Interpreters
26136 @cindex command interpreters
26137
26138 @value{GDBN} supports multiple command interpreters, and some command
26139 infrastructure to allow users or user interface writers to switch
26140 between interpreters or run commands in other interpreters.
26141
26142 @value{GDBN} currently supports two command interpreters, the console
26143 interpreter (sometimes called the command-line interpreter or @sc{cli})
26144 and the machine interface interpreter (or @sc{gdb/mi}). This manual
26145 describes both of these interfaces in great detail.
26146
26147 By default, @value{GDBN} will start with the console interpreter.
26148 However, the user may choose to start @value{GDBN} with another
26149 interpreter by specifying the @option{-i} or @option{--interpreter}
26150 startup options. Defined interpreters include:
26151
26152 @table @code
26153 @item console
26154 @cindex console interpreter
26155 The traditional console or command-line interpreter. This is the most often
26156 used interpreter with @value{GDBN}. With no interpreter specified at runtime,
26157 @value{GDBN} will use this interpreter.
26158
26159 @item mi
26160 @cindex mi interpreter
26161 The newest @sc{gdb/mi} interface (currently @code{mi2}). Used primarily
26162 by programs wishing to use @value{GDBN} as a backend for a debugger GUI
26163 or an IDE. For more information, see @ref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi}
26164 Interface}.
26165
26166 @item mi2
26167 @cindex mi2 interpreter
26168 The current @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
26169
26170 @item mi1
26171 @cindex mi1 interpreter
26172 The @sc{gdb/mi} interface included in @value{GDBN} 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3.
26173
26174 @end table
26175
26176 @cindex invoke another interpreter
26177 The interpreter being used by @value{GDBN} may not be dynamically
26178 switched at runtime. Although possible, this could lead to a very
26179 precarious situation. Consider an IDE using @sc{gdb/mi}. If a user
26180 enters the command "interpreter-set console" in a console view,
26181 @value{GDBN} would switch to using the console interpreter, rendering
26182 the IDE inoperable!
26183
26184 @kindex interpreter-exec
26185 Although you may only choose a single interpreter at startup, you may execute
26186 commands in any interpreter from the current interpreter using the appropriate
26187 command. If you are running the console interpreter, simply use the
26188 @code{interpreter-exec} command:
26189
26190 @smallexample
26191 interpreter-exec mi "-data-list-register-names"
26192 @end smallexample
26193
26194 @sc{gdb/mi} has a similar command, although it is only available in versions of
26195 @value{GDBN} which support @sc{gdb/mi} version 2 (or greater).
26196
26197 @node TUI
26198 @chapter @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
26199 @cindex TUI
26200 @cindex Text User Interface
26201
26202 @menu
26203 * TUI Overview:: TUI overview
26204 * TUI Keys:: TUI key bindings
26205 * TUI Single Key Mode:: TUI single key mode
26206 * TUI Commands:: TUI-specific commands
26207 * TUI Configuration:: TUI configuration variables
26208 @end menu
26209
26210 The @value{GDBN} Text User Interface (TUI) is a terminal
26211 interface which uses the @code{curses} library to show the source
26212 file, the assembly output, the program registers and @value{GDBN}
26213 commands in separate text windows. The TUI mode is supported only
26214 on platforms where a suitable version of the @code{curses} library
26215 is available.
26216
26217 The TUI mode is enabled by default when you invoke @value{GDBN} as
26218 @samp{@value{GDBP} -tui}.
26219 You can also switch in and out of TUI mode while @value{GDBN} runs by
26220 using various TUI commands and key bindings, such as @kbd{C-x C-a}.
26221 @xref{TUI Keys, ,TUI Key Bindings}.
26222
26223 @node TUI Overview
26224 @section TUI Overview
26225
26226 In TUI mode, @value{GDBN} can display several text windows:
26227
26228 @table @emph
26229 @item command
26230 This window is the @value{GDBN} command window with the @value{GDBN}
26231 prompt and the @value{GDBN} output. The @value{GDBN} input is still
26232 managed using readline.
26233
26234 @item source
26235 The source window shows the source file of the program. The current
26236 line and active breakpoints are displayed in this window.
26237
26238 @item assembly
26239 The assembly window shows the disassembly output of the program.
26240
26241 @item register
26242 This window shows the processor registers. Registers are highlighted
26243 when their values change.
26244 @end table
26245
26246 The source and assembly windows show the current program position
26247 by highlighting the current line and marking it with a @samp{>} marker.
26248 Breakpoints are indicated with two markers. The first marker
26249 indicates the breakpoint type:
26250
26251 @table @code
26252 @item B
26253 Breakpoint which was hit at least once.
26254
26255 @item b
26256 Breakpoint which was never hit.
26257
26258 @item H
26259 Hardware breakpoint which was hit at least once.
26260
26261 @item h
26262 Hardware breakpoint which was never hit.
26263 @end table
26264
26265 The second marker indicates whether the breakpoint is enabled or not:
26266
26267 @table @code
26268 @item +
26269 Breakpoint is enabled.
26270
26271 @item -
26272 Breakpoint is disabled.
26273 @end table
26274
26275 The source, assembly and register windows are updated when the current
26276 thread changes, when the frame changes, or when the program counter
26277 changes.
26278
26279 These windows are not all visible at the same time. The command
26280 window is always visible. The others can be arranged in several
26281 layouts:
26282
26283 @itemize @bullet
26284 @item
26285 source only,
26286
26287 @item
26288 assembly only,
26289
26290 @item
26291 source and assembly,
26292
26293 @item
26294 source and registers, or
26295
26296 @item
26297 assembly and registers.
26298 @end itemize
26299
26300 A status line above the command window shows the following information:
26301
26302 @table @emph
26303 @item target
26304 Indicates the current @value{GDBN} target.
26305 (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
26306
26307 @item process
26308 Gives the current process or thread number.
26309 When no process is being debugged, this field is set to @code{No process}.
26310
26311 @item function
26312 Gives the current function name for the selected frame.
26313 The name is demangled if demangling is turned on (@pxref{Print Settings}).
26314 When there is no symbol corresponding to the current program counter,
26315 the string @code{??} is displayed.
26316
26317 @item line
26318 Indicates the current line number for the selected frame.
26319 When the current line number is not known, the string @code{??} is displayed.
26320
26321 @item pc
26322 Indicates the current program counter address.
26323 @end table
26324
26325 @node TUI Keys
26326 @section TUI Key Bindings
26327 @cindex TUI key bindings
26328
26329 The TUI installs several key bindings in the readline keymaps
26330 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
26331 (@pxref{Command Line Editing, , , rluserman, GNU Readline Library}).
26332 @end ifset
26333 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
26334 (@pxref{Command Line Editing}).
26335 @end ifclear
26336 The following key bindings are installed for both TUI mode and the
26337 @value{GDBN} standard mode.
26338
26339 @table @kbd
26340 @kindex C-x C-a
26341 @item C-x C-a
26342 @kindex C-x a
26343 @itemx C-x a
26344 @kindex C-x A
26345 @itemx C-x A
26346 Enter or leave the TUI mode. When leaving the TUI mode,
26347 the curses window management stops and @value{GDBN} operates using
26348 its standard mode, writing on the terminal directly. When reentering
26349 the TUI mode, control is given back to the curses windows.
26350 The screen is then refreshed.
26351
26352 @kindex C-x 1
26353 @item C-x 1
26354 Use a TUI layout with only one window. The layout will
26355 either be @samp{source} or @samp{assembly}. When the TUI mode
26356 is not active, it will switch to the TUI mode.
26357
26358 Think of this key binding as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 1} binding.
26359
26360 @kindex C-x 2
26361 @item C-x 2
26362 Use a TUI layout with at least two windows. When the current
26363 layout already has two windows, the next layout with two windows is used.
26364 When a new layout is chosen, one window will always be common to the
26365 previous layout and the new one.
26366
26367 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 2} binding.
26368
26369 @kindex C-x o
26370 @item C-x o
26371 Change the active window. The TUI associates several key bindings
26372 (like scrolling and arrow keys) with the active window. This command
26373 gives the focus to the next TUI window.
26374
26375 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x o} binding.
26376
26377 @kindex C-x s
26378 @item C-x s
26379 Switch in and out of the TUI SingleKey mode that binds single
26380 keys to @value{GDBN} commands (@pxref{TUI Single Key Mode}).
26381 @end table
26382
26383 The following key bindings only work in the TUI mode:
26384
26385 @table @asis
26386 @kindex PgUp
26387 @item @key{PgUp}
26388 Scroll the active window one page up.
26389
26390 @kindex PgDn
26391 @item @key{PgDn}
26392 Scroll the active window one page down.
26393
26394 @kindex Up
26395 @item @key{Up}
26396 Scroll the active window one line up.
26397
26398 @kindex Down
26399 @item @key{Down}
26400 Scroll the active window one line down.
26401
26402 @kindex Left
26403 @item @key{Left}
26404 Scroll the active window one column left.
26405
26406 @kindex Right
26407 @item @key{Right}
26408 Scroll the active window one column right.
26409
26410 @kindex C-L
26411 @item @kbd{C-L}
26412 Refresh the screen.
26413 @end table
26414
26415 Because the arrow keys scroll the active window in the TUI mode, they
26416 are not available for their normal use by readline unless the command
26417 window has the focus. When another window is active, you must use
26418 other readline key bindings such as @kbd{C-p}, @kbd{C-n}, @kbd{C-b}
26419 and @kbd{C-f} to control the command window.
26420
26421 @node TUI Single Key Mode
26422 @section TUI Single Key Mode
26423 @cindex TUI single key mode
26424
26425 The TUI also provides a @dfn{SingleKey} mode, which binds several
26426 frequently used @value{GDBN} commands to single keys. Type @kbd{C-x s} to
26427 switch into this mode, where the following key bindings are used:
26428
26429 @table @kbd
26430 @kindex c @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26431 @item c
26432 continue
26433
26434 @kindex d @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26435 @item d
26436 down
26437
26438 @kindex f @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26439 @item f
26440 finish
26441
26442 @kindex n @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26443 @item n
26444 next
26445
26446 @kindex q @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26447 @item q
26448 exit the SingleKey mode.
26449
26450 @kindex r @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26451 @item r
26452 run
26453
26454 @kindex s @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26455 @item s
26456 step
26457
26458 @kindex u @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26459 @item u
26460 up
26461
26462 @kindex v @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26463 @item v
26464 info locals
26465
26466 @kindex w @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26467 @item w
26468 where
26469 @end table
26470
26471 Other keys temporarily switch to the @value{GDBN} command prompt.
26472 The key that was pressed is inserted in the editing buffer so that
26473 it is possible to type most @value{GDBN} commands without interaction
26474 with the TUI SingleKey mode. Once the command is entered the TUI
26475 SingleKey mode is restored. The only way to permanently leave
26476 this mode is by typing @kbd{q} or @kbd{C-x s}.
26477
26478
26479 @node TUI Commands
26480 @section TUI-specific Commands
26481 @cindex TUI commands
26482
26483 The TUI has specific commands to control the text windows.
26484 These commands are always available, even when @value{GDBN} is not in
26485 the TUI mode. When @value{GDBN} is in the standard mode, most
26486 of these commands will automatically switch to the TUI mode.
26487
26488 Note that if @value{GDBN}'s @code{stdout} is not connected to a
26489 terminal, or @value{GDBN} has been started with the machine interface
26490 interpreter (@pxref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}), most of
26491 these commands will fail with an error, because it would not be
26492 possible or desirable to enable curses window management.
26493
26494 @table @code
26495 @item info win
26496 @kindex info win
26497 List and give the size of all displayed windows.
26498
26499 @item layout next
26500 @kindex layout
26501 Display the next layout.
26502
26503 @item layout prev
26504 Display the previous layout.
26505
26506 @item layout src
26507 Display the source window only.
26508
26509 @item layout asm
26510 Display the assembly window only.
26511
26512 @item layout split
26513 Display the source and assembly window.
26514
26515 @item layout regs
26516 Display the register window together with the source or assembly window.
26517
26518 @item focus next
26519 @kindex focus
26520 Make the next window active for scrolling.
26521
26522 @item focus prev
26523 Make the previous window active for scrolling.
26524
26525 @item focus src
26526 Make the source window active for scrolling.
26527
26528 @item focus asm
26529 Make the assembly window active for scrolling.
26530
26531 @item focus regs
26532 Make the register window active for scrolling.
26533
26534 @item focus cmd
26535 Make the command window active for scrolling.
26536
26537 @item refresh
26538 @kindex refresh
26539 Refresh the screen. This is similar to typing @kbd{C-L}.
26540
26541 @item tui reg float
26542 @kindex tui reg
26543 Show the floating point registers in the register window.
26544
26545 @item tui reg general
26546 Show the general registers in the register window.
26547
26548 @item tui reg next
26549 Show the next register group. The list of register groups as well as
26550 their order is target specific. The predefined register groups are the
26551 following: @code{general}, @code{float}, @code{system}, @code{vector},
26552 @code{all}, @code{save}, @code{restore}.
26553
26554 @item tui reg system
26555 Show the system registers in the register window.
26556
26557 @item update
26558 @kindex update
26559 Update the source window and the current execution point.
26560
26561 @item winheight @var{name} +@var{count}
26562 @itemx winheight @var{name} -@var{count}
26563 @kindex winheight
26564 Change the height of the window @var{name} by @var{count}
26565 lines. Positive counts increase the height, while negative counts
26566 decrease it.
26567
26568 @item tabset @var{nchars}
26569 @kindex tabset
26570 Set the width of tab stops to be @var{nchars} characters.
26571 @end table
26572
26573 @node TUI Configuration
26574 @section TUI Configuration Variables
26575 @cindex TUI configuration variables
26576
26577 Several configuration variables control the appearance of TUI windows.
26578
26579 @table @code
26580 @item set tui border-kind @var{kind}
26581 @kindex set tui border-kind
26582 Select the border appearance for the source, assembly and register windows.
26583 The possible values are the following:
26584 @table @code
26585 @item space
26586 Use a space character to draw the border.
26587
26588 @item ascii
26589 Use @sc{ascii} characters @samp{+}, @samp{-} and @samp{|} to draw the border.
26590
26591 @item acs
26592 Use the Alternate Character Set to draw the border. The border is
26593 drawn using character line graphics if the terminal supports them.
26594 @end table
26595
26596 @item set tui border-mode @var{mode}
26597 @kindex set tui border-mode
26598 @itemx set tui active-border-mode @var{mode}
26599 @kindex set tui active-border-mode
26600 Select the display attributes for the borders of the inactive windows
26601 or the active window. The @var{mode} can be one of the following:
26602 @table @code
26603 @item normal
26604 Use normal attributes to display the border.
26605
26606 @item standout
26607 Use standout mode.
26608
26609 @item reverse
26610 Use reverse video mode.
26611
26612 @item half
26613 Use half bright mode.
26614
26615 @item half-standout
26616 Use half bright and standout mode.
26617
26618 @item bold
26619 Use extra bright or bold mode.
26620
26621 @item bold-standout
26622 Use extra bright or bold and standout mode.
26623 @end table
26624 @end table
26625
26626 @node Emacs
26627 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
26628
26629 @cindex Emacs
26630 @cindex @sc{gnu} Emacs
26631 A special interface allows you to use @sc{gnu} Emacs to view (and
26632 edit) the source files for the program you are debugging with
26633 @value{GDBN}.
26634
26635 To use this interface, use the command @kbd{M-x gdb} in Emacs. Give the
26636 executable file you want to debug as an argument. This command starts
26637 @value{GDBN} as a subprocess of Emacs, with input and output through a newly
26638 created Emacs buffer.
26639 @c (Do not use the @code{-tui} option to run @value{GDBN} from Emacs.)
26640
26641 Running @value{GDBN} under Emacs can be just like running @value{GDBN} normally except for two
26642 things:
26643
26644 @itemize @bullet
26645 @item
26646 All ``terminal'' input and output goes through an Emacs buffer, called
26647 the GUD buffer.
26648
26649 This applies both to @value{GDBN} commands and their output, and to the input
26650 and output done by the program you are debugging.
26651
26652 This is useful because it means that you can copy the text of previous
26653 commands and input them again; you can even use parts of the output
26654 in this way.
26655
26656 All the facilities of Emacs' Shell mode are available for interacting
26657 with your program. In particular, you can send signals the usual
26658 way---for example, @kbd{C-c C-c} for an interrupt, @kbd{C-c C-z} for a
26659 stop.
26660
26661 @item
26662 @value{GDBN} displays source code through Emacs.
26663
26664 Each time @value{GDBN} displays a stack frame, Emacs automatically finds the
26665 source file for that frame and puts an arrow (@samp{=>}) at the
26666 left margin of the current line. Emacs uses a separate buffer for
26667 source display, and splits the screen to show both your @value{GDBN} session
26668 and the source.
26669
26670 Explicit @value{GDBN} @code{list} or search commands still produce output as
26671 usual, but you probably have no reason to use them from Emacs.
26672 @end itemize
26673
26674 We call this @dfn{text command mode}. Emacs 22.1, and later, also uses
26675 a graphical mode, enabled by default, which provides further buffers
26676 that can control the execution and describe the state of your program.
26677 @xref{GDB Graphical Interface,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}.
26678
26679 If you specify an absolute file name when prompted for the @kbd{M-x
26680 gdb} argument, then Emacs sets your current working directory to where
26681 your program resides. If you only specify the file name, then Emacs
26682 sets your current working directory to the directory associated
26683 with the previous buffer. In this case, @value{GDBN} may find your
26684 program by searching your environment's @code{PATH} variable, but on
26685 some operating systems it might not find the source. So, although the
26686 @value{GDBN} input and output session proceeds normally, the auxiliary
26687 buffer does not display the current source and line of execution.
26688
26689 The initial working directory of @value{GDBN} is printed on the top
26690 line of the GUD buffer and this serves as a default for the commands
26691 that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files,
26692 ,Commands to Specify Files}.
26693
26694 By default, @kbd{M-x gdb} calls the program called @file{gdb}. If you
26695 need to call @value{GDBN} by a different name (for example, if you
26696 keep several configurations around, with different names) you can
26697 customize the Emacs variable @code{gud-gdb-command-name} to run the
26698 one you want.
26699
26700 In the GUD buffer, you can use these special Emacs commands in
26701 addition to the standard Shell mode commands:
26702
26703 @table @kbd
26704 @item C-h m
26705 Describe the features of Emacs' GUD Mode.
26706
26707 @item C-c C-s
26708 Execute to another source line, like the @value{GDBN} @code{step} command; also
26709 update the display window to show the current file and location.
26710
26711 @item C-c C-n
26712 Execute to next source line in this function, skipping all function
26713 calls, like the @value{GDBN} @code{next} command. Then update the display window
26714 to show the current file and location.
26715
26716 @item C-c C-i
26717 Execute one instruction, like the @value{GDBN} @code{stepi} command; update
26718 display window accordingly.
26719
26720 @item C-c C-f
26721 Execute until exit from the selected stack frame, like the @value{GDBN}
26722 @code{finish} command.
26723
26724 @item C-c C-r
26725 Continue execution of your program, like the @value{GDBN} @code{continue}
26726 command.
26727
26728 @item C-c <
26729 Go up the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument
26730 (@pxref{Arguments, , Numeric Arguments, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}),
26731 like the @value{GDBN} @code{up} command.
26732
26733 @item C-c >
26734 Go down the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument, like the
26735 @value{GDBN} @code{down} command.
26736 @end table
26737
26738 In any source file, the Emacs command @kbd{C-x @key{SPC}} (@code{gud-break})
26739 tells @value{GDBN} to set a breakpoint on the source line point is on.
26740
26741 In text command mode, if you type @kbd{M-x speedbar}, Emacs displays a
26742 separate frame which shows a backtrace when the GUD buffer is current.
26743 Move point to any frame in the stack and type @key{RET} to make it
26744 become the current frame and display the associated source in the
26745 source buffer. Alternatively, click @kbd{Mouse-2} to make the
26746 selected frame become the current one. In graphical mode, the
26747 speedbar displays watch expressions.
26748
26749 If you accidentally delete the source-display buffer, an easy way to get
26750 it back is to type the command @code{f} in the @value{GDBN} buffer, to
26751 request a frame display; when you run under Emacs, this recreates
26752 the source buffer if necessary to show you the context of the current
26753 frame.
26754
26755 The source files displayed in Emacs are in ordinary Emacs buffers
26756 which are visiting the source files in the usual way. You can edit
26757 the files with these buffers if you wish; but keep in mind that @value{GDBN}
26758 communicates with Emacs in terms of line numbers. If you add or
26759 delete lines from the text, the line numbers that @value{GDBN} knows cease
26760 to correspond properly with the code.
26761
26762 A more detailed description of Emacs' interaction with @value{GDBN} is
26763 given in the Emacs manual (@pxref{Debuggers,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu}
26764 Emacs Manual}).
26765
26766 @c The following dropped because Epoch is nonstandard. Reactivate
26767 @c if/when v19 does something similar. ---doc@cygnus.com 19dec1990
26768 @ignore
26769 @kindex Emacs Epoch environment
26770 @kindex Epoch
26771 @kindex inspect
26772
26773 Version 18 of @sc{gnu} Emacs has a built-in window system
26774 called the @code{epoch}
26775 environment. Users of this environment can use a new command,
26776 @code{inspect} which performs identically to @code{print} except that
26777 each value is printed in its own window.
26778 @end ignore
26779
26780
26781 @node GDB/MI
26782 @chapter The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface
26783
26784 @unnumberedsec Function and Purpose
26785
26786 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, its purpose
26787 @sc{gdb/mi} is a line based machine oriented text interface to
26788 @value{GDBN} and is activated by specifying using the
26789 @option{--interpreter} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}). It
26790 is specifically intended to support the development of systems which
26791 use the debugger as just one small component of a larger system.
26792
26793 This chapter is a specification of the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. It is written
26794 in the form of a reference manual.
26795
26796 Note that @sc{gdb/mi} is still under construction, so some of the
26797 features described below are incomplete and subject to change
26798 (@pxref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, , @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends}).
26799
26800 @unnumberedsec Notation and Terminology
26801
26802 @cindex notational conventions, for @sc{gdb/mi}
26803 This chapter uses the following notation:
26804
26805 @itemize @bullet
26806 @item
26807 @code{|} separates two alternatives.
26808
26809 @item
26810 @code{[ @var{something} ]} indicates that @var{something} is optional:
26811 it may or may not be given.
26812
26813 @item
26814 @code{( @var{group} )*} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
26815 may repeat zero or more times.
26816
26817 @item
26818 @code{( @var{group} )+} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
26819 may repeat one or more times.
26820
26821 @item
26822 @code{"@var{string}"} means a literal @var{string}.
26823 @end itemize
26824
26825 @ignore
26826 @heading Dependencies
26827 @end ignore
26828
26829 @menu
26830 * GDB/MI General Design::
26831 * GDB/MI Command Syntax::
26832 * GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI::
26833 * GDB/MI Development and Front Ends::
26834 * GDB/MI Output Records::
26835 * GDB/MI Simple Examples::
26836 * GDB/MI Command Description Format::
26837 * GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands::
26838 * GDB/MI Program Context::
26839 * GDB/MI Thread Commands::
26840 * GDB/MI Ada Tasking Commands::
26841 * GDB/MI Program Execution::
26842 * GDB/MI Stack Manipulation::
26843 * GDB/MI Variable Objects::
26844 * GDB/MI Data Manipulation::
26845 * GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands::
26846 * GDB/MI Symbol Query::
26847 * GDB/MI File Commands::
26848 @ignore
26849 * GDB/MI Kod Commands::
26850 * GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands::
26851 * GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands::
26852 @end ignore
26853 * GDB/MI Target Manipulation::
26854 * GDB/MI File Transfer Commands::
26855 * GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands::
26856 @end menu
26857
26858 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
26859 @node GDB/MI General Design
26860 @section @sc{gdb/mi} General Design
26861 @cindex GDB/MI General Design
26862
26863 Interaction of a @sc{GDB/MI} frontend with @value{GDBN} involves three
26864 parts---commands sent to @value{GDBN}, responses to those commands
26865 and notifications. Each command results in exactly one response,
26866 indicating either successful completion of the command, or an error.
26867 For the commands that do not resume the target, the response contains the
26868 requested information. For the commands that resume the target, the
26869 response only indicates whether the target was successfully resumed.
26870 Notifications is the mechanism for reporting changes in the state of the
26871 target, or in @value{GDBN} state, that cannot conveniently be associated with
26872 a command and reported as part of that command response.
26873
26874 The important examples of notifications are:
26875 @itemize @bullet
26876
26877 @item
26878 Exec notifications. These are used to report changes in
26879 target state---when a target is resumed, or stopped. It would not
26880 be feasible to include this information in response of resuming
26881 commands, because one resume commands can result in multiple events in
26882 different threads. Also, quite some time may pass before any event
26883 happens in the target, while a frontend needs to know whether the resuming
26884 command itself was successfully executed.
26885
26886 @item
26887 Console output, and status notifications. Console output
26888 notifications are used to report output of CLI commands, as well as
26889 diagnostics for other commands. Status notifications are used to
26890 report the progress of a long-running operation. Naturally, including
26891 this information in command response would mean no output is produced
26892 until the command is finished, which is undesirable.
26893
26894 @item
26895 General notifications. Commands may have various side effects on
26896 the @value{GDBN} or target state beyond their official purpose. For example,
26897 a command may change the selected thread. Although such changes can
26898 be included in command response, using notification allows for more
26899 orthogonal frontend design.
26900
26901 @end itemize
26902
26903 There's no guarantee that whenever an MI command reports an error,
26904 @value{GDBN} or the target are in any specific state, and especially,
26905 the state is not reverted to the state before the MI command was
26906 processed. Therefore, whenever an MI command results in an error,
26907 we recommend that the frontend refreshes all the information shown in
26908 the user interface.
26909
26910
26911 @menu
26912 * Context management::
26913 * Asynchronous and non-stop modes::
26914 * Thread groups::
26915 @end menu
26916
26917 @node Context management
26918 @subsection Context management
26919
26920 In most cases when @value{GDBN} accesses the target, this access is
26921 done in context of a specific thread and frame (@pxref{Frames}).
26922 Often, even when accessing global data, the target requires that a thread
26923 be specified. The CLI interface maintains the selected thread and frame,
26924 and supplies them to target on each command. This is convenient,
26925 because a command line user would not want to specify that information
26926 explicitly on each command, and because user interacts with
26927 @value{GDBN} via a single terminal, so no confusion is possible as
26928 to what thread and frame are the current ones.
26929
26930 In the case of MI, the concept of selected thread and frame is less
26931 useful. First, a frontend can easily remember this information
26932 itself. Second, a graphical frontend can have more than one window,
26933 each one used for debugging a different thread, and the frontend might
26934 want to access additional threads for internal purposes. This
26935 increases the risk that by relying on implicitly selected thread, the
26936 frontend may be operating on a wrong one. Therefore, each MI command
26937 should explicitly specify which thread and frame to operate on. To
26938 make it possible, each MI command accepts the @samp{--thread} and
26939 @samp{--frame} options, the value to each is @value{GDBN} identifier
26940 for thread and frame to operate on.
26941
26942 Usually, each top-level window in a frontend allows the user to select
26943 a thread and a frame, and remembers the user selection for further
26944 operations. However, in some cases @value{GDBN} may suggest that the
26945 current thread be changed. For example, when stopping on a breakpoint
26946 it is reasonable to switch to the thread where breakpoint is hit. For
26947 another example, if the user issues the CLI @samp{thread} command via
26948 the frontend, it is desirable to change the frontend's selected thread to the
26949 one specified by user. @value{GDBN} communicates the suggestion to
26950 change current thread using the @samp{=thread-selected} notification.
26951 No such notification is available for the selected frame at the moment.
26952
26953 Note that historically, MI shares the selected thread with CLI, so
26954 frontends used the @code{-thread-select} to execute commands in the
26955 right context. However, getting this to work right is cumbersome. The
26956 simplest way is for frontend to emit @code{-thread-select} command
26957 before every command. This doubles the number of commands that need
26958 to be sent. The alternative approach is to suppress @code{-thread-select}
26959 if the selected thread in @value{GDBN} is supposed to be identical to the
26960 thread the frontend wants to operate on. However, getting this
26961 optimization right can be tricky. In particular, if the frontend
26962 sends several commands to @value{GDBN}, and one of the commands changes the
26963 selected thread, then the behaviour of subsequent commands will
26964 change. So, a frontend should either wait for response from such
26965 problematic commands, or explicitly add @code{-thread-select} for
26966 all subsequent commands. No frontend is known to do this exactly
26967 right, so it is suggested to just always pass the @samp{--thread} and
26968 @samp{--frame} options.
26969
26970 @node Asynchronous and non-stop modes
26971 @subsection Asynchronous command execution and non-stop mode
26972
26973 On some targets, @value{GDBN} is capable of processing MI commands
26974 even while the target is running. This is called @dfn{asynchronous
26975 command execution} (@pxref{Background Execution}). The frontend may
26976 specify a preferrence for asynchronous execution using the
26977 @code{-gdb-set target-async 1} command, which should be emitted before
26978 either running the executable or attaching to the target. After the
26979 frontend has started the executable or attached to the target, it can
26980 find if asynchronous execution is enabled using the
26981 @code{-list-target-features} command.
26982
26983 Even if @value{GDBN} can accept a command while target is running,
26984 many commands that access the target do not work when the target is
26985 running. Therefore, asynchronous command execution is most useful
26986 when combined with non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}). Then,
26987 it is possible to examine the state of one thread, while other threads
26988 are running.
26989
26990 When a given thread is running, MI commands that try to access the
26991 target in the context of that thread may not work, or may work only on
26992 some targets. In particular, commands that try to operate on thread's
26993 stack will not work, on any target. Commands that read memory, or
26994 modify breakpoints, may work or not work, depending on the target. Note
26995 that even commands that operate on global state, such as @code{print},
26996 @code{set}, and breakpoint commands, still access the target in the
26997 context of a specific thread, so frontend should try to find a
26998 stopped thread and perform the operation on that thread (using the
26999 @samp{--thread} option).
27000
27001 Which commands will work in the context of a running thread is
27002 highly target dependent. However, the two commands
27003 @code{-exec-interrupt}, to stop a thread, and @code{-thread-info},
27004 to find the state of a thread, will always work.
27005
27006 @node Thread groups
27007 @subsection Thread groups
27008 @value{GDBN} may be used to debug several processes at the same time.
27009 On some platfroms, @value{GDBN} may support debugging of several
27010 hardware systems, each one having several cores with several different
27011 processes running on each core. This section describes the MI
27012 mechanism to support such debugging scenarios.
27013
27014 The key observation is that regardless of the structure of the
27015 target, MI can have a global list of threads, because most commands that
27016 accept the @samp{--thread} option do not need to know what process that
27017 thread belongs to. Therefore, it is not necessary to introduce
27018 neither additional @samp{--process} option, nor an notion of the
27019 current process in the MI interface. The only strictly new feature
27020 that is required is the ability to find how the threads are grouped
27021 into processes.
27022
27023 To allow the user to discover such grouping, and to support arbitrary
27024 hierarchy of machines/cores/processes, MI introduces the concept of a
27025 @dfn{thread group}. Thread group is a collection of threads and other
27026 thread groups. A thread group always has a string identifier, a type,
27027 and may have additional attributes specific to the type. A new
27028 command, @code{-list-thread-groups}, returns the list of top-level
27029 thread groups, which correspond to processes that @value{GDBN} is
27030 debugging at the moment. By passing an identifier of a thread group
27031 to the @code{-list-thread-groups} command, it is possible to obtain
27032 the members of specific thread group.
27033
27034 To allow the user to easily discover processes, and other objects, he
27035 wishes to debug, a concept of @dfn{available thread group} is
27036 introduced. Available thread group is an thread group that
27037 @value{GDBN} is not debugging, but that can be attached to, using the
27038 @code{-target-attach} command. The list of available top-level thread
27039 groups can be obtained using @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}.
27040 In general, the content of a thread group may be only retrieved only
27041 after attaching to that thread group.
27042
27043 Thread groups are related to inferiors (@pxref{Inferiors and
27044 Programs}). Each inferior corresponds to a thread group of a special
27045 type @samp{process}, and some additional operations are permitted on
27046 such thread groups.
27047
27048 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27049 @node GDB/MI Command Syntax
27050 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Syntax
27051
27052 @menu
27053 * GDB/MI Input Syntax::
27054 * GDB/MI Output Syntax::
27055 @end menu
27056
27057 @node GDB/MI Input Syntax
27058 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Input Syntax
27059
27060 @cindex input syntax for @sc{gdb/mi}
27061 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, input syntax
27062 @table @code
27063 @item @var{command} @expansion{}
27064 @code{@var{cli-command} | @var{mi-command}}
27065
27066 @item @var{cli-command} @expansion{}
27067 @code{[ @var{token} ] @var{cli-command} @var{nl}}, where
27068 @var{cli-command} is any existing @value{GDBN} CLI command.
27069
27070 @item @var{mi-command} @expansion{}
27071 @code{[ @var{token} ] "-" @var{operation} ( " " @var{option} )*
27072 @code{[} " --" @code{]} ( " " @var{parameter} )* @var{nl}}
27073
27074 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
27075 "any sequence of digits"
27076
27077 @item @var{option} @expansion{}
27078 @code{"-" @var{parameter} [ " " @var{parameter} ]}
27079
27080 @item @var{parameter} @expansion{}
27081 @code{@var{non-blank-sequence} | @var{c-string}}
27082
27083 @item @var{operation} @expansion{}
27084 @emph{any of the operations described in this chapter}
27085
27086 @item @var{non-blank-sequence} @expansion{}
27087 @emph{anything, provided it doesn't contain special characters such as
27088 "-", @var{nl}, """ and of course " "}
27089
27090 @item @var{c-string} @expansion{}
27091 @code{""" @var{seven-bit-iso-c-string-content} """}
27092
27093 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
27094 @code{CR | CR-LF}
27095 @end table
27096
27097 @noindent
27098 Notes:
27099
27100 @itemize @bullet
27101 @item
27102 The CLI commands are still handled by the @sc{mi} interpreter; their
27103 output is described below.
27104
27105 @item
27106 The @code{@var{token}}, when present, is passed back when the command
27107 finishes.
27108
27109 @item
27110 Some @sc{mi} commands accept optional arguments as part of the parameter
27111 list. Each option is identified by a leading @samp{-} (dash) and may be
27112 followed by an optional argument parameter. Options occur first in the
27113 parameter list and can be delimited from normal parameters using
27114 @samp{--} (this is useful when some parameters begin with a dash).
27115 @end itemize
27116
27117 Pragmatics:
27118
27119 @itemize @bullet
27120 @item
27121 We want easy access to the existing CLI syntax (for debugging).
27122
27123 @item
27124 We want it to be easy to spot a @sc{mi} operation.
27125 @end itemize
27126
27127 @node GDB/MI Output Syntax
27128 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax
27129
27130 @cindex output syntax of @sc{gdb/mi}
27131 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, output syntax
27132 The output from @sc{gdb/mi} consists of zero or more out-of-band records
27133 followed, optionally, by a single result record. This result record
27134 is for the most recent command. The sequence of output records is
27135 terminated by @samp{(gdb)}.
27136
27137 If an input command was prefixed with a @code{@var{token}} then the
27138 corresponding output for that command will also be prefixed by that same
27139 @var{token}.
27140
27141 @table @code
27142 @item @var{output} @expansion{}
27143 @code{( @var{out-of-band-record} )* [ @var{result-record} ] "(gdb)" @var{nl}}
27144
27145 @item @var{result-record} @expansion{}
27146 @code{ [ @var{token} ] "^" @var{result-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
27147
27148 @item @var{out-of-band-record} @expansion{}
27149 @code{@var{async-record} | @var{stream-record}}
27150
27151 @item @var{async-record} @expansion{}
27152 @code{@var{exec-async-output} | @var{status-async-output} | @var{notify-async-output}}
27153
27154 @item @var{exec-async-output} @expansion{}
27155 @code{[ @var{token} ] "*" @var{async-output}}
27156
27157 @item @var{status-async-output} @expansion{}
27158 @code{[ @var{token} ] "+" @var{async-output}}
27159
27160 @item @var{notify-async-output} @expansion{}
27161 @code{[ @var{token} ] "=" @var{async-output}}
27162
27163 @item @var{async-output} @expansion{}
27164 @code{@var{async-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
27165
27166 @item @var{result-class} @expansion{}
27167 @code{"done" | "running" | "connected" | "error" | "exit"}
27168
27169 @item @var{async-class} @expansion{}
27170 @code{"stopped" | @var{others}} (where @var{others} will be added
27171 depending on the needs---this is still in development).
27172
27173 @item @var{result} @expansion{}
27174 @code{ @var{variable} "=" @var{value}}
27175
27176 @item @var{variable} @expansion{}
27177 @code{ @var{string} }
27178
27179 @item @var{value} @expansion{}
27180 @code{ @var{const} | @var{tuple} | @var{list} }
27181
27182 @item @var{const} @expansion{}
27183 @code{@var{c-string}}
27184
27185 @item @var{tuple} @expansion{}
27186 @code{ "@{@}" | "@{" @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "@}" }
27187
27188 @item @var{list} @expansion{}
27189 @code{ "[]" | "[" @var{value} ( "," @var{value} )* "]" | "["
27190 @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "]" }
27191
27192 @item @var{stream-record} @expansion{}
27193 @code{@var{console-stream-output} | @var{target-stream-output} | @var{log-stream-output}}
27194
27195 @item @var{console-stream-output} @expansion{}
27196 @code{"~" @var{c-string}}
27197
27198 @item @var{target-stream-output} @expansion{}
27199 @code{"@@" @var{c-string}}
27200
27201 @item @var{log-stream-output} @expansion{}
27202 @code{"&" @var{c-string}}
27203
27204 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
27205 @code{CR | CR-LF}
27206
27207 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
27208 @emph{any sequence of digits}.
27209 @end table
27210
27211 @noindent
27212 Notes:
27213
27214 @itemize @bullet
27215 @item
27216 All output sequences end in a single line containing a period.
27217
27218 @item
27219 The @code{@var{token}} is from the corresponding request. Note that
27220 for all async output, while the token is allowed by the grammar and
27221 may be output by future versions of @value{GDBN} for select async
27222 output messages, it is generally omitted. Frontends should treat
27223 all async output as reporting general changes in the state of the
27224 target and there should be no need to associate async output to any
27225 prior command.
27226
27227 @item
27228 @cindex status output in @sc{gdb/mi}
27229 @var{status-async-output} contains on-going status information about the
27230 progress of a slow operation. It can be discarded. All status output is
27231 prefixed by @samp{+}.
27232
27233 @item
27234 @cindex async output in @sc{gdb/mi}
27235 @var{exec-async-output} contains asynchronous state change on the target
27236 (stopped, started, disappeared). All async output is prefixed by
27237 @samp{*}.
27238
27239 @item
27240 @cindex notify output in @sc{gdb/mi}
27241 @var{notify-async-output} contains supplementary information that the
27242 client should handle (e.g., a new breakpoint information). All notify
27243 output is prefixed by @samp{=}.
27244
27245 @item
27246 @cindex console output in @sc{gdb/mi}
27247 @var{console-stream-output} is output that should be displayed as is in the
27248 console. It is the textual response to a CLI command. All the console
27249 output is prefixed by @samp{~}.
27250
27251 @item
27252 @cindex target output in @sc{gdb/mi}
27253 @var{target-stream-output} is the output produced by the target program.
27254 All the target output is prefixed by @samp{@@}.
27255
27256 @item
27257 @cindex log output in @sc{gdb/mi}
27258 @var{log-stream-output} is output text coming from @value{GDBN}'s internals, for
27259 instance messages that should be displayed as part of an error log. All
27260 the log output is prefixed by @samp{&}.
27261
27262 @item
27263 @cindex list output in @sc{gdb/mi}
27264 New @sc{gdb/mi} commands should only output @var{lists} containing
27265 @var{values}.
27266
27267
27268 @end itemize
27269
27270 @xref{GDB/MI Stream Records, , @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records}, for more
27271 details about the various output records.
27272
27273 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27274 @node GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI
27275 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Compatibility with CLI
27276
27277 @cindex compatibility, @sc{gdb/mi} and CLI
27278 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, compatibility with CLI
27279
27280 For the developers convenience CLI commands can be entered directly,
27281 but there may be some unexpected behaviour. For example, commands
27282 that query the user will behave as if the user replied yes, breakpoint
27283 command lists are not executed and some CLI commands, such as
27284 @code{if}, @code{when} and @code{define}, prompt for further input with
27285 @samp{>}, which is not valid MI output.
27286
27287 This feature may be removed at some stage in the future and it is
27288 recommended that front ends use the @code{-interpreter-exec} command
27289 (@pxref{-interpreter-exec}).
27290
27291 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27292 @node GDB/MI Development and Front Ends
27293 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends
27294 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi} development
27295
27296 The application which takes the MI output and presents the state of the
27297 program being debugged to the user is called a @dfn{front end}.
27298
27299 Although @sc{gdb/mi} is still incomplete, it is currently being used
27300 by a variety of front ends to @value{GDBN}. This makes it difficult
27301 to introduce new functionality without breaking existing usage. This
27302 section tries to minimize the problems by describing how the protocol
27303 might change.
27304
27305 Some changes in MI need not break a carefully designed front end, and
27306 for these the MI version will remain unchanged. The following is a
27307 list of changes that may occur within one level, so front ends should
27308 parse MI output in a way that can handle them:
27309
27310 @itemize @bullet
27311 @item
27312 New MI commands may be added.
27313
27314 @item
27315 New fields may be added to the output of any MI command.
27316
27317 @item
27318 The range of values for fields with specified values, e.g.,
27319 @code{in_scope} (@pxref{-var-update}) may be extended.
27320
27321 @c The format of field's content e.g type prefix, may change so parse it
27322 @c at your own risk. Yes, in general?
27323
27324 @c The order of fields may change? Shouldn't really matter but it might
27325 @c resolve inconsistencies.
27326 @end itemize
27327
27328 If the changes are likely to break front ends, the MI version level
27329 will be increased by one. This will allow the front end to parse the
27330 output according to the MI version. Apart from mi0, new versions of
27331 @value{GDBN} will not support old versions of MI and it will be the
27332 responsibility of the front end to work with the new one.
27333
27334 @c Starting with mi3, add a new command -mi-version that prints the MI
27335 @c version?
27336
27337 The best way to avoid unexpected changes in MI that might break your front
27338 end is to make your project known to @value{GDBN} developers and
27339 follow development on @email{gdb@@sourceware.org} and
27340 @email{gdb-patches@@sourceware.org}.
27341 @cindex mailing lists
27342
27343 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27344 @node GDB/MI Output Records
27345 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Output Records
27346
27347 @menu
27348 * GDB/MI Result Records::
27349 * GDB/MI Stream Records::
27350 * GDB/MI Async Records::
27351 * GDB/MI Frame Information::
27352 * GDB/MI Thread Information::
27353 * GDB/MI Ada Exception Information::
27354 @end menu
27355
27356 @node GDB/MI Result Records
27357 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Result Records
27358
27359 @cindex result records in @sc{gdb/mi}
27360 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, result records
27361 In addition to a number of out-of-band notifications, the response to a
27362 @sc{gdb/mi} command includes one of the following result indications:
27363
27364 @table @code
27365 @findex ^done
27366 @item "^done" [ "," @var{results} ]
27367 The synchronous operation was successful, @code{@var{results}} are the return
27368 values.
27369
27370 @item "^running"
27371 @findex ^running
27372 This result record is equivalent to @samp{^done}. Historically, it
27373 was output instead of @samp{^done} if the command has resumed the
27374 target. This behaviour is maintained for backward compatibility, but
27375 all frontends should treat @samp{^done} and @samp{^running}
27376 identically and rely on the @samp{*running} output record to determine
27377 which threads are resumed.
27378
27379 @item "^connected"
27380 @findex ^connected
27381 @value{GDBN} has connected to a remote target.
27382
27383 @item "^error" "," @var{c-string}
27384 @findex ^error
27385 The operation failed. The @code{@var{c-string}} contains the corresponding
27386 error message.
27387
27388 @item "^exit"
27389 @findex ^exit
27390 @value{GDBN} has terminated.
27391
27392 @end table
27393
27394 @node GDB/MI Stream Records
27395 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records
27396
27397 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, stream records
27398 @cindex stream records in @sc{gdb/mi}
27399 @value{GDBN} internally maintains a number of output streams: the console, the
27400 target, and the log. The output intended for each of these streams is
27401 funneled through the @sc{gdb/mi} interface using @dfn{stream records}.
27402
27403 Each stream record begins with a unique @dfn{prefix character} which
27404 identifies its stream (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, , @sc{gdb/mi} Output
27405 Syntax}). In addition to the prefix, each stream record contains a
27406 @code{@var{string-output}}. This is either raw text (with an implicit new
27407 line) or a quoted C string (which does not contain an implicit newline).
27408
27409 @table @code
27410 @item "~" @var{string-output}
27411 The console output stream contains text that should be displayed in the
27412 CLI console window. It contains the textual responses to CLI commands.
27413
27414 @item "@@" @var{string-output}
27415 The target output stream contains any textual output from the running
27416 target. This is only present when GDB's event loop is truly
27417 asynchronous, which is currently only the case for remote targets.
27418
27419 @item "&" @var{string-output}
27420 The log stream contains debugging messages being produced by @value{GDBN}'s
27421 internals.
27422 @end table
27423
27424 @node GDB/MI Async Records
27425 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Async Records
27426
27427 @cindex async records in @sc{gdb/mi}
27428 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, async records
27429 @dfn{Async} records are used to notify the @sc{gdb/mi} client of
27430 additional changes that have occurred. Those changes can either be a
27431 consequence of @sc{gdb/mi} commands (e.g., a breakpoint modified) or a result of
27432 target activity (e.g., target stopped).
27433
27434 The following is the list of possible async records:
27435
27436 @table @code
27437
27438 @item *running,thread-id="@var{thread}"
27439 The target is now running. The @var{thread} field tells which
27440 specific thread is now running, and can be @samp{all} if all threads
27441 are running. The frontend should assume that no interaction with a
27442 running thread is possible after this notification is produced.
27443 The frontend should not assume that this notification is output
27444 only once for any command. @value{GDBN} may emit this notification
27445 several times, either for different threads, because it cannot resume
27446 all threads together, or even for a single thread, if the thread must
27447 be stepped though some code before letting it run freely.
27448
27449 @item *stopped,reason="@var{reason}",thread-id="@var{id}",stopped-threads="@var{stopped}",core="@var{core}"
27450 The target has stopped. The @var{reason} field can have one of the
27451 following values:
27452
27453 @table @code
27454 @item breakpoint-hit
27455 A breakpoint was reached.
27456 @item watchpoint-trigger
27457 A watchpoint was triggered.
27458 @item read-watchpoint-trigger
27459 A read watchpoint was triggered.
27460 @item access-watchpoint-trigger
27461 An access watchpoint was triggered.
27462 @item function-finished
27463 An -exec-finish or similar CLI command was accomplished.
27464 @item location-reached
27465 An -exec-until or similar CLI command was accomplished.
27466 @item watchpoint-scope
27467 A watchpoint has gone out of scope.
27468 @item end-stepping-range
27469 An -exec-next, -exec-next-instruction, -exec-step, -exec-step-instruction or
27470 similar CLI command was accomplished.
27471 @item exited-signalled
27472 The inferior exited because of a signal.
27473 @item exited
27474 The inferior exited.
27475 @item exited-normally
27476 The inferior exited normally.
27477 @item signal-received
27478 A signal was received by the inferior.
27479 @item solib-event
27480 The inferior has stopped due to a library being loaded or unloaded.
27481 This can happen when @code{stop-on-solib-events} (@pxref{Files}) is
27482 set or when a @code{catch load} or @code{catch unload} catchpoint is
27483 in use (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}).
27484 @item fork
27485 The inferior has forked. This is reported when @code{catch fork}
27486 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
27487 @item vfork
27488 The inferior has vforked. This is reported in when @code{catch vfork}
27489 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
27490 @item syscall-entry
27491 The inferior entered a system call. This is reported when @code{catch
27492 syscall} (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
27493 @item syscall-entry
27494 The inferior returned from a system call. This is reported when
27495 @code{catch syscall} (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
27496 @item exec
27497 The inferior called @code{exec}. This is reported when @code{catch exec}
27498 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
27499 @end table
27500
27501 The @var{id} field identifies the thread that directly caused the stop
27502 -- for example by hitting a breakpoint. Depending on whether all-stop
27503 mode is in effect (@pxref{All-Stop Mode}), @value{GDBN} may either
27504 stop all threads, or only the thread that directly triggered the stop.
27505 If all threads are stopped, the @var{stopped} field will have the
27506 value of @code{"all"}. Otherwise, the value of the @var{stopped}
27507 field will be a list of thread identifiers. Presently, this list will
27508 always include a single thread, but frontend should be prepared to see
27509 several threads in the list. The @var{core} field reports the
27510 processor core on which the stop event has happened. This field may be absent
27511 if such information is not available.
27512
27513 @item =thread-group-added,id="@var{id}"
27514 @itemx =thread-group-removed,id="@var{id}"
27515 A thread group was either added or removed. The @var{id} field
27516 contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread group. When a thread
27517 group is added, it generally might not be associated with a running
27518 process. When a thread group is removed, its id becomes invalid and
27519 cannot be used in any way.
27520
27521 @item =thread-group-started,id="@var{id}",pid="@var{pid}"
27522 A thread group became associated with a running program,
27523 either because the program was just started or the thread group
27524 was attached to a program. The @var{id} field contains the
27525 @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread group. The @var{pid} field
27526 contains process identifier, specific to the operating system.
27527
27528 @item =thread-group-exited,id="@var{id}"[,exit-code="@var{code}"]
27529 A thread group is no longer associated with a running program,
27530 either because the program has exited, or because it was detached
27531 from. The @var{id} field contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the
27532 thread group. @var{code} is the exit code of the inferior; it exists
27533 only when the inferior exited with some code.
27534
27535 @item =thread-created,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
27536 @itemx =thread-exited,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
27537 A thread either was created, or has exited. The @var{id} field
27538 contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread. The @var{gid}
27539 field identifies the thread group this thread belongs to.
27540
27541 @item =thread-selected,id="@var{id}"
27542 Informs that the selected thread was changed as result of the last
27543 command. This notification is not emitted as result of @code{-thread-select}
27544 command but is emitted whenever an MI command that is not documented
27545 to change the selected thread actually changes it. In particular,
27546 invoking, directly or indirectly (via user-defined command), the CLI
27547 @code{thread} command, will generate this notification.
27548
27549 We suggest that in response to this notification, front ends
27550 highlight the selected thread and cause subsequent commands to apply to
27551 that thread.
27552
27553 @item =library-loaded,...
27554 Reports that a new library file was loaded by the program. This
27555 notification has 4 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name},
27556 @var{host-name}, and @var{symbols-loaded}. The @var{id} field is an
27557 opaque identifier of the library. For remote debugging case,
27558 @var{target-name} and @var{host-name} fields give the name of the
27559 library file on the target, and on the host respectively. For native
27560 debugging, both those fields have the same value. The
27561 @var{symbols-loaded} field is emitted only for backward compatibility
27562 and should not be relied on to convey any useful information. The
27563 @var{thread-group} field, if present, specifies the id of the thread
27564 group in whose context the library was loaded. If the field is
27565 absent, it means the library was loaded in the context of all present
27566 thread groups.
27567
27568 @item =library-unloaded,...
27569 Reports that a library was unloaded by the program. This notification
27570 has 3 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name} and @var{host-name} with
27571 the same meaning as for the @code{=library-loaded} notification.
27572 The @var{thread-group} field, if present, specifies the id of the
27573 thread group in whose context the library was unloaded. If the field is
27574 absent, it means the library was unloaded in the context of all present
27575 thread groups.
27576
27577 @item =breakpoint-created,bkpt=@{...@}
27578 @itemx =breakpoint-modified,bkpt=@{...@}
27579 @itemx =breakpoint-deleted,bkpt=@{...@}
27580 Reports that a breakpoint was created, modified, or deleted,
27581 respectively. Only user-visible breakpoints are reported to the MI
27582 user.
27583
27584 The @var{bkpt} argument is of the same form as returned by the various
27585 breakpoint commands; @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands}.
27586
27587 Note that if a breakpoint is emitted in the result record of a
27588 command, then it will not also be emitted in an async record.
27589
27590 @end table
27591
27592 @node GDB/MI Frame Information
27593 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Frame Information
27594
27595 Response from many MI commands includes an information about stack
27596 frame. This information is a tuple that may have the following
27597 fields:
27598
27599 @table @code
27600 @item level
27601 The level of the stack frame. The innermost frame has the level of
27602 zero. This field is always present.
27603
27604 @item func
27605 The name of the function corresponding to the frame. This field may
27606 be absent if @value{GDBN} is unable to determine the function name.
27607
27608 @item addr
27609 The code address for the frame. This field is always present.
27610
27611 @item file
27612 The name of the source files that correspond to the frame's code
27613 address. This field may be absent.
27614
27615 @item line
27616 The source line corresponding to the frames' code address. This field
27617 may be absent.
27618
27619 @item from
27620 The name of the binary file (either executable or shared library) the
27621 corresponds to the frame's code address. This field may be absent.
27622
27623 @end table
27624
27625 @node GDB/MI Thread Information
27626 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Information
27627
27628 Whenever @value{GDBN} has to report an information about a thread, it
27629 uses a tuple with the following fields:
27630
27631 @table @code
27632 @item id
27633 The numeric id assigned to the thread by @value{GDBN}. This field is
27634 always present.
27635
27636 @item target-id
27637 Target-specific string identifying the thread. This field is always present.
27638
27639 @item details
27640 Additional information about the thread provided by the target.
27641 It is supposed to be human-readable and not interpreted by the
27642 frontend. This field is optional.
27643
27644 @item state
27645 Either @samp{stopped} or @samp{running}, depending on whether the
27646 thread is presently running. This field is always present.
27647
27648 @item core
27649 The value of this field is an integer number of the processor core the
27650 thread was last seen on. This field is optional.
27651 @end table
27652
27653 @node GDB/MI Ada Exception Information
27654 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Ada Exception Information
27655
27656 Whenever a @code{*stopped} record is emitted because the program
27657 stopped after hitting an exception catchpoint (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}),
27658 @value{GDBN} provides the name of the exception that was raised via
27659 the @code{exception-name} field.
27660
27661 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27662 @node GDB/MI Simple Examples
27663 @section Simple Examples of @sc{gdb/mi} Interaction
27664 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, simple examples
27665
27666 This subsection presents several simple examples of interaction using
27667 the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. In these examples, @samp{->} means that the
27668 following line is passed to @sc{gdb/mi} as input, while @samp{<-} means
27669 the output received from @sc{gdb/mi}.
27670
27671 Note the line breaks shown in the examples are here only for
27672 readability, they don't appear in the real output.
27673
27674 @subheading Setting a Breakpoint
27675
27676 Setting a breakpoint generates synchronous output which contains detailed
27677 information of the breakpoint.
27678
27679 @smallexample
27680 -> -break-insert main
27681 <- ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
27682 enabled="y",addr="0x08048564",func="main",file="myprog.c",
27683 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68",times="0"@}
27684 <- (gdb)
27685 @end smallexample
27686
27687 @subheading Program Execution
27688
27689 Program execution generates asynchronous records and MI gives the
27690 reason that execution stopped.
27691
27692 @smallexample
27693 -> -exec-run
27694 <- ^running
27695 <- (gdb)
27696 <- *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
27697 frame=@{addr="0x08048564",func="main",
27698 args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},@{name="argv",value="0xbfc4d4d4"@}],
27699 file="myprog.c",fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68"@}
27700 <- (gdb)
27701 -> -exec-continue
27702 <- ^running
27703 <- (gdb)
27704 <- *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
27705 <- (gdb)
27706 @end smallexample
27707
27708 @subheading Quitting @value{GDBN}
27709
27710 Quitting @value{GDBN} just prints the result class @samp{^exit}.
27711
27712 @smallexample
27713 -> (gdb)
27714 <- -gdb-exit
27715 <- ^exit
27716 @end smallexample
27717
27718 Please note that @samp{^exit} is printed immediately, but it might
27719 take some time for @value{GDBN} to actually exit. During that time, @value{GDBN}
27720 performs necessary cleanups, including killing programs being debugged
27721 or disconnecting from debug hardware, so the frontend should wait till
27722 @value{GDBN} exits and should only forcibly kill @value{GDBN} if it
27723 fails to exit in reasonable time.
27724
27725 @subheading A Bad Command
27726
27727 Here's what happens if you pass a non-existent command:
27728
27729 @smallexample
27730 -> -rubbish
27731 <- ^error,msg="Undefined MI command: rubbish"
27732 <- (gdb)
27733 @end smallexample
27734
27735
27736 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27737 @node GDB/MI Command Description Format
27738 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Description Format
27739
27740 The remaining sections describe blocks of commands. Each block of
27741 commands is laid out in a fashion similar to this section.
27742
27743 @subheading Motivation
27744
27745 The motivation for this collection of commands.
27746
27747 @subheading Introduction
27748
27749 A brief introduction to this collection of commands as a whole.
27750
27751 @subheading Commands
27752
27753 For each command in the block, the following is described:
27754
27755 @subsubheading Synopsis
27756
27757 @smallexample
27758 -command @var{args}@dots{}
27759 @end smallexample
27760
27761 @subsubheading Result
27762
27763 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27764
27765 The corresponding @value{GDBN} CLI command(s), if any.
27766
27767 @subsubheading Example
27768
27769 Example(s) formatted for readability. Some of the described commands have
27770 not been implemented yet and these are labeled N.A.@: (not available).
27771
27772
27773 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27774 @node GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands
27775 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Breakpoint Commands
27776
27777 @cindex breakpoint commands for @sc{gdb/mi}
27778 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, breakpoint commands
27779 This section documents @sc{gdb/mi} commands for manipulating
27780 breakpoints.
27781
27782 @subheading The @code{-break-after} Command
27783 @findex -break-after
27784
27785 @subsubheading Synopsis
27786
27787 @smallexample
27788 -break-after @var{number} @var{count}
27789 @end smallexample
27790
27791 The breakpoint number @var{number} is not in effect until it has been
27792 hit @var{count} times. To see how this is reflected in the output of
27793 the @samp{-break-list} command, see the description of the
27794 @samp{-break-list} command below.
27795
27796 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27797
27798 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ignore}.
27799
27800 @subsubheading Example
27801
27802 @smallexample
27803 (gdb)
27804 -break-insert main
27805 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
27806 enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
27807 fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",times="0"@}
27808 (gdb)
27809 -break-after 1 3
27810 ~
27811 ^done
27812 (gdb)
27813 -break-list
27814 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
27815 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27816 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27817 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27818 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27819 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27820 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27821 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27822 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
27823 line="5",times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
27824 (gdb)
27825 @end smallexample
27826
27827 @ignore
27828 @subheading The @code{-break-catch} Command
27829 @findex -break-catch
27830 @end ignore
27831
27832 @subheading The @code{-break-commands} Command
27833 @findex -break-commands
27834
27835 @subsubheading Synopsis
27836
27837 @smallexample
27838 -break-commands @var{number} [ @var{command1} ... @var{commandN} ]
27839 @end smallexample
27840
27841 Specifies the CLI commands that should be executed when breakpoint
27842 @var{number} is hit. The parameters @var{command1} to @var{commandN}
27843 are the commands. If no command is specified, any previously-set
27844 commands are cleared. @xref{Break Commands}. Typical use of this
27845 functionality is tracing a program, that is, printing of values of
27846 some variables whenever breakpoint is hit and then continuing.
27847
27848 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27849
27850 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{commands}.
27851
27852 @subsubheading Example
27853
27854 @smallexample
27855 (gdb)
27856 -break-insert main
27857 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
27858 enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
27859 fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",times="0"@}
27860 (gdb)
27861 -break-commands 1 "print v" "continue"
27862 ^done
27863 (gdb)
27864 @end smallexample
27865
27866 @subheading The @code{-break-condition} Command
27867 @findex -break-condition
27868
27869 @subsubheading Synopsis
27870
27871 @smallexample
27872 -break-condition @var{number} @var{expr}
27873 @end smallexample
27874
27875 Breakpoint @var{number} will stop the program only if the condition in
27876 @var{expr} is true. The condition becomes part of the
27877 @samp{-break-list} output (see the description of the @samp{-break-list}
27878 command below).
27879
27880 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27881
27882 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{condition}.
27883
27884 @subsubheading Example
27885
27886 @smallexample
27887 (gdb)
27888 -break-condition 1 1
27889 ^done
27890 (gdb)
27891 -break-list
27892 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
27893 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27894 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27895 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27896 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27897 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27898 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27899 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27900 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
27901 line="5",cond="1",times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
27902 (gdb)
27903 @end smallexample
27904
27905 @subheading The @code{-break-delete} Command
27906 @findex -break-delete
27907
27908 @subsubheading Synopsis
27909
27910 @smallexample
27911 -break-delete ( @var{breakpoint} )+
27912 @end smallexample
27913
27914 Delete the breakpoint(s) whose number(s) are specified in the argument
27915 list. This is obviously reflected in the breakpoint list.
27916
27917 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27918
27919 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{delete}.
27920
27921 @subsubheading Example
27922
27923 @smallexample
27924 (gdb)
27925 -break-delete 1
27926 ^done
27927 (gdb)
27928 -break-list
27929 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
27930 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27931 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27932 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27933 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27934 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27935 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27936 body=[]@}
27937 (gdb)
27938 @end smallexample
27939
27940 @subheading The @code{-break-disable} Command
27941 @findex -break-disable
27942
27943 @subsubheading Synopsis
27944
27945 @smallexample
27946 -break-disable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
27947 @end smallexample
27948
27949 Disable the named @var{breakpoint}(s). The field @samp{enabled} in the
27950 break list is now set to @samp{n} for the named @var{breakpoint}(s).
27951
27952 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27953
27954 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disable}.
27955
27956 @subsubheading Example
27957
27958 @smallexample
27959 (gdb)
27960 -break-disable 2
27961 ^done
27962 (gdb)
27963 -break-list
27964 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
27965 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27966 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27967 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27968 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27969 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27970 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27971 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="n",
27972 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
27973 line="5",times="0"@}]@}
27974 (gdb)
27975 @end smallexample
27976
27977 @subheading The @code{-break-enable} Command
27978 @findex -break-enable
27979
27980 @subsubheading Synopsis
27981
27982 @smallexample
27983 -break-enable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
27984 @end smallexample
27985
27986 Enable (previously disabled) @var{breakpoint}(s).
27987
27988 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27989
27990 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{enable}.
27991
27992 @subsubheading Example
27993
27994 @smallexample
27995 (gdb)
27996 -break-enable 2
27997 ^done
27998 (gdb)
27999 -break-list
28000 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
28001 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28002 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28003 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28004 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28005 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28006 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28007 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28008 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
28009 line="5",times="0"@}]@}
28010 (gdb)
28011 @end smallexample
28012
28013 @subheading The @code{-break-info} Command
28014 @findex -break-info
28015
28016 @subsubheading Synopsis
28017
28018 @smallexample
28019 -break-info @var{breakpoint}
28020 @end smallexample
28021
28022 @c REDUNDANT???
28023 Get information about a single breakpoint.
28024
28025 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28026
28027 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break @var{breakpoint}}.
28028
28029 @subsubheading Example
28030 N.A.
28031
28032 @subheading The @code{-break-insert} Command
28033 @findex -break-insert
28034
28035 @subsubheading Synopsis
28036
28037 @smallexample
28038 -break-insert [ -t ] [ -h ] [ -f ] [ -d ] [ -a ]
28039 [ -c @var{condition} ] [ -i @var{ignore-count} ]
28040 [ -p @var{thread-id} ] [ @var{location} ]
28041 @end smallexample
28042
28043 @noindent
28044 If specified, @var{location}, can be one of:
28045
28046 @itemize @bullet
28047 @item function
28048 @c @item +offset
28049 @c @item -offset
28050 @c @item linenum
28051 @item filename:linenum
28052 @item filename:function
28053 @item *address
28054 @end itemize
28055
28056 The possible optional parameters of this command are:
28057
28058 @table @samp
28059 @item -t
28060 Insert a temporary breakpoint.
28061 @item -h
28062 Insert a hardware breakpoint.
28063 @item -f
28064 If @var{location} cannot be parsed (for example if it
28065 refers to unknown files or functions), create a pending
28066 breakpoint. Without this flag, @value{GDBN} will report
28067 an error, and won't create a breakpoint, if @var{location}
28068 cannot be parsed.
28069 @item -d
28070 Create a disabled breakpoint.
28071 @item -a
28072 Create a tracepoint. @xref{Tracepoints}. When this parameter
28073 is used together with @samp{-h}, a fast tracepoint is created.
28074 @item -c @var{condition}
28075 Make the breakpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
28076 @item -i @var{ignore-count}
28077 Initialize the @var{ignore-count}.
28078 @item -p @var{thread-id}
28079 Restrict the breakpoint to the specified @var{thread-id}.
28080 @end table
28081
28082 @subsubheading Result
28083
28084 The result is in the form:
28085
28086 @smallexample
28087 ^done,bkpt=@{number="@var{number}",type="@var{type}",disp="del"|"keep",
28088 enabled="y"|"n",addr="@var{hex}",func="@var{funcname}",file="@var{filename}",
28089 fullname="@var{full_filename}",line="@var{lineno}",[thread="@var{threadno},]
28090 times="@var{times}"@}
28091 @end smallexample
28092
28093 @noindent
28094 where @var{number} is the @value{GDBN} number for this breakpoint,
28095 @var{funcname} is the name of the function where the breakpoint was
28096 inserted, @var{filename} is the name of the source file which contains
28097 this function, @var{lineno} is the source line number within that file
28098 and @var{times} the number of times that the breakpoint has been hit
28099 (always 0 for -break-insert but may be greater for -break-info or -break-list
28100 which use the same output).
28101
28102 Note: this format is open to change.
28103 @c An out-of-band breakpoint instead of part of the result?
28104
28105 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28106
28107 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{break}, @samp{tbreak},
28108 @samp{hbreak}, and @samp{thbreak}. @c and @samp{rbreak}.
28109
28110 @subsubheading Example
28111
28112 @smallexample
28113 (gdb)
28114 -break-insert main
28115 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",
28116 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="4",times="0"@}
28117 (gdb)
28118 -break-insert -t foo
28119 ^done,bkpt=@{number="2",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c",
28120 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="11",times="0"@}
28121 (gdb)
28122 -break-list
28123 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
28124 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28125 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28126 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28127 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28128 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28129 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28130 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28131 addr="0x0001072c", func="main",file="recursive2.c",
28132 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,"line="4",times="0"@},
28133 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="del",enabled="y",
28134 addr="0x00010774",func="foo",file="recursive2.c",
28135 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",times="0"@}]@}
28136 (gdb)
28137 @c -break-insert -r foo.*
28138 @c ~int foo(int, int);
28139 @c ^done,bkpt=@{number="3",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c,
28140 @c "fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",times="0"@}
28141 @c (gdb)
28142 @end smallexample
28143
28144 @subheading The @code{-break-list} Command
28145 @findex -break-list
28146
28147 @subsubheading Synopsis
28148
28149 @smallexample
28150 -break-list
28151 @end smallexample
28152
28153 Displays the list of inserted breakpoints, showing the following fields:
28154
28155 @table @samp
28156 @item Number
28157 number of the breakpoint
28158 @item Type
28159 type of the breakpoint: @samp{breakpoint} or @samp{watchpoint}
28160 @item Disposition
28161 should the breakpoint be deleted or disabled when it is hit: @samp{keep}
28162 or @samp{nokeep}
28163 @item Enabled
28164 is the breakpoint enabled or no: @samp{y} or @samp{n}
28165 @item Address
28166 memory location at which the breakpoint is set
28167 @item What
28168 logical location of the breakpoint, expressed by function name, file
28169 name, line number
28170 @item Times
28171 number of times the breakpoint has been hit
28172 @end table
28173
28174 If there are no breakpoints or watchpoints, the @code{BreakpointTable}
28175 @code{body} field is an empty list.
28176
28177 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28178
28179 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break}.
28180
28181 @subsubheading Example
28182
28183 @smallexample
28184 (gdb)
28185 -break-list
28186 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
28187 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28188 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28189 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28190 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28191 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28192 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28193 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28194 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",line="5",times="0"@},
28195 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28196 addr="0x00010114",func="foo",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
28197 line="13",times="0"@}]@}
28198 (gdb)
28199 @end smallexample
28200
28201 Here's an example of the result when there are no breakpoints:
28202
28203 @smallexample
28204 (gdb)
28205 -break-list
28206 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
28207 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28208 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28209 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28210 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28211 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28212 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28213 body=[]@}
28214 (gdb)
28215 @end smallexample
28216
28217 @subheading The @code{-break-passcount} Command
28218 @findex -break-passcount
28219
28220 @subsubheading Synopsis
28221
28222 @smallexample
28223 -break-passcount @var{tracepoint-number} @var{passcount}
28224 @end smallexample
28225
28226 Set the passcount for tracepoint @var{tracepoint-number} to
28227 @var{passcount}. If the breakpoint referred to by @var{tracepoint-number}
28228 is not a tracepoint, error is emitted. This corresponds to CLI
28229 command @samp{passcount}.
28230
28231 @subheading The @code{-break-watch} Command
28232 @findex -break-watch
28233
28234 @subsubheading Synopsis
28235
28236 @smallexample
28237 -break-watch [ -a | -r ]
28238 @end smallexample
28239
28240 Create a watchpoint. With the @samp{-a} option it will create an
28241 @dfn{access} watchpoint, i.e., a watchpoint that triggers either on a
28242 read from or on a write to the memory location. With the @samp{-r}
28243 option, the watchpoint created is a @dfn{read} watchpoint, i.e., it will
28244 trigger only when the memory location is accessed for reading. Without
28245 either of the options, the watchpoint created is a regular watchpoint,
28246 i.e., it will trigger when the memory location is accessed for writing.
28247 @xref{Set Watchpoints, , Setting Watchpoints}.
28248
28249 Note that @samp{-break-list} will report a single list of watchpoints and
28250 breakpoints inserted.
28251
28252 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28253
28254 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{watch}, @samp{awatch}, and
28255 @samp{rwatch}.
28256
28257 @subsubheading Example
28258
28259 Setting a watchpoint on a variable in the @code{main} function:
28260
28261 @smallexample
28262 (gdb)
28263 -break-watch x
28264 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@}
28265 (gdb)
28266 -exec-continue
28267 ^running
28268 (gdb)
28269 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@},
28270 value=@{old="-268439212",new="55"@},
28271 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
28272 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="5"@}
28273 (gdb)
28274 @end smallexample
28275
28276 Setting a watchpoint on a variable local to a function. @value{GDBN} will stop
28277 the program execution twice: first for the variable changing value, then
28278 for the watchpoint going out of scope.
28279
28280 @smallexample
28281 (gdb)
28282 -break-watch C
28283 ^done,wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@}
28284 (gdb)
28285 -exec-continue
28286 ^running
28287 (gdb)
28288 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",
28289 wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@},value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
28290 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
28291 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28292 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
28293 (gdb)
28294 -exec-continue
28295 ^running
28296 (gdb)
28297 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="5",
28298 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
28299 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
28300 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28301 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
28302 (gdb)
28303 @end smallexample
28304
28305 Listing breakpoints and watchpoints, at different points in the program
28306 execution. Note that once the watchpoint goes out of scope, it is
28307 deleted.
28308
28309 @smallexample
28310 (gdb)
28311 -break-watch C
28312 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@}
28313 (gdb)
28314 -break-list
28315 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
28316 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28317 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28318 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28319 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28320 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28321 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28322 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28323 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
28324 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28325 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c"line="8",times="1"@},
28326 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
28327 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",times="0"@}]@}
28328 (gdb)
28329 -exec-continue
28330 ^running
28331 (gdb)
28332 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@},
28333 value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
28334 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
28335 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28336 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
28337 (gdb)
28338 -break-list
28339 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
28340 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28341 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28342 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28343 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28344 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28345 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28346 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28347 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
28348 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28349 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",times="1"@},
28350 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
28351 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",times="-5"@}]@}
28352 (gdb)
28353 -exec-continue
28354 ^running
28355 ^done,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="2",
28356 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
28357 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
28358 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28359 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
28360 (gdb)
28361 -break-list
28362 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
28363 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28364 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28365 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28366 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28367 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28368 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28369 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28370 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
28371 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28372 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",
28373 times="1"@}]@}
28374 (gdb)
28375 @end smallexample
28376
28377 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28378 @node GDB/MI Program Context
28379 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Context
28380
28381 @subheading The @code{-exec-arguments} Command
28382 @findex -exec-arguments
28383
28384
28385 @subsubheading Synopsis
28386
28387 @smallexample
28388 -exec-arguments @var{args}
28389 @end smallexample
28390
28391 Set the inferior program arguments, to be used in the next
28392 @samp{-exec-run}.
28393
28394 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28395
28396 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set args}.
28397
28398 @subsubheading Example
28399
28400 @smallexample
28401 (gdb)
28402 -exec-arguments -v word
28403 ^done
28404 (gdb)
28405 @end smallexample
28406
28407
28408 @ignore
28409 @subheading The @code{-exec-show-arguments} Command
28410 @findex -exec-show-arguments
28411
28412 @subsubheading Synopsis
28413
28414 @smallexample
28415 -exec-show-arguments
28416 @end smallexample
28417
28418 Print the arguments of the program.
28419
28420 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28421
28422 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show args}.
28423
28424 @subsubheading Example
28425 N.A.
28426 @end ignore
28427
28428
28429 @subheading The @code{-environment-cd} Command
28430 @findex -environment-cd
28431
28432 @subsubheading Synopsis
28433
28434 @smallexample
28435 -environment-cd @var{pathdir}
28436 @end smallexample
28437
28438 Set @value{GDBN}'s working directory.
28439
28440 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28441
28442 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{cd}.
28443
28444 @subsubheading Example
28445
28446 @smallexample
28447 (gdb)
28448 -environment-cd /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
28449 ^done
28450 (gdb)
28451 @end smallexample
28452
28453
28454 @subheading The @code{-environment-directory} Command
28455 @findex -environment-directory
28456
28457 @subsubheading Synopsis
28458
28459 @smallexample
28460 -environment-directory [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
28461 @end smallexample
28462
28463 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for source files.
28464 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the default
28465 search path. If directories @var{pathdir} are supplied in addition to the
28466 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
28467 occurs as normal.
28468 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
28469 multiple directories in a single command
28470 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
28471 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
28472 If blanks are needed as
28473 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
28474 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
28475 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
28476 character must not be used
28477 in any directory name.
28478 If no directories are specified, the current search path is displayed.
28479
28480 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28481
28482 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{dir}.
28483
28484 @subsubheading Example
28485
28486 @smallexample
28487 (gdb)
28488 -environment-directory /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
28489 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
28490 (gdb)
28491 -environment-directory ""
28492 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
28493 (gdb)
28494 -environment-directory -r /home/jjohnstn/src/gdb /usr/src
28495 ^done,source-path="/home/jjohnstn/src/gdb:/usr/src:$cdir:$cwd"
28496 (gdb)
28497 -environment-directory -r
28498 ^done,source-path="$cdir:$cwd"
28499 (gdb)
28500 @end smallexample
28501
28502
28503 @subheading The @code{-environment-path} Command
28504 @findex -environment-path
28505
28506 @subsubheading Synopsis
28507
28508 @smallexample
28509 -environment-path [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
28510 @end smallexample
28511
28512 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for object files.
28513 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the original
28514 search path that existed at gdb start-up. If directories @var{pathdir} are
28515 supplied in addition to the
28516 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
28517 occurs as normal.
28518 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
28519 multiple directories in a single command
28520 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
28521 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
28522 If blanks are needed as
28523 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
28524 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
28525 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
28526 character must not be used
28527 in any directory name.
28528 If no directories are specified, the current path is displayed.
28529
28530
28531 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28532
28533 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{path}.
28534
28535 @subsubheading Example
28536
28537 @smallexample
28538 (gdb)
28539 -environment-path
28540 ^done,path="/usr/bin"
28541 (gdb)
28542 -environment-path /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb /bin
28543 ^done,path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb:/bin:/usr/bin"
28544 (gdb)
28545 -environment-path -r /usr/local/bin
28546 ^done,path="/usr/local/bin:/usr/bin"
28547 (gdb)
28548 @end smallexample
28549
28550
28551 @subheading The @code{-environment-pwd} Command
28552 @findex -environment-pwd
28553
28554 @subsubheading Synopsis
28555
28556 @smallexample
28557 -environment-pwd
28558 @end smallexample
28559
28560 Show the current working directory.
28561
28562 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28563
28564 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{pwd}.
28565
28566 @subsubheading Example
28567
28568 @smallexample
28569 (gdb)
28570 -environment-pwd
28571 ^done,cwd="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb"
28572 (gdb)
28573 @end smallexample
28574
28575 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28576 @node GDB/MI Thread Commands
28577 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Commands
28578
28579
28580 @subheading The @code{-thread-info} Command
28581 @findex -thread-info
28582
28583 @subsubheading Synopsis
28584
28585 @smallexample
28586 -thread-info [ @var{thread-id} ]
28587 @end smallexample
28588
28589 Reports information about either a specific thread, if
28590 the @var{thread-id} parameter is present, or about all
28591 threads. When printing information about all threads,
28592 also reports the current thread.
28593
28594 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28595
28596 The @samp{info thread} command prints the same information
28597 about all threads.
28598
28599 @subsubheading Result
28600
28601 The result is a list of threads. The following attributes are
28602 defined for a given thread:
28603
28604 @table @samp
28605 @item current
28606 This field exists only for the current thread. It has the value @samp{*}.
28607
28608 @item id
28609 The identifier that @value{GDBN} uses to refer to the thread.
28610
28611 @item target-id
28612 The identifier that the target uses to refer to the thread.
28613
28614 @item details
28615 Extra information about the thread, in a target-specific format. This
28616 field is optional.
28617
28618 @item name
28619 The name of the thread. If the user specified a name using the
28620 @code{thread name} command, then this name is given. Otherwise, if
28621 @value{GDBN} can extract the thread name from the target, then that
28622 name is given. If @value{GDBN} cannot find the thread name, then this
28623 field is omitted.
28624
28625 @item frame
28626 The stack frame currently executing in the thread.
28627
28628 @item state
28629 The thread's state. The @samp{state} field may have the following
28630 values:
28631
28632 @table @code
28633 @item stopped
28634 The thread is stopped. Frame information is available for stopped
28635 threads.
28636
28637 @item running
28638 The thread is running. There's no frame information for running
28639 threads.
28640
28641 @end table
28642
28643 @item core
28644 If @value{GDBN} can find the CPU core on which this thread is running,
28645 then this field is the core identifier. This field is optional.
28646
28647 @end table
28648
28649 @subsubheading Example
28650
28651 @smallexample
28652 -thread-info
28653 ^done,threads=[
28654 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
28655 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",
28656 args=[]@},state="running"@},
28657 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
28658 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",
28659 args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
28660 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},
28661 state="running"@}],
28662 current-thread-id="1"
28663 (gdb)
28664 @end smallexample
28665
28666 @subheading The @code{-thread-list-ids} Command
28667 @findex -thread-list-ids
28668
28669 @subsubheading Synopsis
28670
28671 @smallexample
28672 -thread-list-ids
28673 @end smallexample
28674
28675 Produces a list of the currently known @value{GDBN} thread ids. At the
28676 end of the list it also prints the total number of such threads.
28677
28678 This command is retained for historical reasons, the
28679 @code{-thread-info} command should be used instead.
28680
28681 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28682
28683 Part of @samp{info threads} supplies the same information.
28684
28685 @subsubheading Example
28686
28687 @smallexample
28688 (gdb)
28689 -thread-list-ids
28690 ^done,thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
28691 current-thread-id="1",number-of-threads="3"
28692 (gdb)
28693 @end smallexample
28694
28695
28696 @subheading The @code{-thread-select} Command
28697 @findex -thread-select
28698
28699 @subsubheading Synopsis
28700
28701 @smallexample
28702 -thread-select @var{threadnum}
28703 @end smallexample
28704
28705 Make @var{threadnum} the current thread. It prints the number of the new
28706 current thread, and the topmost frame for that thread.
28707
28708 This command is deprecated in favor of explicitly using the
28709 @samp{--thread} option to each command.
28710
28711 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28712
28713 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{thread}.
28714
28715 @subsubheading Example
28716
28717 @smallexample
28718 (gdb)
28719 -exec-next
28720 ^running
28721 (gdb)
28722 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",thread-id="2",line="187",
28723 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.threads/linux-dp.c"
28724 (gdb)
28725 -thread-list-ids
28726 ^done,
28727 thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
28728 number-of-threads="3"
28729 (gdb)
28730 -thread-select 3
28731 ^done,new-thread-id="3",
28732 frame=@{level="0",func="vprintf",
28733 args=[@{name="format",value="0x8048e9c \"%*s%c %d %c\\n\""@},
28734 @{name="arg",value="0x2"@}],file="vprintf.c",line="31"@}
28735 (gdb)
28736 @end smallexample
28737
28738 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28739 @node GDB/MI Ada Tasking Commands
28740 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Ada Tasking Commands
28741
28742 @subheading The @code{-ada-task-info} Command
28743 @findex -ada-task-info
28744
28745 @subsubheading Synopsis
28746
28747 @smallexample
28748 -ada-task-info [ @var{task-id} ]
28749 @end smallexample
28750
28751 Reports information about either a specific Ada task, if the
28752 @var{task-id} parameter is present, or about all Ada tasks.
28753
28754 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28755
28756 The @samp{info tasks} command prints the same information
28757 about all Ada tasks (@pxref{Ada Tasks}).
28758
28759 @subsubheading Result
28760
28761 The result is a table of Ada tasks. The following columns are
28762 defined for each Ada task:
28763
28764 @table @samp
28765 @item current
28766 This field exists only for the current thread. It has the value @samp{*}.
28767
28768 @item id
28769 The identifier that @value{GDBN} uses to refer to the Ada task.
28770
28771 @item task-id
28772 The identifier that the target uses to refer to the Ada task.
28773
28774 @item thread-id
28775 The identifier of the thread corresponding to the Ada task.
28776
28777 This field should always exist, as Ada tasks are always implemented
28778 on top of a thread. But if @value{GDBN} cannot find this corresponding
28779 thread for any reason, the field is omitted.
28780
28781 @item parent-id
28782 This field exists only when the task was created by another task.
28783 In this case, it provides the ID of the parent task.
28784
28785 @item priority
28786 The base priority of the task.
28787
28788 @item state
28789 The current state of the task. For a detailed description of the
28790 possible states, see @ref{Ada Tasks}.
28791
28792 @item name
28793 The name of the task.
28794
28795 @end table
28796
28797 @subsubheading Example
28798
28799 @smallexample
28800 -ada-task-info
28801 ^done,tasks=@{nr_rows="3",nr_cols="8",
28802 hdr=[@{width="1",alignment="-1",col_name="current",colhdr=""@},
28803 @{width="3",alignment="1",col_name="id",colhdr="ID"@},
28804 @{width="9",alignment="1",col_name="task-id",colhdr="TID"@},
28805 @{width="4",alignment="1",col_name="thread-id",colhdr=""@},
28806 @{width="4",alignment="1",col_name="parent-id",colhdr="P-ID"@},
28807 @{width="3",alignment="1",col_name="priority",colhdr="Pri"@},
28808 @{width="22",alignment="-1",col_name="state",colhdr="State"@},
28809 @{width="1",alignment="2",col_name="name",colhdr="Name"@}],
28810 body=[@{current="*",id="1",task-id=" 644010",thread-id="1",priority="48",
28811 state="Child Termination Wait",name="main_task"@}]@}
28812 (gdb)
28813 @end smallexample
28814
28815 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28816 @node GDB/MI Program Execution
28817 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Execution
28818
28819 These are the asynchronous commands which generate the out-of-band
28820 record @samp{*stopped}. Currently @value{GDBN} only really executes
28821 asynchronously with remote targets and this interaction is mimicked in
28822 other cases.
28823
28824 @subheading The @code{-exec-continue} Command
28825 @findex -exec-continue
28826
28827 @subsubheading Synopsis
28828
28829 @smallexample
28830 -exec-continue [--reverse] [--all|--thread-group N]
28831 @end smallexample
28832
28833 Resumes the execution of the inferior program, which will continue
28834 to execute until it reaches a debugger stop event. If the
28835 @samp{--reverse} option is specified, execution resumes in reverse until
28836 it reaches a stop event. Stop events may include
28837 @itemize @bullet
28838 @item
28839 breakpoints or watchpoints
28840 @item
28841 signals or exceptions
28842 @item
28843 the end of the process (or its beginning under @samp{--reverse})
28844 @item
28845 the end or beginning of a replay log if one is being used.
28846 @end itemize
28847 In all-stop mode (@pxref{All-Stop
28848 Mode}), may resume only one thread, or all threads, depending on the
28849 value of the @samp{scheduler-locking} variable. If @samp{--all} is
28850 specified, all threads (in all inferiors) will be resumed. The @samp{--all} option is
28851 ignored in all-stop mode. If the @samp{--thread-group} options is
28852 specified, then all threads in that thread group are resumed.
28853
28854 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28855
28856 The corresponding @value{GDBN} corresponding is @samp{continue}.
28857
28858 @subsubheading Example
28859
28860 @smallexample
28861 -exec-continue
28862 ^running
28863 (gdb)
28864 @@Hello world
28865 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="2",frame=@{
28866 func="foo",args=[],file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",
28867 line="13"@}
28868 (gdb)
28869 @end smallexample
28870
28871
28872 @subheading The @code{-exec-finish} Command
28873 @findex -exec-finish
28874
28875 @subsubheading Synopsis
28876
28877 @smallexample
28878 -exec-finish [--reverse]
28879 @end smallexample
28880
28881 Resumes the execution of the inferior program until the current
28882 function is exited. Displays the results returned by the function.
28883 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes the reverse
28884 execution of the inferior program until the point where current
28885 function was called.
28886
28887 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28888
28889 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{finish}.
28890
28891 @subsubheading Example
28892
28893 Function returning @code{void}.
28894
28895 @smallexample
28896 -exec-finish
28897 ^running
28898 (gdb)
28899 @@hello from foo
28900 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
28901 file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",line="7"@}
28902 (gdb)
28903 @end smallexample
28904
28905 Function returning other than @code{void}. The name of the internal
28906 @value{GDBN} variable storing the result is printed, together with the
28907 value itself.
28908
28909 @smallexample
28910 -exec-finish
28911 ^running
28912 (gdb)
28913 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{addr="0x000107b0",func="foo",
28914 args=[@{name="a",value="1"],@{name="b",value="9"@}@},
28915 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
28916 gdb-result-var="$1",return-value="0"
28917 (gdb)
28918 @end smallexample
28919
28920
28921 @subheading The @code{-exec-interrupt} Command
28922 @findex -exec-interrupt
28923
28924 @subsubheading Synopsis
28925
28926 @smallexample
28927 -exec-interrupt [--all|--thread-group N]
28928 @end smallexample
28929
28930 Interrupts the background execution of the target. Note how the token
28931 associated with the stop message is the one for the execution command
28932 that has been interrupted. The token for the interrupt itself only
28933 appears in the @samp{^done} output. If the user is trying to
28934 interrupt a non-running program, an error message will be printed.
28935
28936 Note that when asynchronous execution is enabled, this command is
28937 asynchronous just like other execution commands. That is, first the
28938 @samp{^done} response will be printed, and the target stop will be
28939 reported after that using the @samp{*stopped} notification.
28940
28941 In non-stop mode, only the context thread is interrupted by default.
28942 All threads (in all inferiors) will be interrupted if the
28943 @samp{--all} option is specified. If the @samp{--thread-group}
28944 option is specified, all threads in that group will be interrupted.
28945
28946 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28947
28948 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interrupt}.
28949
28950 @subsubheading Example
28951
28952 @smallexample
28953 (gdb)
28954 111-exec-continue
28955 111^running
28956
28957 (gdb)
28958 222-exec-interrupt
28959 222^done
28960 (gdb)
28961 111*stopped,signal-name="SIGINT",signal-meaning="Interrupt",
28962 frame=@{addr="0x00010140",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
28963 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="13"@}
28964 (gdb)
28965
28966 (gdb)
28967 -exec-interrupt
28968 ^error,msg="mi_cmd_exec_interrupt: Inferior not executing."
28969 (gdb)
28970 @end smallexample
28971
28972 @subheading The @code{-exec-jump} Command
28973 @findex -exec-jump
28974
28975 @subsubheading Synopsis
28976
28977 @smallexample
28978 -exec-jump @var{location}
28979 @end smallexample
28980
28981 Resumes execution of the inferior program at the location specified by
28982 parameter. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description of the
28983 different forms of @var{location}.
28984
28985 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28986
28987 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{jump}.
28988
28989 @subsubheading Example
28990
28991 @smallexample
28992 -exec-jump foo.c:10
28993 *running,thread-id="all"
28994 ^running
28995 @end smallexample
28996
28997
28998 @subheading The @code{-exec-next} Command
28999 @findex -exec-next
29000
29001 @subsubheading Synopsis
29002
29003 @smallexample
29004 -exec-next [--reverse]
29005 @end smallexample
29006
29007 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
29008 of the next source line is reached.
29009
29010 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution
29011 of the inferior program, stopping at the beginning of the previous
29012 source line. If you issue this command on the first line of a
29013 function, it will take you back to the caller of that function, to the
29014 source line where the function was called.
29015
29016
29017 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29018
29019 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{next}.
29020
29021 @subsubheading Example
29022
29023 @smallexample
29024 -exec-next
29025 ^running
29026 (gdb)
29027 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="8",file="hello.c"
29028 (gdb)
29029 @end smallexample
29030
29031
29032 @subheading The @code{-exec-next-instruction} Command
29033 @findex -exec-next-instruction
29034
29035 @subsubheading Synopsis
29036
29037 @smallexample
29038 -exec-next-instruction [--reverse]
29039 @end smallexample
29040
29041 Executes one machine instruction. If the instruction is a function
29042 call, continues until the function returns. If the program stops at an
29043 instruction in the middle of a source line, the address will be
29044 printed as well.
29045
29046 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution
29047 of the inferior program, stopping at the previous instruction. If the
29048 previously executed instruction was a return from another function,
29049 it will continue to execute in reverse until the call to that function
29050 (from the current stack frame) is reached.
29051
29052 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29053
29054 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{nexti}.
29055
29056 @subsubheading Example
29057
29058 @smallexample
29059 (gdb)
29060 -exec-next-instruction
29061 ^running
29062
29063 (gdb)
29064 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
29065 addr="0x000100d4",line="5",file="hello.c"
29066 (gdb)
29067 @end smallexample
29068
29069
29070 @subheading The @code{-exec-return} Command
29071 @findex -exec-return
29072
29073 @subsubheading Synopsis
29074
29075 @smallexample
29076 -exec-return
29077 @end smallexample
29078
29079 Makes current function return immediately. Doesn't execute the inferior.
29080 Displays the new current frame.
29081
29082 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29083
29084 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{return}.
29085
29086 @subsubheading Example
29087
29088 @smallexample
29089 (gdb)
29090 200-break-insert callee4
29091 200^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x00010734",
29092 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
29093 (gdb)
29094 000-exec-run
29095 000^running
29096 (gdb)
29097 000*stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
29098 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
29099 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29100 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
29101 (gdb)
29102 205-break-delete
29103 205^done
29104 (gdb)
29105 111-exec-return
29106 111^done,frame=@{level="0",func="callee3",
29107 args=[@{name="strarg",
29108 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
29109 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29110 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
29111 (gdb)
29112 @end smallexample
29113
29114
29115 @subheading The @code{-exec-run} Command
29116 @findex -exec-run
29117
29118 @subsubheading Synopsis
29119
29120 @smallexample
29121 -exec-run [--all | --thread-group N]
29122 @end smallexample
29123
29124 Starts execution of the inferior from the beginning. The inferior
29125 executes until either a breakpoint is encountered or the program
29126 exits. In the latter case the output will include an exit code, if
29127 the program has exited exceptionally.
29128
29129 When no option is specified, the current inferior is started. If the
29130 @samp{--thread-group} option is specified, it should refer to a thread
29131 group of type @samp{process}, and that thread group will be started.
29132 If the @samp{--all} option is specified, then all inferiors will be started.
29133
29134 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29135
29136 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{run}.
29137
29138 @subsubheading Examples
29139
29140 @smallexample
29141 (gdb)
29142 -break-insert main
29143 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",line="4"@}
29144 (gdb)
29145 -exec-run
29146 ^running
29147 (gdb)
29148 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
29149 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
29150 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}
29151 (gdb)
29152 @end smallexample
29153
29154 @noindent
29155 Program exited normally:
29156
29157 @smallexample
29158 (gdb)
29159 -exec-run
29160 ^running
29161 (gdb)
29162 x = 55
29163 *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
29164 (gdb)
29165 @end smallexample
29166
29167 @noindent
29168 Program exited exceptionally:
29169
29170 @smallexample
29171 (gdb)
29172 -exec-run
29173 ^running
29174 (gdb)
29175 x = 55
29176 *stopped,reason="exited",exit-code="01"
29177 (gdb)
29178 @end smallexample
29179
29180 Another way the program can terminate is if it receives a signal such as
29181 @code{SIGINT}. In this case, @sc{gdb/mi} displays this:
29182
29183 @smallexample
29184 (gdb)
29185 *stopped,reason="exited-signalled",signal-name="SIGINT",
29186 signal-meaning="Interrupt"
29187 @end smallexample
29188
29189
29190 @c @subheading -exec-signal
29191
29192
29193 @subheading The @code{-exec-step} Command
29194 @findex -exec-step
29195
29196 @subsubheading Synopsis
29197
29198 @smallexample
29199 -exec-step [--reverse]
29200 @end smallexample
29201
29202 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
29203 of the next source line is reached, if the next source line is not a
29204 function call. If it is, stop at the first instruction of the called
29205 function. If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse
29206 execution of the inferior program, stopping at the beginning of the
29207 previously executed source line.
29208
29209 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29210
29211 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{step}.
29212
29213 @subsubheading Example
29214
29215 Stepping into a function:
29216
29217 @smallexample
29218 -exec-step
29219 ^running
29220 (gdb)
29221 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
29222 frame=@{func="foo",args=[@{name="a",value="10"@},
29223 @{name="b",value="0"@}],file="recursive2.c",
29224 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@}
29225 (gdb)
29226 @end smallexample
29227
29228 Regular stepping:
29229
29230 @smallexample
29231 -exec-step
29232 ^running
29233 (gdb)
29234 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="14",file="recursive2.c"
29235 (gdb)
29236 @end smallexample
29237
29238
29239 @subheading The @code{-exec-step-instruction} Command
29240 @findex -exec-step-instruction
29241
29242 @subsubheading Synopsis
29243
29244 @smallexample
29245 -exec-step-instruction [--reverse]
29246 @end smallexample
29247
29248 Resumes the inferior which executes one machine instruction. If the
29249 @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution of the
29250 inferior program, stopping at the previously executed instruction.
29251 The output, once @value{GDBN} has stopped, will vary depending on
29252 whether we have stopped in the middle of a source line or not. In the
29253 former case, the address at which the program stopped will be printed
29254 as well.
29255
29256 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29257
29258 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{stepi}.
29259
29260 @subsubheading Example
29261
29262 @smallexample
29263 (gdb)
29264 -exec-step-instruction
29265 ^running
29266
29267 (gdb)
29268 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
29269 frame=@{func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
29270 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
29271 (gdb)
29272 -exec-step-instruction
29273 ^running
29274
29275 (gdb)
29276 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
29277 frame=@{addr="0x000100f4",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
29278 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
29279 (gdb)
29280 @end smallexample
29281
29282
29283 @subheading The @code{-exec-until} Command
29284 @findex -exec-until
29285
29286 @subsubheading Synopsis
29287
29288 @smallexample
29289 -exec-until [ @var{location} ]
29290 @end smallexample
29291
29292 Executes the inferior until the @var{location} specified in the
29293 argument is reached. If there is no argument, the inferior executes
29294 until a source line greater than the current one is reached. The
29295 reason for stopping in this case will be @samp{location-reached}.
29296
29297 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29298
29299 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{until}.
29300
29301 @subsubheading Example
29302
29303 @smallexample
29304 (gdb)
29305 -exec-until recursive2.c:6
29306 ^running
29307 (gdb)
29308 x = 55
29309 *stopped,reason="location-reached",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
29310 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="6"@}
29311 (gdb)
29312 @end smallexample
29313
29314 @ignore
29315 @subheading -file-clear
29316 Is this going away????
29317 @end ignore
29318
29319 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29320 @node GDB/MI Stack Manipulation
29321 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Stack Manipulation Commands
29322
29323
29324 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-frame} Command
29325 @findex -stack-info-frame
29326
29327 @subsubheading Synopsis
29328
29329 @smallexample
29330 -stack-info-frame
29331 @end smallexample
29332
29333 Get info on the selected frame.
29334
29335 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29336
29337 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info frame} or @samp{frame}
29338 (without arguments).
29339
29340 @subsubheading Example
29341
29342 @smallexample
29343 (gdb)
29344 -stack-info-frame
29345 ^done,frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
29346 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29347 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@}
29348 (gdb)
29349 @end smallexample
29350
29351 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-depth} Command
29352 @findex -stack-info-depth
29353
29354 @subsubheading Synopsis
29355
29356 @smallexample
29357 -stack-info-depth [ @var{max-depth} ]
29358 @end smallexample
29359
29360 Return the depth of the stack. If the integer argument @var{max-depth}
29361 is specified, do not count beyond @var{max-depth} frames.
29362
29363 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29364
29365 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
29366
29367 @subsubheading Example
29368
29369 For a stack with frame levels 0 through 11:
29370
29371 @smallexample
29372 (gdb)
29373 -stack-info-depth
29374 ^done,depth="12"
29375 (gdb)
29376 -stack-info-depth 4
29377 ^done,depth="4"
29378 (gdb)
29379 -stack-info-depth 12
29380 ^done,depth="12"
29381 (gdb)
29382 -stack-info-depth 11
29383 ^done,depth="11"
29384 (gdb)
29385 -stack-info-depth 13
29386 ^done,depth="12"
29387 (gdb)
29388 @end smallexample
29389
29390 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-arguments} Command
29391 @findex -stack-list-arguments
29392
29393 @subsubheading Synopsis
29394
29395 @smallexample
29396 -stack-list-arguments @var{print-values}
29397 [ @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
29398 @end smallexample
29399
29400 Display a list of the arguments for the frames between @var{low-frame}
29401 and @var{high-frame} (inclusive). If @var{low-frame} and
29402 @var{high-frame} are not provided, list the arguments for the whole
29403 call stack. If the two arguments are equal, show the single frame
29404 at the corresponding level. It is an error if @var{low-frame} is
29405 larger than the actual number of frames. On the other hand,
29406 @var{high-frame} may be larger than the actual number of frames, in
29407 which case only existing frames will be returned.
29408
29409 If @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
29410 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
29411 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
29412 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
29413 structures and unions.
29414
29415 Use of this command to obtain arguments in a single frame is
29416 deprecated in favor of the @samp{-stack-list-variables} command.
29417
29418 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29419
29420 @value{GDBN} does not have an equivalent command. @code{gdbtk} has a
29421 @samp{gdb_get_args} command which partially overlaps with the
29422 functionality of @samp{-stack-list-arguments}.
29423
29424 @subsubheading Example
29425
29426 @smallexample
29427 (gdb)
29428 -stack-list-frames
29429 ^done,
29430 stack=[
29431 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
29432 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29433 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@},
29434 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
29435 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29436 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@},
29437 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x0001078c",func="callee2",
29438 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29439 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="22"@},
29440 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107b4",func="callee1",
29441 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29442 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="27"@},
29443 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107e0",func="main",
29444 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29445 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="32"@}]
29446 (gdb)
29447 -stack-list-arguments 0
29448 ^done,
29449 stack-args=[
29450 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
29451 frame=@{level="1",args=[name="strarg"]@},
29452 frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@},
29453 frame=@{level="3",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg",name="fltarg"]@},
29454 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
29455 (gdb)
29456 -stack-list-arguments 1
29457 ^done,
29458 stack-args=[
29459 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
29460 frame=@{level="1",
29461 args=[@{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
29462 frame=@{level="2",args=[
29463 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
29464 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
29465 @{frame=@{level="3",args=[
29466 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
29467 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@},
29468 @{name="fltarg",value="3.5"@}]@},
29469 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
29470 (gdb)
29471 -stack-list-arguments 0 2 2
29472 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@}]
29473 (gdb)
29474 -stack-list-arguments 1 2 2
29475 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",
29476 args=[@{name="intarg",value="2"@},
29477 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@}]
29478 (gdb)
29479 @end smallexample
29480
29481 @c @subheading -stack-list-exception-handlers
29482
29483
29484 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-frames} Command
29485 @findex -stack-list-frames
29486
29487 @subsubheading Synopsis
29488
29489 @smallexample
29490 -stack-list-frames [ @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
29491 @end smallexample
29492
29493 List the frames currently on the stack. For each frame it displays the
29494 following info:
29495
29496 @table @samp
29497 @item @var{level}
29498 The frame number, 0 being the topmost frame, i.e., the innermost function.
29499 @item @var{addr}
29500 The @code{$pc} value for that frame.
29501 @item @var{func}
29502 Function name.
29503 @item @var{file}
29504 File name of the source file where the function lives.
29505 @item @var{fullname}
29506 The full file name of the source file where the function lives.
29507 @item @var{line}
29508 Line number corresponding to the @code{$pc}.
29509 @item @var{from}
29510 The shared library where this function is defined. This is only given
29511 if the frame's function is not known.
29512 @end table
29513
29514 If invoked without arguments, this command prints a backtrace for the
29515 whole stack. If given two integer arguments, it shows the frames whose
29516 levels are between the two arguments (inclusive). If the two arguments
29517 are equal, it shows the single frame at the corresponding level. It is
29518 an error if @var{low-frame} is larger than the actual number of
29519 frames. On the other hand, @var{high-frame} may be larger than the
29520 actual number of frames, in which case only existing frames will be returned.
29521
29522 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29523
29524 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{backtrace} and @samp{where}.
29525
29526 @subsubheading Example
29527
29528 Full stack backtrace:
29529
29530 @smallexample
29531 (gdb)
29532 -stack-list-frames
29533 ^done,stack=
29534 [frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0001076c",func="foo",
29535 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@},
29536 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29537 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29538 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29539 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29540 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29541 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29542 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29543 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29544 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29545 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29546 frame=@{level="6",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29547 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29548 frame=@{level="7",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29549 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29550 frame=@{level="8",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29551 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29552 frame=@{level="9",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29553 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29554 frame=@{level="10",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29555 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29556 frame=@{level="11",addr="0x00010738",func="main",
29557 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}]
29558 (gdb)
29559 @end smallexample
29560
29561 Show frames between @var{low_frame} and @var{high_frame}:
29562
29563 @smallexample
29564 (gdb)
29565 -stack-list-frames 3 5
29566 ^done,stack=
29567 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29568 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29569 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29570 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29571 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29572 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
29573 (gdb)
29574 @end smallexample
29575
29576 Show a single frame:
29577
29578 @smallexample
29579 (gdb)
29580 -stack-list-frames 3 3
29581 ^done,stack=
29582 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29583 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
29584 (gdb)
29585 @end smallexample
29586
29587
29588 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-locals} Command
29589 @findex -stack-list-locals
29590
29591 @subsubheading Synopsis
29592
29593 @smallexample
29594 -stack-list-locals @var{print-values}
29595 @end smallexample
29596
29597 Display the local variable names for the selected frame. If
29598 @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
29599 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
29600 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
29601 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
29602 structures and unions. In this last case, a frontend can immediately
29603 display the value of simple data types and create variable objects for
29604 other data types when the user wishes to explore their values in
29605 more detail.
29606
29607 This command is deprecated in favor of the
29608 @samp{-stack-list-variables} command.
29609
29610 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29611
29612 @samp{info locals} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_get_locals} in @code{gdbtk}.
29613
29614 @subsubheading Example
29615
29616 @smallexample
29617 (gdb)
29618 -stack-list-locals 0
29619 ^done,locals=[name="A",name="B",name="C"]
29620 (gdb)
29621 -stack-list-locals --all-values
29622 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",value="1"@},@{name="B",value="2"@},
29623 @{name="C",value="@{1, 2, 3@}"@}]
29624 -stack-list-locals --simple-values
29625 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",type="int",value="1"@},
29626 @{name="B",type="int",value="2"@},@{name="C",type="int [3]"@}]
29627 (gdb)
29628 @end smallexample
29629
29630 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-variables} Command
29631 @findex -stack-list-variables
29632
29633 @subsubheading Synopsis
29634
29635 @smallexample
29636 -stack-list-variables @var{print-values}
29637 @end smallexample
29638
29639 Display the names of local variables and function arguments for the selected frame. If
29640 @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
29641 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
29642 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
29643 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
29644 structures and unions.
29645
29646 @subsubheading Example
29647
29648 @smallexample
29649 (gdb)
29650 -stack-list-variables --thread 1 --frame 0 --all-values
29651 ^done,variables=[@{name="x",value="11"@},@{name="s",value="@{a = 1, b = 2@}"@}]
29652 (gdb)
29653 @end smallexample
29654
29655
29656 @subheading The @code{-stack-select-frame} Command
29657 @findex -stack-select-frame
29658
29659 @subsubheading Synopsis
29660
29661 @smallexample
29662 -stack-select-frame @var{framenum}
29663 @end smallexample
29664
29665 Change the selected frame. Select a different frame @var{framenum} on
29666 the stack.
29667
29668 This command in deprecated in favor of passing the @samp{--frame}
29669 option to every command.
29670
29671 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29672
29673 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{frame}, @samp{up},
29674 @samp{down}, @samp{select-frame}, @samp{up-silent}, and @samp{down-silent}.
29675
29676 @subsubheading Example
29677
29678 @smallexample
29679 (gdb)
29680 -stack-select-frame 2
29681 ^done
29682 (gdb)
29683 @end smallexample
29684
29685 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29686 @node GDB/MI Variable Objects
29687 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Variable Objects
29688
29689 @ignore
29690
29691 @subheading Motivation for Variable Objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
29692
29693 For the implementation of a variable debugger window (locals, watched
29694 expressions, etc.), we are proposing the adaptation of the existing code
29695 used by @code{Insight}.
29696
29697 The two main reasons for that are:
29698
29699 @enumerate 1
29700 @item
29701 It has been proven in practice (it is already on its second generation).
29702
29703 @item
29704 It will shorten development time (needless to say how important it is
29705 now).
29706 @end enumerate
29707
29708 The original interface was designed to be used by Tcl code, so it was
29709 slightly changed so it could be used through @sc{gdb/mi}. This section
29710 describes the @sc{gdb/mi} operations that will be available and gives some
29711 hints about their use.
29712
29713 @emph{Note}: In addition to the set of operations described here, we
29714 expect the @sc{gui} implementation of a variable window to require, at
29715 least, the following operations:
29716
29717 @itemize @bullet
29718 @item @code{-gdb-show} @code{output-radix}
29719 @item @code{-stack-list-arguments}
29720 @item @code{-stack-list-locals}
29721 @item @code{-stack-select-frame}
29722 @end itemize
29723
29724 @end ignore
29725
29726 @subheading Introduction to Variable Objects
29727
29728 @cindex variable objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
29729
29730 Variable objects are "object-oriented" MI interface for examining and
29731 changing values of expressions. Unlike some other MI interfaces that
29732 work with expressions, variable objects are specifically designed for
29733 simple and efficient presentation in the frontend. A variable object
29734 is identified by string name. When a variable object is created, the
29735 frontend specifies the expression for that variable object. The
29736 expression can be a simple variable, or it can be an arbitrary complex
29737 expression, and can even involve CPU registers. After creating a
29738 variable object, the frontend can invoke other variable object
29739 operations---for example to obtain or change the value of a variable
29740 object, or to change display format.
29741
29742 Variable objects have hierarchical tree structure. Any variable object
29743 that corresponds to a composite type, such as structure in C, has
29744 a number of child variable objects, for example corresponding to each
29745 element of a structure. A child variable object can itself have
29746 children, recursively. Recursion ends when we reach
29747 leaf variable objects, which always have built-in types. Child variable
29748 objects are created only by explicit request, so if a frontend
29749 is not interested in the children of a particular variable object, no
29750 child will be created.
29751
29752 For a leaf variable object it is possible to obtain its value as a
29753 string, or set the value from a string. String value can be also
29754 obtained for a non-leaf variable object, but it's generally a string
29755 that only indicates the type of the object, and does not list its
29756 contents. Assignment to a non-leaf variable object is not allowed.
29757
29758 A frontend does not need to read the values of all variable objects each time
29759 the program stops. Instead, MI provides an update command that lists all
29760 variable objects whose values has changed since the last update
29761 operation. This considerably reduces the amount of data that must
29762 be transferred to the frontend. As noted above, children variable
29763 objects are created on demand, and only leaf variable objects have a
29764 real value. As result, gdb will read target memory only for leaf
29765 variables that frontend has created.
29766
29767 The automatic update is not always desirable. For example, a frontend
29768 might want to keep a value of some expression for future reference,
29769 and never update it. For another example, fetching memory is
29770 relatively slow for embedded targets, so a frontend might want
29771 to disable automatic update for the variables that are either not
29772 visible on the screen, or ``closed''. This is possible using so
29773 called ``frozen variable objects''. Such variable objects are never
29774 implicitly updated.
29775
29776 Variable objects can be either @dfn{fixed} or @dfn{floating}. For the
29777 fixed variable object, the expression is parsed when the variable
29778 object is created, including associating identifiers to specific
29779 variables. The meaning of expression never changes. For a floating
29780 variable object the values of variables whose names appear in the
29781 expressions are re-evaluated every time in the context of the current
29782 frame. Consider this example:
29783
29784 @smallexample
29785 void do_work(...)
29786 @{
29787 struct work_state state;
29788
29789 if (...)
29790 do_work(...);
29791 @}
29792 @end smallexample
29793
29794 If a fixed variable object for the @code{state} variable is created in
29795 this function, and we enter the recursive call, the variable
29796 object will report the value of @code{state} in the top-level
29797 @code{do_work} invocation. On the other hand, a floating variable
29798 object will report the value of @code{state} in the current frame.
29799
29800 If an expression specified when creating a fixed variable object
29801 refers to a local variable, the variable object becomes bound to the
29802 thread and frame in which the variable object is created. When such
29803 variable object is updated, @value{GDBN} makes sure that the
29804 thread/frame combination the variable object is bound to still exists,
29805 and re-evaluates the variable object in context of that thread/frame.
29806
29807 The following is the complete set of @sc{gdb/mi} operations defined to
29808 access this functionality:
29809
29810 @multitable @columnfractions .4 .6
29811 @item @strong{Operation}
29812 @tab @strong{Description}
29813
29814 @item @code{-enable-pretty-printing}
29815 @tab enable Python-based pretty-printing
29816 @item @code{-var-create}
29817 @tab create a variable object
29818 @item @code{-var-delete}
29819 @tab delete the variable object and/or its children
29820 @item @code{-var-set-format}
29821 @tab set the display format of this variable
29822 @item @code{-var-show-format}
29823 @tab show the display format of this variable
29824 @item @code{-var-info-num-children}
29825 @tab tells how many children this object has
29826 @item @code{-var-list-children}
29827 @tab return a list of the object's children
29828 @item @code{-var-info-type}
29829 @tab show the type of this variable object
29830 @item @code{-var-info-expression}
29831 @tab print parent-relative expression that this variable object represents
29832 @item @code{-var-info-path-expression}
29833 @tab print full expression that this variable object represents
29834 @item @code{-var-show-attributes}
29835 @tab is this variable editable? does it exist here?
29836 @item @code{-var-evaluate-expression}
29837 @tab get the value of this variable
29838 @item @code{-var-assign}
29839 @tab set the value of this variable
29840 @item @code{-var-update}
29841 @tab update the variable and its children
29842 @item @code{-var-set-frozen}
29843 @tab set frozeness attribute
29844 @item @code{-var-set-update-range}
29845 @tab set range of children to display on update
29846 @end multitable
29847
29848 In the next subsection we describe each operation in detail and suggest
29849 how it can be used.
29850
29851 @subheading Description And Use of Operations on Variable Objects
29852
29853 @subheading The @code{-enable-pretty-printing} Command
29854 @findex -enable-pretty-printing
29855
29856 @smallexample
29857 -enable-pretty-printing
29858 @end smallexample
29859
29860 @value{GDBN} allows Python-based visualizers to affect the output of the
29861 MI variable object commands. However, because there was no way to
29862 implement this in a fully backward-compatible way, a front end must
29863 request that this functionality be enabled.
29864
29865 Once enabled, this feature cannot be disabled.
29866
29867 Note that if Python support has not been compiled into @value{GDBN},
29868 this command will still succeed (and do nothing).
29869
29870 This feature is currently (as of @value{GDBN} 7.0) experimental, and
29871 may work differently in future versions of @value{GDBN}.
29872
29873 @subheading The @code{-var-create} Command
29874 @findex -var-create
29875
29876 @subsubheading Synopsis
29877
29878 @smallexample
29879 -var-create @{@var{name} | "-"@}
29880 @{@var{frame-addr} | "*" | "@@"@} @var{expression}
29881 @end smallexample
29882
29883 This operation creates a variable object, which allows the monitoring of
29884 a variable, the result of an expression, a memory cell or a CPU
29885 register.
29886
29887 The @var{name} parameter is the string by which the object can be
29888 referenced. It must be unique. If @samp{-} is specified, the varobj
29889 system will generate a string ``varNNNNNN'' automatically. It will be
29890 unique provided that one does not specify @var{name} of that format.
29891 The command fails if a duplicate name is found.
29892
29893 The frame under which the expression should be evaluated can be
29894 specified by @var{frame-addr}. A @samp{*} indicates that the current
29895 frame should be used. A @samp{@@} indicates that a floating variable
29896 object must be created.
29897
29898 @var{expression} is any expression valid on the current language set (must not
29899 begin with a @samp{*}), or one of the following:
29900
29901 @itemize @bullet
29902 @item
29903 @samp{*@var{addr}}, where @var{addr} is the address of a memory cell
29904
29905 @item
29906 @samp{*@var{addr}-@var{addr}} --- a memory address range (TBD)
29907
29908 @item
29909 @samp{$@var{regname}} --- a CPU register name
29910 @end itemize
29911
29912 @cindex dynamic varobj
29913 A varobj's contents may be provided by a Python-based pretty-printer. In this
29914 case the varobj is known as a @dfn{dynamic varobj}. Dynamic varobjs
29915 have slightly different semantics in some cases. If the
29916 @code{-enable-pretty-printing} command is not sent, then @value{GDBN}
29917 will never create a dynamic varobj. This ensures backward
29918 compatibility for existing clients.
29919
29920 @subsubheading Result
29921
29922 This operation returns attributes of the newly-created varobj. These
29923 are:
29924
29925 @table @samp
29926 @item name
29927 The name of the varobj.
29928
29929 @item numchild
29930 The number of children of the varobj. This number is not necessarily
29931 reliable for a dynamic varobj. Instead, you must examine the
29932 @samp{has_more} attribute.
29933
29934 @item value
29935 The varobj's scalar value. For a varobj whose type is some sort of
29936 aggregate (e.g., a @code{struct}), or for a dynamic varobj, this value
29937 will not be interesting.
29938
29939 @item type
29940 The varobj's type. This is a string representation of the type, as
29941 would be printed by the @value{GDBN} CLI. If @samp{print object}
29942 (@pxref{Print Settings, set print object}) is set to @code{on}, the
29943 @emph{actual} (derived) type of the object is shown rather than the
29944 @emph{declared} one.
29945
29946 @item thread-id
29947 If a variable object is bound to a specific thread, then this is the
29948 thread's identifier.
29949
29950 @item has_more
29951 For a dynamic varobj, this indicates whether there appear to be any
29952 children available. For a non-dynamic varobj, this will be 0.
29953
29954 @item dynamic
29955 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
29956 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
29957 then this attribute will not be present.
29958
29959 @item displayhint
29960 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
29961 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
29962 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
29963 @end table
29964
29965 Typical output will look like this:
29966
29967 @smallexample
29968 name="@var{name}",numchild="@var{N}",type="@var{type}",thread-id="@var{M}",
29969 has_more="@var{has_more}"
29970 @end smallexample
29971
29972
29973 @subheading The @code{-var-delete} Command
29974 @findex -var-delete
29975
29976 @subsubheading Synopsis
29977
29978 @smallexample
29979 -var-delete [ -c ] @var{name}
29980 @end smallexample
29981
29982 Deletes a previously created variable object and all of its children.
29983 With the @samp{-c} option, just deletes the children.
29984
29985 Returns an error if the object @var{name} is not found.
29986
29987
29988 @subheading The @code{-var-set-format} Command
29989 @findex -var-set-format
29990
29991 @subsubheading Synopsis
29992
29993 @smallexample
29994 -var-set-format @var{name} @var{format-spec}
29995 @end smallexample
29996
29997 Sets the output format for the value of the object @var{name} to be
29998 @var{format-spec}.
29999
30000 @anchor{-var-set-format}
30001 The syntax for the @var{format-spec} is as follows:
30002
30003 @smallexample
30004 @var{format-spec} @expansion{}
30005 @{binary | decimal | hexadecimal | octal | natural@}
30006 @end smallexample
30007
30008 The natural format is the default format choosen automatically
30009 based on the variable type (like decimal for an @code{int}, hex
30010 for pointers, etc.).
30011
30012 For a variable with children, the format is set only on the
30013 variable itself, and the children are not affected.
30014
30015 @subheading The @code{-var-show-format} Command
30016 @findex -var-show-format
30017
30018 @subsubheading Synopsis
30019
30020 @smallexample
30021 -var-show-format @var{name}
30022 @end smallexample
30023
30024 Returns the format used to display the value of the object @var{name}.
30025
30026 @smallexample
30027 @var{format} @expansion{}
30028 @var{format-spec}
30029 @end smallexample
30030
30031
30032 @subheading The @code{-var-info-num-children} Command
30033 @findex -var-info-num-children
30034
30035 @subsubheading Synopsis
30036
30037 @smallexample
30038 -var-info-num-children @var{name}
30039 @end smallexample
30040
30041 Returns the number of children of a variable object @var{name}:
30042
30043 @smallexample
30044 numchild=@var{n}
30045 @end smallexample
30046
30047 Note that this number is not completely reliable for a dynamic varobj.
30048 It will return the current number of children, but more children may
30049 be available.
30050
30051
30052 @subheading The @code{-var-list-children} Command
30053 @findex -var-list-children
30054
30055 @subsubheading Synopsis
30056
30057 @smallexample
30058 -var-list-children [@var{print-values}] @var{name} [@var{from} @var{to}]
30059 @end smallexample
30060 @anchor{-var-list-children}
30061
30062 Return a list of the children of the specified variable object and
30063 create variable objects for them, if they do not already exist. With
30064 a single argument or if @var{print-values} has a value of 0 or
30065 @code{--no-values}, print only the names of the variables; if
30066 @var{print-values} is 1 or @code{--all-values}, also print their
30067 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values} print the name and
30068 value for simple data types and just the name for arrays, structures
30069 and unions.
30070
30071 @var{from} and @var{to}, if specified, indicate the range of children
30072 to report. If @var{from} or @var{to} is less than zero, the range is
30073 reset and all children will be reported. Otherwise, children starting
30074 at @var{from} (zero-based) and up to and excluding @var{to} will be
30075 reported.
30076
30077 If a child range is requested, it will only affect the current call to
30078 @code{-var-list-children}, but not future calls to @code{-var-update}.
30079 For this, you must instead use @code{-var-set-update-range}. The
30080 intent of this approach is to enable a front end to implement any
30081 update approach it likes; for example, scrolling a view may cause the
30082 front end to request more children with @code{-var-list-children}, and
30083 then the front end could call @code{-var-set-update-range} with a
30084 different range to ensure that future updates are restricted to just
30085 the visible items.
30086
30087 For each child the following results are returned:
30088
30089 @table @var
30090
30091 @item name
30092 Name of the variable object created for this child.
30093
30094 @item exp
30095 The expression to be shown to the user by the front end to designate this child.
30096 For example this may be the name of a structure member.
30097
30098 For a dynamic varobj, this value cannot be used to form an
30099 expression. There is no way to do this at all with a dynamic varobj.
30100
30101 For C/C@t{++} structures there are several pseudo children returned to
30102 designate access qualifiers. For these pseudo children @var{exp} is
30103 @samp{public}, @samp{private}, or @samp{protected}. In this case the
30104 type and value are not present.
30105
30106 A dynamic varobj will not report the access qualifying
30107 pseudo-children, regardless of the language. This information is not
30108 available at all with a dynamic varobj.
30109
30110 @item numchild
30111 Number of children this child has. For a dynamic varobj, this will be
30112 0.
30113
30114 @item type
30115 The type of the child. If @samp{print object}
30116 (@pxref{Print Settings, set print object}) is set to @code{on}, the
30117 @emph{actual} (derived) type of the object is shown rather than the
30118 @emph{declared} one.
30119
30120 @item value
30121 If values were requested, this is the value.
30122
30123 @item thread-id
30124 If this variable object is associated with a thread, this is the thread id.
30125 Otherwise this result is not present.
30126
30127 @item frozen
30128 If the variable object is frozen, this variable will be present with a value of 1.
30129 @end table
30130
30131 The result may have its own attributes:
30132
30133 @table @samp
30134 @item displayhint
30135 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
30136 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
30137 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
30138
30139 @item has_more
30140 This is an integer attribute which is nonzero if there are children
30141 remaining after the end of the selected range.
30142 @end table
30143
30144 @subsubheading Example
30145
30146 @smallexample
30147 (gdb)
30148 -var-list-children n
30149 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
30150 numchild=@var{n},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
30151 (gdb)
30152 -var-list-children --all-values n
30153 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
30154 numchild=@var{n},value=@var{value},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
30155 @end smallexample
30156
30157
30158 @subheading The @code{-var-info-type} Command
30159 @findex -var-info-type
30160
30161 @subsubheading Synopsis
30162
30163 @smallexample
30164 -var-info-type @var{name}
30165 @end smallexample
30166
30167 Returns the type of the specified variable @var{name}. The type is
30168 returned as a string in the same format as it is output by the
30169 @value{GDBN} CLI:
30170
30171 @smallexample
30172 type=@var{typename}
30173 @end smallexample
30174
30175
30176 @subheading The @code{-var-info-expression} Command
30177 @findex -var-info-expression
30178
30179 @subsubheading Synopsis
30180
30181 @smallexample
30182 -var-info-expression @var{name}
30183 @end smallexample
30184
30185 Returns a string that is suitable for presenting this
30186 variable object in user interface. The string is generally
30187 not valid expression in the current language, and cannot be evaluated.
30188
30189 For example, if @code{a} is an array, and variable object
30190 @code{A} was created for @code{a}, then we'll get this output:
30191
30192 @smallexample
30193 (gdb) -var-info-expression A.1
30194 ^done,lang="C",exp="1"
30195 @end smallexample
30196
30197 @noindent
30198 Here, the values of @code{lang} can be @code{@{"C" | "C++" | "Java"@}}.
30199
30200 Note that the output of the @code{-var-list-children} command also
30201 includes those expressions, so the @code{-var-info-expression} command
30202 is of limited use.
30203
30204 @subheading The @code{-var-info-path-expression} Command
30205 @findex -var-info-path-expression
30206
30207 @subsubheading Synopsis
30208
30209 @smallexample
30210 -var-info-path-expression @var{name}
30211 @end smallexample
30212
30213 Returns an expression that can be evaluated in the current
30214 context and will yield the same value that a variable object has.
30215 Compare this with the @code{-var-info-expression} command, which
30216 result can be used only for UI presentation. Typical use of
30217 the @code{-var-info-path-expression} command is creating a
30218 watchpoint from a variable object.
30219
30220 This command is currently not valid for children of a dynamic varobj,
30221 and will give an error when invoked on one.
30222
30223 For example, suppose @code{C} is a C@t{++} class, derived from class
30224 @code{Base}, and that the @code{Base} class has a member called
30225 @code{m_size}. Assume a variable @code{c} is has the type of
30226 @code{C} and a variable object @code{C} was created for variable
30227 @code{c}. Then, we'll get this output:
30228 @smallexample
30229 (gdb) -var-info-path-expression C.Base.public.m_size
30230 ^done,path_expr=((Base)c).m_size)
30231 @end smallexample
30232
30233 @subheading The @code{-var-show-attributes} Command
30234 @findex -var-show-attributes
30235
30236 @subsubheading Synopsis
30237
30238 @smallexample
30239 -var-show-attributes @var{name}
30240 @end smallexample
30241
30242 List attributes of the specified variable object @var{name}:
30243
30244 @smallexample
30245 status=@var{attr} [ ( ,@var{attr} )* ]
30246 @end smallexample
30247
30248 @noindent
30249 where @var{attr} is @code{@{ @{ editable | noneditable @} | TBD @}}.
30250
30251 @subheading The @code{-var-evaluate-expression} Command
30252 @findex -var-evaluate-expression
30253
30254 @subsubheading Synopsis
30255
30256 @smallexample
30257 -var-evaluate-expression [-f @var{format-spec}] @var{name}
30258 @end smallexample
30259
30260 Evaluates the expression that is represented by the specified variable
30261 object and returns its value as a string. The format of the string
30262 can be specified with the @samp{-f} option. The possible values of
30263 this option are the same as for @code{-var-set-format}
30264 (@pxref{-var-set-format}). If the @samp{-f} option is not specified,
30265 the current display format will be used. The current display format
30266 can be changed using the @code{-var-set-format} command.
30267
30268 @smallexample
30269 value=@var{value}
30270 @end smallexample
30271
30272 Note that one must invoke @code{-var-list-children} for a variable
30273 before the value of a child variable can be evaluated.
30274
30275 @subheading The @code{-var-assign} Command
30276 @findex -var-assign
30277
30278 @subsubheading Synopsis
30279
30280 @smallexample
30281 -var-assign @var{name} @var{expression}
30282 @end smallexample
30283
30284 Assigns the value of @var{expression} to the variable object specified
30285 by @var{name}. The object must be @samp{editable}. If the variable's
30286 value is altered by the assign, the variable will show up in any
30287 subsequent @code{-var-update} list.
30288
30289 @subsubheading Example
30290
30291 @smallexample
30292 (gdb)
30293 -var-assign var1 3
30294 ^done,value="3"
30295 (gdb)
30296 -var-update *
30297 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",in_scope="true",type_changed="false"@}]
30298 (gdb)
30299 @end smallexample
30300
30301 @subheading The @code{-var-update} Command
30302 @findex -var-update
30303
30304 @subsubheading Synopsis
30305
30306 @smallexample
30307 -var-update [@var{print-values}] @{@var{name} | "*"@}
30308 @end smallexample
30309
30310 Reevaluate the expressions corresponding to the variable object
30311 @var{name} and all its direct and indirect children, and return the
30312 list of variable objects whose values have changed; @var{name} must
30313 be a root variable object. Here, ``changed'' means that the result of
30314 @code{-var-evaluate-expression} before and after the
30315 @code{-var-update} is different. If @samp{*} is used as the variable
30316 object names, all existing variable objects are updated, except
30317 for frozen ones (@pxref{-var-set-frozen}). The option
30318 @var{print-values} determines whether both names and values, or just
30319 names are printed. The possible values of this option are the same
30320 as for @code{-var-list-children} (@pxref{-var-list-children}). It is
30321 recommended to use the @samp{--all-values} option, to reduce the
30322 number of MI commands needed on each program stop.
30323
30324 With the @samp{*} parameter, if a variable object is bound to a
30325 currently running thread, it will not be updated, without any
30326 diagnostic.
30327
30328 If @code{-var-set-update-range} was previously used on a varobj, then
30329 only the selected range of children will be reported.
30330
30331 @code{-var-update} reports all the changed varobjs in a tuple named
30332 @samp{changelist}.
30333
30334 Each item in the change list is itself a tuple holding:
30335
30336 @table @samp
30337 @item name
30338 The name of the varobj.
30339
30340 @item value
30341 If values were requested for this update, then this field will be
30342 present and will hold the value of the varobj.
30343
30344 @item in_scope
30345 @anchor{-var-update}
30346 This field is a string which may take one of three values:
30347
30348 @table @code
30349 @item "true"
30350 The variable object's current value is valid.
30351
30352 @item "false"
30353 The variable object does not currently hold a valid value but it may
30354 hold one in the future if its associated expression comes back into
30355 scope.
30356
30357 @item "invalid"
30358 The variable object no longer holds a valid value.
30359 This can occur when the executable file being debugged has changed,
30360 either through recompilation or by using the @value{GDBN} @code{file}
30361 command. The front end should normally choose to delete these variable
30362 objects.
30363 @end table
30364
30365 In the future new values may be added to this list so the front should
30366 be prepared for this possibility. @xref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, ,@sc{GDB/MI} Development and Front Ends}.
30367
30368 @item type_changed
30369 This is only present if the varobj is still valid. If the type
30370 changed, then this will be the string @samp{true}; otherwise it will
30371 be @samp{false}.
30372
30373 When a varobj's type changes, its children are also likely to have
30374 become incorrect. Therefore, the varobj's children are automatically
30375 deleted when this attribute is @samp{true}. Also, the varobj's update
30376 range, when set using the @code{-var-set-update-range} command, is
30377 unset.
30378
30379 @item new_type
30380 If the varobj's type changed, then this field will be present and will
30381 hold the new type.
30382
30383 @item new_num_children
30384 For a dynamic varobj, if the number of children changed, or if the
30385 type changed, this will be the new number of children.
30386
30387 The @samp{numchild} field in other varobj responses is generally not
30388 valid for a dynamic varobj -- it will show the number of children that
30389 @value{GDBN} knows about, but because dynamic varobjs lazily
30390 instantiate their children, this will not reflect the number of
30391 children which may be available.
30392
30393 The @samp{new_num_children} attribute only reports changes to the
30394 number of children known by @value{GDBN}. This is the only way to
30395 detect whether an update has removed children (which necessarily can
30396 only happen at the end of the update range).
30397
30398 @item displayhint
30399 The display hint, if any.
30400
30401 @item has_more
30402 This is an integer value, which will be 1 if there are more children
30403 available outside the varobj's update range.
30404
30405 @item dynamic
30406 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
30407 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
30408 then this attribute will not be present.
30409
30410 @item new_children
30411 If new children were added to a dynamic varobj within the selected
30412 update range (as set by @code{-var-set-update-range}), then they will
30413 be listed in this attribute.
30414 @end table
30415
30416 @subsubheading Example
30417
30418 @smallexample
30419 (gdb)
30420 -var-assign var1 3
30421 ^done,value="3"
30422 (gdb)
30423 -var-update --all-values var1
30424 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",value="3",in_scope="true",
30425 type_changed="false"@}]
30426 (gdb)
30427 @end smallexample
30428
30429 @subheading The @code{-var-set-frozen} Command
30430 @findex -var-set-frozen
30431 @anchor{-var-set-frozen}
30432
30433 @subsubheading Synopsis
30434
30435 @smallexample
30436 -var-set-frozen @var{name} @var{flag}
30437 @end smallexample
30438
30439 Set the frozenness flag on the variable object @var{name}. The
30440 @var{flag} parameter should be either @samp{1} to make the variable
30441 frozen or @samp{0} to make it unfrozen. If a variable object is
30442 frozen, then neither itself, nor any of its children, are
30443 implicitly updated by @code{-var-update} of
30444 a parent variable or by @code{-var-update *}. Only
30445 @code{-var-update} of the variable itself will update its value and
30446 values of its children. After a variable object is unfrozen, it is
30447 implicitly updated by all subsequent @code{-var-update} operations.
30448 Unfreezing a variable does not update it, only subsequent
30449 @code{-var-update} does.
30450
30451 @subsubheading Example
30452
30453 @smallexample
30454 (gdb)
30455 -var-set-frozen V 1
30456 ^done
30457 (gdb)
30458 @end smallexample
30459
30460 @subheading The @code{-var-set-update-range} command
30461 @findex -var-set-update-range
30462 @anchor{-var-set-update-range}
30463
30464 @subsubheading Synopsis
30465
30466 @smallexample
30467 -var-set-update-range @var{name} @var{from} @var{to}
30468 @end smallexample
30469
30470 Set the range of children to be returned by future invocations of
30471 @code{-var-update}.
30472
30473 @var{from} and @var{to} indicate the range of children to report. If
30474 @var{from} or @var{to} is less than zero, the range is reset and all
30475 children will be reported. Otherwise, children starting at @var{from}
30476 (zero-based) and up to and excluding @var{to} will be reported.
30477
30478 @subsubheading Example
30479
30480 @smallexample
30481 (gdb)
30482 -var-set-update-range V 1 2
30483 ^done
30484 @end smallexample
30485
30486 @subheading The @code{-var-set-visualizer} command
30487 @findex -var-set-visualizer
30488 @anchor{-var-set-visualizer}
30489
30490 @subsubheading Synopsis
30491
30492 @smallexample
30493 -var-set-visualizer @var{name} @var{visualizer}
30494 @end smallexample
30495
30496 Set a visualizer for the variable object @var{name}.
30497
30498 @var{visualizer} is the visualizer to use. The special value
30499 @samp{None} means to disable any visualizer in use.
30500
30501 If not @samp{None}, @var{visualizer} must be a Python expression.
30502 This expression must evaluate to a callable object which accepts a
30503 single argument. @value{GDBN} will call this object with the value of
30504 the varobj @var{name} as an argument (this is done so that the same
30505 Python pretty-printing code can be used for both the CLI and MI).
30506 When called, this object must return an object which conforms to the
30507 pretty-printing interface (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}).
30508
30509 The pre-defined function @code{gdb.default_visualizer} may be used to
30510 select a visualizer by following the built-in process
30511 (@pxref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}). This is done automatically when
30512 a varobj is created, and so ordinarily is not needed.
30513
30514 This feature is only available if Python support is enabled. The MI
30515 command @code{-list-features} (@pxref{GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands})
30516 can be used to check this.
30517
30518 @subsubheading Example
30519
30520 Resetting the visualizer:
30521
30522 @smallexample
30523 (gdb)
30524 -var-set-visualizer V None
30525 ^done
30526 @end smallexample
30527
30528 Reselecting the default (type-based) visualizer:
30529
30530 @smallexample
30531 (gdb)
30532 -var-set-visualizer V gdb.default_visualizer
30533 ^done
30534 @end smallexample
30535
30536 Suppose @code{SomeClass} is a visualizer class. A lambda expression
30537 can be used to instantiate this class for a varobj:
30538
30539 @smallexample
30540 (gdb)
30541 -var-set-visualizer V "lambda val: SomeClass()"
30542 ^done
30543 @end smallexample
30544
30545 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
30546 @node GDB/MI Data Manipulation
30547 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Data Manipulation
30548
30549 @cindex data manipulation, in @sc{gdb/mi}
30550 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, data manipulation
30551 This section describes the @sc{gdb/mi} commands that manipulate data:
30552 examine memory and registers, evaluate expressions, etc.
30553
30554 @c REMOVED FROM THE INTERFACE.
30555 @c @subheading -data-assign
30556 @c Change the value of a program variable. Plenty of side effects.
30557 @c @subsubheading GDB Command
30558 @c set variable
30559 @c @subsubheading Example
30560 @c N.A.
30561
30562 @subheading The @code{-data-disassemble} Command
30563 @findex -data-disassemble
30564
30565 @subsubheading Synopsis
30566
30567 @smallexample
30568 -data-disassemble
30569 [ -s @var{start-addr} -e @var{end-addr} ]
30570 | [ -f @var{filename} -l @var{linenum} [ -n @var{lines} ] ]
30571 -- @var{mode}
30572 @end smallexample
30573
30574 @noindent
30575 Where:
30576
30577 @table @samp
30578 @item @var{start-addr}
30579 is the beginning address (or @code{$pc})
30580 @item @var{end-addr}
30581 is the end address
30582 @item @var{filename}
30583 is the name of the file to disassemble
30584 @item @var{linenum}
30585 is the line number to disassemble around
30586 @item @var{lines}
30587 is the number of disassembly lines to be produced. If it is -1,
30588 the whole function will be disassembled, in case no @var{end-addr} is
30589 specified. If @var{end-addr} is specified as a non-zero value, and
30590 @var{lines} is lower than the number of disassembly lines between
30591 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only @var{lines} lines are
30592 displayed; if @var{lines} is higher than the number of lines between
30593 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only the lines up to @var{end-addr}
30594 are displayed.
30595 @item @var{mode}
30596 is either 0 (meaning only disassembly), 1 (meaning mixed source and
30597 disassembly), 2 (meaning disassembly with raw opcodes), or 3 (meaning
30598 mixed source and disassembly with raw opcodes).
30599 @end table
30600
30601 @subsubheading Result
30602
30603 The output for each instruction is composed of four fields:
30604
30605 @itemize @bullet
30606 @item Address
30607 @item Func-name
30608 @item Offset
30609 @item Instruction
30610 @end itemize
30611
30612 Note that whatever included in the instruction field, is not manipulated
30613 directly by @sc{gdb/mi}, i.e., it is not possible to adjust its format.
30614
30615 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30616
30617 There's no direct mapping from this command to the CLI.
30618
30619 @subsubheading Example
30620
30621 Disassemble from the current value of @code{$pc} to @code{$pc + 20}:
30622
30623 @smallexample
30624 (gdb)
30625 -data-disassemble -s $pc -e "$pc + 20" -- 0
30626 ^done,
30627 asm_insns=[
30628 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
30629 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
30630 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
30631 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
30632 @{address="0x000107c8",func-name="main",offset="12",
30633 inst="or %o2, 0x140, %o1\t! 0x11940 <_lib_version+8>"@},
30634 @{address="0x000107cc",func-name="main",offset="16",
30635 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
30636 @{address="0x000107d0",func-name="main",offset="20",
30637 inst="or %o2, 0x168, %o4\t! 0x11968 <_lib_version+48>"@}]
30638 (gdb)
30639 @end smallexample
30640
30641 Disassemble the whole @code{main} function. Line 32 is part of
30642 @code{main}.
30643
30644 @smallexample
30645 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -- 0
30646 ^done,asm_insns=[
30647 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
30648 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
30649 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
30650 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
30651 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
30652 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
30653 [@dots{}]
30654 @{address="0x0001081c",func-name="main",offset="96",inst="ret "@},
30655 @{address="0x00010820",func-name="main",offset="100",inst="restore "@}]
30656 (gdb)
30657 @end smallexample
30658
30659 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main}:
30660
30661 @smallexample
30662 (gdb)
30663 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 0
30664 ^done,asm_insns=[
30665 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
30666 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
30667 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
30668 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
30669 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
30670 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]
30671 (gdb)
30672 @end smallexample
30673
30674 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main} in mixed mode:
30675
30676 @smallexample
30677 (gdb)
30678 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 1
30679 ^done,asm_insns=[
30680 src_and_asm_line=@{line="31",
30681 file="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb/ \
30682 testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line_asm_insn=[
30683 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
30684 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@}]@},
30685 src_and_asm_line=@{line="32",
30686 file="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb/ \
30687 testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line_asm_insn=[
30688 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
30689 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
30690 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
30691 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]@}]
30692 (gdb)
30693 @end smallexample
30694
30695
30696 @subheading The @code{-data-evaluate-expression} Command
30697 @findex -data-evaluate-expression
30698
30699 @subsubheading Synopsis
30700
30701 @smallexample
30702 -data-evaluate-expression @var{expr}
30703 @end smallexample
30704
30705 Evaluate @var{expr} as an expression. The expression could contain an
30706 inferior function call. The function call will execute synchronously.
30707 If the expression contains spaces, it must be enclosed in double quotes.
30708
30709 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30710
30711 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{print}, @samp{output}, and
30712 @samp{call}. In @code{gdbtk} only, there's a corresponding
30713 @samp{gdb_eval} command.
30714
30715 @subsubheading Example
30716
30717 In the following example, the numbers that precede the commands are the
30718 @dfn{tokens} described in @ref{GDB/MI Command Syntax, ,@sc{gdb/mi}
30719 Command Syntax}. Notice how @sc{gdb/mi} returns the same tokens in its
30720 output.
30721
30722 @smallexample
30723 211-data-evaluate-expression A
30724 211^done,value="1"
30725 (gdb)
30726 311-data-evaluate-expression &A
30727 311^done,value="0xefffeb7c"
30728 (gdb)
30729 411-data-evaluate-expression A+3
30730 411^done,value="4"
30731 (gdb)
30732 511-data-evaluate-expression "A + 3"
30733 511^done,value="4"
30734 (gdb)
30735 @end smallexample
30736
30737
30738 @subheading The @code{-data-list-changed-registers} Command
30739 @findex -data-list-changed-registers
30740
30741 @subsubheading Synopsis
30742
30743 @smallexample
30744 -data-list-changed-registers
30745 @end smallexample
30746
30747 Display a list of the registers that have changed.
30748
30749 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30750
30751 @value{GDBN} doesn't have a direct analog for this command; @code{gdbtk}
30752 has the corresponding command @samp{gdb_changed_register_list}.
30753
30754 @subsubheading Example
30755
30756 On a PPC MBX board:
30757
30758 @smallexample
30759 (gdb)
30760 -exec-continue
30761 ^running
30762
30763 (gdb)
30764 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",frame=@{
30765 func="main",args=[],file="try.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",
30766 line="5"@}
30767 (gdb)
30768 -data-list-changed-registers
30769 ^done,changed-registers=["0","1","2","4","5","6","7","8","9",
30770 "10","11","13","14","15","16","17","18","19","20","21","22","23",
30771 "24","25","26","27","28","30","31","64","65","66","67","69"]
30772 (gdb)
30773 @end smallexample
30774
30775
30776 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-names} Command
30777 @findex -data-list-register-names
30778
30779 @subsubheading Synopsis
30780
30781 @smallexample
30782 -data-list-register-names [ ( @var{regno} )+ ]
30783 @end smallexample
30784
30785 Show a list of register names for the current target. If no arguments
30786 are given, it shows a list of the names of all the registers. If
30787 integer numbers are given as arguments, it will print a list of the
30788 names of the registers corresponding to the arguments. To ensure
30789 consistency between a register name and its number, the output list may
30790 include empty register names.
30791
30792 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30793
30794 @value{GDBN} does not have a command which corresponds to
30795 @samp{-data-list-register-names}. In @code{gdbtk} there is a
30796 corresponding command @samp{gdb_regnames}.
30797
30798 @subsubheading Example
30799
30800 For the PPC MBX board:
30801 @smallexample
30802 (gdb)
30803 -data-list-register-names
30804 ^done,register-names=["r0","r1","r2","r3","r4","r5","r6","r7",
30805 "r8","r9","r10","r11","r12","r13","r14","r15","r16","r17","r18",
30806 "r19","r20","r21","r22","r23","r24","r25","r26","r27","r28","r29",
30807 "r30","r31","f0","f1","f2","f3","f4","f5","f6","f7","f8","f9",
30808 "f10","f11","f12","f13","f14","f15","f16","f17","f18","f19","f20",
30809 "f21","f22","f23","f24","f25","f26","f27","f28","f29","f30","f31",
30810 "", "pc","ps","cr","lr","ctr","xer"]
30811 (gdb)
30812 -data-list-register-names 1 2 3
30813 ^done,register-names=["r1","r2","r3"]
30814 (gdb)
30815 @end smallexample
30816
30817 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-values} Command
30818 @findex -data-list-register-values
30819
30820 @subsubheading Synopsis
30821
30822 @smallexample
30823 -data-list-register-values @var{fmt} [ ( @var{regno} )*]
30824 @end smallexample
30825
30826 Display the registers' contents. @var{fmt} is the format according to
30827 which the registers' contents are to be returned, followed by an optional
30828 list of numbers specifying the registers to display. A missing list of
30829 numbers indicates that the contents of all the registers must be returned.
30830
30831 Allowed formats for @var{fmt} are:
30832
30833 @table @code
30834 @item x
30835 Hexadecimal
30836 @item o
30837 Octal
30838 @item t
30839 Binary
30840 @item d
30841 Decimal
30842 @item r
30843 Raw
30844 @item N
30845 Natural
30846 @end table
30847
30848 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30849
30850 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{info reg}, @samp{info
30851 all-reg}, and (in @code{gdbtk}) @samp{gdb_fetch_registers}.
30852
30853 @subsubheading Example
30854
30855 For a PPC MBX board (note: line breaks are for readability only, they
30856 don't appear in the actual output):
30857
30858 @smallexample
30859 (gdb)
30860 -data-list-register-values r 64 65
30861 ^done,register-values=[@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
30862 @{number="65",value="0x00029002"@}]
30863 (gdb)
30864 -data-list-register-values x
30865 ^done,register-values=[@{number="0",value="0xfe0043c8"@},
30866 @{number="1",value="0x3fff88"@},@{number="2",value="0xfffffffe"@},
30867 @{number="3",value="0x0"@},@{number="4",value="0xa"@},
30868 @{number="5",value="0x3fff68"@},@{number="6",value="0x3fff58"@},
30869 @{number="7",value="0xfe011e98"@},@{number="8",value="0x2"@},
30870 @{number="9",value="0xfa202820"@},@{number="10",value="0xfa202808"@},
30871 @{number="11",value="0x1"@},@{number="12",value="0x0"@},
30872 @{number="13",value="0x4544"@},@{number="14",value="0xffdfffff"@},
30873 @{number="15",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="16",value="0xfffffeff"@},
30874 @{number="17",value="0xefffffed"@},@{number="18",value="0xfffffffe"@},
30875 @{number="19",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="20",value="0xffffffff"@},
30876 @{number="21",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="22",value="0xfffffff7"@},
30877 @{number="23",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="24",value="0xffffffff"@},
30878 @{number="25",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="26",value="0xfffffffb"@},
30879 @{number="27",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="28",value="0xf7bfffff"@},
30880 @{number="29",value="0x0"@},@{number="30",value="0xfe010000"@},
30881 @{number="31",value="0x0"@},@{number="32",value="0x0"@},
30882 @{number="33",value="0x0"@},@{number="34",value="0x0"@},
30883 @{number="35",value="0x0"@},@{number="36",value="0x0"@},
30884 @{number="37",value="0x0"@},@{number="38",value="0x0"@},
30885 @{number="39",value="0x0"@},@{number="40",value="0x0"@},
30886 @{number="41",value="0x0"@},@{number="42",value="0x0"@},
30887 @{number="43",value="0x0"@},@{number="44",value="0x0"@},
30888 @{number="45",value="0x0"@},@{number="46",value="0x0"@},
30889 @{number="47",value="0x0"@},@{number="48",value="0x0"@},
30890 @{number="49",value="0x0"@},@{number="50",value="0x0"@},
30891 @{number="51",value="0x0"@},@{number="52",value="0x0"@},
30892 @{number="53",value="0x0"@},@{number="54",value="0x0"@},
30893 @{number="55",value="0x0"@},@{number="56",value="0x0"@},
30894 @{number="57",value="0x0"@},@{number="58",value="0x0"@},
30895 @{number="59",value="0x0"@},@{number="60",value="0x0"@},
30896 @{number="61",value="0x0"@},@{number="62",value="0x0"@},
30897 @{number="63",value="0x0"@},@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
30898 @{number="65",value="0x29002"@},@{number="66",value="0x202f04b5"@},
30899 @{number="67",value="0xfe0043b0"@},@{number="68",value="0xfe00b3e4"@},
30900 @{number="69",value="0x20002b03"@}]
30901 (gdb)
30902 @end smallexample
30903
30904
30905 @subheading The @code{-data-read-memory} Command
30906 @findex -data-read-memory
30907
30908 This command is deprecated, use @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} instead.
30909
30910 @subsubheading Synopsis
30911
30912 @smallexample
30913 -data-read-memory [ -o @var{byte-offset} ]
30914 @var{address} @var{word-format} @var{word-size}
30915 @var{nr-rows} @var{nr-cols} [ @var{aschar} ]
30916 @end smallexample
30917
30918 @noindent
30919 where:
30920
30921 @table @samp
30922 @item @var{address}
30923 An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
30924 read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
30925 quoted using the C convention.
30926
30927 @item @var{word-format}
30928 The format to be used to print the memory words. The notation is the
30929 same as for @value{GDBN}'s @code{print} command (@pxref{Output Formats,
30930 ,Output Formats}).
30931
30932 @item @var{word-size}
30933 The size of each memory word in bytes.
30934
30935 @item @var{nr-rows}
30936 The number of rows in the output table.
30937
30938 @item @var{nr-cols}
30939 The number of columns in the output table.
30940
30941 @item @var{aschar}
30942 If present, indicates that each row should include an @sc{ascii} dump. The
30943 value of @var{aschar} is used as a padding character when a byte is not a
30944 member of the printable @sc{ascii} character set (printable @sc{ascii}
30945 characters are those whose code is between 32 and 126, inclusively).
30946
30947 @item @var{byte-offset}
30948 An offset to add to the @var{address} before fetching memory.
30949 @end table
30950
30951 This command displays memory contents as a table of @var{nr-rows} by
30952 @var{nr-cols} words, each word being @var{word-size} bytes. In total,
30953 @code{@var{nr-rows} * @var{nr-cols} * @var{word-size}} bytes are read
30954 (returned as @samp{total-bytes}). Should less than the requested number
30955 of bytes be returned by the target, the missing words are identified
30956 using @samp{N/A}. The number of bytes read from the target is returned
30957 in @samp{nr-bytes} and the starting address used to read memory in
30958 @samp{addr}.
30959
30960 The address of the next/previous row or page is available in
30961 @samp{next-row} and @samp{prev-row}, @samp{next-page} and
30962 @samp{prev-page}.
30963
30964 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30965
30966 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}. @code{gdbtk} has
30967 @samp{gdb_get_mem} memory read command.
30968
30969 @subsubheading Example
30970
30971 Read six bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+6} but then offset by
30972 @code{-6} bytes. Format as three rows of two columns. One byte per
30973 word. Display each word in hex.
30974
30975 @smallexample
30976 (gdb)
30977 9-data-read-memory -o -6 -- bytes+6 x 1 3 2
30978 9^done,addr="0x00001390",nr-bytes="6",total-bytes="6",
30979 next-row="0x00001396",prev-row="0x0000138e",next-page="0x00001396",
30980 prev-page="0x0000138a",memory=[
30981 @{addr="0x00001390",data=["0x00","0x01"]@},
30982 @{addr="0x00001392",data=["0x02","0x03"]@},
30983 @{addr="0x00001394",data=["0x04","0x05"]@}]
30984 (gdb)
30985 @end smallexample
30986
30987 Read two bytes of memory starting at address @code{shorts + 64} and
30988 display as a single word formatted in decimal.
30989
30990 @smallexample
30991 (gdb)
30992 5-data-read-memory shorts+64 d 2 1 1
30993 5^done,addr="0x00001510",nr-bytes="2",total-bytes="2",
30994 next-row="0x00001512",prev-row="0x0000150e",
30995 next-page="0x00001512",prev-page="0x0000150e",memory=[
30996 @{addr="0x00001510",data=["128"]@}]
30997 (gdb)
30998 @end smallexample
30999
31000 Read thirty two bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+16} and format
31001 as eight rows of four columns. Include a string encoding with @samp{x}
31002 used as the non-printable character.
31003
31004 @smallexample
31005 (gdb)
31006 4-data-read-memory bytes+16 x 1 8 4 x
31007 4^done,addr="0x000013a0",nr-bytes="32",total-bytes="32",
31008 next-row="0x000013c0",prev-row="0x0000139c",
31009 next-page="0x000013c0",prev-page="0x00001380",memory=[
31010 @{addr="0x000013a0",data=["0x10","0x11","0x12","0x13"],ascii="xxxx"@},
31011 @{addr="0x000013a4",data=["0x14","0x15","0x16","0x17"],ascii="xxxx"@},
31012 @{addr="0x000013a8",data=["0x18","0x19","0x1a","0x1b"],ascii="xxxx"@},
31013 @{addr="0x000013ac",data=["0x1c","0x1d","0x1e","0x1f"],ascii="xxxx"@},
31014 @{addr="0x000013b0",data=["0x20","0x21","0x22","0x23"],ascii=" !\"#"@},
31015 @{addr="0x000013b4",data=["0x24","0x25","0x26","0x27"],ascii="$%&'"@},
31016 @{addr="0x000013b8",data=["0x28","0x29","0x2a","0x2b"],ascii="()*+"@},
31017 @{addr="0x000013bc",data=["0x2c","0x2d","0x2e","0x2f"],ascii=",-./"@}]
31018 (gdb)
31019 @end smallexample
31020
31021 @subheading The @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} Command
31022 @findex -data-read-memory-bytes
31023
31024 @subsubheading Synopsis
31025
31026 @smallexample
31027 -data-read-memory-bytes [ -o @var{byte-offset} ]
31028 @var{address} @var{count}
31029 @end smallexample
31030
31031 @noindent
31032 where:
31033
31034 @table @samp
31035 @item @var{address}
31036 An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
31037 read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
31038 quoted using the C convention.
31039
31040 @item @var{count}
31041 The number of bytes to read. This should be an integer literal.
31042
31043 @item @var{byte-offset}
31044 The offsets in bytes relative to @var{address} at which to start
31045 reading. This should be an integer literal. This option is provided
31046 so that a frontend is not required to first evaluate address and then
31047 perform address arithmetics itself.
31048
31049 @end table
31050
31051 This command attempts to read all accessible memory regions in the
31052 specified range. First, all regions marked as unreadable in the memory
31053 map (if one is defined) will be skipped. @xref{Memory Region
31054 Attributes}. Second, @value{GDBN} will attempt to read the remaining
31055 regions. For each one, if reading full region results in an errors,
31056 @value{GDBN} will try to read a subset of the region.
31057
31058 In general, every single byte in the region may be readable or not,
31059 and the only way to read every readable byte is to try a read at
31060 every address, which is not practical. Therefore, @value{GDBN} will
31061 attempt to read all accessible bytes at either beginning or the end
31062 of the region, using a binary division scheme. This heuristic works
31063 well for reading accross a memory map boundary. Note that if a region
31064 has a readable range that is neither at the beginning or the end,
31065 @value{GDBN} will not read it.
31066
31067 The result record (@pxref{GDB/MI Result Records}) that is output of
31068 the command includes a field named @samp{memory} whose content is a
31069 list of tuples. Each tuple represent a successfully read memory block
31070 and has the following fields:
31071
31072 @table @code
31073 @item begin
31074 The start address of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal.
31075
31076 @item end
31077 The end address of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal.
31078
31079 @item offset
31080 The offset of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal, relative to
31081 the start address passed to @code{-data-read-memory-bytes}.
31082
31083 @item contents
31084 The contents of the memory block, in hex.
31085
31086 @end table
31087
31088
31089
31090 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31091
31092 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}.
31093
31094 @subsubheading Example
31095
31096 @smallexample
31097 (gdb)
31098 -data-read-memory-bytes &a 10
31099 ^done,memory=[@{begin="0xbffff154",offset="0x00000000",
31100 end="0xbffff15e",
31101 contents="01000000020000000300"@}]
31102 (gdb)
31103 @end smallexample
31104
31105
31106 @subheading The @code{-data-write-memory-bytes} Command
31107 @findex -data-write-memory-bytes
31108
31109 @subsubheading Synopsis
31110
31111 @smallexample
31112 -data-write-memory-bytes @var{address} @var{contents}
31113 @end smallexample
31114
31115 @noindent
31116 where:
31117
31118 @table @samp
31119 @item @var{address}
31120 An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
31121 read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
31122 quoted using the C convention.
31123
31124 @item @var{contents}
31125 The hex-encoded bytes to write.
31126
31127 @end table
31128
31129 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31130
31131 There's no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
31132
31133 @subsubheading Example
31134
31135 @smallexample
31136 (gdb)
31137 -data-write-memory-bytes &a "aabbccdd"
31138 ^done
31139 (gdb)
31140 @end smallexample
31141
31142
31143 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31144 @node GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands
31145 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Tracepoint Commands
31146
31147 The commands defined in this section implement MI support for
31148 tracepoints. For detailed introduction, see @ref{Tracepoints}.
31149
31150 @subheading The @code{-trace-find} Command
31151 @findex -trace-find
31152
31153 @subsubheading Synopsis
31154
31155 @smallexample
31156 -trace-find @var{mode} [@var{parameters}@dots{}]
31157 @end smallexample
31158
31159 Find a trace frame using criteria defined by @var{mode} and
31160 @var{parameters}. The following table lists permissible
31161 modes and their parameters. For details of operation, see @ref{tfind}.
31162
31163 @table @samp
31164
31165 @item none
31166 No parameters are required. Stops examining trace frames.
31167
31168 @item frame-number
31169 An integer is required as parameter. Selects tracepoint frame with
31170 that index.
31171
31172 @item tracepoint-number
31173 An integer is required as parameter. Finds next
31174 trace frame that corresponds to tracepoint with the specified number.
31175
31176 @item pc
31177 An address is required as parameter. Finds
31178 next trace frame that corresponds to any tracepoint at the specified
31179 address.
31180
31181 @item pc-inside-range
31182 Two addresses are required as parameters. Finds next trace
31183 frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at an address inside the
31184 specified range. Both bounds are considered to be inside the range.
31185
31186 @item pc-outside-range
31187 Two addresses are required as parameters. Finds
31188 next trace frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at an address outside
31189 the specified range. Both bounds are considered to be inside the range.
31190
31191 @item line
31192 Line specification is required as parameter. @xref{Specify Location}.
31193 Finds next trace frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at
31194 the specified location.
31195
31196 @end table
31197
31198 If @samp{none} was passed as @var{mode}, the response does not
31199 have fields. Otherwise, the response may have the following fields:
31200
31201 @table @samp
31202 @item found
31203 This field has either @samp{0} or @samp{1} as the value, depending
31204 on whether a matching tracepoint was found.
31205
31206 @item traceframe
31207 The index of the found traceframe. This field is present iff
31208 the @samp{found} field has value of @samp{1}.
31209
31210 @item tracepoint
31211 The index of the found tracepoint. This field is present iff
31212 the @samp{found} field has value of @samp{1}.
31213
31214 @item frame
31215 The information about the frame corresponding to the found trace
31216 frame. This field is present only if a trace frame was found.
31217 @xref{GDB/MI Frame Information}, for description of this field.
31218
31219 @end table
31220
31221 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31222
31223 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tfind}.
31224
31225 @subheading -trace-define-variable
31226 @findex -trace-define-variable
31227
31228 @subsubheading Synopsis
31229
31230 @smallexample
31231 -trace-define-variable @var{name} [ @var{value} ]
31232 @end smallexample
31233
31234 Create trace variable @var{name} if it does not exist. If
31235 @var{value} is specified, sets the initial value of the specified
31236 trace variable to that value. Note that the @var{name} should start
31237 with the @samp{$} character.
31238
31239 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31240
31241 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tvariable}.
31242
31243 @subheading -trace-list-variables
31244 @findex -trace-list-variables
31245
31246 @subsubheading Synopsis
31247
31248 @smallexample
31249 -trace-list-variables
31250 @end smallexample
31251
31252 Return a table of all defined trace variables. Each element of the
31253 table has the following fields:
31254
31255 @table @samp
31256 @item name
31257 The name of the trace variable. This field is always present.
31258
31259 @item initial
31260 The initial value. This is a 64-bit signed integer. This
31261 field is always present.
31262
31263 @item current
31264 The value the trace variable has at the moment. This is a 64-bit
31265 signed integer. This field is absent iff current value is
31266 not defined, for example if the trace was never run, or is
31267 presently running.
31268
31269 @end table
31270
31271 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31272
31273 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tvariables}.
31274
31275 @subsubheading Example
31276
31277 @smallexample
31278 (gdb)
31279 -trace-list-variables
31280 ^done,trace-variables=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="3",
31281 hdr=[@{width="15",alignment="-1",col_name="name",colhdr="Name"@},
31282 @{width="11",alignment="-1",col_name="initial",colhdr="Initial"@},
31283 @{width="11",alignment="-1",col_name="current",colhdr="Current"@}],
31284 body=[variable=@{name="$trace_timestamp",initial="0"@}
31285 variable=@{name="$foo",initial="10",current="15"@}]@}
31286 (gdb)
31287 @end smallexample
31288
31289 @subheading -trace-save
31290 @findex -trace-save
31291
31292 @subsubheading Synopsis
31293
31294 @smallexample
31295 -trace-save [-r ] @var{filename}
31296 @end smallexample
31297
31298 Saves the collected trace data to @var{filename}. Without the
31299 @samp{-r} option, the data is downloaded from the target and saved
31300 in a local file. With the @samp{-r} option the target is asked
31301 to perform the save.
31302
31303 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31304
31305 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tsave}.
31306
31307
31308 @subheading -trace-start
31309 @findex -trace-start
31310
31311 @subsubheading Synopsis
31312
31313 @smallexample
31314 -trace-start
31315 @end smallexample
31316
31317 Starts a tracing experiments. The result of this command does not
31318 have any fields.
31319
31320 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31321
31322 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstart}.
31323
31324 @subheading -trace-status
31325 @findex -trace-status
31326
31327 @subsubheading Synopsis
31328
31329 @smallexample
31330 -trace-status
31331 @end smallexample
31332
31333 Obtains the status of a tracing experiment. The result may include
31334 the following fields:
31335
31336 @table @samp
31337
31338 @item supported
31339 May have a value of either @samp{0}, when no tracing operations are
31340 supported, @samp{1}, when all tracing operations are supported, or
31341 @samp{file} when examining trace file. In the latter case, examining
31342 of trace frame is possible but new tracing experiement cannot be
31343 started. This field is always present.
31344
31345 @item running
31346 May have a value of either @samp{0} or @samp{1} depending on whether
31347 tracing experiement is in progress on target. This field is present
31348 if @samp{supported} field is not @samp{0}.
31349
31350 @item stop-reason
31351 Report the reason why the tracing was stopped last time. This field
31352 may be absent iff tracing was never stopped on target yet. The
31353 value of @samp{request} means the tracing was stopped as result of
31354 the @code{-trace-stop} command. The value of @samp{overflow} means
31355 the tracing buffer is full. The value of @samp{disconnection} means
31356 tracing was automatically stopped when @value{GDBN} has disconnected.
31357 The value of @samp{passcount} means tracing was stopped when a
31358 tracepoint was passed a maximal number of times for that tracepoint.
31359 This field is present if @samp{supported} field is not @samp{0}.
31360
31361 @item stopping-tracepoint
31362 The number of tracepoint whose passcount as exceeded. This field is
31363 present iff the @samp{stop-reason} field has the value of
31364 @samp{passcount}.
31365
31366 @item frames
31367 @itemx frames-created
31368 The @samp{frames} field is a count of the total number of trace frames
31369 in the trace buffer, while @samp{frames-created} is the total created
31370 during the run, including ones that were discarded, such as when a
31371 circular trace buffer filled up. Both fields are optional.
31372
31373 @item buffer-size
31374 @itemx buffer-free
31375 These fields tell the current size of the tracing buffer and the
31376 remaining space. These fields are optional.
31377
31378 @item circular
31379 The value of the circular trace buffer flag. @code{1} means that the
31380 trace buffer is circular and old trace frames will be discarded if
31381 necessary to make room, @code{0} means that the trace buffer is linear
31382 and may fill up.
31383
31384 @item disconnected
31385 The value of the disconnected tracing flag. @code{1} means that
31386 tracing will continue after @value{GDBN} disconnects, @code{0} means
31387 that the trace run will stop.
31388
31389 @end table
31390
31391 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31392
31393 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstatus}.
31394
31395 @subheading -trace-stop
31396 @findex -trace-stop
31397
31398 @subsubheading Synopsis
31399
31400 @smallexample
31401 -trace-stop
31402 @end smallexample
31403
31404 Stops a tracing experiment. The result of this command has the same
31405 fields as @code{-trace-status}, except that the @samp{supported} and
31406 @samp{running} fields are not output.
31407
31408 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31409
31410 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstop}.
31411
31412
31413 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31414 @node GDB/MI Symbol Query
31415 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Symbol Query Commands
31416
31417
31418 @ignore
31419 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-address} Command
31420 @findex -symbol-info-address
31421
31422 @subsubheading Synopsis
31423
31424 @smallexample
31425 -symbol-info-address @var{symbol}
31426 @end smallexample
31427
31428 Describe where @var{symbol} is stored.
31429
31430 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31431
31432 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info address}.
31433
31434 @subsubheading Example
31435 N.A.
31436
31437
31438 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-file} Command
31439 @findex -symbol-info-file
31440
31441 @subsubheading Synopsis
31442
31443 @smallexample
31444 -symbol-info-file
31445 @end smallexample
31446
31447 Show the file for the symbol.
31448
31449 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31450
31451 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command. @code{gdbtk} has
31452 @samp{gdb_find_file}.
31453
31454 @subsubheading Example
31455 N.A.
31456
31457
31458 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-function} Command
31459 @findex -symbol-info-function
31460
31461 @subsubheading Synopsis
31462
31463 @smallexample
31464 -symbol-info-function
31465 @end smallexample
31466
31467 Show which function the symbol lives in.
31468
31469 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31470
31471 @samp{gdb_get_function} in @code{gdbtk}.
31472
31473 @subsubheading Example
31474 N.A.
31475
31476
31477 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-line} Command
31478 @findex -symbol-info-line
31479
31480 @subsubheading Synopsis
31481
31482 @smallexample
31483 -symbol-info-line
31484 @end smallexample
31485
31486 Show the core addresses of the code for a source line.
31487
31488 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31489
31490 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info line}.
31491 @code{gdbtk} has the @samp{gdb_get_line} and @samp{gdb_get_file} commands.
31492
31493 @subsubheading Example
31494 N.A.
31495
31496
31497 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-symbol} Command
31498 @findex -symbol-info-symbol
31499
31500 @subsubheading Synopsis
31501
31502 @smallexample
31503 -symbol-info-symbol @var{addr}
31504 @end smallexample
31505
31506 Describe what symbol is at location @var{addr}.
31507
31508 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31509
31510 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info symbol}.
31511
31512 @subsubheading Example
31513 N.A.
31514
31515
31516 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-functions} Command
31517 @findex -symbol-list-functions
31518
31519 @subsubheading Synopsis
31520
31521 @smallexample
31522 -symbol-list-functions
31523 @end smallexample
31524
31525 List the functions in the executable.
31526
31527 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31528
31529 @samp{info functions} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_listfunc} and
31530 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
31531
31532 @subsubheading Example
31533 N.A.
31534 @end ignore
31535
31536
31537 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-lines} Command
31538 @findex -symbol-list-lines
31539
31540 @subsubheading Synopsis
31541
31542 @smallexample
31543 -symbol-list-lines @var{filename}
31544 @end smallexample
31545
31546 Print the list of lines that contain code and their associated program
31547 addresses for the given source filename. The entries are sorted in
31548 ascending PC order.
31549
31550 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31551
31552 There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
31553
31554 @subsubheading Example
31555 @smallexample
31556 (gdb)
31557 -symbol-list-lines basics.c
31558 ^done,lines=[@{pc="0x08048554",line="7"@},@{pc="0x0804855a",line="8"@}]
31559 (gdb)
31560 @end smallexample
31561
31562
31563 @ignore
31564 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-types} Command
31565 @findex -symbol-list-types
31566
31567 @subsubheading Synopsis
31568
31569 @smallexample
31570 -symbol-list-types
31571 @end smallexample
31572
31573 List all the type names.
31574
31575 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31576
31577 The corresponding commands are @samp{info types} in @value{GDBN},
31578 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
31579
31580 @subsubheading Example
31581 N.A.
31582
31583
31584 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-variables} Command
31585 @findex -symbol-list-variables
31586
31587 @subsubheading Synopsis
31588
31589 @smallexample
31590 -symbol-list-variables
31591 @end smallexample
31592
31593 List all the global and static variable names.
31594
31595 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31596
31597 @samp{info variables} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
31598
31599 @subsubheading Example
31600 N.A.
31601
31602
31603 @subheading The @code{-symbol-locate} Command
31604 @findex -symbol-locate
31605
31606 @subsubheading Synopsis
31607
31608 @smallexample
31609 -symbol-locate
31610 @end smallexample
31611
31612 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31613
31614 @samp{gdb_loc} in @code{gdbtk}.
31615
31616 @subsubheading Example
31617 N.A.
31618
31619
31620 @subheading The @code{-symbol-type} Command
31621 @findex -symbol-type
31622
31623 @subsubheading Synopsis
31624
31625 @smallexample
31626 -symbol-type @var{variable}
31627 @end smallexample
31628
31629 Show type of @var{variable}.
31630
31631 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31632
31633 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ptype}, @code{gdbtk} has
31634 @samp{gdb_obj_variable}.
31635
31636 @subsubheading Example
31637 N.A.
31638 @end ignore
31639
31640
31641 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31642 @node GDB/MI File Commands
31643 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Commands
31644
31645 This section describes the GDB/MI commands to specify executable file names
31646 and to read in and obtain symbol table information.
31647
31648 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-and-symbols} Command
31649 @findex -file-exec-and-symbols
31650
31651 @subsubheading Synopsis
31652
31653 @smallexample
31654 -file-exec-and-symbols @var{file}
31655 @end smallexample
31656
31657 Specify the executable file to be debugged. This file is the one from
31658 which the symbol table is also read. If no file is specified, the
31659 command clears the executable and symbol information. If breakpoints
31660 are set when using this command with no arguments, @value{GDBN} will produce
31661 error messages. Otherwise, no output is produced, except a completion
31662 notification.
31663
31664 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31665
31666 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{file}.
31667
31668 @subsubheading Example
31669
31670 @smallexample
31671 (gdb)
31672 -file-exec-and-symbols /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
31673 ^done
31674 (gdb)
31675 @end smallexample
31676
31677
31678 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-file} Command
31679 @findex -file-exec-file
31680
31681 @subsubheading Synopsis
31682
31683 @smallexample
31684 -file-exec-file @var{file}
31685 @end smallexample
31686
31687 Specify the executable file to be debugged. Unlike
31688 @samp{-file-exec-and-symbols}, the symbol table is @emph{not} read
31689 from this file. If used without argument, @value{GDBN} clears the information
31690 about the executable file. No output is produced, except a completion
31691 notification.
31692
31693 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31694
31695 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{exec-file}.
31696
31697 @subsubheading Example
31698
31699 @smallexample
31700 (gdb)
31701 -file-exec-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
31702 ^done
31703 (gdb)
31704 @end smallexample
31705
31706
31707 @ignore
31708 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-sections} Command
31709 @findex -file-list-exec-sections
31710
31711 @subsubheading Synopsis
31712
31713 @smallexample
31714 -file-list-exec-sections
31715 @end smallexample
31716
31717 List the sections of the current executable file.
31718
31719 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31720
31721 The @value{GDBN} command @samp{info file} shows, among the rest, the same
31722 information as this command. @code{gdbtk} has a corresponding command
31723 @samp{gdb_load_info}.
31724
31725 @subsubheading Example
31726 N.A.
31727 @end ignore
31728
31729
31730 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-file} Command
31731 @findex -file-list-exec-source-file
31732
31733 @subsubheading Synopsis
31734
31735 @smallexample
31736 -file-list-exec-source-file
31737 @end smallexample
31738
31739 List the line number, the current source file, and the absolute path
31740 to the current source file for the current executable. The macro
31741 information field has a value of @samp{1} or @samp{0} depending on
31742 whether or not the file includes preprocessor macro information.
31743
31744 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31745
31746 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info source}
31747
31748 @subsubheading Example
31749
31750 @smallexample
31751 (gdb)
31752 123-file-list-exec-source-file
31753 123^done,line="1",file="foo.c",fullname="/home/bar/foo.c,macro-info="1"
31754 (gdb)
31755 @end smallexample
31756
31757
31758 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-files} Command
31759 @findex -file-list-exec-source-files
31760
31761 @subsubheading Synopsis
31762
31763 @smallexample
31764 -file-list-exec-source-files
31765 @end smallexample
31766
31767 List the source files for the current executable.
31768
31769 It will always output the filename, but only when @value{GDBN} can find
31770 the absolute file name of a source file, will it output the fullname.
31771
31772 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31773
31774 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info sources}.
31775 @code{gdbtk} has an analogous command @samp{gdb_listfiles}.
31776
31777 @subsubheading Example
31778 @smallexample
31779 (gdb)
31780 -file-list-exec-source-files
31781 ^done,files=[
31782 @{file=foo.c,fullname=/home/foo.c@},
31783 @{file=/home/bar.c,fullname=/home/bar.c@},
31784 @{file=gdb_could_not_find_fullpath.c@}]
31785 (gdb)
31786 @end smallexample
31787
31788 @ignore
31789 @subheading The @code{-file-list-shared-libraries} Command
31790 @findex -file-list-shared-libraries
31791
31792 @subsubheading Synopsis
31793
31794 @smallexample
31795 -file-list-shared-libraries
31796 @end smallexample
31797
31798 List the shared libraries in the program.
31799
31800 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31801
31802 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info shared}.
31803
31804 @subsubheading Example
31805 N.A.
31806
31807
31808 @subheading The @code{-file-list-symbol-files} Command
31809 @findex -file-list-symbol-files
31810
31811 @subsubheading Synopsis
31812
31813 @smallexample
31814 -file-list-symbol-files
31815 @end smallexample
31816
31817 List symbol files.
31818
31819 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31820
31821 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info file} (part of it).
31822
31823 @subsubheading Example
31824 N.A.
31825 @end ignore
31826
31827
31828 @subheading The @code{-file-symbol-file} Command
31829 @findex -file-symbol-file
31830
31831 @subsubheading Synopsis
31832
31833 @smallexample
31834 -file-symbol-file @var{file}
31835 @end smallexample
31836
31837 Read symbol table info from the specified @var{file} argument. When
31838 used without arguments, clears @value{GDBN}'s symbol table info. No output is
31839 produced, except for a completion notification.
31840
31841 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31842
31843 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{symbol-file}.
31844
31845 @subsubheading Example
31846
31847 @smallexample
31848 (gdb)
31849 -file-symbol-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
31850 ^done
31851 (gdb)
31852 @end smallexample
31853
31854 @ignore
31855 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31856 @node GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands
31857 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Memory Overlay Commands
31858
31859 The memory overlay commands are not implemented.
31860
31861 @c @subheading -overlay-auto
31862
31863 @c @subheading -overlay-list-mapping-state
31864
31865 @c @subheading -overlay-list-overlays
31866
31867 @c @subheading -overlay-map
31868
31869 @c @subheading -overlay-off
31870
31871 @c @subheading -overlay-on
31872
31873 @c @subheading -overlay-unmap
31874
31875 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31876 @node GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands
31877 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Signal Handling Commands
31878
31879 Signal handling commands are not implemented.
31880
31881 @c @subheading -signal-handle
31882
31883 @c @subheading -signal-list-handle-actions
31884
31885 @c @subheading -signal-list-signal-types
31886 @end ignore
31887
31888
31889 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31890 @node GDB/MI Target Manipulation
31891 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Target Manipulation Commands
31892
31893
31894 @subheading The @code{-target-attach} Command
31895 @findex -target-attach
31896
31897 @subsubheading Synopsis
31898
31899 @smallexample
31900 -target-attach @var{pid} | @var{gid} | @var{file}
31901 @end smallexample
31902
31903 Attach to a process @var{pid} or a file @var{file} outside of
31904 @value{GDBN}, or a thread group @var{gid}. If attaching to a thread
31905 group, the id previously returned by
31906 @samp{-list-thread-groups --available} must be used.
31907
31908 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31909
31910 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{attach}.
31911
31912 @subsubheading Example
31913 @smallexample
31914 (gdb)
31915 -target-attach 34
31916 =thread-created,id="1"
31917 *stopped,thread-id="1",frame=@{addr="0xb7f7e410",func="bar",args=[]@}
31918 ^done
31919 (gdb)
31920 @end smallexample
31921
31922 @ignore
31923 @subheading The @code{-target-compare-sections} Command
31924 @findex -target-compare-sections
31925
31926 @subsubheading Synopsis
31927
31928 @smallexample
31929 -target-compare-sections [ @var{section} ]
31930 @end smallexample
31931
31932 Compare data of section @var{section} on target to the exec file.
31933 Without the argument, all sections are compared.
31934
31935 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31936
31937 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{compare-sections}.
31938
31939 @subsubheading Example
31940 N.A.
31941 @end ignore
31942
31943
31944 @subheading The @code{-target-detach} Command
31945 @findex -target-detach
31946
31947 @subsubheading Synopsis
31948
31949 @smallexample
31950 -target-detach [ @var{pid} | @var{gid} ]
31951 @end smallexample
31952
31953 Detach from the remote target which normally resumes its execution.
31954 If either @var{pid} or @var{gid} is specified, detaches from either
31955 the specified process, or specified thread group. There's no output.
31956
31957 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31958
31959 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{detach}.
31960
31961 @subsubheading Example
31962
31963 @smallexample
31964 (gdb)
31965 -target-detach
31966 ^done
31967 (gdb)
31968 @end smallexample
31969
31970
31971 @subheading The @code{-target-disconnect} Command
31972 @findex -target-disconnect
31973
31974 @subsubheading Synopsis
31975
31976 @smallexample
31977 -target-disconnect
31978 @end smallexample
31979
31980 Disconnect from the remote target. There's no output and the target is
31981 generally not resumed.
31982
31983 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31984
31985 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disconnect}.
31986
31987 @subsubheading Example
31988
31989 @smallexample
31990 (gdb)
31991 -target-disconnect
31992 ^done
31993 (gdb)
31994 @end smallexample
31995
31996
31997 @subheading The @code{-target-download} Command
31998 @findex -target-download
31999
32000 @subsubheading Synopsis
32001
32002 @smallexample
32003 -target-download
32004 @end smallexample
32005
32006 Loads the executable onto the remote target.
32007 It prints out an update message every half second, which includes the fields:
32008
32009 @table @samp
32010 @item section
32011 The name of the section.
32012 @item section-sent
32013 The size of what has been sent so far for that section.
32014 @item section-size
32015 The size of the section.
32016 @item total-sent
32017 The total size of what was sent so far (the current and the previous sections).
32018 @item total-size
32019 The size of the overall executable to download.
32020 @end table
32021
32022 @noindent
32023 Each message is sent as status record (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, ,
32024 @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax}).
32025
32026 In addition, it prints the name and size of the sections, as they are
32027 downloaded. These messages include the following fields:
32028
32029 @table @samp
32030 @item section
32031 The name of the section.
32032 @item section-size
32033 The size of the section.
32034 @item total-size
32035 The size of the overall executable to download.
32036 @end table
32037
32038 @noindent
32039 At the end, a summary is printed.
32040
32041 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32042
32043 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{load}.
32044
32045 @subsubheading Example
32046
32047 Note: each status message appears on a single line. Here the messages
32048 have been broken down so that they can fit onto a page.
32049
32050 @smallexample
32051 (gdb)
32052 -target-download
32053 +download,@{section=".text",section-size="6668",total-size="9880"@}
32054 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="512",section-size="6668",
32055 total-sent="512",total-size="9880"@}
32056 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1024",section-size="6668",
32057 total-sent="1024",total-size="9880"@}
32058 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1536",section-size="6668",
32059 total-sent="1536",total-size="9880"@}
32060 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2048",section-size="6668",
32061 total-sent="2048",total-size="9880"@}
32062 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2560",section-size="6668",
32063 total-sent="2560",total-size="9880"@}
32064 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3072",section-size="6668",
32065 total-sent="3072",total-size="9880"@}
32066 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3584",section-size="6668",
32067 total-sent="3584",total-size="9880"@}
32068 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4096",section-size="6668",
32069 total-sent="4096",total-size="9880"@}
32070 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4608",section-size="6668",
32071 total-sent="4608",total-size="9880"@}
32072 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5120",section-size="6668",
32073 total-sent="5120",total-size="9880"@}
32074 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5632",section-size="6668",
32075 total-sent="5632",total-size="9880"@}
32076 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6144",section-size="6668",
32077 total-sent="6144",total-size="9880"@}
32078 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6656",section-size="6668",
32079 total-sent="6656",total-size="9880"@}
32080 +download,@{section=".init",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
32081 +download,@{section=".fini",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
32082 +download,@{section=".data",section-size="3156",total-size="9880"@}
32083 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="512",section-size="3156",
32084 total-sent="7236",total-size="9880"@}
32085 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1024",section-size="3156",
32086 total-sent="7748",total-size="9880"@}
32087 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1536",section-size="3156",
32088 total-sent="8260",total-size="9880"@}
32089 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2048",section-size="3156",
32090 total-sent="8772",total-size="9880"@}
32091 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2560",section-size="3156",
32092 total-sent="9284",total-size="9880"@}
32093 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="3072",section-size="3156",
32094 total-sent="9796",total-size="9880"@}
32095 ^done,address="0x10004",load-size="9880",transfer-rate="6586",
32096 write-rate="429"
32097 (gdb)
32098 @end smallexample
32099
32100
32101 @ignore
32102 @subheading The @code{-target-exec-status} Command
32103 @findex -target-exec-status
32104
32105 @subsubheading Synopsis
32106
32107 @smallexample
32108 -target-exec-status
32109 @end smallexample
32110
32111 Provide information on the state of the target (whether it is running or
32112 not, for instance).
32113
32114 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32115
32116 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
32117
32118 @subsubheading Example
32119 N.A.
32120
32121
32122 @subheading The @code{-target-list-available-targets} Command
32123 @findex -target-list-available-targets
32124
32125 @subsubheading Synopsis
32126
32127 @smallexample
32128 -target-list-available-targets
32129 @end smallexample
32130
32131 List the possible targets to connect to.
32132
32133 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32134
32135 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{help target}.
32136
32137 @subsubheading Example
32138 N.A.
32139
32140
32141 @subheading The @code{-target-list-current-targets} Command
32142 @findex -target-list-current-targets
32143
32144 @subsubheading Synopsis
32145
32146 @smallexample
32147 -target-list-current-targets
32148 @end smallexample
32149
32150 Describe the current target.
32151
32152 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32153
32154 The corresponding information is printed by @samp{info file} (among
32155 other things).
32156
32157 @subsubheading Example
32158 N.A.
32159
32160
32161 @subheading The @code{-target-list-parameters} Command
32162 @findex -target-list-parameters
32163
32164 @subsubheading Synopsis
32165
32166 @smallexample
32167 -target-list-parameters
32168 @end smallexample
32169
32170 @c ????
32171 @end ignore
32172
32173 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32174
32175 No equivalent.
32176
32177 @subsubheading Example
32178 N.A.
32179
32180
32181 @subheading The @code{-target-select} Command
32182 @findex -target-select
32183
32184 @subsubheading Synopsis
32185
32186 @smallexample
32187 -target-select @var{type} @var{parameters @dots{}}
32188 @end smallexample
32189
32190 Connect @value{GDBN} to the remote target. This command takes two args:
32191
32192 @table @samp
32193 @item @var{type}
32194 The type of target, for instance @samp{remote}, etc.
32195 @item @var{parameters}
32196 Device names, host names and the like. @xref{Target Commands, ,
32197 Commands for Managing Targets}, for more details.
32198 @end table
32199
32200 The output is a connection notification, followed by the address at
32201 which the target program is, in the following form:
32202
32203 @smallexample
32204 ^connected,addr="@var{address}",func="@var{function name}",
32205 args=[@var{arg list}]
32206 @end smallexample
32207
32208 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32209
32210 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{target}.
32211
32212 @subsubheading Example
32213
32214 @smallexample
32215 (gdb)
32216 -target-select remote /dev/ttya
32217 ^connected,addr="0xfe00a300",func="??",args=[]
32218 (gdb)
32219 @end smallexample
32220
32221 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32222 @node GDB/MI File Transfer Commands
32223 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Transfer Commands
32224
32225
32226 @subheading The @code{-target-file-put} Command
32227 @findex -target-file-put
32228
32229 @subsubheading Synopsis
32230
32231 @smallexample
32232 -target-file-put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
32233 @end smallexample
32234
32235 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
32236 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
32237
32238 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32239
32240 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote put}.
32241
32242 @subsubheading Example
32243
32244 @smallexample
32245 (gdb)
32246 -target-file-put localfile remotefile
32247 ^done
32248 (gdb)
32249 @end smallexample
32250
32251
32252 @subheading The @code{-target-file-get} Command
32253 @findex -target-file-get
32254
32255 @subsubheading Synopsis
32256
32257 @smallexample
32258 -target-file-get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
32259 @end smallexample
32260
32261 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
32262 on the host system.
32263
32264 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32265
32266 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote get}.
32267
32268 @subsubheading Example
32269
32270 @smallexample
32271 (gdb)
32272 -target-file-get remotefile localfile
32273 ^done
32274 (gdb)
32275 @end smallexample
32276
32277
32278 @subheading The @code{-target-file-delete} Command
32279 @findex -target-file-delete
32280
32281 @subsubheading Synopsis
32282
32283 @smallexample
32284 -target-file-delete @var{targetfile}
32285 @end smallexample
32286
32287 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
32288
32289 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32290
32291 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote delete}.
32292
32293 @subsubheading Example
32294
32295 @smallexample
32296 (gdb)
32297 -target-file-delete remotefile
32298 ^done
32299 (gdb)
32300 @end smallexample
32301
32302
32303 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32304 @node GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands
32305 @section Miscellaneous @sc{gdb/mi} Commands
32306
32307 @c @subheading -gdb-complete
32308
32309 @subheading The @code{-gdb-exit} Command
32310 @findex -gdb-exit
32311
32312 @subsubheading Synopsis
32313
32314 @smallexample
32315 -gdb-exit
32316 @end smallexample
32317
32318 Exit @value{GDBN} immediately.
32319
32320 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32321
32322 Approximately corresponds to @samp{quit}.
32323
32324 @subsubheading Example
32325
32326 @smallexample
32327 (gdb)
32328 -gdb-exit
32329 ^exit
32330 @end smallexample
32331
32332
32333 @ignore
32334 @subheading The @code{-exec-abort} Command
32335 @findex -exec-abort
32336
32337 @subsubheading Synopsis
32338
32339 @smallexample
32340 -exec-abort
32341 @end smallexample
32342
32343 Kill the inferior running program.
32344
32345 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32346
32347 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{kill}.
32348
32349 @subsubheading Example
32350 N.A.
32351 @end ignore
32352
32353
32354 @subheading The @code{-gdb-set} Command
32355 @findex -gdb-set
32356
32357 @subsubheading Synopsis
32358
32359 @smallexample
32360 -gdb-set
32361 @end smallexample
32362
32363 Set an internal @value{GDBN} variable.
32364 @c IS THIS A DOLLAR VARIABLE? OR SOMETHING LIKE ANNOTATE ?????
32365
32366 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32367
32368 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set}.
32369
32370 @subsubheading Example
32371
32372 @smallexample
32373 (gdb)
32374 -gdb-set $foo=3
32375 ^done
32376 (gdb)
32377 @end smallexample
32378
32379
32380 @subheading The @code{-gdb-show} Command
32381 @findex -gdb-show
32382
32383 @subsubheading Synopsis
32384
32385 @smallexample
32386 -gdb-show
32387 @end smallexample
32388
32389 Show the current value of a @value{GDBN} variable.
32390
32391 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32392
32393 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show}.
32394
32395 @subsubheading Example
32396
32397 @smallexample
32398 (gdb)
32399 -gdb-show annotate
32400 ^done,value="0"
32401 (gdb)
32402 @end smallexample
32403
32404 @c @subheading -gdb-source
32405
32406
32407 @subheading The @code{-gdb-version} Command
32408 @findex -gdb-version
32409
32410 @subsubheading Synopsis
32411
32412 @smallexample
32413 -gdb-version
32414 @end smallexample
32415
32416 Show version information for @value{GDBN}. Used mostly in testing.
32417
32418 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32419
32420 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{show version}. @value{GDBN} by
32421 default shows this information when you start an interactive session.
32422
32423 @subsubheading Example
32424
32425 @c This example modifies the actual output from GDB to avoid overfull
32426 @c box in TeX.
32427 @smallexample
32428 (gdb)
32429 -gdb-version
32430 ~GNU gdb 5.2.1
32431 ~Copyright 2000 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
32432 ~GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License, and
32433 ~you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it under
32434 ~ certain conditions.
32435 ~Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
32436 ~There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty" for
32437 ~ details.
32438 ~This GDB was configured as
32439 "--host=sparc-sun-solaris2.5.1 --target=ppc-eabi".
32440 ^done
32441 (gdb)
32442 @end smallexample
32443
32444 @subheading The @code{-list-features} Command
32445 @findex -list-features
32446
32447 Returns a list of particular features of the MI protocol that
32448 this version of gdb implements. A feature can be a command,
32449 or a new field in an output of some command, or even an
32450 important bugfix. While a frontend can sometimes detect presence
32451 of a feature at runtime, it is easier to perform detection at debugger
32452 startup.
32453
32454 The command returns a list of strings, with each string naming an
32455 available feature. Each returned string is just a name, it does not
32456 have any internal structure. The list of possible feature names
32457 is given below.
32458
32459 Example output:
32460
32461 @smallexample
32462 (gdb) -list-features
32463 ^done,result=["feature1","feature2"]
32464 @end smallexample
32465
32466 The current list of features is:
32467
32468 @table @samp
32469 @item frozen-varobjs
32470 Indicates support for the @code{-var-set-frozen} command, as well
32471 as possible presense of the @code{frozen} field in the output
32472 of @code{-varobj-create}.
32473 @item pending-breakpoints
32474 Indicates support for the @option{-f} option to the @code{-break-insert}
32475 command.
32476 @item python
32477 Indicates Python scripting support, Python-based
32478 pretty-printing commands, and possible presence of the
32479 @samp{display_hint} field in the output of @code{-var-list-children}
32480 @item thread-info
32481 Indicates support for the @code{-thread-info} command.
32482 @item data-read-memory-bytes
32483 Indicates support for the @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} and the
32484 @code{-data-write-memory-bytes} commands.
32485 @item breakpoint-notifications
32486 Indicates that changes to breakpoints and breakpoints created via the
32487 CLI will be announced via async records.
32488 @item ada-task-info
32489 Indicates support for the @code{-ada-task-info} command.
32490 @end table
32491
32492 @subheading The @code{-list-target-features} Command
32493 @findex -list-target-features
32494
32495 Returns a list of particular features that are supported by the
32496 target. Those features affect the permitted MI commands, but
32497 unlike the features reported by the @code{-list-features} command, the
32498 features depend on which target GDB is using at the moment. Whenever
32499 a target can change, due to commands such as @code{-target-select},
32500 @code{-target-attach} or @code{-exec-run}, the list of target features
32501 may change, and the frontend should obtain it again.
32502 Example output:
32503
32504 @smallexample
32505 (gdb) -list-features
32506 ^done,result=["async"]
32507 @end smallexample
32508
32509 The current list of features is:
32510
32511 @table @samp
32512 @item async
32513 Indicates that the target is capable of asynchronous command
32514 execution, which means that @value{GDBN} will accept further commands
32515 while the target is running.
32516
32517 @item reverse
32518 Indicates that the target is capable of reverse execution.
32519 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
32520
32521 @end table
32522
32523 @subheading The @code{-list-thread-groups} Command
32524 @findex -list-thread-groups
32525
32526 @subheading Synopsis
32527
32528 @smallexample
32529 -list-thread-groups [ --available ] [ --recurse 1 ] [ @var{group} ... ]
32530 @end smallexample
32531
32532 Lists thread groups (@pxref{Thread groups}). When a single thread
32533 group is passed as the argument, lists the children of that group.
32534 When several thread group are passed, lists information about those
32535 thread groups. Without any parameters, lists information about all
32536 top-level thread groups.
32537
32538 Normally, thread groups that are being debugged are reported.
32539 With the @samp{--available} option, @value{GDBN} reports thread groups
32540 available on the target.
32541
32542 The output of this command may have either a @samp{threads} result or
32543 a @samp{groups} result. The @samp{thread} result has a list of tuples
32544 as value, with each tuple describing a thread (@pxref{GDB/MI Thread
32545 Information}). The @samp{groups} result has a list of tuples as value,
32546 each tuple describing a thread group. If top-level groups are
32547 requested (that is, no parameter is passed), or when several groups
32548 are passed, the output always has a @samp{groups} result. The format
32549 of the @samp{group} result is described below.
32550
32551 To reduce the number of roundtrips it's possible to list thread groups
32552 together with their children, by passing the @samp{--recurse} option
32553 and the recursion depth. Presently, only recursion depth of 1 is
32554 permitted. If this option is present, then every reported thread group
32555 will also include its children, either as @samp{group} or
32556 @samp{threads} field.
32557
32558 In general, any combination of option and parameters is permitted, with
32559 the following caveats:
32560
32561 @itemize @bullet
32562 @item
32563 When a single thread group is passed, the output will typically
32564 be the @samp{threads} result. Because threads may not contain
32565 anything, the @samp{recurse} option will be ignored.
32566
32567 @item
32568 When the @samp{--available} option is passed, limited information may
32569 be available. In particular, the list of threads of a process might
32570 be inaccessible. Further, specifying specific thread groups might
32571 not give any performance advantage over listing all thread groups.
32572 The frontend should assume that @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}
32573 is always an expensive operation and cache the results.
32574
32575 @end itemize
32576
32577 The @samp{groups} result is a list of tuples, where each tuple may
32578 have the following fields:
32579
32580 @table @code
32581 @item id
32582 Identifier of the thread group. This field is always present.
32583 The identifier is an opaque string; frontends should not try to
32584 convert it to an integer, even though it might look like one.
32585
32586 @item type
32587 The type of the thread group. At present, only @samp{process} is a
32588 valid type.
32589
32590 @item pid
32591 The target-specific process identifier. This field is only present
32592 for thread groups of type @samp{process} and only if the process exists.
32593
32594 @item num_children
32595 The number of children this thread group has. This field may be
32596 absent for an available thread group.
32597
32598 @item threads
32599 This field has a list of tuples as value, each tuple describing a
32600 thread. It may be present if the @samp{--recurse} option is
32601 specified, and it's actually possible to obtain the threads.
32602
32603 @item cores
32604 This field is a list of integers, each identifying a core that one
32605 thread of the group is running on. This field may be absent if
32606 such information is not available.
32607
32608 @item executable
32609 The name of the executable file that corresponds to this thread group.
32610 The field is only present for thread groups of type @samp{process},
32611 and only if there is a corresponding executable file.
32612
32613 @end table
32614
32615 @subheading Example
32616
32617 @smallexample
32618 @value{GDBP}
32619 -list-thread-groups
32620 ^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2"@}]
32621 -list-thread-groups 17
32622 ^done,threads=[@{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
32623 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",args=[]@},state="running"@},
32624 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
32625 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
32626 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},state="running"@}]]
32627 -list-thread-groups --available
32628 ^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2]@}]
32629 -list-thread-groups --available --recurse 1
32630 ^done,groups=[@{id="17", types="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2],
32631 threads=[@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[1]@},
32632 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[2]@}]@},..]
32633 -list-thread-groups --available --recurse 1 17 18
32634 ^done,groups=[@{id="17", types="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2],
32635 threads=[@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[1]@},
32636 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[2]@}]@},...]
32637 @end smallexample
32638
32639 @subheading The @code{-info-os} Command
32640 @findex -info-os
32641
32642 @subsubheading Synopsis
32643
32644 @smallexample
32645 -info-os [ @var{type} ]
32646 @end smallexample
32647
32648 If no argument is supplied, the command returns a table of available
32649 operating-system-specific information types. If one of these types is
32650 supplied as an argument @var{type}, then the command returns a table
32651 of data of that type.
32652
32653 The types of information available depend on the target operating
32654 system.
32655
32656 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32657
32658 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info os}.
32659
32660 @subsubheading Example
32661
32662 When run on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, the output will look something
32663 like this:
32664
32665 @smallexample
32666 @value{GDBP}
32667 -info-os
32668 ^done,OSDataTable=@{nr_rows="9",nr_cols="2",
32669 hdr=[@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col0",colhdr="Type"@},
32670 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col1",colhdr="Description"@}],
32671 body=[item=@{col0="processes",col1="Listing of all processes"@},
32672 item=@{col0="procgroups",col1="Listing of all process groups"@},
32673 item=@{col0="threads",col1="Listing of all threads"@},
32674 item=@{col0="files",col1="Listing of all file descriptors"@},
32675 item=@{col0="sockets",col1="Listing of all internet-domain sockets"@},
32676 item=@{col0="shm",col1="Listing of all shared-memory regions"@},
32677 item=@{col0="semaphores",col1="Listing of all semaphores"@},
32678 item=@{col0="msg",col1="Listing of all message queues"@},
32679 item=@{col0="modules",col1="Listing of all loaded kernel modules"@}]@}
32680 @value{GDBP}
32681 -info-os processes
32682 ^done,OSDataTable=@{nr_rows="190",nr_cols="4",
32683 hdr=[@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col0",colhdr="pid"@},
32684 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col1",colhdr="user"@},
32685 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col2",colhdr="command"@},
32686 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col3",colhdr="cores"@}],
32687 body=[item=@{col0="1",col1="root",col2="/sbin/init",col3="0"@},
32688 item=@{col0="2",col1="root",col2="[kthreadd]",col3="1"@},
32689 item=@{col0="3",col1="root",col2="[ksoftirqd/0]",col3="0"@},
32690 ...
32691 item=@{col0="26446",col1="stan",col2="bash",col3="0"@},
32692 item=@{col0="28152",col1="stan",col2="bash",col3="1"@}]@}
32693 (gdb)
32694 @end smallexample
32695
32696 @subheading The @code{-add-inferior} Command
32697 @findex -add-inferior
32698
32699 @subheading Synopsis
32700
32701 @smallexample
32702 -add-inferior
32703 @end smallexample
32704
32705 Creates a new inferior (@pxref{Inferiors and Programs}). The created
32706 inferior is not associated with any executable. Such association may
32707 be established with the @samp{-file-exec-and-symbols} command
32708 (@pxref{GDB/MI File Commands}). The command response has a single
32709 field, @samp{thread-group}, whose value is the identifier of the
32710 thread group corresponding to the new inferior.
32711
32712 @subheading Example
32713
32714 @smallexample
32715 @value{GDBP}
32716 -add-inferior
32717 ^done,thread-group="i3"
32718 @end smallexample
32719
32720 @subheading The @code{-interpreter-exec} Command
32721 @findex -interpreter-exec
32722
32723 @subheading Synopsis
32724
32725 @smallexample
32726 -interpreter-exec @var{interpreter} @var{command}
32727 @end smallexample
32728 @anchor{-interpreter-exec}
32729
32730 Execute the specified @var{command} in the given @var{interpreter}.
32731
32732 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
32733
32734 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interpreter-exec}.
32735
32736 @subheading Example
32737
32738 @smallexample
32739 (gdb)
32740 -interpreter-exec console "break main"
32741 &"During symbol reading, couldn't parse type; debugger out of date?.\n"
32742 &"During symbol reading, bad structure-type format.\n"
32743 ~"Breakpoint 1 at 0x8074fc6: file ../../src/gdb/main.c, line 743.\n"
32744 ^done
32745 (gdb)
32746 @end smallexample
32747
32748 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-set} Command
32749 @findex -inferior-tty-set
32750
32751 @subheading Synopsis
32752
32753 @smallexample
32754 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
32755 @end smallexample
32756
32757 Set terminal for future runs of the program being debugged.
32758
32759 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
32760
32761 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set inferior-tty} /dev/pts/1.
32762
32763 @subheading Example
32764
32765 @smallexample
32766 (gdb)
32767 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
32768 ^done
32769 (gdb)
32770 @end smallexample
32771
32772 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-show} Command
32773 @findex -inferior-tty-show
32774
32775 @subheading Synopsis
32776
32777 @smallexample
32778 -inferior-tty-show
32779 @end smallexample
32780
32781 Show terminal for future runs of program being debugged.
32782
32783 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
32784
32785 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show inferior-tty}.
32786
32787 @subheading Example
32788
32789 @smallexample
32790 (gdb)
32791 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
32792 ^done
32793 (gdb)
32794 -inferior-tty-show
32795 ^done,inferior_tty_terminal="/dev/pts/1"
32796 (gdb)
32797 @end smallexample
32798
32799 @subheading The @code{-enable-timings} Command
32800 @findex -enable-timings
32801
32802 @subheading Synopsis
32803
32804 @smallexample
32805 -enable-timings [yes | no]
32806 @end smallexample
32807
32808 Toggle the printing of the wallclock, user and system times for an MI
32809 command as a field in its output. This command is to help frontend
32810 developers optimize the performance of their code. No argument is
32811 equivalent to @samp{yes}.
32812
32813 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
32814
32815 No equivalent.
32816
32817 @subheading Example
32818
32819 @smallexample
32820 (gdb)
32821 -enable-timings
32822 ^done
32823 (gdb)
32824 -break-insert main
32825 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
32826 addr="0x080484ed",func="main",file="myprog.c",
32827 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73",times="0"@},
32828 time=@{wallclock="0.05185",user="0.00800",system="0.00000"@}
32829 (gdb)
32830 -enable-timings no
32831 ^done
32832 (gdb)
32833 -exec-run
32834 ^running
32835 (gdb)
32836 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
32837 frame=@{addr="0x080484ed",func="main",args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},
32838 @{name="argv",value="0xbfb60364"@}],file="myprog.c",
32839 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73"@}
32840 (gdb)
32841 @end smallexample
32842
32843 @node Annotations
32844 @chapter @value{GDBN} Annotations
32845
32846 This chapter describes annotations in @value{GDBN}. Annotations were
32847 designed to interface @value{GDBN} to graphical user interfaces or other
32848 similar programs which want to interact with @value{GDBN} at a
32849 relatively high level.
32850
32851 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
32852 (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
32853
32854 @ignore
32855 This is Edition @value{EDITION}, @value{DATE}.
32856 @end ignore
32857
32858 @menu
32859 * Annotations Overview:: What annotations are; the general syntax.
32860 * Server Prefix:: Issuing a command without affecting user state.
32861 * Prompting:: Annotations marking @value{GDBN}'s need for input.
32862 * Errors:: Annotations for error messages.
32863 * Invalidation:: Some annotations describe things now invalid.
32864 * Annotations for Running::
32865 Whether the program is running, how it stopped, etc.
32866 * Source Annotations:: Annotations describing source code.
32867 @end menu
32868
32869 @node Annotations Overview
32870 @section What is an Annotation?
32871 @cindex annotations
32872
32873 Annotations start with a newline character, two @samp{control-z}
32874 characters, and the name of the annotation. If there is no additional
32875 information associated with this annotation, the name of the annotation
32876 is followed immediately by a newline. If there is additional
32877 information, the name of the annotation is followed by a space, the
32878 additional information, and a newline. The additional information
32879 cannot contain newline characters.
32880
32881 Any output not beginning with a newline and two @samp{control-z}
32882 characters denotes literal output from @value{GDBN}. Currently there is
32883 no need for @value{GDBN} to output a newline followed by two
32884 @samp{control-z} characters, but if there was such a need, the
32885 annotations could be extended with an @samp{escape} annotation which
32886 means those three characters as output.
32887
32888 The annotation @var{level}, which is specified using the
32889 @option{--annotate} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}), controls
32890 how much information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt,
32891 values of expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0
32892 is for no annotations, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a
32893 subprocess of @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable
32894 for programs that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 annotations have
32895 been made obsolete (@pxref{Limitations, , Limitations of the Annotation
32896 Interface, annotate, GDB's Obsolete Annotations}).
32897
32898 @table @code
32899 @kindex set annotate
32900 @item set annotate @var{level}
32901 The @value{GDBN} command @code{set annotate} sets the level of
32902 annotations to the specified @var{level}.
32903
32904 @item show annotate
32905 @kindex show annotate
32906 Show the current annotation level.
32907 @end table
32908
32909 This chapter describes level 3 annotations.
32910
32911 A simple example of starting up @value{GDBN} with annotations is:
32912
32913 @smallexample
32914 $ @kbd{gdb --annotate=3}
32915 GNU gdb 6.0
32916 Copyright 2003 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
32917 GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License,
32918 and you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it
32919 under certain conditions.
32920 Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
32921 There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty"
32922 for details.
32923 This GDB was configured as "i386-pc-linux-gnu"
32924
32925 ^Z^Zpre-prompt
32926 (@value{GDBP})
32927 ^Z^Zprompt
32928 @kbd{quit}
32929
32930 ^Z^Zpost-prompt
32931 $
32932 @end smallexample
32933
32934 Here @samp{quit} is input to @value{GDBN}; the rest is output from
32935 @value{GDBN}. The three lines beginning @samp{^Z^Z} (where @samp{^Z}
32936 denotes a @samp{control-z} character) are annotations; the rest is
32937 output from @value{GDBN}.
32938
32939 @node Server Prefix
32940 @section The Server Prefix
32941 @cindex server prefix
32942
32943 If you prefix a command with @samp{server } then it will not affect
32944 the command history, nor will it affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which
32945 command to repeat if @key{RET} is pressed on a line by itself. This
32946 means that commands can be run behind a user's back by a front-end in
32947 a transparent manner.
32948
32949 The @code{server } prefix does not affect the recording of values into
32950 the value history; to print a value without recording it into the
32951 value history, use the @code{output} command instead of the
32952 @code{print} command.
32953
32954 Using this prefix also disables confirmation requests
32955 (@pxref{confirmation requests}).
32956
32957 @node Prompting
32958 @section Annotation for @value{GDBN} Input
32959
32960 @cindex annotations for prompts
32961 When @value{GDBN} prompts for input, it annotates this fact so it is possible
32962 to know when to send output, when the output from a given command is
32963 over, etc.
32964
32965 Different kinds of input each have a different @dfn{input type}. Each
32966 input type has three annotations: a @code{pre-} annotation, which
32967 denotes the beginning of any prompt which is being output, a plain
32968 annotation, which denotes the end of the prompt, and then a @code{post-}
32969 annotation which denotes the end of any echo which may (or may not) be
32970 associated with the input. For example, the @code{prompt} input type
32971 features the following annotations:
32972
32973 @smallexample
32974 ^Z^Zpre-prompt
32975 ^Z^Zprompt
32976 ^Z^Zpost-prompt
32977 @end smallexample
32978
32979 The input types are
32980
32981 @table @code
32982 @findex pre-prompt annotation
32983 @findex prompt annotation
32984 @findex post-prompt annotation
32985 @item prompt
32986 When @value{GDBN} is prompting for a command (the main @value{GDBN} prompt).
32987
32988 @findex pre-commands annotation
32989 @findex commands annotation
32990 @findex post-commands annotation
32991 @item commands
32992 When @value{GDBN} prompts for a set of commands, like in the @code{commands}
32993 command. The annotations are repeated for each command which is input.
32994
32995 @findex pre-overload-choice annotation
32996 @findex overload-choice annotation
32997 @findex post-overload-choice annotation
32998 @item overload-choice
32999 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to select between various overloaded functions.
33000
33001 @findex pre-query annotation
33002 @findex query annotation
33003 @findex post-query annotation
33004 @item query
33005 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to confirm a potentially dangerous operation.
33006
33007 @findex pre-prompt-for-continue annotation
33008 @findex prompt-for-continue annotation
33009 @findex post-prompt-for-continue annotation
33010 @item prompt-for-continue
33011 When @value{GDBN} is asking the user to press return to continue. Note: Don't
33012 expect this to work well; instead use @code{set height 0} to disable
33013 prompting. This is because the counting of lines is buggy in the
33014 presence of annotations.
33015 @end table
33016
33017 @node Errors
33018 @section Errors
33019 @cindex annotations for errors, warnings and interrupts
33020
33021 @findex quit annotation
33022 @smallexample
33023 ^Z^Zquit
33024 @end smallexample
33025
33026 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an interrupt.
33027
33028 @findex error annotation
33029 @smallexample
33030 ^Z^Zerror
33031 @end smallexample
33032
33033 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an error.
33034
33035 Quit and error annotations indicate that any annotations which @value{GDBN} was
33036 in the middle of may end abruptly. For example, if a
33037 @code{value-history-begin} annotation is followed by a @code{error}, one
33038 cannot expect to receive the matching @code{value-history-end}. One
33039 cannot expect not to receive it either, however; an error annotation
33040 does not necessarily mean that @value{GDBN} is immediately returning all the way
33041 to the top level.
33042
33043 @findex error-begin annotation
33044 A quit or error annotation may be preceded by
33045
33046 @smallexample
33047 ^Z^Zerror-begin
33048 @end smallexample
33049
33050 Any output between that and the quit or error annotation is the error
33051 message.
33052
33053 Warning messages are not yet annotated.
33054 @c If we want to change that, need to fix warning(), type_error(),
33055 @c range_error(), and possibly other places.
33056
33057 @node Invalidation
33058 @section Invalidation Notices
33059
33060 @cindex annotations for invalidation messages
33061 The following annotations say that certain pieces of state may have
33062 changed.
33063
33064 @table @code
33065 @findex frames-invalid annotation
33066 @item ^Z^Zframes-invalid
33067
33068 The frames (for example, output from the @code{backtrace} command) may
33069 have changed.
33070
33071 @findex breakpoints-invalid annotation
33072 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoints-invalid
33073
33074 The breakpoints may have changed. For example, the user just added or
33075 deleted a breakpoint.
33076 @end table
33077
33078 @node Annotations for Running
33079 @section Running the Program
33080 @cindex annotations for running programs
33081
33082 @findex starting annotation
33083 @findex stopping annotation
33084 When the program starts executing due to a @value{GDBN} command such as
33085 @code{step} or @code{continue},
33086
33087 @smallexample
33088 ^Z^Zstarting
33089 @end smallexample
33090
33091 is output. When the program stops,
33092
33093 @smallexample
33094 ^Z^Zstopped
33095 @end smallexample
33096
33097 is output. Before the @code{stopped} annotation, a variety of
33098 annotations describe how the program stopped.
33099
33100 @table @code
33101 @findex exited annotation
33102 @item ^Z^Zexited @var{exit-status}
33103 The program exited, and @var{exit-status} is the exit status (zero for
33104 successful exit, otherwise nonzero).
33105
33106 @findex signalled annotation
33107 @findex signal-name annotation
33108 @findex signal-name-end annotation
33109 @findex signal-string annotation
33110 @findex signal-string-end annotation
33111 @item ^Z^Zsignalled
33112 The program exited with a signal. After the @code{^Z^Zsignalled}, the
33113 annotation continues:
33114
33115 @smallexample
33116 @var{intro-text}
33117 ^Z^Zsignal-name
33118 @var{name}
33119 ^Z^Zsignal-name-end
33120 @var{middle-text}
33121 ^Z^Zsignal-string
33122 @var{string}
33123 ^Z^Zsignal-string-end
33124 @var{end-text}
33125 @end smallexample
33126
33127 @noindent
33128 where @var{name} is the name of the signal, such as @code{SIGILL} or
33129 @code{SIGSEGV}, and @var{string} is the explanation of the signal, such
33130 as @code{Illegal Instruction} or @code{Segmentation fault}.
33131 @var{intro-text}, @var{middle-text}, and @var{end-text} are for the
33132 user's benefit and have no particular format.
33133
33134 @findex signal annotation
33135 @item ^Z^Zsignal
33136 The syntax of this annotation is just like @code{signalled}, but @value{GDBN} is
33137 just saying that the program received the signal, not that it was
33138 terminated with it.
33139
33140 @findex breakpoint annotation
33141 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoint @var{number}
33142 The program hit breakpoint number @var{number}.
33143
33144 @findex watchpoint annotation
33145 @item ^Z^Zwatchpoint @var{number}
33146 The program hit watchpoint number @var{number}.
33147 @end table
33148
33149 @node Source Annotations
33150 @section Displaying Source
33151 @cindex annotations for source display
33152
33153 @findex source annotation
33154 The following annotation is used instead of displaying source code:
33155
33156 @smallexample
33157 ^Z^Zsource @var{filename}:@var{line}:@var{character}:@var{middle}:@var{addr}
33158 @end smallexample
33159
33160 where @var{filename} is an absolute file name indicating which source
33161 file, @var{line} is the line number within that file (where 1 is the
33162 first line in the file), @var{character} is the character position
33163 within the file (where 0 is the first character in the file) (for most
33164 debug formats this will necessarily point to the beginning of a line),
33165 @var{middle} is @samp{middle} if @var{addr} is in the middle of the
33166 line, or @samp{beg} if @var{addr} is at the beginning of the line, and
33167 @var{addr} is the address in the target program associated with the
33168 source which is being displayed. @var{addr} is in the form @samp{0x}
33169 followed by one or more lowercase hex digits (note that this does not
33170 depend on the language).
33171
33172 @node JIT Interface
33173 @chapter JIT Compilation Interface
33174 @cindex just-in-time compilation
33175 @cindex JIT compilation interface
33176
33177 This chapter documents @value{GDBN}'s @dfn{just-in-time} (JIT) compilation
33178 interface. A JIT compiler is a program or library that generates native
33179 executable code at runtime and executes it, usually in order to achieve good
33180 performance while maintaining platform independence.
33181
33182 Programs that use JIT compilation are normally difficult to debug because
33183 portions of their code are generated at runtime, instead of being loaded from
33184 object files, which is where @value{GDBN} normally finds the program's symbols
33185 and debug information. In order to debug programs that use JIT compilation,
33186 @value{GDBN} has an interface that allows the program to register in-memory
33187 symbol files with @value{GDBN} at runtime.
33188
33189 If you are using @value{GDBN} to debug a program that uses this interface, then
33190 it should work transparently so long as you have not stripped the binary. If
33191 you are developing a JIT compiler, then the interface is documented in the rest
33192 of this chapter. At this time, the only known client of this interface is the
33193 LLVM JIT.
33194
33195 Broadly speaking, the JIT interface mirrors the dynamic loader interface. The
33196 JIT compiler communicates with @value{GDBN} by writing data into a global
33197 variable and calling a fuction at a well-known symbol. When @value{GDBN}
33198 attaches, it reads a linked list of symbol files from the global variable to
33199 find existing code, and puts a breakpoint in the function so that it can find
33200 out about additional code.
33201
33202 @menu
33203 * Declarations:: Relevant C struct declarations
33204 * Registering Code:: Steps to register code
33205 * Unregistering Code:: Steps to unregister code
33206 * Custom Debug Info:: Emit debug information in a custom format
33207 @end menu
33208
33209 @node Declarations
33210 @section JIT Declarations
33211
33212 These are the relevant struct declarations that a C program should include to
33213 implement the interface:
33214
33215 @smallexample
33216 typedef enum
33217 @{
33218 JIT_NOACTION = 0,
33219 JIT_REGISTER_FN,
33220 JIT_UNREGISTER_FN
33221 @} jit_actions_t;
33222
33223 struct jit_code_entry
33224 @{
33225 struct jit_code_entry *next_entry;
33226 struct jit_code_entry *prev_entry;
33227 const char *symfile_addr;
33228 uint64_t symfile_size;
33229 @};
33230
33231 struct jit_descriptor
33232 @{
33233 uint32_t version;
33234 /* This type should be jit_actions_t, but we use uint32_t
33235 to be explicit about the bitwidth. */
33236 uint32_t action_flag;
33237 struct jit_code_entry *relevant_entry;
33238 struct jit_code_entry *first_entry;
33239 @};
33240
33241 /* GDB puts a breakpoint in this function. */
33242 void __attribute__((noinline)) __jit_debug_register_code() @{ @};
33243
33244 /* Make sure to specify the version statically, because the
33245 debugger may check the version before we can set it. */
33246 struct jit_descriptor __jit_debug_descriptor = @{ 1, 0, 0, 0 @};
33247 @end smallexample
33248
33249 If the JIT is multi-threaded, then it is important that the JIT synchronize any
33250 modifications to this global data properly, which can easily be done by putting
33251 a global mutex around modifications to these structures.
33252
33253 @node Registering Code
33254 @section Registering Code
33255
33256 To register code with @value{GDBN}, the JIT should follow this protocol:
33257
33258 @itemize @bullet
33259 @item
33260 Generate an object file in memory with symbols and other desired debug
33261 information. The file must include the virtual addresses of the sections.
33262
33263 @item
33264 Create a code entry for the file, which gives the start and size of the symbol
33265 file.
33266
33267 @item
33268 Add it to the linked list in the JIT descriptor.
33269
33270 @item
33271 Point the relevant_entry field of the descriptor at the entry.
33272
33273 @item
33274 Set @code{action_flag} to @code{JIT_REGISTER} and call
33275 @code{__jit_debug_register_code}.
33276 @end itemize
33277
33278 When @value{GDBN} is attached and the breakpoint fires, @value{GDBN} uses the
33279 @code{relevant_entry} pointer so it doesn't have to walk the list looking for
33280 new code. However, the linked list must still be maintained in order to allow
33281 @value{GDBN} to attach to a running process and still find the symbol files.
33282
33283 @node Unregistering Code
33284 @section Unregistering Code
33285
33286 If code is freed, then the JIT should use the following protocol:
33287
33288 @itemize @bullet
33289 @item
33290 Remove the code entry corresponding to the code from the linked list.
33291
33292 @item
33293 Point the @code{relevant_entry} field of the descriptor at the code entry.
33294
33295 @item
33296 Set @code{action_flag} to @code{JIT_UNREGISTER} and call
33297 @code{__jit_debug_register_code}.
33298 @end itemize
33299
33300 If the JIT frees or recompiles code without unregistering it, then @value{GDBN}
33301 and the JIT will leak the memory used for the associated symbol files.
33302
33303 @node Custom Debug Info
33304 @section Custom Debug Info
33305 @cindex custom JIT debug info
33306 @cindex JIT debug info reader
33307
33308 Generating debug information in platform-native file formats (like ELF
33309 or COFF) may be an overkill for JIT compilers; especially if all the
33310 debug info is used for is displaying a meaningful backtrace. The
33311 issue can be resolved by having the JIT writers decide on a debug info
33312 format and also provide a reader that parses the debug info generated
33313 by the JIT compiler. This section gives a brief overview on writing
33314 such a parser. More specific details can be found in the source file
33315 @file{gdb/jit-reader.in}, which is also installed as a header at
33316 @file{@var{includedir}/gdb/jit-reader.h} for easy inclusion.
33317
33318 The reader is implemented as a shared object (so this functionality is
33319 not available on platforms which don't allow loading shared objects at
33320 runtime). Two @value{GDBN} commands, @code{jit-reader-load} and
33321 @code{jit-reader-unload} are provided, to be used to load and unload
33322 the readers from a preconfigured directory. Once loaded, the shared
33323 object is used the parse the debug information emitted by the JIT
33324 compiler.
33325
33326 @menu
33327 * Using JIT Debug Info Readers:: How to use supplied readers correctly
33328 * Writing JIT Debug Info Readers:: Creating a debug-info reader
33329 @end menu
33330
33331 @node Using JIT Debug Info Readers
33332 @subsection Using JIT Debug Info Readers
33333 @kindex jit-reader-load
33334 @kindex jit-reader-unload
33335
33336 Readers can be loaded and unloaded using the @code{jit-reader-load}
33337 and @code{jit-reader-unload} commands.
33338
33339 @table @code
33340 @item jit-reader-load @var{reader-name}
33341 Load the JIT reader named @var{reader-name}. On a UNIX system, this
33342 will usually load @file{@var{libdir}/gdb/@var{reader-name}}, where
33343 @var{libdir} is the system library directory, usually
33344 @file{/usr/local/lib}. Only one reader can be active at a time;
33345 trying to load a second reader when one is already loaded will result
33346 in @value{GDBN} reporting an error. A new JIT reader can be loaded by
33347 first unloading the current one using @code{jit-reader-load} and then
33348 invoking @code{jit-reader-load}.
33349
33350 @item jit-reader-unload
33351 Unload the currently loaded JIT reader.
33352
33353 @end table
33354
33355 @node Writing JIT Debug Info Readers
33356 @subsection Writing JIT Debug Info Readers
33357 @cindex writing JIT debug info readers
33358
33359 As mentioned, a reader is essentially a shared object conforming to a
33360 certain ABI. This ABI is described in @file{jit-reader.h}.
33361
33362 @file{jit-reader.h} defines the structures, macros and functions
33363 required to write a reader. It is installed (along with
33364 @value{GDBN}), in @file{@var{includedir}/gdb} where @var{includedir} is
33365 the system include directory.
33366
33367 Readers need to be released under a GPL compatible license. A reader
33368 can be declared as released under such a license by placing the macro
33369 @code{GDB_DECLARE_GPL_COMPATIBLE_READER} in a source file.
33370
33371 The entry point for readers is the symbol @code{gdb_init_reader},
33372 which is expected to be a function with the prototype
33373
33374 @findex gdb_init_reader
33375 @smallexample
33376 extern struct gdb_reader_funcs *gdb_init_reader (void);
33377 @end smallexample
33378
33379 @cindex @code{struct gdb_reader_funcs}
33380
33381 @code{struct gdb_reader_funcs} contains a set of pointers to callback
33382 functions. These functions are executed to read the debug info
33383 generated by the JIT compiler (@code{read}), to unwind stack frames
33384 (@code{unwind}) and to create canonical frame IDs
33385 (@code{get_Frame_id}). It also has a callback that is called when the
33386 reader is being unloaded (@code{destroy}). The struct looks like this
33387
33388 @smallexample
33389 struct gdb_reader_funcs
33390 @{
33391 /* Must be set to GDB_READER_INTERFACE_VERSION. */
33392 int reader_version;
33393
33394 /* For use by the reader. */
33395 void *priv_data;
33396
33397 gdb_read_debug_info *read;
33398 gdb_unwind_frame *unwind;
33399 gdb_get_frame_id *get_frame_id;
33400 gdb_destroy_reader *destroy;
33401 @};
33402 @end smallexample
33403
33404 @cindex @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks}
33405 @cindex @code{struct gdb_unwind_callbacks}
33406
33407 The callbacks are provided with another set of callbacks by
33408 @value{GDBN} to do their job. For @code{read}, these callbacks are
33409 passed in a @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks} and for @code{unwind}
33410 and @code{get_frame_id}, in a @code{struct gdb_unwind_callbacks}.
33411 @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks} has callbacks to create new object
33412 files and new symbol tables inside those object files. @code{struct
33413 gdb_unwind_callbacks} has callbacks to read registers off the current
33414 frame and to write out the values of the registers in the previous
33415 frame. Both have a callback (@code{target_read}) to read bytes off the
33416 target's address space.
33417
33418 @node In-Process Agent
33419 @chapter In-Process Agent
33420 @cindex debugging agent
33421 The traditional debugging model is conceptually low-speed, but works fine,
33422 because most bugs can be reproduced in debugging-mode execution. However,
33423 as multi-core or many-core processors are becoming mainstream, and
33424 multi-threaded programs become more and more popular, there should be more
33425 and more bugs that only manifest themselves at normal-mode execution, for
33426 example, thread races, because debugger's interference with the program's
33427 timing may conceal the bugs. On the other hand, in some applications,
33428 it is not feasible for the debugger to interrupt the program's execution
33429 long enough for the developer to learn anything helpful about its behavior.
33430 If the program's correctness depends on its real-time behavior, delays
33431 introduced by a debugger might cause the program to fail, even when the
33432 code itself is correct. It is useful to be able to observe the program's
33433 behavior without interrupting it.
33434
33435 Therefore, traditional debugging model is too intrusive to reproduce
33436 some bugs. In order to reduce the interference with the program, we can
33437 reduce the number of operations performed by debugger. The
33438 @dfn{In-Process Agent}, a shared library, is running within the same
33439 process with inferior, and is able to perform some debugging operations
33440 itself. As a result, debugger is only involved when necessary, and
33441 performance of debugging can be improved accordingly. Note that
33442 interference with program can be reduced but can't be removed completely,
33443 because the in-process agent will still stop or slow down the program.
33444
33445 The in-process agent can interpret and execute Agent Expressions
33446 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}) during performing debugging operations. The
33447 agent expressions can be used for different purposes, such as collecting
33448 data in tracepoints, and condition evaluation in breakpoints.
33449
33450 @anchor{Control Agent}
33451 You can control whether the in-process agent is used as an aid for
33452 debugging with the following commands:
33453
33454 @table @code
33455 @kindex set agent on
33456 @item set agent on
33457 Causes the in-process agent to perform some operations on behalf of the
33458 debugger. Just which operations requested by the user will be done
33459 by the in-process agent depends on the its capabilities. For example,
33460 if you request to evaluate breakpoint conditions in the in-process agent,
33461 and the in-process agent has such capability as well, then breakpoint
33462 conditions will be evaluated in the in-process agent.
33463
33464 @kindex set agent off
33465 @item set agent off
33466 Disables execution of debugging operations by the in-process agent. All
33467 of the operations will be performed by @value{GDBN}.
33468
33469 @kindex show agent
33470 @item show agent
33471 Display the current setting of execution of debugging operations by
33472 the in-process agent.
33473 @end table
33474
33475 @menu
33476 * In-Process Agent Protocol::
33477 @end menu
33478
33479 @node In-Process Agent Protocol
33480 @section In-Process Agent Protocol
33481 @cindex in-process agent protocol
33482
33483 The in-process agent is able to communicate with both @value{GDBN} and
33484 GDBserver (@pxref{In-Process Agent}). This section documents the protocol
33485 used for communications between @value{GDBN} or GDBserver and the IPA.
33486 In general, @value{GDBN} or GDBserver sends commands
33487 (@pxref{IPA Protocol Commands}) and data to in-process agent, and then
33488 in-process agent replies back with the return result of the command, or
33489 some other information. The data sent to in-process agent is composed
33490 of primitive data types, such as 4-byte or 8-byte type, and composite
33491 types, which are called objects (@pxref{IPA Protocol Objects}).
33492
33493 @menu
33494 * IPA Protocol Objects::
33495 * IPA Protocol Commands::
33496 @end menu
33497
33498 @node IPA Protocol Objects
33499 @subsection IPA Protocol Objects
33500 @cindex ipa protocol objects
33501
33502 The commands sent to and results received from agent may contain some
33503 complex data types called @dfn{objects}.
33504
33505 The in-process agent is running on the same machine with @value{GDBN}
33506 or GDBserver, so it doesn't have to handle as much differences between
33507 two ends as remote protocol (@pxref{Remote Protocol}) tries to handle.
33508 However, there are still some differences of two ends in two processes:
33509
33510 @enumerate
33511 @item
33512 word size. On some 64-bit machines, @value{GDBN} or GDBserver can be
33513 compiled as a 64-bit executable, while in-process agent is a 32-bit one.
33514 @item
33515 ABI. Some machines may have multiple types of ABI, @value{GDBN} or
33516 GDBserver is compiled with one, and in-process agent is compiled with
33517 the other one.
33518 @end enumerate
33519
33520 Here are the IPA Protocol Objects:
33521
33522 @enumerate
33523 @item
33524 agent expression object. It represents an agent expression
33525 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}).
33526 @anchor{agent expression object}
33527 @item
33528 tracepoint action object. It represents a tracepoint action
33529 (@pxref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}) to collect registers,
33530 memory, static trace data and to evaluate expression.
33531 @anchor{tracepoint action object}
33532 @item
33533 tracepoint object. It represents a tracepoint (@pxref{Tracepoints}).
33534 @anchor{tracepoint object}
33535
33536 @end enumerate
33537
33538 The following table describes important attributes of each IPA protocol
33539 object:
33540
33541 @multitable @columnfractions .30 .20 .50
33542 @headitem Name @tab Size @tab Description
33543 @item @emph{agent expression object} @tab @tab
33544 @item length @tab 4 @tab length of bytes code
33545 @item byte code @tab @var{length} @tab contents of byte code
33546 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting memory} @tab @tab
33547 @item 'M' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
33548 @item addr @tab 8 @tab if @var{basereg} is @samp{-1}, @var{addr} is the
33549 address of the lowest byte to collect, otherwise @var{addr} is the offset
33550 of @var{basereg} for memory collecting.
33551 @item len @tab 8 @tab length of memory for collecting
33552 @item basereg @tab 4 @tab the register number containing the starting
33553 memory address for collecting.
33554 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting registers} @tab @tab
33555 @item 'R' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
33556 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting static trace data} @tab @tab
33557 @item 'L' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
33558 @item @emph{tracepoint action for expression evaluation} @tab @tab
33559 @item 'X' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
33560 @item agent expression @tab length of @tab @ref{agent expression object}
33561 @item @emph{tracepoint object} @tab @tab
33562 @item number @tab 4 @tab number of tracepoint
33563 @item address @tab 8 @tab address of tracepoint inserted on
33564 @item type @tab 4 @tab type of tracepoint
33565 @item enabled @tab 1 @tab enable or disable of tracepoint
33566 @item step_count @tab 8 @tab step
33567 @item pass_count @tab 8 @tab pass
33568 @item numactions @tab 4 @tab number of tracepoint actions
33569 @item hit count @tab 8 @tab hit count
33570 @item trace frame usage @tab 8 @tab trace frame usage
33571 @item compiled_cond @tab 8 @tab compiled condition
33572 @item orig_size @tab 8 @tab orig size
33573 @item condition @tab 4 if condition is NULL otherwise length of
33574 @ref{agent expression object}
33575 @tab zero if condition is NULL, otherwise is
33576 @ref{agent expression object}
33577 @item actions @tab variable
33578 @tab numactions number of @ref{tracepoint action object}
33579 @end multitable
33580
33581 @node IPA Protocol Commands
33582 @subsection IPA Protocol Commands
33583 @cindex ipa protocol commands
33584
33585 The spaces in each command are delimiters to ease reading this commands
33586 specification. They don't exist in real commands.
33587
33588 @table @samp
33589
33590 @item FastTrace:@var{tracepoint_object} @var{gdb_jump_pad_head}
33591 Installs a new fast tracepoint described by @var{tracepoint_object}
33592 (@pxref{tracepoint object}). @var{gdb_jump_pad_head}, 8-byte long, is the
33593 head of @dfn{jumppad}, which is used to jump to data collection routine
33594 in IPA finally.
33595
33596 Replies:
33597 @table @samp
33598 @item OK @var{target_address} @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} @var{fjump_size} @var{fjump}
33599 @var{target_address} is address of tracepoint in the inferior.
33600 @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} is updated head of jumppad. Both of
33601 @var{target_address} and @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} are 8-byte long.
33602 @var{fjump} contains a sequence of instructions jump to jumppad entry.
33603 @var{fjump_size}, 4-byte long, is the size of @var{fjump}.
33604 @item E @var{NN}
33605 for an error
33606
33607 @end table
33608
33609 @item qTfSTM
33610 @xref{qTfSTM}.
33611 @item qTsSTM
33612 @xref{qTsSTM}.
33613 @item qTSTMat
33614 @xref{qTSTMat}.
33615 @item probe_marker_at:@var{address}
33616 Asks in-process agent to probe the marker at @var{address}.
33617
33618 Replies:
33619 @table @samp
33620 @item E @var{NN}
33621 for an error
33622 @end table
33623 @item unprobe_marker_at:@var{address}
33624 Asks in-process agent to unprobe the marker at @var{address}.
33625 @end table
33626
33627 @node GDB Bugs
33628 @chapter Reporting Bugs in @value{GDBN}
33629 @cindex bugs in @value{GDBN}
33630 @cindex reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
33631
33632 Your bug reports play an essential role in making @value{GDBN} reliable.
33633
33634 Reporting a bug may help you by bringing a solution to your problem, or it
33635 may not. But in any case the principal function of a bug report is to help
33636 the entire community by making the next version of @value{GDBN} work better. Bug
33637 reports are your contribution to the maintenance of @value{GDBN}.
33638
33639 In order for a bug report to serve its purpose, you must include the
33640 information that enables us to fix the bug.
33641
33642 @menu
33643 * Bug Criteria:: Have you found a bug?
33644 * Bug Reporting:: How to report bugs
33645 @end menu
33646
33647 @node Bug Criteria
33648 @section Have You Found a Bug?
33649 @cindex bug criteria
33650
33651 If you are not sure whether you have found a bug, here are some guidelines:
33652
33653 @itemize @bullet
33654 @cindex fatal signal
33655 @cindex debugger crash
33656 @cindex crash of debugger
33657 @item
33658 If the debugger gets a fatal signal, for any input whatever, that is a
33659 @value{GDBN} bug. Reliable debuggers never crash.
33660
33661 @cindex error on valid input
33662 @item
33663 If @value{GDBN} produces an error message for valid input, that is a
33664 bug. (Note that if you're cross debugging, the problem may also be
33665 somewhere in the connection to the target.)
33666
33667 @cindex invalid input
33668 @item
33669 If @value{GDBN} does not produce an error message for invalid input,
33670 that is a bug. However, you should note that your idea of
33671 ``invalid input'' might be our idea of ``an extension'' or ``support
33672 for traditional practice''.
33673
33674 @item
33675 If you are an experienced user of debugging tools, your suggestions
33676 for improvement of @value{GDBN} are welcome in any case.
33677 @end itemize
33678
33679 @node Bug Reporting
33680 @section How to Report Bugs
33681 @cindex bug reports
33682 @cindex @value{GDBN} bugs, reporting
33683
33684 A number of companies and individuals offer support for @sc{gnu} products.
33685 If you obtained @value{GDBN} from a support organization, we recommend you
33686 contact that organization first.
33687
33688 You can find contact information for many support companies and
33689 individuals in the file @file{etc/SERVICE} in the @sc{gnu} Emacs
33690 distribution.
33691 @c should add a web page ref...
33692
33693 @ifset BUGURL
33694 @ifset BUGURL_DEFAULT
33695 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
33696 @value{GDBN}. The preferred method is to submit them directly using
33697 @uref{http://www.gnu.org/software/gdb/bugs/, @value{GDBN}'s Bugs web
33698 page}. Alternatively, the @email{bug-gdb@@gnu.org, e-mail gateway} can
33699 be used.
33700
33701 @strong{Do not send bug reports to @samp{info-gdb}, or to
33702 @samp{help-gdb}, or to any newsgroups.} Most users of @value{GDBN} do
33703 not want to receive bug reports. Those that do have arranged to receive
33704 @samp{bug-gdb}.
33705
33706 The mailing list @samp{bug-gdb} has a newsgroup @samp{gnu.gdb.bug} which
33707 serves as a repeater. The mailing list and the newsgroup carry exactly
33708 the same messages. Often people think of posting bug reports to the
33709 newsgroup instead of mailing them. This appears to work, but it has one
33710 problem which can be crucial: a newsgroup posting often lacks a mail
33711 path back to the sender. Thus, if we need to ask for more information,
33712 we may be unable to reach you. For this reason, it is better to send
33713 bug reports to the mailing list.
33714 @end ifset
33715 @ifclear BUGURL_DEFAULT
33716 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
33717 @value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.
33718 @end ifclear
33719 @end ifset
33720
33721 The fundamental principle of reporting bugs usefully is this:
33722 @strong{report all the facts}. If you are not sure whether to state a
33723 fact or leave it out, state it!
33724
33725 Often people omit facts because they think they know what causes the
33726 problem and assume that some details do not matter. Thus, you might
33727 assume that the name of the variable you use in an example does not matter.
33728 Well, probably it does not, but one cannot be sure. Perhaps the bug is a
33729 stray memory reference which happens to fetch from the location where that
33730 name is stored in memory; perhaps, if the name were different, the contents
33731 of that location would fool the debugger into doing the right thing despite
33732 the bug. Play it safe and give a specific, complete example. That is the
33733 easiest thing for you to do, and the most helpful.
33734
33735 Keep in mind that the purpose of a bug report is to enable us to fix the
33736 bug. It may be that the bug has been reported previously, but neither
33737 you nor we can know that unless your bug report is complete and
33738 self-contained.
33739
33740 Sometimes people give a few sketchy facts and ask, ``Does this ring a
33741 bell?'' Those bug reports are useless, and we urge everyone to
33742 @emph{refuse to respond to them} except to chide the sender to report
33743 bugs properly.
33744
33745 To enable us to fix the bug, you should include all these things:
33746
33747 @itemize @bullet
33748 @item
33749 The version of @value{GDBN}. @value{GDBN} announces it if you start
33750 with no arguments; you can also print it at any time using @code{show
33751 version}.
33752
33753 Without this, we will not know whether there is any point in looking for
33754 the bug in the current version of @value{GDBN}.
33755
33756 @item
33757 The type of machine you are using, and the operating system name and
33758 version number.
33759
33760 @item
33761 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile @value{GDBN}---e.g.@:
33762 ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1''.
33763
33764 @item
33765 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile the program you are
33766 debugging---e.g.@: ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1'', or ``HP92453-01 A.10.32.03 HP
33767 C Compiler''. For @value{NGCC}, you can say @kbd{@value{GCC} --version}
33768 to get this information; for other compilers, see the documentation for
33769 those compilers.
33770
33771 @item
33772 The command arguments you gave the compiler to compile your example and
33773 observe the bug. For example, did you use @samp{-O}? To guarantee
33774 you will not omit something important, list them all. A copy of the
33775 Makefile (or the output from make) is sufficient.
33776
33777 If we were to try to guess the arguments, we would probably guess wrong
33778 and then we might not encounter the bug.
33779
33780 @item
33781 A complete input script, and all necessary source files, that will
33782 reproduce the bug.
33783
33784 @item
33785 A description of what behavior you observe that you believe is
33786 incorrect. For example, ``It gets a fatal signal.''
33787
33788 Of course, if the bug is that @value{GDBN} gets a fatal signal, then we
33789 will certainly notice it. But if the bug is incorrect output, we might
33790 not notice unless it is glaringly wrong. You might as well not give us
33791 a chance to make a mistake.
33792
33793 Even if the problem you experience is a fatal signal, you should still
33794 say so explicitly. Suppose something strange is going on, such as, your
33795 copy of @value{GDBN} is out of synch, or you have encountered a bug in
33796 the C library on your system. (This has happened!) Your copy might
33797 crash and ours would not. If you told us to expect a crash, then when
33798 ours fails to crash, we would know that the bug was not happening for
33799 us. If you had not told us to expect a crash, then we would not be able
33800 to draw any conclusion from our observations.
33801
33802 @pindex script
33803 @cindex recording a session script
33804 To collect all this information, you can use a session recording program
33805 such as @command{script}, which is available on many Unix systems.
33806 Just run your @value{GDBN} session inside @command{script} and then
33807 include the @file{typescript} file with your bug report.
33808
33809 Another way to record a @value{GDBN} session is to run @value{GDBN}
33810 inside Emacs and then save the entire buffer to a file.
33811
33812 @item
33813 If you wish to suggest changes to the @value{GDBN} source, send us context
33814 diffs. If you even discuss something in the @value{GDBN} source, refer to
33815 it by context, not by line number.
33816
33817 The line numbers in our development sources will not match those in your
33818 sources. Your line numbers would convey no useful information to us.
33819
33820 @end itemize
33821
33822 Here are some things that are not necessary:
33823
33824 @itemize @bullet
33825 @item
33826 A description of the envelope of the bug.
33827
33828 Often people who encounter a bug spend a lot of time investigating
33829 which changes to the input file will make the bug go away and which
33830 changes will not affect it.
33831
33832 This is often time consuming and not very useful, because the way we
33833 will find the bug is by running a single example under the debugger
33834 with breakpoints, not by pure deduction from a series of examples.
33835 We recommend that you save your time for something else.
33836
33837 Of course, if you can find a simpler example to report @emph{instead}
33838 of the original one, that is a convenience for us. Errors in the
33839 output will be easier to spot, running under the debugger will take
33840 less time, and so on.
33841
33842 However, simplification is not vital; if you do not want to do this,
33843 report the bug anyway and send us the entire test case you used.
33844
33845 @item
33846 A patch for the bug.
33847
33848 A patch for the bug does help us if it is a good one. But do not omit
33849 the necessary information, such as the test case, on the assumption that
33850 a patch is all we need. We might see problems with your patch and decide
33851 to fix the problem another way, or we might not understand it at all.
33852
33853 Sometimes with a program as complicated as @value{GDBN} it is very hard to
33854 construct an example that will make the program follow a certain path
33855 through the code. If you do not send us the example, we will not be able
33856 to construct one, so we will not be able to verify that the bug is fixed.
33857
33858 And if we cannot understand what bug you are trying to fix, or why your
33859 patch should be an improvement, we will not install it. A test case will
33860 help us to understand.
33861
33862 @item
33863 A guess about what the bug is or what it depends on.
33864
33865 Such guesses are usually wrong. Even we cannot guess right about such
33866 things without first using the debugger to find the facts.
33867 @end itemize
33868
33869 @c The readline documentation is distributed with the readline code
33870 @c and consists of the two following files:
33871 @c rluser.texi
33872 @c hsuser.texi
33873 @c Use -I with makeinfo to point to the appropriate directory,
33874 @c environment var TEXINPUTS with TeX.
33875 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
33876 @include rluser.texi
33877 @include hsuser.texi
33878 @end ifclear
33879
33880 @node In Memoriam
33881 @appendix In Memoriam
33882
33883 The @value{GDBN} project mourns the loss of the following long-time
33884 contributors:
33885
33886 @table @code
33887 @item Fred Fish
33888 Fred was a long-standing contributor to @value{GDBN} (1991-2006), and
33889 to Free Software in general. Outside of @value{GDBN}, he was known in
33890 the Amiga world for his series of Fish Disks, and the GeekGadget project.
33891
33892 @item Michael Snyder
33893 Michael was one of the Global Maintainers of the @value{GDBN} project,
33894 with contributions recorded as early as 1996, until 2011. In addition
33895 to his day to day participation, he was a large driving force behind
33896 adding Reverse Debugging to @value{GDBN}.
33897 @end table
33898
33899 Beyond their technical contributions to the project, they were also
33900 enjoyable members of the Free Software Community. We will miss them.
33901
33902 @node Formatting Documentation
33903 @appendix Formatting Documentation
33904
33905 @cindex @value{GDBN} reference card
33906 @cindex reference card
33907 The @value{GDBN} 4 release includes an already-formatted reference card, ready
33908 for printing with PostScript or Ghostscript, in the @file{gdb}
33909 subdirectory of the main source directory@footnote{In
33910 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/refcard.ps} of the version @value{GDBVN}
33911 release.}. If you can use PostScript or Ghostscript with your printer,
33912 you can print the reference card immediately with @file{refcard.ps}.
33913
33914 The release also includes the source for the reference card. You
33915 can format it, using @TeX{}, by typing:
33916
33917 @smallexample
33918 make refcard.dvi
33919 @end smallexample
33920
33921 The @value{GDBN} reference card is designed to print in @dfn{landscape}
33922 mode on US ``letter'' size paper;
33923 that is, on a sheet 11 inches wide by 8.5 inches
33924 high. You will need to specify this form of printing as an option to
33925 your @sc{dvi} output program.
33926
33927 @cindex documentation
33928
33929 All the documentation for @value{GDBN} comes as part of the machine-readable
33930 distribution. The documentation is written in Texinfo format, which is
33931 a documentation system that uses a single source file to produce both
33932 on-line information and a printed manual. You can use one of the Info
33933 formatting commands to create the on-line version of the documentation
33934 and @TeX{} (or @code{texi2roff}) to typeset the printed version.
33935
33936 @value{GDBN} includes an already formatted copy of the on-line Info
33937 version of this manual in the @file{gdb} subdirectory. The main Info
33938 file is @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/gdb.info}, and it refers to
33939 subordinate files matching @samp{gdb.info*} in the same directory. If
33940 necessary, you can print out these files, or read them with any editor;
33941 but they are easier to read using the @code{info} subsystem in @sc{gnu}
33942 Emacs or the standalone @code{info} program, available as part of the
33943 @sc{gnu} Texinfo distribution.
33944
33945 If you want to format these Info files yourself, you need one of the
33946 Info formatting programs, such as @code{texinfo-format-buffer} or
33947 @code{makeinfo}.
33948
33949 If you have @code{makeinfo} installed, and are in the top level
33950 @value{GDBN} source directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, in the case of
33951 version @value{GDBVN}), you can make the Info file by typing:
33952
33953 @smallexample
33954 cd gdb
33955 make gdb.info
33956 @end smallexample
33957
33958 If you want to typeset and print copies of this manual, you need @TeX{},
33959 a program to print its @sc{dvi} output files, and @file{texinfo.tex}, the
33960 Texinfo definitions file.
33961
33962 @TeX{} is a typesetting program; it does not print files directly, but
33963 produces output files called @sc{dvi} files. To print a typeset
33964 document, you need a program to print @sc{dvi} files. If your system
33965 has @TeX{} installed, chances are it has such a program. The precise
33966 command to use depends on your system; @kbd{lpr -d} is common; another
33967 (for PostScript devices) is @kbd{dvips}. The @sc{dvi} print command may
33968 require a file name without any extension or a @samp{.dvi} extension.
33969
33970 @TeX{} also requires a macro definitions file called
33971 @file{texinfo.tex}. This file tells @TeX{} how to typeset a document
33972 written in Texinfo format. On its own, @TeX{} cannot either read or
33973 typeset a Texinfo file. @file{texinfo.tex} is distributed with GDB
33974 and is located in the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}/texinfo}
33975 directory.
33976
33977 If you have @TeX{} and a @sc{dvi} printer program installed, you can
33978 typeset and print this manual. First switch to the @file{gdb}
33979 subdirectory of the main source directory (for example, to
33980 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb}) and type:
33981
33982 @smallexample
33983 make gdb.dvi
33984 @end smallexample
33985
33986 Then give @file{gdb.dvi} to your @sc{dvi} printing program.
33987
33988 @node Installing GDB
33989 @appendix Installing @value{GDBN}
33990 @cindex installation
33991
33992 @menu
33993 * Requirements:: Requirements for building @value{GDBN}
33994 * Running Configure:: Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} script
33995 * Separate Objdir:: Compiling @value{GDBN} in another directory
33996 * Config Names:: Specifying names for hosts and targets
33997 * Configure Options:: Summary of options for configure
33998 * System-wide configuration:: Having a system-wide init file
33999 @end menu
34000
34001 @node Requirements
34002 @section Requirements for Building @value{GDBN}
34003 @cindex building @value{GDBN}, requirements for
34004
34005 Building @value{GDBN} requires various tools and packages to be available.
34006 Other packages will be used only if they are found.
34007
34008 @heading Tools/Packages Necessary for Building @value{GDBN}
34009 @table @asis
34010 @item ISO C90 compiler
34011 @value{GDBN} is written in ISO C90. It should be buildable with any
34012 working C90 compiler, e.g.@: GCC.
34013
34014 @end table
34015
34016 @heading Tools/Packages Optional for Building @value{GDBN}
34017 @table @asis
34018 @item Expat
34019 @anchor{Expat}
34020 @value{GDBN} can use the Expat XML parsing library. This library may be
34021 included with your operating system distribution; if it is not, you
34022 can get the latest version from @url{http://expat.sourceforge.net}.
34023 The @file{configure} script will search for this library in several
34024 standard locations; if it is installed in an unusual path, you can
34025 use the @option{--with-libexpat-prefix} option to specify its location.
34026
34027 Expat is used for:
34028
34029 @itemize @bullet
34030 @item
34031 Remote protocol memory maps (@pxref{Memory Map Format})
34032 @item
34033 Target descriptions (@pxref{Target Descriptions})
34034 @item
34035 Remote shared library lists (@xref{Library List Format},
34036 or alternatively @pxref{Library List Format for SVR4 Targets})
34037 @item
34038 MS-Windows shared libraries (@pxref{Shared Libraries})
34039 @item
34040 Traceframe info (@pxref{Traceframe Info Format})
34041 @end itemize
34042
34043 @item zlib
34044 @cindex compressed debug sections
34045 @value{GDBN} will use the @samp{zlib} library, if available, to read
34046 compressed debug sections. Some linkers, such as GNU gold, are capable
34047 of producing binaries with compressed debug sections. If @value{GDBN}
34048 is compiled with @samp{zlib}, it will be able to read the debug
34049 information in such binaries.
34050
34051 The @samp{zlib} library is likely included with your operating system
34052 distribution; if it is not, you can get the latest version from
34053 @url{http://zlib.net}.
34054
34055 @item iconv
34056 @value{GDBN}'s features related to character sets (@pxref{Character
34057 Sets}) require a functioning @code{iconv} implementation. If you are
34058 on a GNU system, then this is provided by the GNU C Library. Some
34059 other systems also provide a working @code{iconv}.
34060
34061 If @value{GDBN} is using the @code{iconv} program which is installed
34062 in a non-standard place, you will need to tell @value{GDBN} where to find it.
34063 This is done with @option{--with-iconv-bin} which specifies the
34064 directory that contains the @code{iconv} program.
34065
34066 On systems without @code{iconv}, you can install GNU Libiconv. If you
34067 have previously installed Libiconv, you can use the
34068 @option{--with-libiconv-prefix} option to configure.
34069
34070 @value{GDBN}'s top-level @file{configure} and @file{Makefile} will
34071 arrange to build Libiconv if a directory named @file{libiconv} appears
34072 in the top-most source directory. If Libiconv is built this way, and
34073 if the operating system does not provide a suitable @code{iconv}
34074 implementation, then the just-built library will automatically be used
34075 by @value{GDBN}. One easy way to set this up is to download GNU
34076 Libiconv, unpack it, and then rename the directory holding the
34077 Libiconv source code to @samp{libiconv}.
34078 @end table
34079
34080 @node Running Configure
34081 @section Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} Script
34082 @cindex configuring @value{GDBN}
34083 @value{GDBN} comes with a @file{configure} script that automates the process
34084 of preparing @value{GDBN} for installation; you can then use @code{make} to
34085 build the @code{gdb} program.
34086 @iftex
34087 @c irrelevant in info file; it's as current as the code it lives with.
34088 @footnote{If you have a more recent version of @value{GDBN} than @value{GDBVN},
34089 look at the @file{README} file in the sources; we may have improved the
34090 installation procedures since publishing this manual.}
34091 @end iftex
34092
34093 The @value{GDBN} distribution includes all the source code you need for
34094 @value{GDBN} in a single directory, whose name is usually composed by
34095 appending the version number to @samp{gdb}.
34096
34097 For example, the @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN} distribution is in the
34098 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory. That directory contains:
34099
34100 @table @code
34101 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure @r{(and supporting files)}
34102 script for configuring @value{GDBN} and all its supporting libraries
34103
34104 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb
34105 the source specific to @value{GDBN} itself
34106
34107 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/bfd
34108 source for the Binary File Descriptor library
34109
34110 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/include
34111 @sc{gnu} include files
34112
34113 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/libiberty
34114 source for the @samp{-liberty} free software library
34115
34116 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/opcodes
34117 source for the library of opcode tables and disassemblers
34118
34119 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/readline
34120 source for the @sc{gnu} command-line interface
34121
34122 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/glob
34123 source for the @sc{gnu} filename pattern-matching subroutine
34124
34125 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/mmalloc
34126 source for the @sc{gnu} memory-mapped malloc package
34127 @end table
34128
34129 The simplest way to configure and build @value{GDBN} is to run @file{configure}
34130 from the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory, which in
34131 this example is the @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory.
34132
34133 First switch to the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory
34134 if you are not already in it; then run @file{configure}. Pass the
34135 identifier for the platform on which @value{GDBN} will run as an
34136 argument.
34137
34138 For example:
34139
34140 @smallexample
34141 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
34142 ./configure @var{host}
34143 make
34144 @end smallexample
34145
34146 @noindent
34147 where @var{host} is an identifier such as @samp{sun4} or
34148 @samp{decstation}, that identifies the platform where @value{GDBN} will run.
34149 (You can often leave off @var{host}; @file{configure} tries to guess the
34150 correct value by examining your system.)
34151
34152 Running @samp{configure @var{host}} and then running @code{make} builds the
34153 @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, @file{mmalloc}, and @file{libiberty}
34154 libraries, then @code{gdb} itself. The configured source files, and the
34155 binaries, are left in the corresponding source directories.
34156
34157 @need 750
34158 @file{configure} is a Bourne-shell (@code{/bin/sh}) script; if your
34159 system does not recognize this automatically when you run a different
34160 shell, you may need to run @code{sh} on it explicitly:
34161
34162 @smallexample
34163 sh configure @var{host}
34164 @end smallexample
34165
34166 If you run @file{configure} from a directory that contains source
34167 directories for multiple libraries or programs, such as the
34168 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} source directory for version @value{GDBVN},
34169 @file{configure}
34170 creates configuration files for every directory level underneath (unless
34171 you tell it not to, with the @samp{--norecursion} option).
34172
34173 You should run the @file{configure} script from the top directory in the
34174 source tree, the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory. If you run
34175 @file{configure} from one of the subdirectories, you will configure only
34176 that subdirectory. That is usually not what you want. In particular,
34177 if you run the first @file{configure} from the @file{gdb} subdirectory
34178 of the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory, you will omit the
34179 configuration of @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, and other sibling
34180 directories of the @file{gdb} subdirectory. This leads to build errors
34181 about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
34182
34183 You can install @code{@value{GDBP}} anywhere; it has no hardwired paths.
34184 However, you should make sure that the shell on your path (named by
34185 the @samp{SHELL} environment variable) is publicly readable. Remember
34186 that @value{GDBN} uses the shell to start your program---some systems refuse to
34187 let @value{GDBN} debug child processes whose programs are not readable.
34188
34189 @node Separate Objdir
34190 @section Compiling @value{GDBN} in Another Directory
34191
34192 If you want to run @value{GDBN} versions for several host or target machines,
34193 you need a different @code{gdb} compiled for each combination of
34194 host and target. @file{configure} is designed to make this easy by
34195 allowing you to generate each configuration in a separate subdirectory,
34196 rather than in the source directory. If your @code{make} program
34197 handles the @samp{VPATH} feature (@sc{gnu} @code{make} does), running
34198 @code{make} in each of these directories builds the @code{gdb}
34199 program specified there.
34200
34201 To build @code{gdb} in a separate directory, run @file{configure}
34202 with the @samp{--srcdir} option to specify where to find the source.
34203 (You also need to specify a path to find @file{configure}
34204 itself from your working directory. If the path to @file{configure}
34205 would be the same as the argument to @samp{--srcdir}, you can leave out
34206 the @samp{--srcdir} option; it is assumed.)
34207
34208 For example, with version @value{GDBVN}, you can build @value{GDBN} in a
34209 separate directory for a Sun 4 like this:
34210
34211 @smallexample
34212 @group
34213 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
34214 mkdir ../gdb-sun4
34215 cd ../gdb-sun4
34216 ../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure sun4
34217 make
34218 @end group
34219 @end smallexample
34220
34221 When @file{configure} builds a configuration using a remote source
34222 directory, it creates a tree for the binaries with the same structure
34223 (and using the same names) as the tree under the source directory. In
34224 the example, you'd find the Sun 4 library @file{libiberty.a} in the
34225 directory @file{gdb-sun4/libiberty}, and @value{GDBN} itself in
34226 @file{gdb-sun4/gdb}.
34227
34228 Make sure that your path to the @file{configure} script has just one
34229 instance of @file{gdb} in it. If your path to @file{configure} looks
34230 like @file{../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/configure}, you are configuring only
34231 one subdirectory of @value{GDBN}, not the whole package. This leads to
34232 build errors about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
34233
34234 One popular reason to build several @value{GDBN} configurations in separate
34235 directories is to configure @value{GDBN} for cross-compiling (where
34236 @value{GDBN} runs on one machine---the @dfn{host}---while debugging
34237 programs that run on another machine---the @dfn{target}).
34238 You specify a cross-debugging target by
34239 giving the @samp{--target=@var{target}} option to @file{configure}.
34240
34241 When you run @code{make} to build a program or library, you must run
34242 it in a configured directory---whatever directory you were in when you
34243 called @file{configure} (or one of its subdirectories).
34244
34245 The @code{Makefile} that @file{configure} generates in each source
34246 directory also runs recursively. If you type @code{make} in a source
34247 directory such as @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} (or in a separate configured
34248 directory configured with @samp{--srcdir=@var{dirname}/gdb-@value{GDBVN}}), you
34249 will build all the required libraries, and then build GDB.
34250
34251 When you have multiple hosts or targets configured in separate
34252 directories, you can run @code{make} on them in parallel (for example,
34253 if they are NFS-mounted on each of the hosts); they will not interfere
34254 with each other.
34255
34256 @node Config Names
34257 @section Specifying Names for Hosts and Targets
34258
34259 The specifications used for hosts and targets in the @file{configure}
34260 script are based on a three-part naming scheme, but some short predefined
34261 aliases are also supported. The full naming scheme encodes three pieces
34262 of information in the following pattern:
34263
34264 @smallexample
34265 @var{architecture}-@var{vendor}-@var{os}
34266 @end smallexample
34267
34268 For example, you can use the alias @code{sun4} as a @var{host} argument,
34269 or as the value for @var{target} in a @code{--target=@var{target}}
34270 option. The equivalent full name is @samp{sparc-sun-sunos4}.
34271
34272 The @file{configure} script accompanying @value{GDBN} does not provide
34273 any query facility to list all supported host and target names or
34274 aliases. @file{configure} calls the Bourne shell script
34275 @code{config.sub} to map abbreviations to full names; you can read the
34276 script, if you wish, or you can use it to test your guesses on
34277 abbreviations---for example:
34278
34279 @smallexample
34280 % sh config.sub i386-linux
34281 i386-pc-linux-gnu
34282 % sh config.sub alpha-linux
34283 alpha-unknown-linux-gnu
34284 % sh config.sub hp9k700
34285 hppa1.1-hp-hpux
34286 % sh config.sub sun4
34287 sparc-sun-sunos4.1.1
34288 % sh config.sub sun3
34289 m68k-sun-sunos4.1.1
34290 % sh config.sub i986v
34291 Invalid configuration `i986v': machine `i986v' not recognized
34292 @end smallexample
34293
34294 @noindent
34295 @code{config.sub} is also distributed in the @value{GDBN} source
34296 directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, for version @value{GDBVN}).
34297
34298 @node Configure Options
34299 @section @file{configure} Options
34300
34301 Here is a summary of the @file{configure} options and arguments that
34302 are most often useful for building @value{GDBN}. @file{configure} also has
34303 several other options not listed here. @inforef{What Configure
34304 Does,,configure.info}, for a full explanation of @file{configure}.
34305
34306 @smallexample
34307 configure @r{[}--help@r{]}
34308 @r{[}--prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
34309 @r{[}--exec-prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
34310 @r{[}--srcdir=@var{dirname}@r{]}
34311 @r{[}--norecursion@r{]} @r{[}--rm@r{]}
34312 @r{[}--target=@var{target}@r{]}
34313 @var{host}
34314 @end smallexample
34315
34316 @noindent
34317 You may introduce options with a single @samp{-} rather than
34318 @samp{--} if you prefer; but you may abbreviate option names if you use
34319 @samp{--}.
34320
34321 @table @code
34322 @item --help
34323 Display a quick summary of how to invoke @file{configure}.
34324
34325 @item --prefix=@var{dir}
34326 Configure the source to install programs and files under directory
34327 @file{@var{dir}}.
34328
34329 @item --exec-prefix=@var{dir}
34330 Configure the source to install programs under directory
34331 @file{@var{dir}}.
34332
34333 @c avoid splitting the warning from the explanation:
34334 @need 2000
34335 @item --srcdir=@var{dirname}
34336 @strong{Warning: using this option requires @sc{gnu} @code{make}, or another
34337 @code{make} that implements the @code{VPATH} feature.}@*
34338 Use this option to make configurations in directories separate from the
34339 @value{GDBN} source directories. Among other things, you can use this to
34340 build (or maintain) several configurations simultaneously, in separate
34341 directories. @file{configure} writes configuration-specific files in
34342 the current directory, but arranges for them to use the source in the
34343 directory @var{dirname}. @file{configure} creates directories under
34344 the working directory in parallel to the source directories below
34345 @var{dirname}.
34346
34347 @item --norecursion
34348 Configure only the directory level where @file{configure} is executed; do not
34349 propagate configuration to subdirectories.
34350
34351 @item --target=@var{target}
34352 Configure @value{GDBN} for cross-debugging programs running on the specified
34353 @var{target}. Without this option, @value{GDBN} is configured to debug
34354 programs that run on the same machine (@var{host}) as @value{GDBN} itself.
34355
34356 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available targets.
34357
34358 @item @var{host} @dots{}
34359 Configure @value{GDBN} to run on the specified @var{host}.
34360
34361 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available hosts.
34362 @end table
34363
34364 There are many other options available as well, but they are generally
34365 needed for special purposes only.
34366
34367 @node System-wide configuration
34368 @section System-wide configuration and settings
34369 @cindex system-wide init file
34370
34371 @value{GDBN} can be configured to have a system-wide init file;
34372 this file will be read and executed at startup (@pxref{Startup, , What
34373 @value{GDBN} does during startup}).
34374
34375 Here is the corresponding configure option:
34376
34377 @table @code
34378 @item --with-system-gdbinit=@var{file}
34379 Specify that the default location of the system-wide init file is
34380 @var{file}.
34381 @end table
34382
34383 If @value{GDBN} has been configured with the option @option{--prefix=$prefix},
34384 it may be subject to relocation. Two possible cases:
34385
34386 @itemize @bullet
34387 @item
34388 If the default location of this init file contains @file{$prefix},
34389 it will be subject to relocation. Suppose that the configure options
34390 are @option{--prefix=$prefix --with-system-gdbinit=$prefix/etc/gdbinit};
34391 if @value{GDBN} is moved from @file{$prefix} to @file{$install}, the system
34392 init file is looked for as @file{$install/etc/gdbinit} instead of
34393 @file{$prefix/etc/gdbinit}.
34394
34395 @item
34396 By contrast, if the default location does not contain the prefix,
34397 it will not be relocated. E.g.@: if @value{GDBN} has been configured with
34398 @option{--prefix=/usr/local --with-system-gdbinit=/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
34399 then @value{GDBN} will always look for @file{/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
34400 wherever @value{GDBN} is installed.
34401 @end itemize
34402
34403 @node Maintenance Commands
34404 @appendix Maintenance Commands
34405 @cindex maintenance commands
34406 @cindex internal commands
34407
34408 In addition to commands intended for @value{GDBN} users, @value{GDBN}
34409 includes a number of commands intended for @value{GDBN} developers,
34410 that are not documented elsewhere in this manual. These commands are
34411 provided here for reference. (For commands that turn on debugging
34412 messages, see @ref{Debugging Output}.)
34413
34414 @table @code
34415 @kindex maint agent
34416 @kindex maint agent-eval
34417 @item maint agent @var{expression}
34418 @itemx maint agent-eval @var{expression}
34419 Translate the given @var{expression} into remote agent bytecodes.
34420 This command is useful for debugging the Agent Expression mechanism
34421 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}). The @samp{agent} version produces an
34422 expression useful for data collection, such as by tracepoints, while
34423 @samp{maint agent-eval} produces an expression that evaluates directly
34424 to a result. For instance, a collection expression for @code{globa +
34425 globb} will include bytecodes to record four bytes of memory at each
34426 of the addresses of @code{globa} and @code{globb}, while discarding
34427 the result of the addition, while an evaluation expression will do the
34428 addition and return the sum.
34429
34430 @kindex maint info breakpoints
34431 @item @anchor{maint info breakpoints}maint info breakpoints
34432 Using the same format as @samp{info breakpoints}, display both the
34433 breakpoints you've set explicitly, and those @value{GDBN} is using for
34434 internal purposes. Internal breakpoints are shown with negative
34435 breakpoint numbers. The type column identifies what kind of breakpoint
34436 is shown:
34437
34438 @table @code
34439 @item breakpoint
34440 Normal, explicitly set breakpoint.
34441
34442 @item watchpoint
34443 Normal, explicitly set watchpoint.
34444
34445 @item longjmp
34446 Internal breakpoint, used to handle correctly stepping through
34447 @code{longjmp} calls.
34448
34449 @item longjmp resume
34450 Internal breakpoint at the target of a @code{longjmp}.
34451
34452 @item until
34453 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{until} command.
34454
34455 @item finish
34456 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{finish} command.
34457
34458 @item shlib events
34459 Shared library events.
34460
34461 @end table
34462
34463 @kindex set displaced-stepping
34464 @kindex show displaced-stepping
34465 @cindex displaced stepping support
34466 @cindex out-of-line single-stepping
34467 @item set displaced-stepping
34468 @itemx show displaced-stepping
34469 Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will do @dfn{displaced stepping}
34470 if the target supports it. Displaced stepping is a way to single-step
34471 over breakpoints without removing them from the inferior, by executing
34472 an out-of-line copy of the instruction that was originally at the
34473 breakpoint location. It is also known as out-of-line single-stepping.
34474
34475 @table @code
34476 @item set displaced-stepping on
34477 If the target architecture supports it, @value{GDBN} will use
34478 displaced stepping to step over breakpoints.
34479
34480 @item set displaced-stepping off
34481 @value{GDBN} will not use displaced stepping to step over breakpoints,
34482 even if such is supported by the target architecture.
34483
34484 @cindex non-stop mode, and @samp{set displaced-stepping}
34485 @item set displaced-stepping auto
34486 This is the default mode. @value{GDBN} will use displaced stepping
34487 only if non-stop mode is active (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) and the target
34488 architecture supports displaced stepping.
34489 @end table
34490
34491 @kindex maint check-symtabs
34492 @item maint check-symtabs
34493 Check the consistency of psymtabs and symtabs.
34494
34495 @kindex maint cplus first_component
34496 @item maint cplus first_component @var{name}
34497 Print the first C@t{++} class/namespace component of @var{name}.
34498
34499 @kindex maint cplus namespace
34500 @item maint cplus namespace
34501 Print the list of possible C@t{++} namespaces.
34502
34503 @kindex maint demangle
34504 @item maint demangle @var{name}
34505 Demangle a C@t{++} or Objective-C mangled @var{name}.
34506
34507 @kindex maint deprecate
34508 @kindex maint undeprecate
34509 @cindex deprecated commands
34510 @item maint deprecate @var{command} @r{[}@var{replacement}@r{]}
34511 @itemx maint undeprecate @var{command}
34512 Deprecate or undeprecate the named @var{command}. Deprecated commands
34513 cause @value{GDBN} to issue a warning when you use them. The optional
34514 argument @var{replacement} says which newer command should be used in
34515 favor of the deprecated one; if it is given, @value{GDBN} will mention
34516 the replacement as part of the warning.
34517
34518 @kindex maint dump-me
34519 @item maint dump-me
34520 @cindex @code{SIGQUIT} signal, dump core of @value{GDBN}
34521 Cause a fatal signal in the debugger and force it to dump its core.
34522 This is supported only on systems which support aborting a program
34523 with the @code{SIGQUIT} signal.
34524
34525 @kindex maint internal-error
34526 @kindex maint internal-warning
34527 @item maint internal-error @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
34528 @itemx maint internal-warning @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
34529 Cause @value{GDBN} to call the internal function @code{internal_error}
34530 or @code{internal_warning} and hence behave as though an internal error
34531 or internal warning has been detected. In addition to reporting the
34532 internal problem, these functions give the user the opportunity to
34533 either quit @value{GDBN} or create a core file of the current
34534 @value{GDBN} session.
34535
34536 These commands take an optional parameter @var{message-text} that is
34537 used as the text of the error or warning message.
34538
34539 Here's an example of using @code{internal-error}:
34540
34541 @smallexample
34542 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint internal-error testing, 1, 2}
34543 @dots{}/maint.c:121: internal-error: testing, 1, 2
34544 A problem internal to GDB has been detected. Further
34545 debugging may prove unreliable.
34546 Quit this debugging session? (y or n) @kbd{n}
34547 Create a core file? (y or n) @kbd{n}
34548 (@value{GDBP})
34549 @end smallexample
34550
34551 @cindex @value{GDBN} internal error
34552 @cindex internal errors, control of @value{GDBN} behavior
34553
34554 @kindex maint set internal-error
34555 @kindex maint show internal-error
34556 @kindex maint set internal-warning
34557 @kindex maint show internal-warning
34558 @item maint set internal-error @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
34559 @itemx maint show internal-error @var{action}
34560 @itemx maint set internal-warning @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
34561 @itemx maint show internal-warning @var{action}
34562 When @value{GDBN} reports an internal problem (error or warning) it
34563 gives the user the opportunity to both quit @value{GDBN} and create a
34564 core file of the current @value{GDBN} session. These commands let you
34565 override the default behaviour for each particular @var{action},
34566 described in the table below.
34567
34568 @table @samp
34569 @item quit
34570 You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
34571 quit. The default is to ask the user what to do.
34572
34573 @item corefile
34574 You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
34575 create a core file. The default is to ask the user what to do.
34576 @end table
34577
34578 @kindex maint packet
34579 @item maint packet @var{text}
34580 If @value{GDBN} is talking to an inferior via the serial protocol,
34581 then this command sends the string @var{text} to the inferior, and
34582 displays the response packet. @value{GDBN} supplies the initial
34583 @samp{$} character, the terminating @samp{#} character, and the
34584 checksum.
34585
34586 @kindex maint print architecture
34587 @item maint print architecture @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
34588 Print the entire architecture configuration. The optional argument
34589 @var{file} names the file where the output goes.
34590
34591 @kindex maint print c-tdesc
34592 @item maint print c-tdesc
34593 Print the current target description (@pxref{Target Descriptions}) as
34594 a C source file. The created source file can be used in @value{GDBN}
34595 when an XML parser is not available to parse the description.
34596
34597 @kindex maint print dummy-frames
34598 @item maint print dummy-frames
34599 Prints the contents of @value{GDBN}'s internal dummy-frame stack.
34600
34601 @smallexample
34602 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{b add}
34603 @dots{}
34604 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{print add(2,3)}
34605 Breakpoint 2, add (a=2, b=3) at @dots{}
34606 58 return (a + b);
34607 The program being debugged stopped while in a function called from GDB.
34608 @dots{}
34609 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print dummy-frames}
34610 0x1a57c80: pc=0x01014068 fp=0x0200bddc sp=0x0200bdd6
34611 top=0x0200bdd4 id=@{stack=0x200bddc,code=0x101405c@}
34612 call_lo=0x01014000 call_hi=0x01014001
34613 (@value{GDBP})
34614 @end smallexample
34615
34616 Takes an optional file parameter.
34617
34618 @kindex maint print registers
34619 @kindex maint print raw-registers
34620 @kindex maint print cooked-registers
34621 @kindex maint print register-groups
34622 @kindex maint print remote-registers
34623 @item maint print registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
34624 @itemx maint print raw-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
34625 @itemx maint print cooked-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
34626 @itemx maint print register-groups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
34627 @itemx maint print remote-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
34628 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register data structures.
34629
34630 The command @code{maint print raw-registers} includes the contents of
34631 the raw register cache; the command @code{maint print
34632 cooked-registers} includes the (cooked) value of all registers,
34633 including registers which aren't available on the target nor visible
34634 to user; the command @code{maint print register-groups} includes the
34635 groups that each register is a member of; and the command @code{maint
34636 print remote-registers} includes the remote target's register numbers
34637 and offsets in the `G' packets. @xref{Registers,, Registers, gdbint,
34638 @value{GDBN} Internals}.
34639
34640 These commands take an optional parameter, a file name to which to
34641 write the information.
34642
34643 @kindex maint print reggroups
34644 @item maint print reggroups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
34645 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register group data structures. The
34646 optional argument @var{file} tells to what file to write the
34647 information.
34648
34649 The register groups info looks like this:
34650
34651 @smallexample
34652 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print reggroups}
34653 Group Type
34654 general user
34655 float user
34656 all user
34657 vector user
34658 system user
34659 save internal
34660 restore internal
34661 @end smallexample
34662
34663 @kindex flushregs
34664 @item flushregs
34665 This command forces @value{GDBN} to flush its internal register cache.
34666
34667 @kindex maint print objfiles
34668 @cindex info for known object files
34669 @item maint print objfiles
34670 Print a dump of all known object files. For each object file, this
34671 command prints its name, address in memory, and all of its psymtabs
34672 and symtabs.
34673
34674 @kindex maint print section-scripts
34675 @cindex info for known .debug_gdb_scripts-loaded scripts
34676 @item maint print section-scripts [@var{regexp}]
34677 Print a dump of scripts specified in the @code{.debug_gdb_section} section.
34678 If @var{regexp} is specified, only print scripts loaded by object files
34679 matching @var{regexp}.
34680 For each script, this command prints its name as specified in the objfile,
34681 and the full path if known.
34682 @xref{dotdebug_gdb_scripts section}.
34683
34684 @kindex maint print statistics
34685 @cindex bcache statistics
34686 @item maint print statistics
34687 This command prints, for each object file in the program, various data
34688 about that object file followed by the byte cache (@dfn{bcache})
34689 statistics for the object file. The objfile data includes the number
34690 of minimal, partial, full, and stabs symbols, the number of types
34691 defined by the objfile, the number of as yet unexpanded psym tables,
34692 the number of line tables and string tables, and the amount of memory
34693 used by the various tables. The bcache statistics include the counts,
34694 sizes, and counts of duplicates of all and unique objects, max,
34695 average, and median entry size, total memory used and its overhead and
34696 savings, and various measures of the hash table size and chain
34697 lengths.
34698
34699 @kindex maint print target-stack
34700 @cindex target stack description
34701 @item maint print target-stack
34702 A @dfn{target} is an interface between the debugger and a particular
34703 kind of file or process. Targets can be stacked in @dfn{strata},
34704 so that more than one target can potentially respond to a request.
34705 In particular, memory accesses will walk down the stack of targets
34706 until they find a target that is interested in handling that particular
34707 address.
34708
34709 This command prints a short description of each layer that was pushed on
34710 the @dfn{target stack}, starting from the top layer down to the bottom one.
34711
34712 @kindex maint print type
34713 @cindex type chain of a data type
34714 @item maint print type @var{expr}
34715 Print the type chain for a type specified by @var{expr}. The argument
34716 can be either a type name or a symbol. If it is a symbol, the type of
34717 that symbol is described. The type chain produced by this command is
34718 a recursive definition of the data type as stored in @value{GDBN}'s
34719 data structures, including its flags and contained types.
34720
34721 @kindex maint set dwarf2 always-disassemble
34722 @kindex maint show dwarf2 always-disassemble
34723 @item maint set dwarf2 always-disassemble
34724 @item maint show dwarf2 always-disassemble
34725 Control the behavior of @code{info address} when using DWARF debugging
34726 information.
34727
34728 The default is @code{off}, which means that @value{GDBN} should try to
34729 describe a variable's location in an easily readable format. When
34730 @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will instead display the DWARF location
34731 expression in an assembly-like format. Note that some locations are
34732 too complex for @value{GDBN} to describe simply; in this case you will
34733 always see the disassembly form.
34734
34735 Here is an example of the resulting disassembly:
34736
34737 @smallexample
34738 (gdb) info addr argc
34739 Symbol "argc" is a complex DWARF expression:
34740 1: DW_OP_fbreg 0
34741 @end smallexample
34742
34743 For more information on these expressions, see
34744 @uref{http://www.dwarfstd.org/, the DWARF standard}.
34745
34746 @kindex maint set dwarf2 max-cache-age
34747 @kindex maint show dwarf2 max-cache-age
34748 @item maint set dwarf2 max-cache-age
34749 @itemx maint show dwarf2 max-cache-age
34750 Control the DWARF 2 compilation unit cache.
34751
34752 @cindex DWARF 2 compilation units cache
34753 In object files with inter-compilation-unit references, such as those
34754 produced by the GCC option @samp{-feliminate-dwarf2-dups}, the DWARF 2
34755 reader needs to frequently refer to previously read compilation units.
34756 This setting controls how long a compilation unit will remain in the
34757 cache if it is not referenced. A higher limit means that cached
34758 compilation units will be stored in memory longer, and more total
34759 memory will be used. Setting it to zero disables caching, which will
34760 slow down @value{GDBN} startup, but reduce memory consumption.
34761
34762 @kindex maint set profile
34763 @kindex maint show profile
34764 @cindex profiling GDB
34765 @item maint set profile
34766 @itemx maint show profile
34767 Control profiling of @value{GDBN}.
34768
34769 Profiling will be disabled until you use the @samp{maint set profile}
34770 command to enable it. When you enable profiling, the system will begin
34771 collecting timing and execution count data; when you disable profiling or
34772 exit @value{GDBN}, the results will be written to a log file. Remember that
34773 if you use profiling, @value{GDBN} will overwrite the profiling log file
34774 (often called @file{gmon.out}). If you have a record of important profiling
34775 data in a @file{gmon.out} file, be sure to move it to a safe location.
34776
34777 Configuring with @samp{--enable-profiling} arranges for @value{GDBN} to be
34778 compiled with the @samp{-pg} compiler option.
34779
34780 @kindex maint set show-debug-regs
34781 @kindex maint show show-debug-regs
34782 @cindex hardware debug registers
34783 @item maint set show-debug-regs
34784 @itemx maint show show-debug-regs
34785 Control whether to show variables that mirror the hardware debug
34786 registers. Use @code{ON} to enable, @code{OFF} to disable. If
34787 enabled, the debug registers values are shown when @value{GDBN} inserts or
34788 removes a hardware breakpoint or watchpoint, and when the inferior
34789 triggers a hardware-assisted breakpoint or watchpoint.
34790
34791 @kindex maint set show-all-tib
34792 @kindex maint show show-all-tib
34793 @item maint set show-all-tib
34794 @itemx maint show show-all-tib
34795 Control whether to show all non zero areas within a 1k block starting
34796 at thread local base, when using the @samp{info w32 thread-information-block}
34797 command.
34798
34799 @kindex maint space
34800 @cindex memory used by commands
34801 @item maint space
34802 Control whether to display memory usage for each command. If set to a
34803 nonzero value, @value{GDBN} will display how much memory each command
34804 took, following the command's own output. This can also be requested
34805 by invoking @value{GDBN} with the @option{--statistics} command-line
34806 switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
34807
34808 @kindex maint time
34809 @cindex time of command execution
34810 @item maint time
34811 Control whether to display the execution time of @value{GDBN} for each command.
34812 If set to a nonzero value, @value{GDBN} will display how much time it
34813 took to execute each command, following the command's own output.
34814 Both CPU time and wallclock time are printed.
34815 Printing both is useful when trying to determine whether the cost is
34816 CPU or, e.g., disk/network, latency.
34817 Note that the CPU time printed is for @value{GDBN} only, it does not include
34818 the execution time of the inferior because there's no mechanism currently
34819 to compute how much time was spent by @value{GDBN} and how much time was
34820 spent by the program been debugged.
34821 This can also be requested by invoking @value{GDBN} with the
34822 @option{--statistics} command-line switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
34823
34824 @kindex maint translate-address
34825 @item maint translate-address @r{[}@var{section}@r{]} @var{addr}
34826 Find the symbol stored at the location specified by the address
34827 @var{addr} and an optional section name @var{section}. If found,
34828 @value{GDBN} prints the name of the closest symbol and an offset from
34829 the symbol's location to the specified address. This is similar to
34830 the @code{info address} command (@pxref{Symbols}), except that this
34831 command also allows to find symbols in other sections.
34832
34833 If section was not specified, the section in which the symbol was found
34834 is also printed. For dynamically linked executables, the name of
34835 executable or shared library containing the symbol is printed as well.
34836
34837 @end table
34838
34839 The following command is useful for non-interactive invocations of
34840 @value{GDBN}, such as in the test suite.
34841
34842 @table @code
34843 @item set watchdog @var{nsec}
34844 @kindex set watchdog
34845 @cindex watchdog timer
34846 @cindex timeout for commands
34847 Set the maximum number of seconds @value{GDBN} will wait for the
34848 target operation to finish. If this time expires, @value{GDBN}
34849 reports and error and the command is aborted.
34850
34851 @item show watchdog
34852 Show the current setting of the target wait timeout.
34853 @end table
34854
34855 @node Remote Protocol
34856 @appendix @value{GDBN} Remote Serial Protocol
34857
34858 @menu
34859 * Overview::
34860 * Packets::
34861 * Stop Reply Packets::
34862 * General Query Packets::
34863 * Architecture-Specific Protocol Details::
34864 * Tracepoint Packets::
34865 * Host I/O Packets::
34866 * Interrupts::
34867 * Notification Packets::
34868 * Remote Non-Stop::
34869 * Packet Acknowledgment::
34870 * Examples::
34871 * File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension::
34872 * Library List Format::
34873 * Library List Format for SVR4 Targets::
34874 * Memory Map Format::
34875 * Thread List Format::
34876 * Traceframe Info Format::
34877 @end menu
34878
34879 @node Overview
34880 @section Overview
34881
34882 There may be occasions when you need to know something about the
34883 protocol---for example, if there is only one serial port to your target
34884 machine, you might want your program to do something special if it
34885 recognizes a packet meant for @value{GDBN}.
34886
34887 In the examples below, @samp{->} and @samp{<-} are used to indicate
34888 transmitted and received data, respectively.
34889
34890 @cindex protocol, @value{GDBN} remote serial
34891 @cindex serial protocol, @value{GDBN} remote
34892 @cindex remote serial protocol
34893 All @value{GDBN} commands and responses (other than acknowledgments
34894 and notifications, see @ref{Notification Packets}) are sent as a
34895 @var{packet}. A @var{packet} is introduced with the character
34896 @samp{$}, the actual @var{packet-data}, and the terminating character
34897 @samp{#} followed by a two-digit @var{checksum}:
34898
34899 @smallexample
34900 @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
34901 @end smallexample
34902 @noindent
34903
34904 @cindex checksum, for @value{GDBN} remote
34905 @noindent
34906 The two-digit @var{checksum} is computed as the modulo 256 sum of all
34907 characters between the leading @samp{$} and the trailing @samp{#} (an
34908 eight bit unsigned checksum).
34909
34910 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0 the protocol
34911 specification also included an optional two-digit @var{sequence-id}:
34912
34913 @smallexample
34914 @code{$}@var{sequence-id}@code{:}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
34915 @end smallexample
34916
34917 @cindex sequence-id, for @value{GDBN} remote
34918 @noindent
34919 That @var{sequence-id} was appended to the acknowledgment. @value{GDBN}
34920 has never output @var{sequence-id}s. Stubs that handle packets added
34921 since @value{GDBN} 5.0 must not accept @var{sequence-id}.
34922
34923 When either the host or the target machine receives a packet, the first
34924 response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
34925 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request
34926 retransmission):
34927
34928 @smallexample
34929 -> @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
34930 <- @code{+}
34931 @end smallexample
34932 @noindent
34933
34934 The @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments can be disabled
34935 once a connection is established.
34936 @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}, for details.
34937
34938 The host (@value{GDBN}) sends @var{command}s, and the target (the
34939 debugging stub incorporated in your program) sends a @var{response}. In
34940 the case of step and continue @var{command}s, the response is only sent
34941 when the operation has completed, and the target has again stopped all
34942 threads in all attached processes. This is the default all-stop mode
34943 behavior, but the remote protocol also supports @value{GDBN}'s non-stop
34944 execution mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}, for details.
34945
34946 @var{packet-data} consists of a sequence of characters with the
34947 exception of @samp{#} and @samp{$} (see @samp{X} packet for additional
34948 exceptions).
34949
34950 @cindex remote protocol, field separator
34951 Fields within the packet should be separated using @samp{,} @samp{;} or
34952 @samp{:}. Except where otherwise noted all numbers are represented in
34953 @sc{hex} with leading zeros suppressed.
34954
34955 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0, the character
34956 @samp{:} could not appear as the third character in a packet (as it
34957 would potentially conflict with the @var{sequence-id}).
34958
34959 @cindex remote protocol, binary data
34960 @anchor{Binary Data}
34961 Binary data in most packets is encoded either as two hexadecimal
34962 digits per byte of binary data. This allowed the traditional remote
34963 protocol to work over connections which were only seven-bit clean.
34964 Some packets designed more recently assume an eight-bit clean
34965 connection, and use a more efficient encoding to send and receive
34966 binary data.
34967
34968 The binary data representation uses @code{7d} (@sc{ascii} @samp{@}})
34969 as an escape character. Any escaped byte is transmitted as the escape
34970 character followed by the original character XORed with @code{0x20}.
34971 For example, the byte @code{0x7d} would be transmitted as the two
34972 bytes @code{0x7d 0x5d}. The bytes @code{0x23} (@sc{ascii} @samp{#}),
34973 @code{0x24} (@sc{ascii} @samp{$}), and @code{0x7d} (@sc{ascii}
34974 @samp{@}}) must always be escaped. Responses sent by the stub
34975 must also escape @code{0x2a} (@sc{ascii} @samp{*}), so that it
34976 is not interpreted as the start of a run-length encoded sequence
34977 (described next).
34978
34979 Response @var{data} can be run-length encoded to save space.
34980 Run-length encoding replaces runs of identical characters with one
34981 instance of the repeated character, followed by a @samp{*} and a
34982 repeat count. The repeat count is itself sent encoded, to avoid
34983 binary characters in @var{data}: a value of @var{n} is sent as
34984 @code{@var{n}+29}. For a repeat count greater or equal to 3, this
34985 produces a printable @sc{ascii} character, e.g.@: a space (@sc{ascii}
34986 code 32) for a repeat count of 3. (This is because run-length
34987 encoding starts to win for counts 3 or more.) Thus, for example,
34988 @samp{0* } is a run-length encoding of ``0000'': the space character
34989 after @samp{*} means repeat the leading @code{0} @w{@code{32 - 29 =
34990 3}} more times.
34991
34992 The printable characters @samp{#} and @samp{$} or with a numeric value
34993 greater than 126 must not be used. Runs of six repeats (@samp{#}) or
34994 seven repeats (@samp{$}) can be expanded using a repeat count of only
34995 five (@samp{"}). For example, @samp{00000000} can be encoded as
34996 @samp{0*"00}.
34997
34998 The error response returned for some packets includes a two character
34999 error number. That number is not well defined.
35000
35001 @cindex empty response, for unsupported packets
35002 For any @var{command} not supported by the stub, an empty response
35003 (@samp{$#00}) should be returned. That way it is possible to extend the
35004 protocol. A newer @value{GDBN} can tell if a packet is supported based
35005 on that response.
35006
35007 At a minimum, a stub is required to support the @samp{g} and @samp{G}
35008 commands for register access, and the @samp{m} and @samp{M} commands
35009 for memory access. Stubs that only control single-threaded targets
35010 can implement run control with the @samp{c} (continue), and @samp{s}
35011 (step) commands. Stubs that support multi-threading targets should
35012 support the @samp{vCont} command. All other commands are optional.
35013
35014 @node Packets
35015 @section Packets
35016
35017 The following table provides a complete list of all currently defined
35018 @var{command}s and their corresponding response @var{data}.
35019 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for details about the File
35020 I/O extension of the remote protocol.
35021
35022 Each packet's description has a template showing the packet's overall
35023 syntax, followed by an explanation of the packet's meaning. We
35024 include spaces in some of the templates for clarity; these are not
35025 part of the packet's syntax. No @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to
35026 separate its components. For example, a template like @samp{foo
35027 @var{bar} @var{baz}} describes a packet beginning with the three ASCII
35028 bytes @samp{foo}, followed by a @var{bar}, followed directly by a
35029 @var{baz}. @value{GDBN} does not transmit a space character between the
35030 @samp{foo} and the @var{bar}, or between the @var{bar} and the
35031 @var{baz}.
35032
35033 @cindex @var{thread-id}, in remote protocol
35034 @anchor{thread-id syntax}
35035 Several packets and replies include a @var{thread-id} field to identify
35036 a thread. Normally these are positive numbers with a target-specific
35037 interpretation, formatted as big-endian hex strings. A @var{thread-id}
35038 can also be a literal @samp{-1} to indicate all threads, or @samp{0} to
35039 pick any thread.
35040
35041 In addition, the remote protocol supports a multiprocess feature in
35042 which the @var{thread-id} syntax is extended to optionally include both
35043 process and thread ID fields, as @samp{p@var{pid}.@var{tid}}.
35044 The @var{pid} (process) and @var{tid} (thread) components each have the
35045 format described above: a positive number with target-specific
35046 interpretation formatted as a big-endian hex string, literal @samp{-1}
35047 to indicate all processes or threads (respectively), or @samp{0} to
35048 indicate an arbitrary process or thread. Specifying just a process, as
35049 @samp{p@var{pid}}, is equivalent to @samp{p@var{pid}.-1}. It is an
35050 error to specify all processes but a specific thread, such as
35051 @samp{p-1.@var{tid}}. Note that the @samp{p} prefix is @emph{not} used
35052 for those packets and replies explicitly documented to include a process
35053 ID, rather than a @var{thread-id}.
35054
35055 The multiprocess @var{thread-id} syntax extensions are only used if both
35056 @value{GDBN} and the stub report support for the @samp{multiprocess}
35057 feature using @samp{qSupported}. @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for
35058 more information.
35059
35060 Note that all packet forms beginning with an upper- or lower-case
35061 letter, other than those described here, are reserved for future use.
35062
35063 Here are the packet descriptions.
35064
35065 @table @samp
35066
35067 @item !
35068 @cindex @samp{!} packet
35069 @anchor{extended mode}
35070 Enable extended mode. In extended mode, the remote server is made
35071 persistent. The @samp{R} packet is used to restart the program being
35072 debugged.
35073
35074 Reply:
35075 @table @samp
35076 @item OK
35077 The remote target both supports and has enabled extended mode.
35078 @end table
35079
35080 @item ?
35081 @cindex @samp{?} packet
35082 Indicate the reason the target halted. The reply is the same as for
35083 step and continue. This packet has a special interpretation when the
35084 target is in non-stop mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}.
35085
35086 Reply:
35087 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35088
35089 @item A @var{arglen},@var{argnum},@var{arg},@dots{}
35090 @cindex @samp{A} packet
35091 Initialized @code{argv[]} array passed into program. @var{arglen}
35092 specifies the number of bytes in the hex encoded byte stream
35093 @var{arg}. See @code{gdbserver} for more details.
35094
35095 Reply:
35096 @table @samp
35097 @item OK
35098 The arguments were set.
35099 @item E @var{NN}
35100 An error occurred.
35101 @end table
35102
35103 @item b @var{baud}
35104 @cindex @samp{b} packet
35105 (Don't use this packet; its behavior is not well-defined.)
35106 Change the serial line speed to @var{baud}.
35107
35108 JTC: @emph{When does the transport layer state change? When it's
35109 received, or after the ACK is transmitted. In either case, there are
35110 problems if the command or the acknowledgment packet is dropped.}
35111
35112 Stan: @emph{If people really wanted to add something like this, and get
35113 it working for the first time, they ought to modify ser-unix.c to send
35114 some kind of out-of-band message to a specially-setup stub and have the
35115 switch happen "in between" packets, so that from remote protocol's point
35116 of view, nothing actually happened.}
35117
35118 @item B @var{addr},@var{mode}
35119 @cindex @samp{B} packet
35120 Set (@var{mode} is @samp{S}) or clear (@var{mode} is @samp{C}) a
35121 breakpoint at @var{addr}.
35122
35123 Don't use this packet. Use the @samp{Z} and @samp{z} packets instead
35124 (@pxref{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}).
35125
35126 @cindex @samp{bc} packet
35127 @anchor{bc}
35128 @item bc
35129 Backward continue. Execute the target system in reverse. No parameter.
35130 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
35131
35132 Reply:
35133 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35134
35135 @cindex @samp{bs} packet
35136 @anchor{bs}
35137 @item bs
35138 Backward single step. Execute one instruction in reverse. No parameter.
35139 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
35140
35141 Reply:
35142 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35143
35144 @item c @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
35145 @cindex @samp{c} packet
35146 Continue. @var{addr} is address to resume. If @var{addr} is omitted,
35147 resume at current address.
35148
35149 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
35150 packet}.
35151
35152 Reply:
35153 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35154
35155 @item C @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
35156 @cindex @samp{C} packet
35157 Continue with signal @var{sig} (hex signal number). If
35158 @samp{;@var{addr}} is omitted, resume at same address.
35159
35160 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
35161 packet}.
35162
35163 Reply:
35164 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35165
35166 @item d
35167 @cindex @samp{d} packet
35168 Toggle debug flag.
35169
35170 Don't use this packet; instead, define a general set packet
35171 (@pxref{General Query Packets}).
35172
35173 @item D
35174 @itemx D;@var{pid}
35175 @cindex @samp{D} packet
35176 The first form of the packet is used to detach @value{GDBN} from the
35177 remote system. It is sent to the remote target
35178 before @value{GDBN} disconnects via the @code{detach} command.
35179
35180 The second form, including a process ID, is used when multiprocess
35181 protocol extensions are enabled (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}), to
35182 detach only a specific process. The @var{pid} is specified as a
35183 big-endian hex string.
35184
35185 Reply:
35186 @table @samp
35187 @item OK
35188 for success
35189 @item E @var{NN}
35190 for an error
35191 @end table
35192
35193 @item F @var{RC},@var{EE},@var{CF};@var{XX}
35194 @cindex @samp{F} packet
35195 A reply from @value{GDBN} to an @samp{F} packet sent by the target.
35196 This is part of the File-I/O protocol extension. @xref{File-I/O
35197 Remote Protocol Extension}, for the specification.
35198
35199 @item g
35200 @anchor{read registers packet}
35201 @cindex @samp{g} packet
35202 Read general registers.
35203
35204 Reply:
35205 @table @samp
35206 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
35207 Each byte of register data is described by two hex digits. The bytes
35208 with the register are transmitted in target byte order. The size of
35209 each register and their position within the @samp{g} packet are
35210 determined by the @value{GDBN} internal gdbarch functions
35211 @code{DEPRECATED_REGISTER_RAW_SIZE} and @code{gdbarch_register_name}. The
35212 specification of several standard @samp{g} packets is specified below.
35213
35214 When reading registers from a trace frame (@pxref{Analyze Collected
35215 Data,,Using the Collected Data}), the stub may also return a string of
35216 literal @samp{x}'s in place of the register data digits, to indicate
35217 that the corresponding register has not been collected, thus its value
35218 is unavailable. For example, for an architecture with 4 registers of
35219 4 bytes each, the following reply indicates to @value{GDBN} that
35220 registers 0 and 2 have not been collected, while registers 1 and 3
35221 have been collected, and both have zero value:
35222
35223 @smallexample
35224 -> @code{g}
35225 <- @code{xxxxxxxx00000000xxxxxxxx00000000}
35226 @end smallexample
35227
35228 @item E @var{NN}
35229 for an error.
35230 @end table
35231
35232 @item G @var{XX@dots{}}
35233 @cindex @samp{G} packet
35234 Write general registers. @xref{read registers packet}, for a
35235 description of the @var{XX@dots{}} data.
35236
35237 Reply:
35238 @table @samp
35239 @item OK
35240 for success
35241 @item E @var{NN}
35242 for an error
35243 @end table
35244
35245 @item H @var{op} @var{thread-id}
35246 @cindex @samp{H} packet
35247 Set thread for subsequent operations (@samp{m}, @samp{M}, @samp{g},
35248 @samp{G}, et.al.). @var{op} depends on the operation to be performed:
35249 it should be @samp{c} for step and continue operations (note that this
35250 is deprecated, supporting the @samp{vCont} command is a better
35251 option), @samp{g} for other operations. The thread designator
35252 @var{thread-id} has the format and interpretation described in
35253 @ref{thread-id syntax}.
35254
35255 Reply:
35256 @table @samp
35257 @item OK
35258 for success
35259 @item E @var{NN}
35260 for an error
35261 @end table
35262
35263 @c FIXME: JTC:
35264 @c 'H': How restrictive (or permissive) is the thread model. If a
35265 @c thread is selected and stopped, are other threads allowed
35266 @c to continue to execute? As I mentioned above, I think the
35267 @c semantics of each command when a thread is selected must be
35268 @c described. For example:
35269 @c
35270 @c 'g': If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
35271 @c selected, returns the register block from that thread;
35272 @c otherwise returns current registers.
35273 @c
35274 @c 'G' If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
35275 @c selected, sets the registers of the register block of
35276 @c that thread; otherwise sets current registers.
35277
35278 @item i @r{[}@var{addr}@r{[},@var{nnn}@r{]]}
35279 @anchor{cycle step packet}
35280 @cindex @samp{i} packet
35281 Step the remote target by a single clock cycle. If @samp{,@var{nnn}} is
35282 present, cycle step @var{nnn} cycles. If @var{addr} is present, cycle
35283 step starting at that address.
35284
35285 @item I
35286 @cindex @samp{I} packet
35287 Signal, then cycle step. @xref{step with signal packet}. @xref{cycle
35288 step packet}.
35289
35290 @item k
35291 @cindex @samp{k} packet
35292 Kill request.
35293
35294 FIXME: @emph{There is no description of how to operate when a specific
35295 thread context has been selected (i.e.@: does 'k' kill only that
35296 thread?)}.
35297
35298 @item m @var{addr},@var{length}
35299 @cindex @samp{m} packet
35300 Read @var{length} bytes of memory starting at address @var{addr}.
35301 Note that @var{addr} may not be aligned to any particular boundary.
35302
35303 The stub need not use any particular size or alignment when gathering
35304 data from memory for the response; even if @var{addr} is word-aligned
35305 and @var{length} is a multiple of the word size, the stub is free to
35306 use byte accesses, or not. For this reason, this packet may not be
35307 suitable for accessing memory-mapped I/O devices.
35308 @cindex alignment of remote memory accesses
35309 @cindex size of remote memory accesses
35310 @cindex memory, alignment and size of remote accesses
35311
35312 Reply:
35313 @table @samp
35314 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
35315 Memory contents; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit hexadecimal
35316 number. The reply may contain fewer bytes than requested if the
35317 server was able to read only part of the region of memory.
35318 @item E @var{NN}
35319 @var{NN} is errno
35320 @end table
35321
35322 @item M @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
35323 @cindex @samp{M} packet
35324 Write @var{length} bytes of memory starting at address @var{addr}.
35325 @var{XX@dots{}} is the data; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit
35326 hexadecimal number.
35327
35328 Reply:
35329 @table @samp
35330 @item OK
35331 for success
35332 @item E @var{NN}
35333 for an error (this includes the case where only part of the data was
35334 written).
35335 @end table
35336
35337 @item p @var{n}
35338 @cindex @samp{p} packet
35339 Read the value of register @var{n}; @var{n} is in hex.
35340 @xref{read registers packet}, for a description of how the returned
35341 register value is encoded.
35342
35343 Reply:
35344 @table @samp
35345 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
35346 the register's value
35347 @item E @var{NN}
35348 for an error
35349 @item
35350 Indicating an unrecognized @var{query}.
35351 @end table
35352
35353 @item P @var{n@dots{}}=@var{r@dots{}}
35354 @anchor{write register packet}
35355 @cindex @samp{P} packet
35356 Write register @var{n@dots{}} with value @var{r@dots{}}. The register
35357 number @var{n} is in hexadecimal, and @var{r@dots{}} contains two hex
35358 digits for each byte in the register (target byte order).
35359
35360 Reply:
35361 @table @samp
35362 @item OK
35363 for success
35364 @item E @var{NN}
35365 for an error
35366 @end table
35367
35368 @item q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
35369 @itemx Q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
35370 @cindex @samp{q} packet
35371 @cindex @samp{Q} packet
35372 General query (@samp{q}) and set (@samp{Q}). These packets are
35373 described fully in @ref{General Query Packets}.
35374
35375 @item r
35376 @cindex @samp{r} packet
35377 Reset the entire system.
35378
35379 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{R} packet instead.
35380
35381 @item R @var{XX}
35382 @cindex @samp{R} packet
35383 Restart the program being debugged. @var{XX}, while needed, is ignored.
35384 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
35385
35386 The @samp{R} packet has no reply.
35387
35388 @item s @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
35389 @cindex @samp{s} packet
35390 Single step. @var{addr} is the address at which to resume. If
35391 @var{addr} is omitted, resume at same address.
35392
35393 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
35394 packet}.
35395
35396 Reply:
35397 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35398
35399 @item S @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
35400 @anchor{step with signal packet}
35401 @cindex @samp{S} packet
35402 Step with signal. This is analogous to the @samp{C} packet, but
35403 requests a single-step, rather than a normal resumption of execution.
35404
35405 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
35406 packet}.
35407
35408 Reply:
35409 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35410
35411 @item t @var{addr}:@var{PP},@var{MM}
35412 @cindex @samp{t} packet
35413 Search backwards starting at address @var{addr} for a match with pattern
35414 @var{PP} and mask @var{MM}. @var{PP} and @var{MM} are 4 bytes.
35415 @var{addr} must be at least 3 digits.
35416
35417 @item T @var{thread-id}
35418 @cindex @samp{T} packet
35419 Find out if the thread @var{thread-id} is alive. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
35420
35421 Reply:
35422 @table @samp
35423 @item OK
35424 thread is still alive
35425 @item E @var{NN}
35426 thread is dead
35427 @end table
35428
35429 @item v
35430 Packets starting with @samp{v} are identified by a multi-letter name,
35431 up to the first @samp{;} or @samp{?} (or the end of the packet).
35432
35433 @item vAttach;@var{pid}
35434 @cindex @samp{vAttach} packet
35435 Attach to a new process with the specified process ID @var{pid}.
35436 The process ID is a
35437 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. In all-stop mode, all
35438 threads in the attached process are stopped; in non-stop mode, it may be
35439 attached without being stopped if that is supported by the target.
35440
35441 @c In non-stop mode, on a successful vAttach, the stub should set the
35442 @c current thread to a thread of the newly-attached process. After
35443 @c attaching, GDB queries for the attached process's thread ID with qC.
35444 @c Also note that, from a user perspective, whether or not the
35445 @c target is stopped on attach in non-stop mode depends on whether you
35446 @c use the foreground or background version of the attach command, not
35447 @c on what vAttach does; GDB does the right thing with respect to either
35448 @c stopping or restarting threads.
35449
35450 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
35451
35452 Reply:
35453 @table @samp
35454 @item E @var{nn}
35455 for an error
35456 @item @r{Any stop packet}
35457 for success in all-stop mode (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
35458 @item OK
35459 for success in non-stop mode (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop})
35460 @end table
35461
35462 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@r{[}:@var{thread-id}@r{]]}@dots{}
35463 @cindex @samp{vCont} packet
35464 @anchor{vCont packet}
35465 Resume the inferior, specifying different actions for each thread.
35466 If an action is specified with no @var{thread-id}, then it is applied to any
35467 threads that don't have a specific action specified; if no default action is
35468 specified then other threads should remain stopped in all-stop mode and
35469 in their current state in non-stop mode.
35470 Specifying multiple
35471 default actions is an error; specifying no actions is also an error.
35472 Thread IDs are specified using the syntax described in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
35473
35474 Currently supported actions are:
35475
35476 @table @samp
35477 @item c
35478 Continue.
35479 @item C @var{sig}
35480 Continue with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
35481 @item s
35482 Step.
35483 @item S @var{sig}
35484 Step with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
35485 @item t
35486 Stop.
35487 @end table
35488
35489 The optional argument @var{addr} normally associated with the
35490 @samp{c}, @samp{C}, @samp{s}, and @samp{S} packets is
35491 not supported in @samp{vCont}.
35492
35493 The @samp{t} action is only relevant in non-stop mode
35494 (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop}) and may be ignored by the stub otherwise.
35495 A stop reply should be generated for any affected thread not already stopped.
35496 When a thread is stopped by means of a @samp{t} action,
35497 the corresponding stop reply should indicate that the thread has stopped with
35498 signal @samp{0}, regardless of whether the target uses some other signal
35499 as an implementation detail.
35500
35501 The stub must support @samp{vCont} if it reports support for
35502 multiprocess extensions (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}). Note that in
35503 this case @samp{vCont} actions can be specified to apply to all threads
35504 in a process by using the @samp{p@var{pid}.-1} form of the
35505 @var{thread-id}.
35506
35507 Reply:
35508 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35509
35510 @item vCont?
35511 @cindex @samp{vCont?} packet
35512 Request a list of actions supported by the @samp{vCont} packet.
35513
35514 Reply:
35515 @table @samp
35516 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@dots{}@r{]}
35517 The @samp{vCont} packet is supported. Each @var{action} is a supported
35518 command in the @samp{vCont} packet.
35519 @item
35520 The @samp{vCont} packet is not supported.
35521 @end table
35522
35523 @item vFile:@var{operation}:@var{parameter}@dots{}
35524 @cindex @samp{vFile} packet
35525 Perform a file operation on the target system. For details,
35526 see @ref{Host I/O Packets}.
35527
35528 @item vFlashErase:@var{addr},@var{length}
35529 @cindex @samp{vFlashErase} packet
35530 Direct the stub to erase @var{length} bytes of flash starting at
35531 @var{addr}. The region may enclose any number of flash blocks, but
35532 its start and end must fall on block boundaries, as indicated by the
35533 flash block size appearing in the memory map (@pxref{Memory Map
35534 Format}). @value{GDBN} groups flash memory programming operations
35535 together, and sends a @samp{vFlashDone} request after each group; the
35536 stub is allowed to delay erase operation until the @samp{vFlashDone}
35537 packet is received.
35538
35539 Reply:
35540 @table @samp
35541 @item OK
35542 for success
35543 @item E @var{NN}
35544 for an error
35545 @end table
35546
35547 @item vFlashWrite:@var{addr}:@var{XX@dots{}}
35548 @cindex @samp{vFlashWrite} packet
35549 Direct the stub to write data to flash address @var{addr}. The data
35550 is passed in binary form using the same encoding as for the @samp{X}
35551 packet (@pxref{Binary Data}). The memory ranges specified by
35552 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets preceding a @samp{vFlashDone} packet must
35553 not overlap, and must appear in order of increasing addresses
35554 (although @samp{vFlashErase} packets for higher addresses may already
35555 have been received; the ordering is guaranteed only between
35556 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets). If a packet writes to an address that was
35557 neither erased by a preceding @samp{vFlashErase} packet nor by some other
35558 target-specific method, the results are unpredictable.
35559
35560
35561 Reply:
35562 @table @samp
35563 @item OK
35564 for success
35565 @item E.memtype
35566 for vFlashWrite addressing non-flash memory
35567 @item E @var{NN}
35568 for an error
35569 @end table
35570
35571 @item vFlashDone
35572 @cindex @samp{vFlashDone} packet
35573 Indicate to the stub that flash programming operation is finished.
35574 The stub is permitted to delay or batch the effects of a group of
35575 @samp{vFlashErase} and @samp{vFlashWrite} packets until a
35576 @samp{vFlashDone} packet is received. The contents of the affected
35577 regions of flash memory are unpredictable until the @samp{vFlashDone}
35578 request is completed.
35579
35580 @item vKill;@var{pid}
35581 @cindex @samp{vKill} packet
35582 Kill the process with the specified process ID. @var{pid} is a
35583 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. This packet is used in
35584 preference to @samp{k} when multiprocess protocol extensions are
35585 supported; see @ref{multiprocess extensions}.
35586
35587 Reply:
35588 @table @samp
35589 @item E @var{nn}
35590 for an error
35591 @item OK
35592 for success
35593 @end table
35594
35595 @item vRun;@var{filename}@r{[};@var{argument}@r{]}@dots{}
35596 @cindex @samp{vRun} packet
35597 Run the program @var{filename}, passing it each @var{argument} on its
35598 command line. The file and arguments are hex-encoded strings. If
35599 @var{filename} is an empty string, the stub may use a default program
35600 (e.g.@: the last program run). The program is created in the stopped
35601 state.
35602
35603 @c FIXME: What about non-stop mode?
35604
35605 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
35606
35607 Reply:
35608 @table @samp
35609 @item E @var{nn}
35610 for an error
35611 @item @r{Any stop packet}
35612 for success (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
35613 @end table
35614
35615 @item vStopped
35616 @anchor{vStopped packet}
35617 @cindex @samp{vStopped} packet
35618
35619 In non-stop mode (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop}), acknowledge a previous stop
35620 reply and prompt for the stub to report another one.
35621
35622 Reply:
35623 @table @samp
35624 @item @r{Any stop packet}
35625 if there is another unreported stop event (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
35626 @item OK
35627 if there are no unreported stop events
35628 @end table
35629
35630 @item X @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
35631 @anchor{X packet}
35632 @cindex @samp{X} packet
35633 Write data to memory, where the data is transmitted in binary.
35634 @var{addr} is address, @var{length} is number of bytes,
35635 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
35636
35637 Reply:
35638 @table @samp
35639 @item OK
35640 for success
35641 @item E @var{NN}
35642 for an error
35643 @end table
35644
35645 @item z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{kind}
35646 @itemx Z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{kind}
35647 @anchor{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}
35648 @cindex @samp{z} packet
35649 @cindex @samp{Z} packets
35650 Insert (@samp{Z}) or remove (@samp{z}) a @var{type} breakpoint or
35651 watchpoint starting at address @var{address} of kind @var{kind}.
35652
35653 Each breakpoint and watchpoint packet @var{type} is documented
35654 separately.
35655
35656 @emph{Implementation notes: A remote target shall return an empty string
35657 for an unrecognized breakpoint or watchpoint packet @var{type}. A
35658 remote target shall support either both or neither of a given
35659 @samp{Z@var{type}@dots{}} and @samp{z@var{type}@dots{}} packet pair. To
35660 avoid potential problems with duplicate packets, the operations should
35661 be implemented in an idempotent way.}
35662
35663 @item z0,@var{addr},@var{kind}
35664 @itemx Z0,@var{addr},@var{kind}@r{[};@var{cond_list}@dots{}@r{]}
35665 @cindex @samp{z0} packet
35666 @cindex @samp{Z0} packet
35667 Insert (@samp{Z0}) or remove (@samp{z0}) a memory breakpoint at address
35668 @var{addr} of type @var{kind}.
35669
35670 A memory breakpoint is implemented by replacing the instruction at
35671 @var{addr} with a software breakpoint or trap instruction. The
35672 @var{kind} is target-specific and typically indicates the size of
35673 the breakpoint in bytes that should be inserted. E.g., the @sc{arm}
35674 and @sc{mips} can insert either a 2 or 4 byte breakpoint. Some
35675 architectures have additional meanings for @var{kind};
35676 @var{cond_list} is an optional list of conditional expressions in bytecode
35677 form that should be evaluated on the target's side. These are the
35678 conditions that should be taken into consideration when deciding if
35679 the breakpoint trigger should be reported back to @var{GDBN}.
35680
35681 The @var{cond_list} parameter is comprised of a series of expressions,
35682 concatenated without separators. Each expression has the following form:
35683
35684 @table @samp
35685
35686 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
35687 @var{len} is the length of the bytecode expression and @var{expr} is the
35688 actual conditional expression in bytecode form.
35689
35690 @end table
35691
35692 see @ref{Architecture-Specific Protocol Details}.
35693
35694 @emph{Implementation note: It is possible for a target to copy or move
35695 code that contains memory breakpoints (e.g., when implementing
35696 overlays). The behavior of this packet, in the presence of such a
35697 target, is not defined.}
35698
35699 Reply:
35700 @table @samp
35701 @item OK
35702 success
35703 @item
35704 not supported
35705 @item E @var{NN}
35706 for an error
35707 @end table
35708
35709 @item z1,@var{addr},@var{kind}
35710 @itemx Z1,@var{addr},@var{kind}@r{[};@var{cond_list}@dots{}@r{]}
35711 @cindex @samp{z1} packet
35712 @cindex @samp{Z1} packet
35713 Insert (@samp{Z1}) or remove (@samp{z1}) a hardware breakpoint at
35714 address @var{addr}.
35715
35716 A hardware breakpoint is implemented using a mechanism that is not
35717 dependant on being able to modify the target's memory. @var{kind}
35718 and @var{cond_list} have the same meaning as in @samp{Z0} packets.
35719
35720 @emph{Implementation note: A hardware breakpoint is not affected by code
35721 movement.}
35722
35723 Reply:
35724 @table @samp
35725 @item OK
35726 success
35727 @item
35728 not supported
35729 @item E @var{NN}
35730 for an error
35731 @end table
35732
35733 @item z2,@var{addr},@var{kind}
35734 @itemx Z2,@var{addr},@var{kind}
35735 @cindex @samp{z2} packet
35736 @cindex @samp{Z2} packet
35737 Insert (@samp{Z2}) or remove (@samp{z2}) a write watchpoint at @var{addr}.
35738 @var{kind} is interpreted as the number of bytes to watch.
35739
35740 Reply:
35741 @table @samp
35742 @item OK
35743 success
35744 @item
35745 not supported
35746 @item E @var{NN}
35747 for an error
35748 @end table
35749
35750 @item z3,@var{addr},@var{kind}
35751 @itemx Z3,@var{addr},@var{kind}
35752 @cindex @samp{z3} packet
35753 @cindex @samp{Z3} packet
35754 Insert (@samp{Z3}) or remove (@samp{z3}) a read watchpoint at @var{addr}.
35755 @var{kind} is interpreted as the number of bytes to watch.
35756
35757 Reply:
35758 @table @samp
35759 @item OK
35760 success
35761 @item
35762 not supported
35763 @item E @var{NN}
35764 for an error
35765 @end table
35766
35767 @item z4,@var{addr},@var{kind}
35768 @itemx Z4,@var{addr},@var{kind}
35769 @cindex @samp{z4} packet
35770 @cindex @samp{Z4} packet
35771 Insert (@samp{Z4}) or remove (@samp{z4}) an access watchpoint at @var{addr}.
35772 @var{kind} is interpreted as the number of bytes to watch.
35773
35774 Reply:
35775 @table @samp
35776 @item OK
35777 success
35778 @item
35779 not supported
35780 @item E @var{NN}
35781 for an error
35782 @end table
35783
35784 @end table
35785
35786 @node Stop Reply Packets
35787 @section Stop Reply Packets
35788 @cindex stop reply packets
35789
35790 The @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}, @samp{s}, @samp{vCont},
35791 @samp{vAttach}, @samp{vRun}, @samp{vStopped}, and @samp{?} packets can
35792 receive any of the below as a reply. Except for @samp{?}
35793 and @samp{vStopped}, that reply is only returned
35794 when the target halts. In the below the exact meaning of @dfn{signal
35795 number} is defined by the header @file{include/gdb/signals.h} in the
35796 @value{GDBN} source code.
35797
35798 As in the description of request packets, we include spaces in the
35799 reply templates for clarity; these are not part of the reply packet's
35800 syntax. No @value{GDBN} stop reply packet uses spaces to separate its
35801 components.
35802
35803 @table @samp
35804
35805 @item S @var{AA}
35806 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
35807 number). This is equivalent to a @samp{T} response with no
35808 @var{n}:@var{r} pairs.
35809
35810 @item T @var{AA} @var{n1}:@var{r1};@var{n2}:@var{r2};@dots{}
35811 @cindex @samp{T} packet reply
35812 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
35813 number). This is equivalent to an @samp{S} response, except that the
35814 @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pairs can carry values of important registers
35815 and other information directly in the stop reply packet, reducing
35816 round-trip latency. Single-step and breakpoint traps are reported
35817 this way. Each @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair is interpreted as follows:
35818
35819 @itemize @bullet
35820 @item
35821 If @var{n} is a hexadecimal number, it is a register number, and the
35822 corresponding @var{r} gives that register's value. @var{r} is a
35823 series of bytes in target byte order, with each byte given by a
35824 two-digit hex number.
35825
35826 @item
35827 If @var{n} is @samp{thread}, then @var{r} is the @var{thread-id} of
35828 the stopped thread, as specified in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
35829
35830 @item
35831 If @var{n} is @samp{core}, then @var{r} is the hexadecimal number of
35832 the core on which the stop event was detected.
35833
35834 @item
35835 If @var{n} is a recognized @dfn{stop reason}, it describes a more
35836 specific event that stopped the target. The currently defined stop
35837 reasons are listed below. @var{aa} should be @samp{05}, the trap
35838 signal. At most one stop reason should be present.
35839
35840 @item
35841 Otherwise, @value{GDBN} should ignore this @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair
35842 and go on to the next; this allows us to extend the protocol in the
35843 future.
35844 @end itemize
35845
35846 The currently defined stop reasons are:
35847
35848 @table @samp
35849 @item watch
35850 @itemx rwatch
35851 @itemx awatch
35852 The packet indicates a watchpoint hit, and @var{r} is the data address, in
35853 hex.
35854
35855 @cindex shared library events, remote reply
35856 @item library
35857 The packet indicates that the loaded libraries have changed.
35858 @value{GDBN} should use @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} to fetch a new
35859 list of loaded libraries. @var{r} is ignored.
35860
35861 @cindex replay log events, remote reply
35862 @item replaylog
35863 The packet indicates that the target cannot continue replaying
35864 logged execution events, because it has reached the end (or the
35865 beginning when executing backward) of the log. The value of @var{r}
35866 will be either @samp{begin} or @samp{end}. @xref{Reverse Execution},
35867 for more information.
35868 @end table
35869
35870 @item W @var{AA}
35871 @itemx W @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
35872 The process exited, and @var{AA} is the exit status. This is only
35873 applicable to certain targets.
35874
35875 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the exited
35876 process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported support for
35877 multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess extensions}.
35878 The @var{pid} is formatted as a big-endian hex string.
35879
35880 @item X @var{AA}
35881 @itemx X @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
35882 The process terminated with signal @var{AA}.
35883
35884 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the
35885 terminated process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported
35886 support for multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess
35887 extensions}. The @var{pid} is formatted as a big-endian hex string.
35888
35889 @item O @var{XX}@dots{}
35890 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data, to be
35891 written as the program's console output. This can happen at any time
35892 while the program is running and the debugger should continue to wait
35893 for @samp{W}, @samp{T}, etc. This reply is not permitted in non-stop mode.
35894
35895 @item F @var{call-id},@var{parameter}@dots{}
35896 @var{call-id} is the identifier which says which host system call should
35897 be called. This is just the name of the function. Translation into the
35898 correct system call is only applicable as it's defined in @value{GDBN}.
35899 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for a list of implemented
35900 system calls.
35901
35902 @samp{@var{parameter}@dots{}} is a list of parameters as defined for
35903 this very system call.
35904
35905 The target replies with this packet when it expects @value{GDBN} to
35906 call a host system call on behalf of the target. @value{GDBN} replies
35907 with an appropriate @samp{F} packet and keeps up waiting for the next
35908 reply packet from the target. The latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
35909 or @samp{s} action is expected to be continued. @xref{File-I/O Remote
35910 Protocol Extension}, for more details.
35911
35912 @end table
35913
35914 @node General Query Packets
35915 @section General Query Packets
35916 @cindex remote query requests
35917
35918 Packets starting with @samp{q} are @dfn{general query packets};
35919 packets starting with @samp{Q} are @dfn{general set packets}. General
35920 query and set packets are a semi-unified form for retrieving and
35921 sending information to and from the stub.
35922
35923 The initial letter of a query or set packet is followed by a name
35924 indicating what sort of thing the packet applies to. For example,
35925 @value{GDBN} may use a @samp{qSymbol} packet to exchange symbol
35926 definitions with the stub. These packet names follow some
35927 conventions:
35928
35929 @itemize @bullet
35930 @item
35931 The name must not contain commas, colons or semicolons.
35932 @item
35933 Most @value{GDBN} query and set packets have a leading upper case
35934 letter.
35935 @item
35936 The names of custom vendor packets should use a company prefix, in
35937 lower case, followed by a period. For example, packets designed at
35938 the Acme Corporation might begin with @samp{qacme.foo} (for querying
35939 foos) or @samp{Qacme.bar} (for setting bars).
35940 @end itemize
35941
35942 The name of a query or set packet should be separated from any
35943 parameters by a @samp{:}; the parameters themselves should be
35944 separated by @samp{,} or @samp{;}. Stubs must be careful to match the
35945 full packet name, and check for a separator or the end of the packet,
35946 in case two packet names share a common prefix. New packets should not begin
35947 with @samp{qC}, @samp{qP}, or @samp{qL}@footnote{The @samp{qP} and @samp{qL}
35948 packets predate these conventions, and have arguments without any terminator
35949 for the packet name; we suspect they are in widespread use in places that
35950 are difficult to upgrade. The @samp{qC} packet has no arguments, but some
35951 existing stubs (e.g.@: RedBoot) are known to not check for the end of the
35952 packet.}.
35953
35954 Like the descriptions of the other packets, each description here
35955 has a template showing the packet's overall syntax, followed by an
35956 explanation of the packet's meaning. We include spaces in some of the
35957 templates for clarity; these are not part of the packet's syntax. No
35958 @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to separate its components.
35959
35960 Here are the currently defined query and set packets:
35961
35962 @table @samp
35963
35964 @item QAgent:1
35965 @item QAgent:0
35966 Turn on or off the agent as a helper to perform some debugging operations
35967 delegated from @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Control Agent}).
35968
35969 @item QAllow:@var{op}:@var{val}@dots{}
35970 @cindex @samp{QAllow} packet
35971 Specify which operations @value{GDBN} expects to request of the
35972 target, as a semicolon-separated list of operation name and value
35973 pairs. Possible values for @var{op} include @samp{WriteReg},
35974 @samp{WriteMem}, @samp{InsertBreak}, @samp{InsertTrace},
35975 @samp{InsertFastTrace}, and @samp{Stop}. @var{val} is either 0,
35976 indicating that @value{GDBN} will not request the operation, or 1,
35977 indicating that it may. (The target can then use this to set up its
35978 own internals optimally, for instance if the debugger never expects to
35979 insert breakpoints, it may not need to install its own trap handler.)
35980
35981 @item qC
35982 @cindex current thread, remote request
35983 @cindex @samp{qC} packet
35984 Return the current thread ID.
35985
35986 Reply:
35987 @table @samp
35988 @item QC @var{thread-id}
35989 Where @var{thread-id} is a thread ID as documented in
35990 @ref{thread-id syntax}.
35991 @item @r{(anything else)}
35992 Any other reply implies the old thread ID.
35993 @end table
35994
35995 @item qCRC:@var{addr},@var{length}
35996 @cindex CRC of memory block, remote request
35997 @cindex @samp{qCRC} packet
35998 Compute the CRC checksum of a block of memory using CRC-32 defined in
35999 IEEE 802.3. The CRC is computed byte at a time, taking the most
36000 significant bit of each byte first. The initial pattern code
36001 @code{0xffffffff} is used to ensure leading zeros affect the CRC.
36002
36003 @emph{Note:} This is the same CRC used in validating separate debug
36004 files (@pxref{Separate Debug Files, , Debugging Information in Separate
36005 Files}). However the algorithm is slightly different. When validating
36006 separate debug files, the CRC is computed taking the @emph{least}
36007 significant bit of each byte first, and the final result is inverted to
36008 detect trailing zeros.
36009
36010 Reply:
36011 @table @samp
36012 @item E @var{NN}
36013 An error (such as memory fault)
36014 @item C @var{crc32}
36015 The specified memory region's checksum is @var{crc32}.
36016 @end table
36017
36018 @item QDisableRandomization:@var{value}
36019 @cindex disable address space randomization, remote request
36020 @cindex @samp{QDisableRandomization} packet
36021 Some target operating systems will randomize the virtual address space
36022 of the inferior process as a security feature, but provide a feature
36023 to disable such randomization, e.g.@: to allow for a more deterministic
36024 debugging experience. On such systems, this packet with a @var{value}
36025 of 1 directs the target to disable address space randomization for
36026 processes subsequently started via @samp{vRun} packets, while a packet
36027 with a @var{value} of 0 tells the target to enable address space
36028 randomization.
36029
36030 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
36031
36032 Reply:
36033 @table @samp
36034 @item OK
36035 The request succeeded.
36036
36037 @item E @var{nn}
36038 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
36039
36040 @item
36041 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QDisableRandomization} is not supported
36042 by the stub.
36043 @end table
36044
36045 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
36046 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
36047 This should only be done on targets that actually support disabling
36048 address space randomization.
36049
36050 @item qfThreadInfo
36051 @itemx qsThreadInfo
36052 @cindex list active threads, remote request
36053 @cindex @samp{qfThreadInfo} packet
36054 @cindex @samp{qsThreadInfo} packet
36055 Obtain a list of all active thread IDs from the target (OS). Since there
36056 may be too many active threads to fit into one reply packet, this query
36057 works iteratively: it may require more than one query/reply sequence to
36058 obtain the entire list of threads. The first query of the sequence will
36059 be the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query; subsequent queries in the
36060 sequence will be the @samp{qsThreadInfo} query.
36061
36062 NOTE: This packet replaces the @samp{qL} query (see below).
36063
36064 Reply:
36065 @table @samp
36066 @item m @var{thread-id}
36067 A single thread ID
36068 @item m @var{thread-id},@var{thread-id}@dots{}
36069 a comma-separated list of thread IDs
36070 @item l
36071 (lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
36072 @end table
36073
36074 In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
36075 more thread IDs, separated by commas.
36076 @value{GDBN} will respond to each reply with a request for more thread
36077 ids (using the @samp{qs} form of the query), until the target responds
36078 with @samp{l} (lower-case ell, for @dfn{last}).
36079 Refer to @ref{thread-id syntax}, for the format of the @var{thread-id}
36080 fields.
36081
36082 @item qGetTLSAddr:@var{thread-id},@var{offset},@var{lm}
36083 @cindex get thread-local storage address, remote request
36084 @cindex @samp{qGetTLSAddr} packet
36085 Fetch the address associated with thread local storage specified
36086 by @var{thread-id}, @var{offset}, and @var{lm}.
36087
36088 @var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the
36089 thread for which to fetch the TLS address. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
36090
36091 @var{offset} is the (big endian, hex encoded) offset associated with the
36092 thread local variable. (This offset is obtained from the debug
36093 information associated with the variable.)
36094
36095 @var{lm} is the (big endian, hex encoded) OS/ABI-specific encoding of the
36096 load module associated with the thread local storage. For example,
36097 a @sc{gnu}/Linux system will pass the link map address of the shared
36098 object associated with the thread local storage under consideration.
36099 Other operating environments may choose to represent the load module
36100 differently, so the precise meaning of this parameter will vary.
36101
36102 Reply:
36103 @table @samp
36104 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
36105 Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the address of the thread
36106 local storage requested.
36107
36108 @item E @var{nn}
36109 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
36110
36111 @item
36112 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTLSAddr} is not supported by the stub.
36113 @end table
36114
36115 @item qGetTIBAddr:@var{thread-id}
36116 @cindex get thread information block address
36117 @cindex @samp{qGetTIBAddr} packet
36118 Fetch address of the Windows OS specific Thread Information Block.
36119
36120 @var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the thread.
36121
36122 Reply:
36123 @table @samp
36124 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
36125 Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the linear address of the
36126 thread information block.
36127
36128 @item E @var{nn}
36129 An error occured. This means that either the thread was not found, or the
36130 address could not be retrieved.
36131
36132 @item
36133 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTIBAddr} is not supported by the stub.
36134 @end table
36135
36136 @item qL @var{startflag} @var{threadcount} @var{nextthread}
36137 Obtain thread information from RTOS. Where: @var{startflag} (one hex
36138 digit) is one to indicate the first query and zero to indicate a
36139 subsequent query; @var{threadcount} (two hex digits) is the maximum
36140 number of threads the response packet can contain; and @var{nextthread}
36141 (eight hex digits), for subsequent queries (@var{startflag} is zero), is
36142 returned in the response as @var{argthread}.
36143
36144 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query instead (see above).
36145
36146 Reply:
36147 @table @samp
36148 @item qM @var{count} @var{done} @var{argthread} @var{thread}@dots{}
36149 Where: @var{count} (two hex digits) is the number of threads being
36150 returned; @var{done} (one hex digit) is zero to indicate more threads
36151 and one indicates no further threads; @var{argthreadid} (eight hex
36152 digits) is @var{nextthread} from the request packet; @var{thread}@dots{}
36153 is a sequence of thread IDs from the target. @var{threadid} (eight hex
36154 digits). See @code{remote.c:parse_threadlist_response()}.
36155 @end table
36156
36157 @item qOffsets
36158 @cindex section offsets, remote request
36159 @cindex @samp{qOffsets} packet
36160 Get section offsets that the target used when relocating the downloaded
36161 image.
36162
36163 Reply:
36164 @table @samp
36165 @item Text=@var{xxx};Data=@var{yyy}@r{[};Bss=@var{zzz}@r{]}
36166 Relocate the @code{Text} section by @var{xxx} from its original address.
36167 Relocate the @code{Data} section by @var{yyy} from its original address.
36168 If the object file format provides segment information (e.g.@: @sc{elf}
36169 @samp{PT_LOAD} program headers), @value{GDBN} will relocate entire
36170 segments by the supplied offsets.
36171
36172 @emph{Note: while a @code{Bss} offset may be included in the response,
36173 @value{GDBN} ignores this and instead applies the @code{Data} offset
36174 to the @code{Bss} section.}
36175
36176 @item TextSeg=@var{xxx}@r{[};DataSeg=@var{yyy}@r{]}
36177 Relocate the first segment of the object file, which conventionally
36178 contains program code, to a starting address of @var{xxx}. If
36179 @samp{DataSeg} is specified, relocate the second segment, which
36180 conventionally contains modifiable data, to a starting address of
36181 @var{yyy}. @value{GDBN} will report an error if the object file
36182 does not contain segment information, or does not contain at least
36183 as many segments as mentioned in the reply. Extra segments are
36184 kept at fixed offsets relative to the last relocated segment.
36185 @end table
36186
36187 @item qP @var{mode} @var{thread-id}
36188 @cindex thread information, remote request
36189 @cindex @samp{qP} packet
36190 Returns information on @var{thread-id}. Where: @var{mode} is a hex
36191 encoded 32 bit mode; @var{thread-id} is a thread ID
36192 (@pxref{thread-id syntax}).
36193
36194 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} query instead
36195 (see below).
36196
36197 Reply: see @code{remote.c:remote_unpack_thread_info_response()}.
36198
36199 @item QNonStop:1
36200 @item QNonStop:0
36201 @cindex non-stop mode, remote request
36202 @cindex @samp{QNonStop} packet
36203 @anchor{QNonStop}
36204 Enter non-stop (@samp{QNonStop:1}) or all-stop (@samp{QNonStop:0}) mode.
36205 @xref{Remote Non-Stop}, for more information.
36206
36207 Reply:
36208 @table @samp
36209 @item OK
36210 The request succeeded.
36211
36212 @item E @var{nn}
36213 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
36214
36215 @item
36216 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QNonStop} is not supported by
36217 the stub.
36218 @end table
36219
36220 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
36221 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
36222 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set non-stop} command;
36223 @pxref{Non-Stop Mode}.
36224
36225 @item QPassSignals: @var{signal} @r{[};@var{signal}@r{]}@dots{}
36226 @cindex pass signals to inferior, remote request
36227 @cindex @samp{QPassSignals} packet
36228 @anchor{QPassSignals}
36229 Each listed @var{signal} should be passed directly to the inferior process.
36230 Signals are numbered identically to continue packets and stop replies
36231 (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}). Each @var{signal} list item should be
36232 strictly greater than the previous item. These signals do not need to stop
36233 the inferior, or be reported to @value{GDBN}. All other signals should be
36234 reported to @value{GDBN}. Multiple @samp{QPassSignals} packets do not
36235 combine; any earlier @samp{QPassSignals} list is completely replaced by the
36236 new list. This packet improves performance when using @samp{handle
36237 @var{signal} nostop noprint pass}.
36238
36239 Reply:
36240 @table @samp
36241 @item OK
36242 The request succeeded.
36243
36244 @item E @var{nn}
36245 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
36246
36247 @item
36248 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QPassSignals} is not supported by
36249 the stub.
36250 @end table
36251
36252 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote pass-signals}
36253 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote pass-signals}).
36254 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
36255 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
36256
36257 @item QProgramSignals: @var{signal} @r{[};@var{signal}@r{]}@dots{}
36258 @cindex signals the inferior may see, remote request
36259 @cindex @samp{QProgramSignals} packet
36260 @anchor{QProgramSignals}
36261 Each listed @var{signal} may be delivered to the inferior process.
36262 Others should be silently discarded.
36263
36264 In some cases, the remote stub may need to decide whether to deliver a
36265 signal to the program or not without @value{GDBN} involvement. One
36266 example of that is while detaching --- the program's threads may have
36267 stopped for signals that haven't yet had a chance of being reported to
36268 @value{GDBN}, and so the remote stub can use the signal list specified
36269 by this packet to know whether to deliver or ignore those pending
36270 signals.
36271
36272 This does not influence whether to deliver a signal as requested by a
36273 resumption packet (@pxref{vCont packet}).
36274
36275 Signals are numbered identically to continue packets and stop replies
36276 (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}). Each @var{signal} list item should be
36277 strictly greater than the previous item. Multiple
36278 @samp{QProgramSignals} packets do not combine; any earlier
36279 @samp{QProgramSignals} list is completely replaced by the new list.
36280
36281 Reply:
36282 @table @samp
36283 @item OK
36284 The request succeeded.
36285
36286 @item E @var{nn}
36287 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
36288
36289 @item
36290 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QProgramSignals} is not supported
36291 by the stub.
36292 @end table
36293
36294 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote program-signals}
36295 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote program-signals}).
36296 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
36297 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
36298
36299 @item qRcmd,@var{command}
36300 @cindex execute remote command, remote request
36301 @cindex @samp{qRcmd} packet
36302 @var{command} (hex encoded) is passed to the local interpreter for
36303 execution. Invalid commands should be reported using the output
36304 string. Before the final result packet, the target may also respond
36305 with a number of intermediate @samp{O@var{output}} console output
36306 packets. @emph{Implementors should note that providing access to a
36307 stubs's interpreter may have security implications}.
36308
36309 Reply:
36310 @table @samp
36311 @item OK
36312 A command response with no output.
36313 @item @var{OUTPUT}
36314 A command response with the hex encoded output string @var{OUTPUT}.
36315 @item E @var{NN}
36316 Indicate a badly formed request.
36317 @item
36318 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qRcmd} is not recognized.
36319 @end table
36320
36321 (Note that the @code{qRcmd} packet's name is separated from the
36322 command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
36323 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
36324 packets.)
36325
36326 @item qSearch:memory:@var{address};@var{length};@var{search-pattern}
36327 @cindex searching memory, in remote debugging
36328 @cindex @samp{qSearch:memory} packet
36329 @anchor{qSearch memory}
36330 Search @var{length} bytes at @var{address} for @var{search-pattern}.
36331 @var{address} and @var{length} are encoded in hex.
36332 @var{search-pattern} is a sequence of bytes, hex encoded.
36333
36334 Reply:
36335 @table @samp
36336 @item 0
36337 The pattern was not found.
36338 @item 1,address
36339 The pattern was found at @var{address}.
36340 @item E @var{NN}
36341 A badly formed request or an error was encountered while searching memory.
36342 @item
36343 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSearch:memory} is not recognized.
36344 @end table
36345
36346 @item QStartNoAckMode
36347 @cindex @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet
36348 @anchor{QStartNoAckMode}
36349 Request that the remote stub disable the normal @samp{+}/@samp{-}
36350 protocol acknowledgments (@pxref{Packet Acknowledgment}).
36351
36352 Reply:
36353 @table @samp
36354 @item OK
36355 The stub has switched to no-acknowledgment mode.
36356 @value{GDBN} acknowledges this reponse,
36357 but neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or expect further
36358 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments in the current connection.
36359 @item
36360 An empty reply indicates that the stub does not support no-acknowledgment mode.
36361 @end table
36362
36363 @item qSupported @r{[}:@var{gdbfeature} @r{[};@var{gdbfeature}@r{]}@dots{} @r{]}
36364 @cindex supported packets, remote query
36365 @cindex features of the remote protocol
36366 @cindex @samp{qSupported} packet
36367 @anchor{qSupported}
36368 Tell the remote stub about features supported by @value{GDBN}, and
36369 query the stub for features it supports. This packet allows
36370 @value{GDBN} and the remote stub to take advantage of each others'
36371 features. @samp{qSupported} also consolidates multiple feature probes
36372 at startup, to improve @value{GDBN} performance---a single larger
36373 packet performs better than multiple smaller probe packets on
36374 high-latency links. Some features may enable behavior which must not
36375 be on by default, e.g.@: because it would confuse older clients or
36376 stubs. Other features may describe packets which could be
36377 automatically probed for, but are not. These features must be
36378 reported before @value{GDBN} will use them. This ``default
36379 unsupported'' behavior is not appropriate for all packets, but it
36380 helps to keep the initial connection time under control with new
36381 versions of @value{GDBN} which support increasing numbers of packets.
36382
36383 Reply:
36384 @table @samp
36385 @item @var{stubfeature} @r{[};@var{stubfeature}@r{]}@dots{}
36386 The stub supports or does not support each returned @var{stubfeature},
36387 depending on the form of each @var{stubfeature} (see below for the
36388 possible forms).
36389 @item
36390 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSupported} is not recognized,
36391 or that no features needed to be reported to @value{GDBN}.
36392 @end table
36393
36394 The allowed forms for each feature (either a @var{gdbfeature} in the
36395 @samp{qSupported} packet, or a @var{stubfeature} in the response)
36396 are:
36397
36398 @table @samp
36399 @item @var{name}=@var{value}
36400 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and associated
36401 with the specified @var{value}. The format of @var{value} depends
36402 on the feature, but it must not include a semicolon.
36403 @item @var{name}+
36404 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and does not
36405 need an associated value.
36406 @item @var{name}-
36407 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is not supported.
36408 @item @var{name}?
36409 The remote protocol feature @var{name} may be supported, and
36410 @value{GDBN} should auto-detect support in some other way when it is
36411 needed. This form will not be used for @var{gdbfeature} notifications,
36412 but may be used for @var{stubfeature} responses.
36413 @end table
36414
36415 Whenever the stub receives a @samp{qSupported} request, the
36416 supplied set of @value{GDBN} features should override any previous
36417 request. This allows @value{GDBN} to put the stub in a known
36418 state, even if the stub had previously been communicating with
36419 a different version of @value{GDBN}.
36420
36421 The following values of @var{gdbfeature} (for the packet sent by @value{GDBN})
36422 are defined:
36423
36424 @table @samp
36425 @item multiprocess
36426 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports multiprocess
36427 extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
36428 extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
36429 including @samp{multiprocess+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
36430 @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for details.
36431
36432 @item xmlRegisters
36433 This feature indicates that @value{GDBN} supports the XML target
36434 description. If the stub sees @samp{xmlRegisters=} with target
36435 specific strings separated by a comma, it will report register
36436 description.
36437
36438 @item qRelocInsn
36439 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports the
36440 @samp{qRelocInsn} packet (@pxref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate
36441 instruction reply packet}).
36442 @end table
36443
36444 Stubs should ignore any unknown values for
36445 @var{gdbfeature}. Any @value{GDBN} which sends a @samp{qSupported}
36446 packet supports receiving packets of unlimited length (earlier
36447 versions of @value{GDBN} may reject overly long responses). Additional values
36448 for @var{gdbfeature} may be defined in the future to let the stub take
36449 advantage of new features in @value{GDBN}, e.g.@: incompatible
36450 improvements in the remote protocol---the @samp{multiprocess} feature is
36451 an example of such a feature. The stub's reply should be independent
36452 of the @var{gdbfeature} entries sent by @value{GDBN}; first @value{GDBN}
36453 describes all the features it supports, and then the stub replies with
36454 all the features it supports.
36455
36456 Similarly, @value{GDBN} will silently ignore unrecognized stub feature
36457 responses, as long as each response uses one of the standard forms.
36458
36459 Some features are flags. A stub which supports a flag feature
36460 should respond with a @samp{+} form response. Other features
36461 require values, and the stub should respond with an @samp{=}
36462 form response.
36463
36464 Each feature has a default value, which @value{GDBN} will use if
36465 @samp{qSupported} is not available or if the feature is not mentioned
36466 in the @samp{qSupported} response. The default values are fixed; a
36467 stub is free to omit any feature responses that match the defaults.
36468
36469 Not all features can be probed, but for those which can, the probing
36470 mechanism is useful: in some cases, a stub's internal
36471 architecture may not allow the protocol layer to know some information
36472 about the underlying target in advance. This is especially common in
36473 stubs which may be configured for multiple targets.
36474
36475 These are the currently defined stub features and their properties:
36476
36477 @multitable @columnfractions 0.35 0.2 0.12 0.2
36478 @c NOTE: The first row should be @headitem, but we do not yet require
36479 @c a new enough version of Texinfo (4.7) to use @headitem.
36480 @item Feature Name
36481 @tab Value Required
36482 @tab Default
36483 @tab Probe Allowed
36484
36485 @item @samp{PacketSize}
36486 @tab Yes
36487 @tab @samp{-}
36488 @tab No
36489
36490 @item @samp{qXfer:auxv:read}
36491 @tab No
36492 @tab @samp{-}
36493 @tab Yes
36494
36495 @item @samp{qXfer:features:read}
36496 @tab No
36497 @tab @samp{-}
36498 @tab Yes
36499
36500 @item @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
36501 @tab No
36502 @tab @samp{-}
36503 @tab Yes
36504
36505 @item @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
36506 @tab No
36507 @tab @samp{-}
36508 @tab Yes
36509
36510 @item @samp{qXfer:sdata:read}
36511 @tab No
36512 @tab @samp{-}
36513 @tab Yes
36514
36515 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:read}
36516 @tab No
36517 @tab @samp{-}
36518 @tab Yes
36519
36520 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:write}
36521 @tab No
36522 @tab @samp{-}
36523 @tab Yes
36524
36525 @item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read}
36526 @tab No
36527 @tab @samp{-}
36528 @tab Yes
36529
36530 @item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write}
36531 @tab No
36532 @tab @samp{-}
36533 @tab Yes
36534
36535 @item @samp{qXfer:threads:read}
36536 @tab No
36537 @tab @samp{-}
36538 @tab Yes
36539
36540 @item @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
36541 @tab No
36542 @tab @samp{-}
36543 @tab Yes
36544
36545 @item @samp{qXfer:uib:read}
36546 @tab No
36547 @tab @samp{-}
36548 @tab Yes
36549
36550 @item @samp{qXfer:fdpic:read}
36551 @tab No
36552 @tab @samp{-}
36553 @tab Yes
36554
36555 @item @samp{QNonStop}
36556 @tab No
36557 @tab @samp{-}
36558 @tab Yes
36559
36560 @item @samp{QPassSignals}
36561 @tab No
36562 @tab @samp{-}
36563 @tab Yes
36564
36565 @item @samp{QStartNoAckMode}
36566 @tab No
36567 @tab @samp{-}
36568 @tab Yes
36569
36570 @item @samp{multiprocess}
36571 @tab No
36572 @tab @samp{-}
36573 @tab No
36574
36575 @item @samp{ConditionalBreakpoints}
36576 @tab No
36577 @tab @samp{-}
36578 @tab No
36579
36580 @item @samp{ConditionalTracepoints}
36581 @tab No
36582 @tab @samp{-}
36583 @tab No
36584
36585 @item @samp{ReverseContinue}
36586 @tab No
36587 @tab @samp{-}
36588 @tab No
36589
36590 @item @samp{ReverseStep}
36591 @tab No
36592 @tab @samp{-}
36593 @tab No
36594
36595 @item @samp{TracepointSource}
36596 @tab No
36597 @tab @samp{-}
36598 @tab No
36599
36600 @item @samp{QAgent}
36601 @tab No
36602 @tab @samp{-}
36603 @tab No
36604
36605 @item @samp{QAllow}
36606 @tab No
36607 @tab @samp{-}
36608 @tab No
36609
36610 @item @samp{QDisableRandomization}
36611 @tab No
36612 @tab @samp{-}
36613 @tab No
36614
36615 @item @samp{EnableDisableTracepoints}
36616 @tab No
36617 @tab @samp{-}
36618 @tab No
36619
36620 @item @samp{tracenz}
36621 @tab No
36622 @tab @samp{-}
36623 @tab No
36624
36625 @end multitable
36626
36627 These are the currently defined stub features, in more detail:
36628
36629 @table @samp
36630 @cindex packet size, remote protocol
36631 @item PacketSize=@var{bytes}
36632 The remote stub can accept packets up to at least @var{bytes} in
36633 length. @value{GDBN} will send packets up to this size for bulk
36634 transfers, and will never send larger packets. This is a limit on the
36635 data characters in the packet, including the frame and checksum.
36636 There is no trailing NUL byte in a remote protocol packet; if the stub
36637 stores packets in a NUL-terminated format, it should allow an extra
36638 byte in its buffer for the NUL. If this stub feature is not supported,
36639 @value{GDBN} guesses based on the size of the @samp{g} packet response.
36640
36641 @item qXfer:auxv:read
36642 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet
36643 (@pxref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}).
36644
36645 @item qXfer:features:read
36646 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:features:read} packet
36647 (@pxref{qXfer target description read}).
36648
36649 @item qXfer:libraries:read
36650 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet
36651 (@pxref{qXfer library list read}).
36652
36653 @item qXfer:libraries-svr4:read
36654 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read} packet
36655 (@pxref{qXfer svr4 library list read}).
36656
36657 @item qXfer:memory-map:read
36658 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read} packet
36659 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}).
36660
36661 @item qXfer:sdata:read
36662 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:sdata:read} packet
36663 (@pxref{qXfer sdata read}).
36664
36665 @item qXfer:spu:read
36666 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:read} packet
36667 (@pxref{qXfer spu read}).
36668
36669 @item qXfer:spu:write
36670 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:write} packet
36671 (@pxref{qXfer spu write}).
36672
36673 @item qXfer:siginfo:read
36674 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read} packet
36675 (@pxref{qXfer siginfo read}).
36676
36677 @item qXfer:siginfo:write
36678 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write} packet
36679 (@pxref{qXfer siginfo write}).
36680
36681 @item qXfer:threads:read
36682 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:threads:read} packet
36683 (@pxref{qXfer threads read}).
36684
36685 @item qXfer:traceframe-info:read
36686 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
36687 packet (@pxref{qXfer traceframe info read}).
36688
36689 @item qXfer:uib:read
36690 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:uib:read}
36691 packet (@pxref{qXfer unwind info block}).
36692
36693 @item qXfer:fdpic:read
36694 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:fdpic:read}
36695 packet (@pxref{qXfer fdpic loadmap read}).
36696
36697 @item QNonStop
36698 The remote stub understands the @samp{QNonStop} packet
36699 (@pxref{QNonStop}).
36700
36701 @item QPassSignals
36702 The remote stub understands the @samp{QPassSignals} packet
36703 (@pxref{QPassSignals}).
36704
36705 @item QStartNoAckMode
36706 The remote stub understands the @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet and
36707 prefers to operate in no-acknowledgment mode. @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}.
36708
36709 @item multiprocess
36710 @anchor{multiprocess extensions}
36711 @cindex multiprocess extensions, in remote protocol
36712 The remote stub understands the multiprocess extensions to the remote
36713 protocol syntax. The multiprocess extensions affect the syntax of
36714 thread IDs in both packets and replies (@pxref{thread-id syntax}), and
36715 add process IDs to the @samp{D} packet and @samp{W} and @samp{X}
36716 replies. Note that reporting this feature indicates support for the
36717 syntactic extensions only, not that the stub necessarily supports
36718 debugging of more than one process at a time. The stub must not use
36719 multiprocess extensions in packet replies unless @value{GDBN} has also
36720 indicated it supports them in its @samp{qSupported} request.
36721
36722 @item qXfer:osdata:read
36723 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet
36724 ((@pxref{qXfer osdata read}).
36725
36726 @item ConditionalBreakpoints
36727 The target accepts and implements evaluation of conditional expressions
36728 defined for breakpoints. The target will only report breakpoint triggers
36729 when such conditions are true (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
36730
36731 @item ConditionalTracepoints
36732 The remote stub accepts and implements conditional expressions defined
36733 for tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoint Conditions}).
36734
36735 @item ReverseContinue
36736 The remote stub accepts and implements the reverse continue packet
36737 (@pxref{bc}).
36738
36739 @item ReverseStep
36740 The remote stub accepts and implements the reverse step packet
36741 (@pxref{bs}).
36742
36743 @item TracepointSource
36744 The remote stub understands the @samp{QTDPsrc} packet that supplies
36745 the source form of tracepoint definitions.
36746
36747 @item QAgent
36748 The remote stub understands the @samp{QAgent} packet.
36749
36750 @item QAllow
36751 The remote stub understands the @samp{QAllow} packet.
36752
36753 @item QDisableRandomization
36754 The remote stub understands the @samp{QDisableRandomization} packet.
36755
36756 @item StaticTracepoint
36757 @cindex static tracepoints, in remote protocol
36758 The remote stub supports static tracepoints.
36759
36760 @item InstallInTrace
36761 @anchor{install tracepoint in tracing}
36762 The remote stub supports installing tracepoint in tracing.
36763
36764 @item EnableDisableTracepoints
36765 The remote stub supports the @samp{QTEnable} (@pxref{QTEnable}) and
36766 @samp{QTDisable} (@pxref{QTDisable}) packets that allow tracepoints
36767 to be enabled and disabled while a trace experiment is running.
36768
36769 @item tracenz
36770 @cindex string tracing, in remote protocol
36771 The remote stub supports the @samp{tracenz} bytecode for collecting strings.
36772 See @ref{Bytecode Descriptions} for details about the bytecode.
36773
36774 @end table
36775
36776 @item qSymbol::
36777 @cindex symbol lookup, remote request
36778 @cindex @samp{qSymbol} packet
36779 Notify the target that @value{GDBN} is prepared to serve symbol lookup
36780 requests. Accept requests from the target for the values of symbols.
36781
36782 Reply:
36783 @table @samp
36784 @item OK
36785 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
36786 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
36787 The target requests the value of symbol @var{sym_name} (hex encoded).
36788 @value{GDBN} may provide the value by using the
36789 @samp{qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}} message, described
36790 below.
36791 @end table
36792
36793 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}
36794 Set the value of @var{sym_name} to @var{sym_value}.
36795
36796 @var{sym_name} (hex encoded) is the name of a symbol whose value the
36797 target has previously requested.
36798
36799 @var{sym_value} (hex) is the value for symbol @var{sym_name}. If
36800 @value{GDBN} cannot supply a value for @var{sym_name}, then this field
36801 will be empty.
36802
36803 Reply:
36804 @table @samp
36805 @item OK
36806 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
36807 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
36808 The target requests the value of a new symbol @var{sym_name} (hex
36809 encoded). @value{GDBN} will continue to supply the values of symbols
36810 (if available), until the target ceases to request them.
36811 @end table
36812
36813 @item qTBuffer
36814 @item QTBuffer
36815 @item QTDisconnected
36816 @itemx QTDP
36817 @itemx QTDPsrc
36818 @itemx QTDV
36819 @itemx qTfP
36820 @itemx qTfV
36821 @itemx QTFrame
36822 @itemx qTMinFTPILen
36823
36824 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
36825
36826 @item qThreadExtraInfo,@var{thread-id}
36827 @cindex thread attributes info, remote request
36828 @cindex @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} packet
36829 Obtain a printable string description of a thread's attributes from
36830 the target OS. @var{thread-id} is a thread ID;
36831 see @ref{thread-id syntax}. This
36832 string may contain anything that the target OS thinks is interesting
36833 for @value{GDBN} to tell the user about the thread. The string is
36834 displayed in @value{GDBN}'s @code{info threads} display. Some
36835 examples of possible thread extra info strings are @samp{Runnable}, or
36836 @samp{Blocked on Mutex}.
36837
36838 Reply:
36839 @table @samp
36840 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
36841 Where @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is a hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data,
36842 comprising the printable string containing the extra information about
36843 the thread's attributes.
36844 @end table
36845
36846 (Note that the @code{qThreadExtraInfo} packet's name is separated from
36847 the command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
36848 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
36849 packets.)
36850
36851 @item QTNotes
36852 @item qTP
36853 @item QTSave
36854 @item qTsP
36855 @item qTsV
36856 @itemx QTStart
36857 @itemx QTStop
36858 @itemx QTEnable
36859 @itemx QTDisable
36860 @itemx QTinit
36861 @itemx QTro
36862 @itemx qTStatus
36863 @itemx qTV
36864 @itemx qTfSTM
36865 @itemx qTsSTM
36866 @itemx qTSTMat
36867 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
36868
36869 @item qXfer:@var{object}:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
36870 @cindex read special object, remote request
36871 @cindex @samp{qXfer} packet
36872 @anchor{qXfer read}
36873 Read uninterpreted bytes from the target's special data area
36874 identified by the keyword @var{object}. Request @var{length} bytes
36875 starting at @var{offset} bytes into the data. The content and
36876 encoding of @var{annex} is specific to @var{object}; it can supply
36877 additional details about what data to access.
36878
36879 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All
36880 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:read:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
36881 formats, listed below.
36882
36883 @table @samp
36884 @item qXfer:auxv:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
36885 @anchor{qXfer auxiliary vector read}
36886 Access the target's @dfn{auxiliary vector}. @xref{OS Information,
36887 auxiliary vector}. Note @var{annex} must be empty.
36888
36889 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
36890 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
36891
36892 @item qXfer:features:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
36893 @anchor{qXfer target description read}
36894 Access the @dfn{target description}. @xref{Target Descriptions}. The
36895 annex specifies which XML document to access. The main description is
36896 always loaded from the @samp{target.xml} annex.
36897
36898 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
36899 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
36900
36901 @item qXfer:libraries:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
36902 @anchor{qXfer library list read}
36903 Access the target's list of loaded libraries. @xref{Library List Format}.
36904 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
36905 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
36906
36907 Targets which maintain a list of libraries in the program's memory do
36908 not need to implement this packet; it is designed for platforms where
36909 the operating system manages the list of loaded libraries.
36910
36911 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
36912 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
36913
36914 @item qXfer:libraries-svr4:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
36915 @anchor{qXfer svr4 library list read}
36916 Access the target's list of loaded libraries when the target is an SVR4
36917 platform. @xref{Library List Format for SVR4 Targets}. The annex part
36918 of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
36919
36920 This packet is optional for better performance on SVR4 targets.
36921 @value{GDBN} uses memory read packets to read the SVR4 library list otherwise.
36922
36923 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
36924 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
36925
36926 @item qXfer:memory-map:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
36927 @anchor{qXfer memory map read}
36928 Access the target's @dfn{memory-map}. @xref{Memory Map Format}. The
36929 annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
36930 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
36931
36932 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
36933 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
36934
36935 @item qXfer:sdata:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
36936 @anchor{qXfer sdata read}
36937
36938 Read contents of the extra collected static tracepoint marker
36939 information. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must
36940 be empty (@pxref{qXfer read}). @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint
36941 Action Lists}.
36942
36943 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
36944 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
36945 (@pxref{qSupported}).
36946
36947 @item qXfer:siginfo:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
36948 @anchor{qXfer siginfo read}
36949 Read contents of the extra signal information on the target
36950 system. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
36951 empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
36952
36953 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
36954 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
36955 (@pxref{qSupported}).
36956
36957 @item qXfer:spu:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
36958 @anchor{qXfer spu read}
36959 Read contents of an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
36960 annex specifies which file to read; it must be of the form
36961 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
36962 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
36963 in that context to be accessed.
36964
36965 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
36966 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
36967 (@pxref{qSupported}).
36968
36969 @item qXfer:threads:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
36970 @anchor{qXfer threads read}
36971 Access the list of threads on target. @xref{Thread List Format}. The
36972 annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
36973 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
36974
36975 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
36976 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
36977
36978 @item qXfer:traceframe-info:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
36979 @anchor{qXfer traceframe info read}
36980
36981 Return a description of the current traceframe's contents.
36982 @xref{Traceframe Info Format}. The annex part of the generic
36983 @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
36984
36985 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
36986 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
36987
36988 @item qXfer:uib:read:@var{pc}:@var{offset},@var{length}
36989 @anchor{qXfer unwind info block}
36990
36991 Return the unwind information block for @var{pc}. This packet is used
36992 on OpenVMS/ia64 to ask the kernel unwind information.
36993
36994 This packet is not probed by default.
36995
36996 @item qXfer:fdpic:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
36997 @anchor{qXfer fdpic loadmap read}
36998 Read contents of @code{loadmap}s on the target system. The
36999 annex, either @samp{exec} or @samp{interp}, specifies which @code{loadmap},
37000 executable @code{loadmap} or interpreter @code{loadmap} to read.
37001
37002 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37003 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37004
37005 @item qXfer:osdata:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
37006 @anchor{qXfer osdata read}
37007 Access the target's @dfn{operating system information}.
37008 @xref{Operating System Information}.
37009
37010 @end table
37011
37012 Reply:
37013 @table @samp
37014 @item m @var{data}
37015 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the
37016 target. There may be more data at a higher address (although
37017 it is permitted to return @samp{m} even for the last valid
37018 block of data, as long as at least one byte of data was read).
37019 @var{data} may have fewer bytes than the @var{length} in the
37020 request.
37021
37022 @item l @var{data}
37023 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the target.
37024 There is no more data to be read. @var{data} may have fewer bytes
37025 than the @var{length} in the request.
37026
37027 @item l
37028 The @var{offset} in the request is at the end of the data.
37029 There is no more data to be read.
37030
37031 @item E00
37032 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
37033
37034 @item E @var{nn}
37035 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered reading the data.
37036 @var{nn} is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
37037
37038 @item
37039 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not recognized by
37040 the stub, or that the object does not support reading.
37041 @end table
37042
37043 @item qXfer:@var{object}:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
37044 @cindex write data into object, remote request
37045 @anchor{qXfer write}
37046 Write uninterpreted bytes into the target's special data area
37047 identified by the keyword @var{object}, starting at @var{offset} bytes
37048 into the data. @var{data}@dots{} is the binary-encoded data
37049 (@pxref{Binary Data}) to be written. The content and encoding of @var{annex}
37050 is specific to @var{object}; it can supply additional details about what data
37051 to access.
37052
37053 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All
37054 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:write:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
37055 formats, listed below.
37056
37057 @table @samp
37058 @item qXfer:siginfo:write::@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
37059 @anchor{qXfer siginfo write}
37060 Write @var{data} to the extra signal information on the target system.
37061 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
37062 empty (@pxref{qXfer write}).
37063
37064 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37065 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
37066 (@pxref{qSupported}).
37067
37068 @item qXfer:spu:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
37069 @anchor{qXfer spu write}
37070 Write @var{data} to an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
37071 annex specifies which file to write; it must be of the form
37072 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
37073 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
37074 in that context to be accessed.
37075
37076 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37077 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37078 @end table
37079
37080 Reply:
37081 @table @samp
37082 @item @var{nn}
37083 @var{nn} (hex encoded) is the number of bytes written.
37084 This may be fewer bytes than supplied in the request.
37085
37086 @item E00
37087 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
37088
37089 @item E @var{nn}
37090 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered writing the data.
37091 @var{nn} is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
37092
37093 @item
37094 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not
37095 recognized by the stub, or that the object does not support writing.
37096 @end table
37097
37098 @item qXfer:@var{object}:@var{operation}:@dots{}
37099 Requests of this form may be added in the future. When a stub does
37100 not recognize the @var{object} keyword, or its support for
37101 @var{object} does not recognize the @var{operation} keyword, the stub
37102 must respond with an empty packet.
37103
37104 @item qAttached:@var{pid}
37105 @cindex query attached, remote request
37106 @cindex @samp{qAttached} packet
37107 Return an indication of whether the remote server attached to an
37108 existing process or created a new process. When the multiprocess
37109 protocol extensions are supported (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}),
37110 @var{pid} is an integer in hexadecimal format identifying the target
37111 process. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} will omit the @var{pid} field and
37112 the query packet will be simplified as @samp{qAttached}.
37113
37114 This query is used, for example, to know whether the remote process
37115 should be detached or killed when a @value{GDBN} session is ended with
37116 the @code{quit} command.
37117
37118 Reply:
37119 @table @samp
37120 @item 1
37121 The remote server attached to an existing process.
37122 @item 0
37123 The remote server created a new process.
37124 @item E @var{NN}
37125 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
37126 @end table
37127
37128 @end table
37129
37130 @node Architecture-Specific Protocol Details
37131 @section Architecture-Specific Protocol Details
37132
37133 This section describes how the remote protocol is applied to specific
37134 target architectures. Also see @ref{Standard Target Features}, for
37135 details of XML target descriptions for each architecture.
37136
37137 @menu
37138 * ARM-Specific Protocol Details::
37139 * MIPS-Specific Protocol Details::
37140 @end menu
37141
37142 @node ARM-Specific Protocol Details
37143 @subsection @acronym{ARM}-specific Protocol Details
37144
37145 @menu
37146 * ARM Breakpoint Kinds::
37147 @end menu
37148
37149 @node ARM Breakpoint Kinds
37150 @subsubsection @acronym{ARM} Breakpoint Kinds
37151 @cindex breakpoint kinds, @acronym{ARM}
37152
37153 These breakpoint kinds are defined for the @samp{Z0} and @samp{Z1} packets.
37154
37155 @table @r
37156
37157 @item 2
37158 16-bit Thumb mode breakpoint.
37159
37160 @item 3
37161 32-bit Thumb mode (Thumb-2) breakpoint.
37162
37163 @item 4
37164 32-bit @acronym{ARM} mode breakpoint.
37165
37166 @end table
37167
37168 @node MIPS-Specific Protocol Details
37169 @subsection @acronym{MIPS}-specific Protocol Details
37170
37171 @menu
37172 * MIPS Register packet Format::
37173 * MIPS Breakpoint Kinds::
37174 @end menu
37175
37176 @node MIPS Register packet Format
37177 @subsubsection @acronym{MIPS} Register Packet Format
37178 @cindex register packet format, @acronym{MIPS}
37179
37180 The following @code{g}/@code{G} packets have previously been defined.
37181 In the below, some thirty-two bit registers are transferred as
37182 sixty-four bits. Those registers should be zero/sign extended (which?)
37183 to fill the space allocated. Register bytes are transferred in target
37184 byte order. The two nibbles within a register byte are transferred
37185 most-significant -- least-significant.
37186
37187 @table @r
37188
37189 @item MIPS32
37190 All registers are transferred as thirty-two bit quantities in the order:
37191 32 general-purpose; sr; lo; hi; bad; cause; pc; 32 floating-point
37192 registers; fsr; fir; fp.
37193
37194 @item MIPS64
37195 All registers are transferred as sixty-four bit quantities (including
37196 thirty-two bit registers such as @code{sr}). The ordering is the same
37197 as @code{MIPS32}.
37198
37199 @end table
37200
37201 @node MIPS Breakpoint Kinds
37202 @subsubsection @acronym{MIPS} Breakpoint Kinds
37203 @cindex breakpoint kinds, @acronym{MIPS}
37204
37205 These breakpoint kinds are defined for the @samp{Z0} and @samp{Z1} packets.
37206
37207 @table @r
37208
37209 @item 2
37210 16-bit @acronym{MIPS16} mode breakpoint.
37211
37212 @item 3
37213 16-bit @acronym{microMIPS} mode breakpoint.
37214
37215 @item 4
37216 32-bit standard @acronym{MIPS} mode breakpoint.
37217
37218 @item 5
37219 32-bit @acronym{microMIPS} mode breakpoint.
37220
37221 @end table
37222
37223 @node Tracepoint Packets
37224 @section Tracepoint Packets
37225 @cindex tracepoint packets
37226 @cindex packets, tracepoint
37227
37228 Here we describe the packets @value{GDBN} uses to implement
37229 tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoints}).
37230
37231 @table @samp
37232
37233 @item QTDP:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{ena}:@var{step}:@var{pass}[:F@var{flen}][:X@var{len},@var{bytes}]@r{[}-@r{]}
37234 @cindex @samp{QTDP} packet
37235 Create a new tracepoint, number @var{n}, at @var{addr}. If @var{ena}
37236 is @samp{E}, then the tracepoint is enabled; if it is @samp{D}, then
37237 the tracepoint is disabled. @var{step} is the tracepoint's step
37238 count, and @var{pass} is its pass count. If an @samp{F} is present,
37239 then the tracepoint is to be a fast tracepoint, and the @var{flen} is
37240 the number of bytes that the target should copy elsewhere to make room
37241 for the tracepoint. If an @samp{X} is present, it introduces a
37242 tracepoint condition, which consists of a hexadecimal length, followed
37243 by a comma and hex-encoded bytes, in a manner similar to action
37244 encodings as described below. If the trailing @samp{-} is present,
37245 further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow to specify this tracepoint's
37246 actions.
37247
37248 Replies:
37249 @table @samp
37250 @item OK
37251 The packet was understood and carried out.
37252 @item qRelocInsn
37253 @xref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate instruction reply packet}.
37254 @item
37255 The packet was not recognized.
37256 @end table
37257
37258 @item QTDP:-@var{n}:@var{addr}:@r{[}S@r{]}@var{action}@dots{}@r{[}-@r{]}
37259 Define actions to be taken when a tracepoint is hit. @var{n} and
37260 @var{addr} must be the same as in the initial @samp{QTDP} packet for
37261 this tracepoint. This packet may only be sent immediately after
37262 another @samp{QTDP} packet that ended with a @samp{-}. If the
37263 trailing @samp{-} is present, further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow,
37264 specifying more actions for this tracepoint.
37265
37266 In the series of action packets for a given tracepoint, at most one
37267 can have an @samp{S} before its first @var{action}. If such a packet
37268 is sent, it and the following packets define ``while-stepping''
37269 actions. Any prior packets define ordinary actions --- that is, those
37270 taken when the tracepoint is first hit. If no action packet has an
37271 @samp{S}, then all the packets in the series specify ordinary
37272 tracepoint actions.
37273
37274 The @samp{@var{action}@dots{}} portion of the packet is a series of
37275 actions, concatenated without separators. Each action has one of the
37276 following forms:
37277
37278 @table @samp
37279
37280 @item R @var{mask}
37281 Collect the registers whose bits are set in @var{mask}. @var{mask} is
37282 a hexadecimal number whose @var{i}'th bit is set if register number
37283 @var{i} should be collected. (The least significant bit is numbered
37284 zero.) Note that @var{mask} may be any number of digits long; it may
37285 not fit in a 32-bit word.
37286
37287 @item M @var{basereg},@var{offset},@var{len}
37288 Collect @var{len} bytes of memory starting at the address in register
37289 number @var{basereg}, plus @var{offset}. If @var{basereg} is
37290 @samp{-1}, then the range has a fixed address: @var{offset} is the
37291 address of the lowest byte to collect. The @var{basereg},
37292 @var{offset}, and @var{len} parameters are all unsigned hexadecimal
37293 values (the @samp{-1} value for @var{basereg} is a special case).
37294
37295 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
37296 Evaluate @var{expr}, whose length is @var{len}, and collect memory as
37297 it directs. @var{expr} is an agent expression, as described in
37298 @ref{Agent Expressions}. Each byte of the expression is encoded as a
37299 two-digit hex number in the packet; @var{len} is the number of bytes
37300 in the expression (and thus one-half the number of hex digits in the
37301 packet).
37302
37303 @end table
37304
37305 Any number of actions may be packed together in a single @samp{QTDP}
37306 packet, as long as the packet does not exceed the maximum packet
37307 length (400 bytes, for many stubs). There may be only one @samp{R}
37308 action per tracepoint, and it must precede any @samp{M} or @samp{X}
37309 actions. Any registers referred to by @samp{M} and @samp{X} actions
37310 must be collected by a preceding @samp{R} action. (The
37311 ``while-stepping'' actions are treated as if they were attached to a
37312 separate tracepoint, as far as these restrictions are concerned.)
37313
37314 Replies:
37315 @table @samp
37316 @item OK
37317 The packet was understood and carried out.
37318 @item qRelocInsn
37319 @xref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate instruction reply packet}.
37320 @item
37321 The packet was not recognized.
37322 @end table
37323
37324 @item QTDPsrc:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{type}:@var{start}:@var{slen}:@var{bytes}
37325 @cindex @samp{QTDPsrc} packet
37326 Specify a source string of tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr}.
37327 This is useful to get accurate reproduction of the tracepoints
37328 originally downloaded at the beginning of the trace run. @var{type}
37329 is the name of the tracepoint part, such as @samp{cond} for the
37330 tracepoint's conditional expression (see below for a list of types), while
37331 @var{bytes} is the string, encoded in hexadecimal.
37332
37333 @var{start} is the offset of the @var{bytes} within the overall source
37334 string, while @var{slen} is the total length of the source string.
37335 This is intended for handling source strings that are longer than will
37336 fit in a single packet.
37337 @c Add detailed example when this info is moved into a dedicated
37338 @c tracepoint descriptions section.
37339
37340 The available string types are @samp{at} for the location,
37341 @samp{cond} for the conditional, and @samp{cmd} for an action command.
37342 @value{GDBN} sends a separate packet for each command in the action
37343 list, in the same order in which the commands are stored in the list.
37344
37345 The target does not need to do anything with source strings except
37346 report them back as part of the replies to the @samp{qTfP}/@samp{qTsP}
37347 query packets.
37348
37349 Although this packet is optional, and @value{GDBN} will only send it
37350 if the target replies with @samp{TracepointSource} @xref{General
37351 Query Packets}, it makes both disconnected tracing and trace files
37352 much easier to use. Otherwise the user must be careful that the
37353 tracepoints in effect while looking at trace frames are identical to
37354 the ones in effect during the trace run; even a small discrepancy
37355 could cause @samp{tdump} not to work, or a particular trace frame not
37356 be found.
37357
37358 @item QTDV:@var{n}:@var{value}
37359 @cindex define trace state variable, remote request
37360 @cindex @samp{QTDV} packet
37361 Create a new trace state variable, number @var{n}, with an initial
37362 value of @var{value}, which is a 64-bit signed integer. Both @var{n}
37363 and @var{value} are encoded as hexadecimal values. @value{GDBN} has
37364 the option of not using this packet for initial values of zero; the
37365 target should simply create the trace state variables as they are
37366 mentioned in expressions.
37367
37368 @item QTFrame:@var{n}
37369 @cindex @samp{QTFrame} packet
37370 Select the @var{n}'th tracepoint frame from the buffer, and use the
37371 register and memory contents recorded there to answer subsequent
37372 request packets from @value{GDBN}.
37373
37374 A successful reply from the stub indicates that the stub has found the
37375 requested frame. The response is a series of parts, concatenated
37376 without separators, describing the frame we selected. Each part has
37377 one of the following forms:
37378
37379 @table @samp
37380 @item F @var{f}
37381 The selected frame is number @var{n} in the trace frame buffer;
37382 @var{f} is a hexadecimal number. If @var{f} is @samp{-1}, then there
37383 was no frame matching the criteria in the request packet.
37384
37385 @item T @var{t}
37386 The selected trace frame records a hit of tracepoint number @var{t};
37387 @var{t} is a hexadecimal number.
37388
37389 @end table
37390
37391 @item QTFrame:pc:@var{addr}
37392 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
37393 currently selected frame whose PC is @var{addr};
37394 @var{addr} is a hexadecimal number.
37395
37396 @item QTFrame:tdp:@var{t}
37397 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
37398 currently selected frame that is a hit of tracepoint @var{t}; @var{t}
37399 is a hexadecimal number.
37400
37401 @item QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}
37402 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
37403 currently selected frame whose PC is between @var{start} (inclusive)
37404 and @var{end} (inclusive); @var{start} and @var{end} are hexadecimal
37405 numbers.
37406
37407 @item QTFrame:outside:@var{start}:@var{end}
37408 Like @samp{QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}}, but select the first
37409 frame @emph{outside} the given range of addresses (exclusive).
37410
37411 @item qTMinFTPILen
37412 @cindex @samp{qTMinFTPILen} packet
37413 This packet requests the minimum length of instruction at which a fast
37414 tracepoint (@pxref{Set Tracepoints}) may be placed. For instance, on
37415 the 32-bit x86 architecture, it is possible to use a 4-byte jump, but
37416 it depends on the target system being able to create trampolines in
37417 the first 64K of memory, which might or might not be possible for that
37418 system. So the reply to this packet will be 4 if it is able to
37419 arrange for that.
37420
37421 Replies:
37422
37423 @table @samp
37424 @item 0
37425 The minimum instruction length is currently unknown.
37426 @item @var{length}
37427 The minimum instruction length is @var{length}, where @var{length} is greater
37428 or equal to 1. @var{length} is a hexadecimal number. A reply of 1 means
37429 that a fast tracepoint may be placed on any instruction regardless of size.
37430 @item E
37431 An error has occurred.
37432 @item
37433 An empty reply indicates that the request is not supported by the stub.
37434 @end table
37435
37436 @item QTStart
37437 @cindex @samp{QTStart} packet
37438 Begin the tracepoint experiment. Begin collecting data from
37439 tracepoint hits in the trace frame buffer. This packet supports the
37440 @samp{qRelocInsn} reply (@pxref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate
37441 instruction reply packet}).
37442
37443 @item QTStop
37444 @cindex @samp{QTStop} packet
37445 End the tracepoint experiment. Stop collecting trace frames.
37446
37447 @item QTEnable:@var{n}:@var{addr}
37448 @anchor{QTEnable}
37449 @cindex @samp{QTEnable} packet
37450 Enable tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr} in a started tracepoint
37451 experiment. If the tracepoint was previously disabled, then collection
37452 of data from it will resume.
37453
37454 @item QTDisable:@var{n}:@var{addr}
37455 @anchor{QTDisable}
37456 @cindex @samp{QTDisable} packet
37457 Disable tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr} in a started tracepoint
37458 experiment. No more data will be collected from the tracepoint unless
37459 @samp{QTEnable:@var{n}:@var{addr}} is subsequently issued.
37460
37461 @item QTinit
37462 @cindex @samp{QTinit} packet
37463 Clear the table of tracepoints, and empty the trace frame buffer.
37464
37465 @item QTro:@var{start1},@var{end1}:@var{start2},@var{end2}:@dots{}
37466 @cindex @samp{QTro} packet
37467 Establish the given ranges of memory as ``transparent''. The stub
37468 will answer requests for these ranges from memory's current contents,
37469 if they were not collected as part of the tracepoint hit.
37470
37471 @value{GDBN} uses this to mark read-only regions of memory, like those
37472 containing program code. Since these areas never change, they should
37473 still have the same contents they did when the tracepoint was hit, so
37474 there's no reason for the stub to refuse to provide their contents.
37475
37476 @item QTDisconnected:@var{value}
37477 @cindex @samp{QTDisconnected} packet
37478 Set the choice to what to do with the tracing run when @value{GDBN}
37479 disconnects from the target. A @var{value} of 1 directs the target to
37480 continue the tracing run, while 0 tells the target to stop tracing if
37481 @value{GDBN} is no longer in the picture.
37482
37483 @item qTStatus
37484 @cindex @samp{qTStatus} packet
37485 Ask the stub if there is a trace experiment running right now.
37486
37487 The reply has the form:
37488
37489 @table @samp
37490
37491 @item T@var{running}@r{[};@var{field}@r{]}@dots{}
37492 @var{running} is a single digit @code{1} if the trace is presently
37493 running, or @code{0} if not. It is followed by semicolon-separated
37494 optional fields that an agent may use to report additional status.
37495
37496 @end table
37497
37498 If the trace is not running, the agent may report any of several
37499 explanations as one of the optional fields:
37500
37501 @table @samp
37502
37503 @item tnotrun:0
37504 No trace has been run yet.
37505
37506 @item tstop[:@var{text}]:0
37507 The trace was stopped by a user-originated stop command. The optional
37508 @var{text} field is a user-supplied string supplied as part of the
37509 stop command (for instance, an explanation of why the trace was
37510 stopped manually). It is hex-encoded.
37511
37512 @item tfull:0
37513 The trace stopped because the trace buffer filled up.
37514
37515 @item tdisconnected:0
37516 The trace stopped because @value{GDBN} disconnected from the target.
37517
37518 @item tpasscount:@var{tpnum}
37519 The trace stopped because tracepoint @var{tpnum} exceeded its pass count.
37520
37521 @item terror:@var{text}:@var{tpnum}
37522 The trace stopped because tracepoint @var{tpnum} had an error. The
37523 string @var{text} is available to describe the nature of the error
37524 (for instance, a divide by zero in the condition expression).
37525 @var{text} is hex encoded.
37526
37527 @item tunknown:0
37528 The trace stopped for some other reason.
37529
37530 @end table
37531
37532 Additional optional fields supply statistical and other information.
37533 Although not required, they are extremely useful for users monitoring
37534 the progress of a trace run. If a trace has stopped, and these
37535 numbers are reported, they must reflect the state of the just-stopped
37536 trace.
37537
37538 @table @samp
37539
37540 @item tframes:@var{n}
37541 The number of trace frames in the buffer.
37542
37543 @item tcreated:@var{n}
37544 The total number of trace frames created during the run. This may
37545 be larger than the trace frame count, if the buffer is circular.
37546
37547 @item tsize:@var{n}
37548 The total size of the trace buffer, in bytes.
37549
37550 @item tfree:@var{n}
37551 The number of bytes still unused in the buffer.
37552
37553 @item circular:@var{n}
37554 The value of the circular trace buffer flag. @code{1} means that the
37555 trace buffer is circular and old trace frames will be discarded if
37556 necessary to make room, @code{0} means that the trace buffer is linear
37557 and may fill up.
37558
37559 @item disconn:@var{n}
37560 The value of the disconnected tracing flag. @code{1} means that
37561 tracing will continue after @value{GDBN} disconnects, @code{0} means
37562 that the trace run will stop.
37563
37564 @end table
37565
37566 @item qTP:@var{tp}:@var{addr}
37567 @cindex tracepoint status, remote request
37568 @cindex @samp{qTP} packet
37569 Ask the stub for the current state of tracepoint number @var{tp} at
37570 address @var{addr}.
37571
37572 Replies:
37573 @table @samp
37574 @item V@var{hits}:@var{usage}
37575 The tracepoint has been hit @var{hits} times so far during the trace
37576 run, and accounts for @var{usage} in the trace buffer. Note that
37577 @code{while-stepping} steps are not counted as separate hits, but the
37578 steps' space consumption is added into the usage number.
37579
37580 @end table
37581
37582 @item qTV:@var{var}
37583 @cindex trace state variable value, remote request
37584 @cindex @samp{qTV} packet
37585 Ask the stub for the value of the trace state variable number @var{var}.
37586
37587 Replies:
37588 @table @samp
37589 @item V@var{value}
37590 The value of the variable is @var{value}. This will be the current
37591 value of the variable if the user is examining a running target, or a
37592 saved value if the variable was collected in the trace frame that the
37593 user is looking at. Note that multiple requests may result in
37594 different reply values, such as when requesting values while the
37595 program is running.
37596
37597 @item U
37598 The value of the variable is unknown. This would occur, for example,
37599 if the user is examining a trace frame in which the requested variable
37600 was not collected.
37601 @end table
37602
37603 @item qTfP
37604 @cindex @samp{qTfP} packet
37605 @itemx qTsP
37606 @cindex @samp{qTsP} packet
37607 These packets request data about tracepoints that are being used by
37608 the target. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfP} to get the first piece
37609 of data, and multiple @code{qTsP} to get additional pieces. Replies
37610 to these packets generally take the form of the @code{QTDP} packets
37611 that define tracepoints. (FIXME add detailed syntax)
37612
37613 @item qTfV
37614 @cindex @samp{qTfV} packet
37615 @itemx qTsV
37616 @cindex @samp{qTsV} packet
37617 These packets request data about trace state variables that are on the
37618 target. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfV} to get the first vari of data,
37619 and multiple @code{qTsV} to get additional variables. Replies to
37620 these packets follow the syntax of the @code{QTDV} packets that define
37621 trace state variables.
37622
37623 @item qTfSTM
37624 @itemx qTsSTM
37625 @anchor{qTfSTM}
37626 @anchor{qTsSTM}
37627 @cindex @samp{qTfSTM} packet
37628 @cindex @samp{qTsSTM} packet
37629 These packets request data about static tracepoint markers that exist
37630 in the target program. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfSTM} to get the
37631 first piece of data, and multiple @code{qTsSTM} to get additional
37632 pieces. Replies to these packets take the following form:
37633
37634 Reply:
37635 @table @samp
37636 @item m @var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra}
37637 A single marker
37638 @item m @var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra},@var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra}@dots{}
37639 a comma-separated list of markers
37640 @item l
37641 (lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
37642 @item E @var{nn}
37643 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
37644 @item
37645 An empty reply indicates that the request is not supported by the
37646 stub.
37647 @end table
37648
37649 @var{address} is encoded in hex.
37650 @var{id} and @var{extra} are strings encoded in hex.
37651
37652 In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
37653 more markers, separated by commas. @value{GDBN} will respond to each
37654 reply with a request for more markers (using the @samp{qs} form of the
37655 query), until the target responds with @samp{l} (lower-case ell, for
37656 @dfn{last}).
37657
37658 @item qTSTMat:@var{address}
37659 @anchor{qTSTMat}
37660 @cindex @samp{qTSTMat} packet
37661 This packets requests data about static tracepoint markers in the
37662 target program at @var{address}. Replies to this packet follow the
37663 syntax of the @samp{qTfSTM} and @code{qTsSTM} packets that list static
37664 tracepoint markers.
37665
37666 @item QTSave:@var{filename}
37667 @cindex @samp{QTSave} packet
37668 This packet directs the target to save trace data to the file name
37669 @var{filename} in the target's filesystem. @var{filename} is encoded
37670 as a hex string; the interpretation of the file name (relative vs
37671 absolute, wild cards, etc) is up to the target.
37672
37673 @item qTBuffer:@var{offset},@var{len}
37674 @cindex @samp{qTBuffer} packet
37675 Return up to @var{len} bytes of the current contents of trace buffer,
37676 starting at @var{offset}. The trace buffer is treated as if it were
37677 a contiguous collection of traceframes, as per the trace file format.
37678 The reply consists as many hex-encoded bytes as the target can deliver
37679 in a packet; it is not an error to return fewer than were asked for.
37680 A reply consisting of just @code{l} indicates that no bytes are
37681 available.
37682
37683 @item QTBuffer:circular:@var{value}
37684 This packet directs the target to use a circular trace buffer if
37685 @var{value} is 1, or a linear buffer if the value is 0.
37686
37687 @item QTNotes:@r{[}@var{type}:@var{text}@r{]}@r{[};@var{type}:@var{text}@r{]}@dots{}
37688 @cindex @samp{QTNotes} packet
37689 This packet adds optional textual notes to the trace run. Allowable
37690 types include @code{user}, @code{notes}, and @code{tstop}, the
37691 @var{text} fields are arbitrary strings, hex-encoded.
37692
37693 @end table
37694
37695 @subsection Relocate instruction reply packet
37696 When installing fast tracepoints in memory, the target may need to
37697 relocate the instruction currently at the tracepoint address to a
37698 different address in memory. For most instructions, a simple copy is
37699 enough, but, for example, call instructions that implicitly push the
37700 return address on the stack, and relative branches or other
37701 PC-relative instructions require offset adjustment, so that the effect
37702 of executing the instruction at a different address is the same as if
37703 it had executed in the original location.
37704
37705 In response to several of the tracepoint packets, the target may also
37706 respond with a number of intermediate @samp{qRelocInsn} request
37707 packets before the final result packet, to have @value{GDBN} handle
37708 this relocation operation. If a packet supports this mechanism, its
37709 documentation will explicitly say so. See for example the above
37710 descriptions for the @samp{QTStart} and @samp{QTDP} packets. The
37711 format of the request is:
37712
37713 @table @samp
37714 @item qRelocInsn:@var{from};@var{to}
37715
37716 This requests @value{GDBN} to copy instruction at address @var{from}
37717 to address @var{to}, possibly adjusted so that executing the
37718 instruction at @var{to} has the same effect as executing it at
37719 @var{from}. @value{GDBN} writes the adjusted instruction to target
37720 memory starting at @var{to}.
37721 @end table
37722
37723 Replies:
37724 @table @samp
37725 @item qRelocInsn:@var{adjusted_size}
37726 Informs the stub the relocation is complete. @var{adjusted_size} is
37727 the length in bytes of resulting relocated instruction sequence.
37728 @item E @var{NN}
37729 A badly formed request was detected, or an error was encountered while
37730 relocating the instruction.
37731 @end table
37732
37733 @node Host I/O Packets
37734 @section Host I/O Packets
37735 @cindex Host I/O, remote protocol
37736 @cindex file transfer, remote protocol
37737
37738 The @dfn{Host I/O} packets allow @value{GDBN} to perform I/O
37739 operations on the far side of a remote link. For example, Host I/O is
37740 used to upload and download files to a remote target with its own
37741 filesystem. Host I/O uses the same constant values and data structure
37742 layout as the target-initiated File-I/O protocol. However, the
37743 Host I/O packets are structured differently. The target-initiated
37744 protocol relies on target memory to store parameters and buffers.
37745 Host I/O requests are initiated by @value{GDBN}, and the
37746 target's memory is not involved. @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol
37747 Extension}, for more details on the target-initiated protocol.
37748
37749 The Host I/O request packets all encode a single operation along with
37750 its arguments. They have this format:
37751
37752 @table @samp
37753
37754 @item vFile:@var{operation}: @var{parameter}@dots{}
37755 @var{operation} is the name of the particular request; the target
37756 should compare the entire packet name up to the second colon when checking
37757 for a supported operation. The format of @var{parameter} depends on
37758 the operation. Numbers are always passed in hexadecimal. Negative
37759 numbers have an explicit minus sign (i.e.@: two's complement is not
37760 used). Strings (e.g.@: filenames) are encoded as a series of
37761 hexadecimal bytes. The last argument to a system call may be a
37762 buffer of escaped binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
37763
37764 @end table
37765
37766 The valid responses to Host I/O packets are:
37767
37768 @table @samp
37769
37770 @item F @var{result} [, @var{errno}] [; @var{attachment}]
37771 @var{result} is the integer value returned by this operation, usually
37772 non-negative for success and -1 for errors. If an error has occured,
37773 @var{errno} will be included in the result. @var{errno} will have a
37774 value defined by the File-I/O protocol (@pxref{Errno Values}). For
37775 operations which return data, @var{attachment} supplies the data as a
37776 binary buffer. Binary buffers in response packets are escaped in the
37777 normal way (@pxref{Binary Data}). See the individual packet
37778 documentation for the interpretation of @var{result} and
37779 @var{attachment}.
37780
37781 @item
37782 An empty response indicates that this operation is not recognized.
37783
37784 @end table
37785
37786 These are the supported Host I/O operations:
37787
37788 @table @samp
37789 @item vFile:open: @var{pathname}, @var{flags}, @var{mode}
37790 Open a file at @var{pathname} and return a file descriptor for it, or
37791 return -1 if an error occurs. @var{pathname} is a string,
37792 @var{flags} is an integer indicating a mask of open flags
37793 (@pxref{Open Flags}), and @var{mode} is an integer indicating a mask
37794 of mode bits to use if the file is created (@pxref{mode_t Values}).
37795 @xref{open}, for details of the open flags and mode values.
37796
37797 @item vFile:close: @var{fd}
37798 Close the open file corresponding to @var{fd} and return 0, or
37799 -1 if an error occurs.
37800
37801 @item vFile:pread: @var{fd}, @var{count}, @var{offset}
37802 Read data from the open file corresponding to @var{fd}. Up to
37803 @var{count} bytes will be read from the file, starting at @var{offset}
37804 relative to the start of the file. The target may read fewer bytes;
37805 common reasons include packet size limits and an end-of-file
37806 condition. The number of bytes read is returned. Zero should only be
37807 returned for a successful read at the end of the file, or if
37808 @var{count} was zero.
37809
37810 The data read should be returned as a binary attachment on success.
37811 If zero bytes were read, the response should include an empty binary
37812 attachment (i.e.@: a trailing semicolon). The return value is the
37813 number of target bytes read; the binary attachment may be longer if
37814 some characters were escaped.
37815
37816 @item vFile:pwrite: @var{fd}, @var{offset}, @var{data}
37817 Write @var{data} (a binary buffer) to the open file corresponding
37818 to @var{fd}. Start the write at @var{offset} from the start of the
37819 file. Unlike many @code{write} system calls, there is no
37820 separate @var{count} argument; the length of @var{data} in the
37821 packet is used. @samp{vFile:write} returns the number of bytes written,
37822 which may be shorter than the length of @var{data}, or -1 if an
37823 error occurred.
37824
37825 @item vFile:unlink: @var{pathname}
37826 Delete the file at @var{pathname} on the target. Return 0,
37827 or -1 if an error occurs. @var{pathname} is a string.
37828
37829 @item vFile:readlink: @var{filename}
37830 Read value of symbolic link @var{filename} on the target. Return
37831 the number of bytes read, or -1 if an error occurs.
37832
37833 The data read should be returned as a binary attachment on success.
37834 If zero bytes were read, the response should include an empty binary
37835 attachment (i.e.@: a trailing semicolon). The return value is the
37836 number of target bytes read; the binary attachment may be longer if
37837 some characters were escaped.
37838
37839 @end table
37840
37841 @node Interrupts
37842 @section Interrupts
37843 @cindex interrupts (remote protocol)
37844
37845 When a program on the remote target is running, @value{GDBN} may
37846 attempt to interrupt it by sending a @samp{Ctrl-C}, @code{BREAK} or
37847 a @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g},
37848 control of which is specified via @value{GDBN}'s @samp{interrupt-sequence}.
37849
37850 The precise meaning of @code{BREAK} is defined by the transport
37851 mechanism and may, in fact, be undefined. @value{GDBN} does not
37852 currently define a @code{BREAK} mechanism for any of the network
37853 interfaces except for TCP, in which case @value{GDBN} sends the
37854 @code{telnet} BREAK sequence.
37855
37856 @samp{Ctrl-C}, on the other hand, is defined and implemented for all
37857 transport mechanisms. It is represented by sending the single byte
37858 @code{0x03} without any of the usual packet overhead described in
37859 the Overview section (@pxref{Overview}). When a @code{0x03} byte is
37860 transmitted as part of a packet, it is considered to be packet data
37861 and does @emph{not} represent an interrupt. E.g., an @samp{X} packet
37862 (@pxref{X packet}), used for binary downloads, may include an unescaped
37863 @code{0x03} as part of its packet.
37864
37865 @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g} is also known as Magic SysRq g.
37866 When Linux kernel receives this sequence from serial port,
37867 it stops execution and connects to gdb.
37868
37869 Stubs are not required to recognize these interrupt mechanisms and the
37870 precise meaning associated with receipt of the interrupt is
37871 implementation defined. If the target supports debugging of multiple
37872 threads and/or processes, it should attempt to interrupt all
37873 currently-executing threads and processes.
37874 If the stub is successful at interrupting the
37875 running program, it should send one of the stop
37876 reply packets (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}) to @value{GDBN} as a result
37877 of successfully stopping the program in all-stop mode, and a stop reply
37878 for each stopped thread in non-stop mode.
37879 Interrupts received while the
37880 program is stopped are discarded.
37881
37882 @node Notification Packets
37883 @section Notification Packets
37884 @cindex notification packets
37885 @cindex packets, notification
37886
37887 The @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol includes @dfn{notifications},
37888 packets that require no acknowledgment. Both the GDB and the stub
37889 may send notifications (although the only notifications defined at
37890 present are sent by the stub). Notifications carry information
37891 without incurring the round-trip latency of an acknowledgment, and so
37892 are useful for low-impact communications where occasional packet loss
37893 is not a problem.
37894
37895 A notification packet has the form @samp{% @var{data} #
37896 @var{checksum}}, where @var{data} is the content of the notification,
37897 and @var{checksum} is a checksum of @var{data}, computed and formatted
37898 as for ordinary @value{GDBN} packets. A notification's @var{data}
37899 never contains @samp{$}, @samp{%} or @samp{#} characters. Upon
37900 receiving a notification, the recipient sends no @samp{+} or @samp{-}
37901 to acknowledge the notification's receipt or to report its corruption.
37902
37903 Every notification's @var{data} begins with a name, which contains no
37904 colon characters, followed by a colon character.
37905
37906 Recipients should silently ignore corrupted notifications and
37907 notifications they do not understand. Recipients should restart
37908 timeout periods on receipt of a well-formed notification, whether or
37909 not they understand it.
37910
37911 Senders should only send the notifications described here when this
37912 protocol description specifies that they are permitted. In the
37913 future, we may extend the protocol to permit existing notifications in
37914 new contexts; this rule helps older senders avoid confusing newer
37915 recipients.
37916
37917 (Older versions of @value{GDBN} ignore bytes received until they see
37918 the @samp{$} byte that begins an ordinary packet, so new stubs may
37919 transmit notifications without fear of confusing older clients. There
37920 are no notifications defined for @value{GDBN} to send at the moment, but we
37921 assume that most older stubs would ignore them, as well.)
37922
37923 The following notification packets from the stub to @value{GDBN} are
37924 defined:
37925
37926 @table @samp
37927 @item Stop: @var{reply}
37928 Report an asynchronous stop event in non-stop mode.
37929 The @var{reply} has the form of a stop reply, as
37930 described in @ref{Stop Reply Packets}. Refer to @ref{Remote Non-Stop},
37931 for information on how these notifications are acknowledged by
37932 @value{GDBN}.
37933 @end table
37934
37935 @node Remote Non-Stop
37936 @section Remote Protocol Support for Non-Stop Mode
37937
37938 @value{GDBN}'s remote protocol supports non-stop debugging of
37939 multi-threaded programs, as described in @ref{Non-Stop Mode}. If the stub
37940 supports non-stop mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN} by including
37941 @samp{QNonStop+} in its @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37942
37943 @value{GDBN} typically sends a @samp{QNonStop} packet only when
37944 establishing a new connection with the stub. Entering non-stop mode
37945 does not alter the state of any currently-running threads, but targets
37946 must stop all threads in any already-attached processes when entering
37947 all-stop mode. @value{GDBN} uses the @samp{?} packet as necessary to
37948 probe the target state after a mode change.
37949
37950 In non-stop mode, when an attached process encounters an event that
37951 would otherwise be reported with a stop reply, it uses the
37952 asynchronous notification mechanism (@pxref{Notification Packets}) to
37953 inform @value{GDBN}. In contrast to all-stop mode, where all threads
37954 in all processes are stopped when a stop reply is sent, in non-stop
37955 mode only the thread reporting the stop event is stopped. That is,
37956 when reporting a @samp{S} or @samp{T} response to indicate completion
37957 of a step operation, hitting a breakpoint, or a fault, only the
37958 affected thread is stopped; any other still-running threads continue
37959 to run. When reporting a @samp{W} or @samp{X} response, all running
37960 threads belonging to other attached processes continue to run.
37961
37962 Only one stop reply notification at a time may be pending; if
37963 additional stop events occur before @value{GDBN} has acknowledged the
37964 previous notification, they must be queued by the stub for later
37965 synchronous transmission in response to @samp{vStopped} packets from
37966 @value{GDBN}. Because the notification mechanism is unreliable,
37967 the stub is permitted to resend a stop reply notification
37968 if it believes @value{GDBN} may not have received it. @value{GDBN}
37969 ignores additional stop reply notifications received before it has
37970 finished processing a previous notification and the stub has completed
37971 sending any queued stop events.
37972
37973 Otherwise, @value{GDBN} must be prepared to receive a stop reply
37974 notification at any time. Specifically, they may appear when
37975 @value{GDBN} is not otherwise reading input from the stub, or when
37976 @value{GDBN} is expecting to read a normal synchronous response or a
37977 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgment to a packet it has sent.
37978 Notification packets are distinct from any other communication from
37979 the stub so there is no ambiguity.
37980
37981 After receiving a stop reply notification, @value{GDBN} shall
37982 acknowledge it by sending a @samp{vStopped} packet (@pxref{vStopped packet})
37983 as a regular, synchronous request to the stub. Such acknowledgment
37984 is not required to happen immediately, as @value{GDBN} is permitted to
37985 send other, unrelated packets to the stub first, which the stub should
37986 process normally.
37987
37988 Upon receiving a @samp{vStopped} packet, if the stub has other queued
37989 stop events to report to @value{GDBN}, it shall respond by sending a
37990 normal stop reply response. @value{GDBN} shall then send another
37991 @samp{vStopped} packet to solicit further responses; again, it is
37992 permitted to send other, unrelated packets as well which the stub
37993 should process normally.
37994
37995 If the stub receives a @samp{vStopped} packet and there are no
37996 additional stop events to report, the stub shall return an @samp{OK}
37997 response. At this point, if further stop events occur, the stub shall
37998 send a new stop reply notification, @value{GDBN} shall accept the
37999 notification, and the process shall be repeated.
38000
38001 In non-stop mode, the target shall respond to the @samp{?} packet as
38002 follows. First, any incomplete stop reply notification/@samp{vStopped}
38003 sequence in progress is abandoned. The target must begin a new
38004 sequence reporting stop events for all stopped threads, whether or not
38005 it has previously reported those events to @value{GDBN}. The first
38006 stop reply is sent as a synchronous reply to the @samp{?} packet, and
38007 subsequent stop replies are sent as responses to @samp{vStopped} packets
38008 using the mechanism described above. The target must not send
38009 asynchronous stop reply notifications until the sequence is complete.
38010 If all threads are running when the target receives the @samp{?} packet,
38011 or if the target is not attached to any process, it shall respond
38012 @samp{OK}.
38013
38014 @node Packet Acknowledgment
38015 @section Packet Acknowledgment
38016
38017 @cindex acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
38018 @cindex packet acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
38019 By default, when either the host or the target machine receives a packet,
38020 the first response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
38021 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request retransmission).
38022 This mechanism allows the @value{GDBN} remote protocol to operate over
38023 unreliable transport mechanisms, such as a serial line.
38024
38025 In cases where the transport mechanism is itself reliable (such as a pipe or
38026 TCP connection), the @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are redundant.
38027 It may be desirable to disable them in that case to reduce communication
38028 overhead, or for other reasons. This can be accomplished by means of the
38029 @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet; @pxref{QStartNoAckMode}.
38030
38031 When in no-acknowledgment mode, neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or
38032 expect @samp{+}/@samp{-} protocol acknowledgments. The packet
38033 and response format still includes the normal checksum, as described in
38034 @ref{Overview}, but the checksum may be ignored by the receiver.
38035
38036 If the stub supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and prefers to operate in
38037 no-acknowledgment mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN}
38038 by including @samp{QStartNoAckMode+} in its response to @samp{qSupported};
38039 @pxref{qSupported}.
38040 If @value{GDBN} also supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and it has not been
38041 disabled via the @code{set remote noack-packet off} command
38042 (@pxref{Remote Configuration}),
38043 @value{GDBN} may then send a @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet to the stub.
38044 Only then may the stub actually turn off packet acknowledgments.
38045 @value{GDBN} sends a final @samp{+} acknowledgment of the stub's @samp{OK}
38046 response, which can be safely ignored by the stub.
38047
38048 Note that @code{set remote noack-packet} command only affects negotiation
38049 between @value{GDBN} and the stub when subsequent connections are made;
38050 it does not affect the protocol acknowledgment state for any current
38051 connection.
38052 Since @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are enabled by default when a
38053 new connection is established,
38054 there is also no protocol request to re-enable the acknowledgments
38055 for the current connection, once disabled.
38056
38057 @node Examples
38058 @section Examples
38059
38060 Example sequence of a target being re-started. Notice how the restart
38061 does not get any direct output:
38062
38063 @smallexample
38064 -> @code{R00}
38065 <- @code{+}
38066 @emph{target restarts}
38067 -> @code{?}
38068 <- @code{+}
38069 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
38070 -> @code{+}
38071 @end smallexample
38072
38073 Example sequence of a target being stepped by a single instruction:
38074
38075 @smallexample
38076 -> @code{G1445@dots{}}
38077 <- @code{+}
38078 -> @code{s}
38079 <- @code{+}
38080 @emph{time passes}
38081 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
38082 -> @code{+}
38083 -> @code{g}
38084 <- @code{+}
38085 <- @code{1455@dots{}}
38086 -> @code{+}
38087 @end smallexample
38088
38089 @node File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
38090 @section File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
38091 @cindex File-I/O remote protocol extension
38092
38093 @menu
38094 * File-I/O Overview::
38095 * Protocol Basics::
38096 * The F Request Packet::
38097 * The F Reply Packet::
38098 * The Ctrl-C Message::
38099 * Console I/O::
38100 * List of Supported Calls::
38101 * Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes::
38102 * Constants::
38103 * File-I/O Examples::
38104 @end menu
38105
38106 @node File-I/O Overview
38107 @subsection File-I/O Overview
38108 @cindex file-i/o overview
38109
38110 The @dfn{File I/O remote protocol extension} (short: File-I/O) allows the
38111 target to use the host's file system and console I/O to perform various
38112 system calls. System calls on the target system are translated into a
38113 remote protocol packet to the host system, which then performs the needed
38114 actions and returns a response packet to the target system.
38115 This simulates file system operations even on targets that lack file systems.
38116
38117 The protocol is defined to be independent of both the host and target systems.
38118 It uses its own internal representation of datatypes and values. Both
38119 @value{GDBN} and the target's @value{GDBN} stub are responsible for
38120 translating the system-dependent value representations into the internal
38121 protocol representations when data is transmitted.
38122
38123 The communication is synchronous. A system call is possible only when
38124 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
38125 or @samp{s} packets. While @value{GDBN} handles the request for a system call,
38126 the target is stopped to allow deterministic access to the target's
38127 memory. Therefore File-I/O is not interruptible by target signals. On
38128 the other hand, it is possible to interrupt File-I/O by a user interrupt
38129 (@samp{Ctrl-C}) within @value{GDBN}.
38130
38131 The target's request to perform a host system call does not finish
38132 the latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} action. That means,
38133 after finishing the system call, the target returns to continuing the
38134 previous activity (continue, step). No additional continue or step
38135 request from @value{GDBN} is required.
38136
38137 @smallexample
38138 (@value{GDBP}) continue
38139 <- target requests 'system call X'
38140 target is stopped, @value{GDBN} executes system call
38141 -> @value{GDBN} returns result
38142 ... target continues, @value{GDBN} returns to wait for the target
38143 <- target hits breakpoint and sends a Txx packet
38144 @end smallexample
38145
38146 The protocol only supports I/O on the console and to regular files on
38147 the host file system. Character or block special devices, pipes,
38148 named pipes, sockets or any other communication method on the host
38149 system are not supported by this protocol.
38150
38151 File I/O is not supported in non-stop mode.
38152
38153 @node Protocol Basics
38154 @subsection Protocol Basics
38155 @cindex protocol basics, file-i/o
38156
38157 The File-I/O protocol uses the @code{F} packet as the request as well
38158 as reply packet. Since a File-I/O system call can only occur when
38159 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the continuing or stepping target,
38160 the File-I/O request is a reply that @value{GDBN} has to expect as a result
38161 of a previous @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} packet.
38162 This @code{F} packet contains all information needed to allow @value{GDBN}
38163 to call the appropriate host system call:
38164
38165 @itemize @bullet
38166 @item
38167 A unique identifier for the requested system call.
38168
38169 @item
38170 All parameters to the system call. Pointers are given as addresses
38171 in the target memory address space. Pointers to strings are given as
38172 pointer/length pair. Numerical values are given as they are.
38173 Numerical control flags are given in a protocol-specific representation.
38174
38175 @end itemize
38176
38177 At this point, @value{GDBN} has to perform the following actions.
38178
38179 @itemize @bullet
38180 @item
38181 If the parameters include pointer values to data needed as input to a
38182 system call, @value{GDBN} requests this data from the target with a
38183 standard @code{m} packet request. This additional communication has to be
38184 expected by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{m}
38185 packet.
38186
38187 @item
38188 @value{GDBN} translates all value from protocol representation to host
38189 representation as needed. Datatypes are coerced into the host types.
38190
38191 @item
38192 @value{GDBN} calls the system call.
38193
38194 @item
38195 It then coerces datatypes back to protocol representation.
38196
38197 @item
38198 If the system call is expected to return data in buffer space specified
38199 by pointer parameters to the call, the data is transmitted to the
38200 target using a @code{M} or @code{X} packet. This packet has to be expected
38201 by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{M} or @code{X}
38202 packet.
38203
38204 @end itemize
38205
38206 Eventually @value{GDBN} replies with another @code{F} packet which contains all
38207 necessary information for the target to continue. This at least contains
38208
38209 @itemize @bullet
38210 @item
38211 Return value.
38212
38213 @item
38214 @code{errno}, if has been changed by the system call.
38215
38216 @item
38217 ``Ctrl-C'' flag.
38218
38219 @end itemize
38220
38221 After having done the needed type and value coercion, the target continues
38222 the latest continue or step action.
38223
38224 @node The F Request Packet
38225 @subsection The @code{F} Request Packet
38226 @cindex file-i/o request packet
38227 @cindex @code{F} request packet
38228
38229 The @code{F} request packet has the following format:
38230
38231 @table @samp
38232 @item F@var{call-id},@var{parameter@dots{}}
38233
38234 @var{call-id} is the identifier to indicate the host system call to be called.
38235 This is just the name of the function.
38236
38237 @var{parameter@dots{}} are the parameters to the system call.
38238 Parameters are hexadecimal integer values, either the actual values in case
38239 of scalar datatypes, pointers to target buffer space in case of compound
38240 datatypes and unspecified memory areas, or pointer/length pairs in case
38241 of string parameters. These are appended to the @var{call-id} as a
38242 comma-delimited list. All values are transmitted in ASCII
38243 string representation, pointer/length pairs separated by a slash.
38244
38245 @end table
38246
38247
38248
38249 @node The F Reply Packet
38250 @subsection The @code{F} Reply Packet
38251 @cindex file-i/o reply packet
38252 @cindex @code{F} reply packet
38253
38254 The @code{F} reply packet has the following format:
38255
38256 @table @samp
38257
38258 @item F@var{retcode},@var{errno},@var{Ctrl-C flag};@var{call-specific attachment}
38259
38260 @var{retcode} is the return code of the system call as hexadecimal value.
38261
38262 @var{errno} is the @code{errno} set by the call, in protocol-specific
38263 representation.
38264 This parameter can be omitted if the call was successful.
38265
38266 @var{Ctrl-C flag} is only sent if the user requested a break. In this
38267 case, @var{errno} must be sent as well, even if the call was successful.
38268 The @var{Ctrl-C flag} itself consists of the character @samp{C}:
38269
38270 @smallexample
38271 F0,0,C
38272 @end smallexample
38273
38274 @noindent
38275 or, if the call was interrupted before the host call has been performed:
38276
38277 @smallexample
38278 F-1,4,C
38279 @end smallexample
38280
38281 @noindent
38282 assuming 4 is the protocol-specific representation of @code{EINTR}.
38283
38284 @end table
38285
38286
38287 @node The Ctrl-C Message
38288 @subsection The @samp{Ctrl-C} Message
38289 @cindex ctrl-c message, in file-i/o protocol
38290
38291 If the @samp{Ctrl-C} flag is set in the @value{GDBN}
38292 reply packet (@pxref{The F Reply Packet}),
38293 the target should behave as if it had
38294 gotten a break message. The meaning for the target is ``system call
38295 interrupted by @code{SIGINT}''. Consequentially, the target should actually stop
38296 (as with a break message) and return to @value{GDBN} with a @code{T02}
38297 packet.
38298
38299 It's important for the target to know in which
38300 state the system call was interrupted. There are two possible cases:
38301
38302 @itemize @bullet
38303 @item
38304 The system call hasn't been performed on the host yet.
38305
38306 @item
38307 The system call on the host has been finished.
38308
38309 @end itemize
38310
38311 These two states can be distinguished by the target by the value of the
38312 returned @code{errno}. If it's the protocol representation of @code{EINTR}, the system
38313 call hasn't been performed. This is equivalent to the @code{EINTR} handling
38314 on POSIX systems. In any other case, the target may presume that the
38315 system call has been finished --- successfully or not --- and should behave
38316 as if the break message arrived right after the system call.
38317
38318 @value{GDBN} must behave reliably. If the system call has not been called
38319 yet, @value{GDBN} may send the @code{F} reply immediately, setting @code{EINTR} as
38320 @code{errno} in the packet. If the system call on the host has been finished
38321 before the user requests a break, the full action must be finished by
38322 @value{GDBN}. This requires sending @code{M} or @code{X} packets as necessary.
38323 The @code{F} packet may only be sent when either nothing has happened
38324 or the full action has been completed.
38325
38326 @node Console I/O
38327 @subsection Console I/O
38328 @cindex console i/o as part of file-i/o
38329
38330 By default and if not explicitly closed by the target system, the file
38331 descriptors 0, 1 and 2 are connected to the @value{GDBN} console. Output
38332 on the @value{GDBN} console is handled as any other file output operation
38333 (@code{write(1, @dots{})} or @code{write(2, @dots{})}). Console input is handled
38334 by @value{GDBN} so that after the target read request from file descriptor
38335 0 all following typing is buffered until either one of the following
38336 conditions is met:
38337
38338 @itemize @bullet
38339 @item
38340 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-c}. The behaviour is as explained above, and the
38341 @code{read}
38342 system call is treated as finished.
38343
38344 @item
38345 The user presses @key{RET}. This is treated as end of input with a trailing
38346 newline.
38347
38348 @item
38349 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-d}. This is treated as end of input. No trailing
38350 character (neither newline nor @samp{Ctrl-D}) is appended to the input.
38351
38352 @end itemize
38353
38354 If the user has typed more characters than fit in the buffer given to
38355 the @code{read} call, the trailing characters are buffered in @value{GDBN} until
38356 either another @code{read(0, @dots{})} is requested by the target, or debugging
38357 is stopped at the user's request.
38358
38359
38360 @node List of Supported Calls
38361 @subsection List of Supported Calls
38362 @cindex list of supported file-i/o calls
38363
38364 @menu
38365 * open::
38366 * close::
38367 * read::
38368 * write::
38369 * lseek::
38370 * rename::
38371 * unlink::
38372 * stat/fstat::
38373 * gettimeofday::
38374 * isatty::
38375 * system::
38376 @end menu
38377
38378 @node open
38379 @unnumberedsubsubsec open
38380 @cindex open, file-i/o system call
38381
38382 @table @asis
38383 @item Synopsis:
38384 @smallexample
38385 int open(const char *pathname, int flags);
38386 int open(const char *pathname, int flags, mode_t mode);
38387 @end smallexample
38388
38389 @item Request:
38390 @samp{Fopen,@var{pathptr}/@var{len},@var{flags},@var{mode}}
38391
38392 @noindent
38393 @var{flags} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
38394
38395 @table @code
38396 @item O_CREAT
38397 If the file does not exist it will be created. The host
38398 rules apply as far as file ownership and time stamps
38399 are concerned.
38400
38401 @item O_EXCL
38402 When used with @code{O_CREAT}, if the file already exists it is
38403 an error and open() fails.
38404
38405 @item O_TRUNC
38406 If the file already exists and the open mode allows
38407 writing (@code{O_RDWR} or @code{O_WRONLY} is given) it will be
38408 truncated to zero length.
38409
38410 @item O_APPEND
38411 The file is opened in append mode.
38412
38413 @item O_RDONLY
38414 The file is opened for reading only.
38415
38416 @item O_WRONLY
38417 The file is opened for writing only.
38418
38419 @item O_RDWR
38420 The file is opened for reading and writing.
38421 @end table
38422
38423 @noindent
38424 Other bits are silently ignored.
38425
38426
38427 @noindent
38428 @var{mode} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
38429
38430 @table @code
38431 @item S_IRUSR
38432 User has read permission.
38433
38434 @item S_IWUSR
38435 User has write permission.
38436
38437 @item S_IRGRP
38438 Group has read permission.
38439
38440 @item S_IWGRP
38441 Group has write permission.
38442
38443 @item S_IROTH
38444 Others have read permission.
38445
38446 @item S_IWOTH
38447 Others have write permission.
38448 @end table
38449
38450 @noindent
38451 Other bits are silently ignored.
38452
38453
38454 @item Return value:
38455 @code{open} returns the new file descriptor or -1 if an error
38456 occurred.
38457
38458 @item Errors:
38459
38460 @table @code
38461 @item EEXIST
38462 @var{pathname} already exists and @code{O_CREAT} and @code{O_EXCL} were used.
38463
38464 @item EISDIR
38465 @var{pathname} refers to a directory.
38466
38467 @item EACCES
38468 The requested access is not allowed.
38469
38470 @item ENAMETOOLONG
38471 @var{pathname} was too long.
38472
38473 @item ENOENT
38474 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
38475
38476 @item ENODEV
38477 @var{pathname} refers to a device, pipe, named pipe or socket.
38478
38479 @item EROFS
38480 @var{pathname} refers to a file on a read-only filesystem and
38481 write access was requested.
38482
38483 @item EFAULT
38484 @var{pathname} is an invalid pointer value.
38485
38486 @item ENOSPC
38487 No space on device to create the file.
38488
38489 @item EMFILE
38490 The process already has the maximum number of files open.
38491
38492 @item ENFILE
38493 The limit on the total number of files open on the system
38494 has been reached.
38495
38496 @item EINTR
38497 The call was interrupted by the user.
38498 @end table
38499
38500 @end table
38501
38502 @node close
38503 @unnumberedsubsubsec close
38504 @cindex close, file-i/o system call
38505
38506 @table @asis
38507 @item Synopsis:
38508 @smallexample
38509 int close(int fd);
38510 @end smallexample
38511
38512 @item Request:
38513 @samp{Fclose,@var{fd}}
38514
38515 @item Return value:
38516 @code{close} returns zero on success, or -1 if an error occurred.
38517
38518 @item Errors:
38519
38520 @table @code
38521 @item EBADF
38522 @var{fd} isn't a valid open file descriptor.
38523
38524 @item EINTR
38525 The call was interrupted by the user.
38526 @end table
38527
38528 @end table
38529
38530 @node read
38531 @unnumberedsubsubsec read
38532 @cindex read, file-i/o system call
38533
38534 @table @asis
38535 @item Synopsis:
38536 @smallexample
38537 int read(int fd, void *buf, unsigned int count);
38538 @end smallexample
38539
38540 @item Request:
38541 @samp{Fread,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
38542
38543 @item Return value:
38544 On success, the number of bytes read is returned.
38545 Zero indicates end of file. If count is zero, read
38546 returns zero as well. On error, -1 is returned.
38547
38548 @item Errors:
38549
38550 @table @code
38551 @item EBADF
38552 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
38553 reading.
38554
38555 @item EFAULT
38556 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
38557
38558 @item EINTR
38559 The call was interrupted by the user.
38560 @end table
38561
38562 @end table
38563
38564 @node write
38565 @unnumberedsubsubsec write
38566 @cindex write, file-i/o system call
38567
38568 @table @asis
38569 @item Synopsis:
38570 @smallexample
38571 int write(int fd, const void *buf, unsigned int count);
38572 @end smallexample
38573
38574 @item Request:
38575 @samp{Fwrite,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
38576
38577 @item Return value:
38578 On success, the number of bytes written are returned.
38579 Zero indicates nothing was written. On error, -1
38580 is returned.
38581
38582 @item Errors:
38583
38584 @table @code
38585 @item EBADF
38586 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
38587 writing.
38588
38589 @item EFAULT
38590 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
38591
38592 @item EFBIG
38593 An attempt was made to write a file that exceeds the
38594 host-specific maximum file size allowed.
38595
38596 @item ENOSPC
38597 No space on device to write the data.
38598
38599 @item EINTR
38600 The call was interrupted by the user.
38601 @end table
38602
38603 @end table
38604
38605 @node lseek
38606 @unnumberedsubsubsec lseek
38607 @cindex lseek, file-i/o system call
38608
38609 @table @asis
38610 @item Synopsis:
38611 @smallexample
38612 long lseek (int fd, long offset, int flag);
38613 @end smallexample
38614
38615 @item Request:
38616 @samp{Flseek,@var{fd},@var{offset},@var{flag}}
38617
38618 @var{flag} is one of:
38619
38620 @table @code
38621 @item SEEK_SET
38622 The offset is set to @var{offset} bytes.
38623
38624 @item SEEK_CUR
38625 The offset is set to its current location plus @var{offset}
38626 bytes.
38627
38628 @item SEEK_END
38629 The offset is set to the size of the file plus @var{offset}
38630 bytes.
38631 @end table
38632
38633 @item Return value:
38634 On success, the resulting unsigned offset in bytes from
38635 the beginning of the file is returned. Otherwise, a
38636 value of -1 is returned.
38637
38638 @item Errors:
38639
38640 @table @code
38641 @item EBADF
38642 @var{fd} is not a valid open file descriptor.
38643
38644 @item ESPIPE
38645 @var{fd} is associated with the @value{GDBN} console.
38646
38647 @item EINVAL
38648 @var{flag} is not a proper value.
38649
38650 @item EINTR
38651 The call was interrupted by the user.
38652 @end table
38653
38654 @end table
38655
38656 @node rename
38657 @unnumberedsubsubsec rename
38658 @cindex rename, file-i/o system call
38659
38660 @table @asis
38661 @item Synopsis:
38662 @smallexample
38663 int rename(const char *oldpath, const char *newpath);
38664 @end smallexample
38665
38666 @item Request:
38667 @samp{Frename,@var{oldpathptr}/@var{len},@var{newpathptr}/@var{len}}
38668
38669 @item Return value:
38670 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
38671
38672 @item Errors:
38673
38674 @table @code
38675 @item EISDIR
38676 @var{newpath} is an existing directory, but @var{oldpath} is not a
38677 directory.
38678
38679 @item EEXIST
38680 @var{newpath} is a non-empty directory.
38681
38682 @item EBUSY
38683 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} is a directory that is in use by some
38684 process.
38685
38686 @item EINVAL
38687 An attempt was made to make a directory a subdirectory
38688 of itself.
38689
38690 @item ENOTDIR
38691 A component used as a directory in @var{oldpath} or new
38692 path is not a directory. Or @var{oldpath} is a directory
38693 and @var{newpath} exists but is not a directory.
38694
38695 @item EFAULT
38696 @var{oldpathptr} or @var{newpathptr} are invalid pointer values.
38697
38698 @item EACCES
38699 No access to the file or the path of the file.
38700
38701 @item ENAMETOOLONG
38702
38703 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} was too long.
38704
38705 @item ENOENT
38706 A directory component in @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} does not exist.
38707
38708 @item EROFS
38709 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
38710
38711 @item ENOSPC
38712 The device containing the file has no room for the new
38713 directory entry.
38714
38715 @item EINTR
38716 The call was interrupted by the user.
38717 @end table
38718
38719 @end table
38720
38721 @node unlink
38722 @unnumberedsubsubsec unlink
38723 @cindex unlink, file-i/o system call
38724
38725 @table @asis
38726 @item Synopsis:
38727 @smallexample
38728 int unlink(const char *pathname);
38729 @end smallexample
38730
38731 @item Request:
38732 @samp{Funlink,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len}}
38733
38734 @item Return value:
38735 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
38736
38737 @item Errors:
38738
38739 @table @code
38740 @item EACCES
38741 No access to the file or the path of the file.
38742
38743 @item EPERM
38744 The system does not allow unlinking of directories.
38745
38746 @item EBUSY
38747 The file @var{pathname} cannot be unlinked because it's
38748 being used by another process.
38749
38750 @item EFAULT
38751 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
38752
38753 @item ENAMETOOLONG
38754 @var{pathname} was too long.
38755
38756 @item ENOENT
38757 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
38758
38759 @item ENOTDIR
38760 A component of the path is not a directory.
38761
38762 @item EROFS
38763 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
38764
38765 @item EINTR
38766 The call was interrupted by the user.
38767 @end table
38768
38769 @end table
38770
38771 @node stat/fstat
38772 @unnumberedsubsubsec stat/fstat
38773 @cindex fstat, file-i/o system call
38774 @cindex stat, file-i/o system call
38775
38776 @table @asis
38777 @item Synopsis:
38778 @smallexample
38779 int stat(const char *pathname, struct stat *buf);
38780 int fstat(int fd, struct stat *buf);
38781 @end smallexample
38782
38783 @item Request:
38784 @samp{Fstat,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len},@var{bufptr}}@*
38785 @samp{Ffstat,@var{fd},@var{bufptr}}
38786
38787 @item Return value:
38788 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
38789
38790 @item Errors:
38791
38792 @table @code
38793 @item EBADF
38794 @var{fd} is not a valid open file.
38795
38796 @item ENOENT
38797 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist or the
38798 path is an empty string.
38799
38800 @item ENOTDIR
38801 A component of the path is not a directory.
38802
38803 @item EFAULT
38804 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
38805
38806 @item EACCES
38807 No access to the file or the path of the file.
38808
38809 @item ENAMETOOLONG
38810 @var{pathname} was too long.
38811
38812 @item EINTR
38813 The call was interrupted by the user.
38814 @end table
38815
38816 @end table
38817
38818 @node gettimeofday
38819 @unnumberedsubsubsec gettimeofday
38820 @cindex gettimeofday, file-i/o system call
38821
38822 @table @asis
38823 @item Synopsis:
38824 @smallexample
38825 int gettimeofday(struct timeval *tv, void *tz);
38826 @end smallexample
38827
38828 @item Request:
38829 @samp{Fgettimeofday,@var{tvptr},@var{tzptr}}
38830
38831 @item Return value:
38832 On success, 0 is returned, -1 otherwise.
38833
38834 @item Errors:
38835
38836 @table @code
38837 @item EINVAL
38838 @var{tz} is a non-NULL pointer.
38839
38840 @item EFAULT
38841 @var{tvptr} and/or @var{tzptr} is an invalid pointer value.
38842 @end table
38843
38844 @end table
38845
38846 @node isatty
38847 @unnumberedsubsubsec isatty
38848 @cindex isatty, file-i/o system call
38849
38850 @table @asis
38851 @item Synopsis:
38852 @smallexample
38853 int isatty(int fd);
38854 @end smallexample
38855
38856 @item Request:
38857 @samp{Fisatty,@var{fd}}
38858
38859 @item Return value:
38860 Returns 1 if @var{fd} refers to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise.
38861
38862 @item Errors:
38863
38864 @table @code
38865 @item EINTR
38866 The call was interrupted by the user.
38867 @end table
38868
38869 @end table
38870
38871 Note that the @code{isatty} call is treated as a special case: it returns
38872 1 to the target if the file descriptor is attached
38873 to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise. Implementing through system calls
38874 would require implementing @code{ioctl} and would be more complex than
38875 needed.
38876
38877
38878 @node system
38879 @unnumberedsubsubsec system
38880 @cindex system, file-i/o system call
38881
38882 @table @asis
38883 @item Synopsis:
38884 @smallexample
38885 int system(const char *command);
38886 @end smallexample
38887
38888 @item Request:
38889 @samp{Fsystem,@var{commandptr}/@var{len}}
38890
38891 @item Return value:
38892 If @var{len} is zero, the return value indicates whether a shell is
38893 available. A zero return value indicates a shell is not available.
38894 For non-zero @var{len}, the value returned is -1 on error and the
38895 return status of the command otherwise. Only the exit status of the
38896 command is returned, which is extracted from the host's @code{system}
38897 return value by calling @code{WEXITSTATUS(retval)}. In case
38898 @file{/bin/sh} could not be executed, 127 is returned.
38899
38900 @item Errors:
38901
38902 @table @code
38903 @item EINTR
38904 The call was interrupted by the user.
38905 @end table
38906
38907 @end table
38908
38909 @value{GDBN} takes over the full task of calling the necessary host calls
38910 to perform the @code{system} call. The return value of @code{system} on
38911 the host is simplified before it's returned
38912 to the target. Any termination signal information from the child process
38913 is discarded, and the return value consists
38914 entirely of the exit status of the called command.
38915
38916 Due to security concerns, the @code{system} call is by default refused
38917 by @value{GDBN}. The user has to allow this call explicitly with the
38918 @code{set remote system-call-allowed 1} command.
38919
38920 @table @code
38921 @item set remote system-call-allowed
38922 @kindex set remote system-call-allowed
38923 Control whether to allow the @code{system} calls in the File I/O
38924 protocol for the remote target. The default is zero (disabled).
38925
38926 @item show remote system-call-allowed
38927 @kindex show remote system-call-allowed
38928 Show whether the @code{system} calls are allowed in the File I/O
38929 protocol.
38930 @end table
38931
38932 @node Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
38933 @subsection Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
38934 @cindex protocol-specific representation of datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
38935
38936 @menu
38937 * Integral Datatypes::
38938 * Pointer Values::
38939 * Memory Transfer::
38940 * struct stat::
38941 * struct timeval::
38942 @end menu
38943
38944 @node Integral Datatypes
38945 @unnumberedsubsubsec Integral Datatypes
38946 @cindex integral datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
38947
38948 The integral datatypes used in the system calls are @code{int},
38949 @code{unsigned int}, @code{long}, @code{unsigned long},
38950 @code{mode_t}, and @code{time_t}.
38951
38952 @code{int}, @code{unsigned int}, @code{mode_t} and @code{time_t} are
38953 implemented as 32 bit values in this protocol.
38954
38955 @code{long} and @code{unsigned long} are implemented as 64 bit types.
38956
38957 @xref{Limits}, for corresponding MIN and MAX values (similar to those
38958 in @file{limits.h}) to allow range checking on host and target.
38959
38960 @code{time_t} datatypes are defined as seconds since the Epoch.
38961
38962 All integral datatypes transferred as part of a memory read or write of a
38963 structured datatype e.g.@: a @code{struct stat} have to be given in big endian
38964 byte order.
38965
38966 @node Pointer Values
38967 @unnumberedsubsubsec Pointer Values
38968 @cindex pointer values, in file-i/o protocol
38969
38970 Pointers to target data are transmitted as they are. An exception
38971 is made for pointers to buffers for which the length isn't
38972 transmitted as part of the function call, namely strings. Strings
38973 are transmitted as a pointer/length pair, both as hex values, e.g.@:
38974
38975 @smallexample
38976 @code{1aaf/12}
38977 @end smallexample
38978
38979 @noindent
38980 which is a pointer to data of length 18 bytes at position 0x1aaf.
38981 The length is defined as the full string length in bytes, including
38982 the trailing null byte. For example, the string @code{"hello world"}
38983 at address 0x123456 is transmitted as
38984
38985 @smallexample
38986 @code{123456/d}
38987 @end smallexample
38988
38989 @node Memory Transfer
38990 @unnumberedsubsubsec Memory Transfer
38991 @cindex memory transfer, in file-i/o protocol
38992
38993 Structured data which is transferred using a memory read or write (for
38994 example, a @code{struct stat}) is expected to be in a protocol-specific format
38995 with all scalar multibyte datatypes being big endian. Translation to
38996 this representation needs to be done both by the target before the @code{F}
38997 packet is sent, and by @value{GDBN} before
38998 it transfers memory to the target. Transferred pointers to structured
38999 data should point to the already-coerced data at any time.
39000
39001
39002 @node struct stat
39003 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct stat
39004 @cindex struct stat, in file-i/o protocol
39005
39006 The buffer of type @code{struct stat} used by the target and @value{GDBN}
39007 is defined as follows:
39008
39009 @smallexample
39010 struct stat @{
39011 unsigned int st_dev; /* device */
39012 unsigned int st_ino; /* inode */
39013 mode_t st_mode; /* protection */
39014 unsigned int st_nlink; /* number of hard links */
39015 unsigned int st_uid; /* user ID of owner */
39016 unsigned int st_gid; /* group ID of owner */
39017 unsigned int st_rdev; /* device type (if inode device) */
39018 unsigned long st_size; /* total size, in bytes */
39019 unsigned long st_blksize; /* blocksize for filesystem I/O */
39020 unsigned long st_blocks; /* number of blocks allocated */
39021 time_t st_atime; /* time of last access */
39022 time_t st_mtime; /* time of last modification */
39023 time_t st_ctime; /* time of last change */
39024 @};
39025 @end smallexample
39026
39027 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
39028 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
39029 structure is of size 64 bytes.
39030
39031 The values of several fields have a restricted meaning and/or
39032 range of values.
39033
39034 @table @code
39035
39036 @item st_dev
39037 A value of 0 represents a file, 1 the console.
39038
39039 @item st_ino
39040 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
39041
39042 @item st_mode
39043 Valid mode bits are described in @ref{Constants}. Any other
39044 bits have currently no meaning for the target.
39045
39046 @item st_uid
39047 @itemx st_gid
39048 @itemx st_rdev
39049 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
39050
39051 @item st_atime
39052 @itemx st_mtime
39053 @itemx st_ctime
39054 These values have a host and file system dependent
39055 accuracy. Especially on Windows hosts, the file system may not
39056 support exact timing values.
39057 @end table
39058
39059 The target gets a @code{struct stat} of the above representation and is
39060 responsible for coercing it to the target representation before
39061 continuing.
39062
39063 Note that due to size differences between the host, target, and protocol
39064 representations of @code{struct stat} members, these members could eventually
39065 get truncated on the target.
39066
39067 @node struct timeval
39068 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct timeval
39069 @cindex struct timeval, in file-i/o protocol
39070
39071 The buffer of type @code{struct timeval} used by the File-I/O protocol
39072 is defined as follows:
39073
39074 @smallexample
39075 struct timeval @{
39076 time_t tv_sec; /* second */
39077 long tv_usec; /* microsecond */
39078 @};
39079 @end smallexample
39080
39081 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
39082 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
39083 structure is of size 8 bytes.
39084
39085 @node Constants
39086 @subsection Constants
39087 @cindex constants, in file-i/o protocol
39088
39089 The following values are used for the constants inside of the
39090 protocol. @value{GDBN} and target are responsible for translating these
39091 values before and after the call as needed.
39092
39093 @menu
39094 * Open Flags::
39095 * mode_t Values::
39096 * Errno Values::
39097 * Lseek Flags::
39098 * Limits::
39099 @end menu
39100
39101 @node Open Flags
39102 @unnumberedsubsubsec Open Flags
39103 @cindex open flags, in file-i/o protocol
39104
39105 All values are given in hexadecimal representation.
39106
39107 @smallexample
39108 O_RDONLY 0x0
39109 O_WRONLY 0x1
39110 O_RDWR 0x2
39111 O_APPEND 0x8
39112 O_CREAT 0x200
39113 O_TRUNC 0x400
39114 O_EXCL 0x800
39115 @end smallexample
39116
39117 @node mode_t Values
39118 @unnumberedsubsubsec mode_t Values
39119 @cindex mode_t values, in file-i/o protocol
39120
39121 All values are given in octal representation.
39122
39123 @smallexample
39124 S_IFREG 0100000
39125 S_IFDIR 040000
39126 S_IRUSR 0400
39127 S_IWUSR 0200
39128 S_IXUSR 0100
39129 S_IRGRP 040
39130 S_IWGRP 020
39131 S_IXGRP 010
39132 S_IROTH 04
39133 S_IWOTH 02
39134 S_IXOTH 01
39135 @end smallexample
39136
39137 @node Errno Values
39138 @unnumberedsubsubsec Errno Values
39139 @cindex errno values, in file-i/o protocol
39140
39141 All values are given in decimal representation.
39142
39143 @smallexample
39144 EPERM 1
39145 ENOENT 2
39146 EINTR 4
39147 EBADF 9
39148 EACCES 13
39149 EFAULT 14
39150 EBUSY 16
39151 EEXIST 17
39152 ENODEV 19
39153 ENOTDIR 20
39154 EISDIR 21
39155 EINVAL 22
39156 ENFILE 23
39157 EMFILE 24
39158 EFBIG 27
39159 ENOSPC 28
39160 ESPIPE 29
39161 EROFS 30
39162 ENAMETOOLONG 91
39163 EUNKNOWN 9999
39164 @end smallexample
39165
39166 @code{EUNKNOWN} is used as a fallback error value if a host system returns
39167 any error value not in the list of supported error numbers.
39168
39169 @node Lseek Flags
39170 @unnumberedsubsubsec Lseek Flags
39171 @cindex lseek flags, in file-i/o protocol
39172
39173 @smallexample
39174 SEEK_SET 0
39175 SEEK_CUR 1
39176 SEEK_END 2
39177 @end smallexample
39178
39179 @node Limits
39180 @unnumberedsubsubsec Limits
39181 @cindex limits, in file-i/o protocol
39182
39183 All values are given in decimal representation.
39184
39185 @smallexample
39186 INT_MIN -2147483648
39187 INT_MAX 2147483647
39188 UINT_MAX 4294967295
39189 LONG_MIN -9223372036854775808
39190 LONG_MAX 9223372036854775807
39191 ULONG_MAX 18446744073709551615
39192 @end smallexample
39193
39194 @node File-I/O Examples
39195 @subsection File-I/O Examples
39196 @cindex file-i/o examples
39197
39198 Example sequence of a write call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
39199 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be written:
39200
39201 @smallexample
39202 <- @code{Fwrite,3,1234,6}
39203 @emph{request memory read from target}
39204 -> @code{m1234,6}
39205 <- XXXXXX
39206 @emph{return "6 bytes written"}
39207 -> @code{F6}
39208 @end smallexample
39209
39210 Example sequence of a read call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
39211 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be read:
39212
39213 @smallexample
39214 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
39215 @emph{request memory write to target}
39216 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
39217 @emph{return "6 bytes read"}
39218 -> @code{F6}
39219 @end smallexample
39220
39221 Example sequence of a read call, call fails on the host due to invalid
39222 file descriptor (@code{EBADF}):
39223
39224 @smallexample
39225 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
39226 -> @code{F-1,9}
39227 @end smallexample
39228
39229 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} before syscall on
39230 host is called:
39231
39232 @smallexample
39233 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
39234 -> @code{F-1,4,C}
39235 <- @code{T02}
39236 @end smallexample
39237
39238 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} after syscall on
39239 host is called:
39240
39241 @smallexample
39242 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
39243 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
39244 <- @code{T02}
39245 @end smallexample
39246
39247 @node Library List Format
39248 @section Library List Format
39249 @cindex library list format, remote protocol
39250
39251 On some platforms, a dynamic loader (e.g.@: @file{ld.so}) runs in the
39252 same process as your application to manage libraries. In this case,
39253 @value{GDBN} can use the loader's symbol table and normal memory
39254 operations to maintain a list of shared libraries. On other
39255 platforms, the operating system manages loaded libraries.
39256 @value{GDBN} can not retrieve the list of currently loaded libraries
39257 through memory operations, so it uses the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
39258 packet (@pxref{qXfer library list read}) instead. The remote stub
39259 queries the target's operating system and reports which libraries
39260 are loaded.
39261
39262 The @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet returns an XML document which
39263 lists loaded libraries and their offsets. Each library has an
39264 associated name and one or more segment or section base addresses,
39265 which report where the library was loaded in memory.
39266
39267 For the common case of libraries that are fully linked binaries, the
39268 library should have a list of segments. If the target supports
39269 dynamic linking of a relocatable object file, its library XML element
39270 should instead include a list of allocated sections. The segment or
39271 section bases are start addresses, not relocation offsets; they do not
39272 depend on the library's link-time base addresses.
39273
39274 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
39275 library lists. @xref{Expat}.
39276
39277 A simple memory map, with one loaded library relocated by a single
39278 offset, looks like this:
39279
39280 @smallexample
39281 <library-list>
39282 <library name="/lib/libc.so.6">
39283 <segment address="0x10000000"/>
39284 </library>
39285 </library-list>
39286 @end smallexample
39287
39288 Another simple memory map, with one loaded library with three
39289 allocated sections (.text, .data, .bss), looks like this:
39290
39291 @smallexample
39292 <library-list>
39293 <library name="sharedlib.o">
39294 <section address="0x10000000"/>
39295 <section address="0x20000000"/>
39296 <section address="0x30000000"/>
39297 </library>
39298 </library-list>
39299 @end smallexample
39300
39301 The format of a library list is described by this DTD:
39302
39303 @smallexample
39304 <!-- library-list: Root element with versioning -->
39305 <!ELEMENT library-list (library)*>
39306 <!ATTLIST library-list version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
39307 <!ELEMENT library (segment*, section*)>
39308 <!ATTLIST library name CDATA #REQUIRED>
39309 <!ELEMENT segment EMPTY>
39310 <!ATTLIST segment address CDATA #REQUIRED>
39311 <!ELEMENT section EMPTY>
39312 <!ATTLIST section address CDATA #REQUIRED>
39313 @end smallexample
39314
39315 In addition, segments and section descriptors cannot be mixed within a
39316 single library element, and you must supply at least one segment or
39317 section for each library.
39318
39319 @node Library List Format for SVR4 Targets
39320 @section Library List Format for SVR4 Targets
39321 @cindex library list format, remote protocol
39322
39323 On SVR4 platforms @value{GDBN} can use the symbol table of a dynamic loader
39324 (e.g.@: @file{ld.so}) and normal memory operations to maintain a list of
39325 shared libraries. Still a special library list provided by this packet is
39326 more efficient for the @value{GDBN} remote protocol.
39327
39328 The @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read} packet returns an XML document which lists
39329 loaded libraries and their SVR4 linker parameters. For each library on SVR4
39330 target, the following parameters are reported:
39331
39332 @itemize @minus
39333 @item
39334 @code{name}, the absolute file name from the @code{l_name} field of
39335 @code{struct link_map}.
39336 @item
39337 @code{lm} with address of @code{struct link_map} used for TLS
39338 (Thread Local Storage) access.
39339 @item
39340 @code{l_addr}, the displacement as read from the field @code{l_addr} of
39341 @code{struct link_map}. For prelinked libraries this is not an absolute
39342 memory address. It is a displacement of absolute memory address against
39343 address the file was prelinked to during the library load.
39344 @item
39345 @code{l_ld}, which is memory address of the @code{PT_DYNAMIC} segment
39346 @end itemize
39347
39348 Additionally the single @code{main-lm} attribute specifies address of
39349 @code{struct link_map} used for the main executable. This parameter is used
39350 for TLS access and its presence is optional.
39351
39352 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
39353 SVR4 library lists. @xref{Expat}.
39354
39355 A simple memory map, with two loaded libraries (which do not use prelink),
39356 looks like this:
39357
39358 @smallexample
39359 <library-list-svr4 version="1.0" main-lm="0xe4f8f8">
39360 <library name="/lib/ld-linux.so.2" lm="0xe4f51c" l_addr="0xe2d000"
39361 l_ld="0xe4eefc"/>
39362 <library name="/lib/libc.so.6" lm="0xe4fbe8" l_addr="0x154000"
39363 l_ld="0x152350"/>
39364 </library-list-svr>
39365 @end smallexample
39366
39367 The format of an SVR4 library list is described by this DTD:
39368
39369 @smallexample
39370 <!-- library-list-svr4: Root element with versioning -->
39371 <!ELEMENT library-list-svr4 (library)*>
39372 <!ATTLIST library-list-svr4 version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
39373 <!ATTLIST library-list-svr4 main-lm CDATA #IMPLIED>
39374 <!ELEMENT library EMPTY>
39375 <!ATTLIST library name CDATA #REQUIRED>
39376 <!ATTLIST library lm CDATA #REQUIRED>
39377 <!ATTLIST library l_addr CDATA #REQUIRED>
39378 <!ATTLIST library l_ld CDATA #REQUIRED>
39379 @end smallexample
39380
39381 @node Memory Map Format
39382 @section Memory Map Format
39383 @cindex memory map format
39384
39385 To be able to write into flash memory, @value{GDBN} needs to obtain a
39386 memory map from the target. This section describes the format of the
39387 memory map.
39388
39389 The memory map is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
39390 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}) packet and is an XML document that
39391 lists memory regions.
39392
39393 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
39394 memory maps. @xref{Expat}.
39395
39396 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
39397
39398 @smallexample
39399 <?xml version="1.0"?>
39400 <!DOCTYPE memory-map
39401 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Memory Map V1.0//EN"
39402 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-memory-map.dtd">
39403 <memory-map>
39404 region...
39405 </memory-map>
39406 @end smallexample
39407
39408 Each region can be either:
39409
39410 @itemize
39411
39412 @item
39413 A region of RAM starting at @var{addr} and extending for @var{length}
39414 bytes from there:
39415
39416 @smallexample
39417 <memory type="ram" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
39418 @end smallexample
39419
39420
39421 @item
39422 A region of read-only memory:
39423
39424 @smallexample
39425 <memory type="rom" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
39426 @end smallexample
39427
39428
39429 @item
39430 A region of flash memory, with erasure blocks @var{blocksize}
39431 bytes in length:
39432
39433 @smallexample
39434 <memory type="flash" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}">
39435 <property name="blocksize">@var{blocksize}</property>
39436 </memory>
39437 @end smallexample
39438
39439 @end itemize
39440
39441 Regions must not overlap. @value{GDBN} assumes that areas of memory not covered
39442 by the memory map are RAM, and uses the ordinary @samp{M} and @samp{X}
39443 packets to write to addresses in such ranges.
39444
39445 The formal DTD for memory map format is given below:
39446
39447 @smallexample
39448 <!-- ................................................... -->
39449 <!-- Memory Map XML DTD ................................ -->
39450 <!-- File: memory-map.dtd .............................. -->
39451 <!-- .................................... .............. -->
39452 <!-- memory-map.dtd -->
39453 <!-- memory-map: Root element with versioning -->
39454 <!ELEMENT memory-map (memory | property)>
39455 <!ATTLIST memory-map version CDATA #FIXED "1.0.0">
39456 <!ELEMENT memory (property)>
39457 <!-- memory: Specifies a memory region,
39458 and its type, or device. -->
39459 <!ATTLIST memory type CDATA #REQUIRED
39460 start CDATA #REQUIRED
39461 length CDATA #REQUIRED
39462 device CDATA #IMPLIED>
39463 <!-- property: Generic attribute tag -->
39464 <!ELEMENT property (#PCDATA | property)*>
39465 <!ATTLIST property name CDATA #REQUIRED>
39466 @end smallexample
39467
39468 @node Thread List Format
39469 @section Thread List Format
39470 @cindex thread list format
39471
39472 To efficiently update the list of threads and their attributes,
39473 @value{GDBN} issues the @samp{qXfer:threads:read} packet
39474 (@pxref{qXfer threads read}) and obtains the XML document with
39475 the following structure:
39476
39477 @smallexample
39478 <?xml version="1.0"?>
39479 <threads>
39480 <thread id="id" core="0">
39481 ... description ...
39482 </thread>
39483 </threads>
39484 @end smallexample
39485
39486 Each @samp{thread} element must have the @samp{id} attribute that
39487 identifies the thread (@pxref{thread-id syntax}). The
39488 @samp{core} attribute, if present, specifies which processor core
39489 the thread was last executing on. The content of the of @samp{thread}
39490 element is interpreted as human-readable auxilliary information.
39491
39492 @node Traceframe Info Format
39493 @section Traceframe Info Format
39494 @cindex traceframe info format
39495
39496 To be able to know which objects in the inferior can be examined when
39497 inspecting a tracepoint hit, @value{GDBN} needs to obtain the list of
39498 memory ranges, registers and trace state variables that have been
39499 collected in a traceframe.
39500
39501 This list is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
39502 (@pxref{qXfer traceframe info read}) packet and is an XML document.
39503
39504 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
39505 traceframe info discovery. @xref{Expat}.
39506
39507 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
39508
39509 @smallexample
39510 <?xml version="1.0"?>
39511 <!DOCTYPE traceframe-info
39512 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Memory Map V1.0//EN"
39513 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-traceframe-info.dtd">
39514 <traceframe-info>
39515 block...
39516 </traceframe-info>
39517 @end smallexample
39518
39519 Each traceframe block can be either:
39520
39521 @itemize
39522
39523 @item
39524 A region of collected memory starting at @var{addr} and extending for
39525 @var{length} bytes from there:
39526
39527 @smallexample
39528 <memory start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
39529 @end smallexample
39530
39531 @end itemize
39532
39533 The formal DTD for the traceframe info format is given below:
39534
39535 @smallexample
39536 <!ELEMENT traceframe-info (memory)* >
39537 <!ATTLIST traceframe-info version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
39538
39539 <!ELEMENT memory EMPTY>
39540 <!ATTLIST memory start CDATA #REQUIRED
39541 length CDATA #REQUIRED>
39542 @end smallexample
39543
39544 @include agentexpr.texi
39545
39546 @node Target Descriptions
39547 @appendix Target Descriptions
39548 @cindex target descriptions
39549
39550 One of the challenges of using @value{GDBN} to debug embedded systems
39551 is that there are so many minor variants of each processor
39552 architecture in use. It is common practice for vendors to start with
39553 a standard processor core --- ARM, PowerPC, or @acronym{MIPS}, for example ---
39554 and then make changes to adapt it to a particular market niche. Some
39555 architectures have hundreds of variants, available from dozens of
39556 vendors. This leads to a number of problems:
39557
39558 @itemize @bullet
39559 @item
39560 With so many different customized processors, it is difficult for
39561 the @value{GDBN} maintainers to keep up with the changes.
39562 @item
39563 Since individual variants may have short lifetimes or limited
39564 audiences, it may not be worthwhile to carry information about every
39565 variant in the @value{GDBN} source tree.
39566 @item
39567 When @value{GDBN} does support the architecture of the embedded system
39568 at hand, the task of finding the correct architecture name to give the
39569 @command{set architecture} command can be error-prone.
39570 @end itemize
39571
39572 To address these problems, the @value{GDBN} remote protocol allows a
39573 target system to not only identify itself to @value{GDBN}, but to
39574 actually describe its own features. This lets @value{GDBN} support
39575 processor variants it has never seen before --- to the extent that the
39576 descriptions are accurate, and that @value{GDBN} understands them.
39577
39578 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
39579 target descriptions. @xref{Expat}.
39580
39581 @menu
39582 * Retrieving Descriptions:: How descriptions are fetched from a target.
39583 * Target Description Format:: The contents of a target description.
39584 * Predefined Target Types:: Standard types available for target
39585 descriptions.
39586 * Standard Target Features:: Features @value{GDBN} knows about.
39587 @end menu
39588
39589 @node Retrieving Descriptions
39590 @section Retrieving Descriptions
39591
39592 Target descriptions can be read from the target automatically, or
39593 specified by the user manually. The default behavior is to read the
39594 description from the target. @value{GDBN} retrieves it via the remote
39595 protocol using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{General Query Packets,
39596 qXfer}). The @var{annex} in the @samp{qXfer} packet will be
39597 @samp{target.xml}. The contents of the @samp{target.xml} annex are an
39598 XML document, of the form described in @ref{Target Description
39599 Format}.
39600
39601 Alternatively, you can specify a file to read for the target description.
39602 If a file is set, the target will not be queried. The commands to
39603 specify a file are:
39604
39605 @table @code
39606 @cindex set tdesc filename
39607 @item set tdesc filename @var{path}
39608 Read the target description from @var{path}.
39609
39610 @cindex unset tdesc filename
39611 @item unset tdesc filename
39612 Do not read the XML target description from a file. @value{GDBN}
39613 will use the description supplied by the current target.
39614
39615 @cindex show tdesc filename
39616 @item show tdesc filename
39617 Show the filename to read for a target description, if any.
39618 @end table
39619
39620
39621 @node Target Description Format
39622 @section Target Description Format
39623 @cindex target descriptions, XML format
39624
39625 A target description annex is an @uref{http://www.w3.org/XML/, XML}
39626 document which complies with the Document Type Definition provided in
39627 the @value{GDBN} sources in @file{gdb/features/gdb-target.dtd}. This
39628 means you can use generally available tools like @command{xmllint} to
39629 check that your feature descriptions are well-formed and valid.
39630 However, to help people unfamiliar with XML write descriptions for
39631 their targets, we also describe the grammar here.
39632
39633 Target descriptions can identify the architecture of the remote target
39634 and (for some architectures) provide information about custom register
39635 sets. They can also identify the OS ABI of the remote target.
39636 @value{GDBN} can use this information to autoconfigure for your
39637 target, or to warn you if you connect to an unsupported target.
39638
39639 Here is a simple target description:
39640
39641 @smallexample
39642 <target version="1.0">
39643 <architecture>i386:x86-64</architecture>
39644 </target>
39645 @end smallexample
39646
39647 @noindent
39648 This minimal description only says that the target uses
39649 the x86-64 architecture.
39650
39651 A target description has the following overall form, with [ ] marking
39652 optional elements and @dots{} marking repeatable elements. The elements
39653 are explained further below.
39654
39655 @smallexample
39656 <?xml version="1.0"?>
39657 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "gdb-target.dtd">
39658 <target version="1.0">
39659 @r{[}@var{architecture}@r{]}
39660 @r{[}@var{osabi}@r{]}
39661 @r{[}@var{compatible}@r{]}
39662 @r{[}@var{feature}@dots{}@r{]}
39663 </target>
39664 @end smallexample
39665
39666 @noindent
39667 The description is generally insensitive to whitespace and line
39668 breaks, under the usual common-sense rules. The XML version
39669 declaration and document type declaration can generally be omitted
39670 (@value{GDBN} does not require them), but specifying them may be
39671 useful for XML validation tools. The @samp{version} attribute for
39672 @samp{<target>} may also be omitted, but we recommend
39673 including it; if future versions of @value{GDBN} use an incompatible
39674 revision of @file{gdb-target.dtd}, they will detect and report
39675 the version mismatch.
39676
39677 @subsection Inclusion
39678 @cindex target descriptions, inclusion
39679 @cindex XInclude
39680 @ifnotinfo
39681 @cindex <xi:include>
39682 @end ifnotinfo
39683
39684 It can sometimes be valuable to split a target description up into
39685 several different annexes, either for organizational purposes, or to
39686 share files between different possible target descriptions. You can
39687 divide a description into multiple files by replacing any element of
39688 the target description with an inclusion directive of the form:
39689
39690 @smallexample
39691 <xi:include href="@var{document}"/>
39692 @end smallexample
39693
39694 @noindent
39695 When @value{GDBN} encounters an element of this form, it will retrieve
39696 the named XML @var{document}, and replace the inclusion directive with
39697 the contents of that document. If the current description was read
39698 using @samp{qXfer}, then so will be the included document;
39699 @var{document} will be interpreted as the name of an annex. If the
39700 current description was read from a file, @value{GDBN} will look for
39701 @var{document} as a file in the same directory where it found the
39702 original description.
39703
39704 @subsection Architecture
39705 @cindex <architecture>
39706
39707 An @samp{<architecture>} element has this form:
39708
39709 @smallexample
39710 <architecture>@var{arch}</architecture>
39711 @end smallexample
39712
39713 @var{arch} is one of the architectures from the set accepted by
39714 @code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
39715
39716 @subsection OS ABI
39717 @cindex @code{<osabi>}
39718
39719 This optional field was introduced in @value{GDBN} version 7.0.
39720 Previous versions of @value{GDBN} ignore it.
39721
39722 An @samp{<osabi>} element has this form:
39723
39724 @smallexample
39725 <osabi>@var{abi-name}</osabi>
39726 @end smallexample
39727
39728 @var{abi-name} is an OS ABI name from the same selection accepted by
39729 @w{@code{set osabi}} (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the Current ABI}).
39730
39731 @subsection Compatible Architecture
39732 @cindex @code{<compatible>}
39733
39734 This optional field was introduced in @value{GDBN} version 7.0.
39735 Previous versions of @value{GDBN} ignore it.
39736
39737 A @samp{<compatible>} element has this form:
39738
39739 @smallexample
39740 <compatible>@var{arch}</compatible>
39741 @end smallexample
39742
39743 @var{arch} is one of the architectures from the set accepted by
39744 @code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
39745
39746 A @samp{<compatible>} element is used to specify that the target
39747 is able to run binaries in some other than the main target architecture
39748 given by the @samp{<architecture>} element. For example, on the
39749 Cell Broadband Engine, the main architecture is @code{powerpc:common}
39750 or @code{powerpc:common64}, but the system is able to run binaries
39751 in the @code{spu} architecture as well. The way to describe this
39752 capability with @samp{<compatible>} is as follows:
39753
39754 @smallexample
39755 <architecture>powerpc:common</architecture>
39756 <compatible>spu</compatible>
39757 @end smallexample
39758
39759 @subsection Features
39760 @cindex <feature>
39761
39762 Each @samp{<feature>} describes some logical portion of the target
39763 system. Features are currently used to describe available CPU
39764 registers and the types of their contents. A @samp{<feature>} element
39765 has this form:
39766
39767 @smallexample
39768 <feature name="@var{name}">
39769 @r{[}@var{type}@dots{}@r{]}
39770 @var{reg}@dots{}
39771 </feature>
39772 @end smallexample
39773
39774 @noindent
39775 Each feature's name should be unique within the description. The name
39776 of a feature does not matter unless @value{GDBN} has some special
39777 knowledge of the contents of that feature; if it does, the feature
39778 should have its standard name. @xref{Standard Target Features}.
39779
39780 @subsection Types
39781
39782 Any register's value is a collection of bits which @value{GDBN} must
39783 interpret. The default interpretation is a two's complement integer,
39784 but other types can be requested by name in the register description.
39785 Some predefined types are provided by @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Predefined
39786 Target Types}), and the description can define additional composite types.
39787
39788 Each type element must have an @samp{id} attribute, which gives
39789 a unique (within the containing @samp{<feature>}) name to the type.
39790 Types must be defined before they are used.
39791
39792 @cindex <vector>
39793 Some targets offer vector registers, which can be treated as arrays
39794 of scalar elements. These types are written as @samp{<vector>} elements,
39795 specifying the array element type, @var{type}, and the number of elements,
39796 @var{count}:
39797
39798 @smallexample
39799 <vector id="@var{id}" type="@var{type}" count="@var{count}"/>
39800 @end smallexample
39801
39802 @cindex <union>
39803 If a register's value is usefully viewed in multiple ways, define it
39804 with a union type containing the useful representations. The
39805 @samp{<union>} element contains one or more @samp{<field>} elements,
39806 each of which has a @var{name} and a @var{type}:
39807
39808 @smallexample
39809 <union id="@var{id}">
39810 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
39811 @dots{}
39812 </union>
39813 @end smallexample
39814
39815 @cindex <struct>
39816 If a register's value is composed from several separate values, define
39817 it with a structure type. There are two forms of the @samp{<struct>}
39818 element; a @samp{<struct>} element must either contain only bitfields
39819 or contain no bitfields. If the structure contains only bitfields,
39820 its total size in bytes must be specified, each bitfield must have an
39821 explicit start and end, and bitfields are automatically assigned an
39822 integer type. The field's @var{start} should be less than or
39823 equal to its @var{end}, and zero represents the least significant bit.
39824
39825 @smallexample
39826 <struct id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
39827 <field name="@var{name}" start="@var{start}" end="@var{end}"/>
39828 @dots{}
39829 </struct>
39830 @end smallexample
39831
39832 If the structure contains no bitfields, then each field has an
39833 explicit type, and no implicit padding is added.
39834
39835 @smallexample
39836 <struct id="@var{id}">
39837 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
39838 @dots{}
39839 </struct>
39840 @end smallexample
39841
39842 @cindex <flags>
39843 If a register's value is a series of single-bit flags, define it with
39844 a flags type. The @samp{<flags>} element has an explicit @var{size}
39845 and contains one or more @samp{<field>} elements. Each field has a
39846 @var{name}, a @var{start}, and an @var{end}. Only single-bit flags
39847 are supported.
39848
39849 @smallexample
39850 <flags id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
39851 <field name="@var{name}" start="@var{start}" end="@var{end}"/>
39852 @dots{}
39853 </flags>
39854 @end smallexample
39855
39856 @subsection Registers
39857 @cindex <reg>
39858
39859 Each register is represented as an element with this form:
39860
39861 @smallexample
39862 <reg name="@var{name}"
39863 bitsize="@var{size}"
39864 @r{[}regnum="@var{num}"@r{]}
39865 @r{[}save-restore="@var{save-restore}"@r{]}
39866 @r{[}type="@var{type}"@r{]}
39867 @r{[}group="@var{group}"@r{]}/>
39868 @end smallexample
39869
39870 @noindent
39871 The components are as follows:
39872
39873 @table @var
39874
39875 @item name
39876 The register's name; it must be unique within the target description.
39877
39878 @item bitsize
39879 The register's size, in bits.
39880
39881 @item regnum
39882 The register's number. If omitted, a register's number is one greater
39883 than that of the previous register (either in the current feature or in
39884 a preceding feature); the first register in the target description
39885 defaults to zero. This register number is used to read or write
39886 the register; e.g.@: it is used in the remote @code{p} and @code{P}
39887 packets, and registers appear in the @code{g} and @code{G} packets
39888 in order of increasing register number.
39889
39890 @item save-restore
39891 Whether the register should be preserved across inferior function
39892 calls; this must be either @code{yes} or @code{no}. The default is
39893 @code{yes}, which is appropriate for most registers except for
39894 some system control registers; this is not related to the target's
39895 ABI.
39896
39897 @item type
39898 The type of the register. @var{type} may be a predefined type, a type
39899 defined in the current feature, or one of the special types @code{int}
39900 and @code{float}. @code{int} is an integer type of the correct size
39901 for @var{bitsize}, and @code{float} is a floating point type (in the
39902 architecture's normal floating point format) of the correct size for
39903 @var{bitsize}. The default is @code{int}.
39904
39905 @item group
39906 The register group to which this register belongs. @var{group} must
39907 be either @code{general}, @code{float}, or @code{vector}. If no
39908 @var{group} is specified, @value{GDBN} will not display the register
39909 in @code{info registers}.
39910
39911 @end table
39912
39913 @node Predefined Target Types
39914 @section Predefined Target Types
39915 @cindex target descriptions, predefined types
39916
39917 Type definitions in the self-description can build up composite types
39918 from basic building blocks, but can not define fundamental types. Instead,
39919 standard identifiers are provided by @value{GDBN} for the fundamental
39920 types. The currently supported types are:
39921
39922 @table @code
39923
39924 @item int8
39925 @itemx int16
39926 @itemx int32
39927 @itemx int64
39928 @itemx int128
39929 Signed integer types holding the specified number of bits.
39930
39931 @item uint8
39932 @itemx uint16
39933 @itemx uint32
39934 @itemx uint64
39935 @itemx uint128
39936 Unsigned integer types holding the specified number of bits.
39937
39938 @item code_ptr
39939 @itemx data_ptr
39940 Pointers to unspecified code and data. The program counter and
39941 any dedicated return address register may be marked as code
39942 pointers; printing a code pointer converts it into a symbolic
39943 address. The stack pointer and any dedicated address registers
39944 may be marked as data pointers.
39945
39946 @item ieee_single
39947 Single precision IEEE floating point.
39948
39949 @item ieee_double
39950 Double precision IEEE floating point.
39951
39952 @item arm_fpa_ext
39953 The 12-byte extended precision format used by ARM FPA registers.
39954
39955 @item i387_ext
39956 The 10-byte extended precision format used by x87 registers.
39957
39958 @item i386_eflags
39959 32bit @sc{eflags} register used by x86.
39960
39961 @item i386_mxcsr
39962 32bit @sc{mxcsr} register used by x86.
39963
39964 @end table
39965
39966 @node Standard Target Features
39967 @section Standard Target Features
39968 @cindex target descriptions, standard features
39969
39970 A target description must contain either no registers or all the
39971 target's registers. If the description contains no registers, then
39972 @value{GDBN} will assume a default register layout, selected based on
39973 the architecture. If the description contains any registers, the
39974 default layout will not be used; the standard registers must be
39975 described in the target description, in such a way that @value{GDBN}
39976 can recognize them.
39977
39978 This is accomplished by giving specific names to feature elements
39979 which contain standard registers. @value{GDBN} will look for features
39980 with those names and verify that they contain the expected registers;
39981 if any known feature is missing required registers, or if any required
39982 feature is missing, @value{GDBN} will reject the target
39983 description. You can add additional registers to any of the
39984 standard features --- @value{GDBN} will display them just as if
39985 they were added to an unrecognized feature.
39986
39987 This section lists the known features and their expected contents.
39988 Sample XML documents for these features are included in the
39989 @value{GDBN} source tree, in the directory @file{gdb/features}.
39990
39991 Names recognized by @value{GDBN} should include the name of the
39992 company or organization which selected the name, and the overall
39993 architecture to which the feature applies; so e.g.@: the feature
39994 containing ARM core registers is named @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}.
39995
39996 The names of registers are not case sensitive for the purpose
39997 of recognizing standard features, but @value{GDBN} will only display
39998 registers using the capitalization used in the description.
39999
40000 @menu
40001 * ARM Features::
40002 * i386 Features::
40003 * MIPS Features::
40004 * M68K Features::
40005 * PowerPC Features::
40006 * TIC6x Features::
40007 @end menu
40008
40009
40010 @node ARM Features
40011 @subsection ARM Features
40012 @cindex target descriptions, ARM features
40013
40014 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core} feature is required for non-M-profile
40015 ARM targets.
40016 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp},
40017 @samp{lr}, @samp{pc}, and @samp{cpsr}.
40018
40019 For M-profile targets (e.g. Cortex-M3), the @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}
40020 feature is replaced by @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.m-profile}. It should contain
40021 registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp}, @samp{lr}, @samp{pc},
40022 and @samp{xpsr}.
40023
40024 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.fpa} feature is optional. If present, it
40025 should contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f7} and @samp{fps}.
40026
40027 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.xscale.iwmmxt} feature is optional. If present,
40028 it should contain at least registers @samp{wR0} through @samp{wR15} and
40029 @samp{wCGR0} through @samp{wCGR3}. The @samp{wCID}, @samp{wCon},
40030 @samp{wCSSF}, and @samp{wCASF} registers are optional.
40031
40032 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.vfp} feature is optional. If present, it
40033 should contain at least registers @samp{d0} through @samp{d15}. If
40034 they are present, @samp{d16} through @samp{d31} should also be included.
40035 @value{GDBN} will synthesize the single-precision registers from
40036 halves of the double-precision registers.
40037
40038 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.neon} feature is optional. It does not
40039 need to contain registers; it instructs @value{GDBN} to display the
40040 VFP double-precision registers as vectors and to synthesize the
40041 quad-precision registers from pairs of double-precision registers.
40042 If this feature is present, @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.vfp} must also
40043 be present and include 32 double-precision registers.
40044
40045 @node i386 Features
40046 @subsection i386 Features
40047 @cindex target descriptions, i386 features
40048
40049 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.core} feature is required for i386/amd64
40050 targets. It should describe the following registers:
40051
40052 @itemize @minus
40053 @item
40054 @samp{eax} through @samp{edi} plus @samp{eip} for i386
40055 @item
40056 @samp{rax} through @samp{r15} plus @samp{rip} for amd64
40057 @item
40058 @samp{eflags}, @samp{cs}, @samp{ss}, @samp{ds}, @samp{es},
40059 @samp{fs}, @samp{gs}
40060 @item
40061 @samp{st0} through @samp{st7}
40062 @item
40063 @samp{fctrl}, @samp{fstat}, @samp{ftag}, @samp{fiseg}, @samp{fioff},
40064 @samp{foseg}, @samp{fooff} and @samp{fop}
40065 @end itemize
40066
40067 The register sets may be different, depending on the target.
40068
40069 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.sse} feature is optional. It should
40070 describe registers:
40071
40072 @itemize @minus
40073 @item
40074 @samp{xmm0} through @samp{xmm7} for i386
40075 @item
40076 @samp{xmm0} through @samp{xmm15} for amd64
40077 @item
40078 @samp{mxcsr}
40079 @end itemize
40080
40081 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.avx} feature is optional and requires the
40082 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.sse} feature. It should
40083 describe the upper 128 bits of @sc{ymm} registers:
40084
40085 @itemize @minus
40086 @item
40087 @samp{ymm0h} through @samp{ymm7h} for i386
40088 @item
40089 @samp{ymm0h} through @samp{ymm15h} for amd64
40090 @end itemize
40091
40092 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.linux} feature is optional. It should
40093 describe a single register, @samp{orig_eax}.
40094
40095 @node MIPS Features
40096 @subsection @acronym{MIPS} Features
40097 @cindex target descriptions, @acronym{MIPS} features
40098
40099 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cpu} feature is required for @acronym{MIPS} targets.
40100 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31}, @samp{lo},
40101 @samp{hi}, and @samp{pc}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending
40102 on the target.
40103
40104 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cp0} feature is also required. It should
40105 contain at least the @samp{status}, @samp{badvaddr}, and @samp{cause}
40106 registers. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
40107
40108 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.fpu} feature is currently required, though
40109 it may be optional in a future version of @value{GDBN}. It should
40110 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31}, @samp{fcsr}, and
40111 @samp{fir}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
40112
40113 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.dsp} feature is optional. It should
40114 contain registers @samp{hi1} through @samp{hi3}, @samp{lo1} through
40115 @samp{lo3}, and @samp{dspctl}. The @samp{dspctl} register should
40116 be 32-bit and the rest may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
40117
40118 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.linux} feature is optional. It should
40119 contain a single register, @samp{restart}, which is used by the
40120 Linux kernel to control restartable syscalls.
40121
40122 @node M68K Features
40123 @subsection M68K Features
40124 @cindex target descriptions, M68K features
40125
40126 @table @code
40127 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.m68k.core}
40128 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.core}
40129 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.fido.core}
40130 One of those features must be always present.
40131 The feature that is present determines which flavor of m68k is
40132 used. The feature that is present should contain registers
40133 @samp{d0} through @samp{d7}, @samp{a0} through @samp{a5}, @samp{fp},
40134 @samp{sp}, @samp{ps} and @samp{pc}.
40135
40136 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.fp}
40137 This feature is optional. If present, it should contain registers
40138 @samp{fp0} through @samp{fp7}, @samp{fpcontrol}, @samp{fpstatus} and
40139 @samp{fpiaddr}.
40140 @end table
40141
40142 @node PowerPC Features
40143 @subsection PowerPC Features
40144 @cindex target descriptions, PowerPC features
40145
40146 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} feature is required for PowerPC
40147 targets. It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31},
40148 @samp{pc}, @samp{msr}, @samp{cr}, @samp{lr}, @samp{ctr}, and
40149 @samp{xer}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
40150
40151 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.fpu} feature is optional. It should
40152 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31} and @samp{fpscr}.
40153
40154 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.altivec} feature is optional. It should
40155 contain registers @samp{vr0} through @samp{vr31}, @samp{vscr},
40156 and @samp{vrsave}.
40157
40158 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.vsx} feature is optional. It should
40159 contain registers @samp{vs0h} through @samp{vs31h}. @value{GDBN}
40160 will combine these registers with the floating point registers
40161 (@samp{f0} through @samp{f31}) and the altivec registers (@samp{vr0}
40162 through @samp{vr31}) to present the 128-bit wide registers @samp{vs0}
40163 through @samp{vs63}, the set of vector registers for POWER7.
40164
40165 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.spe} feature is optional. It should
40166 contain registers @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}, @samp{acc}, and
40167 @samp{spefscr}. SPE targets should provide 32-bit registers in
40168 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} and provide the upper halves in
40169 @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}. @value{GDBN} will combine
40170 these to present registers @samp{ev0} through @samp{ev31} to the
40171 user.
40172
40173 @node TIC6x Features
40174 @subsection TMS320C6x Features
40175 @cindex target descriptions, TIC6x features
40176 @cindex target descriptions, TMS320C6x features
40177 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.core} feature is required for TMS320C6x
40178 targets. It should contain registers @samp{A0} through @samp{A15},
40179 registers @samp{B0} through @samp{B15}, @samp{CSR} and @samp{PC}.
40180
40181 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.gp} feature is optional. It should
40182 contain registers @samp{A16} through @samp{A31} and @samp{B16}
40183 through @samp{B31}.
40184
40185 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.c6xp} feature is optional. It should
40186 contain registers @samp{TSR}, @samp{ILC} and @samp{RILC}.
40187
40188 @node Operating System Information
40189 @appendix Operating System Information
40190 @cindex operating system information
40191
40192 @menu
40193 * Process list::
40194 @end menu
40195
40196 Users of @value{GDBN} often wish to obtain information about the state of
40197 the operating system running on the target---for example the list of
40198 processes, or the list of open files. This section describes the
40199 mechanism that makes it possible. This mechanism is similar to the
40200 target features mechanism (@pxref{Target Descriptions}), but focuses
40201 on a different aspect of target.
40202
40203 Operating system information is retrived from the target via the
40204 remote protocol, using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{qXfer osdata
40205 read}). The object name in the request should be @samp{osdata}, and
40206 the @var{annex} identifies the data to be fetched.
40207
40208 @node Process list
40209 @appendixsection Process list
40210 @cindex operating system information, process list
40211
40212 When requesting the process list, the @var{annex} field in the
40213 @samp{qXfer} request should be @samp{processes}. The returned data is
40214 an XML document. The formal syntax of this document is defined in
40215 @file{gdb/features/osdata.dtd}.
40216
40217 An example document is:
40218
40219 @smallexample
40220 <?xml version="1.0"?>
40221 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "osdata.dtd">
40222 <osdata type="processes">
40223 <item>
40224 <column name="pid">1</column>
40225 <column name="user">root</column>
40226 <column name="command">/sbin/init</column>
40227 <column name="cores">1,2,3</column>
40228 </item>
40229 </osdata>
40230 @end smallexample
40231
40232 Each item should include a column whose name is @samp{pid}. The value
40233 of that column should identify the process on the target. The
40234 @samp{user} and @samp{command} columns are optional, and will be
40235 displayed by @value{GDBN}. The @samp{cores} column, if present,
40236 should contain a comma-separated list of cores that this process
40237 is running on. Target may provide additional columns,
40238 which @value{GDBN} currently ignores.
40239
40240 @node Trace File Format
40241 @appendix Trace File Format
40242 @cindex trace file format
40243
40244 The trace file comes in three parts: a header, a textual description
40245 section, and a trace frame section with binary data.
40246
40247 The header has the form @code{\x7fTRACE0\n}. The first byte is
40248 @code{0x7f} so as to indicate that the file contains binary data,
40249 while the @code{0} is a version number that may have different values
40250 in the future.
40251
40252 The description section consists of multiple lines of @sc{ascii} text
40253 separated by newline characters (@code{0xa}). The lines may include a
40254 variety of optional descriptive or context-setting information, such
40255 as tracepoint definitions or register set size. @value{GDBN} will
40256 ignore any line that it does not recognize. An empty line marks the end
40257 of this section.
40258
40259 @c FIXME add some specific types of data
40260
40261 The trace frame section consists of a number of consecutive frames.
40262 Each frame begins with a two-byte tracepoint number, followed by a
40263 four-byte size giving the amount of data in the frame. The data in
40264 the frame consists of a number of blocks, each introduced by a
40265 character indicating its type (at least register, memory, and trace
40266 state variable). The data in this section is raw binary, not a
40267 hexadecimal or other encoding; its endianness matches the target's
40268 endianness.
40269
40270 @c FIXME bi-arch may require endianness/arch info in description section
40271
40272 @table @code
40273 @item R @var{bytes}
40274 Register block. The number and ordering of bytes matches that of a
40275 @code{g} packet in the remote protocol. Note that these are the
40276 actual bytes, in target order and @value{GDBN} register order, not a
40277 hexadecimal encoding.
40278
40279 @item M @var{address} @var{length} @var{bytes}...
40280 Memory block. This is a contiguous block of memory, at the 8-byte
40281 address @var{address}, with a 2-byte length @var{length}, followed by
40282 @var{length} bytes.
40283
40284 @item V @var{number} @var{value}
40285 Trace state variable block. This records the 8-byte signed value
40286 @var{value} of trace state variable numbered @var{number}.
40287
40288 @end table
40289
40290 Future enhancements of the trace file format may include additional types
40291 of blocks.
40292
40293 @node Index Section Format
40294 @appendix @code{.gdb_index} section format
40295 @cindex .gdb_index section format
40296 @cindex index section format
40297
40298 This section documents the index section that is created by @code{save
40299 gdb-index} (@pxref{Index Files}). The index section is
40300 DWARF-specific; some knowledge of DWARF is assumed in this
40301 description.
40302
40303 The mapped index file format is designed to be directly
40304 @code{mmap}able on any architecture. In most cases, a datum is
40305 represented using a little-endian 32-bit integer value, called an
40306 @code{offset_type}. Big endian machines must byte-swap the values
40307 before using them. Exceptions to this rule are noted. The data is
40308 laid out such that alignment is always respected.
40309
40310 A mapped index consists of several areas, laid out in order.
40311
40312 @enumerate
40313 @item
40314 The file header. This is a sequence of values, of @code{offset_type}
40315 unless otherwise noted:
40316
40317 @enumerate
40318 @item
40319 The version number, currently 6. Versions 1, 2 and 3 are obsolete.
40320 Version 4 uses a different hashing function from versions 5 and 6.
40321 Version 6 includes symbols for inlined functions, whereas versions
40322 4 and 5 do not. @value{GDBN} will only read version 4 and 5 indices
40323 if the @code{--use-deprecated-index-sections} option is used.
40324
40325 @item
40326 The offset, from the start of the file, of the CU list.
40327
40328 @item
40329 The offset, from the start of the file, of the types CU list. Note
40330 that this area can be empty, in which case this offset will be equal
40331 to the next offset.
40332
40333 @item
40334 The offset, from the start of the file, of the address area.
40335
40336 @item
40337 The offset, from the start of the file, of the symbol table.
40338
40339 @item
40340 The offset, from the start of the file, of the constant pool.
40341 @end enumerate
40342
40343 @item
40344 The CU list. This is a sequence of pairs of 64-bit little-endian
40345 values, sorted by the CU offset. The first element in each pair is
40346 the offset of a CU in the @code{.debug_info} section. The second
40347 element in each pair is the length of that CU. References to a CU
40348 elsewhere in the map are done using a CU index, which is just the
40349 0-based index into this table. Note that if there are type CUs, then
40350 conceptually CUs and type CUs form a single list for the purposes of
40351 CU indices.
40352
40353 @item
40354 The types CU list. This is a sequence of triplets of 64-bit
40355 little-endian values. In a triplet, the first value is the CU offset,
40356 the second value is the type offset in the CU, and the third value is
40357 the type signature. The types CU list is not sorted.
40358
40359 @item
40360 The address area. The address area consists of a sequence of address
40361 entries. Each address entry has three elements:
40362
40363 @enumerate
40364 @item
40365 The low address. This is a 64-bit little-endian value.
40366
40367 @item
40368 The high address. This is a 64-bit little-endian value. Like
40369 @code{DW_AT_high_pc}, the value is one byte beyond the end.
40370
40371 @item
40372 The CU index. This is an @code{offset_type} value.
40373 @end enumerate
40374
40375 @item
40376 The symbol table. This is an open-addressed hash table. The size of
40377 the hash table is always a power of 2.
40378
40379 Each slot in the hash table consists of a pair of @code{offset_type}
40380 values. The first value is the offset of the symbol's name in the
40381 constant pool. The second value is the offset of the CU vector in the
40382 constant pool.
40383
40384 If both values are 0, then this slot in the hash table is empty. This
40385 is ok because while 0 is a valid constant pool index, it cannot be a
40386 valid index for both a string and a CU vector.
40387
40388 The hash value for a table entry is computed by applying an
40389 iterative hash function to the symbol's name. Starting with an
40390 initial value of @code{r = 0}, each (unsigned) character @samp{c} in
40391 the string is incorporated into the hash using the formula depending on the
40392 index version:
40393
40394 @table @asis
40395 @item Version 4
40396 The formula is @code{r = r * 67 + c - 113}.
40397
40398 @item Versions 5 to 7
40399 The formula is @code{r = r * 67 + tolower (c) - 113}.
40400 @end table
40401
40402 The terminating @samp{\0} is not incorporated into the hash.
40403
40404 The step size used in the hash table is computed via
40405 @code{((hash * 17) & (size - 1)) | 1}, where @samp{hash} is the hash
40406 value, and @samp{size} is the size of the hash table. The step size
40407 is used to find the next candidate slot when handling a hash
40408 collision.
40409
40410 The names of C@t{++} symbols in the hash table are canonicalized. We
40411 don't currently have a simple description of the canonicalization
40412 algorithm; if you intend to create new index sections, you must read
40413 the code.
40414
40415 @item
40416 The constant pool. This is simply a bunch of bytes. It is organized
40417 so that alignment is correct: CU vectors are stored first, followed by
40418 strings.
40419
40420 A CU vector in the constant pool is a sequence of @code{offset_type}
40421 values. The first value is the number of CU indices in the vector.
40422 Each subsequent value is the index and symbol attributes of a CU in
40423 the CU list. This element in the hash table is used to indicate which
40424 CUs define the symbol and how the symbol is used.
40425 See below for the format of each CU index+attributes entry.
40426
40427 A string in the constant pool is zero-terminated.
40428 @end enumerate
40429
40430 Attributes were added to CU index values in @code{.gdb_index} version 7.
40431 If a symbol has multiple uses within a CU then there is one
40432 CU index+attributes value for each use.
40433
40434 The format of each CU index+attributes entry is as follows
40435 (bit 0 = LSB):
40436
40437 @table @asis
40438
40439 @item Bits 0-23
40440 This is the index of the CU in the CU list.
40441 @item Bits 24-27
40442 These bits are reserved for future purposes and must be zero.
40443 @item Bits 28-30
40444 The kind of the symbol in the CU.
40445
40446 @table @asis
40447 @item 0
40448 This value is reserved and should not be used.
40449 By reserving zero the full @code{offset_type} value is backwards compatible
40450 with previous versions of the index.
40451 @item 1
40452 The symbol is a type.
40453 @item 2
40454 The symbol is a variable or an enum value.
40455 @item 3
40456 The symbol is a function.
40457 @item 4
40458 Any other kind of symbol.
40459 @item 5,6,7
40460 These values are reserved.
40461 @end table
40462
40463 @item Bit 31
40464 This bit is zero if the value is global and one if it is static.
40465
40466 The determination of whether a symbol is global or static is complicated.
40467 The authorative reference is the file @file{dwarf2read.c} in
40468 @value{GDBN} sources.
40469
40470 @end table
40471
40472 This pseudo-code describes the computation of a symbol's kind and
40473 global/static attributes in the index.
40474
40475 @smallexample
40476 is_external = get_attribute (die, DW_AT_external);
40477 language = get_attribute (cu_die, DW_AT_language);
40478 switch (die->tag)
40479 @{
40480 case DW_TAG_typedef:
40481 case DW_TAG_base_type:
40482 case DW_TAG_subrange_type:
40483 kind = TYPE;
40484 is_static = 1;
40485 break;
40486 case DW_TAG_enumerator:
40487 kind = VARIABLE;
40488 is_static = (language != CPLUS && language != JAVA);
40489 break;
40490 case DW_TAG_subprogram:
40491 kind = FUNCTION;
40492 is_static = ! (is_external || language == ADA);
40493 break;
40494 case DW_TAG_constant:
40495 kind = VARIABLE;
40496 is_static = ! is_external;
40497 break;
40498 case DW_TAG_variable:
40499 kind = VARIABLE;
40500 is_static = ! is_external;
40501 break;
40502 case DW_TAG_namespace:
40503 kind = TYPE;
40504 is_static = 0;
40505 break;
40506 case DW_TAG_class_type:
40507 case DW_TAG_interface_type:
40508 case DW_TAG_structure_type:
40509 case DW_TAG_union_type:
40510 case DW_TAG_enumeration_type:
40511 kind = TYPE;
40512 is_static = (language != CPLUS && language != JAVA);
40513 break;
40514 default:
40515 assert (0);
40516 @}
40517 @end smallexample
40518
40519 @include gpl.texi
40520
40521 @node GNU Free Documentation License
40522 @appendix GNU Free Documentation License
40523 @include fdl.texi
40524
40525 @node Index
40526 @unnumbered Index
40527
40528 @printindex cp
40529
40530 @tex
40531 % I think something like @@colophon should be in texinfo. In the
40532 % meantime:
40533 \long\def\colophon{\hbox to0pt{}\vfill
40534 \centerline{The body of this manual is set in}
40535 \centerline{\fontname\tenrm,}
40536 \centerline{with headings in {\bf\fontname\tenbf}}
40537 \centerline{and examples in {\tt\fontname\tentt}.}
40538 \centerline{{\it\fontname\tenit\/},}
40539 \centerline{{\bf\fontname\tenbf}, and}
40540 \centerline{{\sl\fontname\tensl\/}}
40541 \centerline{are used for emphasis.}\vfill}
40542 \page\colophon
40543 % Blame: doc@@cygnus.com, 1991.
40544 @end tex
40545
40546 @bye
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